Member Reviews
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️/5
Love at First Knight follows is the story of Daisy Hastings, a young woman who has lived a pretty sheltered life. Living in the English countryside doesn’t have much flash or pomp, but that’s just how Daisy likes it. She spends her days dreaming up fantastical scenarios for her LARPing alter ego, Lady Alenthaea, and working in her father’s gaming store. For her, a slow life surrounded by family is enough. When the opportunity arises for Daisy to utilize her LARPing talents in a career at the Tower of London, she takes a chance and moves to London, despite her misgivings. It’s in this new role where she meets Lord Theodore Fairfax, a spoiled, temperamental and rude viscount who is working at the Tower despite not wanting to be anywhere less. Teddy quickly becomes the proverbial thorn in Daisy’s side, seemingly sabotaging Daisy’s potential success at this role. Will they be able to settle their differences? Or will their animosity devolve into an all-out battle?
This story had a really cute premise. There were moments where plot points were dismissed or skated over quickly, but overall I liked our FMC Daisy and her journey to discover confidence in herself. I think her story of overcoming self-doubt and being confident in who we are is a story that everyone can relate to from some point in their lives! The story was incredibly PG, but I did get a few tummy swooshes from some of the dialogue. I would recommend overall, since it was cute, a quick read and had a HEA.
Tropes in this story:
✨ Princely MMC
✨ Commoner FMC
✨ Workplace rivals
✨ One bed / tent
✨ Social anxiety representation
Daisy Hastings is a fierce and confident warrior on the LARP battlefield, but struggles with social anxiety when she must step out into the real world. Theodore "Teddy" Fairfax is a fiendish aristocrat dubbed by the tabloids as the Royal Rogue. Their paths cross while working at Knight School at the Tower of London, which for Daisy is an attempt at making her way in a world she feels has no space for her. Sent by his family to clean up his act after his latest tabloid scandal, there's nowhere that Teddy wants to be less. When Daisy gets caught up in the crosshairs of his hijinks, her job is on the line and this means war.
I loved how much Daisy grew as a character from beginning to end and truly came into her own. The chemistry between Daisy and Teddy was truly sizzling and I adored the banter between them. Clawson's writing style really allows the characters to shine. I genuinely cannot recommend Love at First Knight and its predecessor, Falling Hard for the Royal Guard enough, and I cannot wait to pickup whatever Clawson writes next.
Quirky and funny, Love at First Knight celebrates nerd culture and embracing being your truest self, even if that self doesn't quite fit in with the world at large.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eArc to review!
This book really wasn't for me. I struggled to connect with the characters and had to force my way through it. It was cute but it wasn't very deep. While I love a good rom-com this one just kind of fell flat.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest review
While "Love at First Knight" by Megan Clawson may resonate with some readers, as evidenced by the positive reviews it has received, it failed to capture my interest. While I appreciated the diverse cast of characters, such as Daisy's family, and the attempts at humor, I felt that the characters lacked depth, and their interactions felt forced, which made the plot feel predictable and cheesy. Put simply: it lacked the depth needed to keep me invested. While I was intrigued by the premise, the execution ultimately left much to be desired, resulting in a disappointing reading experience overall.
My rating: 3/5 🌟
I was a little unsure about this book at first since it’s not really something I thought I’d enjoy, however I loved the cover and was interested in giving it a shot. I’m glad it did 😍
It was geeky and cute 🥰 I also loved that it was a quick read. The main character Daisy had some social anxiety which I can 1000% relate too as well
Read if you like:
👑 Royal romance
👑 Larping
👑 Enemies to lovers
👑 Clean romance
👑 Slow burn
Thank you to NetGalley, the author & the publisher: Avon books for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
I imagine this will really be someone's cup of tea, and I can see from others' reviews that they really enjoyed it, but it just wasn't for me. What I did really like was the diversity of the characters, and Daisy's family was incredibly lovely with their acceptance of others. There are some funny parts within the story too, but I really found it difficult to get past Daisy struggling so much with moving away from home, but I think that's mostly because I can't relate to it.
I read this book a while back and requested it much before, but I think it was the cute cover and catchy title of this book that grabbed by attention. Unfortunately, it didn't work the best for me.
I kinda felt Daisy and her insecurities but then there was Lady A. I struggle with her name and she just popped up over and over again in the most aggravating manner. I don't get Teddy's problems as a royal for obvious reasons, but I definitely felt that he could've have been depicted as less of a jerk.
I think this was a character driven story without much depth of plot that went wrong coz the characters were not perfect. These are just my opinions and maybe in a different frame of mind I would've enjoyed this better. There's a good number readers who enjoyed this book, so I'm sure there's an audience for it, just not me.
Unfortunately this book was not for me. The disparity between Daisy and her personality when Lady A came out - especially when she was not actually LARPing but said she felt Lady A’s determination and boldness coming through - was too much to make sense to me. For example - could Daisy really recount the story of a child drawing an dildo on his shield to Ellis? I can’t believe she could. Additionally, I wanted more detail in most of the book. It felt like I was being told the story second hand instead of feeling like I was alongside Daisy. Bobble was a highlight of the book - she is delightful- but even her relationship with Daisy left me wanting more detail.
4.25⭐️ This book was like a cozy hug or a warm embrace that made me feel like I belonged. I could relate to Daisy so much and it was wonderful watching her grow and come into her own as a character as the plot developed. Though I'm not a Larper, I do play D&D and so the 'nerdy' fantasy lover elements of the book felt familiar and were done in a really accurate way. I related so much to the description of the regulars in Daisy's Dad's Hobby Shop ' people who drink energy drinks for the taste, people who have discord accounts' and those 'looking for a safe nerd haven'.
The premise of this was a unique twist on forbidden royal romance and was soooo cute! Teddy was sweet and swoonworthy and the book was also very well written with likeable supporting characters and the found family trope. If you're a fan of enemies to lovers and romcoms and you like your books a little bit quirky and fun then this is the book for you!
In "Love at First Knight" by Megan Clawson, readers are invited to a delightful royal romantic comedy that defies conventions. Set against the historic backdrop of the Tower of London, this novel weaves humour, romance, and a dash of medieval flair into an enchanting tapestry.
Meet Daisy Hastings. She is our spirited heroine who has always felt like she was born in the wrong era. When she lands a summer job at the Tower of London, assisting with their Knight school, it feels like a step toward her true destiny. But Daisy isn't your typical damsel in distress. She's smart, independent, and ready to challenge the status quo.
Meet Theodore "Teddy" Fairfax. He is a disgraced distant relative of the royal family. He is tall, dark, and begrudgingly participating in the Tower's summer program. He's no knight in shining armour, but he's about to change Daisy's world.
Clawson crafts characters with depth and wit. Daisy's determination and Teddy's brooding charm create a delightful tension. Their verbal sparring is both entertaining and endearing. Daisy's love for history and Teddy's reluctant involvement in Knight school collide, sparking a hilarious battle of wits. The chemistry between Daisy and Teddy sizzles. Their banter crackles like a well-fuelled campfire and as they cross swords, will their hearts become entangled? Clawson masterfully builds their relationship, allowing it to simmer and the slow burn is worth every page.
The Tower of London becomes a character in its own right. Clawson's vivid descriptions transport readers to the ancient stones, echoing with centuries of history. The clash of modernity against medieval architecture adds depth to the story. Whether it's the moonlit courtyard or the shadowy corridors, the Tower's presence is palpable.
“Love at First Knight” explores themes of identity, destiny, and the courage to defy expectations. Daisy and Teddy grapple with their roles in a world that often tries to pigeonhole them. Their journey toward self-discovery is heartwarming and relatable. Clawson's prose is accessible and engaging. She balances humour and emotion, making the story a breeze to read. The pacing keeps you turning pages, eager to see what mischief Daisy and Teddy get into next. The dialogue sparkles, revealing the characters' quirks and vulnerabilities.
If you are looking for a delightful escape, this read is what you want. It’s the perfect blend of fairy tale and modern romance. Clawson's clever twist on knights and damsels proves that love can bloom even on a battlefield. So, if you're ready for a charming escapade through time, grab your sword (or smartphone) and join Daisy and Teddy on their quest for love. While the ending ties up loose threads, it leaves room for more adventures. I'm eagerly awaiting Clawson's next royal rom-com. After all, who can resist a love story set against the ancient stones of the Tower of London?
Thank-you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Cute, fluffy romance that lacks a lot of substance but has a whole lot of good intentions. I liked Daisy's family a lot - the bond between them all felt realistic and genuine, and kept Daisy grounded. I also thought their interest in LARPing was fun too - I've known a few people who do this, and the representation here is not too far from the reality. The descriptions of the Tower of London were great too, and really shine given the author's personal history growing up inside the Tower of London. This knowledge of the area really shows in the novel.
What I wasn't so fond of was the relationship between Daisy and Teddy. Their chemistry never seems to fully reach its potential and Daisy just comes across as really rude a lot of the time. I get that she has anxiety (same) but at times her behaviour really is inexcusable. Also, the forced love triangle really didn't need to exist. Ellis could easily have just been a friend and the outcome would have been the same.
Overall it's the location that stood out for me here, but otherwise I don't think this is a romance that will stay with me for long.
This was quite inventive, but Falling Hard for the Royal Guard is still my favourite of hers. I had a bit of trouble connecting with the main characters in this book.
Love at First Knight centres around Daisy Hastings, who feels like she hit a wall in life years prior due to her issues with anxiety and shyness. She still lives with her parents and it's really only around her family and friends, and while LARping (live-action role-playing), that she comes out of her shell. There's an opening at the Tower of London's Knight School, a sort of summer program, and Daisy ends up working there and is, then, taken out of her comfort zone and into something really exciting for her. It's there she meets Theodore ‘Teddy’ Fairfax, her opposite in every way and a disgraced member of the royal family whom she is asked to help.
I really liked the premise of this book, but I found that the character-building in this one left a bit to be desired. I quite enjoyed learning more about the world of LARPing and it seems like a fun activity. Also, Daisy's family was quite sweet, but the romance between Daisy and Teddy just didn't convince me that much. I felt like it could have been better developed.
I still had a lot of fun reading this novel, so I'll definitely read Megan Clawson's books in the future, but Falling Hard for the Royal Guard remains my favourite of hers.
Thank you to Avon UK and NetGalley for my e-ARC!
Love at First Knight is a cute, light read, and one of those that I can totally picture as a 2000s-esque rom com movie.
I really liked the premise for this one and thought it had a lot of potential but I honestly struggled to connect at times. I think it’s probably a me problem, as I can imagine this book will be loved by most. I had no idea what LARPing was before this, for example, and I don’t think it’s really for me.
Nonetheless, I love an enemies to lovers trope, and him being a royal just made it even better. I live for this kind of thing! Parts of the book made me laugh, I liked the banter between the characters and thought the depiction of Daisy’s struggles with anxiety was done well.
Although it was enjoyable, I couldn’t rate it higher than this purely because something was missing for me, but I still think it’s worth a read for the right audience. Thank you to the publisher for the early copy!
3 Stars!
This was a really cute book. I loved Daisy, watching her grow and flourish. Love at First Knight combines humor, heart, and a dash of fairy-tale magic. Its endearing characters and enchanting setting captivated me as a reader who enjoyed a good old-fashioned love story with a modern twist.
Thank you, Avon Books, for the ARC copy.
I feel in love with Megan in Falling Hard for the Royal Guard so I immediately was on board for this book. I loved how she tackled topics of mental illness that need more exposed in fiction literature and I feel she did it gracefully and also with the appropriate amount of humor. She now has earned a spot on my TBR list from now on out! Bravo Megan!
Not really hit the spot for me I liked the characters Daisy and Teddy but found it slow going and could not really get into it like the first one.
Thanks to Avon Books UK for the ARC look forward to the next one.
Daisy is a shy and anxious young woman, living at home with her parents. As a family they enjoy live action role play, and Daisy comes out of her shell in this environment. When her twin brother Sam signs Daisy up as an instructor at Knight School at the Tower of London, she finds herself completely out of her comfort zone. Can she overcome her fears and enjoy her summer? Will she be able to figure out her feelings for royal Teddy?
It was always going to be hard for Megan Clawson, following up her wonderful first novel "Falling Hard For The Royal Guard", and sadly this doesn't quite hit the spot for me. The romance felt forced and it all seemed too convenient. However, I loved the scenery and location, and the LARP scenes were fun - I loved the personalities within Daisy's family!
Thank you netgalley and publishers for this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to read this, because both the title and cover caught my eye. If you are like me and are interest based on the title and cover, look no farther because you will love this book!
This is a book for the nerdy romantics. (Even if you are not nerdy, you most likely will love this book)
Our main character isnt the girl in the fairytale that needs saving, but the one that saves herself. She doesnt need prince char.ing to solve her problems she will figure it out herself. We see our main character start off as a girl in a shell, but by the end she has broken free of that shell and becomes more confident. We see her challenger herself, and let her personality shine!
Of course at knight school she has a rivial, a man of royal blood. This romance was cute, where i was routing for them at the very beginning. This was so cute, recommend for all you nerdy, romantic book lovers who want to see a love blossom, where you cheer on the characters.
A wonderful romp! I enjoyed the uniqueness of the main character, and her struggles made it more real. I cheered, I cried, and I wanted to kill Teddy...until I didn't anymore.
Royal romcoms are usually not a book genre I pick up in a haste to read. The cover, though, intrigued me and I am glad I picked this one up. It is funny, engaging, and witty in all the right ways.
The main character, Daisy Hastings, is not a force to be reckoned with. She is not a princess waiting for the prince in a high tower, guarded by the dragon. She is no damsel in distress.
Daisy Hastings meets Theodore 'Teddy' Fairfax in Knight school, the Tower of London. She is trying to get as far from the modern day world as can get, getting away from the era she feels alienated from.
Theodore is trying to get as far from the Royal family as he can get, running as fast and as far as Daisy has from this modern era. He's dark and brooding and unwillingly to take part in the Tower of Londons summer programme, which he is made to participate in.
Daisy is rightfully enraged when Teddy nearly ends her career at the summer programme, declaring war on the boy with royal blood running in his veins.
Battle and blood. Swords and love. This was an adorable, light-hearted, enemies-to-lovers. Every once in a while I need an easy read like this one. There are so many intense, tragic, and complicated worlds that this one gives me a bit of a reprieve. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!