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Yield Under Great Persuasion
Tam Becket has hated Lord Lyford since they were boys. The fact that he’s also been sleeping with the man for the last ten years is irrelevant.
When they were both nine years old, Lyford smashed Tam’s entry into the village’s vegetable competition. Nearly twenty years later, Tam hasn’t forgiven the bastard. No one understands how deeply he was hurt that day, how it set a pattern of small disappointments and misfortunes that would run through the rest of his life. Now Tam has reconciled himself to the fact that love and affection are for other people, that the gods don’t care and won’t answer any of his prayers (not even the one about afflicting Lyford with a case of flesh-eating spiders to chew off his privates), and that life is inherently mundane, joyless, and drab.
And then, the very last straw: Tam discovers that Lyford (of all people!) bears the divine favor of Angarat, the goddess Tam feels most betrayed and abandoned by. In his hurt and anger, Tam packs up and prepares to leave the village for good.
But the journey doesn’t take him far, and Tam soon finds himself set on a quest for the most difficult of all possible prizes: Self care, forgiveness, a second chance... and somehow the unbelievably precious knowledge that there is at least one person who loves Tam for exactly who he is—and always has.
When they were both nine years old, Lyford smashed Tam’s entry into the village’s vegetable competition. Nearly twenty years later, Tam hasn’t forgiven the bastard. No one understands how deeply he was hurt that day, how it set a pattern of small disappointments and misfortunes that would run through the rest of his life. Now Tam has reconciled himself to the fact that love and affection are for other people, that the gods don’t care and won’t answer any of his prayers (not even the one about afflicting Lyford with a case of flesh-eating spiders to chew off his privates), and that life is inherently mundane, joyless, and drab.
And then, the very last straw: Tam discovers that Lyford (of all people!) bears the divine favor of Angarat, the goddess Tam feels most betrayed and abandoned by. In his hurt and anger, Tam packs up and prepares to leave the village for good.
But the journey doesn’t take him far, and Tam soon finds himself set on a quest for the most difficult of all possible prizes: Self care, forgiveness, a second chance... and somehow the unbelievably precious knowledge that there is at least one person who loves Tam for exactly who he is—and always has.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2024
97 people are currently reading
7315 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Rowland
13 books1,617 followersAlexandra Rowland is the author of several fantasy books, including A Conspiracy Of Truths, A Choir Of Lies, and Some by Virtue Fall, as well as a Hugo Award-nominated podcaster (all sternly supervised by their feline quality control manager). They hold a degree in world literature, mythology, and folklore from Truman State University.
They are represented by Britt Siess of Britt Siess Creative Management.
Find them on Twitter, Instagram, Patreon or their website.
They are represented by Britt Siess of Britt Siess Creative Management.
Find them on Twitter, Instagram, Patreon or their website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 807 reviews
December 10, 2024
An incurably grumpy man goes on quests given to him by his incurably peppy not-boyfriend. The quests involve growing a zucchini, finding a sheep, and glaring at a baby. It’s 250 pages of a guy screaming at the sky while his friend/lover/mortal enemy sighs indulgently. How cozy is this book? He owns a tea shop. What’s cozier than a tea shop? A giant fluffy bed? Don’t worry, that’s in here too. A love letter to mature communication, this book also features an amount of cursing that seems disproportionate to its size, but, you know. Growing pains hurt.
September 24, 2024
I utterly adored this. This book is the biggest, coziest dose of chicken soup for the soul and I can already tell this will be a comfort reread.
This is simultaneously a very simple, cozy low stakes/ high fantasy book, whilst also surprisingly complex in its emotional depth.
The core of the story features Tam having to come to terms with and understand the situationship he has found himself in with Lord Nicolau Lyford and needing to reflect and challenge the most complicated and hurt parts of himself for the sake of his future happiness (there is actually something a bit ‘A Christmas Carol’y about the vibe).
This is huge black cat and golden retriever energy (one of my favourite relationship dynamics) and it was refreshing that Tam really truly is a difficult little Goblin, but I found myself loving him completely as he works so tirelessly to navigate his hurt and isolation in order to try and be a happier version of himself.
The biggest criticism I had of ‘Running Close to the Wind’ was that I thought that the highly sexual humor was weirdly out of sync with the book given that there was an awkward lack of actual sex and physical intimacy. I can happily report that this book 100% improved that balance and that while there was a lot of jokes of a sexual nature it actually matched the tone of the book and the connection between Tam and Nicolau perfectly.
I just really loved this. I want to hold this book to my heart and just be warm and golden.
This is simultaneously a very simple, cozy low stakes/ high fantasy book, whilst also surprisingly complex in its emotional depth.
The core of the story features Tam having to come to terms with and understand the situationship he has found himself in with Lord Nicolau Lyford and needing to reflect and challenge the most complicated and hurt parts of himself for the sake of his future happiness (there is actually something a bit ‘A Christmas Carol’y about the vibe).
This is huge black cat and golden retriever energy (one of my favourite relationship dynamics) and it was refreshing that Tam really truly is a difficult little Goblin, but I found myself loving him completely as he works so tirelessly to navigate his hurt and isolation in order to try and be a happier version of himself.
The biggest criticism I had of ‘Running Close to the Wind’ was that I thought that the highly sexual humor was weirdly out of sync with the book given that there was an awkward lack of actual sex and physical intimacy. I can happily report that this book 100% improved that balance and that while there was a lot of jokes of a sexual nature it actually matched the tone of the book and the connection between Tam and Nicolau perfectly.
I just really loved this. I want to hold this book to my heart and just be warm and golden.
October 11, 2024
i really adored this🥺 i absolutely LOVED how cunty and abrasive tam is idc what anyone else thinks, he’s my perfect baby!!! god he’s so fucking funny too, a real riot….and don’t even get me started on nicolau bc he knows exactly who tam is, every awful and difficult part of tam that makes everything 10x harder than it needs to be and has been just generally running around being a straight up menace for YEARS, and nicolau is like ‘😍😍yup, that’s my man, that’s the one i want’ like hellooooo????? spectacular, gimme 14 of em right now🤩🤩 my god, i am LIVING for this dynamic. actual massive cunt trying his best and the smitten sweetie with patience galore who believes in him and admires him??? i’m literally swooning!!!! like who was gonna clue me in on this!!!?!?😫😫😫😫 need more recs with EXTREMELY cunty mcs, bc my god i’m in love.
i’m also in tears bc holy fuck, i didn’t think i was gonna cry multiple times reading this but i did🤧🤧 some really excellent moments of hurt/comfort, like loosely gave me marina vivancos vibes which are my favorite vibes, so it’s no surprise i really enjoyed this….plus the humor was great and both the mcs were just big fat cuties and AHHHHH🥺🥺🥺🥺 just felt like a warm hug🥰
the spice was pretty low tho, like they start as fwb and fuck throughout the story, but it’s minimally detailed and focuses more on what happens after the fucking….like if i did spice ratings it’d probs be 1.5🌶….probably the closest i’ve come to teetering the edge of ftb in years lmao, which is kinda funny considering all the sexual humor and the fact that tam thinks about nicolau’s dick like it’s his religion🤣 but honestly, i didn’t mind the low spice bc the rest of it was just so lovely.
however, that ending tho wtf, it was so abrupt😭 like nooooo i wanted moreee….nay, i NEEDED more….it ended at a point where they still had things to work out imo…plus, i really would have liked to see tam coming to terms and admitting the fact he, himself, is in love and wants to marry nicolau and SAYS that (begrudgingly, of course, and under severe emotional distress) OUT LOUD to nicolau in a very clear way (ik he practically said it in a very tam way but still)……like mmmm i needed that reciprocation😫😫😫 like i am BEGGING for a bonus chapter with that, and then, while i’m being greedy, an epilogue…idc what’s in it really, i could read a whole fucking sequel of them just arguing and resolving it over and over lmfaoo like i am THAT down bad🤣🤣 a better, more complete ending and this would’ve been 5 stars, but i’ve gotta bump it down bc i’ve finished the book with an unresolved feeling….still, i’m giving it 4.5 stars🌟 rounded up to 5 anyway so🙄 figure that out ig🤣🤣
i’m also in tears bc holy fuck, i didn’t think i was gonna cry multiple times reading this but i did🤧🤧 some really excellent moments of hurt/comfort, like loosely gave me marina vivancos vibes which are my favorite vibes, so it’s no surprise i really enjoyed this….plus the humor was great and both the mcs were just big fat cuties and AHHHHH🥺🥺🥺🥺 just felt like a warm hug🥰
the spice was pretty low tho, like they start as fwb and fuck throughout the story, but it’s minimally detailed and focuses more on what happens after the fucking….like if i did spice ratings it’d probs be 1.5🌶….probably the closest i’ve come to teetering the edge of ftb in years lmao, which is kinda funny considering all the sexual humor and the fact that tam thinks about nicolau’s dick like it’s his religion🤣 but honestly, i didn’t mind the low spice bc the rest of it was just so lovely.
however, that ending tho wtf, it was so abrupt😭 like nooooo i wanted moreee….nay, i NEEDED more….it ended at a point where they still had things to work out imo…plus, i really would have liked to see tam coming to terms and admitting the fact he, himself, is in love and wants to marry nicolau and SAYS that (begrudgingly, of course, and under severe emotional distress) OUT LOUD to nicolau in a very clear way (ik he practically said it in a very tam way but still)……like mmmm i needed that reciprocation😫😫😫 like i am BEGGING for a bonus chapter with that, and then, while i’m being greedy, an epilogue…idc what’s in it really, i could read a whole fucking sequel of them just arguing and resolving it over and over lmfaoo like i am THAT down bad🤣🤣 a better, more complete ending and this would’ve been 5 stars, but i’ve gotta bump it down bc i’ve finished the book with an unresolved feeling….still, i’m giving it 4.5 stars🌟 rounded up to 5 anyway so🙄 figure that out ig🤣🤣
December 23, 2024
Alexandra Rowland looked through my Kindle screen and said Yes Bitch this is bout you, time to go to a fucking therapy session.
Cried 4 times I do regret nothing
Cried 4 times I do regret nothing
October 25, 2024
While I enjoyed Rowland's Taste of Gold and Iron, I found this book cloyingly sweet and ultimately a bit substanceless. It's almost wall to wall dialogue between the two main characters that is loaded with therapy speak about self-care and healing and loving oneself and deserving good things and "taking responsibility for the consequences you consented to with your own actions," and it's all incredibly heavy handed, with absolutely no subtlety. Instead the characters have a series of very earnest conversations and learn valuable and important life lessons through growing vegetables and climbing mountains and having lots of sex. Did I mention the earnest conversations?
In a way this book reminds me of something like Jonathan Livingston Seagull or Tuesdays With Morrie in that it's a book which seems to exist primarily to deliver a very specific message, the difference being, those books make no pretense at being anything other than "message" books. This book is a didactic sort of self-help book dressed up like a romantasy. While there is a relationship at the center, it is hard to call it a romance. Instead, what we have is a one-sided unrequited love between a nice guy and an asshole who are old childhood friends and current friends with benefits. Tam is a real jerk. We are in his POV, but it's very clear from the first few pages that Tam is a genuinely unpleasant person. While we are told that he has redeeming qualities, we rarely see him have an interaction with friends or strangers in which he isn't flying off the handle, calling people names, or stomping away in a huff. While the idea that Lyford is just so patient and giving that he is just the one to help Tam grow and become a better person (and learn that he's worthy of love) is a nice one, Lyford puts up with so much shit from Tam along the way that the way he sticks by him comes off slightly pathetic. The few times that Lyford actually stands up for himself come as a breath of fresh air because otherwise, you simply have one partner who is a patient doormat and another who is a verbally abusive asshole (who somehow has convinced himself he's a victim), and to top it off, the asshole is being hand-held through some personal growth journey by the doormat. What does the doormat get out of it? A relationship with the asshole who is now new and improved through the power of patience and love, and we have all learned that no one is beyond hope, and that you can spend 20 years treating someone like absolute shit and still have a chance. It's not really all that romantic at all.
There is also very little genuine friction in the story overall, which leaves the two main characters with ample time to do nothing but talk about their feelings. Despite our POV character, Tam going on at length about how he tries so hard how it's just not fair that he has to try so hard and no one ever appreciates it, there's very little evidence of what he's done that qualifies as trying so hard. He owns a tea shop, which I'm sure requires some effort to run, but we wouldn't know it from what's on page. In fact, the tea shop is such a non issue that Tam is able to fuck off for 6 entire weeks and the whole village just pitches in to help keep it running, free of charge. And despite it being repeatedly hinted at that Tam suffers from some great trauma, we also don't learn until the last pages of the book that Tam's parents died when he was young. As far as the narrative is concerned, this event holds less weight in his life than an incident in which his now-lover accidentally smashed a gourd he was growing as a gift for his goddess when they were both nine years old. And although this is a pre-industrial feudal society, Lord Lyford is a benevolent lord who is very nice to everyone, the harvests are always good, the villagers are always happy. We are told by Lord Lyford that people started treating him differently when he became lord, but we don't see any evidence of this whatsoever. The whole entire village seems to love him, he works alongside them, they take an interest in his love life, and stick up for him when Tam is saying awful things about him. This book tells us about conflicts, so in theory this village is not simply some weird feudal utopia, but these conflicts never distract from the main point of the story-- talking through Tam's feelings.
This book will appeal to some readers, certainly. Many, I think, will love how it discusses growth and responsibility and consent and accountability and self care and and and. However, this type of book is not for me and if you're looking for a book where characters do more than discuss their feelings ad nauseam, this one will not be your cup of tea either.
In a way this book reminds me of something like Jonathan Livingston Seagull or Tuesdays With Morrie in that it's a book which seems to exist primarily to deliver a very specific message, the difference being, those books make no pretense at being anything other than "message" books. This book is a didactic sort of self-help book dressed up like a romantasy. While there is a relationship at the center, it is hard to call it a romance. Instead, what we have is a one-sided unrequited love between a nice guy and an asshole who are old childhood friends and current friends with benefits. Tam is a real jerk. We are in his POV, but it's very clear from the first few pages that Tam is a genuinely unpleasant person. While we are told that he has redeeming qualities, we rarely see him have an interaction with friends or strangers in which he isn't flying off the handle, calling people names, or stomping away in a huff. While the idea that Lyford is just so patient and giving that he is just the one to help Tam grow and become a better person (and learn that he's worthy of love) is a nice one, Lyford puts up with so much shit from Tam along the way that the way he sticks by him comes off slightly pathetic. The few times that Lyford actually stands up for himself come as a breath of fresh air because otherwise, you simply have one partner who is a patient doormat and another who is a verbally abusive asshole (who somehow has convinced himself he's a victim), and to top it off, the asshole is being hand-held through some personal growth journey by the doormat. What does the doormat get out of it? A relationship with the asshole who is now new and improved through the power of patience and love, and we have all learned that no one is beyond hope, and that you can spend 20 years treating someone like absolute shit and still have a chance. It's not really all that romantic at all.
There is also very little genuine friction in the story overall, which leaves the two main characters with ample time to do nothing but talk about their feelings. Despite our POV character, Tam going on at length about how he tries so hard how it's just not fair that he has to try so hard and no one ever appreciates it, there's very little evidence of what he's done that qualifies as trying so hard. He owns a tea shop, which I'm sure requires some effort to run, but we wouldn't know it from what's on page. In fact, the tea shop is such a non issue that Tam is able to fuck off for 6 entire weeks and the whole village just pitches in to help keep it running, free of charge. And despite it being repeatedly hinted at that Tam suffers from some great trauma, we also don't learn until the last pages of the book that Tam's parents died when he was young. As far as the narrative is concerned, this event holds less weight in his life than an incident in which his now-lover accidentally smashed a gourd he was growing as a gift for his goddess when they were both nine years old. And although this is a pre-industrial feudal society, Lord Lyford is a benevolent lord who is very nice to everyone, the harvests are always good, the villagers are always happy. We are told by Lord Lyford that people started treating him differently when he became lord, but we don't see any evidence of this whatsoever. The whole entire village seems to love him, he works alongside them, they take an interest in his love life, and stick up for him when Tam is saying awful things about him. This book tells us about conflicts, so in theory this village is not simply some weird feudal utopia, but these conflicts never distract from the main point of the story-- talking through Tam's feelings.
This book will appeal to some readers, certainly. Many, I think, will love how it discusses growth and responsibility and consent and accountability and self care and and and. However, this type of book is not for me and if you're looking for a book where characters do more than discuss their feelings ad nauseam, this one will not be your cup of tea either.
July 9, 2025
Blessed Angarat, lady of the lambs 🐑, this was such a beautiful, cozy & heartwarming book. I loved every minute I spent reading this book, and I can honestly say I’ll probably read it again in the future.
Lyford (Nicolau????), what kind of name was that? And his adorable prickly little goblin Tam are absolutely beautiful together, even with all the mean things and the crying and the complete refusal to accept certain feelings.
Lyford (Nicolau????), what kind of name was that? And his adorable prickly little goblin Tam are absolutely beautiful together, even with all the mean things and the crying and the complete refusal to accept certain feelings.
July 7, 2025
One thing became immediately obvious: Tam could not risk being alone in a tent with Lyford, or he’d make some very Bad Decisions, such as ripping Lyford’s trousers open and sucking his dick.
Tam is the most adorable needs-to-be-hugged scared porcupine I have ever come across.
This book was amazing. I absolutely loved it. I wasn't expecting all of that cantankerous cock talk to morph into one emotional scene after another.
Will come back to add quotes and more exclamation points!
In the meantime, goblin is my new favorite pet name.
And! And, misspent heirs is just hilarious.
Why did I wait to read Rowland's books?! Their sense of humor is perfect for me.
Tam is the most adorable needs-to-be-hugged scared porcupine I have ever come across.
This book was amazing. I absolutely loved it. I wasn't expecting all of that cantankerous cock talk to morph into one emotional scene after another.
Will come back to add quotes and more exclamation points!
He does dreadful things to me, Tam did not say. He spreads his legs so I can see the bulge of his cock in his trousers and just sits there making innocent conversation on purpose and being intentionally handsome until I can’t stand it anymore and I throw myself at his crotch. He’s a rake, that is rake behavior, he is Idunet’s own scion—
In the meantime, goblin is my new favorite pet name.
And! And, misspent heirs is just hilarious.
Why did I wait to read Rowland's books?! Their sense of humor is perfect for me.
February 18, 2025
I don't know what to tell you. I drank this whole long thing down in two days during which I had to listen to my wife mock my multiple rounds of sniveling (nicely, though). Also, the scene in which Tam responds at length to Nicolau's mention of marriage is top-tier, chef's kiss protesting-too-much.
What is it with Alexandra Rowland, anyway? I loved the Chant books, bittersweet-to-bitter though they were, but couldn't get past the first chapter of A Taste of Gold and Iron. As for this one, the worldbuilding deserves at least one of my disparaging tags, Rowland has not solved the problem of theodicy, and if I let myself think about it even semi-carefully I have all sorts of objections to the characterization. But do I give a shit about any of that? I do not.
What is it with Alexandra Rowland, anyway? I loved the Chant books, bittersweet-to-bitter though they were, but couldn't get past the first chapter of A Taste of Gold and Iron. As for this one, the worldbuilding deserves at least one of my disparaging tags, Rowland has not solved the problem of theodicy, and if I let myself think about it even semi-carefully I have all sorts of objections to the characterization. But do I give a shit about any of that? I do not.
January 20, 2025
“Lyford brought him more tea and a book, and then, in one of the most alluring and arousing moves Tam had ever witnessed, left him alone for several hours to nap.”
This book started so strong for me, but I lost momentum with it when it turned into a cozy romance and I got a bit bored with how often I was told about how perfect Lyfords cock is. I GET IT OK TAM HIS COCK IS PERFECT FOR GOODNESS SAKE PLEASE SHUT UP ABOUT IT YOU INSUFFERABLE TWAT. The book would have been about an hour shorter.
Massive grouchy/sunshine trope. Tam had been such a neggo for so long that it had become his entire personality.
I have taken ages to finish this book and I actually have a few pages to go though I don’t expect my feelings to change. If they happen to, then I will come back and edit.
I hate the cover, Tam really does look like a goblin.
This book started so strong for me, but I lost momentum with it when it turned into a cozy romance and I got a bit bored with how often I was told about how perfect Lyfords cock is. I GET IT OK TAM HIS COCK IS PERFECT FOR GOODNESS SAKE PLEASE SHUT UP ABOUT IT YOU INSUFFERABLE TWAT. The book would have been about an hour shorter.
Massive grouchy/sunshine trope. Tam had been such a neggo for so long that it had become his entire personality.
I have taken ages to finish this book and I actually have a few pages to go though I don’t expect my feelings to change. If they happen to, then I will come back and edit.
I hate the cover, Tam really does look like a goblin.
February 3, 2025
Yeah, so, I was reading this thinking it was pretty thin gruel -- Tam's entire personality is "grudge", which ngl I admire, but if it's going to last 20 years it has to be based in something more compelling -- but also that it was kind of fun, low angst, puppy brain, 3.5 stars territory. Extremely over-articulated in terms of emotions -- very "transcript from a therapist's notes in a Lifetime drama"-coded -- but again: puppy brain. Puppies like over-articulation!
But then it took this weird left turn into magical baby territory: Lyford cures infertility; Tam cures malfunctioning baby hearts. And, like. Ew? I don't know why this pissed me off so bad, but I'm a woman on the edge these days, and this sent me completely over. I kept thinking about some poor reader experiencing fertility issues who just wants a cozy romantansy to get them through the weekend and instead gets whacked in the face by "Blessed Dude Cures Infertility For Select Few Via Literal Handwaving", and then the next thing they know they have to get a new e-reader because the one they hadwas hurled against the wall suffered a catastrophic technical failure. And then I kept thinking about how all those other babies with wonky hearts are pretty unlucky that they're not in immediate proximity to Blessed Dude No.2 and his Healing Glare. Guess those kids are shit out of luck! And now instead of cozy romantansy, I've got some kind of horrible allegory of the US health care system. This is not cozy! This is the very hellscape we read romantansy to escape! Wtf???
So: come for the overblown grudge-based worldview, flee screaming from the miracle babies, end up annoyed at paying 10 bucks for this bummer.
But then it took this weird left turn into magical baby territory: Lyford cures infertility; Tam cures malfunctioning baby hearts. And, like. Ew? I don't know why this pissed me off so bad, but I'm a woman on the edge these days, and this sent me completely over. I kept thinking about some poor reader experiencing fertility issues who just wants a cozy romantansy to get them through the weekend and instead gets whacked in the face by "Blessed Dude Cures Infertility For Select Few Via Literal Handwaving", and then the next thing they know they have to get a new e-reader because the one they had
So: come for the overblown grudge-based worldview, flee screaming from the miracle babies, end up annoyed at paying 10 bucks for this bummer.
December 17, 2024
I'm IN LOVE with this book about about Tam, an awful little goblin who's fed up with his definitely-not-boyfriend (Nicolau???) who's so wonderful it inspires nothing but hate and horniness in Tam. Only maybe Tam is actually only fed up with himself and his goblin ways and is ready to be a little less awful. If only his first thought wasn't to fling himself out a window every time he had to confront real thoughts and feelings maybe change wouldn't be so difficult, but it's terrible and trying is hard, and progress isn't linear. Good thing Tam is stubborn, because both he and Nicolau deserve this.
Cosy, funny af, romantic, unlikeable MC who's actually my little meow meow and I love him so much, fantastic LI with a huge heart AND a huge dick, communication in a relationship (!), trying and failing doesn't mean your effort was wasted, emotions are hard, self-love is scary, worth isn't determined by results or output, letting yourself be loved even when you don't love yourself, banter, hot men holding cute babies makes them even more attractive, low-fantasy world building, lots of crops and lots of gods. Loved it so much!!
Cosy, funny af, romantic, unlikeable MC who's actually my little meow meow and I love him so much, fantastic LI with a huge heart AND a huge dick, communication in a relationship (!), trying and failing doesn't mean your effort was wasted, emotions are hard, self-love is scary, worth isn't determined by results or output, letting yourself be loved even when you don't love yourself, banter, hot men holding cute babies makes them even more attractive, low-fantasy world building, lots of crops and lots of gods. Loved it so much!!
July 31, 2025
5⭐️
This book is absurd. It’s ridiculous. It’s awesome.
I mean. Fantasy novel that’s 250 pages long. It didn’t have the space for something very complex worldbuilding or plot wise. Both are light and fun.
But the character development? The depth of feeling the author manages to invoke in the reader? That was profound.
I cried two times. And I’m not a big crier.
Tam is awful and wonderful. And poor Nicolau. His caring and his quiet love and unending patience. Ahhhh 🥹
This book is absurd. It’s ridiculous. It’s awesome.
I mean. Fantasy novel that’s 250 pages long. It didn’t have the space for something very complex worldbuilding or plot wise. Both are light and fun.
But the character development? The depth of feeling the author manages to invoke in the reader? That was profound.
I cried two times. And I’m not a big crier.
Tam is awful and wonderful. And poor Nicolau. His caring and his quiet love and unending patience. Ahhhh 🥹
February 20, 2025
I've never read a more unpleasant and irredeemable romantic MC than Tam. He's genuinely awful. Unkind, petulant, taking no responsibility for his own happiness, blaming everyone else for every ill, and all of it stemming from the other MC, Lyford, knocking over and accidentally ruining/squashing some vegetable Tam grew for a fair when he was nine. NINE. Talk about letting one childhood incident ruin your life. Tam, you ruined your own life, and I wish you all the ill in the world. As Taylor said, paraphrasing, It's You. Hi. You're the problem, it's you.
Even the interfering old biddy who, yes, totally overstepped, doesn't deserve the vitriol and hatred Tam spews her way in his mind. I can understand his frustration, but his overreactions to everything are beyond redemption. And the fact that he eagerly is seeking out other men to fuck (he doesn't, but, genuinely wanted to/would have if the old biddy hadn't interrupted) did not set up any kind of romantic tension for me. And when I'm rooting for a couple not to get together, it's time to let go.
Lyford is a strong example of rich privileged obliviousness, but, at least he's kind and open to listening to others and enacting change. I don't know what attracts him to this abusive and unkind person beyond the physical, but, best wishes to him.
Tam is just...he's an awful character. If any character ever needed a Save the Cat moment early on, it was him. I think he's coming around to trying to change at 24%, thanks to a talk with a far too kind to him goddess whom he proceeds to call a bitch, but, I just don't care. He's an entitled, petulant, whiny man child, and I don't want to stay in his head another moment. So I won't.
Probably HEA, hard-fought, long-time enemy fuck buddies to...whatever they become. I don't care. Lyford, I wish you'd save yourself. Tam...I pity you.
Even the interfering old biddy who, yes, totally overstepped, doesn't deserve the vitriol and hatred Tam spews her way in his mind. I can understand his frustration, but his overreactions to everything are beyond redemption. And the fact that he eagerly is seeking out other men to fuck (he doesn't, but, genuinely wanted to/would have if the old biddy hadn't interrupted) did not set up any kind of romantic tension for me. And when I'm rooting for a couple not to get together, it's time to let go.
Lyford is a strong example of rich privileged obliviousness, but, at least he's kind and open to listening to others and enacting change. I don't know what attracts him to this abusive and unkind person beyond the physical, but, best wishes to him.
Tam is just...he's an awful character. If any character ever needed a Save the Cat moment early on, it was him. I think he's coming around to trying to change at 24%, thanks to a talk with a far too kind to him goddess whom he proceeds to call a bitch, but, I just don't care. He's an entitled, petulant, whiny man child, and I don't want to stay in his head another moment. So I won't.
Probably HEA, hard-fought, long-time enemy fuck buddies to...whatever they become. I don't care. Lyford, I wish you'd save yourself. Tam...I pity you.
September 23, 2024
Yeah okay this was really fucking cute.
I think this is romantasy in the truest sense of the word. Not, like, sexy men sexily growling with pointy sexy ears, but this read like a contemporary romance novel set in a fantasy world. There was just the right amount of worldbuilding (which I loved) combined with contemporary prose. Just like a lot of romance novels with semi-ridiculous premises, the novel does not take itself seriously and it absolutely works in its favour.
An actually unlikeable main character is a bold choice. I find when people refer to the 'black cat/golden retriever' dynamic, the 'black cat' person is...fine? Just a bit introverted? Nay nay, not the case here. Tam is an asshole. Like a true asshole. He's going to be divisive, but it felt very unique and it kept me engaged. The chemistry between the leads was also top tier.
Overall, this is sitting at a 4.25 stars for me, I just wish there was a bit more at the end!
I think this is romantasy in the truest sense of the word. Not, like, sexy men sexily growling with pointy sexy ears, but this read like a contemporary romance novel set in a fantasy world. There was just the right amount of worldbuilding (which I loved) combined with contemporary prose. Just like a lot of romance novels with semi-ridiculous premises, the novel does not take itself seriously and it absolutely works in its favour.
An actually unlikeable main character is a bold choice. I find when people refer to the 'black cat/golden retriever' dynamic, the 'black cat' person is...fine? Just a bit introverted? Nay nay, not the case here. Tam is an asshole. Like a true asshole. He's going to be divisive, but it felt very unique and it kept me engaged. The chemistry between the leads was also top tier.
Overall, this is sitting at a 4.25 stars for me, I just wish there was a bit more at the end!
Read
February 20, 2025Filthy, hilarious, and completely over the top. Like, obviously I read a ton of romance and it takes a lot to make me blink, but there was something about the innocence of the setting (fantasy world where gods are real, quaint village vibes) that just made the hookups stand out. That is not, by the way, a complaint. More of a content warning.
At the start, I wasn't sure I was going to like Tam. He's a whiner who's still sulking over something very small that happened 20 years ago, and he makes a lot of choices that are selfish and wrong. But I gave him a shot, and the book goes on to reveal a) someone who actually is just really lonely and b) some great character growth. We needed him to be an idiot so we could love him later (although he never truly stops being an idiot). My advice is to read the first chapter or two and see if his tone annoys you. If you think it's funny, great, he's like that the whole time. If he starts to rub you the wrong way, probably not the book for you.
The end was slightly confusing and could have used another chapter to help explain exactly how they solved the big puzzle, but it was sort of a side plot anyway and didn't affect my overall feelings. I liked this one and recommend it.
At the start, I wasn't sure I was going to like Tam. He's a whiner who's still sulking over something very small that happened 20 years ago, and he makes a lot of choices that are selfish and wrong. But I gave him a shot, and the book goes on to reveal a) someone who actually is just really lonely and b) some great character growth. We needed him to be an idiot so we could love him later (although he never truly stops being an idiot). My advice is to read the first chapter or two and see if his tone annoys you. If you think it's funny, great, he's like that the whole time. If he starts to rub you the wrong way, probably not the book for you.
The end was slightly confusing and could have used another chapter to help explain exactly how they solved the big puzzle, but it was sort of a side plot anyway and didn't affect my overall feelings. I liked this one and recommend it.
April 28, 2025
Let he among us who has not needed to be smacked in the head by the harsh truth a couple of times be the first to throw a stone at Tam.
I adore Tam. He's a wretched little goblin—but still.
I've never seen someone want love so desperately yet fight against it with equal fervor.
Maybe my favorite scene was them glaring at the baby. With good intentions.
Also the multiple instances of him struggling to say Lyford's given name.
Wretched little goblin threatening a baby that he'd like to see her put in 'some honest bloody effort' at growing.
Nah, I could never hate Tam. Just like that other guy that stays around(Nicolau???) 💀
But he's a pissy fucker and Lyford gives him wayyyyy too much leeway with it so the break at 77% was long awaited and very well deserved.
FINALLY, LYFORD!
"Never again, Nicolau.”
I should fucking hope so. Gah. I enjoy Tam but he's really a colossal dick. Which is ironic because it's Lyford who—never mind. Not the time.
Okay so this is my thing with Tam. He's not a perfect MC. And not that others are but they always have shadow justifications that the reader is eventually made aware of, if they're not immediately obvious in the moment.
But Tam? Sometimes he's just a dick. Literally no redeeming factors behind it. He's simply a dick sometimes. I mean, sure, when he was younger he had main character syndrome that didn't get tended to the ONE time and he built an entire personality off his grudge. But he didn't get over it when he should have. Instead he started collecting petty little grudges and nurturing them like children 💀.
Honestly, looking back, he was clearly a favorite of Angarat long before he figured it out because let me tell you, NOBODY can nurture a grudge like Tam. Feed it, water it, sing it lullabies till it grows big and strong and girthy. Biggest Lyford's ever seen, yeah?
So definitely a big red flag. But he's just as frustrated with himself as he is with everything (everyone) around him, and I don't know, he comes across as a very realistic character to me.
Also, I respect the hell out of him for coming right out and telling Lyford he'd respect him a lot more if he stopped pretending and hiding behind the veneer of politeness so damn much.
Because let's be honest. Tam's a raging bull with the capacity(and specific relevant experience) to run roughshod over everyone who'll let him.
But Lyford? Lyford let's him. I think it's easy to see that Tam never says what he wants out loud, but neither does Lyford. He's the kind to wait around, sighing gustily, and martyring himself at the altar of Tam.
So, absolutely, I'm glad Lyford finally told Tam off. But I'm glad it was mutual. Because sooooo many times during this I kept wanting Lyford to fucking stand up.
And literally all their issues could be linked to miscommunication. Attributing motives to actions that the other never intended. Honest conversations helped a lot, though. Even if Tam wanted to hurl himself out of windows afterwards EVERY. BLOODY. TIME.
But he didn't.
And this isn't to say that I don't rate Lyford highly, btw. Because he clearly loves Tam, but more importantly, he keeps trying for him, long after any sane person would. Long after Tam himself gave up on trying. Probably an unhealthy way to love someone. God-tier way to be loved, though.
He likes him enough to deal with him while Tam figured himself out.
Can't be overstated.
He's such a glass half-full sort of person that it's impossible not to get swept up into his optimism towards Tam, who isn't always deserving of it.
Huge fight? You know what Lyford sees?
"We stumbled, we got up and brushed ourselves off, and we stuck with it long enough to come out the other side, which we’ve never managed before. And I got kissed,” he added, objectionably smug (no—just rakish, seductive, attractive, confident, teasing... maybe kissable, maybe). “And I got to hold you, and wake up with you, and tell you that I like you.”
I honestly get why that wretched little goblin is just as obsessed with the man.
And to be fair, he's not lying to himself about who Tam is.
When Tam confesses that he thinks himself undeserving of forgiveness, he gets told...
“Oh sweetheart.....You’re a goblin, not a monster. You’re bloody difficult, and you’re too strong-minded for your own good, and you make everything a hundred times harder than it has to be. So what? What’s the great unforgivable crime there?”
Like sureeeeeee, you're a pill but you're not THAT bad.
And yep, pretty honest assessment of Tam.
“You’re awful, and there are parts of that I truly appreciate.”
💀Um.
I love that we got glimpses of their happy memories from childhood and adolescence afterwards, towards the end of the book. It does explain why Lyford kept trying and trying while seemingly having no reason to. But I like that this knowledge came after.
Like yes, Tam wasn't always a goblin, especially to Nicolau. But also, Tam hadn't been the sweet boy Nicolau fell in love with for DECADES. And Nicolau loved him just as fervently, anyway. Through every goddamn season of himself.
That said —
It's unsurprising that Tam was the sort of kid that prayed for another kid to die because he'd hurt Nicolau.
Did make me snort laugh (because obviously the kid didn't die but how is THAT your first recourse? Old Testament temper, that Tam.
Also, asking someone if they want to marry you as some sort of fetish has to at least be criminal in multiple jurisdictions💀
But I swear it's part of the most adorable panic spiral you can imagine. And I'm not just saying that as a Tam apologist.
I spoke too soon. My favorite scene is Tam talking himself into a marriage that Nicolau didn't even propose. Absolute gold.
Adored tf out of this. Clearly.
I adore Tam. He's a wretched little goblin—but still.
I've never seen someone want love so desperately yet fight against it with equal fervor.
Maybe my favorite scene was them glaring at the baby. With good intentions.
Also the multiple instances of him struggling to say Lyford's given name.
Wretched little goblin threatening a baby that he'd like to see her put in 'some honest bloody effort' at growing.
Nah, I could never hate Tam. Just like that other guy that stays around(Nicolau???) 💀
But he's a pissy fucker and Lyford gives him wayyyyy too much leeway with it so the break at 77% was long awaited and very well deserved.
FINALLY, LYFORD!
"Never again, Nicolau.”
I should fucking hope so. Gah. I enjoy Tam but he's really a colossal dick. Which is ironic because it's Lyford who—never mind. Not the time.
Okay so this is my thing with Tam. He's not a perfect MC. And not that others are but they always have shadow justifications that the reader is eventually made aware of, if they're not immediately obvious in the moment.
But Tam? Sometimes he's just a dick. Literally no redeeming factors behind it. He's simply a dick sometimes. I mean, sure, when he was younger he had main character syndrome that didn't get tended to the ONE time and he built an entire personality off his grudge. But he didn't get over it when he should have. Instead he started collecting petty little grudges and nurturing them like children 💀.
Honestly, looking back, he was clearly a favorite of Angarat long before he figured it out because let me tell you, NOBODY can nurture a grudge like Tam. Feed it, water it, sing it lullabies till it grows big and strong and girthy. Biggest Lyford's ever seen, yeah?
So definitely a big red flag. But he's just as frustrated with himself as he is with everything (everyone) around him, and I don't know, he comes across as a very realistic character to me.
Also, I respect the hell out of him for coming right out and telling Lyford he'd respect him a lot more if he stopped pretending and hiding behind the veneer of politeness so damn much.
Because let's be honest. Tam's a raging bull with the capacity(and specific relevant experience) to run roughshod over everyone who'll let him.
But Lyford? Lyford let's him. I think it's easy to see that Tam never says what he wants out loud, but neither does Lyford. He's the kind to wait around, sighing gustily, and martyring himself at the altar of Tam.
So, absolutely, I'm glad Lyford finally told Tam off. But I'm glad it was mutual. Because sooooo many times during this I kept wanting Lyford to fucking stand up.
And literally all their issues could be linked to miscommunication. Attributing motives to actions that the other never intended. Honest conversations helped a lot, though. Even if Tam wanted to hurl himself out of windows afterwards EVERY. BLOODY. TIME.
But he didn't.
And this isn't to say that I don't rate Lyford highly, btw. Because he clearly loves Tam, but more importantly, he keeps trying for him, long after any sane person would. Long after Tam himself gave up on trying. Probably an unhealthy way to love someone. God-tier way to be loved, though.
He likes him enough to deal with him while Tam figured himself out.
Can't be overstated.
He's such a glass half-full sort of person that it's impossible not to get swept up into his optimism towards Tam, who isn't always deserving of it.
Huge fight? You know what Lyford sees?
"We stumbled, we got up and brushed ourselves off, and we stuck with it long enough to come out the other side, which we’ve never managed before. And I got kissed,” he added, objectionably smug (no—just rakish, seductive, attractive, confident, teasing... maybe kissable, maybe). “And I got to hold you, and wake up with you, and tell you that I like you.”
I honestly get why that wretched little goblin is just as obsessed with the man.
And to be fair, he's not lying to himself about who Tam is.
When Tam confesses that he thinks himself undeserving of forgiveness, he gets told...
“Oh sweetheart.....You’re a goblin, not a monster. You’re bloody difficult, and you’re too strong-minded for your own good, and you make everything a hundred times harder than it has to be. So what? What’s the great unforgivable crime there?”
Like sureeeeeee, you're a pill but you're not THAT bad.
And yep, pretty honest assessment of Tam.
“You’re awful, and there are parts of that I truly appreciate.”
💀Um.
I love that we got glimpses of their happy memories from childhood and adolescence afterwards, towards the end of the book. It does explain why Lyford kept trying and trying while seemingly having no reason to. But I like that this knowledge came after.
Like yes, Tam wasn't always a goblin, especially to Nicolau. But also, Tam hadn't been the sweet boy Nicolau fell in love with for DECADES. And Nicolau loved him just as fervently, anyway. Through every goddamn season of himself.
That said —
It's unsurprising that Tam was the sort of kid that prayed for another kid to die because he'd hurt Nicolau.
Did make me snort laugh (because obviously the kid didn't die but how is THAT your first recourse? Old Testament temper, that Tam.
Also, asking someone if they want to marry you as some sort of fetish has to at least be criminal in multiple jurisdictions💀
But I swear it's part of the most adorable panic spiral you can imagine. And I'm not just saying that as a Tam apologist.
I spoke too soon. My favorite scene is Tam talking himself into a marriage that Nicolau didn't even propose. Absolute gold.
Adored tf out of this. Clearly.
November 10, 2024
Yield Under Great Persuasion was such a unique romance and I loved it so much. With Running Close to the Wind, I said that Alexandra Rowland was on the way to becoming a favouite author for me, and with Yield Under Great Persuasion fav author status has been cemented.
This is a one-sided hate-to-love romance, except they've already been hooking up all along. Tam developed this one-sided enmity towards Lord Lyford when they were boys, and Lyford smashed his entry into the village’s vegetable competition. He's held that grudge ever since, even into adulthood when they've been sleeping together.
Tam's character journey was so well done and Lyford was adorable. It was a great romance set in such an interesting world!
This is a one-sided hate-to-love romance, except they've already been hooking up all along. Tam developed this one-sided enmity towards Lord Lyford when they were boys, and Lyford smashed his entry into the village’s vegetable competition. He's held that grudge ever since, even into adulthood when they've been sleeping together.
Tam's character journey was so well done and Lyford was adorable. It was a great romance set in such an interesting world!
September 22, 2024
I'm three-quarters of the way through my reading challenge for the year, but I think I've just read the best book I'm going to read this year. This was just such a blast. Rowland is a great writer. I had to like slow down my reading pace because I didn't want this to end.
This is a fantasy romance, that's more romance than fantasy, and I am so okay with that. Definitely more character than plot driven, and told from a single perspective. Our protagonist is Tam Becket, a neurotic, contrary mess of a person who has spent the last ten years of his life having sex with the most patient man in the world - Nicolau Lyford, lord of the Manor in the village Tam lives in. Tam is rude, prickly, and oblivious. And he treats poor Nicolau so poorly. The gist of the book is Nicolau trying to lure Tam into a real relationship, like trying to domesticate a feral cat. It was great. I think a lot of people will relate to Tam, myself included. Fundamentally flawed, he behaves like a wounded animal for a lot of the story, lashing out at anyone showing him kindness, especially Nicolau, who is far more patient with him than his shitty behaviour warrants. It was frustrating at times, but also acutely romantic, and sexy. Tam grows, it was beautiful to watch.
The world building is great. The fantasy element here revolves around a pantheon of gods who bestow their favours on people. And Tam's irreverence was super amusing. The writing style is markedly modern, and so it reads a bit like a rom-com and makes the characters immediately more relatable.
I'm not a big re-reader, but this is one I might come back to.
This is a fantasy romance, that's more romance than fantasy, and I am so okay with that. Definitely more character than plot driven, and told from a single perspective. Our protagonist is Tam Becket, a neurotic, contrary mess of a person who has spent the last ten years of his life having sex with the most patient man in the world - Nicolau Lyford, lord of the Manor in the village Tam lives in. Tam is rude, prickly, and oblivious. And he treats poor Nicolau so poorly. The gist of the book is Nicolau trying to lure Tam into a real relationship, like trying to domesticate a feral cat. It was great. I think a lot of people will relate to Tam, myself included. Fundamentally flawed, he behaves like a wounded animal for a lot of the story, lashing out at anyone showing him kindness, especially Nicolau, who is far more patient with him than his shitty behaviour warrants. It was frustrating at times, but also acutely romantic, and sexy. Tam grows, it was beautiful to watch.
The world building is great. The fantasy element here revolves around a pantheon of gods who bestow their favours on people. And Tam's irreverence was super amusing. The writing style is markedly modern, and so it reads a bit like a rom-com and makes the characters immediately more relatable.
I'm not a big re-reader, but this is one I might come back to.
October 29, 2024
This was adorable, fun, enchanting, charming, cozy, hilarious, and sweet. All around a huge winner. I had a smile on my face the entire book.
Only complaints are that the ending was a bit too abrupt (GIVE ME MORE), and the sex scenes weren’t very descriptive. Hey look at me! I still want some sex scenes! I was worried after my last few reads where I was feeling like there was too much sex. Thankfully, I haven’t grown as a human.
Only complaints are that the ending was a bit too abrupt (GIVE ME MORE), and the sex scenes weren’t very descriptive. Hey look at me! I still want some sex scenes! I was worried after my last few reads where I was feeling like there was too much sex. Thankfully, I haven’t grown as a human.
January 2, 2025
#9 in my top ten books of 2024 list
https://youtu.be/zJyzeRjxsxM
https://youtu.be/zJyzeRjxsxM
June 11, 2025
4.5 stars (rounded up)
The sheer audacity of this little gem of a story to make me feel SO many feels, excuse me?!?!? It's cosy and raunchy and funny and romantic and surprisingly tragic but then also so damn cute and it's got so much heart and AAAAHHHH!!
Okay but what is Yield Under Great Persuasion really about? I am glad you asked. Well, it's honestly just 300-ish pages of an incorrigably grumpy and horny tea-shop owner yelling at the sky while he goes on a painful quest for self-growth set by the incurably peppy Lord Lyford, a.k.a. his (former) friend/definitely-not-boyfriend/mortal enemy who has a super big heart (not that Tam is going to admit that), but who more importantly has a super big prick that Tam (not so) secretly worships...
And you know what, the level of horniness in the first chapter almost made me think this book wasn't going to be for me, but joke's on me, it totally was. Tam is just an awful, pathetic little goblin with horrible manners who is so stubborn and so indignant and who is just lying to himself at an Olympic level about his feelings... but you know what, I felt that. His journey of self-growth was so beautiful and raw and honest and messy, and somehow I found myself crying tears from both hurt and joy by the end because (emotional) growing pains fucking hurt, okay?!
Also, we've got meddling gods, some magical plant growing shenanigans, a search for mythical sheep, a whole lot of staring at a baby, and a truly impressive amount of inventive cursing. And Lyford (Nicolau??) is just a BABE. And do not get me started on the pages-long monologue full of spiralling thoughts at the end of this story when a certain special someone makes a certain special proposition to Tam that is obviously utterly outrageous... CUTENESS OVERLOAD!
So yeah, Yield Under Great Persuasion just made me go absolutely feral and I love it all the more for it. It might seem silly on the surface, but it really is just an incredibly heartfelt story about self-love, mature communication and the absolute rollercoaster that is ReAL LifE. Fuck me, I want more.
The sheer audacity of this little gem of a story to make me feel SO many feels, excuse me?!?!? It's cosy and raunchy and funny and romantic and surprisingly tragic but then also so damn cute and it's got so much heart and AAAAHHHH!!
Okay but what is Yield Under Great Persuasion really about? I am glad you asked. Well, it's honestly just 300-ish pages of an incorrigably grumpy and horny tea-shop owner yelling at the sky while he goes on a painful quest for self-growth set by the incurably peppy Lord Lyford, a.k.a. his (former) friend/definitely-not-boyfriend/mortal enemy who has a super big heart (not that Tam is going to admit that), but who more importantly has a super big prick that Tam (not so) secretly worships...
And you know what, the level of horniness in the first chapter almost made me think this book wasn't going to be for me, but joke's on me, it totally was. Tam is just an awful, pathetic little goblin with horrible manners who is so stubborn and so indignant and who is just lying to himself at an Olympic level about his feelings... but you know what, I felt that. His journey of self-growth was so beautiful and raw and honest and messy, and somehow I found myself crying tears from both hurt and joy by the end because (emotional) growing pains fucking hurt, okay?!
Also, we've got meddling gods, some magical plant growing shenanigans, a search for mythical sheep, a whole lot of staring at a baby, and a truly impressive amount of inventive cursing. And Lyford (Nicolau??) is just a BABE. And do not get me started on the pages-long monologue full of spiralling thoughts at the end of this story when a certain special someone makes a certain special proposition to Tam that is obviously utterly outrageous... CUTENESS OVERLOAD!
So yeah, Yield Under Great Persuasion just made me go absolutely feral and I love it all the more for it. It might seem silly on the surface, but it really is just an incredibly heartfelt story about self-love, mature communication and the absolute rollercoaster that is ReAL LifE. Fuck me, I want more.
September 14, 2025
as an awful little goblin, i felt personally attacked by this
May 26, 2025
Poczułam się trochę jakbym znów miała 17 lat i czytała pół nocy wiedząc, że jutro mam sprawdzian z biologii.
Kupiło mnie to totalnie, niczego nie żałuję.
Kupiło mnie to totalnie, niczego nie żałuję.
August 23, 2025
проглотила за вечер. книга буквально начиначинается с того, что парень ненавидит другого парня, но обожает его член, и ну как бы тут оставалось только заварить чаек и следить за цирком
September 26, 2024
I cannot say I have ever read a book that left me utterly cheery and delightful such as this, while also feeling as though I'd unwittingly paraded myself into a therapy session. I saw too, too much of myself in the main character. Often had to set the book down so I could reflect, let certain words and viewpoints rattle around in my head until my heart had warmed over, and I was alright to continue on.
This is a beautiful story. A love story, yes, but not just a romance. Self love makes up the true heart of Yield Under Great Persuasion .It's treated with such tenderness and care, I would find it hard to believe there could be anyone who doesn't find this book at least a little bit healing.
This is a beautiful story. A love story, yes, but not just a romance. Self love makes up the true heart of Yield Under Great Persuasion .It's treated with such tenderness and care, I would find it hard to believe there could be anyone who doesn't find this book at least a little bit healing.
November 9, 2024
~ 1.5 stars ⭐️
did not like this one.
Here's the thing - I appreciate the way the book depicts healing and how it's not a linear journey - that's great! That's unique!
But my goodness the way the main character treats those who care for him is deplorable for a good 95% of the story. It was so painful to read about those (LYFORD) who gave him so much patience and kindness only to be verbally battered to the ground again. And again. And again.
I could not put up with Tam, even though I wanted to understand him so badly.
Yes, there is eventual character growth and therapy-like talk, but the entire story felt like a giant therapy session I did not want to be privy to.
did not like this one.
Here's the thing - I appreciate the way the book depicts healing and how it's not a linear journey - that's great! That's unique!
But my goodness the way the main character treats those who care for him is deplorable for a good 95% of the story. It was so painful to read about those (LYFORD) who gave him so much patience and kindness only to be verbally battered to the ground again. And again. And again.
I could not put up with Tam, even though I wanted to understand him so badly.
Yes, there is eventual character growth and therapy-like talk, but the entire story felt like a giant therapy session I did not want to be privy to.
September 19, 2024
Yield Under Great Persuasion is a gay and cozy romantasy that reads more like a contemporary novel. It’s silly. It’s fun. It’s intelligent.
I love how unserious this book read. And I love how absolutely savage the main character was. This is not some mildly rude black cat/ golden retriever romance. This man is an absolute menace.
But the chemistry between them. It’s unmatched. Alexandra Rowland kills this shit. I’m always so blown away by the chemistry in their books.
They can tell a phenomenal story and this was no exception. Their writing while feeling unserious also feels so smart. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s almost poetic. I’m addicted to it.
I read this in a day. I couldn’t put it down. I actually cried happy tears at the end. I don’t think I’ve ever done that???
I also never care for an epilogue, but I would have loved one. I just missed these characters so much as soon as I was finished. I was actually praying the last couple pages was another chapter right before I flipped to the acknowledgments. Y’all I never do this!?
Alexandra Rowland can write some fucking smut. I would kill for one medium length detailed sex scene. Please. Just one. 🙏🏻
I have loved everything by this author. Everything. Like blown away into smithereens level of loved. 🥹
I love how unserious this book read. And I love how absolutely savage the main character was. This is not some mildly rude black cat/ golden retriever romance. This man is an absolute menace.
But the chemistry between them. It’s unmatched. Alexandra Rowland kills this shit. I’m always so blown away by the chemistry in their books.
They can tell a phenomenal story and this was no exception. Their writing while feeling unserious also feels so smart. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s almost poetic. I’m addicted to it.
I read this in a day. I couldn’t put it down. I actually cried happy tears at the end. I don’t think I’ve ever done that???
I also never care for an epilogue, but I would have loved one. I just missed these characters so much as soon as I was finished. I was actually praying the last couple pages was another chapter right before I flipped to the acknowledgments. Y’all I never do this!?
Alexandra Rowland can write some fucking smut. I would kill for one medium length detailed sex scene. Please. Just one. 🙏🏻
I have loved everything by this author. Everything. Like blown away into smithereens level of loved. 🥹
June 20, 2025
rating: 4.25
Alright, I won’t lie. I was little skeptical of Tam Becket. Like why is he so angry and mistrusting towards everyone? Why is he so mean to the only person who truly cares about him?! But the more the story unfolds, the more you get to understand his character and why he is this way, and watching him trying to be vulnerable, trying to trust those around him. And then once he starts to get his head out of his ass (please be patient with him), THEY ARE SO CUTE TOGETHER?!
I desperately needed a longer ending!!! I wanted to see the rest of their story 😭😭 they were just too cute and especially the end with our precious Tam overthinking himself to death. I really enjoyed this one and had such a great time. I was smiling so much for a good chunk of the entire ending that my face started to hurt.
I can't wait to read more from this author!
Alright, I won’t lie. I was little skeptical of Tam Becket. Like why is he so angry and mistrusting towards everyone? Why is he so mean to the only person who truly cares about him?! But the more the story unfolds, the more you get to understand his character and why he is this way, and watching him trying to be vulnerable, trying to trust those around him. And then once he starts to get his head out of his ass (please be patient with him), THEY ARE SO CUTE TOGETHER?!
I desperately needed a longer ending!!! I wanted to see the rest of their story 😭😭 they were just too cute and especially the end with our precious Tam overthinking himself to death. I really enjoyed this one and had such a great time. I was smiling so much for a good chunk of the entire ending that my face started to hurt.
I can't wait to read more from this author!
September 29, 2024
This is what I mean when I say I want more cozy fantasy romances 😇👌
December 9, 2024
This is legitimately one of the worst things I’ve ever read, and frankly the amount of positive reviews are BAFFLING to me.
Now I just want to preface this by saying, I LOVE complicated and flawed characters. My favorite characters are typically the ones most hated. However there has to be some redeeming quality about them. Something that makes the reader understand why people stick around, or what made them the way they are. Tam has no redeeming qualities. Absolutely none.
He spends the entire book cursing and degrading Lyford while simultaneously being addicted to his cock. At every single attempt Lyford makes you reach out or make an attempt is shot down and spit on by Tam. Lyford is constantly getting his heart shattered by Tam and it makes him seem like a victim.
I understand that Tam is supposed to be unlikeable and that he’s supposed to grow but… he just doesn’t.
Lyford tells him many many times to speak kinder to him and despite Tam saying he’ll change, at the very end, he curses out and rejects him in front of their mutual friend. It’s supposed to be romantic but I don’t find Tam shouting at Lyford how they’ll “never get married”, to be romantic in the slightest.
We’re supposed to believe that all of these problems stem from an incident when he was 9 years old. I’m a professional grudge holder, and I can get toxic about it, but frankly this is ridiculous. THATS why you hate him??? And you’re a huge dickhead to everyone??? Honestly embarrassing for a grown man.
Calling a deity you believe in a “bitch” is wild. Calling a deity you KNOW is real a “bitch” is absolutely insane. Super not into this man calling a woman a bitch. Multiple times. They hand wave it by being like “it’s like if your pet called you a bad word”. She’s a goddess. I would have smite him by this point.
Also the nickname “goblin” icked me out so much. It’s giving millennial. Completely unsurprised to look at the author’s ao3 and see the tag “Nice Lan boys marry gremlins”. Don’t get me STARTED. As a huge mdzs fan hearing Wei Wuxian or Jin Guangyao be reduced to “gremlins” makes me crash out.
Like I said. One of the worst things I’ve ever read. But at least it was SHORT
Now I just want to preface this by saying, I LOVE complicated and flawed characters. My favorite characters are typically the ones most hated. However there has to be some redeeming quality about them. Something that makes the reader understand why people stick around, or what made them the way they are. Tam has no redeeming qualities. Absolutely none.
He spends the entire book cursing and degrading Lyford while simultaneously being addicted to his cock. At every single attempt Lyford makes you reach out or make an attempt is shot down and spit on by Tam. Lyford is constantly getting his heart shattered by Tam and it makes him seem like a victim.
I understand that Tam is supposed to be unlikeable and that he’s supposed to grow but… he just doesn’t.
Lyford tells him many many times to speak kinder to him and despite Tam saying he’ll change, at the very end, he curses out and rejects him in front of their mutual friend. It’s supposed to be romantic but I don’t find Tam shouting at Lyford how they’ll “never get married”, to be romantic in the slightest.
We’re supposed to believe that all of these problems stem from an incident when he was 9 years old. I’m a professional grudge holder, and I can get toxic about it, but frankly this is ridiculous. THATS why you hate him??? And you’re a huge dickhead to everyone??? Honestly embarrassing for a grown man.
Calling a deity you believe in a “bitch” is wild. Calling a deity you KNOW is real a “bitch” is absolutely insane. Super not into this man calling a woman a bitch. Multiple times. They hand wave it by being like “it’s like if your pet called you a bad word”. She’s a goddess. I would have smite him by this point.
Also the nickname “goblin” icked me out so much. It’s giving millennial. Completely unsurprised to look at the author’s ao3 and see the tag “Nice Lan boys marry gremlins”. Don’t get me STARTED. As a huge mdzs fan hearing Wei Wuxian or Jin Guangyao be reduced to “gremlins” makes me crash out.
Like I said. One of the worst things I’ve ever read. But at least it was SHORT
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