Name: Carlotta's review of The Heir and the Spare by Emily Albright
Item: The Heir and the Spare
Rating: 3
Author: Carlotta

Emily Albright

Going all the way to England for college--to Oxford, no less--for college would be exciting enough. But no sooner does Evie set foot on English soil than she falls for a boy who turns out to be a real prince--in fact, second in line to the throne of England. Edmund is wonderful, even though loving him can be a royal pain, from the demands of his family to the stuck-up aristocrat who thinks she should be the one to win Edmund's heart. All that is swept aside, however, when the riddle of Evie's past surfaces, and the new couple becomes obsessed with figuring out who the real Evie is, with the growing suspicion that the truth will be a shocker.

The Heir and the Spare

Linwan Song

Carlotta

Other than the royalty aspect this book barely differs from "Anna and the French Kiss": An American girl arrives in a European country, she meets and befriends the girl in the room next to her, immediately meets the love interest and develops a crush on him, but another girl likes him as well. 
This storyline itself might be enjoyable, but I felt like I already read a bunch of books just like it. 
The royalty aspect and the secret of Evie's heritage seemed quite obvious from the beginning, but it did add a nice twist to the story. 

While all of this sounds quite negative I did enjoy the book. The story, though cliché, was enjoyable, the characters likable and the writing style easy to read. 

If you're looking for a quick fluffy romance or enjoy royalty tropes I definitely recommend this book and would consider reading it again if I am in the mood. 

Yet it was nothing special or remarkable, but does a romance novel really have to be? I didn't expect it from this book, I expected a fairy-tale-like story I could use to escape reality for a while and that's what I got.

laura

This book was a super fast royal themed read. I really did enjoy that it was set it college and set in london. I also really enjoyed the male love intreats a lot. The mystery elements that this book had really did keep me reading. I had some issues with the main character at the start of the book but she did grow on me throughout the read. This was a super charing read and def a fast read.

razan 

It would've been better and far more intresting if what's written on the cover didn't spoil the entire plot .
With that being said It s still enjoyable and good light read if you're in a slump like myself :(

Hope Brockway

I have no idea why I decided to reread this book. Maybe I thought it would be better the second time around (it wasn't). Or maybe it was a moment of weakness (but I read the whole thing so maybe longer than a moment). Idk. But here I am. Finally reviewing this book. 

Let's talk about Evie. To be honest, I don't really think there are any redeeming qualities about her. She's extremely rude and always speaks her mind even if it'll hurt someone. I mean, there's nothing wrong with standing up for yourself, but don't do it by bulldozing over someone else. Treat everyone with respect, even if they don't respect you. There's no need to completely rip someone to shreds. Chill out, girly. She also only thinks of herself. Oh, and Edmund. Of course. Cause you're supposed to be completely obsessed with the guy you lust after. 

And yeah. She doesn't love him. She just lusts after him. She doesn't trust Edmund. She doesn't talk about her mother or the "big secret" (I mean, the major plot twist of the book is right on the front cover) or really anything besides school. They literally just kiss "romantically" and she constantly talks about how Edmund "stirs up indescribable feelings" within her. It's disgusting. And she is constantly insecure about their relationship. I mean, I low-key understand. Edmund never calls her his girlfriend or says I love you, but he does make out with her so *shrugs* I guess you're dating?? Because of this fact, Evie is constantly going on dates with other guys just to make him jealous. I mean, how childish. Just chill out. It's so. annoying. She's way too boy crazy for me. I was mentally checked out about three pages in. 

Oh, the writing style was kinda weird as well. Evie talked like a literal 13-year-old, not a 19/20-year-old. And it jumped ahead A LOT. There was no concept of time. It would be like: 
Evie: I can't wait until this thing happens next week! 
A paragraph later: It's next week! 
Me: ????

Also, I have a question. So Evie's dad runs this coffee shop in Seattle. How on earth can she afford to go to Oxford for an Art History degree??? I dunno. Maybe I'm too practical for these books. 

So this book was super cliche and I was not here for it. There was also a lot of cussing (like S word cussing), tons of detailed kissing (waaay too detailed), and some sex. So this book was too much for me. Too much drama and lust and I was thoroughly disgusted throughout. 

10/10 would not recommend this book to anyone.

b.andherbooks

Evie's mom died when she was only six but left her a series of letters, one per birthday. The letters offer love, advice, and sometimes missions, including one to gain acceptance to Oxford University. Evie does, and there she meets Edmund, spare to the throne of England (of course) and also finds out her mother may have been an heiress before eloping with her father. Family secrets and the pains of dating a royal throw Evie into a turmoil.

This was cute, but is way similar to the far superior The Royal We. If you are only going to read one, this isn't the one I'd recommend. Also, the driving plot devices were secrets and lies, which are my kryptonite. JUST TELL THE TRUTH. Please and thank you.

If you are 15, and want a fun, frothy escape to delightful England - go for it.

Linwan Song &
The Heir and the Spare by Emily Albright

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Linwan Song &The Heir and the Spare by Emily Albright

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Join the club

Linwan Song &
The Heir and the Spare by Emily Albright