There's Something About Nik

by Sara Hantz

Nik Gustafsson has a He’s not really Nik Gustafsson.

He’s not a spy. He’s not crazy.

He’s just the son and heir to one of the most important families in Europe—one where duty always comes first. And his posh, too-public life is suffocating him. So when he gets the chance to attend boarding school in America, pretending to be an average exchange student is too big of a temptation to pass up.

Then he literally runs into Amber on campus. And she hates him at first sight.

It’s kind of exhilarating to be hated for who he is, not for his family name or his wealth. Maybe if he turns up the charm and turns down the aloof mask he habitually wears, he can win her over. Even though a bad past experience has made her swear off dating this year.

But the more he gets to know her, the more uncomfortable he is keeping things from her. Because Nik Gustafsson has a secret. And it’s a big one.

This Entangled Teen Crush book contains a hot boy who's the strong and silent type, a studious girl who refuses to believe in fairy-tale romance, and one epic secret that could be disastrous if it comes to light.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, Royalty, Teen, Boarding School, Young Adult Contemporary

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2017

About the author

Sara Hantz was born in Northampton, England, the eldest of four children (she has three younger brothers). School and Sara weren’t a match made in heaven. She was bored a lot of the time, and it seemed much more fun to dream up ways of disrupting lessons than to actually pay attention. Which could explain why she was always in trouble! But she redeemed herself later, when at twenty-one she went back to full-time study.
She wasn’t one of those people who wrote as a small child. She did read, though, avidly. And it took her a few years of thinking about writing before she actually started. But now, she wouldn’t do anything else, and she never gets bored!
In 2001, she moved to New Zealand (an incredibly beautiful country) with her husband and two children. After working at a university for three years, she left to work in their hotel and devote more time to her writing. She wishes she’d done it sooner!
In her spare time, she loves going to the movies, watching TV, and walking. She loves to hear from readers. Visit www.sarahantz.com.

Reviews

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC and NetGalley.)

“Hey. I’m teasing,” Amber interrupted. “Don’t they tease where you’re from?”

This was a YA contemporary romance featuring an undercover prince.

The characters in this were a bit irritating to be honest. Amber constantly criticised Nik and teased him for his mannerisms, which wasn’t very nice, especially when he was from another country and couldn’t help that his life was different to hers.

The storyline in this was about Amber and Nik spending time together after meeting through their friends, and I didn’t really get the attraction between them at all. In fact, one moment Amber was criticising him and the next they were kissing, which seemed to come out of nowhere!

The ending to this was a happily ever after, but I didn’t really buy it. Things seemed to just come together quite unrealistically, and I just found it a little unbelievable.



6 out of 10

[Fafa's Book Corner]

I received this E-ARC via Netgalley and Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

DNF

Mini review:

I was looking forward to reading this book. While I don't always enjoy Entangled books, I'm always willing to give them a shot.

I started this book right away seeing as they don't usually work for me. And unfortunately I didn't enjoy the writing style. It reads kind of odd and very formal. Now I'm not sure whether this is because of Nik or just the way the author writes. It just didn't work for me and I can't bring myself to continue.

I do still recommend it.

[Moriah Chavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This review will also appear on A Leisure Moment*

**I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

This book was so stinking cute! I love the royalty falling for a commoner trope. It’s so unrealistic that when it does happen in real life, I can’t help but swoon. Kate Middleton was a commoner, giving girls hope all across the world that their prince might actually be a prince. Now Amber gives me hope that my prince might be closer than I think.

Niklas III of Lutgenstadt (it is not a real principality, I checked) wanted a normal life. He made a deal with his parents that as long as he kept his identity a secret, he could spend his junior year of high school in America. Nik didn’t know how not to be a prince at first. His superfluous language and overly serious nature made him different. He could lie about his title, but the prince still shined underneath. It was adorable. He had to learn how to be an American teenager, but he didn’t let the prince side of him go, either. He remained a gentleman. Reading as he tried to understand American-speak made me smile and laugh. And as a prince in commoner clothing, he met his match when Amber walked into his life.

I really liked Amber’s character. She had spunk and determination. A fight with cancer the year before had made her stronger. She rocked a pixie cut and wielded her camera like a pro. She hated Nik at first sight. There wasn’t a moment throughout the entire book that she let him get away with anything. The things of her past had made her vulnerable, yet strong, and her relationship with Nik changed things for her. She started to open her heart again and let someone new in. I loved watching her fall for him or hearing her best friend talk about how he looked at her when she wasn’t looking. Overall, though, I loved her. She was a wonderful MC and balanced with Nik perfectly.

Lauren and Amber had the best friendship. I love reading a healthy female friendship. They complimented each other and supported each other through thick and thin. Lauren even had her own story going on in the background, and I ship her and Josh all day long!

The girl that could watch The Princess Diaries on loop and swooned hard over the prince in The Prince and Me devoured this book. I found myself smiling for no reason and giggling with glee. Niklas III of Lutgenstadt stole my heart, and I want Amber as a best friend. There’s Something About Nik belongs on your e-reader!

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

DNF at 25%. No rating. The concept of this book and the cover drew me in, but the executing wasn't believable and it just wasn't to my taste.

[Hristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book frustrated me. There's a great idea behind it, but it's not done properly. The 'flaws' of the characters that were meant to make them realistic were overdone so much that they made them simply annoying. Amber's inability to respect the cultural differences, and Nik's silence every time she said something out of line is what I disliked most.
If you have a few hours to spare and you're looking for a easy, light read, this book is for you. But it won't wow you. Which was really sad for me, because I've had luck with Entangled: Crush books in the past, and this one was an exception.

[Ania · Rating 1 out of 5]

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review

>>SPOILERS AHEAD<<

I was on a winning streak having just reread the Anna and the French Kiss trilogy and was in a search for another cute contemporary story.

I saw There's Something About Nik on NetGalley and the blurb sounded just right. However... the blurb did not include the main point of the plot, which we discover at the very beginning - Nik is a prince. Of a made up country. Somewhere close to Scandinavia. I did feel a bit missold on the book as I am not a fun of the royal stories. I also didn't think that the portrayal of the royalty was done particularly well. They are human beings and we are in the 21st century after all and the book made them sound a bit robotic.

And that even without some of ridiculously archaic concepts and traits that Nik represents. It's like he lives under a rock. He doesn't know music because American bands don't tour his made up country?
Ever heard of radio or TV? iTunes or Spotify would be too much to ask I guess... The way he speaks is on purpose portrayed as quite stiff and not the way the teenagers are supposed to be talking and as a linguist, it really bothered me. These days no one learns languages - English in particular - only from textbooks. It's all about immersion. Netflix, DVDs, cinema, youtube, you name it.

And then on the other hand - the all American girl, Amber. She's supposed to be the embodiment of "normal" but at the same she's had a pretty heavy history. She's a cancer survivor and she was betrayed by the previous boyfriend. So she's sworn off boys and that lasts .... literally 5 minutes. She wants Nik after second - massively awkward - conversion... And that was another reason I felt really missed on this book. The insta-love. There really was hardly any resistance on Amber's side and Nik really wasn't particularly charming either. So yea, she could have resisted.

I know it looks like a massive rant but I genuinely struggled to finish this story and it was sheer power of determination that made me not abandon it. It's meant to be a contemporary fairytale but it's really not.

[Monica Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute YA romance. Easy read with fun characters.

[Deniz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute!
The good oldy undercover royalty love story.
And that's where my main problem lies actually. While I do love it. I felt there wasn't much else to it. I mean, I love the character building. It's well done. Both MC's have insecurities due to their background that were conveyed wonderfully. The romance has some nice swoony moments.
But this doesn't stay from the secret royalty thread- at all. And the end felt kinda rushed and a bit overly easy solved.
While there were really cute moments, I felt some of the eluded connection wasn't there for me.
Well written, cute story but I wanted somehow more depth.
As a photographer I really enjoyed Amber's photography session. I could totally relate. Which is a testament to Hantz wonderful writing style!

Enjoyable, sweet and interesting characters make this a nice cute & fluffy.

[Rê · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 “Princes and Boarding Schools” Stars

ARC via NetGalley

Thank you, Entangled: Crush!

My experience with this book surprised me. Unfortunately not in a good way.

First, this in Entangled Crush and 9 out of 10 times I love their books or at least enjoy them very much. Second, this has a prince pretending to be a commoner, and this trope often gives me all the feels. So, yeah, I was looking forward to this one.

The problem is, I couldn’t connect with this book at all.

The first thing that bothered me about it was the promise in the blurb and this saying in the cover: “It’s hate at first sight.” Guys, I’m the biggest fan of the hate-to-love romance trope ever, so if you promise me any variation of “enemies to lovers”, I want that delivered. This book didn’t. There was a little bit of tension between Nik (the prince who’s hiding his identity) and Amber (the future photographer who has a strong personality) in the beginning, but it didn’t last nearly long enough. And though the blurb promised me hate at first sight, it never felt like that. She just didn’t fall in love with him immediately, but she didn’t exactly hate him, either.

That’s the other thing about this book that didn’t work for me, how all feelings and actions were overdramatized.

Amber wasn’t sure she liked Nik when she met him, so she must hate him, right? No. That’s too much. Hate is based on something strong, and there was nothing like that between them. She disliked his attitude, but, as far as I'm concerned, she didn't hate him. Even if she had, it still wouldn't have made much of a difference because they quickly shifted to friends and more. It didn't last nearly enough to have an impact.

Another example of overreaction here is when Nik can't stop thinking about Amber's hair. So Nik came from an European country. I get that. But does that mean every girl there had to have blonde, long hair, and Amber’s short hair had to be this weird thing he needed to obsess over for a few paragraphs? No. Tons of women have short hair, so what’s the big deal?

Amber was also a fan of making big deals out of small things. Like when Nik opened the door for her when they went out. She quickly went on about how weird that was because every other boy she knew didn’t do this. I mean, come on. I like to think there are mothers out there still teaching their sons some manners. Give teenage boys a break, guys.

The same goes for how Amber overreacted to the fact that Nik had never taken the bus before. I mean, isn’t everyone in that school supposed to be super rich? I don’t know about you, but I watched enough Gossip Girl and 90210. Those kids did not take the bus. Most of them had drivers, or at least took a taxi when they wanted to go somewhere (maybe they'd be taking Uber now, but definitely not a bus). The fact that Nik had a driver back home shouldn’t have been such a surprise to Amber.

The truth is I think there was a constant attempt to make things seem bigger than they were so Amber could be suspicious of Nik and the secret he was keeping. But it didn’t work for me. Her reactions felt too big. Too dramatic. Too unrealistic.

Maybe this has something to do with the lack of world building. I understood where Nik was from and what his life was like back home, but I didn���t know enough about Amber. I didn’t understand her background enough to believe her reactions. I didn’t know enough about most of the characters, to be honest.

I also missed knowing more about the boarding school they attended. I had it in my head that this was a rich-kid school (since a prince was going there, it had to be, right?), but I couldn’t picture it. I didn’t get enough details or information to draw a picture of the school in my head, which was a shame.


I guess what I'm trying to say is that I went into this book expecting something different (more tension because of the hate-and-love relationship it promised), but ended up getting distracted by some choices that kept pulling me out of the story. For that reason, I’m sorry to say I found it difficult to connect with Nik and Amber or feel their chemistry. I wanted to like this book as much as other Entangled Crush titles, but that didn't happen this time.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit that I am a little torn with this review as I was in two minds with Sara Hantz's new book. There's Something about Nik. First off, I was excited to read this as something that I have always loved is when royalty or someone famous goes undercover and lately, I have been on a royalty kick with books. The other thing is I normally love these stories as they are like Cinderella tales. There's Something about Nik had these qualities as Nik is a Prince from a small country in Europe. He has come to America undercover as a high school student to experience life in an American boarding school and has been staying and will be rooming with Josh who is family friends with the Royals. The book does also have the Cinderella ending with Amber falling in love for now with Nik as remember it's still a teen novel, no marriages yet. Now to the part that made me struggle reading There's Something about Nik - the characters of Amber and Nik which by the way are the main two leads in the book, so of course you can feel my frustration as I wanted to love this book, but I couldn't. Nik which I do understand is used to his royal servants and the people below him and accustomed to a different lifestyle, so it only made sense that he came across pompous but Amber, she was the one that ruined it for me as she was so freaking irritating as her hate for Nik basically radiated off the page. I found the everyday interactions between Amber and Nik to be so awkward even for my reading pleasure. I do have to admit, though, that I think if I had been younger and hadn't been exposed to this storyline in multiple stages and books - I might not be this jaded about the book and who knows I might have loved it to pieces. Overall, I think this particular book "There's Something about Nik" by Sara Hantz is aimed and suitable for teens aged 14-18 years, rather than my 29 years.

[Tanya Grech Welden · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF (read 48%)
Unfortunately I really struggled with this one. On most levels this story just failed to hit the mark. Narration was awkward, lackluster, telly and too often cringe worthy. I struggled to connect with Nik and Amber both of whom were irritating. I was uninspired by the plot. There was potential to do something interesting but the story is just cliched and bears too many similarities to a few too many Disney movies. If the writing was better I might have persevered but as it was it just grated on my nerves. While there may be something about Nik there certainly wasn't something about this story....at least for me.
Thank you for the opportunity to review but alas this is a miss for me.

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley for a fair review.


There's Something About Nick by Sara Hantz is an okay read. Honestly there wasn't a lot of depth to the characters. From the description I thought the book would be a little more like the move with Julia Styles, but it wasn't.

For me there was a lot of lying and backstabbing. I never felt the characters connect. They went from loathing each other to "being in love". They both lied to each other and when one asked a simple request of the other, that was done also. I can't see how a relationship would work when trust and communication, which a relationship should be built on, was non existent in this book.

[Cristina (My Tiny Obsessions) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read full review HERE



I have started on my marathon of Entangled Crush books that I have for this month. And I have to say, I really enjoyed it.

In true Entangled Crush fashion, this book is super duper cute! The story is told in dual POV, in the third person, but the voices of Nik and Amber are clearly distinct, mainly because Nik as such a specific background. I really liked the writing :).

I really liked both characters as well, I just wished that they had been a little more fleshed out. I’m just gonna say it, because it’s not really a spoiler… Nik is a prince! And he’s a bit entitled and clueless, but adorable at the same time. And Amber is such a strong young woman. I really really liked her. They both have a little character growth during the book, but I was kind of expecting more.

The romance was where I had a couple of issues, because I thought that it was super cute and great, but then it was also fast?! I kind of wished that had communicated a little better at some points there. However, I did think that the characters acted their age, they were immature on some things, and that was to be somewhat expected.

Overall, this was a very entertaining and fast read. If you’re in the mood for a very cute (royalty) romance, pick this one up.

[Amanda Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Sara Hantz books and this is no exception!

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
1.5/5 stars

There's Something About Nik by Sara Hantz is a young adult contemporary romance. It's about an undercover prince and I have had such great success with the Entangled crush line that I so wanted to love this one. I really really did. But it just didn't work for me. I'm not really sure why. Sara Hantz did a fine job with the writing, and I wouldn't be opposed to reading another one of her books, but this plot wasn't for me. And that is ok. If you think you would love a book about a mysterious guy who is really a prince, you should check out some of the reviews I have linked below. Lot's of people really enjoyed this book.

There's Something about Nik is the story of Nik and Amber. Nik comes to an american boarding school and he is so clearly hiding a secret. And honestly, I liked Nik for the most part. I hated how everyone treated him. I mean they were all huge jerks and brats. Making fun of him for his accent, etc. I just couldn't stand the whole lot of students at the school to be honest. Which made it hard for me to get into the story. And the romance just felt off to me. It fell flat.

The whole story was ok, but if I am being totally honest with myself, I had to force my way through it. And that is never a good sign with the book. I think it was just a bit too immature for my tastes, and I couldn't really connect with the characters, which is normally a kiss of death for me. But if you are looking for a surface level quick, cute read, this one just might hit the spot. Just because There's Something About Nik didn't work for me, doesn't mean you won't love it. Check out these reviews from people who loved the book and see if it is something you might enjoy. This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

[throneofreaders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real rating: around 3.8 to 4ish and my copy was from netgalley
This was a feel good read for me! I finished it in one sitting, spent around 4 to 5hrs.

I enjoyed and can't stop smiling on the 65%-ish part of the story because the chemistry of the two is so cute!. Most of all because Nik and his sincereness about wanting to blend in and be normal, it is so cute!. Maybe because I can quite relate to him about some of his questions when he first settled in America (e.g. Why do American people only use fork when eating? lol but I'm get used to it now so~)

Another thing that I liked was the author showed us Nik's and Amber's point of views, which for me, makes the story a good one.

Although, the relationship part was kinda quick for me but hey man, it plays a big part on the story so no hatin' there! Just a lil' bit shook hahahahahhaaha~

Overall I would recommend this.
If you want to read a fast paced and a light hearted book, you should definitely give this one a go!

I'll also post a review on my blog before the release date.

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, Nice, Sweet, Easy and super clean YA romance. A tad to superficial for my taste but if you are not looking for something to deep this will be a good read.

[Katherine Paschal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real Review 3.5 Stars

Nik is a prince of Lutgenstadt, a small European contry where his life is very structured and his life is planned out. When given the opportunity, Nik jumps at the chance to go to an American Boarding School with his best friend Josh. The only catch is that he has to use a fake identity so nobody will know who he is. Well, Amber makes it hard for Nik to keep up his lies. Amber has had her own fare share of past heartache and betrayal so she knows that Nik is not telling her everything. When an accident causes trouble for both of them, and secrets are revealed, can their new relationship stand up to the problems?

I knew I had to read this book when I first came across it predominantly since I love the concept of royalty finding love with a commoner. I mean seriously, I could easily watch the movie "Ever After" and the modern version "The Prince and Me" on repeat and be happy. The concept appeals to the inner romantic in me who is usually kept on a short leash. This was a really cute, feel good story about two people who learn to trust each other and find love despite their differences. I seriously blew through this book in one sitting, the story and the writing flowed smoothly and the characters were cute enough to keep me engaged. At times things were either a little too easily resolved, and other times a crisis arose from nothing, but I think that is probably very realistic to being a teenager.

Amber is a very driven character, who knows what she wants from life and how to get it. I loved the dynamic between Amber and her best friend Lauren, how they knew each other so well regardless of what was said, sticking through illness and heartbreak, making them more like sisters. Oh and the fact that Lauren and Josh had a thing going on made it even cuter since they wanted friends to double date with. Nik on the other hand was trying to be someone not at all like himself, he wanted to blend in and experience a regular life without the rules and pressure. I appreciated the hostility between the two characters and kinda sorta wished that the story was longer to draw that out more and then the slow build of a positive relationship that would come next.

Overall this was a really cute, short read that I can see lots of people enjoying it. There indeed was a happily ever after here which made me happy to experience right along with the characters.

I received this title from the publisher in return for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/

[Maaike · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this book. There's Something About Nik seemed like an adorable romance. A prince posing as a regular student, undercover in an American boarding school. It may not sound just as good as the premise of Princess Diaries, but I’ll admit that I was hoping this to be precisely that sort of read. Fluffy and utterly entertaining. It definitely could have been. And to some it may be exactly that, but it didn’t really work for me.

Mostly because I didn’t think there was any chemistry between prince charming and his mundane princess. In fact, I didn’t find Nik charming at all. For someone who was supposedly very confident and even accused of being arrogant, I found him disturbingly awkward. And not in a ‘cute and adorable’ way. He did not know how to act around people. And worst of all: he couldn't take a joke. There's nothing that puts me off more than a guy who can't handle a little teasing. It was attributed to his royal lifestyle, but I didn’t buy it. Even a prince is not in character all of the time. He’s still a human being. Plus, he supposedly watched television. At least that should have given him an idea or two about common people. He was also really whiny for someone that entitled. He kept saying he wanted to be treated like a normal person, but still freaked out at Amber for interrupting his sentence and not instantly liking him. Can’t have it both ways, bro.

Everyone just acted really ridiculous most of the time. I’m all for breaking social conventions and making characters stand out, but here it had the opposite effect. It just made everything feel forced and unnatural. The characters were very flat and one-dimensional and the story itself lacked depth and creativity. Unfortunately there was nothing remarkable or worth remembering about any of it.

It also bothered me that the author turned Europeans into some kind of alien breed. As if we are some ignorant people who need to be taught things like ‘sarcasm’ from Americans. I spoke fluent sarcasm before I could even locate the USA on a map, thankyouverymuch. Seriously, though. These were small and mostly insignificant examples, but after a while they started to bother me. I get that Nik was a prince who didn’t have a decent connection to ‘the real world’, but you cannot convince me that in this modern age it is possible for someone to be so sheltered that he doesn’t know about ripped jeans and girls with short hair and acts as if there is no such thing in Europe. I was so convinced the author had never set foot upon European soil that it shocked me when I found out she was actually born and raised in the United Kingdom. My bad. But it makes matters almost worse. Because I can forgive stereotypes (like all Scandinavians being blond, blue-eyed angels) from a foreigner, but not so easily from one of our own.

The book is very short and fast-paced. The writing is okay. Not great, but not bad either. I don’t feel like reading this book has been an entire waste of time, it was bad in an entertaining kind of way (does that even make sense?), but I wouldn’t recommend it either. There are better romances out there and far more likeable princes to swoon over.

[Deitre · Rating 4 out of 5]

The girl that could watch The Princess Diaries on loop and swooned hard over the prince in The Prince and Me devoured this book. I found myself smiling for no reason and giggling with glee. Niklas III of Lutgenstadt stole my heart, and I want Amber as a best friend. There’s Something About Nik belongs on your e-reader!

Read the rest of the review!

[Esther Haddie's Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER: I requested an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley.

Let the sweetness begin! I have have my heart set on reading this book since getting a small teaser a few months back. Amber and Nik are wonderful characters. I love how they both have mental battles about being more than friends with each other. Amber battling the fact that Nik is not like her ex. And Nik wondering if he would be able to have her in his royal life. We all have those little doubtful thoughts that enter our minds when something just feels so right.

Reading this book kind of reminded me of that movie The Prince and Me with Julia Stiles and Luke Mably. As cheesy as that movie was, who wouldn't want to fall in love with a prince? I love sweet books like this. I wonder what other plots Sara Hantz has up her sleeve.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh how I wanted to love this book! When I read the synopsis I was sure I would love it.

You have a secret, European prince who goes to an American boarding school with the purpose of having a little freedom. A prince who has manners down pat but American vernacular--not so much.
Match that with a sweet American girl who is overcoming some horrific personal issues from the past year and what more could you want from this story?

Well, sadly, I could have done with something a little less trite. The thing is, because this is the kind of story that has been done before (even though it's an intriguing plot line) it needs to be original and be able to stand up against all the others.

There was the constant, pretty ridiculous, misunderstandings between the two main characters. And the fact that the characters all seemed to have the mentality of nine-year-olds. For me, the main issue with the two protagonists was that, if I didn't know it was a story about how Nik and Amber come to be "Nik and Amber", I honestly wouldn't have ever thought these two should be together. There was no depth to these characters besides their histories. Which, unfortunately, were things we didn't get to see, but were only told about.

I absolutely hate having to write reviews like this. And because of that, I will definitely give Hantz another chance. I refuse to believe that an author who others love, won't have a story that I can appreciate also.

Christine @ Captivated Reading

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

There’s Something About Nik was missing something. It felt surface deep and I was left wanting, hoping for more. The premise is fantastic and reminiscent of one of my all time favorite romantic comedies, The Prince & Me, the only difference being that this story is set in an elite high school. What girl doesn’t dream of falling for a guy who turns out to be so much more than he seems? Better than she ever could have imagined?

My biggest issue with this story was the plot lines that fell apart and felt totally forgotten as the story progressed. One of the main characters, Amber, is in remission from cancer. This comes up I believe twice, or something equally low. It functions as a main plot point; it’s the reason that Amber is so hesitant to date, so mistrusting of others, etc. It wasn’t built on at all. It just sat there and was called up when necessary. I kind of expected more from Amber when she talked about her cancer, but the big focus was on the jerk who broke her heart. I needed more. I needed her family. Amber talks about how much she loves them or whatever, but they’re invisible. The story was short. It was cut in weird spots leaving chapters feeling unfinished and there was so much more room to add small details that would have made the characters come to life, but instead they were sort of just there.

Read more here:

https://youngadultbookmadness.wordpre...

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

It was the synopsis of this book that drew me in initially. Having an undercover prince in a YA contemporary is bound to appeal to me, and it made be think of The Prince and Me film, which I adore. Nik is hiding who he is, because he is the heir to the throne in his quasi-Scandinavian country. He wants the chance of a somewhat normal life, so when he can study in a boarding school in America, he jumps at the chance. There's an initial struggle to understand American culture, but what is the most refreshing is his relationship with Amber, who absolutely despises him. Now, that would sound odd, but being dislike because of his character, and not who he is or how important he is, is like a breath of fresh air, and Nik soon finds himself struggling to stay away from Amber.

Amber, on the other hand, has sworn off relationships, and the cocky and arrogant new boy, Nik, definitely rubs her up the wrong way. However, the more they are together, the more her barriers come down, and she soon finds herself developing feelings for him, though she knows he is hiding something.

Like I said, I thought this book would be a bit similar to The Prince and Me, and it was, but it was lacking, something. I did enjoy it, and it was a dead quick read, but it was very much an ok book - nothing horrendous, but also nothing fantastic. A good read at the time, but not memorable.

[Julie (Let's Read Good Books)]

DNF @ 66%

I tried. I really did. But I finally threw in the towel. The romance wasn't working, and the relationship between Amber and Nik was just SO FREAKING awkward. It was painful to read. I didn't care if they ever got together, or if they ever even finished school. I certainly didn't care whether I finished the book. Better luck next time?

[Emily May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy secret identity books. Throw in some high school angst, and what's not to love?

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of young adult romances have featured an undercover princess, but this turns that story on its head. Very cute read! Lots of fun!

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

received in exchange for a honest review

Characters: fine and adorable. Amber blurred lines when hurt and Nik was in a tough situation. Hated the rock and hard place for these two.

Amber: tough as nails. Been through so much. She was strong in some ways and others vulnerable. After what people did to her last year she had a right to be scared to trust and let someone in. People can be cruel when trying to protect themselves and Wade what a tool. She was nice as well. I loved how she let Nik know when he was being a doof and was honest with him.

Nik: guy had so much on his shoulders. He was tense but sweet. He was a fish trying to find his way and experience freedom for the first time. He came off at times as arrogant but it was more him keeping himself in check and in the difference in how he was raised. His circumstances were different and it showed. I loved how he was with Josh and his conflicting emotions over Amber. He didn’t want to hurt anyone since he was leaving but couldn’t stop himself from caring for her. He saw who she was and loved how she put him in his place.

Plot: the prince wanting freedom comes to the US to see a different world. He finds a girl and is conflicted. He wants to tell her all but is afraid. One silly mistake can cost them everything. I loved how they grew to know each other and see they were wrong about one another. Love how Nik puts it all on the line. He really is a great character.

Writing: endears you to this tale by how the characters are portrayed and learn about one another. Also how they show their emotions and struggles is so honest and raw.

Overall: endearing and adorable. Loved seeing the conflict and how they rise above it. Love how Nik is with his feelings and how he made it right. A wonderful tale.

[Caitlyn (delightful.reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but another insta-hate to insta-love in 1.2 seconds. Ok not exactly hate, Nik was a little rude about Amber's hair (she's a cancer survivor), and Amber was a little rude about Nik's mannerisms (he's European Royalty and EXTREMELY proper).
Both Nik and Amber have no interest in dating this year. Both of them were actually against the idea. And there just wasn't enough chemistry/romantic interest between the two to actually make me believe that the two would just drop their reservations at the drop of a hat. Nik and Amber were way too standoffish towards each other, and while they became frenemies, becoming more was a bit random?
But if you pretend that there's more chemistry then there actually is, it's a cute, light read. Not Pride and Prejudice by any stretch of the imagination, but cute. (Seriously for the beginning of TSAN Nik was called the arrogant jerk Darcy from the beginning of P&P...)
I must admit Josh and Lauren were cute. ;) I sort of wanted more of them...
All in all, I'm not sure if it's me just not liking these newest novels or if I'm starting to become disillusioned with entangled crush novels... But this was somewhat cute I guess...

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nik isn't just another foreign exchange student. The secret is that he is really a prince, Niklas III of Lutgenstadt (not a real country). Looking to escape the paparazzi and limelight of his country, he decides to attend boarding school in the United States. Nik soon falls head over heels for Amber, who is guarded at first and afraid to let him in, after her former boyfriend betrayed her. Nik is strange, a bit formal and guarded himself, and has manners and a way of being that confuse Amber at first due to their formality. As they get closer, Nik and Amber become more comfortable, but when a picture Amber mistakenly takes winds up in the wrong hands, Nik's secret is out and their relationship is all but over. Fun read, reminds me very much of the Julia Stiles movie The Prince and Me.