Unfortunately for me this was a dnf which I am gutted about! I just didn’t vibe with the writing style and the world building!

I would like to start by saying how grateful I am to have been given the chance to read this book early.

I really wanted to love this one because the cover is gorgeous, the description sounded like it was right up my street but this one unfortunately fell a bit flat for me. There were some aspects I did still enjoy. I love the connection between the main female character and the guy helping to train her. I am a sucker for a he trains her trope.

For me, the pacing was a bit too slow. It seemed to focus a LOT of time on the training parts and there didn't seem to be much action. I think I prefer the high stakes, lots of action reads so maybe this one was just too slow for me and im not the right audience. Its hard to put my finger on what it was that I struggled with.

The Princess Knight is a delightful, fresh fantasy romance, and I truly loved it. The romance was so sweet and I loved how Clia and Ronan were there for each other. And then, of course, there's all the wonderful Irish mythology, the chronic pain rep and the queer normative world, all of which were great. Plus, The Princess Knight feels like a proper fantasy, I don't know how else to explain it. Where many other romantasy books lean into the romance more while using pretty boilerplate plots, this one is different and far more entertaining.

The only thing I have to note is that the pace dragged at times. But this wasn't a big problem honestly because I was enjoying the book overall.

So, all in all, if you like fantasy romance, but you're tired of the same old, same old, this is a good book to pick up. I can't wait until October so more people get to read it!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC!

ARC Review
3 stars
The Princess Knight could be described as Legally Blonde but in a fantasy world full of action and where our FMC becomes a warrior.
I have many thoughts on this book. For starters, this is not a bad book, the writing is great, and so are the vibes, and there is a high chance this was just not for me. This was a very anticipated read and maybe I needed to manage my expectations better. Still, to name some of the issues I faced with this book:
- the pacing felt really slow, the story picked up around the 70% mark for me, and I think this is because the book is way longer than necessary. There’s some repetitiveness, and I believe the story could do the same it already does with 100, or even 150, pages less.
- I didn’t actually buy the romance in the main couple (I honestly found more tension between Clía and Niamh than with Ronan). I just wasn’t feeling the tension that you’re supposed to get in a kind of “forbidden” or impossible romance. This could also be because I found the characters a little superficial and lacking depth, which made me feel disconnected from it all.
- this book reads more YA than Adult, and that is definitely not something I was expecting.

I did really enjoy the character growth in Clía, and the chronic pain representation.

Overall, I do hope people like this book more than I did. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the e-arc.

Thank you to Harper Collins, Magpie and Cait Jacob’s for the ARC.

The original title for this book would better suit it. While I understand the concept as ‘legally blonde’ meets medieval romance, I didn’t hink the FMC would be dumbed down so much.
If I’m honest this book was a struggle for me, I think I like my FMC’s a little more punchy and the MMC’s more morally grey.

Overall it was a fine read but i struggled with the naming of characters and places (my problem, no one else’s), the personalities and overall lack of thrill.

This book sounded like a really fun concept to me and I couldn't wait to read it. But for me personally, it was just okay. I wasn't blown away but it did keep me interested enough to want to know what happens and stay with it until the end.

Maybe it was just a little more political than I was expecting - I don't mind following some court politics in books, but I've never been a huge fan. But I guess because Clía is the sole heir to the throne, it was likely to be expected as she is out to prove she's more than just a pretty face.

I found it a little unrealistic that Clía didn't think to ask for training before she left her palace - how to at least hold a sword and some basic manoeuvres. I still feel the first test could have went similarly because it would still have shown just how inexperienced she was compared to the others.
I do think if she was putting that amount of time into training, she would have greatly improved but I'm not sure a few months would have had her at the same level as skilled swordsmen who had been in wars and serious combat all their lives so again, maybe a little unrealistic there.

I liked Ronan, Murphy and surprisingly Niamh best out of the characters. Ronan's chapters were just that much more interesting I found. But the romance was a little anticlimatic. I don't need spice - especially because the characters are so young - but it seemed angsty and then a little rushed when it actually came to the romance.

I didn't like Domnhall at all. Clía is far too nice, especially when he's smirking and carelessly opening his mouth without letting his brain catch up and this happens a few times. I'd have liked him put in his place a little more, especially when she proves herself like she wanted.

I can see the similarities to Legally Blonde at times, but Elle was definitely more badass and I think Clía had the potential to be and just fell a little short.

I think this might end up being part of a duology or series with how the books ends. It is wrapped up but there's still questions and plot left to be explored.

3.5⭐

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction, Magpie and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

3.5

I'm starting this review with what I hope we are ALL in agreement with - switching the title of from Medievally Blonde was an absolute travesty.

The Princess Knight is a fantasy take on Legally Blonde which is honestly such a fun and unique take, the actuality of it though...it was a little dragged out at parts and maybe didn't totally work? That being said, I had a FUN time!

We follow Clía (aka Elle Woods) who on the day of her engagement announcement to Prince Domhnall, has the heart-breaking news he no longer wishes to marry her as he needs a 'strong queen' and not just a pretty face...sound familiar? What then follows is Clía enlisting herself into a military academy (what, like it's hard?) to prove her worth with the idea of winning Domhnall back and showing him she is so SO much more.

PROs
- protective MMC Ronan
- Irish folklore
- character growth
- v. cute banter
- magical pets
- LGBTQ+ rep

CONS
- lack of worldbuilding
- 'miscommunication' trope
- did her parents actually have any purpose?
- questionable decision making
- moustache twirling villains

Overall, I got what I wanted out of it! I was just maybe expecting too much - but it's a fun ride all the same.

Thanks so much Netgalley & publisher for the ARC - Release date 14 OCT

Thank you for the ARC!

This book had an engaging premise: a princess who sets out to win back a prince by becoming a warrior. I liked the concept and appreciated the training journey the protagonist goes through—this kind of transformation arc is usually something I enjoy.

However, while the setting includes magic, it plays a very minor role. The story focuses far more on training, strategy, and battle preparation, which wasn’t quite what I had expected from a fantasy title.

The romance subplot was well written in terms of chemistry and pacing, but personally, I’ve realized I’m not really that much in the mood for romantasy right now—especially when the fantasy elements are so minimal. Still, it wasn’t badly done, just not quite my preference at the moment.

Overall, this book may appeal more to readers who enjoy slow-burn, low-fantasy warrior stories with some light romance.
2,5 stars

Thanks to HarperCollins and to Netgalley for this eARC.

I've been sold on The Princess Knight ever since it was called Medievally Blonde. So you can only imagine how excited I was to be approved for this ARC! I loved this book, the setting was fantastic, as was the character development of our main character, Clia. Lovvvved this book.

This was a fun read! Read through it in 2 nights as I was eager to see how Clia progressed through her training and how her relationship with Ronan would develop. The war aspects were written really well and we easy to comprehend what was going on in thier realm. I look forward to hopefully more books set in this world as there is so much to explore.

Arc supplied by NetGalley and Magpie for a fair review

4 star

This was one of the most whimsical and darling books you will ever read, the romance was really sweet, the setting added to the story and the characters felt so realistic so overall a really great spring fantasy book

The Princess Knight is an immersive fantasy that blends Celtic-inspired lore with sweeping worldbuilding and strong character work. Jacobs crafts a world that’s as broad in scope as it is intimate in emotion. From its vivid landscapes to its detailed histories, everything feels rich and purposeful.

The character development is thoughtful and layered, with a cast that feels grounded and real. If you’re a fan of fantasy worlds with deep lore, powerful leads, and a strong sense of place. This book is absolutely worth your time.

Highly recommend to fans of rich high fantasy and Celtic mythology!

When your almost-betrothed tells you straight-up that you can’t rule because you can’t fight… what’s the logical next step? You train to become a knight — fast. Clia knows court life inside out, but after her fiancé drops that bomb and calls off the engagement, she decides to prove him wrong by picking up a sword. She does go through actual training to become stronger (thank you!!), even if she levels up faster than any RPG speedrun I’ve ever seen. But hey — realism isn’t the point here. This is about fun and petty revenge. 🎢

Ronan is the emotionally stable, kind-hearted guy who quietly wins your heart. Not broody, not a himbo, just a genuinely good sword-wielding human who listens and cares 🫶

There’s also a war arc that cranks up the stakes. It’s a bit predictable but still satisfying enough to keep things moving without losing the light vibe.

The romance has that “we can’t be together” tension but it’s way less frustrating than usual, making the slow burn a pleasure rather than a trial.

The Irish folklore sprinkled throughout was a nice bonus 🍀 And yes, there’s a Dobhar-chú — a giant mythical otter who had so much potential to steal the show but mostly just hung out. Still, I loved the myth vibes.

This book is light, cozy, and perfect for when you want a fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s all about petty revenge, fast training, and soft romance.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for giving me access to this eARC.

I don’t think you could understand my happiness when I saw that I was approved to read this book. I’ve followed The Princess Knight before the name was changed cause I knew that if a story inspired by Legally Blonde was being written (WITH KNIGHTS) I had to read it. And I read it!!!

The story is fairly similar to the movie where we get to follow a Princess who pretty much gets dumped by her Prince and then decided to win him back at war college. But we all know what will happen. Heheh.
But it also evolves and embraces the fantasy aspects which I really enjoyed. It was a great mix of the both.

A huge applause to the author Cait Jacobs that created this wonderful world and story because even though it took some inspiration from a movie this was something new. I absolutely adored it.

The only complaint I have (and this could be my own fault tbh) is that the names of people and places were a bit too similar. And due to the different names I had a hard time remembering who was who and sometimes a man was a place and yeah. I just believed in the story and hoped for the best haha.

The story somewhat has an open ending but at the same time it made me cry a bit. I wanted more but I’m also very content with what we got.

And yes, I will be buying a physical copy because I loved this. Getting teary eyed writing this. My babies 😭

Medieval romantasy is not for me, I think. I really struggled getting into this story. Yes it was cute, but it didn’t manage to hold my attention. It kept me slightly entertained though. But that ending was very underwhelming.

If you asked me anything about this book regarding its political system, I wouldn’t be able to tell you a thing. Not once during this book did I fully understand who was attacking whom and what country was the real enemy. Names were constantly thrown at me, and all they managed to do was make me even more confused.

ALSO I feel it is my responsibility to tell you that this book has a pretty open ending, which leads me to believe that this is in fact a series. Proceed at your own risk.

Throughout this whole book I was distracted by one thing that was constantly on my mind, and that is the pronunciation of the names, the places, and everything in between. There is a small glossary at the beginning of this book that lists every kingdom and its rulers. But the pronunciation guide is only available for the names of the kingdoms. It would have been nice to have a transcription for every name in this book. Because I couldn’t tell you what the main character’s full name is even if my life depended on it.

It took me days to finish this book, which is weird considering it was one of my most anticipated releases of the year. It felt very dry and, at times, illogical. Our girl trains for a few months, and suddenly, boom, by the end of the book, she is killing trained warriors left and right? I was honestly shocked that she wasn’t kicked out the first day, because what do you mean you show up at an elite military academy without knowing how to hold a sword??

What saved this book for me were the characters and the romance. If you squint, you can see a bit of found family in this book. Although I wish we got to spend more time with them, but oh well.

I really, really wanted to love this book more than I actually did. But I am excited for the author’s next works. I’m sure there is more to come.

Overall, I can say that if you are looking for a quick YA read, then I hope you will enjoy it more than I did. The story definitely had potential, I just think the worldbuilding needed a bit more work…

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was looking forward to reading this since I saw the cover, when it was originally medievally blonde. It sounded like it was going to be a whimsical, funny romance with lush tension but low stakes. Sadly it was not. The story itself was dry, there was little humour and I found it really difficult to make my way through it. Maybe because I was expecting something so different to what the book was that I didn’t enjoy it?

Thank you for the opportunity to read ♥️

This book was one of my most anticipated reads and unfortunately I’m slightly disappointed. My biggest issue - teenagers having sex.

The story was good but a little slow at times. I felt like some parts could be cut out as they didn’t bring much to the story whereas some aspects could be extended on to increase reading continuity.

The characters felt flatter as the story progressed and they didn’t have any development besides romance and training. The romance did feel natural between Clia and Ronan and so did he improvement during training but besides that, neither of them had ANY character development. At the end of the book she still had the same mindset as she did at the beginning (making herself second, making herself small for other people and thinking people don’t want her and HER and not a princess).

The writing, I loved. It was so easy to read and didn’t make the work building complex although it was very flushed out.

However, my biggest issue with this book - teenagers having sex. I understand the reason behind making Clia and Ronan 19 is due to nobility being married off young and giving them the arc of being unsure where their life is headed but this could be completed with a cast of characters between 21-25. I know the sex scene was very brief and not in depth but it doesn’t matter.

Reading and writing a 19 year old having sex is gross in my opinion but a 21/22 year old is less so as they’re adults and more mature. I could easily give this book 4 stars if it wasn’t for the ‘barely legal’ / ‘barely smut’ section of this book. If this book kept on page kissed and touches between Ronan and Clia with suggestive off page sex then I wouldn’t have an issue with the ages.

Given some of the existing reviews for this book, I was expecting almost a scene-for-scene translation of the Legally Blonde film within a medieval fantasy world, so I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading and it was more unique than that. The setup (with the FMC getting turned down due to her presumed intelligence, prompting her to go to the same academy/school as her ex to show him that he's wrong about her) is there, but I thought that the relationships and the context were different compared to the film. While a few of the film's main beats were there, it was well fleshed out with the fantasy world and plot and it didn't stick so closely to the film that it became boring.

In The Princess Knight, the intended betrothal is a strategic joining of two kingdoms rather than being the expected next step in a genuine relationship between the FMC and her boyfriend, so although Domhnall treated Clía badly, he wasn't as irredeemable as his equivalent in Legally Blonde.

I liked the queernormative world and the side characters. The romance is sort of fade to black, in that there's mainly a few kissing scenes and then one scene where the main characters have sex but it's very non-graphic and brief. I'd definitely say that this book is YA rather than the Adult romantasy that it's being categorised as on Goodreads etc. I've just read on the FAQs section of the author's website that she wrote this for a YA audience, and that does come across strongly while reading, so I wish that it was correctly categorised as YA and not just being listed as Adult because the publisher in the US is an Adult publisher.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from HarperCollins UK and NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

This digital ARC was provided by @netgalley

⭐⭐⭐⭐

In "The Princess Knight" the reader meets Clía, a dutiful princess who loves her country.
When her marriage, an advantageous alliance to a neighboring prince, fails to materialize, Clía realises she already knows the solution: attend the same academy as her former fiancé and win him back.
Things go according to the plan, right? Right????
Well, you'll find out if you read this book :)

I enjoyed this book; it follows the plot of Legally Blonde (while adding new twists and nuances) and has those romcom vibes (while also being able to present emotional and dramatic moments). The twists (even if predictable) were satisfying!
Still, there were some underdeveloped aspects, such as her parents (typical 2D characters) and the fact that the main characters succeed too easily. There was little tension. I wish they had to work harder.

Perfect for you if you like:
❤️ romcom retelling (Legally Blonde set in medieval-ish times)
🐾 cute creature as a pet
💇‍♂️ male love interest with long hair (shoulder-length, but it counts, right?)
💫 military academy (and intense training!)
👩‍🦰 women becoming stronger
🎉 female friendships
🔴 political intrigue

#theprincessknight #netgalley #earc #arcreview #retelling #booktokromania