Thank you NetGalley, Starwater Press, and Briar Boleyn for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Queen of Roses follows Morgan, who is sent by her brother the king, to retrieve a powerful object, in a far away and dangerous land. Accompanying her are two guards she doesn't trust and not all is as it seems...
The first half of the book was difficult to get into because there was little to no world building or background information. More info about the kingdom, the day to day world, and what happened to make everyone hate the fae would have been helpful to understand the characters and their motives, but maybe more is coming in the next book?

As for the characters, the MMC only became interested in Morgan when she mentioned she was the princess. I immediately became suspicious...no matter how handsome or good with a sword he may be.

The second half of the book picked up a bit as they started their quest. The creepy cave part and the mysterious magical woman were scary and intriguing. I was left with lots of questions, but I'm very excited to see what comes next!

I was really pulled in by the description of the book as it promised spicy fantasy romance, enemies to lovers, who did this to you, as well as a perilous quest and lots of mystery. Also, a Camelot reimagining with a Fae twist.. So much potential for an amazing, unputdownable story. However, to my surprise, I had a hard time getting through this book at times as I would keep picking it up and putting it back down.

I enjoyed getting to know the main character and her backstory at the beginning, and the world building was great throughout! The FMC having such a tumultuous past and strained familial ties, I really expected her character was going to grow into a strong, formidable lead throughout her quest and we would get to know more about her heritage as well as her suppressed magic. However, her demeanor veered more towards timidity, immaturity, and naivety. I really wished for more character development for Morgan.

I liked the initial interactions between her and Draven. A brooding, morally grey character who was protective from the start with a good amount of snarky banter back and forth? Yes, please! I really expected more development in the relationship between Morgan and Draven. Speaking of relationships, I didn't enjoy her choice of romantic love interest at all.

The action did pick up towards the end and I got more invested in the story - especially since it ends on a crazy cliffhanger! I am definitely interested in learning more about Draven!

3.5 ⭐️

At first I didn’t know if I was going to be able to get into this book but I am so glad I kept going!!
It’s the story of King Arthur and Excalibur with a fae/magical/fantasy twist and I ended up LOVING it.
I was a Draven fan from the beginning and I hope their relationship grows romantic in the next book like I hoped it would before Vesper showed up.
Vesper tricked me and I’m quite happy he got his in the end!
I loved that there was talk on a bond, I love a good bonded pair :)
I highly recommend this book!

Queen of Roses is a reimagining of Arthurian legend with magic and the Fae. This book had a lot of potential, but unfortunately for me, as a librarian, it was independently published, so my library is unable to obtain this book. There are a number of self-published books that have been picked up by larger publishers once they gain some recognition - let's hope this happens to Queen of Roses. If there is a patron looking for this particular type of story, and they have kindle unlimited or are willing to purchase a book themselves, I will recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley, Starwater Press and Briar Boleyn for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Queen of Roses is an interesting take on Arthurian legend. The story is about Morgan, Athur's sister. From the beginning we learn that not all is well in Camelot. There is strong racism against the fae/ half fae and food shortages create unrest outside of the castle.

The story starts a bit slow as it starts with a flashack to when the FMC was about 5 years old. It is only after the hunt that the story goes faster. From there I really flew through the story, I couldn't put the book down. There is a romantic plot but it is slow burn so I am looking forward to this in the next book, hopefully. I loved that we get to see more of this world on the quest that they go on. It is interesting to get to explore this world together with the FMC who never went beyond the borders of Camelot.

I can't wait to read the next book after the somewhat cryptic events at the end of this book!

Love over love! This is the series I have been looking for! Sword fighting and spice that is perfect for me. I could not out this down! The pace is perfect! And I was completely absorbed into this book!
I just reviewed Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn. #QueenofRoses #NetGalley
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Really enjoyed this, a bit slow to start off with but once it got going I loved it. Book two was my favourite when the adventure began and things started to become clear. Really enjoyed the ending and can’t wait to see what happens next. 4 stars

Okayyyyy, i will be honest I am not super familiar with the stories of King Arthur or anything so i was going into this book with fresh eyes and no expectations at all. That being said I loved it and most of the characters. I know some characters are meant to be hated but damnnnn some of these men had my blood boiling at certain points in this book.
I hope Morgan realizes she is more powerful than she could’ve ever imagined, not even power wise and the fact that she is fae.I think she underestimates herself a lot and it sets her back. She is also super naive and trusting with people that don’t deserve her trust at all.
About to curl up in bed and read the bonus scene!!!!

This was my first dark fantasy romance. While the triggers didn’t really disturbed me, please read the trigger warnings if you have this type of issues.
While I appreciated the world building, the first 30-40% of the book was a little too slow for me. The moment they started their journey, was the moment I got hooked on the book. I didn’t really enjoyed the love triangle, but this is something that I never enjoy in any book.
The romance part was almost non-existent but I am looking forward to reading book no 2, as I am sure it’s going to kick up in force there. It is an extremely slow romance, that sets the main characters relationships but nothing really happens between them in book 1. Just small steps to solidify their journey further
All in all, its a good start of the series and looking forward to see what happens next!

"Queen of Roses" by Briar Boleyn is a captivating retelling of the Arthurian Camelot legend, infused with elements of magic, Fae, and diverse characters.

The story follows Morgan Pendragon, a half-Fae heroine who finds herself entangled in a power struggle within the kingdom. Despite being the rightful heir to the throne, Morgan's path to becoming queen is obstructed by her half-Fae heritage and her brother Arthur.

Set on a quest to procure Excalibur for her power-hungry brother, King Arthur, Morgan is forced to suppress her Fae nature due to the fear of magic and Fae in the realm.

As Morgan's journey unfolds, the story delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and the struggle for self-acceptance. Boleyn masterfully weaves a romantic thread throughout the narrative, adding depth and emotion to the characters' interactions.

The novel's world-building transports readers to a realm where magic and Fae are both feared and revered, providing a unique backdrop to the familiar Camelot narrative. Boleyn's subtle but noted inclusion of queer characters adds layers of complexity to the story, making it a refreshing and inclusive addition to the fantasy genre.

"Queen of Roses" is a tale of courage, love, and self-discovery, offering a fresh perspective on the Arthurian legend. A must-read for fans of romantic fantasy.

I was kindly given an ARC copy by Netgalley and Victory Editing. This book!!!! Man i was in a big slump but Briar just pulled me out of it single handed. It gave me vibes of The Serpent and Wings of night. Loosely based on Camalot and King Arthur. Slow burn, betrayal, "chosen one", a sprinkle of spice.... like really what's not to love. I am sprinting to buy the next book in the series. Read this if you're a NA Booktok girl who loves the "who did this to you" trope. I'm absolutely in love. Thanks again!

In a land where the Fae have nearly become only a legend and those who still posses even a morsel of the blood are few and far between, Morgan finds herself cast aside by most of society due to her rumored half-Fae lineage, including her brother, King Arthur. With the kingdom at the brink of war, Arthur entrusts her with a quest to retrieve a Fae weapon of legendary power: the sword of Perun, Excalibur. Accompanied by men she loathes, Captain Kairos Draven and Ragnar Whitehorn, she embarks on her long and unbeknownst perilous journey, only to find that things she once believed to be myth are in fact very real. With devastating twists, omitted truths, witty banter and fierce action, Queen of Roses leaves you begging to know more about the secrets of Aercanum!

Wow, wow, wow! Going into this story, I did not realize that it was going to be a retelling of Arthurian legend, especially not one with a fantastical twist! The unique spin almost gave me The Witcher vibes and I think adding Fae into the mix was quite interesting. I knew the basics of the legend but after reading this book, it has piqued my interest and makes me want to learn more about it. My attention was snatched as soon as I finished the prologue and I knew that I was going to devour this story. I truly enjoyed the gender swaps and even how Arthur was portrayed as villainous. Morgan’s past and even her parts of her present is absolutely heartbreaking, and I felt for her at times. I can only recall one other book that made me hate characters the way I despised Florian and Arthur, leaving me with my blood boiling and feeling disgusted. Even after finishing the book, Draven is still a mystery to me and I cannot figure out how to feel about him. I guess they just means that the author did an excellent job at conveying each character’s persona! The rich world building and imagery made it easy for me to visualize the places that the group visited along their journey. I am truly engulfed in this story and I cannot wait to see wait fate awaits Morgan and how the Fae will be even more incorporated in the next book!.

I started this book with little to no knowledge about the plot, characters, or style of romance.
Usually, I can dive right into a book & feel settled and excited.

However, the beginning took me a few days to start. I would read it, stop, put it down, and the next day try again. I think I reread the prologue more times than I would like to admit. At first glance, I thought, "Oh here we go again, a desperate mate bond - classic - the whole 'I can't live without you' trope" OH GOODIE. I felt the prologue was in itself a spoiler.

Queen of Roses offers a unique twist on the tale of Camelot and introduces readers to a mysterious protagonist whose journey of self-discovery unfolds in a world teeming with intrigue. While the book certainly has its merits, there are aspects that leave much to be desired.

What worked:

- The enigmatic allure of the main character is a standout feature. Boleyn skillfully guides us through the protagonist's exploration of self, mirroring our own journey of discovery. This intricate narrative approach adds depth to the character's evolution.

- Boleyn's imaginative reimagining of Camelot captivates the reader. Who doesn't love a good tale of the greatest legends of our time! By presenting a well-known hero as a villain, the author introduces a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective on the legendary realm. The gender swaps for well-known figures from Arthurian legends, and the subtle yet perfect name changes add flavour!

What fell short:

- The initial dialogue was a stumbling block, with its awkward and unnatural delivery disrupting the immersive experience. The attempt to make expressions "interesting" or "unique resulted in a jarring effect that may pull readers away from the enchanting world.

- While the reimagined Camelot is intriguing, the world-building feels incomplete. Key historical aspects are skimmed over or neglected in this new world, which leaves us as readers yearning for a richer context that would fully immerse us in the tale.

- The character depth and interactions left something to be desired as well. A more thorough exploration of the connections between the main protagonist and their companions could have evoked stronger emotional investment from the readers.

- The occasional spelling errors (kindle version) and peculiar phrasing momentarily detracted from the reading experience.

- The pacing suffered from abrupt shifts between plotlines, creating a rushed sensation that hindered the overall story flow.

- The character relationships at times felt contrived, particularly a sudden and unexplained shift from discomfort to trust, undermining the authenticity of their connections.

Despite its flaws, "Queen of Roses" manages to deliver an enjoyable reading experience for a nice rainy day. The tale is replete with unexpected twists, even if some prove predictable. Regrettably, the book's conclusion feels hurried, leaving the readers craving a more gradual and satisfying resolution. This leads me to my excitement for book 2 - and yes - I WILL BE READING BOOK 2.

Moreover, Vesper's character is...undeniably attractive. I am a sucker for a fae male with copper hair.

Queen of Roses offers readers an inventive spin on a classic legend, and I am looking forward to more adventuring with Morgan in book 2. A tale of mystery and magic, and while the book has its shortcomings, it remains a worthy read for those who seek a look into the "true" world of Camelot.

This book was very captivating by the beautiful cover and title. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to review books and experience this. I enjoyed this book very well as it was so beautifully written and unique. I am excited for the second book!

I give this book 3 stars.

I enjoyed that it was fast paced and able to hold my attention.

I didn't enjoy the romance aspect of this book at all. It felt incredibly predictable with the two MC's, but also I felt like there was no build up between her and either MC. I do not know that I will read the next book.

Arthurian retelling with a fae twist
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
“Who did this to you?”
Witty Banter
Dangerous Quest

Morgan Pendragon is the eldest sister of King Arthur, the cruel and unjust King of Camelot. She is the rightful heir to the throne but her tainted fae blood is regarded as a stain on the Pendragon name and she is denounced as the future Queen of Camelot. She is fed a vile concoction to supress any magic or special characteristics of her fae heritage.

Her despicable brother sends her on a mission to find Excalibur, the legendary sword that could win any war. Morgan has no choice but to go because the safety of her younger brother, Kaye’s life depends on her return with the sword. She also faces the horror of an impending forced marriage to a deplorable abusive stalker named Florian who is the son of the King’s close friend and adviser.

Arthur appoints Whitehorn, one Lord Agravaine’s men and Kairos Draven, a mysterious, dangerous hulk of a man to act as Morgan’s bodyguards. Although Morgan finds Draven attractive, they do not get along. Despite their differences Draven is very protective of the princess and will do anything to make sure she is safe.
The world building was fantastic and I loved the characters. Draven is excellent book-boyfriend material with a bad-guy / good-heart personality.

I feel that there could have been more heated moments between the two main characters but that cliff-hanger set everything up nicely for the second book.

I highly recommend this book for those who like fantasy books, retellings and amazing quests.
This book is a fast paced, action packed adventure that was an absolute thrill ride.
This book does have trigger warnings so please take note of that.

A huge thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Morgan, the sister of King Arthur is part fae. Arthur is not the King one would imagine him to be and is leading his country to war and starvation. In order to escape his wrath Morgan has been tasked with finding Excalibur. With one gaurd she doesn't trust and one she despises.

While this book is a little dark and does boast a handful of trigger warning I really enjoyed how reflective it was. Morgan's choices were few and she did what she could to survive.

I was a little disappointed with how quickly she dismisses Draven's care of her and the feelings that start to grow.

I also wish that more of Morgan's magic were to develop. That she would actually want to develop that skill instead of hiding it.

I really enjoyed this book! Love a King Arthur retelling and this was a more dark fantasy take on it which is different and exciting. Loved Morgan and Lancelet so much. Their friendship was wonderful. The slow burn is slow burning and we love it. Jumping into book 2 immediately.

Queen of Roses is the start to what could be a epic journey!
Follow Morgan as she tries to survive her cruel brother the King. She is also on a self discovery hunt to find out what/who she is and the truth about her Mother!

I was entertained but some scenes didn't need to be as descriptive as they were, I'd like to stay in the action a bit more. I love the unconventional relationship developed between Morgan & Draven! This book is all about friends, adventure and risk , making the focus on the journey! I would definitely read the next book!

Enjoyed most of this book! Some parts made me go "why would anyone do that", but overall was entertaining.