The Bachelor Prince

by Misao Hoshiai (Illustrator), Debbie Macomber

Note: This is the manga edition, the original novel can be found here: The Bachelor Prince

Prince Stefano was a man most girls could only dream of meeting. And now the very handsome - and very eligible - bachelor has come to America in search of the girl he would someday make his bride Hope Jordan's prince has finally come - but there is no happy ending in sight. Her royal suitor needs a wealthy wife to save his country from ruin, but Hope has nothing to offer Stefano except her love. Hope Jordan was the first woman to capture Stefano's soul, but will he give up his kingdom for her love?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Harlequin, Fiction, Shojo

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

See also 星合 操

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give a 3.5 if I could. I will say I absolutely love that the ink is hot pink. Love love love!!!! The story is simple and quick but that is the nature of the story - it does its job. Very predictable tropes and storyline but it entertains and of course...that pink ink.

[Tara Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fabulous idea! The story was trite but I didn't mind as the format was a joy.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute insta-love manga. You can tell this is based off of a romance from some time ago (this was published in 2006). I would have loved a little more independence from the female lead

[Sarah]

1/15/24
so dumb but it makes me laugh so much

[Susie Marino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book, even though it was predictable I enjoyed it. It would make a great Hallmark movie.

[Bibliothecat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prince Stefano of San Llorenzo is in trouble; his country is on the verge of bankruptcy which therefore pressures him into an arranged marriage to a woman of wealthy standing. Although willing to sacrifice his happiness and freedom for the sake of his country, he was not prepared to meet the young cafe owner, Hope.

When I was still new to the English manga market, I browsed a secondhand comic store in England and came across this volume. It caught my eye because the cover reminded me of Sailor Moon's anime style and when I flipped the book around to read the blurb; Printed in flirty Pink! And oh my - so it was! I still don't know whether I like it, but I was fascinated by how the entire volume was printed in pink rather than the traditional black and white.

That was reason enough for buying it and I've come back to it every once in a while over the years. Much as the colour might suggest, it is overly sweet and cheesy. But sometimes you want to read just that! The romance is very rushed - and yet, I find the characters likeable enough and there were enough funny scenes to keep me satisfied (Prince Stefano's disguises, to mention one thing!). The story also seemed to jump between utterly unrealistic and perfectly rational. It's odd how it can appear to be a bit of both!

I loved the art. It does indeed remind of Sailor Moon and some other older manga styles which I generally fancy.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of cute and kind of a little weird. I loved the disguises/outfits the prince would dress in to escape to see Hope. Especially the dude with the huge gun he was carrying around. What city would let you walk around with a gun almost the size of your body? I especially loved his Elvis costume. That had to have gotten a few questioning looks as well.

Prince Stefano's country is going bankrupt so he must marry a rich woman. So after they choose the victim/soon to be queen they go to America to woo her. In the wooing process the prince participates in a raffle (of course) and goes on a date with a young girl that loves to wear her hair in pig tails all the time. What girl in her twenties wears her hair in pigtails high on her head all the time. Except for their date of course where she transforms into this beautiful woman and then shortly after she is back to her pig tails. But the prince loves her and she loves them and luckily a gold mine is found in their country so he can marry poor pigtail wearing coffee shop girl. AAAHHH dreams come true!

[Melinda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like harlequin. A lot. And I was really excited about harlequin going manga. I mean ridiculously excited. I have some library related co-workers who might have lost a little extra respect for me because of my excitement. But I have to say that I was disappointed in Harlequin Pink. First, I have to get over the pink. I mean the books are neon pink for heavens sake! But that's a cosmetic criticism that wouldn't hold for everyone. But then you have the plot that is stripped of all nuances that the majority of romance novels have. Every hated stereotype that I have ever heard about romance novels is obvious in Harlequin Pink. I think that because you have images to replace descriptive words you are left with the self loathing (instead of mild doubt or a low self-confidence moment) of the hero and the heroine with a hearty dose of hero arrogance. Like I said I like more indepth characterizations than Harlequin Pink can provide. (See Idol Dreams for a repeat of this rant.)

[Debbie Heaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Macomber’s romance novel, Prince Stefano is a man who could choose any woman he wants and this very eligible and handsome prince needs a wife. His search brings him to the shores of America determined to return home with the perfect bride. Hope Jordan falls for the prince the instant their eyes meet but there’s just one problem—Hope has no wealth to bring to any marriage least of all a prince. All she can offer him is her love and her heart but will that be enough to land her prince?

An inspiring story illustrating that love conquers all.

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the added dimension of Pietro and Priscilla's relationship. Was eager to see both of those relationships develop but felt like the Hope/Stefano relationship was not shown or fully developed. I was told they fell in love, but I didn't see it like I did Pietro/Priscilla. Nice, easy read though.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute is the best word to describe this story. Could have incorporated a bit more depth of characters. Ending seemed to wrap up to easily for all involved. "And they all lived happily ever after".

[Elisamarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little book with a happy ending.

[Suzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The material was a bit dated. And I felt that the Prince showed himself to be a fool on more than one occasion But overall, this was a good read.

[Andrea Dillon · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was cute. Kind of Coming to America feel to it.

[Krista]

good for young teen to kill time.

[Arely]

Cinderella ni Naru Yoru