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The Ostler's Boy
After nearly decades of war, the Oreia and Chalke Empires have forged peace through a political union.
And Svana, heir apparent, and driven by Duty, has accepted Fate.
Sam; marriage.
But like any true newly-adult, and naive young woman, she immediately gets herself into trouble. A simple trip to meet her betrothed blossoms into a forbidden romance that leaves her dreaming, hoping, and wanting for the elusive memory of her childhood; her soulmate.
If fate, class disparity and danger is your game, you'll find solace in this dark, broody romance: The Ostler's Boy.
STORY RATED M | Reader discretion advised.
And Svana, heir apparent, and driven by Duty, has accepted Fate.
Sam; marriage.
But like any true newly-adult, and naive young woman, she immediately gets herself into trouble. A simple trip to meet her betrothed blossoms into a forbidden romance that leaves her dreaming, hoping, and wanting for the elusive memory of her childhood; her soulmate.
If fate, class disparity and danger is your game, you'll find solace in this dark, broody romance: The Ostler's Boy.
STORY RATED M | Reader discretion advised.
- GenresRomanceFantasyHistorical
ebook
Published January 1, 2020
13 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 9, 2025
This book captivated me from the first page and I couldn't stop reading until the very end. Once I started, I was hooked, and when I finished, I was left wanting more - I couldn't believe the ending... I'm desperately looking forward to reading the next one. The book evoked strong emotions in me, making me laugh out loud, tear up, and bite my nails in tension as I wondered what could happen next. The slow-burning romance was sweet and endearing, winning me over gradually. I adored Svana's personality, which is both humorous and poignant, and Cyrus... what can I say? He won me over gradually, just like the book, bit by bit, and I'm eager to keep reading about him. The secondary characters also stole my heart - I loved Josie and Ser Elías.
January 22, 2022
least wattpad-y book to exist on wattpad. could honestly pass as a published fantasy/romance book. ty to the random twitter moot that recommended this.
also im a slut for forbidden romance thats all thank you goodbye
also im a slut for forbidden romance thats all thank you goodbye
April 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Okay, first of all—this book?? It had me hooked! But let me warn you, you cannot read this when you’re sleepy. You really need to pay attention because the writing is beautiful but detailed.
I seriously loved it. The setting, the whole vibe, the description—it was everything!! And the slow burn?? It's literally the slowest of slow burns and I was like, please just kiss already!!! The tension was SO GOOD, I was screaming inside!!
Svana?? That girl is HILARIOUS. I love how bold and carefree she is, how she asks the most random things without a second thought—like girl, I adore you. And the way she stands up for herself when people belittle her title as the future queen? GO GURLL!! That scene?? ICONIC.
Her interactions with Elias?? SO FUNNY. She kept asking him unhinged questions and he just answered them?? I was actually laughing out loud. And Elias... oh my God. I LOVE HIM. No words. He’s caring, thoughtful, just perfect. He owns my heart now.
Cyrus!!! Such a gentleman, sarcastic and sooo funny. And he matches Svana's energy?? Yes, yes, YES. I want them to end up together soooo bad. They’d be such a good couple!!!
Sameer... hmm. He gave me big playboy vibes at first, and then it felt like he wasn’t even into Svana like that?? He seems more like a chill friend for her, but not anything more. I really don’t want them together, please nooo.
And Jocelyn!! I want someone like her in my life. So kind, funny in her own way, and just really amazing. Also—can we talk about Willoughbey?? I NEED more of him. Him and Jocelyn together?? CUTEST vibe. I ship them.
I know I already said it, but the writing?? So, SO GOOD. The author’s words, the emotions, the descriptions—everything was just chef’s kiss.
Massive respect to the author, honestly. She’s incredible and I’m soooo excited for book two!! BUTTT—just a heads up, the ending is abrupt. Like it left me staring at my screen in shock. I was so into it and then suddenly—boom. Done. I cried.
If you’re into historical fiction, slow burn, and strangers to almost-enemies to almost-lovers?? Read this book right now. You’ll love it.
Okay, first of all—this book?? It had me hooked! But let me warn you, you cannot read this when you’re sleepy. You really need to pay attention because the writing is beautiful but detailed.
I seriously loved it. The setting, the whole vibe, the description—it was everything!! And the slow burn?? It's literally the slowest of slow burns and I was like, please just kiss already!!! The tension was SO GOOD, I was screaming inside!!
Svana?? That girl is HILARIOUS. I love how bold and carefree she is, how she asks the most random things without a second thought—like girl, I adore you. And the way she stands up for herself when people belittle her title as the future queen? GO GURLL!! That scene?? ICONIC.
Her interactions with Elias?? SO FUNNY. She kept asking him unhinged questions and he just answered them?? I was actually laughing out loud. And Elias... oh my God. I LOVE HIM. No words. He’s caring, thoughtful, just perfect. He owns my heart now.
Cyrus!!! Such a gentleman, sarcastic and sooo funny. And he matches Svana's energy?? Yes, yes, YES. I want them to end up together soooo bad. They’d be such a good couple!!!
Sameer... hmm. He gave me big playboy vibes at first, and then it felt like he wasn’t even into Svana like that?? He seems more like a chill friend for her, but not anything more. I really don’t want them together, please nooo.
And Jocelyn!! I want someone like her in my life. So kind, funny in her own way, and just really amazing. Also—can we talk about Willoughbey?? I NEED more of him. Him and Jocelyn together?? CUTEST vibe. I ship them.
I know I already said it, but the writing?? So, SO GOOD. The author’s words, the emotions, the descriptions—everything was just chef’s kiss.
Massive respect to the author, honestly. She’s incredible and I’m soooo excited for book two!! BUTTT—just a heads up, the ending is abrupt. Like it left me staring at my screen in shock. I was so into it and then suddenly—boom. Done. I cried.
If you’re into historical fiction, slow burn, and strangers to almost-enemies to almost-lovers?? Read this book right now. You’ll love it.
April 9, 2025
Such a cute read!!
I love the banter and humor in this book! It is so sweet and fun💕 the characters are so enjoyable to get immersed into and I found myself laughing multiple times throughout the book!
Honestly if there is forbidden romance in it I want to read it!!and this book definitely has it!♥️
I love the banter and humor in this book! It is so sweet and fun💕 the characters are so enjoyable to get immersed into and I found myself laughing multiple times throughout the book!
Honestly if there is forbidden romance in it I want to read it!!and this book definitely has it!♥️
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April 8, 2025DNF at 63% - I might pick it up in the future but right now it’s not for me and I’m struggling to get into the plot and care about the characters
April 19, 2025
Once again Megan Alexandria whisks you away from reality with poetic prose, this time to the fantasy world of Oreia. I was heavily impressed with the witty banter in “Night Shift” and “The Holiday Affair” and third times a charm, “The Ostler’s Boy” does not disappoint. For instance, “Fashion advice from the man who dresses so loudly an orchestra could not outplay him.” Chef’s kiss of a sentence.
The main character of Svana is a perfect spoiled-brat princess. The amount of times she said “How dare you!” made me chuckle. Her foil is Cyrus, her betrothed’s best friend, who calls out her antics in a frustrating yet charming way. The author hits two swans with one stone with the enemies to lovers and forbidden lovers romance tropes.
Unfortunately, the brattiness did get old and about 70% through of the book I started to get annoyed by both characters. (No means no, my guy; she clearly stated she didn’t want to ride with you but you knocked on her door the next morning.) While I understand this was also slow burn, they hadn’t caught flame when I thought they’d at least be somewhat friendly. Then the lovers came out of the blue when a chapter ago he was “a rake” and now he’s "cordial.”
Another issue I had (and this might just be me reading too much Brandon Sanderson) was the modern words pulling me out of immersion. I was okay with our months and days, but the temperature made me grimace slightly, as those who use Celsius may not understand “seventy in March” is odd. As an ex-Catholic, talk of crucifixes made me smirk thinking about Jesus coming to Oreia after doing his thing on Earth.
Overall, this was a good first half. I still cannot believe it ended the way it did and I need the next book! It was honestly hard to review not having the whole picture, and perhaps if I did my rating would be higher. I will still recommend this to those who love romantasy between a princess and a commoner, just perhaps when Part 2 is out.
Side Note: My favorite character was Sir Elías as I always love the grumpy middle aged “I’m so tired of this ish” characters. If you’ve seen Lucifer, I pictured Lieutenant Pierce.
The main character of Svana is a perfect spoiled-brat princess. The amount of times she said “How dare you!” made me chuckle. Her foil is Cyrus, her betrothed’s best friend, who calls out her antics in a frustrating yet charming way. The author hits two swans with one stone with the enemies to lovers and forbidden lovers romance tropes.
Unfortunately, the brattiness did get old and about 70% through of the book I started to get annoyed by both characters. (No means no, my guy; she clearly stated she didn’t want to ride with you but you knocked on her door the next morning.) While I understand this was also slow burn, they hadn’t caught flame when I thought they’d at least be somewhat friendly. Then the lovers came out of the blue when a chapter ago he was “a rake” and now he’s "cordial.”
Another issue I had (and this might just be me reading too much Brandon Sanderson) was the modern words pulling me out of immersion. I was okay with our months and days, but the temperature made me grimace slightly, as those who use Celsius may not understand “seventy in March” is odd. As an ex-Catholic, talk of crucifixes made me smirk thinking about Jesus coming to Oreia after doing his thing on Earth.
Overall, this was a good first half. I still cannot believe it ended the way it did and I need the next book! It was honestly hard to review not having the whole picture, and perhaps if I did my rating would be higher. I will still recommend this to those who love romantasy between a princess and a commoner, just perhaps when Part 2 is out.
Side Note: My favorite character was Sir Elías as I always love the grumpy middle aged “I’m so tired of this ish” characters. If you’ve seen Lucifer, I pictured Lieutenant Pierce.
October 22, 2025
ARC REVIEW! @authormeganalexandria
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
🌶️🌶️ 2/5
• The author of the book is Megan Alexandria.It is based on fiction and is a Romantasy book. This is the first book in the series.
• Okay, this book?? It had me hooked! But let me warn you, you cannot read this when you’re sleepy. You really need to pay attention because the writing is beautiful but detailed.
• I seriously loved it. The setting, the whole vibe, the description—it was everything!! And the slow burn?? It's literally the slowest of slow burns and I was like, please just kiss already!!! The tension was SO GOOD, I was screaming inside!!
• Svana.. That girl is HILARIOUS. I love how bold and carefree she is, how she asks the most random things without a second thought—like girl, I adore you. And the way she stands up for herself when people belittle her title as the future queen? GO GURLL!! That scene?? ICONIC ✨💅
• Her interactions with Elias was so funny! She kept asking him unhinged questions and he just answered them. I was actually laughing out loud.
• Cyrus!!! Such a gentleman, sarcastic and sooo funny. And he matches Svana's energy!! 💯😩🫶🙌 Yes, yes, YES. I want them to end up together soooo bad. They’d be such a good couple!!!
• Sameer... He gave me big playboy vibes at first, and then it felt like he wasn’t even into Svana like that?? He seems more like a chill friend for her, but not anything more. I really don’t want them together, please nooo. 🙏
•And Elias... oh my God. I LOVE HIM. No words. He’s caring, thoughtful, just perfect. He owns my heart now.
• Everyone needs some one like Jocelyn!! I want her in my life. So kind, funny in her own way, and just really amazing. Also—can we talk about Willoughbey?? I NEED more of him and Jocelyn together.
• Overall, I LOVEDD this book. But—just a heads up, the ending is abrupt. Like it left me staring at my screen in shock. I was so into it and then suddenly—boom. Done.
💌 Do I recommend 💌
Yess!!!! It's soo good! Massive respect to the author, honestly. She’s incredible and I’m soooo excited for book two!!
If you’re into historical fiction, slow burn, and strangers to almost-enemies to almost-lovers?? Read this book NOWW!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
🌶️🌶️ 2/5
• The author of the book is Megan Alexandria.It is based on fiction and is a Romantasy book. This is the first book in the series.
• Okay, this book?? It had me hooked! But let me warn you, you cannot read this when you’re sleepy. You really need to pay attention because the writing is beautiful but detailed.
• I seriously loved it. The setting, the whole vibe, the description—it was everything!! And the slow burn?? It's literally the slowest of slow burns and I was like, please just kiss already!!! The tension was SO GOOD, I was screaming inside!!
• Svana.. That girl is HILARIOUS. I love how bold and carefree she is, how she asks the most random things without a second thought—like girl, I adore you. And the way she stands up for herself when people belittle her title as the future queen? GO GURLL!! That scene?? ICONIC ✨💅
• Her interactions with Elias was so funny! She kept asking him unhinged questions and he just answered them. I was actually laughing out loud.
• Cyrus!!! Such a gentleman, sarcastic and sooo funny. And he matches Svana's energy!! 💯😩🫶🙌 Yes, yes, YES. I want them to end up together soooo bad. They’d be such a good couple!!!
• Sameer... He gave me big playboy vibes at first, and then it felt like he wasn’t even into Svana like that?? He seems more like a chill friend for her, but not anything more. I really don’t want them together, please nooo. 🙏
•And Elias... oh my God. I LOVE HIM. No words. He’s caring, thoughtful, just perfect. He owns my heart now.
• Everyone needs some one like Jocelyn!! I want her in my life. So kind, funny in her own way, and just really amazing. Also—can we talk about Willoughbey?? I NEED more of him and Jocelyn together.
• Overall, I LOVEDD this book. But—just a heads up, the ending is abrupt. Like it left me staring at my screen in shock. I was so into it and then suddenly—boom. Done.
💌 Do I recommend 💌
Yess!!!! It's soo good! Massive respect to the author, honestly. She’s incredible and I’m soooo excited for book two!!
If you’re into historical fiction, slow burn, and strangers to almost-enemies to almost-lovers?? Read this book NOWW!
April 9, 2025
Swans, Horses, Blades, oh my!
Svana is a lonely Princess on a diplomatic mission, bound by duty. Cyrus a charismatic man with one too many secrets. Together they bicker like and old married couple but the peace between the realms relies on Svana's marriage to Cyrus' best friend. Forbidden romance and court shenanigans ensue!
What I really liked:
The characters. When I tell you, the gasps I gusped! Svana's and Cyrus' bantering was entertaining to read and their individual character development as well as their relationship is ging to be so. so. satisfying. And I absolutely fell in love with Ser Elias. That man deserves a raise and a break.
The worldbuilding. This is a historical fantasy but the fantasy part is rather light. This allowed a smooth sailing into the world of Swords & Horses, while still keeping the vibe of both Kingdoms distinct from one another.
What I didn't like so much: For some reason I thought there would be more...action? The story is very character driven (which I like) but I kept waiting for things to happen and by the end of it I thought "Wait, that's it?" But when I sat down to think about this review I realized that it reads like a set up because it is. The Ostler's Boy does most of the heavy lifting to set up the groundwork for the next books. So once you are aware that Ostler's is very low stakes, yes, it's a set up - but a good one. And it will definitely be worth a re-read once the other books come out because if I know one thing, it's that Megan Alexandria never adds unnecessary information. The foreshadowing and hidden meaning are EVERYWHERE, you just realize it once it's already too late.
All in all it's a 3.5/5 stars for me. Very close to 4 though, so I decided to go with that. I'm very excited for the next book(s) and can't wait to finally have Cyrus bare his soul (and heart) and for Svana to take on not only her duty but her life.
P.S.: Megan, if you're reading this, stop saying that Character X is FINE
Svana is a lonely Princess on a diplomatic mission, bound by duty. Cyrus a charismatic man with one too many secrets. Together they bicker like and old married couple but the peace between the realms relies on Svana's marriage to Cyrus' best friend. Forbidden romance and court shenanigans ensue!
What I really liked:
The characters. When I tell you, the gasps I gusped! Svana's and Cyrus' bantering was entertaining to read and their individual character development as well as their relationship is ging to be so. so. satisfying. And I absolutely fell in love with Ser Elias. That man deserves a raise and a break.
The worldbuilding. This is a historical fantasy but the fantasy part is rather light. This allowed a smooth sailing into the world of Swords & Horses, while still keeping the vibe of both Kingdoms distinct from one another.
What I didn't like so much: For some reason I thought there would be more...action? The story is very character driven (which I like) but I kept waiting for things to happen and by the end of it I thought "Wait, that's it?" But when I sat down to think about this review I realized that it reads like a set up because it is. The Ostler's Boy does most of the heavy lifting to set up the groundwork for the next books. So once you are aware that Ostler's is very low stakes, yes, it's a set up - but a good one. And it will definitely be worth a re-read once the other books come out because if I know one thing, it's that Megan Alexandria never adds unnecessary information. The foreshadowing and hidden meaning are EVERYWHERE, you just realize it once it's already too late.
All in all it's a 3.5/5 stars for me. Very close to 4 though, so I decided to go with that. I'm very excited for the next book(s) and can't wait to finally have Cyrus bare his soul (and heart) and for Svana to take on not only her duty but her life.
P.S.: Megan, if you're reading this, stop saying that Character X is FINE
February 28, 2025
I'm in love with Svana... And Cyrus. I need book 2 right now!
This is such a sweet romance with gorgeous banter. The dialogue had me grinning and laughing and kicking my feet; each character's voice is unique and their interactions are just top tear. Svana's rants when she was anxious were incredible and the other character's reactions *chef's kiss*.
I love Ser Elí, Josie, even the prince and his nonsense, it all rings true. I devoured this book and had the best time with it.
I'm a huge fan, highly recommend any of Meagan's work, but this one has become my favourite. Can't wait to read more.
This is such a sweet romance with gorgeous banter. The dialogue had me grinning and laughing and kicking my feet; each character's voice is unique and their interactions are just top tear. Svana's rants when she was anxious were incredible and the other character's reactions *chef's kiss*.
I love Ser Elí, Josie, even the prince and his nonsense, it all rings true. I devoured this book and had the best time with it.
I'm a huge fan, highly recommend any of Meagan's work, but this one has become my favourite. Can't wait to read more.
April 9, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. The following review represents my honest opinion.
The book ended?? When I reached the last page I kept trying to go to the next page before I realized that the ebook didn't have another page. I was absolutely hooked by the characters and by their struggles. I have a theory about a certain character that I'll keep to myself for the sake of spoilers. My only drawback was that the dialogue was a bit chaotic and things moved very quickly. It irritated me that people kept talking over each other but I understand that it was likely purposeful to illustrate character traits.
The book ended?? When I reached the last page I kept trying to go to the next page before I realized that the ebook didn't have another page. I was absolutely hooked by the characters and by their struggles. I have a theory about a certain character that I'll keep to myself for the sake of spoilers. My only drawback was that the dialogue was a bit chaotic and things moved very quickly. It irritated me that people kept talking over each other but I understand that it was likely purposeful to illustrate character traits.
April 8, 2025
I could not put this down! I read it in two days, and it only took me two days because I had to adult.
I was hooked on this from the very beginning. Svana is a strong female main character with white and charm, Cyrus..oh Cyrus. I can not wait for book two
I was hooked on this from the very beginning. Svana is a strong female main character with white and charm, Cyrus..oh Cyrus. I can not wait for book two
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews