I cannot believe this trilogy is over! We enter this series in mass chaos. Everyone believes Arwen to be dead, Kane and all her friends are mourning her supposed death while Arwen is actually alive and has been stolen away by our villain to harvest her light!

I loved how these characters found their way back to each other and tied off their loose knots! I am hoping, with the little teaser of Aleksander and his focus on Kane and Arwen's future daughter that their will be a continuation of this series following new characters!!! I also have to know if Mari and Griffin finally get together. Kate Golden, I have loved this series, please don't leave me hanging!

I really cannot share much, but this was a great ending to a great series. The steam/spice were a great balance with the development of these characters. Please add to your TBR!

Special thanks to the publisher for the ARC!

I really enjoyed A Dawn of Onyx and A Promise of Peridot, so you can imagine my excitement when I was approved for an ARC of the final book in the trilogy, A Reign of Rose!

This book picks up about two months after the second book ends, and we are instantly thrust back into danger, danger, and more danger—perfect for me because I want all the suspense!

Personally, I found the pacing of this book to be just my cup of tea. In some fantasy romance series, I find that by the time the trilogy rolls around, the tension and buildup have burnt out. This was not the case in this trilogy! There were so many thrilling and challenging moments that had me clutching my pearls.

The side characters also brought tension and suspense, making this book all the more enjoyable. The author definitely laid some crumbs for possible storylines to come, and...consider me hooked! Wrapping up Arwen and Kane's story is so bittersweet, but I'm excited to see what's next in this magical universe!

What a great ending! What a great, fantasy romance series.

What to expect:
- fae, shifters, witches ✨
- magical quest 🧭
- kingdom politics 👑
- epic battles🗡️

Plot summary:
There are 9 kingdoms (named after gemstones) that are on different sides of a fae/mortal war. The fae kingdom led by Lazarus (the supposed last full fae) are the villains set on taking over all the nine kingdoms to get fae back in power. Kane (MMC) is not only Lazarus's son but also the King of the Onyx kingdom. In the world, those with fae blood can use their power to shift into other creatures (dragons, griffins, hydra, harpies, etc). And did I mention there is also witches?

Book 3 picks up right where Promise of Peridot left off. Arwen and Kane are separated after the battle with Lazarus. Lazarus has taken her and Kane thinks she is dead.

Truly, the heartbreak that Kane is going through is gut-wrenching. And the way the author writes his POV is so full of melancholy, it's tragic. But no matter what, Kane will always fight for Arwen and that is an MMC I love.

And Arwen is such a survivor through this whole series. If you like BAMF female main characters, then you will love this series and this book. This is a story about a woman who defies the odds and comes into her own power. Everyone wants something from her but she has to decide for herself what she is willing to sacrifice.

Other random thoughts:
- The forest scene was so hot I melted 🫠
- Ryder is the worst
- With the atmosphere, this would be great to read around Halloween 🍂
- This tension between Mari and Griffin is immaculate and I need more! 🥵
- Can I get more of Aleksander because he is giving broody, Viking zaddy?
- When she made him submit 🥵🔥💥 go off, Arwen!
- Also loved the witch/coven elements

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️.75

The final installment of Kate Golden’s Sacred Stones trilogy is an incredibly wild ride from start to finish and readers will love to get to the end, but will be sad to finish the book. After reading this book in one sitting, it’s quite enjoyable the thrill of what would come next, which was a bit of a change from the previous two books. I think part of the reason is the fact that the characters we’ve grown to know and love displayed some true growth in this book, and there are some bits of story that are revealed and seem to be hinting at Golden not being finished in the Sacred Stones world.

I’m going to do my best to avoid spoilers, but there are a couple that are inevitable due to events in the previous book. I would recommend scrolling away if you’re wanting to avoid them. A Reign of Rose finds the king of the Onyx Kingdom a broken man. Kane would do anything for Arwen’s safe return, but it seems like she might be past saving. Nevertheless, he must find a way to fulfil the prophecy and kill his father, even if it means his own death. For Arwen, the battle has already begun, and there is nothing she’s willing to sacrifice to save the realm from destruction.

Of the three books, Reign of Rose was my favourite. Although the book is fast paced like the others, it makes sense for the general atmosphere of the characters and the story itself. I’m going to do my best not to spoil any major plot points, but I appreciate the amount of growth displayed among the characters. We got to have more of Kane’s perspective, and in my secret little heart, I also wish we could have gotten into the head of a couple more characters too. However, getting to see just how much Kane is affected by what’s happened to Arwen and the consequences of that are just perfect.

Spice-wise, there was a little more to this book than the previous two that I think will absolutely delight romance readers. I did enjoy Kane and Arwen’s banter, too. Mari and Griffin are the couple to watch though. Golden keeps bringing them up…so I wonder what’s happening there?

There were times in this book that I felt like the reader might be a little stretched thin for the things that they had to remember, so if someone is picking this up upon release, I would definitely recommend a re-read. I started this just after finishing A Promise of Peridot, and I still had a bit of trouble.

While I tend to lean toward stories that feature heavier worldbuilding, the way that Golden wrote her story to develop both the romantic and fantasy aspects of the story. There’s just enough to tantalise the reader, but not so much that it’s overwhelming either. I genuinely think that this would be an excellent start for a reader that’s wanting to delve into romantasy, or even take a break from some of the heavier fantasy stories out there.

There are a few reveals in this book that have lead me to believe that the story won’t end with this trilogy, and I am so excited for what might come next. Is it a bit trope-heavy? Yes, but I definitely think it’s a worthy read. I would add it to any romance and fantasy reader’s shelf. This book served as a bit of a palate cleanser, since I have some pretty hefty books up next for review.

I had been awaiting the conclusion of the Sacred Stones series, and I was lucky enough to be gifted the ARC via the author’s newsletter. I love this series and the final installment was no exception.

the conclusion to The Sacred Stones trilogy by Kate Golden ✨

it’s me, hi, i’m the problem it’s me. Reign of Rose was a bitter sweet end to a romantasy series I had so much fun reading, but ultimately I was left somewhat disappointed. While A Dawn of Onyx captivated me with the courts and kingdoms, and A Promise of Peridot made me fall in love with the characters (especially side characters), A Reign of Rose left me wanting for that epic conclusion we all strive for in fantasy.

things i did enjoy: being back in the world of the sacred stones, kate golden’s fast paced writing, well written spice 😮‍💨, and the introduction of some reeeaaally cool side characters.

some things I wished for: character depth all around. this is HARD when it comes to a conclusion of a series where things are being all wrapped up, but i was disappointed in missed opportunities when it came to character depth and development. Mari and Griffin are some of my favorite side characters and they only had a few interactions. The Queen of Rose and Aleksander were SUCH cool characters that only made a few appearances. Even Arwen and Kane, who have been through so much, felt somewhat surface level.

i write this with a heavy heart because i really enjoyed this series, but this book just wasn’t hitting for me! i would still recommend the series for anyone looking for a captivating romantasy series akin to A Court of Thorns and Roses. Thank you to Berkeley and NetGalley for the eARC!

What a great end to the trilogy! I loved this series so much. Please please read it if you get the chance!

THIS SERIES is EVERYTHING I want from a Romantasy. I loved the slow burn from the first two books alongside the magic, action, and the politics and war plots. The Romance and Fantasy were so perfectly balanced with each other that I was completely invested.

A REIGN OF ROSE concluded Arwen and Kane and Onyx's story so well. Dare I say this one did lean a bit more on the fantasy/war plot - which I believe was required to provide us with a satisfying conclusion. I loved that we got a book where the slow burn tension had resolved (but still got some of that gloriously decadent tension with other characters!) and we got to see our leads being hopelessly in love and fighting the world to be together. I do love when the romance "crisis" isn't between the character but between the two of them and some outside force. With the prophecy, Lazarus, both of their love for their kingdom we truly got quite the crisis.

I did miss some of the side characters in this one. I didn't feel like they were as prominent as the other books but when they were on page, everything felt right.

There was so much to tie up and resolve and Golden did a great job crafting a solid conclusion to this trilogy.

I can’t believe it’s over. This series has my heart forever and I’m so happy they got the happy ending they deserved 💜

A fantastic end to the Sacred Stones trilogy!

I devoured this romantasy series and cannot wait for more books from Kate Golden. This unique world was full of mystery, love, and courage. A Reign of Rose ties up all the loose threads from this series, while still leaving room for more. A sequel series, perhaps?

This is the author’s third book, and you can clearly tell. Her writing blossomed so spectacularly; her prose and descriptive language felt so immersive in this book compared to the last two. I was engrossed the whole time and I am satisfied with the ending, although I can’t wait to see where she takes Mari’s and Griffin’s story. A fabulous end to a great series and an author that I will follow for years to come.

I recieved an ARC copy of this book.
A wonderful book to end the era of Arwen and Kane. The story was riveting and emotional, and I definitely cried a few times. Kate wrote an amazing cast of characters, Kane’s broodiness mixed with Arwens unrelenting positivity made scenes that much more enjoyable. I am not a fan of one of the tropes that was used but Kate still managed to make me feel all warm inside. I started the whole series as an ARC reader and have loved every time I got to review the next one - congrats on writing an amazing series Kate, I loved all of it.

An absolutely amazing conclusion to Kate’s debut trilogy! The tension, the spice, the twists and turns, just EVERYTHING. I am so impressed with how this world has built up over the course of the last three books, and Kane and Arwens relationship has truly blossomed into something so beautiful, and Kate’s writing really shows us that. Arwens character has grown so much and this third installment really shows her become an entirely new version of herself, which was amazing to see. I also felt like the pacing of this book was a lot faster, which I enjoyed. It kept me on my toes which was fun! This book was also very emotional and kept me really invested from start to finish. This was definitely spicier, but also darker and more tense all around. I’m sad to see these characters go but am excited to see what Kate brings us in the future! Overall, I’d highly recommend to anyone who enjoyed the first two books, or anyone interested in starting the series- it’s absolutely worth the time invested! An absolutely amazing conclusion to Kate’s debut trilogy! The tension, the spice, the twists and turns, just EVERYTHING. I am so impressed with how this world has built up over the course of the last three books, and Kane and Arwens relationship has truly blossomed into something so beautiful, and Kate’s writing really shows us that. Arwens character has grown so much and this third installment really shows her become an entirely new version of herself, which was amazing to see. I also felt like the pacing of this book was a lot faster, which I enjoyed. It kept me on my toes which was fun! This book was also very emotional and kept me really invested from start to finish. This was definitely spicier, but also darker and more tense all around. I’m sad to see these characters go but am excited to see what Kate brings us in the future! Overall, I’d highly recommend to anyone who enjoyed the first two books, or anyone interested in starting the series- it’s absolutely worth the time invested!

Thank you so much to Kate, Berkley, & NetGalley for the arc! Being able to read the arcs from as early as ADoO has been an honor!

The conclusion to the sacred stones series is here!! The book picks up right where the last one left off with Arwen being held captive by the evil king, and no one knowing she is alive! While I enjoyed many aspects of this series, this final book fell a little flat for me. I wanted to feel more devastation at her being held hostage, but the most I felt was over the guard that was watching her. I feel like some aspects of this series/book were not explored enough, like Fredrick, Hart, Beth, Briar's coven, the final battle with the king. Everything felt sort of anti-climatic. It does give the sense that there could be two spin-off series in the works, but I would have liked some more things wrapped up in the final book.

As expected this was perfect. I love this world Kate has created. And I don’t know if there’s going to be another series or what but she both wrapped everything with a neat bow and left doors open to keep going if she is! It’s hard to talk about this kind of book without spoiling things! But just like the other it was so well paced and there was so much action and adventure and SO MANY TENDER MOMENTS. And not just between Arwen and Kane (although those are my favorite ones!!). This was the perfect conclusion, the ending came a little quicker than I was expecting but in a good way?? It didn’t feel rushed, I just for whatever reason wasn’t expecting it??

It really has everything that a good romantasy is. The world is so full and fleshed out and all of the characters are so well rounded and everything is connected and we get all that information without it ever feeling like too much! AND ALL THE LOVE!!! This was finally when Arwen and Kane got to flourish as a couple, they had been building up to this, and FINALLY!!

AS ALWAYS KANE IS EVERYTHING! The way he fought so hard to save Arwen. The way he LOVES HER. The way he loves his people and his kingdom is also so admirable!! Arwen is also once again everything to me! She ALSO fought so hard for EVERYTHING.

This was truly a wild ride and I cannot believe it’s over for me 😭 I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical book and reread the whole series in October!!

Thank you SO MUCH to Berkley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!! I am so so GRATEFUL!!

I was blessed enough to receive an ARC for this, and thank god I did. After the cliff hanger from the previous book, I was left here with my own thoughts of how this was going to continue.
This is a beautiful ending to an enemies to lovers trilogy. The characters experience the five stages of grief, and then some as the story wastes no time diving back in. My only complaint is that I’ll need an update on the characters lives a few years after the ending, as I need more Griffin in my life.

4/5


Thank you, Kate and NetGalley for generously giving me an ARC of this book!

This was a perfect conclusion to a trilogy I unexpectedly liked. It wasn't as fast-paced as A Promise of Peridot, but every book has a different heartbeat. This final installment beautifully touched on love, grief, happiness, conflict, trials, and so much more. It had its own pace compared to the others but still did the storyline and character plots justice. Arwen and Kane's story developed beautifully and I hope to see some side characters story come to life one day.

I love Kate's descriptive writing combined with a more simple world and magical system. It was the perfect bite-sized romatasy book. I can't wait for everyone else to read it!

Until then,
Abigail

An amazing addition to this series! Loved it so much. The story line was addicting and in-put-downable. Wish this series would go on forever!

I really enjoyed A Reign of Rose as the final installment of the Sacred Stones trilogy.

I loved that it started off right where book 2 left us, and thought the story line was super interesting.

Getting Kane's perspective while she was captured was so powerful, and I truly felt his agony and anger. Then the twist with how he would be able to potentially defeat his father? So good! Arwen's perspective while she was imprisoned was interesting! I liked the 2 guards and how that played out, and the overall plot for her being there.

Once they were reunited, ugh! So good. I really loved this book and this trilogy overall, and am sad it is over! I really hope there will be a spinoff about Griffin and Mari because man that slow burn is slooowwwwwww.

The rest of the story was really interesting, I am glad we got to meet the Rose Queen, and I loved how that panned out. Her curse/issue was super messed up but also interesting, as well as the blood fae interactions. messed up but so interesting! I also would love to get a spin off novella or story about them and the leader for sure!! Why does he want the daughter??? I need to know, and a 20 years in the future spinoff about them would be super great.

The battle at the end was *chefs kiss*, I wouldn't have wanted it to go any other way - it was perfection. So much tension, detail, angst, and fear!

Overall, I loved this book and trilogy and would recommend it to everyone who loves romantasy! It has a great mix of fantasy and romance, and keeps it all interesting along the way.

I’m a bit torn on this one. The first two books are some of my all-time favorites, but this finale felt uneven at times. There were too many confusing side missions that wrapped up too quickly, leaving me wondering what the point was. Plus, there are a lot of unanswered questions—most importantly, why is this book called Reign of Rose?

That said, Kane and Arwen are so beautifully realized as characters that I can't help but feel satisfied. Their seaside ending was pitch-perfect.