In this highly predictable rom-com (the title literally gives it away), Stefi, an American teenager on vacation in Spain, falls in love with Xavi, a Spanish teen who is working as a prep-chef but who is really the future prince. Their romance escalates quickly, and they end up double dating with Xavi’s best friend and his boy crush, the side-plot in this story.
In some ways, the Santiago-Diego romance was more developed than that of Stefi and Xavi. There was almost no tension in this story, you knew right from the start where this was going. The writing could have been cleaned up a bit–some parts seemed forced and rushed, some dialog was stilted and repetitive. The characters read older than they were supposed to be as well–Stefi especially seemed a lot more mature than a 17 year old.
2.5 stars rounded up

Someone write up the movie script STAT! This was so freaking cute, it's like RWRB, The Spanish Love Deception (in reverse) and The Princess Diaries - I LOVED IT!

This was such a cute summer read, I am not usually a huge YA reader but I loved this.

This book is definitely on the older side of YA (I’d say age 15-18?) and contains some of the most swoon-worthy romance. It focusses a lot on Stefi finding herself and stepping out of the shadow of her ex-best-friend, which I know a lot of other younger people will relate to.

There were LOTS of delicious-sounding food descriptions, which I personally love to read.

I initially found Xavi’s character to be a little one-dimensional, but as the book went on, we got to see a lot more of his personality. On the other hand, I found Stefi’s POV really fun to read from the get-go.

All in all, this book was such a fun and addictive experience! I’d recommend it for anyone who enjoyed Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston or Royal Blood by Aimée Carter. Maybe even fans of The Princess Diaries? Although I’ve never watched it so I wouldn’t know for sure😂

This was a very sweet, lighthearted read. It was quite fast paced and with it only being a short read, isn’t too developed, but at face value it’s an enjoyable romance for YA readers. I liked the characters enough to enjoy the book, but I personally didn’t feel any genuine connections from them, but that may be personal preference because I’m not a fan of instant love. I really liked the descriptions of food and Barcelona, it definitely made me miss summer! I think any YA readers wanting a fun summery romance will like this for sure.

Stefi and the Spanish Prince is a whirlwind romance set against the vibrant, sun-drenched backdrop of Barcelona. The novel blends the allure of travel with the excitement of secret identities, creating a story that is both fun and full of heart. Donna's love of Barcelona is clear in the language and in the hidden parts of the city she lays bare for us.

Stefi, the American protagonist, is easy to root for. Her journey of healing after a breakup feels relatable, and her desire to immerse herself in a new culture, practice her Catalan, and explore her passion for baking gives the story an appealing layer of personal growth. The culinary institute scenes and the descriptions of the food really help ground the novel in its setting, bringing Barcelona’s rich flavors and energy to life. I defy anyone to read this without immediately craving some Spanish food!

Xavi, the secret prince working in a tapas bar, might sound like a trope - the prince hiding among his people - but the chemistry between him and Stefi feels organic, and the twist that no one even knows there is a prince is fresh enough to revive the trope. His own struggle with balancing royal responsibilities and the desire for normalcy adds depth to what could have been a flat “prince in hiding” character. His relationships with Stefi and Santiago provide an interesting mix of romance and friendship, keeping the story dynamic.

Santiago and Diego’s storyline adds a refreshing twist. Santiago's role as a protector and confidante evolving into his own romantic exploration with Xavi's best friend Diego brings an extra layer of LGBTQ+ representation, which feels natural and well-integrated. The dynamics between the main quartet make the stakes higher when Xavi’s royal secret is at risk of being exposed.

While the pacing is quick, which keeps the reader engaged, it occasionally rushes through emotional beats. The conflict of Xavi’s secret coming out feels inevitable, but the resolution could have used a bit more depth. As well as this, although it does explain some of the political tensions plaguing Spain, there are lots of Spanish terms and cultural references that go untranslated. Still, the combination of romance, personal growth, and the glitzy tension of hidden royalty makes it an enjoyable, escapist read.

In short, Stefi and the Spanish Prince offers readers a vibrant romantic getaway in one of Europe’s most iconic cities, with a dash of royal drama and plenty of heartwarming moments.

DNF @ 25%

I was looking forward to this one since I love books about royalty and about baking, and the Barcelona setting is so much fun. However, something about this book just isn't gripping me--I think it's the writing style. There is a lot of info dumping so far, and I'm not finding myself interested in any of the characters. That said, this one does have a lot of interesting elements, and I'm sure others will enjoy this summer read more than I did.

It was a cute read, a good way to end the Summer. The stoey setting made me miss my days in Barcelona, especially the description of La Boqueria.
Although I started the book hopeful, I must admit it was a bit too long and chaotic. While I understand the author cannot provide the details about each character at the beginning of the book, the back and forth between the past and the present was a little confusing. I loved Diego and Santi, I need a book of their own. While Stefi and Xavi where good for each other, I felt like their attraction was too instant, a little forced.
All in all it was still a cute read with lovely elements.

In the wake of a messy breakup, Stefi is all about reinventing herself. This means leaving home behind and focusing on her baking classes in Barcelona. Optional: checking out the cute cook from Stefi's new favourite tapas spot El Mercado.

Overall, this was a fun and quick read, definitely appropriate for and relatable to summer vacation. When it comes to the characters, I liked getting to know Stefi and Xavi. I'm not a massive fan of multiple perspectives in books, and wasn't expecting there to be a whole other plotline. Thus, I wasn't quite invested in Santiago's point of view.

I was a little concerned with the fast progression of Stefi and Xavi's relationship when considering healthy relationship practices for young people. Let's be real, it shouldn't be normalised for teens to hook up when they've only known each other for a short period of time. Aside from this concern, the dialogue of the young characters in the book felt fairly genuine.

Thanks HarperCollins for providing this book for review via Netgalley!

hank you to HarperCollinsTeen for providing me with a copy of "Stefi and the Spanish Prince." This book gave me "The Princess Diaries" vibes. One aspect that truly stood out to me was the vivid descriptions of the delicious food featured in the story - I could almost taste it myself. However, I struggled to connect with the characters and didn't quite feel a strong bond with them. Despite this, the overall excitement of the plot kept me engaged.

#HarperCollinsTeen #BookReview #PrincessDiaries #RoyalRomance #FoodieFiction #EngagingPlot #CharacterDevelopment #LiteraryDelights #BookWormsUnite

This was a very sweet and fun read— one that just relishes in young, first love. It’s youthful, it’s carefree, it’s filled with so much hopes and dreams for the future. I can’t help but smile for that, for this being a book that’s easy to embrace and relate to.

I really loved the focus on the two romances, the primary being Stefi and Xavi, who each have a POV; and the secondary being Santiago and Diego, of whom only Santi has a POV.

Stefi and Xavi have a whirlwind romance, one that feels it abruptly ends just as begins, as the couple are forced apart upon the revelation of Xavi’s background. Even with how short of a time frame their romance has, it’s one you feel it built for more. Thus, you root instantly for them to find each other, to make things work. To battle all external forces and pick one another. I may love my romances explored with more of a slow burn, but given how young these leads are, I think their love story is perfectly paced for them. It’s messy, lustful, filled with urgency, and filled with promise.

Luckily, my slow burn preference is taken care of by Santiago’s POV, where we see him so smitten with Diego and initially too worried over his current position as royal bodyguard to take the leap and try for something more with Diego. He is consistently pushing back, thinking it’s for the best, yet feeling a constant pull to Diego. I cheered them on so hard, they deserve to find their happily ever after.

There’s another (POV-less) romance that’s subtle and left in the background and I can’t express how much I wish they had their own book because I think I could relate to them best and it would be right up my alley; it’s a romance starring Xavi’s mother, Marta, and someone very important. You’ll have to read to find out!

I would have loved if this story continued on, it felt it was just at the beginning, but I do have hopes for a sequel. I think it's primed for just that and I hope we get to see one happen!

Overall, this was a delightful read. It is very YA, so if that’s a genre that you tend to go for, this one is definitely for you!
There is so much spirit, urgency, hopes, and a tangible, relatable messiness that is so definitive of youth, whether you’re like me looking back fondly on it, or living it right now. I hope you find something to love in this one, something to remind you of highs and low of adolescence, and the burgeoning of first love.

Thank you kindly to Harper360YA and NetGalley for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

An American in Spain falls for the secret heir in this new YA romance that is perfect for fans of The princess diaries with Anne Hathaway. I loved that there was a baking/pastry focus and a surprise royal romance. It was a fun summer read that was great on audio too. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Okay I liked this book. I did.

A few issues for me.

It was choppy. When POVs were switched it seems like we would just move ahead and miss chunks of time.

It was a little too instalove. I think because of the choppiness of the book it was a longer time but it also felt like they only knew each other a day or two. Seems a bit fast for two people who are about to f it to all of Spain. Also same scenario for Santi and Diego. Just too fast to be believable. (I really liked Santinand Diego though 😍).

So much more would have to go into discussions about dating a prince than one night. Just saying. And she didn’t even discuss it with her family. Also her family seemed like they were extremely out of touch.

Okay but really I did like this book. It was cute and I wish the characters the best. I just wished it was a bit more smooth and real.

Really 3.5 stars for me but rounded up because I did like it.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

Between Barcelona’s tapas and baking classes, the city and its food is as much a character in this novel as Stefi and Xavi.

I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the themes in “Stefi and the Spanish Prince.” Thoughtful ideas like anonymity, classism, media influence, authenticity, and creating your own path were layered throughout the story, much like the layers of a croissant.

Certain moments created strong emotional connections for me, such as Stefi’s empowering trip to the beach and her late-night visit to El Mercado. I also appreciated how much Stefi loved the photo taken of her and Xavi (even though…).

I wanted to experience the adventure myself, be in Barcelona with Stefi. Unfortunately, the novel often relied on telling instead of showing, which disconnected me from the city and made the story less engaging. I’ve connected more with previous books by Fritas.

The plot, the characters and the messages in “Stefi and the Spanish Prince” would make it a nice addition to a high school library shelf.