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Kingdoms of Lore #4

Enchanting the Dryad Prince

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A woman with a magical secret. A dryad elf fighting the beast inside him. A forbidden love that will lead to bloodshed.

Isa longs to escape her abusive employers and see the world, but on a ship, it feels impossible. But when a storm wrecks the ship and throws her onto a legendary island of dryad elves, for the first time, she is more than arm’s length from her oppressors. Hope for a better future sparks to life, but everything is not as it seems…

Viridi was raised to be a protective beast for his people—the Thorned One. But something is wrong with him. Very wrong. His father, the king, doesn’t believe him and refuses to use caution in his efforts to push Viridi to shift into this new form.

When Isa and Viridi meet on the storm-lashed beach, a powerful fated bond irrevocably links their hearts. The king will sooner kill Isa than allow them to be together. With Viridi losing more of himself by the day and Isa’s enemies rising once more, their situation grows deadly serious.

Will their connection survive the coming storm? What must they sacrifice for their love?

Enchanting the Dryad Prince is a fantasy romance novel in the Kingdoms of Lore series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2022

122 people are currently reading
679 people want to read

About the author

Alisha Klapheke

51 books774 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Alisha Klapheke strives to write fantasy romance inspired by history and informed by her travel worldwide.

*Get a Deluxe Collector's Edition of Dragons Rising with faux leather, sprayed edges, and gold foil today https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

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5 stars
106 (36%)
4 stars
64 (21%)
3 stars
89 (30%)
2 stars
27 (9%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Aizlynne.
792 reviews7 followers
October 7, 2022
This is such a great series of stand alone stories. They are all fantastic in their own right, but I highly recommend reading them all in order. The inside jokes and character cameos add so much and are fabulously entertaining.

I love Isa and Viridi. Their fated connection is very sweet. I love it when an author can take a relationship that is basically an insta love situation and make it feel natural and unforced. Werian and Rhianne from Enchanting the Fae Prince are the perfect comedic addition to the story.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,352 reviews132 followers
October 10, 2022
Alisha Klapheke's Kingdom of Lore series is filled with adventure, dangerous journeys, daring love, and a great group of friends. The adventure continues in Enchanting the Dryad Prince and once again Alisha has told a fantastic tale.


This book focuses on Isa a young woman who is indentured on a ship and Viridi a dryad prince who's turning into a monster. Isa is a tough cookie. She's sassy and brave, loyal and caring, inquisitive and adventurous, grateful and respectful, and so many other things. I liked her even if she's a bit reactive but after suffering through the abuse that she has while also trying to protect a younger brother from the same cruel hands, anyone would be.


As for Viridi, he's a good soul who cares for his people, however, he is turning into a monster. He is his people's protector, the Thorner-One. He does his best to protect his people from everything including himself but he's struggling. When Isa enters his life he is patient, understanding, and open to new ideas. He sees her and she sees him, they connect easily, and when there's trouble they partner even easier. They are good together, it's not just attraction, there is an inherent trust between them.


Monster romance is very popular (yes, I'm a fan) and Alisha had joined the ranks of monster romance but in a way that absolutely Alisha and fits in with the rest of the series. Readers get to visit another part of this world with different people and cultures. I loved the descriptions in this book. A magical forest, the dryad's rituals and histories, the description of their homes, and how they live were wistful. It was truly magical and in great detail.


The story was filled with magic, the dryad magic is elemental and they do unique things with their powers. The plants were more front and center in this book than anything else. Of course, there was plenty of excitement with bad guys and fighting. One of my favorite parts was a couple of familiar faces had prominent roles in this book and the group got just a little bit bigger. Of course, the story ended with a HEA, I'm just wondering if Isa and Viridi are gonna meet the rest of the gang on another adventure.


Enchanting the Dryad Prince was another great read and a perfect addition to the Kingdom of Lore series. Alisha continues to take readers to fantastical parts of this world adding a few great characters along the way. I love this series so much I wouldn't mind if Alisha stayed in this world awhile.
Profile Image for Beba Andric.
1,580 reviews110 followers
October 6, 2022
Decadently delightful! A beautifully crafted romance with a difference.... As with all Alisha's books, the characters become alive, jumping off the pages as dear friends. Set in the same world of Lore, 2 very misunderstood and ill-treated individuals fight to overcome those who would use them for their own gain. What is fated, is fated, and one cannot escape ones destiny. Prophecy has a way of making itself known, sometimes in the most unlikely manner.

Isa, who lost everything, is pretty much enslaved on a ship by the most unscrupulous people. Her love for a young boy, Nico, has her scheming a way out of this hell for the both of them, but fate has a different path set out for them, one she could never imagine just how their lives were about to change, how she would change. And when she did, it was spectacular!

Viridi is blessed or cursed with becoming a special shifter, one who would protect his people but there's something twisted with the entity inside him, feeling more malevolent than benevolent he desperately avoids shifting fully and allowing the beast to take over, much to the chagrin his power hungry father. Thank goodness for his 2 very loyal friends!

I loved this tale! I loved how both Isa and Viridi meet, their draw to one another and the battle to keep the monster at bay. It's always a thrill to see familiar characters and Rhianne and Werian are 2 of my favourite. I really love this rich, different world, where all sorts of new characters appear. It's a brilliant fast paced book, steadily gaining momentum and energy, whilst dragging you into the emotions, the unusual and the unexpected. A terrific fated mates book, in a wonderful world. So enjoyable
Profile Image for Lana.
2,780 reviews59 followers
September 21, 2022
Isa and Nico are two indentured servants traveling on the boat of the Brune’s and their nasty maid Ursane who very often manhandled the both of them. Isa had taken Nico under her wing and worried dearly for him as he was small and undernourished and could not take more of their rough handling. However she could not see a way to save their lives and escape, little thinking how soon their lives were to change. Viridi was a dryad prince who was known as the Thorned One and destined supposedly to protect his people on their isolated magical island, however he had not yet come into his full power. Isa and Nico get thrown off the boat in a storm and are swept onto the sand of the dryad island and as soon as Isa sets eyes on Viridi she feels she knows him completely. From starving servants they are suddenly treated like royalty on this legendary island of magic but the jeweltrees had other plans for Viridi. He feared that he would turn into a monster who would destroy all those around him once the jeweltrees took over his mind, but in this fated mates’ tale Isa’s strength and fate in Viridi will save the day. I am a sucker for fated mates’ stories and this is one of the most I have enjoyed reading by far. I also love that Ms. Klapheke gives us glimpses of characters from previous books in her tales, in this case we once again meet up with Prince Werian of the Agate court and his human witch wife Rhianne from the Kingdom of Lore whose kindness and love for adventure save the day!
Profile Image for Karen Tankersley.
175 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2022
Dragons, shipwrecks, pirates, prophecies, and romance, oh my!

This is a relatively clean romance (there are some fade to black scenes), so it’s pretty heavy on the actual plot and builds emotion from character development, which I love. It’s fairly short, but a lot of fun.

The heroine of the story is Isa, an indentured servant on board a ship. She has taken another servant, Nico, under her wing, and loves him like a little brother. When Nico and Isa are thrown overboard during a storm, they find themselves stranded on the hidden island of the Dryad Elves.

Enter the love interest, Viridi. He is the prince of the Dryad elves, and was also born cursed to become the legendary Thorned One—a vicious and powerful monster who is supposed to protect the island, but Viridi senses that the powers are evil and worries that he will lose control.

I liked that even though it was a fated mates insta-love kind of setup, it still felt natural. I also liked the friendships between side characters. Two of the side characters apparently were the main characters of another novel in the series, and I think I should go read that one now because they were great side characters. The villains were obvious early on, but it was still fun to read.

Tears glittered in her eyes. “Fated mates is such a wild adventure. And in the middle of all this… this horror? It’s madness.”

“It’s fate, Lady of the Sun. Love is a magic that none dare try to understand.”

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

55 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2022
This was a very quick standalone read. It felt more like a novella than a full-blown novel, especially when compared to the other books in the series, but it was fun nonetheless. I appreciated Isa's sibling relationship with her adopted little brother and how she was able to confront her oppressors and regain her dignity.
Her transformation did seem a bit abrupt, even when considering the hints earlier in the story, possibly because it's never really explained how she became a shifter in the first place. That being said, I think it did highlight how she was breaking free of her old life and finding her own happiness, which was a nice touch. I'm not typically a fan of fated-mates narratives because it seems too easy for the characters and I prefer a solid friendship between them that eventually develops further, but I was alright with this one. There wasn't really enough room to fully develop that relationship, and I think the story would have benefitted from some more time between the two of them, but I recognize that one story can't contain everything. This one does well for all that's going on in it.
Profile Image for Andra.
1,046 reviews16 followers
October 1, 2022
Book 4 in the Kingdoms of Lore series

I love the KOL world! Dryads and Dragon Shifters make for fantastical characters. Being cursed, yet blessed at the same time creates a backdrop for this adventure to break a curse and maybe find love along the way. This is my first dryad book, but it's so well-written with strong characters and intricately detailed world building.

Indentured servants. Looking for freedom and adventure. Lady of the Sun.
Monstrous protector of dryad elves. "Thorned One" power. Lord of the Stars.
Connected by fire prophecy. "Watch for the fire, oh Thorned One."
Hope for love. Recognition in mind, soul, spirit. Safety. True bonds.

"Love is never easy."
"Now is all anyone has."
"I choose you."
"Dream impossible things. Don't hinder your heart."
"Your fire inspires me."
Profile Image for Deb Barringer.
590 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2022
Enchanting the Dryad Prince, a standalone fantasy romance set within Alisha Klepheke's Kingdoms of Lore collection, is a fantastic story of fated mates and forbidden love! The storyline is fast-paced and well written, filled with adventure, danger, intrigue, mystery, subterfuge, politics and romance. Viridi just wants Isa and to save his people, but he is working against both a curse and his unrelenting father. Isa too has dreams of freedom and love, but her oppressors have other plans for her. The characters are well developed and engaging. I enjoyed the dual POV, it gave the story the depth it needed. Overall, an excellent addition to the Kingdoms of Lore series or a great standalone fantasy romance novel! I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
13 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2022
What a great addition to the Kingdom of Lore series!
Isa and Nico's relationship melted my heart. The way she protected him, and the family they found in each other through the hardships they had, was beautiful.
The connection that Isa and Viridi had was forged quickly, but I appreciate that it was strengthened through the inner struggles they had--which made them more accepting and loving towards one another. They each saw through the other's inner "monster" and embraced their strengths.
I also loved that we were able to see some of Werian and Rhianne in this story. They definitely added some lightness to this story that would have been much darker otherwise.
I really enjoyed this book and being back in the land of Lore!
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,918 reviews116 followers
October 11, 2022
I love the kingdom of lore books and jump for joy every time one comes out cause I cannot wait to dive in and they never disappoint! This latest one is incredible and every bit as captivating as the rest. It’s a dark forbidden romance that’s exciting and gripping and the world building is amazing and beautiful and so descriptive that you feel as though you are there right alongside these incredible characters. Fast paced and full of emotions as Isa and Viridi meet and help each other with their inner struggles and discover they are fated mates on this cursed island they both find themselves on. Intense, sizzling, gripping, there’s so much to discover in this story new friends to make and it was great to see some old ones! Loved it!
Profile Image for Elise  Hoffman.
Author 4 books11 followers
October 13, 2022
Pirates, Elves, Dragons

Really what more could you ask for? I was immediately sold by the pirate angle, because I love me some maritime shenanigans, and a shipwreck! Be still my soul! There’s a shipwreck. How is that not the perfect start to a romance? Enter tall dark and thorny with a mysterious curse hanging over him. Add in fated mates, and a villainous couple you can’t help but want to see come to a terrible end, and it’s all magic and fun and a side of mayhem. If you’ve read the prior book in this series you’ll be delighted by the appearance of characters from that story, too. It’s a lovely little cameo. My only issue is… I wanted more. This was a good story, but it felt much to short to me, a little rushed maybe. Nonetheless, well worth the read.
Profile Image for Conveniently Tongueless.
336 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2022
sweet

More… is what I was thinking when this book finished. I wished there was more character development, more interaction between Viridi and Isa, more steam, and more pages. All in all, the the tale of the dryad king and his mate is sweet. Unfortunately, it reads more like a novella than a full length novel. So when I think on it further, maybe less could have been more. If there was less exposition at the start and no secondary characters from previous books, Klapheke would have had more room for the love story. Who knows?

If you’re into sweet, clean, short fantasy romance, you’ll enjoy this series. It’s not exactly my speed, but I enjoyed it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in conjunction with Book of Matches Media.
Profile Image for Novels and Brew.
50 reviews
July 25, 2023
I liked this book, However It was probably my least favorite out of the Kingdoms of Lore series. The Insta love was a little too instant for me. The book is super short and its a fast read. I enjoyed reading about the Dryad elves! It added to the worldbuilding, and they were just super cool. I liked Isa a lot. and Viridi was alright, I just didn't feel very connected to him. Nico was also an adorable character. My favorite part was probably getting to see Werian and Rhianne again, they were really funny in this book as well. Like I said, this book was a lot faster and shorter than I thought so I don't have just a lot to say about it. It was good, but I probably wont ever reread it. The romance is a fated mates/insta love type trope. If you like that then you will probably love this book!
765 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2022
The Kingdoms of Lore is another series I love and have been following since book one.
As with each book in the Kingdoms of Lore this can be read as a standalone but they do all connect because they are in the same world but you do see previous couples again. In this case Werian and Rhianne from book 2. (In case you were following along too)
This one was action packed, a little darker than the others but just as engaging and captivating.
A m/f romantic fantasy with fated mates, shifters, dryads, dragons, magic, and my favorite camaraderie between men and crew. This does have kissing and a fade to black like ending.
Profile Image for Emily.
382 reviews16 followers
October 7, 2022
I was so curious how she was going to write a male love interest who either shifts into a tree or has tree-like physical attributes while still making him schmexy...and she definitely delivered!

Both Viridi and Isa have things about them that surprise themselves, but don't come out of left field. But, when they meet, they both feel their bond and I absolutely loved how familiar they were with each other while getting to know one another.

I don't want to give any sort of spoilers, so I'll just note that my favorite line has to do with embracing the monster within🖤
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,589 reviews66 followers
October 10, 2022
One of my favorite authors, Alisha Klapheke, is back with a new stand-alone novel - Enchanting the Dryad Prince - that’s a total delight. Well, a delight if you like strong female leads, powerful fated bonds, fun banter, action, romance, dark elven and fae princes, and, yes, the “Beauty and the Beast” vibe promised in its publisher’s blurb. I’m soo there and, if you’re into any of that you’re pretty much guaranteed to be as well. Isa’s and Viridi’s story is a totally enjoyable epic fun fantasy that’s easy to highly recommend.
61 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2022
I've just finished an ARC for this Standalone short story which is part of Alisha Klapheke 's Kingdom of Lore series and it's just as brilliant as her longer stories. My review is given freely and willingly.

The characters instantly grab you. They are fully fleshed and very endearing. Isa and Viridin are now 2 of my favourite Characters of Alisha's.
The world is easy to picture even if you've not read any of the other stories.
And the story takes you along with it in an effortless read. A thrilling adventure which begins on the sea and moves on to a Mysterious Island of Myths.
604 reviews14 followers
November 25, 2022
Enchanting The Dryad Princess a fast fun story. It’s a fated mates story complicated by one being the legendary elf Prince protector of his people and the other a human hiding a terrible secret. I liked the main characters and the pirate/shipwreck at the beginning. I also often enjoy books with a child character and Isa and Nico's sibling relationship was sweet. The dryad culture was very interesting. I would have liked seeing more of it. And Werian is one of my favorite characters from the earlier books, so it was great to see him again.
Profile Image for Gayreth Walden.
439 reviews10 followers
October 10, 2022
"I'm getting that Beauty and the Beast vibe"! I don't read a lot of romantic fantasy, but I have to tell you I was captivated from beginning to end with this amazing story! The author has given us a seamless moving story of fated love, adventure, danger and mystery in this excellently written story that I actually felt like I was there with Isa and Viridi! I also appreciated that this book can be read as a stand alone novel. This is truly a wonderful book!
4,489 reviews21 followers
October 9, 2022
This is the story of how Isa and Viridi meet and the craziness that happens next. It was fun to read with action, danger, a bit of intrigue (think Viridi's dad) and two people who end up being perfect for each other in the end. A few secrets abound and I had to see how it would all play out once these two meet. Lots of fun to read. Love this world.
Profile Image for Anna.
51 reviews32 followers
October 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It was super fast-paced (which I love) and the characters were a joy to read about. There are not very many books that capture my attention from the first sentence/paragraph like this one did! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, adventurous, and fast-paced read to dive into.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,198 reviews
November 15, 2022
Instalove, a shitty father, random kid thrown in there, what was happening here?? The way this was written it was hard to follow what was actually going on. Like, his father dies, in a battle I think, but it was quite sudden and not described much, I had to go back and reread several parts like that because it just isn’t clear wtf just happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
595 reviews4 followers
August 22, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! The characters are so unique and lovable. The story was so intriguing, and I could hardly put it down! I've never read another book about a dryad, but having a dryad prince in this book was so amazing. It was such an interesting concept, and the story was brilliantly written. I'll definitely be reading this again in the future!
45 reviews
January 20, 2024
Fate

I sure enjoyed all these books inthis series of fated mates. Well done. Lots of adventures and twists. Really enjoyed the use of the characters from the other books in the series. No regrets purchasing this book. Thanks for the adventures that filled my days and nights during our snow days!
Profile Image for Sarah J Stebbins.
340 reviews
July 18, 2025
4.5 (really great)

This was a little different from the others as only the side characters were known from the previous books and the fated mate connection was unique, stronger. This was the shortest book, but still packed in enough depth for the new island, its people, and the main characters for me to fully enjoy it. Great vibes for a great series and this was no exception.
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,115 reviews92 followers
October 11, 2022
Enchanting the Dryad Prince

Fated mates, magic, elves, and dragons what’s not to love? I enjoyed the magical story! It was a great addition to the series and can be read as a stand-alone as well.
Profile Image for Amber.
74 reviews
October 17, 2022
too predictable

I was interested at first, and the pacing was good, but as things moved forward there were too many things waved off as fate. You knew exactly what was going to happen, so reading the story felt like more of a chore than something enjoyable.
9 reviews
April 7, 2023
Honestly I thought this would be fun quick read. The idea sounded great and the first few chapters were pretty good! But after the two MCs met it kind of fell apart. There was no tension, and everything seemed to come too easily. It felt very rushed and honestly very bland. DNF 40%
10 reviews
October 8, 2024
Imaginative

Characters who cared about as they struggled to find themselves and believe in themselves. Only as their world was crumbling around them, they found the strength to embrace their true selves and find happiness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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