A review by caitaloged
Never the Roses by Jennifer K. Lambert

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

5.0

 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.”