If you read The Selection series by Kiera Cass, it has similarities to this one except add magic and witches. There's a reason why I don't read YA fantasy often especially those that were published 5 or so years ago.

I think during that time there's this certain baseline of insta-love royalty plot that majority of YA authors at that time tends to adhere to. While this was a fun ride, the originality of concept just didn't bring it home for me. It has the groundwork though. If this may have been written during the post pandemic times, I am pretty sure the approach and the plot lines could've been more sharper. Despite the loopholes though, this may work for those that are starting with YA fantasy romance.