The Royal Matchmaking Competition

This book was a great change, when it comes to royal matchmaking competition books, it is usually a prince having to choose from numerous ladies. This gave a different view, and I liked the Qloey's character, her compassion really was big in the book. Her family, cold hearted, I could not stand her mother. I did chuckle a few times, especially when someone had an embarrassing incident on a date. It was not just romance, there is a mystery as well. A whodunit, someone is trying to get her killed. I will admit that the one who she married was my first choice but not her's. She had different pros and cons with each of them. I'm happy with how it ended and I'm for the second book.

Overall rating: 3.5/5
Story: 3/5
Character development: 4.5/5
Romance: 4/5
Worldbuilding: 3.5/5

Genre: YA fantasy romance

Qloey is a young princess embarking on a matchmaking competition to choose her future husband (think bachelorette meets fantasy royalty). She has lived a sheltered and naive life up until now and struggles under the oppressive leadership of her parents, mainly her mother. She doesn't believe in love going into this competition and initially judges the competitors in a more analytical sense as to who would make the best future leader and partner. This competition is a longstanding tradition and must include a commoner and a dwarf, both of whom have always been eliminated in the first round of this competition. Qloey soon realizes that she doesn't want to follow in her mother's footsteps. The story sees Qloey grow as a character from the shared experiences with the bachelors and from learning more about their culture and the world outside of the palace walls. She grows to form long-lasting bonds with some of these young men and learns what type of ruler she hopes to become one day.

I enjoyed this story and loved getting to know some of the bachelors more and seeing Qloey's character arc. There was a lot going on in the story early on and I was struggling to feel invested in any of the characters. There is a large cast of characters in the story and it does feel overwhelming at first, at least for me, but as the story unfolds you start to learn more about the competitors and begin rooting for a few. I enjoyed reading Qloey's responses to various situations and seeing how she handled herself. She went from a naive young girl to a strong female lead and future ruler.

Overall, this story is a 3.5/5 for me. While I did love the character growth and concept, I feel the story dragged a little at times and was difficult to connect with. It's a well written debut novel and I would recommend checking it out if the premise is something you're interested in. This story did remind me of 'The Selection' initially, but it soon became its own story that was well developed and original. I'm glad I decided to pick this one up and I'll be looking out for the sequel in the future. I have high hopes for the series as a whole!

I received a free advanced copy/galley in exchange for an honest review

The book cover and title instantly caught my attention as a book right up my alley. It was and if you love The Selection then you'll absoutely love this first book in this series. I couldn't put it down as I wanted more.

This book tells about the Royal Matchmaking Competiton where elves, dwarfs and humans fight to win the hand of Crown Princess Qloey through a series of challenges. Qloey is a bright, strong young woman who is to hte next empress of the emperor. I don't want to spoil the book but you will fall in love with Qloey just as a I did. I hated her mother, she's vile and to be honest a unfit empress who doesn't want her daughter to rule. Qloey has a heart of gold.

Like all good books they are people you'll absoutely loath and love. I don't want to spoil too much but Zoiy has been added to my favourite authors for sure.

I can't wait to read the second book in the fanastic series.

Roll on February 2023!

Excitedly awaiting the next book in this series. I felt it was so easy to follow along with and had me laughing greatly as I read. If you love a strong female character along with a fairytale this is a must read for you!!

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Zoiy G Galloay for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was super interesting, and so unique in my opinion. I was hooked from the beginning I just couldn’t put it down! I really love the world building and character development, as well as all of the angst drama and even mystery! I can’t wait to read more of this author‘s books.