About the Book
-
Author:
- Donna Freitas
Cover Story: Foot Pop
BFF Charm: Yay x 3
Talky Talk: As You Know
Bonus Factors: Tasty Business, Body Positivity
Anti-Bonus Factors: Cyber-Bullying, Contrived Plot Twist
Relationship Status: Summer Romance
Cover Story: Foot Pop
Someone’s been watching the Princess Diaries movies, because that pose looks familiar. That giant crown covering Stefi and Xavi’s heads is silly, though, and Santiago and Diego aren’t even in the picture.
The Deal:
Stefi, half American and half Catalán, came to Barcelona for the summer to train as a pastry chef and escape a humiliating breakup. Xavi, son of the king of Spain and a Catalán restaurant owner, has one last summer left to be normal before taking up his royal duties. They both think a summer fling can’t do any harm, but for a prince, the threat of a media scandal is always lurking – especially with Xavi’s bodyguard, Santiago, distracted by a romance of his own. How much will both couples risk to be together?
BFF Charm: Yay x 3
Stefi loves her family, exploring her Catalán heritage, and learning to bake the perfect croissant. She struggles to forgive her ex-boyfriend and former best friend for their betrayal, but doesn’t let it stop her from enjoying life. Xavi is charming, a good cook, a dutiful if conflicted son, and a sincere ally to his friends who are gay. Santiago is torn between his sense of responsibility as a royal guard and his feelings for Xavi’s friend Diego, which causes him to make at least one serious mistake, but he really does care about his charge, and his point of view was sometimes a refreshing change from the two lovers. Every romance novel should have a third narrator who can see it when the leads are acting silly.
Swoonworthy Scale: 8
Stefi and Xavi are one of those rare YA couples who don’t insult or ignore each other by way of flirting. They just like each other, and aren’t afraid to show it. They bond over their shared love of food and the beauty of the city, and one topless beach scene in particular tipped the needle on the swoonworthy scale pretty high. Santiago’s and Diego’s relationship was unfortunately sidelined – we never find out what exactly they like about each other, besides the physical – but they also had some sweet moments together, despite or maybe because of Santiago’s conflict of interest.
Talky Talk: As You Know
Freitas’ writing style can get repetitive. The characters’ nationalities (“the American girl”, “the Spanish prince”) are mentioned a lot. Spanish characters explain their own country’s politics to each other as if they’d never heard of them: “As you know, there is tension between Madrid and Catalunya.” When it comes to describing Barcelona’s stunning architecture and delicious food, though, too much detail is always better than too little, and the Spanish and Catalán words peppered into the text serve to ground you in the setting.
Bonus Factor: Tasty Business
The book opens with a mouthwatering description of all the fresh produce at an outdoor food market, followed by Stefi’s and Xavi’s meet cute at his mother’s restaurant. I’m craving the Spanish tortilla she eats (a fluffy omelet with potatoes and onions) like you wouldn’t believe.
Bonus Factor: Body Positivity
American-raised Stefi’s first visit to a clothing-optional European beach is an eye-opening experience, seeing people of all shapes and sizes enjoying themselves without embarrassment. When Xavi arrives, and shows his honest admiration without being any less of a gentleman, that only makes it better.
Anti-Bonus Factor: Cyber-Bullying
When the media scandal hits, there are some nasty comments, and one character uses social media to reveal Stefi’s location and set the paparazzi on her.
Anti-Bonus Factor: Contrived Plot Twist
Of course we have the obligatory mean girl, an ex-girlfriend of Xavi’s out for revenge, but the method she uses would have been so easy to stop. Santiago has the palace on speed dial – why mention that if it’s not going to be used?
Relationship Status: Summer Romance
Dear Book, I had a lovely time exploring Barcelona with you, but it’s time for me to go home.
Literary Matchmaking
Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue is another international rom-com.
Isabel: Jewel of Castilia is another story of Spanish royalty.
And I’d be remiss to not include Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries—in honour of that foot-popping cover, of course. 😉
FTC Full Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. Stefi and the Spanish Prince is available now.
