Stefi and the Spanish Prince by Donna Freitas

In Barcelona, the beach is beautiful, the tapas are delicious, and the boys are plentiful. Good thing, too, because Stefi’s nursing a broken heart after a disastrous breakup and is excited to reinvent herself, practice her Catalan language skills, and take baking classes at the legendary culinary institute, all in a magical city where no one knows her.

Another thing Barcelona has? A secret prince. Xavi Borges is spending his final summer of anonymity helping his mother run a popular tapas spot in El Mercado. But after Stefi stops at their counter, Xavi can’t get the beautiful American girl off his mind, even though his life is way too complicated for romance.

Part bodyguard, part confidante, Santiago is tasked with keeping Xavi out of trouble. Santiago knows Xavi and Stefi’s budding relationship can’t last once Xavi’s real identity becomes public. But soon Santiago is crushing on Xavi’s best friend, Diego, and his focus shifts from royal protection duties to the possibility of enjoying a romance of his own.

With so many sparks flying, a threat to expose Xavi’s royal secret goes unheeded, and when the news blows up, it threatens to burn down all of their lives.

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Stefi and the Spanish Prince is a whirlwind romance set against the vibrant, sun-drenched backdrop of Barcelona. The novel blends the allure of travel with the excitement of secret identities, creating a story that is both fun and full of heart. Donna's love of Barcelona is clear in the language and in the hidden parts of the city she lays bare for us.

Stefi, the American protagonist, is easy to root for. Her journey of healing after a breakup feels relatable, and her desire to immerse herself in a new culture, practice her Catalan, and explore her passion for baking gives the story an appealing layer of personal growth. The culinary institute scenes and the descriptions of the food really help ground the novel in its setting, bringing Barcelona’s rich flavors and energy to life. I defy anyone to read this without immediately craving some Spanish food!

Xavi, the secret prince working in a tapas bar, might sound like a trope - the prince hiding among his people - but the chemistry between him and Stefi feels organic, and the twist that no one even knows there is a prince is fresh enough to revive the trope. His own struggle with balancing royal responsibilities and the desire for normalcy adds depth to what could have been a flat “prince in hiding” character. His relationships with Stefi and Santiago provide an interesting mix of romance and friendship, keeping the story dynamic.

Santiago and Diego’s storyline adds a refreshing twist. Santiago's role as a protector and confidante evolving into his own romantic exploration with Xavi's best friend Diego brings an extra layer of LGBTQ+ representation, which feels natural and well-integrated. The dynamics between the main quartet make the stakes higher when Xavi’s royal secret is at risk of being exposed.

While the pacing is quick, which keeps the reader engaged, it occasionally rushes through emotional beats. The conflict of Xavi’s secret coming out feels inevitable, but the resolution could have used a bit more depth. As well as this, although it does explain some of the political tensions plaguing Spain, there are lots of Spanish terms and cultural references that go untranslated. Still, the combination of romance, personal growth, and the glitzy tension of hidden royalty makes it an enjoyable, escapist read.

In short, Stefi and the Spanish Prince offers readers a vibrant romantic getaway in one of Europe’s most iconic cities, with a dash of royal drama and plenty of heartwarming moments.