A little Prince & the Pauper trope.
I really wanted to like this but Farron has no redeeming qualities. He hates Tore on sight. Just b/c of the jeans he's wearing and his hair. It continues for a good bit and I think the main issue I have is that Farron is the captain and he lets his animosity carry over to the team. I didn't find him likeable at all. Even with his very thin background on why he doesn't like "rich" people. He seems so self centered and I hated that Tore liked him at all.

The other thing that bugged me is that Tore (Prince) is mentioned as having BLOND hair no less than 100 times, yet the cover has him with dark hair and Farron is mentioned as having DARK hair and the "Player" on the cover is blond. AUTHOR stand up for your self. You know what your characters look like, you wrote them. Have the cover artist change and reflect your work. Or go in and change all your work. Either way, make the change.

The prince and the player was a quick and enjoyable read for me with two fantastic main characters. I thought this was a pretty realistic progression from animosity to love (especially compared to some wild books I’ve read) and I really got caught up in Farron and Tore’s story. There wasn’t much spice, which kind of surprised me, but sometimes it’s just not needed. It’s pretty obvious that Tore’s buddies will get their own books and I’m on board! Four stars!

3.5 ⭐

Before I begin I want to thank Netgally for giving me this ARC.

This basically is a red white and royal blue dupe except for the fact that Farron didn't know that Tore was a prince. It was fun to read and I really liked how the football (I refuse to call it soccer) part was incorporated in the storyline. The funny thing is, I'm Dutch, so when I read certain things, I was like, "Yes, that's so true." For example, the faking after a tackle and then a few minutes later you're totally fine. That happens all the time. And I just knew the moment I read Johan Cruyff that the author had to be Dutch, and I was right.

Also quick sidenote the cover just doesn't make sense to me. Shouldn't it be switched? Tore the prince was the one with blond hair right? So I just don't get why Farron is the one in the formal outfit.

Overall I really enjoyed reading this and I recommend it if you liked Red White and Royal Blue.

This had a slow start for me. It took a bit to get into this one, which ultimately made me remove a star, but once I got into it, I really enjoyed it. It's campy and predictable but still enjoyable. Sometimes, I just want a nice feel-good romance that doesn't have to be a deep read. This is that read. It follows the expected formula and is still a fun read. I do wish more had been done to develop characters. Aside from the main two, I really can't tell you anything about anyone elses personality. I'm a sucker for solid side characters, too, and this just didn't have that at all. It was a fun read but not a love.

This is a delightful, low angst romance between two college soccer teammates, one of whom just so happens to be a prince. The book kicks off with four European princes commiserating on their desire to just be normal for a while and concocting a plan to ask their families to allow them to attend college in the US for a year. The Prince and the Player centers around Tore, the fourth in line prince to the Norwegian throne.

Cut to Tore joining the soccer team at a college in Ohio and a boat load of satisfying tropes with his love interest, Farron - prince in disguise, enemies to lovers to friends/lovers, rivals to lovers, teammate romance, poor hero & rich hero, etc. To be honest, I loved each and every trope as they never overwhelmed the plot and felt right for the characters. The story kept moving as the two main characters eventually became respected teammates who were on their way to the national competition and fell in love.

The only change I would have made was to show Tore and Farron becoming closer friends, not just lovers. They definitely open up to each other emotionally later in the book, but often their physical connection takes precedence over their emotional connection. I would have loved more time seeing them connecting and supporting each other.

All in all, this was a delightful read. Low angst, great heat between the characters, and a satisfying story all around. I will definitely read the next books in the series, sure to follow our remaining three European princes on their adventures to happily ever after.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC!

I really debated my star rating for this book, and settled on 4 for Goodreads but 3.5 in reality. It really went up and down in my head as I read the book, never totally sure how I would settle on the experience.

The bad was mostly the pacing. I could never tell how much time had passed, and it felt like it really rocketed along. I still can’t believe the main plot takes place over six months (if I’m even right about that; I’m not American so I’m not totally sure when Spring Break normally is, as I know it’s different where I’m from). Some of the writing was a bit awkward as well, and a character is referenced as looking at People of Walmart’s social media – which doesn’t exist anymore, and hasn’t in a long time. I assumed this took place in 2024/2025, but the last time anyone looked at People of Walmart was probably 2016.

The good… is kind of also the bad, but I couldn’t stop laughing and joy will always triumph over logic. Once the miscommunications and difficulties hit, the characters make choices that are so outlandishly bizarre I started laughing so hard that someone came to check on me to make sure I was okay. There’s also a Pyramus and Thisbe scene and… well, if you know, you know.

So, while there was definitely some awkward pacing and characters, the plot was so delightfully bonkers that I really enjoyed myself for the entire time I read the book, especially the last 30% or so.

This was a ok read. I thought there would be a bit more going within the story.
Parts of the story was quite enjoyable.
Parts of the story was quite spicy.
I encourage others to give it a go.

3.75/5, rounded up.

Tore is a Norwegian prince who just wants to feel normal. Farron is a hardworking college soccer player who also works at Walmart to help support his mom and sisters after his dad died. When Tore joins the soccer team, Farron immediately dislikes him and writes him off as spoiled and privileged. He seems immune to Tore's attempts to win him over until they kiss one night in a hotel before a soccer game. Farron and Tore become friends with benefits and maybe more, but Tore's identity is still a secret.

I know this is a lighthearted romance, but I always thing "woe is me, being royal is so hard" is such a tough stance to support. I understand that Tore feels pressure to act a certain way, but frankly monarchy is an insane concept and Farron is absolutely right that there is a difference between being worried your family will go hungry and being worried you'll ruin the reputation of unelected leaders that could become obsolete. I would have liked to see Tore confront that a bit more through the lens of their relationship.

I did think that Tore was sweet and I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between the two of them. Seeing Farron coming to terms with his sexuality and letting his guard down was satisfying. On the other hand, I was disappointed about the way the book handled them being outed by their teammate. It was shown as a cute acceptance moment for the whole team, but him immediately saying he would tell the whole team in a group chat? Super not ok. There were a couple other instances of seemingly more important things being glossed over too (Farron stopping the football player from taking a drunk girl home, etc).

All in all, this book was a fun read and I liked the contrasts between Farron and Tore, and I thought their relationship offered both of them room to grow. I will probably read the sequels, which I imagine will focus on Tore's friends. I like Nora's other books and the way she writes, but I think this one glossed over some scenes that I wish had more attention which made things a little too lighthearted for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Overall I liked this book. The characters were well rounded. Farron and Tore were great and while I wish it would have kept going I enjoyed the ending.

Okay , it was really really sweet romance book. I just enjoyed so much(read it in one sitting). Torn is a prince, who get a chance to live his life as commoner and play football ⚽ (oops, soccer). But he got a serious beef with his team captain,Farron. Farron has rough life and he hates nothing more than rich, untitled, snobbish kida, who gets everything easily. Torn want to please his team captain, so he can see his dedication and determination toward team. And then a heated kiss change everything.
All the fire bwteen them was now blazing. They can't keep each other out of their mind. So in order to get this thing out of system , they started hooking up.

I really like Torn . He is literally a ray of sunshine, kind hearted , and of course his politness and charming. He stood everything , Farron hate.
Farron is a grumpy man. Literally is a dry man .
Their was amazing. Their were fire between them. Both of them was stronghead, passionate and determined person. And really like how Farron ,goes to win Torn heart. They both were insparable.
The plot was simple. There was not so external hurdle comes between their relationship.

Again it was spicy and sweet. And all the cultural and language diiference , done very well. Their were lot of funny moment ,I really enjoyed.
Sometimes I may feel Farron behaviour is too much and their can be more details about Farron's career.
Otherwise It was very enjoyable and lovely.

Okay, so I did find this to be quite enjoyable; however, I do have a lot to say.

FIRST, Nora is an outstanding writer. Not only is it detailed, but it is not unduly drawn out, which made for a refreshing read. The way they frame the settings and communicate the feelings of the characters was excellent. Personally, I found myself relating to and enjoying the writing style that they have.

SECOND, in my view, the narrative seemed somewhat underdeveloped, as the interactions between the two main characters felt insufficient before the romance took center stage. Additionally, the plot seemed to primarily focus on soccer and the sex, which left a significant gap in terms of depth and complexity.

The relationship between Tore and Farron felt somewhat rushed, as their connection seemed to leap straight into kissing anytime they saw each other and left me wanting for a deeper exploration of their bond and more conversation. The story just felt like it was missing something.

Farron's only reason for his animosity towards Tore felt odd, as it was rooted solely in Tore's wealth. While I understand the backstory involving Farron's father's family, the sense of injustice that he harbored felt more like jealousy and immaturity. I understand the aspect that it contributes to the angst and plot development, certainly, but that being his singular reason annoyed me, as Tore was nothing but kind, and in my opinion, it was an exhausted trope within the book.

With all that being said, it was a rather enjoyable read that had me going through many emotions, and I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first book by this author and I absolutely adored it!!!! I love a good grumpy sunshine moment and this book did not disappoint.

I really enjoyed Nora Phoenix's writing style and the bi-awakening from both MMC's. I can't wait for the rest of this series. 10/10 recommend.

DNF @ 28%. I was really excited for this one when I saw the comparison to Red, White, & Royal Blue, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. It wasn't a "bad" book, but I wasn't feeling a connection to the characters, and Farron's hatred towards Tore was a little heavy handed.

Also, this might be a minor thing, but in the scene where Farron interrupts the guy who was trying to drag home a drunk girl to SA, I was disappointed that Farron just threatened the guy and then internally was all "I know he won't dare to do something to her now" and let them still leave together! I think that scene would be much more impactful if Farron had also either 1. Gone with them to make sure the girl got home or 2. Taken the girl from the douchebag and taken her home himself. Him just verbally saying something felt like the bare minimum of intervention, especially when that other guy could still totally SA the girl and she's too drunk to even really remember! And it's not like Farron was following up with her the next day to double check sooo?! I think that scene was meant to make us like Farron after he was so unlikable towards Tore, but it missed the mark for me.

2.5 stars.

I usually love both the football/soccer and royal romance tropes, but sadly, my tolerance for eye rolling was at my limit for this book. Think about every romance cliche you can think of. Good. Now think about a story with every one of them in it. That is this book. You've got a character hating the other for no reason, judging them for every little thing. Is it hate or lust? "Tongues battle for dominance." "I suddenly love you through all this sex." 3rd act breakup and characters getting mad at each other for "lying" when it was just not telling your whole life story to someone you are hooking up with. Finally, there is the huge "romantic" gesture at the end to get back together. Even though this is a short book, it took me a while because I was groaning out loud throughout the book. At least the writing was easy to read, and the soccer scenes were pretty good. I think if the characters were more fleshed out and the rivalry wasn't so random and one-sided, I would have enjoyed it more.

Also, why does the cover art men have the wrong hair colors? The prince should be blond and the soccer player brown.

The Prince and the player is an MM enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine book that follows Prince Tore of Norway, who goes to college in America for a year to experience being normal. When he turns up, he joins the soccer team, and meets the captain Farron, who hates Tore instantly. Farron's family is poor and has a bias against rich people, and he can tell Tore is rich. Tore just wants Farron to like him, and the more time they have to spend together and closeness they are forced to have as teammates, it boils over to them hooking up. Farron thinks if they do it enough, they will get it out of their systems, but they end up falling for each other instead, which Tore knew would happen.
Enemies to lovers is my top favourite tropes, and this book is reminiscent of Red White and Royal Blue, which is the book that got me into reading. So I enjoyed this one a lot.

The Prince and the Player is a royally romantic, enemies-to-lovers college romance. It is the first book in the Prince Pact series and features an undercover, sunshiney prince and a grumpy, handsome soccer captain. The two of them must figure out that the line between love and hate is paper thin, and that fighting an undeniable and strong attraction is hard work.

Reading The Prince and the Player is like hugging a long lost friend. Warm, cheerful and safe. Being a huge fan of Red, White and Royal Blue, this book is just for me.

The book is written in a funny and easy language making it a quick read. I was drawn into the story from the first page and had difficulties putting the book down.

Tropes: MM romance, grumpy/sunshine, college soccer, double bi-awakening, opposites attract, exchange student

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if fire and ice had a meet-cute and then proceeded to set the world on fire (in the best way possible), The Prince and the Player by Nora Phoenix is your answer. Farron and Tore couldn’t be more different—one’s all refinement and duty, the other’s all passion and instinct—but watching them crash into each other and somehow create something beautiful? Absolute magic.

Farron turns into the ultimate boyfriend goals (seriously, where do I sign up?), while Tore is his biggest cheerleader, always lifting him up in ways that make your heart melt. The tension? Off the charts. The love? Explosive. This book is basically a masterclass in slow-burn meets fiery passion, and I adored every second of it.

The Prince & I meets the Bergman Brothers series in this new MM soccer romance. Prince Tore of Norway, fourth in line as his uncle's heir, has only wanted to be a professional football player. After a cousin's wedding, putting Tore further down the line succession, he convinces his uncle to allow him to attend an American university to play the sport he loves and misses. Under the guise of being a European transfer student, Tore joins the Hawley College soccer team, much to the dismay of captain Farron Carey. Farron works hard at both school and at his part-time job, to keep his scholarship and cover any additional costs of college. He really doesn't appreciate a rich boy flaunting his natural talent all over the field, constantly getting in Farron's way. But as the two begin to forge a friendship, something deeper sparks in the heat.
As much as I enjoy sports romances, secret identities, and rivals-to-lovers, this particular book didn't do it for me. The conversations are quite redundant, the boys' relationship is flat, and as much as the two MCs claim their families and friends are important to them, you learn virtually nothing about either's lives outside of the obvious.
The premise of the book is good, but I give this a 2.5/5 stars. I don't think I'll read any others in this series.

The Prince and the Player is a fun, steamy romance with strong chemistry between the leads and an engaging soccer backdrop. The familiar "enemies-to-lovers" plot is enjoyable but predictable, and while the writing is easy to follow, it occasionally feels clichéd. The character names (Tore, Farron, Caspian, Florian) feel forced and distract from the story's realism.

Overall, it’s a solid read for fans of light romance but lacks originality to stand out.

A fun new queer royal romance that is perfect for fans of RED, WHITE, AND ROYAL BLUE! This was such a fun read!