I struggled with this book. The first 100-150 pages especially. I cannot comment on this being an Arthurian retelling because I do not know the original story well enough. I found the book a tad confusing. The book seems to make the assumption that you know these characters, or at least a version of the story, so I think my confusion would be remedied if I knew the original better.

I thought the premise was interesting. The end of the book was dramatic. I think it struggled with pacing, which I understand is difficult, but the end had a lot happening with too little pages. I also wish that Morgan and Draven’s relationship was better fleshed out. I’m assuming that is going to be a major focus of book 2.

My absolute biggest issue with the book, and had this not been an ARC I would have DNF’d, is the fact that trigger warnings are included, but DO NOT include sexual assault/rape.

There are explicit scenes that HEAVILY insinuate that Morgan is raped. Nearer to the end of the book, she comments that “it didn’t go that far” but her assailant literally drugged her, tied her to a bed, cut her clothes off, and carved his name into her chest. This is how the chapter ends, and technically no rape occurs on-page, but the implication of the final paragraph seems to heavily insinuate what is about to happen.

“I watched as Florian positioned the dagger over my left arm. As he began cutting away the fabric of my tunic, I closed my eyes, praying to the Three that whatever drug he had slipped into my drink would take me far away again.”

Minimally that is sexual assault. It was very jarring to read, because I did check triggers prior to starting the book, and was extremely surprised that this did not make it into the warning list. I actually stopped reading the book, read a couple others, before deciding to come back to it.

I understand this is supposed to be a darker Romantasy, and I have read The Plated Prisoner series which follows a similar darker vein. I didn’t have a problem with that series. My main issue was that a list was provided, and this very glaring moment was left out. This is not at all a small, throwaway scene. It leaves large ripples in the story, and understandably the main character suffers from it. So, it really isn’t something that was *missed* and not put on the list, rather it seems to have been intentionally left out; either for shock factor or because it is later revealed he “didn’t go all the way” so perhaps the author didn’t think it counted.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book. I do not want to bring down the Goodreads rating, especially because I honestly think a lot of people would enjoy the story, so I will not be posting a review there.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️/5

First off, thank you to NetGalley, Starwater Press, and Briar Boleyn for an ARC of the first book in the Blood of the Fae series!

In this retelling of the legends of Camelot and King Arthur we follow Morgan Pendragon (known as Morgan le Fay in the legends), the king’s older sister, as she struggles with the potential fae blood she might possess - which in this world means she’s tainted - and how to serve a throne that should have been hers. Sent on an epic quest to collect an ancient fae weapon for her brother, Morgan begins to discover the world of magic and fae while traveling with a dark and handsome warrior and starts questioning everything she grew up believing.

I really ended up loving this book! I mean I’ll always love an Arthurian legend but throw Fae in there as well and I’m hooked! While there was some slow world building in the beginning (which is to be expected since this is recreating a known legend) this story quickly picks up with nail-biting plot twists and actions that had me staying up wayyy past my bedtime to keep reading about!

I loved watching the journey of Morgan as she dealt with truly horrible things happening in her life because of her blood and then learning how to be her own person with her own power. The mystery surrounding the fae builds and builds in this book as she is discovering the world outside of Camelot and I can’t wait to get some answers in book 2 hopefully!

The romance in this book was both expected and unexpected (I know that sounds confusing but if you read it you’d understand haha) and I loved the slow steamy burn! This series does promise to up the spice with each book so I’m super excited to get more of that!

This book was packed with surprising plot twists, betrayal, mystery, action and an insane cliffhanger that I did not see coming! This has the potential to be an amazing Romantasy series and I can’t wait to read the rest!

As always, please check with the trigger warnings as there are a decent amount in this book! Your mental health comes first so please take care of yourself!

Read if you like:
Enemies to Lovers
Slow burn romance
Forced Proximity
Magic
Morally Grey MMC
Touched Her and Die
Who did this to you?
Bonded Protector

Captivating fantasy romance novel that weaves together elements of Excalibur mythology and fae. Set in a richly imagined world, the story follow main character with mmc who embark on a journey of self-discovery. Allowing the romantic relationship to evolve amidst tension and conflict, building palpable chemistry between the characters.
Boleyn's writing style creates a slow burn romance that kept me engaged, eagerly turning the pages to witness the emotional transformation between the protagonists.
There is also the "who did this to you" 😏 trope.
Overall I have to say I really enjoyed reading it and it heavily reminded me of books From Blood and Ash series.

What a journey! Boleyn's Camelot inspired fantasy is an intriguing fresh take. I love how she has woven this story. Her character dialogue is great and not just between our main characters. There are dynamic conversations with our side characters as well. From political intrigue to a perilous journey, Morgan is a character worth following. Merlin and Lancelot are both fresh takes and I loved how each are portrayed. The world created is more inclusive (well not everyone in it but we get to see the contrasts of that) and the world created is morally grey in the best way.

While I am usually not a big fan of slow burn and this one is oh so slowly burning... there is so much happening here and so many developments, I didn't mind it at all in this book.

One last thing, check the trigger warnings. I was glad I knew some things were coming.

Queen of roses

Fantasy? Fae? Spice? It’s all here, ready for you!

Morgan Pendragon is a queen. Well, she was supposed to be, anyway, until her father passed her up for her younger ~half~ brother Arthur and decided she was to be promised to the Temple. While having a hard relationship with her father, she loved her brother-both of them- and only wanted the best for him, so she stood by his side and stayed loyal, even when he was no longer loyal to her, but only himself and his selfish wants for Camelot and all of Pendrath.

When Arthur sends Morgan off on a mission with some deadly-in their own ways- men, she is astonished at the feat hes assigned her to complete. Find the sword and return it to him so he can take care of any threat that may come against Pendrath. Leaving abruptly in the dead of night starts this mission off on a rocky path, and it only continues to become more suspicious. In unlikely turns of events, Morgan comes into herself and discovers her own secrets hidden beneath the surface-but is it too late to survive?


I found this book and the author on NetGalley, and read from there. I did have a hard time getting into the book-much longer than usual. At about 50%, I couldn’t put it down. The tension between Morgan and Draven was so satisfying and stressful all at the same time, and when Vesper showed up, the wrench in that was all the drama! Until she got on the road, Morgan was NOT my favorite. She was so meek and refused to tell anyone about her problems with Florian that I had a hard time reading her. When she took the blame all of the time, it stressed me out and all I wanted was to grab her shoulders and shake her!

I’m ready to get into the second book of this three book series immediately, and I’m hoping it’s the same way!

#queenofroses #netgalley #fantasy #fae

Maybe I'm growing a soft spot for Arthurian inspired stories...

I'm typically not a fan of the legend; however, Boleyn's adaptation has me rethinking my preferences. Queen of Roses stole my heart. It was refreshing, heartbreaking, inspiring, intriguing... it was it all.

If you're into slow burn romances, enemies-to-lovers, and gentle alphas, this is definitely for you.
If you're into adventure, magic, and action, this is also for you.

The pacing was well done, characters were consistent with their defining traits, and it was an easy read. Only comment I'd note was that the characters didn't have too much development, however, for a first book it has so much potential to lead into a great story and stronger characters. I'm more than excited to read the second book, Court of Claws!

I very much appreciated that the trigger warnings were provided but disclosed at the end of the book. It gave readers the option to decide if they wanted the plot to potentially be spoiled. I can't tell you the number of times I've read the TW at the start of the book, only to guess exactly how the story plays out.

I received this title as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for the opportunity to read this treasure!

This book swept me away into a mesmerizing retelling of the Arthurian legend, where Morgan le Fey takes center stage. Right from the start, I was captivated by the poignant backstory of our protagonist and the clever twists that breathed new life into the familiar tale. The slow-burn romance between Morgan and the enigmatic Kairos Draven had me positively giddy with anticipation. The sparkling banter between them added an extra layer of delight. The world-building transported me effortlessly into this enchanting realm, although there were instances of slightly overwhelming information towards the end. With its blend of betrayal, intrigue, and unexpected revelations, this book left me yearning for more. If you crave a spellbinding fantasy romance with rich characters and a fresh take on Arthurian lore, looking forward to the next one.

A big thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and Briar Boleyn for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Queen of Roses a very unique retelling of the King Arthur legend complete with magical creatures and fae. The story follows Morgan, the half sister of King Arthur, who is half-fae. The fae are a race shunned by humans and King Arthur looks down on his sister and wants her out of the way and uses their younger brother to emotionally manipulate her. He sends Morgan off on a mission to recover Excalibur which, in this retelling, is a weapon forged by a god. Morgan is sent off with Draven, a Royal guard and assassin, to recover the weapon. The whole story is one that is hard to put down especially if you love fantasy and authors like SJM and JLA. The ending is insane and I cannot wait to start Court of Claws.

Loved this book! Camelot with Fae. Was nice to read something a little different within the fantasy genre. Can’t wait to read book 2.

Thank you NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this one. The world building, magic and lore was really original with a really good storyline based of the retelling of Camelot and King Arthur. Really good.

I began reading this book with little knowledge of it other than it was a retelling of King Arthur's legend.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and am intrigued enough to read the next one right away. The mystery surrounding our FMC, MMC, and the rest of the world is promising.
Still, the plot is a little predictable in a few details, but not enough to put you off reading.

I new re-telling of Morgan Pendragon and Camelot. This story is an exciting fast-paced tale of hidden destiny, family ties, and tragedy. Morgan's life is far from the picture perfect life we imagine for a princess. Kingdom taken away from her, a tyrant of a brother on her throne, and the medication she's forced to take to hide her Fae blood. It's a great retelling, a little predictable at times with the sudden introduction of a second MC, but still enjoyable enough that I will be diving in the next book right away.

2.5 stars

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

Let me start by saying I didn´t know this book would be a kind of retelling of King´s Arthur myth. Usually retellings don´t work for me, so I´m not the biggest fan of them. And unfortunately this was one of these cases, it just didn´t work for me.

The story is intriguing and has a lot of potential, but the execution isn´t quite there yet, so it fell under the "flat" category for me and I wasn´t able to relate to the characters.

Again, I see a lot of potential in the story, but it needs a bit more developing and editing in my opinion.

This Fae twist on the Legends of Kings Arthur was action packed and a lot of fun. Once the main character and her companions left Camelot and began their quest for Excalibur, I was hooked on the “journey” narrative.

I’m also super into the powerful female character trope, and I only hope now that the MC is growing into her powers, she’ll become a badass in the sequel.

The author also does a great job continuously throwing in twists and turns that keep you guessing character identities and motives up until the very end.

Thank you NetGalley and Starwater Press for the ARC!

“The day my mother died, I was reading a book underneath her bed.”

“My future had been set for me before I was old enough to question it.”

"Not even a thank you, Princess?" he called as I strode away. "I'll miss you, too."

So incredibly and unexpectedly good!!! This first book in a series was nothing like I was used to in a King Arthur retelling and exactly everything I didn’t know I needed !!!! Morgan is who we think she is only her half fae blood as always more a curse than anything. That same blood is the reason why she is kept away from the throne from her father who have it away to her little brother Arthur. The more they grow up the more Arthur is transforming into that vicious, cruel king that their father was once. Morgan is under his rule and despite her love for her brother, she is sent away on a deadly quest to find the sword that will help her brother win a war: Excalibur. Morgan is also Merlin’s apprentice, the High Priestess. Little does she know that her powers are way bigger than she imagines and that her true fae heritage has not even been totally revealed yet. On a journey through peril she will meet a very brooding, hot and grumpy knight sent to protect her, Draven who is hiding something more than just his past. This book made me constantly scared and frustrated and bothered (the tension with the princess and guard trope is there!!!) and enthralled by the magical way the author developed this plot and this world. I knew I would have loved it from the first sentence somehow !!! Morgan will learn more about her powers and her life and her truths and Draven … he will drive her crazy but will also be the best chance at survival she has !!!! I loved each and every character and each and every plot points made in this book. I was interested in the character of Merlin in particular but by that last chapter … I NEED MORE ABOUT DRAVEN AND IT IS ONLY FAIR THAT BOOK TWO IS ALREADY OUT !!!! It was such a massive cliffhanger!!!!

"Who did this to you?"

"Go," he shouted to me, his green eyes blazing, his deep voice resonating across the room. "Go. I'lI find you, Morgan."

"A gift to you then. Forged in blood and darkness. A bond that can never be broken."

Thank you NetGalley & Briar Boleyn for the chance to read Queen of Roses.

I thoroughly enjoyed this dark fantasy romance, with a spin on King Arthur. It was an easy read for me, and I found myself wanting more, and really enjoying the journey this book took me on!


Morgan Pendragon is a "denounced" Queen who has been promised to the temple, while her younger brother, King Arthur rules Camelot. Morgan is a half-blooded Fae, who knows very little about her Faw heritage.

King Arthur is a cruel ruler, and sends Morgan on a journey to find Excalibur. Along the way, she and her "guardians" face many hurdles. We learn more about the Fae and Gods of their world and of the past.

*I will note I am not a King Arthur/ Camelot/ Gods know-it-all, so I did find myself stopping to dig in deeper to understand some of the characters, however that was not necessary, just for personal knowledge.

I would have greatly enjoyed a map to better understand the geography!

I look forward to reading book two in the Blood of Fae trilogy, and finding what is to come of Morgan Pendragon and the world beyond Camelot.

“He was the air I breathed. I could not live without him.”


Queen of Roses is a dark fantasy of Camelot retelling. Arthur is portrayed as the evil King. While Morgan, who is part fae is the hero.

King Arthur demands Morgan to find the sword, for she is the only one able to retrieve it. Joined with two new comrades they must venture to the unknowns. What will become of Camelot? Will they be able to retrieve the sword or will danger come upon them?


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
I loved every moment of this dark retelling and couldn’t stop reading! It had just enough spice, making you beg for more. I enjoyed the unexpected twist & turns that left you feeling betrayed. Finally my heart broke at the cliffhanger hoping to find out what happens next.

The book was a bit slow to get into but once it started going you fell right in the story. It was a wonderful first part in this serie. A very detailed worldbuild and amazing character who each fight their own battle. I can't wait to read the next book.

If you like dark fantasy, this one is for you. I however highly recommend looking at the content warnings before diving in because this book definitely has some heavy hitters.

Queen of Roses is the first book in the Blood of a Fae series and is a retelling of the classic King Arthur/Camelot story with a fantasy twist. Instead of us seeing the story play out through Arthur’s eyes, his sister, Morgan, is the narrator. Other characters are pulled straight from the classic story, like Sit Ector, while some are gender bent, like Lancelet and Merlin. I always love when that happens. It gives a different perspective on characters we all already know about it.

Queen of Roses follows Morgan as she navigates living in a Camelot that’s ruled by Arthur, who is her younger brother. When she was a child, her father promised her to the goddesses since he didn’t find her worthy of being a queen and made Arthur his heir instead. One of those reasons is that Morgan supposedly has fae blood in her, which in Camelot is a big no-no. There is history between the fae and humans in this world and to put it plainly, they hate each other. Morgan suffers through a lot growing up because of this. There is so much I wish she didn’t have to experience being so young. It’s not fair to her whatsoever.

When things start to get dicey, Arthur sends Morgan to go retrieve a special artifact that will give him great power over his enemies. He specifically picks Morgan due to her supposed heritage. She isn’t sent alone, though. One of the royal guards, Kairos Draven, is to accompany her for her safety. It is your typical tall, dark, and handsome male love interest, but Draven isn’t who he seems to be, which I kind of figured out early on. Now, there are still questions I have about him which will probably be answered in the next book, but for now, he will remain mysterious.

Overall, Queen of Roses is a good read. You’ve got everything you want in a fantasy novel: morally gray characters, action, betrayal, some of the best romance trope out there in my opinion – one bed (one tent in this case), touch her and you die, who did this to you?, etc. The backdrop of the Camelot story is also incredibly interesting. I don’t think I’ve read a book that has spun this story in the way Briar Boleyn has. I gave Queen of Roses four stars because I found some parts to be a little confusing, almost like there were details missing. It could just be me, but I had to reread certain passages to understand what was happening. The clarity in the action was iffy sometimes.

Thanks to NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for this arc in exchange for an honest review. Now on to Court of Claws, the second book in the Blood of a Fae series.

This is a romance, fantasy book with not much romance. She makes the world building easy to understand. Some parts and characters are pretty dark. This is a three book series, and I will definitely be reading the second one in the series when it comes out.


Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book for my honest review