I’ve been looking forward to A Legionnaire’s Guide to Love and Peace for so long, and I was beyond excited when my request was approved. Even better? It blew me away with how good it is, despite not having any real expectations going into it.

The setup for this book is so unique. Most fantasy stories end with the big, final battle, but this one starts there. Instead of the traditional happily ever after, we get to see what happens after the war is won. Where do soldiers go once their purpose is fulfilled and the war is over? How do you figure out what you want when survival is no longer your only goal? It’s such a fascinating concept, and Emily Skrutskie executes it perfectly. I really enjoyed this style of storytelling because I felt that much more engaged with its components. 

I completely fell in love with Kat and Emory. Their journey, both individually and together, was filled with so much heart, humor, and emotional depth. There’s a lightheartedness to this book that keeps the heavier themes from feeling overwhelming, but make no mistake, it will hit you in the feelings. I honestly wasn’t expecting to get emotional, but I found myself tearing up more than once.

Katrien is such a badass. She’s tall, strong, and fierce and not at all the delicate, helpless FMC you often see in fantasy romances. I adored her resilience, her stubbornness, and the way she constantly challenges the world around her. Emory, on the other hand, is her perfect match; steady, loyal, and so deeply in love with her that it hurts. Their relationship isn’t just about tension or longing; it’s about choice. Watching them navigate their connection outside of the battlefield was both beautiful and devastating.

And can we talk about how fun this book is? Between the road trip style military campaign, the political intrigue, and the moments of pure, chaotic togetherness and friendship, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, the romance? It was so good. I wasn’t prepared for how much I’d love the dynamic between Kat and Emory, but their chemistry is everything.

I’m not sure what I was expecting from this book, but whatever it was, it doesn’t even come close to what I actually got. It’s fresh, unique, emotional, and completely captivating from start to finish. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Skrutskie, and Del Rey for the eARC of this book.