I am going to honest and say that I didn't have super high expectations for this book but ended up finding a delightful surprise! Despite being book four in the series, The Princess of Elm works beautifully as a standalone. I jumped right in without feeling lost, which was my main concern. Nye has crafted a solid enemies-to-lovers romance that hits all the right notes for Viking historical fiction fans

I particularly enjoyed how Nye doesn't rush the romance. I would say it's a medium burn that lets the relationship develop naturally. The Viking setting feels authentic without being overwhelming, and the chosen family elements add lovely depth to the story. It could be a little spicier for my tastes but when it's there, its done well.

I'm giving this one 4 stars. It sounds like exactly what it promises to be; a solid, enjoyable Viking romance with strong characters and satisfying development. Sometimes that's precisely what you need on your nightstand.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Princess by Sophia Nye had an intriguing setup with royal drama, personal growth, and a heroine trying to find her place in a world full of expectations. I liked the concept and appreciated the moments that explored identity, duty, and strength.

That said, the execution didn’t fully hook me. The pacing dragged in places, and while there were glimmers of strong character work, I didn’t feel fully connected to the main cast or the romance. I kept hoping for deeper emotional moments or more surprising twists to elevate the story.

It’s a decent read with a solid foundation, and fans of modern royal romances or coming-of-age arcs might enjoy it more than I did. It just didn’t quite reach its full potential for me.

For a romantic historical fiction reader, this book hits the spot. Deliciously executed enemies to lovers, subtle chosen family trope, medium burn with just enough spice. Immediately adding to my favorites pile. Princess of Elm is perfect for anyone who loves Outlander, or is looking for a Viking love story. I rooted for Astrid and Cormac from the first chapter and Sophia Nye did not make me regret it!

Enemies to Lover Adventure Romance
My first time reading this authors books.
Any Viking story intrigues me and I was not lost reading book 4 of the series
A simple story of two strong willed intelligent characters that took into the world of tournaments, family, friends, disputes, decisions and discovering that your enemy can become your forever love.
A short enjoyable story that was easy to read but I didn't find it very spicy.
Rating 3.5 round up to 4 stars

A good quick read :)

It was read in a single day, and even though it is a sequel, I was able to read it as a stand-alone and follow it without reading the previous books.
If you like vikings, you will love this book!!

Our story follows cormac and astrid, who are true enemies to lovers. On his arrival, she was on a mission to do anything to stop him from fulfilling what he came for. The story goes on to involve a tournament he has to win to be able to marry Astrid.

I would recommend this book.

Princess of Elm is a perfect book for a historical romance lover.

Cormac
✅ Fianna
✅ on a mission (to bring a bride for another king)
✅ highly value his oath (to marry for love)

Astrid
✅ sister to the king
✅ oppose to her brother marriage alliance
✅ doesn’t want to marry

✅ slow burn ( very slow but burn hotter)
✅ arrangement contract (the contract turn to a very sweet deal) Cormac is a very green flag guy
✅ angst
✅ plot twist
✅ heart vs duty
✅ rich with culture
✅ sweet romance ( jealousy and the staring competition)
✅ plenty of spicy scenes : intense and explicit 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Absolutely gonna read again from Sophia Nye. I really loved the storyline.

This book had an interesting premise and some really fun moments, but overall it fell a bit flat for me. The world-building was creative, and I liked the Norse royalty. However, the pacing felt uneven—some parts dragged while others felt rushed. The romance had potential but didn’t quite deliver the emotional punch I was hoping for.

It’s not a bad read at all, given how quick it was, just not one that completely hooked me.

This book is a shorter single-day read, but is still a complete story with NO cliffhangers. The book is a sequel, but I was able to read it as a stand-alone without confusion even though I had not read the previous releases. The romance was believable and avoided insta-love pitfalls. I was a little concerned that the concept of competing in a tournament for marriage would turn her into a "prize to be won" as Jasmine from Aladdin would say. However, luckily, the concept was executed in such a way as to avoid turning her into a mere object of desire. I liked the book's theme of loyalty.

At this point, I have come to terms that everything Dragonblade Publishing touches turns to gold. Once again, a new favorite book from my comfort publisher.