'Prince Material' is an easy, low-angst read following two unlikely roommates who each bring their own emotional baggage to the story.

My feelings about it are mixed: while I appreciate books that skip the unnecessary third-act breakup drama, and I'm glad to see healthy communication throughout (which there's plenty of), I found myself wanting more dynamic development in their relationship. There's still a bit of a cliche here that I wish the book had subverted or at least gone against the grain: the playboy prince - more or less indiscreet with his numerous hookups - and the studious college student who is working out some family trauma. They both meet and pretty much fall into instant love after a short bit of denial and hiding.

Yet both Orson and Floris talk things through well (and they do remain quite steadfastly together throughout), but their romantic progression did feel predictable and could have used more compelling twists or maybe gone with higher emotional stakes to keep things a little more...moistly exciting.

*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

Thank you Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. This was super cute! This story follows Prince Floris, one of four European princes, who hi are friends, that made a pact to live life like “commoners” for a year. Since they are further down the line of succession they aren’t as well known outside of Europe so they plan to take these normal life years in America. Floris is at a small college in Massachusetts. He meets is roommate Orson who is very studious as has no time for friends or fun. Though he does know who Floris is and doesn’t seem to care too much. Orson’s family went through a tragedy, Hurricane Katrina, that was bough devastating for his home town New Orleans and for his family itself. Now Orson is trying to be worthy of the sacrifice that was made for him. He can only do this but studying hard and becoming a Civil Engineer, though that’s not where his heart is. As the two spend time together their feelings grow and when an emergency happens those feelings become physical. But will Orson stay once he realizes what the press is like? Will Orson be good enough for Floris world? Floris is trying to prove he’s not who the press makes him out to be. Orson’s stuck between who he wants to be with the Prince who makes him happy and who he is supposed to be, who the sacrifice needs him to be. Nora Phoenix’s latest is cute, charming, funny, sexy, spicy, and incredibly sweet! I loved both Orson and Floris and their families! A wonderful second book in the Prince Pact series and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Floris is the first openly gay prince in Europe and he falls for Orson when in college in America....

Lots of chemistry between the leads. Love both characters. It's great how supportive all the family members and friends are. We need more hopeful books like these during such dark times. The academic setting is wonderfully portrayed. Love the educational stuff in the book too. Terrific romance.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I am struggling to articulate just how brilliant this is. It isn't just a story; it's an education disguised as a page-turner, seamlessly weaving in complex concepts of engineering, architecture, international relations, and cultural intrigue. However, what truly sets it apart is its unflinching portrayal of relationships. Forget the sugar-coated fluff; this dives deep into the messy, complicated reality of modern dating, filled with authentic conversations and a maturity rarely seen in contemporary fiction. Honestly, it was a challenge to review because it's unlike anything I've ever encountered, and I'm still processing the depth and impact it had on me. Definitely a must-read for those seeking substance and a fresh perspective.

A very sweet romantic MM romance. Both MMC’s are likeable and the book follows how their relationship develops with moderate and relevant spice. There are no surprises and no twists and turns, but it is a very cosy romantic read. 3.5⭐️

⋆˙⟡♡This was deliciously charming!

It was weirdly so relatable, especially because i have a civil engineering degree - so it was so fun reading about their college experience and what they were learning. Be warned: there’s a lot of talk about engineering. I personally found it interesting, so I didn’t mind, but it did play a huge part in the story.𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡

Floris and Orson were both delightful characters to read! They had a sort of dry cheesy humor that would usually make me cringe, but with the setting and tone of the book, it worked? There were so many minute aspects of the story that i appreciated - No secrets between them, they helped each other in their own ways , like Floris nudging Orson from his shell or Orson with his silent protective nature for Floris. There were also many conversations about consent, boundaries, and just clear communication (so refreshing).

It had a Prince Charming vibe, reminiscent of Disney movies, with very supportive families and cute moments of traveling and sightseeing! ⋆⁺₊❅。 but i did feel like the love part came too fast. they had an adorable transition from friends to lovers but it didn’t feel strong enough for them to be in-love you know? it’s probably just me. But it was still a cute read, easy to get into, with the perfect amount of spice🪽°<3.𖥔 ݁ ˖🤍

Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and author Nora Phoenix for providing me with the eARC of “Prince Material”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: September 12th, 2025
Reviewed on Goodreads: July 18th, 2025

5 stars! This was such a fun and easy read for me!

Perfect if you love:
- MM romance
- Royal romance
- College romance

Floris is a Dutch prince, who has recently started attending a college in the United States. He is on a journey to discover what it is like to live a “normal life”, while also seeking refuge from the negative publicity he has been receiving following an incident back home.
Orson is his new roommate. A devoted engineering student from New Orleans, determined to make his family proud after a devastating loss.
Orson doesn’t have time for distractions, and the last thing Floris wants is to be involved in another scandal, but the two just can’t seem to stay away from each other.

How CUTE!
This reminded me quite a lot of “Red, White & Royal Blue”. So if you liked that, I think you would like this as well!
Floris and Orson? Great together.
The way they support each other, the way they share culture, the sweetness. Everything.
I am also very happy to report that there is no third act breakup.

I really loved how casual things were, despite Floris being a prince.
They got on quite normally, and I think it worked really well with the story.

I also loved the support they both got from their families!
I am usually prepared for royal romances to have some major family complications involved- but this was very relaxed and all-around wholesome.

The New Orleans vibes are great, as I am a sucker for a good setting.
Although the entire story didn’t take place there- it discusses things like food, architecture, and culture which I thought was so fun.

Really great overall. It is quite short and fast-paced, perfect for a quick read. I would totally recommend it.