This book was pure gold.

I’m gonna start off saying I’ve been following Paula’s journey for who knows how long at this point and from the bottom of my heart how thankful I am for this ARC and also how in awe I am of her success. Her honesty, sincerity, and excitement about her story really shown through in her novel.
La Vie de Guinevere was just as exciting to read, as it was to see teasers on Tik Tok and Instagram. Every chapter, every page, every sentence had me enthralled. There was time travel, magic, wonder, love, anger, betrayal, mystery, and so many more emotions that were displayed so well. The characters felt real and scenes felt natural. I was constantly questioning what was going to happen next. And even though I was wrong every time, it was that much more thrilling to read because what Paula wrote was so much better than I could’ve ever imagined.

Guinevere’s story is so beautiful. Her anguish, her guilt, her reluctance. Her love, her loyalty, her integrity. She is the type of woman I want to read about. I cannot wait to see where this journey goes because small spoiler— there’s a cliffhanger, but in the sense of I want more instantly but I’m willing to wait because I just received so much from the first book.

If you love fantasy, romance, and found family this is a must read. Easy 5⭐️’s I’m so glad this is my first read of August.

From one reader to another, trust me when I tell you to take the leap with books that seem to be outside your usual genre. La Vie de Guinevere fits in the fantasy genre, but isn't a book I would usually pick up, but what am I glad that I did. As someone who loves mythology and history, but has never ventured too deep into that section, I was instantly wooed by the premise of this book.

The first few chapters were ones I needed to get through to eventually be fully mesmerized by the story. It was not due to the lack of writing nor the pace, those were both admirable. There were times where I could notice that this was a debut novel, but it was hardly prominent. It merily had to do with my own hesitancy for diving into this genre.

This book is more character than plot driven, though I think this was a great premise for the second book in this series. I don't think this would've been a success if the book had been less character driven, because that is what made it so great. I was utterly bewitched reading about Guinevere and Arthur, though Lancelot stole the show for me.

Paula Lafferty is certainly an author that has put herself on my radar, and I cannot wait for more. I must admit, in great shame, that I spent my whole Sunday laying in bed and reading this book. I was torn with frustration by the ending, because I found myself craving more.

What a delightful story! Solid 4.5 stars and excellent debut. If you enjoy time travel/historical settings, magic, relatable flawed characters, and mystery, you'll like this book.

I felt the beginning was a bit rushed and would have liked to get to know / connect with the FMC better before the crazy stuff started happening, but otherwise, this was a fun adventure of a read. I fell in love with several of the characters. The magic system was interesting and part of the mystery--and when it finally became more clear what was happening with that, it was a super clever twist that I really liked. The ending was perfect, imo: some resolution for this initial part of the story but with enough of a cliffhanger to make me sad book two isn't out yet.

I received an ARC copy (thank you!) and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

La Vie de Guinevere is an enchanting and original take on the Arthurian legend, bringing together time travel, romance, and magic in a way that hooked me right from the start. Our protagonist, Vera, gets pulled from her ordinary life and into the heart of Camelot, and I felt every bit of her awe and confusion as she navigated this magical and mysterious world. The characters were so three-dimensional that they felt like real people, and I couldn't help but get deeply invested in their journeys.

One of the things I loved most was the perfect balance between fun adventure and poignant moments that really hit home. The witty banter had me laughing out loud, while some scenes were so emotional that I was reaching for tissues. The dialogue was spot-on, making the characters come alive in a way that made me feel like I knew them personally. I was especially drawn to Vera's relationships with the others, full of romance, friendship, and tension that added so much depth to the story. For those who might wonder about the spice level, it’s relatively low, with only one short open-door scene that’s important to the characters’ development. But the slow burn and tension? Those were off the charts.

The world-building was incredible. The blend of historical and magical elements made Camelot feel both familiar and fantastical, and the vivid descriptions pulled me right in. The pacing was just right, with enough action to keep me on the edge of my seat and quieter moments that deepened the story. I absolutely adored this world and didn't want the story to end. If you're into character-driven fantasy with strong relationships and emotional storytelling, do not miss this book. I haven't been able to get into another book since finishing it because nothing compares, and I'm just not ready to leave Camelot behind. The next book cannot come soon enough!

What a great start to the series!!!! I loved seeing the little nods to Arthurian legend and the wonderful relationships that are built throughout the book.

I thought it started sort of slow but once I got into it, it flew past, dragging me into the world.

I am so lucky to be able to have an ARC but also that means I have to wait even longer for book two. Oh I cannot wait.

This was an unexpectedly good read! I have read several retellings of Arthur and Guinevere, all good but not spectacular, and find that this is the best so far! It is different from all the rest and stands out as one that I can read over and over again. There were certain parts where I thought, "OH, NO!" thinking it would turn around and become typical but I was wrong. I simply needed to be patient, and find that it is certainly not typical at all - now, my only regret is that I will have to wait for the sequel to see what is next in this version of Arthur and Guinevere.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow, I was so excited about this book and not disappointed! This book was all I wanted from an Arthurian retelling and more.

From the characters to the plot, this story had me hooked. This book and the themes of friendship, loss, and love completely consumed me.

For a debut author, Paula Lafferty nailed things that even seasoned authors have difficulty doing, like seamlessly weaving in threads of a bigger plot brewing behind the pages, tension amongst the characters, and staying true to her own voice.

I have read so many stories over the years that they all start to sound alike. But, with the unique premise of this book and Lafferty’s unique and clear writing style, I can safely say I have never read anything like this before. While it takes a few pages for the story to set off and the writing to find its flow, once you reach Camelot, there is nonstop action, drama, and fun waiting for you.

The fairytale and urban fantasy elements will surely please fans of shows like Once Upon a Time and those who prefer something more epic like Lord of the Rings. Above all, I think this book is for those who understand the importance of friendship and good storytelling. I was absorbed by this book and truly loved it so much. There is nothing I love more than a great adventure and finding my home in a book, and that's what this was for
me.✨

*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

La vie de Guinevere" is a delightful journey through the magical world of Camelot, filled with adventure, time travel, romance, friendship, and of course magic. This novel takes the legendary tales of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and the Knights of the Round Table and gives them a unique and refreshing twist that kept me engaged and intrigued.
One of the standout aspects of the book is its excellent character development. Paula has crafted a vivid and immersive version of Camelot, complete with characters who feel incredibly real and deeply human that I found myself fully invested in their journeys. They made me laugh, empathise and even frustrated me at times.
Overall, "La vie de Guinevere" is a fun, heartwarming, and cozy read that offers a fresh take on a classic tale. It's a book that will charm fans of fantasy and Arthurian legends alike.
Thank you, Paula, for the ARC! I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book since before your Kickstarter, and I was absolutely thrilled to receive an early copy. This being my first ARC, I couldn’t have asked for a better start—I can’t wait for my physical copy to arrive later this year. I’m already looking forward to book 2 and hope it’s not too far away!

Thanks NetGalley and Paula Lafferty for the e-arc!

I enjoyed the storytelling in La Vie de Guinevere. The Arthurian references and inspiration add depth to this tale of love, friendship, and determination. It’s packed with action and takes you on an exciting time travel adventure. Although it took me a bit to get into it at first, the story ultimately delivered a captivating and enjoyable experience overall.

I've been following Paula Lafferty's writing journey on Instagram for a while, and I've been waiting for this book! I enjoyed La Vie de Guinevere a lot. Vera was such a realistic character. She was a badass, but she was kind and genuine as well. For some reason, I find righteous characters boring... but not one of the characters in this book were boring! They all had their own stories and arcs. I enjoyed being on the the edge of my seat, waiting to see just why Arthur seemed to hate Vera so much. Merlin, on the other hand... he got on my nerves, let me tell you. What is he doing?? Anyway, I really loved the setting and I can't wait for the next book. I want to read more King Arthur retellings now :)

Such a beautiful story and charcaters.
I was mesmerized with the writing and the characters.
Highly recommend

AMAZING!!!
I could not tell this book was written by a first time author because it was so wonderfully written. So many excellent details that kept it interesting while also so clearly building an entire world. My imagination had a field day!
The characters were wonderfully written and I loved every single one. Each had such excellent depth to them that is hard to find in so many books nowadays.

My favorite part wasn’t just one thing but truly how the world building went hand in hand with “day in the life” type chapters that kept with the plot but also gave insight on the every day lives of the Arthurian characters I knew so little about at the start. I wish more books had this style to them!

All in all it was a 5⭐️ read for me and I loved every second

(Warning this did have more language than I had expected)

The story is amazingly unique and yet you feel all the good feelings you get from the most well known stories.
The characters are the strongest part of the book! Each one is well thought and extremely well written!
I can’t wait to read more from this author!!!

The story was well developed and yet entirely original. I found the characters tangible, enough that I could imagine myself ramming Arthur's head into a brick wall and could hear the sounds of pain he would make (what a doorknob). The pacing was a little bit slower than I'd usually go for but the buildup and moments of tension were well worth it. Will be highly recommending!

Beautiful prose, lovely world building, dynamic characters in complex and compelling relationships, love, loss, darkness and light; whimsy, wonder, and woe all wrapped up into one book. I adored it. This story grabs you by the throat and won't let you go till the very last word. A crazy fun read with laugh out loud moments, heartwarming friendships, and giggle inducing romance perfectly balanced by the darkness of the human condition. This book doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of depression, grief, and violence, while not overwhelming the reader by a barrage of angst. The modern twist to this book gave a freshness and levity that I never knew I wanted from Arthurian legend and I simply couldn't get enough. From knights playing poker to rock-paper-scissors, I never knew what to expect but enjoyed every second of it.

While a few things didn't go the way I would have predicted or wanted, I could never not love this book. Even when it surprised me it made sense, with a tight and masterfully woven plot where every moment seemed interconnected, and its mysterious bread crumb trails had me constantly on my toes. Lafferty's skill shines in this book and leaves me both inspired and waiting eagerly for more.

After multiple 6 A.M. reading nights, I can confidently say "La Vie de Guinevere" was the most fun I've had reading a book in a long, long time.

OH MY GOSH.... I am going to need 5-7 business days to fully process the work of art that this Camelot retelling/time-travel/magical realism/romantasy epic. La Vie de Guinevere is perfect for lovers of retellings with a dash of Outlander, but make it Arthurian with some "Lost in Austen" BBC elements.
I adored so many aspects of this book and I cannot wait to see what Paula Lafferty gifts us with next.
Lancelot was the perfect mix of a Golden Retriever and Ken. I just love Vera and his banter. And don't even get me started on the man, the myth, and the chosen king, Arthur. I think La Vie ensured he lived up to his legend and more. Get ready to swoooooon!

THANK YOU, to NetGalley and Paula Lafferty for an ARC of La Vie de Guinevere. You best believe I am off to purchase my "trophy" copy.

You can find La Vie here at the Late Backer Kickstarter store:
https://la-vie-de-guinevere-deluxe-edition.pledgebox.com/preorder

4.5 rounded up. The story felt familiar but fresh, a fantastic new take on the Arthurian legend. Absolutely loved this book, and can’t wait for everyone I know to read it so we can obsess over it together!

I have never experienced what they call a "book hangover"...until now. I will be thinking about this book for a very long time. Thank you first of all, so much to Paula Lafferty for allowing me to be an ARC reader for her first book. I wouldn't say that I knew what to expect going in to read La Vie De Guinevere, but we all know the story of King Arthur, and Iet me just say... the spin and twists that she put on the characters of not only King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, but also Merlin, Lancelot, etc.. were absolutely mind-blowing! The magic, romance, plot, and characters had me captivated!
Present day Vera is lonely. After suffering a huge loss, all she has is her loving parents and her work. No one else seems to bother with her. She is likable but people always seem to forget about her. Merlin shows up and breaks the news to her that she is actually Queen Guinevere and must return to her time to make everything right again. The relationships in this story had me hooked from the start. The slow burn and tension were chefs' kisses. Vera was my favorite, but Lancelot was a close choice as well. The way Paula wrote his character and described him and his actions had me smiling non-stop, I adored him! I highly recommend this book to everyone! Little bit of mild spice toward the end. Toward the end, I was literally crying, but I can't tell you what happens. You will love what happens after sobbing. The ending leaves you with a cliffhanger, but you will be in love with the story!

Time traveling. Action. Adventure. Romance. And at its very core, friendship, true friendship that laughs when you laugh and hurts when you hurt. This is the journey one takes when reading La Vie de Guinevere. The story sucks you in from the very beginning. Vera captures you with her realness, a depth that is so very human. It is this humanness that makes her so compelling, as well as the other characters who come alive due to the authors prowess with words and story telling and weaving this world as if with magic. The world of Camelot is so much more than what the legends say and so are its people. This is a definite must read.

I’ve looked forward to reading this book since I first heard Paula Lafferty talk about the premise. The fact that I was able to be an ARC reader is just the best news I could have received.

We follow Vera who is about as average as they come. Forgettable. One day she meets an older man who says he’s Merlin. (Yes! That Merlin! 🧙) He tells her she is actually the legendary Queen Guinevere and she has to go back in time to save Camelot.

The story had me hooked from the first page and I couldn’t put it down! The relationships between the characters are fun, heartbreaking, and so real. If you love Arthurian stories, medieval escapades and amazing bestie banter, this is absolutely the book for you!