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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Never the Roses had an interesting premise but it didn't fully work for me. It moved way too slowly for starters and I wasn't all the way sold on the romance. It was pretty abrupt. There was no buildup to them falling for each other. They went from knowing of each other to being in love. That said I did love the world, the magic system and surrealism. It was an intriguing read that I wished I enjoyed more.
Copy provided by author
Copy provided by author
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Did I pre-order this book because it looked insanely pretty? Yes. However, I discovered that the book was also on Netgalley and of course I had to request a digital review copy. Luckily Tor Bramble was so kind to accept my request!
When I started this book I was afraid it was not gonna be for me. There is a lot of information in the first few chapters and it was hard to grasp all of it. However, now I finished the book and the first thing I'm gonna do when I get to hold my physical copy is reading the beginning again. Once the plot of the book started I was sold. Within a few chapters I started caring about the characters and I was not prepared for this book to shatter my heart in a million pieces.
If you're here for an epic plot about a fantasy war between two sorcerers, this is not your book. In a way this is actually more of a cosy fantasy. Those two sorcerers want only one thing: to live the rest of their lives in peace. The book is therefore basically a love story. A love story between two people who understand each other on a level no-one else will ever be able to understand them, connecting in a playful, slightly teasing, way.
Is there a part of me that would have loved to see more of the world and its magic? Yes. And yet there is also a part of me believing this book was perfect. It was heartwarming, it was hopeful, it was lighthearted, it was funny. It was also heartbreaking, therapeutic, dramatic, political and even a little bit sad. Basically, the book made me feel everything there is to feel and now I finished it I only want one thing: More of this!
When I started this book I was afraid it was not gonna be for me. There is a lot of information in the first few chapters and it was hard to grasp all of it. However, now I finished the book and the first thing I'm gonna do when I get to hold my physical copy is reading the beginning again. Once the plot of the book started I was sold. Within a few chapters I started caring about the characters and I was not prepared for this book to shatter my heart in a million pieces.
If you're here for an epic plot about a fantasy war between two sorcerers, this is not your book. In a way this is actually more of a cosy fantasy. Those two sorcerers want only one thing: to live the rest of their lives in peace. The book is therefore basically a love story. A love story between two people who understand each other on a level no-one else will ever be able to understand them, connecting in a playful, slightly teasing, way.
Is there a part of me that would have loved to see more of the world and its magic? Yes. And yet there is also a part of me believing this book was perfect. It was heartwarming, it was hopeful, it was lighthearted, it was funny. It was also heartbreaking, therapeutic, dramatic, political and even a little bit sad. Basically, the book made me feel everything there is to feel and now I finished it I only want one thing: More of this!
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I went into this novel blind not even reading the synopsis. I was pleasantly surprised to have this read to be a cozy and heartfelt romance with political intrigue, magic and star-crossed lovers.
Oniera was a different FMC than the ones usually in Romantasy novels. She is a strong sorceress but chooses to live in isolation. She has a love-hate relationship with humans but her morals for good win in the end.
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for the ARC. The audiobook was also fantastic! The dual POV was great and each played their parts so well.
Rating: 4⭐️/5
Oniera was a different FMC than the ones usually in Romantasy novels. She is a strong sorceress but chooses to live in isolation. She has a love-hate relationship with humans but her morals for good win in the end.
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for the ARC. The audiobook was also fantastic! The dual POV was great and each played their parts so well.
Rating: 4⭐️/5
A retired sorceress just wants some peace and quiet, no more drama, no more battles. But nope, she goes and steals a book from her nemesis and suddenly they’re exchanging secret letters that go from snarky to oh wow real fast.
Oneira and Stearanos? Total enemies to lovers vibes, with centuries of history and all the feels. It’s got magic, slow-burn romance, and some serious emotional punches. The world is gorgeous and the writing pulls you right in.
Heads up: it’s a bit slow to get started, but once the magic and the romance kicks in, you won’t want to put it down. If you’re into fantasy with sass, heart, and some steamy tension, this one’s a total win.
⚡️Thank you Bramble and Jennifer K. Lambert for sharing this book with me!
Oneira and Stearanos? Total enemies to lovers vibes, with centuries of history and all the feels. It’s got magic, slow-burn romance, and some serious emotional punches. The world is gorgeous and the writing pulls you right in.
Heads up: it’s a bit slow to get started, but once the magic and the romance kicks in, you won’t want to put it down. If you’re into fantasy with sass, heart, and some steamy tension, this one’s a total win.
⚡️Thank you Bramble and Jennifer K. Lambert for sharing this book with me!
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
🌹New Book Release!🌹
I was so thankful to @netgalley, @torbooks and most of all @jenniferk.lambert , author of this emotionally devastating romantasy, for sending me an e-ARC of Never the Roses!
Synopsis:
🌹The powerful sorceress Oneira has retired, weary from years of serving royalty in endless wars.
🌹She expects death soon and lives in solitude—except for a mythical wolf, a goddess’s avatar, and a magic-infused cat and bird.
🌹Bored and restless, she impulsively visits the world’s largest library—owned by her longtime rival, Stearanos.
🌹She steals a book, triggering an unexpected secret correspondence between her and Stearanos.
🌹Through witty letters, they develop a rare connection neither has found before.
🌹Oneira discovers Stearanos is now serving a cruel king preparing to attack the queen she once fought for.
🌹Though a relationship with him is dangerous, she’s drawn to him—and can’t stay away.
🌹Their bond could either reignite her will to live… or lead to her ruin.
Thoughts:
While the start is slow, once the library trips start and the witty banter between Oneira and Stearanos “Em” began, I was captivated.
Their relationship is so gentle and sweet, which contrasts so much with the fact that they both are such powerful beings. I love that they are able to relate to each other because they have had to do horrible things for these rulers who literally owned them and yet they still hold onto their humanity.
And the ending— I bawled! Picture me in the middle of the night laying in bed with my left arm elevated on a pillow feeling like crap because I’ve been sick on top of having surgery. With tears streaming down my face, trying to be quiet because my girlfriend is asleep next to me. I haven’t been this broken hearted over a book in ages!
I want to see artwork of Oneira’s white castle on a cliff over the pink sands below and gardens outside the doors with her wolf, cat, and bird trailing behind her like shadows.
3🌶️
Author: @jenniferk.lambert
Publisher: @brambleromance
Release Day: July 8, 2025
I was so thankful to @netgalley, @torbooks and most of all @jenniferk.lambert , author of this emotionally devastating romantasy, for sending me an e-ARC of Never the Roses!
Synopsis:
🌹The powerful sorceress Oneira has retired, weary from years of serving royalty in endless wars.
🌹She expects death soon and lives in solitude—except for a mythical wolf, a goddess’s avatar, and a magic-infused cat and bird.
🌹Bored and restless, she impulsively visits the world’s largest library—owned by her longtime rival, Stearanos.
🌹She steals a book, triggering an unexpected secret correspondence between her and Stearanos.
🌹Through witty letters, they develop a rare connection neither has found before.
🌹Oneira discovers Stearanos is now serving a cruel king preparing to attack the queen she once fought for.
🌹Though a relationship with him is dangerous, she’s drawn to him—and can’t stay away.
🌹Their bond could either reignite her will to live… or lead to her ruin.
Thoughts:
While the start is slow, once the library trips start and the witty banter between Oneira and Stearanos “Em” began, I was captivated.
Their relationship is so gentle and sweet, which contrasts so much with the fact that they both are such powerful beings. I love that they are able to relate to each other because they have had to do horrible things for these rulers who literally owned them and yet they still hold onto their humanity.
And the ending— I bawled! Picture me in the middle of the night laying in bed with my left arm elevated on a pillow feeling like crap because I’ve been sick on top of having surgery. With tears streaming down my face, trying to be quiet because my girlfriend is asleep next to me. I haven’t been this broken hearted over a book in ages!
I want to see artwork of Oneira’s white castle on a cliff over the pink sands below and gardens outside the doors with her wolf, cat, and bird trailing behind her like shadows.
3🌶️
Author: @jenniferk.lambert
Publisher: @brambleromance
Release Day: July 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Bramble and author Jennifer K. Lambert for this eARC
Well this was an interesting read... On the one hand I loved it - the writing was beautiful, lyrical and had a very fitting dream-like quality to it. Lambert created a wonderful atmospheric setting. I loved it!
It also started out great with our MC Oneira living her quiet life after retirement. However it just took too much time for me for the plot to finally get going. I wasn't expecting aa fast, action packed adventure, but I did hope for a little plot development before the 60% mark.
I did thoroughly enjoy the last 20% even if the ending was somewhat unexpected for a romantasy.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is the “Thief of my heart.” It has healed my soul in ways I didn’t know that it needed. To then have the end break my heart into a million pieces. Actual tears were cried. It has finished me… and I loved it so much.
What you will find in this book:
- Cozy Romantasy
- Healing After Trauma
- Rival Kingdoms/Magic Workers
- Witty Banter
- True Enemies to Lovers
- Dual POV
It definitely has a slower pace than I usually read, but I felt like it needed to be for Oneira’s and Stearano’s story to play out in the beautiful way it did. I binged the entire book in less than 24 hours - simply needing more of it - and to know where their story would go.
The underlying themes and stories also just hit all the right notes in the current state of the world for me…. I know this is my own interpretation, but the tyranny of the monarchs in this and the way they controlled things with debt/money just felt so freaking accurate and applicable to the real world. Contracts that kept magic workers enslaved and forced them to do horrific acts… So real for this ex-corporate worker.
I have no notes - other than thank you. Thank you so much to Jennifer K. Lambert for this gem of a story - I will dream of it forever.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio & NetGalley for the ALC. Chloe Campbell & Shane East were fantastic and I cannot recommend listening to this book enough!
“We’re happening to each other. Give it a try, Oneira. You have only your loneliness to lose. Let me show you how it can be.”