Book Review: Prince in Disguise

Prince in Disguise

By: Stephanie Kate Strohm

Published By: Disney Hyperion

Publication Date: December 19, 2017

Page Count: 320

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Source: ARC Kindly Provided by Publisher via NetGalley

Young Adult - Contemporary

Dylan is a simple girl from Tupelo, Mississippi who only wants to spend time with her friends and revel in her anonymity. She feels like the ugly duckling with her newscaster mother and beauty queen older sister, but Dylan finds that she would rather have that role that constantly be on camera like her mom and sister. Dusty, her older sister, wasn't content with just being Miss Mississippi, she had to catch the eye and heart of a Scottish noble. Their love affair becomes the stuff of reality television legend. 

Dylan manages to stay out of the spotlight until Dusty informs her that the network will be filming special footage leading up to her marriage with the Scottish aristocrat. Dylan will not only have to give up her winter break plans, but she will be traveling to Scotland to attend a wedding on Christmas Eve while having her every waking moment filmed. To make matters worse, the network is trying to paint Dusty and Dylan as the American version of the Middleton sisters, a role that Dylan has no desire to fill. While she has no choice but to board the plane to Scotland, she is determined to avoid the cameras whenever possible.

Dylan's introduction to Scotland is less than welcoming when her escort fails to pick her up from the train station. This leads to an awkward introduction to a literary Brit, a pair of blue lips, and a charming Scottish pub. That is the moment when the spark of friendship between Dylan and Jamie is first kindled. They become virtually inseparable as Dylan explores the castle of her future in-laws and enjoys all the UK has to offer. Jamie makes an excellent tour guide and friend; he instantly won me over with his literary references - particularly those of a Harry Potter variety.

As Dusty's wedding looms closer, Dylan finds herself thinking of Jamie in ways that are not purely plutonic. I loved the romance in this one, but did find that it was somewhat predictable. I also loved the banter between the sisters. While they don't always see eye to eye, at the end of the day, they always have one another's back.

This is a fun and humorous read with a festive holiday flair that reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. Stephanie Kate Strohm has delivered another contemporary romance that warmed my heart in this cold December weather and had me craving a trip to the Scottish countryside. I also had to smile thinking of a Jamie in Scotland as it made my mind instantly jump to Outlander (hello, Mr. Frasier). I highly recommended grabbing a plaid flannel blanket, a hot mug of tea, and curling up with this one by the fire over the holidays. It is the perfect sort of read to give you a break from stress and a hectic schedule this holiday season. 

One Last Gripe: Ronan's mother was such a snob.

Favorite Things About This Book: I am a sucker for a Scottish setting and a dash of sweet romance. In addition, I also love how Strohm writes leading ladies who are a bit unsure of themselves and don't try to put forth a perfect front.

First Sentence: Tears coursed down my face as I tried to fight through the pain.

Favorite Character: Dylan

Least Favorite Character: Kit - he annoyed me more than made me laugh

Summary:

Someday I want to live in a place where I never hear "You're Dusty's sister?" ever again. Life is real enough for Dylan—especially as the ordinary younger sister of Dusty, former Miss Mississippi and the most perfect, popular girl in Tupelo. But when Dusty wins the hand of the handsome Scottish laird-to-be Ronan on the TRC television network's crown jewel, Prince in Disguise, Dylan has to face a different kind of reality: reality TV. As the camera crew whisks them off to Scotland to film the lead-up to the wedding, camera-shy Dylan is front and center as Dusty's maid of honor. The producers are full of surprises—including old family secrets, long-lost relatives, and a hostile future mother-in-law who thinks Dusty and Dylan's family isn't good enough for her only son. At least there's Jamie, an adorably bookish groomsman who might just be the perfect antidote to all Dylan's stress . . . if she just can keep TRC from turning her into the next reality show sensation.