What do you think?
Rate this book
Eldentimber #1
Pippa of Lauramore
This is a previously-published edition - ISBN13: 9781523737376
Act like a lady. Don’t swim in the waterfall. And whatever you do, never steal into the woods for a romantic, moonlit ride.
For as long as Pippa can remember, she’s looked forward to her eighteenth birthday. The number represents freedom—and the end of her boring lessons with dreary tutors. Unfortunately for the princess, it’s also the age she is expected to marry Lionel, the stern prince of Vernow.
Eager to escape her future with the Lionel, Pippa convinces her Father to hold a traditional marriage tournament. Thirty men travel to Lauramore to compete, including Galinor, the dark-haired, blue-eyed prince of Glendon.
Galinor is everything Pippa dreams a prince can be. He’s handsome and strong, virtuous and true. Immediately smitten, Pippa decides she will do everything in her power to ensure Galinor wins the tournament—even if she must convince her friend Archer to win it for him.
Dragons and fairies, poison and lies—Pippa will let nothing stand between her and Galinor’s future.
But despite how well the tournament begins, Pippa may soon learn even the right prince can be the wrong man.
"You look lost in thought," Galinor says, a soft smile on his perfect lips.
"Have you ever wanted something you shouldn't—couldn't—have?"
My hair is falling from its braid. He winds a golden strand around his finger until the gold is completely covered by dark red. He looks up, his face serious. "I want you."
I feel myself blush, and a smile comes unbidden to my face. "But you can have me. That's the whole point of the tournament."
"I don't think I should. I won't lie—you terrify me, Pippa."
I take a deep breath. "Then why do you fight for me?"
He leans close to my ear. "Because I can't help myself."
A giggle escapes, and I have to bite my lip. I could be happy with Galinor, I really could.
My gaze wanders to Archer. His jaw is hard, and there's fire in his eyes. He pretends not to notice us, but I saw how he looked away when I glanced up.
Perhaps I could be happy with Galinor, but only if I can forget that look in Archer's eyes.
Act like a lady. Don’t swim in the waterfall. And whatever you do, never steal into the woods for a romantic, moonlit ride.
For as long as Pippa can remember, she’s looked forward to her eighteenth birthday. The number represents freedom—and the end of her boring lessons with dreary tutors. Unfortunately for the princess, it’s also the age she is expected to marry Lionel, the stern prince of Vernow.
Eager to escape her future with the Lionel, Pippa convinces her Father to hold a traditional marriage tournament. Thirty men travel to Lauramore to compete, including Galinor, the dark-haired, blue-eyed prince of Glendon.
Galinor is everything Pippa dreams a prince can be. He’s handsome and strong, virtuous and true. Immediately smitten, Pippa decides she will do everything in her power to ensure Galinor wins the tournament—even if she must convince her friend Archer to win it for him.
Dragons and fairies, poison and lies—Pippa will let nothing stand between her and Galinor’s future.
But despite how well the tournament begins, Pippa may soon learn even the right prince can be the wrong man.
"You look lost in thought," Galinor says, a soft smile on his perfect lips.
"Have you ever wanted something you shouldn't—couldn't—have?"
My hair is falling from its braid. He winds a golden strand around his finger until the gold is completely covered by dark red. He looks up, his face serious. "I want you."
I feel myself blush, and a smile comes unbidden to my face. "But you can have me. That's the whole point of the tournament."
"I don't think I should. I won't lie—you terrify me, Pippa."
I take a deep breath. "Then why do you fight for me?"
He leans close to my ear. "Because I can't help myself."
A giggle escapes, and I have to bite my lip. I could be happy with Galinor, I really could.
My gaze wanders to Archer. His jaw is hard, and there's fire in his eyes. He pretends not to notice us, but I saw how he looked away when I glanced up.
Perhaps I could be happy with Galinor, but only if I can forget that look in Archer's eyes.
402 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2015
614 people are currently reading
2981 people want to read
About the author
Shari L. Tapscott
68 books912 followersShari L. Tapscott writes young adult fantasy and humorous contemporary fiction. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing.
She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Join Shari's newsletter, and be one of the first to learn about new projects, upcoming releases, sales, and specials.
She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Join Shari's newsletter, and be one of the first to learn about new projects, upcoming releases, sales, and specials.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
March 24, 2025
around 3.5 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Fantasy
Okay, you know what? That was pretty fun. It felt very classic YA, but that’s not always a bad thing in my eyes.
Pippa is trouble in a mischievous-making-her-parents-grey-before-their-time kind of way. I feel like that kind of character is 50/50 on me liking her or being annoyed by her, but I ended up *mostly* liking her and her bubbly and mischievous ways—though she was very reckless at times. If you told me you didn’t like her, I would honestly understand. However, she reminded me of a YA main character—which she was down to the sneaking off and not getting in trouble for it to the defending herself against a deadly creature—so I wasn’t expecting her to make the best decisions. She had an almost dry wit about her and because it came through so well with the first person POV, I found myself smirking at times. I do think that if I knew her in person she would drive me absolutely batty, though.
Unlike a bunch of other fairytale series I’ve read (or am in the middle of) where the first book of the series starts with a competition for a prince’s hand and we meet all the princesses of the various kingdoms, in this book it’s a competition for a princess’ hand and we meet all the princes of the various kingdoms. I actually really liked that difference and it’s going to make this book stand out to me when thinking of all the fairytale books I’ve read. Now, mind you, this technically isn’t a fairytale retelling series. A bummer in my opinion about that, but it definitely felt like one because of the setting, plot, and all the young royals.
She had an enchanted purity ring. Somehow in all of the books I’ve read I’ve never seen that one before. This might sound bad, but I don’t know whether to be horrified or impressed by the thought of this. It added some tension between the concern of it being tarnished (which, by the way, ouch, but a decent representation of it, I suppose) and her wanting to kiss the man she loves anyway. It was more for her being physically pure, I would say because she did think about kissing her fellow a few times and that didn’t seem to affect it.
There was one comment that I’m not sure if it was supposed to be a sexual innuendo or not. It feels out of place for the rest of the book, so I lean towards no, but it definitely could have been implied.
Lionel was a class-A jerk and I’m honestly shocked he’ll appear again as I snooped to see who the next books in this series are about. Meh to seeing him again. 😒
Overall, I liked different elements of this book and it reminded me somewhat of “Just Ella” by Annette K. Larsen (which that one had way more angst and I personally liked better, but they both had a YA feel and the forbidden love trope so I think that’s why it felt a bit similar). I do plan to continue this series—mainly I want to see Marigold and then Irving as well again.
Main Content-
Very little magic content with there being Pippa’s enchanted purity ring & mentions of fantasy creates like dragons, fairies, ogres, and other made-up ones; Pippa meets a group of fairies and one shrinks her down to their size; *Spoiler* .
Mentions of people being wicked and wicked smiles (some are more mischievous); A couple mentions of Pippa being blessed by a fairy as a baby; A mention of Pippa saying a prayer (but towards Who is not mentioned); A mention of something being a family curse (the women getting headaches, but I’m not sure if it is actually a curse or just someone saying it); A mention of breathing spells for diving into a lake; A mention of a boar squealing like a “demon creature”.
No language stronger than “bloody”, “idiot”, “shut up”, and “stupid”; A few mentions of curses (said, not written; Pippa also wants to curse because of pain at one point); Eye rolling & Sarcasm;
Fighting (including fighting deadly fantasy creatures), Holding someone at knife-point, Being attacked by fantasy creatures, Being held at knife- and arrow-point, Being kidnapped and drugged, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, Getting stitches, & Passing out (up to a handful of sentences); Seeing other attacked, fighting, injured, in pain, near death, & blood/bleeding (up to a handful of sentences); Seeing a fire; Seeing fantasy creatures killed (up to a few sentences, bluntly written).
Pippa is grounded from some of the tournament because of sneaking off to be alone with a prince, but still is able to sneak off again during the punishment to watch some of the competitions.
Many mentions of injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, burns, & having to doctor others (up to a few sentences); Mentions of killing dragons and the mate of the dragon finding the human that killed their mate and killing them gruesomely (up to a couple sentences); Mentions of wars with the dragons, battles/fights, deaths (and how after the war, it was forbidden to kill dragons); Mentions of deaths, young children seeing their family members die, & grief (up to a few sentences); Mentions of fires & children being trapped and dying inside; Mentions of bandits/thieves, stealing, & kidnappings; Mentions of hangings & treason; Mentions of poisons, being drugged, a plant causing hallucinations, & the possibility of being killed by breathing one in; Mentions of nightmares of past traumas (including someone having ones of her family being killed); Mentions of alcohol/wine, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of dangerous creatures and the young of them being left to die; Mentions of a boar that smells like death; Mentions of hunting; Mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of gambling (and it being forbidden by Pippa’s father but her brother still partaking in a game); A couple mentions of manipulation (Pippa is accused of manipulating a guy which she disagrees that was what she did); A mention in a dream about a baby being killed; A mention of a horse not making it in a rock slide.
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
1 almost forced kiss,
2 head/forehead kisses,
5 side of mouth/cheek kisses (one unwanted),
2 neck/jaw kisses,
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
1 kiss lasting a couple sentences,
2 kisses lasting a few sentences,
Staring at lips & Wanting to kiss (up to a couple sentences); Seeing a married couple kiss and in a dream, seeing others kiss.
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Shivers/Flutters, Nearness, Smelling, Noticing, & Staring (including Pippa staring at a guy sweating and finding it attractive & unwanted touches/grabbing from another guy towards Pippa; up to a few sentences); Blushes & Winks; Jealousy; Flirting.
Pippa wears an enchanted purity ring that has the ability to tell others if she is still pure (Her father demands to see it once and Pippa is mortified; Her cousin/aunt says that no one would want a tarnished princess and a prince says that if the ring didn’t prove her to be pure, he would think she’s a common harlot); Pippa asks for a man to kiss her, but he is firm that they can’t because of her ring and not knowing if a kiss would tarnish it; They do find the loophole of him not kissing her lips, but her forehead, cheek, etc.; Pippa sneaks into a man’s room and he kisses her (not on the lips) a few times before her brother barges in and looks at her ring (adding that “what am I supposed to think you were doing in his room in the middle of the night?”); *Spoiler* .
Lionel calls Pippa a “wench” and a “harlot” (also referred to for a total of twice each); Lionel looks at Pippa with a possessive expression & also grabs and hurts her a few times.
A man (who is not related to her) threats to sell Pippa; A man knees another man in the groin during a fight (which is called a cheap and dishonorable tactic).
Putting the possible sexual innuendo in the spoiler section: *Spoiler* .
Mentions of seducing someone; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting, blushes, & crushes; Mentions of girls giggling, sighing over, and swooning over handsome guys; A few mentions of hints of an affair/infidelity; A couple mentions of husky and breathy voices; A couple mentions of broken hearts; A mention of a comment sounding tawdry.
Okay, you know what? That was pretty fun. It felt very classic YA, but that’s not always a bad thing in my eyes.
Pippa is trouble in a mischievous-making-her-parents-grey-before-their-time kind of way. I feel like that kind of character is 50/50 on me liking her or being annoyed by her, but I ended up *mostly* liking her and her bubbly and mischievous ways—though she was very reckless at times. If you told me you didn’t like her, I would honestly understand. However, she reminded me of a YA main character—which she was down to the sneaking off and not getting in trouble for it to the defending herself against a deadly creature—so I wasn’t expecting her to make the best decisions. She had an almost dry wit about her and because it came through so well with the first person POV, I found myself smirking at times. I do think that if I knew her in person she would drive me absolutely batty, though.
Unlike a bunch of other fairytale series I’ve read (or am in the middle of) where the first book of the series starts with a competition for a prince’s hand and we meet all the princesses of the various kingdoms, in this book it’s a competition for a princess’ hand and we meet all the princes of the various kingdoms. I actually really liked that difference and it’s going to make this book stand out to me when thinking of all the fairytale books I’ve read. Now, mind you, this technically isn’t a fairytale retelling series. A bummer in my opinion about that, but it definitely felt like one because of the setting, plot, and all the young royals.
She had an enchanted purity ring. Somehow in all of the books I’ve read I’ve never seen that one before. This might sound bad, but I don’t know whether to be horrified or impressed by the thought of this. It added some tension between the concern of it being tarnished (which, by the way, ouch, but a decent representation of it, I suppose) and her wanting to kiss the man she loves anyway. It was more for her being physically pure, I would say because she did think about kissing her fellow a few times and that didn’t seem to affect it.
There was one comment that I’m not sure if it was supposed to be a sexual innuendo or not. It feels out of place for the rest of the book, so I lean towards no, but it definitely could have been implied.
Lionel was a class-A jerk and I’m honestly shocked he’ll appear again as I snooped to see who the next books in this series are about. Meh to seeing him again. 😒
Overall, I liked different elements of this book and it reminded me somewhat of “Just Ella” by Annette K. Larsen (which that one had way more angst and I personally liked better, but they both had a YA feel and the forbidden love trope so I think that’s why it felt a bit similar). I do plan to continue this series—mainly I want to see Marigold and then Irving as well again.
Main Content-
Very little magic content with there being Pippa’s enchanted purity ring & mentions of fantasy creates like dragons, fairies, ogres, and other made-up ones; Pippa meets a group of fairies and one shrinks her down to their size; *Spoiler* .
Mentions of people being wicked and wicked smiles (some are more mischievous); A couple mentions of Pippa being blessed by a fairy as a baby; A mention of Pippa saying a prayer (but towards Who is not mentioned); A mention of something being a family curse (the women getting headaches, but I’m not sure if it is actually a curse or just someone saying it); A mention of breathing spells for diving into a lake; A mention of a boar squealing like a “demon creature”.
No language stronger than “bloody”, “idiot”, “shut up”, and “stupid”; A few mentions of curses (said, not written; Pippa also wants to curse because of pain at one point); Eye rolling & Sarcasm;
Fighting (including fighting deadly fantasy creatures), Holding someone at knife-point, Being attacked by fantasy creatures, Being held at knife- and arrow-point, Being kidnapped and drugged, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, Getting stitches, & Passing out (up to a handful of sentences); Seeing other attacked, fighting, injured, in pain, near death, & blood/bleeding (up to a handful of sentences); Seeing a fire; Seeing fantasy creatures killed (up to a few sentences, bluntly written).
Pippa is grounded from some of the tournament because of sneaking off to be alone with a prince, but still is able to sneak off again during the punishment to watch some of the competitions.
Many mentions of injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, burns, & having to doctor others (up to a few sentences); Mentions of killing dragons and the mate of the dragon finding the human that killed their mate and killing them gruesomely (up to a couple sentences); Mentions of wars with the dragons, battles/fights, deaths (and how after the war, it was forbidden to kill dragons); Mentions of deaths, young children seeing their family members die, & grief (up to a few sentences); Mentions of fires & children being trapped and dying inside; Mentions of bandits/thieves, stealing, & kidnappings; Mentions of hangings & treason; Mentions of poisons, being drugged, a plant causing hallucinations, & the possibility of being killed by breathing one in; Mentions of nightmares of past traumas (including someone having ones of her family being killed); Mentions of alcohol/wine, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of dangerous creatures and the young of them being left to die; Mentions of a boar that smells like death; Mentions of hunting; Mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of gambling (and it being forbidden by Pippa’s father but her brother still partaking in a game); A couple mentions of manipulation (Pippa is accused of manipulating a guy which she disagrees that was what she did); A mention in a dream about a baby being killed; A mention of a horse not making it in a rock slide.
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
1 almost forced kiss,
2 head/forehead kisses,
5 side of mouth/cheek kisses (one unwanted),
2 neck/jaw kisses,
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
1 kiss lasting a couple sentences,
2 kisses lasting a few sentences,
Staring at lips & Wanting to kiss (up to a couple sentences); Seeing a married couple kiss and in a dream, seeing others kiss.
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Shivers/Flutters, Nearness, Smelling, Noticing, & Staring (including Pippa staring at a guy sweating and finding it attractive & unwanted touches/grabbing from another guy towards Pippa; up to a few sentences); Blushes & Winks; Jealousy; Flirting.
Pippa wears an enchanted purity ring that has the ability to tell others if she is still pure (Her father demands to see it once and Pippa is mortified; Her cousin/aunt says that no one would want a tarnished princess and a prince says that if the ring didn’t prove her to be pure, he would think she’s a common harlot); Pippa asks for a man to kiss her, but he is firm that they can’t because of her ring and not knowing if a kiss would tarnish it; They do find the loophole of him not kissing her lips, but her forehead, cheek, etc.; Pippa sneaks into a man’s room and he kisses her (not on the lips) a few times before her brother barges in and looks at her ring (adding that “what am I supposed to think you were doing in his room in the middle of the night?”); *Spoiler* .
Lionel calls Pippa a “wench” and a “harlot” (also referred to for a total of twice each); Lionel looks at Pippa with a possessive expression & also grabs and hurts her a few times.
A man (who is not related to her) threats to sell Pippa; A man knees another man in the groin during a fight (which is called a cheap and dishonorable tactic).
Putting the possible sexual innuendo in the spoiler section: *Spoiler* .
Mentions of seducing someone; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting, blushes, & crushes; Mentions of girls giggling, sighing over, and swooning over handsome guys; A few mentions of hints of an affair/infidelity; A couple mentions of husky and breathy voices; A couple mentions of broken hearts; A mention of a comment sounding tawdry.
May 2, 2016
Cute!
After seeing many positive reviews from friends I decided to take the plunge! It took me a bit to get into, but then I was hooked. Pippa is expected to marry Prince Lionel of Vernow. Considering she hates him, she asks her father to host a tournament inviting all the princes from surrounding countries to come and whoever is the winner she will wed. She's hoping any of the other princes would be a better match than Lionel, who happens to be a horrible human being. She sets out to find a kind prince and does not expect to develop or realize her feelings for her longtime friend Archer.
Pippa is full of life and yearns for adventure. She has spent so much time with her brothers, other knights and Archer that she tends to be more outspoken and getting up to mischief than the typical lady she is expected to be. She has to have someone with her almost all the time to keep her out of trouble! haha She has a big heart though and good intentions and its hard not to find her antics endearing (although sometimes reckless). I was glad when she finally realized her feelings and it added another layer to the story knowing that her choice is not a real option. Archer was a great character, its clear he cares for Pippa from the start and will do anything to protect her, even by helping her chosen Prince win the tournament. I liked their story, but I also liked getting to know some of the princes in the story and other supporting characters.
I thought this was a fun read, pretty light for the most part, a few moments of peril and suspense, but mostly a lighter read. I did wonder how things would wrap up in the end, seemed a tad convenient, but being a sucker for HEA I was happy with how everything works out. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I'd recommend this for fans of Defy, Legacy, Queen in Exile, The Promise or The Selection. It's a fun addition to the YA High Fantasy genre.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Religious: None
Series: Eldentimber series, book one (I believe they can stand on their own, but it sounds like characters from this book are the MC for following books.)
Source: Kindle Unlimited
After seeing many positive reviews from friends I decided to take the plunge! It took me a bit to get into, but then I was hooked. Pippa is expected to marry Prince Lionel of Vernow. Considering she hates him, she asks her father to host a tournament inviting all the princes from surrounding countries to come and whoever is the winner she will wed. She's hoping any of the other princes would be a better match than Lionel, who happens to be a horrible human being. She sets out to find a kind prince and does not expect to develop or realize her feelings for her longtime friend Archer.
Pippa is full of life and yearns for adventure. She has spent so much time with her brothers, other knights and Archer that she tends to be more outspoken and getting up to mischief than the typical lady she is expected to be. She has to have someone with her almost all the time to keep her out of trouble! haha She has a big heart though and good intentions and its hard not to find her antics endearing (although sometimes reckless). I was glad when she finally realized her feelings and it added another layer to the story knowing that her choice is not a real option. Archer was a great character, its clear he cares for Pippa from the start and will do anything to protect her, even by helping her chosen Prince win the tournament. I liked their story, but I also liked getting to know some of the princes in the story and other supporting characters.
I thought this was a fun read, pretty light for the most part, a few moments of peril and suspense, but mostly a lighter read. I did wonder how things would wrap up in the end, seemed a tad convenient, but being a sucker for HEA I was happy with how everything works out. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I'd recommend this for fans of Defy, Legacy, Queen in Exile, The Promise or The Selection. It's a fun addition to the YA High Fantasy genre.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Religious: None
Series: Eldentimber series, book one (I believe they can stand on their own, but it sounds like characters from this book are the MC for following books.)
Source: Kindle Unlimited
April 13, 2015
To be clear about where I'm coming from here -- I'm an aspiring writer. This book might be great for someone who's not. For me, though, it kept triggering my writerbrain with things that needed a little more editing; for example, the king's lines didn't feel regal, even when he was in front of crowds and would have been in "king mode" rather than "dad mode." Also, the geography lessons were just short of "as you know Bob" infodumps; it's not believable that an 18 year old princess would be just now learning basic things about nearby kingdoms, and it would have been so easy to have Pippa just think those things as they came up if only the first several chapters hadn't been so relentlessly chirpy in tone (which I'm trying to chalk up to the POV character) and untextured, as if the room the POV character is in is the only room in the universe.
It gets better at about the 55% mark, probably due to accumulation of details that then the writer tried to put into a framework -- that framework really needed to be retconned into the early chapters. Another contributing factor may have been the POV character maturing, because the chirpy tone let up. Basically it needed to age in a desk drawer for about another six months, so the author could come back to it fresh and see that these changes should have been made; the improvement in the later chapters suggests to me she would have, so it's a shame she didn't give herself that opportunity.
I'll put this vaguely to avoid spoilers, but the ending, in my opinion, got everyone off the hook too neatly with "news from afar"...because my writerbrain was in overdrive, this felt like a deus ex machina, but if not for that, it might have been OK.
Rating: 2.5 rounded to 3...the last half of the book would have been 3.5 rounded to 4, but it was almost a DNF at about 25-30%.
It gets better at about the 55% mark, probably due to accumulation of details that then the writer tried to put into a framework -- that framework really needed to be retconned into the early chapters. Another contributing factor may have been the POV character maturing, because the chirpy tone let up. Basically it needed to age in a desk drawer for about another six months, so the author could come back to it fresh and see that these changes should have been made; the improvement in the later chapters suggests to me she would have, so it's a shame she didn't give herself that opportunity.
I'll put this vaguely to avoid spoilers, but the ending, in my opinion, got everyone off the hook too neatly with "news from afar"...because my writerbrain was in overdrive, this felt like a deus ex machina, but if not for that, it might have been OK.
Rating: 2.5 rounded to 3...the last half of the book would have been 3.5 rounded to 4, but it was almost a DNF at about 25-30%.
dnf
November 11, 2017DNF @ 41%
I can't anymore
Pippa is hella annoying
And wtf kind of name is Galinor
I'm sensing zero chemistry between the love interests
Peace out
-------------
I'm feeling a slump coming on....
Time to start The Bachelorette: Medieval Edition
I can't anymore
Pippa is hella annoying
And wtf kind of name is Galinor
I'm sensing zero chemistry between the love interests
Peace out
-------------
I'm feeling a slump coming on....
Time to start The Bachelorette: Medieval Edition
January 21, 2023
When I first read Pippa of Lauramore, I thought it was a cute, albeit light, story set in a fun fantasy kingdom complete with princesses, noble knights, dragons, a touch of magic, and a beautiful waterfall setting. However, upon rereading it, I realize just how enchanting and adorable this book is. I just love the feel of this fairytale world; it’s exactly the sort of book I long to crawl into and live.
Pippa of Lauramore is delightful. Our protagonist, Pippa, was a fun character—full of life, adventure, mischief, and endearing antics. Her longtime friend, Archer, while serious, was such an adorable and remarkable hero who demonstrates true love, for although he’s ineligible to be with Princess Pippa himself, he does all he can to protect her by helping another win the tournament in order to make her happy. The tournament plot where a group of lords, princes, and noble knights go through a series of tasks for the princess’s hand was thoroughly engaging, and of course the romance itself was utterly sweet and adorable. I loved everything about it.
Upon my first reading, there were a few things that had bothered me that I’d wished had been done differently. I didn’t like how Pippa’s family allowed the suitor she adamantly disliked, Lionel, to remain in the tournament despite his horrible treatment of her and the several shady tactics he performed that should have gotten him disqualified. While this still bothered me in my reread to an extent, since I was prepared for it and knew how everything would work out, I was able to more fully enjoy the journey.
Also in my initial reading, I’d wished Pippa had spoken up for herself on multiple occasions rather than allowed herself to go along with the unideal situation she finds herself in, as well as found a way to rescue herself rather than having her happily ever after come through a deus ex machina ending. But my reread allowed me to see the other and more subtle ways she grew and developed as a character, as well as the ways she was able to take control of her own destiny, despite the unideal situation she found herself. It felt more true to life—things don't always work out how we wish, but we can choose how to respond to our circumstances. In addition, often we need an outside force to help us, and that doesn’t make us weak. In this sense, I came to admire the inner strength Pippa had developed as she faced her circumstances and her future, as well as the sacrifices she made for the man she loved, just as he’d made for her. It made their relationship all the more beautiful.
Overall, I found Pippa of Lauramore a cute, charming, and thoroughly enjoyable read with a magical setting, fun plot, and a darling couple. I look forward to many more rereads of this delightful book.
Pippa of Lauramore is delightful. Our protagonist, Pippa, was a fun character—full of life, adventure, mischief, and endearing antics. Her longtime friend, Archer, while serious, was such an adorable and remarkable hero who demonstrates true love, for although he’s ineligible to be with Princess Pippa himself, he does all he can to protect her by helping another win the tournament in order to make her happy. The tournament plot where a group of lords, princes, and noble knights go through a series of tasks for the princess’s hand was thoroughly engaging, and of course the romance itself was utterly sweet and adorable. I loved everything about it.
Upon my first reading, there were a few things that had bothered me that I’d wished had been done differently. I didn’t like how Pippa’s family allowed the suitor she adamantly disliked, Lionel, to remain in the tournament despite his horrible treatment of her and the several shady tactics he performed that should have gotten him disqualified. While this still bothered me in my reread to an extent, since I was prepared for it and knew how everything would work out, I was able to more fully enjoy the journey.
Also in my initial reading, I’d wished Pippa had spoken up for herself on multiple occasions rather than allowed herself to go along with the unideal situation she finds herself in, as well as found a way to rescue herself rather than having her happily ever after come through a deus ex machina ending. But my reread allowed me to see the other and more subtle ways she grew and developed as a character, as well as the ways she was able to take control of her own destiny, despite the unideal situation she found herself. It felt more true to life—things don't always work out how we wish, but we can choose how to respond to our circumstances. In addition, often we need an outside force to help us, and that doesn’t make us weak. In this sense, I came to admire the inner strength Pippa had developed as she faced her circumstances and her future, as well as the sacrifices she made for the man she loved, just as he’d made for her. It made their relationship all the more beautiful.
Overall, I found Pippa of Lauramore a cute, charming, and thoroughly enjoyable read with a magical setting, fun plot, and a darling couple. I look forward to many more rereads of this delightful book.
January 6, 2016
There are so many men to fall in love with in this book that I think my knees will be permanently weak. There's Archer - the dashing, serious man who's station in life can never afford him the one thing he truly wants. He was my favorite.
Then there's Galinor - the knight who is trying to save Pippa from an awful fate. He's attractive and gallant and brave. Swoon.
Let's not forget the rest of the cast of knights from the various kingdoms who have all come to fight for the Princess's hand in marriage. But - I digress, this book isn't about the princes and lords. It's about Pippa, a princess who is waiting to see what her future holds. There is a man who is expected to win - and Pippa is determined to make sure that doesn't happen. She handpicks a knight and, along with her friend, Archer, does everything in her power to ensure his victory. But, it isn't as easy as that. Nothing is. And, in the end, is that really what she wants after all?
So, I may have read this book in one sitting. It is wholly girly, even with the fighting, and wholly perfect. Pippa is wild and completely likeable. Her friends are diverse and entertaining. This is a book that begs not to be put down and I obliged. I loved it so much that I'm already halfway through the second one!
Then there's Galinor - the knight who is trying to save Pippa from an awful fate. He's attractive and gallant and brave. Swoon.
Let's not forget the rest of the cast of knights from the various kingdoms who have all come to fight for the Princess's hand in marriage. But - I digress, this book isn't about the princes and lords. It's about Pippa, a princess who is waiting to see what her future holds. There is a man who is expected to win - and Pippa is determined to make sure that doesn't happen. She handpicks a knight and, along with her friend, Archer, does everything in her power to ensure his victory. But, it isn't as easy as that. Nothing is. And, in the end, is that really what she wants after all?
So, I may have read this book in one sitting. It is wholly girly, even with the fighting, and wholly perfect. Pippa is wild and completely likeable. Her friends are diverse and entertaining. This is a book that begs not to be put down and I obliged. I loved it so much that I'm already halfway through the second one!
October 19, 2015
A beautiful princess. A castle full of worthy (and a few unworthy) suitors.
If I were a teenage girl, I'd probably be in hog heaven. I mean, what's not to love about that premise?
The beautiful, spirited Princess Philippa (or just Pippa) is nearing her eighteenth birthday, and a tournament has been declared for suitors from all the neighboring regions to vie for her hand in marriage. Truly the stuff of fairy tales.
Pippa immediately warms to the handsome and dashing Galinor, and even, well, bends the rules a tad in order to make him the victor, because the favorite to win, the cruel Lord Lionel wants Pippa only for the titles their betrothal would bring. Complicating matters even further is the fact that Pippa's heart is already lost to the loyal but handsome Archer, who, sadly, is not of noble enough birth to vie for her hand.
This was a very endearing, charming story, fraught with intrigue, suspense, and enough memorable characters to keep me satisfied until the end. The only reason I could not give it five stars is because the story, while clearly aimed at teenage girls looking to have their heartstrings pulled, occasionally read like a MG fairy tale (with, you know, actual fairies).
I am glad that the author did not rely heavily on magic and spells and incantations to move the story along; it truly felt like the story was grounded more firmly in reality for that reason.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Tapscott's work, and will definitely be reading more!
If I were a teenage girl, I'd probably be in hog heaven. I mean, what's not to love about that premise?
The beautiful, spirited Princess Philippa (or just Pippa) is nearing her eighteenth birthday, and a tournament has been declared for suitors from all the neighboring regions to vie for her hand in marriage. Truly the stuff of fairy tales.
Pippa immediately warms to the handsome and dashing Galinor, and even, well, bends the rules a tad in order to make him the victor, because the favorite to win, the cruel Lord Lionel wants Pippa only for the titles their betrothal would bring. Complicating matters even further is the fact that Pippa's heart is already lost to the loyal but handsome Archer, who, sadly, is not of noble enough birth to vie for her hand.
This was a very endearing, charming story, fraught with intrigue, suspense, and enough memorable characters to keep me satisfied until the end. The only reason I could not give it five stars is because the story, while clearly aimed at teenage girls looking to have their heartstrings pulled, occasionally read like a MG fairy tale (with, you know, actual fairies).
I am glad that the author did not rely heavily on magic and spells and incantations to move the story along; it truly felt like the story was grounded more firmly in reality for that reason.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Tapscott's work, and will definitely be reading more!
April 27, 2015
What a wonderful book!!! Easy to read and hard to put down!
The author's writing style is fun and witty. Pippa is a self-possessed, strong female lead (thank goodness!!), and her stubbornness and adventurous nature make for an entertaining tale.
One of the things I loved about this book was the varied cast of characters. Sometimes, you're tuned in solely to the main characters, and the supporting cast seems underdeveloped. Not so, here! I found myself grinning at quips by supporting characters, and wondering what their futures will hold (hopefully these characters will be further explored in future books, especially !).
I also thought the author did excellently well in crafting the antagonists... I viscerally hated the main one. But all the characters had depth, beyond a stereotypical hero, sidekick or villain. (Okay, maybe somewhat less so for the main antagonist, but he still felt real in his awfulness.) I also experienced . Throughout the book, there are moments that display a sense of compassion for, and understanding of, the human condition in general:
There were so many creative and unique elements to this story that made it stand out among others of its genre. And I liked that the romance was slow-burn, with a lot of drawn-out tension to make it believable and worthwhile. It's also important to note that the author did a good job tying up loose ends , so it didn't feel like events happened "conveniently" for plot advancement.
While I did foresee a plot point or two partially through the book (MAJOR plot/ending spoiler here... you've been warned!! ), the author took some very unexpected twists and turns getting there, which temporarily threw me off the scent, and the storyline and dialogue were so enjoyable that I didn't mind one bit that I had figured out some of the ending.
I was very pleased that the author did not leave the book with a cliff-hanger, even though it is Book One of a series. She trusted that the world she had built, the excellent character development she had done, and the quality of her writing would bring us back for the next installment -- and they certainly will!! I can't wait for the next book! :)
For those of you who've already read the book:
As I received this as a GoodReads Giveaway ARC (my first!!), I was a little concerned about what would happen if I didn't like the book and had to write a negative review. Luckily for me, I was enchanted from beginning to end! I read through it in a few sittings and didn't want to put it down. :)
The author's writing style is fun and witty. Pippa is a self-possessed, strong female lead (thank goodness!!), and her stubbornness and adventurous nature make for an entertaining tale.
I have learned how to be a lady. It's just so dull I can't stick with it.
One of the things I loved about this book was the varied cast of characters. Sometimes, you're tuned in solely to the main characters, and the supporting cast seems underdeveloped. Not so, here! I found myself grinning at quips by supporting characters, and wondering what their futures will hold (hopefully these characters will be further explored in future books, especially !).
He looks bemused. "You came... all by yourself?"
"Honestly," I scoff. "You all act like I'm incapable of following instructions."
My uncle tilts his head to the side. "Are you capable of following instructions?"
I also thought the author did excellently well in crafting the antagonists... I viscerally hated the main one. But all the characters had depth, beyond a stereotypical hero, sidekick or villain. (Okay, maybe somewhat less so for the main antagonist, but he still felt real in his awfulness.) I also experienced . Throughout the book, there are moments that display a sense of compassion for, and understanding of, the human condition in general:
"Are they a cruel people?" I ask again.
He thinks about it, scratching his chin. "Some are, certainly, but they are also desperate."
"That doesn't make it right to rob people -- to steal their livestock and crops." And much, much worse, but I don't mention it.
"No, it doesn't."
There were so many creative and unique elements to this story that made it stand out among others of its genre. And I liked that the romance was slow-burn, with a lot of drawn-out tension to make it believable and worthwhile. It's also important to note that the author did a good job tying up loose ends , so it didn't feel like events happened "conveniently" for plot advancement.
While I did foresee a plot point or two partially through the book (MAJOR plot/ending spoiler here... you've been warned!! ), the author took some very unexpected twists and turns getting there, which temporarily threw me off the scent, and the storyline and dialogue were so enjoyable that I didn't mind one bit that I had figured out some of the ending.
I was very pleased that the author did not leave the book with a cliff-hanger, even though it is Book One of a series. She trusted that the world she had built, the excellent character development she had done, and the quality of her writing would bring us back for the next installment -- and they certainly will!! I can't wait for the next book! :)
For those of you who've already read the book:
As I received this as a GoodReads Giveaway ARC (my first!!), I was a little concerned about what would happen if I didn't like the book and had to write a negative review. Luckily for me, I was enchanted from beginning to end! I read through it in a few sittings and didn't want to put it down. :)
January 27, 2018
Pippa of Lauramore is a medieval romance/fantasy tale about a feisty princess who loves the wrong man. Pippa gets herself into a lot of dangerous situations, being quite headstrong, but she is lovable anyway and grows as a character throughout the story. The villain is eeeeevil and creepy, the hero is wonderful and noble, and there is a cast of other interesting princes and nobles who will undoubtedly star in future books. I'm all about that!
I did think the fantasy elements tended to be peripheral rather than essential to the story, but then the dramatic climax features a satisfying fantasy creature with a sense of fair play, and I was satisfied to see the cheating villain get what was coming to him.
I've already purchased Book 2, so you know I really liked it! This is fun, clean, and very romantic fantasy reading.
I did think the fantasy elements tended to be peripheral rather than essential to the story, but then the dramatic climax features a satisfying fantasy creature with a sense of fair play, and I was satisfied to see the cheating villain get what was coming to him.
I've already purchased Book 2, so you know I really liked it! This is fun, clean, and very romantic fantasy reading.
July 17, 2016
A light okay novel.
Pippa is an okay character but, she isn't really fleshed out. No other character is as fleshed as her so no one really keeps me interested or makes me feel something.
There's a try at fantasy but, if you just a insert fantasy names and themes without explaining them just for more action and so you can put the book in a fantasy genre, to me it doesn't really count.
Overall the plot was simplistic, the characters were meh, and I skimmed somewhat after 49%. If you don't mind too much vagueness, do give this a try.
Pippa is an okay character but, she isn't really fleshed out. No other character is as fleshed as her so no one really keeps me interested or makes me feel something.
There's a try at fantasy but, if you just a insert fantasy names and themes without explaining them just for more action and so you can put the book in a fantasy genre, to me it doesn't really count.
Overall the plot was simplistic, the characters were meh, and I skimmed somewhat after 49%. If you don't mind too much vagueness, do give this a try.
September 12, 2024
I'm not sure if I should class this as a review or a rant. It definitely includes spoilers. I wanted to like Pippa of Lauramore; it's charming and interesting, and even fairly well written. However, I got caught up on a few things, and it ruined my enjoyment.
Firstly, Pippa's relationship with her parents, and especially with her father. It seems fairly congenial, though Pippa doesn't enjoy lots of princess-y activities and doesn't meet her parents' expectations. But if it's a friendly, loving relationship, then why can't Pippa *tell* her parents that she can't stand Lionel, and be listened to? I mean, other than the obvious answer that the plot would fall apart if that happened. I can't see anything written into that relationship that would negate simple communication. Also, when Lionel stabs Galinor with a poisoned knife, why can't Pippa and her two brothers go to their father, the king, and tell him what a murderous brute Lionel is? The only rule associated with the tournament seems to be that if someone courts the tournament princess, he can be killed. Wouldn't it be more useful (not to the plot as it stands, but to the tournament) to have a rule forbidding murder of the other combatants? I suppose that rule would then result in Lionel being conquered by his own nastiness, instead of...being conquered by his own nastiness (since he killed a dragon, whose spouse then wants to kill Lionel). Returning to the parent/child relationship, why isn't Pippa's well-being more important to her parents than her purity, or her marriage? And why are her parents presented as decent folks in spite of this?
On the subject of purity--I *despise* the whole purity ring plot line. Please do not misinterpret; I would rather read a romance without explicit sex, and I think that self-control in sexual choices before marriage provides a strong basis for trust between spouses during marriage. But what's a purity ring in this story except proof of parental distrust (gotta check that ring to see if it's tarnished, so parents can know what their daughter's been doing), a barrier against Pippa making her own choices (she has to beg or order Archer to kiss her, because--shocker--a kiss might tarnish her precious ring), and an emphasis that what really matters about chastity and purity is whether you are caught? And then there's that quote, "No prince or lord wants a tarnished princess". Let's just keep supporting the idea that a woman's worth is all about whether or not she's had sex, shall we? I mean, Pippa would be a totally worthless individual if her ring was tarnished, right? She'd no longer be spirited, intelligent (though selfish), beautiful, the daughter of a king, an excellent archer, brave and devoted to her friends, if her blasted ring gets tarnished. And with Pippa and Archer, the most important thing determining their physical choices in their relationship is not whether they both want an action, whether they both consent, but what will tarnish the ring and get them caught. I tend to think that consent and respect matter more than that, and that any relationship where one person (Pippa, in this case) has to pressure another into physical affection by literally using the "If you love me, you would" line is messed up. And after reading Elizabeth Smart's account of the despair she felt as a teenage captive of her kidnapper and repeat rapist, and how she felt a complete loss of worth and hope because her rape had made her used goods, chewed gum, something without worth due to "loss of purity" due to loss of virginity, I think that we can do something much better for our daughters than try and make their sexual choices for them, and teach them that their worth is directly related to their amount of sexual experience. And while we're taking about choice, doesn't it tell you something about the mentality of the society that Pippa's choice only counts for two points in the stupid tournament?
Also, I don't like Archer. He lets Pippa control things too much. There's a lot of emphasis on how they aren't social equals; how about some emphasis on how they don't treat each other as equals? Otherwise, yes, he's lovely: brave, strong, loving, devoted. He just never becomes fully real to me because he seems like a caricature of the love that women might think they want, but will never find because he has no flaws--other than his basic failure to have self-respect and know that he's worth more than his station in life and the way Pippa treats him. And he'll do all this fighting for Pippa, but where's the fighting for himself and their relationship? No, Archer has to nobly sacrifice his happiness in supporting Galinor and dishonestly doing Galinor's work for him. But hey, that's okay--it's what Pippa ordered him to do!
I do appreciate that Pippa grows. I think it's indicative of that growth that by the end of the story, she's helping the healer and physically healing others, not as an escape from less appealing tasks, but because she cares about those who were injured. She has learned to go through difficult, or just unappealing experiences, to try to help others.
All told, this is a book that I wanted to like, but I felt like it perpetuates damaging stereotypes and is logically inconsistent with itself in order to support the plot the author conceived.
Firstly, Pippa's relationship with her parents, and especially with her father. It seems fairly congenial, though Pippa doesn't enjoy lots of princess-y activities and doesn't meet her parents' expectations. But if it's a friendly, loving relationship, then why can't Pippa *tell* her parents that she can't stand Lionel, and be listened to? I mean, other than the obvious answer that the plot would fall apart if that happened. I can't see anything written into that relationship that would negate simple communication. Also, when Lionel stabs Galinor with a poisoned knife, why can't Pippa and her two brothers go to their father, the king, and tell him what a murderous brute Lionel is? The only rule associated with the tournament seems to be that if someone courts the tournament princess, he can be killed. Wouldn't it be more useful (not to the plot as it stands, but to the tournament) to have a rule forbidding murder of the other combatants? I suppose that rule would then result in Lionel being conquered by his own nastiness, instead of...being conquered by his own nastiness (since he killed a dragon, whose spouse then wants to kill Lionel). Returning to the parent/child relationship, why isn't Pippa's well-being more important to her parents than her purity, or her marriage? And why are her parents presented as decent folks in spite of this?
On the subject of purity--I *despise* the whole purity ring plot line. Please do not misinterpret; I would rather read a romance without explicit sex, and I think that self-control in sexual choices before marriage provides a strong basis for trust between spouses during marriage. But what's a purity ring in this story except proof of parental distrust (gotta check that ring to see if it's tarnished, so parents can know what their daughter's been doing), a barrier against Pippa making her own choices (she has to beg or order Archer to kiss her, because--shocker--a kiss might tarnish her precious ring), and an emphasis that what really matters about chastity and purity is whether you are caught? And then there's that quote, "No prince or lord wants a tarnished princess". Let's just keep supporting the idea that a woman's worth is all about whether or not she's had sex, shall we? I mean, Pippa would be a totally worthless individual if her ring was tarnished, right? She'd no longer be spirited, intelligent (though selfish), beautiful, the daughter of a king, an excellent archer, brave and devoted to her friends, if her blasted ring gets tarnished. And with Pippa and Archer, the most important thing determining their physical choices in their relationship is not whether they both want an action, whether they both consent, but what will tarnish the ring and get them caught. I tend to think that consent and respect matter more than that, and that any relationship where one person (Pippa, in this case) has to pressure another into physical affection by literally using the "If you love me, you would" line is messed up. And after reading Elizabeth Smart's account of the despair she felt as a teenage captive of her kidnapper and repeat rapist, and how she felt a complete loss of worth and hope because her rape had made her used goods, chewed gum, something without worth due to "loss of purity" due to loss of virginity, I think that we can do something much better for our daughters than try and make their sexual choices for them, and teach them that their worth is directly related to their amount of sexual experience. And while we're taking about choice, doesn't it tell you something about the mentality of the society that Pippa's choice only counts for two points in the stupid tournament?
Also, I don't like Archer. He lets Pippa control things too much. There's a lot of emphasis on how they aren't social equals; how about some emphasis on how they don't treat each other as equals? Otherwise, yes, he's lovely: brave, strong, loving, devoted. He just never becomes fully real to me because he seems like a caricature of the love that women might think they want, but will never find because he has no flaws--other than his basic failure to have self-respect and know that he's worth more than his station in life and the way Pippa treats him. And he'll do all this fighting for Pippa, but where's the fighting for himself and their relationship? No, Archer has to nobly sacrifice his happiness in supporting Galinor and dishonestly doing Galinor's work for him. But hey, that's okay--it's what Pippa ordered him to do!
I do appreciate that Pippa grows. I think it's indicative of that growth that by the end of the story, she's helping the healer and physically healing others, not as an escape from less appealing tasks, but because she cares about those who were injured. She has learned to go through difficult, or just unappealing experiences, to try to help others.
All told, this is a book that I wanted to like, but I felt like it perpetuates damaging stereotypes and is logically inconsistent with itself in order to support the plot the author conceived.
April 3, 2015
I read Pippa of Lauramore (Book 1) with excitement and was not let down. I am always into a good princess/love story. I was intrigued with the story line and read it in two days. I just couldn't put it down. Once I did put it down for the night I laid there wondering what will happen next and contemplated the options.
This was a very well written book, obviously a lot of time and effort went into making it. The author writes with intelligent and exquisite details. It was so detailed, I could play it out in my head as if I were watching it in a movie.
I can't wait to read the next in the series. I have to know what's next!
This was a very well written book, obviously a lot of time and effort went into making it. The author writes with intelligent and exquisite details. It was so detailed, I could play it out in my head as if I were watching it in a movie.
I can't wait to read the next in the series. I have to know what's next!
January 16, 2016
Although the cover of the book I read is different (and much better), the book is the same. I least I think.
I loved this book. I completely fell in love with Pippa and Archer. But mostly Pippa. She is trouble with a capitol T! Her heart is as big as her trouble though and I loved her sense of adventure. I was caught up in this story- the setting, the growing relationships, everything. It was a fun escape from the mundane and I as soon as I finished reading this one, I went to Amazon and picked up the next book. I can't wait to read it. My teenage daughter is going to love this one too.
Content: Clean!
I loved this book. I completely fell in love with Pippa and Archer. But mostly Pippa. She is trouble with a capitol T! Her heart is as big as her trouble though and I loved her sense of adventure. I was caught up in this story- the setting, the growing relationships, everything. It was a fun escape from the mundane and I as soon as I finished reading this one, I went to Amazon and picked up the next book. I can't wait to read it. My teenage daughter is going to love this one too.
Content: Clean!
November 24, 2016
WOW! Pulled me in right from the start. Imaginative and I sat right in the story. Seeing everything and loved every minute. For having 323 pages it flew by and didn't seem like that long. I will absolutely read this again. So good, so well written. I LOVED Pippa and all the characters really. Still amazed. Jumping to the next book now! August 8, 2016
Second time bettter than the first!
Second time bettter than the first!
July 17, 2016
Full of cliche and immature characters
May 18, 2022
This is my very first book by the author, and I'm awed by her writing style and storytelling abilities. When I read the blurb of the book, it seemed like a common plot, but I picked it up anyway because it had most of my favorite themes. Once I started reading, I realized it was nothing like I imagined. I couldn't put the book down because I was eager to know what would come next.
The characters are fleshed out, and the author has given enough background information, their physical descriptions, and personality traits. This helped me connect with them. I found Pippa annoying at first due to her lack of regard for rules; it always put other people in a spot, and I felt sorry for them. She was also shallow and judged people by their outward appearance. However, after a point, there was a substantial improvement in her behavior and she learned to be thoughtful towards others.
Archer was amazing from the start to finish. I admired his loyalty, resourcefulness, and the love he showed to others. Each supporting character was given equal importance, and they helped move the story forward.
I enjoyed the interactions between all the characters. It was filled with friendly banter, teasing, and some harmless flirting. The story also elicited a variety of emotions from me. I felt anger, joy, heartbreak, anxiety, etc. throughout the book.
The best part was the tournament. All the tasks were well thought out and presented in an interesting way.
The finale was shockingly unexpected. I was holding my breath because I had almost reached the end, and I was dreading what was happening, but then the next minute it all changed. It took me a few seconds to take it all in, and I was happily cheering.
I'm so glad I read this book; I can't wait to get into the rest. Each book can be read as a standalone, as it focuses on different protagonists, even though most of these characters had supporting roles in this book.
I recommend the book to all romantic fantasy lovers. Readers who enjoy books with tournaments, friends-to-lovers trope, and some humor would definitely want to pick this up.
The characters are fleshed out, and the author has given enough background information, their physical descriptions, and personality traits. This helped me connect with them. I found Pippa annoying at first due to her lack of regard for rules; it always put other people in a spot, and I felt sorry for them. She was also shallow and judged people by their outward appearance. However, after a point, there was a substantial improvement in her behavior and she learned to be thoughtful towards others.
Archer was amazing from the start to finish. I admired his loyalty, resourcefulness, and the love he showed to others. Each supporting character was given equal importance, and they helped move the story forward.
I enjoyed the interactions between all the characters. It was filled with friendly banter, teasing, and some harmless flirting. The story also elicited a variety of emotions from me. I felt anger, joy, heartbreak, anxiety, etc. throughout the book.
The best part was the tournament. All the tasks were well thought out and presented in an interesting way.
The finale was shockingly unexpected. I was holding my breath because I had almost reached the end, and I was dreading what was happening, but then the next minute it all changed. It took me a few seconds to take it all in, and I was happily cheering.
I'm so glad I read this book; I can't wait to get into the rest. Each book can be read as a standalone, as it focuses on different protagonists, even though most of these characters had supporting roles in this book.
I recommend the book to all romantic fantasy lovers. Readers who enjoy books with tournaments, friends-to-lovers trope, and some humor would definitely want to pick this up.
February 20, 2019
Wow! A real winner ! I was blown away !
It was a real "instant karma" moment when the dragon showed up !!!!
also I was deeply drawn in when Galanot was poisoned.
I was surprised touched when Pippa interceded for the guy she hated even offering her own life to save his (and everyone else's) .
Loved Acher and Pippa (of course ! )
Although it was clear how things were going to work out the plot was definitely not without its twists and surprises -- crisp simple writing style done with feeling --there was absolutely nothing I did not like about this book.
I liked the chivalry and nobility( which I do see a lot of in real life ) and I got tremendous emotional feeling from its climax. Like Stephanie Meyers this author writes with a lot of love and obviously loves her characters -great clean romance !!!
A real winner . I own the audio book and will relisten in a year . Thanks to Lenni Jones for the recommendation and I'll be checking her amazing "best of book shelf" to see how she rated the sequel and the rest of the series !!! 🙂👍
It was a real "instant karma" moment when the dragon showed up !!!!
also I was deeply drawn in when Galanot was poisoned.
I was surprised touched when Pippa interceded for the guy she hated even offering her own life to save his (and everyone else's) .
Loved Acher and Pippa (of course ! )
Although it was clear how things were going to work out the plot was definitely not without its twists and surprises -- crisp simple writing style done with feeling --there was absolutely nothing I did not like about this book.
I liked the chivalry and nobility( which I do see a lot of in real life ) and I got tremendous emotional feeling from its climax. Like Stephanie Meyers this author writes with a lot of love and obviously loves her characters -great clean romance !!!
A real winner . I own the audio book and will relisten in a year . Thanks to Lenni Jones for the recommendation and I'll be checking her amazing "best of book shelf" to see how she rated the sequel and the rest of the series !!! 🙂👍
December 20, 2022
It’s a great honor to receive the two extra points a princess may give to her chosen, and it has made the difference in dozens of close tournaments. Winning means prestige, honor…and me.
Pippa has talked her father into hosting a tournament for her hand. She did this so she wouldn’t have to marry Lionel. So during the opening banquet, she looks for a man who could beat Lionel and she can be okay with marrying.
For the most part, Pippa is an annoying heroine. Besides her, some of the other characters don’t make the best decisions. I am a little upset because she doesn’t end up with the guy I wanted her to end up with, but whateves. I don’t know if I am going to move on with the rest of the series. I might read Lord Rigel’s book. He was the one that stole my heart for sure.
Pippa has talked her father into hosting a tournament for her hand. She did this so she wouldn’t have to marry Lionel. So during the opening banquet, she looks for a man who could beat Lionel and she can be okay with marrying.
For the most part, Pippa is an annoying heroine. Besides her, some of the other characters don’t make the best decisions. I am a little upset because she doesn’t end up with the guy I wanted her to end up with, but whateves. I don’t know if I am going to move on with the rest of the series. I might read Lord Rigel’s book. He was the one that stole my heart for sure.
July 21, 2018
Pippa is a princess that is suppose to marry the winner of a competition. She teams up with a friend to try and make sure her chosen wins but not everything goes according to plan.
Pippa is hella annoying and the book is so vague at points. The only reason this one made three stars was because I’m a sucker for happily ever after endings. 🤷🏻♀️ 👸
Pippa is hella annoying and the book is so vague at points. The only reason this one made three stars was because I’m a sucker for happily ever after endings. 🤷🏻♀️ 👸
August 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It definitely has an obvious plot line with a stereotypical villain, but I don't consider that a plot line. In some ways, it actually helped me enjoy the book more because I knew it would end in an HEA. Very enjoyable and very well written.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
January 24, 2022
2.5☆ All the characters were one-dimensional.
It's too bad because I was excited to read a clean fantasy romance for a change...
It's too bad because I was excited to read a clean fantasy romance for a change...
April 2, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. It's cover caught my eye immediately and the blurb on the story really tweaked my interest, So, I took advantage of the author's offer for a copy to review. When I received it, it was just as impressive as the website image portrayed. I sat down and started reading and I was hooked! Tapscott did an excellent job of sucking me into the story--I felt like I was right there with Pippa! It is full of edge-of-your-seat suspenseful adventure. I love Pippa's endearingly witty character. She's adventurous, stubborn and strong. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put this book down; but life happens, and it was necessary. Yet, this book was always in the back of my mind--I just couldn't wait to start reading it again. It is a great story and I look forward to the forthcoming sequels in the Eldentimber series! I'm eagerly waiting!
April 12, 2015
Won on Goodreads
Shari made me laugh and feel the despair Princess Philippa who likes to be called Pipppa. She is to wed the winner of the tournament in her kingdom for her hand in marriage because she does not what to marry the Prince Lionel who has asked. Pippa finds a likeable champion Prince Galinor who is much nicer but she finds her true love and he is not a Prince or Lord to have her hand or is he. The trials are hard and in the end after all is said and done evil Prince Lionel wins the tournament but does he get Princess Pippa hand or does she get to marry her true love. LET THE BATTLES BEGAIN
Shari made me laugh and feel the despair Princess Philippa who likes to be called Pipppa. She is to wed the winner of the tournament in her kingdom for her hand in marriage because she does not what to marry the Prince Lionel who has asked. Pippa finds a likeable champion Prince Galinor who is much nicer but she finds her true love and he is not a Prince or Lord to have her hand or is he. The trials are hard and in the end after all is said and done evil Prince Lionel wins the tournament but does he get Princess Pippa hand or does she get to marry her true love. LET THE BATTLES BEGAIN
April 25, 2016
Aww this book was so cute. It wasn't the most original or complex, and I would have liked a bit more world building but the characters were fantastic. I can't help but fall in love with princes and this book had plenty! Galinor was kind and wonderful but Archer stole my heart from the beginning. I loved his relationship with Pippa. Honestly, I wish there was more. Pippa was so strong and rebellious that I really enjoyed reading about her.
I loved it just for being light and cutesy. Exactly what I needed to read right now (x
I loved it just for being light and cutesy. Exactly what I needed to read right now (x
May 21, 2016
3.8
To me Pippa of Lauramore is somewhat a cute kind of romance suitable for tween with its typical fable fairy tales type chracters and plot. Surprisingly, it is an enjoyable read. A light heart story of adventure, chivalry and romance together with characters that grow on you like many disney princesses and her gang did and now I'm itching fir the next one. It's good in between kind of book when you want to relax from heartbreak and drama.
To me Pippa of Lauramore is somewhat a cute kind of romance suitable for tween with its typical fable fairy tales type chracters and plot. Surprisingly, it is an enjoyable read. A light heart story of adventure, chivalry and romance together with characters that grow on you like many disney princesses and her gang did and now I'm itching fir the next one. It's good in between kind of book when you want to relax from heartbreak and drama.
Read
August 12, 2016Couldn't finish. Pippa bugged me, I was so sad.
December 31, 2016
Super cute book. It's a lighthearted read.
May 20, 2023
(First try) DNF I just couldn't get into the story.
(Second try) I did actually read it but as you can see from the rating I wouldn't recommend it.
(Second try) I did actually read it but as you can see from the rating I wouldn't recommend it.
January 17, 2019
Pippa of Lauramore is a delightful fantasy romance novel I am going to be recommending to anyone who likes romance with great character arcs and twists you may not see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed the growth of the main character Princess Pippa as she went from judging everyone, feeling like she was always being treated unfairly, and trying to meddle to someone who realized she had treated others unfairly, first impressions aren't always what they seem, and sometimes you should leave well enough alone. I loved each of the knights, but Irving made me laugh out loud many times and Dristen made me aww, so I'd pick either one of them. Archer was brilliant and honorable. Rigel was great and I had him figured out after a few scenes, but it didn't make it any less sweet when his pure and honorable intentions were revealed. Lionel is delightfully despicable. I can see myself rereading this book in the future.
December 28, 2018
Though Pippa isn't quite as delightful as some of Shari's heroines, I still like her pluck. Finding herself in a horrid situation, Pippa tries to make the best of it and seems to grow up a little along the way. The principled and selfless Galinor is my favorite character, though. Hopefully, he'll pop up in another book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews