It was a fun read. Very romantic. I loved the historical setting. Their dynamic was fun and had a lot of tension too it, which I loved. The yearning and slowness burn was done at a good pace, but it was also a bit too insta-lovey for my taste with the immediate attractions and flirtations

This book was so good. I really liked he graphic novel version as well. The romance was well put together and the character development was very good.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the eGalley to review!

Oh boy.

I was debating with myself over how many stars to give this one because everything BUT the "romance" is honestly really good. It is solely what kept me reading, because if it was only about the "romance" and not Maxi doing her best to grow as a person and be accepted by the outside world, I doubt I would have finished this one.

Maxi is great and she has some real, honest character development. She's the eldest daughter of a truly horrible person of a duke and because of her stutter, she was basically given only a life of abuse, hidden away in her father's estate and never given the opportunities her younger, half-sister Rose gets. Everyone outside was made to believe she was just sickly and frail. Because Maxi is heavily sheltered and meek, she is awkward around others and feels inept and lesser than everyone else.

When Riftan, the knight to whom she was made to wed so her awful father could get out of serving in a battle campaign, runs off for said campaign without a word to her the next morning after they consummate their marriage, Maxi feels he hates her. Yet Riftan thinks she hates him because when he comes to collect her three years later, she was supposed to have been at *his* estate in Anatol already and not still at her father's (a decision made solely by her father, mind you). She was also anxious and gloomy during their wedding and wedding night because of how little she thinks of herself compared to him, that he misreads that as hatred toward him.

Everyone around Maxi at her father's estate are saying Riftan would be asking for divorce the moment he could so he could take the kingdom's princess's hand in marriage instead, because they're such a perfect pair together both on and off the battlefield. Riftan did not and, in fact, sees Princess Agnes as more like a sister.

You would think these little misunderstandings would be easily resolved with some heart-to-heart, right? Nope. Maxi, with pretty much no self-esteem, is determined to pretend she hasn't been abused and neglected for two decades so that Riftan and his people don't think ill of her. His knights already particularly loathe her because of her father. This sets up the better part of the story, however: Maxi proving her worth and getting more comfortable with being around others as she tries to befriend them, growing into the person she was meant to be had her father not been such a colossal butthole. In fact, my absolute favorite aspect of the story is Maxi's interpersonal interaction with everyone *but* Riftan, especially when Ruth, Anatol's resident mage, begins teaching her magic.

Because--simply put--Riftan is a jerk. A bonafide, grade-A, not-even-charming jerk. The very first time he inquires about any of Maxi's interests, or what makes her, you know, a *person*, happens in chapter SEVEN. Until then, the interactions he has with her are either spent reprimanding and controlling her like a child (telling her not to do this or that, forcing her away from people and places, etc.) or making her "fulfill her marital duties" by having *marathon* sex with her. He's even raped her a few times when she tells him "no" or "no more"! He's also extremely jealous of anyone she talks to, even her own dang horse and the baby kittens she adopts later on! The "romance" here is hardly any romance at all, in my opinion. Maxi only really starts "falling" for him because of how he makes her hot. Girl, that's not love--that's lust. Get a grip. She's not even pregnant after months of unprotected sex night after night! Oh, but there are a couple of mentions about how she must eventually give him an heir. I tried to chalk this up to her body being frail or that she's too stressed to viably conceive, but I'm pretty sure it's plot convenience. A pregnancy isn't needed yet, so miraculously she just isn't so just yet.

When Riftan gets jealous over Ruth teaching her magic, he tries to forbid her from learning magic. Now, I love Maxi's relationship with Ruth the most in this story because despite some headbutting occasionally, it's a very sweet friendship and there is such a sibling love between them that Maxi never got from her actual sibling. Their relationship isn't utilitarian, even though Ruth tries to pin it as such--it's genuine connection. I adored it. I love Ruth as a character too; he's stubborn and a little careless with his actions and words, but he's interesting and funny. Their magic lessons and heartfelt connections are my favorite. I don't wish for Ruth to be Maxi's real love interest, because I like their familial bond, but I wish Maxi's relationship with Riftan was at least half of that. I get that Riftan is "dark and brooding" with some life issues, and he does occasionally (very occasionally) try to treat Maxi as a person and with gentleness, but wow.

So that's why I was struggling to decide on how many stars to give this one. I wanted to give it three stars because the romance is just awful right now. Yet, the rest of the story is so good that I had a hard time putting it down, so I'm bumping it up a star for that. I am eager to read the next volume, because I'm emotionally invested in Maxi in particular and want to see her succeed.

If you were wanting to read this for the romance, I must suggest you reconsider and instead read this for the troubled, disabled girl who is doing her utmost best to find a home and genuine connection with her people after she's taken out of an abusive environment. It is such a better story than whatever is trying to happen between her and her husband.

I really enjoyed this book! From the first time I saw this book it was the cover drew me in but the words inside kept me captivated!

I was really excited to read this since Under the Oak Tree has such a huge fanbase, but I think this story works better as a webtoon than a novel. The pacing felt a little uneven, and the structure didn’t quite follow the typical arc of a fantasy novel, which made it a bit jarring at times. That said, the world-building was immersive, and I did enjoy seeing Maxi’s growth.

Maxi’s journey had some great moments, but I struggled to fully connect with her in this format. Riftan is the brooding, intense hero many romance readers will love, but their relationship has a rocky start that might not be for everyone. If you’re already a fan of the webtoon, you’ll likely enjoy this adaptation, but if you’re expecting a traditional fantasy romance, just know the storytelling style is a bit different.

Overall, a solid 3.5 stars! The cover is gorgeous, and I think fans of the original will enjoy revisiting this world in a new way.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This one was not for me. It was all over the place. Beautiful cover though! I didn’t realize it had a been a wanton before, so I looked into it, and it seemed people really enjoy that version of it.

I've read the webtoon previously and so when I heard there were plans of releasing a novel, I knew I had to read it. As it is a webtoon-adaptation, the plot wasn't really that different but the structure and pacing don't really follow the format of a traditional novel. This can be a bit jarring for those who are used to the typical fantasy books. The world building is detailed and engaging. Though this time around, I didn't really connect with the heroine. Ultimately, I feel that the story is better suited as a webtoon than a novel.

I’ve heard SO many great things about this webtoon, I was so excited to read and receive the ARC for this book! (I don’t have the patience to wait for each webtoon episode.)
I do enjoy the tropes in this book and did enjoy the overall story line. The pacing is a bit off for a book. At the same time, I know this is an adaptation of the webtoon so that’s most likely the reason why. This book was more of Lady Maximilian’s life after Riftan returns as a celebrated hero and her learning to push herself to try and do more things. There isn’t one huge overarching conflict, more of a slice of life storytelling.

Book: 3.5
Spice: 2.5
romance, forced proximity, adult, chick lit

I have read this story both in novel and in graphic novel form. The story is a great one. I enjoyed watching Maxi grow into her own and build her power from the meek timid girl she is to the true ruler she deserves to be. Her and Riftan's relationship might not be perfect but it is sweet and beautiful to watch them unfold into each other as they get to really know each other.

I grabbed this up because I loved the Manta version. This adaption was good but it felt like it left things out.
Also remember to check your triggers because this isn't a fluff romance.

Lady Maximillian has been spent most of her life hidden away because of her stutter. Her father Duke Croyso believes her speech impediment could tarnish their noble name. So he marries her off to the low-born knight Sir Riftan. They meet on their wedding day, his gruff manner makes her nervous and when he leaves without a word the next morning, she wonders what it all means for their marriage.

Three years later, her husband is returning home as a war hero. She's heard rumors that he's been offered marriage to Princess Agnes, but he still wants Maxi. When he arrives to claim her, she is overwhelmed by the desire she feels for her husband.

As she settles into her new life, she is overcome by her new duties, learning to run a household as she goes.

Thanks so much to the author and the publishers for this ARC to review.

This was so different from anything I've ever read. It started out rough, and didn't seem to get any better. The cover is beautiful and very misleading.

I absolutely adored this!!! I couldn't help but relate a little to Max. For the way she felt. Always questioning herself and things happening around her. I just couldn't put this down!

As someone who read the webtoon version of Under the Oak Tree, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading the story as a novel. I feel that the novel was a better match for providing richer, more in-depth characters and plot. I do think it could have benefited from having some tip-in art from the webtoon.

Although this was a novel, this book did not follow the typical novel format, specifically having an overarching climax. The story rhythm was steady and lacked the traditional story structure that had one big plot twist at the end. It fits with the story’s original format, which was the webtoon so I did not mind.

I would say fans of webtoons would enjoy this book, however if you are coming in from a fantasy novel background, there are some adjustments that you might need to get through. The romance is a little insta-lovey and if you are not a fan of miscommunication, you would not enjoy this book. However, if you are looking for a tender romance where the main couple is devoted to each other, I would definitely give this one a try.

I loved this Webtoon so obviously I was going to love the book version. I did miss seeing the characters visibly but I was able to use my imagination

Under the Oak Tree: Volume 1 by Suji Kim is a beautifully written and emotionally rich fantasy novel that immediately drew me in. This first volume of the series has everything I love—magic, complex characters, and an intriguing plot with plenty of twists and turns.

The story follows the main character, Max, who is forced to confront her fears and grow in a world filled with danger and magic. The way Suji Kim develops her character is incredible. Max starts as someone who's vulnerable and hesitant, but through her journey, she becomes much stronger, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. The way the author delves into her inner turmoil and growth made her journey feel very personal and relatable, despite the fantastical setting.

The romance in this book is also wonderfully done. It's slow-burning and filled with tension, and I loved how it developed naturally alongside the plot. The interactions between Max and the other key characters had me both frustrated and hopeful, which made their chemistry feel real and engaging. I appreciated how the romantic relationship wasn't rushed, allowing it to unfold gradually and without feeling forced.

The world-building is another highlight. The setting is vivid and full of magic, and the author does a great job of describing the landscapes and intricate details of the world. It’s a magical world that feels rich with history, and I can’t wait to learn more as the series progresses.

Overall, Under the Oak Tree: Volume 1 is a fantastic read for fans of fantasy and romance. The book had a perfect blend of heart and adventure, with a touch of mystery that left me wanting more. I’m definitely excited to continue the series and see where the characters go next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Inklore for the ARC. FYI, I dropped this after the first chapter.

A big warning for marital rape and secual assault from the very beginning of this. Not much usually gets me, I usually give everything a good shot and really like horror, extreme horror even! But getting that scene in a book billed as a romantasy put a really nasty taste in my mouth. And I hate to say it, but Maxi comes off as really pathetic for a main character. A victim of circumstances, she struggles to communicate anything. Maybe this would be cute in other contexts, but when her husband of convenience constantly gets offended as he forces himself on her, it's really hard to watch. I really can't bring myself to read more of this, and I wish that the subject was better forewarned in the summary.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7282867624

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/664246b2-e50e-43ad-ace2-f63ed0135447

Check out this review of Under the Oak Tree: Volume 1 (Novel) (Under the Oak Tree (Novel)) on Fable. https://fable.co/review/e0f9b9eb-b265-4cd9-a21b-266b329ee954/share

Absolutely loved this, I’m a fan of the webcomic series so when I saw this I knew I had to read the source material for one of my favourites. I loved every page and was sad when it ended as I need more, can’t wait to read the next book and will be buying this in a physical copy to keep and preordering the next

Unfortunately, this book was not for me and I really struggled through it. I had seen the art for the webcomic off and on which is stunning. That and the premise of the story made me really want to pick this book up. Strangely and VERY unfortunately, this book opens with a rape scene (at the very best it's on the line between noncon and dubcon) and I had no idea that would be the case. I am not someone who believes that's something that can be redeemed later in the story if those are the characters that are meant to be happy and in love by the end. Even if that was the case, the MMC is nothing but rude and assuming throughout the entire book and never thinks his wife who doesn't know him and is a virgin and 1/3 of his size might be scared??? Or have some trauma from her terrible family. He doesn't try to get to know her at all and it made this book SUCH a hard read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

I really enjoyed the premise of this story, at the end of volume one I felt like we are complete, but that there is still something unfinished so I can’t wait to get to Volume 2…

I’ve read the web comic of this so I was aware of the the events that went on in the book, but this gave so much more substance to what I was missing, and it made it so much better, I loved it!!!!