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In the Queerness of Time #1
Sweet Paladin
A Love that Transcends Time... and Scones to Die For
Celebrity chef Holly Milan ditched her TV career and Michelin Star restaurant (along with her rich New York boyfriend) to run a pay-what-you-can diner in Seattle’s Fremont district. She devotes her energies to feeding the local homeless camp, but no matter how much she bakes, it never feels like enough to feed the world’s hunger.
Akachi of Asphodel is a twelfth-century knight of the Order of Sophia, whose home was destroyed by Crusaders. Crying out for help from the Goddess, she awakens to find herself in a strange new world of wonderous technology and unforeseen dangers.
The moment they meet, their powerful attraction is obvious. But they soon begin to discover a deeper bond – one that was forged on the day they were born and could be destined to re-write the history of the world.
Celebrity chef Holly Milan ditched her TV career and Michelin Star restaurant (along with her rich New York boyfriend) to run a pay-what-you-can diner in Seattle’s Fremont district. She devotes her energies to feeding the local homeless camp, but no matter how much she bakes, it never feels like enough to feed the world’s hunger.
Akachi of Asphodel is a twelfth-century knight of the Order of Sophia, whose home was destroyed by Crusaders. Crying out for help from the Goddess, she awakens to find herself in a strange new world of wonderous technology and unforeseen dangers.
The moment they meet, their powerful attraction is obvious. But they soon begin to discover a deeper bond – one that was forged on the day they were born and could be destined to re-write the history of the world.
510 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2022
66 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Alex Washoe
18 books42 followersAlex Washoe (they/them) is a nonbinary writer, game designer, and full-time pet parent living in Seattle, WA. In previous incarnations, they have been a bookseller, a wildlife rehab care assistant, a dog walker at a companion animal shelter, a public speaker, an amateur stand-up comedian, and many other less interesting things. Alex is prone to sudden, seemingly random enthusiasms — the list currently includes birdwatching, baking, running, hair dye … and of course writing. Writing is always job one.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 19, 2022
Kindle Unlimited. Epic fantasy read, with time travel, knights, magics, witchery, D&D campaigns - and lots of delicious cooking!
Please ignore the cover on this one. This is definitely one where the cover doesn't help showcase the magic of the story inside, nor the high quality of writing and storytelling it possesses. It's a shame that lesfic has such cruddy covers that can mar peoples reaction to them - but I really think this is one worthy of trying out, IF you're into what I'm about to thrown down.
This quite a long one, about 6 or so hours, if not more depending on your reading speed. It's so very detailed, and yet isn't dragged out for any sake. You get time to just be with the characters and go through the process with them of learning about what is happening, coming to terms with it, and preparing for what is to come. All with humour, love, magic, food and a bit of weed combined lol.
We're thrown into the fray at first; during the past - 12 century - with our MC Akachi, a Knight Paladin in the Middle East of an ancient fortress, fighting off invaders and seeing her city and sisters falling and feeling like a failure to a powerful enemy. An ancient magic is inducted, and we shift to 'now' times.
We meet the sweetest MC ever in Holly, a curvy ex TV Chef and true pure-heart that helps feed the homeless of the city and create treats and food for the soul for any and all in her diner. There's a lot of timely themes here with homelessness and a corrupt police system, and richer entities pulling strings to create unrest and lack of sympathy from the city of Seattle where this is set.
I felt so very strongly for our MC's and all their friends and family and the struggles each were having. And as I said a lot of discussion were so very timely and nuanced, but also sadly relatable and repeating from times past, as we come to discover.
There's evils afoot, but magics too - so much to discover. I cannot do it justice in the telling. It's beautifully written, the voices of Akachi and Holly were different and distinct, which really adds to the dual POV of the novel. Their attraction is a bit instant, however it works since they are so very inter-connected in a magical, mystical way. So I wasn't bothered by it.
So if you're into fantasy, time slips, sexy warriors, loving voluptuous foodies, and the friends and family that support them, and want what's best for the entire community at large - then I think you'll love it! I would recommend giving it a go! Even if it's not your wheelhouse, I think the writing holds up wonderfully, and the characters. On KU!
Please ignore the cover on this one. This is definitely one where the cover doesn't help showcase the magic of the story inside, nor the high quality of writing and storytelling it possesses. It's a shame that lesfic has such cruddy covers that can mar peoples reaction to them - but I really think this is one worthy of trying out, IF you're into what I'm about to thrown down.
This quite a long one, about 6 or so hours, if not more depending on your reading speed. It's so very detailed, and yet isn't dragged out for any sake. You get time to just be with the characters and go through the process with them of learning about what is happening, coming to terms with it, and preparing for what is to come. All with humour, love, magic, food and a bit of weed combined lol.
We're thrown into the fray at first; during the past - 12 century - with our MC Akachi, a Knight Paladin in the Middle East of an ancient fortress, fighting off invaders and seeing her city and sisters falling and feeling like a failure to a powerful enemy. An ancient magic is inducted, and we shift to 'now' times.
We meet the sweetest MC ever in Holly, a curvy ex TV Chef and true pure-heart that helps feed the homeless of the city and create treats and food for the soul for any and all in her diner. There's a lot of timely themes here with homelessness and a corrupt police system, and richer entities pulling strings to create unrest and lack of sympathy from the city of Seattle where this is set.
I felt so very strongly for our MC's and all their friends and family and the struggles each were having. And as I said a lot of discussion were so very timely and nuanced, but also sadly relatable and repeating from times past, as we come to discover.
There's evils afoot, but magics too - so much to discover. I cannot do it justice in the telling. It's beautifully written, the voices of Akachi and Holly were different and distinct, which really adds to the dual POV of the novel. Their attraction is a bit instant, however it works since they are so very inter-connected in a magical, mystical way. So I wasn't bothered by it.
So if you're into fantasy, time slips, sexy warriors, loving voluptuous foodies, and the friends and family that support them, and want what's best for the entire community at large - then I think you'll love it! I would recommend giving it a go! Even if it's not your wheelhouse, I think the writing holds up wonderfully, and the characters. On KU!
April 26, 2022
If asked to describe this book in one word, the first word that comes to me is weird… Weird but in a good way. The next word is delightful.
I wasn’t really sure what to think for the first 50% of the book. I was engrossed in the story, I loved the characters, the romance was really sweet, but I was just sort of like, what am I reading?
A little after the half way mark, the story was of course still weird, but again it was delightful. I really found myself loving it. I don’t even know if I could explain why I loved it so much. Well, there is of course, time travel, and D&D campaigns, tons of yummy sounding baked good. I mean what’s not to love?
I was really surprised by this one and I find myself looking forward to more.
I wasn’t really sure what to think for the first 50% of the book. I was engrossed in the story, I loved the characters, the romance was really sweet, but I was just sort of like, what am I reading?
A little after the half way mark, the story was of course still weird, but again it was delightful. I really found myself loving it. I don’t even know if I could explain why I loved it so much. Well, there is of course, time travel, and D&D campaigns, tons of yummy sounding baked good. I mean what’s not to love?
I was really surprised by this one and I find myself looking forward to more.
February 19, 2022
A truly wonderful surprise
I went in to this book with no expectations. It just cropped up while I was checking the store and to say it delighted me is an understatement. Now to start with, timetravel has never been a favourite of mine but the book does it really well. The plot is fairly unique and the characters colourful and varied. Well worth a read and I look forward to more.
I went in to this book with no expectations. It just cropped up while I was checking the store and to say it delighted me is an understatement. Now to start with, timetravel has never been a favourite of mine but the book does it really well. The plot is fairly unique and the characters colourful and varied. Well worth a read and I look forward to more.
August 30, 2025
Rounding up. I love a good isekai, let alone a reverse isekai where someone from the past has to adapt to the modern day.
The world was very rich. I loved the infusion of magic and goddesses.
The romance was fine but a little quick. I would have preferred more time spent building that up. There was also a bit of a pacing moment about 2/3rd of the way through the book. There was nothing wrong, just some of the intruige dipped slightly.
If you like stories with magic, some historical fantasy, and lots of different rep this might be for you.
The world was very rich. I loved the infusion of magic and goddesses.
The romance was fine but a little quick. I would have preferred more time spent building that up. There was also a bit of a pacing moment about 2/3rd of the way through the book. There was nothing wrong, just some of the intruige dipped slightly.
If you like stories with magic, some historical fantasy, and lots of different rep this might be for you.
August 13, 2023
500 pages and it wasn't enough, excitedly waiting for the next one
A captivating and sweet story. I was completely enamoured by it and most of its characters (not the villains!). The romance bit is (not so) slow burn, and the MC don't fight their feelings even though there are some struggles that one of them needs to get over. There's also plenty of action and some sadness and comedy to balance it all. And there's more to come!!! Just give it a try, it's worth it, IMHO.
Anyway, the only "negative" thing I have to say is that it'd be even better if it went through another proofreading, there's a few mistakes that often a new pair of eyes could catch, unlike the person writing, being too used to the words. But it's nothing that would hinder anyone's enjoyment or the reading flow. So again, give it a go and enjoy!
A captivating and sweet story. I was completely enamoured by it and most of its characters (not the villains!). The romance bit is (not so) slow burn, and the MC don't fight their feelings even though there are some struggles that one of them needs to get over. There's also plenty of action and some sadness and comedy to balance it all. And there's more to come!!! Just give it a try, it's worth it, IMHO.
Anyway, the only "negative" thing I have to say is that it'd be even better if it went through another proofreading, there's a few mistakes that often a new pair of eyes could catch, unlike the person writing, being too used to the words. But it's nothing that would hinder anyone's enjoyment or the reading flow. So again, give it a go and enjoy!
April 18, 2022
This is a difficult book to pin down. It's really all over the place plot-wise, rambling and sometimes bizarre but not hard to follow. I think because the central relationship was just so darn sweet, any incoherence in the plot seemed forgivable - and it all actually kinda resolves later in the book anyway (editing remains poor, but that tends to be a kindle unlimited problem). Once everybody gets their feet under them it becomes a much clearer quest-type plotline. I suspect it's meant to feel like the D&D campaign it often references. The romance and, honestly, the pure coziness of the rapturous descriptions of cooking and the warmth of somebody who heals and loves through baked goods are what saves this book and makes it sweet and enjoyable.
August 1, 2022
What a ride. I enjoyed immensely this book, I have read a few of Alex Washoes before this one, not in the right order. For this one you have to be open for time travel and magic. I read it in one day, nearly non-stop.
Around every few pages was something new, Hollys mother Magda with new wisdom, Britt trying to protect her, in each time is trouble and as an old fan of Star Trek Universe, I don't like the paradox when time traveling. Be aware to go on a roller coaster and not every question will be answered. So no science here, just a lot of fun and entertaining.
Around every few pages was something new, Hollys mother Magda with new wisdom, Britt trying to protect her, in each time is trouble and as an old fan of Star Trek Universe, I don't like the paradox when time traveling. Be aware to go on a roller coaster and not every question will be answered. So no science here, just a lot of fun and entertaining.
September 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions are vivid, I get hungry reading it 🙂 I love that Akashi helps Holly lose that insecurity about her weight, how Holly is slowly learning her powers. The travel to 'fix' what went wrong, only to find out that not all can be changed. That twist at the end...wow! One more secret being kept from Holly!
I think reading "Mouthpiece" before you read this book helps a lot. You will find out why everyone who is not Holly is suddenly interested in the homeless shelter and camp.
I think reading "Mouthpiece" before you read this book helps a lot. You will find out why everyone who is not Holly is suddenly interested in the homeless shelter and camp.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2022
Knight and Protector
Akachi awoke broken and disoriented in a new time and place. She had failed in her duty to protect her city and her sisters in the order. Now homeless in Seattle she she Holly Milan moving through the homeless came feeding people. They are destined to be together and to save to cities. A magnificent saga and love story of family and hearth. A wonderful start to series.
Akachi awoke broken and disoriented in a new time and place. She had failed in her duty to protect her city and her sisters in the order. Now homeless in Seattle she she Holly Milan moving through the homeless came feeding people. They are destined to be together and to save to cities. A magnificent saga and love story of family and hearth. A wonderful start to series.
November 19, 2022
wonderful!
I haven’t read book like this in a very long time. Extremely well written with excellent characters. The most fun I’ve had in a long while. I laughed out loud with the hearth witch character, Holly, who speaks about everything in terms of food, it’s just hilarious. If you love adventure, heroes, paladins, time travel, and sexy women, read this!!
I haven’t read book like this in a very long time. Extremely well written with excellent characters. The most fun I’ve had in a long while. I laughed out loud with the hearth witch character, Holly, who speaks about everything in terms of food, it’s just hilarious. If you love adventure, heroes, paladins, time travel, and sexy women, read this!!
December 27, 2022
Time-Travel Fantasy… Give Me MORE
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sweet Paladin. Holly and Akachi were awesome main characters. Their connection and love flowed through the story like the smells of fresh baked bread in a bakery. I look forward to reading of Alex Washoe’s books. Bring on the time-travel.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sweet Paladin. Holly and Akachi were awesome main characters. Their connection and love flowed through the story like the smells of fresh baked bread in a bakery. I look forward to reading of Alex Washoe’s books. Bring on the time-travel.
July 26, 2022
Surprising
I am not a big fan of time travel but this book well done. I would have liked more bedroom details because it really anchors relationships. But my other complaint is that the next book is not available. I am excited about where this series can go.
I am not a big fan of time travel but this book well done. I would have liked more bedroom details because it really anchors relationships. But my other complaint is that the next book is not available. I am excited about where this series can go.
April 27, 2025
Sweet Paladin was a wonderful read! The storyline was unique and the main characters were so freaking cute together! The supporting cast was fun, some with cameos from other books. It was a great book to binge over my Saturday. Now I'm on to the next one!
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June 4, 2022Wonderful story
I have enjoyed this wonderful heartfelt adventure of time travel that begin in the 12th century moving to modern time and back again.
I have enjoyed this wonderful heartfelt adventure of time travel that begin in the 12th century moving to modern time and back again.
November 27, 2022
Quite a few typos, no sex to speak of, but interesting story.
May 20, 2023
5 words!!! VERY ENJOYABLE AND SWEET TALE
January 20, 2025
Surprisingly good!
October 5, 2022
I loved this book. It is a quirky mixture of romance, fantasy, time travel and cooking. The MC are fully drawn with lots of depth and are great together. I can't wait for the next one ....
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews