4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ First off, I really enjoyed this book and the fantasy world created. World building was easy to grasp and understand even with the mythical creatures (pets) the beginning drew me in and I was excited to learn how Oneira and Stearanos were going to get together and develop. The dream walking was super cool and I thought it was funny how she just dropped him into a deep sleep and there was nothing he could do about it. The banter and back and forth cat and mouse game with their notes was cute and I kind of wish there would have been more 😊.
The tension and angst after they have their first meeting was thick, Oneira kept pushing and pushing even though their chemistry was off the charts. The spice however was severely lacking, I was expecting a lot more detail and “explosiveness” and when we finally got it, it was like what you read in a YA novel. So it was almost nonexistent.
The ending was abrupt and we got an epilogue but I feel like there needs to be or will be more books, it was kind of a cliffhanger and sad, like I need closure. The court politics between both of the Queen/king/prince were short snippets and I wanted more, I need another book! This world needs more.
Spice .5 of a not hot jalapeño 🫑🌶️

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook

💜⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💜

The voice actors, the vibes, the ambiance, and the mood—all immaculate 🤌🏻 I’m obsessed. I’m pulled in and I don’t ever want to leave this world. If you love tension so thick you can cut it with a knife, a woman who knows what she wants, a consent king, a delightful writing style, and amazing world building then this is IT! It was dark, mysterious, full of tension, and a delightful fantasy novel that reads like One Dark Window and Bridgerton had a beautiful baby. Definitely worth the listen/read!

This was so incredibly beautiful.

Never the Roses is tragic, emotional and captivating in that way that constricts the heart and doesn't let go even after reading.
It is a masterpiece of melancholic lyrical prose and seeing as that might be my favourite writing style, I am not surprised by how much this book has affected me. The pacing was slow enough to allow for all the introspective and dynamics to unfold and develop and yet I never felt like it dragged.

On top of that - it might be the writing, or the way the characters are crafted and their relationship initiated - the book gave me major Dramione vibes right off the bat and, well, I do live for Dramione.

Jennifer K. Lambert managed to set a minimalist scene with only the most important info for a framework and build it into a story overflowing with emotions. She works with a beautiful, melancholic imagery in both setting and symbolism.

The characters didn't feel crafted and outlined and then put in a story, rather as if they'd come to life on their own and progressed naturally. I loved how there was no overcomplicated plot to force anything that didn't make sense, yet so much was happening.

Both, the FMC and MMC, were perfectly balanced between the awareness of their skill and power, and the insecurity and mistrust that have been so deeply ingrained.. Watching how their stories intertwined and how it changed them, how they impacted each other, the way they perceive love and trust and life (and themselves), was romantic in that deep, heartbreaking way.

Additionally, the narration was perfect and gave it the extra layer of emotional depth that a good audiobook can. I might be biased since he's my favourite without question, but I am so glad the author went with Shane East, he did an amazing job at bringing the MMC to life and giving him even more detail and contour.

Never the Roses is everything a romantic tragedy should be in my opinion. I know that the writing style, and the pacing it comes with, aren't for everyone but I crave them and love that the author chose this approach rather than rushing or overloading with extra conflicts and twists.
The story captivated me from beginning and became an immediate favourite for me, despite the amount of tears I shed. This is a definite audiobook rec from me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Jennifer K. Lambert for an ALC of this book.

That ending!?!?! This book was entrancing, I loved the main characters, the plot, the detail weaved throughout the story. It was everything.
Shane East is one of my favorite narrators of all time and he did this story justice (both narrators were wonderful). This is a must listen/read and I hope there is a second book because I don’t want to leave this world yet.

I’ll start by saying the first part of the book just didn’t do it for me. It didn’t really flow well and almost made me give up on this. Tristan annoyed my soul and his character was written so immaturely that I don’t understand how Oneria could fall for him. That whole part was just weird to me. I enjoyed the banter between Oneria and M. I felt like their relationship was very rushed and it could’ve turned into a beautiful story instead they fell in love in 3 seconds. I wouldn’t be upset if the whole thing was rewritten and JKL took more time on developing the character, building up on the war aspects of the book, diving into Oneria’s past (could’ve done a lot with that), just the whole plot in general . It had so much potential, especially with the magic aspects of the book, to be the next big YA fantasy but it fell flat for me.

This was a really good and interesting enemies to lovers story. The characters felt real and their story felt tragic. She literally stole form him but then they fell in love but then they were enemies again. It was interesting and twisty but also tragic.

Slow, slowww story of healing, love, and redemption. The magical sorcery system is interesting and I wouldve liked more details with that. I was honestly tempted to DNF multiple times because 90% of the story nothing happens.

Thank you NetGalley and Jennifer K. Lambert for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!

I want to mention the pace was slow for a lot of this story and it was also an incredibly slow burn. There are some steamy scenes but, they are mild and toward the end. And while there is war, past and present, there aren’t any epic battles. It focuses mostly on emotions and finding peace. So it’s a bit different from the typical romantasy a lot, like myself, are used to. That being said, the story was well written and overall I enjoyed it.

As things move from mainly focusing on the FMC and her inner thoughts and reasonings in the beginning, it’s easier to get engaged in the story. I loved the interactions between the FMC, Oneira and the MMC, Stearanos. I thought the way things started between them through the dreamworld and the books she “borrowed” from Stearanos was unique and fun. The world was magical and dreamlike with the characters, Oneira’s companions and descriptions of places with things like a magically crafted pink pebbled beach. It was easy to feel like you were in a dream while listening to this book. It was a nice little escape! Hopefully with the way it ended we may get more in another book 🤞🏻 I’d love to discover more from this world, the magic system and the relationship between the main characters.

The narrators, Shane East and Chloe Campbell did a great job narrating this story. Their voices helped to give this story more of a dreamlike feel and I loved that. They captured the characters and their emotions perfectly!

It started out slow, and then it slowly sucked me in bit by bit. The banter was perfect, and it wasn't so much an action or trials and wars as you would think. it's more mind games and deep thoughts, and I thought it was beautiful. The audio was super! I loved the mood they set, and I felt the chemistry. It is a slow burn romance, though, but I felt that would have been the only way with this book. Sometimes they go too slow, sometimes they go too fast, but I thought it was the perfect pace for the romance. in the beginning, the FMC was isolated and didn't trust anyone, so if it had gone fast, I felt like it would have ruined that about her. Anyways, it was amazing and I want more!

I received a gifted audiobook copy of NEVER THE ROSES by Jennifer K. Lambert from @BrambleRomance.⁠
⁠
NEVER THE ROSES follows a sorceress and a sorcerer after the battle between kingdoms has ended. Oneira is living in retirement, no longer using her magic for death and destruction. Her focus is on her garden and she is joined by magical creatures in her isolation. She only ventures out through dreams where she is able to collect information and things she needs from those asleep. One of these trips takes her to the home of her biggest rival, Stearanos.⁠
⁠
Oneira takes from Stearanos' library, seeking information on growing an elusive rose, but it doesn't take long for him to realize that someone has been there. They begin a correspondence which seems to bring them some common ground, even as there are still ties and loyalties to opposing sides. ⁠
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This book is comped to CIRCE and THE WITCH'S HEART which I can definitely see. We're mainly focused on a woman with magical abilities who largely lives in isolation. As the book opens, we see what comes after the battle is fought and it reads almost like a cozy fantasy at the start. I did enjoy meeting the magical creatures who join Oneira, especially the wolf named Bunny.⁠
⁠
The connection between Oneira and Stearanos is also one I like. The banter and the exchange of letters and just general ways Oneira does things to let him know someone has been in his library have had me amused. There is a third character who gets introduced and that addition isn't one I have been enjoying so much as it seems that Oneira turns her brain off a bit where he's concerned.⁠
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I do like the writing in this one and the correspondence aspect of the bond forming between the two POV characters, but I would not recommend this one so far to those wanting a plot heavy book or a fast pace.⁠ I don't think this book is turning out to be a perfect fit for me, but I do think it could work better for those more focused on romance in a fantasy setting.

Never the Roses is a romantasy that somehow feels both cozy and full of depth. I fell in love with this book instantly and stayed up until 3 am to finish. Never the Roses might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it feels as though it was tailor made for me. When I was younger, I thought if I could hold onto something good enough in a dream that I would wake up with it in my hands. Imagine my shock to find a MFC that has that magic. Narration by Chloe Campbell and Shane East truly brought this book to life.

I received an ALC from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Slow paced but leaves you yearning for more!
The story was amazing and the narrators really brought the characters to life!

This was a cute cozy cottage vibes book with magic and animal companions.

Two sorcerers from opposing kingdoms and battlefields start out an u usually relationship over books and gardening. One is in service to his crown, and the other is newly retired and a bit bored. When she decides to sneak into his library to look for a book, he finds out there is a thief sneaking through his wards, and they begin to leave eachother notes in the books.

This was a good read and quite funny at times, I liked the storyline and both main characters very well. It has the perfect mixture of world building and character relationship building. I do believe this to be a standalone but with the way it ended it could be left alone or picked back up in a second book. Overall I really liked this book and will be getting a copy on release.

What a sweet story of redemption and love! It’s a slow pace and reads like a cozy book- but it’s not quite a cozy fantasy. Oneira is a dread sorceress who has finally bought her freedom. She sequesters herself away from all the kingdoms, growing her food and making fuzzy (and deadly) animal companions. She becomes bored and, on a whim, steals a book from the library of her enemy: Stearanos. He is a sorcerer of a rival kingdom. He immediately notices the missing book and through a series of missives a tentative relationship between the two forms.

There’s just the right amount of world building. The way Oneira’s magic is based on the dream world is fascinating. The freaking romance is precious.

One of the characters struck me as unbelievable, if not an annoying plot device. The book is fully character based, so the plot is a bit lacking. But ugh, the depth of the main characters is fabulous. I did NOT expect the ending. It left me in tears.

I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved it. Both narrators did a fantastic job. Their voices were quite soothing.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener copy.

This was a beautiful story! It starts with Oneira paying off her debt to the queen (through one last act of destruction that still haunts her) and disappearing into the wilds for retirement away from everyone. And after that, what is a dream sorcerer supposed to do? It is a quiet start, peaceful, as Oneira figures out what she wants, tries new hobbies, and collects new friend animals (very powerful in their own right). Some people would think this was slow but it is so peaceful to listen to. Things do perk up when, following a dream/whim to find a question, she ends up in the fabulous library of her equal in power, Stearanos. I absolutely loved their notes back and forth! So cheeky and good for lots of laughs! It builds up from there with the two sorcerers figuring out a way to work together, learning that they (broken and damaged from years of fighting for their kings and queens who hold their bonds) can complete each other. I love their relationship! It started with roses and witty banter but ended up so much more!

Besides being a love story, which was good in its own right, it was also about finding forgiveness for the destruction Oneira caused in her long career as a sorcerer and Stearanos finding a way out of his own debt. There are sweet times, but also hard decisions by both of them and a beautiful ending with a touch of hope amid the heartbreak that just wrecked me! It was very well done though and I loved this book.

The narrators did a wonderful job in bringing Oneira and Stearanos to life in that world of magic, dreams, and roses that changed everything and allowed the two sorcerers to find what was needed to mend a broken heart. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to get lost in this land and I really would not mind seeing more books in this world!

4.5 stars
I originally picked this up because the synopsis sounded so interesting and I saw that the audiobook had Shane East narrating.
What I found was so much more. Chloe Campbell and Shane East both gave spectacular performances. Put that together with the production it made for a fantastic audiobook experience. Great narrators can really make her break a book now I think this story by itself would’ve been a four to 4.25 star rating for me, but with the narrators bringing it to life it really elevated it for me and up to a 4 1/2 star.
Now Jennifer K Lambert is a pen name for an author who has written other works. I have not read anything by this author and this is my first experience and it was delightful.
The world building the magic system. The pros all worked really well for me. Oneira and Stearanos are supposed to be enemies and I love how she goads to him. When all she wants to do is bring back these roses and she ends up, infiltrating his residence to steal these books. Girl I would do it too! His library is fantastic!
In the end, the story was so much more than I thought it was gonna be I don’t wanna go into it because I feel like you really need to experience it yourself and if I say anything more than I did, it’s just gonna take away from your experience. I definitely would pick up the audio as it was fantastically done. I will also be picking up the Physical deluxe edition. As it is gorgeous.
Thank you to Macmillan audio for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Much thanks to Jennifer K. Lambert, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honereorient.

I don't think I spoil anything, but I marked it all as one just in case.

Reading this book is like the slow, langorous dream it often describes. Don't read it expecting action and epic battles; it's very literary and introspective. Character driven, not plot.

It doesn't have much of a hook, at least not one I can recall; there was so much exposition in the beginning that I didn't pay much attention until Oneira started visiting Stearanos. Less exposition followed that point, but the pace never really picked up. It takes its time and won't be rushed.

It's not my typical kind of book, I need action and banter and would prefer not to have to think too hard, but something about the writing was mesmeric. I'm not even sure if I actually liked the story or not, but I do know I found it compelling af.

Stearanos went from pissed off to in love a bit too easily; upon finally meeting face to face, he and Oneira acted too comfortably with each other, not like they were pretty much strangers. But that wasn't until after the halfway point, so they didn't have time to waste dating. I did love their love story, rushed as it might have been--yes, I do see myself saying this book was slow and rushed at the same time.

Let me put it another way--the plot points were far between at the start, then became closer and closer together toward the end. Or at least it felt like that. I'd call it a slow burn except that implies an eventual explosion, and there was no explosion. It was a status quo until Oneira finally sighed a figurative "all right then" and took quiet, decisive action.

A deeper exploration of the magic system would have been interesting, it's not typical.

I don't know if the end was meant to tease a sequel or was just deliberately open-ended, but I kinda hated it. I need solid HEAs. But it wasn't about the romance, it was about Oneira finding peace. Bah.

The chapter from Tristan's POV was unnecessary, and honestly his entire character and purpose was ultimately superfluous. He served as a contrast to Stearanos, but an unnecessary one.

I'm not sure what the purpose of the animal friends was, they were just there. Their import was lost on me.

The narrators, Chloe Campbell and Shane East, were both superb and well cast to the material.

I've rambled enough . . . I still feel like I'm in the book's thrall. Very dreamy. I feel like this book was deeper and more laden with meaning than I care to explore, so apologies if a lot's gone over my head. Now I need to shake my head like a cartoon character and get reoriented to reality.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer K. Lambert, and Macmillan Audio for the ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars

The audiobook is well done. I felt like Chloe Campbell and Shane East did an excellent job performing these characters. I highly recommend listening to this one or immersing yourself in the reading.

4.75 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this story. The comparison to Circe made me think it would get pretty dark. While it did have dark moments, its overall tone was cozy. It felt like cozy fantasy romance. I adored this story. I know I will re-read this one again. I was captivated by Oneira’s story. I would have loved more details about the world-building and Oneira's backstory. Her story is touching on her and there, but I feel that it would have brought more emotions out if I had heard more of her story. Stearanos was a great MMC. I liked how he knew how to treat her. He understands her on a level that no other person will be able to understand. That ending…..???

ARC and ALC review
Publication date 08 Jul 25

“Never the Roses” by Jennifer K. Lambert is a romantic fantasy.

Thank you Pan Macmillan and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ALC (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

The cover and description of the book convinced me to read it.
Oneira is a retired sorceress that is tired of fighting in the war.
But she gets bored and decided to make trip to the library of her most powerful rival, sorcerer Stearanos.

The story's pace is slow, but it did not bother me. There is a rivals to lovers romance that starts through notes.
I liked both characters and their story. Especially Oneira, had a good development.
Her magic was also interesting and the overall plot. This is a well written book.

It was a good experience reading the e-book while listening to the audio.
When possible, this is my preferred way of enjoying a book.
It is a nice feeling and helps me immerse in the story, especially if it is a fantasy.

The audiobook is narrated in dual style by Chloe Campbell and Shane East.
I did not listen to any other books narrated by Chloe Campbell, but I think that she was perfect as Oneira.
She managed to keep me captivated in the story and brought the characters to life.
I think Shane East's voice was great as Stearanos and I am glad that he narrates more fantasy books.

Overall this was a nice, emotional and magic book.

Love love love
The Magic is very cool I love the two main characters & the whole story line is unique.

A little bit of spice and everything nice.
Loved the game they play back and forth with each other.

That ending 😭 please tell me there’s going to be a second book?!