Friday Focus: The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an eBook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring a current read, A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole. It's the first book in the Reluctant Royals series.  The excerpts shared are from the paperback version I borrowed from the library.

 

Beginning:  Chapter 1
Sender:  LikotsiAdelele@KingdomOfThesolo.the
Subject: Salutations from the Royal Family of Thesolo

Dear Ms. Smith,

I hope that my letter finds you well.  I, Likotsi Adelele, assistant to His Royal Highness, have sought you out high and low over the last few months, at the behest of the most exalted—and most curious—Prince Thabiso.  He has tasked me with finding his betrothed, and I believe I have succeeded: it is you.

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Page 56:  He recognized what he was feeling then; he'd seen it in so many people he'd dismissed from his presence over the years.  It was shame.

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My thoughts: Romances are not my typical read, but after hearing author Alyssa Cole speak at the Romance Writers of America (RWA) Librarians Day in July,  I decided to take a closer look at her novels.  She was so engaging—genuine, warm, and witty in person—and that's exactly what comes across in the pages of the story.  

Cole's likeable characters, interesting plot, and laugh-out-loud scenes are delightfully entertaining.  I am wholeheartedly rooting for the main character, Naledi Smith, a young woman determined to succeed as a research scientist despite personal and financial hardships and the obstacles placed in her way by the men dominating the laboratory she works in.  Who is this dashing Prince Thabiso Moshoeshoe of Thesolo?  Are her prospects about to change after she makes his acquaintance?

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From Goodreads: From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

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?

Selected as one of the New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2018!

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter with appropriate recognition is appreciated.