To Vex a Dark Prince was such a chaotic and addictive fantasy romance. The moment I read “girl disguised as a boy becomes the prince’s whipping boy” I already knew this book was going to be dramatic, messy, and full of tension — and it absolutely delivered.

Colette was a really strong FMC. She’s stubborn, angry, constantly trying to survive, and refuses to let herself be intimidated even when she’s thrown into palace politics and impossible situations. I loved that she and Leif genuinely disliked each other at first because it made the enemies-to-lovers progression feel earned instead of instant attraction pretending to be hate.

And Leif? He’s exactly the kind of dark fantasy prince readers love — arrogant, reckless, manipulative, but just vulnerable enough underneath to make you obsessed with figuring him out. The chemistry between them was intense from the beginning, especially once the tension shifted from hatred into something much more complicated.

The worldbuilding also surprised me in a good way. Between the vampires, palace intrigue, hidden identity storyline, and darker fantasy atmosphere, the story always felt like there was something happening. It balanced humor, romance, and darker moments really well without losing the emotional tension between the characters.

Overall, this was a dramatic, tension-filled fantasy romance with strong enemies-to-lovers energy, sharp banter, and plenty of angst. If you like morally grey princes, hidden identity tropes, forced proximity, and fantasy romance with real bite, this is definitely worth picking up.

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

Okay this was FUN!!!

My only complaint is that it was short and I want more!! This was engaging from the beginning - it sucked me right in! I loved the humor and the internal thoughts of the FMC throughout the entire book. The scenes were written in a way that clearly painted a picture in my head. I don't want to say more because I don't want to spoil it but the way the love story is about complete acceptance, regardless of specifics, warmed my heart.

This is the kind of bite sized book you want/need to get out of a reading slump. My advice: go in blind and have fun!

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.

I absolutely devoured this book, I could not read it fast enough. The story was easy to fall right into. The pacing was perfect. I was instantly captivated and lost sleep last night because one more chapter turned into finishing the last half of the book.

The tension, forbidden romance, everything was done so well. I wish there was more, it was so good! The ending was satisfying, but the story feels open for another book.

I loved the dynamic between the humans, elves and vampires. The world was very interesting! The glamour was a great twist.

Oh my goodness! It was an unexpectedly delightful read! Enemies to lovers trope with a bully romance flavor. This book features hidden identities, elfs, vampires, magic and all of this is sprinkled with just theright amount of spice! Collette is a FMC, who becomes a target of the dark elf bounty hunter. She finds herself on the run and disguised a boy in her effort to escape otherwise unfortunate fate. And then she gets in a bar fight with handsome yet spoiled prince, Lief. As a punishment for her fight with the royal she has to serve 6 months as his whipping boy (cringe). But things quickly get confusing and kinda hot between the main characters. This was a five star quick read for me! Thank you Abelia Sumpter and Victory Editing for my eARC in exchange for my honest option.

Book Review: To Vex a Dark Prince by Abelia Sumpter
Publication Date: 19 May 2026
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
To Vex a Dark Prince is a bold, addictive dark fantasy romance that delivers sharp tension, layered characters, and a truly compelling enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Abelia Sumpter crafts a story that feels both dangerous and captivating, pulling you into a world where power, secrets, and desire collide.
Colette is a standout heroine—resourceful, resilient, and constantly walking the line between survival and exposure. Her need to remain hidden while navigating palace life creates a constant undercurrent of tension that keeps the stakes high. Watching her balance fear, defiance, and growing vulnerability makes her journey incredibly engaging.
Leif, the crown prince, is everything you expect from a dark romantasy lead—arrogant, unpredictable, and layered with more complexity than he initially reveals. His dynamic with Colette is volatile from the start, filled with sharp dialogue, power struggles, and a simmering tension that steadily builds into something far more intense.
The premise itself is unique and immediately gripping. The forced proximity, combined with the dangerous arrangement binding them together, creates the perfect foundation for conflict and chemistry. Their relationship evolves in a way that feels earned, shifting from hostility to something much deeper without losing that edge of danger.
The world-building adds another layer of richness, with elements of vampires, court politics, and hidden identities woven seamlessly into the narrative. The rococo-inspired setting gives the story a distinct atmosphere—elegant on the surface, but filled with darkness underneath.
What truly stands out is the balance between intensity and intrigue. There are moments of tension, humour, and emotional depth that keep the story feeling dynamic and immersive throughout.
To Vex a Dark Prince is a captivating, slow-burning dark romance filled with secrets, power plays, and undeniable chemistry. A must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romantasy who enjoy high stakes, hidden identities, and characters that challenge each other at every turn.

Absolutely loved this book. I went into it thinking it was going to be completely different. For the first time in a long time a book truly surprised me. I love the hidden identity and the ups and downs of the book. Each new chapter pulled me deeper and deeper into the world. I felt as though I was a part of the book. This book is definitely worth the read.

To Vex a Dark Prince is page-turning, humorous, and addicting. This dark fantasy read immediately takes you into the action between the main character Colette. In an effort to escape her pursuer, she attempts to survive but in doing so runs into the MMC Leif and let me tell you this meet cute made me laugh and invest more into the story.

One of the highlights of reading this story is the characters. Colette reminds me of Mulan as both are strong women pretending to be male. In the same manner, I love how she slowly discovers her power and confidence regarding her situation. Leif on the other hand does come off as a reluctant prince who craves normalcy. His instant curiosity about Colette had me trying to predict when he’d catch onto her. I was not disappointed. The chemistry between the duo is undeniable and I was giddy with each interaction I read.

The world they lived in was a welcoming return to fantasy for me. Elves, vampires, magic, and side characters who help create a complex, compelling world. Sumpter did a great job introducing an alluring world without overwhelming the reader. By the end of the story, I needed more and will be on the lookout for more in the future series.

This book was so good that I finished it one day. Definitely seems to be a standalone but would’ve loved it to have a sequel! But by itself, it’s a fantastic book. LOVED the rom com vibe of Chapter 9!! Such a unique read and I’m looking forward to what this author writes up next!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This one leans all the way into drama, danger, and razor-sharp tension—and it’s an absolute ride because of it. From the first punch thrown in a bar to the twisted bargain that follows, the story sets up a premise that feels both brutal and irresistible.

Colette is immediately compelling. Living disguised, constantly on edge, and forced to survive in a world that would destroy her if it knew the truth—she carries a quiet intensity that drives the entire narrative. She’s not just reacting to events; she’s calculating, enduring, and pushing back in whatever ways she can. That resilience makes her easy to root for, even when the odds are stacked impossibly high.

Leif, on the other hand, is chaos wrapped in silk and sharp edges. He’s infuriating, privileged, and deliberately antagonistic—but there’s something fractured beneath it all that slowly comes into focus. The dynamic between him and Colette is true enemies-to-lovers: messy, hostile, and charged with a tension that never feels safe or predictable.

What really stands out is how the story balances its darker elements with moments of humor and sharp wit. The “whipping boy” arrangement creates a constant push-and-pull between power and vulnerability, and the palace setting—lush, political, and full of hidden dangers—adds to the sense that everything is teetering on the edge of collapse.

The romance doesn’t soften the story—it complicates it. Every shift in their relationship raises the stakes, especially with Colette’s secret always threatening to unravel everything. The attraction feels forbidden in multiple ways, which only heightens the tension as lines blur and loyalties shift.

With its rich, slightly decadent atmosphere, morally gray characters, and a romance that walks the line between hate and desire, this is perfect for readers who like their fantasy a little darker and their love stories a lot more complicated. It’s bold, dramatic, and unapologetically intense—in the best way.

I ate this story UP. To Vex a Dark Prince wis perfect for readers who love A Dark Lord's Guide to Dating and Assistant to the Villain!