Lived for this new romantasy! The sorcery, fantasy magical aspects were so refreshing and the sizzling romantic tension between the leads was amazing. I'm going to be rereading this one, it's fantastic and that ending chef's kiss. 5 stars

I went into this not knowing what to expect and what I got was a deeply moving character driven story with cozy forest vibes and animal companions. This story is a little slow but is so incredibly written that I did not mind the slower pace at all. The time spent developing these two characters just makes you love and connect with them that much more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be reading book 2 especially after that heartbreaking cliffhanger.

⋆.˚✮ 5 stars ✮˚.⋆

⤿ Thank you to Bramble and Tor Books for the arc through netgalley and physical advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

this cover is so gorgeous, but it really gives the vibes of extremely dark romantasy, especially because of those gorgeous sprayed edges on the finished copy. but i really came out of this book with such a different story, and one that i definitely needed right at this moment. this story centers around Oneira the sorceress as she retires and has finally paid of her indenture, she wants to live in solitude but magical creatures seem to keep finding her and she feels drawn inexplicably towards the library of her long-time rival sorcerer, Stearanos. they've never actually met, as the kingdoms they served deemed it too dangerous (as they were weapons for enemy kingdoms), but something might just continue to tug each other towards a shared future.

a cozy fantasy is not what i was expecting, but this definitely reads this way for most of the book. while in the latter half of the book, a few political things start to swing into the story, it's still i would say more of a cozy romantic fantasy. and! for fans of slow burn and major yearning (which i am and desperately needed at this moment) this is such a wonderful example of that. Oneira and Stearanos obviously feel curiosity and something pulling them together, but the emotional connection that is prioritized in the writing between them was so important. these are two people who are the only people in the world who could understand each other, and it was so interesting to see them start to unfold some of their wards to connect with each other. even Oneira's little magical animal companions that found her were so fun to read about- i love this trope in books so it was perfection.

i have to be so honest, there wasn't a lot that happened in terms of actual plot until the end. but as someone who really enjoys getting to know characters and prefers character-driven stories, this was perfect. it gave me so much time to connect with Oneira and Stearanos, especially as this is dual perspective, and it made me able to see both sides of their worlds. but this story, especially with the emphasis on the specific roses that Oniera chooses to grow (trust me the title will make sense), is really about emotional growth and healing. there was a lot of emphasis on this in the story through those roses but also about how the two sorcerers connected, that set the stage for the ending.

i did enjoy how it picked up at the end though, adding a bit more tension and leaving me feeling so torn up over the ending. i really hope that this is going to be a series because i cannot tell if it's meant to stay open-ended or there's meant to be more books. i am desperately hoping for an ending though because i need more of these characters!!

↬ trigger warnings: death and murder, brief sexual scenes, indentured people, war themes

This was a dark fantasy, with cozy and slow paced vibes. It had less romance than I was anticipating, which isn't a bad thing, but felt surprising given the marketing. Oneira was a really interesting FMC. It really just felt like she was sad, lonely, and gardening for most of the book, which contributed to the slow pacing. I did appreciate how much care was given to the complexity of Oneira's character. The romance between Oneira and Stearanos was more of a subplot and was an incredibly drawn out slow burn.

Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for the advance copy!

If you've ever wanted your fantasy steeped in sass, swoon, and sentient magical pets, Never the Roses delivers a delightfully character-driven romance wrapped in soft, forest-drenched magic.

Oneira, a retired sorceress with a grudge and a goddess for a houseguest, lives a quiet life filled with snarky animals and stolen library books, until her longtime rival, Stearanos, enters the picture. Their enemies-to-lovers journey unfolds through biting banter and slow-burning tension that simmers beneath every exchanged note and stolen glance.

Lambert’s prose is lush and lyrical, and her talent for subtle emotional tension shines through in the quieter moments. The worldbuilding is mysterious, the magic soft and thematic, and the plot unfolds with a patient, intimate pace.

That said, not every thread lands. Some relationships (particularly with Tristan) felt jarringly rushed, lacking the buildup to make their emotional weight believable. The concept of kisses as currency added a quirky touch but raised more questions than it answered. And while Oneira is clearly a solitary character, her quick acceptance of sudden companionship felt inconsistent with her fiercely independent nature.

Still, Never the Roses is a unique, witchy fantasy romance that will appeal to readers who love sharp wit, quiet longing, and morally complex love stories with just a hint of danger.

I tried really hard to like this book. I was so excited to get this arc because everything I had seen about it looked so interesting and intriguing. So much so that I had preordered the hardcover. The cover is beautiful. The edges are gorgeous, but the story itself leaves something to be desired. I was just... bored. There's no other way to put it really. I didn't really feel the need to continue on. Fifty pages into this book, and I had nothing that kept me wanting to go back and continue reading. The writing style is very lyrical, and I enjoyed that. But I felt no connection to the characters or the story and had no desire to continue reading.

This was my first Jennifer K. Lambert novel and I am writing this to say that it will not be my last either. The way that the words were weaved together so magically was refreshing and brought a whole new sense of excitement to my when reading the story. I enjoyed learning more about Oneira and her struggles of coming to find herself and who she is after serving the queen. I saw another review where someone mentioned the "Never the Roses" wasn't just a book and a story but it was an experience and I honestly couldn't agree more with that sentiment. I cannot wait to see where Jennifer K. Lambert goes, not just with this story and characters but also with whatever else she writes.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bramble/Tor for the ARC!

"Never the Roses" is a beautifully written, emotionally rich story that explores love, loss, and resilience with grace and sensitivity. Jennifer Lambert’s lyrical prose and well-crafted characters create a deeply moving experience that stays with you long after the last page. Perfect for readers who appreciate heartfelt, character-driven fiction with a touch of historical depth.

The story is not only a romantic sea, but it creates a world in which there is yearning and darkness and emotions that keep you captivated from start to finish.. I love the pushing pole between the characters and how everything feels like every moment is life or death. It’s emotional and beautifully written.

Don't let the cover fool you — this is a surprisingly cozy romance, for all its darker elements and (admittedly) emotionally devastating ending. I really loved how thoughtful this was in terms of being a meditation on loneliness, especially with two damaged people finding connection in the unlikeliest of places (or dimensions, as it happens). Yet given where this wraps up, I also found myself craving a sequel — or at the very least, a bonus epilogue for Oneira and Steranos. I wanted more at the end of it all, which to me is also one of the hallmarks of a great read, alongside the fact that I've never read a book like this before and doubt I will again.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for review. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

A wonderfully unique concept with beautiful prose, Never the Roses follows retired sorceress Oneira as she seeks peace and healing following a life of fighting an insidious queen’s wars. Along the way, she meets her long-time nemesis, the sorcerer Stearanos, and her growing affection for him threatens to end her hard-won retirement.

What I loved most about this book was the whimsy and heart! The prose is stunningly lyrical, yet Oneira’s voice shines through with sharp humour. The romance as well is so sweet, the choices both make heart-wrenching and precious. This book’s strength is its soft emotionality, and its found myself moved to tears at the end.

The main reason this wasn’t five stars for me was because I found the middle section a little slow, and Oneira’s ongoing hesitation repetitive. I also felt there were parts that were significantly darker and at odds with the gentler, more whimsical tone of the rest of the story, which took me out of the flow. (For example, the SA of a side character that is treated somewhat casually by the narrative and never really unpacked.)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Absolutely loved this book! I’m not gonna lie it took me a bit to get into this book as the beginning was kind of slow and had a lot of info dumping, BUT the plot definitely picks up and I’m so glad that I pushed through as I found one of the most unique romantasy books I’ve read in a while! The characters were so well done and the plot was super interesting, I would highly recommend!

Unfortunately I was only able to get through about 30% of the book. There was no epic romance even started that far into the book and at best I would call it a cozy fantasy. It was a struggle to get that far into the story.

Never the Roses is one of those rare books that contains absolutely ALL of my favorite things--an older female protagonist, animal companions, rivals to lovers (she literally robs him for fun! I mean!!), the wit of a T. Kingfisher novel, the prose of Madeline Miller's Circe, and of course, the steam and spice of your favorite romantasy read. This is not only one of my new top book recommendations for fantasy featuring older women, it's also one of my new top fantasy recommendations PERIOD!

Oneira, the dread sorceress turned retiree who just wants to bake and garden in peace (but also sometimes gets so bored she breaks into her arch-rival's library and takes his book just for the heck of it) is literally EVERYTHING to me, as are the three delightful magical animal companions who show up at her door and simply refuse to leave. Lambert's prose is sublime, and I can't get over how vivid yet otherworldly Oneira's magic felt. I fell head-over-heels for Steranos (bless his autistic-coded heart!) and am so excited to see where this series takes us next!

I was… not the right reader. It was slow. I think of romance novels as light bits of fluff that want you to turn the pages. This book had literary pretensions. The sorceress is not emotionally stable. Not even a little emotionally stable. It is sympathetic that the two magic users are basically the emotional result of being trapped as bond servants to the ruling class and forced to do unspeakable things…. I finished it, I didn’t hate it badly enough to stop but I didn’t love it either. Which is probably why I took so long to finish it.

🥀 I really liked this (dare I say love?) 🥀

This book was absolutely beautiful. The writing was beautiful; the story was beautiful; the characters were beautiful. I especially loved the FMC Oneira, who thinks herself a monster after a lifetime of being forced to serve her queen and fight her wars, commit her sins. And is she a monster? I think there are some good discussion questions that could be raised here. I think this book in general has many underlying themes and provoking ideas that would make for a good book club choice (for book clubs that like fantasy romance at least).

It did take me a while to really get into this book. I was drawn into the writing immediately, but the pace and plot was fairly slow through the first 25% of the book or so. But I’m so glad I stuck with it, as I did love getting swept away with this story. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending, and to hinder any spoilers, I won’t say more. But let me know if you’ve read this one, because I really want to talk about it!

𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Lovers of beautiful, fairytale-like writing, and romance+fantasy readers.

4.75/5

I am so sorry and I feel terrible but I wasn’t able to finish this one 😭

The storyline sounded interesting and the author did a great job at setting up the world that Oneira and Stearanos live in. With vivid and very detailed descriptions it was easy to picture everything as I read.

The problem for me was the pacing was too slow. With so little action and dialogue I struggled to stay engaged. I know this was done with purpose to highlight how Oneira was living, but unfortunately it was hard to for me to remain in the story. I will be trying again later on.

If you like slower paced books you may want to try Never The Roses

"Never the Roses" isn't just a book; it's an experience. This luminous debut swept me away from the very first page and held me captive until the last, cementing its place as an instant favorite and a standout in the romantic fantasy genre. It's rare to encounter a novel that balances such exquisite prose with a deeply emotional narrative and a truly unique premise, but Lambert achieves it flawlessly.

At its heart, this is the story of Oneira, the Dread Sorceress, a character brimming with a history of pain and a longing for peace. Her journey, steeped in the quiet beauty of her rose garden as she confronts her impending death, is profoundly moving. But it's her unexpected correspondence with Stearanos, a rival sorcerer, that truly ignites the narrative. Their forbidden exchange of notes, filled with wit, challenge, and an undeniable intellectual spark, builds a slow burn connection that is utterly captivating. This isn't your typical enemies to lovers; it's something far more nuanced and resonant, blossoming from shared understanding and a recognition of kindred spirits.

Lambert's writing is simply breathtaking. Every sentence is crafted with care, painting vivid landscapes and delving into the characters' inner lives with remarkable depth. The world building is rich and immersive, hinting at a vast, magical history without overwhelming the reader. And the magic itself? It's woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, feeling ancient and powerful.

What truly elevates "Never the Roses" to five star status is its emotional intelligence. Lambert fearlessly explores themes of grief, redemption, the scars of war, and the quiet courage it takes to heal. Oneira's struggle with PTSD is handled with sensitivity and authenticity, making her journey towards vulnerability and connection all the more impactful. And the subtle presence of her animal companions adds a touch of grounded charm to the fantastical elements.

If you're searching for a romantic fantasy that goes beyond the usual tropes, one that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page, look no further. "Never the Roses" is an absolute triumph a lyrical, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful masterpiece. Jennifer K. Lambert is a name to watch, and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

3.75☆ if im being honest.
It took me a little while to get into this book. I dont know if it was the weird names that made it hard to keep the flow of reading going, or if it was just the pacing on tne book in heneral. I was intrigued by the plot because it was a different approach to the enemies to lovers trope that I love. I feel like the relationship between Oneira and Stearanos was weirdly paced and I found myself wishing they had more time developing their relationship. The way Stearanos propositioned their relationship felt a bit weird. The ending had me intrigued as to what would happen in book two, but I just wasnt devouring this book like I thought I would.