The Royal Matchmaking Competition by Zoiy G. Galloay

This story did remind me of 'The Selection' initially, but it soon became its own story that was well developed and original. It's a well written debut novel and I would recommend checking it out if the premise is something you're interested in. While I did love the character growth and concept, I feel the story dragged a little at times and was difficult to connect with. I received a free advanced copy/galley in exchange for an honest review

I have high hopes for the series as a whole! I'm glad I decided to pick this one up and I'll be looking out for the sequel in the future. She went from a naive young girl to a strong female lead and future ruler. I enjoyed reading Qloey's responses to various situations and seeing how she handled herself. 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. There was a lot going on in the story early on and I was struggling to feel invested in any of the characters. I enjoyed this story and loved getting to know some of the bachelors more and seeing Qloey's character arc. 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. 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. Qloey soon realizes that she doesn't want to follow in her mother's footsteps. 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.

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. She has lived a sheltered and naive life up until now and struggles under the oppressive leadership of her parents, mainly her mother.

Qloey is a young princess embarking on a matchmaking competition to choose her future husband (think bachelorette meets fantasy royalty).

The Royal Matchmaking Competition by Zoiy G. Galloay