**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-book in exchange for an honest review from the author.**
Title The Promised Prince
Author Kortney Keisel
Release Date January 12, 2021
Date Finished January 11, 2021
Availability Free with Kindle Unlimited
Description
He’s promised to another. She’s promised to forget him.
Eighteen-year-old Renna Degray is hopeful about love and her future after a chance encounter with a handsome stranger. Until she discovers who the mysterious man is—the Prince of Albion, betrothed to Renna’s stepsister. Now Renna must try to keep her feelings for the prince in check. But he’s not making it easy. The prince is charming, funny, and impossible not to fall for.
Trev has no room for mistakes. He must marry the princess of New Hope and secure the marriage alliance along with his future as king. The safety of his kingdom depends on it. Duty and honor never bothered Trev before, but love has a way of changing everything.
In this post-Desolation world, the Council of Essentials controls everything, including the prince. Is love more than a negotiation?
Is love essential?
Initial Thoughts
I saw Kortney was looking for reviewers on a Facebook group I belong to. The cover was so eye catching and stunning, honestly, I didn’t even care what it was about because I knew I had to read it. Luckily, the synopsis also sounded fantastic!
Some Things I Liked
- Lite dystopian. I loved the idea of a “Post-Desolation” world. The society and world building were definitely dystopian but it wasn’t bogged down with sci-fi elements or anything too extreme. This is a love story that happens to take place in a dystopian society.
- Cinderella vibes. I loved that this story paralleled Cinderella between the step-sister element to Renna’s insecurities about not being good enough to be with a prince.
- Wit and banter. I loved the banter between Renna and Trev. One thing I love about Kortney’s writing is her ability to make me laugh out loud with the things her characters say. Her characters are unapologetically witty and I just love that.
- Subtle references to pop culture. I loved the Diet Coke and Blake Lively references. I thought they were fun ways to remind the reader that this is a different world, but it’s also an extension of our world.
Series Value
I have already read the prequel story, The Rejected King, and really enjoyed it. I’d love to see more stories set in this Post-Desolation world and more about the various rulers. We didn’t really meet or hear about any other characters in this story that I’d specifically be curious about, but, I think there is tremendous series value in the setting.
Final Thoughts
I loved this book. It was the perfect love story to snuggle up on the couch with. I felt so many different emotions and, most importantly, I found myself rooting for the characters. I love a love story that makes me want to cheer for the main couple.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- The Rejected King by Kortney Keisel – if you liked the writing style and setting in The Promised Prince, definitely try the prequel story that is free if you sign up for Kortney’s newletter.
- The Selection by Kiera Cass – if you liked the Cinderella, dystopian vibes here, try this classic series by Kiera Cass.
Books Over Everything 