This is the book I wish I had as a young adult!

Lady Zia (alter-ego, Lady Knight) and her friends engage in questionable activities and steal from their wealthy peers in order to gather funds to save an orphanage and their school. They know the money would just be lost on the card tables or gambling halls, and they have a good cause. Unfortunately, her brother’s best friend, Raif, a young man she has fancied for quite some time, figures out her identity. Much to Zia’s frustrations, he keeps showing up at her rambunctious activities. Perhaps he is starting to see Zia as something more than just his friend’s “silly little sister.”

This book is empowering in multiple ways and is a story I wish for the next generation of women. First of all, we are given a friendship group of brave, talented young women who challenge what they are “allowed to do” in order to help those in need. There is sword fighting, horse racing, boxing, and many more situations that would have the ton in an uproar. Girl Power at its finest!

Furthermore, Zia and her friends attend a finishing school with rebellious teacher, Miss Perkins. Exposing the girls to feminist literature, she sparks fierce debate among her students that raise their consciousness about what it means to be a woman in society. Important works of literature, such as The Vindication of the Rights of Women and Frankenstein play an important role in this book. It reminded me of my Women’s studies classes in all the best ways.

Behind these valuable messages, Amalie Howard gives readers all of the fun one would expect of a historical romance appropriate to the young adult genre. The banter between Zia and Rafi is lively and witty, and their chemistry is heart-fluttering. In addition to copious adventures, the book is filled with fantastical elements of London’s Regency era. The school scenes help make the story even more relatable to a teen audience.

This book is a stunning example of a young adult historical romance. At the same time, it’s political and social power is exactly what we need in these times. Share this with the young adults in your life!

Thank you NetGalleyfor the Arc. This is my honest review.

Lady Zenobia "Zia" is determined to save her finishing school and the connected orphanage from being sold off and turned into a gaming hall by a ruthless viscount. Her plan? Team up with her closest friends - the Lady Knights - dress up as boys, and rob a group of her brother’s wealthy, gambling-obsessed friends. I mean... they were just going to lose the money anyway, right?

Too bad one of them turns out to be Rafi - Zia’s brother Keston’s best friend - who’s far more observant than the rest. As their paths continue to cross in scandalous situations, the tension between Zia and Rafi absolutely sizzles.

This book is a companion to Queen Bee (which I loved!), but it totally works as a standalone. I loved seeing Keston and Ela’s story from the first book continue in the background! Zia was such a standout character - smart, witty, rebellious, and completely unafraid to challenge the expectations placed on her. I loved how bold and unapologetically herself she was throughout the story. The pacing did slow a bit in the middle, but Amalie Howard shines with her rich historical detail. The author’s note at the end was such a great touch and should not be overlooked! In it, she explains several literary and historical references woven throughout the book, which added even more depth to the story.

I gave this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4! I personally prefer Amalie Howard’s Taming of the Duke series, but this one will definitely hit the mark for YA readers who love books with fierce heroines, forbidden romance, and historical flair!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Joy Revolution for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This second book in The Diamonds series was an exciting and captivating fun regency romance novel. A defiant heroine, a secret society of young women who defy societies convention while performing daring persuits, a brothers best friend, all made an entertaining story. It was full of drama, charm, courage, wit, intrigue, mystery, action, and romance. I enjoyed the historical details and the inclusion of quotes from Mary Wollstoncraft. I highly recommend it.

“We, women, were born to soar.”

Zia, a duke’s daughter, is a feminist who dreams big. Declared diamond of the season, she feels trapped within the confines of her gender, in the roles defined for women. When she and her friends, her “Lady Knights,” take control of these roles by secretly becoming thieving rebels for a noble cause, she runs into trouble when she encounters Rafi. Zia has always known Rafi, the ton’s disreputable rake and her brother’s best friend. She’s no stranger to him or his antics, which is why it’s shocking when Rafi discovers Zia’s scandalous secret. As they spend more time together—so Zia can ensure Rafi doesn’t spill her secret and cause a scandal she’ll never recover from—they both discover sides of each other hidden from everyone else.

Historical fiction can be tricky, since authors need to find the balance between fact and fiction. Despite its delicate nature, however, readers should easily be able to tell that Howard is a seasoned historical romance author. While there’s plenty that is rooted in truth for the Regency era in which the book is set, there’s also plenty of fictional elements that enhanced the book. An example of this balance was the inclusion of more diverse characters. In the story, there are characters of different sexualities, ages, and ethnicities—which might not have been historically present in the Regency era, but certainly make the novel more representative of modern experiences and people. One of my favorite aspects of the story was the book club the Lady Knights were part of. Their discussions on authors, texts, femininity, and gender roles were so refreshing to read. On another note, the dedication at the beginning of the book was a great reminder and I encourage those who typically skip past dedications to take a second to read it. Lady Knight is the perfect read for people looking for a main character that is like Bridgerton’s Eloise Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington combined. It’s a great young adult introduction to regency romance filled with fun banter and an overarching theme of feminism.

The story of Lady Knight brings up back to the world of Queen Bee and I absolutely adore it, gobbling the book up and finding myself thinking about it when I couldn't read more from Zia, her Lady Knights, the adorable rake Rafi and the swoony slow-burn romance between Zia and Rafi. From the first chapter, we are drawn into Zia's world where she balances being a duke's daughter as well as a young woman on the quest for equality and chances her kind normally are not allowed, such as being a highwaywoman.

The story is layered beautifully with social commentary. We see plenty of real historical characters talked about as well as real-life issues the women of Regency-are faced. I loved seeing Zia fight against it in her own way and the exploits of the Lady Knights proved to be daring and full of heart. Her friendships with Greer, Lalita, Nori and Blythe are equally wonderful and I love seeing the strong bond these young women have with each other. The inclusion of the book club felt also approriate and the conversations they had felt real and layered.

I also really enjoyed the pace of the slow-burn romance. When we first meet Rafi, it almost seems like he has no feelings for Zia and is aloof as a bird, but as we get to know him more, he starts to show his true colors which prove to be so interesting and endearing. There were a lot of moments that made me swoon in this book for him and he has definitely earned his place in my heart.

I do hope we return to this world once more at some point, because I need for Zia and Rafi as well as Ela and Keston, who make appearances throughout this book and it was a perfect reminder to Queen Bee and their own love story. Loved seeing that.

Strong female character whom knows what she wants. In a book club and part of a Robin Hood theft and hist of all women. Made a fun read that I finished in a few hours.
I was more invested in the fun of the story that the brother's best friend trope wasn't half bad. I think i like it in this type of historical romance.
I can't but my finger in it but something felt missing in this story besides the pace too fast. Other wise it was a fun read.

This was such a fun and upbeat read! I loved the characters and the writing style!! Can’t wait to read more in the future!

Lady Knight by Amalie Howard is a charming, feel-good historical romance that had me completely hooked with its mix of rebellion, wit, and swoon-worthy moments. From the very start, I adored Zia—her determination to live life on her own terms, despite the stifling expectations placed on her, made her such an easy character to root for. She’s fiery, principled, and full of heart, driven by a desire to do what’s right, even if it means bending—or outright breaking—the rules of society.

Watching Zia and Rafi come together, not just as romantic partners but as a team standing side by side, was one of the most enjoyable parts of the story. Their dynamic felt authentic and uplifting, and I loved how they helped each other grow.

This book was simply a joy to read. Lady Knight was the perfect blend of romance, humor, and rebellion—and now I’m itching to dive deeper into the genre. A delightful escape that left me smiling.

While not entirely historically accurate (after all, where would be the fun in that?), this was a well-researched and fun romp through the late Regency period.

Zenobia "Zia" is the younger sister of the male protagonist of Howard's previous book, and she is a fireball for sure. Enthralled with the idea of compsoing her own music and thinking independently, she is determined to break away from the ties that society holds on her. However, she doesn't count on sparking up a relationship with one of her brother's friends in the midst of some less than legal activities.

You do not have to read the previous book to enjoy this one though characters from that book make an appearance.

Lady Knight by Amalie Howard

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Random House Children’s, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Lady Zenobia (Zia) Osborn dreams of being a composer someday. She’s the daughter of a Duke though and is destined to be the perfect wife to a gentleman. Zia doesn’t want that life and is part of a secret group known as the Lady Knights, a social club for bold girls. She can study any subject she likes and save orphans. No one knows about her secret life, until Rafi Nasser comes along and discovers her secret. He agrees to keep her secret since they can’t have a scandal.

Rafi is an heir trying to become a painter, which is not an appropriate career for a noble. The tension in the MCs relationship is due to Rafi being Zia’s brother’s best friend and the fact that he keeps catching Zia in dangerous situations.

Overall, this is a fun, entertaining YA historical romance read! It’s full of adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments!

I couldn’t put Lady Knight down—this book had everything I love in a story: a fierce heroine, a gripping plot, and just the right touch of rebellion. The main character was smart, bold, and unafraid to challenge the world around her, which made her incredibly fun to root for. I loved watching her navigate loyalty, love, and duty while still staying true to herself.

We need some Lady Knights to push back against the patriarchy today.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute regency romance. I would recommend this book to young women who are interested in reading Bridgerton but are not yet mature enough to do so. I enjoyed this quite a good amount as an adult reader, but I think it would've been even more entertaining had I been younger.

I loved this book, Zia was an independent woman who also happened to be the daughter of a duke and as a result as certain expectations thrust upon her. Rafi is her brother’s rakish best friend. And they are perfect together. I loved watching Rafi look out for Zia’s safety while standing back and letting her spread her wings. They supported each other beautifully because neither of them fit into the mold in which they were meant to fit. I was grinning watching them inch closer together and a few times I was laughing out loud. The chemistry between Rafi and Zia was off the charts. Who knew that fingers touching could be so hot? I hadn’t read Queen Bee, but I will be reading it now. I highly recommend this book.

Alis volat proprilis. Do try to spread yours once or twice… She flies with her own wings has to her the best adage of all time.
~
This was SO MUCH FUN! I absolutely adore Zia, she is such a headstrong and determined character who stands up for what she believes in, even though her impulses get her in some tight spots. And the girl gang was just fabulous, I loved every single one of them and their own unique personalities! Rafi is the definition of swoon and I want to take him off the pages and home with me, please. Amalie, can we make that happen? Seriously, NONE of the protagonist men in this book had a bad quality, and I’m so interested in seeing more about them as the series goes on, as well. And the Duke and Duchess were a treat to read, even if they made me a little nervous at a few points. I loved the idea of a banned secret book club at a finishing school, and the fact that this was all happening to the tone of Frankenstein made it even better, and I won’t spoil it, but the gift Rafi got Zia had me absolutely melting, and I shed some tears at the end. Another fabulous book by a fabulous human! Pick this one up April 1st!

This was really cute. She was doing what she thought was right the whole book and I loved that. Her and Rafi really just came along side each other to be supportive. I just had a good time with this one, I've missed historical romance.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Amalie never misses and Lady Knight was a DELIGHT! I could not put this book down and absolutely loved the characters and the conversations Amalie dives into about agency, education, class, gender, and activism. Lady Knight is full of characters who are eager soak up and glean knowledge, BUT they learn that when this knowledge is coupled with action, they can ignite a spark and make true change. I adored how these young women pushed boundaries, amplified, listened to, and learned from the voices and experiences of others, and used their privilege and power to help their community.

In addition to fantastic, thoughtful discussions, this book is so fun and has some seriously swoony kisses! These young women not only push boundaries when it comes to education, but also broaden their horizons by donning disguises to rob from the rich (their friends and family) to save an orphanage, participate in a midnight horse race, and much more. Amalie builds anticipation to first kisses so well and it was so sweet.

A truly charming and delightful second installment in this series and I can’t wait to see what is in store next for these friends!

Alis volat propriis.

I absolutely adored this story. It is the second in a series, and while I have not read the first (Queen Bee), there was enough explained in this book that I was able to follow along. I was also intrigued to read the first book as well. I learned more from this book than I was expecting, as it did interlace some real events with the fictional story. I loved that it was not only a regency romance, but it also had women's rights at the forefront and a strong heroine for a main character. I also loved that there was varied representation with the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for this ARC.

This book has a humorous start, and I instantly fell in love with Zia. She’s brave and witty and rebellious, carving a life for herself that brings her true joy. Zia and her fellow Lady Knights rob a group of her brother’s friends in order to get money to save her finishing school and connected orphanage. Think Regency Robin Hood(esses?). Unfortunately for her, Rafi is part of this group, and he is much more observant than his companions.
Zia is multifaceted, and while she got into mischief as most teenagers do, she was motivated by a caring heart. She used her privilege for good. I also really enjoyed the banter between her and Rafi. While the novel had a strong start, the pacing does drag in the middle. Overall, I thought this was a fun, quick read and I think students will really enjoy this young adult novel.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC to preview.

This is a stand alone companion to Amalie's Queen Bee from last year.
In this book Zia wants nothing more than to be independent and free to make her own choices, but as a member of the ton and the diamond of the season, she is expected to attend parties and balls with the sole objective of finding a husband.
To push boundaries of propriety and find an outlet for her restless spirit, Zia and her school friends create the Lady Knights. As a Knight, these young women challenge each other to be daring and enter the world of men undercover to see what kinds of entertainments are forbidden to them, However, each time Zia enters into this world of men, she seems to run into her old nemesis Ravi- the boy that two years ago said he would never court her and didn't even like her.
As Zia finds more and more trouble, Ravi seems to be more and more present, and Zia begins to wonder if he sees more in her now than he had two years ago.

What’s better than a book about group of young lady’s robbing spoiled rich men to save their beloved school and orphanage?

A book that also has a devilishly handsome rogue, whom finds out about the FMC’s secret.

Lady Knight is a feminist Robin Hood, dripping with tension and witty banter - featuring a diverse cast of characters and tons of history and charm!

Amalie Howard is officially an auto-buy author she writes some of the BEST tension I have ever read!

What’s to love…
- Strong FMC who knows her own mind
- rakish-bad boy MMC
- Diverse characters
- brother’s best friend
- feminist
- bookish - the FMC is in a book club!
- interconnected standalone reads well out of order
- strong female friendships

🌶️ - no spice. Amalie Howard writes spectacularly fiery tension and explosive first kisses - but her YA novels are appropriate for all ages and do not contain any explicit content or even closed door scenes. Publisher age rating is 12+ but I think advance elementary age readers would have fun with this one too! (imo)

Special thanks to the author, Amalie Howard for getting this ARC into my hands sooner and saving me from that torturous wait!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House (Joy Revolution) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.