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netslummer's review against another edition
3.0
This was very cute. I enjoyed the lore that the author created in creating an entire Disney-esque theme park based on some cartoon movies.
Nate was an excellent MC. I loved the guy.
Dashiel is kind of a dick whose only other real personality trait is "handsome".
I hated Dash for like 75% of the book and really wanted Nate to get with Cody the security guy.
I'm eager to read the second book because Cody is an MC.
Nate was an excellent MC. I loved the guy.
Dashiel is kind of a dick whose only other real personality trait is "handsome".
I hated Dash for like 75% of the book and really wanted Nate to get with Cody the security guy.
I'm eager to read the second book because Cody is an MC.
redsilva95's review against another edition
3.0
This was a cute and quick read. I wished we got a bit more character development on Nate, but I still enjoyed this romance.
readerpants's review against another edition
4.0
Bingo square: royalty. (I think!)
This was exactly as ridiculous and fun as it sounds. It gets rounded up to four stars because I laughed out loud multiple times and read parts out loud to my coworkers in the break room.
This was exactly as ridiculous and fun as it sounds. It gets rounded up to four stars because I laughed out loud multiple times and read parts out loud to my coworkers in the break room.
katekate_reads_'s review against another edition
3.0
I liked this but didn’t love it - tough to rate. I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at being a prince at a theme park. I loved thinking more about that particular job than I ever have before.
However the romance really left me wanting more. The characters are in their 20s but this really read more like a YA romance to me. I didn’t feel much of them falling for each other and there was absolutely no steam. A couple of kisses and that was it - very rated PG. I would have loved more of their romance and less drama around the new parade floats.
I also felt like the float storyline was sometimes inconsistent in terms of who knew what and when. Whether it’s just about the new dragon float or dragon float vs the other new float, Dash asked privately for feedback on Nate but then Nate also knowing about it. Did not love. I may still continue with the series because I did really like Cody.
However the romance really left me wanting more. The characters are in their 20s but this really read more like a YA romance to me. I didn’t feel much of them falling for each other and there was absolutely no steam. A couple of kisses and that was it - very rated PG. I would have loved more of their romance and less drama around the new parade floats.
I also felt like the float storyline was sometimes inconsistent in terms of who knew what and when. Whether it’s just about the new dragon float or dragon float vs the other new float, Dash asked privately for feedback on Nate but then Nate also knowing about it. Did not love. I may still continue with the series because I did really like Cody.
lolasreviews's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a cute and fun romance read. Once I saw this book I knew I wanted to read it, it sounded so fun and the setting at fairytale theme park where both characters work seemed like such an unique setting. I was in the mood for a light and fun read and this book fit that perfectly.
Rival Princes follows the story of Nate and Dash. Dash has been working in Fairyland for a while now, he climbed up from the position at a summer camp to finally the role of prince. He loves his job and puts a lot of effort in it. His careful routine gets broken when Nate gets accepted for the role of another prince. And that without any of the hard work Dash put into it. There is some rivalry between these two (mostly on the side of Dash) and a bunch of feelings as well.
While I normally am not a fan of enemies to lovers type of stories, I thought the set-up in this book was well done and realistic. I could understood Dash' frustration after seeing someone basically roll into the role of prince, while he had to work so long and hard to get it. And Nate is a natural at the role as well. I do think he took things a bit too far with the rivalry at times and could be quite rude in some scenes, but eventually he realizes that himself as well and there are some complicated emotions underneath his behavior. And I did like how he realizes what really underneath it all and straightens himself out.
While Dash had some moments where I didn't like his behavior, Nate was a character who was really easy to like all the time. He is so honest and real. He rolls into the role of prince, but never let it gets to his head and he also puts a lot of effort into it to get it right. And when he does something that everyone praises him for he feels awkward as he just did what came natural to him. He's so real and in the moment, which was great to see. I did really feel for him when his attempts to smooth things over with Dash don't go as smoothly. But in the end they figure things out, which was great. And I liked how Nate also lets Dash know his behavior hurt him.
The romance doesn't really develop until late in the book, so there isn't as much time to see the two characters together after they admit their feelings. I would've liked a few more scenes at the end or an epilogue of sorts. I did sign-up for the authors newsletter where there's an extra chapter or so for these guys, so I hope that will helps wrap things up for me. The romance itself was well done and I like how the chemistry is clear from their first meeting. It does seem to be based on attraction mostly at first, but as the story progresses it becomes clear there are some deeper feelings involved too. I like how they both struggle a bit with how they're feeling and how they both admit to to themselves and eventually the other. They both have a great friend to help them along as well.
There are some background parts and personal issues for both characters that get touched upon, but this story doesn't dive into those as deeply. Which seemed to fit the story. Those issues are mentioned, but don't take up too much space, but on the other hand I would've liked to see that get explored more. How Dash deals with letting someone close and How Nate has some hang ups from a previous relationship. Nevertheless I did feel like I got a good feel for both characters and understood why they acted the way they did.
There is a group of fun side characters as well. There is Charlie, Nate's best friend, who also works in the park. Ari and Greer who play the princesses the guys work with. Greer is also Dash' best friend. Cody the security guy who gets along well with Nate. The two people who work in wardrobe. Lennon, who is an important member of the staff. They all have their own personality and have some scenes in which they are important.
The fairyland setting was really well done. It's clear the author has an idea of how thing go in parks like these and the descriptions of it all made me have a good image of what kind of works everyone did and also give an image of this fictional theme park. I thought it made for an interesting and unique setting for a book. And it just was fun to read about. It also lends itself well to some unique scenes while the guys are working. I liked seeing how Nate and Dash did in their roles as princes and there were some fun and interesting scenes with some of the guests as well.
To summarize: this was such a fun read. It's a sweet romance story between two guys who both work as princes in a fictional fairytale theme park. There is some rivalry and feelings between the two, which both get resolved before the end of the book. The end did feel a bit sudden and I would've loved to see a few more scenes of them in a relationship or an epilogue, but I did like how things got resolved. While Dash could be a bit rude at times, I could understand his behavior and why he felt a bit jealous of how fast and easy Nate rolled into the prince role. I liked when he finally figures things out for himself. Nate is easy to file with his real and open manner and how he keeps trying to smooth things over with Dash. There are some issues in both guys their past that get touched upon, but this book doesn't dive into depth in those issue. I liked the cast of side characters. The fairyland setting made for a fun and unique setting. The author made it all feel realistic and I liked how it added some fun scenes in the park with them being both employees there. All in all I had a lot of fun reading this one and I already bought book 2.
Rival Princes follows the story of Nate and Dash. Dash has been working in Fairyland for a while now, he climbed up from the position at a summer camp to finally the role of prince. He loves his job and puts a lot of effort in it. His careful routine gets broken when Nate gets accepted for the role of another prince. And that without any of the hard work Dash put into it. There is some rivalry between these two (mostly on the side of Dash) and a bunch of feelings as well.
While I normally am not a fan of enemies to lovers type of stories, I thought the set-up in this book was well done and realistic. I could understood Dash' frustration after seeing someone basically roll into the role of prince, while he had to work so long and hard to get it. And Nate is a natural at the role as well. I do think he took things a bit too far with the rivalry at times and could be quite rude in some scenes, but eventually he realizes that himself as well and there are some complicated emotions underneath his behavior. And I did like how he realizes what really underneath it all and straightens himself out.
While Dash had some moments where I didn't like his behavior, Nate was a character who was really easy to like all the time. He is so honest and real. He rolls into the role of prince, but never let it gets to his head and he also puts a lot of effort into it to get it right. And when he does something that everyone praises him for he feels awkward as he just did what came natural to him. He's so real and in the moment, which was great to see. I did really feel for him when his attempts to smooth things over with Dash don't go as smoothly. But in the end they figure things out, which was great. And I liked how Nate also lets Dash know his behavior hurt him.
The romance doesn't really develop until late in the book, so there isn't as much time to see the two characters together after they admit their feelings. I would've liked a few more scenes at the end or an epilogue of sorts. I did sign-up for the authors newsletter where there's an extra chapter or so for these guys, so I hope that will helps wrap things up for me. The romance itself was well done and I like how the chemistry is clear from their first meeting. It does seem to be based on attraction mostly at first, but as the story progresses it becomes clear there are some deeper feelings involved too. I like how they both struggle a bit with how they're feeling and how they both admit to to themselves and eventually the other. They both have a great friend to help them along as well.
There are some background parts and personal issues for both characters that get touched upon, but this story doesn't dive into those as deeply. Which seemed to fit the story. Those issues are mentioned, but don't take up too much space, but on the other hand I would've liked to see that get explored more. How Dash deals with letting someone close and How Nate has some hang ups from a previous relationship. Nevertheless I did feel like I got a good feel for both characters and understood why they acted the way they did.
There is a group of fun side characters as well. There is Charlie, Nate's best friend, who also works in the park. Ari and Greer who play the princesses the guys work with. Greer is also Dash' best friend. Cody the security guy who gets along well with Nate. The two people who work in wardrobe. Lennon, who is an important member of the staff. They all have their own personality and have some scenes in which they are important.
The fairyland setting was really well done. It's clear the author has an idea of how thing go in parks like these and the descriptions of it all made me have a good image of what kind of works everyone did and also give an image of this fictional theme park. I thought it made for an interesting and unique setting for a book. And it just was fun to read about. It also lends itself well to some unique scenes while the guys are working. I liked seeing how Nate and Dash did in their roles as princes and there were some fun and interesting scenes with some of the guests as well.
To summarize: this was such a fun read. It's a sweet romance story between two guys who both work as princes in a fictional fairytale theme park. There is some rivalry and feelings between the two, which both get resolved before the end of the book. The end did feel a bit sudden and I would've loved to see a few more scenes of them in a relationship or an epilogue, but I did like how things got resolved. While Dash could be a bit rude at times, I could understand his behavior and why he felt a bit jealous of how fast and easy Nate rolled into the prince role. I liked when he finally figures things out for himself. Nate is easy to file with his real and open manner and how he keeps trying to smooth things over with Dash. There are some issues in both guys their past that get touched upon, but this book doesn't dive into depth in those issue. I liked the cast of side characters. The fairyland setting made for a fun and unique setting. The author made it all feel realistic and I liked how it added some fun scenes in the park with them being both employees there. All in all I had a lot of fun reading this one and I already bought book 2.
smartie_chan's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing
brockwoman's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
sonny's review
5.0
**I am recc'ing this LGBTQ+ series [mainly M/M] for anyone who liked the premise of what R. S. Grey did for HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS but felt a little shafted in the telling.
--More than anything, though... Jaxon Knight is a new-to-me non-binary spectacular wonderful Author [and a damn interesting storyteller!!]...who is my ONE TO WATCH...forever and ever...
This book series sounded too adorkable to not begin reading, with the M/M couples promised this makes it become a priority to read.
This first book is about Nate and Dashiel ["Dash"] who are two rival Princes playing these fantasy royal characters inside this theme park, Fantasyland, based on a popular cartoon that seems to have been popular for generations.
Nate will start playing Prince Valor, whose ROLE has been missing from the park for nearly a year, while Dashiel already works there as Prince Justice.
They each have a "Princess" who supports them, who they have to be in love with while struggling with the sudden attraction they feel for one another.
What an absolute enjoyable read this was so it makes the rest of the series feel not just positive but equally as enjoyable. And the M/M sexuality is kept to a very medium-burn as there is simply heavy kisses that lead toward an eventual HEA.
Nate is quite the charmer so this displeases Dash to no end because he has worked hard and long hours from the bottom rung of employment... and here Nate has simply walked in the street from a friend's referral and immediately became Prince Valor.
The terrible thing is once their animosity sets in, they have to work side-by-side on a week day basis.
This gives me awesome Hate-to-Love vibes as Dash grows more and more determined to make Prince Justice a success rivaling Prince Valor's new-found success.
There is a small competition brewing for Fantasyland's main parade [they do a huge Christmas/Holiday parade for all their main characters], where Nate's Prince role will get a re-vamped new float [WITH A DRAGON!!] if his employment reviews come back with major positivity or this allotted money will be given to Dash's Prince Justice's float with huge improvements.
The heated up adversarial story was pretty decent on the slow-burn level and there were some highly entertaining moments as we got a view into the backstage happenings of this fictional Theme park.
What's lovely to envision is that this park has changed owners, so they have openly EOE initiative to the LGBTQ+ community so there are various walks of queer life working in the crew behind the scenes, not just Nate & Dash as gay men... but we were introduced to a non-binary Park manager and some possible Bi or Polyamorous folks...so, yeah!!
bobbiesdustypages's review
4.0
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Rival Princes is everything I love in a cute RomCom book, enemies to lovers, cute moments, and misunderstandings. The cast of characters are all really wonderful and I'd love to read more about any one of them. But of course I had my favorites and I'm so happy to see that one of the ones I liked the most will be getting his own book in book 2!
The setting is also something I just adored as someone who spends a lot of time at Disneyland I loved the whole feel of Fairyland and how familiar it all felt, it honestly just made the book that much more fun to read.
When it comes to our Rival Princes I really liked the chemistry they had and they balanced each other out really well and I lov3ed reading every interaction they had. Their moments read very genuine and I just couldn't wait till they got everything sorted.
The Rival Princes is everything I love in a cute RomCom book, enemies to lovers, cute moments, and misunderstandings. The cast of characters are all really wonderful and I'd love to read more about any one of them. But of course I had my favorites and I'm so happy to see that one of the ones I liked the most will be getting his own book in book 2!
The setting is also something I just adored as someone who spends a lot of time at Disneyland I loved the whole feel of Fairyland and how familiar it all felt, it honestly just made the book that much more fun to read.
When it comes to our Rival Princes I really liked the chemistry they had and they balanced each other out really well and I lov3ed reading every interaction they had. Their moments read very genuine and I just couldn't wait till they got everything sorted.
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