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Her Pretty Knight
An addictive forbidden romance between a fake princess and her bodyguard…
After losing everything ten years ago, Sir Galeon has dedicated her life to serving her kingdom as a knight. When the prince entrusts her with guarding his soon-to-be bride in his arranged marriage, Galeon does not expect to have her heart captured by the confounding princess.
Della has more than one deadly secret. Not only is she pretending to be Princess Cordelia, but she is also a witch in a world where magic is as dangerous as it is illegal. Her ability to manipulate death is the reason she is here, and her only way out. The last thing she wants is an overly loyal knight following her everywhere.
Della knows that Galeon can never learn her secrets. And Galeon knows the prince’s bride is entirely off-limits.
As reluctant proximity turns to tentative trust, initial attraction becomes burning desire. What should have been simple becomes terribly complicated.
Yet nothing will stop Della from fulfilling the bargain she made to save her sister. Not even an inconveniently timed baby phoenix or rumors of false identity. Not even murdered corpses in the library or a jealous prince.
Not even a pretty knight.
The first in a series of stand-alone stories set in the same world, this slow burn steamy queer romantasy is inspired by classic fairy tales and Arthurian legend, where the shining knight is a scarred woman, the princess is also the witch, and the prince is anything but charming.
This story contains grief, violence, explicit language, and a guaranteed HEA.
After losing everything ten years ago, Sir Galeon has dedicated her life to serving her kingdom as a knight. When the prince entrusts her with guarding his soon-to-be bride in his arranged marriage, Galeon does not expect to have her heart captured by the confounding princess.
Della has more than one deadly secret. Not only is she pretending to be Princess Cordelia, but she is also a witch in a world where magic is as dangerous as it is illegal. Her ability to manipulate death is the reason she is here, and her only way out. The last thing she wants is an overly loyal knight following her everywhere.
Della knows that Galeon can never learn her secrets. And Galeon knows the prince’s bride is entirely off-limits.
As reluctant proximity turns to tentative trust, initial attraction becomes burning desire. What should have been simple becomes terribly complicated.
Yet nothing will stop Della from fulfilling the bargain she made to save her sister. Not even an inconveniently timed baby phoenix or rumors of false identity. Not even murdered corpses in the library or a jealous prince.
Not even a pretty knight.
The first in a series of stand-alone stories set in the same world, this slow burn steamy queer romantasy is inspired by classic fairy tales and Arthurian legend, where the shining knight is a scarred woman, the princess is also the witch, and the prince is anything but charming.
This story contains grief, violence, explicit language, and a guaranteed HEA.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2024
211 people are currently reading
3320 people want to read
About the author
Mariah Rae Birch
5 books77 followersMariah Rae quit her corporate job in 2022 and wrote a book. And she never stopped.
While her earliest works of fiction and art were plastered boldly to the kitchen walls in her childhood home, it took her another twenty years to gather her courage to share her stories again. Now she writes sapphic tales full of romance and magic.
An artist of many kinds, writing fills Mariah Rae’s creative well to the brim. She lives near the mountains with her spouse and furry children. When not writing, she bakes, lurks in nature, and plays games with her small circle of heart family.
While her earliest works of fiction and art were plastered boldly to the kitchen walls in her childhood home, it took her another twenty years to gather her courage to share her stories again. Now she writes sapphic tales full of romance and magic.
An artist of many kinds, writing fills Mariah Rae’s creative well to the brim. She lives near the mountains with her spouse and furry children. When not writing, she bakes, lurks in nature, and plays games with her small circle of heart family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
April 3, 2025
4 Stars
Her Pretty Knight by Mariah Rae Birch was an enthralling read. Lady Knights and haughty princesses are always fun to devour.
The main character’s magical ability was different from the regular witchy abilities I’ve read before which gave the story more edge imo. It was very cool (for lack of more imaginative description). The main character could probably be a necromancer? Maybe? I dunno. But it’s a very cool power to wield.
I like how the author started the story. She dropped the reader in an active scene and the plot was laid out from there.
Let’s discuss characters that intrigued me. Princess Della piqued my interest from the beginning. She wasn’t the typical meek noble, instead she was feisty combative and unyielding. However, I feel there’s still insufficientw character background like history of their magic, how did the sisters survive after tragedy struck, how did she know how to act like a perfectly haughty princess with a drop of a hat? I have lots of questions! But I still really enjoyed Della’s character.
Anyway, the prince. The prince was perfectly annoying and I appreciated how the author unfurled his true factory setting during the tournament. His grandstanding and pettiness was very on brand for a prince.
In summary, Her Pretty Knight was an enjoyable read. The tension from living a lie and forbidden attraction kept the story lively and interesting.
Her Pretty Knight by Mariah Rae Birch was an enthralling read. Lady Knights and haughty princesses are always fun to devour.
The main character’s magical ability was different from the regular witchy abilities I’ve read before which gave the story more edge imo. It was very cool (for lack of more imaginative description). The main character could probably be a necromancer? Maybe? I dunno. But it’s a very cool power to wield.
I like how the author started the story. She dropped the reader in an active scene and the plot was laid out from there.
Let’s discuss characters that intrigued me. Princess Della piqued my interest from the beginning. She wasn’t the typical meek noble, instead she was feisty combative and unyielding. However, I feel there’s still insufficientw character background like history of their magic, how did the sisters survive after tragedy struck, how did she know how to act like a perfectly haughty princess with a drop of a hat? I have lots of questions! But I still really enjoyed Della’s character.
Anyway, the prince. The prince was perfectly annoying and I appreciated how the author unfurled his true factory setting during the tournament. His grandstanding and pettiness was very on brand for a prince.
In summary, Her Pretty Knight was an enjoyable read. The tension from living a lie and forbidden attraction kept the story lively and interesting.
December 25, 2025
Wattpad ass book.
October 18, 2025
I would say overall, I got everything I expected from this novel.
It definitely hit the spot of a forbidden Knight and Princess romance. The writing was smooth and easy to follow and the pacing was simple if not feeling quite rushed closer to the end.
As we follow Della and her journey through this story as an independent character, I just couldn't help but yearn for a larger understanding of the magic system contained within this novel. I had so many questions about the way it worked, what the consequences were, how you could control it, and how it became such a heavily hated part of society. I think adding this would have definitely allowed for more complexity within Dellas' character, her sister Annet, as well as the romance.
Galeon was also lacking when it came to three-dimensionality. With her growth about her biases towards witches and her complicated feelings towards her prince all being handed startlingly fast and never allowing it to do her justice.
Though the romance was desperately yearningful, I loved every minute of it. I enjoyed that even though both Della and Galeon were very surface-level characters on their own, their love for each other felt clear and understandable. The setting around them was just enough to add tension and the sweet moments we got with them were incredibly tender. Again though, I think every aspect of failing in this book can be attributed to the lack of world-building.
I think as most reviews have already stated the book suffers from being too short and too simplistic in its approach to fantasy, but if you're looking for self-indulgent romance between a lady knight and the princess she is sworn to protect then you will definitely get this here.
3.75 stars 🌟 🌟🌟💫✨️
It definitely hit the spot of a forbidden Knight and Princess romance. The writing was smooth and easy to follow and the pacing was simple if not feeling quite rushed closer to the end.
As we follow Della and her journey through this story as an independent character, I just couldn't help but yearn for a larger understanding of the magic system contained within this novel. I had so many questions about the way it worked, what the consequences were, how you could control it, and how it became such a heavily hated part of society. I think adding this would have definitely allowed for more complexity within Dellas' character, her sister Annet, as well as the romance.
Galeon was also lacking when it came to three-dimensionality. With her growth about her biases towards witches and her complicated feelings towards her prince all being handed startlingly fast and never allowing it to do her justice.
Though the romance was desperately yearningful, I loved every minute of it. I enjoyed that even though both Della and Galeon were very surface-level characters on their own, their love for each other felt clear and understandable. The setting around them was just enough to add tension and the sweet moments we got with them were incredibly tender. Again though, I think every aspect of failing in this book can be attributed to the lack of world-building.
I think as most reviews have already stated the book suffers from being too short and too simplistic in its approach to fantasy, but if you're looking for self-indulgent romance between a lady knight and the princess she is sworn to protect then you will definitely get this here.
3.75 stars 🌟 🌟🌟💫✨️
May 22, 2025
how this book managed to lose me when it stars a tall pretty lesbian knight is beyond me
September 10, 2025
⭐️4.5⭐️
Listennnn I lowkey ate this up. The world building and and magic system definitely could’ve been more in depth, but the romance between these two was 🙂↕️
Listennnn I lowkey ate this up. The world building and and magic system definitely could’ve been more in depth, but the romance between these two was 🙂↕️
February 1, 2025
What a cute romance. The writing is easy going and a nice smooth read for me. I wish there was a little bit more world building and details that give more insight on the magic part of the world. Sir Galeon is such a golden retriever and she is such a puppy dog. Della is clever and fun and not scared of anything.
It’s low spice and low angst and an enjoyable read.
It’s low spice and low angst and an enjoyable read.
January 26, 2026
2.5⭐
I wanted to love this, I really did.
It started off strong but went downhill rather quickly.
My biggest issue with this book were the characters.
Galeon was fine but rather boring, but I sadly didn't like Della whatsoever.
I wasn't convinced by the romance either - they were attracted to each other but that was it.
They didn't know anything about each other and I didn't get the impression that they liked each other romantically at all.
The ending was also rather disappointing, way too simplistic and lackluster.
Also, quite a few things related to the plot were mentioned and then never brought up again - infuriating.
I wanted to love this, I really did.
It started off strong but went downhill rather quickly.
My biggest issue with this book were the characters.
Galeon was fine but rather boring, but I sadly didn't like Della whatsoever.
I wasn't convinced by the romance either - they were attracted to each other but that was it.
They didn't know anything about each other and I didn't get the impression that they liked each other romantically at all.
The ending was also rather disappointing, way too simplistic and lackluster.
Also, quite a few things related to the plot were mentioned and then never brought up again - infuriating.
December 27, 2025
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sir Galeon and Princess Della have SUCH good romance and chemistry in my opinion! While it wasn't very heavy with fantasy or in depth world building, I still found the plot and characters made it a lovable book. Della isn't your typical princess and can be quite feisty, and Sir Galeon does the perfect amount of pining after her.
Sir Galeon and Princess Della have SUCH good romance and chemistry in my opinion! While it wasn't very heavy with fantasy or in depth world building, I still found the plot and characters made it a lovable book. Della isn't your typical princess and can be quite feisty, and Sir Galeon does the perfect amount of pining after her.
March 5, 2025
3 Stars
This is a really short romantasy and I don't think short books necessarily gel with the kind of world-building the author was trying to do. Wasn't completely sold on the chemistry or the ending either.
This is a really short romantasy and I don't think short books necessarily gel with the kind of world-building the author was trying to do. Wasn't completely sold on the chemistry or the ending either.
December 31, 2025
I wanted a book with a lady knight and I got it.
3.5 ⭐️ Quick and easy little read with a Lady knight tasked to protect the princess(not really a princess but really a witch in disguise for the real princess) love a good sapphic romantasy I had a good time.
3.5 ⭐️ Quick and easy little read with a Lady knight tasked to protect the princess(not really a princess but really a witch in disguise for the real princess) love a good sapphic romantasy I had a good time.
October 16, 2025
Okay, here we go. I opened this book because I wanted a gallant knight and her lady love--and that is exactly what it gave me. The world building is minimal, which is a shame, because the author's take on magic, Kingdoms and crimes is truly fresh. She hints at subtle magic throughout, and teases grand magic with a wink and a nod, but we never really get to see it. The story focuses on the developing relationship between the two POV characters Della and Sir Galeon; a Princess and her Royal Guard. The plot and intrigue that thrusts them together at the start and surrounds them throughout is happening largely in the background, with only one of the two truly aware of the plot, but all of that delicious subterfuge is sacrificed to give us the story that we opened the book for in the first place: a gallant knight and her lady love.
So why do I feel so disappointed? BECAUSE THE WORLD IS SO GOOD! It's so fresh and cool and if we were allowed to actually participate in the political intrigue of scheming monarchs, deceitful lovers, and wistful witches, we would be truly enraptured in and with a world that's so worth building. Instead we get what one Goodreads reviewer called a "wattpad ass book," and I have to agree. There was no true interest in these characters and their world other than the HEA fairytales promise.
I don't mean to sound too harsh, because it does deliver what its premise promised: a sapphic love story. For what it is, it's cute. If your expectations are where they should be, this book will not disappoint. A light Romantasy for readers who only care about the girl getting the girl. If you want an epic tale, look elsewhere.
4/5
Song: The fate of Ophelia, Taylor Swift
10/12/2025
Na, look at me and say less, bitch. SOLD. Can't wait to crack this bitch open. Be still my heart. (Please don't disappoint me...)
So why do I feel so disappointed? BECAUSE THE WORLD IS SO GOOD! It's so fresh and cool and if we were allowed to actually participate in the political intrigue of scheming monarchs, deceitful lovers, and wistful witches, we would be truly enraptured in and with a world that's so worth building. Instead we get what one Goodreads reviewer called a "wattpad ass book," and I have to agree. There was no true interest in these characters and their world other than the HEA fairytales promise.
I don't mean to sound too harsh, because it does deliver what its premise promised: a sapphic love story. For what it is, it's cute. If your expectations are where they should be, this book will not disappoint. A light Romantasy for readers who only care about the girl getting the girl. If you want an epic tale, look elsewhere.
4/5
Song: The fate of Ophelia, Taylor Swift
10/12/2025
Na, look at me and say less, bitch. SOLD. Can't wait to crack this bitch open. Be still my heart. (Please don't disappoint me...)
March 18, 2025
Loved this story! Well-written and the characters, especially Galeon, were so authentic that I felt like they leapt off the page.
Wish it would’ve been longer, more in depth. Could’ve stayed in their little world forever, happily.
Wish it would’ve been longer, more in depth. Could’ve stayed in their little world forever, happily.
July 9, 2025
this book got me out of my reading slump! sooo good exactly what I needed, yearning, lesbian, fantasy 🙂↕️
January 19, 2026
every knight/witch book worms itself into my mind it’s so serious to me. the ending definitely wasn’t fleshed out enough, but Galeon😛😛
April 1, 2025
3.50
I’m going to make this very short bulletin points, as this read doesn’t have much to go over!
- Too many chapter break- POV switches and sharp transitions to next chapters.
- The love Galeon was feeling felt too soon and it wasn’t clear when or why such a strong feeling developed. But once love being felt got brought back up again at a later time during a better moment, I felt it fully.
- I wanted more about the magic of the world and what had happened regarding the murder in the castle. What happened with Cordelia and that Phoenix? I think provided with that, would’ve made some things not feel so stagnant.
Regardless. This was a cutesy read that was smooth and Galeon is just adorable! I love the female knight concept and found who witches are portrayed to be intriguing.
I’m going to make this very short bulletin points, as this read doesn’t have much to go over!
- Too many chapter break- POV switches and sharp transitions to next chapters.
- The love Galeon was feeling felt too soon and it wasn’t clear when or why such a strong feeling developed. But once love being felt got brought back up again at a later time during a better moment, I felt it fully.
- I wanted more about the magic of the world and what had happened regarding the murder in the castle. What happened with Cordelia and that Phoenix? I think provided with that, would’ve made some things not feel so stagnant.
Regardless. This was a cutesy read that was smooth and Galeon is just adorable! I love the female knight concept and found who witches are portrayed to be intriguing.
April 18, 2025
a sapphic read worth reading! i fully enjoyed this book and was enthralled by the characters. each chapter was better than the last, keeping me hooked all the way through. the ending felt a little rushed, but the story was fully executed. i wish there had been more structure to their world and how magic plays its role. i cannot wait to read the next book and be immersed in a new perspective of this world!
July 25, 2025
Galeon is adorable, would reread
February 11, 2025
THIS BOOK IS PERFECT!!! this book is actually everything to me I love it so so much, it’s a new favorite book of all time!
I loved the story, I was so gripped and genuinely interested in the story and the world, I can’t wait to learn more about the world, magic systems and politics in the next book.
I am also dramatically in love with Sir Galeon, her story with Lillian is so heartbreaking but it is also beautiful how she still loves her and Della is fully supportive and understanding of that. Sir Galeon is also just such a great character overall, I loved everything about her and I loved her growth and literally just everything about her is wonderful and beautiful.
Della is also such a good character, I grew to love her so much and I was rooting for her and Sir Galeon the whole time, I loved how she slowly revealed her secrets to Galeon, and don’t get me started on the shoes because that was the sweetest scene I have ever read in my life!!
Even the side character in this book were so so good, Della’s sister was also such an amazing character, I love their relationship and how much they love each other and how much Della protects her sister no matter what.
I loved everything about this book, I was laughing throughout at the little funny one liners dotted about, I wasn’t expecting them but they made the book so much more individual and engaging, it’s so perfect, I can’t wait to read the next book!!
I loved the story, I was so gripped and genuinely interested in the story and the world, I can’t wait to learn more about the world, magic systems and politics in the next book.
I am also dramatically in love with Sir Galeon, her story with Lillian is so heartbreaking but it is also beautiful how she still loves her and Della is fully supportive and understanding of that. Sir Galeon is also just such a great character overall, I loved everything about her and I loved her growth and literally just everything about her is wonderful and beautiful.
Della is also such a good character, I grew to love her so much and I was rooting for her and Sir Galeon the whole time, I loved how she slowly revealed her secrets to Galeon, and don’t get me started on the shoes because that was the sweetest scene I have ever read in my life!!
Even the side character in this book were so so good, Della’s sister was also such an amazing character, I love their relationship and how much they love each other and how much Della protects her sister no matter what.
I loved everything about this book, I was laughing throughout at the little funny one liners dotted about, I wasn’t expecting them but they made the book so much more individual and engaging, it’s so perfect, I can’t wait to read the next book!!
January 5, 2025
Being a witch is a sickness punishable by death, and two sisters are captured, but a princess bargains with them to gain them all freedom. They just have to help her fake her death to avoid an arranged marriage. Della, a death witch, pretends to be the princess and dies the night before the wedding.
Things get complicated when Della falls for the prince's head of the royal guard, who has been assigned to keep her safe.
Her Pretty Knight by Mariah Rae Birch is a quick and highly entertaining read. The witch magic is an original concept. At least I haven't read anything like it before, and I like the nuance. The main pairing is so good, with great slow-burn chemistry, and strong, vulnerable women, who are capable and passionate. The faux princess and her pretty knight have some lovely scenes, including one similar to A Knight's Tale, and also some spice.
This is a sweet sapphic romantasy with a happy ending and an epilogue to wrap things up.
An engaging writing style, likable characters, a steady pace, and a bit of suspense near the end, make this one of my favorites.
#witches #princes #knight #romantasy #sapphic #butchfemme #magic #oppositesattract #princessandherguard #HEA
I received this free ARC from BookSirens. This is my honest opinion.
Things get complicated when Della falls for the prince's head of the royal guard, who has been assigned to keep her safe.
Her Pretty Knight by Mariah Rae Birch is a quick and highly entertaining read. The witch magic is an original concept. At least I haven't read anything like it before, and I like the nuance. The main pairing is so good, with great slow-burn chemistry, and strong, vulnerable women, who are capable and passionate. The faux princess and her pretty knight have some lovely scenes, including one similar to A Knight's Tale, and also some spice.
This is a sweet sapphic romantasy with a happy ending and an epilogue to wrap things up.
An engaging writing style, likable characters, a steady pace, and a bit of suspense near the end, make this one of my favorites.
#witches #princes #knight #romantasy #sapphic #butchfemme #magic #oppositesattract #princessandherguard #HEA
I received this free ARC from BookSirens. This is my honest opinion.
March 18, 2025
3.75★ nothing quite like lesbian yearning…
January 12, 2026
I genuinely enjoyed this one. The premise was so fun, and it was super fast-paced/digestible, so I flew through it. However, I have a few major qualms that stop me from giving it a higher rating.
First of all, I absolutely could not stand the love interest. In theory, I like a character with those traits (loyal, stoic, strong, brave etc. etc.), but in practice, it just did not work well at all. You lost me immediately at naming a knight "Galeon", I mean, come on. What's next, you gonna name the beautiful princess "Bella" too? Oh wait, no her name is Della, my bad. Corny names aside, the reason I couldn't stand Galeon was because she could not FOR A MOMENT figure out what she wanted. Are you loyal to the prince? Do you want to be with Della? You won't kiss her until we're 60% of the way into the book because it's "wrong", but you'll ask her to run away with you?? Don't get me wrong, I love conflicted characters with strong moral codes they struggle to break, I just don't think it was executed well in this case because we never even get a sliver of her thought process, despite the book being dual-perspective. All we get to see is her making the most frustrating decisions while there is quite literally nothing going on in there.
Okay, now I need to talk about the prince. I understand that he was supposed to be unlikable so as not to interfere with the actual love story, but I feel like the author couldn't decide what type of unlikable she wanted to make him. He is introduced as a sissy rich boy and then he becomes an abusive asshole so quickly I got whiplash. I literally had to go back and reread the part where he tried to hit Della because it was so quick I missed it, and then I was like huh??? Where did that even come from? The part where he cheated on her too was so overwhelmingly unnecessary. It's like WE GET IT, he's a bad guy and therefore it's okay that Della went behind his back and did all the things she did. And somehow, that's not even the worst part. I'm gonna hold your hand when I say this, HE LITERALLY CONFESSED TO MURDERING THE LAST PRINCESS AND COVERING IT UP!!! I was absolutely gagged when I read that part because actually where did that come from?? And then it was never brought up again afterwards?? That was when I knew I had to write this review, because that is the most insane plot point I've ever seen dropped and abandoned in a story. Absolute bonkers.
However, corniness and plot holes aside, I really did have fun with this one and might even revisit this author eventually.
First of all, I absolutely could not stand the love interest. In theory, I like a character with those traits (loyal, stoic, strong, brave etc. etc.), but in practice, it just did not work well at all. You lost me immediately at naming a knight "Galeon", I mean, come on. What's next, you gonna name the beautiful princess "Bella" too? Oh wait, no her name is Della, my bad. Corny names aside, the reason I couldn't stand Galeon was because she could not FOR A MOMENT figure out what she wanted. Are you loyal to the prince? Do you want to be with Della? You won't kiss her until we're 60% of the way into the book because it's "wrong", but you'll ask her to run away with you?? Don't get me wrong, I love conflicted characters with strong moral codes they struggle to break, I just don't think it was executed well in this case because we never even get a sliver of her thought process, despite the book being dual-perspective. All we get to see is her making the most frustrating decisions while there is quite literally nothing going on in there.
Okay, now I need to talk about the prince. I understand that he was supposed to be unlikable so as not to interfere with the actual love story, but I feel like the author couldn't decide what type of unlikable she wanted to make him. He is introduced as a sissy rich boy and then he becomes an abusive asshole so quickly I got whiplash. I literally had to go back and reread the part where he tried to hit Della because it was so quick I missed it, and then I was like huh??? Where did that even come from? The part where he cheated on her too was so overwhelmingly unnecessary. It's like WE GET IT, he's a bad guy and therefore it's okay that Della went behind his back and did all the things she did. And somehow, that's not even the worst part. I'm gonna hold your hand when I say this, HE LITERALLY CONFESSED TO MURDERING THE LAST PRINCESS AND COVERING IT UP!!! I was absolutely gagged when I read that part because actually where did that come from?? And then it was never brought up again afterwards?? That was when I knew I had to write this review, because that is the most insane plot point I've ever seen dropped and abandoned in a story. Absolute bonkers.
However, corniness and plot holes aside, I really did have fun with this one and might even revisit this author eventually.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
But Della had never claimed to be selfless or even good. Galeon knew that already, yet here she was.
This was lovely 🥹 I had been looking for a good fantasy sapphic romance, something with lots of pining and a bit of angst but also some tension and caring. And this delivered, on everything.
✨ The book heavily focuses on our two mains. Della is a magic wielder in a world where magic corrupts and is forbidden, and Galeon is the captain of the prince's guard, and in personal service to the prince. One spends her life running, hiding and lying out of necessity, the other tries to put her past behind her by upholding honour and righteousness and duty. And yet, the two form a deep bond when Della impersonates a princess from a neighbouring kingdom set to marry the prince, and Galeon is put in charge of her personal safety. At first, Galeon is cold to Della, but then the two develop a very sweet and touching relationship.
✨ The writing was also very sweet, and engagingly straightforward. I felt all the emotions of our two main, and Galeon was especially relatable. Della has a tendency to avoid or run away from her feelings, but Galeon embraces them wholeheartedly.
🙃 The book felt rather convenient at times. I would say that the plot is not the strongest, but I've also read reviews saying that it gets better in the next instalments. The worldbuilding is flimsy at best, it's best to not look at details too closely, but I've also seen way worse in that department in trad published books 🥲 The rest of the book feels a bit empty, the side characters are not developed too much, as the focus is so taken up by our two mains. Still, I had a lovely time following these characters around and I kept coming back to the book and wanting to read more, but also to take my time with it 😅 that's usually a good sign.
I'll definitely be checking out the next two instalments and I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a nice, cozy but also a bit angsty sapphic fantasy romance 💖
This was lovely 🥹 I had been looking for a good fantasy sapphic romance, something with lots of pining and a bit of angst but also some tension and caring. And this delivered, on everything.
✨ The book heavily focuses on our two mains. Della is a magic wielder in a world where magic corrupts and is forbidden, and Galeon is the captain of the prince's guard, and in personal service to the prince. One spends her life running, hiding and lying out of necessity, the other tries to put her past behind her by upholding honour and righteousness and duty. And yet, the two form a deep bond when Della impersonates a princess from a neighbouring kingdom set to marry the prince, and Galeon is put in charge of her personal safety. At first, Galeon is cold to Della, but then the two develop a very sweet and touching relationship.
✨ The writing was also very sweet, and engagingly straightforward. I felt all the emotions of our two main, and Galeon was especially relatable. Della has a tendency to avoid or run away from her feelings, but Galeon embraces them wholeheartedly.
🙃 The book felt rather convenient at times. I would say that the plot is not the strongest, but I've also read reviews saying that it gets better in the next instalments. The worldbuilding is flimsy at best, it's best to not look at details too closely, but I've also seen way worse in that department in trad published books 🥲 The rest of the book feels a bit empty, the side characters are not developed too much, as the focus is so taken up by our two mains. Still, I had a lovely time following these characters around and I kept coming back to the book and wanting to read more, but also to take my time with it 😅 that's usually a good sign.
I'll definitely be checking out the next two instalments and I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a nice, cozy but also a bit angsty sapphic fantasy romance 💖
November 3, 2025
LOVED, this was just so 🤌🏻 it was exactly what I needed we love a lovely romantasy in this house
such a great story to get lost in for a bit. this is like the ideal book to read on a rainy day with a sweater, a cup of tea and the fire going. cozy feels like the wrong word to describe the story but it’s the kind of book that makes you feel like getting cozy to read it if that makes sense. Would recommend for classic knight-in-shining—armor romance fans and just people who want a heartwarming romance read.
also I’m gonna take a second to appreciate the simple world building bc as much as a complicated fantasy world can be fun and interesting I am easily confused so I appreciate a fantasy world with rules I can pick up quickly
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ (a couple of scenes, pretty vague but still had adult elements)
such a great story to get lost in for a bit. this is like the ideal book to read on a rainy day with a sweater, a cup of tea and the fire going. cozy feels like the wrong word to describe the story but it’s the kind of book that makes you feel like getting cozy to read it if that makes sense. Would recommend for classic knight-in-shining—armor romance fans and just people who want a heartwarming romance read.
also I’m gonna take a second to appreciate the simple world building bc as much as a complicated fantasy world can be fun and interesting I am easily confused so I appreciate a fantasy world with rules I can pick up quickly
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ (a couple of scenes, pretty vague but still had adult elements)
January 12, 2026
Cozy Lady Knight Romantasy
This was soft. This was cozy. This was sapphic knight devotion in the best way. Very protective, very tender, very “I would burn the world quietly for you” energy. Not action heavy, but emotionally satisfying in a warm fairy tale way.
I did this as an immersive read and the audiobook was genuinely good. Kimberly M. Wetherell nailed the voice differences and the pacing held up even at 2x speed, which is always the real test for my ADHD brain.
This was soft. This was cozy. This was sapphic knight devotion in the best way. Very protective, very tender, very “I would burn the world quietly for you” energy. Not action heavy, but emotionally satisfying in a warm fairy tale way.
I did this as an immersive read and the audiobook was genuinely good. Kimberly M. Wetherell nailed the voice differences and the pacing held up even at 2x speed, which is always the real test for my ADHD brain.
August 19, 2025
Overall 4/ 4.5🌟
women who yearn are women who earn 🧎♀️🧎♀️
Thus was a fun sapphic knight fantasy that was short and didn't feel to rushed! would i have liked it to have been longer and had more world building? absolutely! But it was a nice palette cleanser for a short read that's fast paced, good chemistry & full of yearning 🫶
My fave 'we shouldn't be doing this '🧎♀️🫶
-Highly recommend if you're wanting a short read, something sapphic or some yearning. Even better for all 3😌
women who yearn are women who earn 🧎♀️🧎♀️
Thus was a fun sapphic knight fantasy that was short and didn't feel to rushed! would i have liked it to have been longer and had more world building? absolutely! But it was a nice palette cleanser for a short read that's fast paced, good chemistry & full of yearning 🫶
My fave 'we shouldn't be doing this '🧎♀️🫶
-Highly recommend if you're wanting a short read, something sapphic or some yearning. Even better for all 3😌
January 27, 2026
This was so YA (derogatory) both of the main characters were supposed to be in their thirties but you wouldn't know it unless you were told. Throughout the book they consistently acted like love struck teens. Their relationship was built on nothing but lust and the thrill of secrecy, like a bad affair.
July 11, 2025
Fictional romance doesn't get me going but this one had a splash of witchery and I liked that.
There was not much plot twists as I'd expected in a witch hated world and the ending felt a bit rushed. I expected a bit of drama and an outcome on how the kingdom fared after the 'death of the Princess'
There was not much plot twists as I'd expected in a witch hated world and the ending felt a bit rushed. I expected a bit of drama and an outcome on how the kingdom fared after the 'death of the Princess'
November 4, 2025
this isn’t bad but isn’t that brilliant either. as a lady knight truther, there was nothing truly profound about this, nothing remarkable. i love the cute ending though, sapphics having a happy ending makes me happy too.
November 28, 2025
- sehhr cooles magic system!! davon abgesehen, das worldbuilding hätte ein bisschen mehr sein können für meinen geschmack
- es hätte mehr fight scenes geben sollen, vor allem weil eine hauptperson ein ritter ist
- gegen ende hin war es fast zu einfach, die obstacles waren da aber sind sehr schnell gelöst geworden
- glaubwürdige romanze, generell sehr liebenswürdige charaktere und sehr gut geschriebener dialog (Della und Annet sind ein seltener fall von gut geschriebenen geschwistern!)
- Galeons backstory :((((
- ich wünschte es wär kein stand-alone :(
- es hätte mehr fight scenes geben sollen, vor allem weil eine hauptperson ein ritter ist
- gegen ende hin war es fast zu einfach, die obstacles waren da aber sind sehr schnell gelöst geworden
- glaubwürdige romanze, generell sehr liebenswürdige charaktere und sehr gut geschriebener dialog (Della und Annet sind ein seltener fall von gut geschriebenen geschwistern!)
- Galeons backstory :((((
- ich wünschte es wär kein stand-alone :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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