Propriety is a witty, sharp, and delightfully scandalous dive into the rules—and the rule-breaking—of Regency society. L.V. Brooks delivers a cast of clever, layered characters whose banter sparkles and whose flaws make them all the more compelling. The romance is both swoon-worthy and full of delicious tension, with undercurrents of social commentary that give the story extra bite. The period detail is rich without feeling heavy, making the world immersive and easy to slip into. A few pacing dips aside, this was an utterly charming read that kept me smiling.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I had never read an Arthurian retelling (though the author categorizes it as a ‘complete bastardization of Arthurian myth’ 😂) and I LOVED it!

I saw this on NetGalley and was immediately drawn to the cover because… it’s literally gorgeous. I knew nothing of the author but the blurb for the book made me immediately request it.

I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love when a historical romance or myth retelling also has contemporary vibes and language. This was absolutely that.

Guinevere is treated like crap by Arthur and treated like the (literal) Queen that she is by Lancelot.

Fast-paced, swoony, a woman gaining confidence after being abused, forbidden love, yearning, the banter was excellent, a man who c*ms in his pants!! I just loved it all. I will be on the edge of my seat until the second book comes out!

The writing style was encapsulating and exactly what you expect from the premise. It was an easy and quick read. Even though I don’t know much about the original tales, I enjoyed the storyline. I was eager to find out what happens next. The chemistry and yearning between Gwen and Lance were perfectly written by the author. A bit more spice than expected, which you should consider when choosing to read this book.

Thank you to „Victory Editing“ and the author for providing me a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest review in my own words.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I tore through this book in a single sitting, happily swept up in the whirlwind romance between Guinevere and Lancelot. Their banter sparkled, the love declarations were the sort of over-the-top sweetness that made me grin like an idiot, and I really appreciated how the story gave Guinevere the chance to reclaim her independence—and her heart—after being trapped in a toxic marriage to Arthur. Watching her step into a freer, happier chapter of her life was incredibly satisfying.
However… this wasn’t quite what I expected going in. I had braced myself for a sweeping, moody Arthurian retelling—layered with atmospheric worldbuilding, political intrigue, and a touch of medieval gravitas. What I actually got felt more like a contemporary romcom dressed up in period clothing. At one point, a character literally says, “I’m not knight material,” and I had to pause for a moment just to process the tonal whiplash. It often read like Camelot as reimagined by a Netflix YA production: fun and charming, but very modern in voice.
The romance itself is endearing, but incredibly fast-paced. Guinevere and Lancelot meet in chapter one, and before you can blink, they’re ready to lay down their lives for one another. While I adored their chemistry (Lancelot, bless him, is the purest cinnamon roll and I will defend him forever), I found myself wishing for more build-up—more stolen glances, more tension, more of that delicious, aching slow burn. Instead, the story skips straight to full devotion, leaving little room for longing or complexity. Given the fact that it’s also an affair, some subtlety might have made the dynamic even richer.
As for the setting… the worldbuilding is practically nonexistent. The book assumes you know the basics of Camelot and doesn’t bother filling in the gaps. Lancelot’s French heritage appears out of thin air, Arthur’s name is literally “Arthur Bendragon” (yes, with a “B”), and the story doesn’t seem overly concerned with historical or mythological accuracy. It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker—it’s clear the focus is on romance over lore—but if you were hoping for an immersive medieval tapestry, this probably isn’t it.
Still, I can’t deny that I enjoyed myself. The pacing is brisk, the tone is light, and if you’re here for pure romantic vibes rather than intricate plotting, there’s a lot of fun to be had. Think of it less as a brooding Arthurian epic and more as a fluffy, fast-moving love story set against a familiar backdrop.
⭐ 3.5 stars (closer to 4 if you’re here for charm and chemistry over worldbuilding).

Okay sooo I did enjoy this. I flew through it in one sitting and was fully invested in the Guinevere/Lancelot romance. The banter was super cute, the confessions of love had me kicking my feet, and I really liked the way it explored Guinevere finding freedom (and love) after being stuck in a toxic situation with Arthur.

BUT. I went in expecting a moody, dramatic retelling full of rich worldbuilding and Arthurian vibes… and instead I got what felt like a modern romcom in fancy outfits 😭 Like, someone actually said “I’m not knight material” and I had to close the book for a second. It was giving Camelot by way of Netflix YA.

Also, the romance? Instant. They meet in chapter one and it’s like, “Hi, I will now die for you” levels of attachment. I did love their dynamic (Lancelot is a cinnamon roll and I will defend him), but I really wanted more build-up — more tension, more angst, more longing. It all just happened way too fast, and with zero attempt at subtlety despite the fact that... yeah, it’s still cheating 😅

And while we’re here: worldbuilding? What worldbuilding?? You’re just supposed to know what Camelot is and roll with it. Lancelot is randomly French for no reason, and Arthur’s full name is literally Arthur Bendragon which made me laugh out loud. Love that for him.

All that said, I had a good time. It’s light, it’s romantic, it’s fast-paced, and if you’re not too precious about your Arthurian lore, you might just love it.

⭐ 3.5 stars (closer to 4 if you’re here for vibes over plot)

I was really looking forward to this one. I am a medieval, folklore, historical romance reader at heart. I was hoping for a folkloric retelling of the legendary Lancelot and Guinevere. Something with stylized prose, emotional restraint due to the forbidden romance, and the gravity of legend. Instead, Propriety read more like a modern romance dressed in medieval clothes. The knights at the round table, but the round table is at a Medieval Times. Can still be fun if that’s what you’re expecting!

The tone felt light and contemporary, with dialogue that leaned heavily into modern turns of phrase. “Lance” calling Guinevere “baby” pulled me out of the world completely. The intimacy never felt particularly loving or sensual — just spicy and pretty much instant. This might have worked better for me if it had been marketed more clearly as a modern spin on the medieval tale.

I DNF’d around 30%. But I am very grateful to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to receive an eARC.

4.25 ⭐️

I ATE THIS UP! While this is technically a romantic retelling of the legendary romance between Guinevere and Lancelot, it is also just wonderful escapism for anyone who has ever felt trapped in an abusive relationship and fantasized about someone noble to come along, who would love you how you’ve been craving, stand up to your tormentor, and bring you back to life.

The first two chapters are very fast paced and I found them a bit chaotic. I almost gave up but I am SO glad I didn’t. I’ve seen reviews of people complaining about the lack of world building, but that’s not the point here. The point is the connection between Gwen and Lance. And when they’re together on page, I could not stop giggling. At one point I involuntarily blurted out “HOW ROMANTIC!” to the confusion of my fiancé.

Also, this book is VERY spicy. Although the acts themselves aren’t too out there, there are a lot of scenes. To me, they just added to the romance.

The love between the characters is deep, but not the world building is not. It’s still absolutely a must read.

Thank You NetGalley and L.V. Brooks for the ARC!

The cover is so pretty, I was drawn in! This book was so well written, and had some historical elements with old and modern twists. The characters haves such complex stories that make them unique and stand out in their own way. I loved the sweet moments and the moments Lancelot and Guinevere bonded, and how they balance each other out. I do wish the world building was a little more expanded on, but overall I really loved it! I can't wait to read the next book!

4/5 ⭐️ ARC - NetGalley

I. LOVED. THIS.
This was such a great book, it flowed form the beginning and was just such a great, great story.

Such a gripping love story, the highs and lows between Gwen and Lancelot made me want more !
Keen to see what is to come in book 2 !

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a early copy for my honest review.

3 stars.

I don't think I'm a Camelot girly.. I have tried several times to get into the sub-genre and I don't think I can which means I can not fully review this book as it was written quite wonderfully.

I would be open to reading more from this author if it is out of Camelot.

a lancelot/guinevere retelling that was heart-wrenching, incredibly steamy, and romantic. a queen who has expectations made upon herself from those around her, especially with regards to her loveless marriage to a king. a knight, one of the kings closest friends, happens upon her in the craziest way possible and she becomes changed for the better. but, can they defeat the odds of their choice of relationship when there are things against them?

when i first learned about this book, it was not the tropes that drove me to read it—but the author. and i was once again proven right that it was the right choice! it was such a treat reading this extremely romantic and steamy story of finding yourself and being able to choose yourself despite those around you. i loved their chemistry and adoration for one another, i was constantly rooting for them with each chapter. begging for them to be together and loving anytime lance spoke! lucky that i got to read this early!

This book did not disappoint, I mean the tension, the humor, the suspense, and the hot & sweet moments between Lancelot and Gwen were amazing. I mean when Gwen said “you dug me up”, ahhhhh I almost cried. My poor bay went through a lot and the twist at the end? I am so mad because it can’t end like that! So if you need an ARC reader for book two, please send it my way because I would love to continued their story and they better have a happy ending, please make sure that they do. But if you spoke historical romance and a forbidden romance then please read this book but there are trigger warnings so please read them and if this book cautiously. But I will think about this books years to come, gloriously done Ms.Brooks.

3.5 stars - okay so I loved this!! This is a romantic reimagining of Camelot, Guinevere and Lancelot, and I read it in one sitting! The romance and banter was super cute and I adored the confessions of love and the themes that this tackles, especially through Guinevere discovering freedom through love and from Arthur, whom she never loved because he treated her horribly.

Though, for a book based in Camelot, I found it was quite lacking in worldbuilding. The book assumes the reader already knows the lore behind Arthur and the Round Table, and so doesn't expand on the kingdom, surroundings or political themes. Which is fine, because primarily, it is a romance. However, I also felt the romance was very insta-love/lust and rushed. I did enjoy how it was written and every aspect of Guinevere/Lancelot's dynamic, but I wish there was a build up to that - more description of them meeting each other with context, more tension keeping them apart. They met in the first chapter and it felt like they were attached to the hip immediately, without even trying to not be obvious about their affection 😭😭 like I love them together but it's still cheating without the guilt. Alsoo I did think Guinevere was a bit pathetic sometimes 😭 like you do not need a man to carry you and tend to you all the time because you get sick from any minor emotional inconvenience... But ANYWAY Lancelot was so cute for doing that

I also love the little funny details like the fact that Lancelot just happens to be French when no other country is established in the world LMAO and that Arthur's name is literally Arthur BENDRAGON like yes king Benny

Anyway overall I did have a great time reading this. It's light hearted romance with the barest dash of plot and angst and 400 pages literally flew by!!

I have read several books on the king Arthur legends and I was quite interested to read this one. It certainly offers a new version of the doomed love story of Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot and I found it a little bit hard to get into. Arthur is not a nice man or husband and Lance well he did have an affair with his friends wife, so I shouldn't have been surprised by his character, but I just couldn't get a feel for this book.

Excuse me, I am shocked at how this ended but equally as excited to see where the next one goes!
My first L.V. book and not my last!

I'm already looking forward to the release of book 2 of this series! I really enjoyed this book!

Propriety is a story inspired by King Arthur and Camelot, but with a romantic and more temporary twist, This story was very well written- I enjoyed the combination of the historical, old world setting inspired by legends, mixed with a more modernised romance and relationships that explore some quite deep topics.

I also really enjoyed the characters- Guinevere is a character that is strong deep down but has been conditioned by those around her to hide this part of herself, to be who everyone else wants her to be. I enjoyed seeing her growth, learning to embrace who she is. It was also heartwarming getting to see her find happiness, after so long of being without.

I also really loved Guinevere and Lancelot's story- I love the humour between them and the way that he always comes back for her, even when all of the odds were against him. I love that he helps her to accept who she truly is and make choices for herself, giving her the strength and confidence to stand up for herself against the horrible way she is treated by her husband the king, and her sister in law. I am really excited to see how their story unfolds in the next book!!

Also I really wasn't expecting the plot twist at the end, I was shocked and, without giving any spoilers, disappointed for the characters after all of the hardships they faced.
It is going to make for a
very interesting start to book 2 because there are so many possibilities for how the story can go!!

PROPRIETY BY L.V BROOKS: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was comedic genius. Full of funny moments, endless smut, and an evil angsty husband. Very entertaining, loved it.

The cover drew me in at first glance. I loved the way Lancelot treated Guinevere. The book had quite a bit of smut/spice which is great, but I wanted a little bit for more plot or to see more of the characters falling in love instead of the instant love. It was a fast read and I didn't want to put it down. I felt like some of the writing felt more modern vs the time frame it was supposed to be in. Overall, it was a good book and would recommend. Thank you for the arc!!

I have read many stories over the years about Arthur and Guinevere and it is safe to say that their relationship was doomed from the start. I will put that I enjoyed this novel mainly because each version their story that I have read over the years is always different. I believe the author did an excellent job of crating that into her story.

Guinevere feels like a glorified prisoner to her husband King Arthur. She meets Lancelot and falls for him....

A terrific retelling of the King Arthur/Guinevere legend. Love the feminist vibes. The political intrigue is interesting. A fascinating read.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.