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

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!