An arranged marriage leads to unexpected desire, in the first book of Alyssa Cole’s
Runaway Royals series…
When Shanti Mohapi weds the king of Njaza, her dream of becoming a queen finally comes true. But it’s nothing like she imagined. Shanti and her husband may share an immediate and powerful attraction, but her subjects see her as an outsider, and everything she was taught about being the perfect wife goes disastrously wrong.
A king must rule with an iron fist, and newly crowned King Sanyu was born perfectly fitted for the gauntlet, even if he wishes he weren’t. He agrees to take a wife as is required of him, though he doesn’t expect to actually fall in love. Even more vexing? His beguiling new queen seems to have the answers to his country’s problems—except no one will listen to her.
By day, they lead separate lives. By night, she wears the crown, and he bows to her demands in matters of politics and passion. When turmoil erupts in their kingdom and their marriage, Shanti goes on the run, and Sanyu must learn whether he has what it takes both to lead his people and to catch his queen.
Author Info
Alyssa Cole is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers and romance (historical, contemporary, and sci-fi). Her books have received critical acclaim from Library Journal, BuzzFeed, Kirkus, Booklist, Jezebel, Vulture, Book Riot, Entertainment Weekly, and various other outlets. When she’s not working, she can usually be found watching anime or wrangling her many pets.
Reviews
“Cole’s romances are always smart, sexy, captivating reads...” — Entertainment Weekly
"Cole’s majestic new Runaway Royals series spins off from her excellent Reluctant Royals trilogy, adding more dazzling depth... Cole’s contemporary romances shine with unique settings and complex characters. Fans will eagerly await her next royal match." — Booklist (starred review)
“Cole launches the Runaway Royals series with a bang, introducing a sexy but shy king, a determined and caring queen, and a host of characters who leap off the page into the reader’s imagination. Fans of the Reluctant Royals series will adore cameos by some of their favorites, but this is a solid starting point for new readers.” — Library Journal (starred review)
“This book was a lot of fun, sexy, with a compelling story. I really enjoyed the romance as it developed between Ledi and Thabioso, both interesting characters together and as individuals. Lots of erotic tension and a deeply satisfying ending. Definitely dive into this one.” — Roxane Gay on A Princess in Theory
“Alyssa Cole is the newly coronated queen of contemporary royal romance! A Princess in Theory is delicious fun. It has everything anyone could ever want in a royal romance, including a smart, funny heroine; a sweetly sexy prince; swoon-worthy romance; and an epic happily-ever-after. Long live the queen!” — Meg Cabot
"Cole subverts both expectations and gender roles with the smart, sexy contemporary romance that opens her Runaway Royals series... Their unlikely arranged marriage strikes a delicate balance of politics and passion that is sure to delight." — Publishers Weekly (Best Books of 2020)
“How to Catch a Queen is a cracking good tale. Cole’s worldbuilding is, as always, perfection, helped along by some engaging characters... one of the best romances of the year." — All About Romance
