It's a perfect day, and nothing's standing in Clía's way.

She's a princess. He's a prince. Their kingdoms could use the alliance. The wedding theme and the engagement party have been planned down to the last detail. Everything is PERFECT.

Until Domhnall refuses to propose. But instead of wallowing in despair, Clía comes up with the perfect plan - follow him to the elite military academy he's been accepted at, prove she has what it takes to protect her kingdom, and win him over, securing the betrothal and fixing everything. What, like it's hard?

Ronan, rising star warrior and best friend/body guard to crown prince Domhnall, is an unstoppable force of focus and temprance. Princesses playing at war who waltz into arenas like their ballrooms are not part of his five-year plan - no matter how cute they are. Not even if their determination in the face of abject failure is endearing and inspiring. Especially not when they're determined to make Domhnall love them. It's only her dogged refusal to give up that's lead him to train her, right?

As Clía, Domhnall, Ronan, and their new friends play at war, dark forces gather in the near and far corners of the kingdoms, bringing conflict, heartbreak, betrayal, and the chance to change the course of history 0 if they're strong enough to face it. The trials ahead will not only test their mettle but their hearts as well - and only time will tell if love can save their souls.

As soon as I heard their was a 'Legally Blonde'-core, "Medievally Blonde" book coming out, I HAD to be all up in it - and it was everything I hope for and more! Girl meets boy, girl plans perfect life with boy, boy ruins everything, girl squares up with Life itself to get what she wants and ends up finding herself along the way - a classic tale of female introspection, friendship, levity, redemption, and an epic fantasy to boot - it's all here, it's mystical and magical, it made me actually choke up while I was reading, and it's been on my mind ever since I finished it several months ago. I wouldn't necessarily call this a "retelling" of the classic movie - it moreso uses the framework of Elle Woods and the story we love to build something uniquely its own, but people intrigued by the premise will find a lot to of easter eggs to squeal over while enjoying this atmospheric romantasy.

I think one of the most beautiful aspects of the story here is the attention to detail paid to neurodivergence, disability, and anxiety - the MCs face various struggles with these elements throughout the story that make a huge difference in their perception and interaction with the world, and the way Cait approached what can sometimes be poorly-handled topics was tender, respectful, and relatable for anyone who has ever felt held back by forces outside of their control. I think it can be hard to write fedeival fantasy that incorporates modern terms/ideas bout health/mental wellness, and it's really well-done here, just like everything else in this book.

12/10 book and 13/10 premise, I had a wildly sweet and sassy time with this book and ran the gamut of emotions all the way through. I hope we get more of this story in subsequent works because I still have a lot of questions, and hope everyone who ever loved a girl and her chihuahua against the world fall equally in love with this princess and her otter-creature.

Thank you so much NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for providing me with a copy of The Princess Knight to read and provide my honest review. I went into this book mostly blind-choosing it based off cover art and title alone- and I was so pleasantly surprised by the story itself and how much I enjoyed it!

The Princess Knight was so refreshingly different than anything I’ve read recently. It definitely had Legally Blonde meets Medieval Knight Academy vibes (we earn that og title: Medievally Blonde), but it truly was its own unique story. I really liked the subtle magic and sort of Irish folklore and cultural elements woven throughout the story. The world building and scene setting was really easy to follow. I generally don’t really care much for battle scenes- I sometimes find them boring, don’t come for me- but I actually really enjoyed them here.

I loved Clía; I thought she was a really dynamic fmc. Ronan was the hard soft-boy of my dreams. I LOVE when a consistently underestimated fmc (except by her man) kicks ass and proves everyone wrong. The themes of girl power in The Princess Knight were just as impactful as you would think. This was a really fun and different stranger- to-friends-to-lovers story and I want more of this type of novel!!!!

I found the world/political situation to be a bit hard to understand, which was the most jarring part of the book. There had to be a better balance between the romance plot with the political situation to be believable. The romance was a bit quick between the two leads, and I didn’t feel like the main bully was quite rude enough to Clía. Also, it felt a bit unbelievable that in a few short months, the princess would be able to defeat seasoned and trained fighters. I also didn’t see how much educating that the school was doing.

Overall, still an enjoyable light read. It was a nice book following my read of The Rose Bargain, and is great for when I don’t want to take a story too seriously.

The premise of this novel immediately captured my attention, and it was so fun! The Princess Knight follows a ‘Legally Blonde’ esque storyline except in a medieval fantasy setting and with a larger culminating plot that both makes it unique and weakens it at times.

For the most part, I enjoyed this novel. Clia was a likable main character, and she had an admirable growth that is quite literally in the veins of Elle Woods. Her romance with Ronan was very sweet, and I liked that approach here instead of it being an ‘enemy.’ Ronan had his own strong character growth, but both he and Clia were brought down by a lot of telling versus showing. While I enjoyed the story, it felt like a lot of their internal dialogue was telling me things rather than showing me, and that was sad because I also liked that this was a dual POV. This has a rounded cast of characters that do shine most of the time, but I felt like they do fall flat in the end. I just wasn’t convinced of certain relationships and needed more, so even if there were sections that were heartwarming, it did not hit as emotionally as it could’ve.

The world-building is a little dense, but not in any bad way. This fantasy world has a lot of the typical things embedded into it, but I felt that it was still very unique, and I was never confused. It just takes time to get used to it. Some elements of the world were not explored (though I wonder if they would be in a second book, since that's what it felt like), but even then, it felt like some things were too forgotten and then picked up many pages later when the characters haven’t thought about it in a while. There was one twist that was not developed enough, nor did we have enough time to unpack it, but it would have been a good one otherwise, because I honestly didn’t see it coming.

That brings me to the pacing, which never finds its footing. Sometimes it reads too slowly, and other times time is moving fast, and there is not enough time to linger with the characters and develop their relationships to one another in a fuller way. This novel becomes a lot bigger plotwise by the second half of the novel, and while it is interesting, that’s where it started to lose me.

This IS a lot of fun, though, with a lot of great representation and a unique fantasy world that will definitely stand out amongst other books similar to this one, so it’s worth your time. I would read the second book, or more from this author in the future, because there is so much potential.

Thank you to NetGalley & Avon & Harper Voyage for the ARC!!! Book publishes Oct. 14, 2025!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for early access to this novel. My opinion is honest and unbiased.

I was a little worried at first because I was struggling to get into the book. But as the plot progressed and the characters started to really developed, I ended up enjoying this book. For anyone who loves the idea of female characters developing into to strong warriors, this is for you. The plot may be a bit cliche, but it was still so satisfying. I have a soft spot of medieval fantasy, and I do appreciate when a good romance is added in. This is for readers who enjoy characters overcoming their insecurities and flourishing through strong character development. Also protect Murphy at all costs!

I had a great time reading this! For a fantasy take on Legally Blonde, I thought Jacobs did a great job with adapting the classic movie and adjusting the stakes for a fantasy world. There were a lot of fun moments that were a clear nod to the source material, but the characters and plot were developed in a way that the story stands on its own. I really enjoyed the two main characters and seeing their growth, especially Ronan’s journey with chronic pain. Murphy was a fun little animal companion, and I also loved the named and glowing sword (obviously). I would have loved to see more of the side characters, especially when they’re being thrown into life and death situations—the stakes may have felt a bit higher that way. There were a lot of good lighthearted and funny moments in the beginning of this book before the stakes became a bit more dramatic for the characters, but past that there were a few lines that threw me off by feeling too light for the situation. Along with a couple scenes that I felt like happened twice (could have been the dual POVs), there were a few times I was pulled out of the story. But overall, a very fun read, and will fit right at home with my other lady knight books!

wanted to love it. Great premise, just not the best execution. It was not very funny or light-hearted like legally blonde and often hard to read. The voice was lacking, but the author shows promise.

Yes I stayed up until almost 2am finishing this and WOW. Just so fcking good. I really forget how much I do enjoy fantasy books when I'm not intimidated by page numbers or feeling like I don't understand something. This was so captivating and FUN. So so fun to read. And the queerness??? So many queers LOVED IT. Can not wait for more from Cait!

This book felt like a sudden warm embrace bedazzled in pink gems.
Does that even make sense? Who knows, but just know I give this story all the praises one can withhold because it was absolutely delightful.
While I join the masses with those who mourn the retired title, Medievally Blonde, there’s still plenty of nods to the movie that it was referenced after that one can appreciate. Yet despite that, it still holds its own sense of originality that blossomed into a story of found family, queer-norm world, and a longing romance for the ages.
The growth the main character experiences, Clìa, is one of my favorite elements from The Princess Knight, as we see a sheltered royal carve oneself into a battle-ready warrior on her own accord. “What, like it’s hard?”
I could go on about the princess x knight romance that will surely sweep you off your feet, but why bother when you should be adding this to your tbr and reading for yourself?

I think I liked this book. I liked many of the components of it but some of the world building just kind of didn't fit for me. It would do well for patrons who want to try the romantasy genre but don't want as much smut. It is fade to black

If you love a fashionista princess who sets out, armed with a sunny attitude, and a mythical monster pet, to a military academy - then this one is definitely for you! Cait Jacobs weaves a tale based on five lands blessed by the Gods where alliances stave off political uncertainty and earn the blessings. Clia has been preparing to be the perfect princess, despite always wearing a mask, and not truly exploring what else she could aspire to be. When her betrothal with Prince Domhnall falls through, she races to the Academy to show him how strong she truly is...
I LOVED Clia - her growth and relations and sheer determination moves boulder and fuels her need to prove her self worth. Ronan is the Captain of the prince guard and tasked with ensuring she doesn't fail abysmally. The tale moves at a good pace, with intermittent segues into adventures, intrigues and betrayals. Some of the plotlines are left open - hopefully to be explored in a series, perhaps. the slow burn romance between Ronan and Clia also creates sparks of joy! A slew of unique characters adds interest to the storyline - especially Niamh, Kian and Sarait.
All in all, this was a fun read, with lessons in trauma, insecurities and the blazing brilliance of being true to yourself. Many thank yous to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC. Looking forward to see what Clia builds next....

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I ate this up in one day I thought it was so good! Medieval Legally Blonde-esque in vibes but with its own plot and incredible world building. The vibes were there and they were immaculate.

“𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫.”

I will say that on spicy level this rates out of five chili peppers like a .5 on the scale. They mention sex like, once but it’s very nondescript and nothing is described at all, just a “they joined together” and that was it. It felt YA in nature, it being very tame and the main characters being like 19, so go into the book with that expectation.

“𝘐𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭’𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳.”

ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʙʟᴜʀʙ: Princess Clía of Álainndore has always expected she would get engaged to Prince Domhnall of Scáilca, an engagement expected by both of their parents. So when Domhnall breaks the engagement saying she isn’t “strong” or “warrior-like enough” to be his Queen, she will follow him to the military academy he is attending to prove him wrong. She might find more than she bargained for, whether it’s her lack of skills, a war on the horizon or Domnhall’s intriguing captain of the guard.

“𝙼𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝚕𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚊𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢.”

𝐼𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒:
💕The Legally Blonde Movie
🗡️LGBT Rep
💕One Tent
🗡️He Trains Her
💕Disability Rep
🗡️Family Drama
💕Irish Folk Lore

Then you are going to love this! I received an advance copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

📖 plot & pace: the writing of this book felt more like YA than adult so that alone was a let down. the plot twists were super predictable and tbh, nothing about this felt like it was meant to be a legally blonde retelling.

☀️setting: the world building felt non-existent at times and it was not easy to picture where we were.

👥 characters: i was unable to connect with any of the characters.

💕 reactions: honestly, i spent the whole time being bored while i was reading this. nothing was captivating and it dragged on for me.

A fun romantasy take on legally blonde with a unique story and rich characters. I loved the world building the queer representation and the slow burn romance! Great first time author

3.5-75: This book was an enjoyable read, though, sadly, it didn’t quite live up to everything I was hoping for. I liked following Clía’s growth as she trained as well as her clearly being autistic in a way, and Ronan’s story carried some weight as he worked through his struggles with his chronic pain.

Where it fell short for me was in the overall depth. The world-building felt thin, and at times the plot seemed to lean too heavily on familiar tropes from the Legally Blone movie instead of carving out its own space. The romance between Clía and Ronan was alright, but it lacked the tension and spark I wanted. I never felt fully invested in them as a couple. Also, the Irish language was really difficult for me and distracted me more than anything. I was constantly having to stop reading to look up a word or name.

In the end, I’d call this a light read... fun in the moment, though not especially memorable. I can see it appealing more to a younger YA audience, or those who really like the Legally Blonde movie... Still, it was entertaining enough to recommend.

I was super excited to read The Princess Knight based off the author's commissioned character art alone! I had a fun, breezy time reading Clía's growth over her time training and Ronan was just so hot and I really enjoyed his journey regarding his pain and adjustments that needed to be made. I found the story engaging and was actually a little surprised by one of the the twists. Murphy was a delightful animal side-kick, but I do wish we could've seen a bit more of him. The romance between Clía and Ronan was decent, I did like their chemistry and bonding, but I wish the plot was a bit more romance forward than it was. I was excepting the romance to take more precedence, but it felt more of a subplot for the majority of the book - which is probably just a me problem. I'm hoping for more stories in the world featured in The Princess Knight, but I believe the ending wrapped everything up well enough, I just love seeing other characters and their stories. I'm curious to see where Cait goes in their writing journey and will definitely follow along!

Thank you to Harper Voyager, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

This is another fantasy novel for romance readers— a niche that many publishers seem to be investing in, understandably. The setting is well done (if simplistic). The disabled MMC is reasonably well done. I am simply not the reader this niche seeks.

This blurb was obvious Legally Blonde vibes like immediately, duh. So I went into it expecting that level of fun and girl power and was not disappointed. Was actually delighted with some call backs that I wasn't expecting to see and I thought were done well. Everything about it, from plot to character, was cute.

But more than that? The story had some weight to it. A lot more character development and world building (including lore and political systems) than I was expecting. I'm always a sucker for academia and this definitely hit that mark.

The rep was pretty solid with both disability and lgbtq+ present in the MCs.

The ending was different enough to keep it interesting although at that point I was digging the characters so much I would have read an exact match to the movie lol. There were some details and character bits that I was a little meh about but overall a nice little read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the earc.

Princess Cliodhna's life has been predetermined: she'll marry her closest friend, Prince Domnhall, and their two kingdoms will become stronger as a result of their alliance. The day Domnhall is due to propose, everything changes when he unceremoniously tells her they can't get married because she's too weak to be his queen. Understandably infuriated and embarrassed, Clia goes off to prove herself at the elite military "school" Domnhall and the captain of his guard, Ronan, are off to attend. She's got one year to demonstrate that she would be a perfectly strong queen and change Domnhall's mind. But war is looming, and things are not all that they seem to be...

This romcom-adjacent fantasy is a fun romp, but one that delves beyond the feminist satire of its inspiration. I love the premise and its nod to Legally Blonde, and was pleasantly surprised as it became a more sophisticated story along the way. Having your life upended, especially when that's accompanied by a blindsiding dismissal from your closest friend, would be devastating, and Princess Clia is not going to let that stop her from proving herself. I love a strong FMC, and that is who Clia is through and through. Though her strength doesn't initially manifest as warrior skills, and she's still saddled with insecurities, I loved watching her discover that she's more than she even hoped herself to be. And with Ronan by her side, I adored the two of them both getting to know and care for each other, but also boost the other's confidence. They're both struggling, even if they're not always open about exactly what plagues them, both because of status and their own walls. Their loving energy was so heartwarming, even in the wake of betrayal and war. It did read a bit YA at times for me, but that didn't take away any of the book's charm. Also, Murphy is precious and I need to have more of him in my life. I didn't expect to want a giant magical otter-like creature after reading this, but it's my mission in life now.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Rating: 4 stars

Review posted to StoryGraph: July 30, 2025 (https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/83bb2c96-d7c9-4e4e-a21e-2804e7cf43bb)
Review posted to Instagram: August 19, 2025 (https://www.instagram.com/p/DNjbMVVx8we/)