Ever wondered what happens when a princess's clever plan to avoid marriage backfires spectacularly? In Dueling the Suitors, a fresh take on the classic King Thrushbeard fairy tale, Princess Astoria fights tooth and nail against her father's push for an arranged union. She's got the magic and the sass to duel any wizard who steps into the ring, earning her the title of the Unyielding Princess. But when a ragtag street performer shows up, things get intriguingly complicated.
Astoria's world is one of looming threats—an invasion from a rival power means her father needs alliances, and marriage is the quickest path. She's not thrilled about tying the knot, especially not to some stuffy mage. Her condition? Beat her in a magical duel first. Suitor after suitor falls to her spells and steel, making her a legend across the land. It's empowering stuff, watching this fierce heroine hold her own in a male-dominated magical arena.
Enter the mysterious performer, all charm and hidden depths. He doesn't look like much, but his magic packs a punch that surprises even Astoria. What starts as a duel becomes the gateway to a concealed identity reveal that shakes her to the core. Turns out, this guy's not just any challenger—he's tied to the very enemy at their gates. The enemies-to-lovers vibe builds slowly, with tension crackling through every encounter, all without veering into spicy territory.
This story shines with tropes done right: a morally gray hero who kneels for her, a protective brother watching her back, and even a telepathic animal sidekick adding witty commentary. Astoria's stabby, sassy personality makes her relatable—she's the kind of FMC you'd root for in any quest. The arranged marriage setup flips into something genuine, exploring themes of trust, deception, and unexpected love. No mild swearing or low intimacy means it's perfect for readers wanting romance with substance, not steam.
Picture curling up on a rainy afternoon, lost in a world where fairy tales get a modern, magical makeover. Whether you're a fan of clean fantasy romance or just need a break from predictable plots, this one's a gem. It's part of the Into the Enchanted series, so if you finish and crave more, there are ten other standalones waiting. Astoria's journey reminds us that sometimes, the strongest alliances form from the unlikeliest duels—proving love can conquer even the sneakiest disguises.
Grab your Kindle and step into Daliston's enchanted courts today. Who knows? You might just find your own hidden champion in these pages.
