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Romancing the Throne
Not yet published
Expected 27 Apr 27A teen book lover falls headfirst into her favorite romantasy novel in this laugh-out-loud young adult novel.
Cyd has always been obsessed with The Splintered Heart, the epic romantasy novel by mysterious author Mayalene Mayakovsky. She knows everything (and we mean EVERYTHING) about the kingdom of Argonia and its heroine, Princess Valentina. Until, during chance encounter with Mayalene, Cyd learns that the story is real. And then… well, then she accidentally falls into her favorite romantasy novel.
Cyd finds herself swept away in a world of dragons, love triangles, handsome rogues, and brooding princes. Nothing a devoted fangirl can’t handle! But the life of a romantasy heroine isn’t as glamorous as the books make it seem. There’s no indoor plumbing, for one. Not to mention that travelling for days on horseback is actually really painful. And when Cyd starts falling for the gorgeous, arrogant Prince Quillian (who is definitely, absolutely, 1000% betrothed to Princess Valentina), she’ll have to decide if she will risk it all to tell her own story, or just keep playing it by the book.
Cyd has always been obsessed with The Splintered Heart, the epic romantasy novel by mysterious author Mayalene Mayakovsky. She knows everything (and we mean EVERYTHING) about the kingdom of Argonia and its heroine, Princess Valentina. Until, during chance encounter with Mayalene, Cyd learns that the story is real. And then… well, then she accidentally falls into her favorite romantasy novel.
Cyd finds herself swept away in a world of dragons, love triangles, handsome rogues, and brooding princes. Nothing a devoted fangirl can’t handle! But the life of a romantasy heroine isn’t as glamorous as the books make it seem. There’s no indoor plumbing, for one. Not to mention that travelling for days on horseback is actually really painful. And when Cyd starts falling for the gorgeous, arrogant Prince Quillian (who is definitely, absolutely, 1000% betrothed to Princess Valentina), she’ll have to decide if she will risk it all to tell her own story, or just keep playing it by the book.
416 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 27, 2027
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July 18, 2025"A tongue-in-cheek YA meta-fantasy a la The Princess Bride or This Is Spinal Tap!, in which a teen mega-fan of romantasy fiction is pulled into the world of her favorite unfinished series, and uses her knowledge of the books and the genre tropes to help bring the story to a satisfying conclusion and to find herself true love."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Who hasn't dreamed of falling into the pages of their favorite romantasy book? Except “Romancing the Throne” by Caitlin Cooper is here to remind us that actually living inside a romantasy novel would probably be terrible. While this is a romantasy, it is YA and very clean, so this can be a great starting place for someone who wants to explore the romantasy genre and all of its cliches and tropes.
Cyd is basically the ultimate The Splintered Heart superfan. She knows everything about the book, from the characters and plot to the kingdom of Argonia and her favorite character, Princess Valentina. So when Cyd meets the mysterious author, Mayalene Mayakovsky, and discovers that Argonia is actually real, you can imagine how excited she is.
And then she accidentally falls into the book.
At first, Cyd is living the dream with dragons, magic, princes, and even a quest. But then reality starts setting in. There is no indoor plumbing. Horseback riding is apparently much less glamorous when your entire body hurts afterward. People can actually die. There are pirates, monsters, rogue armies, and assassins. Suddenly being a fantasy heroine isn't quite as appealing.
I really enjoyed how much the book plays with the difference between reading a romantasy and actually having to live through one. Cyd knows the story inside and out, so naturally she assumes that knowledge will make everything easy. Except once she's inside the story, she starts changing things, and now she's stuck trying to figure out whether she should follow the original plot or just accept that she's writing her own story.
And of course, there is a handsome, arrogant prince involved. Prince Quillian is betrothed to Princess Valentina, who goes missing, leaving Cyd with the quest of finding her and helping restore her to the throne. Which would be much easier if Cyd weren't developing feelings for Valentina's fiancé. Oops.
I thought the romance was cute overall. The relationship between Cyd and Quillian develops throughout the story rather than happening instantly, and their banter was one of the more entertaining parts for me. Quillian is definitely obnoxious, but unfortunately I understood why Cyd was attracted to him.
The fantasy adventure was also fast-paced and fun, and I liked all the little nods to other fantasy stories and genre tropes. The actual book chapters woven into the story were a particularly fun touch. There's something very entertaining about watching a character who thinks she knows exactly how a story is supposed to go realize that the author apparently forgot to give her the script.
That said, I did have some issues. Some of the dialogue and characterization felt a little too try-hard for me, and there were definitely moments that felt cringey. The language style was also inconsistent, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. And while the beginning was entertaining, the ending felt like it was moving at approximately 900 miles per hour. The final chapters pack in a lot, and I think some of those developments could have benefited from more breathing room.
Still, I think this is a really fun introduction to portal fantasy and romantasy for upper YA readers. If you're already familiar with the genre, you'll probably have fun recognizing the tropes and watching Cyd attempt to outsmart the story she thought she knew perfectly. And if you're new to romantasy, this could be a great gateway book.
Overall, this was a cute, funny, fast-paced adventure with a heroine who learns that knowing every detail of a book doesn't necessarily mean you're prepared to live in it.
Who hasn't dreamed of falling into the pages of their favorite romantasy book? Except “Romancing the Throne” by Caitlin Cooper is here to remind us that actually living inside a romantasy novel would probably be terrible. While this is a romantasy, it is YA and very clean, so this can be a great starting place for someone who wants to explore the romantasy genre and all of its cliches and tropes.
Cyd is basically the ultimate The Splintered Heart superfan. She knows everything about the book, from the characters and plot to the kingdom of Argonia and her favorite character, Princess Valentina. So when Cyd meets the mysterious author, Mayalene Mayakovsky, and discovers that Argonia is actually real, you can imagine how excited she is.
And then she accidentally falls into the book.
At first, Cyd is living the dream with dragons, magic, princes, and even a quest. But then reality starts setting in. There is no indoor plumbing. Horseback riding is apparently much less glamorous when your entire body hurts afterward. People can actually die. There are pirates, monsters, rogue armies, and assassins. Suddenly being a fantasy heroine isn't quite as appealing.
I really enjoyed how much the book plays with the difference between reading a romantasy and actually having to live through one. Cyd knows the story inside and out, so naturally she assumes that knowledge will make everything easy. Except once she's inside the story, she starts changing things, and now she's stuck trying to figure out whether she should follow the original plot or just accept that she's writing her own story.
And of course, there is a handsome, arrogant prince involved. Prince Quillian is betrothed to Princess Valentina, who goes missing, leaving Cyd with the quest of finding her and helping restore her to the throne. Which would be much easier if Cyd weren't developing feelings for Valentina's fiancé. Oops.
I thought the romance was cute overall. The relationship between Cyd and Quillian develops throughout the story rather than happening instantly, and their banter was one of the more entertaining parts for me. Quillian is definitely obnoxious, but unfortunately I understood why Cyd was attracted to him.
The fantasy adventure was also fast-paced and fun, and I liked all the little nods to other fantasy stories and genre tropes. The actual book chapters woven into the story were a particularly fun touch. There's something very entertaining about watching a character who thinks she knows exactly how a story is supposed to go realize that the author apparently forgot to give her the script.
That said, I did have some issues. Some of the dialogue and characterization felt a little too try-hard for me, and there were definitely moments that felt cringey. The language style was also inconsistent, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. And while the beginning was entertaining, the ending felt like it was moving at approximately 900 miles per hour. The final chapters pack in a lot, and I think some of those developments could have benefited from more breathing room.
Still, I think this is a really fun introduction to portal fantasy and romantasy for upper YA readers. If you're already familiar with the genre, you'll probably have fun recognizing the tropes and watching Cyd attempt to outsmart the story she thought she knew perfectly. And if you're new to romantasy, this could be a great gateway book.
Overall, this was a cute, funny, fast-paced adventure with a heroine who learns that knowing every detail of a book doesn't necessarily mean you're prepared to live in it.
September 18, 2026
4.5
Romancing the Throne
“There are more important things in life than a novel,” Mayalene said. “It’s fine to escape for a few hours, but when it starts to take over your life, that’s a problem.”
“Cydney Ann. Listen to me. It’s real. All of it. We are in Argonia. The story … isn’t … finished…”
Cyd is a superfam. She loves The Splintered Heart, an epic romantasy novel written by the mysterious Mayalene Mayakovsky. She knows every plot, character, and detail about the fictional kingdom of Argonia and its heroine her favorite character, Princess Valentina. To say she’s obsessed is an understatement.
After Cyd meets the author she is accidentally transported into the world of her favorite book finding out tht Argonia is real. Cyd quickly learns that being inside a fantasy novel is far less romantic than reading it. Dramatic sigh.
The realities of medieval-style travel like horseback riding- pain in the butt and back and legs and no indoor plumbing- along with real threats like rogue armies, pirates, and monsters. Things that seemed so exciting to her in the books she realized shes not equipped for such living.
But then Cyd is given her own quest! Yes a quest! After Princess Valentina goes missing, Cyd must use her extensive knowledge of genre tropes and the book’s storyline to locate the princess, protect her from assassins, and restore her to the throne! She could do this. She knew the book better than anyone. Be her heros hero!
Now of course this is a romance so Cyd finds herself falling for Prince Quillian—an arrogant, handsome royal who is strictly betrothed to Princess Valentina because who doesnt love an arrogant handsome prince? Now should cyd fall for him? No! Theres a storyline to follow so Cyd has to decide whether to stick to the script or forge her own story.
This was so cute! So fun! Every girls dream to jump into a novel and meet and flirt and banter with their book boyfriend.
Thank you netgalley for this arc!
Romancing the Throne
“There are more important things in life than a novel,” Mayalene said. “It’s fine to escape for a few hours, but when it starts to take over your life, that’s a problem.”
“Cydney Ann. Listen to me. It’s real. All of it. We are in Argonia. The story … isn’t … finished…”
Cyd is a superfam. She loves The Splintered Heart, an epic romantasy novel written by the mysterious Mayalene Mayakovsky. She knows every plot, character, and detail about the fictional kingdom of Argonia and its heroine her favorite character, Princess Valentina. To say she’s obsessed is an understatement.
After Cyd meets the author she is accidentally transported into the world of her favorite book finding out tht Argonia is real. Cyd quickly learns that being inside a fantasy novel is far less romantic than reading it. Dramatic sigh.
The realities of medieval-style travel like horseback riding- pain in the butt and back and legs and no indoor plumbing- along with real threats like rogue armies, pirates, and monsters. Things that seemed so exciting to her in the books she realized shes not equipped for such living.
But then Cyd is given her own quest! Yes a quest! After Princess Valentina goes missing, Cyd must use her extensive knowledge of genre tropes and the book’s storyline to locate the princess, protect her from assassins, and restore her to the throne! She could do this. She knew the book better than anyone. Be her heros hero!
Now of course this is a romance so Cyd finds herself falling for Prince Quillian—an arrogant, handsome royal who is strictly betrothed to Princess Valentina because who doesnt love an arrogant handsome prince? Now should cyd fall for him? No! Theres a storyline to follow so Cyd has to decide whether to stick to the script or forge her own story.
This was so cute! So fun! Every girls dream to jump into a novel and meet and flirt and banter with their book boyfriend.
Thank you netgalley for this arc!
September 30, 2026
Romancing the Throne is a fun romantic adventure fantasy book that will leave readers wanting the sequel. Have you ever wanted to fall through the pages of your favorite book and end up in that world? That is exactly what happens to the FMC, Cyd, in Romancing the Throne. Only when you are in the story, it doesn't always feel quite as romantic as it reads. No indoor plumbing, actual possibility of death, and more awaits Cyd as she tries to find the missing heir to the throne, Valentina, with Quillian, the heir's betrothed. And what happens when Cyd starts to develop feelings for Quillian?
I really enjoyed the story and the nods to other fantasy novels. The story was fast paced and the romance between Cyd and Quill was built through out the book. There is kissing, but nothing more; however, the story does contain some strong language at times, but not often. A recommended read for anyone who loves fantasy and romance and is up for a good laugh too. It would go well in a high school library.
I really enjoyed the story and the nods to other fantasy novels. The story was fast paced and the romance between Cyd and Quill was built through out the book. There is kissing, but nothing more; however, the story does contain some strong language at times, but not often. A recommended read for anyone who loves fantasy and romance and is up for a good laugh too. It would go well in a high school library.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to like this more than I do! It’s a good 3.75/5 for me, rounded down because a notable character death in the beginning that rarely gets touched upon and the speed of the last 6 chapters with an inconsistent language style throughout just really… suffered the enjoyment out of the novel for me.
It was like reading an elder millennial’s take on Gen Z; it’s rough and cringe-inducing. I appreciate how fun the plot is, and I ended up liking Maddock’s character the most. The inclusion of “actual” book chapters was fun and well done. If you can suspend some critical appreciation of the writing, it’s an easy and enjoyable read.
I just so wish it didn’t feel like trying to watch a cool mom make a love story happen. This would be so strong as a standalone with a better resolution.
All this to say, I would definitely recommend to an upper YA audience! It’s a great starter for the genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.
It was like reading an elder millennial’s take on Gen Z; it’s rough and cringe-inducing. I appreciate how fun the plot is, and I ended up liking Maddock’s character the most. The inclusion of “actual” book chapters was fun and well done. If you can suspend some critical appreciation of the writing, it’s an easy and enjoyable read.
I just so wish it didn’t feel like trying to watch a cool mom make a love story happen. This would be so strong as a standalone with a better resolution.
All this to say, I would definitely recommend to an upper YA audience! It’s a great starter for the genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.
Read
October 6, 2026Cyd loves The Splintered Heart book. She is a superfan who has spent a lot of time studying the lore. Like many fans, she has been anticipating the sequel. Then one day she meets the author at a convention and accidentally ends up in the world of her favorite book. Now she has to help Prince Quillian find Princess Valentina and set things right. Cyd has some theories about where the princess went and how to bring this story to a happy ending. But being a romantasy heroine isn't as glamourous as the books say and things get complicated when Cyd and Quillian start develop feelings. Can this story be saved?
I received a copy of this from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
FANTASTIC!
I’ve been in a loooooooong book slump and I’ve been dragging my reading out with each book… UNTIL THIS ONE!!
Truthfully, this was my first ARC I’ve been able to actually finish, not because others weren’t good, but because this one had a good hook from the very beginning. The main character has just enough bad luck, but with a hopeful personality that any reader can relate to.
And then her life changes in an instant. She has adventures, with plenty of failures, and ends up helping in a major way.
Now I’ve got to figure out what to do until “Book Two” is released 😭.
I’ve been in a loooooooong book slump and I’ve been dragging my reading out with each book… UNTIL THIS ONE!!
Truthfully, this was my first ARC I’ve been able to actually finish, not because others weren’t good, but because this one had a good hook from the very beginning. The main character has just enough bad luck, but with a hopeful personality that any reader can relate to.
And then her life changes in an instant. She has adventures, with plenty of failures, and ends up helping in a major way.
Now I’ve got to figure out what to do until “Book Two” is released 😭.
October 4, 2026
I really enjoy a story in a story. This is exactly what you get, but in a unique way. The Main character falls into their favorite book and becomes a character in that story. I’ve seen this kind of layout once personally myself and I loved it. This is no exception!
It fits perfectly in YA. Kissing: yes a little; no other spice mentioned.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a cute little adventure, but for sure recommend to fantasy lovers at the high school level or even some middle schoolers.
That you NetGalley for allowing me to read this early in exchange for my honest review.
It fits perfectly in YA. Kissing: yes a little; no other spice mentioned.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a cute little adventure, but for sure recommend to fantasy lovers at the high school level or even some middle schoolers.
That you NetGalley for allowing me to read this early in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a great YA novel with an adorable premise. I think it will appeal to sophomores and juniors who are romantics at heart and love an adventure. It was sweet and laugh-out-loud funny. I can't wait to recommend this to my students.
Want to Read
September 9, 2026please please pleaseeeeee
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews