Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this.

3.25/5

This Arthurian retelling had many compelling elements. Our main character, Morgan, is a princess of Camelot, her cruel brother, Arthur, king. Morgan’s life has been anything but easy, the violence and trauma heartbreaking to read about. The concept was fantastic, I was so excited to read it. Throughout the book, I noticed that the writing style felt rushed and I didn’t feel connected to most of the characters. Additionally, some of the plot points didn’t make sense to me, such as Vesper. Strong ideas and an okay execution.

It took a little while to get into this book, but once I was there, I was addicted! This book was not what I expected and I can't wait to read book 2 to see what happens next. Unlikely usual series, this book does not end the story for the book, It seems like it a chapter in a longer story that is definitely not finished yet!

Queen of Roses offers a captivating take on Arthurian legend blended with fae magic, set in a world where rich descriptions and intriguing characters bring the story to life. Morgan Pendragon, the half-fae protagonist, is central to the narrative, with her royal lineage and unique blend of strength and vulnerability. Boleyn's world-building excels in transporting readers to a vividly imagined realm filled with fae creatures and magical landscapes. From the exmoors to the harpies, the creatures and environments are skillfully described, creating a rich atmosphere that enhances the fantasy experience.

Kairos Draven, one of the most compelling characters, remains shrouded in mystery throughout the novel, building tension and anticipation for his eventual revelation. His enigmatic nature is both alluring and crucial to the plot, keeping readers on edge. However, while the world and character development shine, Morgan's portrayal occasionally feels inconsistent. Despite her noble background and complex nature, certain moments of vulnerability clash with her established strength, leaving her character arc feeling less cohesive at times.

The much-anticipated enemies-to-lovers dynamic falls short, as the interactions between Morgan and Draven often feel more like sibling banter than romantic tension. A side romance, which initially piqued interest, ultimately lacked the depth to fully engage readers. While the slow-burn approach may appeal to some, those expecting a more intense romantic buildup might be disappointed. Ultimately, I'd definitely recommend this book given the intricate world-building, dynamic fight scenes, and intriguing characters, which all provide a strong foundation for the series.

eARC was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

DNF @ 20%

I did not enjoy the writing style and the dialogue was awkward. I have so many other fantasy books on my TBR that I'd rather read.
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Superb world building! I feel as if i was thrusted into this world with an easy to follow, yet through guide so that I had a full understanding going in of what world was and why due to the extra historical input. The characters were well-developed and I found myself not wanting to put the book down because I couldn't get enough. With all that in mind, Make sure you check the trigger warning because there are definitely some DARK aspects to this. If you can hang with the triggers, "Queen of Roses" is 100% a must read! Thank you Netgalley for the ARC opportunity!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is a captivating blend of dark fantasy and Arthurian lore! Briar Boleyn beautifully reimagines the tale of Morgan le Fay, giving her the spotlight she deserves. The “forbidden love” trope unfolds tantalizingly between Morgan and Draven, adding a layer of tension that is both engaging and emotional. Their witty banter shines, showcasing a delightful chemistry that kept me turning pages.

The world-building is immersive, drawing me into a landscape filled with magic, danger, and rich mythology. Boleyn’s writing is both lyrical and vivid, making the characters feel deeply real and relatable. Morgan’s fierce determination to forge her own destiny in a world that seeks to control her is inspiring, and her journey of self-discovery and bravery resonates throughout the plot. With twists and turns that keep you guessing, Queen of Roses is a delightful read for anyone seeking a fresh take on fantasy romance.

Let's just say it gets better and better. The world is amazing and the characters unstoppable. I couldn't put this down. Way to go

The pacing was very slow but I liked how the author took her time for world building. Draven is an intriguing character and I'm dying to know more about him. There was next to no romance between the fmc and mmc, but as a lover of a good slow burn it only left me wanting more and I cannot wait to see more of them.

I was excited to start this book and couldn't wait to dive in. Having read a couple of books based on Arthurian legend I was intrigued to see what this one had in store for me. I have to say the world-building was excellent and the slow burn was definitely slow burning. At times I felt the story could have been shorter but it was still an enjoyable read.

Noticed the retelling of Arthurian legend in a fae world. The world building and background story was great. The writing was really descriptive and engaging, and even though it’s described as “dark” fantasy I didn’t find it that dark. I was a bit frustrated Morgan didn’t evolve and become more assertive/confident.

This is a romantasy book which is a slow burn. A mix of fae and Camelot makes it an interesting story.
It has some spice and a cliffhanger ending!

I liked the mythology and the twist of it but this is a sad story. And I had to try two times to get into the story and read the full book.
This is more of a fantasy and nothing of romance. I did not feel anything for certain someone that was there the whole book. There was no chemistry between them whatsoever.
I did like that she was not the typical “badass”woman and to see that she can be vulnerable. Though it was really sad that she had so much misfortune.
While the writing itself was fine and easy to go through, there are some sentences that characters say that felt completely out of character. I never got the impression that someone would speak about themselves in that way. This threw me off the story a bit.
For me, the story took too long to get to the point. And while on their travels, the stakes felt nonexistent.

This was easy to pick up and the story grabbed me from the start!
I'm a sucker for a good slow burn, I really enjoyed ~most~ of the side characters and their interactions! The worldbuilding was really interesting and the plot kept my attention! I'm looking forward to seeing how the series continues and how the author grows and develops as she writes more!

I've thoroughly enjoyed this book and the subsequent ones in the series. The author's writing style is captivating and immediately draws you in. The unique twist on the retelling adds excitement while maintaining a sense of familiarity. The world-building is skillfully integrated, enhancing the story without bogging it down with unnecessary details. Overall, it's been a delightful read!

I did enjoy this series. The names of characters were a bit corny, but I understand the purpose. Overall liked the book and made me want to read the others.

LOVED this and cannot wait to read book 2. Slow burn romance is my absolute favourite, and setting the book in a King Arthur/Camelot world was the fantasy world I didn’t realise I needed!!

"Queen of Roses" is the first book in the "Blood of a Fae" series, a dark fantasy romance inspired by Arthurian legend. It features a lot of magic, slow-burn romance, and is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.

'A doomed love, a dangerous mission, and a kingdom on the brink of war.' This book delivers on the romantasy angst we all know and love. Slow burn enemies to lovers with high stakes - what more could a girl ask for!

Wow.....this book us a fantastic start too what should be an amazing fantasy series it has everything I really enjoyed I couldn't put it down

Dark fantasy romance that has elements of myth, magic, and romance. A King Arthur retelling infused with a Fae twist!