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Of Knights and Books and Falling In Love
Jayce has little memory of life before entering servitude to the Dark Lord, and no hope of ever escaping. Until he meets Alexius, the knight with a heart of gold. He offers Jayce, his enemy, a chance to break free of the Dark Lord's clutches, and Jayce is not about to let such an opportunity pass. When the war comes to an end, Jayce finds himself finally free, with Alexius's help, and surrounded by a new world of opportunity. And the prospect of a new love. The more time Jayce spends with Alexius, the more he finds himself falling for this knight in shining armour.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2023
27 people are currently reading
2232 people want to read
About the author
Rita A. Rubin
10 books112 followersAn indie author currently residing in Melbourne, Australia with their dog, cat and many books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 30, 2023
Ahhh, I loved this one! I love cosy fantasy and this is cosy fantasy at its best. Queernormative world, magical adventures, and slow-burn hurt/comfort romance that made my heart ache (in a good way). There's even a cosy bookstore with a cat. What's not to love?
My only compliant is that it was shorter than expected.
***Thanks to the author for the eARC!***
My only compliant is that it was shorter than expected.
***Thanks to the author for the eARC!***
September 4, 2024
I'm gonna be honest, I liked the idea of this book (and it started off strong), but the execution was a bit lackluster.
I really liked that the book began where stories like this usually end - in that way, it kind of reminded me of So This Is Ever After. Sadly, this book felt lacking due to its weak characterization. The only character we actually got to know was Jayce, the rest kind of felt like cardboard cutouts. Even in terms of the main relationship - there wasn't any chemistry between them because of the poor character development. The love interest felt like a caricature of a hero knight; we didn't get to know him deeper than that at all.
This author has an easy-to-read writing style, but I think there's a lot of work to be done otherwise.
I really liked that the book began where stories like this usually end - in that way, it kind of reminded me of So This Is Ever After. Sadly, this book felt lacking due to its weak characterization. The only character we actually got to know was Jayce, the rest kind of felt like cardboard cutouts. Even in terms of the main relationship - there wasn't any chemistry between them because of the poor character development. The love interest felt like a caricature of a hero knight; we didn't get to know him deeper than that at all.
This author has an easy-to-read writing style, but I think there's a lot of work to be done otherwise.
June 14, 2023
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
This was a nice little slice-of-life fantasy romance. The general vibe was chill and somewhat cozy. It essentially starts with the Dark Lord being defeated, and the main character was someone who’d been forced to work for him but is glad to be free. There’s no big plotline, it’s mostly just the relationship, working in a bookstore, and Jayce deciding what to do now that he has his freedom. There are a few fight scenes, but not a ton of action. And it’s small in scope, so not much world-building since it just wasn’t needed.
There were a lot of forward time jumps where it was sort of summarized that the characters spent a lot of time together and did xyz every day and Jayce realized he cared for them, etc. That made it hard for me to actually feel the emotions. I do like knowing the characters spent time together over a while because that makes feelings more believable for me, but I would’ve liked to see more of that time, more in-the-moment scenes.
That being said, the romance was still sweet. There were just enough in-the-moment scenes for me to feel something between them, to be excited for them to kiss or do whatever more they wanted to do for the first time. And they were very sweet with each other, very loving and reverent and not wanting to push.
Also, this was a queernormative world where no one seemed to care about queer genders or sexualities.
Overall, a chill and stress-free fantasy romance great for unwinding with!
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2023 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes chill, cozy fantasy, sweet m/m romance, and "bad guys" who don't actually want to be bad guys.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
This was a nice little slice-of-life fantasy romance. The general vibe was chill and somewhat cozy. It essentially starts with the Dark Lord being defeated, and the main character was someone who’d been forced to work for him but is glad to be free. There’s no big plotline, it’s mostly just the relationship, working in a bookstore, and Jayce deciding what to do now that he has his freedom. There are a few fight scenes, but not a ton of action. And it’s small in scope, so not much world-building since it just wasn’t needed.
There were a lot of forward time jumps where it was sort of summarized that the characters spent a lot of time together and did xyz every day and Jayce realized he cared for them, etc. That made it hard for me to actually feel the emotions. I do like knowing the characters spent time together over a while because that makes feelings more believable for me, but I would’ve liked to see more of that time, more in-the-moment scenes.
That being said, the romance was still sweet. There were just enough in-the-moment scenes for me to feel something between them, to be excited for them to kiss or do whatever more they wanted to do for the first time. And they were very sweet with each other, very loving and reverent and not wanting to push.
Also, this was a queernormative world where no one seemed to care about queer genders or sexualities.
Overall, a chill and stress-free fantasy romance great for unwinding with!
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2023 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes chill, cozy fantasy, sweet m/m romance, and "bad guys" who don't actually want to be bad guys.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
September 20, 2023
Thank you Pride book tours and rita for giving me a copy of this book to review!
I really enjoyed this book yall! Like, every time i picked it up i could not and did not want to put it down. I had to keep myself from reading it all in one day. It was such a good character-based story about two people trying to figure out their lives after a great war. Its made to be a cozy low stakes fantasy, which i loved as it did not take much brain power to read and at the same time gave complex characters that were relatable and easy to fall in love with. I loved Alexius and Jayce together and separately. I think both of these characters meshed really well together and their banter was hilarious. If i could describe this book in one word it would be a toothache and in the best way possible. So many sweet and fluffy moments that had me blushing, swooning and flat out squealing like a school girl.
I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a low stakes easy to read fantasy that has MM romance and “its so fluffy im gonna d$e” energy
I really enjoyed this book yall! Like, every time i picked it up i could not and did not want to put it down. I had to keep myself from reading it all in one day. It was such a good character-based story about two people trying to figure out their lives after a great war. Its made to be a cozy low stakes fantasy, which i loved as it did not take much brain power to read and at the same time gave complex characters that were relatable and easy to fall in love with. I loved Alexius and Jayce together and separately. I think both of these characters meshed really well together and their banter was hilarious. If i could describe this book in one word it would be a toothache and in the best way possible. So many sweet and fluffy moments that had me blushing, swooning and flat out squealing like a school girl.
I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a low stakes easy to read fantasy that has MM romance and “its so fluffy im gonna d$e” energy
November 10, 2023
I liked this book as a cozy fantasy - the writing was very simple, which isn’t bad when I’m here for the chill vibes and honestly I was enjoying this read until the last 2 pages. If I could time travel I would delete the last two pages of this book and have myself read it again without them. I was so upset I nearly physically threw my kindle out the window.
I’m giving this book a 3 but let it be known that if the last 2 pages hadn’t existed this would have been a solid 4.
I’m giving this book a 3 but let it be known that if the last 2 pages hadn’t existed this would have been a solid 4.
June 12, 2023
I'm so glad I had the chance to read an ARC early! It's also the first book I've ever been asked to blurb, so my little author heart fluttered a little.
Sweet, endearing, and wonderfully charming, with characters that don't shy away from their trauma and a romance that feels deeply well-earned, OF KNIGHTS AND BOOKS AND FALLING IN LOVE is a slow-burn cozy fantasy that will enchant you.
Sweet, endearing, and wonderfully charming, with characters that don't shy away from their trauma and a romance that feels deeply well-earned, OF KNIGHTS AND BOOKS AND FALLING IN LOVE is a slow-burn cozy fantasy that will enchant you.
February 23, 2023
I love this cozy romantic fantasy so much. I can't wait until everyone else gets a chance to read this
February 15, 2024
For those who love Legends and Lattes, but make it more gay and more cozy with a hint of adventure thrown in. This was an absolute delight and perfect for Valentine's Day. 5 ⭐
October 17, 2023
This is a really cute love story that will be perfect for anyone looking for a quick, lighthearted read with some loveable characters and wholesome interactions as their relationship develops. The fantasy setting provides a nice backdrop for the story and draws on familiar tropes of the genre rather than reinventing the wheel, which I think works well for a cozy fantasy. The focus is definitely on the two main characters, Jayce and Alexius, but I also really enjoyed some of the side characters, particularly Iris and Mable. They added a nice sense of depth to the world and each brought something unique.
(Also can we talk about how gorgeous that cover art is? Stunning.)
(Also can we talk about how gorgeous that cover art is? Stunning.)
August 1, 2024
I'm in a reading slump for 5 months and then BAM I'm finishing books in a day (idek)
Low-stakes cosy fantasy, i.e my version of a fun read. It made me happy so I'm giving it five stars and no I will not be taking criticism at this time thank you and goodnight
Edit:
Wait I thought this was a duology??? With that ending I need a second book !!
Edit:
it has a short novella 🥰
Low-stakes cosy fantasy, i.e my version of a fun read. It made me happy so I'm giving it five stars and no I will not be taking criticism at this time thank you and goodnight
Edit:
Wait I thought this was a duology??? With that ending I need a second book !!
Edit:
it has a short novella 🥰
April 15, 2025
Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love is a heartfelt delight. Rubin’s writing style is perfectly suited for a slice-of-life tale, and these characters will steal your heart. Look no farther for your next cozy romantic fantasy novel: Rubin’s got you covered.
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July 12, 2023This novel feels like the author wanted to write a Captive Prince inspired story freed of all the angst. Pure healing and falling in love. And I really really liked it.
January 30, 2024
What I was in the mood for was a light, fluffy romance, but then it has to be a good read and this was not.
The main characters behave implausibly, there should be chemistry between them but there is none, there are attempts at humour that are utterly inane, the story is awkward and quite poorly written.
There are a number of plots that could be interesting but are not developed at all, even though they are what the story is all about.
The servant of an evil sorcerer is freed by a tough knight and the villain is defeated. The former servant and the knight then go to the knight's town together, where they gradually develop a relationship. It wasn't exciting, it wasn't beautiful, it wasn't heartwarming. It was mostly artificial.
Had it not been so short, it would have been a dnf.
The main characters behave implausibly, there should be chemistry between them but there is none, there are attempts at humour that are utterly inane, the story is awkward and quite poorly written.
There are a number of plots that could be interesting but are not developed at all, even though they are what the story is all about.
The servant of an evil sorcerer is freed by a tough knight and the villain is defeated. The former servant and the knight then go to the knight's town together, where they gradually develop a relationship. It wasn't exciting, it wasn't beautiful, it wasn't heartwarming. It was mostly artificial.
Had it not been so short, it would have been a dnf.
April 5, 2023
thanks to the author for sending me an arc!
4.5 stars
i loved reading this! it was such a sweet, comfy story with loveable characters and so much casual queer rep ^^ my favourites were without doubt the enby orc bookshop owner, and Alexius because i have a soft spot for male love interests who are really just such unapologetic sweethearts :3
the premise of a former villain slowly learning to live a calm, happy life is a great thing to read about for a change and i greatly enjoyed the overall cozy vibes of this story.
i'm definitely buying a physical copy of it when it's released :)
4.5 stars
i loved reading this! it was such a sweet, comfy story with loveable characters and so much casual queer rep ^^ my favourites were without doubt the enby orc bookshop owner, and Alexius because i have a soft spot for male love interests who are really just such unapologetic sweethearts :3
the premise of a former villain slowly learning to live a calm, happy life is a great thing to read about for a change and i greatly enjoyed the overall cozy vibes of this story.
i'm definitely buying a physical copy of it when it's released :)
October 7, 2024
3.75/5 rounding up to 4!
Just a cozy fantasy, what more could you want in the fall?
Lovedddd the structure, starting at the end of another story and basically just having an extended epilogue where the enemies get together and it’s super low stakes is my cup of tea honestly
I could rant about how we really see the climax and resolution of the other story in the first two chapters and how the framework of the narrative is extended further past the resolution to create this almost fanfic-esque feeling for these characters but ! I’ll restrain myself!
I had some minor issues with sentence structure and overall choppiness within paragraphs themselves and with the pacing of things that seemed weird at times to squeeze in seemingly random plot points, but I’m not complaining because it’s the first book I’ve started and finished that’s a.) not a graphic novel and b.) held my attention since July, so! Brownie points!!!!
Just a cozy fantasy, what more could you want in the fall?
Lovedddd the structure, starting at the end of another story and basically just having an extended epilogue where the enemies get together and it’s super low stakes is my cup of tea honestly
I could rant about how we really see the climax and resolution of the other story in the first two chapters and how the framework of the narrative is extended further past the resolution to create this almost fanfic-esque feeling for these characters but ! I’ll restrain myself!
I had some minor issues with sentence structure and overall choppiness within paragraphs themselves and with the pacing of things that seemed weird at times to squeeze in seemingly random plot points, but I’m not complaining because it’s the first book I’ve started and finished that’s a.) not a graphic novel and b.) held my attention since July, so! Brownie points!!!!
September 13, 2023
Please take a second to take in how cute this is!
This book takes place in a wold that us divided. There is a war going on and peace seems to be long forgotten. In this context we meet to young men in oposites sides. Alexius is one of the most trusted soldiers of the hero. And Jayce is the second in command of the Dark Lord. Fate puts them together when the Dark Lord takes Alexius hostage, and sends Jayce to interrogate him. It is this moment when their lives take a twist and instead of fighting they start to work together. And after the war is over Alex gives Jayce a chance to start over.
This book is amazing. The characters are without a doubt complex. Each of them facing their own traumas after years of fighting. They face survivors guilt, lost and trama that comes with a life of fighting. And to make things even harder, in the case of Jayce even memory lost. As they travel and then live together they prove themselves and each other that they are capable of moving on.
The book is without a doubt and cute and wholesome story. It has magical elements proper of the world it set it. Each of the characters is deep and has value to the story. The plot is simple yet attractive. And the book leaves you with a warm feeling in your chest. Tho I wouldn’t mind knowing a little more of this amazing couple.
If you like cute fantasy romance, this book is for you.
This book takes place in a wold that us divided. There is a war going on and peace seems to be long forgotten. In this context we meet to young men in oposites sides. Alexius is one of the most trusted soldiers of the hero. And Jayce is the second in command of the Dark Lord. Fate puts them together when the Dark Lord takes Alexius hostage, and sends Jayce to interrogate him. It is this moment when their lives take a twist and instead of fighting they start to work together. And after the war is over Alex gives Jayce a chance to start over.
This book is amazing. The characters are without a doubt complex. Each of them facing their own traumas after years of fighting. They face survivors guilt, lost and trama that comes with a life of fighting. And to make things even harder, in the case of Jayce even memory lost. As they travel and then live together they prove themselves and each other that they are capable of moving on.
The book is without a doubt and cute and wholesome story. It has magical elements proper of the world it set it. Each of the characters is deep and has value to the story. The plot is simple yet attractive. And the book leaves you with a warm feeling in your chest. Tho I wouldn’t mind knowing a little more of this amazing couple.
If you like cute fantasy romance, this book is for you.
March 31, 2025
cozy fantasy, kind of a slow burn. i loved jayce and iris.
July 18, 2024
3.5 stars round up. I loved the book but everything kinda felt a bit too rushed, the characters were great but I wish we got more world and characters building instead of what should have been one of the main climaxes happening within the first few chapters before we could really grasp what's going on.
May 10, 2023
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love by Rita A. Rubin is a charming Queer Adult Fantasy.
Jayce has been enslaved as the Dark Lord's apprentice since he was young. When Knight Alexius is taken prisoner , Jayce is given a way to regain his freedom. Once the Dark Lord has been defeated and Jayce is free, the story really begins. Alexius gives Jayce a chance to start over and show that he's not the monster the Dark Lord made him to be.
I have killed many people. Maybe- Maybe I don't deserve this. This freedom.
This Queer fantasy tells the story of what happen to key players after a war has ended. Told in single point of view from Jayce, he was endearing right from the beginning and I was rooting for him to find peace over the guilt he felt and find his own path. Alexius was charming and kind but I do wish we had received his point of view because it was hard to get a solid read on him with his dalliances with the ladies of the village. Jayce and Alexius have an innocent slow burn romance that results in a low steam open door intimate scene. While it took a minute for them to get to that point, it made me happy to see them finally find their way there.
He had not known how even the lightest, most innocent touch from Alexius could make him feel like he could be something to be cherished. Someone worthy of love.
Overall, Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love by Rita A. Rubin is a Queer Adult fantasy that's a bit cozy and a bit bloody, with low steam, books, gnomes, trolls, elves, danger, a second chance, oaths and a happy ending. I do hope the author writes more in this world because I would love a novella or short story featuring the delightful Florent or tales of Jayce's adventures with the Mercenaries Guild.
Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love by Rita A. Rubin is a charming Queer Adult Fantasy.
Jayce has been enslaved as the Dark Lord's apprentice since he was young. When Knight Alexius is taken prisoner , Jayce is given a way to regain his freedom. Once the Dark Lord has been defeated and Jayce is free, the story really begins. Alexius gives Jayce a chance to start over and show that he's not the monster the Dark Lord made him to be.
I have killed many people. Maybe- Maybe I don't deserve this. This freedom.
This Queer fantasy tells the story of what happen to key players after a war has ended. Told in single point of view from Jayce, he was endearing right from the beginning and I was rooting for him to find peace over the guilt he felt and find his own path. Alexius was charming and kind but I do wish we had received his point of view because it was hard to get a solid read on him with his dalliances with the ladies of the village. Jayce and Alexius have an innocent slow burn romance that results in a low steam open door intimate scene. While it took a minute for them to get to that point, it made me happy to see them finally find their way there.
He had not known how even the lightest, most innocent touch from Alexius could make him feel like he could be something to be cherished. Someone worthy of love.
Overall, Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love by Rita A. Rubin is a Queer Adult fantasy that's a bit cozy and a bit bloody, with low steam, books, gnomes, trolls, elves, danger, a second chance, oaths and a happy ending. I do hope the author writes more in this world because I would love a novella or short story featuring the delightful Florent or tales of Jayce's adventures with the Mercenaries Guild.
March 31, 2023
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
How is this book such a sweet delight? I’ll tell you. Let me count that ways that you’ll fall in love with this book as much as I did:
—The main couple. These two are the main event and they are an utter joy to read about. They each have their own fully developed personalities but when they’re together, the sweetness will give you cavities in the best of ways. They each bring out the best in one another.
—The world. It’s a world where queer individuals are regarded as completely normal and dear God if that is not refreshing to see.
—The dialogue. It’s equal parts cheesy, equal parts realistic and all beautiful. Especially between our two leads. People in love are absolutely gushy and the book takes full advantage of that.
—The side characters. They’re just as wonderful as our main couple and their interactions work great. I especially love our bookkeeper!
This book is about love and growing and community in a beautiful world and God damn do I need that fluffiness right now!
Go give this a read and a buy. You won’t be disappointed.
How is this book such a sweet delight? I’ll tell you. Let me count that ways that you’ll fall in love with this book as much as I did:
—The main couple. These two are the main event and they are an utter joy to read about. They each have their own fully developed personalities but when they’re together, the sweetness will give you cavities in the best of ways. They each bring out the best in one another.
—The world. It’s a world where queer individuals are regarded as completely normal and dear God if that is not refreshing to see.
—The dialogue. It’s equal parts cheesy, equal parts realistic and all beautiful. Especially between our two leads. People in love are absolutely gushy and the book takes full advantage of that.
—The side characters. They’re just as wonderful as our main couple and their interactions work great. I especially love our bookkeeper!
This book is about love and growing and community in a beautiful world and God damn do I need that fluffiness right now!
Go give this a read and a buy. You won’t be disappointed.
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January 23, 2025Straightforward Cozy Fantasy
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review
This was solid! I enjoyed what I read. The setup of using catch-all terms like the Savior/Hero and The Dark Lord amused me as well as being a great way to set the tone. That was easily my favorite part - the fact that this world is easy to slip into, so the story can speak for itself.
Honestly, I wasn’t completely wowed by the romance. It was sweet, and the dynamic had potential, but I’m not sure it ever fully reached that potential for me. The side characters honestly stole the show.
Overall, if the cover art and premise grabs you, go ahead and give this book a shot. It might be your thing more than it was mine!
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review
This was solid! I enjoyed what I read. The setup of using catch-all terms like the Savior/Hero and The Dark Lord amused me as well as being a great way to set the tone. That was easily my favorite part - the fact that this world is easy to slip into, so the story can speak for itself.
Honestly, I wasn’t completely wowed by the romance. It was sweet, and the dynamic had potential, but I’m not sure it ever fully reached that potential for me. The side characters honestly stole the show.
Overall, if the cover art and premise grabs you, go ahead and give this book a shot. It might be your thing more than it was mine!
June 23, 2023
[I received a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review] 4.5 stars. It’s an absolutely darling low-stakes fantasy romance, great for fans of Legends and Lattes and Howl’s Moving Castle.
And if you’re a Hades game fan, the MMC Jayce reminds me strongly of Thanatos, with his deadly job, his hair journey, and his flat reined-in persona hiding underlying deep emotions. So there’s a bit of a grumpy-sunshine couple dynamic!
The story was sweet enough to leave me grinning a lot, and the low angst was just enough to keep the story going. I would love a sequel to hear more of how this universe continues to survive. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
Spice: 2/5
Angst: 1/5
And if you’re a Hades game fan, the MMC Jayce reminds me strongly of Thanatos, with his deadly job, his hair journey, and his flat reined-in persona hiding underlying deep emotions. So there’s a bit of a grumpy-sunshine couple dynamic!
The story was sweet enough to leave me grinning a lot, and the low angst was just enough to keep the story going. I would love a sequel to hear more of how this universe continues to survive. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
Spice: 2/5
Angst: 1/5
June 29, 2023
Jayce and Alexius have very distinct voices and I liked them both. The novel would have benefitted from a POV from Alexius as we are mostly in the dark about his feelings for Jayce, but I still didn’t feel the tension of the will-they-won’t-they.
There’s a diverse and interesting cast that I believe was a little wasted for not having enough spotlight. Still, it's fun and cute and a very quick read.
Read my full review: http://tinyelfarcanist.com/2023/06/28...
There’s a diverse and interesting cast that I believe was a little wasted for not having enough spotlight. Still, it's fun and cute and a very quick read.
Read my full review: http://tinyelfarcanist.com/2023/06/28...
August 8, 2024
I really wanted to like this. It seemed very cute.
Whatever, I felt like the protagonist was soooo basic. Things just keep falling on his lap and he goes along with them. I think his only interesting bit was his scheme with the void crystals. Everything else: love, job, redemption, family reunion, was handled by an outside character and just presented to him. As a consequence, Jayce has no memorable traits aside from liking books.
The story felt like it really needed a lot more cake under all that frosting. It’s all cute and detailed, but where is the actual substance?
Whatever, I felt like the protagonist was soooo basic. Things just keep falling on his lap and he goes along with them. I think his only interesting bit was his scheme with the void crystals. Everything else: love, job, redemption, family reunion, was handled by an outside character and just presented to him. As a consequence, Jayce has no memorable traits aside from liking books.
The story felt like it really needed a lot more cake under all that frosting. It’s all cute and detailed, but where is the actual substance?
June 25, 2023
While it may not start out that way, this is a very sweet, cozy book. I enjoyed following Jayce's journey as he adjusts to his freedom, comes to term with his past, and accepts that he is worthy of love. The way Jayce and Alexius's grumpy/sunshine personalities played off each other was delightful, and the side characters were great too--Jayce's friendship with Maple was so cute, and I adore Iris and would gladly read a novel starring them.
Thanks to the author for an ARC!
Thanks to the author for an ARC!
January 6, 2024
I can’t believe I’m dnf a book that’s barely 200 pages, also can’t believe I pick this since December and it took me this much to finally decide to not carry on, I stopped at 21% wtf
there’s a lot of things I don’t understand about the book and why it make me so bored that I couldn’t even read two pages before closing my kindle
maybe I’m not the demographic for the book, and I’m saying maybe when in reality I consume a lot of fantasy queer romance
this didn’t deliver, sorry
there’s a lot of things I don’t understand about the book and why it make me so bored that I couldn’t even read two pages before closing my kindle
maybe I’m not the demographic for the book, and I’m saying maybe when in reality I consume a lot of fantasy queer romance
this didn’t deliver, sorry
January 19, 2024
2.5 stars. Loved the cozy fantasy aspect of this, and Alexius and Jayce were fairly cute together (and no third act breakup! I could weep from joy), but there was something about this book that felt off, somehow, and all the oddly broken up sentences kept pulling me out of the story.
October 26, 2023
I fell in love … hard
Ich hab das Cover und den Klappentext auf Instagram gesehen und mich sofort verliebt. Ich wusste ich brauche diese Geschichte in meinem Leben! Und so war es auch! Legends & Lattes hat meine Begeisterung für Cozy Fantasy geweckt, aber Of knights and books and falling in love hat mich noch einmal ganz anderes mitgerissen. Es ist ein bisschen enemies to lovers, aber recht flott und beinahe unkompliziert.
Jayce hat Jahre lang unter dem Dunklen Lord gedient und kann sich an vieles nicht mehr erinnern. Als er Alexius begegnet, der zu dieser Zeit ein Gefangener des Dunklen Lords ist, gerät sein Leben ins Wanken. Nachdem er Alexius während dessen Gefangenschaft beschützt hat, erwiedert dieser den Gefallen und gewährt auch Jayce Schutz nach dem der Dunkle Lord von der Heldin besiegt wird.
Ich fand es amüsant, dass die beiden eigentlichen “Hauptfiguren” (in jedem anderen Buch wären sie es gewesen) oft nur als Heldin und Dunkler Lord angesprochen wurden, aber kaum mit ihren Namen. Die Dynamik zwischen Jayce und Alexius hat mich von Anfang an mitgerissen. Beide waren einfach nur soft, auch wenn Jayce es nicht zugeben konnte.
Einfach nur soft!
Alexius ist eigentlich ein großer Softie, Jayce auch, aber bei ihm dauert es ein bisschen, bis das wieder durch kommt. Bereits auf ihrer Heimreise, bzw. auf Alexius Heimreise mit Jayce wird klar, dass dieser alles daran setzen wird seine Schuld zu begleichen. Jayce hat lange mit dem zu kämpfen was ihm unter dem Dunklen Lord wiederfahren ist, gleichzeitig leidet er auch unter all dem, was er selbst anderen Menschen angetan hat. Für ihn ist es sehr schwierig, über diese Geschehnisse hinwegzukommen und sich selbst zu verzeihen. So richtig kann er erst damit anfangen, als er in einem kleinen Buchladen beginnt zu arbeiten und wirklich Ruhe findet.
Ich mag die Nebenfiguren, von denen alle Jayce und Alexius gut tun wollen oder es einfach nur tun. Sie unterstützen einerseits den Heilungsprozess der beiden und geben ihnen gleichzeitig die Möglichkeit, sich selbst wieder zu finden.
Außerdem müssen wir unbedingt darüber sprechen wie unendlich soft Alexius für Jayce ist. Ich konnte mir mein Grinsen während dem Lesen irgendwann gar nicht mehr verkneifen.
Das Ganze bekommt noch eine Kirsche aufgesetzt durch die wunderbaren magischen Elemente der Geschichte, die Fähigkeit von Jayce und Alexius ihre Traumata zu verarbeiten und hinter sich zu lassen, soweit man das so sagen kann.
Fazit
Wer cozy Fantasy liebt, wird hier absolut fündig. Die Geschichte ist vielleicht an der ein oder anderen Stelle etwas plump und ich hätte mir hin und wieder mehr tiefe gewünscht, aber das trübt nicht meine Begeisterung für das Buch. Es ist faszinierend eine Geschichte zu lesen, die während bzw. kurz nach dem großen Sieg der Heldin spielt und dies aus der Sicht von Figuren zu erleben, die weder Heldin noch Bösewicht sind, sondern nur deren Untertanen und Begleiter. Gleichzeitig erlebt man auch, welche Folgen diese Kämpfe mit sich bringen können und wie sehr die traumatischen Erlebnisse die Figuren noch nach dem Sieg/Niederlage verfolgen.
Von mir gibt es eine absolut klare Leseempfehlung für Of Knights and Books and Falling in love, weil es nicht nur einfach eine niedliche Geschichte ist, sondern sich auch auf oberflächlichen Leveln mit Traumata, Verlust und dem Thema der gefundenen Familie auseinandersetzt.
Ich hab das Cover und den Klappentext auf Instagram gesehen und mich sofort verliebt. Ich wusste ich brauche diese Geschichte in meinem Leben! Und so war es auch! Legends & Lattes hat meine Begeisterung für Cozy Fantasy geweckt, aber Of knights and books and falling in love hat mich noch einmal ganz anderes mitgerissen. Es ist ein bisschen enemies to lovers, aber recht flott und beinahe unkompliziert.
Jayce hat Jahre lang unter dem Dunklen Lord gedient und kann sich an vieles nicht mehr erinnern. Als er Alexius begegnet, der zu dieser Zeit ein Gefangener des Dunklen Lords ist, gerät sein Leben ins Wanken. Nachdem er Alexius während dessen Gefangenschaft beschützt hat, erwiedert dieser den Gefallen und gewährt auch Jayce Schutz nach dem der Dunkle Lord von der Heldin besiegt wird.
Ich fand es amüsant, dass die beiden eigentlichen “Hauptfiguren” (in jedem anderen Buch wären sie es gewesen) oft nur als Heldin und Dunkler Lord angesprochen wurden, aber kaum mit ihren Namen. Die Dynamik zwischen Jayce und Alexius hat mich von Anfang an mitgerissen. Beide waren einfach nur soft, auch wenn Jayce es nicht zugeben konnte.
Einfach nur soft!
Alexius ist eigentlich ein großer Softie, Jayce auch, aber bei ihm dauert es ein bisschen, bis das wieder durch kommt. Bereits auf ihrer Heimreise, bzw. auf Alexius Heimreise mit Jayce wird klar, dass dieser alles daran setzen wird seine Schuld zu begleichen. Jayce hat lange mit dem zu kämpfen was ihm unter dem Dunklen Lord wiederfahren ist, gleichzeitig leidet er auch unter all dem, was er selbst anderen Menschen angetan hat. Für ihn ist es sehr schwierig, über diese Geschehnisse hinwegzukommen und sich selbst zu verzeihen. So richtig kann er erst damit anfangen, als er in einem kleinen Buchladen beginnt zu arbeiten und wirklich Ruhe findet.
Ich mag die Nebenfiguren, von denen alle Jayce und Alexius gut tun wollen oder es einfach nur tun. Sie unterstützen einerseits den Heilungsprozess der beiden und geben ihnen gleichzeitig die Möglichkeit, sich selbst wieder zu finden.
Außerdem müssen wir unbedingt darüber sprechen wie unendlich soft Alexius für Jayce ist. Ich konnte mir mein Grinsen während dem Lesen irgendwann gar nicht mehr verkneifen.
Das Ganze bekommt noch eine Kirsche aufgesetzt durch die wunderbaren magischen Elemente der Geschichte, die Fähigkeit von Jayce und Alexius ihre Traumata zu verarbeiten und hinter sich zu lassen, soweit man das so sagen kann.
Fazit
Wer cozy Fantasy liebt, wird hier absolut fündig. Die Geschichte ist vielleicht an der ein oder anderen Stelle etwas plump und ich hätte mir hin und wieder mehr tiefe gewünscht, aber das trübt nicht meine Begeisterung für das Buch. Es ist faszinierend eine Geschichte zu lesen, die während bzw. kurz nach dem großen Sieg der Heldin spielt und dies aus der Sicht von Figuren zu erleben, die weder Heldin noch Bösewicht sind, sondern nur deren Untertanen und Begleiter. Gleichzeitig erlebt man auch, welche Folgen diese Kämpfe mit sich bringen können und wie sehr die traumatischen Erlebnisse die Figuren noch nach dem Sieg/Niederlage verfolgen.
Von mir gibt es eine absolut klare Leseempfehlung für Of Knights and Books and Falling in love, weil es nicht nur einfach eine niedliche Geschichte ist, sondern sich auch auf oberflächlichen Leveln mit Traumata, Verlust und dem Thema der gefundenen Familie auseinandersetzt.
September 21, 2023
This book was so immersive and had the perfect mix of tense, sweet and cozy vibes! Plus the odd smattering of gore, because let’s be honest, what high fantasy story is complete without the odd knife in the thigh?!
Jayce is the sweetest anti-hero; the unwilling protege of an evil Dark Lord, Jayce is used to a life of being made to commit heinous crimes and being feared far and wide. That is until knight Alexius is captured and thrown in the dungeon and Jayce is commanded to torture secrets out of him. Jayce does his best to circumnavigate the command and Alexius quickly realises that he’s not dealing with a dark monster, but in fact an unwilling slave to the Dark Lord.
This book was very sweet and the romance was incredibly slow burn; in fact the guys don’t even voice their attraction for each other until much later on in the book! But that meant that the plot was able to focus more on Jayce’s rehabilitation into the real world and dealing with his guilt over the crimes he’d been made to commit. I loved the grumpy x sunshine vibes between Alexius and Jayce as well as their found family of villagers in Alexius’s home town.
I loved the cozy vibes of this book and I think it’s a perfect autumn read! 💕 I do wish we got to see more of the ‘happy ending’ - the book loses a star from me simply because I felt the ending was abrupt and I wanted to see more of the the warm fuzzies that we’d been working towards! But overall a great little story and Jayce is a really great character!
I received a free ebook of this story in exchange for an honest review - all opinions are my own!
Jayce is the sweetest anti-hero; the unwilling protege of an evil Dark Lord, Jayce is used to a life of being made to commit heinous crimes and being feared far and wide. That is until knight Alexius is captured and thrown in the dungeon and Jayce is commanded to torture secrets out of him. Jayce does his best to circumnavigate the command and Alexius quickly realises that he’s not dealing with a dark monster, but in fact an unwilling slave to the Dark Lord.
This book was very sweet and the romance was incredibly slow burn; in fact the guys don’t even voice their attraction for each other until much later on in the book! But that meant that the plot was able to focus more on Jayce’s rehabilitation into the real world and dealing with his guilt over the crimes he’d been made to commit. I loved the grumpy x sunshine vibes between Alexius and Jayce as well as their found family of villagers in Alexius’s home town.
I loved the cozy vibes of this book and I think it’s a perfect autumn read! 💕 I do wish we got to see more of the ‘happy ending’ - the book loses a star from me simply because I felt the ending was abrupt and I wanted to see more of the the warm fuzzies that we’d been working towards! But overall a great little story and Jayce is a really great character!
I received a free ebook of this story in exchange for an honest review - all opinions are my own!
September 13, 2023
4.5/5 stars
Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love is a queer cosy fantasy romance between a former villain’s minion and a knight in shining armor. Jayce was kidnapped as a child and trained as the Dark Lord’s protege and minion in servitude. When he forms an uneasy alliance with captured knight Alexius, he peripherally aids in defeating the Dark Lord. Now, Jayce must rediscover who he is outside of being the Dark Lord’s primary underling.
This was just a remarkably heartwarming and delightful read. There’s just something about a low stakes fantasy that’s like a warm hug, hence the recent fascination with cosy fantasies. Without the big action set pieces or world ending stakes (excluding the opening set-up), the book relies heavily on its central character Jayce and the bonds he forms. And that was indeed done to great effect. I only just wish that the book had been longer.
Jayce follows Alexius to his hometown and just proceeds loving his now mundane life—working in a bookstore, making friends, and figuring out what life he wants to build for himself—all while trying to reconcile the evil things he was forced to do and his feelings of guilt. He was just compellingly likable and impossible not to root for. And of course, Jayce and kindhearted Alexius fall in love. Their romance was as sweet as it was a slowburn even in its inevitability. Alexius just delivers his golden retriever energy and all around goodness and sunshiny-ness despite some quite moments of suggested PTSD.
Of Knight and Books and Falling in Love is a charming and heartwarming queer cosy fantasy romance.
*I received an eARC as part of a book tour.
Of Knights and Books and Falling in Love is a queer cosy fantasy romance between a former villain’s minion and a knight in shining armor. Jayce was kidnapped as a child and trained as the Dark Lord’s protege and minion in servitude. When he forms an uneasy alliance with captured knight Alexius, he peripherally aids in defeating the Dark Lord. Now, Jayce must rediscover who he is outside of being the Dark Lord’s primary underling.
This was just a remarkably heartwarming and delightful read. There’s just something about a low stakes fantasy that’s like a warm hug, hence the recent fascination with cosy fantasies. Without the big action set pieces or world ending stakes (excluding the opening set-up), the book relies heavily on its central character Jayce and the bonds he forms. And that was indeed done to great effect. I only just wish that the book had been longer.
Jayce follows Alexius to his hometown and just proceeds loving his now mundane life—working in a bookstore, making friends, and figuring out what life he wants to build for himself—all while trying to reconcile the evil things he was forced to do and his feelings of guilt. He was just compellingly likable and impossible not to root for. And of course, Jayce and kindhearted Alexius fall in love. Their romance was as sweet as it was a slowburn even in its inevitability. Alexius just delivers his golden retriever energy and all around goodness and sunshiny-ness despite some quite moments of suggested PTSD.
Of Knight and Books and Falling in Love is a charming and heartwarming queer cosy fantasy romance.
*I received an eARC as part of a book tour.
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