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Consorting with the King
Prince Francis of Sachs-Stormburg has two objectives.
One: join the long line of suitors vying to become King Omar’s next gentleman consort.
Two: find out anything he can about the natural energy powering his kingdom, especially the fabled solar power which has him called ‘The Solar Sultan’ across Europe.
Francis arrives at King Omar’s palace in Istanbul, and discovers much to his horror that all suitors must compete in a tournament of skills to win the king’s favour.
King Omar, meanwhile, is nowhere to be seen.
When Francis takes refuge from the competition in the palace gardens, he meets a handsome man tending to the palace cats.
Francis and the stranger strike up a friendship which quickly develops into something more. He senses his new companion is hiding something, but Francis himself has not divulged who he truly is either.
As their romance unfolds, Francis has to choose between his royal duty, or abandoning it entirely to explore this new relationship.
But, perhaps, not all is lost, when it is revealed who the stranger really is...
One: join the long line of suitors vying to become King Omar’s next gentleman consort.
Two: find out anything he can about the natural energy powering his kingdom, especially the fabled solar power which has him called ‘The Solar Sultan’ across Europe.
Francis arrives at King Omar’s palace in Istanbul, and discovers much to his horror that all suitors must compete in a tournament of skills to win the king’s favour.
King Omar, meanwhile, is nowhere to be seen.
When Francis takes refuge from the competition in the palace gardens, he meets a handsome man tending to the palace cats.
Francis and the stranger strike up a friendship which quickly develops into something more. He senses his new companion is hiding something, but Francis himself has not divulged who he truly is either.
As their romance unfolds, Francis has to choose between his royal duty, or abandoning it entirely to explore this new relationship.
But, perhaps, not all is lost, when it is revealed who the stranger really is...
145 pages, ebook
Published March 11, 2026
About the author
C. Quince
4 books25 followersQuince (he/they) is a MENA-British author who lives in England, enjoys Sci-Fi and Fantasy, History, and Halloween.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 17, 2026
Who knew it would take solarpunk, garden cats, and a prince consorting with a king in a Regency era romance to pull me from my reading slump. But here we are, and I am absolutely delighted.
All Francis wants is to live a quiet life. So when his grandmother - the Queen - sends him on a mission to woo a Turkish king, well, he can't very well say no to the Queen, now can he? What Francis thought was a chance to meet this king and befriend him actually turned out to be something a little different. And honestly, Francis isn't having it. And who can blame him?
Rather than compete in a tournament to win over the king, Francis would much rather spend his free time in a garden full of cats (truly the absolute dream), and with his new friend Haşim. As the two grow closer and get to know each other, they attraction and respect for each other grows all the more until its undeniable that they're falling for each other.
I honestly loved the interactions between Francis and Haşim. They were so gentle and kind with one another. But also vulnerable and honest with each other. It was a delight to see them grow so fond of each other.
And while it may have been in a bit of a topsy turvy sort of way, Francis did end up befriending his king, after all.
All Francis wants is to live a quiet life. So when his grandmother - the Queen - sends him on a mission to woo a Turkish king, well, he can't very well say no to the Queen, now can he? What Francis thought was a chance to meet this king and befriend him actually turned out to be something a little different. And honestly, Francis isn't having it. And who can blame him?
Rather than compete in a tournament to win over the king, Francis would much rather spend his free time in a garden full of cats (truly the absolute dream), and with his new friend Haşim. As the two grow closer and get to know each other, they attraction and respect for each other grows all the more until its undeniable that they're falling for each other.
I honestly loved the interactions between Francis and Haşim. They were so gentle and kind with one another. But also vulnerable and honest with each other. It was a delight to see them grow so fond of each other.
And while it may have been in a bit of a topsy turvy sort of way, Francis did end up befriending his king, after all.
March 19, 2026
I feel like the background setting took way too long in comparison to the buildup Francis and Hasim had before they had sex. The background setting happened from chapter 1 to halfway of chapter 7 while the two main leads only met at chapter 7 and fell into bed by the end of chapter 10. They were infatuated with each other way too quickly and it felt a little too insta-lovey to me for it to be believable. Like they've known each other what? 3 days? and they're instantly heads over heels over each other? I feel like they had a lot of potential and chemistry but everything just happened too quickly and their attraction feels very surface level.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC of this book.
This book is a fantastic amalgamation of genres; effortlessly blending fantasy, solar punk, romance, and a little Sci-Fi to create something that is exciting, dynamic, and memorable.
The setting is really good. It’s vaguely historical, with a deep dive into the culture around Istanbul, mixing fantasy and historical elements creatively and uniquely. I especially liked the description of the historical architecture of the stunning buildings, blended with the solar punk aspects of how the city is run. The tram system and the solar farm were two of my favourite locations and aspects. The description made them extremely vivid, whilst also conveying the wonder and impressiveness the characters felt. The baths and lounge locations felt like more traditional historical aspects and worked together with the imagined elements to create a location bursting with personality and vibrant culture.
I also really liked the characters. Francis was so relatable; I would also hide in my garden reading to avoid my responsibilities. His amazement and excitement at petting the cats is so real. I love his curiosity and wonder at everything he sees and his enthusiasm to experience a culture with elements unlike his own endeared him to me really early on. I loved Archie so much; his feral energy and protectiveness was so good. He really was ready to fight at any point and I love that for him. Archie excitedly informing Maddie about the lack of monogamy around the palace was so funny I laughed out loud. Archie’s dynamics with the other characters was so good. He’s such a loveable rascal type. Hasim, as we met him, was so endearing. He was working through a loss by hanging out with cats, which was so real. He was really sweet, especially indulging Francis’ curiosity.
My absolute favourite aspect was the tiny tram for cats! That was such an adorable detail to include and a cat tram going around the gardens and pond is everything I’ve ever wanted out of life tbh. It’s all I can think about now. Oh to be a little cat on a tiny tram going round and round.
The romance between Francis and Hasim was so sweet. They bonded over their mutual love of cats, wanting to be away from the crowds, and excitement at new experiences. It was so wholesome with Hasim patiently explaining how the solar punk aspects of the city worked, offering to take Francis to the solar farm, and showing him around. I absolutely loved it.
I was so impressed with how vivid the culture of Turkey felt. It almost felt alive with how much detail was packed into it, but also through the characters’ experiences. Honestly, it was incredible.
This book is a fantastic amalgamation of genres; effortlessly blending fantasy, solar punk, romance, and a little Sci-Fi to create something that is exciting, dynamic, and memorable.
The setting is really good. It’s vaguely historical, with a deep dive into the culture around Istanbul, mixing fantasy and historical elements creatively and uniquely. I especially liked the description of the historical architecture of the stunning buildings, blended with the solar punk aspects of how the city is run. The tram system and the solar farm were two of my favourite locations and aspects. The description made them extremely vivid, whilst also conveying the wonder and impressiveness the characters felt. The baths and lounge locations felt like more traditional historical aspects and worked together with the imagined elements to create a location bursting with personality and vibrant culture.
I also really liked the characters. Francis was so relatable; I would also hide in my garden reading to avoid my responsibilities. His amazement and excitement at petting the cats is so real. I love his curiosity and wonder at everything he sees and his enthusiasm to experience a culture with elements unlike his own endeared him to me really early on. I loved Archie so much; his feral energy and protectiveness was so good. He really was ready to fight at any point and I love that for him. Archie excitedly informing Maddie about the lack of monogamy around the palace was so funny I laughed out loud. Archie’s dynamics with the other characters was so good. He’s such a loveable rascal type. Hasim, as we met him, was so endearing. He was working through a loss by hanging out with cats, which was so real. He was really sweet, especially indulging Francis’ curiosity.
My absolute favourite aspect was the tiny tram for cats! That was such an adorable detail to include and a cat tram going around the gardens and pond is everything I’ve ever wanted out of life tbh. It’s all I can think about now. Oh to be a little cat on a tiny tram going round and round.
The romance between Francis and Hasim was so sweet. They bonded over their mutual love of cats, wanting to be away from the crowds, and excitement at new experiences. It was so wholesome with Hasim patiently explaining how the solar punk aspects of the city worked, offering to take Francis to the solar farm, and showing him around. I absolutely loved it.
I was so impressed with how vivid the culture of Turkey felt. It almost felt alive with how much detail was packed into it, but also through the characters’ experiences. Honestly, it was incredible.
April 14, 2026
As always, Quince writes charming characters in a transporting environment in this sweet tale full of culture and cats. This one gets a slightly lower rating from me because I felt like, at times, the plot devices were a little weak, and there were a couple of holes. That being said, this was a darling little, light-hearted romance full of color in every sense of the word.
I really enjoyed how much description went into the wardrobes and the architecture in this story. In a reality that's going ever grayer, this story fights back with pops of vivid, vibrant color, texture, shapes, and clever infrastructure. I feel like Quince expertly captured the atmosphere and locale they were going for here, not only through sight, but feel, taste, and smell too. It was hot, it was smoky with incense, it was full of tasty cuisine, and it was kaleidoscopic. Culture was alive in this story, and I felt transported.
I also enjoyed the characters here which have distinct personalities both lively and fun. I especially enjoyed the peeks we got at some of the side characters, even the entourages or servers who clearly knew a little more of what was going on than our main character Francis, and were charmed and delighted to see the romance unfold before their eyes. It was obvious throughout this that both royals at the focal in this tale were beloved by those around them.
Overall, this is an easy, enchanting read that's perfect for when you just want something adorable and sense-rich that will take you away, something you don't have to think about too hard as you're carried along with it. I'm enchanted, and I also wish I had a palace garden full of a thousand cats. If that's something that interests you also, then this read might just should be your next one.
I really enjoyed how much description went into the wardrobes and the architecture in this story. In a reality that's going ever grayer, this story fights back with pops of vivid, vibrant color, texture, shapes, and clever infrastructure. I feel like Quince expertly captured the atmosphere and locale they were going for here, not only through sight, but feel, taste, and smell too. It was hot, it was smoky with incense, it was full of tasty cuisine, and it was kaleidoscopic. Culture was alive in this story, and I felt transported.
I also enjoyed the characters here which have distinct personalities both lively and fun. I especially enjoyed the peeks we got at some of the side characters, even the entourages or servers who clearly knew a little more of what was going on than our main character Francis, and were charmed and delighted to see the romance unfold before their eyes. It was obvious throughout this that both royals at the focal in this tale were beloved by those around them.
Overall, this is an easy, enchanting read that's perfect for when you just want something adorable and sense-rich that will take you away, something you don't have to think about too hard as you're carried along with it. I'm enchanted, and I also wish I had a palace garden full of a thousand cats. If that's something that interests you also, then this read might just should be your next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is cute, funny, bit hillarious novella. It's an alternative reality with a some sci-fi/futuristic added to it so please put aside any ideas about the reality of Regency and embrace these guys.
I laughed, couldn't put it down (let's say work was suffering) and would have loved if the book was twice the size.
Francis and Hasim are two introverts, finding each other while trying to escape what is required from them. Both are sweet and come over as real people, enthusiastic about what matters to them and taking so much pleasure just being themselves.
They bond over the cats, I want to live in this garden and be pampered, and while Francis first thought his plan to investigate the solar invention was duty and boring, he embraced and loved it.
The German side characters are hillarious, Archie and Maddie bring so much fun to this story and I would have loved to see more of Archie's role in this story.
The story is engaging and there is so much attention to detail in it. The description of Istanbul feels like you are there with them, no idea if the author knows the place personally but it feels authentic and makes you want to visit.
I laughed, couldn't put it down (let's say work was suffering) and would have loved if the book was twice the size.
Francis and Hasim are two introverts, finding each other while trying to escape what is required from them. Both are sweet and come over as real people, enthusiastic about what matters to them and taking so much pleasure just being themselves.
They bond over the cats, I want to live in this garden and be pampered, and while Francis first thought his plan to investigate the solar invention was duty and boring, he embraced and loved it.
The German side characters are hillarious, Archie and Maddie bring so much fun to this story and I would have loved to see more of Archie's role in this story.
The story is engaging and there is so much attention to detail in it. The description of Istanbul feels like you are there with them, no idea if the author knows the place personally but it feels authentic and makes you want to visit.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Consorting with the King was SUCH a fun read. It was exactly what I needed: cozy, creative, funny, and so incredibly sweet. Plus: a cat tram. I mean come on!
This is the second novella I’ve read by C. Quince and I absolutely love how immersive the settings are; CWTK takes place in an alternate Regency era that is so well done—I was completely engrossed in the author’s vision of a “solar punk” Turkey. As a MC, Francis was adorable and sympathetic, and I really wanted him to find love. His little entourage was also very likable (Archie being my favorite of the bunch). The whole idea of a tournament to win the king’s favor as consort was also so much fun and raised the stakes a bit.
Francis’s budding romance with Hasim felt organic, and their “meet cute” was perfect: in a garden filled with cats. Their mutual love of cats, plus their introverted natures and back stories, made their falling in love believable.
Did I mention the cat tram? I wouldn’t want to leave the garden either…
If you’re looking for a quick read that will give you all the warm fuzzies, I highly recommend CWTK. 😻
This is the second novella I’ve read by C. Quince and I absolutely love how immersive the settings are; CWTK takes place in an alternate Regency era that is so well done—I was completely engrossed in the author’s vision of a “solar punk” Turkey. As a MC, Francis was adorable and sympathetic, and I really wanted him to find love. His little entourage was also very likable (Archie being my favorite of the bunch). The whole idea of a tournament to win the king’s favor as consort was also so much fun and raised the stakes a bit.
Francis’s budding romance with Hasim felt organic, and their “meet cute” was perfect: in a garden filled with cats. Their mutual love of cats, plus their introverted natures and back stories, made their falling in love believable.
Did I mention the cat tram? I wouldn’t want to leave the garden either…
If you’re looking for a quick read that will give you all the warm fuzzies, I highly recommend CWTK. 😻
March 17, 2026
One thing C Quince gets me to do, is to read books that I did not know I wanted to read until I read them. I hold my hands up, whilst I have heard of Steampunk, I did not know that Solarpunk was a thing and now I want more. I mean a cat tram, who wouldn't want one of them.
When Prince Francis is tasked to win the King's heart and find out more about their sustainable energy, he had high hopes until he realised he had to enter a tournament out in the Istanbul sun.
From page 1 I was transported into a descriptive world following Francis as he strived to find happiness. I could clearly imagine the sights and sounds especially as soon as he stepped foot in Istanbul.
The chance meeting with Hasim and bonding over cats and the peace and quiet, the tournament forgotten, I was smiling throughout. Watching Francis's awe as Hasim showed him the city and the enthusiasm Hasim had when he spoke about the things that mattered. The secondary characters that had me laughing, Archie.
For a novella, this story had a lot packed in to it and it is one I will be returning when I get the urge to go out into the midday sun, like Francis I burn and rarely go out in it.
When Prince Francis is tasked to win the King's heart and find out more about their sustainable energy, he had high hopes until he realised he had to enter a tournament out in the Istanbul sun.
From page 1 I was transported into a descriptive world following Francis as he strived to find happiness. I could clearly imagine the sights and sounds especially as soon as he stepped foot in Istanbul.
The chance meeting with Hasim and bonding over cats and the peace and quiet, the tournament forgotten, I was smiling throughout. Watching Francis's awe as Hasim showed him the city and the enthusiasm Hasim had when he spoke about the things that mattered. The secondary characters that had me laughing, Archie.
For a novella, this story had a lot packed in to it and it is one I will be returning when I get the urge to go out into the midday sun, like Francis I burn and rarely go out in it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Consorting with the King is a novel that blends genres. It is set in an alternate historical moment where elements of solar punk and science fiction are present.
Francis is the third son of the German royal family. He is not high in the line of succession, but his grandmother, Queen Maria, wants to see him happy. King Omar is looking for a consort, and Francis is chosen, along with other nobles, to participate in a ball, or so he has been told, where the king will choose one.
It is very well set in Istanbul, in that historical period of the alternative regency. I laughed a lot with the secondary characters and enjoyed the romance between the two main characters. A plus for me is that there are cats.
Francis is the third son of the German royal family. He is not high in the line of succession, but his grandmother, Queen Maria, wants to see him happy. King Omar is looking for a consort, and Francis is chosen, along with other nobles, to participate in a ball, or so he has been told, where the king will choose one.
It is very well set in Istanbul, in that historical period of the alternative regency. I laughed a lot with the secondary characters and enjoyed the romance between the two main characters. A plus for me is that there are cats.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐
The characters and the world they inhabit feels so vibrantly alive. Learning little details about the land and it's people just further aided the immersion.
The mixture of historical and speculative fiction added another interesting level to an already pleasant read.
Hasim and Francis are so well matched, their budding romance was pure joy.
Let's not forget the cats. They turned the sweetness up to the nth degree. Kitty care time was so wonderfully wholesome, I couldn't stop smiling.
I could happily have spent more time immersed in their world.
The characters and the world they inhabit feels so vibrantly alive. Learning little details about the land and it's people just further aided the immersion.
The mixture of historical and speculative fiction added another interesting level to an already pleasant read.
Hasim and Francis are so well matched, their budding romance was pure joy.
Let's not forget the cats. They turned the sweetness up to the nth degree. Kitty care time was so wonderfully wholesome, I couldn't stop smiling.
I could happily have spent more time immersed in their world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved every page of this novella and wished it could have gone on longer. That said, it was actually the perfect length for the story. The world building was outstanding, with bits of fantasy, sci-fi and historical elements all combined in a beautiful Turkish location. Francis and Hasim are both very much introverts, and hiding away in a cat garden fit them both exactly. The tournament and German side characters were excellent and full of humour.
Thanks for the advance copy, I am honoured to leave a voluntary review.
Thanks for the advance copy, I am honoured to leave a voluntary review.
March 12, 2026
THIS BOOK FEATURES A CAT TRAIN! Need I say more?
This is such a sumptuous, enchanting story with a beautiful cover. Everything about this book oozes with colour, smells and sensation because this is an outstanding author.
Francis and Hasim are two shy guys who are destined to be together. This author is sooo good at bringing characters to life that you feel as if you are watching them fall in love right in front of you. They are cute, sweet and yet also hot, which is a killer combination if you ask me.
I'm going to book my ticket to Turkey right now!
5 peacock feathery stars!
This is such a sumptuous, enchanting story with a beautiful cover. Everything about this book oozes with colour, smells and sensation because this is an outstanding author.
Francis and Hasim are two shy guys who are destined to be together. This author is sooo good at bringing characters to life that you feel as if you are watching them fall in love right in front of you. They are cute, sweet and yet also hot, which is a killer combination if you ask me.
I'm going to book my ticket to Turkey right now!
5 peacock feathery stars!
March 13, 2026
The solarpunk aesthetic works incredibly well with the sunny, breezy milieu of Istanbul. This book is a love letter to both the place and the culture through a queer historical lens. As someone whose introduction to contemporary Turkish culture was abundant and delicious street food, seeing these motifs pop up in the book made me want to drink tea and eat tulumba for days.
If you're looking for something sweet, cozy, and with A LOT of cats (who are first-class citizens, as they should be!), give this book a try!
If you're looking for something sweet, cozy, and with A LOT of cats (who are first-class citizens, as they should be!), give this book a try!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had a really good time in Turkey watching Francis and Hasim’s courtship dance. Two introverts meeting and quietly falling in love while the world goes on without them (so to speak). I will say though that it is the secondary cast that makes Consorting with the King stand out. They are funny, loyal, and trouble rousing on occasion. It makes for a royal good time.
“Thank you, Author C. Quince, for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.”
“Thank you, Author C. Quince, for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.”
March 11, 2026
I loved Francis, Hassim and the kitties.
The world building was amazing and had me completely immersed.
The secondary cast if characters were absolutely wonderful, loyal to a fault and had me laughing throughout with their shenanigans.
The world building was amazing and had me completely immersed.
The secondary cast if characters were absolutely wonderful, loyal to a fault and had me laughing throughout with their shenanigans.
April 1, 2026
This was a charming and surprising romance! Surprising only that I did not expect the fantasy elements in a regency romance but they worked so well. I enjoyed the setting also, it was like taking a fun trip.
April 6, 2026
90% worldbuilding for the sake of exploring an Istanbul solar punk alternative reality and 10% insta lust. No real discussion between the characters (what about bonding over their lost love? what about their feelings and emotions? we got "cats are so cute" and "we love cats".) no plot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A STELLAR READ THAT I FELT SO HAPPY TO READ!
HASIM AND FRANCIS ARE SO RIGHT FOR EACHOTHER!
I just loved how interesting and fun this read was. Definitely recommend! This is an ARC review.
HASIM AND FRANCIS ARE SO RIGHT FOR EACHOTHER!
I just loved how interesting and fun this read was. Definitely recommend! This is an ARC review.
April 14, 2026
I could have done without the "mean kids" and wish we had seen a bit more of the Japanese prince, but it was a sweet story overall. I enjoyed it.
I hope we get more stories told in this world.
I hope we get more stories told in this world.
May 17, 2026
A rather shallow, meaningless story about a German prince who falls instantly in love with a king in Istanbul.
August 11, 2026
Absolutely DELIGHTFUL!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an extremely fun story! My second from Quince and I'll definitely be checking out more because it's such interesting settings and great stories.
My main thing with Quince is that I always feel completely transported. The settings are so incredibly rich that I feel like I'm right there with the MC and I love that so much. And then I fall in love with the characters, and it's all over and I just get completely devoured by the story (in a good way). The romance here was so sweet and something that is just deeply relatable. I loved that rather than bonding in public, we got to see them have all these moments where they're trying to hide out from the people. I deeply relate to an MC who wants out of the limelight.
The solarpunk setting was just so interesting. I absolutely loved learning about it.
My main thing with Quince is that I always feel completely transported. The settings are so incredibly rich that I feel like I'm right there with the MC and I love that so much. And then I fall in love with the characters, and it's all over and I just get completely devoured by the story (in a good way). The romance here was so sweet and something that is just deeply relatable. I loved that rather than bonding in public, we got to see them have all these moments where they're trying to hide out from the people. I deeply relate to an MC who wants out of the limelight.
The solarpunk setting was just so interesting. I absolutely loved learning about it.
April 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this book I thought it was so interesting and unique. I don’t think I’ve read anything that’s been labelled solarpunk before but I really enjoyed it! Francis and Omar were so sweet and I adored their meeting and growing relationship. This is a novella so everything did happen quite quickly but I didn’t mind it and I thought the book was very well written and entertaining. I was also a big fan of Francis’ friends in this book and I loved how they cared about him and were willing to help him. Plus this book has a whole bunch of cats and kittens and was overall super enjoyable and a quick read!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews