The Prince's Vessel

Duty & Magic #5

by S. Rodman

Most men would be flattered to be sent to a prince’s bed.

Jem

To me it’s just a chore. I’ve been giving my magic and my body to mages my whole adult life. So when Prince Wilhelm is in London for King Charles’s coronation and I’m provided as hospitality, along with the champagne and the penthouse suite, I’m not impressed. It’s just another night.

He is just going to use me, take my magic and send me on my way. I know how it goes.

I’m never going to be treated any other way. I’m the disgraced younger brother of Duke Sothbridge. Ostracized from society since I was a teenager. Considered good enough for only one thing.

He is a prince, not Prince Charming, and I’m nobody's Cinderella.

Fairy tales are just that, tales. One night won’t change everything.

Will

When Jem walks into the room, I’m blown away. He is utterly gorgeous, and his magic sings to mine like no other ever has. He is also as feisty as hell. I’ve never been more smitten.

He is only here for the night but I have a feeling by morning light I’m going to want to keep him. Which won't be a problem, I always get what I want and why would he turn me down?

I think this night will change everything.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Royalty, LGBT

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2023

About the author

I love characters who are battered and broken by life, who through the course of finding love, discover they are strong.
Despite everything, because of everything, I will always believe that love conquers all.

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Reviews

[echo1440 · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premise is intriguing but the execution leaves much to be desired. The writing is extremely elementary and there is no real chemistry between the characters. No showing, all telling. It was almost mechanical. If it had been any longer I may have considered DNFing.

[Krys (spicy.spine.breaker) · Rating 4 out of 5]

YES. Jem deserves the whole world. Jeeves is such a homie. His swag was so strong it flowed right off the page.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem is an old fashion Vessel, disgraced, knows his place, and what Mages expect from him.
Wilhelm is a Prince, a Mage, he had the honor to empty Jem and free him of the magic, this works by sexual encounter. He’s head over heels after meeting Jem.
For Jem, it’s more being used and pushed through the door out. Image his surprise at the next move.

Will officially invite Jem to stay with him for a few months on his stay in London.
Both have totally different ideas, expectations, and intentions for this stay.

Will makes the wrong decisions and gives the wrong impression time after time.
Jem gets hurt on the way time after time.

Besides Will and Jem's relationship, which is the main one here, there’s also a nice side plot.

Oh boy, what a great hurt comfort story! I love a good dose of hurt, and the author delivers!
I love this author’s work and this series so very much, this one was a more than wonderful addition.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was my favorite of the series thus far. I really appreciated how Will thought of and took care of Jem throughout.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Laina Gruver · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

This story takes place in a slightly different universe. Or rather this world but slightly different. Jem is a vessel of magic that needs to be … purged on a regular basis. Since he is disgraced (through no fault of his own), he is registered with the government and monthly must let them know when he is ‘ripe’ so a mage can ‘extract’ it (through s3x and take it as his own.

Jem is ‘given’ to Will, a prince, to purge his magic. Will is enchanted by Jem and does his best to make the situation less creepy and ends up deciding to court Jem even though his family object.

I enjoyed the story. It’s well written with an imaginative story. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and since this was the first book of the series that I read, I want to go back and read the others.

*****
POV… multi first person

Standalone or series… part of series but can be read as a standalone

Hangover… slight

Recommend… yes

Reread… sure

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will, or Prince Wilheim, in The Prince's Vessel is such a green flag! He thinks about consent, the power dynamic and how things appear to Jem throughout. He tries so damn hard for things to work out so that he and Jem can be happy together.
This story was less connected to the series in my opinion, but Harry and Colby do feature throughout.
Jem is feisty and smart. I really enjoyed his character. All that he's gone through has left him damaged but he held onto his hope. Will makes that worth it
The next book is set up and I'm loving the direction it's going in. I wonder if that butler is a demon!

[LifeReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really was intrigued by Jem in the Duke of Sothbridge book and I was so surprised how layered he is and the emotions he hides as a vessel. I really felt for him. I adored the sweet Prince Wilhelm and how he didn’t give up on Jem who seemed so surprised to be wanted for more than just his body. This book felt more emotional than the others in its journey of character development and was paced really well. Another enjoyable read from Sez.

[Yaredi Pizano · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strange book. Definitely felt unfinished, like ummm who was behind the plot? Did I accidentally skip a chapter…no…maybe the answer will be revealed in the next book, but dear author, it’s really crappy of you to fish for a next book in that way. Not as spicy as I’d hoped, the steamy scenes felt clinical. Probably won’t read any others in this series.

[Sydney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is so hit or miss for me. This was a miss unfortunately. I really disliked the Prince. He gave off “nice guy” vibes. He acted like Jem being disgraced was no big deal and constantly told Jem it didn’t matter. But when it came down to it, it did matter. After speaking with his mom, he tells Jem he’s taking him as his vessel but leaves out that he doesn’t intend on marrying him. And every time we’re getting the prince’s pov he is being overly lecherous and objectifying about how Jem looks and how horny he is. It’s very off putting and not sexy. The end is so incredibly abrupt without wrapping up anything with the king and queen. It feels unfinished.

[Mai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is dark. If that’s up your alley, it’s very well written and the plot and world building is interesting (I haven’t read the previous books from this saga). But it is dark, with emphasis.

It’s set in a world in which there is magic and most of the European royalty is magical. There are two types of magicians: mages and vessels. Mages can wield magic and vessels just grow it, needing it to be taken from them approximately once a month before they explode from it. The way the mages that the magic is by having penetrative s*x with the vessels. The vessels are “untapped” when they are virgins and the society is very strict in that a vessel should be a virgin until he gets married with a mage. Vessels of “good family” are courted and then engaged, usually at 18 years old. Before that, they are trained in sexual positions they must assume for their “masters” (the mages to whom they belong, not always their husbands but in general yes), also trained in some magic circle summoning for strengthening the way in which the mage takes their magic and sometimes even forced to experiment with dildos to “learn how to take…” etc.

All very terrible from the get go.

Jem is the brother of a duke. He is a vessel and he was raped at 16 years old by his trainer and then blamed for it, made believed it was his fault for “seducing” the trainer and also for coming (since his magic wouldn’t have been tapped without his orgasm) and then shunned by society as a consequence. All of this happened just after both his parents died and his older brother was responsible for him. Disgraced from 16 years old, he can’t find a husband, nor attend society events, and approximately once a month (when he is “ripe” meaning his magic is ready for the taking and needs to be so he doesn’t literally die) he is sent to a mage’s house by the magic organization that rules the magic world. It’s a different mage every month and because it’s not something he can say no to, because his pleasure is never important, because he is used for his magic every month since being raped, he is basically raped over and over every month.

It’s dark. It’s very unfair and jem is a sweetheart who suffers a lot in silence despite having been convinced that he deserves his faith and also having convinced himself that he is ok with his situation and at least he doesn’t belong to anyone.

Enter Will, the prince of Bavaria. He is infatuated with Jem immediately and decides he wants him for himself, he is outraged by Jem’s reality and treats him well and they both fall for each other.

But the book is dark and very very triggering.

TW rape, sexual abuse, border sexual slavery based on a magic system, sexual abuse of a minor, a victim being blamed, and more.

[Kelli D · Rating 2 out of 5]

This author will be a one and done for me. This series has been popping up on my recommended books for quite awhile. I bypassed the first few books because they seemed a bit darker, so I thought I’d dip my toes in starting with this one and work my way back to the previous books if it all went well.
It did not go well….spoilers ahead……


Jem, I quite liked and adored even if he was shunned from society for something that wasn’t his fault. Author hit a homerun with this MC.
Will….oh, lord baby Jesus help me now. No, just no! He seemed like a completly clueless pushover!
His parents sent someone to get Jem out of the picture and yet “dinner looked good so he bashfully sat down and ate with them.” The parents who sent someone to threatened to kill Harry and Colby or later to rape Colby, if Jem didn’t leave him alone. Really, those people? You want to sit down and eat with those people?!?!? Yes, I’m aware he probably didn’t know at that point what was threatened but you know it had to be big for Jem to leave, he was already ruined so what did he have to lose.
And then Will decides it’s a good idea to then propose to Jem…hello accident just waiting to happen…your parents had no problem killing a Duke and his husband, you think your scandalous husband, who they’ve already gone above and beyond trying to get out of the picture, is gonna be any different, just because you popped the question in public!
Next with Will….worse Uncle ever! Your nephew was apparently drug raped by a friend, his creepy butler killed said guy or worse, we are left to wonder, and THEN coolio for you to just let said creepy ass butler hit that! Ah, yes….the authors “blood magic we can’t ever talk about it” I mean, sure I guess that’s one way to get around it. Yes, I know J+B are gonna get their own story but seriously, Will is all “Yeah! ! I’m in love who cares about my nephews trauma, let’s still be all unicorns and rainbows.”
After reading how this author poorly handled some pretty big issues in the plot…I’m outie! No more for me!

2 stars cause the grammar and editing were good and Jem was a delight!

[The Word Nerd Reviews Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have read a few of S. Rodman’s books, I hadn’t yet ventured into the Duty and Magic (Vessel) series, even though I have the books in my TBR. I’m not sure why I haven’t gotten around to them, but I sure am kicking myself now ---- why did I wait?!

I loved every moment of The Prince’s Vessel, it grabbed me from the first and I read it in two sittings, I just didn’t want to put it down. The vessel/mage relationship definitely has those omegaverse vibes (but no mpreg) and the slight instalove that comes with that. I don’t mind instalove when it is done well, and in this case, the magical bond between mage and vessel certainly gives a basis for an instant connection, and it’s just written so well that it’s just so darn sweet!

The feel of this book (and I guess this series) is unusual in that it feels like Regency England in the levels of society, manners and customs, but then you get these references to modern music, film, and TV, and situations (eg gay bars). It gives you a jolt, in a good way, and makes it all the more interesting.

This author’s writing style has the ability to capture my attention and make me thoroughly invested in the characters. The Prince’s Vessel wasn’t an exception. The characters are so beautifully drawn that you can’t help but want them to get their happily ever after.
The Prince’s Vessel can be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone. I haven’t read any of the other books and I didn’t have any problems following the story or understanding the world. A word of warning though, after reading you will want to go back to the previous books!!!

If you enjoy romantic story lines that are sweet, but also emotional (although never heavy), with a nice dose of spice, and genuinely likeable characters, set in a world that blends old world customs and manners with modern language, ideas and technology, then I highly recommend you try The Prince’s Vessel.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifth in series (Duty & Magic), it can be read as a standalone but might be more enjoyable if read in order as there are shared characters in the series and a unique universe. Paranormal. Dual POV. Heed content warnings. Disgraced, that’s all Jem will ever be, and he is forced to give himself to mages when his magic is ripe, his abuse continuing without an end in sight. When Prince Wilhelm is offered Jem as a vessel, he is immediately smitten and wants more than one night, and fortunately as he gets to spend more time with Jem his feelings become more than just physical attraction. Jem’s inability to appreciate his own worth is heartbreaking, and Will’s almost innocent pursuit of Jem’s affections is beyond sweet. I enjoyed Jem’s wall of snark he hides behind, and also Will’s complete commitment as he accepts each hurdle and then bravely tries to jump over them to be with Jem. A really entertaining read with a good amount of steamy interactions, with some stumbling and overcoming of misconceptions, miscommunications, threats, and taking a risk no matter what others think. 4.5 rounded up

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but it didn’t captivate me as much as other books I’ve read from this author. It’s the 5th in the series, but can be read as a standalone. From the titles of the other books and the last chapter of this one, it seems characters are introduced in other books in the series

I haven’t read the previous books in the series, and going in I was a little worried about being lost with the world building. I’m guessing you would have a bit more background if you read the other books, but I was easily able to understand the fantasy/magical elements and what was going on. I really enjoyed the combination of magic and contemporary in this book. The balance was phenomenal and something I haven’t seen a lot of

I liked both of the MCs. Will really has to work to get and keep Jem’s attention. There were so many times he could have taken an easier path, but he always chose to do what was right instead. Jem has had a rough past, and he wears his mask well. I liked getting to see the more vulnerable side of him as well.

While this wasn’t a favorite, I liked it enough I am planning to go back and read the others in the series. I really enjoyed this world and the MCs, but the plot didn’t wow me

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been waiting for poor, sweet Jem's story.
He absolutely deserves someone who truly sees him and not just the facade he presents for the public.
He suffered through a horrific trauma and instead of being cared for and helped he was instead shamed, blamed and ostracized for it.
His life is not his own, he simply does what he's been trained for.
Along comes Will, a prince who is initially enchanted by Jem and and then finds himself falling in love with him.
Jem for his part doesn't believe he's worthy of love, all the vile things he's been led to believe from others has taken root.
As they get to know one another they face hateful opposition from Will's family.
Just when it seems like Jem has finally accepted Will and his love and support they face a grave danger that puts several people in harm's way.
Fortunately they're able to resolve it quickly.
There is also a situation brewing with Will's nephew Barney and help comes from his butler Jeeves who also helped Jem and Will.
I can't wait for their story.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Prince Wilhelm is in London for King Charles’s coronation and Jem is provided as hospitality, along with the champagne and the penthouse suite, it’s just another night. Jem is the disgraced younger brother of Duke Sothbridge. Ostracized from society since he was a teenager. Considered good enough for only one thing - being used for his body and magic by mages. He is a prince, not Prince Charming, and Jem is nobody's Cinderella. Fairy tales are just that, tales. One night won’t change everything. When Jem walks into the room, Will is blown away. He is utterly gorgeous, and his magic sings to Will's like no other ever has. He is also as feisty as hell. He has never been more smitten. That night will changes everything.

I loved this story the Will who was determined to have Jem no matter who or what stood in his way. I loved that finally Jem was treated with respect considering that he should never have been ostracized in the first place. Easy to read, feel and understand there is plenty of danger and drama too. This was an MM story with mature content.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Body, Mind, Soul, and Magic

‘His presence surrounding me, bathing me with its warm glow. I feel safe. Wanted. Seen. It is everything I never knew I needed, everything that was missing in my life, and I want to weep with relief and gratitude.’

S Rodman continues to add fantastical stories to the Duty & Magic: MM Modern Day Regency series, and Jen’s story is now one of my favorites.

The Prince’s Vessel initially portrays James (Jem) as a vessel just enjoying the opportunity to share his stored magical energy as needed. But we know from earlier in this series that Jem has been abused and treated unfairly.

Fortunately, Will, the Bavarian Prince, is in need of a vessel and Jem is assigned to him. What should have have been a quick exchange turns into so much more, because of the charm and care that will provides to the beautiful Jem.

Additional supporting characters are introduced and lead us into the promise of the next story in the series!

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been wanting Jem’s story!!! Yay! I was so not disappointed. Will is perfectly made for Jem. He is probably the first person, outside of our already existing circle of course, that doesn’t look down on Jem. Jem has been the victim of abuse and societal disgrace for so long that he doesn’t believe he deserves good things. Will has his work cut out for him to make him believe otherwise. He is so sincere, not to mention determined, to make this work. I absolutely loved it. S Rodman ripped my heart out, stomped on it a few times, and them put it back together so beautifully. It may take a lifetime for Jem to fully believe his worth, but Will is ready for it! Their HEA is so well deserved and very satisfying!!!!!

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prince's Vessel is the 5th book in the Duty & Magic: MM Modern Day Regency series. I feel to get the most out of this story you should read the other books first. It will help you get to know something about the characters in the series. This is Will(Prince Wilhelm) and Jem's(James) story. Jem is a smart and feisty vessel who is sent to serve Will. Will is a caring and complex character. I love this story. It has everything I want and need in a good book. S. Rodman adds new and wonderful stories to this series and I can't wait to see what comes next. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Sue Philips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilhelm and Jem are from opposite ends of the wealth spectrum, so really shouldn't have even met. They aren't even from the same country. Wilhelm is a prince, in England for King Charles's coronation and Jem is "provided" for "entertainment." But - there's sparks between these two. Wilhelm's family expect him to marry and provide an heir. His parents are not going to like the fact that Wilhelm and Jem mean something to each other. So, will duty win or will two hearts be allowed to follow the dreams their owners wish for?
An enticingly addictive story by an author who knows how to transfer open, honest, deep feelings onto paper and also draw the reader into the journey.
Highly recommended

[Book Fairie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've not encountered the Duty & Magic series it's essentially Regency MM romance with both a magical and omegaverse-esque spicy twist. Absolutely delightful. I'd been waiting for more of Jem ever since meeting him in the previous book (Duke Sothbridge's Vessel). He's a wild child with a sad, traumatic past who so desperately deserved his own happy ending and he waltzes into Prince Charming's - I mean Prince Wilhelm's - life with a cheeky smile, a ruby-topped bedroom accessory and devastating impact. Delicious easy, spicy reading.

[Lina Keit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, fun adventure, made me feel as if I had just had a great night's sleep. Very consistent in tone and themes (H/C mainly) with the rest of the series, it will be enjoyable for whoever has read the previous books and liked them. It will also have no surprises or twists for them, but that's par for the course from this author. Her books (and this one is no exception) aren't usually fast paced page turners, but rather relaxing soft melodies that will gently draw you into a well crafted, consistent fantasy world.

[Kristi Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a universe where the noble mages and vessels live according to Victorian class and ethical standards in a modern world and you have the setting for this series. The vessels exist only to give their magic up to the mages via sexual acts. This is not a place that treats a vessel it considers ruined in a kind way. Nor one that looks favourable on a Prince who falls for such a vessel. Even if he can overcome his class’s expectations his vessel also has to also overcome the layers of inferiority that have been cast on him. This is a delightful romance set against a very dark background.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok, i havent read the other books in the series yet. I felt like it was fine to read as a standalone but there just seemed to be kind of random plot holes and inconsistencies throughout. the vessels cycle times for one is a big thing that seemed to be all over the place. there is also not a lot of time that passes, it seems like the whole book happens in the span of maaaybe a week. Its not going to win any awards but if you are looking for an easy read and are willing to go with the flow its a fun read.

[Pixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book, but it turned out it was pretty good. I felt so bad for Jem’s circumstances and the prejudices he faced. Will was a bit of a waffler, but you could see just how much he wanted to be a good person and grow. He tried to be self-aware and examine his behaviors and how they could be harmful to Jem. I have a lot of respect and admiration for a person like that. I really enjoyed the little nod to Cinderella with their own twist on it. I was happy with this one and the way it turned out.

[RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story is so good. There’s a mix of sweet and dark, all told with the author’s usual fabulous storytelling. I loved how one of the MCs was feisty but broken, and the other was so wonderfully dependable. I really felt for Jem, his future was so bleak and so totally heart-breaking. I was quite literally on the edge of my seat for lots of this book. I felt confident there would be an HEA but it was heart-wrenching getting there. Absolutely loved it.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem is sent to be Prince Will's vessel for the evening and though clearly he has been shamefully mistreated in the past, Will is captivated. Jem tries to show him his unsuitability but they are red hot together and make beautiful magic between them. I love these vessel books with their unfair class differences and the amazing men who dare to be themselves. Jem deserves his happy ending and I look forward to the next vessel book. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is endlessly fascinating. The modern setting with the Regency and the magic. I love it. This book was so good. Jem was such a heartbreaking character, a disgraced Vessel who is just used by Mages every time his magic is ripe, until Prince Wilhelm from Bavaria comes along. They are such a sweet pair, nothing is perfectly right away and you definitely need to check out the trigger warnings, but this is the HEA that Jem deserves!

[Brandon White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took me much longer to finish this one because it just couldn’t hold my interest. There’s really no chemistry between the two main characters and the spicy scenes are novice at best. I’ve read better in most fanfictions. The premise is also a little weird, and there are so many things mentioned that have no real explanation. Overall I wouldn’t come back to this author again and this book will just end up another addition to my bookshelf.