3.75 Stars / 2 Steam Fans

This was not my fave. I found myself annoyed with the characters and their actions. I thought they came off immature and insecure especially being in the positions that they held within their countries. I felt the story was way over the top and found myself rolling my eyes at much of it. It was a good try but it was trying too hard and it showed.

This specific video review will be included in the May 2019 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

Probably my favorite of the series!

Ms. Cole gave us plenty of clues in the other series books that there was more to Johan and Nya than appeared on the surface, but even so--I was not prepared! I loved seeing things from their POVs at last and finally understanding why they did the things they did and what their hopes and dreams were.

Ms. Cole's writing made this one a delight to read. Besides the great characters, the bits at the beginning at the chapters were a lot of fun--articles, blurbs, the One True Prince video game segments, and especially the legend of Phokojoe--they all complimented the story nicely. And OMG, Bulgom Pamplemousse von Bearstein--loved!

Technically this probably could be read as a standalone, though the characters from all of the other series books play roles here too so if not knowing who all those people are at the beginning of a book bothers you, you might want to start at the beginning. I can't deny that seeing Johan's story all the way through isn't immensely satisfying and definitely worth the wait!

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

OMG Alyssa Cole does it again!

Nya and Johan were amazing characters on their own, but together their emotional development and chemistry made this book my favorite of the series. The dynamic between Nya and Johan was completely on point. We have sweet and open and a little bit sheltered Nya with bad boy Johan, who has kept his heart locked away. They have both been through so much and have struggles with intimacy. However, the self-reflection and emotional growth they both go through was so genuine and beautiful. They are able to form a very healthy and supportive relationship. I have been intrigued with both of these characters since book one, so it was so enjoyable to see them finally have their happily ever after.

Obviously the book focuses primarily on the romance, but aside from that the familial relationships and friendships were one of the highlights of the book. The journey Nya goes through with her father was so heartbreaking, but I was so happy with how she found her voice and became stronger. I especially loved the inclusion of Lukas, Johan’s non binary younger sibling and their relationship.

Ultimately, if you are a fan of romance you need to check out this series. Not only are they steamy, sexy reads, but they include so many timely topics and deep themes. I know that she has said this is the last book in the series, but there are certainly more characters in this series I would love to have their own series! I can’t wait to read more for this author in the future!

I recieved a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
4.5 stars, almost 5 stars if I'm being honest! As much as it pains me to say, I haven't been able to hop on the Alyssa Cole bandwagon until this book. I really think that is because I haven't been able to connect with the heroines in the other 2 Reluctant Royals books the way I understood Nya.
Nya is a very shy, introverted, sheltered girl (and you'll know why if you've read the other two books). I know what it's like to feel so far behind your peers and feel like an outsider, so I really enjoyed that. Johan, the hero was a) ginger, b) compared to a fox, and c) compared to a trickster god. All of this is my catnip. That hero/ heroine combo always appeals to me and Cole did it well.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the other relationships. Nya has complicated family relationships that were portrayed well. Her relationship with her friends was very relatable and I felt like I finally understood the friendship and humor everyone has told me about. I also thought Johan was a very well-rounded character and his relationship with his brother was another highlight. If you haven't liked Alyssa Cole yet, please try this one!

I have loved every book in this series and I'm incredibly sad to say goodbye to my friends. A Prince on Paper is the third in the series but there are 5 all together when you add in the novellas. In this installment, we get Johan and Nya's story and oh what a story it was.

Nya hasn't set foot in Thesolo since book one so returning for Ledi's wedding and the fallout of her father's actions was nerve-racking to say the least. She wasn't expecting to find Johan, the playboy step-prince on her plane and the two do not get off to a good start.

Through a series of mishaps, the two end up fake engaged and returning to Johan's home of Lichtenstein before a major vote on the future of the country's government. Nya turns in to Johan's biggest asset and of course real romance blossoms.


Minor spoilers in the next paragraph.

I enjoyed watching the two learn how to navigate relationships with feelings as well as the intricacies of being in the public eye. Johan's little brother Lukas was a wonderful addition to the story and I really want them to have their own book. I loved how Cole handled the issue of a non-binary royal who had to basically educate an entire country, including his family about what that means.

Spoilers over

I did not care for the way Cole ended the arc of Nya's father though I sort of understand it. I think I just wanted more revenge than actually happened but it was fitting for the character.

My favorite part other than everything about Lukas was Johan and Nya themselves. While not my favorite couple in the series (that belongs to Regina and Gus), they are a definite close second. I highly recommend this entire series. It's become a favorite and one I will re-read again and again.

Another wonderful royal story. I loved Nya right from the start & Johan soon after.
I had a lot of sympathy for Nya. That is not what she needs or wants.
I enjoyed these two. They had great chemistry. The beginning had a great build up.
The two couples from the previous 2 books make appearances- A Princess In Theory & A Duke By Default. I guess that this could be a standalone, but I do reco the first two book. Each book is very different.
I really enjoy Ms Cole's writing style. Nya and Johan are from fictional countries, but I feel like I was experiencing being right there.
Nya has a lot to overcome in dealing with the aftermath of her father's selfish and criminal behavior.
He's very manipulative with Nya-over much of her young life.
Johan is also underestimated in being the wild child, bad boy-spare to the heir in his own small European country.
The press and tabloid remarks are sprinkled throughout the book-usually at the beginning of the chapter.
This is a book that I would love to reread. There was a little slow middle, but there was plenty of time to explore Nya and Johan's relationship. They took a while to find out if it was real or not.
I intend to read Ms Cole's historical books, especially "The Loyal League" series, which is very high rated and reco'd.
I had this on my WL and waiting list on Overdrive. What a great surprise.

3.5 stars Cute, fun, fluffy, sweet. I liked the diversity of the characters (seriously refreshing) and how there's a lot more to people than what you see on the surface. I also liked how the relationship grew between the hero and heroine. There was also a good bit of humor that made me laugh. But what I didn't like was that the whole premise seems like a teenage girl's fantasy and too many things seemed either artificially complicated or too easily resolved.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an advance copy.

I think this was one of my favorites of the series so far, just below the utterly adorable novella, Can't Escape Love. Initially, I was a bit concerned because Nya seemed rather naive and timid and that's not how I like my heroines. However, she quickly showed that although her upbringing had conditioned her to bend to her father's and to other peoples' wills, she has solid steel at her core, she just hasn't had much of a chance to develop confidence and trust in her own instincts. Her father (who tried to poison various people in the first book) really did a number on her, so it was even more admirable that she's come as far as she has in shaking that early conditioning off.

We've seen Johan previously in his role as the "bad boy" prince, so getting to see the lovely, sensitive guy underneath all of the theatrics was also a treat. As I read the book, I knew that if he could conquer his own demons and his fear of really opening his heart to another person, that he'd be the perfect match for Nya. Along with their developing romance, there was a subplot relating to the potential abolishment of the monarchy in Johan's country that added interest to the plot and provided the impetus for them to agree on a fake engagement. I loved that Johan didn't play any games about his reasoning or try to deceive Nya in any way (other then hiding his deepening feelings for her). Instead, he treated her as an adult and a partner and laid out the whole situation for her so that she could make an informed decision. All in all, another great entry in the series.

I can't even tell you how much I wanted to love this book, with that cover (to die for!) and all of that fabulous diversity rep, but, like the others in the Reluctant Royals series, it fell short for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole, but I wanted to gush about it and I didn't get to that place.

I started off really enjoying the story. I live for a princess-fantasy story, and I also love an aloof bad boy (though that really isn't even the male MC), so the book really piqued my interest. I was sure I was going to give the story at least 4-stars, then things started to fall apart a bit for me.

The story is really, really long, clocking in at just under 400 pages, and it felt that way to me. The plot felt like it was getting more and more convoluted as it went along, with government conspiracies, a fake engagement, and multiple layers of family issues, and I felt my attention wavering away from the main couple. The plot became too busy for me.

I also didn't quite feel the true chemistry between the MCs. I mean, I felt some of the lust, but there was even a "big misunderstanding" looming until nearly the end of the story, so I didn't see how the "love" could really develop.

I adored the protective big brother character in Johan, but I felt Nya's portrayal was more disjointed. I also didn't get why Johan was so fixated on preserving the family's royal image when everything was resolved so seamlessly and without any hiccups at the end. I was picturing more traditional, uptight old monarchy-vibes and that's... not what we get. It all resolved too easily, and the whole drama felt too... simple (being vague because of spoilers).

Overall, I enjoyed the story and I enjoyed the book, but I think I just wanted to like it so darn much that that carried me through. Still, the cover and the diversity is everything, and Avon and the author should be really proud of that.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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This book follows the larger-than-life Johan and the mousy, quiet Nya. Brought together by the desire of both of them to make their own points to the people in their lives, they both have to take some time to evaluate where they are in life, how they got there and what on earth they want to do for their futures. That is what I enjoyed most about this story. Aside from the obvious romance that transpires, the self-reflection and emotional growth they both make in this novel was beautiful to read.
While this novel is the third and final installation in a companion series and can be read as a standalone, I think reading books one and two will give you more of an appreciation for these characters and the growth they experience in this novel.
There is one plot point in the story that I think, while resolved well, was resolved a little too quickly and idyllically. While many of us would love for the way it's handled to be more common in reality, the fact that it's handled so easily with paparazzi being a factor, required a little more suspension of belief than I wanted. If anything, I would like for that to be delved into a little more in the finished novel.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was a fitting ending to a great series.

I’ve heard what an amazing writer Alyssa Cole is, so when the opportunity to read one of her books came about, I jumped on it! And of course, me being me, I started with the third book in her Reluctant Royals series, A Prince on Paper, instead of reading the first book like a normal person would. It all worked out though because I really loved it and now I’m even more eager to get started on the rest of the series! A Prince on Paper was excellent and I enjoyed it so much!

It was easy to fall in love with Nya and Johan, they’re so cute and sweet together and on their own, they squeezed my heart and made it ache. They’re absolutely perfect and aren’t what everyone assumes them to be. They see each other, inspire one another, and push themselves to be better, stronger people. I just absolutely adored Nya and Johan — they’re wonderful!

I went into A Prince on Paper doubly blind because I only vaguely skimmed the synopsis and since Alyssa Cole was new to me, I didn’t know exactly what to expect, though I did expect great things and I definitely got it! It was fun and made me laugh and giggle quite a bit. It amused me and tugged on my heartstrings and made me want to wrap my arms around the characters and surround them with love. A Prince on Paper was fantastic and heartwarming and I’m so happy that Nya and Johan got their happily-ever-after and I really hope that Ms. Cole writes Lukas’ book sometime in the future!

~ A Hopeless Romantic’s Booklandia, 4.5 Stars

I've really enjoyed this series, but I have to admit that this is my least favorite book of the series. The book started out slowly, but did get better when they went to Liechtienbourg. I really liked the relationship between the heroine and her friends and the hero and his family. But there were little things that other readers would probably think are funny, that just didn't work for me. One example is the heroine describing sex using emojis. Overall, this was a fun read and a good ending to the series. Can't wait to read what's next from this author!

eARC provided by HarperCollins and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Let me start off with saying: I can't believe this series is ending and I am truly upset about it.

I have managed to binge read this entire series so far this year, and this one is my favorite of the bunch so far. I mean, hello, fake engagement?? Hi, I'm here for it. I love it and it fits the true prince of my heart Johan so well.

One of my favorite things about this series as a whole is the characters and their relationships (friendships and romantic) with one another. They feel so genuine and realistic. Seeing all of them come together in this book made me so, so very happy. I loved seeing the culmination of this series; mostly in the ways that all of our faves working through their issues together and how close they were at the end. The romance piece of this was also top notch, and I loved the "secret" crushes turned fake engagement - it was just fun and so entertaining.

There's something that's pulling me back from giving it a full 5 stars. I can't put my finger on it, but will update my review once I figure that out! Honestly, though, Alyssa Cole is one of my new favorite authors and I cannot wait to own their whole catalog of work!

I loved "A Prince on Paper" every bit as much as I have the previous installments in Alyssa Cole's wonderful Reluctant Royals series. I was intrigued by both Nya and Johan upon first meeting them in book #1, and have been looking forward to getting to know them better ever since. Their story definitely did not disappoint!

Both Johan and Nya were complex, well-developed characters who experienced a tremendous amount of growth over the course of the story. They brought out the best in each other and helped each other learn to do things that scared them, in spite of the fear. As a result, Nya really came out of her shell, overcoming the emotional abuse inflicted upon her by her father for years. As for Johan, there turned out to be so much more to him than met the eye. Far from being a callous playboy, he was a protective, loving, deeply emotional man who tried his best to make the world a better place. He learned to live with the fear of losing the people he loves because the joy of having them in his life was worth the risk.

Overall, I have enjoyed the world Alyssa Cole created in this series immensely. I will be sad to leave these characters behind, but if this really is the end, I'm happy that we got to check in with so many of the couples one last time. For the record, and just in case Ms. Cole might someday see this, I wouldn't mind reading a few more books or novellas set in this world. For example, it seems like there might be a story to be told about Njaza's King Sanyu and his Thesoloian bride. Maybe there's a story out there for Johan's sibling Lukas as well? That could be VERY interesting, indeed!

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed A Prince on Paper very much and talked about it on Book Riot’s All the Books podcast for the release week. I couldn’t discuss it as a featured title since it was a sponsor of the show, but I talked during the ad spot about my enjoyment of it and I’m sure we’ll discuss it in When In Romance as well.

I'm sad this is the last book in the series! The most interesting thing about this book for me is that Johan is really the one who needs to work through crap. Nya has baggage but she continually is honest about how she's feeling and what she needs and I love that. Very steamy, series characters, charming.

PRINCE ON PAPER by Alyssa Cole

Nya 🍑 (she)/Johan 🦊 (he)

🍑 Learns to trust her instincts and believe in her dreams
🦊 Learns fairy tales don't always end in heartbreak
🎭 Explores the masks we wear to protect ourselves
💥 Hella hot over-the-pants sex scene
💍 Fake engagement!

🍑 "For a second, she was hit with the same ridiculous certainty she’d had the first time she’d met him—that he was appraising her like a man trying to tally how many goats he’d have to trade for the pleasure of making her his, and he was willing to trade them all."

🦊 "Her burnished silhouette was lovely, and Johan imagined capturing it on a cameo, like the old Liechtienbourger love charms—except he would never have the right to own such an object."

Preorder links:

Amz: https://t.co/3MyeTFrXTp
Apple: https://t.co/ApSlxSTpgK
B&N: https://t.co/j6g4vohlNj
Kobo: https://t.co/AFZVxoNcYc

ARC courtesy of #NetGalley

Naledi's cousin, Nya, returns to Thesolo to attend the social event of the year - Naledi and Thabiso's wedding! All eyes will be on the happy couple while simultaneously giving the evil side eye to Nya. Her family's considered scandalous after her father was found to have a hand in Naledi's parents' deaths many years ago. While he's been in prison, Nya set off for New York. She longed to get away from the gossip and the pitying looks, and hoped the anonymity in the big city would serve as a springboard for an epic adventure, something she'd never thought possible for herself. Only it didn't turn out the way she had hoped and she quickly realized that she wasn't suited to the crazy pace of life there. She didn't find that epic love she hoped for either so instead found solace in a gaming app where she could date a virtual version of her ultimate prince. And speaking of princes, she did come into contact with Johan a few times and none of their encounters were pleasant. Thabiso's best friend seemed to brush her off or look down at her. Little did Nya know that Johan was hiding his true feelings. Being protective of Thabiso, he had originally been suspicious of her role in what happened to Naledi and her family but then soon found her irresistible and charming. However, he had a ridiculous alter ego to maintain so he did all he could to keep her at arm's length. The royal wedding brings them together and in unexpected ways. Turns out that their new "friendship" could prove beneficial to Johan and his country if they pretend to be engaged. Since it also helps Nya with her own problems, she agrees.

The set up is weird at first. For someone so reluctant to be in the spotlight, Nya seems all too willing to go along with a plan that will thrust her front and center. There are so many fake engagement stories so I wanted her to have convincing reasons to do this, and she does. One, she wants to show everyone who doubts her that she's not the weakling she's been made out to be and neither is she her father's puppet. Two, she does this simply to defy her father. Considering her upbringing at his hand and the strained relationship she has with him as an adult, she's certainly allowed to feel that way. Between the Nya and Joahn, I was more in tune to Nya's growth and how she was overcoming her insecurities. Johan was like a fortress holding tightly to all his thoughts and emotions while putting others ahead of him. I like the idea of his secret good side known to a select. The fake engagement of a playboy prince to an elegant, sweet woman would be the perfect way to distract the press and his people from the issues plaguing his monarchy. There is also a subplot: another potential royal crisis for Johan to manage which involves his younger half brother. I did think that was smoothed over rather quickly but there wasn't time to explore that to its full potential here. I wouldn't mind if Cole revisited that in the future. We'll just add that to my wishlist ;-)

The Reluctant Royals series is about revamping fairy tales and having them come true in a modern world. Amidst all the craziness and hardships, these characters have persevered and achieved their own happiness. Nya may have started out romanticizing about her Prince Charming, and Johan may have thought that he'd forever have to sacrifice his happiness to take care of others, but they both found each other and are setting the rules their way. Cole is such a brilliant writer whom I never want to miss and A Prince on Paper is a dreamy, delightful read to add to your list!

~ Bel

I received A Prince on Paper written by Alyssa Cole from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is the third novel of her Reluctant Royals series, however, Alyssa Cole has also been writing some wonderful novellas with this series. A Prince on Paper can be read as a standalone however, the entire series is wonderful and this book is no exception!
Nya Jerami fled Tesolo for NYC to escape the beliefs of everyone about who they thought she was instead of who she really is only to start believing everyone's opinion. Johan von Braustein, prince of Liechtienbourg, acts out for the paparazzi to hide he really is and his feelings. However, those closest to him know the truth and Nya starts to see the nice side of Johan. But when a royal referendum and misunderstanding causes a fake engagement, Nya and Johan are forced together in a way neither expected. In tight quarters, and behind closed doors, passions flare and truths are revealed. Can they turn a fake engagement into an HEA?

Alyssa Cole does a wonderful job again!! With passion and wonderful characters that grow throughout the book, A Prince on Paper was a delight to read. Nya and her struggles to forget the beliefs of others about who she is and work towards who she wants to be and Johan and his pain hidden behind walls built are easy to see as two true honest characters you could meet anywhere. The secondary characters were equally delightful and Cole allows past book hero and heroines into the story without giving away their plot. I look forward to more stories written by Cole. #APrinceonPaper #NetGalley

This series has been on my radar for a while now, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an eARC of A PRINCE ON PAPER!

First thing's first: As someone new to the Reluctant Royals, I would 100% recommend you NOT jump into the series with this story. While it can technically stand alone, and I still enjoyed it, I felt like I was on the outside of a group of close-knit friends reading the first third of the book, which take place around the wedding festivities of the hero and heroine from Book 1. That was a long time to feel like I'd missed something, and it almost had me DNFing this one to go back and start the series from the beginning. Instead, I kept reading, and thankfully, things finally picked up for me once the fake-engagement plot got underway.

There was plenty to enjoy/like in this story. I appreciated the diversity, and overall, the romance was very well-written. (I really loved Johan!)

What surprised me was how this story had a new-adult feel to it. The heroine was almost thirty, and while her character was intentionally naïve in many ways, this felt inconsistent with how wise and mature she seemed otherwise. I had a hard time reconciling this with the hero at times, too.

In the end, I wanted to love this story more than I did, although I do think my unfamiliarity of the world and characters within it really impacted this. That said, I enjoyed a lot of aspects of Alyssa Cole's writing and definitely plan to add more of her books to my TBR.

RATING: B- (3½ stars)