An okay read. Some of the characters were not needed, they didn’t add to the story. 3 star read.


*** I received an arc for my honest opinion from NetGalley**

3.5⭐️ This is a super cute and fun royal romance (which I am always a sucker for). I loved the elements of fighting for love as well as all the fun cooking components. While I had a good time reading it, it felt a little insta-love/lust for me and went 0 to 100 too quickly for my preference. I think this is great for someone wanting a romance without a lot of depth!

This was an advanced read copy I received through Netgalley so it’s not going to be officially published until July 30, 2024! But this is my honest review!

Add this book to your to read list, I promise you won’t regret it! & then let me know what you thought!

#books #bookstagram #booktok #bookrating #library #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookrecs#bookcommunity #booklovers #booksofinstagram #bookish #fivestarbooks #romancebook #kindlebooks
#kindleunlimited

I was really excited for this book because the premise sounded really cute. However, the writing style just wasn't for me and the prince and his cousin talked like they were from a different century. Yes, I know, they are royalty, but I doubt very much real royals speak this way. Got on my nerves.

3.5 stars


I adored Jayci Lee's A Sweet Mess series so couldn't pass up the opportunity to read another of her books!

Emma was such a good character, agreeing to an arranged marriage to help her aunt's matchmaking business. Even though she found her own match in Prince Michel.

I enjoyed Michel and the fact he was royalty of a small country in hiding. His cousin Gabriel was so much fun!

Emma and Michel were so different and probably shouldn't have been compatible but they were so much fun together. I really liked their adventures around the city and the ending!

Hopefully another book will be coming featuring Gabriel & Sophie?? 👀

Huge thanks to NetGalley, MacMilan Audio & St Martin's Press for advance copies!

I so enjoyed Emma and Michel's story! I loved watching Michel challenge Emma's belief that they had to have a lot in common to be compatible all the while she's realizing maybe she doesn't need perfect on paper after all.

Thank you NetGalley!

If you’re looking for a grown-up fairy tale that leaves you feeling hopeful and cheering for love, then thisbook is a must-read! It’s the perfect blend of heart, humor, and cultural insight.

Book Review: That Prince Is Mine by Jayci Lee

Jayci Lee's That Prince Is Mine is a delightful contemporary romance that seamlessly blends cultural richness with an engaging love story. With its unique premise and endearing characters, this novel is a charming read that offers both humor and heart.

Plot Overview:

Emma Yoon, a dedicated Korean royal court cuisine instructor in Los Angeles, is laser-focused on her career and dreams of opening her own culinary school. Her well-structured life takes an unexpected turn when her godmother’s fellow matchmakers meddle in her romantic affairs, pushing her into a series of arranged dates with potential suitors. Emma’s practical approach to love is disrupted when she meets Michel Aubert, a handsome USC professor with a secret: he is a prince in disguise.

Michel, who is bound by duty to an arranged marriage, is searching for someone who can love him for who he truly is, rather than his royal status. As Michel and Emma’s paths cross, both must confront their own preconceptions about love and duty. Their growing connection forces Emma to reevaluate her stance on romance, while Michel grapples with his responsibilities and desires.

What I Loved:

Cultural Richness: The novel offers an immersive experience into Korean culture through Emma's culinary expertise and her role in the matchmaking world. Lee’s attention to detail brings authenticity and depth to the setting, making it a refreshing backdrop for the romance.
Engaging Characters: Emma is a relatable heroine, juggling her professional ambitions with familial expectations and societal pressures. Her pragmatic approach to love, combined with her determination to succeed, makes her a compelling character. Michel, with his royal duties and personal desires, is equally intriguing. His internal conflict and genuine affection for Emma add depth to his character.
Humor and Heart: Lee's writing is infused with humor and warmth, making the story both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The comedic elements of Emma’s disastrous first dates and the charming moments between her and Michel create a delightful reading experience.
Romantic Tension: The chemistry between Emma and Michel is palpable, and their evolving relationship is portrayed with both tenderness and tension. Their journey from initial attraction to deeper emotional connection is well-executed, providing a satisfying romance.

What Could Be Improved:

Predictability: While the novel’s premise is unique, some aspects of the plot and character arcs follow familiar romance tropes. This predictability might be noticeable to readers who are well-versed in the genre.

Conclusion:
That Prince Is Mine is a charming and heartwarming romance that successfully combines cultural elements with a classic love story. Jayci Lee has crafted a delightful tale with engaging characters and a compelling narrative. The novel earns a solid four stars for its entertaining plot, cultural authenticity, and the genuine connection between its leads. If you're in the mood for a romantic escape with a touch of royalty, this book is a perfect choice.

That Prince is Mine is a light romance but heavier on the spice ;)
Prince Michel is a visiting professor at USC, trying to use his time as "not a prince" to find true love before going home and marrying into his arranged marriage. Emma is a Korean-American with a dream of running her own culinary school teaching Korean Royal Cuisine. The two end up meeting while Emma is on her matseons, her "perfect on paper" matchmaking attempts from her godmother. Emma gives Michel a chance, determined to prove that they'd never work because they're so different while Michel uses that time to prove to her exactly why they're perfect together.

While I liked Emma and Michel and the cast of side characters, I didn't find myself really drawn into their story. The dating went from 0 to 60 very quickly, which makes sense with the time limit on Michel's time in America, but the lack of real communication was frustrating considering he wanted Emma to move to his country and become his Queen. Feels like that warrants some conversations before proposals!

All in all, a nice little Royal Read if you're in the mood!

Read if you love:
- InstaLove
- Man Obsessed
- Royal Romance
- Alternating POV


Thank you, NetGalley and SMP for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Will they, can they have an HEA? This is a light, pleasant read about two people who want true love-two people from very different backgrounds. Emma is a Korean American chef who teaches others to cook and her grandmother wants her to marry. Michel is a Prince who doesn't want his arranged marriage and he's escaped for a few months to Los Angeles where he's living incognito. These two meet cute, build a relationship and then....no spoilers. You gotta know how things will work out but Lee's done a wonderful job of making you root for this couple. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Delightful.

I initially picked up this book because of the cute cover, thinking it would be a sweet romcom. I wish they would rate books or at least require a heat index in descriptions I saw nothing about being the book being steamy let alone that it was riddled with descriptive sex scenes. I know a lot of people want that in the books they read, but my choice is closed door romance. I was also disappointed with the foul language. I need to be more vigilant on researching the books I read. If you enjoy that in a book, then be my guest. Although that is not the only reason that I gave it a low rating. The storyline sounded intriguing, but the execution did not live up to my expectations. I thought Emma started out strong, but very quickly morphed into a silly teenage girl. Her dream of opening a culinary school was ultimately abandoned. Prince Michel was also acting a bit childish. Running away to LA to find love, and acting put out if he had to stop and take care of business for his country. I think my favorite part of the story was Sophie and Gabriel. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book had me on a chokehold with the wild chemistry, and the romance! I love a Michel, and how easy their romance unfolded. Emma’s aunt is a matchmaker and when her reputation is hanging by a thread, Emma agrees to get matched. But then she meets Michel, and this man was far from afraid to ask her out even knowing that she was trying to get matched.

Michel is charming is literally GORG, and a man that knows what he wants. But he’s a royal prince, who is taking some time away from his kingdom to have a little freedom in the states, and when he lease expects it, like Emma, falls in love. When he tells her who he is, I thought “lucky girl” imagine finding out that the guy you are dating is a soon to be King…. The other characters were amazing in this book, and I couldn’t wait to see their HEA…

This book had all the cheese. Every corny trope in the romance category, it is here with the added bonus of cultural clashing and expectations. While this book held no secrets, it was sweet and light and a cute little romance.

#arc
#netgalley
#thatprinceismine

This is a charming contemporary romance with a Korean-American heroine and a European prince.

The book alternates between Emma and Michel's POVs.

Emma's dream is to open a culinary school. Her godmother is a Korean matchmaker. Michel is the crown prince of Rouleme. However he is in Los Angeles as a visiting professor in international relations at USC. His bodyguard Sophie and his cousin Gabriel are both super fun supporting characters.

I really liked seeing so much of the Korean culture, especially in regards to cooking. And I thought that the romance was so good. Emma and Michel made such a cute couple!

I definitely liked these two together. But some of the miscommunication was so frustrating. However the end was really good. Overall I definitely enjoyed this book.

3 stars

I was intrigued by this book because of the references to Korean culture. Who knew there was such a thing as a kimchi refrigerator!!!

Unfortunately. that was the best part of the book. I found it hard to suspend my disbelief at various parts of the story, especially toward the end. For example, Michel is the crown prince of a small (fictional) monarchy and we’’re supposed to believe no one in Los Angeles knows who he is? There was an excessive use of adjectives and adverbs. I began rolling my eyes at every description of Emma’s elegant neck. It was also spicier than I prefer, but that’s a reflection on me, not the writing.

While this may not have been my cup of tea, I do appreciate the opportunity to read it. Thank you St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the digital ARC in return for an honest review.

2/5 stars

I loved the premise of the book. I requested from NG a while back and only just had the chance to read it.

This was a major meh book for me. I couldn't get super invested into the characters because they weren't hardly invested in each other. Their "love" didn't make sense, and at times, I kept hoping for the side characters' story instead of the MC's.

While this book was spicy, it felt too Hallmark-y. I love a good fluffy romance, but this one did not hold my interest.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC

THAT PRINCE IS MINE – Jayci Lee
St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 978-1250907769
July 30, 2024
Romantic Comedy

Los Angeles, California – Present Day

Culinary instructor Emma Yoon has dreams of opening a cooking school in her hometown of Los Angeles. Right now she teaches Korean cuisine to upper-crust Korean brides-to-be. Emma’s godmother, who is a matchmaker, is putting pressure on her to marry because she is getting “too old” at twenty-eight. Emma agrees to go on a few blind dates to test chemistry, but one day, she catches the eye of a handsome man at another table. She is instantly attracted to him, but they have nothing in common. For one thing, he isn’t Korean American, and for another, he indicates that he will be leaving town in the near future to return to his country. But a flirtatious fling might work.

What Emma doesn’t know is that the man she met is Crown Prince Michel. He left his country to gain some independence before he must marry and settle down. He also hopes to find a woman in Los Angeles who will love him for who he is and not because he will someday be king and has loads of money. Michel is attracted to Emma and hopes to go on a date or two with her. Will sparks fly between them? To Emma, Michel is a staid university professor who happens to live in a luxurious penthouse with a bodyguard. Will something click between them that is more than a fleeting attraction?

THAT PRINCE IS MINE is a deliciously funny tale about a prince and the woman he falls for. Michel and Emma could not be any more different from each other. He was raised in a lavish lifestyle surrounded by people who did his bidding. Emma was raised by her father after her mother abandoned her as a child. She is struggling to meet ends and has taken on culinary teaching jobs in hopes of one day having her own shop. Emma introduces Michel to the world of Korean food, and he laps it up. They realize that they have more in common than they realize, though their life experiences are much different. They are soon desperate to find time alone together, even though his bodyguard and cousin are hanging around. Meanwhile, Emma puts off finding herself a husband while she enjoys being with Michel. There is one problem with their happiness: he has put off telling her that he is a prince. How will she react?

I enjoyed reading THAT PRINCE IS MINE and the fun that Emma and Michel got into together. It’s clear they are falling in love, yet we know that her plans for a cooking school in Los Angeles will clash with his duty to his country. Besides Emma and Michel, we see a little side romance between his bodyguard, Sophie, and his cousin, Gabriel. Will everyone get together by the end of this tale? Emma is feeling the heat from her godmother to marry, and she has to consider more than herself as her father plays a big part in her life. Readers will be curious to see how they make it all work out.

A funny and enjoyable tale that will have you turning the pages to see what happens next. Don’t miss THAT PRINCE IS MINE.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

For fans of the movie, The Prince and Me, this book is for you!

It had all the trappings of a fairytale with hilarious supporting characters that helped the couple through their third-act breakup.

It's a book that is very aware of what it means to be from two different worlds but loving each other anyway.

After loving the 'a sweet mess' series, I was looking forward into hopping into this royal romance! The story was engaging, but lacked depth, the MCs weren't insufferable and you wanted to root for them, Emma and Michel had undeniable chemistry from the get go and a smattering of loveable side characters for a story that should have been everything the reader is looking for and it, kind of just, wasn't? I've loved how food has been incorporated in this author's other books and this one was no exception, everything sounded so good and I loved the 'firsts' that they got to share around LA! Buuuut. The focus was more on everything else and not going into depth of Emma and Michel falling for each other and feelings building feelings and growing together and what it was they fell for in each other, we get none of that which felt a little odd to me.

While this book didn't quite hit the mark for me, I truly can't wait to read this author's next book. I spent most of this one rooting for Sophie and Gabriel's HEA and would *love* to read about their love story.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my review!

I really, really enjoyed this opposites attract, dual POV, royal romance that was the PERFECT book for anyone as obsessed as I was with the Julia Stiles movie, The prince & me. The book features Emma, a Korean American cuisine instructor and Michel, a professor slash secret European prince, who couldn't have been more different.

Emma isn't looking for love after witnessing her parents go through a messy divorce and is instead dedicated to the more traditional matchmaking process of finding her partner. Whereas, Michel is trying to fall in love before he has to accept the arranged marriage set up for him in order to inherit the crown.

This was a steamy slow burn full of great banter and excellent audio narration and I loved every minute! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

That Prince is Mine
By: Jayci Lee
Narrated By: Olivia Song
Review Score: 4 Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
•Emma’s relationship with her Dad is so sweet!

•I want to go to some of Emma’s cooking classes!

•Michel and Emma’s romance is so sweet.

•Lee does a great job of showcasing different cultures, and how that can impact how you live your life.

————

That Prince is Mine was kindly provided as an ARC by St. Martin's Press. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

Release Date: Out Now!

Y’all, this was such a fun book. Emma and Michel have the perfect slow burn. I loved watching their relationship evolve!

Every character in this book is dynamic and purposeful, and really add to the book. I loved learning about Emma and Michel and their family and friends.

Lee does such a great job of pointing out how different cultures can impact your childhood, and therefor what you look for as an adult. I really felt all of Emma and Michel’s emotions, and how they juggled their whirlwind romance.