A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole

From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . . Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise. Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown. The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after? Selected as one of the New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2018!

(4.5 stars, probably, rounding up.) Loved this one! Love Ledi and Likotsi so much - I know the next book in the series is about Portia, but I hope there's a way in the future to go back to Likotsi's story, because I need her to get a happy ending so much. This book had a whole lot going on, what with the secret-prince and the bizarre epidemic and the evil uncle poisoning everyone but it mostly came together really well. The villain's motives and how they played into why Ledi and her parents fled weren't all that satisfying to me, honestly, but I wasn't reading this for that stuff. I was reading for Ledi and her discovery of her family and heritage, and her learning how to let people in after being hurt so many times in foster care. And also because I pictured Thabiso in my head as M'Baku from Black Panther. This is a wonderful romance novel that was like a breath of fresh air - I've loved everything I've read by Alyssa Cole, and oops, I just bought the second book in this series. And preordered the third.