sophia_sol | Once Ghosted, Twice Shy, by Alyssa Cole

This is an f/f novella sequel to A Princess in Theory which I read earlier this year, this one focused on Thabiso's assistant Likotsi. I really liked Likotsi in A Princess in Theory and was intrigued by the hints on what was going on in her personal dating life, so I was excited to read a book focused on her. But unfortunately, despite liking both the lead characters, this book didn't capture me the way I hoped it would.

I think it's that the romance here is way more love-at-first-sight than I'm at all capable of grokking. I need to believe in the development (or pre-existence) of friendship between the leads in a romance, instead of just being told about their immediate overpowering feeling of connection and desire to spend time with each other. (Why yes, my apparently-unremovable aro goggles do make it hard to read romance!)

Idk, maybe I finally have to admit that the way Alyssa Cole writes romance arcs in particular just isn't for me. I've read four of her romances now and although each time there's been things I've appreciated about the story she's telling, each time there is something different that gets in the way of being able to appreciate the romance relationship which the book centres on. Which means that each time I feel hopeful that maybe the NEXT one will be the one that works for me, since the specific reason has been different each time! But it keeps on not. And after this many tries maybe it's time to accept that Cole's priorities don't just don't align with mine, and it's time to move on. Which is super disappointing because I like the kinds of things she's trying to do so much!

Ah well. Not every author will fit with every reader, and I'm glad that Cole's stories are out there for other readers to enjoy, at least.