The Entangled Princess: A Bitter Kingdoms Romance

Bitter Kingdoms #1

by Shantal Sessions

A princess in disguise. A dangerous warrior. A hundred-year war.
They never know that their greatest love and greatest threat are one and the same.

Amid the ruins of endless war, Princess Marguerite of Asterias, Meg to those who love her, is determined to find a way to help her people. Unknown to her weary father and domineering brother, she secretly steals away from the castle to feed and clothe the hungry in her kingdom. She hopes desperately to find someone, some way to save her country.

And then she meets a stranger.

Dark, dangerously handsome, a soldier in her father’s army, or at least that’s what he says. When she sees his extraordinary fighting skills, Meg can’t help but wonder. He’s far more than a mere foot soldier. Despite the mystery that enshrouds him and the ever-increasing danger of her kingdom falling into chaos as the enemy army prepares to attack, Meg cannot resist him.

Will undeniable attraction, secret rendezvous, and forbidden love stand in the way of their happily-ever-after?

If you like sweet historical novels with spunky heroines, dreamy warriors, and sweeping, majestic scenery, then you will adore Shantal’s evocative enemies-to-lovers romance.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Historical Romance, Politics

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2018

About the author

Shantal is a multi-genre romance author who engages in her two great passions: reading and writing closed-door, heart-soaring romance. Originally drawn to writing young adult royal romance, she has also published contemporary and western romance, all sweet and clean. She earned a Masters in British and American literature with an emphasis in research and writing. Mostly, she happily imagines worlds of her own.

Shantal loves to travel, the great outdoors, and exploring new locations for her next book. Her biggest accomplishment as a writer just might be when her characters have break-through moments in some of the most beautiful places in the world. An avid gardener and skier, she has the most fun playing with her three darling granddaughters.

***Note***Goodreads has not updated the new covers on my contemporary romances. Visit Amazon to see the fresh new look!

Discover more at Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shantal-Se... and her website, https://www.shantalsessions.com.

Reviews

[Shantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really special to me. My husband and I make up stories while we hike. We created this one while we were courting. What began as a fairytale in my mind while I breathed in fresh air, blue skies, picturesque forests, and beautiful meadows turned into a tale of star-crossed lovers on opposing sides of a great war. The story has undergone many changes over the years as I struggled to figure out where this wonderful romance fit into the book world. It's first and foremost a romance, a sweet romance, but it's set in a dark time. Tough things happen in this medieval world, even as a miracle abounds. As a writer, I love dealing in those contrasts. A friend of mine recently suggested that perhaps it's light fantasy/sweet romance. Perhaps. I still stand by the tag line: "Romance at the heart of it. Historical battle surrounding it. Lovers fighting to survive it."

[Jennifer Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meg is a spunky heroine, and Nicholas is dreamy. The romance is lovely, and at moments tense. Beautiful story, and writing.

[MoonGarden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new take on a familiar trope

I did like this, write a lot. There are so many loose ends and unanswered questions that there will have to be at least one more book, but it will probably be 2.

I wish the next book was already ready to read.

[Lisa Swinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by Ms. Sessions.

Overall I enjoyed the characters, setting, and worldl building. Clearly a lot of effort and time were put into the creation of the story. For this Ms. Sessions should be commended, and the reader is rewarded with being plopped in a romanticized medieval novel.

My only difficulty was the pacing. It moved a little slow for me once I'd identified the principal players, the conflict, and how the issues would need to be resolved. That is purely personal preference and shouldn't slow you down from adding this book to your device for a good read.

There's a serious loose thread I'd like to see wrapped up in the next book, but I think that was purposeful on the author's part. I won't explalin so as not to spoil the story.

[Clara Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by Maestro Laycon, and wow he wasn’t wrong.

Shantal’s The Entangled Princess is an absolute masterpiece in romantic storytelling. It blends political intrigue, noble sacrifice, and swoon-worthy romance in a way that feels both classic and fresh. The enemies-to-lovers tension is perfectly paced and richly satisfying.

Meg is a heroine you root for instantly intelligent, bold, and emotionally grounded. Her love story with the enigmatic warrior unfolds with depth and intensity. I especially loved the majestic scenery and vivid worldbuilding that transported me completely.

If you’re a fan of slow-burn historical romance with powerful stakes and real emotion, you won’t be able to stop turning the pages.

[Michelle N · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing debut novel! Right away you are entranced by this beautiful cover, and once you read it, you realize that it captures Meg completely. Bitter Kingdoms is full of adventure, love and betrayal. When two kingdoms are at war and no one is who they seem, you don't know who you can really trust. There are secrets, lies, drama in the castle and of course, great battles. It reminded me of a calm Game of Thrones. I loved how all of the characters, good and bad, came together to create a wonderful book that I didn't want to put down!

[Anjola Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard about The Entangled Princess through Maestro Laycon, and I’m so glad I picked it up! This story is a breath of fresh air in clean medieval romance. Princess Marguerite’s courage, especially her willingness to risk everything for her people, is deeply inspiring. The chemistry between her and the mysterious warrior is electric but tasteful, keeping it romantic without losing the historical tone. Shantal Sessions did a brilliant job balancing emotion, intrigue, and adventure. Highly recommended to fans of heartfelt fantasy!

[Ethan Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came across The Entangled Princess when Maestro Laycon mentioned it, and I instantly got curious. I’m so glad I picked it up! The blend of clean romance, medieval intrigue, and heartfelt emotion is just perfect. Princess Meg is a character I immediately admired her courage, compassion, and inner strength shine through every page. The chemistry between her and the mysterious warrior kept me turning the pages late into the night. This isn’t just a love story; it’s a tale of sacrifice, resilience, and hope. Absolutely captivating.

[Olivia Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book club recommended The Entangled Princess for our monthly read, and I couldn’t be more grateful. From the very first chapter, I was swept into a world of castles, kingdoms, and forbidden love. Meg’s courage to step beyond her royal duties to serve her people touched my heart deeply. The mystery surrounding the warrior kept me hooked, and the unfolding romance was tender yet thrilling. It’s a clean read that still manages to stir powerful emotions something I know my entire group appreciated.

[Malik Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about The Entangled Princess from my Book Club Group, and the moment I read the synopsis, I was hooked. A princess sneaking out to help her people, a mysterious warrior, and a backdrop of war this promises the perfect mix of danger, romance, and intrigue. Shantal Sessions’ premise feels fresh yet timeless, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in Meg’s world and uncover all the secrets this story holds.

[Emily Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard about The Entangled Princess from Maestro Laycon, and I’m glad I paid attention. This medieval romance has all the elements of a captivating story court intrigue, forbidden love, and the strength of a heroine who refuses to stay confined. Princess Meg is written with depth and courage, and her connection with the mysterious soldier kept me turning pages. Shantal Sessions truly knows how to blend suspense with heart. Highly recommended for lovers of clean romance.

[Jackson Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard about Personal Finance Essentials in our Book Club Group, and I’m so glad I did.
Oliver J. Sage breaks down complex money habits into clear, doable steps budgeting, saving, managing debt, even fraud protection all explained in plain English.
It’s rare to find a finance book that feels this practical and encouraging at the same time.
I’m halfway through and already rethinking how I spend every dollar.
Can’t wait to read the whole book!

[Emily Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this gem through my book club group, and it immediately captured my heart. The story reminded me why I love clean historical romance it’s romantic without losing its sense of adventure. Meg’s determination to serve her people, despite the risks, made her such a relatable heroine. The world-building was lush, and the love story was touching in all the right ways. It’s definitely a book I’ll recommend to other readers looking for both heart and history.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this clean but passionate medieval romance! I especially loved the character of Meg and appreciated the other well-developed characters as well. The story was engaging and kept me reading way past my bedtime - always a sign of a great book, in my opinion! I'm excited that this is the first in a series and I'll definitely look forward to reading the next when it's published!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 I have this book under the title Bitter Kingdoms. It is full of twists and turns, star-crossed love, murders, people who are not who they seem, war, betrayal sand loyalty. I had trouble putting it down to sleep. The characters are well drawn and the plot holds you. I do wonder what happened to John paul and if there will be a book that tells us. I hope sp.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

A great start. Occasionally wordy and somewhat sappy towards the end. Mostly clean (an unnecessary mention of touching her breast). No foul language. A corrupt prince and an evil enemy make it difficult to decide who are the good guys. When is it right to rebel? It held my interest enough to finish it.

[Donna J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great One Book Story/Medieval Romance

Loved this book! Story was enchanting, heroes, treachery, love, villains. A vague take on Romeo and Juliet without the tragic ending. I wasn't sure at 73% in that author would tie it up so nicely, but she did. NOTE TO AUTHOR: There were several errors, missing words, repeat letters/words, otherwise it would be 5⭐

[Ethan Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this book through our club, and I must say it exceeded expectations. The war-torn setting contrasted beautifully with the tenderness of the love story. The balance between duty, sacrifice, and personal desire is portrayed in such a heartfelt way. This is not just a romance it’s a story of courage and resilience.

[Mason Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fellow member of our book club recommended this, and I couldn’t put it down once I started. The writing is smooth and immersive, making it easy to feel part of Asterias. I admired Meg’s bravery and her willingness to risk everything for her people. The romance is clean, but it still stirs the heart. Truly enchanting!

[Olivia Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our club agreed that what makes this story stand out is its perfect balance of medieval tension and tender love. Princess Meg’s secret escapes from the castle to serve her people were some of my favorite moments it gave her such authenticity. This book reminded me why I love historical romance in the first place.

[Noah Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about The Entangled Princess during one of our book club discussions, and I’m glad I followed up. What stood out most for me was the way the author painted both the harshness of war and the beauty of love amidst it. It’s the kind of book that leaves you thinking about the characters long after you’ve finished reading.

[Sophia Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our group loved diving into this story, especially since it sparked great debates about duty versus desire. Meg’s journey is powerful and relatable, even though it’s set in a medieval kingdom. That’s the mark of good storytelling when the themes are timeless. Definitely one of the best clean romances I’ve read this year.

[Marjorie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read.

Shantel Sessions did a great job of pulling me into her medieval world. Meg and Nicholas meet under extenuating circumstances. If you like medieval warfare with intrigue, you'll enjoy this book.

[Lori Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so refreshing reading a well written book with a great story line, that didn't have cuss words and sex on every page. The cover is beautiful too! I loved this book and will gladly look forward to more in this series.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this. That they were both escaping their duties when they were together made the plot somewhat predictable, but I still enjoyed the way it all fell apart and then came together.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic story! I loved the characters and the romance was exciting and swoony. I am looking forward to the next book in the series! I highly recommend this book!!!

[Malik Ronan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shantal Sessions, your book made our book club buzz with excitement. The Entangled Princess gave us so much to talk about from forbidden love to personal sacrifice. You’ve created something powerful.

[Tony Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maestro Laycon introduced me to your work, Shantal, and now I can say I’ve found a new favorite author. You told this story with such grace and authenticity it was unforgettable.

[P.D.]

dnf

[The Library of Claire Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patiently waiting for this to blow up 🙂