The Princess Trap, originally self-published in 2018, reintroduces readers to Talia Hibbert's earlier work. After meeting at her place of work, Cherry, the deputy head of human resources, and Ruben, a mysteriously wealthy, charming man, have a lunch date that soon leads to an alleyway make-out session. When they're suddenly ambushed by paparazzi shouting in a foreign language, Cherry is bewildered. To her further surprise, Ruben is a prince of Helgmøre, and to protect his tarnished reputation, Ruben introduces Cherry as his fiancée.
Angered that he's made a life-changing decision on her behalf and for his benefit, Cherry is stuck. Her life is forever changed regardless of her choice, so she agrees to travel with her new (fake) fiancé to his home country. As her anger cools and Cherry is introduced to the warm and friendly people Ruben surrounds himself with, she realizes she may have misjudged the man. The banter from their initial meeting returns, and Hibbert creates squeal-worthy moments as the pair form a closer attachment while they retreat to his modest home to strategize their deception.
Cherry and Ruben are delightful and have palpable chemistry from the beginning. Hibbert (A Girl Like Her; Get a Life, Chloe Brown) is not content to only give readers a sexy romance but also has her heroes team up to disgrace an abusive king. The Princess Trap is thoroughly enjoyable choice for readers who adore the idea of being royalty while remaining cognizant of the moral complications of monarchy. --Alyssa Parssinen, freelance reviewer and former bookseller