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Qoya
Azucena Katia was born to be the empress of Sipan. With a sharp tongue, impeccable style, and a touch of magic from the gods, she makes decisions for the entire empire–even if it means the lower class sometimes goes hungry.
Unknowingly, she begins to amass enemies. Mostly the poor, who pay an unfair portion of their crops in tithe, but also in a ruthless advisor, whom Azucena plans to release from her employ on the celebration of her 30th birthday.
Azucena is under the impression that she is the most loved empress in the history of Sipan. So when she wakes up trapped in a home in the hills with a peasant man who doesn’t believe she’s the one running the empire, she knows there must have been a terrible mistake.
Will she be able to convince him to return her to the palace before it’s too late? Or will he hold her prior rulings against her…after all, it’s her fault he doesn’t have enough provisions to survive the winter…
Written for fans of The Emperor’s New Groove, Qoya is the story of a spoiled empress and the man who might be able to change her stubborn ways.
Unknowingly, she begins to amass enemies. Mostly the poor, who pay an unfair portion of their crops in tithe, but also in a ruthless advisor, whom Azucena plans to release from her employ on the celebration of her 30th birthday.
Azucena is under the impression that she is the most loved empress in the history of Sipan. So when she wakes up trapped in a home in the hills with a peasant man who doesn’t believe she’s the one running the empire, she knows there must have been a terrible mistake.
Will she be able to convince him to return her to the palace before it’s too late? Or will he hold her prior rulings against her…after all, it’s her fault he doesn’t have enough provisions to survive the winter…
Written for fans of The Emperor’s New Groove, Qoya is the story of a spoiled empress and the man who might be able to change her stubborn ways.
- GenresFiction
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
About the author
Hope E. Davis
18 books158 followersWhen Hope isn’t writing her next novel, she is busy traveling the world, trying new foods, or hanging out with friends. A graduate from Metropolitan State University, Hope grew up in Colorado, USA, but currently calls the Netherlands her home. To find information about her other or future novels, follow Hope on TikTok or Instagram: @hopeedavisauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 27, 2025
"Because, Azucena, you're the only woman who has ever caught my eye. I would have had to describe you."
Quick and easy read to enjoy, especially if you want an Emperor's New Groove retelling! Full disclosure, I've never seen the Emperor's New Groove, but I did enjoy this with the added romance and bit of spice! The world building is easy to understand and follow along. The relationship between Azucena and Rurac starts off strained, but changes with their journey.
What to expect:
-Emperor's New Groove retelling
-Captor x captive
-He falls first
-Forced proximity
-Banter
-One tent
-Dual POV
Thank you to Hope E Davis for letting me read/review an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own!
Quick and easy read to enjoy, especially if you want an Emperor's New Groove retelling! Full disclosure, I've never seen the Emperor's New Groove, but I did enjoy this with the added romance and bit of spice! The world building is easy to understand and follow along. The relationship between Azucena and Rurac starts off strained, but changes with their journey.
What to expect:
-Emperor's New Groove retelling
-Captor x captive
-He falls first
-Forced proximity
-Banter
-One tent
-Dual POV
Thank you to Hope E Davis for letting me read/review an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own!
May 5, 2025
Thanks to @happilybookedpr and @hopeedavisauthor for an advanced copy of this book.
Qoya by Hope E. Davis is dual POV romantasy set in Incan lore that follows empress Azucena in her pampered life in the palace. Her every wish is attended to, and she doesn’t think too deeply about things that do not concern her. When she is kidnapped and ends up imprisoned at the far reaches of the empire everything she knows is turned on its head. She slowly befriends her guard Rurac, learns more about herself and the empire and all she has ever known or thought to be true. When they set out to return Azucena to the palace will they be able to trust each other and be willing to risk absolutely everything to save the other?
Overall, I liked this book, the adventure, magic, and romance were well done. I liked the growth by both Azucena and Rurac and how they complimented each other despite both being quite stubborn. Azucena isn’t the most likeable main character at the beginning as is the intention but she definitely grew on me by the final scenes. The setting, theology and social structure of the Incans is not something that I’ve read much about before before but I might look into more South American-inspired work in the future. If you are a fan of Emperor’s New Groove then this new take on the story might appeal to you too!
Qoya by Hope E. Davis is dual POV romantasy set in Incan lore that follows empress Azucena in her pampered life in the palace. Her every wish is attended to, and she doesn’t think too deeply about things that do not concern her. When she is kidnapped and ends up imprisoned at the far reaches of the empire everything she knows is turned on its head. She slowly befriends her guard Rurac, learns more about herself and the empire and all she has ever known or thought to be true. When they set out to return Azucena to the palace will they be able to trust each other and be willing to risk absolutely everything to save the other?
Overall, I liked this book, the adventure, magic, and romance were well done. I liked the growth by both Azucena and Rurac and how they complimented each other despite both being quite stubborn. Azucena isn’t the most likeable main character at the beginning as is the intention but she definitely grew on me by the final scenes. The setting, theology and social structure of the Incans is not something that I’ve read much about before before but I might look into more South American-inspired work in the future. If you are a fan of Emperor’s New Groove then this new take on the story might appeal to you too!
April 1, 2025
This is such a fun cute read omg. I never knew that I needed an Emperors Grove retelling. But I 100% did
June 15, 2025
Such a fun easy read!
March 30, 2025
Kuzco, who ? Give me Azucena and Rurac all day long. I am absolutely in love with these books. I wanna sit down and read it again now. It was such a heartwarming story, from being kidnap, to meeting Rurac to going on a journey to many, many more things. I won't give you all the inside scoop, but you need to read it for sure. If you were a fan of the emperors new groove, I can guarantee you will love this one. Is a must read♥︎
June 24, 2026
OK, the author said it herself that this story is a retelling of The Emperor's New Groove but with a romantacy twist and it was loosely based on Inca culture. I understood this. I came into this story with these expectations. What I got was severely disappointing. Tl;dr at the end of this review.
I won't summarize the plot for the sake of spoilers but I will say this. The Emperor's New Groove inspiration is very clear, too clear in my opinion. The plot feels uninspired, like it's just checking boxes on the movie's plot with some things added or removed. It had none of the charm and humor of the movie, either. The characters were the best thing about this book. Azucena and Rurac actually had some level of depth to them. There was substance to their dynamic (although I feel like there could've been more) and they had decent character growth. The secondary characters are very flat, though. The main villain and her side-kick are so poorly utilized. They're supposed to be the driving antagonistic force behind this entire story, but they were barely present, even behind the scenes. The side-kick especially was so underutilized that he could be removed from the story and almost nothing would change.
This book suffers heavily from the prose plague of "telling not showing." The author make some attempt of describing the mannerisms or actions of the characters (specifically the two main characters) to show what's going on in their heads, and this is good! Then she immediately follows it up with a detailed explanation of what exactly the character is thinking about, leaving no room for interpretation of the character at all. No! Bad! The reader is being hand-held and force-fed exactly what to think about for the entire book! There is zero room for nuance or suspense over the main protagonists' feelings for one another. He thinks she's hot. She thinks he's hot. Is not the point of a romance storyline to explore the dynamic of the couple and their feelings for one another, not just tell them straight-up to the reader? One positive thing I can say is that their love did evolve beyond simple physical attraction, and that went hand-in-hand with their character arcs. Having prose that didn't explicitly tell you what to think would've improved this a lot, though. Also, the author made the decision to sprinkle in Quechua words to try and add some flair to the prose, and this works sometimes, but they're inserted so awkwardly into the dialogue that it takes me out of the story whenever I come across them. It would've flowed better if she just kept the Quechua words as descriptors. The author also inserted modern phrasing in the dialogue, too, which was super off-putting considering this is supposed to be a pre-Columbian society.
The worldbuilding. Oh, the worldbuilding. This is my biggest gripe with this book. It's bad. It's really bad. It's not even laughably bad like in some other books. It's practically nonexistent. The worst offender is that the scant worldbuilding that is present in this book is so, so inaccurate to Inca culture and society. Listen. I understand that Qoya is supposed to be "loosely inspired" by Inca culture and that the author said that she made changes to their lore and, therefore, it shouldn't be taken as factually accurate. I know. BUT, there is a difference between taking some inspiration from a culture for a fictional world while still being respectful, and straight up using WRONG INFORMATION in your book while still saying it's inspired by that culture.
There's so much richness in real Inca society that would've given this world so much more flavor and depth, and it could've served as inspiration for the plot to diverge from its movie inspiration (because while the movie was great, it was never accurate to Inca culture) and create an identity for itself. The book barely describes the people's clothes, their homes, their tools, festivals, food etc. It only does so if that detail is plot-relevant. That just leaves the rest of the world so empty and not lived-in. For example, Rurac and Azucena's clothes are never really described that much? The most the reader gets is that their clean, dirty, or torn. Rurac is described as wearing a tunic as a top, but there's no description of its colors or patterns. Azucena is described as wearing a summer dress at the beginning of the book, but there's not much description besides it being "decadent."
The thing that pissed me off the most is the cultural inaccuracies. The author has leeway with her "loosely inspired" claim concerning the society's structure and the way sacrifices are viewed, but that does not excuse the blatantly inaccurate names and Quechua words used in this book. The author uses 14 words she claims are Quechua in origin. I did some internet searching and found that 7 of these words are wrong. I could not for the life of me find the words "yanakuna" or "quipu" in any Quechua dictionary or language resource. "Qwui" is misspelled the entire book (it should be "quwi"). "Atipay" means "to conquer," not "attack" in the command tense. While "Quilla" does mean "moon," the dictionary at the end of the book says it means the moon goddess specifically, which is wrong because that would be "Mama Quilla." From the sources I've seen, "atoq" should be spelled "atuq," but that could be a dialect variation. The most egregious word in the dictionary is "Mictlan," the land of the dead. I cannot stress this enough: Mictlan is the NAHUATL word for the Underworld in AZTEC-MEXICA culture!!! It is distinctly NOT INCA!! Like... ??????? How do you mess this up?????? What resources are you using where you're mixing up NAHUATL and QUECHUA????????? That's like if your story takes place in fantasy France, where the characters are supposed to only know French, and they start speaking Russian. Mexico is like 2,000+ miles away from Peru?????? They're not even on the same continent??? What's worse is that the author mentions in the definition that it's sometimes referred to as "Hukhu Pacha," which is the CORRECT QUECHUA WORD. Why didn't you use that??????????? Hukhu Pacha sounds way more similar to the other words than Mictlan. I'm just... baffled at how little was done to fact check these "Quechua" words. Also, the title of this book is not mentioned in the dictionary nor anywhere else in the story. It means "queen" in Quechua just so you know, although I only found it spelled as "Quya," but, again, that might be a dialect difference. As for the names, Rurac and a few other names seem to be inspired from Quechua so those are acceptable. Azucena is distinctly a SPANISH name. Like, really?? There's also the name Eztil. That name is one letter rearrangement away from "eztli," and, guess what? That's a NAHUATL name (it means "blood" if you were curious). You have GOT to be kidding me right now. Someone could make an excuse for the use of one word from a different language, but two???? Nah. I'm convinced the author had one of those old books on "ancient" American civilizations with horribly outdated and inaccurate information and just... never fact checked it. Like... I did about 15-20 minutes of research and proved all of this wrong. It was not hidden or convoluted. A "loosely inspired" fantasy world does not excuse these inaccuracies because the author EXPLICITLY states these words as Quechua/Inca in origin. She has more leeway with the names, but I find using Spanish and Nahuatl names in a supposedly Inca-inspired story to be in very poor taste.
This would've been so, so much better if the author just made up her own fantasy language. She can take some inspirations from Quechua, but do NOT use the words from their language if you're not going to bother to fact check them. All of this severely lowered my thoughts on this book and the author. 1/5 stars. I will not be picking up another book from this author.
Tl;dr: Qoya is plagued by bad writing, an uninspired plot that plays too closely to its movie inspiration, and lackluster worldbuilding. While the character dynamic and growth between Azucena and Rurac was explored somewhat, the writing hindered its true potential. Little description is given about the world, and it barely makes use of its Inca inspiration, making it feel hollow. The worst part is that Quechuan words are used incorrectly throughout the book, and a few of the characters' names are distinctly taken from other languages. It would've been better to forgo using a real Indigenous language entirely and make up a fantasy language for the world. I'm severely disappointed by the lack of thought put into this book. 1/5 stars.
I won't summarize the plot for the sake of spoilers but I will say this. The Emperor's New Groove inspiration is very clear, too clear in my opinion. The plot feels uninspired, like it's just checking boxes on the movie's plot with some things added or removed. It had none of the charm and humor of the movie, either. The characters were the best thing about this book. Azucena and Rurac actually had some level of depth to them. There was substance to their dynamic (although I feel like there could've been more) and they had decent character growth. The secondary characters are very flat, though. The main villain and her side-kick are so poorly utilized. They're supposed to be the driving antagonistic force behind this entire story, but they were barely present, even behind the scenes. The side-kick especially was so underutilized that he could be removed from the story and almost nothing would change.
This book suffers heavily from the prose plague of "telling not showing." The author make some attempt of describing the mannerisms or actions of the characters (specifically the two main characters) to show what's going on in their heads, and this is good! Then she immediately follows it up with a detailed explanation of what exactly the character is thinking about, leaving no room for interpretation of the character at all. No! Bad! The reader is being hand-held and force-fed exactly what to think about for the entire book! There is zero room for nuance or suspense over the main protagonists' feelings for one another. He thinks she's hot. She thinks he's hot. Is not the point of a romance storyline to explore the dynamic of the couple and their feelings for one another, not just tell them straight-up to the reader? One positive thing I can say is that their love did evolve beyond simple physical attraction, and that went hand-in-hand with their character arcs. Having prose that didn't explicitly tell you what to think would've improved this a lot, though. Also, the author made the decision to sprinkle in Quechua words to try and add some flair to the prose, and this works sometimes, but they're inserted so awkwardly into the dialogue that it takes me out of the story whenever I come across them. It would've flowed better if she just kept the Quechua words as descriptors. The author also inserted modern phrasing in the dialogue, too, which was super off-putting considering this is supposed to be a pre-Columbian society.
The worldbuilding. Oh, the worldbuilding. This is my biggest gripe with this book. It's bad. It's really bad. It's not even laughably bad like in some other books. It's practically nonexistent. The worst offender is that the scant worldbuilding that is present in this book is so, so inaccurate to Inca culture and society. Listen. I understand that Qoya is supposed to be "loosely inspired" by Inca culture and that the author said that she made changes to their lore and, therefore, it shouldn't be taken as factually accurate. I know. BUT, there is a difference between taking some inspiration from a culture for a fictional world while still being respectful, and straight up using WRONG INFORMATION in your book while still saying it's inspired by that culture.
There's so much richness in real Inca society that would've given this world so much more flavor and depth, and it could've served as inspiration for the plot to diverge from its movie inspiration (because while the movie was great, it was never accurate to Inca culture) and create an identity for itself. The book barely describes the people's clothes, their homes, their tools, festivals, food etc. It only does so if that detail is plot-relevant. That just leaves the rest of the world so empty and not lived-in. For example, Rurac and Azucena's clothes are never really described that much? The most the reader gets is that their clean, dirty, or torn. Rurac is described as wearing a tunic as a top, but there's no description of its colors or patterns. Azucena is described as wearing a summer dress at the beginning of the book, but there's not much description besides it being "decadent."
The thing that pissed me off the most is the cultural inaccuracies. The author has leeway with her "loosely inspired" claim concerning the society's structure and the way sacrifices are viewed, but that does not excuse the blatantly inaccurate names and Quechua words used in this book. The author uses 14 words she claims are Quechua in origin. I did some internet searching and found that 7 of these words are wrong. I could not for the life of me find the words "yanakuna" or "quipu" in any Quechua dictionary or language resource. "Qwui" is misspelled the entire book (it should be "quwi"). "Atipay" means "to conquer," not "attack" in the command tense. While "Quilla" does mean "moon," the dictionary at the end of the book says it means the moon goddess specifically, which is wrong because that would be "Mama Quilla." From the sources I've seen, "atoq" should be spelled "atuq," but that could be a dialect variation. The most egregious word in the dictionary is "Mictlan," the land of the dead. I cannot stress this enough: Mictlan is the NAHUATL word for the Underworld in AZTEC-MEXICA culture!!! It is distinctly NOT INCA!! Like... ??????? How do you mess this up?????? What resources are you using where you're mixing up NAHUATL and QUECHUA????????? That's like if your story takes place in fantasy France, where the characters are supposed to only know French, and they start speaking Russian. Mexico is like 2,000+ miles away from Peru?????? They're not even on the same continent??? What's worse is that the author mentions in the definition that it's sometimes referred to as "Hukhu Pacha," which is the CORRECT QUECHUA WORD. Why didn't you use that??????????? Hukhu Pacha sounds way more similar to the other words than Mictlan. I'm just... baffled at how little was done to fact check these "Quechua" words. Also, the title of this book is not mentioned in the dictionary nor anywhere else in the story. It means "queen" in Quechua just so you know, although I only found it spelled as "Quya," but, again, that might be a dialect difference. As for the names, Rurac and a few other names seem to be inspired from Quechua so those are acceptable. Azucena is distinctly a SPANISH name. Like, really?? There's also the name Eztil. That name is one letter rearrangement away from "eztli," and, guess what? That's a NAHUATL name (it means "blood" if you were curious). You have GOT to be kidding me right now. Someone could make an excuse for the use of one word from a different language, but two???? Nah. I'm convinced the author had one of those old books on "ancient" American civilizations with horribly outdated and inaccurate information and just... never fact checked it. Like... I did about 15-20 minutes of research and proved all of this wrong. It was not hidden or convoluted. A "loosely inspired" fantasy world does not excuse these inaccuracies because the author EXPLICITLY states these words as Quechua/Inca in origin. She has more leeway with the names, but I find using Spanish and Nahuatl names in a supposedly Inca-inspired story to be in very poor taste.
This would've been so, so much better if the author just made up her own fantasy language. She can take some inspirations from Quechua, but do NOT use the words from their language if you're not going to bother to fact check them. All of this severely lowered my thoughts on this book and the author. 1/5 stars. I will not be picking up another book from this author.
Tl;dr: Qoya is plagued by bad writing, an uninspired plot that plays too closely to its movie inspiration, and lackluster worldbuilding. While the character dynamic and growth between Azucena and Rurac was explored somewhat, the writing hindered its true potential. Little description is given about the world, and it barely makes use of its Inca inspiration, making it feel hollow. The worst part is that Quechuan words are used incorrectly throughout the book, and a few of the characters' names are distinctly taken from other languages. It would've been better to forgo using a real Indigenous language entirely and make up a fantasy language for the world. I'm severely disappointed by the lack of thought put into this book. 1/5 stars.
April 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
This is The Emperor’s New Groove retelling and, full disclosure, I’ve never seen that movie. So this story felt unique to me. It doesn’t have *wild* twists and turns, but I genuinely didn’t know what will happen next and things happened that were unexpected to me for sure.
This is one of those books that you think “I’m just going to read one more chapter” and then it ends in a way that you have to read another chapter. And then you end up reading 8 more chapters after the “one more”. That happened to me like 3 nights in a row.
I loved:
❤️ Incan mythology
❤️ the world and magic were super easy to get into and follow
❤️ the characters were well developed and lovable
❤️ I personally related a lot to Azucena. I must have been an Incan empress in a previous life 💁♀️
❤️ this book genuinely made me LOL irl multiple times 🤣🤣
❤️ dual POV
❤️ this book has THE PRETTIEST cover
My personal icks:
💔 Rurak has a moment of begging that is NOT a cute look IMO #ick
💔 the ILYs were a bit fast for me (again that’s just my personal taste)
Out of context quotes that I promise aren’t spoilers:
😒 “honestly my plan of being nice was failing miserably. I just wasn’t built for a friendly demeanor.” SAME GIRL SAME.
🙄 “why would I leave my guide behind? I was the empress, not dumb.” I LOVE THE SASS.
🦌 “I tried to dash, but I probably looked more like a baby deer shortly after birth.” I LOVE HOW DESCRIPTIVE THIS IS 🤭😂
🌶️🌶️/5
One explicit sex scene
Thank you so much to Hope for sending me this book as an arc! This is my 100% honest review.
This is The Emperor’s New Groove retelling and, full disclosure, I’ve never seen that movie. So this story felt unique to me. It doesn’t have *wild* twists and turns, but I genuinely didn’t know what will happen next and things happened that were unexpected to me for sure.
This is one of those books that you think “I’m just going to read one more chapter” and then it ends in a way that you have to read another chapter. And then you end up reading 8 more chapters after the “one more”. That happened to me like 3 nights in a row.
I loved:
❤️ Incan mythology
❤️ the world and magic were super easy to get into and follow
❤️ the characters were well developed and lovable
❤️ I personally related a lot to Azucena. I must have been an Incan empress in a previous life 💁♀️
❤️ this book genuinely made me LOL irl multiple times 🤣🤣
❤️ dual POV
❤️ this book has THE PRETTIEST cover
My personal icks:
💔 Rurak has a moment of begging that is NOT a cute look IMO #ick
💔 the ILYs were a bit fast for me (again that’s just my personal taste)
Out of context quotes that I promise aren’t spoilers:
😒 “honestly my plan of being nice was failing miserably. I just wasn’t built for a friendly demeanor.” SAME GIRL SAME.
🙄 “why would I leave my guide behind? I was the empress, not dumb.” I LOVE THE SASS.
🦌 “I tried to dash, but I probably looked more like a baby deer shortly after birth.” I LOVE HOW DESCRIPTIVE THIS IS 🤭😂
🌶️🌶️/5
One explicit sex scene
Thank you so much to Hope for sending me this book as an arc! This is my 100% honest review.
May 25, 2025
“Qoya” was my first time reading anything by Hope E. Davis, and I have to say I loved the experience! When I saw that this book was inspired by one of my favorite Disney movies, I knew I had to give it a chance, and I’m so glad I did!
Azucena Katia is Empress of Sipan, and as far as she’s concerned, everyone adores her. So she’s incredibly shocked when she’s betrayed by someone in her palace, causing her to be kidnapped and placed in the care of Rurac, a peasant who doesn’t even believe she’s the empress.
Rurac’s simple life changes irrevocably the second Azucena walks into his life. Although she frustrates him at first, he can’t help but be drawn to her as well.
I actually really loved Rurac and Azucena’s chemistry, because it wasn’t explosive - at least, not at first. Their relationship developed so very nicely, and I enjoyed every second of it.
Watching Azucena go from a naïve and spoiled young woman who had never wanted for anything, to a compassionate, kindhearted leader who was willing to do anything to make things right for her subjects was the definition of fantastic character development. This book was absolutely a 5 star read for me!
Azucena Katia is Empress of Sipan, and as far as she’s concerned, everyone adores her. So she’s incredibly shocked when she’s betrayed by someone in her palace, causing her to be kidnapped and placed in the care of Rurac, a peasant who doesn’t even believe she’s the empress.
Rurac’s simple life changes irrevocably the second Azucena walks into his life. Although she frustrates him at first, he can’t help but be drawn to her as well.
I actually really loved Rurac and Azucena’s chemistry, because it wasn’t explosive - at least, not at first. Their relationship developed so very nicely, and I enjoyed every second of it.
Watching Azucena go from a naïve and spoiled young woman who had never wanted for anything, to a compassionate, kindhearted leader who was willing to do anything to make things right for her subjects was the definition of fantastic character development. This book was absolutely a 5 star read for me!
May 11, 2025
I just finished this book and I feel the urge to watch all kinds of documentaries about the Icans. I didn’t know any romance books about Incans existed but I am glad Hope E. Davis wrote this beauty and educated me a bit. This book had many things I love and more. An empress and a peasant, a kidnapping, threats of human sacrifice (who doesn’t love that?!).
This book really surprised me. I’m gonna be honest, when I started I wasn’t really in a reading mood and when that happens the book has to be really good for me to be positive and continue reading. And I am happy to report this one made me want to read on!
I highly recommend reading this book if you are into Incan lore, forced proximity romance, an entitled empress and a hard working peasant, only one tent, or a kidnapping storyline.
Thank you Hope E Davis and Happily booked PR for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!💖
This book really surprised me. I’m gonna be honest, when I started I wasn’t really in a reading mood and when that happens the book has to be really good for me to be positive and continue reading. And I am happy to report this one made me want to read on!
I highly recommend reading this book if you are into Incan lore, forced proximity romance, an entitled empress and a hard working peasant, only one tent, or a kidnapping storyline.
Thank you Hope E Davis and Happily booked PR for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!💖
December 31, 2025
This book which was less than 300 pages took me over a month to read. I’m very aware I’m a slow reader but this book was not great. It was advertised as the emperors new groove but spicy and that was mostly way off. The MC was an empress and betrayed by a character like Yzma. Other than that, not for me.
May 12, 2025
3.5 Stars
Deep in the jungles of Sipan, the lives of a hermited peasant and a kidnapped empress are changed forever. Hope E. Davis’s romantasy novel, which takes place in a world of Incan-inspired mythology and political intrigue, is an absorbing book about Azucena, the empress of Sipan, and Ruroc, a peasant isolated in the jungle. Their lives collide when Azucena is drugged and kidnapped by her advisor, Yezema, in a bid to overtake the thrown. Unsure of who she can trust and doubting herself and her gods-given powers, Zu struggles to trust Ruroc and learns that she is capable of more than what she thought possible and what it means to be a true leader for her people.
I love a world steeped in mythology, and Incan lore-based novels are a rarity. So I was intrigued and excited to dive into this world. Davis peppers the book with Quechua (the modern indigenous language still widely spoken in Peru) vocabulary and is adept in her visual descriptions of Azucena’s palace. The reader gets a crash course in the daily grind for the ruling power of Sipan and honestly, this would be a marvelous movie setting. Azucena’s personal growth from spoiled and distant nepo-baby-ruler to a thoughtful and just ruler is powerful, and it’s great to see a book focused on a female leader whose beauty is an aside and not focused on. Ruroc is a worthy co-star, a marvelously gruff cinnamon roll of a love interest, who also goes on a personal growth journey of his own while he struggles with his own grief and adapting to the world he has been isolated from. The two have delightful chemistry and we are definitely rooting for the them to get over themselves and get together.
I would have loved for Azucena’s grief over her parents’ deaths and her internal struggles to be made obvious a little earlier in the novel. As it was, for much of the first third of the book, I found Zu kind of awful and was desperate for her redemption arc to begin. I knew it was Yezema who had drugged her and arranged her kidnapping immediately, so it surprised me that Zu was confused by it at all. I also felt a bit confused that Zu’s powers could be misunderstood or misused by her for so long, as well as the timeline of her parents’ deaths, her rule, and Yezema’s role. Was Yezema an advisor to Zu’s parents prior to her? Did she only have advisors because she was young? I felt as though many character and timeline building details could have been a bit sharper and honed more clearly for me as a reader. I also wanted more about Ruroc’s job - were there large animals that he and his father had to manage before? Were the only prisoners they dealt with the sacrificial people?
Ultimately, QOYA is a delightful story of intrigue and love in a world we don’t ever get to visit as readers. I just felt like there was something missing for me, or that the first part of the novel could have been tightened up with the backstory a bit more.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Deep in the jungles of Sipan, the lives of a hermited peasant and a kidnapped empress are changed forever. Hope E. Davis’s romantasy novel, which takes place in a world of Incan-inspired mythology and political intrigue, is an absorbing book about Azucena, the empress of Sipan, and Ruroc, a peasant isolated in the jungle. Their lives collide when Azucena is drugged and kidnapped by her advisor, Yezema, in a bid to overtake the thrown. Unsure of who she can trust and doubting herself and her gods-given powers, Zu struggles to trust Ruroc and learns that she is capable of more than what she thought possible and what it means to be a true leader for her people.
I love a world steeped in mythology, and Incan lore-based novels are a rarity. So I was intrigued and excited to dive into this world. Davis peppers the book with Quechua (the modern indigenous language still widely spoken in Peru) vocabulary and is adept in her visual descriptions of Azucena’s palace. The reader gets a crash course in the daily grind for the ruling power of Sipan and honestly, this would be a marvelous movie setting. Azucena’s personal growth from spoiled and distant nepo-baby-ruler to a thoughtful and just ruler is powerful, and it’s great to see a book focused on a female leader whose beauty is an aside and not focused on. Ruroc is a worthy co-star, a marvelously gruff cinnamon roll of a love interest, who also goes on a personal growth journey of his own while he struggles with his own grief and adapting to the world he has been isolated from. The two have delightful chemistry and we are definitely rooting for the them to get over themselves and get together.
I would have loved for Azucena’s grief over her parents’ deaths and her internal struggles to be made obvious a little earlier in the novel. As it was, for much of the first third of the book, I found Zu kind of awful and was desperate for her redemption arc to begin. I knew it was Yezema who had drugged her and arranged her kidnapping immediately, so it surprised me that Zu was confused by it at all. I also felt a bit confused that Zu’s powers could be misunderstood or misused by her for so long, as well as the timeline of her parents’ deaths, her rule, and Yezema’s role. Was Yezema an advisor to Zu’s parents prior to her? Did she only have advisors because she was young? I felt as though many character and timeline building details could have been a bit sharper and honed more clearly for me as a reader. I also wanted more about Ruroc’s job - were there large animals that he and his father had to manage before? Were the only prisoners they dealt with the sacrificial people?
Ultimately, QOYA is a delightful story of intrigue and love in a world we don’t ever get to visit as readers. I just felt like there was something missing for me, or that the first part of the novel could have been tightened up with the backstory a bit more.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨
The story centers on Azucena Katia, the empress of Sipan, who is accustomed to a life of luxury and absolute power, often at the expense of her subjects. With a "sharp tongue, impeccable style, and a touch of magic," Azucena makes decisions that sometimes leave the lower classes struggling. Her obliviousness to the plight of her people forms the core of her character flaw, making her ripe for a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
The narrative truly takes off when Azucena finds herself unexpectedly removed from her privileged existence, thrown into a situation where her imperial status holds no sway. This pivotal shift forces her to confront the realities of her empire and the consequences of her reign. The interactions between Azucena and the peasant man who finds her are a major highlight, though I find it to be too long and a bit boring. Davis' character was excellent.
Azucena's growth from a self-absorbed ruler to someone capable of empathy and understanding is genuinely satisfying. Readers will find themselves rooting for her to overcome her stubborn ways and embrace a more compassionate approach to leadership.
The supporting characters, including the peasant man Rurac and the character of Eztil, are well-crafted and contribute significantly to the story's charm and depth.This book was a quick and accessible read, making it perfect for those looking for an entertaining read with not much world of character building. But I guess, this was also it's flaw, as I didn't feel that much connected to the main characters.
While it touches on some mature themes and trigger warnings."Qoya" is a testament to the power of perspective and the journey of personal growth. Highly recommended read for self-discovery book lovers.
TROPES
Only One Tent
Forced Proximity
He Falls First
Incan Lore
Dual POV
Queen FMC
Power Struggle
GENRE
Fantasy
Romance
Mythology
Action
Adventure
The story centers on Azucena Katia, the empress of Sipan, who is accustomed to a life of luxury and absolute power, often at the expense of her subjects. With a "sharp tongue, impeccable style, and a touch of magic," Azucena makes decisions that sometimes leave the lower classes struggling. Her obliviousness to the plight of her people forms the core of her character flaw, making her ripe for a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
The narrative truly takes off when Azucena finds herself unexpectedly removed from her privileged existence, thrown into a situation where her imperial status holds no sway. This pivotal shift forces her to confront the realities of her empire and the consequences of her reign. The interactions between Azucena and the peasant man who finds her are a major highlight, though I find it to be too long and a bit boring. Davis' character was excellent.
Azucena's growth from a self-absorbed ruler to someone capable of empathy and understanding is genuinely satisfying. Readers will find themselves rooting for her to overcome her stubborn ways and embrace a more compassionate approach to leadership.
The supporting characters, including the peasant man Rurac and the character of Eztil, are well-crafted and contribute significantly to the story's charm and depth.This book was a quick and accessible read, making it perfect for those looking for an entertaining read with not much world of character building. But I guess, this was also it's flaw, as I didn't feel that much connected to the main characters.
While it touches on some mature themes and trigger warnings."Qoya" is a testament to the power of perspective and the journey of personal growth. Highly recommended read for self-discovery book lovers.
TROPES
Only One Tent
Forced Proximity
He Falls First
Incan Lore
Dual POV
Queen FMC
Power Struggle
GENRE
Fantasy
Romance
Mythology
Action
Adventure
April 29, 2025
5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1/5🌶️
What to Expect:
☀️Enemies to Lovers
🗡️Romantasy
☀️Emperor’s New Groove Retelling
🗡️Incan Lore
☀️Slow Burn
🗡️Older FMC
☀️Captor/Captive
🗡️One Tent
☀️Forced Proximity
🗡️Dual POV
If you're like me (and just about every other Millennial) and grew up quoting The Emperor’s New Groove, Qoya is the nostalgic, slow-burn romantasy you didn’t know we all needed. From the very first page, I was captivated by Azucena—an almost 30-year-old (relateable… 30s jumped out and slapped me in the face real quick… hello 35) Incan empress with major BRATTT energy—who suddenly finds herself kidnapped and hidden away in the mountains by a prison guard who has no idea she’s royalty. Watching her clash with Rurac, the grumpy and duty-bound guard, had me smiling constantly. Their banter? Chef’s kiss. It’s enemies to reluctant allies at its finest.
What really made this book stand out for me was the delicious chemistry. Azucena and Rurac's slow shift from constant bickering to undeniable attraction gave me butterflies and made me giggle. Their dynamic was full of tension, but also heart—no spoilers, but THE SCENE… YUMMM. IYKYK!!! But even beyond the romance, their journey felt real. The author doesn’t gloss over the gritty parts of being on the run in the wilderness: period struggles, bathroom breaks, dental hygiene—yup, it’s all there. It made the characters feel grounded and human, and oh so relatable.
And let me just say... this wasn’t just a retelling. Sure, it gave me all the nostalgic vibes, but Qoya has its own identity. The character growth, the emotional beats, the high-stakes political tension—it all wove together into something so satisfying and fresh. I’ll forever be recommending this one!
1/5🌶️
What to Expect:
☀️Enemies to Lovers
🗡️Romantasy
☀️Emperor’s New Groove Retelling
🗡️Incan Lore
☀️Slow Burn
🗡️Older FMC
☀️Captor/Captive
🗡️One Tent
☀️Forced Proximity
🗡️Dual POV
If you're like me (and just about every other Millennial) and grew up quoting The Emperor’s New Groove, Qoya is the nostalgic, slow-burn romantasy you didn’t know we all needed. From the very first page, I was captivated by Azucena—an almost 30-year-old (relateable… 30s jumped out and slapped me in the face real quick… hello 35) Incan empress with major BRATTT energy—who suddenly finds herself kidnapped and hidden away in the mountains by a prison guard who has no idea she’s royalty. Watching her clash with Rurac, the grumpy and duty-bound guard, had me smiling constantly. Their banter? Chef’s kiss. It’s enemies to reluctant allies at its finest.
What really made this book stand out for me was the delicious chemistry. Azucena and Rurac's slow shift from constant bickering to undeniable attraction gave me butterflies and made me giggle. Their dynamic was full of tension, but also heart—no spoilers, but THE SCENE… YUMMM. IYKYK!!! But even beyond the romance, their journey felt real. The author doesn’t gloss over the gritty parts of being on the run in the wilderness: period struggles, bathroom breaks, dental hygiene—yup, it’s all there. It made the characters feel grounded and human, and oh so relatable.
And let me just say... this wasn’t just a retelling. Sure, it gave me all the nostalgic vibes, but Qoya has its own identity. The character growth, the emotional beats, the high-stakes political tension—it all wove together into something so satisfying and fresh. I’ll forever be recommending this one!
May 2, 2025
Qoya is a sharp, witty, and delightfully subversive tale of power, privilege, and personal transformation. Set in the vibrant empire of Sipan, this novel introduces us to Azucena Katia—a dazzling, divine-touched empress with a taste for luxury, a razor-sharp tongue, and a blind spot the size of her palace when it comes to the suffering of her people. She rules with confidence, unaware that resentment is simmering beneath her golden rule—until everything is upended.
On the eve of her 30th birthday, what should be a triumph turns into a reckoning. Azucena wakes to find herself far from her throne, in a humble home among the hills, held by a peasant man who doesn’t believe she’s royalty and certainly doesn’t want to help her return to her empire. What follows is a smartly written, character-driven adventure full of biting humor, unexpected heart, and moments of genuine reflection.
Drawing clear inspiration from The Emperor’s New Groove, Qoya delivers a fresh spin on the classic “ruler-turned-redeemed” trope. But unlike its animated predecessor, this story doesn’t shy away from the harsher consequences of Azucena’s rule—making her journey from spoiled sovereign to self-aware leader all the more satisfying.
Azucena is a gloriously flawed protagonist—vain, commanding, and utterly convinced of her greatness—yet the writing gives her room to grow in believable and often hilarious ways. The chemistry and tension between her and her reluctant captor create a dynamic that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
With a touch of magic, a dose of satire, and a well-earned emotional payoff, Qoya is a clever and compelling read that proves even the most glittering crowns can come crashing down—and sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed to build something better.
On the eve of her 30th birthday, what should be a triumph turns into a reckoning. Azucena wakes to find herself far from her throne, in a humble home among the hills, held by a peasant man who doesn’t believe she’s royalty and certainly doesn’t want to help her return to her empire. What follows is a smartly written, character-driven adventure full of biting humor, unexpected heart, and moments of genuine reflection.
Drawing clear inspiration from The Emperor’s New Groove, Qoya delivers a fresh spin on the classic “ruler-turned-redeemed” trope. But unlike its animated predecessor, this story doesn’t shy away from the harsher consequences of Azucena’s rule—making her journey from spoiled sovereign to self-aware leader all the more satisfying.
Azucena is a gloriously flawed protagonist—vain, commanding, and utterly convinced of her greatness—yet the writing gives her room to grow in believable and often hilarious ways. The chemistry and tension between her and her reluctant captor create a dynamic that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
With a touch of magic, a dose of satire, and a well-earned emotional payoff, Qoya is a clever and compelling read that proves even the most glittering crowns can come crashing down—and sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed to build something better.
May 10, 2025
This is the second book I've ever read that is a story retelling in a way. Before starting this book I kept hearing that this was like the Emperor's New Groove (which as an adult I still love). So I was clearly very excited to read this and this book did not disappoint.
Our FMC, Azucena, is so self absorbed that she is totally unaware to the world that is moving around her. For her it's all about vanity and power. She's wrapped herself in this little bubble that has kept her from seeing that the people she's actually ruling over are not happy at all. Everything was all about her to the point I just wanted to grab her and shakeer and say wake up.
However , when she wakes up and her life is unexpectedly turned upside down , the fun begins. When she meets our MMC Rurac, she finally has someone who would actually challenge her. The banter between these two was so enjoyable. It's so comedic when you take someone from royalty and put them into the world of a peasant and two collide in the most unexpected way. What I truly loved was that each, in their own right, had a journey of self discovery but it took the two of them together for each of them to learn what they needed to learn. This book definitely shows you that even if you come from two different worlds, you can still learn from one another. Sometimes the two different worlds aren't really that different at all. This was 100% a 5 star read for me because I enjoyed it so much and I would definitely read it all over again.
Qoya by Hope Davis is ☀️ Out Now!!
What to expect:
⚔️ Only One Tent
☀️ Forced Proximity Romance
⚔️ He Falls First
☀️ Incan Lore
⚔️ Dual POV
Our FMC, Azucena, is so self absorbed that she is totally unaware to the world that is moving around her. For her it's all about vanity and power. She's wrapped herself in this little bubble that has kept her from seeing that the people she's actually ruling over are not happy at all. Everything was all about her to the point I just wanted to grab her and shakeer and say wake up.
However , when she wakes up and her life is unexpectedly turned upside down , the fun begins. When she meets our MMC Rurac, she finally has someone who would actually challenge her. The banter between these two was so enjoyable. It's so comedic when you take someone from royalty and put them into the world of a peasant and two collide in the most unexpected way. What I truly loved was that each, in their own right, had a journey of self discovery but it took the two of them together for each of them to learn what they needed to learn. This book definitely shows you that even if you come from two different worlds, you can still learn from one another. Sometimes the two different worlds aren't really that different at all. This was 100% a 5 star read for me because I enjoyed it so much and I would definitely read it all over again.
Qoya by Hope Davis is ☀️ Out Now!!
What to expect:
⚔️ Only One Tent
☀️ Forced Proximity Romance
⚔️ He Falls First
☀️ Incan Lore
⚔️ Dual POV
April 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️ - 4,5 stars
"Because, Azucena, you're the only woman who has ever caught my eye. I would have had to describe you."
Review:
A retelling of The Emperor’s New Groove, but with a twist.
The FMC is a nearly 30 yo Incan empress who acts a bit as a spoiled brat.
She gets kidnapped and hidden away by a prison guard in the mountains, who has no clue about her true identity and believes she’s just another criminal. What leads into a slow burn romance with witty banter, hilarious moments and amazing character growth.
I love how they went from enemies to reluctant allies, and eventually something deeper. Their chemistry had me grinning and gave me butterflies. And for the readers who like their romance a little spicy, there was an open door spice scene.
While this didn't take place in a world full of magic, there was a unique magic system and what I also loved is that author doesn’t shy away from things often skipped in romantasy, such as periods, using the pot, and dental hygiene. It made everything feel more human and relatable.
All in all, this book was unique, funny and romantic. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh take on romantasy with a nostalgic twist.
- Romantasy
- Incan lore
- Retelling
- Slow burn
- 30 yo FMC
- Enemies to lovers
- Captor / captive
- One tent
- Banter
- Forced proximity
- Dual POV
(This was e-ARC gifted by the author, and I leave this review here voluntarily.)
"Because, Azucena, you're the only woman who has ever caught my eye. I would have had to describe you."
Review:
A retelling of The Emperor’s New Groove, but with a twist.
The FMC is a nearly 30 yo Incan empress who acts a bit as a spoiled brat.
She gets kidnapped and hidden away by a prison guard in the mountains, who has no clue about her true identity and believes she’s just another criminal. What leads into a slow burn romance with witty banter, hilarious moments and amazing character growth.
I love how they went from enemies to reluctant allies, and eventually something deeper. Their chemistry had me grinning and gave me butterflies. And for the readers who like their romance a little spicy, there was an open door spice scene.
While this didn't take place in a world full of magic, there was a unique magic system and what I also loved is that author doesn’t shy away from things often skipped in romantasy, such as periods, using the pot, and dental hygiene. It made everything feel more human and relatable.
All in all, this book was unique, funny and romantic. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh take on romantasy with a nostalgic twist.
- Romantasy
- Incan lore
- Retelling
- Slow burn
- 30 yo FMC
- Enemies to lovers
- Captor / captive
- One tent
- Banter
- Forced proximity
- Dual POV
(This was e-ARC gifted by the author, and I leave this review here voluntarily.)
May 15, 2025
QOYA is a romantic fantasy novel written for lovers of “The Emperor’s New Groove.” This a historical romantasy/ romantic comedy loosely based on Incan culture and myths about a spoiled empress and the man who might be able to change her ways. Azucena Katia was born and raised to be empress of Sipan. With a sharp tongue and style and a touch of the magic of the gods, she made decisions for the whole empire, even if it meant that the poor might go hungry sometimes. She began to amass enemies, mostly the poor who had to pay too large tithes, but also an advisor who she planned to let go on her thirtieth birthday. She was under the impression that everyone loved her, so when she was kidnapped and left under the supervision of a peasant man who didn’t believe that she was empress, she was certain there must have been a mistake. Would she be able to convince the man to take her back to the capital before it was too late? Would she be able to learn more about her people’s needs along the way? This was an enjoyable story with a simple, easy plot and lessons learned. I enjoyed the MMC and FMC, who was misguided not evil and who learned a great deal from her adventure. This is an adult story including open door scenes, with moderate levels of spice. It is a forced proximity, only one tent, he falls first, dual POV Romantasy based on Incan Lore. I recommend this novel for readers who enjoy a romantic comedy/romantasy based on a lost civilization.
I received a free ARC of this novel via Happily Booked PR and I am voluntarily submitting this honest review.
I received a free ARC of this novel via Happily Booked PR and I am voluntarily submitting this honest review.
May 25, 2025
A lovely little retelling with more cultural accuracy.
I loved this gender-bent retelling of The Emperor's New Groove! Azucena is perfectly naive to think she is beloved without actually doing much for her people. Which is made all the more clear when she learns that some of her people do not even know that she is empress, but still think her father in charge. Luckily she learns that there are more people on her side when things get a little dicey and her advisor Yezema seems close to taking over. The quick yearning between Azucena and Rurac is so cute to watch, even as she is his prisoner. Eventually, as Rurac starts to trust her a bit more, we see more romance start to blossom, despite Azucena trying to deny the depth of her feelings. Lastly, I loved the switch up of magic from the original story having Yzma carrying magic, and instead it is Azucena who is blessed by the gods with the ability to discern people's intentions through colors.
Favorite quotes:
She was basically as stubborn as a llama, so it was a good pick by the gods.
The lesson is that life is about the journey, not the final destination.
"We have to send you back." At his words, my limbs felt heavy, and I felt a nudge in my ribs. "But I'm tired." His tone changed. "I know. But she needs you to keep her grounded."
If you enjoy a fairytale retelling, only one tent, forced proximity, Incan lore, and a 30 year old empress FMC, check out this story!
I loved this gender-bent retelling of The Emperor's New Groove! Azucena is perfectly naive to think she is beloved without actually doing much for her people. Which is made all the more clear when she learns that some of her people do not even know that she is empress, but still think her father in charge. Luckily she learns that there are more people on her side when things get a little dicey and her advisor Yezema seems close to taking over. The quick yearning between Azucena and Rurac is so cute to watch, even as she is his prisoner. Eventually, as Rurac starts to trust her a bit more, we see more romance start to blossom, despite Azucena trying to deny the depth of her feelings. Lastly, I loved the switch up of magic from the original story having Yzma carrying magic, and instead it is Azucena who is blessed by the gods with the ability to discern people's intentions through colors.
Favorite quotes:
She was basically as stubborn as a llama, so it was a good pick by the gods.
The lesson is that life is about the journey, not the final destination.
"We have to send you back." At his words, my limbs felt heavy, and I felt a nudge in my ribs. "But I'm tired." His tone changed. "I know. But she needs you to keep her grounded."
If you enjoy a fairytale retelling, only one tent, forced proximity, Incan lore, and a 30 year old empress FMC, check out this story!
April 27, 2025
Tropes:
✨ Emperors New Groove Retelling
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Enemies To Lovers
✨ Incan Lore
This is the retelling you don’t know you need until you actually read it.
Azucena is the Empress of Sipan. After having a difficult talk with her advisor (who she doesn’t like) she falls asleep and wakes up in an entirely different place. She soon realizes she has been kidnapped. Being the fiesty Empress she is, she gives Rurac, the man that has been put in charge of watching her, so much trouble and grief until he agreed to bring her back to the palace.
Through this journey, she finds out who out this whole plan in motion, but she learns a lot about herself, and what it means to be truly in love.
Azucena is so fiesty but is so generous and trusting. She’s had to learn her job pretty much on her own. And the one person she thought she could 100% trust, has been betraying her for years. But it was so much fun to watch Azucena come into her own person. She allowed herself to be vulnerable to love. During her journey, she was able to truly see how her people are living and made adjustments to make things better for them. And that right there was what I love most about her character.
I love how blunt Rurac is. He does not care how he comes off (for the most part), he just speaks the facts. The way he loved Azucena. When things got difficult he didn’t leave. And he did anything and everything to keep her safe.
The thing I absolutely loved about this book is how Azucena and Rurac grew together. Being in classes on the opposite sides of the spectrum, they learned from each other. And both of them not really relationship types, they learned to love together and I thought that was just so beautiful.
✨ Emperors New Groove Retelling
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Enemies To Lovers
✨ Incan Lore
This is the retelling you don’t know you need until you actually read it.
Azucena is the Empress of Sipan. After having a difficult talk with her advisor (who she doesn’t like) she falls asleep and wakes up in an entirely different place. She soon realizes she has been kidnapped. Being the fiesty Empress she is, she gives Rurac, the man that has been put in charge of watching her, so much trouble and grief until he agreed to bring her back to the palace.
Through this journey, she finds out who out this whole plan in motion, but she learns a lot about herself, and what it means to be truly in love.
Azucena is so fiesty but is so generous and trusting. She’s had to learn her job pretty much on her own. And the one person she thought she could 100% trust, has been betraying her for years. But it was so much fun to watch Azucena come into her own person. She allowed herself to be vulnerable to love. During her journey, she was able to truly see how her people are living and made adjustments to make things better for them. And that right there was what I love most about her character.
I love how blunt Rurac is. He does not care how he comes off (for the most part), he just speaks the facts. The way he loved Azucena. When things got difficult he didn’t leave. And he did anything and everything to keep her safe.
The thing I absolutely loved about this book is how Azucena and Rurac grew together. Being in classes on the opposite sides of the spectrum, they learned from each other. And both of them not really relationship types, they learned to love together and I thought that was just so beautiful.
April 28, 2025
I can not convey in words how much I enjoyed this fun, hilarious, and heartwarming retelling of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞. I picked it up to read a chapter or two and was so swept up in Azucena and Rurac's adventures that I binged the whole story. It's revamped and fresh. A new life breathed into an old story that any adult will enjoy.
𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐳𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚 is such a self-centered, over bearing brat, but I adored her. She is also strong, capable, and determined, and I enjoyed the arc of her character growth.
𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐜 is a mountain of a man. He is a struggling peasant who has never been outside of his village and is used to being alone. He's out spoken and blunt but also kind and caring. His story makes you want to wrap your arms around him
The growth in both main characters throughout the story was beautifully written. Their stubborn personalities and banter, tension, and chemistry were some of my favorite parts in the book.
If you love fairytales or retelling, pick up 𝗤𝗢𝗬𝗔 - it's still a fairytale, just a little spicier. 🫠❤️ and an easy 5 ⭐️
Thank you @hopeedavisauthor for letting me arc read for you. 💕
♥︎forced proximity
♥︎one tent
♥︎banter for days
♥︎dual Pov
♥︎Incan lore
♥︎captor/captive
♥︎he falls first
♥︎30 yr old FMC
𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐳𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚 is such a self-centered, over bearing brat, but I adored her. She is also strong, capable, and determined, and I enjoyed the arc of her character growth.
𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐜 is a mountain of a man. He is a struggling peasant who has never been outside of his village and is used to being alone. He's out spoken and blunt but also kind and caring. His story makes you want to wrap your arms around him
The growth in both main characters throughout the story was beautifully written. Their stubborn personalities and banter, tension, and chemistry were some of my favorite parts in the book.
If you love fairytales or retelling, pick up 𝗤𝗢𝗬𝗔 - it's still a fairytale, just a little spicier. 🫠❤️ and an easy 5 ⭐️
Thank you @hopeedavisauthor for letting me arc read for you. 💕
♥︎forced proximity
♥︎one tent
♥︎banter for days
♥︎dual Pov
♥︎Incan lore
♥︎captor/captive
♥︎he falls first
♥︎30 yr old FMC
May 5, 2025
When Empress Azucena is drugged and wakes up in a small, remote hut she has no idea what has happened and why the large and gorgeous Rurac has her as his prisoner. She soon realizes he has no idea who she is and plots her escape. Zu acts like the privileged royal she is, compared to peasant Rurac, and tries to escape, only to find herself chained to her bed, and sometimes even to Rurac!
Their initial distaste for each other, eventually changes to a kind of friendship, and the attraction between them starts to grow. Zu eventually convinces Rurac he should take her to the palace so she can prove to him she is the Empress.
What I loved about this book was the banter between the two main characters who are from two completely different worlds. The Incan setting was very different and so interesting, incorporating the hard life for the lesser classes, and the belief in the gods. The change in Zu as she came to appreciate the hard life of the peasants and how she could use her position to help others was beautiful. Finally the love story that developed between the two MCS was just perfect. Highly recommend to those who want something a little different but with all the great feels.
Their initial distaste for each other, eventually changes to a kind of friendship, and the attraction between them starts to grow. Zu eventually convinces Rurac he should take her to the palace so she can prove to him she is the Empress.
What I loved about this book was the banter between the two main characters who are from two completely different worlds. The Incan setting was very different and so interesting, incorporating the hard life for the lesser classes, and the belief in the gods. The change in Zu as she came to appreciate the hard life of the peasants and how she could use her position to help others was beautiful. Finally the love story that developed between the two MCS was just perfect. Highly recommend to those who want something a little different but with all the great feels.
May 16, 2025
I read this book as an ARC and really liked it.
I loved The Emperor’s New Groove growing up and when I saw this was a retelling I was interested because it’s not a retelling you see much. This book did not disappoint Kusco who’s that give me Azucana and Rurac.
I loved their relationship and while it was a little bit of a slow burn it was perfect for them. She was betrayed by someone she thought she could trust and he was told she was a prisoner of the emperor. If she didn’t get betrayed they never would have met and this story never would have happened.
I loved their journey and I don’t just mean physically but also emotionally, spiritually, etc. They both developed into the best versions of themselves throughout this book and I loved reading about it.
Overall I really liked this book and give it 4.5 stars the only reason I’m not giving it 5 is because I really wish we had more at the end. I loved the way it ended but you know as well as I do that when you love a story you never want it to end. I also wish we got to see a little more from the traitor and why they did what they did.
I loved The Emperor’s New Groove growing up and when I saw this was a retelling I was interested because it’s not a retelling you see much. This book did not disappoint Kusco who’s that give me Azucana and Rurac.
I loved their relationship and while it was a little bit of a slow burn it was perfect for them. She was betrayed by someone she thought she could trust and he was told she was a prisoner of the emperor. If she didn’t get betrayed they never would have met and this story never would have happened.
I loved their journey and I don’t just mean physically but also emotionally, spiritually, etc. They both developed into the best versions of themselves throughout this book and I loved reading about it.
Overall I really liked this book and give it 4.5 stars the only reason I’m not giving it 5 is because I really wish we had more at the end. I loved the way it ended but you know as well as I do that when you love a story you never want it to end. I also wish we got to see a little more from the traitor and why they did what they did.
April 25, 2025
Qoya is a fantastic read. This is an Emperors New Grove retelling. I have never seen it, so I personally don't have anything to compare it to. I enjoyed this slow burn from the great storyline that held my attention and was easy to put down and pick right back up. Under normal circumstances, I would've devoured this book in a few hours. I think the author did a great job with the storyline. I absolutely loved Azucena and Rurac's characters. Eztil was also a fantastic character that really added to the story. This is the first book I've read from this author, and I can't wait to read more. If there is ever a book 2 or spin off, it would definitely make my TBR.
This book does have some adult topics, but also some great life lessons.
So just be advised, but IMO, it is ok for mature Teen/YA's. Please read the warnings/triggers to be sure it's ok for you.
This is definitely a story I know my 12 y/o daughter will also enjoy, so I can't wait to get a physical copy for her to read.
This book does have some adult topics, but also some great life lessons.
So just be advised, but IMO, it is ok for mature Teen/YA's. Please read the warnings/triggers to be sure it's ok for you.
This is definitely a story I know my 12 y/o daughter will also enjoy, so I can't wait to get a physical copy for her to read.
April 27, 2025
Qoya was an amazing, heartfelt & a sweet retelling of Emperors New Groove & I’m here to tell you I loved it! It was just what I needed! I stayed up late at night reading more than I intended to. I was so engaged & had me hooked…The little bit of suspense & a twist, it had me turning the pages! I wanted to know what would happen next & I truly how it would end! I loved everything about this book! I loved Azucena & Rurac’s chemistry, tension & banter. And watching their relationship bloom! A true enemies to lovers, slow burn romance, open door spice, romantasy & amazing retelling. I loved how thought out the characters were & the growth in the characters as well. The plot was so well written & flowed so nicely. Qoya was truly everything, so unique, funny & much more!
Any fans of Emperors New Groove, this is for you & a must read! It’s a must read regardless! You’ll thank me later!
Hope, thank you for this amazing book & for giving me the opportunity to ARC read for you!
Easy 5 ⭐️ from me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Any fans of Emperors New Groove, this is for you & a must read! It’s a must read regardless! You’ll thank me later!
Hope, thank you for this amazing book & for giving me the opportunity to ARC read for you!
Easy 5 ⭐️ from me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 6, 2025
Thank you HappilyBookedPR and Hope E. Davis for an ARC to read and review
As a millennial and ancient civilization nerd, I didn’t realize how badly I needed an Emperor’s New Groove-inspired fantasy romance… until I picked up Qoya. And let me tell you - I devoured it.
It was incredibly refreshing to dive into a story rooted in Incan lore - a setting we don’t see nearly enough of in fantasy. From start to finish, the book delivered a little something for everyone: spice, magic, mythology, conflict, betrayal, and some seriously satisfying character growth.
The world-building is immersive yet easy to follow, which made getting lost in the story effortless.
Now let’s talk about Zu. She starts off entitled, bratty, and feisty - but watching her grow was one of my favorite parts of the book. Her development is thoughtfully done, and I loved being able to track her transformation throughout the journey.
And Rurac + Zu? That’s the kind of chemistry I live for. Even through the early bickering and tension, the spark between them was undeniable - and only got better from there.
As a millennial and ancient civilization nerd, I didn’t realize how badly I needed an Emperor’s New Groove-inspired fantasy romance… until I picked up Qoya. And let me tell you - I devoured it.
It was incredibly refreshing to dive into a story rooted in Incan lore - a setting we don’t see nearly enough of in fantasy. From start to finish, the book delivered a little something for everyone: spice, magic, mythology, conflict, betrayal, and some seriously satisfying character growth.
The world-building is immersive yet easy to follow, which made getting lost in the story effortless.
Now let’s talk about Zu. She starts off entitled, bratty, and feisty - but watching her grow was one of my favorite parts of the book. Her development is thoughtfully done, and I loved being able to track her transformation throughout the journey.
And Rurac + Zu? That’s the kind of chemistry I live for. Even through the early bickering and tension, the spark between them was undeniable - and only got better from there.
May 12, 2025
Book Rating:⭐️4.75/5
Spice Rating:🌶️ 1/5
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but wow, it absolutely blew me away! Hope E. David crafted something that felt both fresh and nostalgic in the best way. A retelling of The Emperor’s New Groove infused with rich Incan mythology? Yes, please! You can tell the author did their research, and it made the world and story feel so authentic and engaging.
This book gave me major “just one more chapter” energy. I was hooked late into the night. The dual POV added great depth and context to the characters, and while it wasn’t a super twisty or suspense-filled plot, it still kept me on my toes in the best way.
My one small critique is the speed of the romance. The “I love yous” came a bit quickly for my taste. I tend to prefer a slow burn, but that’s totally a personal preference. And yes, there’s a single spice scene… and wow, it was good.
Overall, a unique and captivating read that I highly recommend adding to your TBR...especially if you’re into mythology, romance, and creative retellings!
Spice Rating:🌶️ 1/5
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but wow, it absolutely blew me away! Hope E. David crafted something that felt both fresh and nostalgic in the best way. A retelling of The Emperor’s New Groove infused with rich Incan mythology? Yes, please! You can tell the author did their research, and it made the world and story feel so authentic and engaging.
This book gave me major “just one more chapter” energy. I was hooked late into the night. The dual POV added great depth and context to the characters, and while it wasn’t a super twisty or suspense-filled plot, it still kept me on my toes in the best way.
My one small critique is the speed of the romance. The “I love yous” came a bit quickly for my taste. I tend to prefer a slow burn, but that’s totally a personal preference. And yes, there’s a single spice scene… and wow, it was good.
Overall, a unique and captivating read that I highly recommend adding to your TBR...especially if you’re into mythology, romance, and creative retellings!
May 17, 2025
Empress Azucena is beloved by her people... or so she thinks. When her advisor betrays her, Zu finds herself at the mercy of the Game Warden, her new jailer. Rurac is instantly smitten with the beautiful and sassy woman he has in his care, but she thinks she's the empress. The two decide to make their way to the palace to prove her innocence or get unalived trying.
Now, I can cross an Emperor's New Groove retelling off my 2025 Bingo card! I loved their banter, the interactions and power imbalance, and Zu's crippling humanity. She and Rurac are unlikely allies on their mission, and along the way, Zu learns valuable lessons about the state of her empire and its people. Though there is a strong romance element to the story, it is a secondary focus, bringing more attention to the plot itself. I found myself up way too late past my bedtime, only to be late to work this morning because I was trying to get through that cliff scene over breakfast! What a fantastic adventure with such a rich setting. The author definitely did their research!
Now, I can cross an Emperor's New Groove retelling off my 2025 Bingo card! I loved their banter, the interactions and power imbalance, and Zu's crippling humanity. She and Rurac are unlikely allies on their mission, and along the way, Zu learns valuable lessons about the state of her empire and its people. Though there is a strong romance element to the story, it is a secondary focus, bringing more attention to the plot itself. I found myself up way too late past my bedtime, only to be late to work this morning because I was trying to get through that cliff scene over breakfast! What a fantastic adventure with such a rich setting. The author definitely did their research!
May 2, 2025
This was such a gripping slow burn romance that is loosely based on Incan culture and myths. It follows Azucena Katia, the empress of Sipan, who is kidnapped and placed under the watchful eye of Rurac, the Prison and Game Manager for the emperor.
As a result of her captivity, she learns so much about herself and her people, and I really enjoyed seeing her grow both as a person, and as the empress. There were some good twists in the tale too, which I'm always a fan of.
I grew up reading myths and legends from around the world, so the inclusion of Incan lore in this story, and Quechua words scattered throughout added an extra layer of enjoyment for me. There is a translation for these words in the back of the book, and I was glad of that as I struggled to picture what a qwui was when I first read that word.
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author, via Happily Booked PR, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
As a result of her captivity, she learns so much about herself and her people, and I really enjoyed seeing her grow both as a person, and as the empress. There were some good twists in the tale too, which I'm always a fan of.
I grew up reading myths and legends from around the world, so the inclusion of Incan lore in this story, and Quechua words scattered throughout added an extra layer of enjoyment for me. There is a translation for these words in the back of the book, and I was glad of that as I struggled to picture what a qwui was when I first read that word.
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author, via Happily Booked PR, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
April 29, 2025
Thank you to the author for the eARC.
Little known fact about me: I love the Disney movie, The Emperor’s New Groove. I say “no touchy” on the reg. So when I saw a romance based on the movie, I didn’t walk, I ran to read.
Qoya was an enjoyable and quick read. Azucena is our Empress, who is kidnapped and delivered to Rurac, essentially her prison guard. While no humans turn into llamas, they are the spirit animal of Zu, so they are very prevalent in the story.
The bickering between Zu and Rurac is such a fun example of enemies-to-lovers. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. And their journey back to the palace is full of twists and surprises. I liked the inclusion of Peruvian phrases, cultures, and bit of history. Also this made me really want some potatoes, strangely.
Overall, a fun read with a cute little epilogue at the end. The only thing it was missing was Kronk.
Little known fact about me: I love the Disney movie, The Emperor’s New Groove. I say “no touchy” on the reg. So when I saw a romance based on the movie, I didn’t walk, I ran to read.
Qoya was an enjoyable and quick read. Azucena is our Empress, who is kidnapped and delivered to Rurac, essentially her prison guard. While no humans turn into llamas, they are the spirit animal of Zu, so they are very prevalent in the story.
The bickering between Zu and Rurac is such a fun example of enemies-to-lovers. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. And their journey back to the palace is full of twists and surprises. I liked the inclusion of Peruvian phrases, cultures, and bit of history. Also this made me really want some potatoes, strangely.
Overall, a fun read with a cute little epilogue at the end. The only thing it was missing was Kronk.
May 10, 2025
3.5 / 5 ⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️
Qoya is unique The Emperor’s New Groove> retelling. It features Zu, an Incan Empress, and her captor - Rurac as they work to determine why she’s been kidnapped.
Overall, I enjoyed Qoya and found the inclusion of Incan Lore fascinating. Zu definitely starts off as bratty but her character arc really highlights her personal growth. The transition is authentic and filled with some humorous moments. I did feel like that prologue felt like a step back but it did a great job setting the scenes.
While the characters themselves were written well, I did find some of the dialogue/internal dialogue to be juvenile. Slight cringeness but something so bad that I felt like I needed to take a break from the book.
Despite the dialouge, i was fully immersed in the book and the world that Zu rules. The court dynamics were interesting although some of the “twists” felt very obvious. I did enjoy this fun read. Definitely check it out if you’re a fan of The Emperors New Groove or retellings in gene
Spice Level: 🌶️
Qoya is unique The Emperor’s New Groove> retelling. It features Zu, an Incan Empress, and her captor - Rurac as they work to determine why she’s been kidnapped.
Overall, I enjoyed Qoya and found the inclusion of Incan Lore fascinating. Zu definitely starts off as bratty but her character arc really highlights her personal growth. The transition is authentic and filled with some humorous moments. I did feel like that prologue felt like a step back but it did a great job setting the scenes.
While the characters themselves were written well, I did find some of the dialogue/internal dialogue to be juvenile. Slight cringeness but something so bad that I felt like I needed to take a break from the book.
Despite the dialouge, i was fully immersed in the book and the world that Zu rules. The court dynamics were interesting although some of the “twists” felt very obvious. I did enjoy this fun read. Definitely check it out if you’re a fan of The Emperors New Groove or retellings in gene
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