This was the perfect series to cure my ACOTAR hangover!! If you like Romantasy and Fantasy re-tellings, I encourage you to give Briar Boleyn your attention. I can't wait to finish the rest of this series!!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book, as well as the entire series!
✨
I wasn’t sure about this one at first, I’m not going to lie. The formatting of the Kindle edition I received rubbed me the wrong way, but I did my best to not let it bother me too much. Something I did like was the TWs being at the end, with a hyperlink available, to avoid spoilers.

As for the story itself, I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading the following books! I loved the banter between Morgan and Draven once they set out on their journey. Once I hit around the 35% mark I was pretty hooked! I’m not actually super familiar with the original Camelot story so I don’t know how it compares to this book. There were several scenes, particularly at the end, that I absolutely loved.

I do think that the book suffers from a bit of over-explanation. There was a section at the beginning that went into quite a bit of depth describing the temple and the three goddess’s statues, but they weren’t really mentioned throughout the rest of book 1 so I’ve already forgotten what they mean. I think a brief description followed by something more in-depth when it mattered would have been better and less confusing. This happens a few more times and makes certain scenes drag out more than I think they needed to.

4 stars rounded up!
It started out a little slow but the slow burnnnnn. OMG! If you like some beauty and the beast retelling this is the book for you! Some of the twist I felt coming but the way in which they’re written and played out still surprised me. There’s so much to uncover in this world that by the end of the book you want more! Morgan did erk me at random times but it was easy to get over with by the end of the book. Like I mentioned the first about 50% took me a little bit to get through but world building is always a drag for me. The other 50% I ate up in two days!
Thank you to NetGalley, Starwater press publishing, and Briar Boleyn for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

Absolutely loved the world building and the characters! I really loved the mixture of myth and legend with a twist! Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

My review:
The other night I stayed up super late to finish this read, and couldn’t wait to share more about it!

It’s the first in a fantasy romance series, and it felt so different from a lot of the fae reads I’ve read lately.
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!!
It reminded me a lot of acotar and From Blood and Ash, however I will say I enjoyed this one more than the latter personally.
It felt very refreshing and wonderful to read!!
I gave it 4.5 stars!

Below are the links to where I posted the review, for my blog the post is scheduled for May 26th. When I share the blog post I also share it to Pinterest at the same time because I have the accounts linked.

What a brilliant fantasy escape into a very unique retelling of Arthurian legend! Whilst it was a little slow starting - by the end I was hanging on every twist and turn, and it left me very excited for book 2 in the series!

Often times with fantasy reading it can become quite cumbersome and confusing - however Boleyn’s world building and narration were in equal parts compelling and pretty easy reading.

I really enjoyed the (mostly) single POV of strong willed Morgan on her journey of unravelling self-discovery - and really enjoyed the wider characterisation too. I loved her friendships, and also the slow burn foundations for what feels like it will become a very complex love story in the coming books!

A very special thank you to Starwater Press, Briar Boleyn and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review.

Morgan’s father killed her mother in a drunken haze. Morgan was a child and he murdered her because she had fae blood, the same blood that flowed through her veins. But no one’s going to hold Uther Pendragon accountable- he’s king after all.

As the first born, Morgan should’ve been queen. Instead, the honor went to her younger brother, Arthur, who has he same mean streak their father carried. Camelot is rife with famine and food insecurity. While Arthur and his court feast overnight, the citizens are starving and being slaughtered when they try and hunt food. Something isn’t adding up, but Morgan isn’t in a position to ask questions. Sure, she’s a princess, but she has fae blood and in Camelot, that makes her dirty.

The king’s advisor’s son, Florian, has taken a liking to Morgan. He’s tormented her for years but has decided he wants to marry her. Arthur is partial to his case and makes sure Morgan knows that. When he drugs her and carves his name into her chest, Morgan knows she needs to flee

Draven is a ridiculously attractive knight that comes with a nasty reputation as a man who gets things done. Even if it involves slaughtering children. He quickly rises to head of the guard and earns Arthur’s favor.


Arthur wants to wage war and tells Morgan she’s to travel to a very very far land and retrieve Excalibur or die trying. Draven will accompany her and ensure she completes the mission (or again, die trying).

The night before she leaves, Florian stalks her back to the stables and attempts to assault her. Draven finds her covered in blood, tells her to grab her pack and meet him so they can leave.


Together, they embark on this journey and Morgan begins to come into her powers. She meets Vesper a hot faerie and the attraction is instantaneous. Does she make it to Excalibur? Can she resist Draven and Vesper?


Queen of Roses was a 5 star fantasy that pulled from King Arthur, Merlin, and Camelot lore. It's not a retelling but uses the world to build this incredible book.

This wasn't one of those books that I devoured in a day. I took my time to enjoy it and read it over the course of the week. But it was still addictive and I still found myself thinking about it whenever I wasn't reading just wondering what would happen next

Thanks Netgalley!

Overall: 4 stars
World Building: 3 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Spice 1 pepper
Ending: 4 stars

Tropes: Sword & The Stone retelling, Enemies to lovers

First off, I suspect that this will turn into a true enemies to lovers in the next book of the series. This one is suggested towards the end.

This was well written and well thought out. I am super excited to read the next 3 books in the series. A beautiful fictional world filled with magic, creatures, and gods. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is into fantasy or romantasy. There are two spicy scenes, and both are mild. I suspect spice will increase throughout the series.

Overall, Briar Boleyn does a wonderful job weaving a fictional world that you can immerse yourself in and believe is real for just a bit while you are reading. This is not like other books I have read in the genre and I am really impressed. Definitely pick this one up!

This was a great introductory book, though I did find that the 'twists' were so trope-y as to be unsurprising. That being said, there's nothing wrong with tropes! It did entice me enough to keep me reading the full series.

Thank you Netgalley for an ecopy for review.

This series is inspired by the King Arthur legend. Morgan Pendragon is a captive by the duties forged by her oppressive former father’s rules and now her oppressive brother who is now King, King Arthur. As requested by her brother, she is on a mission to obtain the legendary Excalibur, the tool that will be the key to his brother winning his war. The secrets she keeps may be the key to getting this legendary sword. The party she is riding with to obtain this sword includes a dark warrior, Kairos Draven, who has secrets of his own. The pace is fairly quick, a great story for young adults. Not a bad start to a series! This ends in a major cliffhanger.

"Queen of Roses" kicks off Briar Boleyn's "Blood of a Fae" series, offering a captivating retelling of King Arthur infused with Fae elements, brimming with magic, betrayal, and action.

As the Princess of Camelot, Morgan Pendragon finds her birthright of Queen stripped away due to her potential Fae lineage. Instead, she embarks on a perilous journey alongside the newly appointed captain of the guard, Kairos Draven, to seek out a legendary weapon.

Morgan Pendragon, the Princess of Camelot, has her birthright of Queen stripped from her as a mere child due to the possible Fae blood she inherited from her mother. Instead, when she comes of age Morgan was promised to the Temple and her brother Arthur reigns as king of Camelot. Arthur commands that Morgan is to embark on a perilous journey to seek out a weapon of legendary power, alongside two of the realms of ruthless men, including newly appointed captain of the guard Kairos Draven.

Boleyn’s world-building is strong, painting a vivid picture of diverse regions and captivating lore that pulls you right into the story. The characters are exceptionally well-developed, evoking genuine emotion—I found myself despising characters like Arthur and Florian, a testament to Boleyn's skillful storytelling.

Morgan experiences both mental and physical abuse throughout the book and has a lot of trauma due to the events in her life. Her resilience in the face of adversity is admirable, as she navigates mental and physical abuse, gradually embracing her strength and identity as she follows a path to self-acceptance. Her relationships with friends Lancelet, Galahad, and her brother Kaye add heartwarming layers to the story.

Draven, with his dark reputation and brooding demeanor, is a compelling character who tugs at the heartstrings with his hidden depths of compassion beneath his rugged exterior. The dynamic between him and Morgan, while intriguing, could benefit from heightened tension to amplify their slow-burn chemistry.

For fans of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, forced proximity, and found family dynamics intertwined with Fae magic and betrayal, "Queen of Roses" delivers a captivating read. I eagerly anticipate delving further into the series.

A heartfelt thank you to Netgalley, the author Briar Boleyn, and Starwater Press for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The world building of this book was great however I wasn't expecting this story line and it just wasn't my kinda of book l🤷‍♀️ If you love a king author retellings and spicey scenes it would also be ideal for those who aren't a fan of multiple povs then this one's for you l📖

I would have preferred it if this book had multiple povs especially more on draven as it was difficult to connect with him aswell as the other characters other than Morgan l🌻

I quite liked Morgan in the beginning however I disliked her more as the book went on as her baddass personality changed quite alot l⚔️

Do check the trigger warnings before reading as their is quite significant violence and spicy scenes in this book l⚠️

Thank you for the free copy netgalley starwater press and the brair boleyn l📚

Queen of Roses, by Briar Boleyn
Book 1, Blood of a Fae series
First Release: April 2023
Rating: 5⭐️ | 2🔥

“My future had been set for me before I was old enough to question it” ~Morgan Le Fay

This book took me places! I don’t think I’ve been this excited over a fantasy book in a long time!!!
Once I started I couldn’t stop, I just needed to know more and could not get enough. It took me less than a day to finish and I even purchased the audiobook so that I didn’t have to pause the story whilst I functioned throughout my day… that’s how captivated I am with this book.
And need I remind you, I received a free ARC from netgalley and I still put my money down and will do so again for the rest of the Blood of a Fae series. It’s that darn good!

The world-building is exceptional, and I love the development of the FMC Morgan Le Fay.
The vibe’s giving elements of the misty Isle of Avalon and its mystic Priestesses who part the veil between the worlds. Add an Arthurian twist and you better believe I’m all the way here for it!

In a beautiful way, meeting Briar Boleyn’s written portrayal of Morgan Le Fay is like a redemption arc for an often maligned character and going on this journey of discovery with her thus far has been like finding a piece to the puzzle that younger me was forever looking for, for poor Morgan.

There’s a whole slew of characters unique to the BOAF verse along with familiar names from the Arthurian tales that play a part in this retelling, however nothing is as it’s typically told. Almost everything you previously knew about Arthur and his Camelot will be turned on its head. And it all unravels in the best possible way. Hands down, these plot twists are an absolute delight!
Wait ‘til you meet Merlin!

Then author, Briar Boleyn goes and slides the deliciously dark and moody Kairos Draven into the mix and oh you best believe we are all gonna get our knickers into a twist. This fine strapping gentleman, captain of the King’s guard, is some of the best that book bae’s are made of.

Overprotective with a don’t mess with me and don’t even think about looking at or touching Morgan schtick… again - a panty dropper! Morgan even compares him to being the equivalent of the bringer of death when she refers to him as… “Death in the shape of Kairos Draven, who had killed for me.” Now I know my dark romantasy fans out there love a man who’ll kill for his love, so double points for our guy right there!

In various scenes he gets all seething protector on Morgan and there’s just as many when he’s a dead-set flirt, steamy and Draven-sweet. Here are a couple of teasers…

“Who did this to you?” Draven’s voice was a guttural growl. The sound of a furious animal, not a man.
…”You won’t tell me? You think I won’t find out for myself?”

“To my recollection, I’ve never gagged a woman,” Draven said, looking thoughtful.
“To your recollection!”
“At least, not one who didn’t wish to be gagged.” He shot me a roguish smile and I felt my heart speed up a notch.”

“…He moved his lips to my ears. "I would burn for you, Morgan. You've set me aflame..."

From what I’ve heard from Briar’s Insta posts, the spice level burns nice and slow and keeps on burning ‘til it mounts to a good deep sear in the following books, so if you’re like me and like a good building climax, best you check out Queen of Roses.


Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
My review is given freely.

3.5⭐️ - I really struggled to get into this book for the first half but I stuck with it and then from that it had me hooked! I love draven 😍 and have added the rest of the series to my TBR because I NEED to know what happens!! Definitely stick with it because it was a good read. Would have been higher ratings if I didn’t struggle so much at the start

This book swept me away into a mesmerizing retelling of the Arthurian legend, where Morgan le Fey takes center stage. Right from the start, I was captivated by the poignant backstory of our protagonist and the clever twists that breathed new life into the familiar tale. The slow-burn romance between Morgan and the enigmatic Kairos Draven had me positively giddy with anticipation. The sparkling banter between them added an extra layer of delight. The world-building transported me effortlessly into this enchanting realm, although there were instances of slightly overwhelming information towards the end. With its blend of betrayal, intrigue, and unexpected revelations, this book left me yearning for more. If you crave a spellbinding fantasy romance with rich characters and a fresh take on Arthurian lore, looking forward to the next one.

I've read a few books that tried to be an "Arthurian Retelling" that just ended up sucking, but this wasn't one of them. Super excited for book two and to go deeper into the story.

Really enjoyed this book! Great characters, storyline and the slow burn! Just started book two and the world building is amazing. So glad that I have the whole series to binge!

Are you in to Fantasy or Romantacy?

This book is definitely for you. There are so many twists and turns! Don’t even mention it’s HOTTTTT!

I recommend this to all my Fourth Wing and ACOTAR lovers.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an arc copy of this book in return for my honest opinion/rating..

I had a hard time getting through this book.
I am typically a dark romance + dark romantasy girly, however, I don't think this is a favorite read of mine. Though I do see why people would love it!

I think I had a hard time connecting because I am usually not a King Arthur lover.

I did still enjoy this. There were many twists and turns I did not see coming as I am not too versed in King Arthur lore.

3/5 stars!

Magical, mysterious & adventurous...

Wow! If it wasn't for work & other
responsibilities I would have easily devoured this in a day - I LOVED it!

I really enjoyed Briar's style of writing and all of the characters & places that she has brought to life.

I adored the fact that there was a pronunciation guide!! Immediately bookmarked it to come back to, as it drives me mad when i don't know the correct way to pronounce a name or place!!

Camelot with a fae twist was just brilliant, along with discovering the lands beyond with their strange creatures & magic - I was hooked & intrigued from the very beginning.

Then there were plenty of unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout - I definitely was not expecting some of the events toward the end of the book, although I did guess some!

I really enjoyed this first installment, there is clearly much more to be uncovered & explored. I am so glad I have book two ready to dive into!!

Thank you for allowing me to read & review this!