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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Ugh I had a hard time with this one. I wanted so much to love it as I really enjoy cozy stories that show what happens to main characters after the major battle/event is over. But this one just missed the mark on so many levels.
The cover is very dark and intense while the book itself is light and humorous at times. That was a bit jarring and started things in a weird tone. The scene with the queen in her chambers talking to her man space really just gave me the ick and felt gross and unnecessary. The bit where the FMC gets her period and then thinks about having a baby out of boredom also just felt weird and completely unnecessary.
Then we get to the end of the book that just felt so unsatisfying. The book was not built up enough to justify the final act of the FMC so the entire thing just felt forced and silly with a whole lot of “well that was ridiculous” at the end.
Such a shame too as I loved the ton and the feel and the imagery and it had so much potential…
The narrator’s were great though so at least there’s that.
Ugh I had a hard time with this one. I wanted so much to love it as I really enjoy cozy stories that show what happens to main characters after the major battle/event is over. But this one just missed the mark on so many levels.
The cover is very dark and intense while the book itself is light and humorous at times. That was a bit jarring and started things in a weird tone. The scene with the queen in her chambers talking to her man space really just gave me the ick and felt gross and unnecessary. The bit where the FMC gets her period and then thinks about having a baby out of boredom also just felt weird and completely unnecessary.
Then we get to the end of the book that just felt so unsatisfying. The book was not built up enough to justify the final act of the FMC so the entire thing just felt forced and silly with a whole lot of “well that was ridiculous” at the end.
Such a shame too as I loved the ton and the feel and the imagery and it had so much potential…
The narrator’s were great though so at least there’s that.
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book comes off as dark from the cover but it's not. It has heavy themes yes. In this world those with magic are taken and forced into magic school that in turn makes them indebted to the school. Oneira is tired of death and avoids it and basically has self reflection about what she has been forced to do and has trouble with it so lives in isolation after she retires.
The subplot of borrowing books from her rivals library and gardening makes the book lighter. This brings in the 2nd Pov.
The magic is unique with Oneria dream magic and her rivals with more wards and whatnot.
There is no crazy action or drama within the story line. The world is pretty straightforward and easy to follow. This story is for those who love more character driven stories than a heavy plot.
The dual POV and with the narration makes the story more in-depth and absolutely a treat to read.
Thank you netgalley and MacMillan audio for the opportunity to listen to this book!
The subplot of borrowing books from her rivals library and gardening makes the book lighter. This brings in the 2nd Pov.
The magic is unique with Oneria dream magic and her rivals with more wards and whatnot.
There is no crazy action or drama within the story line. The world is pretty straightforward and easy to follow. This story is for those who love more character driven stories than a heavy plot.
The dual POV and with the narration makes the story more in-depth and absolutely a treat to read.
Thank you netgalley and MacMillan audio for the opportunity to listen to this book!
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 4/5⭐️
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 2/5🌶️
Never the Roses by Jennifer K. Lambert is a cozy fantasy about the powerful Sorceress Oneira after she has retired. On a whim she takes a visit to the most extensive library which happens to be in the home of her most powerful rival Stearanos.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book!
Tropes:
Rivals to lovers
Slow burn
Cozy Fantasy
Dark past
Tragic romance
Redemption
I really wasn’t sure what to expect with this book but I really ended up loving it. It almost had a gothic fantasy vibe while also being cozy! This is definitely more character driven than plot but it is such great story telling which such interesting magic.
Oneira is such a powerful sorceress who is just trying to atone for the destruction she’s caused and live a quiet life. Stearanos is still under contract but wanting to slow down and be free. Their quiet yet powerful friendship and then romance is really quite beautiful. The banter between them was funny but also heart warming as they are both such wanting to connect with someone.
I loved the magical animal companions! A wolf, a bird, and a cat! Yes, please so cute! I really hope there is a second book!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 stars -> This was such a beautiful story about life & love, and brought out all of the feels for me. Many cozy fantasies are set in modern times, but this one was set in more of a high fantasy world. Oneira is hiding out in retirement after contractually serving a queen, and growing tired of living (the story never actually shares her age, but very old is implied). She is able to visit the dreams of others, and starts somewhat of a magical prank war with Stearanos, her supposed nemesis she has never met.
Oneira & Stearanos engage in the most witty, fun, and intellectual banter. Through her journey, Oneira discovers more about who she is and what it means to love and sacrifice for those you love. I adored Oneira's animal companions (who have their own magical identities). Many reviews say that not much happens in this story, but this is more of an emotional exploration and character study than a fantasy with high stakes.
This ending absolutely GUTTED me. I hardly ever cry when reading books, but this one did it to me. I am praying and begging that there be a sequel to this book, because the ending leaves so much interpretation up to the reader (which might be the point, but I want more!).
Audiobook length: 11h 47m
Narrators: Chloe Campbell & Shane East
I loved the dual narration. Both narrators did an amazing job, but Chloe Campbell really knocked it out of the park - her accent and tone perfectly matched how I would imagine Oneira. I felt immersed in the world, and both narrators imbued so much emotion to their reading.
Thank you to Bramble & Macmillan Audio for providing me with copies of this book. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Oneira & Stearanos engage in the most witty, fun, and intellectual banter. Through her journey, Oneira discovers more about who she is and what it means to love and sacrifice for those you love. I adored Oneira's animal companions (who have their own magical identities). Many reviews say that not much happens in this story, but this is more of an emotional exploration and character study than a fantasy with high stakes.
This ending absolutely GUTTED me. I hardly ever cry when reading books, but this one did it to me. I am praying and begging that there be a sequel to this book, because the ending leaves so much interpretation up to the reader (which might be the point, but I want more!).
Audiobook length: 11h 47m
Narrators: Chloe Campbell & Shane East
I loved the dual narration. Both narrators did an amazing job, but Chloe Campbell really knocked it out of the park - her accent and tone perfectly matched how I would imagine Oneira. I felt immersed in the world, and both narrators imbued so much emotion to their reading.
Thank you to Bramble & Macmillan Audio for providing me with copies of this book. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Never the Roses snuck up on me. The story started slowly, in part because I expected something closer to an epic fantasy than a cozy fantasy. Once I recognized the tone of the book, the story was beautiful and bittersweet. I would recommend Never the Roses to anyone who enjoys stories about redemption and finding love, in many forms, later in life.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio, Bramble, and NetGalley for the preview. All opinions are my own.
I’m kind of kicking myself for not paying attention to the comps more closely. Because while I love The Witch’s Heart, I think I would have been more prepared for the heartbreak if I’d paid attention.
For most of the book, this seems whimsical and cozy. Yes these 2 sorcerers have done horrific things, but they’re in retirement or on sabbatical, paying more attention to gardening than war. I got swept up in the light back and forth as Oneira and Stearanos traded notes and banter. The dream magic that Oneria uses was so cool too.
But war does finally intrude on their solitude and the peace they’ve found. And they’re both tormented by what they’re asked to do.
Some other notes:
This was definitely insta-lust
Tristan was THE most annoying character
I actually expected this to be spicier
OMG THAT ENDING!! It killed me. If you’re someone who needs a definitive and happy ending, you might look elsewhere.
Overall, I did enjoy this and would recommend. Especially because Shane East makes anything sound good on audio. But you should definitely know what kind of book you’re getting into.
I’m kind of kicking myself for not paying attention to the comps more closely. Because while I love The Witch’s Heart, I think I would have been more prepared for the heartbreak if I’d paid attention.
For most of the book, this seems whimsical and cozy. Yes these 2 sorcerers have done horrific things, but they’re in retirement or on sabbatical, paying more attention to gardening than war. I got swept up in the light back and forth as Oneira and Stearanos traded notes and banter. The dream magic that Oneria uses was so cool too.
But war does finally intrude on their solitude and the peace they’ve found. And they’re both tormented by what they’re asked to do.
Some other notes:
This was definitely insta-lust
Tristan was THE most annoying character
I actually expected this to be spicier
OMG THAT ENDING!! It killed me. If you’re someone who needs a definitive and happy ending, you might look elsewhere.
Overall, I did enjoy this and would recommend. Especially because Shane East makes anything sound good on audio. But you should definitely know what kind of book you’re getting into.
hopeful
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:
Complicated
This was a okay read just didn’t connect too much with the characters and was a little disappointed in the ending. But overall it does seem like there’s an opportunity to continue the story. I would read a continuation of it just to get some answers to the cliff hangers.
At long, long last, the Dread Sorceress Oneira has retired. Having bought her freedom after decades of indentured servitude to any who could buy her contract, she's retreated to a quiet abode where she can spend her final days in peace. But peace doesn't come easy to one who has spent most of her life in war, and Oneira soon finds herself restless. On a whim she can't quite explain, she uses her power over the Dream to travel to a rival sorcerer's library and steal one of his books. This quickly kicks off a flirtatious dance of more thefts and attempted entrapments as Stearanos Stormbreaker tries to discover who would dare pilfer from his shelves. But when it becomes clear that the king Stearanos serves is going to attack Oneira's former queen, their secret relationship becomes far too dangerous for anyone to discover.
NEVER THE ROSES is a slow burn romantic fantasy that does a beautiful job building up the attraction between two powerful magic users. It starts as flirtation, as Oneira steals books from the library of her rival Stearanos, and he in turn tries to entrap and discover the identity of his mysterious thief. Through notes left to each other in Stearanos’s library, they tease and poke at each other in turn, enjoying the sensation of a fresh challenge in their lives.
I was absolutely engrossed in the slow build of this relationship. Watching Stearanos be intrigued by someone who could best him, watching the two of them exchange flirtatious and witty letters, wondering when the two would finally meet face-to-face, this was catnip to me. More importantly was the growing realization between the two that they may have each found the only other person in the world who can understand what it's like to be them, to have all of the power and none of the power at the same time.
All of this is told through beautiful, lyrical prose. The tone is of a more serious bent, despite the mischievousness described above. At its heart, this is a tale about healing. Oneira, despite her legendary power, has spent most of her life magically enslaved to do the bidding of others. The things she did to finally break free of her contract broke her as well, and she doesn't know how, if at all, she can pick up the pieces. This romance comes into her life when she's trying to decide if she will ever know real peace again.
I did occasionally get frustrated with some of the repetitive beats of Oneira's character, as she would vow on one course of action and then immediately do the opposite within a day. Human, yes, but repetitive nonetheless.
I also had slightly mixed feelings about the ending. On the one hand, I did cry (in public no less). But there was a part of my brain that was whispering "this is a little over the top." In the moment, I chose to mostly shove that part of my brain into a deep corner, but upon reflection, I wrestle a bit with how that ending sits with me.
Either way, I still absolutely inhaled this book. I would recommend NEVER THE ROSES for those looking for a fantasy romance that focuses on the characters first and physical attraction second. There is a slight amount of spice, but only after the two have formed a deep connection. I'm so glad I took a chance on NEVER THE ROSES, and will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of the author's work.
Note: I was provided a free ARC by the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
NEVER THE ROSES is a slow burn romantic fantasy that does a beautiful job building up the attraction between two powerful magic users. It starts as flirtation, as Oneira steals books from the library of her rival Stearanos, and he in turn tries to entrap and discover the identity of his mysterious thief. Through notes left to each other in Stearanos’s library, they tease and poke at each other in turn, enjoying the sensation of a fresh challenge in their lives.
I was absolutely engrossed in the slow build of this relationship. Watching Stearanos be intrigued by someone who could best him, watching the two of them exchange flirtatious and witty letters, wondering when the two would finally meet face-to-face, this was catnip to me. More importantly was the growing realization between the two that they may have each found the only other person in the world who can understand what it's like to be them, to have all of the power and none of the power at the same time.
All of this is told through beautiful, lyrical prose. The tone is of a more serious bent, despite the mischievousness described above. At its heart, this is a tale about healing. Oneira, despite her legendary power, has spent most of her life magically enslaved to do the bidding of others. The things she did to finally break free of her contract broke her as well, and she doesn't know how, if at all, she can pick up the pieces. This romance comes into her life when she's trying to decide if she will ever know real peace again.
I did occasionally get frustrated with some of the repetitive beats of Oneira's character, as she would vow on one course of action and then immediately do the opposite within a day. Human, yes, but repetitive nonetheless.
I also had slightly mixed feelings about the ending. On the one hand, I did cry (in public no less). But there was a part of my brain that was whispering "this is a little over the top." In the moment, I chose to mostly shove that part of my brain into a deep corner, but upon reflection, I wrestle a bit with how that ending sits with me.
Either way, I still absolutely inhaled this book. I would recommend NEVER THE ROSES for those looking for a fantasy romance that focuses on the characters first and physical attraction second. There is a slight amount of spice, but only after the two have formed a deep connection. I'm so glad I took a chance on NEVER THE ROSES, and will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of the author's work.
Note: I was provided a free ARC by the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I was really not expecting to like this. I'm not a big fan of romantasy or fantasy romance or whatever you want to call it, and I especially don't care for it when it's M/F, but I loved this! I loved having two main characters who were fully middle aged adults making adult(but not always good) decisions. I loved the mixture of rigid and vague magic. And I adored the magical animal companions. This also made me laugh out loud. I can imagine some people won't like the ending, but I really enjoy open-ended endings.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.