This instalment in the St. Rosetta's Academy series is a romantic retelling of The Frog Prince. Though I’m not as familiar with this fairy tale as others, I still enjoyed the magical realism elements to the story. Additionally, it was nice being back with the characters we know from Of Curses and Kisses.

This story follows Rahul and Caterina, two side characters from the first book. I loved diving more into their personalities, having only seen them from the outside before. Caterina’s a typical ice princess who is slowly learning to be more vulnerable, and Rahul is an awkward outcast who wants to fit in. A scheme involving fake dates, a makeover, and copious amounts of hair gel brings the two closer together.

They were a sweet couple and I enjoyed reading their scenes. I liked how much they both progressed throughout the book. I also appreciated hearing about Rahul’s social anxiety at the start, though wish this was expanded on more in the rest of the story.

All in all, I enjoyed this book, despite some slow moments and the slightly rushed ending. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

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

After being humiliated by her cheating boyfriend at the winter formal, Queen of St Rosetta's, Caterina LaValle is determined to reclaim her crown, and not show the hurt. But when Alaric reveals he has started dating a super model, and will be taking said model to a prestigious social event - one where the cameras will be looking at Caterina's reaction, she knows she needs to find an escort, and fast. Rahul Chopra may be the son of the Indian finance minister, but he's clueless when it comes to social interaction, and wouldn't usually be Caterina's first choice. But, he kept her secret at the formal, and is more than willing to do anything to help her, so Caterina takes him under her wing, and with a little help of a magical pot of hair chair, he is transformed into RC, a debonair and handsome guy, but one with a cost. As the pair grow closer, will they be able to overcome their old prejudices, or will RC overrule Rahul, and ruin the day?

Now, as soon as I finished Of Curses and Kisses, way back in December 2019, I was just blown away by it, and desperate to read more. Well, obviously the pandemic happened, but when my copy of Of Princes and Promises dropped through my letterbox, I dropped everything to read it. I'll start by saying that I really enjoyed it, but didn't love it anywhere near like I had with book 1. I'm not too sure why, but Caterina and Rahul's story, and relationship, just didn't grip me as much as Jaya and Grey's had. Caterina had definitely had a life of luxury since her childhood, and was very loved, but used the power she got from her position to help her. I didn't immediately warm to her, but by a few chapters, I loved her. She had a public persona - one perfected for the cameras and the red carpet, but once you saw her softer side, she was someone you could really like. Rahul was always a softy, but as RC, I really disliked him. I'm not too familiar with the source material of the Frog Prince, but I felt like RC's persona somewhat ruined the appeal of Rahul, and that may be part of why I didn't adore this book. Rahul and Caterina were really good together, but RC just added a bit too much drama than I would've wanted.

I did, however, love the mystery aspect, around the new friend who appeared, Mia, and Oliver, the owner of the store that sold Rahul the magical hair gel. I was close to the truth about it all a few times, but never actually got there until the big reveal, and it definitely helped to engage the audience. All in all, this was a good book, but after my love of book 1, I was left wanting slightly. I'm hoping book 3, with I think with be DE's book, will be amazing!

So this was a lovely cutesy sort of story. I was sent this without realising it was a technically a sequel but it really doesn't matter. It's more a book set in the same world/school as the previous book following other characters from it. I didn't feel like I was missing much and within a few pages I'd been caught up on what I assume was actions from the previous one.

The strongest aspect of this for me was the characters by far. Sandhya Menon writes brilliant characters, I love all of them from her Dimple series and this was no different! Rahul/RC was so real and conflicting and I felt so connected to him. I feel like he is everyone. He gets the chance to be the person he thinks everyone would love without fear until he realises the consequences.
Caterina's growth in this is spectacular to me. I am looking forward to reading the book before this just to see how she really starts in this series because who she is at the end is someone I'd like to know and someone who has truly learnt from her mistakes.

There is a twist in this book that I never saw coming, I was getting some really sketch vibes but not to this extent at all, I was completely drawn in to the plot that I didn't consider a cheeky side plot! My only disappointment with it is how quickly it was resolved and wrapped up, I wish we got more interaction with it but I do understand how it shows the characters changes from the beginning.

As always Menon's writing style completely drew me in. I flew through reading this and found it hard to put it down. I'm not usually a fan of dual POV but having the third POV come in was interesting to me as RC starts to take over and the perspectives really worked here for me.

Not a perfect book for me but it has so many positives and was an interesting retelling of The Frog Prince which is one of my favourite fairy tales.
I will 100% be reading whatever Sandhya Menon puts out in future she hasn't failed me so far.
Ideal for anyone in need of a cutesy romance with characters who learn and grow from their mistakes and who show that being yourself is the best self you can be!
4/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Caterina LaValle is determined to show she’s still the queen of St. Rosetta’s Academy. Sure, her crown may be slightly askew after her ex-boyfriend, Alaric, cheated on her, but she’s a LaValle. She’ll find a way to march right back in there, her hands clutching the strings to the whole puppet show. This time, she’s going to be untouchable. Rahul Chopra knows that moment he shared with Caterina LaValle at the winter formal meant something. Surely she feels it, too. He’s a little uncertain how someone like him (socially inept to a point way past “adorkable”) could fit into her world, but he’s loved Caterina for years. He knows they’ll find a way. When Caterina finds out Alaric is taking a supermodel to the upcoming gala, she knows she cannot arrive without the perfect date. But the thought of taking another superficial St. R’s boy exhausts her. The solution? Sweet-but-clueless Rahul Chopra and a mysterious pot of hair gel with the power to alter the wearer into whatever his heart desires. When Rahul tries it, he transforms instantly into RC—debonair, handsome, and charming. But transformation comes with a price: As Rahul enjoys his new social standing, the line between his two personas begins to blur. Will he give up everything, including Caterina, to remain RC? Or will this unlikely pair find their way back to each other?

We get to see a totally different side to the ice queen that is Caterina. I LOVED IT! We know her as cold and cruel but getting to see inside her head proves she is anything but. I really loved that we got to see her be more vulnerable and open to new things and about her feelings!
Rahul is such a sweetheart. I’d love a friend like him in my life! It was really cool getting to delve into more of his character too and see his confidence manifest in a more negative way. He is definitely a different person as RC, it’s almost scary!

Romance was definitely undertone throughout this book and I believe Menon executed it perfectly! We get the longing from Rahul, and then the admiration from Caterina... perfection! I loved the twist and turns this book took as well - I had an inkling of what would happen but boy was I shocked by the events that did occur. I really enjoyed Of Curses and Kisses and I am so, so glad that this sequel lived up to expectations!

Overall, Of Princes and Promises is a fabulous sequel that reminds you you’re perfect as you are.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on release day.

First of all I’m very thankful that I received this ARC
My complete review is in my Goodreads account. Please visit there:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4041377605

Jist of my feelings :
Caterina although being the mean cat in the exterior, she is just a sweet girl in the interior. And like “the frog Prince” tale, here our Princess looks through the all the slime and warts and etc of the frog, looks directly into the Prince in his heart, and just unearths him. It’s not like she fell in love with a Prince, she fell in love with a frog, who has a heart of Prince, she has recognised this precious gem, even though there was so much mud covering him, and her love has changed him for good. This is what we have to understand, it’s not the external appearance that matters, what truly matters that what we are at the heart, and that is what defines us. This moral is very subtly told in the story and is effectively conveyed by the struggles Rahul faces to accept his frog self with the diamond heart, instead when he can become the Prince of everyone’s dreams. He struggles but at the end, he finally understands that he needs to be a Prince at heart, and not a Prince in appearance, cause appearance doesn’t matters for the ones who have truly seen your heart, they would accept you in whatever form you are and this is what we find in our true love and true friends.

Coming to my rating: out of 5 stars
Title : good ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover : acceptable ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story : satisfying and cute romance, with a slight thrill at the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing : there is no doubt that Sandhya Menon is a best selling author ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Description : words were perfectly imaginable, and the emotions were felt right at the heart.
Character development : perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Originality : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall : 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars.

A quick and easy read that I found myself picking up after a long day to unwind. The characters are beautifully written and I came to love them within the first few pages and was rooting for them all the way to the end. At times I wanted to stop reading because I just wanted the experience to go on for longer.

Caterina LaValle broke up with her boyfriend Alaric in book one after she found out he was cheating on her. The boy who comforted her afterwards was none other than Rahul, someone totally un-popular who Caterina would hardly give the time of day before.

For a while, it seems like the dance and conversation they shared was a one time thing as Caterina is keeping Rahul at a distance. Until, she needs help and Rahul agrees without a second thought.

The deal is for him to accompany her to big fancy events and to show Alaric just how well Caterina is doing for herself. But he can hardly go as himself. Rahul will have to go through a full makeover and become someone else in the process. But for him, spending time with Caterina is worth it, no matter the cost.

This was a lot better than Of Curses and Kisses. Caterina and Rahul really shined here, I'm glad they got their own book because I got to see them in a different light.

I really like that it's not a typical 90s movie makeover story where nobody notices the person being madeover until they are. Caterina knew exactly who Rahul was, and she liked him for him.

On the other hand, I barely noticed any similarities with the original tale unlike in book one where there were plenty. Do I mind? Not necessarily.

I didn't like the villain. They were a bit predictable and unneeded. The story was strong on its own and the villain existed only to drive a bigger wedge between our couple...and to show another side to Caterina that we were already aware was there.

The romance starts early-ish on. That surprised me a little considering how long it took for Jaya and Grey to get together, but it works. I'm happy for them.

I'm excited about that DE teaser at the end. Is her book next in line? I hope so.

Extra bonus points for the name Vanya Petrovic who is not only Slavic, but also not evil. More nice Slavic characters!!!

I'd recommend this book to people who like cute boarding school romances with just a hint of magic.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

When I was given the invite to review this I was excited. I had really enjoyed getting to know Jaya and Grey and the other St .Rosetta's students.
So I was certain that this read would be no different.

I love that the title alludes to the story of the frog Prince. That's wonderful. I also love the quotes at that are found just before the story starts :

It wasn't a kiss that changed the frog, but the fact that a young girl looked beneath warts and slime and believed she saw a Prince. So he became one.
- Richelieu E Goodrich, Making Wishes

And then

Open the door, my Princess dear. Open the door to thy True Love here
The Frog Prince

Its just perfect for the story that awaits. As the story starts we are reintroduced to Caterina LaValle who is despite having a glamorous lifestyle is trying to get over a bad relationship ship and a slightly damaged social standing.

Her glamour lifestyle means she has a full social calendar and is expected to be on top form and with a good looking date to match her.

But she is tired of all the boys she knows. She wants someone who will help mend her social standing. In walks Rahul Chopra social awkward totally clueless boy. But he's part of her set kind of with some social polishing and finishing off he might just be what she needs.

As time goes on she starts to fall in love with Rahul not her polished socially acceptable Prince. Will they ever see one another as just a girl and just a boy who can love?

Find out in this wonderful reworking of the frog Prince. I loved every moment of this read. Perfect for the start of summer.

A fun novel, I like how the author is basing this series on fairy-tale stories and also really like the multicultural aspect which is often lacking in similar YA books.

I am so grateful to NetGalley and the Publishers, Hodder & Stoughton, for providing me with a copy of Of Princes and Promises by Sandhya Menon.

I have been a huge fan of Sandhya Menon since I read When Dimple Met Rishi in the Summer of 2017, the reason I am such a fan is because Sandhya Menon creates such happy, contempoary romance books, but they always have such a strong message behind them that hits you like a ton of bricks... In the best way possible of course.

Of Princes and Promises is the second book in the St Rosetta Academy series, the first book I have not read however that didn't effect my reading experience at all, these books can definitely be read as stand alones as the series.

This book follows Caterina LaValle as she returns to St Rosetta Academy after the Winter break hoping to reinstate herself at the Queen Cat after finding out that her boyfriend of two years was cheating on her. But Caterina is a LaValle and she is determined to bounce back stronger than ever and to be untouchable.

Rahul Chopra is an amazingly sweet character that is perfect opposite Caterina's icy exteria. Sandhya Menon has the amazing ability to write characters that have such depth and personality that I start to genuinely believe they exist.

Aside from the main romance of the book, another key storyline is sometimes you have to focus on helping yourself before you help others but also that being vunerable is not a weakness.

I have been in a reading slump recently and this book has definitely helped lift me out of it, this is another amazing Sandhya Menon book and one that I am so happy to have read!

I received an ARC for free from NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Having read the following by Sandhya Menon, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to read Princes and Promises, also by Sandhya Menon.

When Dimple Met Rishi
10 Things I Hate About Pinky
From Twinkle, with Love
There’s Something about Sweetie

Where can I start with this book? Our story starts with the main characters of Rahul and Caterina.

Heart-broken from her break-up with her boyfriend of 2 years, Alaric, Caterina is expected to attend a highly prestigious social event. When she finds out her ex will be taking his new love, a model, Caterina is determined not to have pitying eyes her way. So declares that she will be attending, with a plus one.

Now to find someone to be her plus one. After going through a few possibilities, she settles for the softly spoken, unassuming Rahul. Rahul who is so smitten on love with her, that he will do whatever Cat asks of him.

What follows is a very Pygmalionesque series if events, where Caterina attempts to school Rahul is social etiquette. With the addition of s wardrobe upgrade, the transformation is almost complete. The stylist, Oliver has one final item that will complete Rahul's new look. A supposedly magical hair gel.

Once worn, the gel transforms humble Rahul into the dynamic and confident RC. Initially Caterina is delighted with her new social partner, but as time passes, she misses Rahul.

There are plot twists along the way, and Rahul is almost sucked into becoming RC once again when his supply of hair gel runs out, but thankfully makes the right decision to be himself.

This book, while following a familiar plot, has a few twist to keep the reader involved and turning those pages. Another winning title from Sandhya Menon!!

Actual rating: 4.75/5

Of Princes and Promises is the second book in the St Rosetta's Academy. We follow Rahul and Catarina. After dancing at the winter ball, Catarina asks Rahul to be her fake date for all of the social events she attends to make her ex-boyfriend jealous. Rahul transforms himself into RC, a handsome gentleman with the help of a magic gel...
First, I didn't really like Rahul and Catarina in the first book, but I learned to know them in this one and they were perfect and realistic. I also liked to see Rhey and Jana again as well as all of their friends.
Second, the plot was addictive and I couldn't put the book down. The fake dating trope was awesome and original. The romance was amazing and so sweet.
Last but not least, the retelling of The Frog Prince was great and Sandhya Menon's writing is so soft.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and its cuteness. Can't wait to read the next one!

This was a quick and cute read, but ultimately not as good as its predecessor. The book suffered from one of my least favourite tropes in romance: miscommunication, wherein a conflict could easily have been resolved through one conversation. The villain of the story was also unconvincing and a little extraneous to the main story.

(Many thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.)