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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
This was fun and I liked the two main characters. It was refreshing that even though Ronan had a lot of preconceived notions about Clio and he didn’t like her at first, he still treated her with kindness. I loved how optimistic and driven Clio was. These two were really sweet together and I enjoyed their romantic storyline.
I think this just lacked a little depth for me. I wish the war and warrior school plot line was a little more fleshed out or the romance took more of a center stage. It kind of left me in a limbo where I didn’t really care much about what was going on outside of Ronan and Clio and yet I didn’t have enough of them.
Also I needed more of a resolution/apology from her ex. Ronan was even mad at him after getting to know Clio. I really enjoyed seeing him grapple with the idea that his friend was actually the worst. But then they just seemed to get over it? I wanted him to eat his words and apologize so bad but we never really got that moment from him despite Clio showing him time and time again how strong she actually is.
I think this just lacked a little depth for me. I wish the war and warrior school plot line was a little more fleshed out or the romance took more of a center stage. It kind of left me in a limbo where I didn’t really care much about what was going on outside of Ronan and Clio and yet I didn’t have enough of them.
Also I needed more of a resolution/apology from her ex. Ronan was even mad at him after getting to know Clio. I really enjoyed seeing him grapple with the idea that his friend was actually the worst. But then they just seemed to get over it? I wanted him to eat his words and apologize so bad but we never really got that moment from him despite Clio showing him time and time again how strong she actually is.
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
medium-paced
Legally Blonde meets a medieval setting and a sword wielding princess 🗡️💖
I’m so incredibly grateful that I got the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this; thank you to the publisher for sending me a gifted copy!
It started off slightly slow for me and a lot of talk regarding different places had me checking the map a bit too often, but I ended up reading the last 50% of it in one sitting…I just couldn’t get enough!
The Legally Blonde inspiration was so fun and unique and the found family had me giggling and kicking my feet…the BEST trope!
Can’t wait to read more from Cait!
I’m so incredibly grateful that I got the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this; thank you to the publisher for sending me a gifted copy!
It started off slightly slow for me and a lot of talk regarding different places had me checking the map a bit too often, but I ended up reading the last 50% of it in one sitting…I just couldn’t get enough!
The Legally Blonde inspiration was so fun and unique and the found family had me giggling and kicking my feet…the BEST trope!
Can’t wait to read more from Cait!
I absolutely adored this!
It really has the same energy as Legally Blonde in that it is a light, fun read, that also ends up being a much deeper story about self-discovery, self-confidence, and following your dreams; Not living for others, but for yourself. I fell in love with Clía and was really rooting for her, and the way Ronan lifted her up and supported her without centering himself? Brilliant! 😭
I also loved the politicking and war school setting, and it gave me everything I love about other series in similar settings without feeling unoriginal or boring. I also really loved the representation and handling of Ronan’s chronic pain issues, I felt very seen.
Overall, this is everything you love about Legally Blonde and Elle Woods in a romantic fantasy setting that becomes more than the sum of its parts, and reminds you to never try and be someone you’re not.
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Not going to lie, this book was really slow going at first, enough that I almost DNF'd.
The FMC was NOT likeable in my eyes. Yes, she has growth in the end, but all I kept thinking throughout the story was about how naive she continued to be. Even at 84% it was still a glaring issue to me.
That being said, I DID like the MMC. His personal struggle was more interesting to read about.
There were some bits of story that I wish were fleshed out; more explanation and/or further use would have made how integral they were to the story make more sense.
At the end of the day, it is a good read and I will recommend it out to friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
The FMC was NOT likeable in my eyes. Yes, she has growth in the end, but all I kept thinking throughout the story was about how naive she continued to be. Even at 84% it was still a glaring issue to me.
That being said, I DID like the MMC. His personal struggle was more interesting to read about.
There were some bits of story that I wish were fleshed out; more explanation and/or further use would have made how integral they were to the story make more sense.
At the end of the day, it is a good read and I will recommend it out to friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
A nuanced take on a Legally Blonde inspired fantasy romance! It has just enough nods to the original that it loosely retains the same plot structure without leaning on scene for scene repetition. I genuinely connected with and enjoyed both of our main characters— Rowan has a soft, gentle quality that I adored; there’s nothing morally grey about Rowan whatsoever, he’s green flag after green flag. Clía’s transformation was lovely start to finish! The chronic illness and autism rep was perfectly incorporated into the plot for me. What I really enjoyed most about this book was the attention paid to the political intrigue and lore. This is, in my opinion, a very well fleshed out world with a unique structure. I’m primarily a romance reader but I was as invested in the twists and turns of the political plot line as I was in the budding romance story, if not more so at times. While I loved the tension that built between Clía and Rowan as well as the many moments I didn’t see coming amongst the host of diverse and interesting supporting characters, the pacing did feel slightly off at times. There were chapters I couldn’t put down, and some chapters that seemed to move a bit too slowly. I saw some discourse about this being shelved differently for different countries, but I’d say this is firmly in the YA category! The romance never escalated past an impassioned kiss and allusion to intimacy. Ultimately I think this was a lovely fantasy romance that I would love to see a sequel for! I’d highly recommend this to fans of Kristin Ciccarelli’s Heartless Hunter Duology. Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! 4.25 stars out of 5 ⭐️
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Oh how I adored this book! The Princess x bodyguard aspect of this story was my favourite part. Getting to read as Clíodhna changes from becoming someone everyone sees as a bratty spoilt princess to respected and brave warrior had me absolutely gripped from page to page. With a forbidden romance aspect woven into the story of Clía being promised to a Prince who doesn't see her as worthy while slowly becoming closer to and lusting after his bodyguard. Honestly, the layers of this story weave together so perfectly that it will keep you reading long after the sun has gone down. I am firmly in my lady Knight era and this book was perfect with its medieval theme and celtic mythology influences.
Prince Domhnall and Princess Clía have been promised to eachother for years in a union designed to fortifying the relationship between their kingdoms. However, despite how perfect the pairing appears from the outset Prince Domhnall waits until the last moment to pull out of the engagement, ruining everything Clía had established the rest of her life upon. With a broken heart but still having plenty of fire in her belly Clía decides she is not going to give up and follows Domhnall to the military academy he's attending. She plans on showing not just him but everyone around him thay she can protect her kingdom and to once again secure the proposal her kingdom needs. She knows the academy's brutal reputation but thinking it can't surely be that hard she is about to get a rude awakening. Ronan, a warrior and captain of the Princes guard always promised himself he'd never lose his focus. He fought for his place not only at the Princes side but at the academy, meaning he has no time for a blonde bratty princess who has no business in his opinion being there even if she is particularly attractive. He doesn't want to be interested in Clía but he sees a hunger in her to prove herself that he knows only too well, which sees him beginning to train her which only causes the forbidden feelings between them to grow. However, with a real war looming on the horizon will they be able to figure out what they mean to eachother in time to save the kingdom and get their happily ever after.
I cannot fully express how amazing Clía is as a character, she finds herself on her journey to ascertain an engagement she doesn't truly want or, as she eventually realises, needs. She becomes an absolute badass, a warrior in her own right that fights for those she loves and what she believes in. Never afraid to be herself she becomes stronger, while sticking to who she is in her core, a Princess that loves the colour pink and to sow. Her snark and wit makes for some funny moments that had me chuckling out loud, she is sassy, something that I fully relate with. Ronan constantly pushes through the pain he suffers on a daily basis, believing that he deserves the punishment. As much as Clía grows, Ronan grows too, he comes to realise he doesn't need to bear the full weight of the world on his shoulders. He is a perfect balance to Clía while still meeting her banter and wit move for move, he pushes her and she pushes him so they both grow together as their feelings for one another continue to grow. Ronan is insanely loyal and trusting, however, that doesn’t lead to naivety, he adapts, becomes smarter and continues to both overcome and endure.
The story itself was a perfect balance of mystery, political intrigue and forbidden romance. A big part as I have aforementioned is the character development, especially for Clía, but there is a mystery surrounding who is vying for war within the kingdoms and to cause such destruction and death. I was plenty surprised as the story twisted and turns with actions taking place that I didn't see coming. The worldbuilidng is phenomenal and has a depth that utilises clear descriptors to provide vivid details of the areas in which the characters find themselves. Speaking of the level of detail, this also shows in the careful way the sparring, fighting and training is described, how even these repetitive actions of the characters feel important and hold meaning for the development of the characters. The found family aspect within the story solidifies the academy dynamic that the characters find themselves, but once again this is balanced with the high stakes nature of the world being on the brink of war. I could of stayed wrapped up in this world for so many more pages, I fell in love with the characters and their journey to find themselves and one another.
Prince Domhnall and Princess Clía have been promised to eachother for years in a union designed to fortifying the relationship between their kingdoms. However, despite how perfect the pairing appears from the outset Prince Domhnall waits until the last moment to pull out of the engagement, ruining everything Clía had established the rest of her life upon. With a broken heart but still having plenty of fire in her belly Clía decides she is not going to give up and follows Domhnall to the military academy he's attending. She plans on showing not just him but everyone around him thay she can protect her kingdom and to once again secure the proposal her kingdom needs. She knows the academy's brutal reputation but thinking it can't surely be that hard she is about to get a rude awakening. Ronan, a warrior and captain of the Princes guard always promised himself he'd never lose his focus. He fought for his place not only at the Princes side but at the academy, meaning he has no time for a blonde bratty princess who has no business in his opinion being there even if she is particularly attractive. He doesn't want to be interested in Clía but he sees a hunger in her to prove herself that he knows only too well, which sees him beginning to train her which only causes the forbidden feelings between them to grow. However, with a real war looming on the horizon will they be able to figure out what they mean to eachother in time to save the kingdom and get their happily ever after.
I cannot fully express how amazing Clía is as a character, she finds herself on her journey to ascertain an engagement she doesn't truly want or, as she eventually realises, needs. She becomes an absolute badass, a warrior in her own right that fights for those she loves and what she believes in. Never afraid to be herself she becomes stronger, while sticking to who she is in her core, a Princess that loves the colour pink and to sow. Her snark and wit makes for some funny moments that had me chuckling out loud, she is sassy, something that I fully relate with. Ronan constantly pushes through the pain he suffers on a daily basis, believing that he deserves the punishment. As much as Clía grows, Ronan grows too, he comes to realise he doesn't need to bear the full weight of the world on his shoulders. He is a perfect balance to Clía while still meeting her banter and wit move for move, he pushes her and she pushes him so they both grow together as their feelings for one another continue to grow. Ronan is insanely loyal and trusting, however, that doesn’t lead to naivety, he adapts, becomes smarter and continues to both overcome and endure.
The story itself was a perfect balance of mystery, political intrigue and forbidden romance. A big part as I have aforementioned is the character development, especially for Clía, but there is a mystery surrounding who is vying for war within the kingdoms and to cause such destruction and death. I was plenty surprised as the story twisted and turns with actions taking place that I didn't see coming. The worldbuilidng is phenomenal and has a depth that utilises clear descriptors to provide vivid details of the areas in which the characters find themselves. Speaking of the level of detail, this also shows in the careful way the sparring, fighting and training is described, how even these repetitive actions of the characters feel important and hold meaning for the development of the characters. The found family aspect within the story solidifies the academy dynamic that the characters find themselves, but once again this is balanced with the high stakes nature of the world being on the brink of war. I could of stayed wrapped up in this world for so many more pages, I fell in love with the characters and their journey to find themselves and one another.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I unfortunately was disappointed with this book. When I first started reading I initially thought I wouldn’t like it, but I’m not one to have one bite and immediately decide it’s not for me. So I read it all, and it just didn’t satiate my hunger for a rich fantasy plot.
It felt more like a romance with fantasy as a sub-plot. The character of Clía seemed very pathetic at the beginning, although this got a little better towards the end. However, the plot remained juvenile. She went to school to learn how to be a warrior and we just didn’t get enough of that. It felt more like she was chasing after boys than she was actually immersing herself in school - which don’t get me wrong, is fine, that’s why she was initially there - but a little more focus on her dedication to actually learning would have been nice. Fantasy needs a lot of action - epic battles, gruelling training, grit and drive. It didn’t really feel like the FMC channeled those emotions enough for this to be a successful plot.
One thing that particularly grated me was that the author seems to equate that being a strong leader for your country directly correlates with being a warrior. There are many good leaders who have never even seen a battle field. Yes it may help when it comes to strategy but it’s not always the case.
We need solid world-building, less predictable plots and detailed explanations. I don’t think the author executed it well in so few pages. I think if the book had been longer, with more of these elements it would have strengthened everything.
Furthermore, it reads like these characters know what iPhones and iPads are. I wouldn’t have been surprised if one of them pulled one out. Perhaps the writing style could have been a little less colloquial. This was a generic fantasy. It doesn’t leave a lasting impact on the reader; as a reader I love to read books I will constantly be thinking about after and this book will not be one of them.
Overall, a great premise. Poor execution. Great experience reading this arc. Thank you to those who approved.
It felt more like a romance with fantasy as a sub-plot. The character of Clía seemed very pathetic at the beginning, although this got a little better towards the end. However, the plot remained juvenile. She went to school to learn how to be a warrior and we just didn’t get enough of that. It felt more like she was chasing after boys than she was actually immersing herself in school - which don’t get me wrong, is fine, that’s why she was initially there - but a little more focus on her dedication to actually learning would have been nice. Fantasy needs a lot of action - epic battles, gruelling training, grit and drive. It didn’t really feel like the FMC channeled those emotions enough for this to be a successful plot.
One thing that particularly grated me was that the author seems to equate that being a strong leader for your country directly correlates with being a warrior. There are many good leaders who have never even seen a battle field. Yes it may help when it comes to strategy but it’s not always the case.
We need solid world-building, less predictable plots and detailed explanations. I don’t think the author executed it well in so few pages. I think if the book had been longer, with more of these elements it would have strengthened everything.
Furthermore, it reads like these characters know what iPhones and iPads are. I wouldn’t have been surprised if one of them pulled one out. Perhaps the writing style could have been a little less colloquial. This was a generic fantasy. It doesn’t leave a lasting impact on the reader; as a reader I love to read books I will constantly be thinking about after and this book will not be one of them.
Overall, a great premise. Poor execution. Great experience reading this arc. Thank you to those who approved.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Many thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The tropes consist of:
Friends to lovers
Found family
Military academy
Warrior training
Slow burn
I was excited to read this book because I loved the premise of a medieval version of Legally Blonde. The parallels in terms of plot beats to Legally Blonde are undeniable (especially in the first half) but eventually the story stands apart.
The story is told in dual POV and they are both likeable enough characters, although I did find some of the secondary characters more charming and interesting. Clia’s adorable pet, Murphy, was delightful.
The plot is straightforward and simple to follow even though it’s fairly predictable. I struggled to keep track the geography of the world because there’s so many names and places mentioned so I had to just go along with the flow.
The story hinges on the relationship of the central couple. Clia and Ronan evolve from friends to something more, and while their interactions were sweet, the chemistry was lacking. There was no steaminess or passion and it felt flat in terms of romantic tension.
I was unsure if this was a YA or adult book. At times the story felt adult in tone and other times the writing veers into YA territory. I think it would have been more successful at committing to adult as sometimes the violence of war is sort of glossed over and it may have added some sizzle to the romance.
There are definitely plot holes and leaps of logic, and some setup never fully pays off, but overall it was an easy read.
I went in expecting a fun romantic comedy style medieval romp and it mostly delivered. I look forward to seeing what the author writes next.
3.5 stars.
The tropes consist of:
Friends to lovers
Found family
Military academy
Warrior training
Slow burn
I was excited to read this book because I loved the premise of a medieval version of Legally Blonde. The parallels in terms of plot beats to Legally Blonde are undeniable (especially in the first half) but eventually the story stands apart.
The story is told in dual POV and they are both likeable enough characters, although I did find some of the secondary characters more charming and interesting. Clia’s adorable pet, Murphy, was delightful.
The plot is straightforward and simple to follow even though it’s fairly predictable. I struggled to keep track the geography of the world because there’s so many names and places mentioned so I had to just go along with the flow.
The story hinges on the relationship of the central couple. Clia and Ronan evolve from friends to something more, and while their interactions were sweet, the chemistry was lacking. There was no steaminess or passion and it felt flat in terms of romantic tension.
I was unsure if this was a YA or adult book. At times the story felt adult in tone and other times the writing veers into YA territory. I think it would have been more successful at committing to adult as sometimes the violence of war is sort of glossed over and it may have added some sizzle to the romance.
There are definitely plot holes and leaps of logic, and some setup never fully pays off, but overall it was an easy read.
I went in expecting a fun romantic comedy style medieval romp and it mostly delivered. I look forward to seeing what the author writes next.
3.5 stars.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Following a huge dumping by her (nearly life-long) betrothed, Clía decides to take her life into her own hands and go after what she wants. Or at least what she thinks she wants. Never a warrior, Clía’s first day at Caisleán Cósta, an academy for warriors, was rough. But she continued. And made friends. And learned. And pushed herself and her friends to become even more honest and badass!
I love all of the nods to Legally Blonde while also building a unique world, making me curious about what is in all of its nooks and crannies! I want to know more about Murphy, the big oaf! And I want to see more of Clía’s designs and how they change now that's she's been in battle and is more informed! Would def read a sequel if one came!