At first sight, it reminded me of Red, White & Royal Blue, but there isn't much resemblance apart from that one of the main characters is a prince. It felt weird that everything went so easy - the boys realizing they're bisexual, coming out for their teammates and Tore's parents. What I really loved about the novel is that soccer was involved, it's very rare in books set in the US.

I will forever love a soccer romance, bonus points for a queer soccer romance. This haters to lovers story is a classic romance trope that never fails to hook me in. The romance is mostly well written, not overly sexual in nature and as many LGBTQ+ stories, not always the most realistic too. The fact that Tore is a prince does add a little extra to the romance as well, almost like reading a queer hallmark movie.

The redemption arc was almost anti climactic in nature and it did not really feel like Farron grew much as a character but it did not take away from the story for me either.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC!

This isn't the first story written by Nora Phenix, and it's a departure from her other series. Prince Tore wants to experience a normal life. Farron is captain of the soccer team and hates rich people.

A story based on opposites attract: grumpy and sunshine. The character development is interesting; they gain depth, especially Farron. We understand where he comes from and what his goals in life are. Prejudices are deconstructed in an interesting way. The awakening of their bisexuality is gentle, and the "I'm doing research to see how it's done" aspect is funny, realistic, and believable.
I would have liked to see a little more of the other princes. I'm looking forward to the next volumes.

Being a prince sounds glamorous, fancy castles, royal balls and most importantly: a life of luxury. For Norwegian prince Tore, it’s mostly just endless rules, stiff formalities, and absolutely zero freedom. So when he gets the rare chance to escape for a year, disguised as a regular college student in the US, he jumps at it. Even better? He makes the soccer team (sorry, football team… no, wait, soccer!), and for the first time in his life, he gets just to be himself.

There’s only one problem: Farron, the team’s captain. He takes one look at Tore and decides he hates him, absolutely loathes him, and no matter how hard Tore tries with charm and persistence (or maybe a little bit of royal stubbornness, Farron refuses to warm up. However when all that pent-up tension finally reaches its breaking point, it doesn’t explode in a fight… it ends in a kiss. A very unexpected, very good kiss.

Neither of them has ever been into guys before, so obviously, it’s just a weird fluke. No big deal. Just something to get of the system, right? Except Tore can’t stop thinking about it. Or about Farron, I’d rather say, and the more time they spend together, the more they realizes this isn’t just some fleeting attraction, it’s definitely SOMETHING! But what happens when Farron finds out the truth? That Tore isn’t just some random European exchange student, but actual royalty?

Packed with banter, a whole lot of chemistry and a double bi-awakening, I was completely obsessed with ‘The Prince and The Player’! I can nothing but say that I absolutely devoured this ultimate grumpy / sunshine, enemies to lovers romance in a couple of days as if it were (much needed) sunlight.

With so much to risk for love, this isn’t just your average romance novel, but a whole new experience set to bring you on a journey.

I really enjoyed seeing the characters progress in this story. The story was well paced and well written. I was hooked from the beginning and devoured it in just a few sittings.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!

Nora Phoenix did an amazing job balancing the fine line between love and hate with Tore and Farron. Their dynamic had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly waiting for them to give in to each other. I absolutely loved that they never denied their feelings, and Nora consistently handled this trope flawlessly—avoiding the frustrating pitfalls it often falls into.

This book is definitely one of my top romances of the year so far. I will absolutely be recommending it to everyone!

This is the perfect have/have not story with a grumpy/royal sunshine twist! Tore is a Prince of Norway, but he just wants some time to be himself and to play the game he loves before he has to give it up for his royal responsibilities. When he gets the chance at a college in Ohio he embraces the experience, but not everyone is happy to have him join their team. Farron is the soccer captain and used to being the star player, so when Tore comes along and changes the dynamic he can’t help but hate him. These two are forced together for the sake of their team and everything eventually comes to a head. I really enjoyed this sports romance and highly recommend you check it out!

3.5/5, rounded up.

Tore is a Norwegian prince who just wants to feel normal. Farron is a hardworking college soccer player who also works at Walmart to help support his mom and sisters after his dad died. When Tore joins the soccer team, Farron immediately dislikes him and writes him off as spoiled and privileged. He seems immune to Tore's attempts to win him over until they kiss one night in a hotel before a soccer game. Farron and Tore become friends with benefits and maybe more, but Tore's identity is still a secret.

I know this is a lighthearted romance, but I always thing "woe is me, being royal is so hard" is such a tough stance to support. I understand that Tore feels pressure to act a certain way, but frankly monarchy is an insane concept and Farron is absolutely right that there is a difference between being worried your family will go hungry and being worried you'll ruin the reputation of unelected leaders that could become obsolete. I would have liked to see Tore confront that a bit more through the lens of their relationship.

I did think that Tore was sweet and I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between the two of them. Seeing Farron coming to terms with his sexuality and letting his guard down was satisfying. On the other hand, I was disappointed about the way the book handled them being outed by their teammate. It was shown as a cute acceptance moment for the whole team, but him immediately saying he would tell the whole team in a group chat? Super not ok. There were a couple other instances of seemingly more important things being glossed over too (Farron stopping the football player from taking a drunk girl home, etc).

All in all, this book was a fun read and I liked the contrasts between Farron and Tore, and I thought their relationship offered both of them room to grow. I will probably read the sequels, which I imagine will focus on Tore's friends. I like Nora's other books and the way she writes, but I think this one glossed over some scenes that I wish had more attention which made things a little too lighthearted for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars



This book kept me interested from beginning to end, but I did not like Farron. Like AT ALL!

Tore was such a sweetheart. It’s very understandable that he wanted to keep his identity a secret. That he wanted a normal life away from obligations. Farron on the other hand was beyond annoying! It’s one thing to have a certain prejudice against people. I understand how some wealthy people could be snobs, but that was not Tore. It was stated that he was spoiled and privileged, but in my opinion he didn’t act at all spoiled or privileged. He just wanted to fit in, have a normal life experience for once, and play soccer.

Ferron was horrible to him. Didn’t give him a chance at all. He kept that attitude up for almost 70 percent of the book, which made me not like his character even more. Tore didn’t deserve the way Ferron treated him. Tore kept taking it all, which made me love Tore’s character even more. He rose above most of the time. I like that the teammates actually gave Tore a chance instead of jumping on the “I don’t like him because he’s rich, entitled, spoiled, and privileged” train.

I did love the concept of the storyline. A prince going undercover to attend college, but it just fell flat.

The Prince and the Player
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were great and the emotions they went through were well described and had depth.
Prince Tore of Norway is given permission by his uncle the King to attend an college in America where he can also play his beloved soccer, but he must remain anonymous. Captain of the college soccer team is Farron who immediately dislikes Tore as a rich entitled person and is pretty dismissive towards him.this change when Tore shows what a great soccer player and team sportsman he his and gradually Farron has a complete turn around in his feelings.
Both are surprised at this turn of events particularly as they both always regarded themselves as ‘straight’ but embrace it.
The story develops well with passion and love but then with the great revelation Farron is heartbroken as is Tore.
This story kept my attention and I was invested in these two, although I am at a loss as why the blurb for the book describes it as ‘hilarious’ there are light hearted moments but certainly not laugh out loud occurrences.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Fallon hates Tore, the entitled, rich Norwegian who has wormed his way into their soccer team. But all that hate becomes something far more, lust.

A well written take in two people navigate new feelings and old, trying to come to terms with all the emotions that come with falling in love with the last person you expect.

The writing, the characters, the pacing of the story, everything about this was great.

This is a romance between two college students playing on the same soccer team.. Fallon has always had to scrape to get along. He comes from a poor family, and has a huge chip on his shoulder towards anybody that has wealth. Tore is a Norwegian prince and is secretly having a gap year to explore the United States.before resuming his royal duties.

I never felt a real connection between the two men. Fallon's hatred towards Tore was intense even as I understood how much his family struggled. He really never felt likeable to me and I don't feel he redeemed himself..Tore while sweet and upbeat had a formal speech that was a bit much. He also seemed to forgive Fallon really quickly for his awful behaviors. I had trouble over how quickly things changed for the men..

Even though I won't revist this book I am sure others will enjoy it. Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

The Prince and the Player by Nora Phoenix is a new college sports/royalty MM romance. Tore is part of a unique friend group of royals far removed from their crowns but still restricted to living in the public's eyes and expectations. He is given the opportunity to attend college in the US and makes their soccer team. The captain of the team, Farron, is less than receptive to this new addition to the team. Tore is able to charm every except the captain no matter how hard he works. It isn't until Farron lets his guard down that he sees there is more to Tore than high end clothes and a posh accent. The two connect on the field with matching intensity for the sport as well as loneliness that can only be seen under close inspection. But life is complicated in dramatically different ways for each man leading to their budding relationship being torn apart. While they're just getting started familial expectations threaten to destroy what they’re building.

This was a semi predictable but sweet MM college sports romance. I really liked Tore, he was royalty who wasn't stuck up and embraced new experiences. Farron was rough around the edges and while you got to know his background, he still made it hard to like at times. There were a lot of assumptions made by Farron that felt stereotypical and got annoying. Overall it was a cute college mm romance where a royal finds himself wanting the biggest grump on the pitch. I am looking forward to Tore's other friends finding their matches.

3.5 stars for Tore giving Farron the royal treatment.

I was so excited to start this book. I'm a big fan of the show Young Royals and loved Red, White, and Royal Blue. Royal + Commoner is my JAM! However, The Prince and the Player fell short for me. I certainly enjoyed aspects of it (bisexual character rep!), but overall it felt very disjointed and lacking in depth.

I didn't connect with Farron at all. He infuriated me endlessly.

I outright giggled at the moment Tore ducked when a soccer ball was flying at his head instead of him simply doing a header? Little details like that took me out of the story several times.

Overall, it was a good, quick read while I'm sick with the flu but I probably won't pick it up again.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and BoldWood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Prince and the Player is such a fun and lighthearted romance. In this book, we follow the two main characters, Tore and Farron. Tore is a Norwegian prince attending an American college to play soccer and Farron is the grumpy captain of the soccer team. Tore wants to be friends, but Farron does not and actually has an immediate dislike of Tore. However, what starts off as hate, slowly turns into love.

I really enjoyed the quick pace of the story, the growth from both of the characters, and the progression of their relationship. And while yes, this book can be a bit trope-heavy, some of the plot points did not make sense, and the third-act is very obvious, but overall I really enjoyed this romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this eARC!

This was my first MM romance, and im ALWAYS a sports romance fan, so when I was approved for this one, I was beyond excited! The story itself is very cute, American grump meets Norwegian prince (undercover) sunshine. This story had alllllll the foundation to be a 10/10, but for me, it just never built up to that! I wanted to see more of the actual growth between Farren and Tore's relationship beyond just acting on their lust for one another. The tension build up was great, the spice was spiceyyyyy and the characters were all likeable enough, I just wanted more!

So for me, I am only going to give this book 2 stars but only for a lack of depth! Still, very cute!

This is the kind of book I really enjoy when I need to wind down. It was a fun, heartwarming read, with a grumpy- sunshine trope I really enjoy.
Tore is a prince of Norway and has his sabbatical year in a college in Ohio, where he hides his identity and just want to be...himself. While enjoying soccer, the biggest love that was taken from him by his royal obligations.
Here he meets Farron, a grumpy player who as an acquired distaste for wealthy people, therefore he's not quite fond of Tore. Even if he's eccelent in playing soccer.
There is a reason behind his being so reluctant, nevertheless,Tore never gives up to try to approach him in so many ways. And, in the end, Farron gives in, trusting him first of all as a team member, then as a friend, and in the end, as a lover.
There are definitely similarities with other books going with similar tropes, still I enjoyed this book a lot. The writing flows well, I had fun while reading and, despite the drama, I found this simply...cute.
It was a ray of sunshine making me forget all the ugliness of our real word and, for a little bit of time, I was able to dream and giggle along with Tore and Farron. Because, sometimes, all we need is to dream fora little bit, and hoping, we all meet our prince charming someday.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶🌶

🏳️‍🌈 MM Romance
⚽ Sports Romance
👑 Royal Romance
💥 Enemies to Lovers
☁️🌞 Grumpy x Sunshine
🌈 Bi Awakening
📖 Dual POV

The premise of this book was really interesting—an Enemies to Lovers romance with a Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic in an MM setting featuring a prince and a player. It definitely gave off Red, White & Royal Blue vibes, which had me intrigued. I enjoyed parts of it, but there were several things that could have been better.

For an Enemies to Lovers story, the animosity felt very one-sided, which took away some of the intensity I was hoping for.

Somehow, their relationship felt surface-level, and the bi-awakening arc wasn’t explored deeply enough to feel truly impactful.

Farron’s deep resentment toward wealthy people felt over the top, and poor Tore took the blame for no real reason.

Despite its ups and downs, it was still a quick and enjoyable read!

this book was cute, and I had a great time reading it.

however, when it was marketed as a book “for fan of casey mcquiston’s red white and royal blue”, i imagined it to be a little further away from the source material… the main characters are tore, a norwegian prince coming to america under cover to blend into the american college culture. tore has for some reason a very british accent and incredibly britishized mannerisms—so much that the reader tends to forget that he’s not from great britain in the first place. then we have farron, our typical american football player with family issues and a wish for greatness that he somehow cannot achieve from his social status, who likes to punish himself for things he cannot control.

when the similarities with other stories i have read and loved can be overlooked for the sake of a cute and easygoing story, there are still a few points that made me wonder if this story was not a little too heavily inspired from them. typically, the “then let’s go make history” line before an important match had me a little skeptical, to say the least.

apart from that, the story was lovely. both farron and tore were nice characters to follow around and see evolve in their football team, even if the reason for their hatred for one another was pretty much swiped under the rug very easily. the difference in wealth between our main protagonists (and whole plot point of the book) was maybe a little too emphasized for my taste—i thought it was a clever way to show rivalry and to point out the differences between farron and tore at the start, but it felt a little off to me to have tore immediately staring at the worn out furniture in his friends home upon visiting over thankgsgiving. or maybe it’s just me, then again, i am being a little picky and it’s just thoughts i had written down during my reading!

overall, i had a great time and this book was flowery and easy to read. thank you again to the publisher and netgallery for the ARC!

3 ⭐️

I was attracted to this book from the heels of Red, White and Royal Blue and anything by Alexis Hall too. But once. you get started, you'll soon realized there's nothing alike, and I'm grateful for it.

Tore, a prince is bored with his life got permission to have a gap year to be a commoner. Loving soccer, using that as an 'in' to continue his dream to play. Except his existence really annoyed the captain, Farron. Not only is Tore, handsome, better clothes, better cleats, his sunny disposition and great at soccer to boot. It was a blow to Farron's ego. Farron came from a poor family, tries his best to support his family, sees that soccer is his ticket way to pull his family out of poverty, super dedicated to school and soccer.

This book has all the tropes: enemies to lovers, price and a commoner, sunshine and grump, bi-awakening for both, and steamy scenes to boot.

I will say, once I got started, the pacing flowed very well. The characters developed fully very quickly but doesn't feel like it was shoved down my throat, we learned alot about the boys thru their journeys and growth. Of course, despite their differences, there's a HEA. I'm totally down for that.

Thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the ARC.