3.25/5 stars! I'm very tired of books with identical covers. This looks like about 1,000 other fantasy covers. That aside, the story was promising for a debut author. This is more romantasy than YA, but definitely has some YA moments. There were times where it was clear the author couldn't decide if she wanted to write YA or NA. It's understandable in a debut but a decision should be made before the next book and stick to that.

Slow burn fantasy romance with a twist—she does the saving. The female lead? Total badass. I loved how she protected him for once. The world-building was light (blessing!), which made it easy to get into. And the banter? Chef’s kiss.

This book fell a little flat for me. I didn’t see a whole lot of the trope promises fulfilled and I had no idea why the main characters suddenly stopped hating each other?

The premise was good, the story had lots of potential, but it still feels like it needs some refining to me!

I go absolutely feral for magical schools and this book had all of that. Something about schools of magic just interest me so much and I love the concept of being accepted into a school. This author did not disappoint with this book. Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this book

🤍 enemies to lovers
❤️ he falls first
🤍 badass FMC
❤️ magic
🤍 body guard
❤️ academia setting

Ok, this is an honest review, right? Because at first I had a hard time getting into this one. I had such high hopes, and I think I just let myself down? I did end up enjoying this book, maybe just not as much as I hoped.

The good? How well the romance was written, the build up was sweet.
I liked how Jasmine and Asher grew together. At first my girl Jasmine was getting on my nerves, all she did was complain. But it got better!!
Lydia was my favorite, I would have loved to see more of her.
My biggest problem is there was little to no world building....and very slow at times. I enjoyed it enough to pick up the next book in the series.

Thanks to A. N. Skye, NetGalley, and Aethon Books Pub for this eARC, in exchange for my honest review.

The writing itself okay but the content felt very generic. The story did feel a little choppy and basic. Sadly I couldn’t get into it.

Tropes:
-bodyguard
- forced proximity
- friends to lovers
- forbidden love
- hidden identities
- political intrigue
- interesting magic system
- betrayal

I enjoyed the dynamic between Jasmine and Asher. The mystery aspect of the plot was fantastic. I loved the big reveal. I can’t wait to read the next one. This is available on KU.

I loved this! It started off a little bit slow but then ramps up and keeps going. It’s such a fascinating story, I think really unique. The characters are likeable, and I like the connection between the FMC and MMC. I can’t wait to find out more about the secret and how their magic works, learn more about the history of this world, and the bad guy organization. This had me eagerly turning pages, couldn’t put the book down. Fantastic read!

Keeper of the Scarlet Petals is a fantasy book filled with magic and mystery. We have an amazing world building and a set of compelling characters in a story that will keep you interested from the start. The pace was fantastic and i really recommend it to fans of the fantasy genre.

**A Lush and Enchanting Fantasy Masterpiece**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A.N. Skye’s *Keeper of the Scarlet Petals* is a breathtaking journey into a world filled with magic, mystery, and heart. This novel is a stunning blend of rich world-building, compelling characters, and a story that sweeps you away from the very first page.

Skye’s prose is poetic and immersive, painting vivid landscapes and imbuing every scene with a sense of wonder. The world of the Scarlet Petals is as enchanting as it is perilous, with its intricate lore and dazzling magic drawing readers deeper into its secrets.

The protagonist is unforgettable—a complex, courageous figure whose journey of discovery and sacrifice is as inspiring as it is emotional. The relationships in the novel, whether fraught with tension or brimming with loyalty, add depth and humanity to the high-stakes fantasy setting.

The plot is masterfully paced, weaving suspense, romance, and action into a seamless tapestry. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, Skye delivers twists that leave you breathless and eager for more.

*Keeper of the Scarlet Petals* is more than just a fantasy novel—it’s a story about identity, destiny, and the lengths we go to protect what we love. A.N. Skye has crafted a truly magical reading experience that will stay with you long after the final page. Highly recommended for fantasy lovers and anyone seeking a tale full of wonder and heart!

I’m not sure why I requested this book because I struggle so hard with YA fantasy. The romantic aspect is what keeps me engaged and with YA it’s too PG for my liking and it just makes the story drag. I also feel as though almost every fantasy book is the same! The quest for something including magic or fae and then falling in love with the enemy who is a jerk and blah blah blah. I just have to stay away from this type of fantasy I guess.

Keeper of The Scarlet Petals by A. N. Skye is a thrilling blend of fantasy, romance, and intrigue. Jasmine, a fierce yet reluctant protector, is tasked with safeguarding a nobleman she can’t stand. As they face danger together, Jasmine’s struggle to balance her duty with her growing feelings for her charge is complicated by a deadly conspiracy. Skye crafts a world full of magic, swordsmanship, and shifting loyalties, all while exploring the emotional depth of a reluctant protector discovering love and trust. This fast-paced, character-driven adventure is perfect for fans of romantic fantasy and high-stakes drama.

A.N. Skye’s Keeper of the Scarlet Petals is a mesmerizing historical fantasy that combines romance, intrigue, and an unforgettable world-building experience. Set in a lush, enigmatic world where magic is both a blessing and a curse, the novel follows a young woman named Eveline, who is bound by a secret legacy and an extraordinary ability that could either save or destroy everything she holds dear.

Eveline’s life is turned upside down when she discovers that she is the Keeper of the Scarlet Petals, a mystical power linked to an ancient artifact with the ability to control life and death. As she grapples with her newfound powers, she is thrust into a dangerous world of political intrigue, dark forces, and treacherous allies. Along the way, Eveline must confront her own identity, forge unexpected alliances, and decide whether to embrace her power or destroy it before it consumes her.

Skye’s writing is lush and poetic, immersing the reader in a world rich with magic, history, and mysticism. The setting is detailed and vivid, and the plot moves at a steady pace, gradually building tension and suspense as Eveline’s journey unfolds. The blending of historical elements with fantasy gives the story an air of timelessness, and the world-building is one of the novel’s strongest points, making the reader feel as though they are truly stepping into a different realm.

The characters, particularly Eveline, are well-developed and relatable. Eveline is strong, intelligent, and vulnerable in equal measure, making her journey one of growth and self-discovery. The relationships she forms with those around her, from friends to foes, are complex and layered, adding emotional depth to the story. There’s a palpable tension in her romance with a mysterious stranger whose own secrets threaten to unravel everything she’s fighting for.

While the novel excels in world-building and character development, there are moments when the pacing can feel slow, particularly in the middle of the book. However, this is a small issue when compared to the overall enjoyment of the story. The magical elements, particularly the significance of the Scarlet Petals, are both captivating and mysterious, and readers will be eager to see how Eveline’s journey progresses.

I feel very guilty for only now getting round to this book, I am sorry!
But I'm also going to apologise for putting this book on pause. Its not a DNF, I do intend on coming back to this book! But I just cant get out of this funk I'm in - and I thought a fantasy book would help as it is different to what I usually read. I have tried a few different books and nothing seems to be helping. And rather keeping you waiting for a review, I'd rather put one up for what I have read.

I am up to 36% and I do like the story. The enemies to lovers aspect is a little lacking. They're not really enemies, or even friends. Just ...classmates I guess. They dont hate each other, or really want to spend time together outside of learning the art of being a Keeper, so I'm unsure if enemies to lovers is the right trope to have here.
There's lots of mentions of her being from "the gutters" but no real explanation on why she's there given the information thats now been shared with the magical past. An insight in her family would have been nice by now because it just seems like she's by herself. Does she have anyone back home? A friend? Sister? Her parents? I'm guessing its dragging on to fill a few books?

Hopefully once I finish this book it will answer some of my questions.

As I said, its a just a pause. Not a DNF. I will update my goodreads review once I finish.

Fantasy is extremely popular with my current students and Keeper of the Scarlet Petals aligns nicely with other titles/series’ they’re into.

The concept was interesting and I know that my students would be invested in the characters. That being said, some of the content might be too much for younger middle grade students.

Yeah- I mean- the cover is pretty but this book was not it. I gave it a shot and it did not deliver, unfortunately. I would recommend it nonetheless

Overall the book is great. But it was lacking something. It did not have the excitement with enemies to lovers. But the characters were interesting to read. The writing style was pretty as well. But I find the book boring at some points . A nice book to read

The story takes place at Sanctuary, a school for keepers and mages where they undergo training and education. Jasmine is tasked with protecting a young man she initially finds unbearable, but he may eventually become more tolerable. As Jasmine trains to fend off assassins threatening both of them, their shared experiences could lead to an unexpected friendship. I love a strong female protagonist! This book was incredibly enjoyable, and I was captivated by the concept of the keeper. The characters were endearing and I loved them! I can't wait to dive into the next installment of this series!

I will start by saying i was provided with an advanced reader copy of the book free if charge in return for an honest review

The book was slow to start and the builds. The more time I spent with Jasmin and Asher the more I wanted to know what would happen next.

This book has alot of world building but the characters are very diverse and theres something in each that a reader can identify with. I enjoyed it enough that i will be looking for the next book in the serries .

thank you to netgalley for a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
i wanted to like this book, and based on the summary I thought I would, unfortunately the writing was just okay and the plot fell kinda flat. couldn't connect to the characters so I didn't feel invested in the story