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Guardian's Oath
GUARD THE PRINCESS. SAVE THE KINGDOM. STAY ALIVE.
Princess Talianna has gotten used to being invisible. As the only child of the royal line, she swears to become the best possible ruler for her people—even if it means no one will ever see the girl behind the crown. When fate reunites her with the knight who was once her best friend, she must hold to her promise and leave the dreams of childhood behind.
Sir Gavin of Andel has never forgotten the princess with a smile as brilliant as the sun. When he’s assigned to guard her after being separated for ten years, he swears to protect her with his life against all enemies—an oath that may prove as deadly in success as it would in failure.
They’re bound to their oaths, but fulfilling them may cause their own hearts to break.
Princess Talianna has gotten used to being invisible. As the only child of the royal line, she swears to become the best possible ruler for her people—even if it means no one will ever see the girl behind the crown. When fate reunites her with the knight who was once her best friend, she must hold to her promise and leave the dreams of childhood behind.
Sir Gavin of Andel has never forgotten the princess with a smile as brilliant as the sun. When he’s assigned to guard her after being separated for ten years, he swears to protect her with his life against all enemies—an oath that may prove as deadly in success as it would in failure.
They’re bound to their oaths, but fulfilling them may cause their own hearts to break.
152 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2026
About the author
Brigitte Cromey
10 books77 followersBrigitte Cromey has been known to daydream so heavily that a gong must be rung to retrieve her. (This annoys her family, who can never be sure if she’s actually heard what they’ve just said to her.)
When not submerged in worlds of her own making, she can be found cooking with bizarre ingredients, reading entire books in a single sitting, dressing her children up as fairies and knights, and occasionally responding to the world with kindness tainted by cynicism.
Brigitte lives in Southern Arizona with her husband and children. Should you encounter her, the kettle will always be on.
When not submerged in worlds of her own making, she can be found cooking with bizarre ingredients, reading entire books in a single sitting, dressing her children up as fairies and knights, and occasionally responding to the world with kindness tainted by cynicism.
Brigitte lives in Southern Arizona with her husband and children. Should you encounter her, the kettle will always be on.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 14, 2026
3 stars ✨ Clean Fiction - Romance Fantasy (light magic)
Let’s first appreciate that cover: stunning.
Now let’s appreciate that this book is has the princess x knight trope: wonderful.
And then appreciate the childhood-friends-to-more trope: oh, it got better!
Honestly, give me all the clean princess x knight/bodyguard books. Give me all the childhood-friends-to-more trope books. Put them together and I’ve got grabby hands reaching for my Kindle. That first trope is a hidden favorite of mine and I totally blame the protective male lead for it. These two were particularly cute together and I fully believe that they will have no problem being together beyond these pages. *add the Leo DiCaprio cheers meme here*
As some technical notes: There were some scenes head jumping at times between the main characters (mainly at the beginning) which was a little distorting. Also a bit of language. It was a bit predictable, but honestly I can’t complain too much about that because the main characters were great together. I think a few parts could have been dragged out more to add to the story’s pacing, but it is a novella so the fast pace makes sense in some ways. Overall I quite enjoyed this short book and meeting the characters. I would recommend it for ages 14+ and look forward to looking into what else this author has written.
Main Content-
Spiritual-
Gavin goes to a chapel.
Mentions of chapels & priests/an archbishop; A few mentions of prayers/praying; A mention of God.
Magic-
Talianna meets a “woodwife” (who says she’s not a witch when asked by Tali and that her grandmother was a “dryad”) and has “protections” around her home; *Spoilers* .
Some magic is seen on-page and felt (up to a few sentences).
Mentions of rumors about the woods near the palace being alive (and able to move themselves) and there being banshees and witches in the woods; Mentions of magic/sorcery; A couple mentions of luck.
Language + Negative Content-
1 ‘bastards’ (not use in it’s actual meaning), 1 ‘damning’ (in regards to evidence), 1 ‘Holy Mother’, 4 ‘Holy Lord of Light’, and an unfinished ‘what in—‘ and ‘what the—‘.
A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm; A bit of lying (for safety).
Being near-death (x2), Fighting, Be attacked/hit, Being whipped, Being held at knife-point, Being imprisoned, Being poisoned, Injuries, Major Pain, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out and being knocked out (up to a few sentences); Seeing/Witnessing all of the prior as well & believing someone to be dead (up to a few sentences); Seeing/Witnessing deaths and dead bodies in fights (up to a couple sentences).
Many mentions of fights/being attacked, weapons, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, & passing out (up to a few sentences); Many mentions of assassins, assassination attempts and plans, poisons, & threats; Mentions of possible wars & deaths; Mentions of bandits/highway men, criminals, thieves, & stealing; Mentions of prisons/jails; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of nightmares; A mention of drunks; A mention of hunting.
Other-
Talianna’s mother has an illness that has taken “her mind” and left her missing memories; A man refers to his biological father as his “real” father (compared to his step-father); Prejudice from side characters over status and gender (including thinking of women/girls as less than men/boys).
Sexual/Romance-
2 forehead kisses,
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
2 kisses lasting a few sentences.
Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Warmth, Nearness, & Smelling (up to a few sentences); Noticing (up to a couple sentences).
Mentions of someone possibly marrying a non-blood related cousin; A few mentions of kisses; A couple mentions of dresses showing bosoms.
Let’s first appreciate that cover: stunning.
Now let’s appreciate that this book is has the princess x knight trope: wonderful.
And then appreciate the childhood-friends-to-more trope: oh, it got better!
Honestly, give me all the clean princess x knight/bodyguard books. Give me all the childhood-friends-to-more trope books. Put them together and I’ve got grabby hands reaching for my Kindle. That first trope is a hidden favorite of mine and I totally blame the protective male lead for it. These two were particularly cute together and I fully believe that they will have no problem being together beyond these pages. *add the Leo DiCaprio cheers meme here*
As some technical notes: There were some scenes head jumping at times between the main characters (mainly at the beginning) which was a little distorting. Also a bit of language. It was a bit predictable, but honestly I can’t complain too much about that because the main characters were great together. I think a few parts could have been dragged out more to add to the story’s pacing, but it is a novella so the fast pace makes sense in some ways. Overall I quite enjoyed this short book and meeting the characters. I would recommend it for ages 14+ and look forward to looking into what else this author has written.
Main Content-
Spiritual-
Gavin goes to a chapel.
Mentions of chapels & priests/an archbishop; A few mentions of prayers/praying; A mention of God.
Magic-
Talianna meets a “woodwife” (who says she’s not a witch when asked by Tali and that her grandmother was a “dryad”) and has “protections” around her home; *Spoilers* .
Some magic is seen on-page and felt (up to a few sentences).
Mentions of rumors about the woods near the palace being alive (and able to move themselves) and there being banshees and witches in the woods; Mentions of magic/sorcery; A couple mentions of luck.
Language + Negative Content-
1 ‘bastards’ (not use in it’s actual meaning), 1 ‘damning’ (in regards to evidence), 1 ‘Holy Mother’, 4 ‘Holy Lord of Light’, and an unfinished ‘what in—‘ and ‘what the—‘.
A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm; A bit of lying (for safety).
Being near-death (x2), Fighting, Be attacked/hit, Being whipped, Being held at knife-point, Being imprisoned, Being poisoned, Injuries, Major Pain, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out and being knocked out (up to a few sentences); Seeing/Witnessing all of the prior as well & believing someone to be dead (up to a few sentences); Seeing/Witnessing deaths and dead bodies in fights (up to a couple sentences).
Many mentions of fights/being attacked, weapons, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, & passing out (up to a few sentences); Many mentions of assassins, assassination attempts and plans, poisons, & threats; Mentions of possible wars & deaths; Mentions of bandits/highway men, criminals, thieves, & stealing; Mentions of prisons/jails; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of nightmares; A mention of drunks; A mention of hunting.
Other-
Talianna’s mother has an illness that has taken “her mind” and left her missing memories; A man refers to his biological father as his “real” father (compared to his step-father); Prejudice from side characters over status and gender (including thinking of women/girls as less than men/boys).
Sexual/Romance-
2 forehead kisses,
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
2 kisses lasting a few sentences.
Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Warmth, Nearness, & Smelling (up to a few sentences); Noticing (up to a couple sentences).
Mentions of someone possibly marrying a non-blood related cousin; A few mentions of kisses; A couple mentions of dresses showing bosoms.
Read
July 18, 2026Let me tell you a story...
It’s December, 2011. I’m freezing my behind off in a drafty chemistry lab. Class is twice a week, three hours long, and deathly boring. So here I sit, a composition notebook sitting atop my notes. Within those pages, over a semester of equations and falling asleep with my cheek in my hand, the story of a princess hiding behind her crown and the knight sworn to defend her against all odds comes into being. Gavin and Talianna’s story released first in 2023 as the featured novella in the Crowns anthology from Quill & Flame Publishers...and now it stands on its own.
I’ve written a few more books since that winter in the chemistry lab, and this bite-size novella feels like an outlier in that list. I mean, fantasy romance? Pink roses, sunlight through leaves, and kisses in a stairwell? I'm a fantasy adventure author, for crying out loud. What happened to the bloodshed, angst, action, and high stakes…oh wait. There’s plenty of that too. (It's me, after all.)
It’s obvious now that Guardian’s Oath isn’t as much of an oddball as I first thought. We have a white knight hero, themes of being known and loved, a friends-to-lovers relationship, sacrifice, action, angst, and the overarching theme that no matter what happens, you’ll find home here.
So welcome to the ones who feel unseen. This story is for you.
It’s December, 2011. I’m freezing my behind off in a drafty chemistry lab. Class is twice a week, three hours long, and deathly boring. So here I sit, a composition notebook sitting atop my notes. Within those pages, over a semester of equations and falling asleep with my cheek in my hand, the story of a princess hiding behind her crown and the knight sworn to defend her against all odds comes into being. Gavin and Talianna’s story released first in 2023 as the featured novella in the Crowns anthology from Quill & Flame Publishers...and now it stands on its own.
I’ve written a few more books since that winter in the chemistry lab, and this bite-size novella feels like an outlier in that list. I mean, fantasy romance? Pink roses, sunlight through leaves, and kisses in a stairwell? I'm a fantasy adventure author, for crying out loud. What happened to the bloodshed, angst, action, and high stakes…oh wait. There’s plenty of that too. (It's me, after all.)
It’s obvious now that Guardian’s Oath isn’t as much of an oddball as I first thought. We have a white knight hero, themes of being known and loved, a friends-to-lovers relationship, sacrifice, action, angst, and the overarching theme that no matter what happens, you’ll find home here.
So welcome to the ones who feel unseen. This story is for you.
April 26, 2026
This book is my ultimate comfort read. It’s swoony. It’s stabby. It’s adventurous. It’s got enough intrigue to keep me engaged, and enough soft moments to feel cosy. Best of all, I can read it in an afternoon when I need a hug in book form (something I’ve done no less than five times, and no I’m not exaggerating).
Also the fact that Cromey can pack this much world building and character depth into a novella while making it feel completely natural and perfectly paced needs to be studied. It’s masterful.
Also the fact that Cromey can pack this much world building and character depth into a novella while making it feel completely natural and perfectly paced needs to be studied. It’s masterful.
June 29, 2026
hehehe, i really liked this, quality wise wasn't anything NEAR tso *cough* i was spoiled, but i still enjoyed it and i'mma let my younger sister read this one *nodnods* definitely recommenddd
February 14, 2026
review to come
February 26, 2026
I LOVE this book, first five star of the year! ⭐️ I wish it was longer, would’ve read like 200 more pages but oh what a beautiful novella! 💗 This book filled my need for reading a princess x knight fantasy story! If you want something that feels like a Disney movie but with real high stakes and a friends to lovers dynamic pick this one up! 🌷👸🏻🧚🏻♀️
Our main characters Talianna and Gavin were delightful and their banter was so good I love them so much!
The lengths that Gavin goes for her are unmatched, he sacrifices so much for her. Talianna has her walls she hides behind, trying to be a princess with a mask of stone but throughout the story Gavin is the one that helps her see who she really is inside and both of them bring out the best in each other.
The ending had me crying, this book may be short but it certainly is so impactful! 🥹 I recommend for Ages 12 and up!
👑
Content:
clean / no spice romance, poison, torture, swordplay, violence and death (non graphic) overall very clean!
Our main characters Talianna and Gavin were delightful and their banter was so good I love them so much!
The lengths that Gavin goes for her are unmatched, he sacrifices so much for her. Talianna has her walls she hides behind, trying to be a princess with a mask of stone but throughout the story Gavin is the one that helps her see who she really is inside and both of them bring out the best in each other.
The ending had me crying, this book may be short but it certainly is so impactful! 🥹 I recommend for Ages 12 and up!
👑
Content:
clean / no spice romance, poison, torture, swordplay, violence and death (non graphic) overall very clean!
March 8, 2026
I've been hit straight in the feels and I can't take it
Another fabulous story by Brigitte Cromey, 1000/10, Gavin and Tali have all my love
Another fabulous story by Brigitte Cromey, 1000/10, Gavin and Tali have all my love
April 26, 2026
Update:
Im going to try reading this again later! Maybe Valentines! That cover!!!!
While the cover is absolutely beautiful, the story itself didn't seem to grab me.
Nothing wrong with the story.
It looks like the Romantasty genre doesn't seem to agree with me anymore. Even though this one is a NOVELLA!
Im going to try reading this again later! Maybe Valentines! That cover!!!!
While the cover is absolutely beautiful, the story itself didn't seem to grab me.
Nothing wrong with the story.
It looks like the Romantasty genre doesn't seem to agree with me anymore. Even though this one is a NOVELLA!
February 15, 2026
Seen. Known. Loved.
My heart, what a story. 😭 It’s sweet and tender (childhood friends to lovers at its finest). Harrowing and heart aching. And ultimately, true and noble.
In a world of morally grey heroes, Gavin is a noble one. The stuff of legends. Like the knights of old who held to oaths of honour and integrity. Tali was a bright souled, kind hearted dear. The way she and Gavin truly made each other feel see and known was absolutely beautiful.
If you love sweet fantasy romance with rose gardens, a bodyguard x princess love story, and noble heroes who believe in sacrificial love, Brigitte knocked it out of the park. Well done, friend. 💛
My heart, what a story. 😭 It’s sweet and tender (childhood friends to lovers at its finest). Harrowing and heart aching. And ultimately, true and noble.
In a world of morally grey heroes, Gavin is a noble one. The stuff of legends. Like the knights of old who held to oaths of honour and integrity. Tali was a bright souled, kind hearted dear. The way she and Gavin truly made each other feel see and known was absolutely beautiful.
If you love sweet fantasy romance with rose gardens, a bodyguard x princess love story, and noble heroes who believe in sacrificial love, Brigitte knocked it out of the park. Well done, friend. 💛
July 26, 2026
This is such a sweet and beautiful novella! I can’t put into words how much I love this little book. This sweet romance was such a beautiful reminder that you aren’t truly invisible and those who matter will see you for who you truly are. This was my first book by Brigitte Cromey, and it most certainly won’t be my last! I imagine I will be thinking about this book for a long time, and I can’t wait to revisit this princess and her knight.
August 27, 2026
This is objectively not a well-written book but 1 star is too harsh lol. Its biggest weakness is not even its short length, but how VAGUE it is. Like genuinely I don't think the name of the country it's based in is named even once. Basically no backstory is given on anything. You know almost nothing of anything except what is taking place in that moment. Sigh.
August 22, 2026
The writing was excellent but the character pov and scene transitions were too choppy for me to be able to finish the book.
April 29, 2026
2.5 ⭐️⭐️
So this book was only like 150 pages or something so I didn’t feel like I had enough time to get to know the characters.
It wasn’t a bad book I js wasn’t feeling it at the time
Content:
Language: none
Romance: just kisses
Violence: pretty violent but not extremely graphic
So this book was only like 150 pages or something so I didn’t feel like I had enough time to get to know the characters.
It wasn’t a bad book I js wasn’t feeling it at the time
Content:
Language: none
Romance: just kisses
Violence: pretty violent but not extremely graphic
August 23, 2026
Prefer it to Dickerson. Which is a shame as this is, as far as I know, Brigitte's first published work? Maybe?
Either way.
Very simple, sweet. Cuts to the point, not sweaty and gross and... just bleck. Yeah. Thats not this story.
The pacing, plot and characters are consistent enough that I was engrossed all the way through.
Plot twists do come largely by surprise, not a whole ton of foreshadowing used and thats my biggest gripe.
A certain Dukes involvement could have been clearer somehow... Same with a forest thing that happens at the end. Just a couple added lines would Iron it out, I think. I don't know that for sure but thats what I observed.
The Ancestry/blood ties would have been interesting to talk about earlier on as well.
Its not TSO or Fates Defiant... But Im happy.
Either way.
Very simple, sweet. Cuts to the point, not sweaty and gross and... just bleck. Yeah. Thats not this story.
The pacing, plot and characters are consistent enough that I was engrossed all the way through.
Plot twists do come largely by surprise, not a whole ton of foreshadowing used and thats my biggest gripe.
A certain Dukes involvement could have been clearer somehow... Same with a forest thing that happens at the end. Just a couple added lines would Iron it out, I think. I don't know that for sure but thats what I observed.
The Ancestry/blood ties would have been interesting to talk about earlier on as well.
Its not TSO or Fates Defiant... But Im happy.
February 18, 2026
What a sweet story! I loved the classic princess x her knight vibes within it. I was craving a fantasy tale with some of the more "traditional" fantasy elements this week, and this definitely hit the spot!
July 4, 2026
This was a fun book! There was a good plot line, and the characters were sweet, I just wish it was longer. <3
May 29, 2026
👑🌸💗 This is EXACTLY what I needed to cleanse my palette while in a reading slump. I would 100% recommend this novella to someone who hasn't read a book in a while and also happens to love romance!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews