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The Suitable 'Verse #2
A Suitable Bodyguard
Zelli is determined to help his family despite his lack of experience, the embarrassing complications from his fae heritage, and the risk to himself as a rather tiny noble who has never traveled beyond his valley home. Tahlen, the most respected of his family’s guards, is just as determined that Zelli be kept out of trouble. If only outside politics, the fae, and Zelli himself would cooperate. Less
For nearly twenty years, noble families have torn the country apart battling for the throne. Until now, the Tialttyrin have avoided the chaos, since no other nobles will risk offending the mysterious, powerful fae by attacking their favorites. But as the violence encroaches into the Tialttyrin’s green valley, continued peace might require action. Or so Zelli, the family’s youngest and most fae member, believes.
Sheltered and inexperienced, Zelli resolves to save the valley and his family even if it means sneaking away to act on his own. He stops only to ask his family’s sworn guard Tahlen’s opinion on the matter. Thoughtful and reserved despite his young age, Tahlen has experience with the war going on outside the valley, as well as the respect of the other guards and the ear of the leader of the Tialttyrin. He surprises Zelli by agreeing something has to be done and that Zelli is the one to do it, but insists that if Zelli goes, Tahlen must go with him.
Tahlen is oath-bound to protect Zelli with his body and his life, but that oath says nothing about accompanying Zelli on a forbidden journey, or offering countless acts of service to the smallest and most useless member of the Tialttyrin family.
Zelli has no idea what to make of that and little time to think on it. His fae blood has started to act up in the most embarrassing ways, dangers from outside are creeping in like the fog the valley is known for, and the confusing stirring in his heart when Tahlen is near seems to be getting stronger.
As Zelli glimpses the warmth beneath Tahlen’s stony exterior, he grows closer to understanding his own feelings and how far he will go to keep Tahlen’s sacrifice from ever being necessary. It will take all of his quick thinking and generous nature, as well as some help from the unseen fae, but Zelli of the Tialttyrin will protect his people, his family, and above all, Tahlen.
M/M romance
Set in the same universe as A Suitable Consort (For the King and His Husband)
For nearly twenty years, noble families have torn the country apart battling for the throne. Until now, the Tialttyrin have avoided the chaos, since no other nobles will risk offending the mysterious, powerful fae by attacking their favorites. But as the violence encroaches into the Tialttyrin’s green valley, continued peace might require action. Or so Zelli, the family’s youngest and most fae member, believes.
Sheltered and inexperienced, Zelli resolves to save the valley and his family even if it means sneaking away to act on his own. He stops only to ask his family’s sworn guard Tahlen’s opinion on the matter. Thoughtful and reserved despite his young age, Tahlen has experience with the war going on outside the valley, as well as the respect of the other guards and the ear of the leader of the Tialttyrin. He surprises Zelli by agreeing something has to be done and that Zelli is the one to do it, but insists that if Zelli goes, Tahlen must go with him.
Tahlen is oath-bound to protect Zelli with his body and his life, but that oath says nothing about accompanying Zelli on a forbidden journey, or offering countless acts of service to the smallest and most useless member of the Tialttyrin family.
Zelli has no idea what to make of that and little time to think on it. His fae blood has started to act up in the most embarrassing ways, dangers from outside are creeping in like the fog the valley is known for, and the confusing stirring in his heart when Tahlen is near seems to be getting stronger.
As Zelli glimpses the warmth beneath Tahlen’s stony exterior, he grows closer to understanding his own feelings and how far he will go to keep Tahlen’s sacrifice from ever being necessary. It will take all of his quick thinking and generous nature, as well as some help from the unseen fae, but Zelli of the Tialttyrin will protect his people, his family, and above all, Tahlen.
M/M romance
Set in the same universe as A Suitable Consort (For the King and His Husband)
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2023
About the author
R. Cooper
90 books1,032 followersI'm R. Cooper, a somewhat absentminded, often distracted, writer of queer romance. I'm probably most known for the Being(s) in Love series and The Suitable 'Verse stories. Also the occasional story about witches or firefighters in love.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
Otherwise... have some social media links if you want updates and whatever the hell else I am talking about.
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You can also support me on Patreon if you like
If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
Otherwise... have some social media links if you want updates and whatever the hell else I am talking about.
Tumblr
BlueSky
**With Meta's current policies, I do not use FB or Insta or Threads for anything but the bare minimum.**
Instagram and Threads
You can also support me on Patreon if you like
If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
May 15, 2023
Similarly to the first novel in this world (which actually takes place after this one) I found the world-building interesting, but a little shaky. I really don't remember so much (any??!??) Fae stuff in that book, which made the intensity of it in this one a little discordant for me. And, tbh, some of that is just personal preference, as I didn't particularly like, enjoy, or expect the direction some of that went. As with most of the books I've read from this author lately, this felt entirely too long--I really wish she could find a good dev editor, because so much of this was repetitive and could have been chopped. It also suffers from another one of the issues I frequently have with this author's writing, which is that it almost feels like she's having entire conversations and backstories in her head that don't fully make it to the page, so I often am left feeling like I am missing context or reading a partially finished outline--sometimes it's okay to not leave everything up to your readers to infer...
IDK, this author is tough because I've absolutely LOVED many of her novels, but those are almost entirely in her Beings universe, and I've not had as much luck with her writing style outside of that... YMMV
IDK, this author is tough because I've absolutely LOVED many of her novels, but those are almost entirely in her Beings universe, and I've not had as much luck with her writing style outside of that... YMMV
May 19, 2023
This is a very long book in which Zelli manages to remain oblivious to Tahlen's love for him, and Tahlen remains blind to Zelli's love for him for, I suppose, 114,300 of the book's 114,325 word count.
And, to be honest, I am here for that. I really don't care that these two idiots could have found true happiness by page 2 because R. Cooper is The Grand Panjandrum of Pining, and she breaks my heart into crumb-sized pieces several times a chapter.
If you need more reasons to read this, Cooper's plots (even if drawn out) are interesting--as here, where Zelli's tiny nation state tries to remain neutral while the rest of his world is in dangerous flux. Cooper's world-building is generally credible and not subject to second-last-chapter modifications simply to resolve the plot.
And there's all that gorgeous pining and heartbreak. Call me a sappy old softy (if you must) but—aaah.
And, to be honest, I am here for that. I really don't care that these two idiots could have found true happiness by page 2 because R. Cooper is The Grand Panjandrum of Pining, and she breaks my heart into crumb-sized pieces several times a chapter.
If you need more reasons to read this, Cooper's plots (even if drawn out) are interesting--as here, where Zelli's tiny nation state tries to remain neutral while the rest of his world is in dangerous flux. Cooper's world-building is generally credible and not subject to second-last-chapter modifications simply to resolve the plot.
And there's all that gorgeous pining and heartbreak. Call me a sappy old softy (if you must) but—aaah.
July 21, 2024
Both sweet and confusing. I loved this but I'm not sure how to review.
April 24, 2023
Fun fantasy romance.
Zelli is the youngest of an old noble family but is also part Fae. As his grandmother is unwell and can't visting the town's in their valley to hear grievances and settle judgements, Zelli determines that he needs to go in her place even with (or because of) the unrest in the other parts of the kingdom as many of the other noble families fight for the crown. With only one guard, Tahlen, to go with him he get's a first hand glimpse of how the troubles elsewhere are headed to their peaceful lands. His fae nature and his attraction to Tahlen both bring problems and joys as he learns who he is and what he wants.
If you like a romance with some plot- along with a good dose of pining and s bit of monsterfucking, you might enjoy this story.
Zelli is the youngest of an old noble family but is also part Fae. As his grandmother is unwell and can't visting the town's in their valley to hear grievances and settle judgements, Zelli determines that he needs to go in her place even with (or because of) the unrest in the other parts of the kingdom as many of the other noble families fight for the crown. With only one guard, Tahlen, to go with him he get's a first hand glimpse of how the troubles elsewhere are headed to their peaceful lands. His fae nature and his attraction to Tahlen both bring problems and joys as he learns who he is and what he wants.
If you like a romance with some plot- along with a good dose of pining and s bit of monsterfucking, you might enjoy this story.
March 6, 2025
DNF 73%
What is even happening here 😭 as with most of this author’s writing, I am so confused. I think this will be my last try of something this author writes. They are clearly fantastic at coming up with stories but everything I read I’m so confused.
It mostly feels like conversations are happening off page and I can’t keep up with what’s going on, plus the two main characters talk in circles without saying what they really mean, or just say two basic words like “I want,” and everyone’s supposed to understand what that means.
This book has basically heat-sex and even that was boring me because I couldn’t understand what was happening. It was so disjointed. So many words saying nothing at all.
I give up.
What is even happening here 😭 as with most of this author’s writing, I am so confused. I think this will be my last try of something this author writes. They are clearly fantastic at coming up with stories but everything I read I’m so confused.
It mostly feels like conversations are happening off page and I can’t keep up with what’s going on, plus the two main characters talk in circles without saying what they really mean, or just say two basic words like “I want,” and everyone’s supposed to understand what that means.
This book has basically heat-sex and even that was boring me because I couldn’t understand what was happening. It was so disjointed. So many words saying nothing at all.
I give up.
November 19, 2023
The most boring book ever.
There's pages of tedious telling, overladen with details it might explain the complicated ruling system but honestly didn't hold my attention long enough for me to figure it. It wasn't entirely clear in the first book which incidentaly is set after this, but here it's muddied further.
I bought expecting a rewriting of 'My man Godric' minus the dresses, as Cooper is want to do. Quite possibly that was how it started. Underestimated yet well thought of little princling with low self esteem yet smart and trusted. Stoic guard from some family/race who lives to serve. The dynamic here was odd.
The usual longing is lost to constant apologies, there's even considering sex with two strangers -the characters from the prev/sequel- discussed with his love interest. Unless you've a hair fetish going -there's a lot of brushing their hair, doing and discussing their braids- it'll likely leave you cold.
I skimmed too much to fairly discuss plot, but can tell you the touch starved half fae princeling/dignitary/beat/lord went into heat and by the time he opened the door to his beloved I was distracted watching a Spider build a web then fell asleep. I woke to admire the web, forgot the book.
A good editor would be brutal.
While I've enjoyed a few I think I'm done with Cooper. Expectations were low, sought distraction, but this was tedious.
There's pages of tedious telling, overladen with details it might explain the complicated ruling system but honestly didn't hold my attention long enough for me to figure it. It wasn't entirely clear in the first book which incidentaly is set after this, but here it's muddied further.
I bought expecting a rewriting of 'My man Godric' minus the dresses, as Cooper is want to do. Quite possibly that was how it started. Underestimated yet well thought of little princling with low self esteem yet smart and trusted. Stoic guard from some family/race who lives to serve. The dynamic here was odd.
The usual longing is lost to constant apologies, there's even considering sex with two strangers -the characters from the prev/sequel- discussed with his love interest. Unless you've a hair fetish going -there's a lot of brushing their hair, doing and discussing their braids- it'll likely leave you cold.
I skimmed too much to fairly discuss plot, but can tell you the touch starved half fae princeling/dignitary/beat/lord went into heat and by the time he opened the door to his beloved I was distracted watching a Spider build a web then fell asleep. I woke to admire the web, forgot the book.
A good editor would be brutal.
While I've enjoyed a few I think I'm done with Cooper. Expectations were low, sought distraction, but this was tedious.
April 23, 2023
So good !
I don't know what it is about the way R. Cooper writes, but I always end up savoring the mystery in the words and touched to tears by the emotions in the pauses. This book did not disappoint. I so enjoy how this author does not over explain what's happening, who the characters are and what shapes them, and lets us discover it all through the confusion of life along the characters themselves.
I've loved almost every R.Cooper stories but enjoyed this one more than most and a lot more than A suitable consort.
I'm sure it'll quickly get added to my roster of reread become a new favorite comfort read 💙💙
I don't know what it is about the way R. Cooper writes, but I always end up savoring the mystery in the words and touched to tears by the emotions in the pauses. This book did not disappoint. I so enjoy how this author does not over explain what's happening, who the characters are and what shapes them, and lets us discover it all through the confusion of life along the characters themselves.
I've loved almost every R.Cooper stories but enjoyed this one more than most and a lot more than A suitable consort.
I'm sure it'll quickly get added to my roster of reread become a new favorite comfort read 💙💙
November 5, 2024
Sometimes, I am a bit slow in realising there are more books in a series.
So colour me surprised when I realised, there is another book in the same universe as "A suitable consort (for the King and his husband), which I adored and read at least two or three times already.
I have to confess that I couldn't immediately place when and where this book is in relation to the first book, but that didn't matter.
I adored Zelli! He moved me to tears sometimes with his selflessness , which he didn't even realise.
I was a bit embarrassed with him and as well as a lot taken with Thalen, because seriously: who doesn't love the strong, silent type.
The story starts slow to give us time to get to know everyone, but with every page, it got harder and harder for me to put it down.
I adored this book as much, if not more, than the first one.
So colour me surprised when I realised, there is another book in the same universe as "A suitable consort (for the King and his husband), which I adored and read at least two or three times already.
I have to confess that I couldn't immediately place when and where this book is in relation to the first book, but that didn't matter.
I adored Zelli! He moved me to tears sometimes with his selflessness , which he didn't even realise.
I was a bit embarrassed with him and as well as a lot taken with Thalen, because seriously: who doesn't love the strong, silent type.
The story starts slow to give us time to get to know everyone, but with every page, it got harder and harder for me to put it down.
I adored this book as much, if not more, than the first one.
March 16, 2024
Ooh, I just found out that this is the second book after A Suitable Consort! I almost didn't read that one because of the famously horrible cover, but it turned out to be wonderful. I'm excited to see what this one brings.
Zellie is from a noble family that are famously part fae, but his fae-ness is more pronounced than with the rest of his kin: Pointy teeth, color changing eyes, and hair in every color of the sunset. Tahlen is Zellie's grandmother's personal guard, but insists on accompanying Zellie when he sets out to tend to his grandmother's people
Aand at lot of things happen, both between them and around them, but I am tired and hope to come back to this another day.
Next up: A Suitable Captive. Once again, I am so happy to have discovered that there are more books in the same univers as A Suitable Consort. Thank you, people of r/MM_RomanceBooks!
Zellie is from a noble family that are famously part fae, but his fae-ness is more pronounced than with the rest of his kin: Pointy teeth, color changing eyes, and hair in every color of the sunset. Tahlen is Zellie's grandmother's personal guard, but insists on accompanying Zellie when he sets out to tend to his grandmother's people
Aand at lot of things happen, both between them and around them, but I am tired and hope to come back to this another day.
Next up: A Suitable Captive. Once again, I am so happy to have discovered that there are more books in the same univers as A Suitable Consort. Thank you, people of r/MM_RomanceBooks!
April 23, 2023
The Mountain Wolf of the Tialttyrin gets his man!
A rich fantasy romance in a time of political instability & violence, set in an out-of-the-way valley blessed by the fae.
High-born Zelli's fae blood sets him apart from others. Tahlen lost everyone but his sister, & now serves Zelli's family, the Tialttyrin, as a guard & advisor.
This is an R. Cooper book, so both duty-driven men undervalue their worth. Will they ever figure out that they are worthy of each other? Hell yes. Did I cry a little on the way to the happy ending? Also hell yes. A wonderful addition to the Suitable Consort universe.
A rich fantasy romance in a time of political instability & violence, set in an out-of-the-way valley blessed by the fae.
High-born Zelli's fae blood sets him apart from others. Tahlen lost everyone but his sister, & now serves Zelli's family, the Tialttyrin, as a guard & advisor.
This is an R. Cooper book, so both duty-driven men undervalue their worth. Will they ever figure out that they are worthy of each other? Hell yes. Did I cry a little on the way to the happy ending? Also hell yes. A wonderful addition to the Suitable Consort universe.
May 9, 2023
This story is told entirely from the not always trustworthy half-fae's point of view, and it makes for interesting contrast, what Zelli thinks is going on, versus reality. As usual, this author navigates thoughts and feelings with a deftness I envy and admire. Now and then they seem overly wordy, but most of the time they're perfect and surprising and satisfying.
Having reached the end of this book, I am going to re-read A Suitable Consort (For the King and His Husband), because I suspect now I'll get more out of it, though I gave it high ratings on first reading.
Having reached the end of this book, I am going to re-read A Suitable Consort (For the King and His Husband), because I suspect now I'll get more out of it, though I gave it high ratings on first reading.
January 31, 2024
A stabby boy and a bitey boy like each other but it’s not that simple
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
Adorable.
June 3, 2024
Exquisite. Unmatched. 500 stars. I can't believe I put off reading this for so long, but I'm glad I did, because that means I got to enjoy it for the first time now, today.
Important things to know for people who like to know things (no plot spoilers):
- The entire book is third person single POV, from Zelli's perspective.
- The romance is the most important thing, but the plot is also important.
- There is a happy ending and an epilogue.
- You don't need to have read A Suitable Consort, not even a little. There are easter eggs, but you won't notice them unless you've already read it (and maybe not even then, at least at first—oops).
- While we're on the subject, this is better than A Suitable Consort. It just is. I liked that one just fine, but I adore this one.
- This is the only type of miscommunication I like, wherein they don't totally understand each other because they are different people with different personalities and experiences, but they want to understand each other, and eventually they do, because of how they *tried* specifically to do so. R. Cooper is really good at this, especially here.
- Zelli's fae-ness is superb and interesting and original and creative. Zelli himself is a delight.
- Another thing R. Cooper is amazing at: world building without over-explaining. The world is just there, complicated and sometimes confusing, and extremely real for the people who live in it. It's just the world; it doesn't need to be described, because everyone knows about it already. But the bits you need to know are tucked in there, when you need them. I like this because it makes me use my brain.
- The explicit scenes are hot, very sensual in the literal meaning of the word, and contain exactly zero clichéd phrases. Truly very hot, and never perfunctory. Very detailed in some ways way, but in other ways, not. You will not exactly get a step-by-step description of every mechanic. But neither will you be kept at a distance by euphemisms. It's a good (hot) balance between the two.
Important things to know for people who like to know things (no plot spoilers):
- The entire book is third person single POV, from Zelli's perspective.
- The romance is the most important thing, but the plot is also important.
- There is a happy ending and an epilogue.
- You don't need to have read A Suitable Consort, not even a little. There are easter eggs, but you won't notice them unless you've already read it (and maybe not even then, at least at first—oops).
- While we're on the subject, this is better than A Suitable Consort. It just is. I liked that one just fine, but I adore this one.
- This is the only type of miscommunication I like, wherein they don't totally understand each other because they are different people with different personalities and experiences, but they want to understand each other, and eventually they do, because of how they *tried* specifically to do so. R. Cooper is really good at this, especially here.
- Zelli's fae-ness is superb and interesting and original and creative. Zelli himself is a delight.
- Another thing R. Cooper is amazing at: world building without over-explaining. The world is just there, complicated and sometimes confusing, and extremely real for the people who live in it. It's just the world; it doesn't need to be described, because everyone knows about it already. But the bits you need to know are tucked in there, when you need them. I like this because it makes me use my brain.
- The explicit scenes are hot, very sensual in the literal meaning of the word, and contain exactly zero clichéd phrases. Truly very hot, and never perfunctory. Very detailed in some ways way, but in other ways, not. You will not exactly get a step-by-step description of every mechanic. But neither will you be kept at a distance by euphemisms. It's a good (hot) balance between the two.
May 20, 2026
Well Zelli was adorable. For one so sheltered and young, he has a strong need to stand for his people and despite his grandmother trying to protect him, he wants to do what's right for his family name, even if that means putting himself into a little bit of danger. The people expect to see a representative of his family, his grandmother can't travel, and the unrest in the kingdom cannot dissuade him from doing his duty. So sneaking away it is. Of course telling Tahlen his plans is necessary and will hopefully reassure his grandmother that he's not being too impetuous.
Zelli and Tahlen were cute as a couple. So different that miscommunication to start their relationship makes sense. Zelli assumes Tahlen's aloof and controlled nature means the man doesn't like him and Tahlen assumes a refusal of his courting proposal has occurred because of Zelli's own disbelief that it could be happening. I'll live with one big miscommunication if it doesn't keep occurring over and over, and while there was miscommunication in this it all resulted from Zelli and Tahlen learning about each other and how to read one another. It actually drew them closer over time and wasn't some miscommunication that sent them spiraling out away from one another or acted as a means to split them apart.
I enjoyed this story and liked that how committed to fighting for his people Zelli was. Tahlen is the perfect stalwart support for him. I liked Zelli's fae nature and his differences made him interesting and Tahlen clearly loved him for who he was.
Looking forward to continuing this series.
Zelli and Tahlen were cute as a couple. So different that miscommunication to start their relationship makes sense. Zelli assumes Tahlen's aloof and controlled nature means the man doesn't like him and Tahlen assumes a refusal of his courting proposal has occurred because of Zelli's own disbelief that it could be happening. I'll live with one big miscommunication if it doesn't keep occurring over and over, and while there was miscommunication in this it all resulted from Zelli and Tahlen learning about each other and how to read one another. It actually drew them closer over time and wasn't some miscommunication that sent them spiraling out away from one another or acted as a means to split them apart.
I enjoyed this story and liked that how committed to fighting for his people Zelli was. Tahlen is the perfect stalwart support for him. I liked Zelli's fae nature and his differences made him interesting and Tahlen clearly loved him for who he was.
Looking forward to continuing this series.
May 5, 2024
This book has a sweet, hard-earned love affair between a guard, Tahlen, who has sworn fealty to the elderly grandmother and leader of the Tialttyrin, and her grandson, Zelli, a fae/human halfling who has a severe attraction to Tahlen. In this slow-burn romance, Tahlen is a stoic guard who reveals little of his thoughts and feelings. At one point, he asked to court Zelli, but in the moments of confusion, he assumed that Zelli told him he wasn't interested.
This story is exceptional in its character development of Zelli, from his insecurities and shyness to his wisdom and many fae traits and mannerisms. He is the perfect foil for Tahlen's lack of expressiveness, as every one of Zelli's feelings crosses his face like an open book. As the two spend time together, they get to know each other better and become open to a future together. War surrounds their peaceful valley and the fae seem to be especially close at times. This book is a beautiful love story with layered world-building, passion, and a supportive, closely-knitted community.
This story is exceptional in its character development of Zelli, from his insecurities and shyness to his wisdom and many fae traits and mannerisms. He is the perfect foil for Tahlen's lack of expressiveness, as every one of Zelli's feelings crosses his face like an open book. As the two spend time together, they get to know each other better and become open to a future together. War surrounds their peaceful valley and the fae seem to be especially close at times. This book is a beautiful love story with layered world-building, passion, and a supportive, closely-knitted community.
November 12, 2025
I really like this book. These two are super sweet with each other, so much pining and angsty longing. I haven't read something this angsty since I read fanfiction, though I guess that makes sense since Beloved is the author's fanfiction of their own universe. It also primed me for this being more paranormal/fantasy than the other one which didn't have any magic, just praised the faeries the same way some cultures praise the gods.
Anyway, I like that both of them are smart. Though it's a bit weird that the grandma apparently keeps him in the dark, despite him being so smart and capable. This doesn't really make sense. It's also unclear how upset or disappointed the grandma is at anything. But the main characters have good character depth.
Anyway, I like that both of them are smart. Though it's a bit weird that the grandma apparently keeps him in the dark, despite him being so smart and capable. This doesn't really make sense. It's also unclear how upset or disappointed the grandma is at anything. But the main characters have good character depth.
June 30, 2026
3.5/5 rounding up
While I did enjoy this, it felt very similar to the first book (except not as good and with way more fae stuff). I like this world a lot and am immediately picking up the next book.
While I did enjoy this, it felt very similar to the first book (except not as good and with way more fae stuff). I like this world a lot and am immediately picking up the next book.
April 24, 2023
wonderful
I always love R. Cooper’s books, they are a spot on with emotions and relationships as we dream they could be. This book was no different.
I always love R. Cooper’s books, they are a spot on with emotions and relationships as we dream they could be. This book was no different.
December 31, 2024
Oh my. Zelli is gorgeous and heartbreaking and so so sweet.
April 27, 2023
Always a joy
I have no idea how R. Cooper's mind works but I am ever so grateful for it. Thank you for this delightful story.
I have no idea how R. Cooper's mind works but I am ever so grateful for it. Thank you for this delightful story.
July 1, 2023
Zelli is part fae. His family has a lineage that goes back hundreds of years, intermixing with the mysterious otherworldly creatures, and he, himself is the direct result of his parent and a fae. His physical appearance shifts, including color changes in his hair, eyes, and skin. He also shows horns, teeth, and gender changes. And there's a few other... concerning emotional and physical effects, including the lust fever, that causes Zelli to occasionally seclude himself to his rooms. But he identifies as male, and he's unquestionably Tialttyrin, one of the family that rules and protects their remote, enclosed valley from their kingdom's succession chaos of the past twenty years.
Zelli has been sheltered and protected, kept close to the family fortress, since he was a child by his grandmother, the Tialttyrin ruler. Now age 22, he's been (secretly) in love for about 5 years with Tahlen, a member of the guard who has been with the family. Zelli doesn't know much about Tahlen, he's a few years older, and is very protective and loyal to the Tialttyrin. A few years ago, Tahlen asked Zelli's grandmother for permission to court Zelli, but Zelli got upset and chased off Tahlen before giving an answer. Things between the two have been strained ever since. Zelli thinks Tahlen was asking because he may be ambitious, Tahlen apparently thinks Zelli definitely isn't interested.
Zelli's grandmother's health has been not the greatest the past few years, and she hasn't gone out into the valley to inspect her people, pass judgement, or to give advice. Zelli is worried that the people of valley need to see someone in charge, so one night (as this book opens), he approaches Tahlen in his room and says he wants to go to some nearby villages and see how things are. Tahlen protests, but acquiesces to accompany him once Zelli makes it clear he's going anyway. They pack, and head out before the dawn breaks.
What follows is a slow moving story of how together, Zelli and Tahlen slowly find love in each other, rebuild trust with the locals, solve a mystery of strangers in the woods, and face down a possible invasion.
There was a lot to like in this story, but I found the author's writing hampered it. They're a lot of little details for worldbuilding, but many felt introduced to be superfluous. The first 15% were very slow-going, then things began to get interesting. I also found very very annoying how Zelli and Tahlen couldn't speak directly, they kept speaking around things, so naturally misunderstandings happened. Zelli's lack of self-confidence and shame about his appearance were hard to keep following (though it was kind of sweet that Tahlen's steady acceptance helped Zelli grow.)
I'd go about 2.25 stars and rounded down to 2 for this. Didn't love it.
Zelli has been sheltered and protected, kept close to the family fortress, since he was a child by his grandmother, the Tialttyrin ruler. Now age 22, he's been (secretly) in love for about 5 years with Tahlen, a member of the guard who has been with the family. Zelli doesn't know much about Tahlen, he's a few years older, and is very protective and loyal to the Tialttyrin. A few years ago, Tahlen asked Zelli's grandmother for permission to court Zelli, but Zelli got upset and chased off Tahlen before giving an answer. Things between the two have been strained ever since. Zelli thinks Tahlen was asking because he may be ambitious, Tahlen apparently thinks Zelli definitely isn't interested.
Zelli's grandmother's health has been not the greatest the past few years, and she hasn't gone out into the valley to inspect her people, pass judgement, or to give advice. Zelli is worried that the people of valley need to see someone in charge, so one night (as this book opens), he approaches Tahlen in his room and says he wants to go to some nearby villages and see how things are. Tahlen protests, but acquiesces to accompany him once Zelli makes it clear he's going anyway. They pack, and head out before the dawn breaks.
What follows is a slow moving story of how together, Zelli and Tahlen slowly find love in each other, rebuild trust with the locals, solve a mystery of strangers in the woods, and face down a possible invasion.
There was a lot to like in this story, but I found the author's writing hampered it. They're a lot of little details for worldbuilding, but many felt introduced to be superfluous. The first 15% were very slow-going, then things began to get interesting. I also found very very annoying how Zelli and Tahlen couldn't speak directly, they kept speaking around things, so naturally misunderstandings happened. Zelli's lack of self-confidence and shame about his appearance were hard to keep following (though it was kind of sweet that Tahlen's steady acceptance helped Zelli grow.)
I'd go about 2.25 stars and rounded down to 2 for this. Didn't love it.
August 20, 2024
LOVED IT. The worldbuilding is a little more complicated than books one and three and took some careful reading. But I loved everything about it. Including the fact that it’s not in chronological order. Maybe that will bug some people but I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much if I hadn’t read “suitable consort” first. Anyway. I really liked both Zelli and Tahlen, individually and together. Each had a long way to go to establish a strong sense of self and place in the world, and maybe wouldn’t have gotten there had they not taken that journey together.
September 18, 2024
I liked this couple slightly less well than the romantic partners in the first book. The miscommunication between the two made it difficult to follow what was going on, at least initially. I liked Zelli and his fae character but found him occasionally irritating due to the depth of his anxiety. With that said, I could barely put the book down. In addition, the spicy scenes were just to my taste, and the writing was incredible. I would probably read anything by this author.
May 14, 2023
This was incredibly boring to me. The writing style dragged bc it s 90%telling & 10% dialog. I got bored from the 1st chapter with Zelli s never ending thoughts and descriptions. Zelli s martyr complex and him apologizing 3 times/per chapter was annoying AF. There was nothing I liked ab this book. Not an author I would read again.
February 24, 2024
4+⭐
I'm enjoying this more low fantasy world quite a bit, though this one has sort-of-magic through the faes. So much pining, aching, and misunderstanding, but R. Cooper just does it right. These heroes are not jerks and jackassess and usually even the cluelessness isn't frustrating. But I do think many of these longer books could be edited down a tad.
I'm enjoying this more low fantasy world quite a bit, though this one has sort-of-magic through the faes. So much pining, aching, and misunderstanding, but R. Cooper just does it right. These heroes are not jerks and jackassess and usually even the cluelessness isn't frustrating. But I do think many of these longer books could be edited down a tad.
May 23, 2023
So this is an R. Cooper book through-and-through. Do you like your romance heroes blind to the obvious, and deeply insecure but also searingly obsessed with each other? Then look no further, cause this will likely be the book for you!
I haven't read the other book set in this universe (A Suitable Consort) since that is poly and I just can't (not throwing shade on those of you who dig it, it is just not for me). But not knowing anything about the other book didn't matter too much when it came to understanding the setting of this book, or getting deeply involved in the story of the two main leads of this story. I think some side characters mentioned in an early part of the book would make more sense if you had read A Suitable Consort, since I worked out via googling that they feature heavily there, but if you can put up with the vague sense that these cameo characters seem a bit too fully realised to just be cameo characters, you should be fine. They don't steal the show or have much to do with the plot.
The setting of A Suitable Bodyguard is a fantasy land populated mainly by humans who are stratified in a class system where the more syllables in your last name, the fancier/wealthier/more powerful you are e.g. four-beat (i.e. four-syllable) last names designate a person of higher rank than a three-beat last name. Our sole-POV main character Zelli is from a very noble family (four beats!) who are considered a bit strange due to the fact that their ancestors had relations with the fae (mysterious and powerful tree creatures who are rarely seen but whose impact is often felt by humans) and so have fae physical features and a closer relationship with them. Zelli, as per Cooper's MO, thinks excruciatingly little of himself (and I do mean excruciating...honestly it gets a bit much very quickly) due to the fact that he has more fae features than others in his family, is very small, and prefers to live a quiet life in his country estate rather than grasping for power and trying to forget his fae roots in the city. He is super nice to everyone, amazingly talented at diplomacy and household organisation, has a loyal and compassionate heart of gold, is devoted to social justice, and hasn't a single power-hungry bone in his body...yet can't imagine that the handsome and wise senior guard of his family matriarch, Tahlen, could ever look upon him with admiration... Anyway, determined to discard any thoughts of attaining personal happiness, Zelli allows his matriarch to start searching for a political match for him, while also trying to look out for the common folk of his ancestral lands - cue adventure that he simply must be accompanied on by a talented and protective guard!
So the premise is hardly original, but the world building is reasonably unique and some of the side characters encountered on the journey are passably interesting. But I suppose I wasn't really reading this book for the adventure plot, and I have to admit the romantic plot had me glued to the page and staying up way past my bedtime to see it to the end! After some lacklustre romance reads lately, it was such fun to enjoy some good ole fashion pining-on-steroids, and who does pining better than R Cooper? Sure, you can't help but think that a lot of stress and bother could have been avoided with a tad more common sense and ability not to miss the bleedingly obvious, but provided you can suspend your disbelief a little in that direction, you won't be disappointed by the devotion displayed by each of the male leads towards the other. The sex scenes are steamy and intense, and work to display on a more physical level the connection between our heroes. If it wasn't made clear enough by me above, then I will state here definitively (for those of us who like to know this sort of thing before we read) that this book doesn't show our leading couple in a polyamorous relationship at any point, although it is set in a universe where polyamorous relationships seem to be fairly common. Also, while I might hesitate to confidently describe the POV main character Zelli as non-binary, since he seems to use male pronouns preferentially throughout and there is no clear indication that he perceives his identity as anything other than male, there is definitely some challenging of gender/sex binaries, especially in the second half of the story, which I thought was handled well.
Since this is Cooper we are reading, expect some less-than-subtle political messaging throughout, although thank heavens with a lighter touch than The-Book-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named (aka Forget Me Not). I don't mind political ideology in my romance novels, but I do mind being bludgeoned over the head with it, in the style of 18th century morality tales. In this book Cooper manages to hold back the extreme didacticism of some of her other work, and mostly maintains focus on her main romance arch, which is where I think she really excels.
All in all, I enjoyed this book quite a lot and will definitely be re-reading at some point. Cooper can be a bit hit-and-miss for me, but this one was fortunately a hit!
I haven't read the other book set in this universe (A Suitable Consort) since that is poly and I just can't (not throwing shade on those of you who dig it, it is just not for me). But not knowing anything about the other book didn't matter too much when it came to understanding the setting of this book, or getting deeply involved in the story of the two main leads of this story. I think some side characters mentioned in an early part of the book would make more sense if you had read A Suitable Consort, since I worked out via googling that they feature heavily there, but if you can put up with the vague sense that these cameo characters seem a bit too fully realised to just be cameo characters, you should be fine. They don't steal the show or have much to do with the plot.
The setting of A Suitable Bodyguard is a fantasy land populated mainly by humans who are stratified in a class system where the more syllables in your last name, the fancier/wealthier/more powerful you are e.g. four-beat (i.e. four-syllable) last names designate a person of higher rank than a three-beat last name. Our sole-POV main character Zelli is from a very noble family (four beats!) who are considered a bit strange due to the fact that their ancestors had relations with the fae (mysterious and powerful tree creatures who are rarely seen but whose impact is often felt by humans) and so have fae physical features and a closer relationship with them. Zelli, as per Cooper's MO, thinks excruciatingly little of himself (and I do mean excruciating...honestly it gets a bit much very quickly) due to the fact that he has more fae features than others in his family, is very small, and prefers to live a quiet life in his country estate rather than grasping for power and trying to forget his fae roots in the city. He is super nice to everyone, amazingly talented at diplomacy and household organisation, has a loyal and compassionate heart of gold, is devoted to social justice, and hasn't a single power-hungry bone in his body...yet can't imagine that the handsome and wise senior guard of his family matriarch, Tahlen, could ever look upon him with admiration... Anyway, determined to discard any thoughts of attaining personal happiness, Zelli allows his matriarch to start searching for a political match for him, while also trying to look out for the common folk of his ancestral lands - cue adventure that he simply must be accompanied on by a talented and protective guard!
So the premise is hardly original, but the world building is reasonably unique and some of the side characters encountered on the journey are passably interesting. But I suppose I wasn't really reading this book for the adventure plot, and I have to admit the romantic plot had me glued to the page and staying up way past my bedtime to see it to the end! After some lacklustre romance reads lately, it was such fun to enjoy some good ole fashion pining-on-steroids, and who does pining better than R Cooper? Sure, you can't help but think that a lot of stress and bother could have been avoided with a tad more common sense and ability not to miss the bleedingly obvious, but provided you can suspend your disbelief a little in that direction, you won't be disappointed by the devotion displayed by each of the male leads towards the other. The sex scenes are steamy and intense, and work to display on a more physical level the connection between our heroes. If it wasn't made clear enough by me above, then I will state here definitively (for those of us who like to know this sort of thing before we read) that this book doesn't show our leading couple in a polyamorous relationship at any point, although it is set in a universe where polyamorous relationships seem to be fairly common. Also, while I might hesitate to confidently describe the POV main character Zelli as non-binary, since he seems to use male pronouns preferentially throughout and there is no clear indication that he perceives his identity as anything other than male, there is definitely some challenging of gender/sex binaries, especially in the second half of the story, which I thought was handled well.
Since this is Cooper we are reading, expect some less-than-subtle political messaging throughout, although thank heavens with a lighter touch than The-Book-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named (aka Forget Me Not). I don't mind political ideology in my romance novels, but I do mind being bludgeoned over the head with it, in the style of 18th century morality tales. In this book Cooper manages to hold back the extreme didacticism of some of her other work, and mostly maintains focus on her main romance arch, which is where I think she really excels.
All in all, I enjoyed this book quite a lot and will definitely be re-reading at some point. Cooper can be a bit hit-and-miss for me, but this one was fortunately a hit!
November 6, 2023
Always and forever a masterpiece.
January 23, 2025
5 stars puRELY for Tahlen because he is just… perfect, exquisite, 10000000 out 10 like ngl Zelli was so annoying at some times but tahlen just made it worth it
Tahlen quotes that made me scream:
Tahlen quotes that made me scream:
November 2, 2025
Mixed Feelings
It’s well written, sort of, I don’t know if some of it was to portray the main character’s constant trail of thoughts but it was quite hard to follow at times.
Conversations, topics, or events occurring would often just trail off or quickly change. Quite a few assumptions or inferences are needed. A few things essential to world building/ character building/ story line come up but then are unaddressed/briefly addressed. Overall, a good read, decent plot/world building, and storyline. Just not the best character building, they’re still hard to grasp/describe in my opinion.
Spoilers:
The main character’s were not upfront about any of their feelings or problems in the beginning/middle.
You will cry quite a bit towards the end.
There’s smut but it’s not well detailed, similar to how pg 13 shows sex scenes? Like low key but passionate? Also fairly hard to follow because of how it’s explained. There’s only like 2 and a half scenes of it.
The book tends to dance around fairly major plot lines/points. The book is written almost like it’s a person being compelled to tell you secrets, you’ll get a LOT of random bits of information and ellipses.
Conversations will jump around like a game of hop scotch and will likely not circle back. The characters converse quite a bit with vague details and implications, you’re usually left to guess or use assumptions at. It will make you think you’ve skipped ahead by mistake or overlooked a chapter, you haven’t, I swear it.
It’s well written, sort of, I don’t know if some of it was to portray the main character’s constant trail of thoughts but it was quite hard to follow at times.
Conversations, topics, or events occurring would often just trail off or quickly change. Quite a few assumptions or inferences are needed. A few things essential to world building/ character building/ story line come up but then are unaddressed/briefly addressed. Overall, a good read, decent plot/world building, and storyline. Just not the best character building, they’re still hard to grasp/describe in my opinion.
Spoilers:
The main character’s were not upfront about any of their feelings or problems in the beginning/middle.
You will cry quite a bit towards the end.
There’s smut but it’s not well detailed, similar to how pg 13 shows sex scenes? Like low key but passionate? Also fairly hard to follow because of how it’s explained. There’s only like 2 and a half scenes of it.
The book tends to dance around fairly major plot lines/points. The book is written almost like it’s a person being compelled to tell you secrets, you’ll get a LOT of random bits of information and ellipses.
Conversations will jump around like a game of hop scotch and will likely not circle back. The characters converse quite a bit with vague details and implications, you’re usually left to guess or use assumptions at. It will make you think you’ve skipped ahead by mistake or overlooked a chapter, you haven’t, I swear it.
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