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Lady in Waiting #1
Lady in Waiting
As princess of a small, wealthy, medieval kingdom, Cordelia always knew her marriage would be a political matter. She doesn't expect love. All she wants is a husband who will let her continue to pursue her own interests rather than trapping her in an endless cycle of domesticity, but even these small hopes seem dashed when she meets the prince she's expected to marry.
When the prince's men arrive to bring her to her new home for her wedding, Cordelia comes up with a plan for one last week of freedom: switching places for the journey with her trusted lady-in-waiting. She knows the charade will have to end when they arrive, so she intends to make the most of it until then, even if it means enlisting the help of their unusual and entirely too handsome escort, Sean.
Sean is hiding his own secret about his true identity and why he was chosen for this journey. He's sworn to deliver the princess with her virtue intact, but no one ever said anything about the beautiful and unpredictable lady-in-waiting. The trip and its dangers bring them closer and closer together until both passion and truths threaten to boil over, washing away everything in its path.
When they finally see each other for who they really are, will the princess get her happily-ever-after after all?
When the prince's men arrive to bring her to her new home for her wedding, Cordelia comes up with a plan for one last week of freedom: switching places for the journey with her trusted lady-in-waiting. She knows the charade will have to end when they arrive, so she intends to make the most of it until then, even if it means enlisting the help of their unusual and entirely too handsome escort, Sean.
Sean is hiding his own secret about his true identity and why he was chosen for this journey. He's sworn to deliver the princess with her virtue intact, but no one ever said anything about the beautiful and unpredictable lady-in-waiting. The trip and its dangers bring them closer and closer together until both passion and truths threaten to boil over, washing away everything in its path.
When they finally see each other for who they really are, will the princess get her happily-ever-after after all?
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
261 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Melody Tyden
43 books166 followersIf you're looking for sweet and steamy romance, you've come to the right place! I started reading romance novels in my early teens and writing them soon afterwards; growing up in small towns in western Canada, there wasn't much else to do! Luckily, those early stories have never seen the light of day.
Now, I live in the UK with my husband and daughter and spend my free time diving into magical or just romantic settings where true love (almost) always wins.
Now, I live in the UK with my husband and daughter and spend my free time diving into magical or just romantic settings where true love (almost) always wins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 2, 2022
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes!
Perspective: First person (past) from both hero and heroine, alternating chapters
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is the first book in the series but you’ll definitely want to read this series in order – the couple doesn’t really end on a cliffhanger but the plot does.
Basic plot:
Cordelia is stood up at her wedding and her betrothed is presumed dead. Now she must travel to marry his brother, but switches places with her lady in waiting to have a small bit of freedom before the wedding.
Give this a try if you want:
- Relatively low angst read where the hero and heroine are a team for the majority of the book – I loved the strength of their friendship turned relationship
- This is a fantasy world in a medieval setting
- Royalty – both main characters are royals – Prince and Princess
- Bearded hero!
- Archer heroine that holds her own in trouble
- Arranged marriage trope
- Road trip romance
- Double secret identity trope
- Protective hero!
- Medium steam – 4 full scenes, some kisses, and other tension building scenes
- Witnessed/fake consummation (yay!)
Ages:
- I didn’t see them listed but would guess mid to late 20s for both?
My thoughts:
This story begins as an arranged marriage between two members of royalty in a fictional land with a medieval feeling.
Prince Cassian goes missing and is presumed dead. Princess Cordelia must now marry the brother, Eric, as he is now the prince, according to the contract. On the way to her wedding, she switches places with her lady in waiting to have more freedom before her wedding and our presumed dead prince is one of the escorts.
I really enjoyed this story. It has a number of things I enjoy in romance and I found myself grinning a few times throughout the story and laughing outright during our witnessed wedding consummation. Some humor sprinkled throughout, plenty of dialogue, some light action and intrigue.
This story does end with a happily ever after for Cordelia and Cassian, but the plot is left strongly open (a plot cliffhanger?) that will continue in the next book with a few characters stories. I would assume Bran and Elodie will have a story in the next books, as their relationship was budding as Cordelia’s lady in waiting and Cassian’s right hand man.
This book is written in first person with alternating perspectives. I’m sure this is fine for normal people. As someone who’s read 3rd person pretty exclusively for decades I struggle hard with it! It makes the characters feel younger to me. I cannot shake the feeling I am reading a high schooler’s diary. But I do get used to it over time and by the end it was *barely bothering me haha.
Random thought about the sex:
He doesn’t push her away when she’s wanting to taste him too and say he’s only worried about her pleasure like so many other romances. Yay!
I liked that nothing went exactly like I thought it would. After reading hundreds of romance over decades, some tropes tend to play out similarly and I was happy to see my anxiety over certain things was for naught here hehe. These two work together throughout the book, you don’t have to worry about levels of misunderstandings coming into play, even when the opportunity presents itself.
I thought there was some lovely scenes of romance in this book. Lots of sweet thoughts and little touches that make the romance come to life for me in a novel.
I lowered my rating just a bit for a few reasons. Some of the book just felt really slow to me and I found myself looking at the page count a lot. I also had minor thoughts about some of the plot aspects I wasn’t in love with. And I wanted to feel just a touch more actual sexual tension between them and maybe a bit more emotional aspect with the sex. Overall, my personal complaints are very minor and I am super happy I read this book! I would definitely consider reading more by this author.
A few other notes:
Content Warnings
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes!
Perspective: First person (past) from both hero and heroine, alternating chapters
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is the first book in the series but you’ll definitely want to read this series in order – the couple doesn’t really end on a cliffhanger but the plot does.
Basic plot:
Cordelia is stood up at her wedding and her betrothed is presumed dead. Now she must travel to marry his brother, but switches places with her lady in waiting to have a small bit of freedom before the wedding.
Give this a try if you want:
- Relatively low angst read where the hero and heroine are a team for the majority of the book – I loved the strength of their friendship turned relationship
- This is a fantasy world in a medieval setting
- Royalty – both main characters are royals – Prince and Princess
- Bearded hero!
- Archer heroine that holds her own in trouble
- Arranged marriage trope
- Road trip romance
- Double secret identity trope
- Protective hero!
- Medium steam – 4 full scenes, some kisses, and other tension building scenes
- Witnessed/fake consummation (yay!)
Ages:
- I didn’t see them listed but would guess mid to late 20s for both?
My thoughts:
This story begins as an arranged marriage between two members of royalty in a fictional land with a medieval feeling.
Prince Cassian goes missing and is presumed dead. Princess Cordelia must now marry the brother, Eric, as he is now the prince, according to the contract. On the way to her wedding, she switches places with her lady in waiting to have more freedom before her wedding and our presumed dead prince is one of the escorts.
I really enjoyed this story. It has a number of things I enjoy in romance and I found myself grinning a few times throughout the story and laughing outright during our witnessed wedding consummation. Some humor sprinkled throughout, plenty of dialogue, some light action and intrigue.
This story does end with a happily ever after for Cordelia and Cassian, but the plot is left strongly open (a plot cliffhanger?) that will continue in the next book with a few characters stories. I would assume Bran and Elodie will have a story in the next books, as their relationship was budding as Cordelia’s lady in waiting and Cassian’s right hand man.
This book is written in first person with alternating perspectives. I’m sure this is fine for normal people. As someone who’s read 3rd person pretty exclusively for decades I struggle hard with it! It makes the characters feel younger to me. I cannot shake the feeling I am reading a high schooler’s diary. But I do get used to it over time and by the end it was *barely bothering me haha.
Random thought about the sex:
He doesn’t push her away when she’s wanting to taste him too and say he’s only worried about her pleasure like so many other romances. Yay!
I liked that nothing went exactly like I thought it would. After reading hundreds of romance over decades, some tropes tend to play out similarly and I was happy to see my anxiety over certain things was for naught here hehe. These two work together throughout the book, you don’t have to worry about levels of misunderstandings coming into play, even when the opportunity presents itself.
I thought there was some lovely scenes of romance in this book. Lots of sweet thoughts and little touches that make the romance come to life for me in a novel.
I lowered my rating just a bit for a few reasons. Some of the book just felt really slow to me and I found myself looking at the page count a lot. I also had minor thoughts about some of the plot aspects I wasn’t in love with. And I wanted to feel just a touch more actual sexual tension between them and maybe a bit more emotional aspect with the sex. Overall, my personal complaints are very minor and I am super happy I read this book! I would definitely consider reading more by this author.
A few other notes:
Content Warnings
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
August 31, 2022
Lady in Waiting is a medieval setting romance which features Princess Cordelia who is set to marry a Prince as part of an arranged marriage, much to her dismay! On the way to her future husband's kingdom she decides to temporarily switch places with her Lady in Waiting and meets Sean and sparks fly!
I absolutely loved this book, once I started I couldn't put it down. The sex scenes were steamy and romantic. The sexual chemistry between the two leads was really good and I loved the side characters. There were twists and secrets that I wasn't expecting that kept me completely enthralled in the story. The book ends on a very slight cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book.
I absolutely loved this book, once I started I couldn't put it down. The sex scenes were steamy and romantic. The sexual chemistry between the two leads was really good and I loved the side characters. There were twists and secrets that I wasn't expecting that kept me completely enthralled in the story. The book ends on a very slight cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book.
September 24, 2022
Lady in waiting is a mixture of the Importance of being Earnest but set in medieval times.
We have a Princess who is contracted to marry and has no inclination to do so and a Prince even less interested in the contract.
I was hooked immediately and read the book in a day.
I loved the characters and was swept away into their world.
A nice bit of spice thrown in makes this a wonderful romantic adventure. I cannot wait for the next two books on the series to be released.
We have a Princess who is contracted to marry and has no inclination to do so and a Prince even less interested in the contract.
I was hooked immediately and read the book in a day.
I loved the characters and was swept away into their world.
A nice bit of spice thrown in makes this a wonderful romantic adventure. I cannot wait for the next two books on the series to be released.
September 26, 2023
A quick read. I somewhat enjoyed it…. Except what kind of shammy kingdoms are these people running. The first king marrying off his daughter to the second brother asap after the first brother is supposedly dead…. But no one has found a body… and the second kingdom, the kind obviously has no idea what crap is happening in his own castle or with their army. So much treasonous shenanigans happening right under their noses. They are either stupid or terrible judges of characters. Not sure if I’ll continue on with the next book or call it a day. They left it open for some predictable storylines in the next book. So meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
this was a cute read.
September 5, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
Spice 🔥🔥.5/5
I am here for a book that writes a historical romance fiction with a strong FMC that doesn't conform to normal standards of that time.
Dee has to be one of my favorite characters. She was strong, independent, and a little bit of a Rebel with a side of humor. She may have been a Princess but she wasn't letting that hold her back from shooting a bow and arrow and adventure.
Cass was the hot Prince with a kind side wanting to do right by his Kingdom. He wasn't overly alpha but had a protective side and could make you laugh.
The story will take you on an adventure as Cass disappears before he is set to be married to Dee. Which leaves her to having to marry his brother. As she starts her journey to her new home and future husband she comes up with a plan to switch roles with her best friend. Which takes her on a path of meeting one of the male escorts assisting in bringing her to her new home.
I enjoyed getting lost in the adventure of the story. In reading how the characters interacted and the laughter that came along with it. The plot was unique to many of historical romances I have read which was a nice change.
I do wish there was just a tad bit more in the historical part but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the second one.
ARC was provided for my honest review.
Spice 🔥🔥.5/5
I am here for a book that writes a historical romance fiction with a strong FMC that doesn't conform to normal standards of that time.
Dee has to be one of my favorite characters. She was strong, independent, and a little bit of a Rebel with a side of humor. She may have been a Princess but she wasn't letting that hold her back from shooting a bow and arrow and adventure.
Cass was the hot Prince with a kind side wanting to do right by his Kingdom. He wasn't overly alpha but had a protective side and could make you laugh.
The story will take you on an adventure as Cass disappears before he is set to be married to Dee. Which leaves her to having to marry his brother. As she starts her journey to her new home and future husband she comes up with a plan to switch roles with her best friend. Which takes her on a path of meeting one of the male escorts assisting in bringing her to her new home.
I enjoyed getting lost in the adventure of the story. In reading how the characters interacted and the laughter that came along with it. The plot was unique to many of historical romances I have read which was a nice change.
I do wish there was just a tad bit more in the historical part but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the second one.
ARC was provided for my honest review.
September 7, 2022
I received an ARC of this book.
I read this book in a matter of days... I probably would have read it quicker if I didn't have to sleep or be distracted by my family.
Tyden has written a princess that may not have been a normal acting princess for her time but a princess that I would want to be - I love her sense of adventure, her humor, her quick wittedness and her need to be more than a wife and princess. But on the other hand, I don't think I would want to go through all of the drama that occurs during the week this book takes place.
I don't think I can say too much about the male lead without giving too much away, but I really enjoyed the connection that the princess and him made, and how they discovered each other.
This book was filled with friendships, humor, romance, drama, thrill, suspense, smut and anticipation. I enjoyed trying to put together who was behind the drama, and having a princess that could take care of herself (and her male companions).
I loved or hated all the characters.... even the side characters felt important. That being said... I can't wait for book two to find out if the Lady-in-waiting will get her HEA. And the title of the third book has me even more intrigued....
I read this book in a matter of days... I probably would have read it quicker if I didn't have to sleep or be distracted by my family.
Tyden has written a princess that may not have been a normal acting princess for her time but a princess that I would want to be - I love her sense of adventure, her humor, her quick wittedness and her need to be more than a wife and princess. But on the other hand, I don't think I would want to go through all of the drama that occurs during the week this book takes place.
I don't think I can say too much about the male lead without giving too much away, but I really enjoyed the connection that the princess and him made, and how they discovered each other.
This book was filled with friendships, humor, romance, drama, thrill, suspense, smut and anticipation. I enjoyed trying to put together who was behind the drama, and having a princess that could take care of herself (and her male companions).
I loved or hated all the characters.... even the side characters felt important. That being said... I can't wait for book two to find out if the Lady-in-waiting will get her HEA. And the title of the third book has me even more intrigued....
September 3, 2022
This is a fun, light, romantic adventure with two very likeable main characters and some interesting side characters too. I loved how Sean and Dee got to know each other as people first without all the trappings of their positions, and how their relationship evolved from attraction to friendship to love, even as they tried to fight it. They are perfect for each other.
The story also had some genuinely funny moments. I loved the image of the two of them trading clothes, and the official consummation had me giggling.
The plot got a tiny bit overcomplicated towards the end, but most of the knots untied themselves before the end of the book. There is definitely room for a sequel, but we leave the main characters in a happy place (and finally in a bed!).
The story also had some genuinely funny moments. I loved the image of the two of them trading clothes, and the official consummation had me giggling.
The plot got a tiny bit overcomplicated towards the end, but most of the knots untied themselves before the end of the book. There is definitely room for a sequel, but we leave the main characters in a happy place (and finally in a bed!).
December 6, 2022
This book is so delightfully bonkers! The plot moved surprisingly quickly but didn’t feel hard to follow (which is impressive considering how much happens in this book). Cordelia and Cass had great chemistry both with each other and when interacting with the rest of the cast of characters. I really enjoyed this book and hope it gets some more love- I’ll be reading the rest of the series!
August 31, 2022
Melody has created a great storyline with a good set of characters. I read this book in less than a day as I was definitely hooked. A very good historical romance and I can’t wait to read the next book!
January 16, 2024
A cute story of two people pretending to be other people, only to find out that the person they're trying to avoid is the other. It was funny and fun, and I liked the mystery side of it - it threw in some unknown.
August 30, 2022
Loved It!!
The perfect fairytale romance. Secret identity and mystery to be solved. There was a bit of action and adventure, lots of angst and some steam! I loved Cordelia and Cassian and I'm glad we got both POVs. Overall, I really enjoyed it. I can't wait for future stories in this world!
The perfect fairytale romance. Secret identity and mystery to be solved. There was a bit of action and adventure, lots of angst and some steam! I loved Cordelia and Cassian and I'm glad we got both POVs. Overall, I really enjoyed it. I can't wait for future stories in this world!
August 31, 2022
I loved it. Read it in less than two days and couldn't put it down. Lots of humor, surprises, twists and turns. Great characters and great story!
October 9, 2022
Loved this book! Looking forward to the next book in this series!!!
June 9, 2023
An entertaining read
This is an action-packed story, quite an entertaining read with strong characters and a good plot. Recommended for fans of the genre.
This is an action-packed story, quite an entertaining read with strong characters and a good plot. Recommended for fans of the genre.
October 18, 2022
A breath of fresh air.
I loved how this played out. Creative and a bit of mystery. I loved all the characters and the ending. I can't wait to read the next book.
I loved how this played out. Creative and a bit of mystery. I loved all the characters and the ending. I can't wait to read the next book.
September 13, 2022
3.5 stars 🌟
August 20, 2022
Beautifully written historical romance.
May 20, 2023
Intrigue is afoot …
This story was really well written and edited! The characters are definitely worth reading about, the twists that happen and how things go. Looking forward to reading more. Thanks for the adventure!
This story was really well written and edited! The characters are definitely worth reading about, the twists that happen and how things go. Looking forward to reading more. Thanks for the adventure!
November 6, 2022
Saw this book recommended on a FB thread. Love the communication between our FMC and MMC and the trust they both have for one another. FMC can hold her own and not afraid to stand up for herself when she needs to. Already download book 2 on KU and super excited to start it.
June 6, 2023
Really enjoyed this storyline!
Rating system I’m trying to adhere to:
1 - DNF
2 - struggled to finish
3 - Enjoyed reading but story doesn’t stay a few days after reading
4 - Enjoyed reading with staying power/recommend
5 - Well, this is my personality now
Rating system I’m trying to adhere to:
1 - DNF
2 - struggled to finish
3 - Enjoyed reading but story doesn’t stay a few days after reading
4 - Enjoyed reading with staying power/recommend
5 - Well, this is my personality now
December 22, 2021
Found this gem on the Dreame app. Contract marriage…Prince Cassian’s attempted murder leads him to go into hiding leaving Princess Cordelia to now marry his brother Prince Eric. On the journey to meet and marry Prince Eric…princess Cordelia and her lady Eloise swap places just for fun. What an adventure…Prince Cassian shows up in disguise to join the journey but falls for the Lady Eloise(who is Cordelia) knowing he is supposed to marry the Princess…confused yet? It’s not really, the author does a great job weaving the story.
March 2, 2023
great read
I really enjoyed this story. It was light hearted with twists of action, humor and romance. It surprised me with several turns but still gave you a great ending with plenty of romance. I look forward to meeting more by this author!
I really enjoyed this story. It was light hearted with twists of action, humor and romance. It surprised me with several turns but still gave you a great ending with plenty of romance. I look forward to meeting more by this author!
June 29, 2023
The story was simple, and I found a lot of the mechanics used to further the story were just not believable. For example: When the crown prince finally reunites with his best man, he comes in as another soldier to a party of guards who work for his brother. How did these men not recognize him? Especially if they were from his own nation?
Overall it was a sweet story, and a quick read, but I have no need to further read the series.
Overall it was a sweet story, and a quick read, but I have no need to further read the series.
January 10, 2022
Loved this book! Again another original story line that you have to fall in love with
January 17, 2022
Historical romance with a female lead that is not only powerful and royal but she is funny and resourceful too. Loved the humour and the relationship between friends and lovers
April 12, 2025
Didn’t finish after page 188. It took a lot for me to even get to that point. Nothing was horrible, but it was one of the most straightforward, one note book I’ve read. Everything is laid out so perfectly and everything happens so perfectly. Also it was repetitive in the extreme due to the dual pov. We would hear the pov of Cordelia, then it would go to cassian. When the two were together, we would go through a situation through her eyes, then cassian would replay the exact same situation but through his pov. And they were basically thinking the exact same things as eachother. So it was just every other chapter was just a rehashing of the chapter before it. That’s the most uninteresting way to do dual point of view. And again it’s just so repetitive. And leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination. The entire romance left nothing to the imagination. I never had to wonder about a single detail because the author laid everything out for us like we were toddlers that couldn’t read between the lines and needed to be told in no uncertain terms how everyone was feeling and what everyone was thinking about every single thing the entire time. Being that they were thinking the exact same things was the icing on the repetitive cake.
I will also never understand insta love in a romance novel. What is the point if they fall in love that easily? Literally every single thing that Dee does cassian has to tell us how amazing he thinks it is and how perfect she is. And Cordelia does the exact same thing about cassian. Every single thing he does is praised by her. This is just another repetitive aspect. It read like this: Cassian pov: ‘I had to take a dump in the woods’. Cordelia pov: ‘cassian had to go take a dump in the woods, and the way he did it was just amazing. He walked over to the trees with such a manly stride that I got a tingling in my lower belly. He is so different from any other man.’ Cordelia pov: ‘I started riding my horse.’ Cassian pov: ‘Cordelia started riding her horse. She looked so majestic and perfect. I’ve never seen anyone so different.’ That’s how it felt reading this. It was all just copy paste copy paste copy paste. But just changing out the names and whatever other small details. Obviously you want them to like eachother, but it’s the writing/storytelling that lacked so much imagination and depth. So many authors feel like they need to spell everything out and make the writing as obvious as possible to make sure we understand what they want us to know. Like they don’t think we can get it on our own and that we need the author to hold our hands. Subtley and nuance do so much for storytelling. And everything always working out so perfectly is boring. I don’t need my characters to be perfect and have everything happen so perfectly. You need flaws and conflicts and tension and mystery to compel readers. At least you do with me.
Cordelia is the stereotypical “different girl”. You know, she’s just so different from every other girl because she likes the outdoors and riding and shooting and just not acting like a “regular” princess overall. At this point, because being “different” is so overdone I sort of want to read a story about a typical princess haha. Or if the character is going to be “different” at least write it in a way that isn’t so stereotypical and feels unique. Why rehash things that have been done to death? I also didn’t like that the author felt the need to make Elodie the dullest character ever around the men just to try and make Cordelia shine brighter. Again, holding our hand to make sure we know that of course cassian would like Cordelia more. If the author dug deeper, she would realize that other characters can shine too. If Cordelia was as awesome as the author intended, she wouldn’t need to be worried about another woman outshining her. They can both be likable in their own ways. That kind of thing just bothers me and lends to the surface level writing.
Overall the book isn’t bad or anything. The characters are pleasant which is nice. I just want to read something deeper. Or at least entertaining and not repetitive. And without insta love. I just can’t take the characters seriously when they are professing their deep love for eachother after like 5 short interactions over the course of a handful of days.
I will also never understand insta love in a romance novel. What is the point if they fall in love that easily? Literally every single thing that Dee does cassian has to tell us how amazing he thinks it is and how perfect she is. And Cordelia does the exact same thing about cassian. Every single thing he does is praised by her. This is just another repetitive aspect. It read like this: Cassian pov: ‘I had to take a dump in the woods’. Cordelia pov: ‘cassian had to go take a dump in the woods, and the way he did it was just amazing. He walked over to the trees with such a manly stride that I got a tingling in my lower belly. He is so different from any other man.’ Cordelia pov: ‘I started riding my horse.’ Cassian pov: ‘Cordelia started riding her horse. She looked so majestic and perfect. I’ve never seen anyone so different.’ That’s how it felt reading this. It was all just copy paste copy paste copy paste. But just changing out the names and whatever other small details. Obviously you want them to like eachother, but it’s the writing/storytelling that lacked so much imagination and depth. So many authors feel like they need to spell everything out and make the writing as obvious as possible to make sure we understand what they want us to know. Like they don’t think we can get it on our own and that we need the author to hold our hands. Subtley and nuance do so much for storytelling. And everything always working out so perfectly is boring. I don’t need my characters to be perfect and have everything happen so perfectly. You need flaws and conflicts and tension and mystery to compel readers. At least you do with me.
Cordelia is the stereotypical “different girl”. You know, she’s just so different from every other girl because she likes the outdoors and riding and shooting and just not acting like a “regular” princess overall. At this point, because being “different” is so overdone I sort of want to read a story about a typical princess haha. Or if the character is going to be “different” at least write it in a way that isn’t so stereotypical and feels unique. Why rehash things that have been done to death? I also didn’t like that the author felt the need to make Elodie the dullest character ever around the men just to try and make Cordelia shine brighter. Again, holding our hand to make sure we know that of course cassian would like Cordelia more. If the author dug deeper, she would realize that other characters can shine too. If Cordelia was as awesome as the author intended, she wouldn’t need to be worried about another woman outshining her. They can both be likable in their own ways. That kind of thing just bothers me and lends to the surface level writing.
Overall the book isn’t bad or anything. The characters are pleasant which is nice. I just want to read something deeper. Or at least entertaining and not repetitive. And without insta love. I just can’t take the characters seriously when they are professing their deep love for eachother after like 5 short interactions over the course of a handful of days.
January 24, 2024
So this was an incredibly fun read! I almost gave it five stars ...
First of all, I really like the story the plot blurb sounded really interesting, but also sounded really straightforward. Like I knew exactly what was gonna happen but no. It's actually get surprise me a few times and had twists and turns I was not expecting and the ending also took me absolutely by surprise. It was an incredibly enjoyable plot. Never got boring and definitely kept me reading.
The characters I did like, but if I were to give them a rating out of five, I would say four. All the characters were really nice even the side characters feel good and like their own person. Not just supporting the main cast even though they did do that. Only thing is I felt they were pretty one-dimensional... Well lets say two-dimensional, but they definitely weren't three-dimensional yet. I felt like they had just one side to them. I needed a little bit more uniqueness. Although each of them felt like a distinct, separate character it just needed a bit more to make them believable.
the spice scenes were good. I think it was a great amount peppered between the plot and they were enjoyable to read. It was also good variety so was not just the same thing copy-paste from a chapter ago.
The writing style I also like I feel like it was just enough description to understand the scene, but I personally like a little bit more description.
So in general, it was a great book. I already started the second one and will probably read more from this author.
First of all, I really like the story the plot blurb sounded really interesting, but also sounded really straightforward. Like I knew exactly what was gonna happen but no. It's actually get surprise me a few times and had twists and turns I was not expecting and the ending also took me absolutely by surprise. It was an incredibly enjoyable plot. Never got boring and definitely kept me reading.
The characters I did like, but if I were to give them a rating out of five, I would say four. All the characters were really nice even the side characters feel good and like their own person. Not just supporting the main cast even though they did do that. Only thing is I felt they were pretty one-dimensional... Well lets say two-dimensional, but they definitely weren't three-dimensional yet. I felt like they had just one side to them. I needed a little bit more uniqueness. Although each of them felt like a distinct, separate character it just needed a bit more to make them believable.
the spice scenes were good. I think it was a great amount peppered between the plot and they were enjoyable to read. It was also good variety so was not just the same thing copy-paste from a chapter ago.
The writing style I also like I feel like it was just enough description to understand the scene, but I personally like a little bit more description.
So in general, it was a great book. I already started the second one and will probably read more from this author.
October 13, 2023
great story! supportive couple
I find it super refreshing to read a story with a strong and intelligent heroin who is still very feminine. So many authors of late, are trying a little too hard to write strong leading ladies but instead just write impulsive, emotional, and angry women who think independence means you can’t ask or have help and Feminism means hating all men.
This book had no cheating, no endless denials, no pushing characters away. But instead characters who ran towards each other, falling fast and deep, some romantic steam, two people who recognized each other’s strengths and lent their support when they struggled. They worked as a team and it made for a beautiful story and amazing characters.
This is the second book I’ve now read by this author and her writing has impressed me greatly. First because her stories are so well thought out and remain true heartfelt romances at their core. But also because She writes in several romantic genres which is awesome as I like to mix things up.
HEA: Yes
Steam: Yes 2.5/5* nothing too wildC but several interactions
Cliffhanger: yes- their love story is mostly wrapped up but the story and conflict is not and continues into the next book with supportive characters leading the novel
I find it super refreshing to read a story with a strong and intelligent heroin who is still very feminine. So many authors of late, are trying a little too hard to write strong leading ladies but instead just write impulsive, emotional, and angry women who think independence means you can’t ask or have help and Feminism means hating all men.
This book had no cheating, no endless denials, no pushing characters away. But instead characters who ran towards each other, falling fast and deep, some romantic steam, two people who recognized each other’s strengths and lent their support when they struggled. They worked as a team and it made for a beautiful story and amazing characters.
This is the second book I’ve now read by this author and her writing has impressed me greatly. First because her stories are so well thought out and remain true heartfelt romances at their core. But also because She writes in several romantic genres which is awesome as I like to mix things up.
HEA: Yes
Steam: Yes 2.5/5* nothing too wildC but several interactions
Cliffhanger: yes- their love story is mostly wrapped up but the story and conflict is not and continues into the next book with supportive characters leading the novel
September 6, 2022
I really loved this book, because it had all I could wish for: funny moments, adventure, mystery, steamy lovemaking, gorgeous main and side characters. The second half in particular is fast-pacing and full of surprises and the writer was able to perfectly blend the steamy moments with the story, making the reading a very enjoyable experience.
Tyden is really a solid writer and she created quite an interesting fictitious Medieval setting as well as lovable main characters, hateful villains and some very fascinating side characters with their own stories waiting to be developed.
Be warned that even if this book has a perfect HEA for our main couple, the story will continue in the following books and I, for one, can’t wait to read them, because I would like to see rakish prince Eric find his match and maybe be brought down a peg or two!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tyden is really a solid writer and she created quite an interesting fictitious Medieval setting as well as lovable main characters, hateful villains and some very fascinating side characters with their own stories waiting to be developed.
Be warned that even if this book has a perfect HEA for our main couple, the story will continue in the following books and I, for one, can’t wait to read them, because I would like to see rakish prince Eric find his match and maybe be brought down a peg or two!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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