I was so excited when this collection came out, a book with novellas of clean fantasy romance?! I was so surprised when it came and it was SIX HUNDRED pages, I wasn’t expecting a book that hefty! But I was hooked from the moment I sat down and started the first novella. These authors really put a lot of love into their stories, and I can’t wait to tell you what I thought of each one of them!
Lethal Mark by Madisyn Carlin
He protected her from her family, his own welcoming her, and she helped him protect his heart.
4 stars
I was laughing at the first chapter the racoon conversation dies this story is written in such an intriguing way I thought I knew what was going to happen but really wasn’t ready when it did. And the ending? So good. There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this story, I have already gone back and read it again!
The Black Rose by Kristina Hall
“what’s wrong?” everything
3 stars
The way that Kristina keeps the tension thick throughout the story was so fun for me to read! I was sitting there waiting for the next chapter and hoping that it would be as good as the last. And I also really loved the little prayers that the MC Lettie send up when she is worried about the male MC. They were short and sweet showing how much Lettie cares about him.
A Life’s Cost by Vanessa Hall
“A curse. She’s cursed.”
3 stars
I have to say, the start of this story was so different from the last two that I was in shock. My brain didn’t know what to think of it I thought the story was well written and somewhat lyrical. One thing I found interesting was how much old English talk was used, I don’t read many recently published works that are written like that. It slowed my reading down a bit but that served only to make me focus more.
Allies in the Shadows by K. R. Mattson
“I find most often those who deny their love are in the most pain.”
3.75 stars
I really liked this novella; it had the action and the plot that I was SO here for. I mean an academy that could have the next queen?! The next black rose?! I felt like I was truly running from the guards and being entered into the drawing. One of my favorite things was learning the way that this worlds government worked. It was different from most other fantasy government that I have read about before.
The Hunted by M. L. Milligan
It had to be a sign when one’s own shadow snuck up on them.
5 stars
I don’t have words.
This story gave me that five-star feeling, it gave me chills and I really couldn't put it down for the life of me. The number of amazing quotes just nearly killed me, I stayed up till eleven reading this story. one of my favorite things was ALL OF IT. the plot felt immaculate, the characters were well developed, the settings were realistic. < 3 I have reread this story so many times since getting the collection. Honestly, I could rant about how much I loved this story, and my annotating process for it but I will restrain myself.
Rose of Fate by Kaytlin Phillips
The rose has decided, and the rose of fate never lies.
3.5 stars
I loved how the author also took the roses and described them in such a unique way. One of my favorite ways was “the wind was just playing with the rose bushes” how interesting is that? Kaytlin really puts her own special flare into her writing, and I very much enjoyed it!
A Vally of Stars by Saraina Whitney
How she even had a heartbeat right now, she didn’t know.
4 stars
The royalty vibes were so well written in this story, and the internal dialogue gets out highlighters and pens Saraina also starts the story so well, I was engrossed the moment that I read the first chapter. Her writing style just sucks you in like a black hole, you never had a chance to not be invested in her story.
Thank you for taking the time to read this review of a collection of Seven stories of faith, danger, and romance.
Let's Chat!
Have you read the black rose collection? What was your favorite story?
Rock On,
K. Florence
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