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Princess Affair #2
The Princess and the Prix
Her Serene Highness Pommelina Alix Louise Canella of Monaco has lived her life as the “ugly duckling” of her glamorous family. But graduate school has kept her too busy to pine for a relationship, and being ignored by the media allows her to devote time to humanitarian projects without interference. Prima donna Formula One racer Thalia d’Angelis knows she’s been hired as a publicity stunt, but that only fuels her desire to be the first woman on an F1 podium. She might be on the verge of making history, but her behavior off the track is as risky as her driving.
The approaching Monaco Grand Prix—the crown jewel of the Formula One circuit—brings them together, but will these opposite and headstrong stars collide, or are they destined to cross?
The approaching Monaco Grand Prix—the crown jewel of the Formula One circuit—brings them together, but will these opposite and headstrong stars collide, or are they destined to cross?
240 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2015
21 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
About the author
Nell Stark
24 books290 followersAuthor of the following lesbian romance novels:
1) Running With the Wind (Bold Strokes Books, 2007)
2) Homecoming (Bold Strokes Books, 2008)
Co-author (with Trinity Tam) of the EVERAFTER paranormal romance series:
1) everafter (2009)
2) nevermore (2010)
3) nightrise (2011)
1) Running With the Wind (Bold Strokes Books, 2007)
2) Homecoming (Bold Strokes Books, 2008)
Co-author (with Trinity Tam) of the EVERAFTER paranormal romance series:
1) everafter (2009)
2) nevermore (2010)
3) nightrise (2011)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 2, 2019
'NetGalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for an honest review'
**'There is no such thing as conversation.It is an illusion.There are intersecting monologues,that is all..Make your characters want something Right away...'
Exciting read!
Well this was some story from the very first chapter all the way to the ending. This storyline had some good writing and even its characters were all well developed & defined who also took part in this very energetic and high speed roller coaster ride of a story -- very informative and knowledgeable about Formula One racing,good interaction on the race track,the adrenaline rush,the parties,drugs,erotic and graphic sex scene,family drama,high society living,the fight for woman's rights in the sports world,Charity and International Humanitarian Organization plus a love story. Recommend to everyone!
**'There is no such thing as conversation.It is an illusion.There are intersecting monologues,that is all..Make your characters want something Right away...'
Exciting read!
Well this was some story from the very first chapter all the way to the ending. This storyline had some good writing and even its characters were all well developed & defined who also took part in this very energetic and high speed roller coaster ride of a story -- very informative and knowledgeable about Formula One racing,good interaction on the race track,the adrenaline rush,the parties,drugs,erotic and graphic sex scene,family drama,high society living,the fight for woman's rights in the sports world,Charity and International Humanitarian Organization plus a love story. Recommend to everyone!
January 17, 2016
My first Advanced Review Copy ebook received via Netgalley, and bingo. Although I'm not a fan of Formula One racing, I was hooked from the very first page of this very well-paced and highly entertaining story. I even found all the facts about F1 very interesting and well inserted into the story, and racing scenes intense and exciting. The romance between two well-defined and likable main characters was believable and sweet. I really like the author's style of writing and am looking forward to more great stories in the Princess Affair series.
4.5 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley for review*
4.5 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley for review*
March 14, 2022
I love gay and F1, so this is the perfect book for me!
Not that was perfect. There were inaccuracies with regards to the F1 side of this book, but I was able to suspend my disbelief. The most glaring one was the order of the races, totally wrong, but it ultimately didn't matter.
A bit of a missed opportunity I think was not showing Thalia more prominently as the first female driver in F1. It's frequently mentioned, particularly at the start, but never really shown. She isn't interested initially in being a role model for young girls, and the massive impact of being a woman driver doesn't translate on the page.
Also, for people not interested in F1, there are only a few races mentioned and the details are light.
There was a couple of chapters about 30% into the book where I really didn't like Thalia. She was supposed to be this career-driven woman determined on making it in the male dominated F1 world, but she acts like a spoiled teenager. Thankfully this doesn't last long, and her growth over the book was well done.
The other character is Alix, princess of Monaco. She's driven by her philanthropic work, it's basically her entire personality. This changes when she attends Sasha and Kerry's wedding (side note, I had no idea this was a series, so it was a wonderful surprise to see them again!) and meets Thalia.
They repeatedly fall into each others orbit, and allow each other to grow into better people. Thalia becomes less selfish and Alix becomes less repressed. And repressed she was. She hadn't had close relationships with anyone and didn't know she liked women until meeting Thalia.
Their relationship was good, and they communicated well once Thalia grew up a bit.
It ended before seeing the fallout of them coming out to the world, which I thought was a missed opportunity, particularly as Alix wasn't out to anyone, including her conservative family, but I assume we'll see some of the fallout in the next book in this series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Now to read the next one!
Not that was perfect. There were inaccuracies with regards to the F1 side of this book, but I was able to suspend my disbelief. The most glaring one was the order of the races, totally wrong, but it ultimately didn't matter.
A bit of a missed opportunity I think was not showing Thalia more prominently as the first female driver in F1. It's frequently mentioned, particularly at the start, but never really shown. She isn't interested initially in being a role model for young girls, and the massive impact of being a woman driver doesn't translate on the page.
Also, for people not interested in F1, there are only a few races mentioned and the details are light.
There was a couple of chapters about 30% into the book where I really didn't like Thalia. She was supposed to be this career-driven woman determined on making it in the male dominated F1 world, but she acts like a spoiled teenager. Thankfully this doesn't last long, and her growth over the book was well done.
The other character is Alix, princess of Monaco. She's driven by her philanthropic work, it's basically her entire personality. This changes when she attends Sasha and Kerry's wedding (side note, I had no idea this was a series, so it was a wonderful surprise to see them again!) and meets Thalia.
They repeatedly fall into each others orbit, and allow each other to grow into better people. Thalia becomes less selfish and Alix becomes less repressed. And repressed she was. She hadn't had close relationships with anyone and didn't know she liked women until meeting Thalia.
Their relationship was good, and they communicated well once Thalia grew up a bit.
It ended before seeing the fallout of them coming out to the world, which I thought was a missed opportunity, particularly as Alix wasn't out to anyone, including her conservative family, but I assume we'll see some of the fallout in the next book in this series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Now to read the next one!
November 7, 2015
I was going to give this book a miss based solely on the cover design and the name given the princess in the opening sentence of the book blurb. I am so thankful a friend encouraged me to give this book a chance. The quality of writing alone is worth giving this book a look. Add in an entertaining tale with strong leading ladies and you have a winning combination.
Princess Alix (forget all the other serene titles, it’s just easier) is the brainy Royal who has spent her life focused on the needs of the less fortunate. Her desire to empower and improve the lives of women and children in northern Uganda has led her to obtain her master’s in public health in addition to her medical degree. Recently returned from Africa, Alix jumps at the chance to attend the British Royal Sasha and Kerry’s wedding if only to connect with potential backers for her charity.
Thalia d’Angelis is Formula One royalty of a sort, if being the illegitimate daughter of a Formula One racer counts as racing royalty. Thalia has spent her life challenging the old boys’ network in competitive racing. She has the talent and the skills to compete against the best. When finally given the chance to race for a team in the F1 circuit, she gets to realize her dream.
I was impressed with the layout and pacing in this novel. Without being an info dump, the reader learns of the technical skills and physicality required to be a successful F1 racer. The initial chapters which alternate between the earnest Alix and the free spirited Thalia mean we never get bored with racing jargon or humanitarian ambitions. Instead the reader slips into the parallel lives of these determined women until they meet for the first time at the wedding. I enjoyed watching the growth shown by both Alix and Thalia as they come to terms with their mutual attraction. The fairy tale aspect of this story plays out in moments like the private dance lesson and the general lifestyles of the rich and famous at the Grand Prix in Monaco.
I did have a couple of eye rolling moments, most revolving around Alix. Her ignorance of her own sexuality is a new twist on the “I assumed I was straight and whoops I’m not” complication which may have been more effective in a YA novel. It was a stretch to believe that an intelligent woman would not have assessed her attraction toward women at some point in her life.
Alix’s innocence aside, her ability to transform Thalia into a loving partner is entertaining to watch. The desire to mold someone we love into something better is not always achievable. I suppose that is what makes The Princess and the Prix a true modern day fairy tale. A lovely escapist read.
4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for review
Princess Alix (forget all the other serene titles, it’s just easier) is the brainy Royal who has spent her life focused on the needs of the less fortunate. Her desire to empower and improve the lives of women and children in northern Uganda has led her to obtain her master’s in public health in addition to her medical degree. Recently returned from Africa, Alix jumps at the chance to attend the British Royal Sasha and Kerry’s wedding if only to connect with potential backers for her charity.
Thalia d’Angelis is Formula One royalty of a sort, if being the illegitimate daughter of a Formula One racer counts as racing royalty. Thalia has spent her life challenging the old boys’ network in competitive racing. She has the talent and the skills to compete against the best. When finally given the chance to race for a team in the F1 circuit, she gets to realize her dream.
I was impressed with the layout and pacing in this novel. Without being an info dump, the reader learns of the technical skills and physicality required to be a successful F1 racer. The initial chapters which alternate between the earnest Alix and the free spirited Thalia mean we never get bored with racing jargon or humanitarian ambitions. Instead the reader slips into the parallel lives of these determined women until they meet for the first time at the wedding. I enjoyed watching the growth shown by both Alix and Thalia as they come to terms with their mutual attraction. The fairy tale aspect of this story plays out in moments like the private dance lesson and the general lifestyles of the rich and famous at the Grand Prix in Monaco.
I did have a couple of eye rolling moments, most revolving around Alix. Her ignorance of her own sexuality is a new twist on the “I assumed I was straight and whoops I’m not” complication which may have been more effective in a YA novel. It was a stretch to believe that an intelligent woman would not have assessed her attraction toward women at some point in her life.
Alix’s innocence aside, her ability to transform Thalia into a loving partner is entertaining to watch. The desire to mold someone we love into something better is not always achievable. I suppose that is what makes The Princess and the Prix a true modern day fairy tale. A lovely escapist read.
4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for review
August 22, 2018
Great book!!
This was the second book in the series, but I did like the first book more. I would recommend reading the first book before reading this because there are a few spoilers.
So this story is about Thalia a racer and Princess Alix of Monaco. Alis holds a public health degree and is involved in humanitarian work in Africa while Thalia is one of the few female racers who have qualified for the Grand Prix. They both end up collaborating on one of Alix's new project and the rest is history.
I love it when authors put in research into their work and put out great stuff. While I am not a huge fan of the Grand prix I do enjoy the few major races. This entire setting was bloody amazing. While I did know that racing is hard, I was so unaware about how hard it is. This book has made me respect racers even more.
This book had everything. Drama, sabotage, grief and romance. It's a great read. Will be a certain reread :)
This was the second book in the series, but I did like the first book more. I would recommend reading the first book before reading this because there are a few spoilers.
So this story is about Thalia a racer and Princess Alix of Monaco. Alis holds a public health degree and is involved in humanitarian work in Africa while Thalia is one of the few female racers who have qualified for the Grand Prix. They both end up collaborating on one of Alix's new project and the rest is history.
I love it when authors put in research into their work and put out great stuff. While I am not a huge fan of the Grand prix I do enjoy the few major races. This entire setting was bloody amazing. While I did know that racing is hard, I was so unaware about how hard it is. This book has made me respect racers even more.
This book had everything. Drama, sabotage, grief and romance. It's a great read. Will be a certain reread :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2016
Ignore the cheesy cover. This is a very entertaining story of a sportswoman on a quest to break a glass ceiling tougher than the US presidency, and a very un-princessy princess--bookish, introverted, and a self-proclaimed ugly duckling.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
January 26, 2018
I’m kinda in love with Nell Stark’s writing. Her books always feel like just the right amount of fluff - the book equivalent to curling up on the couch with a soft blanket.
August 1, 2019
I enjoyed this overall. The characters were well developed but I enjoyed their interaction and watching them both unfold as they came into their own and grew in their relationship. The writer does a great job dropping you into F1 racing and it makes for an overall interesting and engaging backdrop with an overall story that paces well. I wished there was a bit more interaction with the supporting cast and the end felt more like a beginning...is there a sequel?
September 2, 2017
I knew I'd give 4 stars the moment I realized that this book made me care about F1, something that my poor dad hasn't succeed at in the two decades I've been alive. I really enjoyed the scenes from Thalia's pov when she was driving and now I (like Alix and Nell Stark herself) have much more appreciation for the people involved in the sport.
The two main characters could not be more different. Alix is a true introverted, she has a hard time connecting with the people around her and too much social interacting is exhausting, and the only reason she starts to put effort into it is for the sake of her not-for-profit organization. While Thalia's live revolves around having a good time and being the best at the sport that she loves.I loved how, even thought Thalia is usually much more confident, Alix doesn't get her get away with anything and always stands up for herself. The romance between them is well written and I enjoyed watching them both grow through the book.
I also loved seeing a bit of the characters from The Princess Affair and am looking forward to reading more books from this writer.
The two main characters could not be more different. Alix is a true introverted, she has a hard time connecting with the people around her and too much social interacting is exhausting, and the only reason she starts to put effort into it is for the sake of her not-for-profit organization. While Thalia's live revolves around having a good time and being the best at the sport that she loves.I loved how, even thought Thalia is usually much more confident, Alix doesn't get her get away with anything and always stands up for herself. The romance between them is well written and I enjoyed watching them both grow through the book.
I also loved seeing a bit of the characters from The Princess Affair and am looking forward to reading more books from this writer.
January 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this one. Both main characters go through interesting arcs, their relationship grows in a way that's lovely and believable alongside those arcs. I particularly appreciated that despite knowing nothing about Formula One and not particularly caring about it either, I found all of racing scenes intense and gripping. I also liked seeing the familiar faces from The Princess Affair. If you liked that, definitely pick up this one.
December 24, 2015
Enjoyed this much more than the first in the series (possibly because I'm British and my BS alarm was going off too much).
Interesting characters (if a little formulaic), but enjoyable nonetheless.
Looking forward to more in this series.
Interesting characters (if a little formulaic), but enjoyable nonetheless.
Looking forward to more in this series.
June 23, 2022
I did not have me enjoying a book about a Formula One racer on my BINGO card, but here we are. I knew nothing about car racing going into this, but I have come out of this reading experience with a new appreciation for the sport. I won't go as far as calling myself a fan, but I don't think I'll ever look at it in the same way again. None of this is the point of this review, but reading is so very cool for this reason--to introduce things completely off your radar.
Anyway, I wanted to read The Princess and the Prix after reading The Princess Affair earlier this year, a novel I didn't expect to like as much as I did. Much like The Princess Affair, The Princess and the Prix was light and fun and the chemistry between the two leads is great.
Thalia d'Angelis is an up-and-coming Formula One racer who, despite her talent, continues to be overlooked for promotion into the premier league of F1 racing. Men with lesser talent are promoted instead, and she knows that it's because Thalia doesn't drive with a stick between her legs (I'm sorry! I had to!). But the opportunity does eventually present itself, even if it's partially due to the gimmick that she is a woman rather than the fact that she's a talented racer. But Thalia is determined to make the most of the chance. She soon finds it's much harder than she expected. Not the racing, of course, but rather the systemic and more obvious forces actively working against her success. And she lashes out--both in frustration and in protest. Why is she expected to rise above when men don't have to? Why can't she party and hook up women, when the men in her sport can?
As one of the princesses of Monaco, Her Serene Highness Pommelina, or Alix, as she prefers to be known, F1 racing has always been part of her life, even if she knows next to nothing about the sport and doesn't like what little she does know. Alix is aware of her privilege and feels guilty about it most of the time. Unlike her siblings, she'd rather use her time, education, connections, and resources for good. Also, unlike her siblings, Alix thinks of herself as rather unattractive in comparison. But she's not looking for a romantic relationship anyway. She's always found the idea of romance somewhat benign.
When circumstances demand she take a more public profile, Alix reluctantly accepts the role, even if she feels she's better suited to dig ditches in Africa than rub shoulders with other royals. But it's at one of these events where she meets Thalia. And there are not fireworks on either side of the meeting, but there is a connection. One that doesn't make sense to either, but one that works for them both. An unusual friendship is born. But what happens when friendship turns to feelings? How will Alix, who's never been attracted to a woman before, navigate her position as a Monegasque princess and be in a relationship with a woman? And is Thalia even ready for a monogamous relationship?
The Princess and the Prix set in my kind of fantasy world--where high-profile royals can be with commoners. And if you reconcile that detail, then you'll probably enjoy this novel. Plus, as a bonus, you get a good amount of time with characters from The Princess Affair, too.
Anyway, I wanted to read The Princess and the Prix after reading The Princess Affair earlier this year, a novel I didn't expect to like as much as I did. Much like The Princess Affair, The Princess and the Prix was light and fun and the chemistry between the two leads is great.
Thalia d'Angelis is an up-and-coming Formula One racer who, despite her talent, continues to be overlooked for promotion into the premier league of F1 racing. Men with lesser talent are promoted instead, and she knows that it's because Thalia doesn't drive with a stick between her legs (I'm sorry! I had to!). But the opportunity does eventually present itself, even if it's partially due to the gimmick that she is a woman rather than the fact that she's a talented racer. But Thalia is determined to make the most of the chance. She soon finds it's much harder than she expected. Not the racing, of course, but rather the systemic and more obvious forces actively working against her success. And she lashes out--both in frustration and in protest. Why is she expected to rise above when men don't have to? Why can't she party and hook up women, when the men in her sport can?
As one of the princesses of Monaco, Her Serene Highness Pommelina, or Alix, as she prefers to be known, F1 racing has always been part of her life, even if she knows next to nothing about the sport and doesn't like what little she does know. Alix is aware of her privilege and feels guilty about it most of the time. Unlike her siblings, she'd rather use her time, education, connections, and resources for good. Also, unlike her siblings, Alix thinks of herself as rather unattractive in comparison. But she's not looking for a romantic relationship anyway. She's always found the idea of romance somewhat benign.
When circumstances demand she take a more public profile, Alix reluctantly accepts the role, even if she feels she's better suited to dig ditches in Africa than rub shoulders with other royals. But it's at one of these events where she meets Thalia. And there are not fireworks on either side of the meeting, but there is a connection. One that doesn't make sense to either, but one that works for them both. An unusual friendship is born. But what happens when friendship turns to feelings? How will Alix, who's never been attracted to a woman before, navigate her position as a Monegasque princess and be in a relationship with a woman? And is Thalia even ready for a monogamous relationship?
The Princess and the Prix set in my kind of fantasy world--where high-profile royals can be with commoners. And if you reconcile that detail, then you'll probably enjoy this novel. Plus, as a bonus, you get a good amount of time with characters from The Princess Affair, too.
August 24, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
October 27, 2015
I was enthusiastic about reading this book months ago when I found out there would be another in the Princess Affair series. Nell Stark consistently puts out quality books that have been well researched and have exciting characters. I am a fan of the way she gives significant background information, without it taking over the story and stifling the romance. The Princess and the Prix is no exception, it is a quality read.
Alix is a princess who totally does not act like a “princess”. She is Serene Highness Pommelina Alix Louise Canella of Monaco, but more importantly she is a highly intellectual woman who cares deeply for the plight of those less fortunate. Alix’s life has been 100% focused on her studies and then pursing her humanitarian efforts in East Africa. She has never given much thought to love or relationship.
Thalia d’Angelis is all about fast cars, fast women and not giving a damn about what anyone else thinks. She is an unapologetic cad. Thalia is an up and coming Formula One driver, who wants to be the first woman in history to stand atop the podium.
I thought the book was good, but it left me wanting in the romantic fuzzy feeling kind of way. While I adored Alix and her transformation, I was really drawn to how smart and cognizant she was. Alix’s mental wheels were always turning and evaluating the interactions with other characters, especially Thalia. Thalia, while I enjoyed her character as an athlete who is consumed with the need to win and perform, I couldn’t really connect with her outside of that. It seemed a little artificial to me when she fell in love with the Princess, and was ready to change her ways. This is definitely a worthy book, and I enjoyed my time with it.
This ARC was provided to my by Netgalley.
My rating would be a 3.75
https://theromanticreaderblog.wordpre...
Alix is a princess who totally does not act like a “princess”. She is Serene Highness Pommelina Alix Louise Canella of Monaco, but more importantly she is a highly intellectual woman who cares deeply for the plight of those less fortunate. Alix’s life has been 100% focused on her studies and then pursing her humanitarian efforts in East Africa. She has never given much thought to love or relationship.
Thalia d’Angelis is all about fast cars, fast women and not giving a damn about what anyone else thinks. She is an unapologetic cad. Thalia is an up and coming Formula One driver, who wants to be the first woman in history to stand atop the podium.
I thought the book was good, but it left me wanting in the romantic fuzzy feeling kind of way. While I adored Alix and her transformation, I was really drawn to how smart and cognizant she was. Alix’s mental wheels were always turning and evaluating the interactions with other characters, especially Thalia. Thalia, while I enjoyed her character as an athlete who is consumed with the need to win and perform, I couldn’t really connect with her outside of that. It seemed a little artificial to me when she fell in love with the Princess, and was ready to change her ways. This is definitely a worthy book, and I enjoyed my time with it.
This ARC was provided to my by Netgalley.
My rating would be a 3.75
https://theromanticreaderblog.wordpre...
November 18, 2016
I'm hooked and I can't stop reading even though I don't have any clue on Grand Prix the book explains everything really well.
I will reread the first book again because I only rated it 3 and frankly I totally forgot about the story, maybe i will like it this time and upgrade my rating since already got a glimpse of Princess Sasha and Kerry again.
Thalia is a badass F1 racer, her father is an F1 legend.
But all through out the book she's been seeking of her Father's love but i think till the end she didn't get any. It's quite sad.
She's arrogant, hot headed and a player and I'm really wondering what Alix saw on her.
Well, accept that she's gorgeous and hot and sexy!!
Alix on the other is the perfect royal, staying under the radar all her life. She built her life to help others especially those on Africa or the less fortunate. Although she got an insecure side sometimes and she's always questioning why Thalia liked her.
Actually, the real question is why did she like Thalia?
I'm happy that they've manage to learn their mistakes and change it. They sort of compliment each other.
Make each other better.
Overall i really enjoyed the book, looking forward to the next installment. :)
PS:
I feel bad for Peter. :(
I will reread the first book again because I only rated it 3 and frankly I totally forgot about the story, maybe i will like it this time and upgrade my rating since already got a glimpse of Princess Sasha and Kerry again.
Thalia is a badass F1 racer, her father is an F1 legend.
But all through out the book she's been seeking of her Father's love but i think till the end she didn't get any. It's quite sad.
She's arrogant, hot headed and a player and I'm really wondering what Alix saw on her.
Well, accept that she's gorgeous and hot and sexy!!
Alix on the other is the perfect royal, staying under the radar all her life. She built her life to help others especially those on Africa or the less fortunate. Although she got an insecure side sometimes and she's always questioning why Thalia liked her.
Actually, the real question is why did she like Thalia?
I'm happy that they've manage to learn their mistakes and change it. They sort of compliment each other.
Make each other better.
Overall i really enjoyed the book, looking forward to the next installment. :)
PS:
I feel bad for Peter. :(
November 15, 2015
Anti-princess Princess meets a sportswoman with a devil-may-care attitude. Both Alix and Thalia are endearing through their flaws.
The development of their relationship was written well but then the focus sometimes shifts abruptly from them to racing dramas that it felt slightly disjointed.
The contrast between how they looked during their first meeting at Sasha's wedding and how they were in the epilogue was a nice touch.
I'm not into racing and have almost-zero knowledge about it but this book presented a pretty nice insight into what happens on and off the track. It was written in a way that you could put yourself in the driver's shoes. Thumbs up. :)
over all.. 4.5
*ARC received from NetGalley*
The development of their relationship was written well but then the focus sometimes shifts abruptly from them to racing dramas that it felt slightly disjointed.
The contrast between how they looked during their first meeting at Sasha's wedding and how they were in the epilogue was a nice touch.
I'm not into racing and have almost-zero knowledge about it but this book presented a pretty nice insight into what happens on and off the track. It was written in a way that you could put yourself in the driver's shoes. Thumbs up. :)
over all.. 4.5
*ARC received from NetGalley*
November 29, 2021
Love this series - but this is close to losing a star as there was a Brick wall ending - a definite yellow card. Nell Stark is better than that. I love the back characters who appear though out the series. Excellent, thank you.
July 22, 2020
Still 5 stars, but I the epilogue should have been much longer. The ending felt rushed for me.
22 July 2020 Listened to audio, but prefered reading it
22 July 2020 Listened to audio, but prefered reading it
December 10, 2015
Following on from The Princess Affair Nell Stark continues her theme of European Royals discovering their sexuality and finding romance in unusual places. It isn’t precisely a sequel, but those who loved Kerry and Sasha wont be disappointed.
Here we meet Princess Alix of Monaco, the brainy one who hasn’t had time to find herself, and Thalia, rebel racecar driver with a chip on her shoulder. They have nothing in common and the sparks soon fly. But of course it wouldn’t be a lesbian romance without all sorts of sparks flying. Both women need to grow up – in very different ways - and it is a fun read to watch them develop.
Ms Stark’s books are always well written and this one is particularly well researched, giving a huge amount of inside knowledge about formula one, without ever feeling heavy handed. I am sure most readers will be unaware quite how physically tough it is.
It’s a fun read, light and easy going. Definitely a nice way to spend an evening in front of the fire. I always enjoy Nell Stark’s books and this one is no exception.
Here we meet Princess Alix of Monaco, the brainy one who hasn’t had time to find herself, and Thalia, rebel racecar driver with a chip on her shoulder. They have nothing in common and the sparks soon fly. But of course it wouldn’t be a lesbian romance without all sorts of sparks flying. Both women need to grow up – in very different ways - and it is a fun read to watch them develop.
Ms Stark’s books are always well written and this one is particularly well researched, giving a huge amount of inside knowledge about formula one, without ever feeling heavy handed. I am sure most readers will be unaware quite how physically tough it is.
It’s a fun read, light and easy going. Definitely a nice way to spend an evening in front of the fire. I always enjoy Nell Stark’s books and this one is no exception.
November 7, 2015
Review for Netgalley
The beginning was a little preachy and Alix was a little sanctimonious but it evens out by the middle of the book. Alix and Thalia both grow as individuals and as a couple at a believable rate. The development from strangers to friends to lovers and to partners is seamless and enjoyable. The romance was a good blend of sweet and erotic. All in all this is a fairly enjoyable book.
Oh! And I was so very glad that
The beginning was a little preachy and Alix was a little sanctimonious but it evens out by the middle of the book. Alix and Thalia both grow as individuals and as a couple at a believable rate. The development from strangers to friends to lovers and to partners is seamless and enjoyable. The romance was a good blend of sweet and erotic. All in all this is a fairly enjoyable book.
Oh! And I was so very glad that
March 1, 2017
My second book by Stark, and second in this series.
I was both eager and somewhat hesitant to read this book. I had liked the first book I had read, despite some of the negative reviews I had read, and everything about the second one seemed to make it something that would interest me. Some of the initial reviews of this specific book here were quite negative. Then I started to see some positive ones, but all these reviews were coming in while the book was still not available to me. So by the time the book actually came out, I still took . . . hmm, almost three months to try it. Wait, three months? I didn’t have access to it in November. Hmm. Maybe I did? Bah, whatever, not important.
The book features Princess Pommelina Alix Canella of Monaco, the middle child, and Thalia d’Angelis, a race car driver of mixed US and UK birth. Despite being a princess of Monaco, Alix cares nothing for the Monaco Grand Prix, motorsports, and potentially sports in general (I forget if this attitude extended to other sports; Alix gets called Pomme, Pommelina, and Alix in the book, she prefers Alix). Instead she is more concerned for helping others, like women in Africa. When that specific bit of information came to light, I was vaguely disappointed in one specific way – I don’t particularly like reading about people of privilege who are quite disdainful of their own privilege and/or if not disdainful, then they are ashamed of it and wish to do everything they can to work tirelessly for others. It is somewhat tiring to read a book with such a character. Luckily, while Alix does have a certain amount of . . . maybe not shame, but something approaching that, and while she does have desire to help others, she isn’t the annoying/tiring type. She is the bookish middle child who has a certain amount of introversion and prefers not to be in crowds but can ‘turn it on’ when she has to (by turn it on – be the good princess/hostess/etc.).
In an effort to figure out how to go about setting up a foundation, Alix takes an opportunity presented to her to go be the Monaco representative at a royal wedding in England. The wedding of Princess Sasha and Kerry Donovan – the two lead characters from the prior book. She takes the opportunity because she wishes to talk with the Princess of Wales, who set up a foundation of her own (Ashleigh – the wife of Sasha’s brother Arthur). She does make a connection, and this does become a theme that continues throughout the book. Well, not the connection specifically to Ashleigh, but the setting up and then opening a foundation. At the same event, Alix meets Thalia. Up to this moment Alix was, for the most part, asexual. As in, didn’t care about sex, developing a sex life, or romance in general. Thalia, on the other hand, well, we will get to Thalia.
I’m not sure why I started with Alix first, since Thalia’s point of view opens the book. No matter.
Thalia D’Angelis is an accomplished race car driver who dominates the (a?) lower Formula One like race circuit – GB2 I think she kept calling it. She’s put up with the male misogynistic nature of the sport for several years, but finally breaks after winning the first race of the season and gets asked, yet again, how she feels about her teammate, her lesser teammate (and everyone is lesser, since Thalia had been last year’s champion) got promoted over her to the Formula One Ferrari team. She’s 26. She’s a proven champion. She bit her lips and ‘took’ everyone’s advice to ‘be patient’, while the men around her were pushed to stretch and go for their goals. But, while being interviewed after the race, she lets loose about her real thoughts.
Thalia returns to her home in London assuming that she’s now out of a job, and probably blackballed from racing. Picks up a woman to play with, and goes back to her place. Yeah, I said I’d get to Thalia – she doesn’t believe in relationships, at least not deep relationships. She’s more of a causal type, not necessarily one and done, but close to that. Well, while humping, literally in the middle of ‘sexing up’ a hot young woman, Thalia phone rings. She ignores it but eventually takes it after the third interruption. A Formula One team wants to hire her. So, her life isn’t actually over, and instead, her dream is about to become true.
Somewhere in between winning the first race in that under-circuit, getting hired by a Formula One team, and the first Formula One race, Thalia attends a wedding. The one I already mentioned above. While there she spots Alix. Well, they spot each other. At the wedding itself, Thalia is gazing about, people watching. Spots a woman pop in starring up. Then walking into the ‘royal’ only part of the church, then realizes that she was watching a royal, a princess. Later, at the reception/after party/whatever they called it; Alix is at her table, by herself, while everyone else dances. She people watches. Thalia suddenly is next to her, and they talk, briefly. Then some guy named, I think, Sebastian shows up and drapes himself over Alix. Alix doesn’t want anything to do with Sebastian but can’t get him to leave her alone. Sebastian tells her they will dance, and then leaves to take a call. Thalia, somehow or another, decides to teach Alix how to dance. Right there and then. I’ve mentioned all of this to get to this part – the fact that Alix and Thalia meet, interact, and some connection develops. Plus, this leads Thalia to invite Alix to watch the Formula One race, since Lady [insert name here – the wife of the guy who owns Thalia’s Formula One team] will be there and is big into charity work.
So, that’s the first part of the book. Thalia and Alix have a vaguely friend/acquaintance/what-the-heck-are-we thing going on. Thalia races. Alix watches, while mostly attempting to set up her foundation. Alix has feelings she didn’t expect to have. Ones she has certain issues with. She, being a scientist, knows that humans are not the only species that have homosexual relationships, but she is from one of the last bastions of conservativism in Europe. And while she doesn’t believe in the same things her parents do, regarding religion/sexual orientation/etc., she still spends most of the book trying to figure out if she is homophobic, and whether or not some of the feelings she is having might have some connection to that. So you have that ‘blocking/slowing’ things on one side of the potential relationship; while you have someone who can’t allow themselves to be in a deeper, less than shallow relationship on the other – one with a bad reputation splashed across the newspapers.
I’ve read many sports books in my time. They tend to go one of three ways. One – one of the people involved in the book, most of the time the main character, is an athlete in some sport. While the book might include aspects of that part of the character’s life, most of the action takes place outside the actual ‘field/pitch/track/etc.’ It’s just that person’s job. Two – see above, stop at ‘most of the action’, change to ‘most of the action takes place on the field . . .’ Three – one of the main characters is an athlete or an ex athlete. The book has nothing to do with that aspect of their lives, for the most part, but with their . . . amazing amateur investigative skills (I’ve read a lot of mysteries in my day). The difference between one and three mostly deals with the specific character – the character in one is an active professional; the one in the third ‘way’, mostly, is an ex-professional athlete. This book goes a way I haven’t really seen before. I don’t mean that it is super original, for all I know it is/or isn’t. No, it’s the part where there are more than one point of view, while everything I’ve read for 1-3 above have mostly only one point of view. So this is a mixture of one and two. There is extensive action that takes place outside the sport, and a lot of action in the sport.
That was very wordy. Let me try again. Sports books go two ways. They have detailed descriptions of the sport (the game/race/match/etc.), or they don’t. This book includes detailed descriptions, though not every race has the same level of detail. Some occur ‘off the page’. None follow a complete race from start to finish; that would probably add about a thousand pages. The race activity was actually quite thrilling, exciting to read. I really felt like I was inside the car. Oh, right, I was going to mention this ‘realness’ elsewhere. So, yes, the races felt real.
As do the characters. I had the strong feeling that Alix and Thalia were real. And I was reading about full-bodied three dimensional people. They are the focus, so they felt the most real,
So, long and short, I loved the book. You do not have to have read the prior book to read this one, nor should you refrain from reading the prior book if you skipped right to this one. The characters from the prior book pop up in this one, but their trials and tribulations are not discussed, at least not in detail, in this book. So you won’t be ‘spoiled’, again for the most part if you read the second before the first.
Hmm, for the purposes of the prior paragraph, I just reread my review for the first book. I’d forgotten certain issues I had had, ones that I was able to get past, somewhat easily, but which were there. I mention because some of those issues actually pop up in this one. And I didn’t even have a single problem with them. Mostly because of the nature of the people involved in this book. I’m being vague. Mostly because I realize that if I am specific, then I might actually fall into accidentally spoiling the first book. So I’ll refrain. And depart.
January 6 2016
I was both eager and somewhat hesitant to read this book. I had liked the first book I had read, despite some of the negative reviews I had read, and everything about the second one seemed to make it something that would interest me. Some of the initial reviews of this specific book here were quite negative. Then I started to see some positive ones, but all these reviews were coming in while the book was still not available to me. So by the time the book actually came out, I still took . . . hmm, almost three months to try it. Wait, three months? I didn’t have access to it in November. Hmm. Maybe I did? Bah, whatever, not important.
The book features Princess Pommelina Alix Canella of Monaco, the middle child, and Thalia d’Angelis, a race car driver of mixed US and UK birth. Despite being a princess of Monaco, Alix cares nothing for the Monaco Grand Prix, motorsports, and potentially sports in general (I forget if this attitude extended to other sports; Alix gets called Pomme, Pommelina, and Alix in the book, she prefers Alix). Instead she is more concerned for helping others, like women in Africa. When that specific bit of information came to light, I was vaguely disappointed in one specific way – I don’t particularly like reading about people of privilege who are quite disdainful of their own privilege and/or if not disdainful, then they are ashamed of it and wish to do everything they can to work tirelessly for others. It is somewhat tiring to read a book with such a character. Luckily, while Alix does have a certain amount of . . . maybe not shame, but something approaching that, and while she does have desire to help others, she isn’t the annoying/tiring type. She is the bookish middle child who has a certain amount of introversion and prefers not to be in crowds but can ‘turn it on’ when she has to (by turn it on – be the good princess/hostess/etc.).
In an effort to figure out how to go about setting up a foundation, Alix takes an opportunity presented to her to go be the Monaco representative at a royal wedding in England. The wedding of Princess Sasha and Kerry Donovan – the two lead characters from the prior book. She takes the opportunity because she wishes to talk with the Princess of Wales, who set up a foundation of her own (Ashleigh – the wife of Sasha’s brother Arthur). She does make a connection, and this does become a theme that continues throughout the book. Well, not the connection specifically to Ashleigh, but the setting up and then opening a foundation. At the same event, Alix meets Thalia. Up to this moment Alix was, for the most part, asexual. As in, didn’t care about sex, developing a sex life, or romance in general. Thalia, on the other hand, well, we will get to Thalia.
I’m not sure why I started with Alix first, since Thalia’s point of view opens the book. No matter.
Thalia D’Angelis is an accomplished race car driver who dominates the (a?) lower Formula One like race circuit – GB2 I think she kept calling it. She’s put up with the male misogynistic nature of the sport for several years, but finally breaks after winning the first race of the season and gets asked, yet again, how she feels about her teammate, her lesser teammate (and everyone is lesser, since Thalia had been last year’s champion) got promoted over her to the Formula One Ferrari team. She’s 26. She’s a proven champion. She bit her lips and ‘took’ everyone’s advice to ‘be patient’, while the men around her were pushed to stretch and go for their goals. But, while being interviewed after the race, she lets loose about her real thoughts.
Thalia returns to her home in London assuming that she’s now out of a job, and probably blackballed from racing. Picks up a woman to play with, and goes back to her place. Yeah, I said I’d get to Thalia – she doesn’t believe in relationships, at least not deep relationships. She’s more of a causal type, not necessarily one and done, but close to that. Well, while humping, literally in the middle of ‘sexing up’ a hot young woman, Thalia phone rings. She ignores it but eventually takes it after the third interruption. A Formula One team wants to hire her. So, her life isn’t actually over, and instead, her dream is about to become true.
Somewhere in between winning the first race in that under-circuit, getting hired by a Formula One team, and the first Formula One race, Thalia attends a wedding. The one I already mentioned above. While there she spots Alix. Well, they spot each other. At the wedding itself, Thalia is gazing about, people watching. Spots a woman pop in starring up. Then walking into the ‘royal’ only part of the church, then realizes that she was watching a royal, a princess. Later, at the reception/after party/whatever they called it; Alix is at her table, by herself, while everyone else dances. She people watches. Thalia suddenly is next to her, and they talk, briefly. Then some guy named, I think, Sebastian shows up and drapes himself over Alix. Alix doesn’t want anything to do with Sebastian but can’t get him to leave her alone. Sebastian tells her they will dance, and then leaves to take a call. Thalia, somehow or another, decides to teach Alix how to dance. Right there and then. I’ve mentioned all of this to get to this part – the fact that Alix and Thalia meet, interact, and some connection develops. Plus, this leads Thalia to invite Alix to watch the Formula One race, since Lady [insert name here – the wife of the guy who owns Thalia’s Formula One team] will be there and is big into charity work.
So, that’s the first part of the book. Thalia and Alix have a vaguely friend/acquaintance/what-the-heck-are-we thing going on. Thalia races. Alix watches, while mostly attempting to set up her foundation. Alix has feelings she didn’t expect to have. Ones she has certain issues with. She, being a scientist, knows that humans are not the only species that have homosexual relationships, but she is from one of the last bastions of conservativism in Europe. And while she doesn’t believe in the same things her parents do, regarding religion/sexual orientation/etc., she still spends most of the book trying to figure out if she is homophobic, and whether or not some of the feelings she is having might have some connection to that. So you have that ‘blocking/slowing’ things on one side of the potential relationship; while you have someone who can’t allow themselves to be in a deeper, less than shallow relationship on the other – one with a bad reputation splashed across the newspapers.
I’ve read many sports books in my time. They tend to go one of three ways. One – one of the people involved in the book, most of the time the main character, is an athlete in some sport. While the book might include aspects of that part of the character’s life, most of the action takes place outside the actual ‘field/pitch/track/etc.’ It’s just that person’s job. Two – see above, stop at ‘most of the action’, change to ‘most of the action takes place on the field . . .’ Three – one of the main characters is an athlete or an ex athlete. The book has nothing to do with that aspect of their lives, for the most part, but with their . . . amazing amateur investigative skills (I’ve read a lot of mysteries in my day). The difference between one and three mostly deals with the specific character – the character in one is an active professional; the one in the third ‘way’, mostly, is an ex-professional athlete. This book goes a way I haven’t really seen before. I don’t mean that it is super original, for all I know it is/or isn’t. No, it’s the part where there are more than one point of view, while everything I’ve read for 1-3 above have mostly only one point of view. So this is a mixture of one and two. There is extensive action that takes place outside the sport, and a lot of action in the sport.
That was very wordy. Let me try again. Sports books go two ways. They have detailed descriptions of the sport (the game/race/match/etc.), or they don’t. This book includes detailed descriptions, though not every race has the same level of detail. Some occur ‘off the page’. None follow a complete race from start to finish; that would probably add about a thousand pages. The race activity was actually quite thrilling, exciting to read. I really felt like I was inside the car. Oh, right, I was going to mention this ‘realness’ elsewhere. So, yes, the races felt real.
As do the characters. I had the strong feeling that Alix and Thalia were real. And I was reading about full-bodied three dimensional people. They are the focus, so they felt the most real,
So, long and short, I loved the book. You do not have to have read the prior book to read this one, nor should you refrain from reading the prior book if you skipped right to this one. The characters from the prior book pop up in this one, but their trials and tribulations are not discussed, at least not in detail, in this book. So you won’t be ‘spoiled’, again for the most part if you read the second before the first.
Hmm, for the purposes of the prior paragraph, I just reread my review for the first book. I’d forgotten certain issues I had had, ones that I was able to get past, somewhat easily, but which were there. I mention because some of those issues actually pop up in this one. And I didn’t even have a single problem with them. Mostly because of the nature of the people involved in this book. I’m being vague. Mostly because I realize that if I am specific, then I might actually fall into accidentally spoiling the first book. So I’ll refrain. And depart.
January 6 2016
July 5, 2022
A fine sports novel that featured a different type of sport from the norm (Forumla 1 racing). There was lots of communication and the character growth was well-paced to the point where it felt realistic.
There were a lot of great features in this book. As mentioned above, the character growth and pacing were realistic. Sometimes conversations or interventions did not result in a solution right away. The characters had to take the interaction and unpack it. It felt very organic and was refreshing to see. Communication was also a major positive in this novel. There was enough miscommunication to create some light tension but it was not the only thing contributing to the plot.
Within the first 20% of the novel, we are introduced to a lot of different facets that make up both of the mains. Usually, when this happens the author tries to resolve all of those items by the end of the book. I was surprised to find out that Stark used this to create depth for the characters and only focused on the aspects that were important for the main storyline. I can see where some might consider some points unresolved but appreciated not forcing that perfect ending.
There is a part in this book where grief is explored and while it was handled much better than most books I have read, it still felt a little rushed. With how much care went into other aspects of the book it was a little disappointing for it to be transitioned through fairly quickly.
Overall, I would recommend if you are a fan of sporty lesfics or the royal romance trope. One thing I will note is that one of the MC's is prone to have their mind wander and some of their parts had heavy introspection. I think the introspection was done well enough, but I could see how it might be considered boring for others.
There were a lot of great features in this book. As mentioned above, the character growth and pacing were realistic. Sometimes conversations or interventions did not result in a solution right away. The characters had to take the interaction and unpack it. It felt very organic and was refreshing to see. Communication was also a major positive in this novel. There was enough miscommunication to create some light tension but it was not the only thing contributing to the plot.
Within the first 20% of the novel, we are introduced to a lot of different facets that make up both of the mains. Usually, when this happens the author tries to resolve all of those items by the end of the book. I was surprised to find out that Stark used this to create depth for the characters and only focused on the aspects that were important for the main storyline. I can see where some might consider some points unresolved but appreciated not forcing that perfect ending.
There is a part in this book where grief is explored and while it was handled much better than most books I have read, it still felt a little rushed. With how much care went into other aspects of the book it was a little disappointing for it to be transitioned through fairly quickly.
Overall, I would recommend if you are a fan of sporty lesfics or the royal romance trope. One thing I will note is that one of the MC's is prone to have their mind wander and some of their parts had heavy introspection. I think the introspection was done well enough, but I could see how it might be considered boring for others.
June 25, 2016
I'm afraid the story didn't do much for me. It would be too easy to blame it on the Formula 1 setting (you either like F1 or you don't, and I don't), but the romance wasn't that interesting either.
I had a few laughs (why the author thought Ernst was a good name for the Dutch crown prince, I have no idea) and we get too see Sasha and Kerry again (Duchess Kerry, hehe), but overall, I was bored for much of the book.
I had a few laughs (why the author thought Ernst was a good name for the Dutch crown prince, I have no idea) and we get too see Sasha and Kerry again (Duchess Kerry, hehe), but overall, I was bored for much of the book.
March 23, 2016
Pretty nice love story, Stark's writing is very fluid and the tension between the characters draws you in. The second part was somewhwat less exciting, overall it's a good book.
November 10, 2015
The Princess and the Prix is, in spite of the title and the cover, a highly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable story. Actually a modern day fairy tale. 3.5 stars.
October 11, 2017
I decided to take a break from all that mlm I’ve read this year and for a change, try some wlw. It took longer than I expected, to find what I was looking for - something similar to Annabeth Albert and Santino Hassell, but with women instead of men. Then I stumbled upon Nell Stark’s The Princess and the Prix. Apparently, it’s a second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone (to be more precise, it’s just two (or possibly more) books sharing the same universe).
I love princesses, always have, but I’m not really fond of historical fiction. Contemporary (or dystopia) is my favorite genre, so this book is a perfect mix for me. Formula 1, Grand Prix and other car-related stuff, on the other hand - can’t say I’ve ever thought about it and certainly not as a background for a wlw romance. But it works so well.
Luckily, Alix is almost as oblivious to F1 as me, so most of the basics of racing were explained in very smooth, natural way. And despite my lack of knowledge, I was totally absorbed in Thalia’s first F1 race - I was super tense, biting my lip, holding my breath, and I almost pumped my fist in the air when it was finished. Yeah, the author’s that good.
I was afraid that from then, Thalia would be winning one race after another with just some minor setbacks, but her behavior (and then some unlucky weather conditions) made them as unpredictable as they probably are in real life, so even though I’m still not a fan of this sport, the book kept me interested.
The story is set in some alternate universe, with fictional people replacing English and Monegasque Royal families, but other than that, everything corresponds with our reality. Including misogyny and homophobia, and the book is feminist as fuck. As soon as the first chapter, we get an awesome, confident woman who is a top car racer, she wins a race and proceeds to call out misogynists in the industry, rants about double standard where women are expected to smile and wait their turn politely, while men are told to go for it. This is followed by hot f/f sex scene with one of them asking for an explicit verbal consent before each step. And that’s just a beginning.
Both MC’s were strong and interesting and were not defined just by their sexuality or their relationship with each other. A princess who feels guilty for being privileged trying to pay the world back by helping people who need help, but making a point of not being condescending. And a female F1 racer who’s not afraid to do what she wants to do and ask for what she deserves, no matter what anyone might think. They’re pre-destined to clash, but also, to help each other out in the way only women in this world can help each other.
I liked how both MC’s were deeply flawed - Alix being self-righteous bitch at times and Thalia playing the misogyny card to palliate her problematic behavior (they do have a point - Alix really helps people and Thalia is right about the misogyny, but that doesn’t excuse them). I also liked how hard they worked to change for the better. What I probably loved the most, though, was Thalia unapologetically calling out Alix on not being honest with her and Alix then being brave enough to tell the truth. They were both so fearless and yet vulnerable and it really tugged on my heartstrings.
Supporting characters were also mostly loveable. I mean, Claude. During the big crisis, his not asking any questions besides “Would you like to go to Germany?” was the best reaction I could ask from him. And towards the end, when he proclaimed his loyalty, I was almost crying. On the other hand, the antagonistic characters (can’t really call them villains, they didn’t have that much power or space) are mostly cliché (Alix’s mother being classic “she made me wear dress and makeup and flirt with boys even though I was so uninterested”, which is a bit cheap and Mary Sue-ish way to make Alix’s characteristics stand out. Same goes for Sebastian-the-unwanted-suitor), but I can forgive the book for that. Oh yeah, and Peter broke my heart.
There are just few sex scenes and apart from the brief one in the beginning, they don’t appear until after first half. But they are beautiful, not that explicit, but still erotic and sensual. And realistic. And their first kiss! The way they talked! The way Thalia kept reassuring Alix! Ohmigod. I just loved it.
I would love some short extra regarding Alix’s coming out.
To conclude, I definitely plan on reading about Sasha and Kerry and I so hope for more books from this universe - I mean, princesses loving women, I’m a good person, I deserve that. Nell Stark just became one of my favorites and I plan on reading everything from her.
I love princesses, always have, but I’m not really fond of historical fiction. Contemporary (or dystopia) is my favorite genre, so this book is a perfect mix for me. Formula 1, Grand Prix and other car-related stuff, on the other hand - can’t say I’ve ever thought about it and certainly not as a background for a wlw romance. But it works so well.
Luckily, Alix is almost as oblivious to F1 as me, so most of the basics of racing were explained in very smooth, natural way. And despite my lack of knowledge, I was totally absorbed in Thalia’s first F1 race - I was super tense, biting my lip, holding my breath, and I almost pumped my fist in the air when it was finished. Yeah, the author’s that good.
I was afraid that from then, Thalia would be winning one race after another with just some minor setbacks, but her behavior (and then some unlucky weather conditions) made them as unpredictable as they probably are in real life, so even though I’m still not a fan of this sport, the book kept me interested.
The story is set in some alternate universe, with fictional people replacing English and Monegasque Royal families, but other than that, everything corresponds with our reality. Including misogyny and homophobia, and the book is feminist as fuck. As soon as the first chapter, we get an awesome, confident woman who is a top car racer, she wins a race and proceeds to call out misogynists in the industry, rants about double standard where women are expected to smile and wait their turn politely, while men are told to go for it. This is followed by hot f/f sex scene with one of them asking for an explicit verbal consent before each step. And that’s just a beginning.
Both MC’s were strong and interesting and were not defined just by their sexuality or their relationship with each other. A princess who feels guilty for being privileged trying to pay the world back by helping people who need help, but making a point of not being condescending. And a female F1 racer who’s not afraid to do what she wants to do and ask for what she deserves, no matter what anyone might think. They’re pre-destined to clash, but also, to help each other out in the way only women in this world can help each other.
I liked how both MC’s were deeply flawed - Alix being self-righteous bitch at times and Thalia playing the misogyny card to palliate her problematic behavior (they do have a point - Alix really helps people and Thalia is right about the misogyny, but that doesn’t excuse them). I also liked how hard they worked to change for the better. What I probably loved the most, though, was Thalia unapologetically calling out Alix on not being honest with her and Alix then being brave enough to tell the truth. They were both so fearless and yet vulnerable and it really tugged on my heartstrings.
Supporting characters were also mostly loveable. I mean, Claude. During the big crisis, his not asking any questions besides “Would you like to go to Germany?” was the best reaction I could ask from him. And towards the end, when he proclaimed his loyalty, I was almost crying. On the other hand, the antagonistic characters (can’t really call them villains, they didn’t have that much power or space) are mostly cliché (Alix’s mother being classic “she made me wear dress and makeup and flirt with boys even though I was so uninterested”, which is a bit cheap and Mary Sue-ish way to make Alix’s characteristics stand out. Same goes for Sebastian-the-unwanted-suitor), but I can forgive the book for that. Oh yeah, and Peter broke my heart.
There are just few sex scenes and apart from the brief one in the beginning, they don’t appear until after first half. But they are beautiful, not that explicit, but still erotic and sensual. And realistic. And their first kiss! The way they talked! The way Thalia kept reassuring Alix! Ohmigod. I just loved it.
I would love some short extra regarding Alix’s coming out.
To conclude, I definitely plan on reading about Sasha and Kerry and I so hope for more books from this universe - I mean, princesses loving women, I’m a good person, I deserve that. Nell Stark just became one of my favorites and I plan on reading everything from her.
April 21, 2021
I was a huge Formula 1 fan just a few years ago and I still love the sport, though I have no time for actually watching it (because I'm here reading books, but oh well xD). So when I saw this is a:
🔥 lesbian sports romance
🔥 with woman as a race driver
🔥 and a touch of royalty
I was like:
As often happens with high expectations though, the delivery didn't come through for me. There was just a little bit of something missing, and some things that just gave me that Big Sigh™ energy.
What I liked/what was done well:
✔ the racing parts were LIT LIT LIT!!!
That's probably partially my love for F1 talking, but the writing, the detail and the suspense really made me feel like I was there in the cockpit with Thalia. I might have forgotten some rules in F1 etc., but this was clearly researched well and written with love for the sport.
✔ Thalia's character - I might be in the minority here but I really liked her, although I wasn't entirely satisfied with how her anger management issues were (or weren't) dealt with.
She's got spunk and was never afraid to be herself or speak her mind, and while she might've acted like an asshole at times, I still found myself cheering for her.
"I’m not in this sport to be the best female driver. I’m in it to be the best driver, period."
✔ Thalia's relationship with Peter - it was like this mentor relationship and one of my fav aspects of this story
✔ Thalia and Alix's banter and flirty times - I did love their interactions, the chemistry was so on point, but unfortunately it did run out a bit after they got together
What I didn't like / Meh Things:
✘ "This incident would not only taint the entire race weekend, but also the image of women in motorsport. Alix felt betrayed on behalf of her entire sex. She wanted Thalia to raise the bar of the sport, not sink to its lowest level of mudslinging."
Not Alix putting double standards and a greater amount of pressure on Thalia just because she's The First Woman To Do Shit (and not really actually, women made it to F1 before). Like I'll admit, Thalia was a jerk at times and there's no need to perpetuate the male obnoxious standards that already exist in that sport, but like, just because she's there, doesn't mean she has no other goal but to pave the way, don't reduce her to that, she's allowed to be human too?
✘ also not Alix, princess of Monaco, doing...humanitarian work in Uganda and then thinking stuff like:
"Who was to say that the Karamoja were less fortunate? By some metrics, certainly. But by others, they were richer than the people in this tiny chamber rotating high above London. Silently, she pledged to be cautious of how her charity advertised its mission. She wanted to empower the people of rural Uganda—especially the women, since they formed the core of the community while the men herded their cattle across the plains—to care for themselves and each other in healthy and sanitary ways. But she never wanted to imply that their culture or lifestyle was somehow inferior."
I get it, she's a royal but she's woke and not evil, she's just a Harvard-educated doctor who for some reason spent 3 months digging wells in southeast Africa instead of being a doctor there and then she spends the entirety of the book rubbing elbows with rich white people across Europe to raise money for "the cause" 😬
✘ Not Alix, the M.D., referring to clitoris as "especially sensitive spot", then autocorrecting herself, lmaoo.
"Alix gasped for breath, shivering helplessly at each soft, exploratory stroke. When Thalia returned to circle one especially sensitive spot (the clitoris, her medical brain supplied helpfully), Alix’s hips jerked and she cried out at the intense rush of pleasure."
I just wish her medical brain supplied the word 'clit' on the first try 😂
Looking back, my main issue might have been with how Alix was written, I guess xD
There have been a couple more cringe moments but I meant to keep this brief and failed already so just to sum up - this was an interesting one, and I definitely recommend for fans of Formula 1/racing in general, other than that...It's worth a try, but it didn't blow my mind either.
Trigger warnings: minor character death, healing from an injury, homophobia (also mentions of internalized homophobia at first), sexism
🔥 lesbian sports romance
🔥 with woman as a race driver
🔥 and a touch of royalty
I was like:
As often happens with high expectations though, the delivery didn't come through for me. There was just a little bit of something missing, and some things that just gave me that Big Sigh™ energy.
What I liked/what was done well:
✔ the racing parts were LIT LIT LIT!!!
That's probably partially my love for F1 talking, but the writing, the detail and the suspense really made me feel like I was there in the cockpit with Thalia. I might have forgotten some rules in F1 etc., but this was clearly researched well and written with love for the sport.
✔ Thalia's character - I might be in the minority here but I really liked her, although I wasn't entirely satisfied with how her anger management issues were (or weren't) dealt with.
She's got spunk and was never afraid to be herself or speak her mind, and while she might've acted like an asshole at times, I still found myself cheering for her.
"I’m not in this sport to be the best female driver. I’m in it to be the best driver, period."
✔ Thalia's relationship with Peter - it was like this mentor relationship and one of my fav aspects of this story
✔ Thalia and Alix's banter and flirty times - I did love their interactions, the chemistry was so on point, but unfortunately it did run out a bit after they got together
What I didn't like / Meh Things:
✘ "This incident would not only taint the entire race weekend, but also the image of women in motorsport. Alix felt betrayed on behalf of her entire sex. She wanted Thalia to raise the bar of the sport, not sink to its lowest level of mudslinging."
Not Alix putting double standards and a greater amount of pressure on Thalia just because she's The First Woman To Do Shit (and not really actually, women made it to F1 before). Like I'll admit, Thalia was a jerk at times and there's no need to perpetuate the male obnoxious standards that already exist in that sport, but like, just because she's there, doesn't mean she has no other goal but to pave the way, don't reduce her to that, she's allowed to be human too?
✘ also not Alix, princess of Monaco, doing...humanitarian work in Uganda and then thinking stuff like:
"Who was to say that the Karamoja were less fortunate? By some metrics, certainly. But by others, they were richer than the people in this tiny chamber rotating high above London. Silently, she pledged to be cautious of how her charity advertised its mission. She wanted to empower the people of rural Uganda—especially the women, since they formed the core of the community while the men herded their cattle across the plains—to care for themselves and each other in healthy and sanitary ways. But she never wanted to imply that their culture or lifestyle was somehow inferior."
I get it, she's a royal but she's woke and not evil, she's just a Harvard-educated doctor who for some reason spent 3 months digging wells in southeast Africa instead of being a doctor there and then she spends the entirety of the book rubbing elbows with rich white people across Europe to raise money for "the cause" 😬
✘ Not Alix, the M.D., referring to clitoris as "especially sensitive spot", then autocorrecting herself, lmaoo.
"Alix gasped for breath, shivering helplessly at each soft, exploratory stroke. When Thalia returned to circle one especially sensitive spot (the clitoris, her medical brain supplied helpfully), Alix’s hips jerked and she cried out at the intense rush of pleasure."
I just wish her medical brain supplied the word 'clit' on the first try 😂
Looking back, my main issue might have been with how Alix was written, I guess xD
There have been a couple more cringe moments but I meant to keep this brief and failed already so just to sum up - this was an interesting one, and I definitely recommend for fans of Formula 1/racing in general, other than that...It's worth a try, but it didn't blow my mind either.
Trigger warnings: minor character death, healing from an injury, homophobia (also mentions of internalized homophobia at first), sexism
December 2, 2021
characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
pacing; ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
romance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
‘The princess and the prix’ is the first Nell Stark book i’ve read, but i already know it won’t be the last.
This book follows Thalia, the first female f1 driver, and Alix, princess of Monaco, and not in the least bit interested in f1. they meet at the wedding of the lesbian english princess Sasha (how lovely). they don’t have much in common apart from the fact that Alix wants to start a not-for-profit organization and Thalia has just the right way to market it; through formula 1. eventually, of course, they fall in love.
i’ve read a lot of romances this year, but i can safely say this was my favorite. the characters were both really love-able, although i liked Thalia considerably more than Alix. with most conflicts, Thalia takes the blame, whereas often i thought it was also Alix’s fault. nevertheless, the romance is executed perfectly, and the pacing was just right for a slow burn. i also loved how the plot wasn’t only the romance of Alix and Thalia but also life as a female driver in a male dominated sport. this book shows the highs and lows of formula 1 and the danger that comes with it. but most importantly, it shows the story of two queer people falling in love.
i highly recommend this book even if you’re not interested in F1!!
plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
pacing; ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
romance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
‘The princess and the prix’ is the first Nell Stark book i’ve read, but i already know it won’t be the last.
This book follows Thalia, the first female f1 driver, and Alix, princess of Monaco, and not in the least bit interested in f1. they meet at the wedding of the lesbian english princess Sasha (how lovely). they don’t have much in common apart from the fact that Alix wants to start a not-for-profit organization and Thalia has just the right way to market it; through formula 1. eventually, of course, they fall in love.
i’ve read a lot of romances this year, but i can safely say this was my favorite. the characters were both really love-able, although i liked Thalia considerably more than Alix. with most conflicts, Thalia takes the blame, whereas often i thought it was also Alix’s fault. nevertheless, the romance is executed perfectly, and the pacing was just right for a slow burn. i also loved how the plot wasn’t only the romance of Alix and Thalia but also life as a female driver in a male dominated sport. this book shows the highs and lows of formula 1 and the danger that comes with it. but most importantly, it shows the story of two queer people falling in love.
i highly recommend this book even if you’re not interested in F1!!
June 6, 2023
would be 3 stars if the racing scenes weren't fantastic
July 19, 2025
det at ferrari liksom var det eneste laget som valgte rett strategi i et race er det mest urealistiske jeg har lest i hele livet mitt (en ekstra stjerne bare fordi den var lesbisk)
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