🖤 Vibes:
shadow daddy, a curse, seelie/unseelie faes, SLOW burn, arranged marriage, a dragon, monster-ish romance


📖 TL;DR:
What can I tell, maybe I was just in need of a really to-the-point romantasy, but I LOVED this book. Hence my 5 stars. I'm not saying is a literary masterpiece but it really did it for me. Crown of Briars really left me with that happy feeling and made me love the characters and be part of their world. Even being a retelling, I was constantly surprised and intrigued with what was going to happen next. It’s cozy, cute, and the stakes are high but not to the point of making you super anxious about what’s going on. The beast and beauty portrayal is very well done.


🔥 Spice Level:
2/5 - slow burn, steamy spice, wish there had been more scenes and more monster-ish spice


⭐ Things I give a thumbs up:

» The twists
» A strong FMC without being a can-do-all by herself vibe
» THE LIBRARY MOMENT
» The Magic Castle
» FMC powers

🤷🏻‍♀️ Things that made me want to hit my head against the wall:

» I don’t feel the dragon added that much to the plot
» Can’t believe this is just a standalone
» The goatee

🎯 Would I recommend it?:
Definitely, mostly if you’re in need of a cozy romantasy that you can devour in a day (like I did)

I really enjoy Beauty and the Beast retellings and this adult spicy retelling was such a good time for me. There were elements to it with Sybelle's abilities that were unlike other retellings that I really enjoyed. I loved that the author embraced the beast and I loved the shadows coming out to play for the beast. One of my favorite characters hands down was definitely the dragon Azure, I love a great dragon character and Azure was no exception. This book had so much in it that I just loved. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, I am so excited for Snow Whites retelling.

Wow… just WOW.

The way I devoured this book?? Needs to be studied... like documented case study. Somebody call the academy asap!

Crown of Briars by R.L. Perez is a gorgeously done Beauty and the Beast retelling, but make it fae and make it dark. The tension between Sybelle and Varius?? Chef’s kiss. It was the kind of slow burn that hurts a lil, but in the best way. The chemistry felt natural, nothing felt rushed or thrown in just to be spicy. And when the spice did hit?? Yeah… 🌶️🌶️🌶️ I had to take a lil walk.

I also really loved the way fae magic was portrayed, it felt different and unique from the usual stuff we see in fae fantasy and added so much depth to the story (but I won’t spoil it… just know it was 🔥).

This is technically the second book in the series, but you can read it as a standalone. I’m def going back to book one now and I already know I’ll be reading the rest of this series too.

If you love retellings, rich fantasy worlds, emotional tension, and a fae man who’s broody but lowkey soft?? Go grab this. Immediately.

I liked it. Kind of a dark and twisted beauty and the beast retelling. Sybelle is smart and strategic, the wraith king is mysterious and sharp tongued. The world building was awesome. The romance was slow burn and enemies to lovers. This story is full of magic and deception. I highly recommend.

"To all the readers who were disappointed when the beast transformed into a human. Varius, in all his monstrous glory, was written for you."

*screaming*

They had me at the dedication. I'm a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings. I mean, what book girlie doesn't want to be whisked away to a castle with morally gray MMC and a giant library? Is that not how all the dark romance girls got their start!

But as far as those retellings go, this one may be my favorite. I loved every second of it. It does a great job expanding both Sybelle's (Beauty) and Varius' (Beast) characters, but I especially like Sybelle's. I also loved the version of Gaston.

I really loved everything about it and immediately downloaded Crown of Slumber and Crown of Twelve as soon as I was done reading.

I can't get enough.

Undecided between 4 & 4.5 ⭐️

Thankyou NetGalley for this ARC.

This Beauty and the Beast retelling was full of almost every Romantasy trope/convention you can think of but I absolutely ate it up. I was a bit hesitant at first as it did feel like I was reading another *very* popular B&B retelling but as a standalone book, I think I enjoyed this one more. It was like the adult version.

The story was done well, the spice was excellent and I really enjoyed the character development.

I received an ARC for this book and so I hadn’t read anything else in this interconnected standalone series of spicy fairytale retellings but now…. sign me up!!!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If there is one thing about me it's that I love a beauty and the beast retelling!

The tension in this is *chefs kiss*. I was kicking my feet and giggling like a little girl!

Some tiny aspects of the plot I felt could have been explained better but I picked up what the author was putting down. Overall very enjoyable read and I'm excited to check out the other stand alones in this series

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If there is one thing about me it's that I love a beauty and the beast retelling!

The tension in this is *chefs kiss*. I was kicking my feet and giggling like a little girl!

Some tiny aspects of the plot I felt could have been explained better but I picked up what the author was putting down. Overall very enjoyable read and I'm excited to check out the other stand alones in this series

Slow-burn romance, playful banter, dual point-of-views, a dragon, and fae... what more could you want!

R. L. Perez did a stellar job with this Beauty and the Beast retelling! I often find retellings to be a difficult task to take on because you need the key elements the audience knows and loves from the original story, but also an added twist that makes it new and exciting. Perez did exactly this! I noticed the parallels to Beauty and the Beast, yet I was still on the edge of my seat, unsure of where I would be taken next! Furthermore, if you were the person who wanted the Beast's perspective in addition to the Beauty's, you will find it right here.

My only critique is I wish we had spent more time in the Earthen Court at the beginning with Sybelle (The Beauty). I thought a few of the events in the first couple of chapters felt very sudden, fast-paced, and (at times) unneeded. Now that I have finished Crown of Briars, I do recognize the importance of all that was included. With that said, if we had more of a chance to visit with Sybelle in her home court at the start, the events later in the book would have felt more impactful. This didn't personally hinder my enjoyment of the book; however, if you prefer in-depth exploration of characters and their background, please recognize that Crown of Briars may not be as detailed as you like.

With that said, you will love Crown of Briars' exploration of an enemies-to-lovers romance with its slow-build and spicy scenes. Due to this, I recommend the book to a more mature audience. You also dive into the importance of embracing others and how there are always two (or more) sides to a story.

Review Posting: Goodreads (7/22/2025)

★★★

Thank you NetGalley and Willow Haven Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Crown of Briars had some intriguing ideas, but overall it didn’t quite work for me. The blurb sounded so promising, but it just didn't live up to the description...or its own title which, now that I think about it, made no sense. There weren’t any briars.

The romance between Sybelle and Varius was incredibly bizarre. There was hatred, fear, and lust, and then they were just intensely in love. Varius saying things like he'd be ready to abandon his kingdom for her so quickly felt more dramatic than earned. Their relationship lacked the kind of buildup that makes these stakes feel meaningful.

Stylistically, the writing leaned more juvenile than I expected. It read like a YA fantasy, but with some mature content added in. That mix didn’t quite land—it felt like it was trying to be an adult romantasy, but without the complexity you'd hope for in the genre.

Sybelle was described as a highly trained assassin, but she didn’t really act like one. She often came across as unskilled or utterly unaware, and made bizarre choices, which made it hard to buy into her character. I didn’t find either main character especially compelling, and the story just didn’t have the emotional or narrative depth I was hoping for. Information was kind of just haphazardly thrown out, still no idea how she got the dragon or why it's "hers," or how she feels about the fact that her mother was bred then murdered after she was born, or so many other things.

That said, there were some fun scenes and interesting ideas sprinkled throughout, and I can see how readers who enjoy fairy tale-inspired romances might still have a good time.

A Dark, Enchanting Retelling – ★★★★★
This is a darker, more intense retelling of Beauty and the Beast that really pulled me in. Sybelle has been raised her whole life as a weapon — the one meant to end the curse on her kingdom by killing the king of the Unseelie Fae. The Unseelie are not your typical fae; they’re monstrous, eerie, and terrifying.

King Varius is also trying to break the curse that has haunted his bloodline for generations. As part of an old pact, a human princess is sent to marry the fae king every generation.

What I loved most was how the story explores trust, prejudice, and vulnerability. Sybelle and Varius start off wary of each other, shaped by years of fear and suspicion. But there’s a slow-burn romance that unfolds naturally as they begin to work together.

The character development was a standout for me — I really connected with both leads and understood their choices and growth. If you enjoy dark fantasy, political tension, and emotional slow-burns, this is one to pick up.

Crown of Briars: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling by R L Perez.

The classic tale of Beauty and the Beast is reimagined in a Fae/Human world which follows Sybelle, a half-fae human princess, who has been raised with a singular purpose: to marry and kill the Shadow King, Varius, whom she believes poses a grave threat to her kingdom.

Sybelle is an engaging and likeable FMC, torn between her duty and her burgeoning feelings that all is not as she was led to believe.

Varius, and his Kingdom are trapped under a curse of worsening dark poisonous shadows. He believes that a human bride is their only hope for salvation.

The author’s immersive and engaging writing immediately captivated me and I was reluctant to put this down! It was everything I love in this type of romantic fantasy filled with heart pounding moments from both aspects of the development of the story arc and of course the spice! 🔥

Oh and Lordy, please please give me a dragon best friend and a magical sentient castle that brings me books!!!

A highly enjoyable 5 star read for me! Can't wait to read more from R L Perez!

Thank you so much to R.L. Perez and Willow Haven Press for letting me have this ARC!

First thank you RL Perez for this arc in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED this story, I love RL Perez’s writing as a whole but this book was just so fun and well written and it did not feel like it was over 500 pages lol I blew threw this. I loved the complexity of Varius and Sybelle on their own was beautiful but together it really was such a lovely Beauty and the Beast retelling. Azure stole the book for me I just love how witty she is the entire time and how true she always is to herself but also Sybelle. The magic system is so unique I honestly cannot think of another book I’ve read in the past few years where gems were so prominent. I also loved that Varius is such a badass shadow daddy 😮‍💨 the spice was spicing and an arranged marriage that truly was unique. LOVED IT. Definitely worth adding to your TBR!
✨ magic
🗡️ dark fae
✨ a FMC who is assured of herself
🗡️ courtly intrigue

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc! This was such a fun read. I had a feeling I would like this book from the beginning especially since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney princess movie. She did an amazing job of keeping the baseline of the story but then making it her own. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and I am left with no confusion or questions! Sybelle and Varius was written so well and explained so well that I could picture them. The spice was also the perfect amount and gave just enough. Everything about this book was magical and really enjoyable. I definitely recommend this book!!

Crown of Briars is a dark and steamy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is a must read for Romantasy Lovers!

I appreciated the fact that you could see the original story of beauty and the beast woven in to the new and darker elements. It was a good blend! It kept me engaged and interested in what was going to happen next.

When I saw this was a spicy Beauty & the Beast re-telling, how could I resist?
(I couldn't, and neither should you)

Then, R.L. Perez hit us with this dedication, and I knew I was in the right spot:
"To all the readers who were disappointed when the beast transformed into a human. Varius, in all his monstrous glory, was written for you."

A few reviewers mentioned they didn't enjoy the monster spice aspect of the book and I think the author couldn't have made it any more obvious that you should expect that. So, if that's not your jam (which is fine), don't read it! But if that's fine (or even great) for you, 10/10 would recommend.

I ate this book up in 2 days (547 pages)!! I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


Loved:
- The evolution of the FMC
- Enemies to lovers
- Mind-to-mind speaking
- The gemstone magic
- That it's a stand-alone read (so hard to find in romantasy)
- Dragon friend/familiar

Didn't Love:
- There's a little bit of a miscommunication trope but it's not the whole book (thank goodness)

I came into this blind due to Netgalley, but I'm hooked~!
Sybelle is the femc I always love to read as my main character in a book.. Strong, resolved, and motivated to her goal. The plot kept me engaged and I really enjoyed what I read! This was beautifully crafted.

If you love a steamy dark Romance, with dragons, magic stones, devilish court politics and an incredible Library, then look no further. This beauty and the best retelling by R.L. Perez will have you hooked from the first page.

"I cannot lose you, Sybelle. Do not make me choose between you and my people, because I will choose you."

When Sybelle, a human with fae blood is sent to marry Varius a seelie beast to save her kingdom, she is unaware of his plans to use her to break his Curse and free his people from the Necro Shadows.

The Earthern and Shadow courts have been honouring an agreement for generations, sacrificing young women to keep deathly shadows and monsters at bay. But no-one could forsee the tangled web of magic and fate that could cause a king to choose between his kingdom and a human girl.

I was hooked from the first page, the perfect mix of fierce FMC and grumpy beast, instantly igniting that burning sexual tension. The tensions simmers throughout until we enter the iconic library and let's just say, I will never be able to look at a library in the same way again. Both Sybelle and Varius are written beautifully, elevating the story off the page and creating loveable multi-layered personalities.

The mix of humans, fae, seelies, witches and even dragons keeps your turning that page and delving deep into the magic system of the world. I loved the use of the stones to create an intricate magic system heightened by the elixirs, herbs and fae blood.

The castle, all knowing and extremely grumpy, is an incredible idea and addition. You never know where a door will take you
and the castle has its own ideas of what and where you need to be. It adds perfect comic relief and never did I think I would be feeling anything or laughing because of a stone building. I did feel I wanted more from the world building, simply because there was so much more I wanted to know, I wanted to explore the forest and the shadowed roads and create a whole world.

R.L.Perez tackles the ideas of identity, Lost and found family and acceptance in such a beautiful, engaging way. Which had me falling in love, screaming at my screen and holding my breath. There are content warnings of blood, violence and strong sexual content.

If like me you have always wondered if there is more to every fairy tale and can't resist a steamy sexual tension then this book is for you. All books in 'The Crowns of Fae' books can be read in order or as standalone. A must for every bookcase.

Thank you to NetGallery and Victory Editing for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Reviews available on Goodreads now and coming soon on my Instagram page.

I had to dnf @ 30 % it just wasn’t the book for me
I’m so sorry I like beauty & the beast but this retelling just didn’t match my vibe

Thank you to Willow Haven Press, R.L. Perez, and NetGalley for providing me the e-arc for Crown of Briars!

This book blew me away and was thoroughly addicting as I completely devoured it in just over 12 hours. I was a woman possessed as I read chapter after chapter and could not put it down.
I’m always interested in seeing what authors do with retellings of popular fairytale stories and this one did not disappoint. Beauty and the Beast is such a beloved classic that I feel sometimes the retellings can be overdone, but Crown of Briars was done in a way that stayed true to its fairytale roots but was also original in the way it went about the plot and curse of the beast.
Sybelle’s magic was unique with her use of gemstones, and I loved watching her character development as she realizes everything she was taught might not be true.
Varius was everything I wanted in ‘The Beast’ and more. His rage, torment and desperation to save his people but also not become the monster his father was makes for a great tortured MMC. I also loved that this retelling is really about embracing the beast and not just about breaking the curse to return to their seelie forms. The curse truly felt high stakes.
I loved how as soon as they decided to go all in, Sybelle and Varius were wholly dedicated to each other and there was no doubting the other after that. I loved their dynamic and how their relationship evolved past all the prejudices they each had learned about the other’s race. I felt like their relationship was done incredibly well and the tension building throughout was worth it for when it finally exploded into some swoon worthy spice.

All in all, this book had me completely hooked and I can’t wait to read more by this author and more stories from this world.