Never the Roses
by Jennifer K. Lambert
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Pub Date 10 Jul 2025 | Archive Date 10 Jul 2025
Pan Macmillan | Tor Bramble
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Description
A theft from a magical library sparks the start of a heedless, dangerous bond between a sorcerer caught in the wars of men and a sorceress haunted by her sins . . . The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec meets Madeline Miller’s Circe in Never the Roses, an epic and deeply romantic fantasy by Jennifer K. Lambert.
Unstoppable war. Unspeakable sins. Impossible love.
The Dread Sorceress Oneira has retired. She’s exhausted from fighting the endless wars of kings and queens, and has long accepted that her death is near. Alone at last but for a few uninvited companions – a near-mythical wolf, a goddess’s avatar and a feline that embodies magic itself – Oneira realizes that she’s bored. On a whim, or perhaps at the behest of fate, she makes an unlikely trip to the most extensive library in existence: the home of her most powerful rival, the sorcerer Stearanos.
By recklessly stealing a book from him, Oneira inadvertently initiates a forbidden correspondence. Taunting notes and clever retorts reveal a connection neither has found – nor could ever find – in any other.
But Oneira soon learns that Stearanos, bound to a vile king, is tasked with waging war on the queen she once served. A relationship with him is far too dangerous to pursue despite their mutual desire – and yet, Oneira can’t seem to stay away. A bond with Stearanos could alight the long-extinct flame of life within her . . . or it could destroy her entirely.
‘An extraordinary novel! Full of unexpected love, magic, heartbreak and healing’ – Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781035074983 |
PRICE | £25.00 (GBP) |
PAGES | 368 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

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*
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