Wednesday, April 29, 2026

#BookReview: Never the Roses (Never the Roses #1) by Jennifer K. Lambert

Book Cover
Synopsis: UNSTOPPABLE WAR. UNSPEAKABLE SINS. IMPOSSIBLE LOVE.

Genevieve Gornichec’s The Witch’s Heart meets Madeline Miller’s Circe in this epic and deeply emotional romantic fantasy debut by Jennifer K. Lambert. The hardcover edition features beautiful stenciled edges.


The Dread Sorceress Oneira has retired. She’s exhausted from fighting the endless wars of kings and queens, and has long accepted that her death is near. Alone at last but for a few uninvited companions―a near-mythical wolf, a goddess’s avatar, and a feline that embodies magic itself―Oneira realizes that she’s bored. On a whim, or perhaps at the behest of fate, she makes an unlikely trip to the most extensive library in existence: the home of her most powerful rival, the sorcerer Stearanos.

By recklessly stealing a book from him, Oneira inadvertently initiates a forbidden correspondence. Taunting notes and clever retorts reveal a connection neither has found―nor could ever find―in any other.

But Oneira soon learns that Stearanos, bound to a vile king, is tasked with waging war on the queen she once served. A relationship with him is far too dangerous to pursue despite their mutual desire―and yet, Oneira can’t seem to stay away.

A bond with Stearanos could alight the long-extinct flame of life within her… or it could destroy her entirely.
📚 Grab this book on Amazon
My Review:
This one had a really interesting setup and I loved the idea of a retired sorceress getting pulled back into something bigger. The writing felt very atmospheric, and the magical elements were cool, especially her companions. The connection between the characters had its moments, but it didn’t fully hit for me the way I hoped. Overall, it’s one of those take it or leave it reads depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Read What You Love & Love What You Read!


It's Your Turn! Leave a comment or join the conversation online!
Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own." Thanks to Goodreads and Amazon for book info. Buying via these links helps support this site at no cost to you.

FTC Guidelines: Many books are provided for free in exchange for an honest review. Sponsored posts will be clearly labeled.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Hateful and Unrelated Comments Will Be Deleted. Anonymous comments are invalid to enter into giveaways.