I enjoyed this story because of the action and romance. The action of training and the romance between princess and knight. It was a good read. I had trouble with the names but it was okay. I do also like the happy ending.

Okay - have you ever seen that movie Cadet Kelly with Hillary Duff? Meet Princess Cliodhna (no i still don't know how to pronounce it after reading this whole book)
she is SUCH a cutie girlie pop, who finds herself at a
"school" of sorts to become a Curadh (basically a really high ranking and scary knight) to win back a Prince ... (i know yuck, but hang in there).
DURING this time she finds confidence in herself and her skills, her personality and her resilience, AND may accidentally develop a crush for her ex-fiancés Captain
While I could barely pronounce any of the kingdoms or names - I absolutely adored this story!! Devoured it in like 2.5 days, it's in third person but still kinda like split POV between her and him (which I always LOVE)
There is betrayal, plot twists, romance, empowerment, confidence, and so much more!!! And i loved the ending, anytime we are blessed with an epilogue l'm always a happy reader

The princess knight was captivating. It sheds light on when people think a princess is no more than pretty dresses and balls. The need to prove them wrong and to prove to yourself that you are more.

I absolutely love the female lead, despite every negative stone thrown at her, she got stronger, she was brave and at the end of the day she was not just a princess, she was a princess knight.

Don't get me started on Ronan. He was the only one who saw her, even behind her royal mask. He helped her learn to fight and was there for her. But, as he saw her, she saw him too. Their love grew slowly, creeping in through the crevices of their heart and forged a home for both of them.

I loved this story. It was so much more than i expected. It was an adventure, a fight, a love. It was mind-blowing in the best way possible.

3.75
I was wary going into this book, knowing the author was on bookish social media first, but I actually enjoyed this.

I thought both the relationships in this book and the plot were well fleshed out. I also liked how the ending could lead this into becoming a series, yet it perfectly works as a standalone.

I loved Clía. She was such a fun character without being annoying. I kinda wish this book was only from her point of view, but I did enjoy reading from Ronan's as well. His and Clía's relationship was really sweet.

The found family aspesct was probely my favorite thing about this book, since I'm a big sucker for it. I really loved how all the characters grew together in the end. Another big thing I loved was the casual queerness this book had. It always makes me really happy to see that in fantasy books.

I think falling for her was inevitable.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Voyager, for this eARC.

This was different than what I usually read but I did like it. This is my first book from this author, and they did not disappoint. I truly enjoyed reading this and I loved the characters.

This book had the premise to be a really great light fantasy. Inspired by legally blonde, we follow Clia and her journey to prove shes a worthy leader and fighter.
The beginning of this was really promising! I liked the atmosphere to begin with and I thought the world and dynamics were really interesting. Clia also seemed like a very promising character as I was rooting for her through the first half of the book.
The book had a ton of representation including chronic illness! I really enjoyed seeing this portrayed in a book and having it be consistent throughout.
Although this was had the makings of an amazing book, there are some things I had issues with. One was I didn’t feel like we went in depth enough of Clia’s training at the academy. It was a lot of telling and not showing in this regard for me. It made the fighting scenes later on feel very unrealistic as I didn’t feel she earned her skills.
My next issue are the characters. I really didn’t feel any connection to them. I enjoyed some scenes between Clia and Rona but no really had me rooting for them.
My last issue was the entire last half of this book. It felt very messy. Things were happening without solid reasons which made it seem unrealistic and everything was so convenient for these characters. I lost all motivation for this book at the end.
This book really had potential but it fell short for me at the end sadly.
Regardless, thank you Netgalley and Harper Voyager for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

While I did enjoy this book, there are certain things that just didn’t work for me that made this book just about average.

First, the author uses Gaelic/Celtic names for a lot of the characters and places that it often ruined the immersion for me. There was a pronunciation guide but with the frequency of the names it became frustration flipping back and forth that i just stopped doing it.

This book really read like a YA book to me even after seeing it be marketed as an adult book. I also just felt like the world building and characters weren’t completely fleshed out. In the beginning we learn that clía and Domhnall are scheduled to be married for the good of their kingdoms, but no where else is it really explained why that is or what it would do for their respective kingdoms. And in general the villains and overall plot just felt a little bit too predictable

Overall i did enjoy the book but it ended up being a really slow read that i struggled to get through at times. I think this would be perfectly suited to someone who’s looking for a lighter fantasy read.

i didn’t really know what to expect from this book but i loved it! i love all the diverse characters and the romance was super cute! it’s definitely a fun romantsy while still be driven by plot!

Medievally Blonde was a perfect title as it is a fun retelling BUT honestly The Princess Knight encompasses it so much better.
Initially, I was struggling to get into characters and the world, but it was worth it. There was a lot more political conflict, gods, and creatures than I anticipated. There was also beautiful LGBTQIA+ representation and a character with a disability. While I didn't love the "just keep going" mentality, but the end it worked out.
By the end I ended up loving all the characters and the romance felt very natural. Clia was determined and strong and beautiful. I am so glad the author never caved into the 'I am a warrior now and hate dresses' line of thinking.
"You set my world aflame, and I have never desired so desperately to be burned. With every sunrise, I fell in love with you again." SWOON

I enjoyed this book.
I really loved the aspects of it that were inspired by Legally Blonde and also enjoyed the things that made it different. I will say that I lovedd the original title and was sad to see it had to be changed, but I think "The Princess Knight" is a perfect alternative. I enjoyed the characters and the way their relationships progressed and formed. I felt that the length was good, but also hope for another book so that the story may continue.

One thing I will note is that the sentences could be short at times. I will admit that grammar is not my strong suit, but I do think using shorter sentences can be helpful to make something feel clipped or emphasized. However, there were a few times where it felt unnecessary. I don't think this is a big deal, but it definitely gave me a couple moments where I felt the flow was off and was reminded I was reading words on a page. It did not occur throughout the entire book, and there were plenty of times it worked well. This may just be a personal preference kind of thing.

Overall, for a debut book (and a book in general), I think the author did a great job. The story was fun, and I would recommend it to anyone who adores a pink-and-dress-loving princess who is also willing to pick up a sword and fight for what is right.

A medieval spin on "Legally Blonde"? Sign me up! This book was fun and funny and I think it was especially strong in the parts that really evoked the spirit of "Legally Blonde" but I also liked the various ways that the book expanded on that story. For example, the prince character who corresponds with the character Warner in the LB movie was a lot more fleshed out in this book, and of course the main romance with Clia and Ronan is also explored more. However, I feel like the book sorta lost me with the worldbuilding in the third act. I still enjoyed it over all though!

Okay, so I just finished "The Princess Knight" by Cait Jacobs, and it was actually pretty awesome! I went into it not really knowing what to expect, but it totally delivered on a fun, fantasy romance vibe. It's about a princess who's also secretly a knight, and of course, she ends up clashing with a grumpy but hot knight who's trying to figure out who she really is.
I loved the whole secret identity thing, and the way their dynamic played out was really engaging. The banter was good, and seeing the princess navigate her dual life while also falling for this guy was just really fun. It had a good mix of action and romance, and the fantasy world felt well-done without being overly complicated. If you're looking for a charming, adventurous read with a strong female lead and a cute enemies-to-lovers (ish) story, I would definitely recommend checking this one out. It was a genuinely enjoyable read!

Thank you to Cait Jacobs, NetGalley, and Harper Voyager for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I feel like this book is a kid I've watched grow up. I've followed Cait Jacobs on Instagram for years, and when she first started discussing the idea for this book (back when it was still Medievally Blonde) I could not wait to read it. I was absolutely elated to get an ARC of this book and could not wait to see how it measured up to my hopes for it.

The world building, characters, and lore were all excellent. The political structure of this world was so fascinating, and there was exactly the right balance of getting enough information to understand the dynamics without being overwhelmed by vocab/names/etc. Despite having a general sense of where the plot was heading (given the source material of Legally Blonde), I still couldn't put it down and became desperate to know what each new page would bring for the wonderful ensemble cast. I love Clia and Ronan so much, and seeing their relationship develop from strangers to friends to lovers was such a delightful ride. They're a couple you can't help but root for. But beyond Clia and Ronan, the supporting cast of this book was a delight and I wanted nothing but the best for all of them.

I absolutely loved this book. The fact that this is Cait Jacobs' debut novel is unbelievable. I cannot wait to see what she does next.

3.5! i enjoyed a lot of the plot, but thought the characterization of certain people was inconsistent. it was also a bit predictable. but i really found myself rooting for the main character.

2.5

Fun concept! Now super well fleshed out. It didn't feel as heavily edited as you'd hope for in a traditionally published book. Decent bones though!

hmmm I follow this author on TikTok, I have of years and I find her endearing. I had no idea this would be a legally blonde retelling (of all things) set in a fantasy world. this was fun but it's essentially the movie, with different changes obviously, it's almost never unpredictable.... the ending was lackluster.

Armor-sparkle, sword-swoons, and just enough grit to keep the fairy dust grounded.

Cait Jacobs’s The Princess Knight is pure comfort-fantasy popcorn: palace intrigue, an enemies-to-allies training montage, and a princess who can parry a broadsword without sacrificing her signature hair ribbons. I inhaled the pages—and only docked a star for a couple pacing stumbles.

What won my heart
Clía’s glow-up. Watching a “ballroom royal” morph into a legit combatant is empowering and hilarious (cue her tiny, chaos-loving pet otter ferret-thing stealing scenes).

Training-ground chemistry. Ronan’s gruff focus versus Clía’s diamond-bright determination delivers banter, tension, and sparks that practically clang like crossed blades.

A fashion-forward battlefield. Chain-mail corsets, jeweled vambraces—Jacobs proves you can be deadly and glamorous.

Real stakes. Beyond flirty fencing matches, an encroaching war forces every character to step up—or fall.

Why it’s not quite five
Mid-book lag. The academy competition rounds start to blur; trimming a duel or two would sharpen the momentum.

Love-triangle light. Domhnall’s role feels more device than fully fleshed rival, so the emotional punch is slightly dulled.

The verdict
If you crave swoony swordplay, makeover magic, and a heroine who can save the realm and the romance, grab your tiara and dive in. The Princess Knight left me smiling, fist-pumping, and eager for whatever quest Clía—and her lovable ragtag crew—ride into next.

This is a solid debut and I personally had a good time reading this book! This is a great book that appeals to both YA and adult readers based in an academy setting and coming of age.

I enjoyed the romance and humor in this story and I thought Cait did really well expressing the humor in here.

This story has political intrigue, forbidden love, and hint of medieval times kind of vibes. If you like duels in your books where the MMC trains her but is intrigued by the princess kind of vibes, then this book is going to be for you ✨

Thank you again to Harper Voyager, Harper Collin’s and Jessica for gifting me this copy! I can’t wait for more readers to start this book as this will be releasing this Oct!

This debut novel blends whimsical charm with courtly ambition, delivering a fantasy tale that reimagines the "Legally Blonde" arc in a medieval setting. While the concept is undeniably clever, princess-turned-knight-in-training at an elite military academy, the execution doesn't quite match its promise.

Clia, a sheltered royal suddenly thrown into a world of swords and strategy, embarks on a quest to reclaim her sense of purpose after being deemed unworthy by her would-be fiancé. While her determination is admirable, the ease with which she’s admitted to a prestigious warrior school strains believability and undermines her character’s growth. Unlike her inspiration, Elle Woods, whose academic success underpins her transformation, Clia’s advancement often feels unearned.

Tonally, the book leans heavily into YA territory despite being marketed otherwise. The romance between Clia and Ronan, while sweet in concept, lacks chemistry and feels rushed. Their connection never quite lands with emotional weight, perhaps due to underdeveloped tension and limited buildup.

On a brighter note, the story's commitment to inclusivity is one of its greatest strengths. The cast is refreshingly diverse, with queer and non-binary representation presented as a natural part of the world. Disability is also explored thoughtfully, adding much-needed depth and realism.

The world-building, however, falls short of expectations. Political machinations and lengthy battle sequences overshadow character moments, and the lack of clarity about geography and factions makes it difficult to stay invested in the stakes.

Despite its flaws, this is a fast-paced, accessible read with genuine heart. The light tone, focus on self-discovery, and cozy fantasy atmosphere may appeal to readers seeking an easy escape. While it doesn't fully deliver on its high-concept premise, it does lay a promising foundation for Cait Jacobs as an emerging voice in fantasy.

Thanks NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Cait for the eARC!!

I loved reading this!! I was so happy that Cait is finally able to publish her book after I've been hearing about it so long. I loooove the cover but I was so confused on why the name had changed. I enjoyed the title 'Medievally Blonde' better but I understand that there were probably reasons for that to change. I also suggest there should be some sort of pronunciation guide for at least the main characters inside the book. I had to search for a guide on Cait's website and it was difficult to start out this book because of the names for characters and places.

The journey that Clia takes away from pampered and privledged princess feels very realistic and I liked that she struggled getting outside of that royal bubble.

I'm so impressed with how awesome the queer and disability rep is. I struggle with chronic pain myself and it was very refreshing to see a strong character battle with my same battles.

I had hoped to give this 5 stars but I feel like portions definitely needed to be polished and the pacing needed to be checked (there were some slooow sections).

Overall, I would recommend this to all of my friends!!