Unlike the previous book in this series, I very much enjoyed Heidel! It's short, fun, and sweet, and it centers around a cake-baking contest, so what's not to like? Plus Heidel is officially my favorite princess of the nine, and the first one with whom I think I could be buddies.

One thing that I find cool about this series is the way in which Anita Valle focuses a lot on what could almost be described as slice-of-life stories while building a bigger plot in the background. It's different. (On the note of that bigger plot, though- we come tantalizingly close to answers at one point here, and aaaauuuuugggghhhhh why can't you tell me things, character-who's-a-spoiler?)

My main problems with this book were Eravis and his father. I don't mind the hate-to-love trope, and I could tell from the beginning that Eravis and Heidel were going to get together. However, I think Eravis should've been called out more for some of his actions. Competing with a girl to get her attention? Fine. Not the most effective route, but fine. Insulting a girl to get her attention? Not cool, dude. And speaking of people who should've been called out harder- spoiler>how the pumpernickel can Erlamon set the room of one of the princesses on fire and get away with it? They all knew it was him, but they don't really do anything. I know he's the monarch of another kingdom, but you can't just do stuff like that!

3.5 stars overall. Could've been four, if not for the problems I mentioned. Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to the sequel.