All The Painted Stars by Emma Denny (Review)

EARLY FINAL COPY PROVIDED BY HQ STORIES

UK RELEASE DATE – 28 MARCH 2024

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⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

Second book in the 14th Century Oxfordshire Series

❤️ Queer Romance

🏰 Historical Fiction

❗Trigger Warnings¹

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Historians will say they were friends

“I quickly glance at you – I can say nothing.”

Cute, fun and sapphic! What more can you ask for in a romance?

This is the second book in the series and focuses on the characters of Jo and Lily. The characters were fun t follow along and the budding romance, the slow burn and tension was absolutely lovely. If you are looking for a romance that involves great scenes of pining and unknowing love, you will need to read this.

The writing flowed great and the pacing of the story made it very easy to follow. I loved the narration style and the writing style, it added to the overall feel of the book. It allowed for a fuller picture and insight into all of the characters.

Whilst there were aspects of the story that I did guess, I did really enjoy that there were twists that I didn’t see coming. The only aspect that I would have love to see a bit differently were some things near the end, but that is completely just my personal preference.

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Book Synopsis

When Lily Barden discovers her best friend Johanna’s hand in marriage is being awarded as the main prize at a tournament, she is determined to stop it. Disguised as a knight, she infiltrates the contest, preparing to fight for Jo’s hand. But her conduct ruffles feathers, and when a dangerous incident escalates out of Lily’s control, Jo must help her escape.

Finding safety with a local brewster, Lily and Jo soon settle into their new freedom, and amongst blackberry bushes and lakeside walks an unexpected relationship blossoms. But when Jo’s past catches up with her and Lily’s reckless behaviour threatens their newfound happiness, both women realise that choices must always come at a cost. The question they need to ask is if the cost is worth the price of love…

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1. open door romance, mild violence, mentions of past parental abuse ↩︎