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

emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

4.0

I expected this to be an intriguing romantasy with an enemies to lovers plot, what I got was a remarkable slow burn story that was beautifully told and left me in tears. This might not be for everyone but I adored how much care was put into world building and storytelling. By the time we really took off I felt I had intimate knowledge of both our main characters (Oneira and Stearanos). 

The slow build up gave us unique windows into each character's motivations, hearts, and minds and created such depth that the ending here felt that much more beautiful and tragic and hopeful (how the author managed to capture all those things at once, I'll never know, but they did. I think the author does an amazing job capturing how those who have been forced to do things they didn't want or aren't proud of them respond as well as human responses to trauma. 

I don't want to give much away because this book should be experienced with wonder and mystery on where it is going.  Both Audio narrators did an amazing job giving voice to our characters. While I was listening to the beginning of the story it reminded me of the opening of the Beauty and the Beast movie, setting up for a tale you know you won't forget! 

If you love being surprised, deep character exploration, and a love for the ages I would highly recommend this. Thank you to the publisher for providing an ALC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.