This book had so much promise. I was excited for the enemies to lovers aspect of this book but I had a real hard time trying to like Hathor. She slowly grew on me towards the last quarter of the book. Her and the prince’s banter was good helped me keep interest in wanting to finish the story.

Love J.J. McAvoy, and was looking forward to this particular book. It's good, but it reminds me of Bridgerton on Netflix...literally a mashup of Simon/Daphne and Antony/Kate. I'll definitely be buying it when it's released.

Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily reviewed.

I loved book this book so much. This was so enjoyable. From the very beginning, I’ve been waiting for Hathor to find love! There’s no way my girl isn’t a Pisces lol. From the very beginning of the series author gives middle child energy through and through.

It’s clear that she feels that her skills are overshadowed or forgotten. Her wit and sharp tongue are some of my favorite things about her. Her lack of filter, and ability to stand ten toes, down for the thoughts around her makes her my favorite book cousin lol. The way she reads the girls down leaves me snapping my fingers and giggling.

Prince Wilhelm as her love interest shocked me a little bit. I mean, my girl that loves love ends up with a reformed rake! However, watching them fall in love gave me Darcy and Elizabeth vibes (but Hathor and Wilhelm interact way more). It’s clear he fell first and booked two but it was enjoyable, reading him coming to the realization that this will
be his girl.


Thank you Random House/Dell for the arc! I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series 💚

Huge thanks to Random House/Dell for giving me access to an arc.

I LOVED THIS! I truly adored this story. I’ve been a fan of McAvoy for quite some time and while I did like the first book in the series, it wasn’t exactly my favorite but this? Chef’s kiss. The chemistry between Wilhelm and Hathor is so palpable, it’s off the charts. To me, this was the perfect enemies to lovers. There was enough tension and I found their attraction to one another to be believable.

I think one of McAvoy’s strengths is dialogue and the wittiness of Hathor was my favorite. Hathor is fierce, kind, loving but also incredibly headstrong and she will not allow anyone to bulldoze her, not a prince nor a queen and I find this to be so admirable.

I definitely see myself coming back to read this. Reading this felt exciting while also being comforting and I can totally see Wilhelm becoming a favorite book boyfriend.

This book was a treat!

DNF @ 15%

I really wanted to enjoy this one, but after a few chapters, I knew it wasnt for me. The two main characters were pretty insufferable and I didnt see how they would turn it around. Sometimes enemies to lovers leans too hard on the enemies. I do think that I may have benefitted from reading the first two books before this, so I plan to try that when I get a chance and return to this one when it is a better time.

For lovers of Bridgerton and regency romance, I could see this being a big hit.

Wow! This one was a fun read! I understand why they say that Bridgerton lovers will like this book. It gave Bridgerton vibes one hundred percent, but was possibly even better than the Bridgerton books, if I dare say so. I didn’t realize that this book was part of a series, and now I want to go back and read the other books. This is my first book my J.J. McAvoy, and it won’t be my last. The plot was well paced, and the romance was written well. I liked the FMC and the MMC, they had a great enemy-to-lovers romance (which is my favorite trope). I found the ending was a little flat, but other than that this was a fun and entertaining read.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC!

Wow! McAvoy is such a fantastic world builder. Truly, this is such an enjoyable read and addition to the series. Admittedly, going into this book, I have to say that I was not a fan of Hathor. I found her to be vain, shallow, and yes a "title seeker/hunter". She was always so quick to be in competition over her sister Aphrodite, but it was a onesided rivalry. To add on to that, I did not like Wilhem "Augustus" either upon first meeting him because of his devil may care attitude and his hit and quit it behavior for the fairer sex.

However, within reading the story, those impressions started to melt away and morph into something unexpected. Both Wilhelm and Hathor were against a match between them both, but during their sparring matches, dislike morphed into like, and annoyance became want. I had a smile on my face throughout their conversations and interactions. I started to like both of them a lot, and I was definitely rooting for them to find their HEA together.

I did feel that the ending was a little lackluster. I wanted something a bit more final after what had taken place. I do think though that it might be continued in the next book, which I hope is centered on Devana.

Thank you to J.J McAvoy for my complimentary eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed the third installment of J.J McAvoy’s regency romance novels. It involved heart-dropping surprise moments and wonderfully written romance. The overall theme focused on enemies to lovers and was a fun overall read. I enjoyed seeing Hathor’s growth and maturity, she stopped with the endless comparisons between her and Aphrodite and truly blossomed into a wonder young lady in society. Despite her family’s main goal of encouraging Hathor to find a worthy suitor deserving of her love and respect, she disregarded parental and societal expectations to find a gentleman of her choosing (aka a prince hehe).
Reading pages of sibling banter and their overall innocence brought laughter, amusement, and joy. McAvoy truly knows how write romance. It was truly amazing from start to finish and I can’t wait for her next installment!

I loved this book. Starting it out was so amazing and intriguing . Right from the first line. It grabbed my attention. An unexpected enemies to lovers romance and even more unexpected is Hathor switching up within a week which was honestly unrealistic but never the less made this book a lovely one to read. Thank you Netgalley and TDX for this book in exchange for an honest review .

Hathor and the Prince
By JJ McAvoy
A Review by Jamilla (@ LandsAwayBooks, a wordpress blog)

If giggling and kicking your feet was a book!

If you’ve been following the DuBell family historical romance series, you know that Hathor, is an overly confident, decisive lass on the prowl for a man with the highest possible title, in order to one up her sister, the incomparable and aptly named Aphrodite.

Unfortunately for her, Aphrodite has taken the last available Duke, and with the season drawing to a close, Hathor’s discerning eye has yet to be caught by any of the eligible bachelors fawning for her lovely hand.

What’s a girl to do?

Luckily for her, the Queen has an absolute prince of a nephew! And what’s something that every prince needs? Especially if they want access to their trust fund? …..something kinda like a wife!?!!

Too bad, Prince Wilhelm is a shameless and unrepentant rake with no interest in marriage or ‘fortune hunter little misses’….

Or so he thinks!

This one was so much fun! What is it about adversarial relationships in romance books that just hit the spot? There’s a fine line between love and hate, but when you bicker and tease each other like these two, it’s very ease to stumble from one side to the other.

My previous impression of Hathor wasn’t all of that good, but in Hathor and the Prince we get to see all of her beautiful, charming layers, all the ways she hides them and all the ways love sets her free.

The series really hit its stride with this absolutely swoon worthy addition!

A wonderful addition to this series about the DuBell family. Set in Regency England,Lord and Lady DuBell have 6 children, 2 of whom are married. Lord Damon, the heir and now Duchess Aphrodite. This book focuses on their third daughter, Hathor. Much like the Bridgerton series, these books imagine a racially diverse and equitable early nineteenth century and Lady DuBell is Black and Lord DuBell is White. Race isn’t a big factor in this book but it does set them apart from most other Regency romances. Lady Hathor has always felt that she lived under her older sister Aphrodite’s shadow. Less lovely, less accomplished and less loved by her parents. As her sister is now a Duchess, at one time, Hathor was considered a “title hunter” and was very happy to find out that Queen Charlotte’s nephew, Prince Wilhelm was coming to her parents’ house party. If Hathor was a Princess, she’d finally be better than her older sister. She overhears an opinionated, very handsome and rakish man talking about her in very unflattering terms, She verbally spars with him and truly gives him a piece of her mind. Several weeks later, she’s shocked to meet the Prince and it’s the same man. This fun enemies to lovers story has some triggers about domestic and parental abuse but it’s not gratuitous and explains a lot about the Prince’s background and character.

Summary: Hathor has spent her life in not so quiet competition with her older sister. From skills and talents to etiquette and manners, now in marriage. She seeks to outdo her sister, The Duchess of Everly. Hathor has always had ideas of the perfect marriage to the perfect man. Preferably a man with great title. She is beside herself to learn that the queen is coming to present her nephew Prince Wilhelm, as a potential suitor to high society ladies of noble birth.
She is most excited at the prospect of becoming a princess. Until she comes face to face with the a man whom she had met earlier in the season and confronted because he thought her merely a title chaser without even knowing his title.
When she learns that he is indeed the prince she does all she can to avoid him and save herself from his villainous behavior. But the more they fight and attempt to avoid one another the more they fall for each other.

Review: What a wonderful read. Regency romance is one of my favorite escapes. Hathor, I have adored her since the very first book in this series. Aphrodite and The Duke. With her quick wit and razor sharp tongue, she has always been a favorite character of mine. J.J. has done an astounding job in this with the banter of the 2 main characters. The way in which Hathor refuses to back down but uses her witty nature to best even anyone even royals in conversation or banter is perfect. I found myself fully immersed in the story as it unfolded.

Seeing how the characters grew and changed over the course of the book blew me away. The development of not only the main characters but the entire cast of characters, sensational!
The closer to the end of the book I got, the more I felt sad that it was ending. Not fully ready for this world to close.

I do however, feel that I was left with more than a few questions right at the end. I feel the story could use a little more building and clarity in order to help round out the ending and make it feel more complete and answer some of the lingering questions.
Overall I found this book rather enjoyable and can’t wait to get a copy for my shelves.

Hathor Du Bell is an enigma. When we are first introduced to her, she is seen as envious, a perfectionist looking to step outside of the shadow that is her sister Aphrodite. Even if it means competing with her to gain public adoration. When she winds up in an unconventional courtship with the Queen's infamous nephew Prince Wilhelm, it is obviously a let down as she expected something more....her visualized taste (especially when they've had unpleasant run-ins prior to officially meeting). Wilhelm is a complex character who is introduced to us as a snarky and uncaring imbecile who does not want to marry.

As the story plays out, we uncover more depth to Hathor's character other than being the jealous younger sister and we see Wilhelm's callous exterior develop into something more softer as their rivalry starts simmer down. I absolutely loved the banter and friendship, I feel the way J.J. McAvoy wrote it out really gave the slow burn that razzle dazzle and excitement to see them finally kiss.

I really adore this series as there is not many African-American bridgerton-esque books in the media and it's so refreshing to see and read books about regal black princesses and duchesses. I hope we get Deanna's book next!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for my honest review.

More like a 3.5 or 3.75. I always enjoy the books from this series. They just give me major Bridgerton vibes but make it black. I love that the stories aren’t based on race or oppression. It’s about a world with black people thriving, loving and laughing. I loveeeee the Du bells and their whole family dynamic. Though this couple was personally not my favorite, I appreciate their story and their banter. I loved how witty and unrelenting Harthor was. Her character is what saved this book for me personally. She was just so bubbly and entertaining to read. And even though there were so many things and people aganist her love; she persevered and told them what’s what. She didn’t take any crap and I loved that about her. I personally didn’t love Wilhelm. I felt that he didn’t learn or grow much as a character outside of refusing to cheat on Harthor. He was pretty selfish, and it often felt like he was interested in her because he couldn’t have her. And then instead of really trying to do right by the family; he just did what he wanted. I get that the author wanted to change up the dynamic from the other books, but he fell flat for me as a character. I really hope there will be another book in the series for Deanna because I’m curious about her love interest. This book is like a cozy movie you’ve watched multiple times but still watch because it brings you joy and happy memories. This author is an auto-read for me and I highly recommend this series. You do not need to read it in order but it’s fun to do so, to understand the cameos of the characters from the other books. All in all, a fun read!!!!

I enjoyed this novel, even though I didn't read the other books beforehand I was still able to keep up with the book and the characters. I really enjoyed that I was given everything promised from the book and it did remind me of the Bridgerton Netflix series. There was only one thing I didn't like and that was the almost immediate broken promise, I felt it took away from his integrity which I felt had been building nicely since the beginning of the book. Other than that which is a personal issue I found the book very enjoyable and definitely recommend reading! I think I may try the other books in series.

Thank you to Netgally for an arc of this book.

Hathor and the Prince
By JJ McAvoy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hathor Du Belle has always dreamed of marrying well, so well that she outshines her perfect sister with her perfect husband. She spent her time looking for a Duke to rival Aphrodite’s husband only to find that there were none to be had but then the Queen arrives with her nephew, Prince Wilhelm. It seems a perfect solution until Hathor recognizes that she and the prince have already met when he said some very uncomplimentary things about her to his mistress in public. Not only that, but the Prince has also declared that he will never marry. After a few very rocky interactions the Prince begins to show exactly what kind of man he is and slowly Hathor’s feelings towards him start to change. But will these two people ever find enough common ground or be willing to compromise for one another?

I loved this story. Hathor took some time to get to know, she certainly grows up and grows on you. Halfway through the story I was ready to stay up all night to finish it. JJ McAvoy does a great job of world building and creating characters with real flaws who are open to growing and changing throughout the story. Hathor begins the story selfish and jealous of her sister’s happiness and by the end has put the happiness of others before her own. Wilhelm, too, has a fantastic arc from carefree rake to dedicated brother and son. I also loved the interactions with her family members. It’s so clear that they adore one another. And also every time the Queen said anything I read it in Golda Rosheuvel’s voice (of Bridgerton fame).

Read this book if you love:
- Bridgerton
- Regency romances
- Slow burns
- Enemies to friends to lovers
- Adorable family dynamics
- Fantastic writing!

Thank you so much to Random House and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another amazing historical romance from J.J. McAvoy! Hathor and Wilhelm's dynamic was super fun to read, and I really liked getting some updates on the other family members too - so many babies!!!

I love this series, and I hope there will be more books about the DuBells!

Hathor and the Prince by J.J. McAvoy is fun.The DuBell family is a delight. Hathor is smart, sharp-tongued, and extremely sure of herself. I love her. Prince Wilhelm is clever and determined and very witty. Read this romance on Sunday and you’ be smiling for the rest of the week.

I kind of didn’t expect to like this as much as o did, mostly because it is third in a series and that usually adds a sense of confusion (even in romance books). This, however, was delightful. Hathor seems a bit prickly and aggressive at first but really grows more likable and really very funny as the story progresses. Prince Wilhelm is a realistically flawed but also very likable character. Their dialogue is snappy and entertaining and their tension works well. I didn’t feel like the reading experience was lacking by not reading the first two in the series. I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

This is my favorite in The Dubells series so far. I really liked the banter, and I thought the romance and enemies/rivals to lovers was done so well. Like the other books in the series, this follows The Dubells, specifically their younger daughter Hathor, who has always felt second best to her older sister Aphrodite. She meets Prince Wilhelm, who is notorious, and they start as rivals and fall for each other along the way. I loved how they were both artists and how they were competing against each other. The friendship and banter were well done, along with how the romance was portrayed. If you're looking for a historical romance with a big family(bridgerton vibes), diverse characters, and good banter, you should read this. Thank you to the publisher for this arc!

Read if you like:
- Historical romance
- Rivals to lovers
- Diverse characters
- Close-knit families