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queerloras's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Grief, Bullying, Death, Religious bigotry, Blood, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Vomit, Homophobia, Misogyny, Alcohol, Classism, and Hate crime
chronicacademia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Alcohol, Death, and Vomit
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Homophobia, Violence, Medical content, Sexism, War, Murder, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Outing
Minor: Incest
literaryinluv's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
Such a delight to read! This book made me laugh with its witty banter (mostly from Arthur) and its sweet relationships. Gwen and Arthur are a classic enemies-to-friends dynamic, with their hatred for each other stemming from their childhood. Of course, the two are betrothed (Kind of like The Swan Princess movie!). But I loved the queer angle it took in this relationship with both being interested in people who are decidedly not each other. They truly went from breaking wrists to WLW/MLM solidarity. In fact, that's how I would really describe the relationship between our two main characters: WLW/MLM solidarity.
Outside of the relationships our two characters held, there were some wonderful friendships. Sidney and Arthur are brothers in all but blood and would stick together through thick and thin. Gwen and Agnes shifted from a boss-worker dynamic to friends. And the close relationship our siblings, Gwen and Gabriel, had was adorable.
My only gripe with the book was that the romances from both our couples sometimes felt a bit lackluster. Arthur and Gabriel were cute at times and they had some nice bonding moments. But Bridget and Gwen let me down! As a sapphic female myself, I was looking forward to the sapphic relationship in this setting and was especially interested in the fact that one of those involved was a femme princess and a female knight (Oh side note, Bridget is Thai!). I wanted more bonding and moments from them, & there were some but not enough. This may be my only issue with the book, but since it's largely about romance, I felt like a star should be knocked off for that. Please remember that this is my opinion!
The book was overall super fun. The friendships were great & I really felt for these characters and their problems. I loved the setting & the Arthurian aspect and how it came to play throughout the story. It was very clever, & there were moments where I was on the edge of my seat & laughing at Arthur.
TDLR; I really need to read more historical queer novels!
Outside of the relationships our two characters held, there were some wonderful friendships. Sidney and Arthur are brothers in all but blood and would stick together through thick and thin. Gwen and Agnes shifted from a boss-worker dynamic to friends. And the close relationship our siblings, Gwen and Gabriel, had was adorable.
My only gripe with the book was that the romances from both our couples sometimes felt a bit lackluster. Arthur and Gabriel were cute at times and they had some nice bonding moments. But Bridget and Gwen let me down! As a sapphic female myself, I was looking forward to the sapphic relationship in this setting and was especially interested in the fact that one of those involved was a femme princess and a female knight (Oh side note, Bridget is Thai!). I wanted more bonding and moments from them, & there were some but not enough. This may be my only issue with the book, but since it's largely about romance, I felt like a star should be knocked off for that. Please remember that this is my opinion!
The book was overall super fun. The friendships were great & I really felt for these characters and their problems. I loved the setting & the Arthurian aspect and how it came to play throughout the story. It was very clever, & there were moments where I was on the edge of my seat & laughing at Arthur.
TDLR; I really need to read more historical queer novels!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, War, and Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Cursing, Death, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Murder, Body horror, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Child abuse, Gore, Vomit, Incest, and Emotional abuse
thaliareads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the arc!
Gwen and Art have a problem. They have grown up thinking the worst of each other and dreading the day the betrothal that's been in place since their birth comes to fruition. Much to their chagrin the time is drawing near and they have to spend the entire summer together in preparation for the announcement of their wedding day. In what may turn out to be a stroke of luck for the two betrothed, Gwen catches Art in a compromising position that allows her to see that they may have more in common than she anticipated. Could a mutual arrangement allow Gwen to follow her heart to the brave knight Lady Bridget who's caught her eye? Additionally, could this be a chance for Art to reconnect with Gwen's older brother Gabriel and find a spark that he never expected? Alongside all of this, is there something deeper brewing beneath the surface of the kingdom as the people gather to celebrate the royal tournament being held?
This was an absolutely adorable tale of young and unrequited love. Additionally, I appreciated that none of the main characters had things figured out yet, especially since they are teenagers and that's a messy time in your life full of self-discovery. This really shined in the candid conversations between Gwen and Art revealing that, despite what might appear to be external confidence, they are still kids and still learning who they are and how to navigate their new feelings. I appreciated the unapologetic queerness of this book. Obviously, the environment still wasn't conducive to straying from heteronormativity, but the characters themselves reinforced that there was nothing wrong with who they were and who they chose to love. I also didn't expect the sort of deeper lore of conflict and mystery and feuding factions, but it was a pleasant surprise as it wove through the novel, culminating in an unexpected twist. Overall, I think this was a great coming-of-age romance and I would read it again in a heartbeat. I can't wait until it's out and I can listen to the audiobook.
Gwen and Art have a problem. They have grown up thinking the worst of each other and dreading the day the betrothal that's been in place since their birth comes to fruition. Much to their chagrin the time is drawing near and they have to spend the entire summer together in preparation for the announcement of their wedding day. In what may turn out to be a stroke of luck for the two betrothed, Gwen catches Art in a compromising position that allows her to see that they may have more in common than she anticipated. Could a mutual arrangement allow Gwen to follow her heart to the brave knight Lady Bridget who's caught her eye? Additionally, could this be a chance for Art to reconnect with Gwen's older brother Gabriel and find a spark that he never expected? Alongside all of this, is there something deeper brewing beneath the surface of the kingdom as the people gather to celebrate the royal tournament being held?
This was an absolutely adorable tale of young and unrequited love. Additionally, I appreciated that none of the main characters had things figured out yet, especially since they are teenagers and that's a messy time in your life full of self-discovery. This really shined in the candid conversations between Gwen and Art revealing that, despite what might appear to be external confidence, they are still kids and still learning who they are and how to navigate their new feelings. I appreciated the unapologetic queerness of this book. Obviously, the environment still wasn't conducive to straying from heteronormativity, but the characters themselves reinforced that there was nothing wrong with who they were and who they chose to love. I also didn't expect the sort of deeper lore of conflict and mystery and feuding factions, but it was a pleasant surprise as it wove through the novel, culminating in an unexpected twist. Overall, I think this was a great coming-of-age romance and I would read it again in a heartbeat. I can't wait until it's out and I can listen to the audiobook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Murder, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Death, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Blood and Gore
Minor: Animal death, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Sexism
Unfortunately because of the time period and the setting, there are quite a few content warnings. As part of the royal tournament, there is some blood, injuries, and violence as a function of the event itself. This is rather mild though, and the more severe instance is later in the bookheather_freshparchment's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I received a free ARC of this book from Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved Lex Croucher's Regency books, so I was intrigued by their latest book. I was pleasantly surprised, though slightly disappointed, to discover that it's not a direct Arthurian retelling, but a story that tells of the medieval legacy of those legends. On the one hand, that's a very clever and unexpected move, but on the other hand, I love a good Arthurian fantasy. I loved the relationships that bloom in these books and that they explore all of the complicated feelings that can surround them. Overall, though, I thought the writing felt a bit silly. Croucher admits in the afterward that this book was written in a very silly mood during a very strange time, so it makes sense. It just wasn't quite what I was looking for right now. It is a fun piece for those looking for cute LGBTQ+ romances with a bit of political intrigue thrown in to keep you on your toes.
I have loved Lex Croucher's Regency books, so I was intrigued by their latest book. I was pleasantly surprised, though slightly disappointed, to discover that it's not a direct Arthurian retelling, but a story that tells of the medieval legacy of those legends. On the one hand, that's a very clever and unexpected move, but on the other hand, I love a good Arthurian fantasy. I loved the relationships that bloom in these books and that they explore all of the complicated feelings that can surround them. Overall, though, I thought the writing felt a bit silly. Croucher admits in the afterward that this book was written in a very silly mood during a very strange time, so it makes sense. It just wasn't quite what I was looking for right now. It is a fun piece for those looking for cute LGBTQ+ romances with a bit of political intrigue thrown in to keep you on your toes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Moderate: Gore, Murder, Death of parent, Homophobia, Medical content, Violence, Death, and War
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