Early Reader Review: For the Love of the Quest by Alexandra Ammon Parthun

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

For the Love of the Quest: A Novel by Alexandra Ammon Parthun 

Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  August 11, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC/ Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

The search for King Arthur’s Excalibur invites danger…and potentially love in this sapphic historical romance perfect for fans of Cat Sebastian and Freya Marske.

Lady Edith Darling is supposed to live a quiet life in her family’s manor. She is not supposed to go unchaperoned on a quest to find Excalibur. But Edith won’t let that stand in her way, especially not when she's on this mission to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish. Determined to prove her grandmother right, Edith packs her satchel with Arthurian legends, pastries, and her grandmother’s ashes, and runs off to hire a mercenary. 

Thomasin Shaw leads the most feared gang in London. For years, she had the constabulary safely in her pocket, until a scandal involving the chief inspector’s wife was brought to light. Now he’s demanding an enormous sum of money–without which Thomassin will lose the protection of the police along with her criminal empire. But when the rich Lady Edith waltzes into her life seeking an escort for a treasure hunt, Thomasin sees a willing kidnapping victim and a massive ransom.

As Edith’s clues lead them to underground chambers booby-trapped with arrows, doors locked with arcane puzzles, and even Arthur’s fabled round table, Thomasin finds herself swept up in the quest, and in Edith herself. Edith is also drawn to Thomasin, despite the ruthless mask she wears. But the chief inspector won’t let Thomasin forget her crimes, and Edith’s father is intent on bringing her home. Every legendary quest has an ending, but finding Excalibur might not be enough to make this a happy one.

Review: 

If you’re looking for a cozy romance with a fun-filled adventure, this is a great read. We follow Edith, who is determined to have an adventure, even though that’s not exactly the norm for a lady. Thomasin, a gang leader, agrees to help Edith on her quest for Excalibur in exchange for a share of the treasure. Along the way, Thomasin finds herself falling for Edith, and their relationship slowly blooms as they navigate the quest together.

There is some violence and death along the way, but together, these two can tackle anything. Edith brings her knowledge and understanding of the lore, while Thomasin relies on her brute strength, cunning, and impressive survival instincts.

I really liked this book. It felt like a warm hug. Edith and Thomasin have alternating POV chapters, which gives us a chance to see into both of their minds and watch their feelings develop from both perspectives. The quest itself was a lot of fun, and the ancient riddles and traps added just enough chaos to keep the story moving at a steady pace.

The romance is a slow burn, and I thought it built beautifully. I liked both of the main characters, and I enjoyed the balance between the cozy atmosphere and the adventure. There was just enough drama, danger, and violence to make the quest exciting without taking away from the warm, comforting feel of the story.

Overall, this was a really fun read, and I think readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, slow-burn romance, and a good adventure will really enjoy it.