Loosely based on the mythical Avalon and King Arthur with a splash of Fae and topsy turvy of Alice and Wonderland. Just like Alice, Gwen follows her “rabbit” down a portal to another realm, the Island of Avalon. Out of her element, Gwen navigates this confusing riddled land and the even more confusing Prince of Iron, Modred. With each fact she learns and experiences, she presses forward to a pivotal point, her choice to trust, to betray, to act or not.

The dark, brooding, knightly prince – has been betrayed by all. Can he trust his “Firefly”, or will he push her out too? Even though he’s brutal, violent, and moody, I trusted and desired his happiness over Gwen’s. In fact, I had a tough time with some of Gwen’s inner monologue, while Modred was endearing, cranky- yet endearing.

This unique twist on fantasy is well worth the red. The author Kathryn has stunning imagery with descriptive scenes and emotions that capture your attention. The cover art is gorgeous, with flaming red eye-candy hair and dark lethal possessiveness of the prince is alluring. It has an intimate bedroom scene and some violence, so readers beware.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I absolutely loved this book!

This book was Wizard of Oz meets Beauty and the Beast meets Arthurian legend.

I couldn’t get enough of this book! It was so unique and such a fun read.

Gwen’s life is turned upside down when her barn cat sets fire to her house and takes her through a portal to Avalon. She quickly realizes the danger she’s in when Mordred (the Iron Prince) captures her. But is he actually a bad guy or is he good? Who can she trust?

I’ve read Kathryn Ann Kingsley before and loved her before but this was my favorite of hers.


I read this book in one sitting and now I can’t wait for the second one!

Um okay, I absolutely loved this! Morally grey anti-hero, slow burn romance, all set in an Athurian legend fantasy world. 4.5 stars 💫

'Hot and egotistical. Great'.

Synopsis
After finding out her boyfriend has cheated on her, all Gwen wants to do is have a beer and relax. But her stray cat 'Merlin' has different plans, knocking over a candle and setting the house alight.. then opening up a portal, which Gwen has to jump through or risk being burned alive.

Once she's through the portal, she realises she's not in Kansas anymore. For one, she's on fire and it's not hurting her, and two.. her cat Merlin is speaking to her.

Gwen ends up landing in The Prince of Iron, Mordred's, custody, but she is an elemental - she can alight herself in flames and it not harm her - but Mordred has captured all elementals, locking them away in a giant crystal to protect the land. Will he do the same with Gwen?

Thoughts
This is a great start to the series, a morally grey and broody Prince, a slow burn romance filled with tension, the fantasy world of Avalon, the plot and the betrayals.

As a avid fantasy reader, anything with a dark and broody Prince steals my attention. Mordred has a great, dry sense of humour and witty banter with Gwen. But Mordred is his own worst enemy, having little to zero trust of anyone.

I'm so excited to read the next book in this series to see where Gwen and Mordred's relationship goes and if it can be fixed, it does end on a cliffhanger and definitely keeps the reader wanting more. I hope we see more character development in the next book, as I really want to know more backstory and who some characters are.

'What were a few nightmares between friends? Or whatever they were. Or whatever they were going to become. Friends. Lovers. Enemies'.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for this copy. This review is voluntary.

When Gwen stays home after a messy breakup, she never expects her house to catch on fire. Or her cat to open a portal to the world of Avalon, which is stuck centuries in the past. As she falls through the portal, she draws the attention of Mordred, the cruel prince who rules the land and keeps magic imprisoned. Loosely based off of Arthurian lore (ignoring the French versions), To Charm a Dark Prince combines Outlander and the infamous Camelot to create a fantasy romance that is a delight to escape into.

Gwen survived and made friends by being kind. Now, I understand that kindness is powerful and absolutely a strength, but Gwen was also rather passive. My main issue with the story was that she didn't really seem to be an active agent in it. Things happened to her; she didn't happen to the setting. Some readers enjoy passive characters, and there's nothing technically wrong with a passive FMC, I just prefer heroines who take an active role in their stories.

Also, Gwen supposedly suffers from panic attacks, but they only happen when it's plot relevant and logical. As someone who has dealt with anxiety, my experience (which is by no means universal--there's no wrong or right way to feel) is that panic attacks are not convenient and they certainly aren't something to be used to make a character more approachable to a love interest. Anxiety is a real disorder, and while creating characters who struggle with it is crucial to removing stigma, allowing the disorder to be ignored or brushed over once it no longer becomes plot important doesn't help anyone.

That being said, I loved the dialogue and the construction of Avalon. As someone who loves Arthurian lore, I appreciated that the author created a world that while based in mythology can stand on its own and doesn't require a ton of explanation. The focus of the novel is on romance, so the details of the magic system weren't necessary, and I'm glad the author didn't include them just to wrack up the word count.

Overall, To Charm A Dark Prince was a fun, relaxing way to spend a few hours. Though far from perfect, it was transportative, and I didn't notice I had finished reading until the very last chapter. Fans of fantasy romance, Arthurian lore, dark and broody heroes, and whip-smart dialogue will certainly want to pick this one up!

This is different take on Avalon and the knights of the round table. Though this is in 3rd person and I usually prefer 1st person it was an easy enough read. It’s the perfect read for someone getting into fantasy romance.

Mordred and Gwen’s dynamic is so good I loved the humour between them while also having the vibe of Enemies to lovers.
It was a fast paced, entertaining read. With slow burn romance with a little bit of spice and a very sassy side character.
Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for a review.

Addicting seems to be one word that describes all books by this author! Mordred and Gwen were so much fun to get to know. I’ve been a fan of this author and tickled to read an ARC for a new series. It took awhile to warm up to Mordred but I can definitely see his villain side.

What did I like? I loved the cast of characters and always cheer for the villains! This book ends on quite a cliffhanger but it only sets the stage for part two. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Would I recommend or buy? This will go on my shelf definitely! I love the cover, it’s absolutely beautiful! If you love her other series then get excited for another great story! Four stars!

I received a ARC ecopy to read and voluntarily left this review.

"To Charm a Dark Prince" is a captivating and enchanting fantasy novel that combines elements of romance, magic, and high stakes. The story takes readers on a thrilling journey as Gwen, a young woman transported to the magical realm of Avalon, finds herself entangled with Mordred, the dark and powerful ruler.

The author skillfully weaves a tale of intrigue and seduction as Gwen is torn between her desire to escape Avalon and her growing connection to Mordred. The tension between them is palpable, and their relationship is a delicate balance of attraction, manipulation, and hidden motives. As Gwen infiltrates Mordred's court with the intent to steal his heart and destroy his power, readers are kept on the edge of their seats, unsure of who to trust and what secrets lie beneath the surface.

The world-building in "To Charm a Dark Prince" is rich and immersive, transporting readers to the magical realm of Avalon with its captivating blend of beauty and danger. The descriptions of the court and its inhabitants, as well as the power struggles within, are vivid and bring the story to life.

The complex characterization of Mordred adds depth to the narrative. He is both a charming and enigmatic figure, with a captivating blend of darkness and vulnerability. Gwen, on the other hand, is a determined and resourceful protagonist who must navigate a treacherous path to achieve her goals.

The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with moments of intense action and moments of introspection and character development. The author's prose is elegant and evocative, drawing readers into the world of Avalon and keeping them engaged throughout.

"To Charm a Dark Prince" is a thrilling and seductive tale that will appeal to fans of fantasy romance. It offers a unique twist on the classic dynamic between a protagonist and a seemingly villainous love interest, keeping readers guessing until the very end. With its magical setting, complex characters, and intricate plot, this book is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

This was a super quick and easy read and I flew through it in less than a day. I wouldn’t necessarily call it enemies to lovers, not by my definition anyway. But I loved the hero! He was so morally grey but just so fun.

First of all, thank you so much for this opportunity.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. I feel confused by the writing and lost in this story. I do not feel comfortable rating this book at this time. I feel that it was not for me, and my apologies for that. I wish the author and publisher all the best success as this book rolls out.

Thank you again for your time.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley, Second Sky, and the author for providing me this ARC in exchange for a review.

Interesting set up. This book is a retelling of Arthurian legends. It also reminded me of Beauty and the Beast and the Wizard of Oz (Gwen isn't in Kansas anymore!). The ending was excellent and set the stage for exciting happenings in the second book.

I do wish there had been a bit more tension between Gwen and Mordred - they seemed to go from apprehensive acquaintances to smitten a bit too quickly for my liking. I also hope to have a little more fleshing out of the characters and world in the next story. I felt like some of that was left on the table which is a shame because Avalon seems like such a wild and whimsical world, but we only got a glimpse into it. My biggest hope for book two is that Gwen grows into herself and gains confidence in the sequel.

Overall, a promising start and I'll definitely pick up the second book!

Ahh-mazing. Utterly amazing. I could not, did not put this down once i started to read it. A magical slow burn that had me reading faster with tension growing between characters. I loved the knights of the round table twist this gives off. If you love fantasy romance, surprise kiss, tension, magic, read this. I am melting with excitement for the next book.

This book is soo good another take on avalon and the knights of the round table. I even got some wizard of Oz type vibes. Gwen your not in Kansas anymore! It was so good. It left on a cliffhanger so I'm excited for the next book I must know what happens !

I seriously loved this book so much. Little bit of King Arthur fantasy (loosely). I really love Mordred. I really felt for him... This book also had me laughing out loud several times. I cannot wait for what's next.

Wow!! I was completely captivated from the beginning and couldn't put the book down and was sad I had to say goodbye to my book friends when I got to the end. The author kept me on the edge of my seat through the twists and turns, ups and downs and incredible story.

I have loved Kathryn Ann Kingsley since she convinced me to fall for Simon in Harrow Faire. I think she crafts such a complex anti-hero, morally grey MMC, and then proceeds to make us fall for them despite their questionable choices every. single. time. So I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of To Charm a Dark Prince, the first book in her new Iron Crystal Series.

This book follows our quirky, quick-witted and feisty Gwen as her ancient cat sets her house on fire and then opens a portal to another realm. Avalon is quite the cursed island, with it's spooky Prince of Iron who has irradicated all magic from the realm to protect those without magic from the previously destructive mages set on building power through mass destruction. FUN, right? In order to protect those less fortunate, our Prince has taken quite the iron fist (I mean he is an Iron Mage), tyrannical approach, by locking away all the mage/elemental's souls into a giant crystal in his palace. Gwen has to decide if she will rebel against our Prince's rule and set magic free, or sympathize with him and become his only true companion in thousands of years.

This was a super quick read, which had me invested from the beginning. I read this in basically one sitting because I loved the banter between the FMC and MMC, as well as, her internal struggle with what to do with the broody, hot Prince. The cover of this story says it's an 'addictive enemies to lovers fantasy romance', and while I agree with the addictive part, I do not think Gwen and Mordred really started out as enemies. When I think enemies to lovers, I think true scorned, hatred between the characters from the very beginning, which slowly breaks down over the course of the story. This does not happen here; HOWEVER, we might be getting our "enemies" plotline in book 2. I think we will just have to wait and see! I will definitely be continuing this series as soon as the books are released.

When Gwendolyn found out her boyfriend had been cheating on her, she expected her night to be one spent relaxing with a beer. She did not expect to accidentally set her house on fire and end up jumping into a portal to another realm.

When Gwen arrives in Avalon stark naked and without a clue as to where she is, she doesn’t realize that it’s only a matter of time until the Prince of Iron comes to investigate her strange appearance.

Avalon is not what it once was. Magic is gone, fire burns only as a shadow of itself, and the land is ruled by the tyrannical Prince of Iron.

Gwen will have to choose whose side she’s on, and as flames ignite, if she is willing to betray the person she can’t seem to stay away from.

This book felt kinda like a twist on Beauty and the Beast meets the Knights of the Round Table. It was a bit on the shorter side, and the story leans more Ya/Na. I enjoyed the story. It was a super quick and easy read. I flew through the pages, and I was honestly unsure how much I liked it until I got to the end. I definitely would like to read the next book.

This was a nice refresher from the complex/heavy high fantasy. If you like Elise Kova or Tricia Levenseller then I think you would enjoy this book as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

To Charm a Dark Prince is the first book in the Iron Crystal series and it is an addictive slow burn full of interesting characters and amazing world-building. I love this mix of enemies-to-lovers (with a lot of back and forth) with loads of tension making a really great fantasy romance. I do wish there was a bit more explanation into the characters and world-building though because I did feel confused especially in the beginning but this might be explained more in the further books. Overall if you love magical slow burns with female leads who have been spirited away into a new world and dark male leads this is the book for you.

I enjoyed this book! I will caveat by saying that this is not a genre I typically reach for or read at all, but I found it to be a very quick and entertaining read. The first 50% of the book was stellar - I actually sat up until two in the morning before realizing I had work the next morning and should probably sleep, lol - but I found the back half of it to be a little bit of a slog, hence the four star rating. I found the characterization interesting, and while I know that this was only the introduction to a new world and new characters, I felt that I wanted to know more about them. It seemed like we were just really starting to get into who they are as people, and who they are to each other, which has me excited to read the next installment.

On the night Gwen discovers her boyfriend has been cheating on her, her cat sets her house on fire and sends her through a portal into a strange realm.

You know, a standard weekend for a young woman.

Naked and afraid, she follows her (now talking) cat to a nearby village. Apparently the cat is from this realm, and he escaped the evil Prince of Iron to earth. The prince had captured all the magical beings and imprisoned them in a large crystal. Now the cat needs Gwen's help in freeing them all.

Let me preface this by saying I LOVED this book. The only reason I didn't rate this book 5 stars is because of the depiction of Kansas. I live about 20 miles away from Wichita, the city Gwen lives near. There are no black bears anywhere near us. It's a metropolitan area with several suburbs on all sides. We also are not considered "backwater."

On to why I loved it...

Mordred, the Prince of Iron, makes one heck of an entry. He's big. He's bad. He's incredibly gentle with and protective of Gwen. He doesn't seem like the evil madman she's been told rules over Avalon. He even agrees to let her roam his kingdom to make up her own mind about him and his motives.

He's also hilarious. His dry sense of humor meshes well with Gwen, and their banter itself would make this a 5 star book. You really feel for Mordred and the difficult decisions he's had to make. There's a scene at the end where he's sitting in his room and Gwen joins him that will tug at your heart strings. His reaction to her is so sweet and pure, and I DESPERATELY wanted them to resolve their differences on the spot.

But of course not everything is perfect in Avalon. If it was, Mordred wouldn't be considered a villain. He has a clear dark side, and he's his own worst enemy. He and Gwen could have had an easy HEA, but they both made questionable decisions that leave the story open for a sequel. A sequel I may be ravenously drooling over...

If you like slow burn romances with morally grey characters, rich fantasy settings, witty banter, and the eternal struggle of morality, you'll love this book!

Thank you, NetGalley and Kathryn Ann Kingsley, for the opportunity to read this book. These thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

In To Charm a Dark Prince we follow Gwen who is teleported from our world to the magical realm of Avalon, a place once filled with magic that’s now under the ruthless rule of Prince Mordred, known as the iron prince. He holds total power over Avalon and keeps all magical beings locked away in a crystal prison. Bad luck for Gwen who finds out she has elemental powers in this world. But with the the iron prince showing her unexpected kindness it leaves her wondering who she can trust and if she can ever find a way back home.

This is an isekai fantasy romance with Arthurian legend and Beauty and the Beast vibes. The world and magic is really interesting and I liked the use of Arthurian legend mixed with the world the author has created. The morally gray characters and their motivation provide interesting moral conflict for Gwen, our protagonist, and is great for building tension as we get closer to the story’s climax. There was nice contrast between the naive but relatable Gwen and Mordred’s dark intensity which suited this slow burn enemies to lovers story. This is book one in a series and while the book does end in a cliffhanger, the story and ending still feels satisfying while leaving the reader eagerly anticipating what will come next. I’m really looking forward to seeing the characters and the world be developed more. It was a really enjoyable start to a new series and it made me want to check out more from this author while waiting for the next book to come out especially since it looks like there is a connection between the world in this book and her other stories which would be really fun if that’s the case.

This is a great autumn read that can be read in one sitting. (I know this because I couldn’t put it down) If you love mystery, dark fairytales, elemental magic, and fantasy romance, you should check it out.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.