Since I had previously read and enjoyed the first two books in this series, I was pretty confident that I would like the third and final installment, How to Catch a Prince. Rachel Hauck didn't let me down!
If you've read the first two books, then you'll have an idea of what to expect with this one. Prince Stephen, the main character, is the brother of Nathaniel (from the first book), so characters from the previous books show up and previous events are referenced. The major difference in this story, though, is that it isn't a typical meet-and-fall-in-love romance...Stephen and Corina are already married. They had married several years before in secret, but after Stephen came home from his deployment hiding something, they went separate ways.
I found Corina to be a very likable character, and I thought her reactions and feelings were very realistic. I like that she demanded answers for what had happened between her and Stephen. I liked Stephen, too, but I sometimes got frustrated with him for not getting the truth out into the open. Characters are always getting themselves into predicaments because they think they know how another person is going to react or feel, and they're usually mistaken!
This book was slightly darker than the other two, dealing with issues like grief and war. Of course there are plenty of swoony fairytale moments, but the deeper issues are equally prominent.
One of my favorite things about this series is how Rachel Hauck manages to take very unlikely circumstances and make them feel realistic. Even though the kingdoms of Brighton and Hessenberg are imaginary, she writes them in such a way that they feel real. I especially like the way that she describes Cathedral City and I could picture it so clearly in my head.
I do have to admit that in some ways this book veered a little too far towards the unrealistic side of the spectrum. Several things happened that are implied to be divine intervention, and they were just a little over the top for me. Particularly the whole Manor thing with Brill and Adelaide. I'm not saying that miracles can't happen because obviously I believe they can and do. However, because of just how realistic the first two books were, these things felt out of place and awkward to me. That's my main qualm with the book...I would have appreciated it if things were a bit more subtle.
Overall, I really enjoyed How to Catch a Prince. It's probably my least favorite of the series (the second book was my favorite), but it was still a solid 4 star book for me and a nice conclusion to the series! I recommend this series for anyone who likes clean romances and who happens to have a fondness for modern day royal fairytales. :) I've said it before, but if you like The Princess Diaries films, you'll enjoy this series!
If you're interested, here are my reviews for the previous two books: Once Upon a Prince and Princess Ever After.
*Note: I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.*
I really like the sound of this series. I don't think I've ever read a modern Princess/Prince story before (but I love The Princess Diaries movies). Great review, Kristin!
ReplyDeleteIt's a cute series. You'd probably like it! Thanks! :)
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