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Laurel of Locksley #1
Laurel of Locksley
She was raised to be a hero… but is falling for her greatest enemy.
Laurel of Locksley refuses to live in her father Robin Hood’s shadow. Fierce, clever, and impossible to tame, she vows to forge her own legacy…until one mistake leaves her chained to Baron, an enemy guard far too skilled at holding her captive. What begins as sharp-edged rivalry soon sparks a dangerous connection… one that threatens everything she’s sworn to protect.
But alliances born in captivity and desperation are dangerous things.
Laurel fights the pull with everything she has. Baron still serves the Sheriff of Nottingham, the ruthless tyrant intent on executing her father and every last Merry Man. Now, Baron won’t let her go and the worst part is… Laurel isn’t sure she wants him to. His loyalty makes him her enemy. His kindness makes him impossible to hate. And the way he looks at her threatens to unravel every rule she’s ever lived by, but Laurel knows better than to trust the man who keeps her caged.
Whatever burns between them, it cannot be love… not when freedom demands that she escape him.
Laurel of Locksley is the first book in the Descendants of Sherwood series and isfilled with enemies-to-lovers tension, daring escapes, and a forbidden romance forged in rebellion.
Laurel of Locksley refuses to live in her father Robin Hood’s shadow. Fierce, clever, and impossible to tame, she vows to forge her own legacy…until one mistake leaves her chained to Baron, an enemy guard far too skilled at holding her captive. What begins as sharp-edged rivalry soon sparks a dangerous connection… one that threatens everything she’s sworn to protect.
But alliances born in captivity and desperation are dangerous things.
Laurel fights the pull with everything she has. Baron still serves the Sheriff of Nottingham, the ruthless tyrant intent on executing her father and every last Merry Man. Now, Baron won’t let her go and the worst part is… Laurel isn’t sure she wants him to. His loyalty makes him her enemy. His kindness makes him impossible to hate. And the way he looks at her threatens to unravel every rule she’s ever lived by, but Laurel knows better than to trust the man who keeps her caged.
Whatever burns between them, it cannot be love… not when freedom demands that she escape him.
Laurel of Locksley is the first book in the Descendants of Sherwood series and isfilled with enemies-to-lovers tension, daring escapes, and a forbidden romance forged in rebellion.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2021
27 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Mary Mecham
20 books801 followersMary Mecham writes high stakes, high swoon, no spice romantasy and fairy tale retellings packed full of adventure and romances. Her greatest joy is writing snarky banter and morally grey characters.
She is a born and raised Texan with a love of theater and books overshadowed only by her passion for disability advocacy. Her favorite food is chips and queso, her favorite holiday is April Fool's Day, and her favorite trope is enemies to lovers.
When she isn't writing, Mary enjoys spending time with her family and trying out new experiences, from fire breathing and axe throwing to trapeze flying and power paragliding.
She currently lives in Texas with her husband and three children.
You can get a FREE e-copy of her Rumpelstiltskin retelling, A Curse of Gold and Beauty, when you sign up for her newsletter at MaryMecham.com
She is a born and raised Texan with a love of theater and books overshadowed only by her passion for disability advocacy. Her favorite food is chips and queso, her favorite holiday is April Fool's Day, and her favorite trope is enemies to lovers.
When she isn't writing, Mary enjoys spending time with her family and trying out new experiences, from fire breathing and axe throwing to trapeze flying and power paragliding.
She currently lives in Texas with her husband and three children.
You can get a FREE e-copy of her Rumpelstiltskin retelling, A Curse of Gold and Beauty, when you sign up for her newsletter at MaryMecham.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 16, 2025
Oh my goodness!!! This was so good!! I loved every moment of this book. From chapter one it immediately grabbed my attention and held it throughout the whole story. Even though the tale of Robin Hood has been done many times by many people, Mary Mecham adds a whole new fresh twist to the story that I absolutely loved!
Plot was fantastic. Held my attention, fast paced with some sweet or chill moments woven in, intricate characters, and a fun time.
I especially loved Laurel and Baren. Their banter and dynamic was so fun and entertaining and they make a great couple. The merry men were also fun and I liked seeing them interact with Laurel and the relationship they had with her. Her father was great, though I wished he’d been in it a bit more!
The action was fast paced and exciting, detailed, but not gruesome, leaving you with a racing heart and on the edge of your seat in suspense!
Would definitely recommend!
Content:
No spice romance, kissing, fighting, torture
Plot was fantastic. Held my attention, fast paced with some sweet or chill moments woven in, intricate characters, and a fun time.
I especially loved Laurel and Baren. Their banter and dynamic was so fun and entertaining and they make a great couple. The merry men were also fun and I liked seeing them interact with Laurel and the relationship they had with her. Her father was great, though I wished he’d been in it a bit more!
The action was fast paced and exciting, detailed, but not gruesome, leaving you with a racing heart and on the edge of your seat in suspense!
Would definitely recommend!
Content:
No spice romance, kissing, fighting, torture
December 10, 2025
°˖➴ ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆°˖➴ ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆°˖➴ ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆°˖➴ ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆
I love Mary Mecham’s writing! Also this book was originally published in 2021 but is being released on Dec 11 2025 and omg the new cover is beautiful! I'm finally writing a nicer review again. I had been slacking a bit.
“𝗜 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝗺.”
The banter wasn't as good as in ‘Assassin of fire and sacrifice’ or ‘Repunzel's Gambit' but it was still really good and I did highlight a lot of lines. Also the snowball fight!? The Christmas present!? The… everything!!?!? So good it was so perfect! And he says her name in his sleep!?! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series! It's a trilogy with the third book on the way.
“𝗜 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗹𝘆. 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵, 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼.”
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Laurel ~ I liked her quite a bit but she did call Baron fat an unnecessary amount of times (the necessary amount is zero times) but other than that she was great.
Baron ~ O.M.G he was so freaking sweet! I can't. I really, really liked him. He was so caring and considerate and the little things he did for her! And how he was so apologetic when she got scared.
Dorian ~ He was so creepy and just gross ngl.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁
🏹 Enemies To Lovers
🏹 Forced Proximity
🏹 Slow Burn
🏹 Robin Hood Retelling
🏹 Captive x Captor
𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀
~~~~~~~
😍 Was my attraction to him a professional respect or simple admiration for his skills? Or maybe it was his because of his seemingly endless patience, so unlike my own, and that rare, guileless sincerity he carried. Or, and I hated myself for even thinking it, maybe it was simply his physique and ruggedly masculine good looks. I wouldn’t be a woman if I hadn’t noticed. So basically, I only like everything about him, I thought.
💤 “Laurel,” Baron mumbled, startling me out of my thoughts. “Laurel.” “What?” I asked softly. There was no response. He’d been talking in his sleep. He adjusted his position and held me more firmly against himself.
🏡“I tried to picture my life once I returned home, whenever that might be. I would slip back into my old responsibilities, my quiet routines, and live with the freedom I had once taken for granted. But as those scenes rose in my mind, they felt strangely hollow. It was as if someone had carved out a space inside me, leaving an emptiness I couldn’t explain. If I went back, there would be a hole in my heart that only Baron could fill.”
🔥 “Now that I had finally given voice to my feelings, the small, flickering candle that had awoken inside me that day in the snow had become a bonfire licking at my very soul. I wanted Baron. I needed Baron.”
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁
~~~~~~~
❤️🔥𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲| a few kisses with minimal details, flirting, an almost kiss, cuddling (mostly to stay warm), they share a bed (nothing happens it's mostly to stay warm), a woman says she hopes Baron and Laurel have many children,
🤬𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲| Blasted,
🗡️𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲| threats, fighting, strangling, hitting with rocks, stabbing, slapping, punching, cutting, forcefully restraining, whipping, shooting with arrows,
🏳️🌈𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗤| none.
✝️ 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻/𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆| Laurel is called a witch, mentions of the afterlife (both heaven and hell though not by name it's clear what is being talked about),
⚠️𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿| drugging, kidnapping, Laurel kisses a man as a distraction, blood, attempted forceful kissing (not between MCs), animal death/abuse (Snakes burned alive & Laurel kills four dogs by stabbing them and one of their dying howls is described), Arson, Laurel is called a H-rlot, Death of a parent(s)
I love Mary Mecham’s writing! Also this book was originally published in 2021 but is being released on Dec 11 2025 and omg the new cover is beautiful! I'm finally writing a nicer review again. I had been slacking a bit.
“𝗜 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝗺.”
The banter wasn't as good as in ‘Assassin of fire and sacrifice’ or ‘Repunzel's Gambit' but it was still really good and I did highlight a lot of lines. Also the snowball fight!? The Christmas present!? The… everything!!?!? So good it was so perfect! And he says her name in his sleep!?! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series! It's a trilogy with the third book on the way.
“𝗜 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗹𝘆. 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵, 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼.”
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Laurel ~ I liked her quite a bit but she did call Baron fat an unnecessary amount of times (the necessary amount is zero times) but other than that she was great.
Baron ~ O.M.G he was so freaking sweet! I can't. I really, really liked him. He was so caring and considerate and the little things he did for her! And how he was so apologetic when she got scared.
Dorian ~ He was so creepy and just gross ngl.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁
🏹 Enemies To Lovers
🏹 Forced Proximity
🏹 Slow Burn
🏹 Robin Hood Retelling
🏹 Captive x Captor
𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀
~~~~~~~
😍 Was my attraction to him a professional respect or simple admiration for his skills? Or maybe it was his because of his seemingly endless patience, so unlike my own, and that rare, guileless sincerity he carried. Or, and I hated myself for even thinking it, maybe it was simply his physique and ruggedly masculine good looks. I wouldn’t be a woman if I hadn’t noticed. So basically, I only like everything about him, I thought.
💤 “Laurel,” Baron mumbled, startling me out of my thoughts. “Laurel.” “What?” I asked softly. There was no response. He’d been talking in his sleep. He adjusted his position and held me more firmly against himself.
🏡“I tried to picture my life once I returned home, whenever that might be. I would slip back into my old responsibilities, my quiet routines, and live with the freedom I had once taken for granted. But as those scenes rose in my mind, they felt strangely hollow. It was as if someone had carved out a space inside me, leaving an emptiness I couldn’t explain. If I went back, there would be a hole in my heart that only Baron could fill.”
🔥 “Now that I had finally given voice to my feelings, the small, flickering candle that had awoken inside me that day in the snow had become a bonfire licking at my very soul. I wanted Baron. I needed Baron.”
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁
~~~~~~~
❤️🔥𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲| a few kisses with minimal details, flirting, an almost kiss, cuddling (mostly to stay warm), they share a bed (nothing happens it's mostly to stay warm), a woman says she hopes Baron and Laurel have many children,
🤬𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲| Blasted,
🗡️𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲| threats, fighting, strangling, hitting with rocks, stabbing, slapping, punching, cutting, forcefully restraining, whipping, shooting with arrows,
🏳️🌈𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗤| none.
✝️ 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻/𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆| Laurel is called a witch, mentions of the afterlife (both heaven and hell though not by name it's clear what is being talked about),
⚠️𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿| drugging, kidnapping, Laurel kisses a man as a distraction, blood, attempted forceful kissing (not between MCs), animal death/abuse (Snakes burned alive & Laurel kills four dogs by stabbing them and one of their dying howls is described), Arson, Laurel is called a H-rlot, Death of a parent(s)
May 22, 2023
This was a great read! I am so excited to dive right into ALL her other books!
Misconceptions: The book cover makes it look like this is a dark fantasy or a dystopian fantasy read but it's actually not. But it was very entertaining and I appreciated the lack of anxiety.
Plot; The plot was pretty fun. I did find parts in the story where i was like "Something has to change." and it did. So the author was on top of making sure you enjoyed the whole story.
Laurel: She was a pretty funny and sarcastic character! I did wonder why she was so cocky but I think Baron beat that out of her.
Baron: I didn't really know how to feel about him. He seemed intimidating with his massive size. He also seemed really serious but he was also kind to Laurel. But even like Laurel said there were so many red flags. He deserted his father and King Richard what was stopping him from deserting her? He could be a terrifying beast when he wanted to. What happened if he was like that with her? But it was hard as well because he really did seem like a cuddly big bear with Laurel.
Baron and Laurel: All of a sudden she was in love with him and I didn't like that he was "as big as a bear" while she was this tiny little thing. It drives me nuts when that happens. Also once she saw how frightening he could be she was scared of him but then after she "fell in love with him"?!?!?! I did think they were cuter after though especially when he started proving himself.
Robin Hood: I actually didn't like Robin Hood. I didn't think he was a good father at all.
Grammar: I don't like it when people make a big deal about this but I did want to write it in the review since I know this is some people's pet peeves. There were grammar issues. Weirdly enough I felt like it was mostly in the beginning.
Content: abusive father, people are bruised and beaten and there is blood and fighting
I did NOT receive a complimentary copy. I bought this book.
Misconceptions: The book cover makes it look like this is a dark fantasy or a dystopian fantasy read but it's actually not. But it was very entertaining and I appreciated the lack of anxiety.
Plot; The plot was pretty fun. I did find parts in the story where i was like "Something has to change." and it did. So the author was on top of making sure you enjoyed the whole story.
Laurel: She was a pretty funny and sarcastic character! I did wonder why she was so cocky but I think Baron beat that out of her.
Baron: I didn't really know how to feel about him. He seemed intimidating with his massive size. He also seemed really serious but he was also kind to Laurel. But even like Laurel said there were so many red flags. He deserted his father and King Richard what was stopping him from deserting her? He could be a terrifying beast when he wanted to. What happened if he was like that with her? But it was hard as well because he really did seem like a cuddly big bear with Laurel.
Baron and Laurel: All of a sudden she was in love with him and I didn't like that he was "as big as a bear" while she was this tiny little thing. It drives me nuts when that happens. Also once she saw how frightening he could be she was scared of him but then after she "fell in love with him"?!?!?! I did think they were cuter after though especially when he started proving himself.
Robin Hood: I actually didn't like Robin Hood. I didn't think he was a good father at all.
Grammar: I don't like it when people make a big deal about this but I did want to write it in the review since I know this is some people's pet peeves. There were grammar issues. Weirdly enough I felt like it was mostly in the beginning.
Content: abusive father, people are bruised and beaten and there is blood and fighting
I did NOT receive a complimentary copy. I bought this book.
November 1, 2023
A retelling worthy of the Adventures of Robin Hood
This was an October TBR goal for me and I really enjoyed it! I have a new favorite author.
The Cover: Very neat! I like the hint of mystery. I feel like the dark forest background makes the green outfit stand out more.
The Writing: Enjoyable and it held my interest.
The Characters: Laurel was entirely too prideful for her own good, but she earned it honestly. I liked that she wasn't perfect. Baron, as intimidating as he is, was gentle and respectful. I think he and Laurel made a really good fit. Sam needed to happen.
The Plot: The story felt very long. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but I did check my reading time status from time to time. I haven't read Robin Hood in ages, but I definitely caught some references and nods to the classic. I really liked the last half with the Merry Men.
The Themes/Messages: Themes of trust and just because someone's family/ancestors are bad news, doesn't mean they are too.
The Romance: Enemies to lovers. I liked how slow and natural it was. It wasn't until well over halfway through the book, that any actual feelings developed and by then I liked the characters and felt that I knew them, and they knew each other. None of that "love at first sight" or "purely physical attraction." stuff. The few kisses were kept clean.
Content Warnings: As stated, some kisses. During the winter, Baron and Laurel do "sleep together" to stay warm and alive. To quote, "no funny business" happened. Action violence, death and injuries.
Overall: 4 stars!! This was an enjoyable time and it's made me want to reread Robin Hood. Will definitely check out the sequel. I've already started another of Mecham's work, A Curse of Gold and Beauty I recommend this if you like Robin Hood retellings and enemies to lovers.
This was an October TBR goal for me and I really enjoyed it! I have a new favorite author.
The Cover: Very neat! I like the hint of mystery. I feel like the dark forest background makes the green outfit stand out more.
The Writing: Enjoyable and it held my interest.
The Characters: Laurel was entirely too prideful for her own good, but she earned it honestly. I liked that she wasn't perfect. Baron, as intimidating as he is, was gentle and respectful. I think he and Laurel made a really good fit. Sam needed to happen.
The Plot: The story felt very long. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but I did check my reading time status from time to time. I haven't read Robin Hood in ages, but I definitely caught some references and nods to the classic. I really liked the last half with the Merry Men.
The Themes/Messages: Themes of trust and just because someone's family/ancestors are bad news, doesn't mean they are too.
The Romance: Enemies to lovers. I liked how slow and natural it was. It wasn't until well over halfway through the book, that any actual feelings developed and by then I liked the characters and felt that I knew them, and they knew each other. None of that "love at first sight" or "purely physical attraction." stuff. The few kisses were kept clean.
Content Warnings: As stated, some kisses. During the winter, Baron and Laurel do "sleep together" to stay warm and alive. To quote, "no funny business" happened. Action violence, death and injuries.
Overall: 4 stars!! This was an enjoyable time and it's made me want to reread Robin Hood. Will definitely check out the sequel. I've already started another of Mecham's work, A Curse of Gold and Beauty I recommend this if you like Robin Hood retellings and enemies to lovers.
January 28, 2023
Robin Hood has been a hero for generations, capturing the hearts and imaginations of countless readers, but I’ve never been happy with how his story ended. What happens in the years between winning Maid Marian and his death? What would it look like if Robin had a family? Raised a child in Sherwood Forest with his band of merry men?
Laurel of Locksley is the answer.
I love, love, LOVE how Mecham was able to channel the spunk, grit, quick-thinking, and yes, even a little bit of arrogance of our legendary Robin Hood into Laurel’s character. She is a fresh, fun, feisty take on all of the what-if’s, and her story is one that will keep you turning pages long into the night.
I loved the banter and interactions between Laurel and Baron. Mecham is incredibly talented at writing dialogue that feels natural and unforced, while at the same time including enough information to make the character development and plot progression believable. Their relationship is one of twists and turns, and enjoyable every step of the way.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
Laurel of Locksley is the answer.
I love, love, LOVE how Mecham was able to channel the spunk, grit, quick-thinking, and yes, even a little bit of arrogance of our legendary Robin Hood into Laurel’s character. She is a fresh, fun, feisty take on all of the what-if’s, and her story is one that will keep you turning pages long into the night.
I loved the banter and interactions between Laurel and Baron. Mecham is incredibly talented at writing dialogue that feels natural and unforced, while at the same time including enough information to make the character development and plot progression believable. Their relationship is one of twists and turns, and enjoyable every step of the way.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
December 16, 2025
I just read and loved Laurel of Locksley and wanted to share my honest, voluntary impression I had while reading it!
Mary has written an imaginary novel about Robin Hood and Maid Marion’s daughter, Laurel, who grew up to become one of the Merry Men after the Sheriff of Nottingham killed her mother when she was young.
On a scouting mission to check out his camp and forces she is captured but escapes. However, she is tracked down and captured by an alert and resilient man. Three times she escapes but each time he finds and captures her and ends up being chained to her even. Having to do everything together because of their close proximity she slowly sees he is not like the others in the sheriff’s camp. When she is pushed off a narrow path to plunge and have her neck broken because of the chain, he jumps as well to save her life by falling with her!
Feelings surface between them and then she finds out something he has hidden from her which makes her think he has been toying with her the whole time even though her heart tells her otherwise. He helps her escape from certain death later and they set out to rescue her father and his Merry Men being held captive at Prince John’s castle.
This is an enjoyable read full of witty banter, spirited adventures and exciting moments that will have your blood pounding and fingers flying as you have to find out what happens next!
Can two people who were once enemies and now have and share someone one hates so much and the other is ambivalent about have a future when this person once again emerges and forces both to make a final decision regarding each other and their feelings toward one another!
If you’re looking for an exciting, page turning read look no further- you just have to get this book and become immersed in this tale of Robin Hood but centered on his daughter instead of him for the most part!
The story and the action will keep you glued to the pages so I can only offer my wholeheartedly and enthusiastic recommendation that you get and read this book! There are three books in this series which trace the journeys Laurel and Baron have from their first meeting to its conclusion.
I think you’ll be just as excited as I to continue the series when you finish this book so I hope you’ll join me in the journey of Laurel and Baron as two people who should hate each other because of his father find their shared captivity have produced just the opposite results!
I know you’ll enjoy this book as much as I have!
Mary has written an imaginary novel about Robin Hood and Maid Marion’s daughter, Laurel, who grew up to become one of the Merry Men after the Sheriff of Nottingham killed her mother when she was young.
On a scouting mission to check out his camp and forces she is captured but escapes. However, she is tracked down and captured by an alert and resilient man. Three times she escapes but each time he finds and captures her and ends up being chained to her even. Having to do everything together because of their close proximity she slowly sees he is not like the others in the sheriff’s camp. When she is pushed off a narrow path to plunge and have her neck broken because of the chain, he jumps as well to save her life by falling with her!
Feelings surface between them and then she finds out something he has hidden from her which makes her think he has been toying with her the whole time even though her heart tells her otherwise. He helps her escape from certain death later and they set out to rescue her father and his Merry Men being held captive at Prince John’s castle.
This is an enjoyable read full of witty banter, spirited adventures and exciting moments that will have your blood pounding and fingers flying as you have to find out what happens next!
Can two people who were once enemies and now have and share someone one hates so much and the other is ambivalent about have a future when this person once again emerges and forces both to make a final decision regarding each other and their feelings toward one another!
If you’re looking for an exciting, page turning read look no further- you just have to get this book and become immersed in this tale of Robin Hood but centered on his daughter instead of him for the most part!
The story and the action will keep you glued to the pages so I can only offer my wholeheartedly and enthusiastic recommendation that you get and read this book! There are three books in this series which trace the journeys Laurel and Baron have from their first meeting to its conclusion.
I think you’ll be just as excited as I to continue the series when you finish this book so I hope you’ll join me in the journey of Laurel and Baron as two people who should hate each other because of his father find their shared captivity have produced just the opposite results!
I know you’ll enjoy this book as much as I have!
December 11, 2025
I have not read much of Mary Mecham’s early work and so excited that she is republishing these books. There were many squeals of delight when a ARC copy of Laurel of Lockley popped into my inbox!
Holy moly this book was fantastic! I love Robin Hood inspire stories. I quickly devoured this story! The plot was riveting and I had to know if Laurel escaped! Stayed up night too many times to find out what happened. Oh my word, the banter 😍😍😍 So snarky and hilarious! Laurel could dish it out and it didn’t phase Baron at all. So much yearning and tension! The romance was spice free and kisses only. Cannot wait for the next one in the series! This book is perfect for those who love enemies to lovers, slow burn, and bodyguard romances!
Holy moly this book was fantastic! I love Robin Hood inspire stories. I quickly devoured this story! The plot was riveting and I had to know if Laurel escaped! Stayed up night too many times to find out what happened. Oh my word, the banter 😍😍😍 So snarky and hilarious! Laurel could dish it out and it didn’t phase Baron at all. So much yearning and tension! The romance was spice free and kisses only. Cannot wait for the next one in the series! This book is perfect for those who love enemies to lovers, slow burn, and bodyguard romances!
December 13, 2025
I read this as an arc reader and am willing leaving a review. Love this retelling!! It had the perfect amount of romance, action, found family and world building.
June 23, 2023
"Romeo and Juliet" Style Adventure Story
This was similar to an old made-for-TV movie called Princess of Thieves because both were about the incredibly capable daughter of Robin Hood. It has a swoony "enemies to lovers" romance in which the protagonist slowly falls in love with her captor until he decides to let her go. The only thing I didn't enjoy as much was the "Mary Sue" style heroine who was good at pretty much everything. It was surprising to see this type of heroine from someone who writes so many stories about disabled characters. It's definitely more for people who prefer adventure stories than fairy tales/princesses.
This was similar to an old made-for-TV movie called Princess of Thieves because both were about the incredibly capable daughter of Robin Hood. It has a swoony "enemies to lovers" romance in which the protagonist slowly falls in love with her captor until he decides to let her go. The only thing I didn't enjoy as much was the "Mary Sue" style heroine who was good at pretty much everything. It was surprising to see this type of heroine from someone who writes so many stories about disabled characters. It's definitely more for people who prefer adventure stories than fairy tales/princesses.
February 10, 2024
Epically swoony and awesome
I love me a good Robin Hood retelling. The fact that this is his daughter makes it even more awesome. I loved all the adventure, I loved Laurel and her sassy attitude. I loved her abilities with throwing knives and fighting people. She is an epic heroine.
Don't even get me started on how amazing Baron is. He was awesome. From the beginning you can just feel his cinnamon roll heart.
The banter, the interactions, the action and adventure was all amazingly amazing. So many Swoony moments. So many moments where I was cheering. It was awesome!
👄Kisses only
⚠️ Fantasy violence, both main characters lost their mothers a young age
I love me a good Robin Hood retelling. The fact that this is his daughter makes it even more awesome. I loved all the adventure, I loved Laurel and her sassy attitude. I loved her abilities with throwing knives and fighting people. She is an epic heroine.
Don't even get me started on how amazing Baron is. He was awesome. From the beginning you can just feel his cinnamon roll heart.
The banter, the interactions, the action and adventure was all amazingly amazing. So many Swoony moments. So many moments where I was cheering. It was awesome!
👄Kisses only
⚠️ Fantasy violence, both main characters lost their mothers a young age
March 15, 2023
I enjoyed the second half more than the first half - a lot of fun with Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men modeling healthy relationships for a main character who got nothing but abuse for most of his life.
August 24, 2023
I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this one, since I'm not a huge fan of Robin Hood (I'm not sure why, but over the years I've discovered that Robin Hood, King Arthur, and Peter Pan retellings tends not to be my cup of tea). Still, I picked this up because I loved Mecham's Snow White retelling, and I wanted to read more of her work.
While I found myself slow to warm up to this one, I ended up really enjoying the ending, and I was glad I picked it up.
What I loved in this book:
- I loved the slow burn romance between Baron and Laurel. He was genuinely a good guy (despite the company he was keeping), and despite how many times Laurel escaped, he only showed her respect and care.
- I love the enemies to lovers trope. It made sense that, spending so much time together, isolated from interactions with others, that these two would fall for one another.
- I love the forced proximity/ one bed trope. Nothing scandalous happened, but it was nice to see these two bonding while sharing warmth.
- I loved the way Mecham handled the power dynamic between Baron and Laurel. He was much bigger than her, and also her captor. If he had initiated anything with her, there would have always been the question of why she was responding. Mecham solves this by--every time--having Laurel be the one to initiate the intimacy. This made it her choice, and helped balance the power between the two.
- I loved the example set by Robin Hood and the Merry Men of camaraderie and healthy friendships.
- I loved how Robin respected Laurel's skills, and while he was protective of her, and obviously cared about her, he wasn't over protective. He trusted her, and he trusted her decision making.
- Even though I know some reviewers considered Laurel to be over powered, I felt her skill set was believable in the context of her training and upbringing. I liked the fact that she was competent and clever, but I also liked, towards the end, that Mecham shied away from having her beat the skilled men who trained her. She was good, really good, but she was not the best at everything. It fit.
If you enjoy tales of Robin Hood, and want to read about what really happened to him, this might be a good book for you to pick up.
While I found myself slow to warm up to this one, I ended up really enjoying the ending, and I was glad I picked it up.
What I loved in this book:
- I loved the slow burn romance between Baron and Laurel. He was genuinely a good guy (despite the company he was keeping), and despite how many times Laurel escaped, he only showed her respect and care.
- I love the enemies to lovers trope. It made sense that, spending so much time together, isolated from interactions with others, that these two would fall for one another.
- I love the forced proximity/ one bed trope. Nothing scandalous happened, but it was nice to see these two bonding while sharing warmth.
- I loved the way Mecham handled the power dynamic between Baron and Laurel. He was much bigger than her, and also her captor. If he had initiated anything with her, there would have always been the question of why she was responding. Mecham solves this by--every time--having Laurel be the one to initiate the intimacy. This made it her choice, and helped balance the power between the two.
- I loved the example set by Robin Hood and the Merry Men of camaraderie and healthy friendships.
- I loved how Robin respected Laurel's skills, and while he was protective of her, and obviously cared about her, he wasn't over protective. He trusted her, and he trusted her decision making.
- Even though I know some reviewers considered Laurel to be over powered, I felt her skill set was believable in the context of her training and upbringing. I liked the fact that she was competent and clever, but I also liked, towards the end, that Mecham shied away from having her beat the skilled men who trained her. She was good, really good, but she was not the best at everything. It fit.
If you enjoy tales of Robin Hood, and want to read about what really happened to him, this might be a good book for you to pick up.
January 17, 2023
This book follows the adventures of Robin Hood's daughter. This means it is set in England in the middle ages. So, I'm no scholar or historical expert but there are so very many historical errors in this book that even a dunce like me can pick up (and be hugely irritated by). The typical village inn would not have had plate glass windows. Printed (not hand copied, but 'printed' books) recounting the adventures of current day folk heroes would not have been available. Laurel would not walk around with her long hair loose and uncovered unless she wanted everyone to assume she was feeble-minded, a lunatic or a slattern. The girl runs around in a forest and fights the bad guys with long loose hair? It would be constantly being snared in bushes, yanked out by whoever she was fighting and basically a constant mess and a serious liablity. Even if it wasn't normal at the time for women to tie up their hair and cover it, this depicition is just silly and my goodness, how many times can a girl 'toss her hair'? King Richard was king for about ten years, so how can he have been king before Laurel was born and still be king when she is considered an adult? These and so many other small details are so annoying becaue they are just so wrong but could so easily have been made right.
Then there is the character of Laurel herself. She admits arrogance is one of her flaws, but good grief how can anyone actually be that arrogant? And worse she never seems to learn humility. At all. At first you hope she is that arrogant so that she can grow as the story progresses, but there seems to be little if any growth of the character throughout the book that would make her more bearable.
The significant events/twists in plot are predictable, the protagonist isn't really likable, the era in which it is set is poorly portrayed, so by and large not much like here.
Then there is the character of Laurel herself. She admits arrogance is one of her flaws, but good grief how can anyone actually be that arrogant? And worse she never seems to learn humility. At all. At first you hope she is that arrogant so that she can grow as the story progresses, but there seems to be little if any growth of the character throughout the book that would make her more bearable.
The significant events/twists in plot are predictable, the protagonist isn't really likable, the era in which it is set is poorly portrayed, so by and large not much like here.
December 13, 2025
Reader’s Notes:
– this is the first of a trilogy & must be read in order
– this is told from Laurel’s point of view
-there is some fantasy fighting/violence & death
-it is mentioned that a character’s mother passed when the character was young
-it is mentioned that a character was beaten growing up as well as up to the events in this story by a parent
Review:
I hadn’t read this book when it was first available, but I LOVED it reading through it now! I love any sort of clean -> closed door Robin Hood retelling, even when it’s like this one where the story follows Robin Hood’s daughter!
Laurel was a fun character to travel in the story with! I loved getting to know her and seeing her skills go up against Baron and other enemies. I loved her confidence in her father and the Merry Men and the strength she had to stand up to the sheriff (though she sometimes took it a step too far when riling him up). I loved that though Baron was her enemy and keeper for the duration of her capture, he was honorable and did his best to protect her from anything untoward or attacks the sheriff’s men wanted to do to her. It was so much fun to see Laurel and Baron get closer together and their banter/friendship-ish change over to more.
I am so excited to see what will happen in the next book when it becomes available!
Summary:
Laurel of Locksley may be the daughter of the infamous Robin Hood, but to her he’s just dad and the Merry Men are like her adopted uncles. But that doesn’t mean she skates by on her father’s coattails when it come to the skills her father’s band has need of. Laurel is just as determined to fight the good fight and keep her own skills sharp. She certainly has no need or desire for romance, not when England is still under Prince John’s thumb.
But when she goes on a mission and finds herself a captive of the Sheriff of Nottingham, Laurel is surprised to find that her best can’t beat one of the sheriff’s men: Baron. Not that it’ll stop her from trying to get away from them all.
All she’ll need is just the right timing and plan.
And for Baron to lose some of his skills… A girl could only hope…
– this is the first of a trilogy & must be read in order
– this is told from Laurel’s point of view
-there is some fantasy fighting/violence & death
-it is mentioned that a character’s mother passed when the character was young
-it is mentioned that a character was beaten growing up as well as up to the events in this story by a parent
Review:
I hadn’t read this book when it was first available, but I LOVED it reading through it now! I love any sort of clean -> closed door Robin Hood retelling, even when it’s like this one where the story follows Robin Hood’s daughter!
Laurel was a fun character to travel in the story with! I loved getting to know her and seeing her skills go up against Baron and other enemies. I loved her confidence in her father and the Merry Men and the strength she had to stand up to the sheriff (though she sometimes took it a step too far when riling him up). I loved that though Baron was her enemy and keeper for the duration of her capture, he was honorable and did his best to protect her from anything untoward or attacks the sheriff’s men wanted to do to her. It was so much fun to see Laurel and Baron get closer together and their banter/friendship-ish change over to more.
I am so excited to see what will happen in the next book when it becomes available!
Summary:
Laurel of Locksley may be the daughter of the infamous Robin Hood, but to her he’s just dad and the Merry Men are like her adopted uncles. But that doesn’t mean she skates by on her father’s coattails when it come to the skills her father’s band has need of. Laurel is just as determined to fight the good fight and keep her own skills sharp. She certainly has no need or desire for romance, not when England is still under Prince John’s thumb.
But when she goes on a mission and finds herself a captive of the Sheriff of Nottingham, Laurel is surprised to find that her best can’t beat one of the sheriff’s men: Baron. Not that it’ll stop her from trying to get away from them all.
All she’ll need is just the right timing and plan.
And for Baron to lose some of his skills… A girl could only hope…
December 27, 2025
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this exciting take on Robin Hood and Laurel’s vibrant story. This was such a fun story, full of drama and intensity.
Laurel was such a strong character. She was very confident in her skills and proud of the work she was able to do with her father and the Merry Men. Being stuck with Baron forced her to reevaluate her abilities and how she dealt with her capture. Laurel was extremely fiery and unafraid, but her capture was a new experience for her. I was frustrated with her at times, but she was just such a different character from me. Baron was so interesting. I loved his strength of character and admired his dedication. It was so interesting to learn about him along with Laurel, there was more to him than it seemed.
Laurel and Baron were forced not only to deal with each other, but their own beliefs. I felt for Laurel as she dealt with her capture and the confusing character of Baron. She could not understand him and his kindness. They were so opposite, yet drawn to one another.
I loved seeing the world of Robin Hood that was created. The Merry Men were so fun and I love the camaraderie that they all had. It was so exciting to see the adventure of the story and all the action. While this is the first in the series can definitely be read as a standalone. It has some violence, non-descriptive torture, death, and non-descriptive kisses.
I received an ARC.
I really enjoyed this exciting take on Robin Hood and Laurel’s vibrant story. This was such a fun story, full of drama and intensity.
Laurel was such a strong character. She was very confident in her skills and proud of the work she was able to do with her father and the Merry Men. Being stuck with Baron forced her to reevaluate her abilities and how she dealt with her capture. Laurel was extremely fiery and unafraid, but her capture was a new experience for her. I was frustrated with her at times, but she was just such a different character from me. Baron was so interesting. I loved his strength of character and admired his dedication. It was so interesting to learn about him along with Laurel, there was more to him than it seemed.
Laurel and Baron were forced not only to deal with each other, but their own beliefs. I felt for Laurel as she dealt with her capture and the confusing character of Baron. She could not understand him and his kindness. They were so opposite, yet drawn to one another.
I loved seeing the world of Robin Hood that was created. The Merry Men were so fun and I love the camaraderie that they all had. It was so exciting to see the adventure of the story and all the action. While this is the first in the series can definitely be read as a standalone. It has some violence, non-descriptive torture, death, and non-descriptive kisses.
I received an ARC.
December 9, 2025
Laurel of Locksley is an epic, slowburn enemies-to-lovers. If you LOVE banter, then you are going to be utterly obsessed with this book!
The titular character, Laurel, is fierce, headstrong, and definitely a bit of a girl boss. However, even her ego is put to the test when she is eventually apprehended and chained to an enemy. Cue a slew of banter, threats, and a dynamic that will have you questioning if they're going to fall in love or slit each other's throats!
Also, the MMC is a wonderful mystery and simultaneously a ray of sunshine and a force to be reckoned with. Some may even say he could be Laurel's match in more ways than one...
The plot evolves gradually, painting a clear picture of events that take place over a lengthy period of time while maintaining interest, suspense, and pacing throughout. This takes place as the generation after Robin Hood, following his daughter as she works to help the Merry Men. Threats still abound, and even though I was not horribly well-versed in Robin Hood's lore, I was able to pick up enough with my rudimentary viewing of the Disney Robin Hood cartoon as a child to know about the key players from the previous generation.
Overall, as is true with every novel by Mary Mecham that I have read, she lives up to her promise of high stakes, high swoon, and no spice. Looking forward to the next two entries of the series!
The titular character, Laurel, is fierce, headstrong, and definitely a bit of a girl boss. However, even her ego is put to the test when she is eventually apprehended and chained to an enemy. Cue a slew of banter, threats, and a dynamic that will have you questioning if they're going to fall in love or slit each other's throats!
Also, the MMC is a wonderful mystery and simultaneously a ray of sunshine and a force to be reckoned with. Some may even say he could be Laurel's match in more ways than one...
The plot evolves gradually, painting a clear picture of events that take place over a lengthy period of time while maintaining interest, suspense, and pacing throughout. This takes place as the generation after Robin Hood, following his daughter as she works to help the Merry Men. Threats still abound, and even though I was not horribly well-versed in Robin Hood's lore, I was able to pick up enough with my rudimentary viewing of the Disney Robin Hood cartoon as a child to know about the key players from the previous generation.
Overall, as is true with every novel by Mary Mecham that I have read, she lives up to her promise of high stakes, high swoon, and no spice. Looking forward to the next two entries of the series!
December 4, 2025
Laurel of Locksley is an amazing Robin Hood continuation! It's got anything a no-spice lover could ever want, fantasy, adventure, angst, romance,(forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, (barely) one bed,) morally gray characters, the works! My heart was pounding non-stop for like the first two thirds of the book and then waiting in anticipation for the last third, and I was not disappointed. There are some swoony kisses, but everything is PG, and I never felt uncomfortable.
Laurel had me super concerned in the beginning with how arrogant she was, but I'm glad that she could acknowledge it and that Baron straightened that out.
I really, really, loved Laurel's snark and Baron's stoic responses. Their banter was amazing, nothing felt rushed, and Baron never takes advantage of the power imbalance initially between them (due to circumstances.)
Though Robin Hood was a bit dramatic, giving himself and his band up like that, it seems that that's just how evil Blackwell is, so perhaps I'm wrong.
Sam and 'Tildy are amazing additions, and I am so glad they were written into the story.
It's -I think my first ever for Mrs. Mecham- a 10/10 for me, we love a flawed girlboss who learns from her mistakes.
Laurel had me super concerned in the beginning with how arrogant she was, but I'm glad that she could acknowledge it and that Baron straightened that out.
I really, really, loved Laurel's snark and Baron's stoic responses. Their banter was amazing, nothing felt rushed, and Baron never takes advantage of the power imbalance initially between them (due to circumstances.)
Though Robin Hood was a bit dramatic, giving himself and his band up like that, it seems that that's just how evil Blackwell is, so perhaps I'm wrong.
Sam and 'Tildy are amazing additions, and I am so glad they were written into the story.
It's -I think my first ever for Mrs. Mecham- a 10/10 for me, we love a flawed girlboss who learns from her mistakes.
December 8, 2025
Review on the re-release!!!!
I first read Laurel of Locksley years ago. Honestly, I didn’t remember anything of it, except that I thought I couldn’t get into it. Knowing me, this means I read the beginning and the end of the book, lol. I know I must have read it at least that much because my reread this time felt as if I was visiting with old friends.
The author has just polished it up, and I absolutely love it this go around! In typical Mecham style, there are some darker moments, but it has so much humor in it. The female main character is super spunky and I get such a kick out of watching her antics.
Violence: PG-13. Blöod. Deäth. Fighting. Kidnapping. It didn’t feel violent to me on the whole and actually reminds me a lot of the Disney cartoon Robin Hood. I heard several of those voices for various characters as I read. (I’m looking at you, Sam…)
Romance: probably PG. There are a couple of PG kisses and a mention of scantily clad women (in a “this is bad” kind of way). Overall, I think it was wholesome as the MMC is very respectful of women.
P.S. The new cover is also SO MUCH better. I love it!
I first read Laurel of Locksley years ago. Honestly, I didn’t remember anything of it, except that I thought I couldn’t get into it. Knowing me, this means I read the beginning and the end of the book, lol. I know I must have read it at least that much because my reread this time felt as if I was visiting with old friends.
The author has just polished it up, and I absolutely love it this go around! In typical Mecham style, there are some darker moments, but it has so much humor in it. The female main character is super spunky and I get such a kick out of watching her antics.
Violence: PG-13. Blöod. Deäth. Fighting. Kidnapping. It didn’t feel violent to me on the whole and actually reminds me a lot of the Disney cartoon Robin Hood. I heard several of those voices for various characters as I read. (I’m looking at you, Sam…)
Romance: probably PG. There are a couple of PG kisses and a mention of scantily clad women (in a “this is bad” kind of way). Overall, I think it was wholesome as the MMC is very respectful of women.
P.S. The new cover is also SO MUCH better. I love it!
January 3, 2026
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I love this author and so far I have yet to be disappointed. That trend continues here because this story about the daughter of Robin Hood has everything I’ve come to expect: fun characters, strong relationships and plenty of banter.
Laurel is pretty interesting and she is definitely is Robin Hood’s daughter . In fact, what I love about her is that her biggest strength is her intelligence and her cunning which absolutely suits. She is well aware of what most people expect of a woman (tears, hysterics, etc) and she will absolutely use it to her advantage.
Her relationship with the Merry Men and her father is really interesting because the bond is there but it doesn’t downplay her own development which can be hard to do with the child of a famous character.
The Baron is fun to watch because you can see he is battling with his morals and that always makes for entertaining conflict. Seeing the ways he tries to justify his actions but finds himself forced to confront the truth the more time he spends with Laurel. Their relationship develops organically and you totally buy it.
I love this author and so far I have yet to be disappointed. That trend continues here because this story about the daughter of Robin Hood has everything I’ve come to expect: fun characters, strong relationships and plenty of banter.
Laurel is pretty interesting and she is definitely is Robin Hood’s daughter . In fact, what I love about her is that her biggest strength is her intelligence and her cunning which absolutely suits. She is well aware of what most people expect of a woman (tears, hysterics, etc) and she will absolutely use it to her advantage.
Her relationship with the Merry Men and her father is really interesting because the bond is there but it doesn’t downplay her own development which can be hard to do with the child of a famous character.
The Baron is fun to watch because you can see he is battling with his morals and that always makes for entertaining conflict. Seeing the ways he tries to justify his actions but finds himself forced to confront the truth the more time he spends with Laurel. Their relationship develops organically and you totally buy it.
January 30, 2026
This was a good book. I wish there had been a warning for animal death. The FMC kills 4 dogs... and yeah, that is a big trigger for me. I still finished the book because I like Mary and her books.
I really enjoyed the MMC. His story is pretty heartbreaking and I felt bad for him through a lot of the book because Laurel was pretty mean to him too (I mean I wouldn't he happy in her position either but he was the only one nice to her... you think she could have been a little better to him). I also didn't like that she fat-shamed him to irritate him. There is no need for that, ever.
Overall it was still a really good book and I probably would have given it 5 stars if it wasnt for the fat-shaming and dog murder. 😭.
Things I liked: chained together, only one tent, protective MMC, banter (most of it was good), lots of action, found family, humor
So really it is a good book if you don't mind the topics I mentioned. Mary's writing is great & easy to read... and her books are typically a great time. I look forward to more books by her.
I received an ARC copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the MMC. His story is pretty heartbreaking and I felt bad for him through a lot of the book because Laurel was pretty mean to him too (I mean I wouldn't he happy in her position either but he was the only one nice to her... you think she could have been a little better to him). I also didn't like that she fat-shamed him to irritate him. There is no need for that, ever.
Overall it was still a really good book and I probably would have given it 5 stars if it wasnt for the fat-shaming and dog murder. 😭.
Things I liked: chained together, only one tent, protective MMC, banter (most of it was good), lots of action, found family, humor
So really it is a good book if you don't mind the topics I mentioned. Mary's writing is great & easy to read... and her books are typically a great time. I look forward to more books by her.
I received an ARC copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 12, 2025
“In an encampment filled with my enemies, I felt safe. He warmed me in a way the fire could never manage.”
This was an amazing read. A true enemies to sweethearts as she was kidnapped and he’s the tracker who keeps bringing her back after she escapes. The daughter of Robin Hood can give as good as she gets - even better, except for where Baron is concerned. This book had all of the action and fighting and high stakes. The Sheriff of Nottingham kidnaps Robin Hood’s daughter and she ends up chained to his top soldier. However, Baron has the sweetest and most tender heart for Laurel. This enemies to sweethearts, forced proximity romance was everything you could ask for and more, especially with the Robin Hood lore and fairy tale tied in. This book kept my interest and I am so ready for book 2 and so thankful that I wasn’t left on a cliffhanger. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 2.
Content warnings: kidnapping, fights, whipping, injuries, robbery
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was an amazing read. A true enemies to sweethearts as she was kidnapped and he’s the tracker who keeps bringing her back after she escapes. The daughter of Robin Hood can give as good as she gets - even better, except for where Baron is concerned. This book had all of the action and fighting and high stakes. The Sheriff of Nottingham kidnaps Robin Hood’s daughter and she ends up chained to his top soldier. However, Baron has the sweetest and most tender heart for Laurel. This enemies to sweethearts, forced proximity romance was everything you could ask for and more, especially with the Robin Hood lore and fairy tale tied in. This book kept my interest and I am so ready for book 2 and so thankful that I wasn’t left on a cliffhanger. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 2.
Content warnings: kidnapping, fights, whipping, injuries, robbery
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 15, 2025
4.25⭐️ Re-release ARC review: Who knew Mary wrote this gem!? I’m so glad she re-released it because it put this lovely book on my radar. Otherwise I honestly don’t think I would have read it.
But I throughly enjoyed this. It’s a classic forced proximity tale. They are physically chained together and feelings ensue. Obviously.
Baron is a bear of a dude but such a softie. Laurel is a a quick witted vixen. She is Robin Hood’s daughter after all. They are supposed to hate each other, and they fight for different teams, but they are perfect for each other lol! I really loved Baron. He is supposed to be this evil guy due to all the people he has grown up being around, but he is so good to Laurel. He cooks for her y’all! He jumps off a cliff for her! That sounds dramatic and horrible but it’s not ha. You’ll just have to read the book to understand ha.
I think at times the story dragged because it spans over months and months of them being literally chained together. But that didn’t overshadow my enjoyment too much because I loved their interactions and conversations. Who cares about the plot progression when the characters and their banter are the stars of the show!
The second book is also getting re-released, and I can’t even wait! I will say this book doesn’t end on a cliff hanger, but their story does progress for two more books. You could end here if you wanted to. I won’t obviously.
*Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you enjoy:
- Robin Hood’s daughter
- Bodyguard x prisoner
- Forced proximity/chained together
- Hidden identity
- Single POV (done well)
- Only one tent/horse
- Wintry vibes
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language
But I throughly enjoyed this. It’s a classic forced proximity tale. They are physically chained together and feelings ensue. Obviously.
Baron is a bear of a dude but such a softie. Laurel is a a quick witted vixen. She is Robin Hood’s daughter after all. They are supposed to hate each other, and they fight for different teams, but they are perfect for each other lol! I really loved Baron. He is supposed to be this evil guy due to all the people he has grown up being around, but he is so good to Laurel. He cooks for her y’all! He jumps off a cliff for her! That sounds dramatic and horrible but it’s not ha. You’ll just have to read the book to understand ha.
I think at times the story dragged because it spans over months and months of them being literally chained together. But that didn’t overshadow my enjoyment too much because I loved their interactions and conversations. Who cares about the plot progression when the characters and their banter are the stars of the show!
The second book is also getting re-released, and I can’t even wait! I will say this book doesn’t end on a cliff hanger, but their story does progress for two more books. You could end here if you wanted to. I won’t obviously.
*Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you enjoy:
- Robin Hood’s daughter
- Bodyguard x prisoner
- Forced proximity/chained together
- Hidden identity
- Single POV (done well)
- Only one tent/horse
- Wintry vibes
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language
December 28, 2023
I love this author! I love the worlds that she builds, I love the detailed and complex characters that she creates. I appreciate how Laurel remains the main character and voice and anything she isn’t alert for is not mentioned unless discussed (i hate it when authors are lazy and just switch perspectives to quickly tell you what the narrator missed). I love reading Laurel’s thoughts as she strategizes ways to escape, I love her sassy attitude, and the way that she taunts the other people. I couldn’t help but chuckle after reading her dedication to her son, who would make an awful prisoner, and then witnessing Laurel’s sneaky schemes.
I love seeing Laurel quietly appreciate and vocally hate Baron for his skills. What a fun book to read. Mary Mecham is one of my new favorite authors. I want to read everything she writes.
I love seeing Laurel quietly appreciate and vocally hate Baron for his skills. What a fun book to read. Mary Mecham is one of my new favorite authors. I want to read everything she writes.
January 10, 2026
Wow! This book is incredible! I was literally unable to put it down.
I really like the Robin Hood story and have read a lot of retellings of it. So to find that this story is both so unique and so delightful is incredible!
I think that my favorite character was Baron. His patience and willingness to persevere despite all the difficulties he faces is incredible. And the plot twists surrounding him were so delightfully surprising!
That said, Laurel did get on my nerves a little bit. She seemed to have a very closed mindset for most of the book, and while I get it, it still annoyed me.
All in all, I really did like this book and can't wait to read the rest!
I received this as an ARC copy. This is my honest review
I really like the Robin Hood story and have read a lot of retellings of it. So to find that this story is both so unique and so delightful is incredible!
I think that my favorite character was Baron. His patience and willingness to persevere despite all the difficulties he faces is incredible. And the plot twists surrounding him were so delightfully surprising!
That said, Laurel did get on my nerves a little bit. She seemed to have a very closed mindset for most of the book, and while I get it, it still annoyed me.
All in all, I really did like this book and can't wait to read the rest!
I received this as an ARC copy. This is my honest review
December 22, 2025
This book is amazing!!!! I have loved Robin Hood for ages and this is an incredible continuation of the legend!!! It has action and adventure, laughter and heart.
Robin Hood’s daughter Laurel is out on a mission when she gets captured by the sheriff. In an attempt to keep her from escaping, Laurel gets chained to the only man who can’t be tricked by her.
Highlights:
Laurel taking care of Baron
Sam and Tildy 😂
The Merry Men!
I love Laurel for being resourceful and tenacious. I adore her snark!
I love Baron for being protective.
“I didn’t think. I simply released. The bowstring snapped with a crack. I didn’t even see the arrow fly…”
This was an ARC, all thoughts are my own.
Robin Hood’s daughter Laurel is out on a mission when she gets captured by the sheriff. In an attempt to keep her from escaping, Laurel gets chained to the only man who can’t be tricked by her.
Highlights:
Laurel taking care of Baron
Sam and Tildy 😂
The Merry Men!
I love Laurel for being resourceful and tenacious. I adore her snark!
I love Baron for being protective.
“I didn’t think. I simply released. The bowstring snapped with a crack. I didn’t even see the arrow fly…”
This was an ARC, all thoughts are my own.
January 5, 2026
An amazing thrilling adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I love the story of Robin Hood and Mary has expertly woven all the lore of the original tale into a beautiful continuation of the story. Laurel and Baron both have so much depth to their characters and you can’t help but just love them both. The romance had me kicking and squealing, while the suspense had me in a coil a nerves! Robin and his Merry men lived right up to there names and there were many times in the book that reminded my of the music scenes in Disney’s Robin Hood, which is one of my childhood favorite movies. All in all this was another favorite from Mary Mecham!
October 25, 2023
Oh my goodness! Loved it!
An impossible prisoner. A reluctant guard. Danger. Sacrifice. Betrayal. Choices.
This is my first Mary Mecham book, and I adored this unique take on Robin Hood. It's hilariously funny, yet sweet and endearing at the same time. I was completely captivated and drawn into the storyline and invested in the characters.
Well-developed characters. Detailed world building. Intriguing storyline.
"We are definitely still enemies."
"You are a positively terrifying woman."
"It is our choices, not our ancestry, that determine who we are."
An impossible prisoner. A reluctant guard. Danger. Sacrifice. Betrayal. Choices.
This is my first Mary Mecham book, and I adored this unique take on Robin Hood. It's hilariously funny, yet sweet and endearing at the same time. I was completely captivated and drawn into the storyline and invested in the characters.
Well-developed characters. Detailed world building. Intriguing storyline.
"We are definitely still enemies."
"You are a positively terrifying woman."
"It is our choices, not our ancestry, that determine who we are."
December 15, 2025
What happens after the story of Robin Hood? What if he had kids and raised them in Sherlock Forest with the Merry Men? These are questions that Mary tells in this story about the daughter of Robin Hood so if you ever wondered how it could have happened this is the tale for you. I really enjoyed this story and thought Laurel was so spunky. She really develops in character as the story progresses. Baron is a giant of a man that Laurel hates of course as he is a soldier for the Sheriff. I really loved his protective nature.
Triggers: parental abuse
Triggers: parental abuse
January 19, 2026
10/10
My first 5 star read for the year and oh man I can’t wait to reread this one again and again. It had me laughing out loud so many times. It reminded me of the BBC version of Robin Hood. All the witty banter, narrow escapes and clever trickery you expect from a Robin Hood retelling. I really did like that it was Robin Hood’s daughter story and how she and Baron fall in love. He really is a big teddy bear, gentle, kind and sweet. This is by far my favorite read so far this year. I will definitely be buying a physical copy to devour again and again.
My first 5 star read for the year and oh man I can’t wait to reread this one again and again. It had me laughing out loud so many times. It reminded me of the BBC version of Robin Hood. All the witty banter, narrow escapes and clever trickery you expect from a Robin Hood retelling. I really did like that it was Robin Hood’s daughter story and how she and Baron fall in love. He really is a big teddy bear, gentle, kind and sweet. This is by far my favorite read so far this year. I will definitely be buying a physical copy to devour again and again.
July 28, 2023
THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE!! I highly recommend everyone to read this!! It was interesting from the very beginning till the end!! It's so beautifully written, and you'll absolutely fall in love with the characters! I love Laurel, her cleverness impressed me! And I'm sure everyone will love it!! I love the romance in it, it's a slow burn but it's so sweet!!! Absolutely in love with this! Everyone should give it a try!
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