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American Princess #1
Princess
Money can’t buy happiness… even in a world that begins with a Tiffany teething ring.
Sydney Ross has it made. As the 17-year old daughter of Illinois senator Randall Ross and socialite Jillian Ross, Sydney was born with perfect teeth and a killer trust-fund. Everything about her life is idyllic…the life of a princess. The Ross’ are richer than God and twice as beautiful…. The picture-perfect All-American Family.
Except that it is all a lie.
Sydney’s life spins into a free-fall and survival itself begins to look questionable as she struggles through the sordid twists that she has been dealt. After the shocking climax, Sydney is left with one seething question: Who in the world can she trust when no one is who they seem to be?
Sydney Ross has it made. As the 17-year old daughter of Illinois senator Randall Ross and socialite Jillian Ross, Sydney was born with perfect teeth and a killer trust-fund. Everything about her life is idyllic…the life of a princess. The Ross’ are richer than God and twice as beautiful…. The picture-perfect All-American Family.
Except that it is all a lie.
Sydney’s life spins into a free-fall and survival itself begins to look questionable as she struggles through the sordid twists that she has been dealt. After the shocking climax, Sydney is left with one seething question: Who in the world can she trust when no one is who they seem to be?
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First published May 17, 2011
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503 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Cole
44 books4,545 followersCourtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist who loves to eat your emotions for breakfast.
She believes in the power of blonde hair dye and red lipstick, and that a well-timed smile can save the world.
Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolecreates.com
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/courtneyc...
She believes in the power of blonde hair dye and red lipstick, and that a well-timed smile can save the world.
Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolecreates.com
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/courtneyc...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 31, 2011
The old adage "Money doesn't buy happiness" definitely applies to former socialite Sydney Ross. After circumstances lead to her being disowned by her politically motivated parents, she sets out alone to take responsibility for her choices . She finds a safe place to land with her distant, distant relative and aspiring author Stephen as she struggles to get on with her future without the wealth and privilege she's always known. Her past life is not quite done with her, however, and comes back to haunt her in a series of terrifying and tragic occurrences that make her realize that her former, gilded life was hiding secrets that put her life in danger.
I was pleasantly surprised by Sydney. It would be only too easy to make her the stereotypical, entitled rich girl who transforms into someone you could possibly be persuaded to like at the end. Instead, from the beginning, Sydney shows kindness, resolve, forgiveness and a strength of character that made her refreshing and sympathetic heroine.
Cole states that this book is intended as a cross-over for older teens to women and I would agree with that as it contains themes and situations that may not be appropriate for teens.
4.5/5 stars....but I rounded up :)
I was pleasantly surprised by Sydney. It would be only too easy to make her the stereotypical, entitled rich girl who transforms into someone you could possibly be persuaded to like at the end. Instead, from the beginning, Sydney shows kindness, resolve, forgiveness and a strength of character that made her refreshing and sympathetic heroine.
Cole states that this book is intended as a cross-over for older teens to women and I would agree with that as it contains themes and situations that may not be appropriate for teens.
4.5/5 stars....but I rounded up :)
May 26, 2011
I don't really know what to say except I loved this book!!
It is a bit different from my usual paranormal reads, so when I started it I wasn't too sure about what I would think about it, turns out I couldn't get enough of it!
The story centres around 17 year old Sydney who has grown up with everything she could ever wish for, as a daughter of a senator and living in the perfect house, as a perfect little rich family.
But her perfect little bubble bursts when she finds out she is pregnant, her parents are forcing to get an abortion she doesn't agree with. So she is kicked out to fend for herself and ends up living with her distant cousin and working as a waitress.
Things seem to be going fine and there is some light at the end of the tunnel for Sydney, that is until someone tries to mow her down with a car! The race is on to discover who wants Sydney dead before they can try it again.
I cannot praise this book enough, there are so many twists and turns in the storyline. Just when I thought I knew where the book was going, BAM another twist!
I literally could not put this book down, I sat up till 2am just to finish it because I had know how it ended!
The characters in the books are well developed and at times I found myself cheering Sydney on and willing her to get out of all these predicaments she was in.
It is a crossover book, with a bit of both YA and adult context in it, I would say it is aimed at older teens as there is a few raunchy scenes and a bit of swearing in it, so I definitely wouldn't recommend this to a 13 year old.
Overall a brilliant read which will leave you gripping the edge of your seat until you find out the ending!
It is a bit different from my usual paranormal reads, so when I started it I wasn't too sure about what I would think about it, turns out I couldn't get enough of it!
The story centres around 17 year old Sydney who has grown up with everything she could ever wish for, as a daughter of a senator and living in the perfect house, as a perfect little rich family.
But her perfect little bubble bursts when she finds out she is pregnant, her parents are forcing to get an abortion she doesn't agree with. So she is kicked out to fend for herself and ends up living with her distant cousin and working as a waitress.
Things seem to be going fine and there is some light at the end of the tunnel for Sydney, that is until someone tries to mow her down with a car! The race is on to discover who wants Sydney dead before they can try it again.
I cannot praise this book enough, there are so many twists and turns in the storyline. Just when I thought I knew where the book was going, BAM another twist!
I literally could not put this book down, I sat up till 2am just to finish it because I had know how it ended!
The characters in the books are well developed and at times I found myself cheering Sydney on and willing her to get out of all these predicaments she was in.
It is a crossover book, with a bit of both YA and adult context in it, I would say it is aimed at older teens as there is a few raunchy scenes and a bit of swearing in it, so I definitely wouldn't recommend this to a 13 year old.
Overall a brilliant read which will leave you gripping the edge of your seat until you find out the ending!
February 26, 2017
This review was first posted on Northern Plunder, if you want to see more reviews please click here.
I won a copy of Princess a while back, and I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I do not think I have read such a short book that took me on such a roller coaster ride, and boy it didn't have a dull moment. As you can see it's provided with a caution note on the synopsis, which I read that before reading the book and honestly I still didn't expect anything which it threw at me.
Princess really isn't your usual teen pregnancy book, in fact it isn't any kind of usual, I'd even go as far to say that some - if not the majority of the second half - of the book can be defined as f*cked up. Though certainly not the kind where you're left disappointed or annoyed; its exciting, fast paced and surprising too. The reason I didn't give this a full five stars was because I did feel some elements were over the top, or unbelievable but once you suspend your belief, which to be honest I'm sure a lot of us do whilst reading, it really doesn't effect the story.
Sydney is from a wealthy and neglecting family, her mother only cares about what she is eating - got to maintain that slimming image for the world - and her father is far too busy being a senator to get much of a mention towards the start of the book. However, once she gets pregnant it all changes, both her parents engulf her but not with care, instead with well ...threats I guess? Basically she can't stay pregnant, and has to get an abortion to maintain their perfect family image. Even her boyfriend and his family are backing her parents decision but Sydney is having none of it and after a final push and shove from her mother she is out with a small amount of clothes that may be suitable for pregnancy, all funding cancelled or withheld from her apart from the small change in her purse, and driving to see her distant cousin she's never met and only spoke to briefly on the phone. So much for maintaining their perfect family image huh?
Stephen, her distant cousin, lives in a rough area of town and doesn't have much of an income but he takes her in a provides a roof over her head and she starts to work. The story then flashes forward to a point when Sydney is heavily pregnant - pretty sure she is still working at this point because from what I recall there is a mention how she gets tips because people empathise towards her for being pregnant and working on her feet all day - and her relationship with Stephen has grown. I know what you're thinking, this still sounds like a pretty normal teen pregnancy storyline but this is where things get a kick, or should I say crash? into wacky. I'll try and sum up these main points of the story a little shorter and not give too much away.
First up, Sydney is in a hit and run "accident" and looses her child, her parents "get rid" of the dead child before Sydney even wakes up from the accident and Stephen is there holding her hand and caring for her every step of the way. Sydney receives a few odd text messages / calls from various people for various reasons that add to the plots roller coaster, she's stalked by the car that hit her and eventually taken captive, with the young boy who lives next door and tried to save her. We find out who her kidnapper is, who the "genius" behind the whole she-bang is and for what reasons too. I'm not going to expand on this further because like I said it surprised me and not many books do that because my brain simply does not turn off, but this book succeeded and I think that's because of how quickly (don't forget its only 178 pages) it turns left and right and loop-de-loops.
Oh I should probably note that my mention of Stephen and Sydney's relationship growing is important because they do eventually become an item (this isn't a spoiler, its obvious from their first meeting) and yes they are distant cousins, I've read a few reviews where this has been a major no-no for that reader and whilst for me that would be a major no-no in real life (and this is just a story, trust me you wouldn't want any of this to be real!), it just doesn't seem wrong for this story, you read it and it makes sense. He's the first person to love her for truly her and not for who she is supposed to be or for what family she comes from. Its kinda cute.
I won a copy of Princess a while back, and I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I do not think I have read such a short book that took me on such a roller coaster ride, and boy it didn't have a dull moment. As you can see it's provided with a caution note on the synopsis, which I read that before reading the book and honestly I still didn't expect anything which it threw at me.
Princess really isn't your usual teen pregnancy book, in fact it isn't any kind of usual, I'd even go as far to say that some - if not the majority of the second half - of the book can be defined as f*cked up. Though certainly not the kind where you're left disappointed or annoyed; its exciting, fast paced and surprising too. The reason I didn't give this a full five stars was because I did feel some elements were over the top, or unbelievable but once you suspend your belief, which to be honest I'm sure a lot of us do whilst reading, it really doesn't effect the story.
Sydney is from a wealthy and neglecting family, her mother only cares about what she is eating - got to maintain that slimming image for the world - and her father is far too busy being a senator to get much of a mention towards the start of the book. However, once she gets pregnant it all changes, both her parents engulf her but not with care, instead with well ...threats I guess? Basically she can't stay pregnant, and has to get an abortion to maintain their perfect family image. Even her boyfriend and his family are backing her parents decision but Sydney is having none of it and after a final push and shove from her mother she is out with a small amount of clothes that may be suitable for pregnancy, all funding cancelled or withheld from her apart from the small change in her purse, and driving to see her distant cousin she's never met and only spoke to briefly on the phone. So much for maintaining their perfect family image huh?
Stephen, her distant cousin, lives in a rough area of town and doesn't have much of an income but he takes her in a provides a roof over her head and she starts to work. The story then flashes forward to a point when Sydney is heavily pregnant - pretty sure she is still working at this point because from what I recall there is a mention how she gets tips because people empathise towards her for being pregnant and working on her feet all day - and her relationship with Stephen has grown. I know what you're thinking, this still sounds like a pretty normal teen pregnancy storyline but this is where things get a kick, or should I say crash? into wacky. I'll try and sum up these main points of the story a little shorter and not give too much away.
First up, Sydney is in a hit and run "accident" and looses her child, her parents "get rid" of the dead child before Sydney even wakes up from the accident and Stephen is there holding her hand and caring for her every step of the way. Sydney receives a few odd text messages / calls from various people for various reasons that add to the plots roller coaster, she's stalked by the car that hit her and eventually taken captive, with the young boy who lives next door and tried to save her. We find out who her kidnapper is, who the "genius" behind the whole she-bang is and for what reasons too. I'm not going to expand on this further because like I said it surprised me and not many books do that because my brain simply does not turn off, but this book succeeded and I think that's because of how quickly (don't forget its only 178 pages) it turns left and right and loop-de-loops.
Oh I should probably note that my mention of Stephen and Sydney's relationship growing is important because they do eventually become an item (this isn't a spoiler, its obvious from their first meeting) and yes they are distant cousins, I've read a few reviews where this has been a major no-no for that reader and whilst for me that would be a major no-no in real life (and this is just a story, trust me you wouldn't want any of this to be real!), it just doesn't seem wrong for this story, you read it and it makes sense. He's the first person to love her for truly her and not for who she is supposed to be or for what family she comes from. Its kinda cute.
April 12, 2012
First let me say that this book wasn’t at all what I expected. I was prepared for a drama, for the story of a girl who fights to make her own choices—and got a thriller. I was completely taken by surprise. Not in a bad way, though. I loved how the story went down because everything was totally unexpected.
I loved how the relationship between her and Stephen developed. It was completely believable. He’s the first person who loves Sydney for who she is, not for who he thinks she is. The fact that they are very, very distantly related didn’t bother me one bit. As Sydney pointed out, they only found out they were related by accident.
Jillian Ross… I haven’t met as despicable and conniving a character in quite some time. I was shocked at how she treats her own daughter, her flesh and blood, and it didn’t start making sense until the end.
Syd’s Dad didn’t get a lot of time in the spotlight, so there is very little to say about him. I neither like him nor dislike him. He remains very flat. Jillian Ross is the dominating force in Sydney’s relationship to her parents.
All and all and enjoyable read. I only gave four stars because much as I liked the way the plot keeps twisting, it felt a bit forced at times. It’s obvious that it was all very well thought-out, but it seems a bit… far-fetched?
"Princess" is still one of the best books I’ve read this year. I practically blew through the virtual pages and finished the book in less than three hours. Lately, very few books have managed to captivate me like that.
I loved how the relationship between her and Stephen developed. It was completely believable. He’s the first person who loves Sydney for who she is, not for who he thinks she is. The fact that they are very, very distantly related didn’t bother me one bit. As Sydney pointed out, they only found out they were related by accident.
Jillian Ross… I haven’t met as despicable and conniving a character in quite some time. I was shocked at how she treats her own daughter, her flesh and blood, and it didn’t start making sense until the end.
Syd’s Dad didn’t get a lot of time in the spotlight, so there is very little to say about him. I neither like him nor dislike him. He remains very flat. Jillian Ross is the dominating force in Sydney’s relationship to her parents.
All and all and enjoyable read. I only gave four stars because much as I liked the way the plot keeps twisting, it felt a bit forced at times. It’s obvious that it was all very well thought-out, but it seems a bit… far-fetched?
"Princess" is still one of the best books I’ve read this year. I practically blew through the virtual pages and finished the book in less than three hours. Lately, very few books have managed to captivate me like that.
August 8, 2012
This is ok. Not the most original story ever. A bit predictable at times which made it a little boring, to be quite honest.
Spoiled teenager who gets pregnant. Her and her boyfriends parents are disgusted and order her to terminate it,but she refuses. Instead she runs away with nothing but the money in her pocket and the clothes she managed to stuff in a bin bag. The only person she has is a distant cousin whom she has only talked to on a social networking site, she stays with him and starts a while new life.
Was OK. But I found it lacking something and I just wanted to get to the end.
It dragged and I grew tired if the whole thing.
Spoiled teenager who gets pregnant. Her and her boyfriends parents are disgusted and order her to terminate it,but she refuses. Instead she runs away with nothing but the money in her pocket and the clothes she managed to stuff in a bin bag. The only person she has is a distant cousin whom she has only talked to on a social networking site, she stays with him and starts a while new life.
Was OK. But I found it lacking something and I just wanted to get to the end.
It dragged and I grew tired if the whole thing.
July 18, 2011
Some of the reviews didn't enjoy this book, and although this book is quite different than the bloodstone saga series, I loved it. Sydney was such a real, strong heroine, you couldn't help but admire her and root for her. This book didn't end up going at all the way I thought it would. When I started it I was thinking alright its a romance story. And although it is a romance novel of sorts, it also ends up being somewhat of a thriller. This story keeps you guessing and continuously rooting for Sydney to end up happy.
July 13, 2011
This book is not your daughter's teen romance. I bought "Princess" after reading the author's blog. I was expecting a sweet little romance and was surprised by the fast paced, thriller-esque plot twists. It kept me up, reading, two nights in a row.
I wouldn't recommend it to my daughter or my mom, but I sure as heck enjoyed it. If you like a little sizzle with your romance and can handle high tension suspense, this book is for you.
I wouldn't recommend it to my daughter or my mom, but I sure as heck enjoyed it. If you like a little sizzle with your romance and can handle high tension suspense, this book is for you.
July 21, 2011
This book was super good and totally unexpected! It didn't go anywhere near where I thought it would. So instead of a fluffy, contemporary romance, I got suspense and mystery and tears, and a few white knuckle moments! Oh and serious romance, both of the fluffy variety and of the steamy variety! Excellent male and female leads! Very well written!
June 26, 2011
Courtney Cole is quickly becoming one of my top favorite authors! She has a way of getting the reader totally involved with the story and the characters she builds. This book was a page-turner that was hard to put down. Very great book. (:
September 22, 2011
This book broke my heart and put it back together moments later. The story is great and the characters are loveable (apart from the mother and "bad" guy of course) and it's hard to put down once you have started it. I assure you future readers you will love this book.
January 27, 2012
This book was not at all what I expected. The cover is misleading and the description is beyond vague. With that said, this is an awesome book! I loved it! Don't turn your nose up at it based on the cover or jacket, this is not a rich girl story with shallow, petty problems. This is a real story!
June 20, 2011
Wow! There was so much going on in this book my head is still spinning. Loved the story. Sydney was such a lovable character...and the twist at the end...AMAZING! :)
January 6, 2019
definitely not what I expected from a book called 'princess...It was...a surprise. basically this whole book was full of surprise. some fun, some dark ,some weird ones and some that didn't even make sense....
Okay surprise number one.teenage pregnancy...
surprise number two. rich girl runs away to keep baby with no money
Okay after that nasty piece of writing ^ I actually enjoyed the writing in the book , the style was simplistic and engaging to some extent. The characters excluding Mummy and Detective were actual well-developed. I enjoyed Sydney's Character - not the typical spoilt rich chic.
Overall the idea was unique , but the big let down is in the thoughts behind the plot.
Okay surprise number one.teenage pregnancy...
surprise number two. rich girl runs away to keep baby with no money
Okay after that nasty piece of writing ^ I actually enjoyed the writing in the book , the style was simplistic and engaging to some extent. The characters excluding Mummy and Detective were actual well-developed. I enjoyed Sydney's Character - not the typical spoilt rich chic.
Overall the idea was unique , but the big let down is in the thoughts behind the plot.
June 14, 2011
Princess was a purchase bought ‘sight unseen’ so to speak, didn’t read a synopsis or even a review because I’m familiar with the author’s work enough to feel confident in what I was buying and boy, oh boy, did I end up loving this book. It was nothing like I expected it to be, the cover revealing only a sliver of who the main character, Sydney, truly is.
The novel’s bold subjects left me reeling with every page I turned. Cole’s gutsy directions made this one of the best reads I’ve had all year. Her characters are well thought out and contain true depth, something that’s void in a lot of young adult novels nowadays.
Sydney’s seemingly picture perfect life comes to an unexpected halt as constant tumultuous life-altering and sometimes life-shattering experiences bombard her at an exponential rate. The reader is left heartbroken, desperate and sad for the character as her life unfolds and unravels.
But Sydney finds herself amongst the tragedies uncoiling around her, finds hope in the people she loves, finds truth in those who genuinely love her and we are left with a stronger, more hopeful, and even more incredible Sydney then we started out with.
Sydney is one of my favorite heroines I’ve read all year. She is strong enough to stand alone but chooses stand side by side with one of my favorite heroes I’ve read all year as well. I highly recommend this read. Of course, as Cole mentions, it is recommended for older teens and younger women but the lessons learned in this harrowing yet hopeful tale are lessons worth learning. Five stars truly earned.
Congrats miss Cole, I’m very impressed.
The novel’s bold subjects left me reeling with every page I turned. Cole’s gutsy directions made this one of the best reads I’ve had all year. Her characters are well thought out and contain true depth, something that’s void in a lot of young adult novels nowadays.
Sydney’s seemingly picture perfect life comes to an unexpected halt as constant tumultuous life-altering and sometimes life-shattering experiences bombard her at an exponential rate. The reader is left heartbroken, desperate and sad for the character as her life unfolds and unravels.
But Sydney finds herself amongst the tragedies uncoiling around her, finds hope in the people she loves, finds truth in those who genuinely love her and we are left with a stronger, more hopeful, and even more incredible Sydney then we started out with.
Sydney is one of my favorite heroines I’ve read all year. She is strong enough to stand alone but chooses stand side by side with one of my favorite heroes I’ve read all year as well. I highly recommend this read. Of course, as Cole mentions, it is recommended for older teens and younger women but the lessons learned in this harrowing yet hopeful tale are lessons worth learning. Five stars truly earned.
Congrats miss Cole, I’m very impressed.
January 11, 2015
Princess was free on Amazon when I was browsing free amazon titles (you should try it - it's addicting. and free!), so I bought it even though I'm not a big fan of contemporary stories that don't have anything supernatural in them at all.
I'm a fan of Courtney Cole's so I had pondered buying Princess before that, but the flashy cover it had before kind of scared me off.
When reading Ms. Cole's blog, I found out that Princess isn't actually a stupid story about a stupid heroine pondering what she should wear (come on - that's what you would expect from the girl on the old cover. Just look at her!), but actually a dark and twisted tale.
Turns out it wasn't all that dark and twisted, but than again, I happily eat popcorn while watching people die in horror movies.
Princess tells the story of Sydney Ross (what a name!), who "accidentally" gets pregnant. Her father, an influential politician aiming to become president, and her mother, as well as her boyfriends' parents urge her do get an abortion. Sydney refuses and leaves home, only to be targeted by a kidnapper and possibly murderer.
My main problem with Princess was that it was a bit of everything... coming-of-age story, romance, thriller, and crime, but nothing was properly developped. While reading the book, I felt it lacking in all those genres. Princess wasn't romantic, and neither did it suck my breath away with fear.
I would have liked the book better if it had had more pages maybe, and more time for all it's themes.
Overall, Princess was an ok book for me. In comparison with Cole's Paranormal books, this was rather weak.
I'm a fan of Courtney Cole's so I had pondered buying Princess before that, but the flashy cover it had before kind of scared me off.
When reading Ms. Cole's blog, I found out that Princess isn't actually a stupid story about a stupid heroine pondering what she should wear (come on - that's what you would expect from the girl on the old cover. Just look at her!), but actually a dark and twisted tale.
Turns out it wasn't all that dark and twisted, but than again, I happily eat popcorn while watching people die in horror movies.
Princess tells the story of Sydney Ross (what a name!), who "accidentally" gets pregnant. Her father, an influential politician aiming to become president, and her mother, as well as her boyfriends' parents urge her do get an abortion. Sydney refuses and leaves home, only to be targeted by a kidnapper and possibly murderer.
My main problem with Princess was that it was a bit of everything... coming-of-age story, romance, thriller, and crime, but nothing was properly developped. While reading the book, I felt it lacking in all those genres. Princess wasn't romantic, and neither did it suck my breath away with fear.
I would have liked the book better if it had had more pages maybe, and more time for all it's themes.
Overall, Princess was an ok book for me. In comparison with Cole's Paranormal books, this was rather weak.
July 10, 2015
I first fell in love with Courtney Cole a couple years ago when I found Dante's Girl, the first book in her Paradise Diaries series. Princess immediately went on my to-read list, especially after I read author's notes describing it as edgier than your average YA. It took me years to get around to actually reading it, and in the end I only decided to because it was short and I wanted a quick read.
To be perfectly honest, I was disappointed in Princess. I didn't expect it to be perfect, by any means, but the cheesiness was a little much for me, and the plot was simultaneously predictable and too complicated to make sense. Additionally,
As far as characters go, I like a little depth, and while I was actually somewhat impressed with Sydney's personality, I was not at all impressed by the other characters in the book....except for Tom. I loved Tom, actually. He should have had a bigger part.
All in all, this was not one of my favorite books, but it was also not a bad book. If you are looking for a quick contemporary read that is exciting and dramatic in a soap-opera sort of way, and you don't mind a bit of cheese, then Princess is the novel for you.
To be perfectly honest, I was disappointed in Princess. I didn't expect it to be perfect, by any means, but the cheesiness was a little much for me, and the plot was simultaneously predictable and too complicated to make sense. Additionally,
As far as characters go, I like a little depth, and while I was actually somewhat impressed with Sydney's personality, I was not at all impressed by the other characters in the book....except for Tom. I loved Tom, actually. He should have had a bigger part.
All in all, this was not one of my favorite books, but it was also not a bad book. If you are looking for a quick contemporary read that is exciting and dramatic in a soap-opera sort of way, and you don't mind a bit of cheese, then Princess is the novel for you.
September 30, 2011
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF
Princess by Courtney Cole is a crazy, dramatic, and suspenseful novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will find some romance throughout the novel, but don’t let the cover fool you…this book isn’t about some spoiled rich girl with an easy life. Sydney Ross goes through multiple traumatic challenges in this novel.
I can’t say too much about Princess because I don’t want to give anything away. Just note that: I found myself really immersed in this novel. It was exciting, scary and twisted. I thought it was a very quick, fun read. It is not, however, a very realistic novel. You have a bunch of crazy coming at you from all directions. So if you are looking for something realistic then this isn’t your pick. If you are looking for a thrilling, dangerous novel to get lost in then this is a great choice.
I gave Princess by Courtney Cole 3 STARS. I recommend this novel to older young adults.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
Princess by Courtney Cole is a crazy, dramatic, and suspenseful novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will find some romance throughout the novel, but don’t let the cover fool you…this book isn’t about some spoiled rich girl with an easy life. Sydney Ross goes through multiple traumatic challenges in this novel.
I can’t say too much about Princess because I don’t want to give anything away. Just note that: I found myself really immersed in this novel. It was exciting, scary and twisted. I thought it was a very quick, fun read. It is not, however, a very realistic novel. You have a bunch of crazy coming at you from all directions. So if you are looking for something realistic then this isn’t your pick. If you are looking for a thrilling, dangerous novel to get lost in then this is a great choice.
I gave Princess by Courtney Cole 3 STARS. I recommend this novel to older young adults.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
August 9, 2012
I didn't like it.
What really creeped me out was the mention that the guy she had feelings for was her cousin, even if he was distant.
And then they slept together....my stomach just coiled. Ick.
The author may have pleaded the case of their relationship by mentioning famous people who hooked up with their cousins but that even made things worse.
Princess did have a good premise - rich, spoilt girl gets pregnant, refuses abortion, leaves home to make it on her own - but after that budding romance with her cousin...I was just too uncomfortable to pay attention, skipping pages to get to the end.
I also wish that the author had stuck with one theme. The book would have been a perfect coming-of-age contemporary novel without the addition of crime and mystery, and I would have been okay with that.
Plus, if she'd made Stephen a friend or a friend-of-a-friend instead of a cousin....
What really creeped me out was the mention that the guy she had feelings for was her cousin, even if he was distant.
And then they slept together....my stomach just coiled. Ick.
The author may have pleaded the case of their relationship by mentioning famous people who hooked up with their cousins but that even made things worse.
Princess did have a good premise - rich, spoilt girl gets pregnant, refuses abortion, leaves home to make it on her own - but after that budding romance with her cousin...I was just too uncomfortable to pay attention, skipping pages to get to the end.
I also wish that the author had stuck with one theme. The book would have been a perfect coming-of-age contemporary novel without the addition of crime and mystery, and I would have been okay with that.
Plus, if she'd made Stephen a friend or a friend-of-a-friend instead of a cousin....
January 24, 2012
The stellar reviews that convinced me to try this (it was free for kindle, I honestly didn't take much convincing) insisted any reader ignore the cover and stick it out beyond the first few chapters. With this in mind I kept reading even when the writing was weak and the protagonist's first hurdle was handled sloppily. I thought things would get better when the action started picking up but no such luck.
This honestly could have been a good book, but the story required more care than it was given. There was far too much telling and not enough showing, no pacing, and the main relationship felt awkward (even for what it was) as a result. Frankly, it reads like a weak fanfiction and at least with those you care about the characters.
This honestly could have been a good book, but the story required more care than it was given. There was far too much telling and not enough showing, no pacing, and the main relationship felt awkward (even for what it was) as a result. Frankly, it reads like a weak fanfiction and at least with those you care about the characters.
August 13, 2012
2.5 Rating
Don't let this pretty cover fool you! It's not about ball gowns or shiny tiaras, it's more hard core suspense!
Seventeen year old Sydney Ross has it all. Wealth, popularity and of course being the daughter of the senator. Yet, life is about to turn up hill when Sydney discovers she's pregnant. Being kicked out of her only home she knows, Sidney begins to realize that her family is far from perfect. Because as it tuns out Ross family has something deadly hidden..
I thought the novel was okay. Kinda of saw the whole plot when I came to the climax. I was a bit unsatisfied with the writing. I thought the author didn't really explain her book with details. Would recommend if feeling bored.
Don't let this pretty cover fool you! It's not about ball gowns or shiny tiaras, it's more hard core suspense!
Seventeen year old Sydney Ross has it all. Wealth, popularity and of course being the daughter of the senator. Yet, life is about to turn up hill when Sydney discovers she's pregnant. Being kicked out of her only home she knows, Sidney begins to realize that her family is far from perfect. Because as it tuns out Ross family has something deadly hidden..
I thought the novel was okay. Kinda of saw the whole plot when I came to the climax. I was a bit unsatisfied with the writing. I thought the author didn't really explain her book with details. Would recommend if feeling bored.
July 12, 2013
I purchased "Princess" after first reading Courtney Cole's "If You Stay" and "Alli Cat." I really liked both of those (especially Alli Cat - it had me literally cracking up!) and I thought the story line and cover of "Princess" was intriguing. While I enjoyed this story, it's clear this is one of Courtney Cole's earlier novels. You can tell her writing has changed quite a bit since. Nevertheless, I didn't expect a lot of what happened in "Princess" - there are definitely plenty of twists and turns! There were times when I felt like "What else could possibly happen? Everything has!" Near the end I almost felt as if she was taking every story idea she ever had and putting into one book.
I enjoy Courtney Cole's writing and look forward to what she publishes in the future.
I enjoy Courtney Cole's writing and look forward to what she publishes in the future.
February 29, 2012
This book is ridiculous but in such a good way! I went into it thinking it was just about a teen who gets pregnant and that's it. Boy, was I wrong! There is suspense, intrigue and all that other good stuff that comes along with that. For those of you who are good at predicting what comes next in a book, this one might stump you at times. There are a couple of plot twists around every corner and those are what makes this book so good. The story is insane (as in this-would-probably-never-happen-just-like-this-in-real-life) but still great. You will probably finish it in one sitting because you'll want to know what happens next!
February 15, 2016
Not at all what I was expecting! I enjoyed it. One thing I really enjoyed about it was that I never predicted anything. I'm pretty good with predicting what's going to happen, but this threw me for a loop every time. It's worth reading! I just wish ONE little detail would've been altered.
January 3, 2012
This book was strange. Very strange. The whole cousins thing creeped me out and the plot seemed unbelievable and confusing. Maybe some people might like the action and twists and turns but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
March 26, 2013
Loved it, amazing book, couldn't stop reading until I got to the end. It's not your typical teenage pregnancy story, their are so many twists and surprises. Sydney doesn't know who she can trust, even her own mother. I really recommend this book.
September 18, 2012
This book was full of twists and turns. I did not expect it to take the direction that it did. It kept me on my toes. It was a very good book and I enjoyed it very much! I can't wait to see what is in store with Sydney and Stephen next!
January 5, 2012
The book is not what you expect especially by looking at the cover. It would have been better if it would have stuck with just one storyline. It had too many.
May 9, 2012
this book was amazing except for one thing (not gunna spoil it, but if you read it you will know what im referring to). you won't see it coming... or at least i didnt!
October 25, 2012
The plot was gritty and the characters instantly became 'alive' to me! This is a great story with a tale of consequences to one's actions. I would think it is more of an older YA read.
October 31, 2013
Got halfway through this book before I finally gave up. Liked Sydney as a character but having the police as the bad guy in the story made me stop reading.
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