I’m so excited to be a part of the book tour for Knight’s Oath that is hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours. I was really excited to also be able to interview the author for this book!
INTERVIEW
How would you describe Knight’s Oath in one sentence?
Eliana has eight weeks to find a perfect match… but the man of her dreams is already engaged.
Can you introduce us to the main character(s) of Knight’s Oath?
Eliana is a shy, plus-size healer whose family is in dire financial straits. She must marry quickly to save her people, but she’d much rather be working in the infirmary or studying at a university.
Corin is a quiet knight with a troubled past. He’s betrothed to a woman he’s never even met, and if he breaks it off, he risks war with her people.
They’re both good-hearted and driven by duty. They’re a perfect match but being together means going against their families and putting themselves first—something neither of them is used to doing.
Do you know from the beginning how your books will end or do you let your characters decide their journey?
It’s usually a bit of both! I always start with an outline that includes, at minimum, the major plot points and the ending. I need to know where I’m going before I can start.
But as I write, I listen to my characters and make adjustments as needed. The ending of Knight’s Oath has some big differences from how I first envisioned it, but the general bullet points didn’t change.
Do you have a favorite scene, moment, or quote from the book?
You know, I really don’t. I’m bad at picking favorites.
But one scene that comes to mind is the rainy day Corin and Eliana spend reading together. It just feels so cozy to me, and I loved writing the banter. Here’s a moment where Eliana asks him what he’s reading.
“Ah… something foolish.” He cleared his throat.
“Tell me.”
“Just a story about a knight rescuing his… well, like I said, it’s foolish. I suppose I ought to be doing something useful—” he muttered.
“You really aren’t good at relaxing, are you? Is it a good story?”
“Entertaining, anyways,” he admitted reluctantly.
“That can be its own use. Drink your tea and read, sir knight. We aren’t plants, so that’s all rainy days are good for.”
What is something readers will find in Knight’s Oath that they may not realize based on the synopsis?
Ride-or-die friendships. Too much discussion of clothing alteration. A lot of horses. Small orphan children in need of aid. Brief, humorous discussions about tax codes. Spice.
What’s something you hope readers will take away from Knight’s Oath?
That a character doesn’t have to be a fiery, outspoken warrior to be strong.
What are three books you would recommend if someone enjoyed Knight’s Oath?
If they liked the world but are okay with no (or less) romance, I recommend anything in the Tortall universe by Tamora Pierce. My favorites there are Squire and Lady Knight, books #3 and #4 of the Protector of the Small Quartet. I read the Tortall books repeatedly as a kid and they have been a huge influence on me and my writing.
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher is a gorgeous fairy tale-style book. I’d put it on this list just because the heroine is on the quiet side, and her love interest is a dutiful, honor-bound knight.
Finally, Crown Duel and Court Duel (especially Court Duel) by Sherwood Smith, often published as a single volume. The court details and parties are amazing, and while the romance takes a while to get started… it’s perfect. I had to stay up until 2 am to finish it the first time I read it.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Synopsis:
When 20-year-old Eliana’s father orders her to court, it is with one purpose: to save their noble, destitute family through marriage to a wealthy suitor. Eliana would much rather be studying healing and making use of her rare magical talent for medicines, but there is no escaping his command. She has eight short weeks to find a match she can stomach, or else she’ll be married off to the cruel, despicable man of her father’s choosing.
Navigating court politics is difficult for nervous Eliana, who is determined to take up as little space as possible. Worst of all, she only has eyes for the Queen’s nephew, Corin: a brooding, rugged knight who is already betrothed to another. Though he returns Eliana’s feelings, he’s as trapped by duty as she is. But even as Corin struggles against his own family’s shackles, he is driven by a singular purpose: to rid the land of the bandits terrorizing the Queen’s people.
As the outlaws circle the capital city, Corin and Eliana turn their focus and their talents towards helping the vulnerable common folk who live outside the palace walls. But the bandits have a patron who aims to spread dissent amongst the crumbling ranks of the nobility. The more lives Corin and Eliana save, the more enemies they are both making… and the closer her father’s deadline draws.
This slow-burn friends-to-lovers explores an exciting new fantasy kingdom with subtle magic, steamy encounters, and danger lurking around every bend.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliette Caruso is a lifelong daydreamer and fantasy lover. She has a B.F.A. in creative writing and tends to overthink everything. Her hobbies include cooking, drawing, hiking, and buying books that she won’t get around to reading. She lives in a townhome with her husband, one dog, two sugar gliders, and a scraggly garden.
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