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hopeful
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.5 ⭐️
I wanted more!! Idk why I skipped this book. It felt like a whole novel not a novella in the best way!!
I wanted more!! Idk why I skipped this book. It felt like a whole novel not a novella in the best way!!
dark
emotional
fast-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
adventurous
dark
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:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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:
Complicated
Oh my God I love reading about Vale and Lilith!! They're relationship is so cute! I wish this was longer I got so trapped in their story, hopefully we get to see more of them in future books! It was nice to see a different God in this Novella too, all the God's and Goddesses in this series are so interesting to me I'd like to see more of them too
A Grumpy Vampire, a Brilliant Scientist, and the Bargain That Stole My Heart
WARNING: May contain spoilers!
Carissa Broadbent has done it again—“Six Scorched Roses” may be a novella, but it packs an emotional punch that rivals full-length novels. Set in the Crowns of Nyaxia universe, this Beauty-and-the-Beast-inspired tale is darkly romantic, emotionally devastating, and beautifully written. Despite being less than 200 pages, it offers everything: tension, angst, swoon-worthy chemistry, and characters who burrow their way into your heart and stay there.
It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but once I did, I was hooked. The stakes are high from the start, the world feels lush and lived-in, and the romance is nothing short of magical. If you love brooding vampires, brilliant heroines, and slow-burn emotional tension, you need to read this. Bonus points: it’s a great introduction or side read within the Crowns of Nyaxia world.
Lilith is one of the most compelling FMCs I’ve read in a novella. A scientist to her core, she is pragmatic, deeply rational, and always driven by logic—even when her emotions start to surface. What I loved most about her was her quiet strength: she is brave without being reckless, curious without being naive, and deeply compassionate in a way that’s subtle but powerful. Her neurodivergence is handled with care and adds a beautiful layer to her character—she’s always been considered “different,” but in this story, she finds someone who sees her differences as strengths, not.
Oh, Vale. This man is the definition of the grumpy-but-golden archetype. He's spent centuries alone, content in his misery, until Lilith shows up at his doorstep and shakes the dust off his dead heart. At first, he's dismissive, sarcastic, and vaguely threatening—but his walls crumble, page by page, as Lilith chips away at them. He reads to her. He writes letters. He fights for her. He sees her for who she is, and instead of shrinking away from her sharp edges, he adores them. His quiet care, his unwavering protection, and his respectful affection make him unforgettable. If Raihn made you swoon, Vale might just ruin you.
The relationship between Lilith and Vale evolves from intrigue to cautious friendship to soul-deep love, and it’s so beautifully paced. Their banter is intelligent and laced with tension. They challenge each other and slowly begin to break down one another’s loneliness. There’s only one explicit scene, but the chemistry simmers long before then. It’s not about quantity—it’s about the quality of the connection. And this one is achingly good.
“Six Scorched Roses” is proof that novellas can be just as emotionally rich and rewarding as full-length novels. It’s angsty, intimate, and full of lyrical prose. Though I would’ve loved just a few more scenes—especially to deepen Lilith’s relationship with her sister—this didn’t take away from the impact of the story. Carissa Broadbent continues to masterfully blend romantic tension with rich world-building and character depth.
Whether you’re already a Crowns of Nyaxia fan or diving in for the first time, “Six Scorched Roses” is a beautifully bittersweet tale of love, mortality, and two lonely souls finding solace in one another.
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cute little novella that had me surprisingly hooked despite it's length