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121 reviews by:
wrappedupinpages
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Synopsis:
☕️ Jeanie inherits part of her aunt’s small-town café
🍂 She’s determined to make it thrive—even if she’s clueless
🌾 Enter Logan, the grumpy (introverted) local farmer
💛 Sparks fly in cozy Dream Harbor, full of fall vibes, lattes & second chances
Thoughts:
I’m just going to say it: the cover is why I bought this book. It got me with its cozy fall vibes
My first issue is why Jeanie even got the cafe. I get that she visited as a child, but to just give it to her and then for her aunt to head out on a trip with no guidance in the turnover process is so odd to me.
The next issue I had is that I’m not a fan of insta love. It makes the story less realistic in my opinion. I get having that instant attraction to someone but love needs to be nourished to grow and flourish.
Also, Logan isn’t grumpy! He just an introverted person so this isn’t grumpy/sunshine. Jeanie is just more extroverted.
The “ghost” that keeps interfering with the cafe and purposefully sabotaging wasn’t treated like the serious issue it would be in real life. Even though the “ghost” paid for the damages, Jeanie wasn’t upset like a normal person would be. She lost sleep for days over it and basically the ghost got away with a slap on the wrist.
Overall, to me, this book was just vibes. The farm animals being named after celebrities was funny, and I appreciated Logan doing some self reflection to understand his trauma from his ex girlfriend. However, this book was basically a hallmark movie in written form, which I do love me a hallmark movie if I’m in the mood.
If you are looking for a light read between other reads, this might be for you. However, if you are wanting to gain something from this book, you will be disappointed.
2 ⭐️
3🌶️
☕️ Jeanie inherits part of her aunt’s small-town café
🍂 She’s determined to make it thrive—even if she’s clueless
🌾 Enter Logan, the grumpy (introverted) local farmer
💛 Sparks fly in cozy Dream Harbor, full of fall vibes, lattes & second chances
Thoughts:
I’m just going to say it: the cover is why I bought this book. It got me with its cozy fall vibes
My first issue is why Jeanie even got the cafe. I get that she visited as a child, but to just give it to her and then for her aunt to head out on a trip with no guidance in the turnover process is so odd to me.
The next issue I had is that I’m not a fan of insta love. It makes the story less realistic in my opinion. I get having that instant attraction to someone but love needs to be nourished to grow and flourish.
Also, Logan isn’t grumpy! He just an introverted person so this isn’t grumpy/sunshine. Jeanie is just more extroverted.
The “ghost” that keeps interfering with the cafe and purposefully sabotaging wasn’t treated like the serious issue it would be in real life. Even though the “ghost” paid for the damages, Jeanie wasn’t upset like a normal person would be. She lost sleep for days over it and basically the ghost got away with a slap on the wrist.
Overall, to me, this book was just vibes. The farm animals being named after celebrities was funny, and I appreciated Logan doing some self reflection to understand his trauma from his ex girlfriend. However, this book was basically a hallmark movie in written form, which I do love me a hallmark movie if I’m in the mood.
If you are looking for a light read between other reads, this might be for you. However, if you are wanting to gain something from this book, you will be disappointed.
2 ⭐️
3🌶️
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
🤠 New Release! 🤠
Dragon riding cowboys, ranching 🔥breathing cattle. This really piqued my interest!
Synopsis:
🐮 Cassia, a professional cook, is left wounded, penniless, and on the run after an outlaw attack—struggling to fend for herself until she’s rescued.
🤠Aevrin, a stoic rancher who rides dragons (yes, dragons instead of horses), cares for her injuries and offers her a stay at his home.
🐮Cassia reluctantly accepts the shelter—but fears overstaying her welcome, as she believes his generosity is temporary.
🤠Aevrin is no stranger to hardship; he’s learned to embrace good things when they come, but pursuing Cassia risks dragging her back into danger.
🐮Spending time together, through chores, rainstorms, and playful wagers, they grow closer, and Aevrin struggles to resist his attraction to the talented, resilient cook.
Thoughts:
The Dragon Ranch of Dawn Ridge is a heartwarming blend of slow-burn romance, frontier grit, and dragon magic. Cassia is a resilient, talented heroine you can’t help rooting for, and Aevrin, the quiet, dragon-riding rancher, brings a steady, comforting presence that balances her fire.
The setting feels lush and lived-in, with the homestead and dragons woven seamlessly into everyday life. The romance builds gradually, full of tender moments, shared work, and stolen glances. While the plot is fairly low-stakes for much of the book, that coziness is part of its charm, making it a perfect comfort read.
If you like gentle romance, found family vibes, and just the right amount of fantasy flavor, this one will leave you smiling.
4⭐️
2🌶️
Author: @juliette.caruso.author
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Thank you to @juliette.caruso.author and @mtmctours for gifting me this e-ARC! All thoughts are my own.
Dragon riding cowboys, ranching 🔥breathing cattle. This really piqued my interest!
Synopsis:
🐮 Cassia, a professional cook, is left wounded, penniless, and on the run after an outlaw attack—struggling to fend for herself until she’s rescued.
🤠Aevrin, a stoic rancher who rides dragons (yes, dragons instead of horses), cares for her injuries and offers her a stay at his home.
🐮Cassia reluctantly accepts the shelter—but fears overstaying her welcome, as she believes his generosity is temporary.
🤠Aevrin is no stranger to hardship; he’s learned to embrace good things when they come, but pursuing Cassia risks dragging her back into danger.
🐮Spending time together, through chores, rainstorms, and playful wagers, they grow closer, and Aevrin struggles to resist his attraction to the talented, resilient cook.
Thoughts:
The Dragon Ranch of Dawn Ridge is a heartwarming blend of slow-burn romance, frontier grit, and dragon magic. Cassia is a resilient, talented heroine you can’t help rooting for, and Aevrin, the quiet, dragon-riding rancher, brings a steady, comforting presence that balances her fire.
The setting feels lush and lived-in, with the homestead and dragons woven seamlessly into everyday life. The romance builds gradually, full of tender moments, shared work, and stolen glances. While the plot is fairly low-stakes for much of the book, that coziness is part of its charm, making it a perfect comfort read.
If you like gentle romance, found family vibes, and just the right amount of fantasy flavor, this one will leave you smiling.
4⭐️
2🌶️
Author: @juliette.caruso.author
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Thank you to @juliette.caruso.author and @mtmctours for gifting me this e-ARC! All thoughts are my own.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Synopsis:
📍 Beatrice flees to Skerry Island after her marriage falls apart.
✨ A psychic predicts seven miracles before her death.
🪞 Meets her twin sister and mother, both she thought she’d lost.
🧙♀️ Learns she’s from a powerful witch family.
👻 Her magic draws dangerous supernatural enemies.
🕵️♀️ Niece goes missing, forcing Bea to face her fate head-on.
Thoughts:
The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland had an intriguing premise and moments that pulled me in, but it ultimately left me wanting more.
While Beatrice and Reno’s relationship had potential, I didn’t feel the spark or deep yearning their connection was meant to convey. The secrecy within Beatrice’s family felt overly drawn out, and when she finally wakes up in the hospital, their quick acceptance of her without meaningful conversation felt unrealistic and unsatisfying.
Additionally, the subplot involving her trans niece—who lies to her—left me wishing for more emotional resolution, especially between Beatrice and her sister. These threads had the potential for powerful, heartfelt moments, but they didn’t quite land.
Overall, it’s a book with a beautiful concept and some touching moments, but the emotional depth I was hoping for never fully materialized.
3.5⭐️
1🌶️
📍 Beatrice flees to Skerry Island after her marriage falls apart.
✨ A psychic predicts seven miracles before her death.
🪞 Meets her twin sister and mother, both she thought she’d lost.
🧙♀️ Learns she’s from a powerful witch family.
👻 Her magic draws dangerous supernatural enemies.
🕵️♀️ Niece goes missing, forcing Bea to face her fate head-on.
Thoughts:
The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland had an intriguing premise and moments that pulled me in, but it ultimately left me wanting more.
While Beatrice and Reno’s relationship had potential, I didn’t feel the spark or deep yearning their connection was meant to convey. The secrecy within Beatrice’s family felt overly drawn out, and when she finally wakes up in the hospital, their quick acceptance of her without meaningful conversation felt unrealistic and unsatisfying.
Additionally, the subplot involving her trans niece—who lies to her—left me wishing for more emotional resolution, especially between Beatrice and her sister. These threads had the potential for powerful, heartfelt moments, but they didn’t quite land.
Overall, it’s a book with a beautiful concept and some touching moments, but the emotional depth I was hoping for never fully materialized.
3.5⭐️
1🌶️
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
⚔️ Haunted by the past: Sergeant Nix Marr, a skilled soldier, is desperate to leave her painful memories buried in the bioluminescent ocean.
👑 Forced reunion: Kessandra, a beloved princess and Nix’s ex, coerces her into serving as bodyguard on a mission to investigate a massacre in the underwater city of Fall.
🚢 Luxury turned nightmare: On board the opulent submersible Luminosity, they realize the mission is actually about a contagious illness that turns people into violent crazed victims.
🩸 Chaos on board: When another royal is brutally murdered, it becomes clear the disease has spread and no one is safe.
💔 Trust and trauma: Nix must confront her distrust in Kessandra, whose lies and past involvement in Nix’s trauma (Quian’s death) complicates any fragile trust.
🔍 Fantasy horror with steamy tension: Think Arcane meets Titanic, with horror, sapphic romance, political intrigue, and survival stakes all wrapped into one high-stakes fantasy thriller.
Thoughts:
This is not a cosy fantasy as Thorne is known for with her Tomes & Teas series. I LOVED this story! The world building is perfect, detailed without bogging down the plot.
Nix is a sharp, haunted protagonist you feel for, and her chemistry with Kessandra? A+ slow-burn second chance angst. Throw in body horror, class politics, royal secrets, and betrayal and you’ve got a fantasy thriller.
If you love your romance with teeth and your fantasy a little terrifying, add this to your TBR immediately! I will be adding book two to my most anticipated sequels.
5⭐️
3🌶️
Author: @rebeccathornewrites
Publisher: @torbooks
Release Date: November 11, 2025
👑 Forced reunion: Kessandra, a beloved princess and Nix’s ex, coerces her into serving as bodyguard on a mission to investigate a massacre in the underwater city of Fall.
🚢 Luxury turned nightmare: On board the opulent submersible Luminosity, they realize the mission is actually about a contagious illness that turns people into violent crazed victims.
🩸 Chaos on board: When another royal is brutally murdered, it becomes clear the disease has spread and no one is safe.
💔 Trust and trauma: Nix must confront her distrust in Kessandra, whose lies and past involvement in Nix’s trauma (Quian’s death) complicates any fragile trust.
🔍 Fantasy horror with steamy tension: Think Arcane meets Titanic, with horror, sapphic romance, political intrigue, and survival stakes all wrapped into one high-stakes fantasy thriller.
Thoughts:
This is not a cosy fantasy as Thorne is known for with her Tomes & Teas series. I LOVED this story! The world building is perfect, detailed without bogging down the plot.
Nix is a sharp, haunted protagonist you feel for, and her chemistry with Kessandra? A+ slow-burn second chance angst. Throw in body horror, class politics, royal secrets, and betrayal and you’ve got a fantasy thriller.
If you love your romance with teeth and your fantasy a little terrifying, add this to your TBR immediately! I will be adding book two to my most anticipated sequels.
5⭐️
3🌶️
Author: @rebeccathornewrites
Publisher: @torbooks
Release Date: November 11, 2025
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Immortal Consequences by I.V. Marie
Synopsis:
🏫 Set at Blackwood Academy, a school for souls trapped between life and death.
⚔️ Six students are chosen to compete in the Decennial, a deadly magical competition.
🎓 The prize: escape from purgatory—but only one can win.
🧍 Multiple POVs from complex, diverse characters, each with secrets and regrets.
💥 The trials test more than magic—loyalty, morality, and identity are all on the line.
💀 A mysterious threat looms beyond the competition, forcing uneasy alliances.
✨ Dark academia + magic + high stakes + emotional tension.
📚 Book 1 of the Souls of Blackwood Academy series, ending on a major cliffhanger that has me hoping book 2 comes out soon!
Thoughts:
Immortal Consequences is a dark, seductive thrill ride that kept me hooked from the first page. With its lush writing, morally gray characters, and high-stakes immortality politics, this book delivers all the intensity and slow-burn tension I crave in a paranormal romance.
The chemistry between the leads crackles with every interaction, and the world-building feels both fresh and hauntingly timeless. L.V. Marie does a brilliant job blending myth, magic, and emotion into a story that feels both intimate and epic.
If you love stories where immortals play dangerous games, secrets unravel with every chapter, and the romance is as intense as the stakes, Immortal Consequences belongs on your TBR!
🖤 Dark romance
🗝️ Secret societies
⚔️ High tension + morally gray dynamics
🔥 Steamy moments
🩸 Immortality has a price
Author: @ivmariebooks
Publisher: @randomhousekids @penguinrandomhouse
Release Date: July 29, 2025
2🌶️
5⭐️
Thank you @netgalley @ivmariebooks and @penguinrandomhouse / @randomhousekids for gifting me this ebook! All thoughts and opinions are my own and I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy for my bookshelf!
Synopsis:
🏫 Set at Blackwood Academy, a school for souls trapped between life and death.
⚔️ Six students are chosen to compete in the Decennial, a deadly magical competition.
🎓 The prize: escape from purgatory—but only one can win.
🧍 Multiple POVs from complex, diverse characters, each with secrets and regrets.
💥 The trials test more than magic—loyalty, morality, and identity are all on the line.
💀 A mysterious threat looms beyond the competition, forcing uneasy alliances.
✨ Dark academia + magic + high stakes + emotional tension.
📚 Book 1 of the Souls of Blackwood Academy series, ending on a major cliffhanger that has me hoping book 2 comes out soon!
Thoughts:
Immortal Consequences is a dark, seductive thrill ride that kept me hooked from the first page. With its lush writing, morally gray characters, and high-stakes immortality politics, this book delivers all the intensity and slow-burn tension I crave in a paranormal romance.
The chemistry between the leads crackles with every interaction, and the world-building feels both fresh and hauntingly timeless. L.V. Marie does a brilliant job blending myth, magic, and emotion into a story that feels both intimate and epic.
If you love stories where immortals play dangerous games, secrets unravel with every chapter, and the romance is as intense as the stakes, Immortal Consequences belongs on your TBR!
🖤 Dark romance
🗝️ Secret societies
⚔️ High tension + morally gray dynamics
🔥 Steamy moments
🩸 Immortality has a price
Author: @ivmariebooks
Publisher: @randomhousekids @penguinrandomhouse
Release Date: July 29, 2025
2🌶️
5⭐️
Thank you @netgalley @ivmariebooks and @penguinrandomhouse / @randomhousekids for gifting me this ebook! All thoughts and opinions are my own and I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy for my bookshelf!
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Synopsis:
-On the shore of Lake Michigan stands a lighthouse that guides souls to the afterlife.
-Nera, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter, tends the light and protects the path with help from a pack of loyal ghost dogs (who can communicate on the after life plane of existence!).
-One night, a living girl named Charlie appears, searching for her lost sister.
-As the lighthouse flickers and danger creeps in, Nera and Charlie must uncover the truth, protect the lost, and face what it means to let go and to stay while facing their own inner demons.
Thoughts:
A quiet, powerful read that absolutely wrecked me in the best way! I was only a quarter of the way in and already bawling my eyes out. This story blends speculative fiction with emotional depth, exploring love, trauma, survival, and hope at the end of everything.
I was completely drawn in by the shifting timelines that progress from Nera’s father’s timeline to present day, giving just enough information to leave you wonder what happened next without being super predictable.
The world building of the lighthouse and afterlife was so well done, which I can see how it easily could have been a disaster and confusing.
There is a quiet strength to the characters, and asks: what do we save when the world falls apart? Nera and Charlie’s growth individually as well as apart is beautiful to see unfold. The exploration of what it means to be human and alive: the joy, grief, and experiences.
If you love talking spirit guide dogs and stories that makes you feel, this one’s a must-read! The ending was also chef’s kiss. I love an ending that is simple yet perfection!
2🌶️
5⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley, Tor, and J.R. Dawson for gifting me this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
-On the shore of Lake Michigan stands a lighthouse that guides souls to the afterlife.
-Nera, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter, tends the light and protects the path with help from a pack of loyal ghost dogs (who can communicate on the after life plane of existence!).
-One night, a living girl named Charlie appears, searching for her lost sister.
-As the lighthouse flickers and danger creeps in, Nera and Charlie must uncover the truth, protect the lost, and face what it means to let go and to stay while facing their own inner demons.
Thoughts:
A quiet, powerful read that absolutely wrecked me in the best way! I was only a quarter of the way in and already bawling my eyes out. This story blends speculative fiction with emotional depth, exploring love, trauma, survival, and hope at the end of everything.
I was completely drawn in by the shifting timelines that progress from Nera’s father’s timeline to present day, giving just enough information to leave you wonder what happened next without being super predictable.
The world building of the lighthouse and afterlife was so well done, which I can see how it easily could have been a disaster and confusing.
There is a quiet strength to the characters, and asks: what do we save when the world falls apart? Nera and Charlie’s growth individually as well as apart is beautiful to see unfold. The exploration of what it means to be human and alive: the joy, grief, and experiences.
If you love talking spirit guide dogs and stories that makes you feel, this one’s a must-read! The ending was also chef’s kiss. I love an ending that is simple yet perfection!
2🌶️
5⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley, Tor, and J.R. Dawson for gifting me this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Synopsis:
🧪Yom, a gang chemist, numbs her trauma with powders, bodies, and coin—but her position is threatened when her leader demands strict loyalty.
📚She encounters Quia, a royal archivist, while investigating a conspiracy that may reignite an ancient war between gods and titans.
🧪Quia proposes a perilous journey across provinces to the capital to find the mythical figure capable of stopping the looming conflict.
📚Along their odyssey, they face crime lords, queen’s guards, bounty hunters, forest spirits, and old gods.
🧪Yom grapples with addiction, mental health struggles, and growing feelings for Quia.
📚Yom and Quia’s chemistry intensifies through emotional and dramatic moments.
Thoughts:
From the prologue, be prepared to get sucked into this story like I did! The narrative blends epic fantasy, queer romance, high-stakes action, and worldbuilding that is deep, but doesn’t bog down the story. The plot kept surprising me over and over again!
Themes include addiction, trauma, loyalty, and the volatile nature of power amid supernatural threats. I appreciated the challenging of gender norms with a sweet and caring MMC who may seem fragile due to his academic background but is strong in emotional intelligence. Quia’s tenderness towards Yom and her past traumas including addiction is beautiful see. He is the perfect balance to Yom’s fiery personality and need to be strong all the time. He becomes a safe haven for her. I can’t wait for book two and to see how their relationship continues to blossom!
The magic system based on powders developed by chemists such as Yom (that’s right! Yah for women in STEM) is genius! Not only do these powders serve as a weapon, but their power is addictive. They also serve to mask traumas and maybe even more for Yom.😉
This is an odessey of self discovery and growth that is natural in how it progresses throughout the story. I can’t freakin wait for book 2!!
1🌶️
5⭐️
🧪Yom, a gang chemist, numbs her trauma with powders, bodies, and coin—but her position is threatened when her leader demands strict loyalty.
📚She encounters Quia, a royal archivist, while investigating a conspiracy that may reignite an ancient war between gods and titans.
🧪Quia proposes a perilous journey across provinces to the capital to find the mythical figure capable of stopping the looming conflict.
📚Along their odyssey, they face crime lords, queen’s guards, bounty hunters, forest spirits, and old gods.
🧪Yom grapples with addiction, mental health struggles, and growing feelings for Quia.
📚Yom and Quia’s chemistry intensifies through emotional and dramatic moments.
Thoughts:
From the prologue, be prepared to get sucked into this story like I did! The narrative blends epic fantasy, queer romance, high-stakes action, and worldbuilding that is deep, but doesn’t bog down the story. The plot kept surprising me over and over again!
Themes include addiction, trauma, loyalty, and the volatile nature of power amid supernatural threats. I appreciated the challenging of gender norms with a sweet and caring MMC who may seem fragile due to his academic background but is strong in emotional intelligence. Quia’s tenderness towards Yom and her past traumas including addiction is beautiful see. He is the perfect balance to Yom’s fiery personality and need to be strong all the time. He becomes a safe haven for her. I can’t wait for book two and to see how their relationship continues to blossom!
The magic system based on powders developed by chemists such as Yom (that’s right! Yah for women in STEM) is genius! Not only do these powders serve as a weapon, but their power is addictive. They also serve to mask traumas and maybe even more for Yom.😉
This is an odessey of self discovery and growth that is natural in how it progresses throughout the story. I can’t freakin wait for book 2!!
1🌶️
5⭐️
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
slow-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:
No
🌹New Book Release!🌹
I was so thankful to @netgalley, @torbooks and most of all @jenniferk.lambert , author of this emotionally devastating romantasy, for sending me an e-ARC of Never the Roses!
Synopsis:
🌹The powerful sorceress Oneira has retired, weary from years of serving royalty in endless wars.
🌹She expects death soon and lives in solitude—except for a mythical wolf, a goddess’s avatar, and a magic-infused cat and bird.
🌹Bored and restless, she impulsively visits the world’s largest library—owned by her longtime rival, Stearanos.
🌹She steals a book, triggering an unexpected secret correspondence between her and Stearanos.
🌹Through witty letters, they develop a rare connection neither has found before.
🌹Oneira discovers Stearanos is now serving a cruel king preparing to attack the queen she once fought for.
🌹Though a relationship with him is dangerous, she’s drawn to him—and can’t stay away.
🌹Their bond could either reignite her will to live… or lead to her ruin.
Thoughts:
While the start is slow, once the library trips start and the witty banter between Oneira and Stearanos “Em” began, I was captivated.
Their relationship is so gentle and sweet, which contrasts so much with the fact that they both are such powerful beings. I love that they are able to relate to each other because they have had to do horrible things for these rulers who literally owned them and yet they still hold onto their humanity.
And the ending— I bawled! Picture me in the middle of the night laying in bed with my left arm elevated on a pillow feeling like crap because I’ve been sick on top of having surgery. With tears streaming down my face, trying to be quiet because my girlfriend is asleep next to me. I haven’t been this broken hearted over a book in ages!
I want to see artwork of Oneira’s white castle on a cliff over the pink sands below and gardens outside the doors with her wolf, cat, and bird trailing behind her like shadows.
3🌶️
Author: @jenniferk.lambert
Publisher: @brambleromance
Release Day: July 8, 2025
I was so thankful to @netgalley, @torbooks and most of all @jenniferk.lambert , author of this emotionally devastating romantasy, for sending me an e-ARC of Never the Roses!
Synopsis:
🌹The powerful sorceress Oneira has retired, weary from years of serving royalty in endless wars.
🌹She expects death soon and lives in solitude—except for a mythical wolf, a goddess’s avatar, and a magic-infused cat and bird.
🌹Bored and restless, she impulsively visits the world’s largest library—owned by her longtime rival, Stearanos.
🌹She steals a book, triggering an unexpected secret correspondence between her and Stearanos.
🌹Through witty letters, they develop a rare connection neither has found before.
🌹Oneira discovers Stearanos is now serving a cruel king preparing to attack the queen she once fought for.
🌹Though a relationship with him is dangerous, she’s drawn to him—and can’t stay away.
🌹Their bond could either reignite her will to live… or lead to her ruin.
Thoughts:
While the start is slow, once the library trips start and the witty banter between Oneira and Stearanos “Em” began, I was captivated.
Their relationship is so gentle and sweet, which contrasts so much with the fact that they both are such powerful beings. I love that they are able to relate to each other because they have had to do horrible things for these rulers who literally owned them and yet they still hold onto their humanity.
And the ending— I bawled! Picture me in the middle of the night laying in bed with my left arm elevated on a pillow feeling like crap because I’ve been sick on top of having surgery. With tears streaming down my face, trying to be quiet because my girlfriend is asleep next to me. I haven’t been this broken hearted over a book in ages!
I want to see artwork of Oneira’s white castle on a cliff over the pink sands below and gardens outside the doors with her wolf, cat, and bird trailing behind her like shadows.
3🌶️
Author: @jenniferk.lambert
Publisher: @brambleromance
Release Day: July 8, 2025
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The road trip theme, following two queer girls discovering themselves and first love while traveling across the country, is genuinely compelling. The story thoughtfully explores identity and how having someone believe in you can reshape how you see yourself. Jessie’s character growth is especially well done and adds heart to the narrative. I would recommend this book to queer and questioning youth.
That said, it has significant issues that held me back from fully enjoying it. The plot often feels inconsistent and the timeline confusing. For example, the drive from Seattle to Salt Lake City takes four days with no clear reason, which felt unrealistic for two runaways supposedly moving at a decent pace. The estimated cross-country travel time also seemed off, and the characters rarely take sensible precautions for runaways, like changing license plates or avoiding obvious routes.
Other details made it difficult to stay immersed. The portrayal of drug traffickers stalking two well-known teens doesn’t ring true—they wouldn’t realistically chase obvious runaways across state lines. There were also baffling moments like the girls pickpocketing in a hotel loaded with security cameras, and a strange focus on laundry without clear reason or follow-up on whether they ever picked up their laundry.
One particularly uncomfortable scene involves a kidnapping and a sudden kiss immediately afterward, which felt jarring given the context. Additionally, it took weeks for a minor suspected of murder to appear on national news, which seems implausible.
Ultimately, the book feels like it’s trying to appeal to both younger and older teens, resulting in a tone that swings awkwardly between childish and mature. This inconsistency makes the story feel off-kilter and prevents it from fully landing.
If you’re able to overlook some plot holes and inaccuracies, there’s a heartfelt story about self-discovery here that may resonate. But if you’re familiar with U.S. geography or expect tighter storytelling, the flaws might be hard to ignore.
Thank you Netgalley and J.L. Simmonds for sending me this free e-ARC. My review is my honest opinion.
That said, it has significant issues that held me back from fully enjoying it. The plot often feels inconsistent and the timeline confusing. For example, the drive from Seattle to Salt Lake City takes four days with no clear reason, which felt unrealistic for two runaways supposedly moving at a decent pace. The estimated cross-country travel time also seemed off, and the characters rarely take sensible precautions for runaways, like changing license plates or avoiding obvious routes.
Other details made it difficult to stay immersed. The portrayal of drug traffickers stalking two well-known teens doesn’t ring true—they wouldn’t realistically chase obvious runaways across state lines. There were also baffling moments like the girls pickpocketing in a hotel loaded with security cameras, and a strange focus on laundry without clear reason or follow-up on whether they ever picked up their laundry.
One particularly uncomfortable scene involves a kidnapping and a sudden kiss immediately afterward, which felt jarring given the context. Additionally, it took weeks for a minor suspected of murder to appear on national news, which seems implausible.
Ultimately, the book feels like it’s trying to appeal to both younger and older teens, resulting in a tone that swings awkwardly between childish and mature. This inconsistency makes the story feel off-kilter and prevents it from fully landing.
If you’re able to overlook some plot holes and inaccuracies, there’s a heartfelt story about self-discovery here that may resonate. But if you’re familiar with U.S. geography or expect tighter storytelling, the flaws might be hard to ignore.
Thank you Netgalley and J.L. Simmonds for sending me this free e-ARC. My review is my honest opinion.