Not my usual fair but I was attracted by the title and cover. I’m so glad I was. A wonderful fantasy romance that is engaging plot wise and swoon worthy in regards to romance. It was magical, romantic and I’m so looking forward to more.

I absolutely loved Never the Roses. It’s one of those books that wraps around you with its atmosphere and doesn’t let go. The writing is so lyrical and dreamy, and the whole story feels like a gothic fairytale. Oneira is such a fascinating character—powerful, a little broken, but still so full of heart. Her connection with Stearanos was one of my favorite parts: slow, intense, and so full of longing.

The world-building was rich without ever feeling too heavy, and I loved the blend of magic and romance. It’s haunting and beautiful in the best way, with moments that genuinely gave me chills.

If you like slow-burn fantasy romance with emotional depth and a gothic vibe, this one’s for you.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

NEVER THE ROSES 💜✨ 4.5⭐️

I.AM.OBSESSED.

Reading this 20% in I wasn’t expecting to be feeling the way I feel now as I’ve finished it. My thoughts are just opposite ends of the spectrum. The writing is so magical and dreamy ( a tad over descriptive for me at times). It’s not a fast paced romantasy with loads of action, twists and turns but I love it? It’s so refreshing to read a romantasy where you’re so embedded in to the love story.

Oneira FMC - powerful sorceress, retired from the Gilded Courts of men, secluded herself from the world and vowed to never use her magic again after the war, especially after a traumatic disaster. We have-
-Chartomancer - channel magic through runes of all kinds
-Oneiromancer - giving voice to thoughts giving a tangible reality (Oneira- FMC)
-Apantomancer - work magic through chance encounters with animals

“Some prince might happen along, somehow evade her wards and traps - through the purity of his heart or some such; it was only a dream of a tale, after all - and attempt to awaken her with a kiss”

Oneira is powerful enough to travel physically through the dream. She could create food, objects and walk through the dream but the food isn’t nutritional enough so she has created a garden.

Oneira has dream walked to another sorcerer’s library, the library of stormbreaker aka his majesty’s sorcerer, Eminence Stearanos MMC - oh and did I mention stolen a book from his collection? Yes, well this particular book she wanted about roses for her garden. Stearanos, my sweet letter writing MMC, he grew on my so much throughout the book and I felt so connected to his character.

When Oneira dream walks again back to Stearanos’ library, she taunts him, almost like a secret battle of power. She casts a sleeping spell and arranges books in different orders just to infuriate Stormbreaker. I’m really intrigued and invested into the story now, I think it was just a slow start.

I would go into reading this book not expecting the twists and turns of a gut wrenching, action packed novel because it’s not. It’s a love story that’s very captivating and an emotional romantasy read.

“The Key turned.
The lock gave.
And something in the world shifted.
Like and unlike, his magic lashed the inside of her skin”

“I will. I’ll wait forever for you, if need be. I am a patient man, something about me you’ll find most rewarding.”

The romance, my heart is aching and yearning. Completely in love with this book! PLEASE TELL ME THERES BOOK TWO! I need to know what happens.

✨ POLITICAL INTRIGUE
💜 UNIQUE MAGIC
✨ ENEMIES TO LOVERS
💜 SLOW BURN
✨ HE FALLS FIRST

Thank you so much Tor Bramble & Jennifer K. Lambert for the E-ARC via NetGalley.