4.5*
There is something about the way Tricia Levenseller writes that just sucks me into the book every single time. And this one was no exception! In fact, I have but one qualm about this one, and that is that the plot was just... somewhat unsubstantial? Like Alessandra wanted to be queen, and also someone else wanted to kill the king, but I maybe wanted a bit more plot? That said, it was still completely entertaining, so let me tell you what I loved!
- • Alessandra is such a mess of a person! Is she a sociopath? Is she just straight up a terrible person? Is she actually just a little damaged? I have no idea but wow girl is a disaster. I mean, she killed her lover for leaving her, which should tell you plenty. And now, she's planning to do it again, only more sneakily! Okay so I am now leaning toward sociopath, but anyway. I know it sounds weird to list this as a positive, but it was fun to read, and how often do you read about protagonists who are so unapologetically awful? Like, never! Also, she was pretty funny, and I dig it.
- • I absolutely shipped the romance. I mean, the chemistry was undeniable. And I am not even going to tell you who I shipped with who. Because what fun is that?
- • Alessandra made friends! Honestly, this might have been my favorite part of the story. Her mom is gone, her dad sucks, her sister is a clueless dolt, and I was thrilled for Alessandra to finally make a place for herself. Also, made me think that maybe she wasn't a total sociopath, since she seemed to genuinely care about her friends.
- • It was quick, fun, and compulsively readable. Despite my aforementioned lack of substantial plot, it was just plain entertaining. And frankly I could use more enjoyable, entertaining things in my life.
Bottom Line: It's fun, it's wholly entertaining, and I just liked it plain and simple.