I enjoyed the middle of this story when the two main characters were developing a relationship and getting to know each other. But the beginning was slow and full of explanation without much happening. Then the end was extremely abrupt. It’s like there had been all this build up in the relationship between the two main characters that ended suddenly.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of Never the Roses by Jennifer K. Lambert. All opinions are my own.

Never the Roses is a slow-paced cozy fantasy with a focus on characters over plot.

Although some of the themes and events in this book are pretty dark, the story overall has a lighthearted tone that I’ve come to expect in a cozy fantasy.

The characters in this story were older, which was a nice change from the books I typically read. Although they were more mature, the characters both had a playfulness about them.

My biggest issue with this book was the almost non-existent plot. A lot of the story was just about what the characters were thinking and their communication through letters. Not much happened and what did happen kind of annoyed me.

I did like the gardening aspect and the magical creatures, but overall, this wasn’t a very memorable story for me.

I listened to the audiobook for this, and I enjoyed both narrators. They fit their characters well and were easy to listen to.

Spice Content: multiple open door scenes

Before I begin I would like to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own for this honest review. Of note, as Macmillan Audio kindly reminded me, this review is based on a pre-release version of the audiobook, therefore I have not taken into account any issues with the audio in its current state.

Style: Dual POV, Dual Narration.
Length: 11.5 hrs

As this is a ALC, we'll start with Narration! I thought both Chloe Campbell and Shane East delivered beautifully emotive performances that elevated this romantic fantasy into something "dreamlike". I almost hate to call it "romantasy" or "fantasy romance" because it felt more Fairytale-esque. The British narration brought what I would call a fairytale quality that worked perfectly with the novel’s tone; filled with quiet ache of longing, loneliness, and the fragile hope of connection. Their voices, while not extensively varied between side characters, were consistent and easy to follow, and both matched their characters exceptionally well.

Chloe portrayed Oneira’s solitude and inner ache in a delicately fragile way while maintaining her fierce independence. Shane, on the other hand, brought a weary yearning to Stearanos that lingered throughout, especially in the ending epilogue (which I think actually broke a little part of me, if I'm being honest).

Not usually something I mention in my reviews, but I think the soft musical bookends were a really beautiful touch and enhanced the dreamlike "fairytale" atmosphere. I actually found myself wishing that musical motif had returned throughout the book (as led me to an aside where I went on a deep inner tangent about how awesome it would be to have music in more audios like Graphic Audios tend to do, but I digress...)

I found the audio to be relatively smooth and immersive listen. I typically listen at 1.5x speed, and the pacing held beautifully without distortion or tonal loss in both the POVs for both narrators. While this was an ALC and did contain some minor technical inconsistencies (noted but not factored into my review), I have no doubt they’ll all be resolved in the final edit.

This is a deeply atmospheric, very slow-burn romantasy that really requires a lot of patience. It takes its time building the world of dreams, vast and very complex magic system, and exudes quiet sorrow. The first half leans heavily into Oneira’s self imposed loneliness and isolation. There is NO dialogue or interaction for quite a few chapters, yet her loneliness is also her strength. The lack of dialogue, while being told in third person requires the listener (or reader) to sit beside her and feel the weight of what living alone really and truly means. It's not only the lack of interaction, it's the lack of voice, in physical act of using one's voice, but also in the words and ways we interact with others later. I did feel like there was a very abrupt shift when Stearanos enters the picture, they spent a couple of chapters as enemies to lovers, but from 0-60 went from that to instalove with very few interactions. While the romance arc moved rapidly, I did feel like it was still rewarding because the groundwork for their grief, mutual exhaustion, and long-buried desire makes it believable and also gut wrenching.

Story-wise I did love that this couple were older main characters navigating intimacy and the feelings for worthiness (or lack thereof) after years of detachment. Oneira’s realization that she is not done with life or desire despite her age was one of the most moving moments I’ve experienced in a very long time. I loved watching her rediscover her capacity for tenderness and connection after so long in emotional survival mode.

I do feel the need to throw in some Trigger/content warnings because it's definitely there and important to know going in I think. You can expect; functional depression, suicidal ideation, parental abandonment, grief, death, and a whole lost of self loathing.

Overall I really enjoyed the book and I think a lot of women who know what it is to feel that bone-tired exhaustion from the world (and dating scene), but still quietly, silently harbour a hope that magic still exists will be able to relate to this book, and honestly the same for men. It did end on a cliffhanger (because of COURSE it did) and Now (of course) I am dying to know what happens! I don't think the second book has been announced yet, so I'll quitely keep the hope open that we don't have to wait to long!

As mentioned in the beginning, I received an ALC of this audiobook from NetGalley and Macmillian in exchange for an honest review. Having said that, all thoughts are my own.

Thank you SO much to Jennifer Lambert for this one! I have been waiting for a book like this!
Animals ❤️
Flowers 🌸
Jealousy ✌️
a badass woman 👀
The list goes on and on. It started a little confusing for me, but I think it was just a quick build. But once it got going, I was hooked!
I really was so invested with all characters and the magic system, while again, at first I was like WTF-became really enchanting.
I fell in love with the animal side kicks SO quick too! (wish I had those)
& the Audio narrators were GREAT! The British accent did it for me ❤️

The amount of tension for me carried it through so well. The amount of spice was absolute perfection. (considering it was very minimal) very feminine in my opinion which is what I personally enjoy reading.
I do hope there will be more coming in this series. It was everything I needed! Very cozy & 10/10!
Thank you again!!! 🌸🌸🌸
PS-F Tristan.

Cozy Adult Fantasy with Consequences

Narration: 5/5
Book: 4/5
Speed: 1.75x

Overall, this was a solid 4.5/5 for me (rounded up). This book fed my burnt out Millennial soul. The main FMC, Oneira, is retired and figuring out existence after leaving the Queen's service as a powerful sorceress. The story is very character driven, as we alternate between Oneira, and the MMC, Stearanos (Oneira's rival sorcerer). This book has it all for the recovering Millennial- animal companions (for Oneira), gardening (roses), trauma recovery/redemption (you aren't declared powerful without having to do some shady stuff), forbidden communication, a library, and some spice. The magic system was unique and it is definitely a book I would recommend to others. I loved this world, and can't wait for a book two!

As for the narration, I am on a dual narration kick lately! Chloe Campbell and Shane East did an amazing job portraying Oneira and Stearanos. The teasing, the tension- I found myself audibly reacting to their banter. Well done audiobooks add to the telling of a story, and I think that is exactly what Macmillan Audio accomplished in this rendition of Never the Roses.

Thank you Jennifer Lambert, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the the opportunity to review the Advanced Listening Copy!

Never the Roses is the romantasy debut novel by Jennifer K. Lambert. The Dread Sorceress Oneira managed the unattainable: paying off her indenture to a ruthless queen and securing her freedom. Tired of war, she builds the perfect retreat and retires in solitude. As the most powerful oneiromancer, Oneira was the only one who could stand against her rival, Stearanos Stormbreaker,

She could ensure sleepers remained in a deep sleep, slip into their dreams, and bring items from the dream world into reality - with a few limitations, such as books. So when Oneira has read and reread all the books in her own collection, an idea tickles her fancy: her nemesis has a massive library. She knows she's skilled enough to step from dreams into that library and borrow a book.

With that plan in mind, she decides to take the book he'd last been reading, and uncovers a passion for a lost rose. She replaces his book with one from her own library, and baffles Stearanos so much that he challenges her with a note. Thus begins an amusing flirtation between the two most powerful people in the world.

Never the Roses is a fanciful take on the enemies to lovers trope, with consequences dire enough to threaten two kingdoms. Narrators Chloe Campbell and Shane East bring these star-crossed lovers to life in this excellent audiobook.

🖤🌹💜 Never The Roses ARC Review 💜🌹🖤

Thank you so much to Jennifer K Lambert and Bramble romance for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Never the Roses is a romantic fantasy novel and the first book in this fantasy series. After fighting endless wars, the Dread Sorceress Oneira is retired and bored. To liven things up a bit, she decides to steal a book from the most extensive library in the world. However, this library is in enemy territory and the theft unexpectedly connects her and Stearanos, her most powerful rival, in ways neither of them expected. Can they both overcome the differences between them??

This was such a fun read. Oneira and Stearanos were wonderful characters and i really enjoyed their evolution from rivals, to tentative allies, to friends and eventually more. I really enjoyed that this story focused on the communication between the MCs while intertwining the politics of the world without feeling overwhelming. This was a really interesting world and I enjoyed the uniqueness of the magic system.

Overall this was a wonderful 5 star read! I really liked these characters and the beginning of their story. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series! This book has some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. This book was a slow burn but had a few moments throughout, so two flames for spice

If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with rivals to lovers, intelligent banter and opposites attract vibes, then absolutely pick this one up!

At the beginning I was drawn in, however after little happening at the midway point of the book I grew bored. It wasn’t until the last 5 or so chapters that the story picked up for me. It wasn’t a story that compelled you to read it, but it was interesting. That said I think possibly this book just was not for me. The characters were very well developed, the dynamics of the characters were interesting, and it was well written. I think someone who enjoyed the divine rivals duo would love this book. Also, when the male narrator first came on, I found it very difficult to understand him.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio book
I was curious about this book but thought the premise was weird. I wanted to give it a try and I'm so glad I did! I don't know if I would classify it as a cozy romance but it's the closest I've gotten while still liking the book. This was so fun and I loved Oneira and Stearanos. The premise of the book being she stole a book from him library was silly to me. But listening to the book I was in love with it. I thought it was such a clever way for them to get to know each other and move the story forward. I really don't want to say much because I think going into the book with what is given as the description is what made me love it. There is so much more to it and I think it was done beautifully. The narrators are amazing as usual. I will say for Shane East I can have a hard time understanding everything he is saying (I listen at 1.75-2 speed). Just a warning that when he talks it can be jumbled! So happy I listened to this book and I can't wait until it comes out!

A big thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook in advance.

This book was not what I expected at all, but in a great way. From the preview, I was expecting another grand romantasy similar to Bridge Kingdom. Instead this was more along the lines of a Swordheart by T Kingfisher, but with not as much witty banter. Never the Roses was unique in its main characters being older (from what I was reading) and therefore bringing much more perspective to their relationship and their views of the world and life. I think we need more books that involve characters of the 40+ variety, and this seems to fill that void nicely. As a person in the their late 30s, it made the characters much more relatable. And while the ending was also not what I expected, it was perfect for the story.

Each of the narrators in the audiobook were cast perfectly in my opinion, and did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and expressing their emotions.

I think the only thing truly holding me back from giving this a full five stars, is there were a couple of plot holes that were left open with no satisfactory resolution (Who was the oneramancer that put the king in a dream?).

To be honest, I found this book to be so boring. It was slow, without any action or honestly anything to really hook me or keep me interesting (or grab my interest at all tbh). The writing was well done, I don't have any complaints there. Mostly there just wasn't much of a plot for my tastes.

The following is a review for the audio only, not the book itself.
I give the audiobook 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 (completely based on the voice actors and not the content of the book). I think the voice actors did a great job of inflection and pace. They were clear, had vocal variety and range, and overall just pleasant to listen to. There were a couple of instances where the narration seemed to just cut out or when there were two voices speaking over themselves, which I think was in error. If it was on purpose, it was super confusing. Hopefully that is something that will be edited out before final publication.

4.5/5 stars for the audiobook
3/5 stars for the book itself

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I do love a cozy fantasy and this is definitely one! The beginning of the book is mostly backstory, world building and the two main characters sending notes to one another full of banter. I enjoyed the parts about the library and the books. I actually was surprised this book had some hilarious moments, especially from Stearanos. Looking at the book itself I would have thought this was more of a dark romantic fantasy.

The narrator’s were both wonderful and I enjoyed listening to them. However, I did find this book felt quite slow for me and I found myself struggling to stay focused on the audiobook. There was one character introduced around 50% into the audiobook and I just did not like him at all. The scenes with him and Oneira were hard for me to listen to. I liked the animal companions and Stearanos so I kept listening for them!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I listened to the audiobook, and the pacing felt very slow and not much really happened through the entire book, making it seem a bit boring. There wasn’t really any action… and the two main characters just banter back and forth through the whole story. It’s a slow-burn, but the romance didn’t feel realistic. The one part I did enjoy ended up being the letters that the MMC wrote to the FMC in the beginning of the book.

This was such a good story! Jennifer Lambert created something really special - it’s almost a combination of Divine Rivals + a Sarah Beth Durst novel somehow? IDK the point is - it worked! A love story with an epic background full of war and tough choices but with heartwarming moments of coziness throughout.

Oneira is a retired sorceress that has grown tired of waging endless magical and mundane wars. She is tired of death and destruction and has exiled herself to be able to live out the last of her days in peace away from the annoyances of court and the battlefield. In a moment of unrestrained boredom and curiosity she travels via dream to the extensive library of her rival sorcerer, Stearanos, and inadvertently starts a forbidden correspondence with him when she ‘borrows’ a book. Finding an unexpected spark and many commonalities between themselves, they must decide if the attraction is worth incurring the wrath of the king Stearanos serves and the Queen that Oneira once served.

The slow burn in this book along with the forbidden romance was just *chefs kiss* I really hope there is a second book in the works already!

Honestly this book started off soo good and I was excited to see where it would lead. As I continued reading I felt like the book fell flat we could’ve went Deeper into oneira & stearanos relationship, oneira’s past and so much more. I went into this book completely blind and was left wanting more. Based on the ending I know it would have to be another book and I will probably read it.

Never the Roses by Jennifer K. Lambert is a beautifully dark and haunting tale of a powerful sorceress who finally paid her debts and barred herself in a cottage by the sea. Oneira, tired of endless wars and and boring of her solitude, finds herself drawn into a slow-burning connection with her most dangerous rival, Stearanos. Their correspondence unfolds like a delicate dance—full of quiet tension, subtle longing, and deep consequences. This is a story about exhaustion, fate, and the fragile spark of life that may still flicker within even the darkest hearts. It’s a deep, introspective read that lingers long after the final page.

Thoroughly not what I anticipated, granted I don’t think I could have expected what this is. A melancholy, cozy, slow-burn romance that takes place on the flip side of a fairytale.

Two sorcerers from warring countries, after they’ve both earned fearsome reputation and become thoroughly disillusioned by the devastating effects of their awesome powers. It’s remarkably cute but with a surprising gut punch every once in a while.
There’s not a ton of action and it does take a fair bit of time to really get to the romance part of the story, so definitely kind of a slower paced book but I thought worth it the introspection of the narrators really brings the emotion through. Would recommend!

I wanted to love this so much. And it’s some aspects I did. I love the characters. I love the world. My only problem was I was bored or most of this. I’m not sure if it was too long, but I caught myself skimming in the last 25% of this book.

Oneira and Stearanos relationship was the best part of this book. However, they tried to throw a love triangle in which didn’t work for me and I cared nothing for. It really diminished the story in my eyes. I did love all the animals and all of the witty banter between the main character.

My other issue was that while i knew they both were from different kingdoms and we’re always at odds and never really felt like that mattered at all. Both kingdoms are ruled by horrible people and they’re basically sold to them as children.

I do hope that there is a second book although I’m not sure because I would like to see where it goes after that ending. I would recommend this.

I did really enjoy the narration.

3,5 ⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley , McMillan audio and Jennifer K Lambert for this ALC

To start, this book has an absolutely gorgeous cover that immediately caught my attention. I went into this book completely blind and based solely on the cover, so I was surprised by how cozy this was. That’s not to say that there aren’t stakes in this story, but the cozy nature of it makes it not feel as dire. It’s also a slower paced book, and I have love/hate relationships with slow paced books. I love the back and forth between the two MCs especially the secret library visits. Additionally, both characters were interesting and well developed. I really appreciate the care Lambert gave to the FMC as she struggled with moving forward after choices she made during the war. It’s easy to see why she craved a different life. I also appreciated how direct the MMC was. Fair warning, the ending will leave you shattered and wanting for more. The audiobook for this was truly magical. I binge read it in one sitting, and loved that separate narrators were used to voice the different POVs. I was especially impressed by Chloe Campbell — the FMC is so complex and Campbell nailed her character. Both narrators brought clear narration that was engaging and easy to follow. I would definitely recommend the audiobook for this.

Never the Roses is a cozy Romantasy.
The story did take me a bit to get into it, I attempted to listen to it a few times before I really was able to start it. I know “cozy” is usually slower paced but this book was very slow and it didn’t have my attention until about half way through the book. But once I reached that point I couldn’t stop and continued til the end.
The FMC, Oneira, is a sorceress who paid her debt to the kingdom she once served and now lives a life of solitude with her creature companions. But when Oneira walks into a rival sorcerers (Stearanos) library to retrieve a book, (about roses, hence the title) she inadvertently creates a connection she didn’t want with her rival. Oneira also meets a weary traveler named Tristan who showed up due to an unfortunate circumstance in his travels. So while Oneira was searching for solitude she is forced to be a bit more social than intended. Tristan becomes more of a nuisance so she sends him away with a royal messenger while Stearanos who has a specialty with wards is able to break hers down, literally and figuratively.
This is a Romantasy so obviously there is romance, it does take a while to get there but I do think it was well written. It is a very slow-burn romance.
The end of the story was so good I was wrapped up in it and when the audio came to an end I literally said “No! I need to know what’s about happen”. So be forewarned, while the story has a slow, very slow, start you will get caught up through to the end and needing more.
Thank you Bramble Romance and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy.