A Blog of Books and Tea

(The Nerd Fam ARC Review)

Tropes:

• Plus Size FMC
• Sunshine X Grumpy
• Grumpy Bodyguard
• Forbidden Romance
• Trauma
• Top Tier Banter
• A Mischievous Castle
• A Pink Know-it-all Magical Bookwyrm
• Spicy Scenes

Stars – 🫖🫖🫖🫖🫖

Spice Level – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis –

A magical castle.

The woman who’s to become queen.

And her growing feelings for the bodyguard that might just ruin it all.

When Niamh Merridon flees her war-torn kingdom, she doesn’t expect to stumble upon a tower that provides the protection she’s always wanted . . .

Until some idiot arrives to “rescue” her and somehow gets her locked out. Now she’s stuck with Rafe “the Wolfe” Wolfgang, a grumpy guard who’s wholly unsusceptible to her charms. Worse, he claims she’s to marry his prince because of some prophecy.

Niamh isn’t keen on the idea, especially when she arrives at a sentient castle and discovers she can’t become queen until the castle presents her with a key. How does she get this key? No one seems to know.

Niamh quickly realizes this might give her the safety she seeks . . . if she can survive the disappearing doors, shifting rooms, and mysterious secrets, secrets more dangerous than her own. Yet the hardest part of it all might be resisting the broody guard who makes her feel brave. If she can’t avoid the temptation, it won’t just be her heart on the line, but her life.

Thoughts –

I absolutely love a cozy fantasy that transports me to whimsical realms where magic and adventure intertwine. Mix in a little angst and spice, and you have yourself a winner that keeps the pages turning late into the night. This Damsel is Not in Distress ticks all of these boxes, offering a richly woven narrative filled with engaging characters, unexpected twists, and a delightful blend of humor and heart. The story not only captivates with its enchanting setting but also resonates with themes of empowerment and self-discovery, making it a truly memorable experience for any reader seeking an escape from the ordinary.

There are so many characters in this book that I loved; I don’t think I disliked anyone, which is a rarity for me! Among them, I was particularly drawn to the FMC, Niamh. It was refreshing to have a FMC that is not only plus size but also close to my age, which makes her journey all the more relatable. At 35 years old, this woman has been through hell and back; she has faced numerous challenges and heartbreaking experiences, yet she still manages to be a wonderful person. Niamh embodies resilience, and despite her past struggles, she tries to find joy in the world around her, no matter how terrified she is. Her ability to see the beauty in life is truly inspiring and illustrates the importance of maintaining hope and positivity in difficult times. Moreover, the way her relationships with other characters evolve adds layers to her story, making it rich and multifaceted.

In comparison to Niamh, the MMC in this book, Wolfe, is deeply controlled by his trauma and fears, which shape not only his actions but also his worldview. He consistently struggles to let the people closest to him in, often pushing them away in a misguided attempt to protect them from himself. His emotional isolation grows more pronounced as he fails to see how his actions negatively affect his loved ones, throwing himself into relentless training and fiercely protective instincts toward his brother. Wolfe believes that by becoming stronger and more capable, he can shield his family from the dangers he perceives, but this perspective proves to be fundamentally flawed. It isn’t until he meets the absolute ray of sunshine that is Niamh, whose infectious positivity and unwavering support challenge his entrenched beliefs, that he begins to unravel the harmful mentality he has adopted. This gradual awakening allows him to confront the reality of his situation and recognise how his struggles with mental health and his past traumas are detrimentally affecting his family dynamic. I think this portrayal of trauma is incredibly relevant to the world today, as it highlights the pervasive struggle many face in acknowledging and confronting their inner demons, ultimately reminding us of the importance of vulnerability, connection, and the healing power of relationships.

I loved the way magic worked in this world, with items and creatures being magical rather than humans wielding it, creating a dynamic and enchanting atmosphere that feels both fresh and intriguing. The very fabric of reality seems to be woven with enchantments that give life to the inanimate, drawing me deeper into its mysteries. I also enjoyed that magical items seem to have a personality of their own, often exhibiting moods and quirks that add an extra layer of charm. For instance, the tower, which initially seemed rather docile and welcoming, harbored its own secrets that ultimately revealed a more unpredictable nature, showcasing the duality of its existence. Then there was the castle, a grand structure with a mind of its own, actively engaging with the characters and influencing their journeys in unforeseen ways. This world is not just a backdrop; it’s a living entity filled with stories waiting to unfold. It’s a realm of endless possibilities, and I would love to revisit it, experiencing once again the thrill of adventure and discovery that comes with exploring such a vibrant and magical landscape!

If you’re wanting a cozy smutty fantasy, this is the book for you!