This a fun, semi-cosy look at what happens after the big battle draws to a close. I really enjoyed Kat's journey to discover who she is now that the battle is won and there needs to be a life after soldiering. I also enjoyed the prince and his journey to becoming a real leader.
The romance was a little lack for me, I didn't feel a huge amount of chemistry between Kat and Emory. And there was some pacing issues around the middle where not much seemed to be happening. I also felt it was lacking a bit of the humour I expected.
I still had fun reading, but I'm not sure low to medium stakes fantasy is for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for fair review.

This was one of the most unique fantasies I've ever read and it was beautiful.

I had an inkling that this book would be special since I first saw the cover and read the synopsis on NetGalley.

Rarely do we get the story that happens right at the end of a conflict and after the heroes have defeated the "big bad" - I love that Emily took us there.

I was supremely invested in Katrien and the crew from the opening pages. Trying to hide the aftermath of a forbidden one night stand from one's superior officer? Sounds saucy but it was in fact hilarious, awkward and endearing.

Katrien & Emory had been harbouring an attraction to each other for years and since they were each other's battle partners it made the tension even more palpable. They were both so dedicated to their "decade" and the army but they took their opportunities for quiet moments together where they could, the pull was too great to resist. They were so soft with each other. But also the banter between the two of them and between their decade had me chuckling.

I hesitate to say too much about the plot because going in blind really was a treat but the situations Katrien found herself in with a certain powerful and hapless royal were comical, purely because she was in the right place at the wrong time and drew attention to herself for being so capable. A classic case of qualified woman is asked to do more than what she'd like.

Cried happy tears at the end, it was tied up very nicely but I wouldn't be mad if we got more books in this world and with these characters. A comfort read if there ever was one.

Emily's previous work in sci-fi/action books shows here and I think it compliments a fantasy setting nicely, it's certainly what made the book so distinctive to me.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this wonderfully surprising ARC, chuffed to have discovered a new fave through the platform!

📣 a five star fantasy with romance

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

A Legionnaire’s Guide to Love & Romance totally caught me off-guard. By the end, I was feeling those 5 stars & loving how this romance brings some heat.

Kat & Emory only hook up bc they think they’re going to die in the upcoming battle. But they survive & have to figure out life after their enemies are gone (or are they??).

This romantasy is so well-balanced. There are big stakes here, but the focus is on Kat & Emory & what life might look like for them after war. There’s a satisfying round of secondary characters & overall, a great sense of friendship & camaraderie.

I would definitely read this author again & highly recommend ALGTLAR if you’re looking for a fantasy with a wonderful romance, too.

5 ⭐️, out now.

CWs: violence

[ID: Jess wears a floral dress & holds the ebook while standing in a field.]

I enjoyed the story, but it wasn’t totally what I was expecting.

Was it cozy? Mostly. The apocalypse has been avoided, so there’s no world-ending danger on the horizon and the story is a lot more character driven, but there was still an element of danger that contributed to the stakes and the pacing.

Was it romantasy? Kind of. It’s set in a fantasy world and there is a romance, but I would say the plot focused a lot more on Kat’s journey of self-discovery than on her romance with Emory. I did enjoy their connection and they had really sweet moments that made me root for them, but the romance wasn’t as central to the story as I tend to prefer. I would also agree that Emory’s character was far less developed than Kat’s as a result of her being the true focus of the story.

Overall, I liked the story and the characters, and it was a unique take on the fantasy genre, but going in expecting a romance-forward story and getting a story more focused on a personal journey left me struggling to really get into it.

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me 🥲
I may pick it up again at a later date, but I just struggled to connect to the story and the characters....maybe I just wasn't in the right mood or headspace to read it.
I am hoping I will pick it up again, but I wanted to say thank you for giving me the chance to read it!!

dnf at chapter five. the beginning was very confusing and didn't grab my interest enough for me to push through.

This is a post-war military fantasy romance... at least up to the point where I dnf'd at 26%. Unfortunately, I wasn't interested in the romance, the politics, or the magic world building built on angels and demons. It wasn't badly written and the plot idea was interesting. The execution was rather boring though.

I absolutely love “what happens after the quest is over” books, and Legionnaire's is getting a top spot on that list.

Katrien and Emory are legionnaires on the eve of a climactic battle that will decide the future of their world. Throwing caution to the winds, they decide to have what may be their first and last night together. This is the story of what happens after the world is saved and I loved it.

Skrutskie has an intriguing magical system that absolutely works for the story. I would love to see more in this universe.

Highly recommended! It's a bit spicy, so keep that in mind.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Reminds me of a DnD campaign, but with the lesser know heroes telling their story. (Love battle scenes and the aftermath including breaks!)
Now, I was absolutely looking for some "gotcha" moment, wrong one came up and Im not unhappy about it. This novel was definitely different in which I never see what the other side is thinking. I think the conflict was downplayed, especially since the novel is narrowing toward the end of a long campaign.
I dont believe it really was a cozy read but it was still enjoyable.
Thanks to Del Rey for providing me with an advanced review copy via NetGalley
FYI - I already recommend this to my friends :)

DNF at 46%

I am a sucker for the trope of "What happens after we defeat the bad guy?" in fantasy; that, combined with the promise of a forbidden romance between a solider duo, had me clicking Request so hard on this book. Yet again, however, I have been sucked into a book that I find just mid by fantastic marketing.

Skrutskie has definitely created something unique here, but the worldbuilding does not get enough space to grow. There are so many threads that we can focus in on and instead of delving into any of them deeply, we just get everything on a surface level. The romance is being told to me and not shown and whatever interesting character types we have are obscured by a focus on what is a rather uninteresting plot. While I gave it my best try, I ultimately found myself actively not wanting to read this book and that was the final death knell.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

This is really cute. It's fun, it's cozy. It kind of reads like a DnD campaign and I loved every bit. I just don't think it'll stick with me.

I wasn’t sure what to make of this book when I first started, and I love when books surprise me. A Legionnaire’s Guide to Love and Peace, while not without its rough edges, is a very cozy fantasy novel about life at the tail-end of a war and figuring out to do when you’ve survived against the odds. Emily Skrutskie writes with humour, depth, and compassion. I received an eARC from NetGalley.

Kat is a spear-bearer in the Third Century of the kingdom of Telrus. She fights alongside her shield-bearer and lover, Emory, as well as eight other members of her decade. Together, their army has waged a war to repel the invasion of demons from Hell. The book starts with the final battle of this war, and then most of the book concerns the aftermath, as the Third Century embarks on a road-building campaign.

Skrutskie’s characterization is deft and deep, with even many of the side characters taking on distinctive personalities. The camaraderie within Kat’s unit truly comes alive as a result. I loved hearing about each character’s hopes and dreams now that the war is over, from Kat and Emory’s list of culinary experiences to other characters’ hopes of settling down and starting a life or a business. Indeed, though I just opined in my review of The Incandescent that if a book has romance I want it to be sapphic, Kat and Emory’s romance is a great demonstration of how a good writer will make me make an exception. They are totes adorbs.

I’m also a sucker for stories set after the final battle and defeat of the Big Bad—this was the premise that initially drew me to the book. I love how Skrutskie lays out all the challenges that come during the aftermath. There are the bigger, political questions—but there are also so many personal ones, such as, “Do I stay in the army or do I take release?” When it turns out Kat and Emory might have slightly different aspirations, this creates an entirely understandable conflict. Suddenly, the bonds forged during battle and the impending threat of death might not last into peace.

Finally, throughout it all, this is Kat’s story of self-actualization in a world that grants privilege to those who can channel “angelic power.” I love how Skrutskie provides frustratingly little exposition into the angels, heaven, hell, demons, etc. They just are, and this is just the way the world is, and Aurean gold is just a thing. Deal with it! In less capable hands, such actions would have me complaining a heck of a lot. Yet Skrutskie makes me believe. She shows how this world works without giving me a ton of backstory, and it keeps the novel light and charming.

I hesitate to label A Legionnaire’s Guide to Love and Peace as “cozy” fantasy. There is a lot of conflict, a lot of fighting, and some death. Yet if it is not cozy, then it is definitely cozy-adjacent. This book delivers exactly what the title promises, and I think fantasy fans who like some romance and some humour and a glossy, stylized approach to high fantasy dipped in sword-and-sorcery will enjoy this a great deal.

3.75 rounded up

This was a fun little romance focused on two foot soldiers who have been fighting as a pair in the demon wars. I loved that this story chose to focus on regular people instead of the heroes (although the heroes do appear as side characters). I actually wish I'd gotten more time with the other solders in their unit - some of them seemed really endearing and I was a bit sad that we didn't double down on prioritizing the regular people stories over the Prince and his group of friends. But overall, I enjoyed this and found the grittiness of focusing on common soldiers to be a great change from many of the other fantasy stories on the market!

Spoilers for the ending...
My biggest drawback was that I didn't feel like the ending gave the main couple much agency in committing to their relationship. The male lead decides to step out of the way when Kat receives a marriage proposal, and I was a bit disappointed that he didn't fight to be with her more (although I understood his reasoning). On the flip side, even though it seemed like Kat might turn down the proposal, the decision is ultimately out of her hands because the Prince rescinds it first. Between these two events, it just left me feeling like the couple ended up together through outside influences rather than either intentionally choosing the other. It was still a sweet ending, but I wish they'd had more agency there.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Ray for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

They were supposed to die heroes. Instead, they lived—and now they have to figure out what comes next.

Katrien never expected to survive the final battle. With the Demon Lord poised to destroy the realm, her plan was simple: fight hard, maybe die gloriously, and spend the night before in the arms of Emory—her maddeningly honorable, heartbreakingly handsome battle partner.

But the end of the world doesn’t happen.

Instead, a surprise band of heroes (complete with a hidden prince) saves the day, peace is on the horizon… and Kat is suddenly stuck figuring out her next move. And whether that unforgettable night with Emory was a one-time fluke—or the beginning of something real.

Thrown into the royal spotlight and a new mission to secure lasting peace, Kat and Emory must navigate fresh dangers, political intrigue, and their own uncertain futures. Because saving the world was only the beginning—now it’s time to decide what they’re fighting for.

Full of heart, heat, and hilarious banter, this fantasy debut is perfect for fans of found family, fierce heroines, and friends-to-lovers slow burns with an aftertaste of happily-ever-after.

Cute, but not my cup of tea. I was expecting more romance, but there’s just bits and pieces. This books reads like an epic fantasy, which isn’t bad but not what I expected. The descriptions of the battles are very long and detailed. I found reading this a chore. Adrien is a funny, Kat is strong, and Emory is precious- but marketing them as a himbo seemed off. I couldn’t bring myself to finish it. I hope this finds its audience!
THANK YOU Del Rey for the advanced egalley!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will start off by saying that I don't think this book qualifies as a cozy romantasy as it didn't have enough cozy elements for me to feel that. Having said that, the stakes are low and the villains are not that scary.

I love how this book focuses on the "ignored" infantry, the first line of defence between the evil-doers and the typical fantasy hero(s). I liked how each relationship was crafted and the lightness soldiers saw their role. A lot of them drafted, they were there against their will but they still saw it best to make the most out of their experience. The friendships, teasing and camraderie were definitely capture in every interaction and made this feel like a "found family" book.

Another aspect I really respect and hope to see more of is an accurate description of female warriors. They're not the cliche skinny but badass fighters. They've battled enough that they've earned their muscles and shoulder strength, and they might even be taller than some of the guys. Yet, they're still adorable and look incredible in a dress. Because feminity is not narrow and actually encompasses any female presenting body type, so we should appreciate each of them equally. I feel like in romantasy, we're told these girls are incredibly strong and capable, but they're described in ways that don't match their abilities, whereby muscles would be expected.

Ok, now let's dive into what I disliked! I thought this book would be comparable to THIS WILL BE FUN, which was a very campy version of this. Similarly, we get a very funny prince and aristocratic camp, but that's where the humour sort of ends. The remainder of the book felt like it was taking itself too seriously, and I wish it had leaned into humor a lot more because then I wouldn't expect as much from the narrative.

As stated previously, the stakes are not high. Each Demon Lord is dispatched too quickly and easily for the reader to feel the dangers of these creatures. There is very little in the way of tension in the plot as a result. The worldbuilding is also not too developed because the main focus is the characters. This would have been fine if the prose was embedded with a lot more humor, but it felt too serious for this book.

Regarding the romance, I really enjoyed the small gestures and the sacrifices they made for each other. They see each other in ways others don't and they're so in-sync it's hard not to imagine how that works out of the battlefield. But the third-act conflict sort of felt unbelievable to me, I just didn't believe for a second that our FMC would take the prince up on his proposal and neither did I believe Emory, our MMC, would let go of her so easily. It felt a little forced and sort of broke the magic build up until then, but the ending was rewarding enough that I can overlook this.

The plot reveal at the end was easily guessable and I hated that a specific character never got to be held accountable as they're simply eliminated from the narrative. That would have made it all more worthwhile since the betrayal and guessing who it was that betrayed the prince within four suspects was truly the highlight of the plot, since the "threats" of the Demon Lords didn't feel that dangerous.

Finally, the pacing felt a little off for me. Whilst I enjoyed my reading experience overall, there were a lot of moments where nothing was happening and it only picks up at around the 75% mark which is quite late all things considered. The middle definitely dragged and I don't think that's what the author was going for.

A Legionnaire’s Guide to Love and Peace is a refreshingly original romantasy that blends military grit, magical stakes, and romance in a way that feels both entertaining and emotionally grounded. It kicks off with a chaotic, hilarious premise—a one-night stand before an epic battle—and from there, unfolds into a story full of heart, humor, and slow-burn connection.

Set in a queer-normative and gender-equal world, this story follows two soldiers thrown together by war and drawn together by mutual respect, trust, and shared survival. Their relationship builds beautifully on a foundation of friendship, with emotional weight behind every decision, glance, and moment of tenderness.

The worldbuilding is rich and unique—featuring demons, magical angel-infused coins, and a looming threat of destruction. The romance never overshadows the stakes of war and politics but instead coexists with it, creating a believable dynamic where love isn’t the escape—it’s part of the fight.

The side characters shine just as brightly, adding humor, heart, and tension to the story in all the right places. There’s a great balance of comedy and drama throughout, making the tone feel dynamic without being jarring.

If you’re tired of cookie-cutter romantasy or want something that blends military fantasy with a genuinely heartfelt romance, this one’s well worth the read.

Cute and not explicit fantasy romance, The forces of darkness were about to take over the world and a couple soldiers thinking it’s their last night alive get together. Then the day is saved and they have the long march back to the capital to figure out what’s next for them. Stands alone and fun read.

tfw you hook up with your battle partner who you totally aren't in love with because you're both going to die in battle the next day. except you survive and the war ends and oops, now you have to talk about your feelings ✌️

a legionnaire's guide to love and peace is a lighthearted fantasy romance set in the aftermath of the final battle. a team of heroes led by the realm's prince swoop in to save the day, and soldier kat is suddenly left to reckon with the future she didn't expect to have-and how her impulsive hookup with emory, the man who has been her battle partner for the last three years, may have changed things.

i know booksta loves an enemies-to-lovers romance, but my personal weakness is partners-to-lovers. call it the mulder and scully influence if you must. give me two idiots who would take bullets for each other, who know each other better than anyone else, who expect to die side-by-side, who secretly yearn for each other but can't be together because they're idiots and/or fraternization is forbidden. it's about the DEVOTION 👌 kat and emory didn't quillite live up to my expectations in that sense, although i still quite enjoyed their shield/spear dynamic. there's also a not-at-all subtle but still interesting theme of generational wealth and privilege woven into the story, although i think that could have been developed better (kat's realization near the end was abrupt).

while i found the first half much stronger than the second, overall this was an enjoyable fantasy romp that reminded me a little of ella enchanted in tone. and shoutout to the author for writing a tall, muscular woman who loved her body and didn't have to make herself smaller to find love!

I tried to read this multiple times but I was never able to get into it. I felt dropped into a story midway and I never got my balance. I really wanted to love it