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Three Kings #3
Prom King
She’s the Scrooge, and he’s all three ghosts.
Alison Weston is an unapologetic miser with a chip on her shoulder. After eighteen years, she is finally ready to enact revenge—both on her odious father and the unfeeling small town where she was raised—when her best laid plans go awry at the arrival of her childhood nemesis, Alaric Jordan.
Alaric Jordan, an angel investor who has amassed billions by financing the right people and projects, always had feelings for Alison Weston. When faced with her latest naughty scheme, Alaric appoints himself the harbinger of Alison’s past, present, and future, hoping to teach the woman he’s always wondered about (more than he should) a valuable lesson.
Will Alaric’s investment pay dividends? Or will Alison remain ethically (and morally) bankrupt?
‘Prom King’ is a retelling of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol.’
Alison Weston is an unapologetic miser with a chip on her shoulder. After eighteen years, she is finally ready to enact revenge—both on her odious father and the unfeeling small town where she was raised—when her best laid plans go awry at the arrival of her childhood nemesis, Alaric Jordan.
Alaric Jordan, an angel investor who has amassed billions by financing the right people and projects, always had feelings for Alison Weston. When faced with her latest naughty scheme, Alaric appoints himself the harbinger of Alison’s past, present, and future, hoping to teach the woman he’s always wondered about (more than he should) a valuable lesson.
Will Alaric’s investment pay dividends? Or will Alison remain ethically (and morally) bankrupt?
‘Prom King’ is a retelling of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol.’
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2026
293 people are currently reading
3406 people want to read
About the author
Penny Reid
99 books22.5k followersSign up for the newsletter of awesome: www.pennyreid.ninja/newsletter
Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.
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Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.
FOLLOW PENNY:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennyreidwriter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/reidromance
Instagram:www.instagram.com/reidromance
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February 5, 2026
Greetings! I know there's a lot going on in the world right now, and as such it feels strange (to me) to promote my new book.
Thus, a heads up: 'Prom King' is coming March 5th but I am going to do a quiet, lowkey release. I won't be doing any giveaways or much posting except on release day.
Maybe I’ll make a big deal about it next Christmas, but for now this is the plan. For those of you who want a copy to read, it's up on retailers and in my shop for pre-order.
Pre-Order Prom King Now: https://geni.us/ZLnpVce
March 7, 2026
Penny Reid can absolutely write, which makes it all the more frustrating that the story feels half-built. Lots of big feelings, very little groundwork. At this point, it feels like her special editions get more development than the plots.
October 31, 2022
I would give up my prom crown in order to not have to wait ALL THE WAY until Dec 2023 to read this book! Ugh! This is torture!
March 8, 2026
I can’t believe I’m rating anything by Penny Reid less than a 4-5. I’ve *never* read one of her books and not loved it. I’ve even listened to her on podcasts and love her big brain!
That said, context is important. This book was expected for 2+ years, the world has gone somewhere in a hand basket, and those of us with big brains are scraping the barrel for hope. I can visualize Ms. Reid searching for inspiration to tell Alaric’s story and finally settling on a Scrooge retelling. I appreciate that the book description lays that right out.
I may also be miffed by the fact that I try to wait to read books until they are on the Libby app to borrow, but I was really anticipating this relief and bought it. Now I don’t even want to re-read it.
One thing I love about Penny Reid books? Her characters may be neurodiverse, but they aren’t immature. You don’t find any stupid misunderstandings of betrayal or toxic overreactions. This book held true to that previous pattern.
Now for why this gets a 2: it’s clearly calling it in. Following a Christmas Carol is fine. Having next to no character development for MMC is not. The FMC is noted to be self-denying and has a bit more development, but she’s fairly hateful in all her interactions with her assistant. Having flashbacks to her time as an intern when she was a prankster, for example, felt out of left field.
My biggest issues are with Alaric. There’s no buildup, so it’s hard to feel the payoff of alleged yearning. Ms. Reid taught the masterclass on yearning and payoff in Billy and Claire’s stories in the Winston Brothers series.
I sincerely hope that one day she’s inspired to write a companion novella to give them some backstory. We all have bad days. I still love Penny Reid.
That said, context is important. This book was expected for 2+ years, the world has gone somewhere in a hand basket, and those of us with big brains are scraping the barrel for hope. I can visualize Ms. Reid searching for inspiration to tell Alaric’s story and finally settling on a Scrooge retelling. I appreciate that the book description lays that right out.
I may also be miffed by the fact that I try to wait to read books until they are on the Libby app to borrow, but I was really anticipating this relief and bought it. Now I don’t even want to re-read it.
One thing I love about Penny Reid books? Her characters may be neurodiverse, but they aren’t immature. You don’t find any stupid misunderstandings of betrayal or toxic overreactions. This book held true to that previous pattern.
Now for why this gets a 2: it’s clearly calling it in. Following a Christmas Carol is fine. Having next to no character development for MMC is not. The FMC is noted to be self-denying and has a bit more development, but she’s fairly hateful in all her interactions with her assistant. Having flashbacks to her time as an intern when she was a prankster, for example, felt out of left field.
My biggest issues are with Alaric. There’s no buildup, so it’s hard to feel the payoff of alleged yearning. Ms. Reid taught the masterclass on yearning and payoff in Billy and Claire’s stories in the Winston Brothers series.
I sincerely hope that one day she’s inspired to write a companion novella to give them some backstory. We all have bad days. I still love Penny Reid.
Currently reading
February 18, 2026quick update: the short 3-part prequel Penny dropped hit harder than any book I’ve picked up lately. I can already tell the full book is going to be amazing. March 5 can’t come fast enough.
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i have been impatiently waiting since January 2023.
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i have been impatiently waiting since January 2023.
March 12, 2026
This one was very much a take on the Scrooge Christmas story with the twist being the "Scrooge" is a woman. I found Alison at the start to not be very likable, didn't get much better as the book went on, but I did understand why she was the way she was better. Alaric wasn't much better for me. They had a weird connection. I'm not sure how I feel with what Alaric did, part of me is mad he stopped Allison's initial plans, the person at the center really deserved it, but I get it that there would have been a lot of collateral damage along the way. By the end of the book, I was mostly just glad to be done with it.
March 7, 2026
absolute pain to get through - and I had to get through it because I'd been looking forward to it so much 😖
disappointed doesn't even begin to cover it
disappointed doesn't even begin to cover it
January 6, 2026
My most anticipated 2026 release.
June 2, 2024
Will this ever come out?
March 7, 2026
Romance retelling of Scrooge.
Why I started this book: I trust Reid to take me on a strange and wonderful story with solid romance no matter where she starts.
Why I finished it: Good book, but I immediately picked up the second in the series.
Why I started this book: I trust Reid to take me on a strange and wonderful story with solid romance no matter where she starts.
Why I finished it: Good book, but I immediately picked up the second in the series.
March 9, 2026
I was looking forward to this book and bought it the day it was released. I would’ve rather have waited, even if it took a lot longer, just to get a book that felt like it was truly Penny Reid quality. This book is a mess and felt like a scramble to produce something by a deadline.
I intensely disliked Allison. Not sure what there was to find so lovable about her. I find it unbelievable that her stepbrother would go to such great length for someone who had no joy, had no friends, was hateful.
Also, I cannot stand the plot of A Christmas Carol. I’m not very keen when authors do modern retellings, but I would not have even bought this book if I had known that this was the plot. I actually think it’s probably a one star for me, but I can’t give one star to the same author who wrote NEANDERTHAL SEEKS HUMAN.
I intensely disliked Allison. Not sure what there was to find so lovable about her. I find it unbelievable that her stepbrother would go to such great length for someone who had no joy, had no friends, was hateful.
Also, I cannot stand the plot of A Christmas Carol. I’m not very keen when authors do modern retellings, but I would not have even bought this book if I had known that this was the plot. I actually think it’s probably a one star for me, but I can’t give one star to the same author who wrote NEANDERTHAL SEEKS HUMAN.
March 22, 2026
It feels so good to read a new novel by the queen Penny Reid!
I read this one in one sitting, without even checking the blurb first, because... well, it's Penny Reid, duh!
So I was quite surprised to find myself reading a retelling of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' It's a modern and very romantic version, written with intelligence and sensitivity.
Alaric is determined to save Alison, the love of his life. Alison may initially seem cold and heartless, but with time, we understand that her distant and selfish behavior isn't in her nature, nor is it the result of a series of misfortunes. In reality, it's the consequence of a series of sufferings caused by immoral people incapable of love. People who hurt her, but also the two people she loved most in the world: her sister and their mother. She lost everything because of unscrupulous people and consequently believes that humans are overrated. And her reaction is human!
Alaric is a billionaire philanthropist, optimistic, charming, very different from her. He's a true giant green flag! I loved him!!! They have known each other almost their entire lives, and today, he comes to save her from herself by showing her that there are people who loved her and who are worthy of being loved, not only in her youth but also in the present. She realizes that she cannot judge all humans based on a few flawed examples. Alaric confronts her with what she had forgotten and what she couldn't see. As for her future... it's up to her to change it, and up to you to discover it.
Alison's father abandoned and disowned his family to remarry Alaric's mother and raise Alaric and his brother as his own sons, in opulence and security. Alison has therefore always harbored some resentment towards her half-brother, even though she knows he's innocent. Thus, the novel begins with tension between our protagonists. Later, we realize that things aren't necessarily as they seem.
This story is about grief, blindness caused by pain, loneliness, anger, revenge. .. It reminds us that sometimes we forget what's good in our lives to concentrate on the bad.
My only issue with this book is the lack of information about Alaric. They hadn't spoken for 18 years, so why did he return at this precise moment? Why wait so long to ask for a "second" chance? To help her? How can he still be sure of his feelings for her when she's changed? What has he been doing all these years? What have his romantic relationships been like? I would have appreciated a prologue and a longer ending. Despite those details, I loved this story, I loved the characters, I loved the writing, I cried a lot, I had a wonderful time, and I finished reading with my heart full of hope.
I read this one in one sitting, without even checking the blurb first, because... well, it's Penny Reid, duh!
So I was quite surprised to find myself reading a retelling of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' It's a modern and very romantic version, written with intelligence and sensitivity.
Alaric is determined to save Alison, the love of his life. Alison may initially seem cold and heartless, but with time, we understand that her distant and selfish behavior isn't in her nature, nor is it the result of a series of misfortunes. In reality, it's the consequence of a series of sufferings caused by immoral people incapable of love. People who hurt her, but also the two people she loved most in the world: her sister and their mother. She lost everything because of unscrupulous people and consequently believes that humans are overrated. And her reaction is human!
Alaric is a billionaire philanthropist, optimistic, charming, very different from her. He's a true giant green flag! I loved him!!! They have known each other almost their entire lives, and today, he comes to save her from herself by showing her that there are people who loved her and who are worthy of being loved, not only in her youth but also in the present. She realizes that she cannot judge all humans based on a few flawed examples. Alaric confronts her with what she had forgotten and what she couldn't see. As for her future... it's up to her to change it, and up to you to discover it.
Alison's father abandoned and disowned his family to remarry Alaric's mother and raise Alaric and his brother as his own sons, in opulence and security. Alison has therefore always harbored some resentment towards her half-brother, even though she knows he's innocent. Thus, the novel begins with tension between our protagonists. Later, we realize that things aren't necessarily as they seem.
This story is about grief, blindness caused by pain, loneliness, anger, revenge. .. It reminds us that sometimes we forget what's good in our lives to concentrate on the bad.
My only issue with this book is the lack of information about Alaric. They hadn't spoken for 18 years, so why did he return at this precise moment? Why wait so long to ask for a "second" chance? To help her? How can he still be sure of his feelings for her when she's changed? What has he been doing all these years? What have his romantic relationships been like? I would have appreciated a prologue and a longer ending. Despite those details, I loved this story, I loved the characters, I loved the writing, I cried a lot, I had a wonderful time, and I finished reading with my heart full of hope.
March 11, 2026
Was it weird to read a Christmas romance in March? Yes. Were there parts that felt rushed? Also yes. But did I enjoy it? Heck yes!
This book debuted out of season, but when I think about it in a sea of holiday romances, it holds its own. As a new take on ‘A Christmas Carol,’ this book is full of holiday spirit without the paranormal aspect of actual spirits. Instead, our hero forces our heroine to confront the ghosts of her past, present, and future with the help of community.
Alison and Alaric have serious black cat/ golden retriever energy, and I enjoyed it from the start. I liked that these were characters in their mid-30s; their ages worked well with the Scrooge storyline. I also loved that Alaric is a hero who pines. While it would have been great to get a few chapter or even some expanded dialogue from his perspective to understand why he has been smitten with Alison for more than half his life, his affection for her was very clear. I love a hero who pines.
I’m sure a lot of readers will have difficulty with this heroine. We’re harsher on women than we are on men, both in real life and in fiction. As a woman in my 30s living in the U.S. of A. in the year 2026, man, I get it. I can absolutely see how Alison has been beaten down and crafted by the world she lives in. Readers need to see that despite how miserly Alison seems, she isn’t irredeemable.
I’m eager to read this one again during the holiday season.
This book debuted out of season, but when I think about it in a sea of holiday romances, it holds its own. As a new take on ‘A Christmas Carol,’ this book is full of holiday spirit without the paranormal aspect of actual spirits. Instead, our hero forces our heroine to confront the ghosts of her past, present, and future with the help of community.
Alison and Alaric have serious black cat/ golden retriever energy, and I enjoyed it from the start. I liked that these were characters in their mid-30s; their ages worked well with the Scrooge storyline. I also loved that Alaric is a hero who pines. While it would have been great to get a few chapter or even some expanded dialogue from his perspective to understand why he has been smitten with Alison for more than half his life, his affection for her was very clear. I love a hero who pines.
I’m sure a lot of readers will have difficulty with this heroine. We’re harsher on women than we are on men, both in real life and in fiction. As a woman in my 30s living in the U.S. of A. in the year 2026, man, I get it. I can absolutely see how Alison has been beaten down and crafted by the world she lives in. Readers need to see that despite how miserly Alison seems, she isn’t irredeemable.
I’m eager to read this one again during the holiday season.
Did not finish
March 8, 2026DNF at 34%, may try again in the future.
I received this book (pre-ordered months ago) while traveling and tired. Got it the night before a flight… perfect, new low stress reading material the flight! That is my excuse for me taking until 34% to realize I’m reading a gender swap A Christmas Carol. In March (insert eye roll). I knew it was going to be a Christmastime story and that the release date was pushed back, but yeah, that’s a bit much for me to stomach outside of the month of December. I got to words “Campbell & Fezziwig”, it all fell into place, and I completely fell out of the story - that was already having a hard time holding me if I’m being honest.
Next time I want to re-read Homecoming King, I will likely try this one again. But Prom King is not the star of the series.
I received this book (pre-ordered months ago) while traveling and tired. Got it the night before a flight… perfect, new low stress reading material the flight! That is my excuse for me taking until 34% to realize I’m reading a gender swap A Christmas Carol. In March (insert eye roll). I knew it was going to be a Christmastime story and that the release date was pushed back, but yeah, that’s a bit much for me to stomach outside of the month of December. I got to words “Campbell & Fezziwig”, it all fell into place, and I completely fell out of the story - that was already having a hard time holding me if I’m being honest.
Next time I want to re-read Homecoming King, I will likely try this one again. But Prom King is not the star of the series.
March 13, 2026
I enjoyed this take on a Christmas Carol! I think it was well done, making it work with in the contemporary setting. (A little unsure on how time worked within the story, but I’ll just call it magic 😆)
My most recent Christmas Carol reference, was this past holiday, watching the muppets version, so I definitely had a fun time reading this and having muppets mix in.
I didn’t feel that Aly was unlikable, she was redeemable, showed lots of growth (as Scrooge did) in this book. My only wish would be that this was a dual POV.
My most recent Christmas Carol reference, was this past holiday, watching the muppets version, so I definitely had a fun time reading this and having muppets mix in.
I didn’t feel that Aly was unlikable, she was redeemable, showed lots of growth (as Scrooge did) in this book. My only wish would be that this was a dual POV.
March 14, 2026
It's been a while since I've read a brand new Penny Reid novel.
OK. It actually hasn't been that long, now that I think of it. But, oh. It was good to read this one. I love Alaric.
OK. It actually hasn't been that long, now that I think of it. But, oh. It was good to read this one. I love Alaric.
March 10, 2026
Penny Reid can write, but I don’t know what happened to her latest 5 books lmaoooo
she’s my fav romance author and it’s so disappointing to see her releasing something like these, it’s like she doesn’t know how to write compelling male characters anymore.
there isn’t any build up, every single one of them just happen to be in love with the girl and that’s it
she’s my fav romance author and it’s so disappointing to see her releasing something like these, it’s like she doesn’t know how to write compelling male characters anymore.
there isn’t any build up, every single one of them just happen to be in love with the girl and that’s it
March 10, 2026
I hate giving a Penny Reid book two stars. I am such a massive fan, and almost always adore her writing and stories.
Disclaimer 1: I did not finish this book, so I appreciate rating it is a little misleading given I didn’t read until the end. But I pushed through until 70% because I love Penny, and didn’t want to accept that I wasn’t enjoying her book. I kept desperately hoping she would turn this one around, but by (almost) three quarters of the way through, I still didn’t care at all about the characters. Actually, I actively disliked Alison (a lot), and couldn’t understand why on earth Alaric would waste his time on her (nor did I really care about him either).
Disclaimer 2: I had no idea what the book was about - it was an auto buy pre-order for me, and I hadn’t bothered to read the blurb as I just expected it to be a deliciously cosy Penny Reid read. Maybe if I had, I would have realised it was a take on The Christmas Carol, which I’m not a fan of. That’s on me. If I’d known Alison was supposed to be Scrooge then maybe I would have been prepared. But, from the start she was just so unlikeable that it wasn’t an enjoyable read, and I didn’t once buy into the journey with her and Alaric.
Disclaimer 3: I did not read the prequel (only found out about it half way through). Maybe if I had, I might have been more sympathetic to Alison and cared about her.
My two cents for other Penny Reid fans - maybe read the prequel first, and definitely skip this book if you don’t like The Christmas Carol. Then maybe spend your time revisiting the knitters & Winstons instead 😍
My advice to those new to Penny Reid - don’t start here. Go and enjoy the magic of her Knitting in the City series & subsequent Winston Brothers series. You can thank me later.
Disclaimer 1: I did not finish this book, so I appreciate rating it is a little misleading given I didn’t read until the end. But I pushed through until 70% because I love Penny, and didn’t want to accept that I wasn’t enjoying her book. I kept desperately hoping she would turn this one around, but by (almost) three quarters of the way through, I still didn’t care at all about the characters. Actually, I actively disliked Alison (a lot), and couldn’t understand why on earth Alaric would waste his time on her (nor did I really care about him either).
Disclaimer 2: I had no idea what the book was about - it was an auto buy pre-order for me, and I hadn’t bothered to read the blurb as I just expected it to be a deliciously cosy Penny Reid read. Maybe if I had, I would have realised it was a take on The Christmas Carol, which I’m not a fan of. That’s on me. If I’d known Alison was supposed to be Scrooge then maybe I would have been prepared. But, from the start she was just so unlikeable that it wasn’t an enjoyable read, and I didn’t once buy into the journey with her and Alaric.
Disclaimer 3: I did not read the prequel (only found out about it half way through). Maybe if I had, I might have been more sympathetic to Alison and cared about her.
My two cents for other Penny Reid fans - maybe read the prequel first, and definitely skip this book if you don’t like The Christmas Carol. Then maybe spend your time revisiting the knitters & Winstons instead 😍
My advice to those new to Penny Reid - don’t start here. Go and enjoy the magic of her Knitting in the City series & subsequent Winston Brothers series. You can thank me later.
March 10, 2026
THIS is what I wanted "Drama King" to be! I love "Homecoming King" and read it every December, but "Drama King" fell flat for me. "Prom King" returned to all the things I loved about "Homecoming King" and upped the Christmas ante!
[EDITED NOTE: after reading other reviews, I truly believe the difference in people loving or hating the book is if you read the prequel short story on Reid's website. Part of me wished it had been included at the beginning of "Prom King," but I do see it would have messed up the "Christmas Carol" arc itself. I think it might have been worth the disruption, though.]
First, Alison was the perfect hate-able heroine. Her actions towards her assistant and niece and her plans for nuclear revenge were truly despicable... yet her voice, the way she perceived the world, so clearly displayed that it was pain and betrayal which had brought her to that point. And her voice was downright funny! I loved how she started out by describing Christmas decorations like crime scenes. Even as her character changed, she kept up the slightly morbid, deadpan turns of phrase. (I will acknowledge that reading the prequel story first may have influenced my opinion. I think it provided some really important context that would have disrupted the Christmas Carol flow but made Aly more personable.)
Secondly, I thought the "Christmas Carol" allusions were very well done. Reid kept that feeling of traveling through time (even describing the weather in ways reminiscent of the ghostly arrivals in the movies) while grounding it in specific settings. The names of friends and restaurants were a nice nod to characters from Dickens without being *too* cheesy; they carried new stories and complexities in Reid's version. Most importantly, Reid kept the message from the heart of "A Christmas Carol" and added some modern flesh to it, rather than just copy-pasting some names and trying to ride a classic's coattails.
Thirdly, while I already loved Alaric from the previous books in the series and the prequel short story, he was such a *good* hero that it made me root for Alison's character development all the more; I wanted her to become his equal. That's exactly what a fairly static character needs to do, and yet Alaric's arc felt complex enough to combat his relative flatness as a male main character.
In sum, "Prom King" fixed my complaints from both "Homecoming King" and "Drama King," which makes it the perfect close to the series. I'll definitely be adding it to my December reading list when I want to feel the holiday spirit!
[EDITED NOTE: after reading other reviews, I truly believe the difference in people loving or hating the book is if you read the prequel short story on Reid's website. Part of me wished it had been included at the beginning of "Prom King," but I do see it would have messed up the "Christmas Carol" arc itself. I think it might have been worth the disruption, though.]
First, Alison was the perfect hate-able heroine. Her actions towards her assistant and niece and her plans for nuclear revenge were truly despicable... yet her voice, the way she perceived the world, so clearly displayed that it was pain and betrayal which had brought her to that point. And her voice was downright funny! I loved how she started out by describing Christmas decorations like crime scenes. Even as her character changed, she kept up the slightly morbid, deadpan turns of phrase. (I will acknowledge that reading the prequel story first may have influenced my opinion. I think it provided some really important context that would have disrupted the Christmas Carol flow but made Aly more personable.)
Secondly, I thought the "Christmas Carol" allusions were very well done. Reid kept that feeling of traveling through time (even describing the weather in ways reminiscent of the ghostly arrivals in the movies) while grounding it in specific settings. The names of friends and restaurants were a nice nod to characters from Dickens without being *too* cheesy; they carried new stories and complexities in Reid's version. Most importantly, Reid kept the message from the heart of "A Christmas Carol" and added some modern flesh to it, rather than just copy-pasting some names and trying to ride a classic's coattails.
Thirdly, while I already loved Alaric from the previous books in the series and the prequel short story, he was such a *good* hero that it made me root for Alison's character development all the more; I wanted her to become his equal. That's exactly what a fairly static character needs to do, and yet Alaric's arc felt complex enough to combat his relative flatness as a male main character.
In sum, "Prom King" fixed my complaints from both "Homecoming King" and "Drama King," which makes it the perfect close to the series. I'll definitely be adding it to my December reading list when I want to feel the holiday spirit!
March 24, 2026
I'm very sad to say that I didn't love this book. I was very excited for Alaric and Alison, especially because Alison seemed to be a girl after my own heart, someone who does not love Christmas. But it just did not hit the way I hoped it would hit.
The overall story and plot was super cute. I liked the premise set up and how there was a forced proximity with the IOU. The mistletoe moments and just dialogue were all great as well.
My problem came with the connection to the characters. So spoilers:
I just feel like I needed more from the book. More details, maybe 100 more pages to get me the connection I needed to feel with the main characters. SO, I did not hate the book. It had good bones just didn't have the details.
The overall story and plot was super cute. I liked the premise set up and how there was a forced proximity with the IOU. The mistletoe moments and just dialogue were all great as well.
My problem came with the connection to the characters. So spoilers:
I just feel like I needed more from the book. More details, maybe 100 more pages to get me the connection I needed to feel with the main characters. SO, I did not hate the book. It had good bones just didn't have the details.
March 20, 2026
I went into Prom King expecting something deep and clever, and it absolutely delivered on that front. It’s a smart, modern twist on A Christmas Carol, woven with Penny Reid’s signature humour and emotional undercurrent.
The structure works really well—the echoes of the original story are there, but it never feels stale or overly predictable. There was so much there to keep things engaging, which made it a genuinely enjoyable read.
What stood out most for me was Alison’s redemption arc. I appreciated watching her confront herself in a way that felt messy, human, and ultimately hopeful. There’s something satisfying about a character who doesn’t just change overnight but is pushed—sometimes uncomfortably—towards growth.
That said, I did come away feeling like something was missing, and for me, that was Alaric. There was so much potential in his character, and I kept waiting to peel back more layers. He’s intriguing, but not quite fully realised, and I would have loved more depth—more insight into his motivations, his history, and what makes him him. It felt like we only got glimpses when there could have been something richer. I would have loved a chapter or two from his POV.
Overall, I gave it 4 stars because it’s a strong, entertaining read with a great concept and a satisfying emotional payoff—but it left me wanting just a little more where it really counted.
The structure works really well—the echoes of the original story are there, but it never feels stale or overly predictable. There was so much there to keep things engaging, which made it a genuinely enjoyable read.
What stood out most for me was Alison’s redemption arc. I appreciated watching her confront herself in a way that felt messy, human, and ultimately hopeful. There’s something satisfying about a character who doesn’t just change overnight but is pushed—sometimes uncomfortably—towards growth.
That said, I did come away feeling like something was missing, and for me, that was Alaric. There was so much potential in his character, and I kept waiting to peel back more layers. He’s intriguing, but not quite fully realised, and I would have loved more depth—more insight into his motivations, his history, and what makes him him. It felt like we only got glimpses when there could have been something richer. I would have loved a chapter or two from his POV.
Overall, I gave it 4 stars because it’s a strong, entertaining read with a great concept and a satisfying emotional payoff—but it left me wanting just a little more where it really counted.
March 14, 2026
If only this had been released during the holiday season, this would have been a five star read.
From the holiday inspired cover giving ugly sweater vibes to a well done riff of “ A Christmas Carol” this small but light read packs an (emotional) punch.
Allison or Alaric’s Aly meet by chance at a local convention. These two occupy a seemingly off putting familial relationship which the author wonderfully circumvents.
There were so many ‘sigh’ moments from the placement of mistletoe to the holiday crafts they put together.
If you haven’t discovered this Author, she’s worth a second and third look. From her Winston brothers series to Knitting in the City series, she appeals to readers who enjoy Ali Hazelwood, Jillian Meadows, Ellie K. Wilde, Abby Jimenez and Chloe Liese.
From the holiday inspired cover giving ugly sweater vibes to a well done riff of “ A Christmas Carol” this small but light read packs an (emotional) punch.
Allison or Alaric’s Aly meet by chance at a local convention. These two occupy a seemingly off putting familial relationship which the author wonderfully circumvents.
There were so many ‘sigh’ moments from the placement of mistletoe to the holiday crafts they put together.
If you haven’t discovered this Author, she’s worth a second and third look. From her Winston brothers series to Knitting in the City series, she appeals to readers who enjoy Ali Hazelwood, Jillian Meadows, Ellie K. Wilde, Abby Jimenez and Chloe Liese.
March 15, 2026
Alison & Alaric ❤️
🎄Alison Weston’s life is beyond bland. She spends her time working in her private equity business, amassing wealth that she’s too scared to use. Lives in a basement apartment in the brownstone she owns in Chicago, and keeps away from the little family she has left.
🎄An encounter with her former stepbrother, billionaire Alaric Jordon, brings her carefully curated life crumbling down. He’s the boy her family chose over her mom and sister, the wealthy man who has the world at his fingertips. But he asks for three days where he can show Aly the Scrooge just what she’s been missing out on.
✏️I read the first two books in this series (Homecoming King and Drama King) years ago when they were released, and had to freshen up on my memories of Rex and Cyrus’ stories and how they connect with Alaric. It’s probably safe to say you can read this as a standalone (but you really should read everything that Penny Reid has written if you haven’t already). The vibe of this story feels so similar to the recent Inheritance, Reproduction & Evolution stories. It feels hard to read just how cold and calculating Aly has become, and you realise that the multiple life whammies of losing her security as a young child, that just didn’t stop as an adult has pushed her into a corner. One that thankfully Alaric hasn’t shied away from. ❤️
Read on Kindle
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Connect with me: http://www.instagram.com/read.athon2021
🎄Alison Weston’s life is beyond bland. She spends her time working in her private equity business, amassing wealth that she’s too scared to use. Lives in a basement apartment in the brownstone she owns in Chicago, and keeps away from the little family she has left.
🎄An encounter with her former stepbrother, billionaire Alaric Jordon, brings her carefully curated life crumbling down. He’s the boy her family chose over her mom and sister, the wealthy man who has the world at his fingertips. But he asks for three days where he can show Aly the Scrooge just what she’s been missing out on.
✏️I read the first two books in this series (Homecoming King and Drama King) years ago when they were released, and had to freshen up on my memories of Rex and Cyrus’ stories and how they connect with Alaric. It’s probably safe to say you can read this as a standalone (but you really should read everything that Penny Reid has written if you haven’t already). The vibe of this story feels so similar to the recent Inheritance, Reproduction & Evolution stories. It feels hard to read just how cold and calculating Aly has become, and you realise that the multiple life whammies of losing her security as a young child, that just didn’t stop as an adult has pushed her into a corner. One that thankfully Alaric hasn’t shied away from. ❤️
Read on Kindle
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Connect with me: http://www.instagram.com/read.athon2021
March 9, 2026
Unique, as usual
Penny always seems to be able to come up with a new type of story for her romances. This one is no exception. It was quick witted, joyful, heartfelt , and I read it in one day. Could it have been a little longer? Yes. It definitely had an abrupt ending. It also had more typos than any of her other books ...and I've read the all. But her books are never cheesy or worse, cringey ...like so many other romance books. And for that I am eternally grateful to her. The chemistry was spot on and I loved the book.
Penny always seems to be able to come up with a new type of story for her romances. This one is no exception. It was quick witted, joyful, heartfelt , and I read it in one day. Could it have been a little longer? Yes. It definitely had an abrupt ending. It also had more typos than any of her other books ...and I've read the all. But her books are never cheesy or worse, cringey ...like so many other romance books. And for that I am eternally grateful to her. The chemistry was spot on and I loved the book.
March 7, 2026
Love you Penny Reid <3
I can see that this book was meant to come out before Christmas, but I gotta tell you I really needed it right freaking now. Friends, if you need a lovely bit of healing romantic escapism set in the present, this is a satisfying twist on a classic.
One change I noticed from Ms. Reid's other books was that this didn't have chapters from Alaric's point of view. It also didn't dwell on the main characters' looks as much as other romance novels, but it really delivered on the emotional and moral struggles we all face when coping with unfairness in life. Kleenex may be required for both the sad and happy parts. <3<3
I can see that this book was meant to come out before Christmas, but I gotta tell you I really needed it right freaking now. Friends, if you need a lovely bit of healing romantic escapism set in the present, this is a satisfying twist on a classic.
One change I noticed from Ms. Reid's other books was that this didn't have chapters from Alaric's point of view. It also didn't dwell on the main characters' looks as much as other romance novels, but it really delivered on the emotional and moral struggles we all face when coping with unfairness in life. Kleenex may be required for both the sad and happy parts. <3<3
March 8, 2026
Christmas in March
From Disney’s A Christmas Carol with Scrooge McDuck to Spirited with Ryan Reynolds and Will Farrell to Bill Murray’s Scrooged I’m always down for a humorous twist on Dickens.
I am yearning for some content from Alaric’s point of view but his intent came through loud and clear. Watching Aly evolve and open up was cathartic and lovely. I’m off to go reread Homecoming and Drama Kings.
From Disney’s A Christmas Carol with Scrooge McDuck to Spirited with Ryan Reynolds and Will Farrell to Bill Murray’s Scrooged I’m always down for a humorous twist on Dickens.
I am yearning for some content from Alaric’s point of view but his intent came through loud and clear. Watching Aly evolve and open up was cathartic and lovely. I’m off to go reread Homecoming and Drama Kings.
March 9, 2026
A nice update to A Christmas Carol
Enjoyed the story. The character building was great. Really fell in love with Aly and understood her perspective. Would recommend the book. The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars:
1. The story felt like it ended very abruptly.
2. There are a lot of typos in the story.
Would absolutely still recommend this book. I love Penny Reid's writing.
Enjoyed the story. The character building was great. Really fell in love with Aly and understood her perspective. Would recommend the book. The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars:
1. The story felt like it ended very abruptly.
2. There are a lot of typos in the story.
Would absolutely still recommend this book. I love Penny Reid's writing.
March 9, 2026
Good but ended too quickly
The premise of Ebenezer Scrouge and the three nights was very unique. But I wanted to more for the main characters, I wanted to know when Alaric first loved Aly. Also, they reconnected so late in life. I gave it 4 stars because I wanted more in this book.
The premise of Ebenezer Scrouge and the three nights was very unique. But I wanted to more for the main characters, I wanted to know when Alaric first loved Aly. Also, they reconnected so late in life. I gave it 4 stars because I wanted more in this book.
March 17, 2026
All this series have been good reads and this book was just as unusual as the other King stories.
March 7, 2026
This series from Penny Reid was an auto-buy for me, but in the case of Prom King, I wasn't a huge fan of Aly's miserly/Grinch personality paired up with flawless Alaric's. The premise that he was pining after her for 18 years was a little hard to believe.
Homecoming King was my favorite in the series and was more entertaining and balanced as far as the main characters.
Homecoming King was my favorite in the series and was more entertaining and balanced as far as the main characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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