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Her Lovely Champion
A disillusioned lady knight and the princess she never meant to rescue…
Imprisoned in a witch’s tower eighteen years ago, Princess Eliza did not expect to still be waiting. Now past the age of thirty, with several alarming silver strands in her hair, the rescue attempts are growing rarer, and her only companions remain several well-loved bookshelves and her own increasingly lonely mind.
Destitute and out of options, Sir Kaylen accepts the king of Alludan’s doomed quest (and reward) to rescue his daughter. What is meant to be her final act to help her family goes all wrong when she arrives at the witch’s tower to discover, not the deadly hydra waiting for her, but something else entirely.
Together, the weathered knight and sheltered princess face a perilous journey back through the monster-ridden outerlands to civilization, where the monsters only become more human. As ill-timed attraction ignites, the lines between them blur.
Eliza and Kaylen each have expectations tearing them apart. They were never supposed to meet. Will the lady knight who accidentally saved the princess get to keep her?
***
The second in a series of stand-alone stories set in the same world, this slow-burn, steamy queer romantasy is a sapphic reimagining of classic fairytale tropes. It can be enjoyed alone, or in combination with the first book in the Sapphic Lady Knights series, Her Pretty Knight.
This story is intended for adult audiences. Please see the author’s note at the front of the book.
Imprisoned in a witch’s tower eighteen years ago, Princess Eliza did not expect to still be waiting. Now past the age of thirty, with several alarming silver strands in her hair, the rescue attempts are growing rarer, and her only companions remain several well-loved bookshelves and her own increasingly lonely mind.
Destitute and out of options, Sir Kaylen accepts the king of Alludan’s doomed quest (and reward) to rescue his daughter. What is meant to be her final act to help her family goes all wrong when she arrives at the witch’s tower to discover, not the deadly hydra waiting for her, but something else entirely.
Together, the weathered knight and sheltered princess face a perilous journey back through the monster-ridden outerlands to civilization, where the monsters only become more human. As ill-timed attraction ignites, the lines between them blur.
Eliza and Kaylen each have expectations tearing them apart. They were never supposed to meet. Will the lady knight who accidentally saved the princess get to keep her?
***
The second in a series of stand-alone stories set in the same world, this slow-burn, steamy queer romantasy is a sapphic reimagining of classic fairytale tropes. It can be enjoyed alone, or in combination with the first book in the Sapphic Lady Knights series, Her Pretty Knight.
This story is intended for adult audiences. Please see the author’s note at the front of the book.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
78 people are currently reading
652 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 57 reviews
April 13, 2025
The most perfect and beautiful book ever! I love this series so much, it is perfect. I love the world and the characters are perfect too, everything in this series is perfect, there is truly no other word.
I love Eliza and Kaylen, I love how physically affectionate Eliza is, it’s so cute, always reaching for a hand hold or any form of physical intimacy, and Kaylen melts for it every time. Their love story is perfect. And there is so much yearning, I understand Kay was frightened to lose and leave someone she loves, but the box she put herself in to protect herself was so frustrating (in a really good way though) El wanted her so bad the entire time.
The entire story is so beautiful, it’s truly a fairytale story. I loved the worldbuilding, how the world is described and the atmosphere, and moments that happen that don’t seem important at the time but are brought up later, everything is just so beautifully written.
This series is my all time favorite, there is truly nothing better, this story is similar to Rapunzels but so different and individual and unique in its own way, besides El being trapped in the tower and having to experience being alone for so long and the aftermath of that, there are no other similarities.
The ending was also so perfect, and I’m so happy about it, their story felt completed, everyone is happy and although I would love to see more of these characters their story left me feeling happy instead of feeling incomplete and wanting more.
I love Eliza and Kaylen, I love how physically affectionate Eliza is, it’s so cute, always reaching for a hand hold or any form of physical intimacy, and Kaylen melts for it every time. Their love story is perfect. And there is so much yearning, I understand Kay was frightened to lose and leave someone she loves, but the box she put herself in to protect herself was so frustrating (in a really good way though) El wanted her so bad the entire time.
The entire story is so beautiful, it’s truly a fairytale story. I loved the worldbuilding, how the world is described and the atmosphere, and moments that happen that don’t seem important at the time but are brought up later, everything is just so beautifully written.
This series is my all time favorite, there is truly nothing better, this story is similar to Rapunzels but so different and individual and unique in its own way, besides El being trapped in the tower and having to experience being alone for so long and the aftermath of that, there are no other similarities.
The ending was also so perfect, and I’m so happy about it, their story felt completed, everyone is happy and although I would love to see more of these characters their story left me feeling happy instead of feeling incomplete and wanting more.
July 1, 2025
4 Stars
I adore the Sapphic Lady Knight series by Mariah Rae Birch. I want more and will never tire of it. Gallant, chivalrous and competent women are too irresistible not to read and fawn over.
Her Lovely Champion was such a pleasant experience because it had all the elements of a good story for me - sapphics, honourable knights, belligerent princesses, a bit of supernatural beings, conniving court people, emotional family side and forbidden coupling. All these in a precarious balance in a story which means I have no escaping being lured into its clutches.
If you’re looking for good quality storytelling involving women knights, Mariah Rae Birch is a good start to sate your cravings.
I adore the Sapphic Lady Knight series by Mariah Rae Birch. I want more and will never tire of it. Gallant, chivalrous and competent women are too irresistible not to read and fawn over.
Her Lovely Champion was such a pleasant experience because it had all the elements of a good story for me - sapphics, honourable knights, belligerent princesses, a bit of supernatural beings, conniving court people, emotional family side and forbidden coupling. All these in a precarious balance in a story which means I have no escaping being lured into its clutches.
If you’re looking for good quality storytelling involving women knights, Mariah Rae Birch is a good start to sate your cravings.
December 20, 2025
This series is wonderful, and I have loved this instalment!
It's stronger than book 1 in my opinion, and I personally preferred the dynamics between Kay and Eliza, which relied on much sweetness and swoon-worthy gestures. I'll say that the world building remains a little flimsy, and some plot points were a bit convenient, but it did not affect my overall enjoyment as I started rooting for these two not long after figuring out that Kay has unruly red hair and that Eliza can draw. The romance was wonderfully paced in this one (and I would say that this is also stronger here than in book 1), to the point where I just... followed along and didn't remember a time where these two hadn't fallen for each other. I appreciated the blend of physical attraction and emotional bonding, as most of their relationship relies on the latter, but with the former still being foundational to their rapport (I've seen a little too much of the reverse in sapphic romance lately, and this is a nice change of pace).
I would still say that it's best to start with book 1 if you're considering this series, since some elements of the worldbuilding are more thoroughly explained in the first instalment, which makes jumping into this one a bit easier. You'll also appreciate more some of the side characters that show up, as they either have connections to book 1 people or *are* book 1 people 😊 none of this affects spoilers in my opinion, but I consider that there is a better payoff to reading this series in order.
It's stronger than book 1 in my opinion, and I personally preferred the dynamics between Kay and Eliza, which relied on much sweetness and swoon-worthy gestures. I'll say that the world building remains a little flimsy, and some plot points were a bit convenient, but it did not affect my overall enjoyment as I started rooting for these two not long after figuring out that Kay has unruly red hair and that Eliza can draw. The romance was wonderfully paced in this one (and I would say that this is also stronger here than in book 1), to the point where I just... followed along and didn't remember a time where these two hadn't fallen for each other. I appreciated the blend of physical attraction and emotional bonding, as most of their relationship relies on the latter, but with the former still being foundational to their rapport (I've seen a little too much of the reverse in sapphic romance lately, and this is a nice change of pace).
I would still say that it's best to start with book 1 if you're considering this series, since some elements of the worldbuilding are more thoroughly explained in the first instalment, which makes jumping into this one a bit easier. You'll also appreciate more some of the side characters that show up, as they either have connections to book 1 people or *are* book 1 people 😊 none of this affects spoilers in my opinion, but I consider that there is a better payoff to reading this series in order.
October 6, 2025
⭐️3.5⭐️
Waiter!!! More sapphic knights please!!
This was a fun read, although I did prefer the first book in the series more. I personally like this authors writing style and the sapphic yearning is always sooo good. I do wish the author would go more in depth with the story though, sometimes the plot felt half-baked imo.
Waiter!!! More sapphic knights please!!
This was a fun read, although I did prefer the first book in the series more. I personally like this authors writing style and the sapphic yearning is always sooo good. I do wish the author would go more in depth with the story though, sometimes the plot felt half-baked imo.
April 19, 2025
I will quite happily say that this story was filled with many things that I didn't expect. The premise, taken loosely from Rapunzel, is treated in the loosest sense, and woven into something that is very different, sweet and heartwarming.
Neither character is perfect - far from it, both with their own burdens to bear, and over the course of the slow burn romance, they find something in each other that neither had expected. Oh, and secrets? Plenty of those in here too. It's a tale of discovery, healing, and acceptance. Of wanting, but not always being able to have, and of a princess and a knight who are different from the norm.
I enjoyed my time reading this book, getting immersed in the world again, and was very happy to see the characters from the first book again as well! The conclusion to the book is very satisfying, and I am hoping to be able to see all of these characters again.
Neither character is perfect - far from it, both with their own burdens to bear, and over the course of the slow burn romance, they find something in each other that neither had expected. Oh, and secrets? Plenty of those in here too. It's a tale of discovery, healing, and acceptance. Of wanting, but not always being able to have, and of a princess and a knight who are different from the norm.
I enjoyed my time reading this book, getting immersed in the world again, and was very happy to see the characters from the first book again as well! The conclusion to the book is very satisfying, and I am hoping to be able to see all of these characters again.
May 7, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of Her Lovely Champion! All opinions are my own (as always), and this review is being left voluntarily.
✨ Sapphic Romantasy
✨ Third Person
✨ 3/5 Spice Level
✨ Knight X Princess
✨ Standalone (in a series)
> micro-tropes and content warnings after review
I read the first standalone in this series, Her Pretty Knight, at the end of 2024, and when I found out there was going to be another I could not wait… I was not disappointed at all. In fact, I may love Her Lovely Champion even more.
If you loved the first book, chances are you will love this one. A lot of the same elements are in play, and there is even a little cameo from the main characters in the first book. (Though you definitely don’t have to read them in order.) This book really hits the spot of being mostly romance with some fantasy. The focus and the main plot feels like the romance though. Everything else is an extra sprinkle in the romance storyline.
While this is a slow-burn, it is not as slow as the first book and the dynamic is different between the main characters. The desire is palpable and a little less yearn-y and a little more lust-y compared to Her Pretty Knight.
I can tell this is going to be one of my favorite romantasy series. (Truthfully it already is.) I cannot wait for what else Mariah has in store for the Sapphic Lady Knights Series!!
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes
✨ Pretending to be married
✨ One bed
✨ Cuddling for “warmth”
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Bathing
Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
addiction, child abandonment, panic attacks, gambling, sustenance hunting, violence, grief, discussions surrounding the concept of suicide (no attempts or desire to commit), explicit language and sexual content
✨ Sapphic Romantasy
✨ Third Person
✨ 3/5 Spice Level
✨ Knight X Princess
✨ Standalone (in a series)
> micro-tropes and content warnings after review
I read the first standalone in this series, Her Pretty Knight, at the end of 2024, and when I found out there was going to be another I could not wait… I was not disappointed at all. In fact, I may love Her Lovely Champion even more.
If you loved the first book, chances are you will love this one. A lot of the same elements are in play, and there is even a little cameo from the main characters in the first book. (Though you definitely don’t have to read them in order.) This book really hits the spot of being mostly romance with some fantasy. The focus and the main plot feels like the romance though. Everything else is an extra sprinkle in the romance storyline.
While this is a slow-burn, it is not as slow as the first book and the dynamic is different between the main characters. The desire is palpable and a little less yearn-y and a little more lust-y compared to Her Pretty Knight.
I can tell this is going to be one of my favorite romantasy series. (Truthfully it already is.) I cannot wait for what else Mariah has in store for the Sapphic Lady Knights Series!!
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes
✨ Pretending to be married
✨ One bed
✨ Cuddling for “warmth”
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Bathing
Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
addiction, child abandonment, panic attacks, gambling, sustenance hunting, violence, grief, discussions surrounding the concept of suicide (no attempts or desire to commit), explicit language and sexual content
November 10, 2025
absolutely fantastic. had the time of my life. honestly in a lot of ways, dare I say, a perfect book. I have no notes. Kicking my feet is an understatement. I don’t know what it is but these books are healing something in me. I cannot express how much joy I got out of this book. These books make me want to hide away in a cabin and read forever.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(five stars)
🌶️🌶️ (several full scenes but in very vague terms, also some cutaways)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(five stars)
🌶️🌶️ (several full scenes but in very vague terms, also some cutaways)
November 6, 2025
3 stars cause the knight pissed me off like bro u fucked the princess why are u acting like you didn’t cross the line already? so she just rejects the princess every time she initiates something. Like bro u got this fine ass sweet princess who wants you BRO YOU. why are u acting like not kissing her is gonna change anything. yall kissed and yeah u might have to part ways by the end and its gonna hurt but bro the princess is throwing herself at you, just enjoy it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
I read this book and the first ("Her Pretty Knight") back to back. I enjoyed this much more than the first, though I enjoyed that one as well. The author's writing improved a lot between the first and second installments! There is more action, more backstories, and more world-building that adds to the foundations set in the first book. I mentioned in my "Her Pretty Knight" review the prose in the first book had a "wattpad fanfic" feel to it -- "Her Lovely Champion" improves the prose, world-building, and dialogue to where this mild critique I had before no longer applies as much. Though, I will say this book still relies heavily on "ly" adverbs (often multiple in one sentence) and has its moments of "telling" and not "showing".
The world-building in some regards is still lacking (mainly the workings of witches and magic), but as a casual read, it's enough to become immersed in the story and world. I enjoyed Eliza and Kaylen's relationship, seeing it develop and watching the characters question practical quandaries involved with a princess/knight romance were engaging. The later third of the book seemed to slow the overall pace of the story a bit, and the ending felt rushed (would have loved a few more scenes in the final chapter), but it was still a good one. I would have enjoyed seeing a little more of Alludan's internal politics also, but since this a casual read, I don't mind that it wasn't there.
Overall, a fun sapphic read. I saw at the back of the book this was published by an indie author. I appreciate all the work the author put into these stories, especially since sapphic romantasy books are not as common as those focused on heterosexual relationships.
The world-building in some regards is still lacking (mainly the workings of witches and magic), but as a casual read, it's enough to become immersed in the story and world. I enjoyed Eliza and Kaylen's relationship, seeing it develop and watching the characters question practical quandaries involved with a princess/knight romance were engaging. The later third of the book seemed to slow the overall pace of the story a bit, and the ending felt rushed (would have loved a few more scenes in the final chapter), but it was still a good one. I would have enjoyed seeing a little more of Alludan's internal politics also, but since this a casual read, I don't mind that it wasn't there.
Overall, a fun sapphic read. I saw at the back of the book this was published by an indie author. I appreciate all the work the author put into these stories, especially since sapphic romantasy books are not as common as those focused on heterosexual relationships.
April 21, 2025
I love this series and hope Birch continues to write more!
I love so much about both Eliza and Kaylen. Both of them suffer from their own heartaches and put too much pressure on themselves, especially Kay. With that said though, I was so happy to read how affectionate they both are with each other and the ones they love. It’s so sweet that they both would always reach for each other to hold and just be in one another.
I can’t believe how long Kay waited to finally give in for her release. The passion between these two was so agonizingly beautiful. I love how much Eliza would let Kaylen know she wanted her.
Ultimately, the ending came to the conclusion I thought it would but that didn’t make it predictable. There were a few secrets thrown in that kept it fresh.
I loved getting to see Della and Leon again. I thought it was such a fun “Easter egg”! I hope we continue to see these MCs.
I love so much about both Eliza and Kaylen. Both of them suffer from their own heartaches and put too much pressure on themselves, especially Kay. With that said though, I was so happy to read how affectionate they both are with each other and the ones they love. It’s so sweet that they both would always reach for each other to hold and just be in one another.
I can’t believe how long Kay waited to finally give in for her release. The passion between these two was so agonizingly beautiful. I love how much Eliza would let Kaylen know she wanted her.
Ultimately, the ending came to the conclusion I thought it would but that didn’t make it predictable. There were a few secrets thrown in that kept it fresh.
I loved getting to see Della and Leon again. I thought it was such a fun “Easter egg”! I hope we continue to see these MCs.
April 16, 2025
This entire series of sapphic lady knight books was made for me, personally.
OKAY OKAY my real review is this: I loved, loved, loved the characters in this and their budding relationship. Eliza is a princess who was kidnapped by a witch and locked into a tower...... about eighteen years ago. Yeah. She's been living in a tower for ~18 years, and no, she wasn't taken as a baby or a child — she was taken at 15. So. It's quite a different feeling from the usual maiden locked in a tower story. (Eliza is finding grey hairs at the start of the story!)
Kay, our other main character, is also an unusual one. It's a bit of a spoiler, but she's a knight and a Two years! She hasn't had the time and money for it. She's also a . That's a lot! That's heavy! And of course she's also flat broke, if not outright in debt. Girly is going through it. Not a surprise she signs up to "rescue" Eliza
Seeing these two come together was such a comfort. It's a romance to the core with the two of them offering the other something they were missing. Eliza is so delightfully eccentric, and Kay is just someone I can't help but root for. They have such fun chemistry. I'm serious sucker for Eliza's many attempts to secude Kay (lol). Girlie was finally out of prison and READY TO BANG. Good for her!
OKAY OKAY my real review is this: I loved, loved, loved the characters in this and their budding relationship. Eliza is a princess who was kidnapped by a witch and locked into a tower...... about eighteen years ago. Yeah. She's been living in a tower for ~18 years, and no, she wasn't taken as a baby or a child — she was taken at 15. So. It's quite a different feeling from the usual maiden locked in a tower story. (Eliza is finding grey hairs at the start of the story!)
Kay, our other main character, is also an unusual one. It's a bit of a spoiler, but she's a knight and a Two years! She hasn't had the time and money for it. She's also a . That's a lot! That's heavy! And of course she's also flat broke, if not outright in debt. Girly is going through it. Not a surprise she signs up to "rescue" Eliza
Seeing these two come together was such a comfort. It's a romance to the core with the two of them offering the other something they were missing. Eliza is so delightfully eccentric, and Kay is just someone I can't help but root for. They have such fun chemistry. I'm serious sucker for Eliza's many attempts to secude Kay (lol). Girlie was finally out of prison and READY TO BANG. Good for her!
December 30, 2025
no words to describe how much joy this book brought to me I literally love everything about it
the romance, the hurt/comfort, the YEARNING!! ughhhhh!! 😖💖💖💖 Kay and Eliza have absolutely earned a special place in my heart now, along with Della and Galeon
speaking of which, it was a very pleasant surprise to see them making a cameo in this book as well, I really missed them 🥹
the romance, the hurt/comfort, the YEARNING!! ughhhhh!! 😖💖💖💖 Kay and Eliza have absolutely earned a special place in my heart now, along with Della and Galeon
speaking of which, it was a very pleasant surprise to see them making a cameo in this book as well, I really missed them 🥹
January 25, 2026
4✨️
I will never get tired of sapphic yearning knights ✨️✨️
I wished this delved into some themes further. However, El's character development and Kay being able to be vulnerable. This is a story for the girls who are afraid to be vulnerable 🩷
I will never get tired of sapphic yearning knights ✨️✨️
I wished this delved into some themes further. However, El's character development and Kay being able to be vulnerable. This is a story for the girls who are afraid to be vulnerable 🩷
June 26, 2025
3.5 stars. I wanted to like this Sapphic fairy tale a little more than I did.
April 17, 2025
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and was so excited to dive in after having already read the previous book and loving it! The great thing about this series is you can read them in order, out of order, or just individually, but they are set in the same world and feature cameos from the other novel's MCs! I'm not going to lie, I squealed excitedly when I realized they were connected.
As for this volume, I almost think I enjoyed it more than the first one. It plays off classic fairy tales, Rapunzel coming immediately to mind, with the Princess Eliza having been abducted and held captive in a tower guarded by a 3-headed Hydra. The refreshing twist is, she isn’t rescued until she's 33, and I love reading about a heroine in their 30s. Something I really appreciated was how the author handled Eliza’s mannerisms and mental state after having been isolated for 18 years, and her character went through consistent growth as she found her way back to a safe mental and physical state through the story.
Kaylen, our lovely knight, is such a relatable character for me. Driven by her duty to her family, she makes the heart-breaking choice to undergo the “impossible” task of rescuing the princess, believing she is heading to her death and stubbornly going anyways so her family will receive the death benefit promised upon her failure. The romance that develops along their adventure is very grounded and believable. They build their affections over time, and Kaylen repeatedly draws back, considering the power dynamic between them and her responsibility to her family.
I would recommend this novel to anyone with a love of cozy, adventurous, romantic novels. I read it in a day and will reach for it again when I crave a sweet story of a Sapphic Knight.
As for this volume, I almost think I enjoyed it more than the first one. It plays off classic fairy tales, Rapunzel coming immediately to mind, with the Princess Eliza having been abducted and held captive in a tower guarded by a 3-headed Hydra. The refreshing twist is, she isn’t rescued until she's 33, and I love reading about a heroine in their 30s. Something I really appreciated was how the author handled Eliza’s mannerisms and mental state after having been isolated for 18 years, and her character went through consistent growth as she found her way back to a safe mental and physical state through the story.
Kaylen, our lovely knight, is such a relatable character for me. Driven by her duty to her family, she makes the heart-breaking choice to undergo the “impossible” task of rescuing the princess, believing she is heading to her death and stubbornly going anyways so her family will receive the death benefit promised upon her failure. The romance that develops along their adventure is very grounded and believable. They build their affections over time, and Kaylen repeatedly draws back, considering the power dynamic between them and her responsibility to her family.
I would recommend this novel to anyone with a love of cozy, adventurous, romantic novels. I read it in a day and will reach for it again when I crave a sweet story of a Sapphic Knight.
July 31, 2025
LADY KNIGHTS! LADY KNIGHTS! LADY KNIGHTS! 🗡️👑✨
Her Lovely Champion gets a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me, and honestly? It earned every one.
I devoured Her Lovely Champion in one sitting and loved every minute of it. This second book in the sapphic lady knights series by Mariah Rae Birch gave me everything I wanted and more.
Not only did we get a swoon-worthy, slow-burn romance between a fierce, loyal knight and a witty, no-nonsense princess—but we also got a surprise revisit from Della and Sir Galeon (hello, beloveds from book one!!). It felt like a gift to see them again, woven so seamlessly into this new story.
The setup? Classic fairytale: a princess trapped in a tower by a witch, and a brave knight sent to rescue her. The twist? It’s sapphic and full of heart. Eliza and Kaylen had incredible chemistry, and their dynamic gave me so many butterflies. Kaylen’s honor and protectiveness paired with Eliza’s strength and cleverness? Obsessed.
What really stood out was how fleshed out the world felt. Birch is clearly building something special with this series. It’s cozy, romantic, a little dangerous, and everything I want from fantasy with women loving women at the center.
If you’re craving swords, sapphic longing, and fairytales turned on their head—run to this book. LADY KNIGHTS FOREVER. 🛡️💘
Her Lovely Champion gets a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me, and honestly? It earned every one.
I devoured Her Lovely Champion in one sitting and loved every minute of it. This second book in the sapphic lady knights series by Mariah Rae Birch gave me everything I wanted and more.
Not only did we get a swoon-worthy, slow-burn romance between a fierce, loyal knight and a witty, no-nonsense princess—but we also got a surprise revisit from Della and Sir Galeon (hello, beloveds from book one!!). It felt like a gift to see them again, woven so seamlessly into this new story.
The setup? Classic fairytale: a princess trapped in a tower by a witch, and a brave knight sent to rescue her. The twist? It’s sapphic and full of heart. Eliza and Kaylen had incredible chemistry, and their dynamic gave me so many butterflies. Kaylen’s honor and protectiveness paired with Eliza’s strength and cleverness? Obsessed.
What really stood out was how fleshed out the world felt. Birch is clearly building something special with this series. It’s cozy, romantic, a little dangerous, and everything I want from fantasy with women loving women at the center.
If you’re craving swords, sapphic longing, and fairytales turned on their head—run to this book. LADY KNIGHTS FOREVER. 🛡️💘
January 24, 2026
Just like the first book, Her Pretty Knight, this is a very cozy read.
This time we have a different context, a sort of Tangled plot but make it sapphic.
Eliza is a princess who experiences two shocks: the discovery of the world beyond the tower she lived in for more than a decade, and the commoner's world which she'd never seen before. Every discovery Kaylen was there to guide and protect her with care, kindness and tenderness – which leads her to the discovery of love.
I like the way none of the characters question their sexuality through their journey. Kaylen is a mother, her previous relationship with her child's father was turbulent, but never forced by social standards or heteronormativity. She loved that man, and she loves even more the woman she ended up with in her journey. She doesn't question her sexual preferences, she just likes who she likes and fully lives it.
They travel together, they pretend they're married for safety, one bed, heroic rescue, cute daughter, a taste of a domestic life as a couple - we have everything we need.
I've read a review down here about some plot conveniences and yes, there's a lot of those, but everything about the writing is so fluid, so cozy, that I just want to see everything going well and a happy ending.
Her Pretty Knight is still my favorite, but this story made me giggle and blush from the beginning to the end.
This time we have a different context, a sort of Tangled plot but make it sapphic.
Eliza is a princess who experiences two shocks: the discovery of the world beyond the tower she lived in for more than a decade, and the commoner's world which she'd never seen before. Every discovery Kaylen was there to guide and protect her with care, kindness and tenderness – which leads her to the discovery of love.
I like the way none of the characters question their sexuality through their journey. Kaylen is a mother, her previous relationship with her child's father was turbulent, but never forced by social standards or heteronormativity. She loved that man, and she loves even more the woman she ended up with in her journey. She doesn't question her sexual preferences, she just likes who she likes and fully lives it.
They travel together, they pretend they're married for safety, one bed, heroic rescue, cute daughter, a taste of a domestic life as a couple - we have everything we need.
I've read a review down here about some plot conveniences and yes, there's a lot of those, but everything about the writing is so fluid, so cozy, that I just want to see everything going well and a happy ending.
Her Pretty Knight is still my favorite, but this story made me giggle and blush from the beginning to the end.
May 22, 2025
Lovely is the perfect word to describe this book and what really brought this out were the characters. Kay and El were both sorrowful and weary over the trials they had lived through in a way that made them extremely relatable. Kay's constant struggle with their own worth and desire to have a better future is something that resonated with me personally right now, connecting me to her in a way I really felt.
One of the things that I really felt was the book's strength was that in the end the villainess of the book wasn't a person, but rather truly adult feelings like the consistency of grief and the increasing weight of past regrets. The way the author chose to confront these as the main villian rather than a tangible person seemed to really compliment the various themes of the book. In the end we really are our own worst enemy.
Best of all was Stella. I love her and would die for her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One of the things that I really felt was the book's strength was that in the end the villainess of the book wasn't a person, but rather truly adult feelings like the consistency of grief and the increasing weight of past regrets. The way the author chose to confront these as the main villian rather than a tangible person seemed to really compliment the various themes of the book. In the end we really are our own worst enemy.
Best of all was Stella. I love her and would die for her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2025
Not as good as the first book in this series, but it carries the same character depth and steady plot.
In this book, Sir Kaylen rescues Princess Eliza from a tower and they travel home chased by monsters. There’s many good moments between them and a medium-paced romance with multiple spicy scenes by the end.
Princess Eliza is the main focus of this book. She’s got a strong personality, is a little quirky, and is charming in her own right. Sir Kaylen is stressed to the max and suffers all the stoic angst that Sir Galeon went through pining after a princess in the first book, but without that classic fall from grace. Sir Kaylen’s career sort of piddled without being thrown in a dungeon.
It wasn’t a spectacular ending, but the beginning and middle of the story made up for it with sheer reading experience fun.
In this book, Sir Kaylen rescues Princess Eliza from a tower and they travel home chased by monsters. There’s many good moments between them and a medium-paced romance with multiple spicy scenes by the end.
Princess Eliza is the main focus of this book. She’s got a strong personality, is a little quirky, and is charming in her own right. Sir Kaylen is stressed to the max and suffers all the stoic angst that Sir Galeon went through pining after a princess in the first book, but without that classic fall from grace. Sir Kaylen’s career sort of piddled without being thrown in a dungeon.
It wasn’t a spectacular ending, but the beginning and middle of the story made up for it with sheer reading experience fun.
April 22, 2025
romantic adventure- ending could’ve been slightly different though
The author enjoys the simpler life and the romance and I did enjoy both books.
However, I think it would’ve been better if we had some leaders and some more world changing items- it would have been nice if the princess actually used her power to help those who needed it.
Instead in both books it seems that the mains are running from responsibility…at least the first one was more about escape this one is the crowned princess needing to do more about the kingdom…
That being said I enjoyed the romance between the two characters and those two character interactions really came alive.
I would’ve like a slightly different ending, but well written and author achieves their goals
The author enjoys the simpler life and the romance and I did enjoy both books.
However, I think it would’ve been better if we had some leaders and some more world changing items- it would have been nice if the princess actually used her power to help those who needed it.
Instead in both books it seems that the mains are running from responsibility…at least the first one was more about escape this one is the crowned princess needing to do more about the kingdom…
That being said I enjoyed the romance between the two characters and those two character interactions really came alive.
I would’ve like a slightly different ending, but well written and author achieves their goals
May 8, 2025
This is the second book I’ve read by Mariah Birch and I’ll keep reading them if she keeps writing them!!
I’m loving these standalone sapphic romantasies. This was an amazing follow up for Her Pretty Knight and I love how Della and Leon made their own appearance.
The romance that blossoms in this story is so accurate and relatable. There is just something about WLW stories that’s so beautiful. The love story is beautifully written and I really like that it’s a dual POV. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the thoughts of both main characters.
Birch’s world building begins to grow in this book and we see more of this fantasy world. We also learn more about the political intrigue and the creatures that can be found. I truly look forward to reading more of these!
I’m loving these standalone sapphic romantasies. This was an amazing follow up for Her Pretty Knight and I love how Della and Leon made their own appearance.
The romance that blossoms in this story is so accurate and relatable. There is just something about WLW stories that’s so beautiful. The love story is beautifully written and I really like that it’s a dual POV. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the thoughts of both main characters.
Birch’s world building begins to grow in this book and we see more of this fantasy world. We also learn more about the political intrigue and the creatures that can be found. I truly look forward to reading more of these!
November 12, 2025
After reading Her Pretty Knight, I hadn’t had enough of the Sapphic Lady Knights universe and dove straight in to Her Lovely Champion. I enjoyed this one even more! Sir Kaylen and Princess Eliza have each led rather dark lives in very different ways and Birch show their trauma in ways that really make sense. Eliza, who has lived in isolation for so long, has an interest in understanding others, but she has a tendency to get lost to her own thoughts and whimsy. Kaylen has dealt with the traumas that come along with growing up poor and pursuing knighthood as a way out (amongst other struggles that could give away a rather intriguing plot point). I loved how they understood each other and it was so fun to see them happen upon some familiar faces. I am loving this series!
May 8, 2025
3.5/5
Thank you to Booksirens and the Author for a free review copy, all opinions are my own.
This was a very sweet and fun romance! There was lot’s a danger and adventure, which created many opportunities for a pretty woman to demonstrate her battle prowess. I do wish we got to see a bit more of El and Kay getting to enjoy their relationship. While we do see their feelings for each other develop, it doesn’t really feel like they get a chance to actually date until the book is over.
Overall, a very enjoyable read, and I will definitely be reading the next book in this series because I am an avid fan of all books that feature sapphic women with swords.
Thank you to Booksirens and the Author for a free review copy, all opinions are my own.
This was a very sweet and fun romance! There was lot’s a danger and adventure, which created many opportunities for a pretty woman to demonstrate her battle prowess. I do wish we got to see a bit more of El and Kay getting to enjoy their relationship. While we do see their feelings for each other develop, it doesn’t really feel like they get a chance to actually date until the book is over.
Overall, a very enjoyable read, and I will definitely be reading the next book in this series because I am an avid fan of all books that feature sapphic women with swords.
June 2, 2025
Her Lovely Champion is a fantastic second book in the Sapphic Lady Knights series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and am leaving this honest review voluntarily. That being said, I love this new world that Mariah is creating. Eliza and Kaylen are two characters that you can’t help but feel for. So much has happened to them in their past. They both found themselves in positions they didn’t expect to be in, which kept me eagerly waiting to learn how everything would turn out. I was super excited that a few characters from the previous book showed up! I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next in the series!
June 2, 2025
A sapphic fairytale retelling with a desperate, jaded knight and a sheltered optimistic princess.
Sir Kaylen is disillusioned, desperate to provide for her family, embarks on what is basically a suicide mission, not expecting to succeed or survive, and ends up a heroine. The adventure basically begins with the "rescue" of Princess Eliza and both protagonists discover things about themselves on their journey that they did not anticipate. They both start off with their own expectations (good or bad) and end up on a journey they could not have imagined.
I definitely recommend this book. I was pleasantly surprised by it.
Sir Kaylen is disillusioned, desperate to provide for her family, embarks on what is basically a suicide mission, not expecting to succeed or survive, and ends up a heroine. The adventure basically begins with the "rescue" of Princess Eliza and both protagonists discover things about themselves on their journey that they did not anticipate. They both start off with their own expectations (good or bad) and end up on a journey they could not have imagined.
I definitely recommend this book. I was pleasantly surprised by it.
August 14, 2025
“If insanity is the absence of normality, which necessitates others to be normal, can one be insane while alone?”
“It was theoretically what she had signed up for, but no one expected it to happen. Life had apparently decided it wasn’t finished making a fool of [her]. And all she could do was keep going.”
“Forgiving the dead is hard. They cannot give us any closure or assurances. We must simply make do with what they gave in life.”
“She was officially done being ignored. If the world had forgotten about her, she would remind it.”
“And fuck it, [she] was in love. Undoubtedly and undeniably in love.”
“It was theoretically what she had signed up for, but no one expected it to happen. Life had apparently decided it wasn’t finished making a fool of [her]. And all she could do was keep going.”
“Forgiving the dead is hard. They cannot give us any closure or assurances. We must simply make do with what they gave in life.”
“She was officially done being ignored. If the world had forgotten about her, she would remind it.”
“And fuck it, [she] was in love. Undoubtedly and undeniably in love.”
January 20, 2026
LOVED IT!!!!!! Satisfies a particular craving of sapphic fantasy romance, and the writing style is so lovely and engrossing. It's sweet, spicy, and gay as hell (as all things should be).
I rented the ebook from my library, but after finishing it I immediately purchased the three books in this series on my nook. I want to support this lovely author; I can't wait to read the other two books, and read this one again!!! As a sapphic individual in trying times, this book brought me comfort.
Something I really appreciate is that you can find trigger warning information listed on descriptions for the books, and also on the author's website: https://mariahraebirch.com/
I rented the ebook from my library, but after finishing it I immediately purchased the three books in this series on my nook. I want to support this lovely author; I can't wait to read the other two books, and read this one again!!! As a sapphic individual in trying times, this book brought me comfort.
Something I really appreciate is that you can find trigger warning information listed on descriptions for the books, and also on the author's website: https://mariahraebirch.com/
February 3, 2026
I love the world Mariah has created in her books. The first book had me wanting more lore and I still would love more lore on the Malignants and the witches. But this book blew me away. Mariah has made me a fiend for yearning and lady chivalry.
The Romance between Kaylen and Eliza kept me wanting to read just one more page, one more chapter. Before I knew it, I had read the whole book and was left wanting more. The bond they built as they traveled, and how Kay sacrificed her own happiness. The pain you feel for Eliza’s broken heart. I highly recommend if you love yearning and forbidden love.
The Romance between Kaylen and Eliza kept me wanting to read just one more page, one more chapter. Before I knew it, I had read the whole book and was left wanting more. The bond they built as they traveled, and how Kay sacrificed her own happiness. The pain you feel for Eliza’s broken heart. I highly recommend if you love yearning and forbidden love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
I didn't even realize this was a sequel to a book I had read earlier this year, ha. I think I liked this one a bit better. I'm not sure I like the way witches/magic users are portrayed in this series; I'm hopeful that something will come out that will change their fate and how they are seen. The romance was nice, the angst was fairly low, the steam/spice was... OK? I can't remember now. Eh, 2.5-3 stars. I'll probably read more in this series but probably also by accident. (I own an eBook copy of this book.)
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