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jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this first book in a new series introducing us to the Prince siblings. Ella and Luca's story was an opposites attract/unrequited crush story with good pacing, fun banter, and a well-rounded story.
I really like the slow but steady progression of the friendship between Luca and Ella and how Luca was the one who was doing most of the chasing. Though I don't always love the whole former manwhore turned loyal lover storyline, I did enjoy getting to know Luca and seeing that he was so much more than his reputation. His secret was a surprise and one that I'm actually still unsure exactly how I feel about it. Not that there was anything wrong with it but I struggle with the way his family dealt with it and how well he was able to hide it for so long. I adore that he took things into his own hands and stepped up to make the changes necessary to feed his passion for land conservation as well as being not just open to settling down with Ella, but actively pursuing it when she wasn't so open to the idea.
I wish that Ella hadn't listened so much to everyone around her about how she and Luca were too different to ever be able to make it. I understand that realistically their difference did need to be acknowledged but her friends weren't very tactful with the way they constantly reminded her. Her insecurities were valid and I totally understood why they were holding her back from really letting go with Luca but it was frustrating none-the-less.
At times the book did seem to drag a little bit for me. I appreciated the chapters were we got to see Luca's family's point of view because it helped me to not completely dislike his mother but at times it just felt unnecessary to the story.
I was already looking forward to Hallie and Nick's stories a third of the way into this one. I can't wait to read more about the Prince family!
*I received an early copy from the publisher for voluntary review
I really like the slow but steady progression of the friendship between Luca and Ella and how Luca was the one who was doing most of the chasing. Though I don't always love the whole former manwhore turned loyal lover storyline, I did enjoy getting to know Luca and seeing that he was so much more than his reputation. His secret was a surprise and one that I'm actually still unsure exactly how I feel about it. Not that there was anything wrong with it but I struggle with the way his family dealt with it and how well he was able to hide it for so long. I adore that he took things into his own hands and stepped up to make the changes necessary to feed his passion for land conservation as well as being not just open to settling down with Ella, but actively pursuing it when she wasn't so open to the idea.
I wish that Ella hadn't listened so much to everyone around her about how she and Luca were too different to ever be able to make it. I understand that realistically their difference did need to be acknowledged but her friends weren't very tactful with the way they constantly reminded her. Her insecurities were valid and I totally understood why they were holding her back from really letting go with Luca but it was frustrating none-the-less.
At times the book did seem to drag a little bit for me. I appreciated the chapters were we got to see Luca's family's point of view because it helped me to not completely dislike his mother but at times it just felt unnecessary to the story.
I was already looking forward to Hallie and Nick's stories a third of the way into this one. I can't wait to read more about the Prince family!
*I received an early copy from the publisher for voluntary review
sandrareilly513's review against another edition
3.0
It's always sweet when a renowned "playboy" falls for the girl-next-door, changing his lifestyle and everything else he thinks will help him prove to her that he's serious about her. London adds an additional layer by weaving in the the defense mechanisms of a rich guy who's had to hide his illiteracy his whole life and a poor woman who was raised in one foster home after another, making their journey one big struggle to get past one another's emotional boundaries. I liked both Luca and Ella, and their scenes together portrayed such a sweet relationship. The love could easily be felt between the lines and was also explicitly played out for readers to experience. My only issue: However, I will definitely look for the second in the series.
Spoiler
Luca and Ella go out on exactly two dates. Two. The rest of their relationship plays out at her run-down house. While their scenes together are charming, it's no wonder why Ella has trouble believing in how Luca feels about her and whether or not they can truly make a life together when they come from such separate backgrounds and have spent very little time in his "world".aquariandancer's review against another edition
4.0
Princes of Texas Book One.
Ella Kendall is given the chance to make a home for herself when her grandmother leaves Ella the deed to her childhood home. Since Ella grew up in the foster care system shortly after leaving that home, she truly values the idea of a home no one can take away from her so she jumps at this chance, even though the house needs a lot of work. When she runs into her high school crush, Luca Prince, and he doesn't even remember her, Ella is disheartened. However, over time Luca begins to hang around and the two grow closer. The relationship Ella has built with Luca is put in jeopardy when Ella's foster sister falls back into her old ways.
If you're looking for a story with family drama of all kinds, cowboys, and animals that won't take no for an answer, this book is for you.
Ella Kendall is given the chance to make a home for herself when her grandmother leaves Ella the deed to her childhood home. Since Ella grew up in the foster care system shortly after leaving that home, she truly values the idea of a home no one can take away from her so she jumps at this chance, even though the house needs a lot of work. When she runs into her high school crush, Luca Prince, and he doesn't even remember her, Ella is disheartened. However, over time Luca begins to hang around and the two grow closer. The relationship Ella has built with Luca is put in jeopardy when Ella's foster sister falls back into her old ways.
If you're looking for a story with family drama of all kinds, cowboys, and animals that won't take no for an answer, this book is for you.
jaimereadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this first book in a new series introducing us to the Prince siblings. Ella and Luca's story was an opposites attract/unrequited crush story with good pacing, fun banter, and a well-rounded story.
I really like the slow but steady progression of the friendship between Luca and Ella and how Luca was the one who was doing most of the chasing. Though I don't always love the whole former manwhore turned loyal lover storyline, I did enjoy getting to know Luca and seeing that he was so much more than his reputation. His secret was a surprise and one that I'm actually still unsure exactly how I feel about it. Not that there was anything wrong with it but I struggle with the way his family dealt with it and how well he was able to hide it for so long. I adore that he took things into his own hands and stepped up to make the changes necessary to feed his passion for land conservation as well as being not just open to settling down with Ella, but actively pursuing it when she wasn't so open to the idea.
I wish that Ella hadn't listened so much to everyone around her about how she and Luca were too different to ever be able to make it. I understand that realistically their difference did need to be acknowledged but her friends weren't very tactful with the way they constantly reminded her. Her insecurities were valid and I totally understood why they were holding her back from really letting go with Luca but it was frustrating none-the-less.
At times the book did seem to drag a little bit for me. I appreciated the chapters were we got to see Luca's family's point of view because it helped me to not completely dislike his mother but at times it just felt unnecessary to the story.
I was already looking forward to Hallie and Nick's stories a third of the way into this one. I can't wait to read more about the Prince family!
*I received an early copy from the publisher for voluntary review
I really like the slow but steady progression of the friendship between Luca and Ella and how Luca was the one who was doing most of the chasing. Though I don't always love the whole former manwhore turned loyal lover storyline, I did enjoy getting to know Luca and seeing that he was so much more than his reputation. His secret was a surprise and one that I'm actually still unsure exactly how I feel about it. Not that there was anything wrong with it but I struggle with the way his family dealt with it and how well he was able to hide it for so long. I adore that he took things into his own hands and stepped up to make the changes necessary to feed his passion for land conservation as well as being not just open to settling down with Ella, but actively pursuing it when she wasn't so open to the idea.
I wish that Ella hadn't listened so much to everyone around her about how she and Luca were too different to ever be able to make it. I understand that realistically their difference did need to be acknowledged but her friends weren't very tactful with the way they constantly reminded her. Her insecurities were valid and I totally understood why they were holding her back from really letting go with Luca but it was frustrating none-the-less.
At times the book did seem to drag a little bit for me. I appreciated the chapters were we got to see Luca's family's point of view because it helped me to not completely dislike his mother but at times it just felt unnecessary to the story.
I was already looking forward to Hallie and Nick's stories a third of the way into this one. I can't wait to read more about the Prince family!
*I received an early copy from the publisher for voluntary review
raoionna's review against another edition
3.0
There were many strengths to this book. First, it was very well actualized. The language is solid, with some wonderful conversational passages. The main characters, Ella and Luca, fall in line with many tropes of the genre (high school classmates, huge/ uneven crush, playboy and poor girl. The tropes of the genre (notice I don't say stereotypes) didn't at all bother me. The nuances of character outweighed any elements of familiar plotting.
Of course, the tone of my first sentence should indicate that is a "but" here. I don't know if it's London I fault or the genre in general (one that I have even blogged about loving mind). About 2/3 of the way through, you are starting to see these two people are friends growing into more. You see Luca isn't quite the cad you think. Ella is no wilting hayseed. The story is right on. This is Cinderella story where the poor girl needs saving as much as the prince. Cool! Then London makes a joke about feminism. The guy demands to take the girl on the date. She feels she shouldn't be ordered around, as she is a feminist, but then agrees stating she is a "bad feminist." Dear Ms. London, a bad feminist is one who doesn't think men and women are equal. Period. All other actions, including dating a cowboy, and actually a very enlightened one at that, doesn't make her a bad feminist. Feminism isn't about what you wear, or who buys you dinner, or which books you read. It is simply, and I say this again for the people in the back, the idea that women are equal.
What is strange is that after the protagonist calls herself a bad feminist, the cowboy calls himself one too. A cowboy even calling him a feminist, even tongue in cheek, is a sense that this book has inherent equality of sexes.
London, it's okay to think women and men are equal and due to equal rights under the law. It doesn't mean that women can't let me, including hot cowboys, buy them dinner. It also doesn't mean that women can't enjoy a book about said cowboys (or write them). And, I'll tell you what, it also means that I can rationally say this was a good book, worth enjoying on your next holiday, say, or in an evening where you need some escapism, despite that drawback. After all, I can be a feminist, see a mistake in something a woman does, speak of it critically, and still appreciate their work.
Thanks to Penguin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Of course, the tone of my first sentence should indicate that is a "but" here. I don't know if it's London I fault or the genre in general (one that I have even blogged about loving mind). About 2/3 of the way through, you are starting to see these two people are friends growing into more. You see Luca isn't quite the cad you think. Ella is no wilting hayseed. The story is right on. This is Cinderella story where the poor girl needs saving as much as the prince. Cool! Then London makes a joke about feminism. The guy demands to take the girl on the date. She feels she shouldn't be ordered around, as she is a feminist, but then agrees stating she is a "bad feminist." Dear Ms. London, a bad feminist is one who doesn't think men and women are equal. Period. All other actions, including dating a cowboy, and actually a very enlightened one at that, doesn't make her a bad feminist. Feminism isn't about what you wear, or who buys you dinner, or which books you read. It is simply, and I say this again for the people in the back, the idea that women are equal.
What is strange is that after the protagonist calls herself a bad feminist, the cowboy calls himself one too. A cowboy even calling him a feminist, even tongue in cheek, is a sense that this book has inherent equality of sexes.
London, it's okay to think women and men are equal and due to equal rights under the law. It doesn't mean that women can't let me, including hot cowboys, buy them dinner. It also doesn't mean that women can't enjoy a book about said cowboys (or write them). And, I'll tell you what, it also means that I can rationally say this was a good book, worth enjoying on your next holiday, say, or in an evening where you need some escapism, despite that drawback. After all, I can be a feminist, see a mistake in something a woman does, speak of it critically, and still appreciate their work.
Thanks to Penguin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
audreylee's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
soulwinds's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review
Okay, this book is actually pretty funny. I like Ella. She’s actually quite a little spitfire. I love the thoughts that go through her head, particularly at the beginning. When Luca Prince finds her stranded on the side of the road next to her broken down jeep in snow boots….man I had a good chuckle. When she realizes Luca has no idea who she is after stealing her first kiss as a teenager, she outraged. Hilariously so. Luca can’t figure out why she seems to be resistant to his charms… until he scares the dickens out of her sneaking up on her in his silent electric car while she’s surveying the new damage to her porch. Then he makes it his mission to befriend her and I dare say, fall for him like all the other girls.
I also find it interesting that the author gives Luca some serious hurdles to get over. Like his…well let’s call it a disorder that he is trying to overcome. Or his family, who refuse to take him seriously because he’s been such a playboy for all of these years. It’s a pretty refreshing take on the charming young man who will win our main lady’s heart. He is definitely not a perfect, princely, wealthy man. He has character flaws he is working to overcome.
And Ella is no Mary sue, even if Luca is intrigued with her because ‘she’s not like other women.’ She’s a foster child, given a gift of a run down house on a piece of gorgeous property, complete with a barn/garage that is leaning dangerously, a jeep that keeps breaking down, a stray dog who’s decided she owns him, and a pig that just randomly showed up and decided to call the place home…kinda funny. What’s not so funny, but more admirable is Ella’s struggle to make ends meet. She’s an account trying to get her business off the ground. As a result of her struggling business, she’s also a hostess at a local bar and grill.
This book is just refreshing. It’s a good contemporary, western-ish modern romance. The characters have flaws. They are completely believable.
Okay, this book is actually pretty funny. I like Ella. She’s actually quite a little spitfire. I love the thoughts that go through her head, particularly at the beginning. When Luca Prince finds her stranded on the side of the road next to her broken down jeep in snow boots….man I had a good chuckle. When she realizes Luca has no idea who she is after stealing her first kiss as a teenager, she outraged. Hilariously so. Luca can’t figure out why she seems to be resistant to his charms… until he scares the dickens out of her sneaking up on her in his silent electric car while she’s surveying the new damage to her porch. Then he makes it his mission to befriend her and I dare say, fall for him like all the other girls.
I also find it interesting that the author gives Luca some serious hurdles to get over. Like his…well let’s call it a disorder that he is trying to overcome. Or his family, who refuse to take him seriously because he’s been such a playboy for all of these years. It’s a pretty refreshing take on the charming young man who will win our main lady’s heart. He is definitely not a perfect, princely, wealthy man. He has character flaws he is working to overcome.
And Ella is no Mary sue, even if Luca is intrigued with her because ‘she’s not like other women.’ She’s a foster child, given a gift of a run down house on a piece of gorgeous property, complete with a barn/garage that is leaning dangerously, a jeep that keeps breaking down, a stray dog who’s decided she owns him, and a pig that just randomly showed up and decided to call the place home…kinda funny. What’s not so funny, but more admirable is Ella’s struggle to make ends meet. She’s an account trying to get her business off the ground. As a result of her struggling business, she’s also a hostess at a local bar and grill.
This book is just refreshing. It’s a good contemporary, western-ish modern romance. The characters have flaws. They are completely believable.
readaholic19's review against another edition
3.0
Ella has always had a crush on Luca Prince, ever since they were in high school together. Years later Ella has an opportunity to come back to Three Rivers where she grew up and she runs into Luca out of all people.
I loved the way this story started out, with the chance encounter and Luca not recognizing Ella. I enjoyed the way the relationship played out between Ella and Luca. They had a sweet romance and I loved the early stages when they were still getting to know each other before they became more intimate.
The last third or so of the book kind of felt flat for me. I felt like there was too much going on with characters that I wasn’t completely invested in. Even though the book had some flaws for me, I still enjoyed it. **Thank you to Penguin for the ARC. All opinions are my own**
I loved the way this story started out, with the chance encounter and Luca not recognizing Ella. I enjoyed the way the relationship played out between Ella and Luca. They had a sweet romance and I loved the early stages when they were still getting to know each other before they became more intimate.
The last third or so of the book kind of felt flat for me. I felt like there was too much going on with characters that I wasn’t completely invested in. Even though the book had some flaws for me, I still enjoyed it. **Thank you to Penguin for the ARC. All opinions are my own**
astridthebookishsweettooth's review
4.0
TITLE: THE CHARMER IN CHAPS
AUTHOR: Julia London
SERIES: Princes of Texas #1
RELEASE DATE: May 7 2019
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
TROPES: Cowboys, Rich Guy - Poor Girl,
FORMAT: audiobook
NARRATORS: Tieran Wilder
LENGTH: 10 hrs and 5 mins
RATING: 4.5 STARS
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
Tieran Wilder does an incredible job narrating this audiobook. I loved the Texas drawl she had for all the characters and how she did the male voices. With that out of the way, let me get to the juicy bits.
I love Historical Romance, yet I've never read Julia London's. So my first time with her is a contemporary romance - kinda odd. But cowboys? SIGN ME UP!
Luca is a wonderfully endearing hero, who was in general rather easy-going and good-natured and seemingly mild-mannered. He is all that but the depth I saw in him was so surprising! Especially towards the end, but more of that later. Luca is known for his pursuits of women. Nobody knows that he is dyslexic and almost illiterate. His restoration efforts of the land his family owns and his goal to become a naturalist are met with ridicule. For one, he can't read. Second, that costs a lot of money. Money, the Princes no longer have, despite their elevated status of being one of the richest families in America.
Enter Ella. She had a crush on Luca back in high school, after the one kiss they shared at senior prom. She has never forgotten him so when she returns to her grandmother's house and Luca doesn't recognize her it stings. But that's all right. She is poor compared to the Princes and would never fit in their orbit anyway. But Luca is intrigued and so begins a dance in which Luca pulls and Ella pushes. Ella has walls around her heart so high, scaling them will bring the reformed hell-raiser to his knees.
“Did you fall?” he asked, hearing that he, too, was a little breathless.
“No,” she said, her voice full of wonder. “But I almost did. I stopped just in the nick of time.”
I loved Luca and Ella's connection. Luca's persistence, watching him fall, it was beauty. There were moments that touched me deeply, especially when he told Ella about his dyslexia or read in front of an audience. I wasn't expecting his pushing back when Ella heard him and I was actually really glad to see that he didn't make it easy for Ella to come back into his life. Ella delivered a pretty good grovel though, so ultimately their reunion was sweet and welcome.
I loved that the author didn't make Luca's dyslexia his defining character trait. No, this man was so much more. He was loyal and tender, tenacious, ambitious and he stood up for himself. He loved with all his heart and soul - he was a dreamboat and I fell head over heels in love with him.
“So, are you falling for me yet?”
“Absolutely not,” she said, and kissed his chest.
“Just checking,” he said, and sighed with a contentment that had settled into his marrow.
Ella was just as lovable, although she really had a hard time letting Luca in. She was never cruel though, so I just couldn't hate her for pushing him away. She never had anyone who stuck with her, except her foster sister, Stacey, who I really disliked. Stacey was a leech and I hated how she tried to dominate over Ella. She was so bitter that she made a relationship between Luca and Ella almost impossible. All Ella knew in her life was abandonment, though, so she stuck with the one person who's never left her, despite Stacey being a constant disappointment.
"I’m telling you—I’ve been telling you—that I’m not walking away from you. If you fall, I am here to catch you. I will catch you, and I will hold you close.”
I loved this story so much. I was totally charmed by the main characters, their sweet banter and I'm glad it worked out the way it did. It got a little angsty toward the end which I totally didn't expect but it fit the story anyway. Luca and Ellla have captured my heart and I can't wait to see what Julia London has in store for Hallie, Luca's twin sister. I'll definitely read that one.
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