Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn | AHHH!!!!

I've got another book review to share with you lovelies!!

And I'm super excited cause this one is a King Arthur retelling with fae & just was done so well!

Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn

Synopsis: A doomed love, a dangerous mission, and a kingdom on the brink of war...

A cast-off princess…

Born into a life of duty and sacrifice, Morgan Pendragon’s destiny has never been her own. Rumored to carry the tainted blood of the fae in her veins, her birthright is stolen from her when she is a mere child. Growing up in the shadow of her brother the king, she has been promised to the goddesses when she comes of age. So, when her brother commands that she seek out a fae weapon of legendary power, Morgan seizes the chance to break free from the chains of her fate.

A dangerous temptation…

As she travels, Morgan finds herself drawn into a strange group of outcasts, led by a dark and enigmatic warrior whose sharp wit and fierce beauty set her heart ablaze. But while Morgan struggles to reconcile her desires with her duty, she and her new comrades discover dangers that await them beyond anything in their wildest nightmares.

A slumbering kingdom awoken by blood…

Believed to have vanished generations ago, a fae kingdom dreaded by mortals is ascending once more, bound to reclaim what was lost by violence and bloodshed. As the fae world, with its intricate web of lies and mysteries, is slowly revealed to Morgan, she is led to the terrible realization that the secrets she carries in her blood make her a greater threat than she could ever have imagined.

The first in an action-packed new series brimming with magic, danger, and spellbinding slow-burn romance, Queen of Roses is perfect for fans of Holly Black, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Sarah J. Maas.

~My Thoughts~

*First, I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts & opinions are my own.*

This is the first in a fantasy romance series, and it felt so different from a lot of the fae reads I’ve read lately. It reminded me a lot of ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash, however I will say I enjoyed this one way more than the latter personally.

It felt very refreshing and wonderful to read!!

It was true hate-to- friends-to-lovers, slow burn, stabby heroine, & King Arthur retelling all rolled up into one.

And we all know how much I love a good retelling😍

I do recommend looking at the content warnings first, there was child abuse, child death, and alcohol abuse that I remember for sure off the top of my pregnant brain that forgets stuff lately 😅

So so good though if you can skim past those parts, and I can’t wait to snatch up book two!!

I started & finished it in the course of one night, because I couldn't put it down lol! I just had to stay up late to finish it!

Moran, the main character was so easy to start rooting for and I wanted so desperately to know where things would end up for her, I knew there were more books in the series so I had gotten rather nervous for her when nearing the end.

 I really liked the relationship between her and mr. dark and broody, I ended up loving him more and more as the story continued and he bantered and fought with Moragn.

I hated several side characters that were meant to be hated as they were terrible people, but there was one in particular introduced towards the end that I really did not like. I had already guessed the ending for this character and his 'reveal' so I wasn't surprised when he turned out to have been evil the whole time. I don't want to spoil who it was, I try to be very careful with spoilers in my reviews, but let me just say... it was very predictable.

Not predictable because of the writing or anything, it's just... Morgan had been through so much from people, like this chick does not freaking trust easy for a reason okay! And then all of a sudden, doesn't need to know more, is totally willing to trust this random new dude they just met... yeah, no someone drugged her or something. 

So when dude-the-readers-definitely-knew-not-to-trust betrays her, yeah no, not surprised.

Now on the topic of characters that I didn't like and we weren't supposed to, I will say that Morgan's brother Arthur, I really just empathized with her so much when dealing with. Because even though he'd become a monster, he was still her little brother, she couldn't look at him and not see that part of him.

And oh crap, that hit home. 

The backstory, the side characters that all felt like people coming off a page and not one of them the same, gahh it was so good!!

Next book please!!

What about you lovelies? Have you read this series or any works by the author??

Thoughts on King Arthur retellings?? I've read a handful of them, but I hope to read more.

Lots of love,

~NoelW

Noel's 24 Indie Reads for 2024

 

I love to read Indie books & to support Indie authors, I'm an Indie author myself, so I had an idea to make a fun reading goal for myself for this year. 

For the year 2024, I want to read 24 Indie books total. 

If I read more than that, great! If not, I'll try again :)

I usually read Indie books throughout the year, but I've never actually tracked how many I've read and it feels like there's so many more out now or recently released in the last two years that I need to catch up on! 

Is it like that for you too or just me being crazy and behind on everything aside from the new Taylor Swift albums?

   Without further ado here's my list of Indie books for 2024 and a bit about them! If I've already read some of them so far (seeing as it's already May) then I'll share a snippet of my thoughts on them too. Some of these will be new releases coming out this year that I can't wait to get my hands on!

Anyways...to the list!!!

A Bond of Briars by Erin Phillips

This standalone is a YA dark fantasy Ruth retelling.

The author wrote a standalone dark fantasy Esther retelling in 2022 that I adored, so when she released this one in October last year I immediately added it to my tbr!!!

Goodreads | Amazon

Until The Stars Fall by Vanessa Rasanen

This fantasy romance, is the first in a series of interconnected standalones and was released earlier this year!

It's a fantasy romance, with cozy-ish fairytale vibes, fated mates, fae, and fake engagement.

I've heard really good stuff on bookstagram about this read and the author's other series (which is also on my tbr)!

Goodreads | Amazon

Serpents of Sky and Flame by Rebecca F. Kenney

OKAY SO-- it's Beauty and the Beast, but he's a dragon meets Fourth Wing but she falls for the dragon, with true enemies to lovers!!

That's all I needed to know to add it to my TBR mountain, okay? LOL

I've loved a lot of books by this author, so I have no doubt that I'll thoroughly enjoy this read when I get to it!

Heads up-- there's a lot of spice 😉

Dance with the Fae Prince by Elise Kova

I'm newer to Elise Kova's books, I started with Deal with the Elf King, and loved it so I'm hoping to continue with her next book.

This is another Married to Magic novel, which is a world of interconnected standalones so you can read them in any order.

I highly recommend giving them a try if you don't mind some spice.

Songbird of the Sorrows by Braidee Otto

This is an upcoming release, that I can. not. wait. for!!

''When denied-princess-turned-spy, Aella, is tasked with her first mission, hidden truths and dangerous secrets begin to unravel. As old sparks reignite and the harsh realities of the realm reveal themselves, she must decide whether to follow orders or defy them.''

I'm beyond excited for this spicy romantic fantasy, I actually learned about it several months before the cover reveal through a bookstagram friend on Instagram and then I started following the author's updates it sounded so good!!

The Musician and the Monster by Megan Van Dyke

A spicy retelling of Beauty and the Beast x Phantom of the Opera 

I actually received an ARC from the author for this read & have my review here!! (It was a 5 star read for me!)

It just released earlier this month!! 🎊

Long Live by V. B. Lacey

This is book one in a romantasy series I've heard A LOT about, so many bookish friends on bookstagram have suggested it to me!

Isla Belthare lives an ordinary life in her small village of Lockhurt. Since losing both her mother and the man she loved two years ago, all she wants is stability and peace. But her world is forever changed when her family is attacked on a journey away from home and she must travel to the Aataran mountain range to find them.
Across the realm, four ancient beings who control the elements of nature are awakening. After a civil war that tore the humans apart, the elementals entered a thousand year slumber. Now, they are being summoned to prevent a dark force that is greedy for power and threatening to overturn the balance of nature.
When Isla’s path crosses with one of these elementals, she finds her fate is more entangled with theirs than she had ever imagined. As she risks it all to follow the elementals on their journey to defeat the unknown foe, she discovers that not everything may be as it seems. Isla is torn between protecting her loved ones or following her heart down a dangerous path of power and magic, of truth and lies.
What will they sacrifice to stop the coming storm?

Skyblue by M. P. Halliday

A gothic fairy tale retelling (we know how much Noel loves those!!)

A dark spellbinding retelling of the Bluebeard fairytale filled with swoony romance and wicked magic. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Adalyn Grace, and Erin A. Craig.

By Blood and Blade by Anna Augustine

I've been told this adult romantic fantasy reminds readers of Arabian Nights and Redeeming Love, and is the first in a series.

It's been on my tbr for a bit now, and I desperately need to actually read it!

Beyond the Filigree Wall by Melissa Wright

This one has popped up on my radar repeatedly, it sounds fantastic and I just love the cover!! 

A dark curse. A deadly secret. The ill-fated girl at the heart of both.
Antonetta Ostwind is about to get everything she’s ever wanted. If all goes to plan, she’ll end the fae, steal back what was stolen, and win the post she’s dreamed of since she was a girl.
There’s just one problem. His name is Gideon Alexander.
Gideon holds the key to her coveted post. He’s fantastic with a sword, looks amazing in uniform, and commands even the adoration of his great, beastly dog. He’s living the life Etta needs.
Gideon doesn’t believe Etta should have any of it. In fact, he’s planning to make sure she never does. And that’s a real problem, because if Etta can’t take her post as marshal, how can she have her vengeance and save the kingdom from the prince of the fae?
Slip into clean, slow-burn romance with a properly stabby heroine and the low commitment of a standalone series in this light regency fantasy romp for fans of Enchantment of Ravens and Little Thieves.

The Herbwitch's Apprentice by Ireen Chau

This is marketed heavily for those that grew up on the original Barbie movies and love the feel of those movies with fantasy and cozy mystery vibes! 

Heck yes, please!

I know there's two books so far, and the author has illustrations she made of the story and characters throughout as well! 💖 *happy squeal*

On Wings of Ash and Dust by Brittany Wang

This one all I needed was the synopsis and I was hooked, my TBR mountain did not thank me, but I digress.

A rebel pixie princess. A deadly competition between five faerie clans. Will she win the crown or die trying?

Pixie pirate Quinn may be an outlaw, wanted by all five faerie clans, but she prefers it that way. All she wants is to finally become a captain and bury her true identity beneath the rolling waves. But when the sudden death of her twin brother causes her to plot a vengeful heist, a shocking betrayal unmasks her for who she really is—her people’s last living heir.

Her only hope of escaping certain death for her crimes is taking her brother’s place in the Ethodine: a dangerous competition for the faerie crown.

In a series of death-defying trials, Quinn faces off with the heirs of four rival clans:

A mute beast tamer.
A flirtatious merman.
A half-blind artist.
And a pompous princess.

But as dark secrets unravel and an ancient prophecy entwines their fates, rivals must become allies before there’s no world left to rule.

On Wings of Ash and Dust is the action-packed first book in this YA epic fantasy. If you're looking for a fresh take on fae magic, deadly trials, and royal intrigue with a dash of enemies-to-lovers, then you’ll adore Brittany Wang’s whimsical and dangerous tale.

These Hollow Shores by A. P. Walston

This is book two in a pirate romantasy series, I read book one a bit back and absolutely loved it! 

It's got action, a hunky love interest that was my #1 favorite character, steamy scenes, and mystery.

My #1 pirate romance recommendation.

A Cascading Hope by Yakira Goldsberry

A new adult retelling of The Little Mermaid, is a standalone novella, complete with tropes like friends to lovers, extrovert/introvert, and magical creatures. It is part of the “Hope Ever After” series, a collection of twenty hopeful and uplifting fairy tale retellings. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the O.U.R. (Operation Underground Railroad) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking.

I'm currently reading this one, and can't wait to share my thoughts!!

On These Black Sands (The Aisling Sea, Book 1) by Vanessa Rasanen

I'm a bit late to the party on this pirate and fae romantasy, ironically enough I pre-ordered this book when it first came out and since then the trilogy has been completed and the author released the first book in another series, but... my reading slump issues had happened and so this book ended up not being read when I had initially planned to.

Healer to the Ash King by Rebecca F. Kenney

I read this earlier in the year, and wooh *fans face* there's uh, there's some steam in this one alright 

Rebecca F. Kenney is another author I have enjoyed every book that I've tried so far, and she has plenty to choose from. Heads up they do all have spice so if that makes you uncomfortable, heads up.

This one is a dark fae romantasy, and each book in her series can be read as standalones as far as I'm aware. 

Midnight Claim (Wolves of Midnight, Book 2) by Becky Moynihan

This is book two in a werewolf romance trilogy, my favorite one by far! I read this book earlier this year, and I just have the last one left!

MIDNIGHT CLAIM is book two in the steamy Wolves of Midnight series, a paranormal werewolf romance. For fans of enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, fated mates, feisty heroines and morally gray men.

Wolves of Midnight is part of the A Touch of Vampire world, but it’s not necessary to read the A Touch of Vampire series first.

Midnight Queen (Wolves of Midnight, Book 3) by Becky Moynihan

AND 

*DRUMROLL*

Book three!!

I can't wait to read this one, it just released too!!

A Cursed Kiss by Jenny Hickman

Oh. my. goodness.

I have heard about this book, this series, and this author-- EVERYWHERE

I have to give this a try.

Living on an island plagued by magic and mythical monsters isn’t a fairy tale... it’s a nightmare.
After Keelynn witnesses her sister's murder at the hands of the legendary Gancanagh, an immortal creature who seduces women and kills them with a cursed kiss, she realizes there’s nothing she wouldn't do to get her back. With the help of a vengeful witch, she’s given everything she needs to resurrect the person she loves most.
But first, she must slay the Gancanagh.
Tadhg, a devilishly handsome half-fae who has no patience for high society—or propriety—would rather spend his time in the company of loose women and dark creatures than help a human kill one of his own.
That is until Keelynn makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
Together, they embark on a cross-country curse-breaking mission that promises life but ends in death.
Perfect for fans of Holly Black's Folk of the Air series and The Falconer, A Cursed Kiss is the first book in a series of interconnected novels and novellas set on the mythical island of Airren.

Giant Country (The Realms series, Book 4) by Emory R. Frie

Confession time, I've loved this book series for YEARS. This was the first Indie author I ever read, but I have only read the first three books🙈🙈

There's two more books y'all! 

I love this series to pieces but I still haven't finished it, and uh...yeah...

So it's a mashup of 5 fairytale characters in the series and they have to travel and save their worlds/realms: Alice from Wonderland, Wendy from Neverland, Jack from Giant Country, little red riding hood, and Kai from Snow Queen.

I can not recommend this book series enough, even though I've only read the first three books😅

Empire on a String by R. A Wynters

Cue another sci-fi book I....desperately need to read.

Isayo, a Robot Fighter from the dregs of the galaxy and Zuthyra, a young but passionate governess, cross unlikely paths when the prospects of a dangerous invention, known as the Plexus, threatens to control the hearts and minds of greedy rulers. But, the closer they get to this device, the more they unveil the dark secrets surrounding it.

Determined to find answers, the battle scarred young commoner and the spirted heiress embark on a space adventure, fleeing pirates and powerful Elite leaders who are equally hungry for the power of the Plexus. It is suspected that keeper of this fabled device is an android named Koyeko. What began as a simple quest turns into a treacherous mission, as Zuthyra and Isayo race to find Koyeko before anyone else. The deeper they get involved, the more they realize how their lives are suspended by nothing more than a single thread. What happens when that thread is cut?

Fate Born: Secrets of Sratta by Michelle L. Robison

I read this one last month or the month before (excuse my pregnancy brain please), as an ARC when the author released it, it's so good if you love a sci-fi and dystopian setting!!

Secrets of Sratta is the first installment of The Fate Born Tetralogy, a sci-fi coming-of-age adventure about family, friendship, first love, and finding yourself as you rise to the challenge in extraordinary circumstances.

Petram by TM Ghent

This is book two to Lume, and the final book in the duology.

If you like sci-fi fantasy, westerns, and anti-heros, give this a try big time.

And those are all 24 of Noel's Indie Reads list for 2024~~

Of which, I have read 4 of so far!!

See any that you've seen before, enjoyed, or have on your TBR mountain as well??

Happy reading lovelies, 

~NoelW

The Musician and the Monster by Megan Van Dyke | Book Review

 

The Musician and the Monster by Megan Van Dyke

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub

Synopsis: Every night, Ceridwen Kinsley plays music on her rooftop for the spirit of her dead mother. A peaceful if odd ritual, until she witnesses a murder by something not quite human. The monstrous encounter earns her notoriety within the city and a visit from the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne.

Charged with protecting the backwater city of Teneboure by the king, Drystan is failing at his task, and he can’t afford another slip up. But when fate and the very monster he means to conquer bring Ceridwen to his notice, he seizes the opportunity and presents her with an offer: play music for him at his manor in exchange for the money her impoverished family desperately needs. Music eases the strain of his magic, and who better to hire than the woman whose tunes he secretly listens to at night?

At first, Ceridwen is put off by Drystan’s unkempt appearance and harsh demeanor, not to mention the odd ailment that plagues him. But as he embraces her passion for music and she draws the recluse out of his lonely tower, the two develop an unlikely attachment. Class lines begin to blur as fearful indifference shifts to unexpected desire, and Ceridwen yearns to help Drystan subdue the monster as well as provide for her family. However, the monster prowling the night isn’t their only enemy, and as terrible secrets come to light, protecting those they love may risk their lives and their hearts.


This retelling of Beauty and the Beast incorporates themes and motifs from Phantom of the Opera, and is set in a gaslamp fantasy world with strong gothic vibes. It should appeal to fans of romantic and atmospheric retellings and fairy tales by authors such as Hannah Whitten, Tessonja Odette, and Stephanie Garber.

While this is book 4 in the Reimagined Fairy Tales series, it can be read as a standalone.

** I received an ARC from the author for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.**

For those that don't know what a gaslamp fantasy is, it's basically a fantasy or magic story set in regency or Victorian era. (Which how could I not love that?? Seriously, I love regency, fantasy, and retellings...there's no way this isn't up my alley!)

It is a new Indie release, it just came out on May 7th, and I've been eagerly awaiting this book 

*rubs hands evilly with a cackle that ends up doubling me over with a cough*

I have not read a book by Megan Van Dyke that I didn't absolutely love, and I'm so ecstatic to add this read to that list. From what I've read so far, her books do have spice, but you can skip over them if that makes you uncomfortable.

This book hit so many high notes for me: the gothic vibes, the gaslamp fantasy subgenre, the retellings of Beauty and the Beast x Phantom of the Opera, the romance was slow-burn like I love and where he falls first 😍😍 

I may or may not have squealed at a few parts but no one can prove anything (except my husband, but he knows better than to rat me out lol).

First, I LOVED the characters!

I really liked the side characters, but I loved the main characters we got for this story. I'm tired of the ''strong badass female'' stereotype, I see it enough okay! Our main character was strong in her own way, but was more timid and reserved and quiet. And oh my goodness, did it make me love her to pieces. I'm a lot like her in that respect so it actually let me connect with her a lot better from early on in the story.

And then we have Drystan, the wonderful love interest that's too good to spoil. 

Plot wise, I really enjoyed the story. I particularly loved getting to connect the parts that were which retelling, etc. The flow and OH GOD THE SLOW BURN-- I loved the slow burn romance!!

It was all so fantastically done, and easily a new favorite read.

I've got to say, it was the first book in a long time I've stayed up LATE to read and finish. It's been soo long since I could say I honestly couldn't put a book down, but I can 100% say that for this book there was no way I was putting it down lol!

Have you read any of Megan Van Dyke's books? If so, any favorites?

And what's your thoughts on gaslamp fantasy?? I feel like I don't see it a lot, but I love it every time I do!

Happy reading lovelies!!

~NoelW

The Nemesis by S. J. Kincaid

The Nemesis by S. J. Kincaid

[YA Sci-fi] [The Diabolic #3, final book in trilogy]

[Goodreads] [Amazon]

About: In the heart-pounding conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Diabolic series, the Empire teeters on the edge of destruction as rumors spread that Nemesis is still alive.

Three years ago, Tyrus Domitrian shocked the galaxy by killing the woman he swore to love forever. The woman for whom he upended the Empire. The woman with whom he wanted to build a new and brighter future.

Now, the once-idealistic heir apparent has become the cruel Emperor Tyrus, wielding his authority with an iron fist, capable of destroying planets with a single word, controlling all technology with a simple thought. He has bent the Grandiloquy to their knees, and none has the power to stand against him.

But there is a muttering among the Excess. They say that Nemesis is not truly gone. They whisper of her shadow spotted in distant star systems. They say that Nemesis lives. That she will rise, and rally the people to topple the man who was once her truest love—and is now her fiercest enemy.

~My thoughts~

       **Spoilers for first two books in series (The Diabolic and The Empress)!!**

I read the first book to this trilogy several years ago, and as soon as I possibly could, I snatched up book two. 

The cliffhanger that book left me with had me constantly checking for updates of the last book's release (this book). I WAITED FOREVER!!!! 

Okay, not actually ''forever'', but it felt like it!!

With where the last book left off, I'd had my heart shattered into pieces but the promise of a final conclusion to come had given me some hope-- granted a tiny amount-- but hope none the less. The first two books just set everything up so perfectly for this last one to finally resolve everything and punch me in the heart just a lot more.

And that it did.

And I loved it so much I want to re-read the series again.

 I will admit I was also terrified of what the ending would be for these characters, for Tyrus and Nemesis specifically as I'd rooted for them and their romance from the beginning only for... what happened in the cliffhanger in the last book 👀 (if you know, you know).

Listen y'all, I LOVE when a book wrecks me and makes me sob. I love tragedies and villain love, I just do.

So believe me, after where that cliffhanger went... I was READY.

Alright moving along, I'm going to try and compress all of my thoughts and emotions into bullet points so that I can cover everything without rambling your ears off too much.

• Nemesis' character, oooh buddy, did I enjoy seeing how she'd grown from the first two books. She was just so utterly herself, and is one of my top favorite main characters to root for without a doubt. She was ready to take a *certain person* down and I was here for it all the way!!

• All of the characters showed more layers and depth, and it was so interesting to read. Neveni... I was mad at multiple times, it was wild to look back at book 1 and see how much this girl had changed, and while I liked her at times I feel like her and Nemesis went back and forth in their friendship so many times and forgave each other for some stuff that um... yeah, no. Nuh uh.

• Anguish became a side character I adored. I loved his brother sister friendship with Nemesis and found it complemented things so well.

• Tyrus! So I don't want to say too much about him, because I feel like I'll give somethings away that just is too good to spoil. I will say he delivered my favorite parts of the book.

• Finally, the storyline and ending-- YES YES YES!! I wasn't entirely sure how the author would handle this book, just after how the last one ended, but holy moly did she deliver! I would love an extra epilogue, but I'm so genuinely satisfied with how this book ended and the twists in it that I don't feel like I need it or have to have it y'know?

Finally, my rating:

Have you read this series or this book?

What were your thoughts??

Happy reading lovelies, and thank you for stopping in!! 

*virtual coffee toast*

~NoelW