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To Sway a Prince
A stolen dragon. A defiant dragon rider. And the cold prince who refuses to let either of them go.
For fifteen years, Astraia has roamed the world with the ancient dragon who saved her after her family and kingdom were lost. He is her freedom, her only constant—until the last Sentinel prince steals him away.
Ramiel, the last heir of the Sentinels, is sworn to protect the fragile boundary between realms. Astraia’s dragon is not just any dragon—he is one of the twelve sacred weavers that keeps the Chasm from swallowing the world.
Unaware of the dragon’s past, Astraia breaks into Ramiel’s tower to take back what’s hers—only to be caught. Now, she is Ramiel’s prisoner, and she swears vengeance upon him to free her beloved dragon and keep him from perishing in the sealing of the Chasm.
He refuses to let her dragon go. She refuses to surrender. But as the world fractures around them, Astraia must face a painful truth—her dragon may not be hers to keep and the Chasm is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. She couldn’t save her family. She couldn’t save her kingdom. And now, as the Chasm cracks larger than before, she realizes she is about to lose more than just her dragon. If she fails, she won’t just lose her dragon—she’ll lose Ramiel too, the man she was never meant to love but can no longer imagine living without as he prepares to pay the ultimate price to save the world.
A slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy, this Sleeping Beauty-inspired retelling includes grumpy & sunshine, dragon riders, found family, and he falls first. One-click now to step into a world of magic, passion, and dragons.
To Sway a Prince is book three in the Tempting Thieves Collection.
Tempting Thieves is a multi-author romantasy collection featuring cunning thieves who outsmart relentless hunters, steal forbidden treasures, and find love along the way. With enemies-to-lovers tension, slow-burn longing, forced proximity, secret identities, only one bed, and grumpy/sunshine dynamics, every story delivers an irresistible fantasy escape.
Perfect for fans of forbidden romance, morally gray heroes, daring rogues, and clean yet sizzling chemistry.
For fifteen years, Astraia has roamed the world with the ancient dragon who saved her after her family and kingdom were lost. He is her freedom, her only constant—until the last Sentinel prince steals him away.
Ramiel, the last heir of the Sentinels, is sworn to protect the fragile boundary between realms. Astraia’s dragon is not just any dragon—he is one of the twelve sacred weavers that keeps the Chasm from swallowing the world.
Unaware of the dragon’s past, Astraia breaks into Ramiel’s tower to take back what’s hers—only to be caught. Now, she is Ramiel’s prisoner, and she swears vengeance upon him to free her beloved dragon and keep him from perishing in the sealing of the Chasm.
He refuses to let her dragon go. She refuses to surrender. But as the world fractures around them, Astraia must face a painful truth—her dragon may not be hers to keep and the Chasm is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. She couldn’t save her family. She couldn’t save her kingdom. And now, as the Chasm cracks larger than before, she realizes she is about to lose more than just her dragon. If she fails, she won’t just lose her dragon—she’ll lose Ramiel too, the man she was never meant to love but can no longer imagine living without as he prepares to pay the ultimate price to save the world.
A slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy, this Sleeping Beauty-inspired retelling includes grumpy & sunshine, dragon riders, found family, and he falls first. One-click now to step into a world of magic, passion, and dragons.
To Sway a Prince is book three in the Tempting Thieves Collection.
Tempting Thieves is a multi-author romantasy collection featuring cunning thieves who outsmart relentless hunters, steal forbidden treasures, and find love along the way. With enemies-to-lovers tension, slow-burn longing, forced proximity, secret identities, only one bed, and grumpy/sunshine dynamics, every story delivers an irresistible fantasy escape.
Perfect for fans of forbidden romance, morally gray heroes, daring rogues, and clean yet sizzling chemistry.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2025
7 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 10, 2025
Not my favorite but not bad. If you love dragons it might be a much better reading experience for you; I just feel okay about them so I needed a few more interesting plot points added on top of them.
One pet peeve tho: why do we get chapter breaks in the middle of conversations??? Don't do that!!! It's dumb (and incorrect. I don't care if you say there are no rules to writing because to me, there are.)
One pet peeve tho: why do we get chapter breaks in the middle of conversations??? Don't do that!!! It's dumb (and incorrect. I don't care if you say there are no rules to writing because to me, there are.)
April 18, 2025
•• ARC REVIEW ••
Tropes:
🩷Dragon Bestie
💛 Slow Burn
🩷 Touch her and die
💛Grumpy sunshine
🩷Forced proximity
💛He falls first
To Sway a Prince is a captivating romantasy that breathes new life into the Sleeping Beauty tale with a thrilling twist. Astraia's fierce determination to reclaim her dragon from the stoic Prince Ramiel sets the stage for a slow-burn romance filled with high stakes and undeniable chemistry. The push and pull between Astraia and Ramiel is electric, enhanced by the enemies-to-lovers tension and forced proximity that will keep you hooked.
What makes this book special is the depth of its world-building. The concept of sacred weaver dragons and the looming threat of the Chasm add layers of complexity and urgency to the story. Astraia's personal struggle to overcome her past failures and protect those she loves is both heartbreaking and inspiring, making her a character you'll root for until the very end.
If you're a fan of dragon riders, found family, and romances that sizzle with clean passion, To Sway a Prince is a must-read. It's the perfect escape into a world of magic, where love and sacrifice intertwine to create an unforgettable adventure.
Tropes:
🩷Dragon Bestie
💛 Slow Burn
🩷 Touch her and die
💛Grumpy sunshine
🩷Forced proximity
💛He falls first
To Sway a Prince is a captivating romantasy that breathes new life into the Sleeping Beauty tale with a thrilling twist. Astraia's fierce determination to reclaim her dragon from the stoic Prince Ramiel sets the stage for a slow-burn romance filled with high stakes and undeniable chemistry. The push and pull between Astraia and Ramiel is electric, enhanced by the enemies-to-lovers tension and forced proximity that will keep you hooked.
What makes this book special is the depth of its world-building. The concept of sacred weaver dragons and the looming threat of the Chasm add layers of complexity and urgency to the story. Astraia's personal struggle to overcome her past failures and protect those she loves is both heartbreaking and inspiring, making her a character you'll root for until the very end.
If you're a fan of dragon riders, found family, and romances that sizzle with clean passion, To Sway a Prince is a must-read. It's the perfect escape into a world of magic, where love and sacrifice intertwine to create an unforgettable adventure.
May 1, 2025
To Sway a Prince
A beautiful fun story that swept me off my feet like a fairy tale. Speaking of fairy tales this one had loose Sleeping Beauty vibes. I loved the twists that were done to craft the story into what it was.
It was fast paced, thrilling with high stakes, dragons and more! I absolutely loved the story. Astraia was a great character I enjoyed her strength and determination. She had a fun and loving loyal side as well.
Ramiel was a mysterious and intriguing character that I loved learning more about. He was strong, selfless, and a tad arrogant but largely protective.
I enjoyed the two of them together and the build of the relationship.
If you love; enemies to lovers, fairy tales, dragon riders, high stakes, mysterious fae, unique magic, rejected second chance mates, banter, forced proximity, they save each other and so much more then check this one out!
A beautiful fun story that swept me off my feet like a fairy tale. Speaking of fairy tales this one had loose Sleeping Beauty vibes. I loved the twists that were done to craft the story into what it was.
It was fast paced, thrilling with high stakes, dragons and more! I absolutely loved the story. Astraia was a great character I enjoyed her strength and determination. She had a fun and loving loyal side as well.
Ramiel was a mysterious and intriguing character that I loved learning more about. He was strong, selfless, and a tad arrogant but largely protective.
I enjoyed the two of them together and the build of the relationship.
If you love; enemies to lovers, fairy tales, dragon riders, high stakes, mysterious fae, unique magic, rejected second chance mates, banter, forced proximity, they save each other and so much more then check this one out!
May 10, 2025
This was a super cute story with dragon riders and battles, but plenty of soft romantic scenes. If you loved Alisha Klapheke's Bound by Dragons series, you should read this. I'd love to see more added about this world and these characters.
May 1, 2025
Dragons, magic, and fated mates…
All the elements I adore and love in my reads. And bonus, it’s a loose Sleeping Beauty retelling! Score!!!
I absolutely enjoyed this story and the plot moved well. More of a cozy romantic fantasy read as Astraia and Ramiel begin to work together. The Nolche, Caein, was a fun add to the cast of characters and it was interesting to see how he interacted with the overall physical world.
The dragons were great and there is even beautifully described flying scenes and a very tense battle flying scene too. The perfect thing that brings this dragon rider book truly to life.
I also truly appreciated Astraia’s way of showing her anger to Ramiel…rearranging Ramiel’s office ever so slightly had me laughing at loud. 🤣 I want to do this now too.
And I’m a softy for fated mates and how these two fell in love, even though they had removed/suppressed their mate marks, was so incredibly sweet. They were truly destined for one another.
A m/f romantic fantasy with fae, dragons, magic, curses, rifts, guardians, a sentient castle, and fated love.
One pov told in first person
Characters-
Princess Astraia - knotweaver
Zephyrus - dark blue dragon
Ramiel - rune fae, Prince and last of the Sentinels
Thalorion - green elder dragon
Caein - Nolche of the Sentinel tower
Steam - clean with kissing at end
All the elements I adore and love in my reads. And bonus, it’s a loose Sleeping Beauty retelling! Score!!!
I absolutely enjoyed this story and the plot moved well. More of a cozy romantic fantasy read as Astraia and Ramiel begin to work together. The Nolche, Caein, was a fun add to the cast of characters and it was interesting to see how he interacted with the overall physical world.
The dragons were great and there is even beautifully described flying scenes and a very tense battle flying scene too. The perfect thing that brings this dragon rider book truly to life.
I also truly appreciated Astraia’s way of showing her anger to Ramiel…rearranging Ramiel’s office ever so slightly had me laughing at loud. 🤣 I want to do this now too.
And I’m a softy for fated mates and how these two fell in love, even though they had removed/suppressed their mate marks, was so incredibly sweet. They were truly destined for one another.
A m/f romantic fantasy with fae, dragons, magic, curses, rifts, guardians, a sentient castle, and fated love.
One pov told in first person
Characters-
Princess Astraia - knotweaver
Zephyrus - dark blue dragon
Ramiel - rune fae, Prince and last of the Sentinels
Thalorion - green elder dragon
Caein - Nolche of the Sentinel tower
Steam - clean with kissing at end
April 21, 2025
I was pleasingly surprised whilst reading this. I thought I was in for 'just' another Sleeping Beauty retelling but this book is so much more!
I loved that the Sleeping Beauty parts where more of a backstory and that the rest of the story is what comes after (and in-between) the curse.
This book contains dragons, a silver haired and stoic Prince that protects the world from the otherworld via The Chasm, a once upon a time princess turned rogue nomad dragonrider, mate bond and so much more.
To Sway A Prince is a sweet, compelling and heartwarming story with both adventure and action that is like a warm comforting planket that tucks around you and fills your dreams with magnificient worldbuilding, lovely characters and best of all - love and friendship with a drizzle of rivalry and curses.
To Sway A Prince has my warm recommendation and if you're a lover of fairytales and their retellings, you should pick this up ASAP!
I loved that the Sleeping Beauty parts where more of a backstory and that the rest of the story is what comes after (and in-between) the curse.
This book contains dragons, a silver haired and stoic Prince that protects the world from the otherworld via The Chasm, a once upon a time princess turned rogue nomad dragonrider, mate bond and so much more.
To Sway A Prince is a sweet, compelling and heartwarming story with both adventure and action that is like a warm comforting planket that tucks around you and fills your dreams with magnificient worldbuilding, lovely characters and best of all - love and friendship with a drizzle of rivalry and curses.
To Sway A Prince has my warm recommendation and if you're a lover of fairytales and their retellings, you should pick this up ASAP!
April 28, 2025
To Sway a Prince by Jessica A Butler
🤴 He took her dragon
🤴 She lost her kingdom
🤴 A cold prince
🤴 A defensive girl
🤴 Swoony romance, just kisses (no spice)
Genre: Fantasy romance
Astraia breaks into Ramiel’s tower to rescue her dragon, but once he catches her in the act will he ever let her go?
Lots of great moments and action in this one! The Sleeping Beauty vibes are very subtle at first but it all comes full circle satisfactorily in the end! And the villain is... an evil purple kangaroo? Gotta admit, that's pretty unique! I also loved his nickname for her, so cute! One of my favorites in the series so far.
Standalone in the Tempting Thieves series
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Does contain PG level language
🤴 He took her dragon
🤴 She lost her kingdom
🤴 A cold prince
🤴 A defensive girl
🤴 Swoony romance, just kisses (no spice)
Genre: Fantasy romance
Astraia breaks into Ramiel’s tower to rescue her dragon, but once he catches her in the act will he ever let her go?
Lots of great moments and action in this one! The Sleeping Beauty vibes are very subtle at first but it all comes full circle satisfactorily in the end! And the villain is... an evil purple kangaroo? Gotta admit, that's pretty unique! I also loved his nickname for her, so cute! One of my favorites in the series so far.
Standalone in the Tempting Thieves series
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Does contain PG level language
May 14, 2025
Are you really a thief if you break into a place to steal back what they stole from you in the first place?? Debatable, and sparks fly as the FMC and MMC make their cases, even as they both acknowledge that no one can ‘own’ a dragon! Astraia has certainly bonded with one, but where does that leave her when he is summoned home to resume his duty?
This is a cozy romantasy that is part of an 11 book unconnected collection written by different authors (I have not read any of the others). The main characters are alike in many ways: they have both suffered extreme loss and carry heavy curses – and they also are intent on keeping their secrets from each other. I really enjoyed the magic system(s) in this book and the creative but simple language that supports it. The pacing is good and the revealing flashbacks are layered without being repetitive, which was nicely done.
This was a lovely quick little cozy which I really enjoyed. While it is intended as a standalone, from the author’s note at the end, she is considering writing more about this couple and I hope she does, because there’s definitely more that readers would want to know. Beyond the main characters, there is so much more to explore in their world and the mystery of …. Well, no spoilers. ;)
This is a cozy romantasy that is part of an 11 book unconnected collection written by different authors (I have not read any of the others). The main characters are alike in many ways: they have both suffered extreme loss and carry heavy curses – and they also are intent on keeping their secrets from each other. I really enjoyed the magic system(s) in this book and the creative but simple language that supports it. The pacing is good and the revealing flashbacks are layered without being repetitive, which was nicely done.
This was a lovely quick little cozy which I really enjoyed. While it is intended as a standalone, from the author’s note at the end, she is considering writing more about this couple and I hope she does, because there’s definitely more that readers would want to know. Beyond the main characters, there is so much more to explore in their world and the mystery of …. Well, no spoilers. ;)
April 24, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading To Sway A Prince, it took me on a journey that was filled with emotion. The twist on the Sleeping Beauty curse really made this retelling unique. The tropes that are in this novel are fantastic, I love the enemies to lovers trope and it really played out well. I really enjoyed the characters and the dragons. Astraia and Ramiel were great together their chemistry shone off the page and their interactions were great to read. I loved Zephyrus he was a loyal dragon and I loved his connection with Astraia.
The way this novel is written is so captivating, I was eager to see what would happen and how the curse would play out
The way this novel is written is so captivating, I was eager to see what would happen and how the curse would play out
May 6, 2025
my favorite sleeping beauty retelling!
As always JM Butler delivers an exciting and unique story. It’s not terribly long but still full of meaning and amazing characters. Instead of athe one dimensional characters most of us grew up this Sleeping Beauty retelling has a kick butt heroine and a hero that is willing give up everything to save her. Ps there are dragons, a leviathan and evil kangaroos. What isn’t there to love?! I do love the moments that are a nod to the Disney chartoon version. If you are looking for high adventure and sweet romance this will not disappointed!
As always JM Butler delivers an exciting and unique story. It’s not terribly long but still full of meaning and amazing characters. Instead of athe one dimensional characters most of us grew up this Sleeping Beauty retelling has a kick butt heroine and a hero that is willing give up everything to save her. Ps there are dragons, a leviathan and evil kangaroos. What isn’t there to love?! I do love the moments that are a nod to the Disney chartoon version. If you are looking for high adventure and sweet romance this will not disappointed!
May 6, 2025
This was a cute story! I liked the way that Sleeping Beauty was incorporated more or less as a backstory, rather than being a beat-for-beat retelling. And the dragons were impossibly cute. Kind of like lovable dogs. The only thing I didn’t really like was the lack of other characters. It’s mostly just Astraia, Ramiel, the dragons, and a ghost in the tower. That does give you time to focus more on the romance between the two main characters, but I dunno. I’ve always preferred stories with more characters and a wide variety of different places in them. It’s just a personal preference of mine, I guess. But read this story for the dragons! You’ll be glad you did.
April 18, 2025
This book is really really good. I felt so the emotions of our FMC Astraia. In the beginning, her persistence was downright amusing. She was dead set determined to get her dragon back. All the traps and tricks Ramiel hid on her were entertaining too. Once the two settled into a bit of a truce, the story kept getting better. The setting descriptions are vivid. I really loved everything about the story.
April 20, 2025
This is my favorite book out of the series so far!!! The romance seemed sudden, but there were definitely hints that I missed looking back. I loved the magic system and the dragons! It was a really good story with some sad and happy points. I really liked the evolution of the story. This book started more in the current time rather than starting with a whole backstory like the other two did. I just really loved this sleeping beauty retelling!
April 29, 2025
The angst and the dragons
Couldn’t stop smiling while reading the last chapter. This story was so good, and I loved the dragons they were so cute and majestic at the same time. I am a sucker for anything relating to a mating bond it makes everything so much more intense. Loved Astaria’s stubbornness and determination. Also Ramiel is such a sweetheart and the fact that he knew and said nothing because he was trying to protect her. Loved this story.
Couldn’t stop smiling while reading the last chapter. This story was so good, and I loved the dragons they were so cute and majestic at the same time. I am a sucker for anything relating to a mating bond it makes everything so much more intense. Loved Astaria’s stubbornness and determination. Also Ramiel is such a sweetheart and the fact that he knew and said nothing because he was trying to protect her. Loved this story.
November 2, 2025
3.5/5
I actually really enjoyed this story. There were times that it really pulled at my heart strings and the slow burn between the characters built up nicely. I enjoyed the plot about the Chasm and curse but there were times that I felt like it could be a bit more fleshed out. Same with the world and the characters backgrounds - I wanted a bit more to really understand this world.
But I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a quick fantasy/romance read!
I actually really enjoyed this story. There were times that it really pulled at my heart strings and the slow burn between the characters built up nicely. I enjoyed the plot about the Chasm and curse but there were times that I felt like it could be a bit more fleshed out. Same with the world and the characters backgrounds - I wanted a bit more to really understand this world.
But I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a quick fantasy/romance read!
April 19, 2025
Stand alone in the Tempting Thieves multi-author collection
Loved everything about this twist to the classic Sleeping Beauty retelling. Honestly, I was hooked with the dragons, but the overall storyline is so delightfully sweet and well-written. I enjoyed every magical-infused part of this book.
Loved everything about this twist to the classic Sleeping Beauty retelling. Honestly, I was hooked with the dragons, but the overall storyline is so delightfully sweet and well-written. I enjoyed every magical-infused part of this book.
April 24, 2025
This was a very sweet and enjoyable read. I rarely don't enjoy books with dragons of course, but I really enjoyed the relationship and build up between Astraia and Ramiel. The magic system was familiar, yet unique. This was a fairly cozy read for me, though the stakes may be a little too high to technically qualify as a cozy read. I found it to be very enjoyable and would recommend it to others.
September 26, 2025
3 stars for the dragon and their banter at the start,... later i thought it went a little cringe. like them constantly telling each other I love and their phrase "Natoumai ahme vahre", i mean it would have been sweet (it was) and cute (i did not find so) if it had been my taste but sadly it is not.
a short and sweet book with a happy ending, and dragons, and rune magic and lots more.
a short and sweet book with a happy ending, and dragons, and rune magic and lots more.
May 4, 2025
3.5
it was fine but the gnat thing was getting to me i'm glad it turned out to be something else cus i was like ain't no way you could see this as endearing
also made me realize fated mates is not really my thing
it was fine but the gnat thing was getting to me i'm glad it turned out to be something else cus i was like ain't no way you could see this as endearing
also made me realize fated mates is not really my thing
May 4, 2025
This was such a cute book. It was a fast, stand-alone in a series read that was a great reset between series. The characters were lovable and sassy. No spice in this book but if you follow the author she does have bonus scenes. All in all I recommend!
April 17, 2025
Mesmerizing fantasy romance.. I loved it! Fated mates, powerful magic, and emotional adventure.. Couldn't put it down!
April 18, 2025
Such a great book! Full of dragons magic and more! Definitely a book everyone should read!
August 15, 2025
Overall, I really liked this one. But I did nearly give up near the start because after a while, Astraia started to feel like a bit of a brat. It was very evident that there was something big going down and that she didn't have all the facts and yet she continues to waste the Prince's time and energy on her getting her dragon back, who is happy where he is.
However, it really got going, and I started to really like the characters and their arcs. The romance was very sweet and clean, and the dragons were great. The world-building was exciting and unique. The beasties were fab. And the themes of love and sacrifice were great.
I think the story definitely needed a few more characters because we only really saw them interact with each other and a disembodied spirit and the dragons. I know it's just novella size, but I think it would have done the story some good.
It's worth persevering if you find the mc annoying at the beginning. She's definitely likeable later on.
CW:
- Lang - b*stard, d*mn it
However, it really got going, and I started to really like the characters and their arcs. The romance was very sweet and clean, and the dragons were great. The world-building was exciting and unique. The beasties were fab. And the themes of love and sacrifice were great.
I think the story definitely needed a few more characters because we only really saw them interact with each other and a disembodied spirit and the dragons. I know it's just novella size, but I think it would have done the story some good.
It's worth persevering if you find the mc annoying at the beginning. She's definitely likeable later on.
CW:
- Lang - b*stard, d*mn it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2025
My Rating: 3/5
"To Sway a Prince" by Jessica M. Butler Note: This title appears to be a Romantic Fantasy, possibly a standalone or part of a series focusing on a royal figure.
This book falls squarely into the enjoyable, yet ultimately familiar, realm of romantic fantasy. It offers a clear, high-stakes premise—a determined heroine trying to win over or outmaneuver a powerful, skeptical prince—but the execution, while entertaining, doesn't break new ground. I rate it 3/5 because it's a solid, pleasant read for the genre, but it leans heavily on predictable tropes.
The Positives: Engaging Romance
Focused Romantic Tension: The central relationship is the book's strongest asset. The dynamic between the heroine and the Prince is full of witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and satisfying push-and-pull. It delivers the desired "enemy-to-lover" or "reluctant affection" tension that fans of the genre seek.
Accessible Plot: The storyline is straightforward and easy to follow, allowing the reader to focus almost entirely on the character interactions and the development of the relationship. It's a quick and uncomplicated escape.
Clear Stakes (Personal): The personal stakes for the heroine (her mission, her reputation, her heart) are well-defined, keeping the reader invested in her immediate success.
The Drawbacks: Trope Reliance
Familiar Trope Execution: The book relies heavily on established romantic fantasy tropes (e.g., the stoic, misunderstood royal; the sassy, determined commoner; the necessity of a political match). While these tropes are comforting, they are handled in a predictable, uninventive manner, leading to a sense of déjà vu.
Underdeveloped World: The surrounding "epic fantasy" elements—the political structure, the magic system, or the larger threats to the kingdom—feel secondary and thinly developed. They serve only as a backdrop to facilitate the romance, lacking the rich detail necessary for a truly immersive fantasy world.
Emotional Predictability: The turning points in the romance, such as the initial kiss, the moment of revelation, and the final concession, are timed precisely according to the genre's formula, which diminishes the emotional impact of the surprise.
Conclusion:
"To Sway a Prince" is a satisfying book for a romantic fantasy fix. It provides all the necessary elements for an enjoyable, high-chemistry romance centered around royalty. However, its lack of originality in both its world-building and plot execution prevents it from being a truly outstanding or memorable entry in the genre. It's a good, solid 3/5 read.
"To Sway a Prince" by Jessica M. Butler Note: This title appears to be a Romantic Fantasy, possibly a standalone or part of a series focusing on a royal figure.
This book falls squarely into the enjoyable, yet ultimately familiar, realm of romantic fantasy. It offers a clear, high-stakes premise—a determined heroine trying to win over or outmaneuver a powerful, skeptical prince—but the execution, while entertaining, doesn't break new ground. I rate it 3/5 because it's a solid, pleasant read for the genre, but it leans heavily on predictable tropes.
The Positives: Engaging Romance
Focused Romantic Tension: The central relationship is the book's strongest asset. The dynamic between the heroine and the Prince is full of witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and satisfying push-and-pull. It delivers the desired "enemy-to-lover" or "reluctant affection" tension that fans of the genre seek.
Accessible Plot: The storyline is straightforward and easy to follow, allowing the reader to focus almost entirely on the character interactions and the development of the relationship. It's a quick and uncomplicated escape.
Clear Stakes (Personal): The personal stakes for the heroine (her mission, her reputation, her heart) are well-defined, keeping the reader invested in her immediate success.
The Drawbacks: Trope Reliance
Familiar Trope Execution: The book relies heavily on established romantic fantasy tropes (e.g., the stoic, misunderstood royal; the sassy, determined commoner; the necessity of a political match). While these tropes are comforting, they are handled in a predictable, uninventive manner, leading to a sense of déjà vu.
Underdeveloped World: The surrounding "epic fantasy" elements—the political structure, the magic system, or the larger threats to the kingdom—feel secondary and thinly developed. They serve only as a backdrop to facilitate the romance, lacking the rich detail necessary for a truly immersive fantasy world.
Emotional Predictability: The turning points in the romance, such as the initial kiss, the moment of revelation, and the final concession, are timed precisely according to the genre's formula, which diminishes the emotional impact of the surprise.
Conclusion:
"To Sway a Prince" is a satisfying book for a romantic fantasy fix. It provides all the necessary elements for an enjoyable, high-chemistry romance centered around royalty. However, its lack of originality in both its world-building and plot execution prevents it from being a truly outstanding or memorable entry in the genre. It's a good, solid 3/5 read.
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