Books, Boots and Bakeries

Look, I was going to write something productive today. Maybe even dust off that half-finished post about all the series I’ve started and abandoned (and for those following along at home, you know it’s a long list). But then The Prince and the Player by Nora Phoenix was released today, and since I was lucky enough to score an ARC through NetGalley, with the only requirement to blog about it, everything else was instantly bumped down the queue. Fabulous.

Because Nora Phoenix, college football team romance, and a literal prince are so deeply my vibe that it’s almost rude. I’m a 90s child; I was a teenager with The Prince and Me. It’s a thing.

Nora Phoenix is a one-click author for me. Her books don’t usually sit with me forever, but I always enjoy them while I’m in the moment. They’re warm, fun, easy to devour with a gooey chocolate brownie and absolutely no desire to do anything else. The Prince and the Player fits that bill exactly. I also actually did have chocolate brownies to eat while I read this book because my Hubby decided to try a packet brownie mix, mixed with an egg and sweetened condensed milk. bake, eat, get diabetes, simple.

And so, I had a lovely afternoon. I ripped through The Prince and the Player—a delightfully ridiculous, swoony M/M in which both main characters discover they are bi. I actually found this a really interesting take since I normally read stories where one character at least knows where they fall on the Kinsey Scale.

Onto the story, Tore is a surprise addition to the college football, untested on the pitch and seemingly more polished palace than player. He’s also profoundly not what Farron expected. Cue tension, snark, and some serious “who does this guy think he is?” energy. Look, I know the “unwelcome teammate who turns out to be secretly brilliant and also incredibly fit in both senses of the word” is a well-worn trope… but I like it, okay?

What follows is a warm, low-angst romance full of slow trust-building, mutual respect, and some excellent yearning. Farron’s all grit and guarded edges, while Tore is pure awkward charm trying to find his place both on and off the field. Watching them grow closer, challenge each other, and realise that maybe they’re not so different after all? It was exactly the vibe I wanted.

I did enjoy the ride. It was sweet, lightly steamy, and wrapped up with a tidy happily ever after that didn’t try too hard. It did exactly what I wanted: a fun, easy romance with likeable leads, a few nice moments, and the kind of ending that lets you close the book with a satisfied nod.

Essentially, the happily ever after is solid, the pacing works, and the romance lands. This won’t stick with me, and that’s fine. Not every book has to. Sometimes, it’s enough just to have a good time.

If you’re in the mood for:
– M/M college romance
– Royalty x footballer
– Low angst, medium steam
– A solid HEA
– Something that pairs well with a brownie/some wine and a night off

Then The Prince and the Player might just hit the spot.