Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Propriety

Rate this book
Trapped in the jaws of a loveless marriage, Guinevere finds herself spiraling day in and day out. But one night, when she slips from the confines of Camelot on night, she meets a man that’s just blown into town.

What she doesn’t know is this man grew up with her husband, and

388 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2025

1 person is currently reading
37 people want to read

About the author

L.V. Brooks

6 books45 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
11 (24%)
4 stars
17 (37%)
3 stars
11 (24%)
2 stars
4 (8%)
1 star
2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for day.
314 reviews11 followers
August 8, 2025
3.5 stars - okay so I loved this!! This is a romantic reimagining of Camelot, Guinevere and Lancelot, and I read it in one sitting! The romance and banter was super cute and I adored the confessions of love and the themes that this tackles, especially through Guinevere discovering freedom through love and from Arthur, whom she never loved because he treated her horribly.

Though, for a book based in Camelot, I found it was quite lacking in worldbuilding. The book assumes the reader already knows the lore behind Arthur and the Round Table, and so doesn't expand on the kingdom, surroundings or political themes. Which is fine, because primarily, it is a romance. However, I also felt the romance was very insta-love/lust and rushed. I did enjoy how it was written and every aspect of Guinevere/Lancelot's dynamic, but I wish there was a build up to that - more description of them meeting each other with context, more tension keeping them apart. They met in the first chapter and it felt like they were attached to the hip immediately, without even trying to not be obvious about their affection 😭😭 like I love them together but it's still cheating without the guilt. Alsoo I did think Guinevere was a bit pathetic sometimes 😭 like you do not need a man to carry you and tend to you all the time because you get sick from any minor emotional inconvenience... But ANYWAY Lancelot was so cute for doing that

I also love the little funny details like the fact that Lancelot just happens to be French when no other country is established in the world LMAO and that Arthur's name is literally Arthur BENDRAGON like yes king Benny

(I also didn't expect this to be so spicy... 🫣)

Anyway overall I did have a great time reading this. It's light hearted romance with the barest dash of plot and angst and 400 pages literally flew by!!

Thank you to netgalley and the author for the arc! Thi is my honest review.
Profile Image for Alex ✨.
244 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2025
This was beautiful and haunting. I love the Arthurian legend and this was a nice blended tale of Gwen and Lancelot. I enjoy the author's writing style and how light/funny some of the banter can be given the severity of the situation. Parts made me laugh, and cry, and I enjoyed how free the characters were able to feel with each other.

And I don't care how many times Morgana shows up in something, I still don't like her. This book made me feel all the feelings alongside the queen. Slay, girl. You deserve it! Can't WAIT to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Stormborn Bookshelf.
233 reviews15 followers
July 18, 2025
1⭐️

I was very excited to start Propriety — the blurb sounded like exactly the kind of gripping, emotional historical romance I love, full of betrayal, forbidden love, and high stakes. Unfortunately, the writing style just wasn’t for me.

I went in expecting a sweeping, atmospheric retelling rooted in the tone and language of Arthurian legend, but instead, I got something that felt more like a modern romcom. Lines like “I am not knight material” completely pulled me out of the story. It felt jarring and out of place in a setting that’s supposed to evoke Camelot and its timeless grandeur.

The tone was too light and contemporary for what was billed as a historical romance. If you’re looking for a serious, immersive take on Guinevere’s story, this may not be it. I’m sure this will appeal to readers who enjoy a more playful, irreverent take on legend — but sadly, it didn’t work for me.
Profile Image for Nicola.
187 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2025
4/5 ⭐️ ARC - NetGalley

I. LOVED. THIS.
This was such a great book, it flowed form the beginning and was just such a great, great story.

Keen to see what is to come in book 2 !
Profile Image for Joy  Avery.
1,311 reviews159 followers
October 15, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SPICE: 🌶🌶🌶

ANGST: 💔💔💔

CLIFFHANGER? YES

DO I RECOMMEND IT? YES

TROPES: Arthurian Myth, Instant Connection, One Bed/One Horse, Slight Age Gap (23, 31), They Kiss in Chapter One, Forbidden Romance, Damsel-in-Distress, He Falls First , Knight/Queen Romance, Delicious Banter, PTSD Rep

The legends will remember King Arthur as a hero.
Guinevere knows better. Behind Camelot’s gleaming walls lies a gilded cage. Queen in name, prisoner in truth, Guinevere is bound to a king whose cruelty hides behind crowns and commandments. The world will call him noble. She has felt the rot beneath. And then — Lancelot. She doesn’t know his name the night they meet. Doesn’t know he is her husband’s oldest friend. Only that when he looks at her, she feels alive for the first time in years. What begins as a spark becomes a fire neither of them can control. Their love is a rebellion — sacred, dangerous, impossible. Because in Camelot, love like theirs is treason. And legends are written by the men who survive them. A queen. A knight. A kingdom built on lies. And a love that could bring it all down.

When I heard this was a Camelot, especially Guinevere and Lancelot, retelling, I jumped at the chance to read it. For me, this couple's story, no matter who tells it, is the purest essence of romance. This take was a breath of fresh air after drowning myselft in too much dark romance. I'm usually not that big on banter but this couple were on point each and every time. Lancelot charmed me right through the pages with his lighthearted intensity. Guinevere's character was crafted with so much heart. I could feel her emotions in every detail, making her even more believable. Together, their passion, easily grabbed hold of this reader and pulled me in like an ocean riptide. Their instant connection was touching. As someone who easily predicts the plot, I was knocked over by how unpredictable this story read and ended. Overall, there were a few gaps but the story remains a cherished one. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Profile Image for Lissanne.
218 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2025
Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the free copy in return for an honest review.

Okay sooo I did enjoy this. I flew through it in one sitting and was fully invested in the Guinevere/Lancelot romance. The banter was super cute, the confessions of love had me kicking my feet, and I really liked the way it explored Guinevere finding freedom (and love) after being stuck in a toxic situation with Arthur.

BUT. I went in expecting a moody, dramatic retelling full of rich worldbuilding and Arthurian vibes… and instead I got what felt like a modern romcom in fancy outfits 😭 Like, someone actually said “I’m not knight material” and I had to close the book for a second. It was giving Camelot by way of Netflix YA.

Also, the romance? Instant. They meet in chapter one and it’s like, “Hi, I will now die for you” levels of attachment. I did love their dynamic (Lancelot is a cinnamon roll and I will defend him), but I really wanted more build-up — more tension, more angst, more longing. It all just happened way too fast, and with zero attempt at subtlety despite the fact that... yeah, it’s still cheating 😅

And while we’re here: worldbuilding? What worldbuilding?? You’re just supposed to know what Camelot is and roll with it. Lancelot is randomly French for no reason, and Arthur’s full name is literally Arthur Bendragon which made me laugh out loud. Love that for him.

All that said, I had a good time. It’s light, it’s romantic, it’s fast-paced, and if you’re not too precious about your Arthurian lore, you might just love it.

⭐ 3.5 stars (closer to 4 if you’re here for vibes over plot)
Profile Image for Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94).
163 reviews
July 21, 2025
I would like to thank the author for allowing me to be an ARC reviewer for Propriety. I was an arc reviewer for Elysium and I am so happy I got the chance to be one for propriety as well. Now let’s get on to my review!

If you know anything about me, you would know that I absolutely love anything Camelot/knights of the round related. Guinevere and Lancelot are probably one of my favorite “forbidden” love stories so when Propriety came along, I had such high hopes!

This book did not disappoint! With this being a retelling, it was honestly so good! I loved every single part of this book. The absolute yearning that was so visible throughout every page just made me fall for Gwen and lance even more than I already did. I loved that lance, someone who wasn’t really made to be part of a kingdom, came into Camelot and made this shy, timid queen learn to claim her body, mind and soul for herself and no one else. The protectiveness that lance had shown throughout the book and didn’t expect anything in return, only for Gwen to reclaim her own power made me love him even more. The chemistry was amazing, the banter was incredible and just the overwhelming sense of belonging that these two had with each other made Propriety such a beautiful book. I also loved how Arthur and Morgana were portrayed as well as a few of the other knights of the round table. I feel like every character was written well and that epilogue?!!!
Profile Image for TheLiterary Mug.
208 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2025
A tale of old forged with a new passion!
The legends will celebrate King Arthur as a hero, but Guinevere's story will reveal a more unruly truth for behind Camelot's gleaming walls, she finds the courage to challenge the status quo and forge her own path.
The world may call Arthur noble, but she knows that true nobility comes from within and then, as luck or fate would have it, she finds an ally (forbidden love) in Lancelot.
When they meet, she's oblivious to the life-changing connection they'll share as she’s totally in the dark about his name when they first meet..What starts as a tiny spark turns into a full-on forest fire they can't control as Lancelot is tasked as being Queen Guinevere, guard and the shock of it all, is that he's her husband's old pal,
A forbidden fruit.
These are trying times, with walking the line of treason at the highest of rules broken, especially by a queen. As much as they try,
their love is like a rebellious, crazy-beautiful thing - totally taboo, utterly thrilling, and just plain impossible.
Camelot proves to be a powerful catalyst for change where legends are shaped by the voices of those who refuse to be silenced.
The story is compelling, and the high tension is riveting, as the stakes couldn’t be higher. The plotting and story telling was creatively written and as a history lover, such an adventure!
Profile Image for Des.
12 reviews
August 4, 2025
ARC Review: Propriety by LV Brooks ⚔️🏰👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨
⭐️💫 1.5 stars
I was really looking forward to this one. I am a medieval, folklore, historical romance reader at heart. I was hoping for a folkloric retelling of the legendary Lancelot and Guinevere. Something with stylized prose, emotional restraint due to the forbidden romance, and the gravity of legend. Instead, Propriety read more like a modern romance dressed in medieval clothes. The knights of the round table…but the round table is at a Medieval Times. Can still be fun if that’s what you’re expecting!

The tone felt light and contemporary, with dialogue that leaned heavily into modern turns of phrase. “Lance” calling Guinevere “baby” pulled me out of the world completely. The intimacy never felt particularly loving or sensual — just spicy and pretty much instant. This might have worked better for me if it had been marketed more clearly as a modern spin on the medieval tale.

I DNF’d around 30%. But I am very grateful to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an eARC.
Profile Image for destiera.
87 reviews
July 28, 2025
a lancelot/guinevere retelling that was heart-wrenching, incredibly steamy, and romantic. a queen who has expectations made upon herself from those around her, especially with regards to her loveless marriage to a king. a knight, one of the kings closest friends, happens upon her in the craziest way possible and she becomes changed for the better. but, can they defeat the odds of their choice of relationship when there are things against them?

when i first learned about this book, it was not the tropes that drove me to read it—but the author. and i was once again proven right that it was the right choice! it was such a treat reading this extremely romantic and steamy story of finding yourself and being able to choose yourself despite those around you. i loved their chemistry and adoration for one another, i was constantly rooting for them with each chapter. begging for them to be together and loving anytime lance spoke! lucky that i got to read this early!
Profile Image for Isabella.
374 reviews10 followers
September 22, 2025
This book is impossible to put down!! I made the mistake of trying to read this at work, which I highly discourage. Wait until you have plenty of free time so that you can binge Propriety the way it deserves.

The cast of characters is small but spectacular. Guinevere is so resilient and caring and I love her so much. I loved watching her grow into herself and gain confidence throughout the book. Lancelot is the book boyfriend to end all book boyfriends. It's so unfair of him to only exist within the confines of a book. I should sue for that.

The plot is action-packed and full of tender, romantic moments. It created a perfect blend that had me on the edge of my seat and screaming into a pillow. The spicy scenes were the cherry on top, especially in comparison to the intense yearning throughout.

If you love Fitz and Olivia from Scandal but wish it was set in Arthur's court, READ THIS BOOK!!!!

Thank you to the author for my e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lisa Conant.
624 reviews38 followers
July 22, 2025
Firstly, it's important to go into this with the right vibe expectation. I admit it is a different tone than I expected, but if a more contemporary, insta, "Knight's Tale" type story with a Lancelot and Guinevere ship is what you're looking for, than this is what that is.

It moved very fast from the beginning. A bit too many verbal inuendos too fast. I wasn't expecting the very insta connection, and the manner in how forward Lancelot's affections are (within 30 pages he's pulling at her fastenings by his teeth). It doesn't have that angsty push-pull forbidden feeling that I'm used to, traditionally.

So again, it felt more contemporary in the writing style of these characters. It feels more like a modern spin in medieval times, as I said. So this one wasn't quite clicking with me for me but it may hit right for others so thats why I figured I'd rate fairly in the middle based on that.
Profile Image for Stephania.
82 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2025
I was an ARC reader for this book by NetGallary(duh it’s under the tag lol)and this book did not disappoint, I mean the tension, the humor, the suspense, and the hot & sweet moments between Lancelot and Gwen were amazing. I mean when Gwen said “you dug me up”, ahhhhh I almost cried. My poor bay went through a lot and the twist at the end? I am so mad because it can’t end like that! So if you need an ARC reader for book two, please send it my way because I would love to continued their story and they better have a happy ending, please make sure that they do. But if you spoke historical romance and a forbidden romance then please read this book but there are trigger warnings so please read them and if this book cautiously. But I will think about this books years to come, gloriously done Ms.Brooks.
Profile Image for PaygeLP.
54 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2025
I adored this book, as a lover of Arthurian retellings when I saw this book I knew I had to sign up for an ARC and it did not disappoint. The relationship between Gwen and Lance is sweet, forbidden, devastating and beautiful. The characters are so beautifully written you can’t help but fall in love with them and root for them to be together. I don’t usually read a lot of spice but it was well done and added to the characters deepening connection. This is definitely a more character driven story over a plot driven story but then is still an easy to follow plot that focuses on power, the miss-use of power and the fight for freedom and love. I read most of this book in one sitting and the only reason I didn’t was because I didn’t want it to end!!
Profile Image for Liana.
221 reviews32 followers
August 8, 2025
Overall, I enjoyed this. It felt like a modern romance, tonally, but diving into some characters most are generally familiar with. The book tackles some complicated relationship dynamics, many different types of tension, and puts the reader in Guinevere's shoes very well. I don't feel like you need to be familiar with the tales to understand what's going on at all.

I mostly wished that the characters were all fleshed out more, given more time to breathe. Gwen and Lance fall into each's other's arms pretty quickly, and the yearning between them could have been cultivated a bit more. Making Arthur and Morgana more three dimensional could have made the story a bit richer.

Thanks to L. V. Brooks for the eARC!
Profile Image for Tohfaaa.
585 reviews7 followers
September 7, 2025
3.5⭐
I was expecting a sweeping, atmospheric retelling rooted in the tone and language of Arthurian legend, but instead, I got something that felt more like a modern romcom. It felt jarring and out of place.

Guinevere/Lancelot's dynamic, but I wish there was a build up to that - more description of them meeting each other with context, more tension keeping them apart. They met in the first chapter and it felt like they were attached to the hip immediately, without even trying to not be obvious about their affection. I love them together. Also I did think Guinevere was a bit pathetic sometimes like you do not need a man to carry you and tend to you all the time. Bu Lancelot did for her.

I want more from them. Thank you netgalley for the arc.




4,191 reviews22 followers
November 21, 2025
This is a fresh, emotional twist on the legend of King Arthur. Instead of the noble hero we usually hear about, Arthur is shown through Guinevere’s eyes — and what she sees is far from perfect. Her life as queen feels more like a prison than a crown.
The best part of the book is her connection with Lancelot. Their first meeting is electric, and their growing love feels dangerous in all the right ways. It’s a forbidden romance that challenges everything Camelot stands for.
Overall, this is an enchanting and engaging read with strong characters and a great mix of romance, tension, and legend rewritten. Perfect if you like classic stories told from a new and fresh angle.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review. 
Profile Image for BOOK IT BISHES.
163 reviews6 followers
July 28, 2025
A second novel by L.V. Brooks as she embarks on a new adventure with a new couple. A re-telling of Guinevere and Lancelot's passionate love affair with a slight modern twist.

Guinevere is a prisoner in her own home. Trapped in a loveless marriage and bound by duty to secure an heir to King Authur. Escaping the castle walls for one night in a disguise, she meets a masked stranger that will make her reckless for a stolen moment. A moment that will change her life forever.

Lancelot, a noble knight and longtime friend of King Arhtur, falls for the beautiful young queen. Igniting a forbidden love affair that will have him jeopardize everything he has ever known to keep her by his side. A love destined to be, risking everything for a chance of true happiness.
Profile Image for Kaytee Rowatt.
16 reviews
August 5, 2025
ARC Review ⚔️

I was really excited about Propriety! I love historical romance and as soon as I heard this was a retelling of Lancelot and Guinevere, I immediately applied for the ARC and added to my TBR.

I could not get as into the world as I wanted to. I feel like the writing was too much like a contemporary romance style for the story. I wanted there to be more of a slow burn / forbidden romance element to their relationship to help raise the stakes. But, this is a good book with the style and elements incorporated if you're looking for a light, easy read with cute banter.

I'm thankful to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an eARC!
Profile Image for Maxx.
163 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2025
Thank You NetGalley and L.V. Brooks for the ARC!

The cover is so pretty, I was drawn in! This book was so well written, and had some historical elements with old and modern twists. The characters haves such complex stories that make them unique and stand out in their own way. I loved the sweet moments and the moments Lancelot and Guinevere bonded, and how they balance each other out. I do wish the world building was a little more expanded on, but overall I really loved it! I can't wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Lisa Sophie.
91 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2025
The writing style was encapsulating and exactly what you expect from the premise. It was an easy and quick read. Even though I don’t know much about the original tales, I enjoyed the storyline. I was eager to find out what happens next. The chemistry and yearning between Gwen and Lance were perfectly written by the author. A bit more spice than expected, which you should consider when choosing to read this book.
2.5*

Thank you to „Victory Editing“ and the author for providing me a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest review in my own words.
Profile Image for Sandra Crites.
6 reviews
August 5, 2025
At first, the book didn’t catch my attention. It was insta attraction. They didn’t even try to hide their obvious attraction and affection for each other. But, it slowly wormed its way into my brain and I ended up enjoying it. Lance had my heart the entire time, always ready to defend Gwen. He is supportive of her and their chemistry is off the charts. The author really wrote their relationship beautifully and perfect (despite the cheating). I loved the retelling of Camelot’s lore, however there wasn’t a lot of world building for those who aren’t familiar with the legend. Though, a simple google search can fix that. Overall, I loved and enjoyed the book. It was beautifully written and I would totally pick up another book this author drops.
*I read this as an ARC from the author.
Profile Image for Irum.
469 reviews
August 28, 2025
DNF 21% in

The fell in love in 0.005 sec when the book has barely even started. It was giving very much instalust I was quite frankly bored.

Like as a reader I need to have some sort of drama to look forward to for example their relationship. All the tension and all the angst it’s getting basically done already 20% in the book.

I definitely want to try reading other book by this author but this one isn’t for me 😔✋
Profile Image for Courtney Pityer.
703 reviews41 followers
July 19, 2025
I have read many stories over the years about Arthur and Guinevere and it is safe to say that their relationship was doomed from the start. I will put that I enjoyed this novel mainly because each version their story that I have read over the years is always different. I believe the author did an excellent job of crating that into her story.
Profile Image for Sasha Wheeler.
190 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2025
4.5

I had never read an Arthurian retelling (though the author categorizes it as a ‘complete bastardization of Arthurian myth’ 😂) and I LOVED it!

I saw this on NetGalley and was immediately drawn to the cover because… it’s literally gorgeous. I knew nothing of the author but the blurb for the book made me immediately request it.

I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love when a historical romance or myth retelling also has contemporary vibes and language. This was absolutely that.

Guinevere is treated like crap by Arthur and treated like the (literal) Queen that she is by Lancelot.

Fast-paced, swoony, a woman gaining confidence after being abused, forbidden love, yearning, the banter was excellent, a man who c*ms in his pants!! I just loved it all. I will be on the edge of my seat until the second book comes out!
Profile Image for L.V..
Author 6 books45 followers
July 18, 2025
i have read this book 600 times and if i give it anything less than 5 stars it would be a DisGrace.

anyways im proud of this one sorry i rated my own book. u would do it too for a check LOL.

(its cute, it has heart, and im REALLY proud of what i created!)
152 reviews4 followers
Read
July 29, 2025
I loved the softness of Guinevere and the protectiveness and he falls first of Lancelot. Brooks writes an incredible asshole because I hated Arthur immediately. This wasn’t my favorite book but I’m still grateful for the chance to read the eARC provided by the author.
Profile Image for Kissimmee.
294 reviews11 followers
August 2, 2025
Cozy quick read! I love a little Camelot retelling and this one had all the elements of the classic story.

I felt taken out of the timeline due to dialogue but tbh it was perfect for a light read during my minimal free time. Gobbled this one up in a few short hours!
1 review
August 26, 2025
This was such a fun read! I am not too familiar with the original telling of King Author and that did not take away from the story at all. I absolutely loved the banter and how protective the MMC is.
Profile Image for Kayla Lancaster.
8 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2025
A little too modern, a little too fast and loose with the characterization of classic characters, a little too fast but also somehow a little too slow? I didn't even realize until the very end that this book was setting up a sequel, so the abrupt ending came as a shock to me. While I'm not a huge Arthur fangirl, I do have some fondness for the classic hero takes, so if you want to portray him as an irredeemable butthole, you kind of need to give us some reason other than it makes his wife's infidelity look better. I wanted to like this so, so much, and can't help but feel a little disappointed. I'd say it's good for a quick, afternoon read, but it doesn't even feel like a complete story and the characters weren't compelling to me. I skipped the "spice" as I usually do, so can't really rate that, though it seemed to happen out of nowhere and add very little to the plot or relationship progress.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.