Love the cover, love it, i wanted to buy the book just from the cover. But I wasn't completely sold on it so I decided to read the blurb. And then decided I really wanted to read the book. The girl is a librarian! I was sold right there. Unfortunately I am broke so i couldn't buy the book and sadly my library didn't have it. Thank god for inter library loan. I finally got to read this book. 
 I am glad I did. Parts 1 and 2 were equally engaging and I found myself skipping work tasks in order to sneak a few chapters in. 
 First the characters. I liked Alison she was a strong independent woman, who knew her mind (well thought she did.) and she loves books. I was sold right there. I am not an editor my grammar and such is way to horrible for that, but I do work in a library. I would have been climbing the walls if some jerk was preventing me from taking books out of a library. IT'S A LIBRARY THAT'S WHAT IT'S FOR!! BOOK LENDING, and other stuff like research and stuff. 
 Anthony was an interesting character as well, i liked how he gradually changed for the better. in part one i still felt he was to immature even before the infamous study room scene with Alex. But he grew up in the second half and I'm glad he managed to show Alison that in the end. 
 Zara has got to be my favorite (with the Dowager a close second) I loved the fact she was an intelligent woman who kept her kingdom running without being bitter over some great tragedy in her past or being threatened by a younger woman's beauty and intelligence. Seriously a lot of the queens I read about are suppose to be great rulers but Zara is the first I've read about where I truly believe it. 
 I liked the Dowager she was awesome when she was younger I know it,she's still awesome now. Although I was a bit irked when she called Alison a liar, but then Anthony was family and it would've been terrible if she'd sided with Alison even though she was right. And she apologized later. Honestly if everyone took the mentality of apologizing first a lot of conflicts probably wouldn't get so far out of control. 
 Now for the plot. 
 Part one: I enjoyed the ride. From Alison's and Anthony's first meeting and her slapping him. I chuckled at that part, and it was interesting to see the fall out. Generally when I've read a book the woman slaps the man , prince or not,and storms off in high dungeon (not sure about the correct spelling of that) and everyone just takes it at face value that the man deserved it and the only one who objects is the man. Here everyone has a fit and there are actual consequences to striking a prince. Reading about their budding friendship was a treat and believable. Sometimes I feel like even if a man and woman start off hating each other they're in love two sentences later for no apparent reason. Alison and Tony however found mutual interests quite by accident. Like say the theater. Have I mentioned how much i like Alison? She likes the theater I do as well particularly musical theater. I loved the joke she told about how long it takes before you can use someone's first name. And then there was their romantic relationship. They were cute together (view spoiler)[ Although I was a but leery about his wanting to keep their relationship a secret. In my experience it is never a good thing when someone in the relationship wants to keep it a secret. Secret relationships never end well. and I was right! Because there was the betrayal. I did not expect him to have wagered to get her into bed, but it's not the first time I've come across that particular plot point. Still i was so happy when Anthony grew a set and stepped up like a man (hide spoiler)] The end of part one just about floored me and I couldn't wait to get part 2. 
 I did like the interlude were we got Anthony's POV for a little bit. 
 Part two: HOW COULD SOMEONE DO THAT TO A LIBRARY!? I'm not as into Alison in this part in the beginning because of how bitter she is. But I was totally envious that she got a job as Royal Librarian. And i felt her horror over the state of the library. I mean really how could anyone let it get to that state? I'd have to go to jail if someone messed up my books like that. However Alison took it all in stride and started to fix things. Hiring Henry, and putting her apprentices in their place. (view spoiler)[ I didn't trust Henry from the start especially when he started giving her looks. I kind of wish she hadn't started things up with Henry. I know now-a-days kissing is casual and all but from my pov if you start kissing a guy you're in a more than platonic relationship. I felt like he was a rebound and she was just with him because she was bitter with Anthony and was trying to get back at him. Not where you want to be when you start a new relationship And then of course Henry went and sold out. I was like I KNEW IT! (hide spoiler)]And then the Magistrate people showed up. Yeah I would have dug my heels in as well. I'm glad Zara was all no backing down no matter what. And Anthony was really showing that he'd matured from their experience in part one. I was totally anxious for everything to culminate at the end. (view spoiler)[ was anyone else shocked at the way the vote went? or was that just me? I mean i was not expecting that. I was thinking. YOU IDIOTS YOU'RE GIVING A FOREIGN POWER A TOTAL FOOTHOLD IN YOUR COUNTRY, THEY'VE GOT MONEY AND INDEPENDENCE ARE YOU TRYING TO GET OVERTHROWN?! okay not those exact words but close. But i totally loved when the magistrate got their comeuppance. And I'm glad Zara wasn't going to give the mother just a slap on a wrist but she was still lenient with her. (hide spoiler)] I was not disappointed. I think everything was wrapped up nicely and I loved how Zara gave Alison a kick in the pants so to speak over the way she was acting towards Anthony. I'm also glad Alison didn't sugarcoat the effect his actions had on her but that she was willing to start over again and not let the past keep her from living. (All to often the girl downplays just how much the guy hurt her like it doesn't matter once they're back together again. And i'm glad Anthony took responsibility for what he did. I know this isn't a YA book , at least I think it isn't, but I wish this kind of thing was more prevalent. We have the guys hurting the girls and vice versa and no body confronts the fact their feelings were seriously hurt and no one actually takes responsibility for their actions. I know the main characters are suppose to be teens but if they want to have adult relationships then they'd better take adult responsibility for them. sigh I know i'm getting old. I can't just look at the romance anymore I'm looking at all the consequences of their actions as well. ) 
 Let me wrap up this review. 
 Do i recommend this book? Yes, but I've got to say there is mention of sex but nothing graphic although there is a settee (sp for that?) scene that nearly made me put the book down, it didn't get to far but I do try not to read sex in my books. That's a personal conviction though so it might not bother someone else. Same with the cursing. 
 And yes I'll probably pick up the next book in the series I just don't know when.