5 ⭐ / 2 🌶️

Oh my gosh. I did not expect for this book/series to be crack but here I am...I just finished this first book and am now I'm four books deep in it. The Royals are incredibly addictive and I gobbled it all up. Angst, betrayal, secrets, tension, love, hate, obsession... Paper Princess has it all. Labeled as a YA but definitely has mature content and would work better in the NA subgenre. Reed and Ella were explosive together. And the familial drama was honestly insane, but in the best kind of way. I can't wait to see where this story leads next as it ended on quite the cliffhanger, and also what the rest of the brothers might be hiding behind their picture perfect exterior.

"I feel the need to warn you that, we Royals are pretty f*cked up. We're good in bed, but out of it? We're like a stage for hurricane."

✔️ Family Drama
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Ex-Stripper
✔️ High Society
✔️ Mean Girls
✔️ Step-Siblings (kind of)
✔️ Adult Themes (YA in age only)
✔️ Hidden Agendas
✔️ Lies & Secrets

"Reed Royal has broken me. I've fallen from the sky and I'm not sure I can get up. Not this time."

why on earth I think waited so long to read this one is beyond me haha.

This book was just what I needed. And I'm so happy I can finally check it off.

I actually started this one with my bestie, since she just happen to have a copy too
And then set it aside about an hour in and like any other preoccupied bookworm. got distracted by like 30 other books in that span and forgot to come back.

but then said bestie decided to finish the story on her own and dragged my sorry butt right back in. and I couldn't put the book down. The characters are just stellar and pull you in. And the story itself is honestly angsty and fun.

I loved the tension in this one. and the build up between not only the 2 main characters. but the whole Royal clan in general.

definitely a
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 Star Read⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This just hit the spot for me. An orphan pulled into a wealthy family of only boys. This is just messy, the right amount of angst, and of course there's a broody bad bood who is just pining away and is not handling it well at all. I wasn't sure how i would but I adore Easton, and can't wait to see more in him in the rest of the books. And Reed oof, broody, complicated, and not at all in touch with his feelings but gone on Ella even as he struggles to admit it.

I'm sucked in and can't wait to dive into Book 2

This series has been recommended to me for years and I’m so glad berkley republished it and I finally read it. I went into Paper Princess blind and I’m glad I did. The story is kind of bonkers, but the author duo Erin Watt nailed the pacing. I devoured this book and it helped get me back into reading after a book slump! Five stars, on to the next!

This book started a little slow for me, and took me a while to get into. But once I got into it I was invested in Ella’s story. Ella is such a great female lead, just trying to survive life when she is thrown into a world she isn’t sure how to navigate. But she is determined to figure it out her way. And that bang of an ending left me clamoring for the next book in the series.

This story is too much! It's absurd and over the top and too dramatic and… I liked it!

This book (and I'm hoping the rest of the series) falls perfectly into my ‘guilty pleasure’ category. I know I'm not getting any more intelligent by reading this and it is by no means a literary masterpiece, but there is something so captivating about the drama of highly fictional lives that draws me in and won't let go. If only I were a destitute 17 year old girl who gets scooped up by a millionaire and has to live with his five attractive sons. Sigh. One can dream.

Oh my goodness I had heard so many good things about this series so I was THRILLED to get this one! And it did not disappoint! I can’t wait to read the others!

I first read Paper Princess when the duo behind Erin Watt independently released it in 2016. I was excited to hear it would be published traditionally under Berkley in 2023. Along with all the amazing original content there would be additional bonus content. After re-reading this book, I went back and looked at my original review. My thoughts hadn't changed much, so below is that original review. I am adding my thoughts on the bonus content below.

Hey MTV, CW or ABC Family — I think I found the book you need to base your next TV series on.

Seriously. Paper Princess was that good. The writing was fantastic, and I was immediately hooked. It had complex characters, a great plot and such witty dialog. It was Young Adult pushing New Adult. I freaking loved it.

In Paper Princess, seventeen-year-old Ella is struggling to make it after her mom’s death. She’s a high school student by day and a stripper at night. It’s a tough schedule to maintain, but Ella has big plans for college and life.

All of her carefully crafted plans go out the door when Callum Royal shows up to claim guardianship of her. Ella’s swept off to the Royal estate to live amongst the five Royal boys. What should be a dream come true is a nightmare. The Royal boys don’t want Ella around. They’re determined to make Ella’s life at home and school a living hell. But Ella’s been through worse and she’s not about to give up without a fight.

The characters were so cool and perfect for this story. Ella was smart, resourceful and stood up for herself. I loved what a strong female teenage character she was! The book was so much fun to read because of her point of view and personality.

At first, I felt exactly the way Ella did about the Royal boys. They may have been hot, successful and popular, but man were they jerks! They knew how to make Ella’s life a living hell. Reed was especially good at this, which was why I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to stand Ella falling for him. I mean, I know he was hot and making her lady bits tingle but looks can only take you so far before your mouth ruins things.

But I loved Ella and Reed’s connection. There was just something so raw and gritty about their chemistry. I’m not sure if it was the enemies to lovers aspect or the down dirty thoughts and actions of the two of them together. It so hot…and in an almost too mature to be YA way. They sizzled.

Back to the rest of the Royal men… Even though they were jerks, they started to redeem themselves a little. I was just starting to like Easton when the book ended. And I wish I had gotten to know the twins a little more because they seemed so deviously interesting. There has to be more to their story! Same with the eldest Royal boy. I need to know what his motivations are. I need to know more about ALL of these boys NOW!

My only complaint (not really a complaint) about this book was that it ended with a cliffhanger before I was ready to be done reading it. I didn’t want it to end. At least the next book comes out soon…

All that’s left to say is that you need to read this book. Like now. I absolutely loved it and know other readers will, too. It’s a crazy ride that will definitely entertain you and leave your begging for more.

As for the addition BONUS CONTENT, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't more than just a PLAYLIST for Ella and Reed. I was expecting more, like extra chapters. When I read through the list of songs, I was surprised that they weren't songs that were popular back in 2016 when the book was originally written. I was expecting the playlist to be songs that inspired Erin Watt while writing. Instead, it included current popular songs such as Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift. For a longtime fan of the series, that didn't work for me. I'm sure it will work well for new readers, though.

Hell of a kick off to this series! I'm obsessed with anything Elle Kennedy writes, so even under a pseudonym, her unique voice and talent shines through. Combined with her co-author, this book was a breath of fresh air. I can't wait to read the rest.

Whoever is running Berkley’s acquisitions (The Bergman Brothers? AND the Royals?) and picking the cream of the self-published romance crop to provide editing, epilogues, and snazzy new covers deserves a pay raise.

It’s always been Ella and her mother against the world. Dad is MIA, mom makes terrible choices around men, and they’re often on the run. After her mother’s untimely death from cancer, teenage Ella strips for cash at the clubs. One morning, a stranger shows up at the principal’s office, claiming to be her dad’s best friend and to look after her the way her now-deceased sperm donor, Steve, would have wanted. Callum Royal promises to pay her–$10,000 per month–for each month she agrees to live with his family, still grieving over the loss of their mother, and promises college tuition, too. It’s too good a deal to pass up.

Ella, who just wants a roof over her head, a fridge full of food, and steady job to keep up the ruse her mom is still alive, goes from rags to riches in a day: private school with uniforms, car at her disposal, new wardrobe, and frilly princess bedroom. Callum has four hulking sons and a bimbo girlfriend (Brooke) not much older than Ella. The boys think Ella is a fraud, and since they rule the school, set out to make her life a living hell, but Ella takes everything they dish up, throws it back at them, and comes out on top, earning their begrudging respect, Easton’s friendship… and Reed’s attraction. Ella (like Cinderella, get it?) might be falling for her foster brother…

This is a gritty, face-paced, no-holds-barred dramatic new adult (in spite of the character’s junior in high school status) tale, but it’s well-written and pretty unputdownable. The narrative showcases people at their worst; the slut-shaming and bullying Ella, a virgin, goes through is terrible. Reed is a fluffy cinnamon roll under all the gruffness. There is plenty of teenage angst and longing and desire, and some steamy hot, consensual make-out sessions. Additional drama is Steve’s wife contesting the will that left a significant portion of his inheritance to her, and everyone being scandalized when Ella gets a job at a bakery around the corner from the school. What will happen next? There are five books in the series and I can’t wait to find out.

I received a free, advance reader’s review copy of #PaperPrincess from #NetGalley.

Addictive, saucy fun, Erin Watt’s PAPER PRINCESS is one of the best romances I’ve read all year.

Although the story itself is overwhelmed with clichés and several dated tropes, the budding relationship between the protagonist and her love interest is brimming with tension and spice. Sure, a poor girl getting swept up into a world of glamour where she falls for the extremely rich, very off-limits guy is a literary theme that is woefully overdone. Still, Watt manages the impossible — a romance that grips you in the first few pages and then refuses to let go. Scalding hot from start to finish, featuring more than a fair share of will-they-won’t-they plot devices helping fuel a riveting character dynamic, PAPER PRINCESS is one of those books that you’ll stay up all night for. It is a masterclass in how to keep readers hanging on to every last word.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Paper Princess is a lot of tropes I don't normally go for; high school, bully, step-brother, but it still sucked me in and I devoured it in almost a single sitting. This does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared to read the next book immediately.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for my chance to review.

Paper Princess is incredibly addictive. The book is filled with captivating drama, intense angst, and an irresistible storyline that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Elle Harper finds herself in a jam when her mother passes away. She is working at a strip club trying to make ends meet and stay under the radar from authorities. She is introduced quickly to Callum Royal, who takes her in and offers her protection, money, and an education. Elle is distrustful but soon finds herself engulfed in a world of rich, scheming men who are used to getting what they want. The main culprit is Callum’s oldest son, Reed.

From the start, Reed and Elle bump heads despite the lust and attraction they feel for one another. Elle goes to a party, and Reed must come to the rescue, which leads to them starting a journey that may destroy them both. Every step of their relationship is met with hurdles.

This is one of those books that you either enjoy for what it is or really despise it. I fall into the former category simply for wanting to read something a bit edgier and darker than I have been reading lately. Also, this just falls straight in line with my love affair of enemies to lovers themes.

Paper Princess is outrageously over the top. It is almost ridiculous at times, but that is the same thing that held me in for the ride. Elle has been through so much, and she is almost a bit too eager to engage in activities that should really leave her traumatized. There are the over-top antics of any high schooler, but these are not your typical high schoolers.

Normally, I would be repulsed at some of the darker tones in this story, but, as I mentioned, it all fell together for me. I love getting to know all the characters, as they will most definitely play a part in the series. This series reminds me of a dark version of the TV show Gossip Girls. Just rich, spoiled, and vicious characters.

Overall, I recommend this for fans of dark romances. I’m on to the next story.

~ Samantha

I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this, but I wasn't expecting it. It reminded me a lot of LJ Shen with the angry rich boys and the poor tough girls. It was ok, but not really my thing. If you like intense highschool drama and rich bad boys, you'll love this.

Folks, I can list a lot of things that make me nervous; and one of those things are very explicit scenes amongst teenagers. This book is a New Adult/Adult romance book, but centers around high school aged children. I'd feel a whole lot more comfy with this title if they were in college given the explicitness of the scenes. I think it is properly tagged and marketed for the content, but multiple explicit scenes with high school aged children is not my cup of tea. Acknowledging here, that I knowingly picked this title to review for NetGalley and a version of this title has been out for years.

That being said, the story isn't my favorite either but it sure kept me reading. I love ridiculous drama in books so this for sure ticks this box. I'd be willing to read more in the series.

I received a free ebook copy from Netgalley and am never paid to review.

Really enjoyed the characters development and writing style. I couldn't wait to read the next few in the series.

When I started reading this and realized the age of the characters, I thought it wasn’t worth my time because I couldn’t relate to them. I kept thinking that until I finished the book in one sitting! This is the best kind of fiction - you keep turning the pages to find out what happens. 5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

I heard about this book on BookTube years back but was never able to find it anywhere so was really excited when I saw it was available on netgalley. I was actually surprised by how quickly I was pulled into the story. I can't really explain why but I found the story addicting I dove right into book 2 when I was finished and then right into book 3. The premise of the story is a little out there, with the main character, Ella, being a 17-year-old who has resorted to stripping after her mother gets sick and ultimately dies. In comes Callum Royal, a very wealthy man who is claiming to be her legal guardian and the best friend of the father Ella has never. Ella wants nothing to do with him but Callum refuses to leave her alone and literally throws her over his shoulder and carries her out of the club and back to his mansion. There she is introduced to Callum's 5 sons and none of them are happy that she is there. Did I find the story predictable and think some issues in the book were not handled all that well? Yes. Did I devour the book anyway? Also yes.

I got this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Random House for my honest review. Now this story was not great but I enjoyed it. It was like a lot of this darker romance where they is a bad boy and a good girl and they shouldn’t be together but of course they do and then something happens to break them up. I enjoyed this I think because I could kinda see what was gonna happen and I enjoyed that. I probably won’t read the other books cause I just don’t think it’s worth my time.