16 Thoughts Whilst Reading A Princess in Theory

I wanted to write more about the books I’ve been reading aside from just writing an indepth book review. I’ve done them in the past, but I don’t think I’m very good at them – I just say I like it or I don’t. I’m a simpleton ?

I’m always very vocal when I’m reading a book or watching a TV show (except when I’m in public and I have difficulty restraining myself because I just want to shout), so I decided to compile a list of thoughts I had whilst reading this book. Gotta put those thoughts somewhere!

Somebody tweeted about A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole and after reading the blurb, I decided to choose this book to voice my thoughts!

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?

A story about royals that aren’t white? Yes, gimme that book straight away. I really enjoyed reading a Princess in Theory – at times some of the characters infuriated me, but I mean what characters don’t, am I right? There are quite a few cliches, but it’s what I expect with a romance book, you know? I’m also a sucker for cliches. ? I really enjoyed how Ledi was in the STEM field and how it tackled racism and sexism. It didn’t shove it in your face, but it still showed HOW important these topics are. There is just so much good within these pages, I would definitely recommend this book!

My rating: 4/5

1. I wonder if anyway has ever been scammed off an African prince email. Like, aside from old people. Do you think any young people have thought, “Omg, this must be real” and responded?
2. Really, Brian, really? Showing his arse so early on – thinking Ledi was the cleaning lady and just generally being an arsehole.
3. Likotsi absolutely has big dick energy. And when will men listen and learn that it’s not okay to just turn up in a woman’s life with no warning, whatsoever?
4. There is no way I should be reading this scene on the bus because it’s too seksi and now I’m feeling some type of way
5. This is going to spiral out of control very shortly, I can tell you right now
6. Omg, is Likotsi dating Portia? I’ll bet you £10 (Actually, no. I don’t. I’m broke)
7. I am absolutely internally screaming because I’m at work but OF COURSE THIS HAS HAPPENED?!
8. She better read him for filth for lying to her! On another note, this is not okay but it makes it slightly okay because he has money and he’s handsome? Let’s not lie to ourselves.
9. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to suddenly be thrust into royalty or richness or something like that. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself, honestly. Wait, yes I do. I’d buy a ticket to Disneyland, ASAP.
10. I BET HER UNCLE IS POISONING THE PEOPLE. I GUARANTEE IT. I am 99.999999999% sure.
11. They need to stop beating around the bush and let us know what happened with Ledi’s parents and why the hell Thabiso’s mother is so goddamn disrespectful because I WILL NOT HAVE HER DISRESPECT.
12. The lady who gave Ledi the tea is definitely strange and the way she spoke about Alekh. That’s some cult type thinking
13. If my parents turned around and said, “This is the man you will be marrying,” I would scream. Arranged marriage? In this day and age? God forbid.
14. Gimme more backstory on Portia! She deserves better, goddamnit! She’s such a baby girl!
15. Imagine getting to a point where emotions have overtaken your judgement and have now got you committing terrible things. Even the thought of it scares me, and I hope I never get like that.
16. HAPPILY FREAKED OUT. Yaaaassss, I aspire to be like this in the future, Ledi. Cheers to you and Thabiso <3

I’m always open to reading more books – favourite genres of mine are sci-fi and romance – so feel free to send me some recs, and I might do more of posts like these. It was really fun to write!