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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A Ruin of Roses is one of those books that remind me why I love diving into fantasy. The worldbuilding is vivid and layered, detailed enough to feel real without drowning the reader in endless explanations. From the very first chapters, the setting feels alive, dangerous, and immersive exactly what you want in a dark fantasy romance.
The characters are seamlessly woven into the story. Their presence feels natural, their voices distinct, and they serve the plot rather than being dragged along by it. The structure of the book is simple, clear, and very readable it flows effortlessly, which makes the darker, heavier themes even more engaging.
The romance is well-balanced, though at times it stretches longer than necessary because of side conflicts and detours. Still, the tension is palpable, and when the story leans into intimacy, it’s not excessive but sprinkled throughout in a way that makes each moment more impactful. The smut is restrained yet ever-present, which oddly makes it even more enjoyable, subtle, steady, and always in tune with the tone of the book.
What sets this story apart is that it doesn’t just hang on romance or spice alone. There’s a real storyline, with weight, direction, and meaning. You’re not just watching two people fall in lust; you’re pulled into an adventure that has consequence, depth, and a sense of purpose.
I’d recommend this book to any reader who craves a genuine fantasy adventure with romance at its core. It’s especially fitting for mature YA and adult readers, given the spice, which is bold but controlled, never gratuitous. If you love immersive worlds, long-burn romances punctuated with wow moments, and stories that dare to blend sensuality with magic, this is a must-read. If high fantasy and drawn-out romance aren’t your thing, this might not be for you but for me, it was an absolute delight.
Dark twisted hot tattooed scarred beast needs rescuing
A rather intriguing dark twisted beauty and the beast trope. Strong female character with a wicked sense of humour and sense of survival. Cursed lands gives us demons and weird creatures lurking in the forests. Some interesting botany makes the story a little witchy. A very entertaining read, kept me gripped with in its talons. The sexual tension is swoonworthy and OMG hot. A flamboyant butler, risqué ladies maid, all kinds of debauchery, making a her clutch her string of pearls. Highly recommended to readers that enjoy shifters, demons, sexual tension. Please note no conclusion in this book but not cliff hangerish either but a to be continued rather. Looking forward to next book.
A rather intriguing dark twisted beauty and the beast trope. Strong female character with a wicked sense of humour and sense of survival. Cursed lands gives us demons and weird creatures lurking in the forests. Some interesting botany makes the story a little witchy. A very entertaining read, kept me gripped with in its talons. The sexual tension is swoonworthy and OMG hot. A flamboyant butler, risqué ladies maid, all kinds of debauchery, making a her clutch her string of pearls. Highly recommended to readers that enjoy shifters, demons, sexual tension. Please note no conclusion in this book but not cliff hangerish either but a to be continued rather. Looking forward to next book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
DNF @10%.
The writing is bad, y'all. So bad. Just like middle school fanfic bad. I cannot.
The writing is bad, y'all. So bad. Just like middle school fanfic bad. I cannot.
this book felt like reading acotar but its the beauty and the beast version and I really didn't hate it except the sexual scenes were kinda umm off maybe? anyways
I read this in one sitting. I was so hooked and the plot was never slow in my opinion. There was so much tension and build-up which was one of the driving factors that made me keep reading. This is a dark take on beauty and the beast, and it was a very refreshing read. I had a great time with this one and am excited for the second book.
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The curse is that the inhabitants of the castle get addicted to sex. The MCs are connected by their inner animal that only wants sex. Do I need to say anything more?
This was the most poorly written book I've ever read! Constant sex and toilet humour, like a pubertist rebelling.
No love, only desire and predictably and clichés in every dialogue.
This was the most poorly written book I've ever read! Constant sex and toilet humour, like a pubertist rebelling.
No love, only desire and predictably and clichés in every dialogue.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
fast-paced