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Her Valiant Maiden
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2026
About the author
Mariah Rae Birch
5 books101 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 22, 2026
disability rep. chronic pain rep. bitch rep. asymmetrical boob rep. what more could you want
May 12, 2026
3.25 ⭐
April 29, 2026
Her Valiant Maiden is the fourth in the series and can be read as a standalone, which I did.
Two female knights, one princess, and a trip to another kingdom that goes horribly wrong make for a fun and engaging read. Sir Wren and Sir Lavinia, the two MCs, are cleverly written and work brilliantly together, with banter that is as entertaining as the fight scenes between them, and a growing attraction that is impossible to miss. The world-building was easy to follow, and Rodney, the baby dragon, absolutely deserves a special mention.
This is a new to me author which I will be reading more of the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Two female knights, one princess, and a trip to another kingdom that goes horribly wrong make for a fun and engaging read. Sir Wren and Sir Lavinia, the two MCs, are cleverly written and work brilliantly together, with banter that is as entertaining as the fight scenes between them, and a growing attraction that is impossible to miss. The world-building was easy to follow, and Rodney, the baby dragon, absolutely deserves a special mention.
This is a new to me author which I will be reading more of the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 13, 2026
I feel like I have just got another grandchild, that is how much I love this series. This series is so special to me and I am SO happy it has continued past the original three, the overarching story is SO intriguing and to be able to fit that in along with the individual storyline on top of the romance? AMAZING, a true masterpiece in my books.
This book in particular is about two female knights, Lavinia and Wren, returning to Glea after an ambush during an attempt to escorting the princess to a neighboring kingdom to meet her future wife. Everyone else in the ambush is presumed dead, including Lavinias long time best friend Morgan. Sir Wren and Sir Lavinia are left with one horse and a bag of money to somehow safely transport the princess and her pet dragon Rodney home. Let’s just say they don’t start on the best footing, with both knights fighting for control and leadership, as well as the young princess’ trust and favor, but as time goes on they learn that they both only want the best for the princess and each other, but they just have different ways of showing it.
The basically instant bond Sir Wren and Princess Iris share is so sweet, it was sort of sisterly, definitely familial, Sir Wren had respect for the princess and was professional but at the same time always spoke to her like a person, like she and her opinions mattered. It was almost like Sir Wren was the good cop and Sir Lavinia was the bad cop, as much as she hated that. I did love how Sir Lavinia softened as the story progressed, but kept her fierce protectiveness at the same time. I loved how the princess noticed and tried to stop any issues between the two knights, the whole trio (and Rodney) were so cute and literally like such a cute family, it was adorable.
Moving on to the romance, I LOVED IT, honestly I love how we are on book four of this sapphic knight series, but literally every single one is so different and new, I LOVED THIS ONE, seeing two super strong knights just melt and yearn so much for each other was everything. The slow burn was so cute too, the will they won’t they, the whole thing, the nervousness, it was just so beautiful, they were sort of literally like two nervous teenagers, reading scene just felt so smiley and happy, they were just so soft for each other it was just adorable.
ANOTHER THING!! I loved how the princess has been planned to marry a girl, that would NEVER happen in real life and it was SO COOL! Iris just talking so casually about what her future wife will like or not like, like the whole situation is a normal thing, I LOVED IT, such a little thing like that means so much to some people, and I love how it was so normal in the book, the sapphicness has never been a big deal really and that is so important and cool and amazing and I am very grateful for it. I loved this book and t love the series. again so so grateful for it!
This book in particular is about two female knights, Lavinia and Wren, returning to Glea after an ambush during an attempt to escorting the princess to a neighboring kingdom to meet her future wife. Everyone else in the ambush is presumed dead, including Lavinias long time best friend Morgan. Sir Wren and Sir Lavinia are left with one horse and a bag of money to somehow safely transport the princess and her pet dragon Rodney home. Let’s just say they don’t start on the best footing, with both knights fighting for control and leadership, as well as the young princess’ trust and favor, but as time goes on they learn that they both only want the best for the princess and each other, but they just have different ways of showing it.
The basically instant bond Sir Wren and Princess Iris share is so sweet, it was sort of sisterly, definitely familial, Sir Wren had respect for the princess and was professional but at the same time always spoke to her like a person, like she and her opinions mattered. It was almost like Sir Wren was the good cop and Sir Lavinia was the bad cop, as much as she hated that. I did love how Sir Lavinia softened as the story progressed, but kept her fierce protectiveness at the same time. I loved how the princess noticed and tried to stop any issues between the two knights, the whole trio (and Rodney) were so cute and literally like such a cute family, it was adorable.
Moving on to the romance, I LOVED IT, honestly I love how we are on book four of this sapphic knight series, but literally every single one is so different and new, I LOVED THIS ONE, seeing two super strong knights just melt and yearn so much for each other was everything. The slow burn was so cute too, the will they won’t they, the whole thing, the nervousness, it was just so beautiful, they were sort of literally like two nervous teenagers, reading scene just felt so smiley and happy, they were just so soft for each other it was just adorable.
ANOTHER THING!! I loved how the princess has been planned to marry a girl, that would NEVER happen in real life and it was SO COOL! Iris just talking so casually about what her future wife will like or not like, like the whole situation is a normal thing, I LOVED IT, such a little thing like that means so much to some people, and I love how it was so normal in the book, the sapphicness has never been a big deal really and that is so important and cool and amazing and I am very grateful for it. I loved this book and t love the series. again so so grateful for it!
April 20, 2026
More lady knights! And this time, is a knight x knight pairing, on a mission to protect their princess and bring her to safety. There is solid disability rep again, and the princess and her dragon are both adorable, adding to the charm of the book. Lavinia and Wren have intensity between them right from the start, and seeing them heal and get closer was wonderful, and in case it isn't obvious, I really enjoyed the book! It's a great story, developing the kingdom of Glea some more, and hinting at possible books to come.
April 18, 2026
I think this is, so far, my favourite installment of this series. I adore Sir Wren and it's fun to watch someone fall in love with a prickly person and accept this person wholeheartedly instead of trying to change her. And Princess Iris is such an adorable support character with her little menace of a dragon. It was a fun read and I'm sure that people who like to read fairytales and are into sapphic lady knights will love it.
April 26, 2026
I was given this book complimentary from Book Sirens in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
This is a classic fairytale full of characters we know and love - The princess, the queen, the villain and the valiant knight (two in this case). The fairytale in this case is more the sapphic romance between the two knights, both as prickly as porcupines but kinda endearing in there own ways (especially to each other). The romanced is paced nicely, heats up at the right times and is not gratuitous.
The only criticism I have is that while I know this is a fairy tale and not epic fantasy and this is the way of fairy tales but there are a lot of things introduced that go nowhere and as this is a standalone novel there will be no closure.
The book is #4 in a series but is totally standalone. This is the first book I have read from this author but if this is a typical example the rest of the series will be well worth reading. If you have a long flight or a beach vacation you could have a lot worse companions than this book.
This is a classic fairytale full of characters we know and love - The princess, the queen, the villain and the valiant knight (two in this case). The fairytale in this case is more the sapphic romance between the two knights, both as prickly as porcupines but kinda endearing in there own ways (especially to each other). The romanced is paced nicely, heats up at the right times and is not gratuitous.
The only criticism I have is that while I know this is a fairy tale and not epic fantasy and this is the way of fairy tales but there are a lot of things introduced that go nowhere and as this is a standalone novel there will be no closure.
The book is #4 in a series but is totally standalone. This is the first book I have read from this author but if this is a typical example the rest of the series will be well worth reading. If you have a long flight or a beach vacation you could have a lot worse companions than this book.
April 18, 2026
Two female knights and a princess to save
The Sapphic Knights series is full of addictive reads: well crafted, well-written and great romances which I didn‘t want to put down. Her Valiant Maiden is a worthy addition: a slow-burn and a princess and queendom rescued.
There are harsh circumstances: Sir Lavinia is the leading knight to escort the crown princess of Glea to their neighbor kingdom. Ambushed and losing everyone but one, unknown knight, she needs to bring the princess home to safety.
Birch very convincingly reveals the character of these two knights: Lavinia who is prickly on the outside, but loyal and competent inside, and Wren called the Beast of Broadmoore, withdrawn because of her disfiguration and social status. This is the foundation for a lovely slow-burn. Add to this the flight across the mountains, the constant threat to the princess and … a precocious dragon.
I was glad to see that at the end the door (literally) opens for a new adventure in this series. Can‘t wait for it.
I received an ARC via booksirens. The review is left voluntarily.
The Sapphic Knights series is full of addictive reads: well crafted, well-written and great romances which I didn‘t want to put down. Her Valiant Maiden is a worthy addition: a slow-burn and a princess and queendom rescued.
There are harsh circumstances: Sir Lavinia is the leading knight to escort the crown princess of Glea to their neighbor kingdom. Ambushed and losing everyone but one, unknown knight, she needs to bring the princess home to safety.
Birch very convincingly reveals the character of these two knights: Lavinia who is prickly on the outside, but loyal and competent inside, and Wren called the Beast of Broadmoore, withdrawn because of her disfiguration and social status. This is the foundation for a lovely slow-burn. Add to this the flight across the mountains, the constant threat to the princess and … a precocious dragon.
I was glad to see that at the end the door (literally) opens for a new adventure in this series. Can‘t wait for it.
I received an ARC via booksirens. The review is left voluntarily.
May 10, 2026
Thank you to the author, their team and to BookSirens for the ARC
Personal Rating: 3.25/5
I enjoyed the concept, interesting characters and obviously loved Rodney
The princes felt a little too childish for the age described, she could have been written better
And a lot of cliche tropes were used like the MCs pretending to be a couple, pressures of high society and its expectations, assasination/takover attempts of rule etc.
The plot was mostly predictable, nevertheless engaging in its course
I would conclude that its a good representation of its sub-genre
Criteria based rating
1. Emotional depth/description: 3/5
2. Characters' weight/nuances: 3.5/5
3. Realism/Believability: 3/5
4. Re-readability: 2.5/5
5. Plot/Structure/Storytelling: 3/5
Calculated average: 3/5
Personal Rating: 3.25/5
I enjoyed the concept, interesting characters and obviously loved Rodney
The princes felt a little too childish for the age described, she could have been written better
And a lot of cliche tropes were used like the MCs pretending to be a couple, pressures of high society and its expectations, assasination/takover attempts of rule etc.
The plot was mostly predictable, nevertheless engaging in its course
I would conclude that its a good representation of its sub-genre
Criteria based rating
1. Emotional depth/description: 3/5
2. Characters' weight/nuances: 3.5/5
3. Realism/Believability: 3/5
4. Re-readability: 2.5/5
5. Plot/Structure/Storytelling: 3/5
Calculated average: 3/5
April 12, 2026
🌿Thank you so much, Mariah, for giving me the honor of being a beta reader for this magnificent book!🌿
✨✨✨ Spoilers ✨✨✨
I loved this book so much! Wren and Lavinia were so much fun together, and the princess is so funny and adorable, especially the way she cares about Wren.
I felt so bad for Lavinia and the emotional shield she carries because of her past. And Wren… my heart broke for her too. The way she sees herself and believes that her injury makes her scary 😭
My babies 😭 I just want to hug them and comfort them!!!
The characters are so relatable, and I got completely pulled into the story. It’s so engaging, and I loved how they set a trap for that disgusting man 🗣️🔥
Also, Rodney hoarding things and them buying him gold jewelry??? I can’t 😭😭😭
✨✨✨ Spoilers ✨✨✨
I loved this book so much! Wren and Lavinia were so much fun together, and the princess is so funny and adorable, especially the way she cares about Wren.
I felt so bad for Lavinia and the emotional shield she carries because of her past. And Wren… my heart broke for her too. The way she sees herself and believes that her injury makes her scary 😭
My babies 😭 I just want to hug them and comfort them!!!
The characters are so relatable, and I got completely pulled into the story. It’s so engaging, and I loved how they set a trap for that disgusting man 🗣️🔥
Also, Rodney hoarding things and them buying him gold jewelry??? I can’t 😭😭😭
May 11, 2026
I will read every Sapphic Lady Knight story that Mariah Rae writes. I love seeing the representation in her stories of all kinds. Birch doesn’t leave any group out.
I particularly enjoyed this story because of its disdain to lovers theme. They’re not really enemies but they weren’t friends either. I also like how Lavinia and Wren are overcoming their own insecurities. Both characters struggle with their confidence in their appearance and have a past they don’t like to talk about.
I always like how the romance in Birch’s books feels like the main plot even though there’s so much more happening. I’m excited to read more and note the crossover from the other books!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I particularly enjoyed this story because of its disdain to lovers theme. They’re not really enemies but they weren’t friends either. I also like how Lavinia and Wren are overcoming their own insecurities. Both characters struggle with their confidence in their appearance and have a past they don’t like to talk about.
I always like how the romance in Birch’s books feels like the main plot even though there’s so much more happening. I’m excited to read more and note the crossover from the other books!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2026
I don't think I'll ever be able to read enough of this series so when I saw it was finally out I RAN to get a copy (and ended up being able to grab an ARC, so I'm even more grateful for the chance to read!) Of the four this is easily my favourite too (I mean come on, strong knights, and a sapphic romance. Yeah. That's everything I want 😌)
Wren and Lavinia are both really well written and I love their growth (especially Lavinia's throughout the book). And of course the romance... it's really really sweet and I enjoyed every bit of this book.
Wren and Lavinia are both really well written and I love their growth (especially Lavinia's throughout the book). And of course the romance... it's really really sweet and I enjoyed every bit of this book.
May 9, 2026
They just keep getting better
I love this installment in the Lady Knight series. It was wonderfully charming with dynamic characters that feel relatable in so many ways. I love that Birch always makes magic in these worlds feel so normal.
I loved Lavinia and Wren's banter and sarcasm with eachother, it always left me giggling and rolling my eyes at them (in a good way). I greatly look forward to the next Lady Knight book. Thank you Birch for creating such a wonderful series that gives me faith in story telling again.
I love this installment in the Lady Knight series. It was wonderfully charming with dynamic characters that feel relatable in so many ways. I love that Birch always makes magic in these worlds feel so normal.
I loved Lavinia and Wren's banter and sarcasm with eachother, it always left me giggling and rolling my eyes at them (in a good way). I greatly look forward to the next Lady Knight book. Thank you Birch for creating such a wonderful series that gives me faith in story telling again.
May 12, 2026
This story had me at the beginning. I would have finished it in one sitting but my eyes (dry eye syndrome) couldn't hold out. Lady Knights protecting a young princess, impatience vs patience and a thankful surprise in the hea plus a sweet baby dragon. I'm thinking a sequel may be in the future by the ending.🤞 Deserving of a rare five star by me. Will be getting the previous three stand-alones.
Received ARC copy.
Received ARC copy.
April 25, 2026
Two knights are better then one
A good edition to the series. Grumpy x Grumpy was a fun pairing. They are my favorite couple of the series so far. I did miss a little mention of the magic in this world. I think its so unique in its concept that I always want more of it. But still, I loved this story and characters alot.
SPOLIER
Hopefully the next book will be about Sir Morgan!
A good edition to the series. Grumpy x Grumpy was a fun pairing. They are my favorite couple of the series so far. I did miss a little mention of the magic in this world. I think its so unique in its concept that I always want more of it. But still, I loved this story and characters alot.
SPOLIER
Hopefully the next book will be about Sir Morgan!
April 19, 2026
This is my favorite book in this series so far! I love that both knights have to learn to be vulnerable with eachother, but once they do their chemistry is off the charts.
April 21, 2026
another enjoyable adventure
I liked the antagonistic enemies to lovers trope, and these two were very amusing. I think this is my favorite of the series so far.
I liked the antagonistic enemies to lovers trope, and these two were very amusing. I think this is my favorite of the series so far.
April 24, 2026
I do believe this one is my favorite Lady Knight story so far! Two Lady Knights, Adventure, Romance, Plotting and mystery. MRB never fails to amaze.
April 30, 2026
My favorite of the series! I need another one 😭 like for today
May 9, 2026
god i love this series so much, every single one is incredible, never stop writing!!!!!
April 29, 2026
This book is a fantastic, quick sapphic read. When reading this book, it took me through all the highs and lows of both characters. If you are looking for a book about a one-sided rivalry with a fantastic mystery component, I would recommend this book. I really appreciate that in this world, sapphic relationships are a part of the norm. I can't say enough about how this book truly boosted my mood as I followed these characters through their journey to one another.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews