For Readers Who Crave Quiet Yearning: Why The Once and Future Queen is a Charmer

Vera is a 22 year old waitress, grieving and aimless, until a strange man tells her she is Queen Guinevere of Camelot, reincarnated. Her lost memories are the key to saving a kingdom. She leaps through a portal to a magical, decaying Camelot, where she must navigate her duties as a queen, a fast friendship with Lancelot, and a cold, puzzling marriage to a king who seems to despise her yet leaves secret tokens of care in her chambers. With no memories and a kingdom depending on her, Vera must learn to trust her instincts, and King Arthur must learn to trust her.

I was completely charmed by this fresh and romantic take on Arthurian legend. The concept of a modern Guinevere willingly stepping into her legendary, incredibly complicated past is executed with such heart.
The core of this story is the relationships. The slow burn dynamic between Vera and Arthur is everything. It’s a masterclass in quiet yearning, where every cold glance and hidden gesture builds a profoundly satisfying emotional tension. Just as compelling is Vera’s genuine, supportive friendship with Lancelot, which provides a sweet emotional anchor.
The pacing is a deliberate, immersive burn, perfect for settling into the magical atmosphere and Vera’s personal journey. A friendly note: this is the first in a series, so it focuses on building a rich foundation for the characters and world.
This is a great start to a series for anyone who loves character driven fantasy, timeless romance, and a beautifully reimagined Camelot.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC.