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Faire Match
Lilian Brody is ready to take charge of her life. After years stuck in rural Kansas—no career, no boyfriend, no escape plan—she’s desperate for a fresh start. When the chance to sell used books at her local Renaissance Faire falls into her lap, she does the she says yes.
The only problem? The Faire’s resident tyrant.
Hawk Carlisle may have family ties to the king and queen, but he despises the faire and rules the grounds with an iron fist. Still, Hawk has a knack for turning failing ventures into “huzzah”-worthy successes—so when Lilian asks for help, she’s shocked when he agrees. Even more shocking? The man behind the scowl isn’t the monster everyone claims. In fact, he just might be her knight in shining armor… er, cargo pants.
But faire life isn’t all mead and merriment.
Between juggling her new business, her growing attraction to Hawk, and the risk of losing it all, Lilian learns that chasing what you want most can either make or break your heart.
An enemies-to-lovers office rom-com… set at a Renaissance Faire. Expect pun-filled banter, innuendos, turkey legs, and more than a few swoony surprises
The only problem? The Faire’s resident tyrant.
Hawk Carlisle may have family ties to the king and queen, but he despises the faire and rules the grounds with an iron fist. Still, Hawk has a knack for turning failing ventures into “huzzah”-worthy successes—so when Lilian asks for help, she’s shocked when he agrees. Even more shocking? The man behind the scowl isn’t the monster everyone claims. In fact, he just might be her knight in shining armor… er, cargo pants.
But faire life isn’t all mead and merriment.
Between juggling her new business, her growing attraction to Hawk, and the risk of losing it all, Lilian learns that chasing what you want most can either make or break your heart.
An enemies-to-lovers office rom-com… set at a Renaissance Faire. Expect pun-filled banter, innuendos, turkey legs, and more than a few swoony surprises
- GenresRomance
461 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
About the author
Maria Shield
6 books95 followersMaria Shield writes adult fantasy, romance, and science fiction. She was raised in Kansas but has since lived all over the world, from Korea to Japan, finally ending up in her current location in Hawaii with her husband and pets. She is passionate about Japanese culture, ancient history, and feminist activism.
She also loves helping other writers find their communities and sharing craft tips and tricks. This often means she’s participating in a critique group somewhere or starting one herself.
When she isn’t writing, Maria can often be found doing the 3 R’s: Reading, Running, and Researching.
She also loves helping other writers find their communities and sharing craft tips and tricks. This often means she’s participating in a critique group somewhere or starting one herself.
When she isn’t writing, Maria can often be found doing the 3 R’s: Reading, Running, and Researching.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 4, 2026
3,5⭐️
Loved the faire vibes, the writing made me feel like I was actually right there with the characters. Lilan and Hawk were a lovely couple, but I sometimes didn‘t quite get their infatuation with each other. Maybe first and dual pov would‘ve helped me really get their connection. Still lovely. 💛
Loved the faire vibes, the writing made me feel like I was actually right there with the characters. Lilan and Hawk were a lovely couple, but I sometimes didn‘t quite get their infatuation with each other. Maybe first and dual pov would‘ve helped me really get their connection. Still lovely. 💛
June 17, 2026
Okay, I think this is my first ever review on GoodReads (I will not be fact checking that) and whew boy, where to start?
So first and foremost, I DO judge a book by the cover and the cover of Faire Match had me intrigued. I’m a big fan of renaissance faires and add in the Midwest representation? I was sold. Then, I read the actual synopsis and…..glee. Literal, giddy, glee.
Starting off the story, we meet Lilian who is in her late twenties and (technically) living with her parents and questioning what she’s doing with her life #relatable. She has a degree in English, but was working remote in an unrelated field due to the scarcity of jobs. She ends up quitting that job when her mother is diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, so that she can help her. I thought the author did a really great job of highlighting the complex emotions associated with becoming the caretaker for a sick parent (and the quarter life crisis) without letting it become the main focus of the story.
This is where we really start to get into the faire. We learn that Lilian and her friend have been involved in the faire for years as attendees and volunteers. This year though? This year, Lilian has decided to open a bookstore (the aptly named Bodice and Brawn Bookshop) at the faire. Umm THIS IS SUCH A GOOD IDEA!!!!!!! I need this in the real world like I need air.
The bookstore does well the first weekend (Because it’s a great idea!!!!) and Lilian is excited, but then things stall out. Thankfully, that’s when our MMC comes in. Hawk (His literal name - I keep calling him Hawk Tuah in my head) is the son of the faire’s founders and is decidedly NOT a faire person. He has a background in business and accounting and spends a majority of the book running around in slutty little polos with a metal clipboard. Buuuuut Lilian is like “okay, can you help me make this bookstore better?” and thus, the business bitch is born.
Hawk and Lilian work together to make the Bodice and Brawn storefront successful, in addition to the bookstore her mom owns called Ten Cents Books. Lilian comes up with some creative ways to improve and market her stall at the faire and that honestly kept my interest the most.
This is a rom-com so of course, there are plenty of swoony moments (Hawk as the Raven King??? 🤤) and some moments that had me internally laughing (and actually laughing out loud a few times). At one point, I genuinely shouted “Yessssss” when a certain someone got a fist to the face. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the next in the series!!
I did notice a few editing errors in my copy (For example in Chapter 6, Jude Deveraux’s name was misspelled). I’m going to blame it on Bezos and the fact that I read via Kindle, but hoping to pick up a physical copy soon and curious if that will show up in a physical book too. They weren’t huge deals, but did pull me out of the book a bit. All in all, I was still a fan of this book and author!
So first and foremost, I DO judge a book by the cover and the cover of Faire Match had me intrigued. I’m a big fan of renaissance faires and add in the Midwest representation? I was sold. Then, I read the actual synopsis and…..glee. Literal, giddy, glee.
Starting off the story, we meet Lilian who is in her late twenties and (technically) living with her parents and questioning what she’s doing with her life #relatable. She has a degree in English, but was working remote in an unrelated field due to the scarcity of jobs. She ends up quitting that job when her mother is diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, so that she can help her. I thought the author did a really great job of highlighting the complex emotions associated with becoming the caretaker for a sick parent (and the quarter life crisis) without letting it become the main focus of the story.
This is where we really start to get into the faire. We learn that Lilian and her friend have been involved in the faire for years as attendees and volunteers. This year though? This year, Lilian has decided to open a bookstore (the aptly named Bodice and Brawn Bookshop) at the faire. Umm THIS IS SUCH A GOOD IDEA!!!!!!! I need this in the real world like I need air.
The bookstore does well the first weekend (Because it’s a great idea!!!!) and Lilian is excited, but then things stall out. Thankfully, that’s when our MMC comes in. Hawk (His literal name - I keep calling him Hawk Tuah in my head) is the son of the faire’s founders and is decidedly NOT a faire person. He has a background in business and accounting and spends a majority of the book running around in slutty little polos with a metal clipboard. Buuuuut Lilian is like “okay, can you help me make this bookstore better?” and thus, the business bitch is born.
Hawk and Lilian work together to make the Bodice and Brawn storefront successful, in addition to the bookstore her mom owns called Ten Cents Books. Lilian comes up with some creative ways to improve and market her stall at the faire and that honestly kept my interest the most.
This is a rom-com so of course, there are plenty of swoony moments (Hawk as the Raven King??? 🤤) and some moments that had me internally laughing (and actually laughing out loud a few times). At one point, I genuinely shouted “Yessssss” when a certain someone got a fist to the face. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the next in the series!!
I did notice a few editing errors in my copy (For example in Chapter 6, Jude Deveraux’s name was misspelled). I’m going to blame it on Bezos and the fact that I read via Kindle, but hoping to pick up a physical copy soon and curious if that will show up in a physical book too. They weren’t huge deals, but did pull me out of the book a bit. All in all, I was still a fan of this book and author!
May 28, 2026
I just finished reading Faire Match by Maria Shield last night. Bookstores and RenFaires--two of my favorite things! So when they're combine? Ms Shield had me right from the get-go. Also, with my wife being a breast cancer survivor, the book resonated even more.
The RenFaire setting was spot on, and the characters excellently drawn. I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope, and this was right up there with the best. Also grumpy-cat vs golden retriever, well done. It was fun to watch the two MCs dancing around their feelings and each other through the entire story. The killer turkey leg was a fun twist. In fact, this entire story was full of surprises and twists, in a very good way.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment of the Heartland RenFaire series.
The RenFaire setting was spot on, and the characters excellently drawn. I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope, and this was right up there with the best. Also grumpy-cat vs golden retriever, well done. It was fun to watch the two MCs dancing around their feelings and each other through the entire story. The killer turkey leg was a fun twist. In fact, this entire story was full of surprises and twists, in a very good way.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment of the Heartland RenFaire series.
September 11, 2026
Ohhhh myyyy goodness. 😭
I adored this book. I adored the mash of tropes - enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, a little “only one bed” thrown in for good measure. The whimsy & the romance literally had me squealing with glee. SQUEALING. It made me want to just LIVE at the ren faire.
The onlyyy reason this book didn’t get a perfect five stars was because of minor continuity & grammar/spelling errors that took me out of the story. But my goodness. I still wish I could curl up in the safety of this book forever.
I adored this book. I adored the mash of tropes - enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, a little “only one bed” thrown in for good measure. The whimsy & the romance literally had me squealing with glee. SQUEALING. It made me want to just LIVE at the ren faire.
The onlyyy reason this book didn’t get a perfect five stars was because of minor continuity & grammar/spelling errors that took me out of the story. But my goodness. I still wish I could curl up in the safety of this book forever.
September 25, 2026
Faire Match is a fun and charming romance with a refreshing Renaissance Faire setting. I really enjoyed Lilian and Hawk’s chemistry, especially their playful banter and enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The bookstore storyline added an extra layer of warmth and made the story even more enjoyable. It’s a light, entertaining read with humour, romance, and plenty of swoony moments.
July 14, 2026
I saw this book on display at Under the Cover and immediately needed it, and I am so glad I did!
It was so incredibly cute. I loooove a Ren Faire romance. I also love the idea of a romance bookstore at a Ren Faire. That has so much potential and I wish the KC one would let that happen.
Hawk is such a grumpy grump man and Lillian is such a sunshine, hopeful go-getter.
I love that Hawk is willing to help her get the store unstuck and build more hype around it. He really does care about the faire and wants to see everyone succeed, especially a cute girl who runs the bookstore.
My Fav Tropes
🩷 Ren Faire
🩷 Workplace Romance
🩷 Save The Bookshop
It was so incredibly cute. I loooove a Ren Faire romance. I also love the idea of a romance bookstore at a Ren Faire. That has so much potential and I wish the KC one would let that happen.
Hawk is such a grumpy grump man and Lillian is such a sunshine, hopeful go-getter.
I love that Hawk is willing to help her get the store unstuck and build more hype around it. He really does care about the faire and wants to see everyone succeed, especially a cute girl who runs the bookstore.
My Fav Tropes
🩷 Ren Faire
🩷 Workplace Romance
🩷 Save The Bookshop
September 7, 2026
Ok so super cute. Highly recommend reading during ren fest season. I LOVE this spin on a contemporary romance. It has its own whimsical magic to it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews