Review: Truth or Spare: Princes Take New York Book 2 by K. Sterling 

Rating: 5🌈

Second story into K. Sterling’s Princes Take New York series and I have a favorite already. Funny, heartwarming, beautifully written, full of characters that make you feel invested in their lives and the story. And even side appearances from delightful people who have just become star players in this universe! Muriel, I’m looking at you!

Sterling’s series is exploring the future of each von Hessen prince. There’s four brothers and a cousin, Max, living in Manhattan, who abdicated his duties and title to Leo, the oldest.  Leo’s story and romance was the first one in the series.

Still single are Theobald (this book), Matteo, and finally younger, brilliant brother Elio aka Eli. And that’s the order that the author looks to be following for their stories. 

As Truth or Spare opens, the setting is once again, The Olympia, an elegant well known apartment building on  72nd Ave in Manhattan on the Upper West side.  It’s home to many characters and couples of both series but it’s Muriel Hornby’s apartment where Matteo and Theo are currently staying. Muriel is now family and ,hilariously, an intimidating sidekick when needed. 

Theobald Anton Christoph Aelbehrt von Hessen is feeling restless. Sterling gives the reader an immediate impression of a man cut loose from his life’s purpose. That of raising his brothers who are now young men and capable of making their own decisions. 

His interactions with Matteo show the brotherly dynamic and immense love that they feel for each other.  And Theo’s loss of purpose for himself.

His personality and strength of character will only be further enhanced as he decides on a choice of actions that take him on a bus ride to tiny Oslo, New York and the old lanes of Brooks Family Bowling. 

Never have I loved a fish out of water tale so much as I have watching an Austrian , albeit anonymous, prince wander into an American small town, multiple suitcases in hand, with a joyous, exuberant outlook.  And lots of German words. With some very astonished people there to welcome him. 

Dewey Brooks, owner and operator of  Brooks Family Bowling has his own issues to deal with.  Dewey also has a deep love of his fractured family, his tiny town, and the Brook’s legacy as represented by the family’s bowling alley, which he’s determined to keep alive whatever the cost to him personally. How much he’s struggling isn’t fully understood at first. Or exactly what are the issues he’s been battling. Those get revealed slowly, by others and as forced by events during the narrative.

Theo and Dewey’s relationship as employer/employee is hilarious. As something more? Sweet, sexy, utterly heartwarming and engaging. So well written it felt intimate to be a part of their lives and journey. And Walter? More please.

I could just continue on. About the customers, family members, town. Oslo, New York just has something special.  And so does this amazing book.

It’s funny, it’s generous of spirit, it’s kind hearted, sexy and sweet. 

I’m hoping we make a beeline back here soon in Matteo’s novel. Until then, pick up this fantastic romantic comedy.  It’s one I’m highly recommending. The author too. She’s on my auto read list. 

Nannies of New York (6 book series) and must read. 

Princes Take New York (connected and sequel series):

• Jonathon, After All #1
• Truth or Spare #2

Buy link:

        Truth or Spare: Princes Take New York Book 2

    

Blurb:

Split happens.

Too cynical to pin his hopes on a miracle, Dewey “Doobie” Brooks has his doubts when a charming stranger arrives in Oslo, New York, looking for a job and a place to stay. Running the family bowling alley, raising his brother’s son, and hiding an autoimmune disorder have left him in need of help—but finding a capable, reliable adult in his small town has been hopeless.

Theo von Hessen is neither capable nor reliable. An Austrian prince and philanthropist with a reputation for being an unrepentant playboy, he has never held a real job and is clueless about manual labor. But the moment he sees a “help wanted” sign and Oslo’s tired town hero, Theo’s convinced fate sent him there to make a difference.

It isn’t all fun and games at Brooks Family Bowling. Dewey is at his wits’ end and doesn’t know what to make of his new employee. Is Theo on the run, or is this some reality-show stunt? Neither can deny their attraction and romance strikes, but will Theo wind up in the gutter when his true identity is revealed—or has he finally found his purpose and a chance to rewrite his own story?

• Publisher: Bawdy Books (February 4, 2025)
• Publication date: February 4, 2025
• Language: English
• Print length: 267 pages