Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I want to start off by saying I really enjoyed this series, and I think all of the characters are so well written that I felt like I could capture their essence.

With that being said, I feel like this book lacked the spark the first two had. Maybe it’s having to tie off so many plots, maybe it’s just the ending of a love story that isn’t always as exciting as the beginning but I feel like Arwen and Kane didn’t have the same grit and spark they did in the first two books.

The last 60-70 pages were absolutely enjoyable and the fight scenes were written well but I fear that those were the only action based moments of the book while the rest of it felt more like filler.
I do like how the ending tied together- but I wonder if the loosely tied plot with Mari and potential future children by Arwen and Kane will ever be resolved. Why mention it if not to include it into the ending, or is this a build up for a new series? Also, Lazarus was written to be this strong and worthy opponent and I feel like he was beaten so swiftly and pegged to be so weak that it didn’t make sense from the first two books. I wish we had gotten more but I understand how hard it must be to wrap up so many plots and characters in a book.

Overall I think I’d give book 3 about 3-3.5 stars and the series 4 stars overall but I do wish for a stronger book 3.

This was a perfect conclusion to the trilogy....ehem, sans ONE THING (envision me crying here)

I was anxiously texting my friend who'd already read it, the entire time.

I also must admit, I'm somewhat of an idiot and there was more than a few times that I forgot all details, but Kate is an angel of an author who weaves in gentle reminders for idiots like me - Thank you Kate.

There were a few things I wanted more details on - so I almost think we could have made this 4 books? but also it could have felt dragged out with 4, but for example. Rose was easily the most intriguing court and I wanted more info on the absolute psycho of a queen.

Dare I say, I do think there was details woven in here that leave openings for spin offs - I won't say who but I'm crossing fingers and toes for them!! (Kate if you're reading this pleaseeeeeeee put Mari and Griffon out of their misery and give me a certain merc, PLEASE)

It's hard to believe these books were Kates first books, and with the skill at which these were written in my opinion, I cannot WAIT to see what the future holds.

Thank you for this early copy and thank you for trusting me with it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Kate Golden for this ARC 🫶

I can't believe it's over 😭
This debut series was amazing. Kate Golden knocked it out of the park.

I loved the world building, the character development and overall story. Each book in this series just got better and better.

Kane and Arwen= FOREVER. "My Bird"
I love the way their love is so deep. The way they will go to the ends of the world for each other, has my heart.
The side characters were 🤌 Chef's Kiss. Griffin and Mari- LOVED. The way Griffin blushes for her. (his "little witch")
Acorn and OMG his mom, lol
Damn you Dagan😭😭😭
Hart- LMAO


* Romantasy
* Magic
* DRAGONS
* Banter
* BAD ASS MMC AND FMC
* And THAT TUB SCENE 🥵🌶️
10/10 recommend this series.

Favorite Quotes: (From mostly Kane, cuz duh)
"I can't" "Can't what?" "Go to you. If I do, it will break me" "Come here, and I will put you back together"

"All I can promise is myself- my love, my respect, my devotion-everyday that we have together, and everyday that exists beyond then"

"I loved Arwen with all of myself, and then all the things I hoped to be, too. But tonight, that love only made me feel rooted. Tethered to someone. Bound to them, and bound to this life because of it."

"I'd fallen in love with a woman who was my friend. A light in the pitch-darkness. A bird to guide me home"


#AReignofRose #NetGalley #ARC

I was not emotionally ready for this book! Absolutely fantastic and everything that I hoped it would be. It is so so so hard to write this review without spoiling anything, but know that you will not be disappointed. And *fingers crossed* there will be more to come from some of my favorite characters...(please please please write Mari and Griffin's story!)
I recommend this series to anyone looking for a fast-paced romantasy trilogy.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC. All opinions are my own. A Reign of Rose will be out on October 8, 2024!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
🗡️ Final in trilogy
☠️ He thinks she’s dead
🛁 Bathtub spice
🌶️ Spicy training sessions

This ARC sat in my kindle FOREVER because I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters.

When I finally put on my big girl pants and finally read it, I was so utterly happy with the conclusion of the Sacred Stones series. I can only hope that we get a spin off with Mari and Griffin.

There is so much in this book that I want to speak about but would spoil the first two so I’ll share my thoughts about the series as a whole.

All of the characters have continued to get better and better each book. The growth in Arwen 😍. Kate has managed to do something in three short (for romantasy standards) books that some romantasy authors wish they could do in one.

This series is perfect for both the seasoned romantasy reader or the contemporary reader looking to try out romantasy for the first time.

A Regin of Rose, like the entire Sacred Stones series, is action packed, spicy, and will make you both cry and be at the edge of your seat in anticipation.

What a great ending to the series!

The character development across all three books for Arwen was fantastic--it's the route I WISH Auren had taken in the Plated Prisioner series. She starts out physically weak, but morally and emotionally strong. Despite everything she experiences, she maintains her emotional strength while building up her physical, and uses that compassion and strong moral compass as a weapon. She never loses that "softeness" and it makes Kane love her more.

And Kane is the DEFINITION of "If he wanted to, he would." He grew because of Arwen, and was willing to do anything to protect her and help her while letting her be her own person and handle things her own way. I love him with my whole heart, and if he ever becomes real, I call dibs!! Kane definitely doesn't get the respect he deserves as a top tier book boyfriend, and I hope this one makes everyone open their eyes a bit.

I want a Mari and Griffin spin-off SO MUCH. Even just a Mari spin-off. I need to know everything that was going on with her from start to finish.

I read this in less than a day--it's a super fast fantasy read that has worldbuilding, but it doesn't bog down the story or come off as info dumping. Definitely recommend this series for folks wanting to step into Romantasy/fantasy and people looking for their next book boyfriend.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, however, book three fell a little flat for me. I wanted to see the main characters together more than just the second half of the book. I feel like that trope (of separation and trying to reconnect) can be so overdone and it just wasn't a favorite plot line of mine. I did enjoy the action and the fact that Kane and Arwen are still pretty badass. There was not a lot of character growth in this book, as I believe it was probably done in the first two books. I enjoyed it and felt like it was a good closing to the third book, but wish that I would have had them together longer.

★ ˖ ࣪ 3.5 stars ꒷. ݁₊ ⊹

thank you to NetGally and Berkley for the arc in exchanged for an honest review

i was lucky enough to have received the arc for one of my most anticipated releases this year. as soon as i had the time i immediately picked this up !! a reign of rose started off really good, i was so intrigued and invested bc after the ending of book 2 i needed to know what would happen. i’ve always loved the easy world-building and plot with this, however towards the middle i felt like it was falling off and i couldn’t really care much about what was going on. truly what carried this book for me was mari and griffin scenes we were getting. the ending and plottwist were easily predictable, but i still enjoyed how the overall stories and characters ended. i feel it also leaves you wanting to know more about this world and some of the characters we met which i liked. (i need more of mari and griffin asap).

˙ . ꒷ tropes . 𖦹˙ ᯇ

⟢ fae, shifters, and witches
⟢ battle scenes

I absolutely adored this series and A Reign of Rose was the perfect ending. Kane and Arwen were in a heartbreaking spot at the end of Peridot and this book picks up right where that one left off. Kane is ready to do anything to avenge her and Arwen is prepared to do anything she can to save Evendell. I loved these characters so much, and so many of the side characters, and am so sad to see the series end, but Golden did a fantastic job bringing it to a satisfying close.

This was my least favorite of the series unfortunately, it took me a few tries to get through it. I enjoyed the drama of the last few chapters and the plot twist at the end, but overall the pacing and plot felt extremely disjointed and choppy to me. But my biggest grip was that the characters were reunited WAY too quickly after the cliffhanger in book 2. There was so much promise in that part of the plot but it was resolved and moved on from so quickly that I was really disappointed that I didn't get to hang in that anticipation for longer.

that right series 🤝🏻 right time feeling is unmatched and that’s what A Reign of Rose was for me!!! this series is my new OBSESSION. what an epic conclusion to Kate Golden’s romantasy debut series!

first things first: KANE RAVENWOOD put the man in the HALL OF MF FAME. he is simply EVERYTHING you could ever want in a morally grey hero.

the character growth of both Kane and Arwen was pure perfection😭 seeing them go through hardship after hardship and then the acceptance that they’re stronger together 🤧 your honor I LOVE THEM

*slight spoilers ahead—read at your own risk!!*

the pining. the separation. the heartache. the reunion!!! the absolute nonstop action. this book was a rollercoaster ride and i ate up every single second of it!!! i teared up, i gasped, i swooned.
and i truly didn’t know how the end was going to play out, which i loved! i love a fantasy book that can keep me guessing!

THE SIDE CHARACTERS in this book are also unmatched! the possibility of future books has me so curious and absolutely itching for them 👀

thank you ENDLESSLY for this ARC in return for my honest review! i can't wait to read it again and again (and add the physical copy to my shelf on pub day!)

read if you love:
+ villain gets the girl (!!!)
+ side characters who steal the show
+ romantasy with spice (“good girl”😮‍💨)
+ did someone say bathtub scene?
+ morally grey heroes
+ the sweetest reunions 😭
+ emotional rollercoasters
+ prophesied heirs
+ swoooooony quotes
+ found family

Wow! What a fantastic ending to The Sacred Stones series! After the epic conclusion of the previous book A Promise of Peridot, I was so eager (and a little scared lol) to get back into this story, and from the moment I started, I knew I was in for an emotional rollercoaster. Kane Ravenwood, the brooding King of the Onyx Kingdom, and Arwen Valondale, our fierce warrior queen, go through so much, and I was 100% invested in their journeys. I actually inhaled this book in one sitting, staying up late into the night to finish it because I just couldn't put it down until I found out how it ended! lol .

The story picks up right where A Promise of Peridot left off, and I was immediately sucked in. Kane’s mourning the loss of Arwen and is traumatized by what happened to her at the hands of his father. My poor brooding and heartbroken hero! He was so devastated, and he really struggled when he lost Arwen. But this is also a poignant time of self-reflection, and reading about his thoughts and feelings added so much depth to his character and made me love him even more.

I always say Rhysand from ACoTaR is my favorite book boyfriend, but Kane gives my bat boy a run for his money. Oof, Kane’s growth throughout the series is just amazing. Watching him go from a closed-off king to someone who would literally do anything for Arwen was so satisfying. And Arwen! She really comes into her own in this book. She’s no longer just carrying everyone else’s burdens. Now, she’s embracing her power and destiny. Together, they’re amazing, and their love story is everything!!

Oh my word, this romance! I've loved it from the first book, and it just keeps getting better and better. There are a lot of ups and downs, and their road is never easy, but the chemistry between Kane and Arwen is always electric, and their relationship is the heart of the story. I just adore them together, and the love that they share is beautiful as are some of their more tender moments together. My heart may have melted a time or twelve, especially when Kane professed his feelings. Sa-woon! Their love is tested in ways that push them to their limits, and the question of whether they can save each other while saving the world adds a poignant layer to the narrative. And the spice is pretty steamy, so be sure to grab a fan! lol

The writing style is another highlight of the novel. Golden’s storytelling is so engaging and well-crafted, and the pacing is great. She knows exactly how to mix action, emotion, a layered and interesting plot, and those quieter, introspective, and romantic moments to keep me hooked from start to finish. The pacing is spot on, too, with just the right balance of heart-pounding tension and emotional depth. And the twists! Just when you think you know where the story is going, it takes a totally unexpected turn, which I loved.

I also need to give a shout-out to the secondary characters and the amazing found family elements. The banter, humor, and friendships are so perfect. And Griffin and Mari’s “will they or won’t they” tension is everything, and I’m seriously hoping for a spin-off about them. Hart also brought a lot of fun to the story. I definitely want to read more about him! Though the conclusion is great, I could easily see a spin-off with some of these exceptional characters.

A Reign of Rose is an epic and heart-pounding finale to a series that I’ll be obsessing over for a long time. Special thanks to Kate Golden, NetGalley, and Berkley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

“𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘢𝘮, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘢𝘮. 𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴.”

A Reign of Rose | @kategoldenauthor

this book was perfection. the utter emotional state I was in after finishing a promise of peridot so I thank the gods everyday for giving me the opportunity to read this book early and it did not disappoint i love this series with my whole heart and i’m so sad it’s over but I feel like this was the perfect conclusion to end the story and definitely leaving it open to maybe do a spin off for some certain characters 👀

I’m not going to go into this one too much since this is the last book in a trilogy so I don’t want to spoil anyone that hasn’t read them but if you’ve read the previous books this one picks up pretty much right where a promise of peridot ends so obviously kane and arwen are going though it and all the twists and turns and from the get go it’s full of action so it definitely kept me on the edge throughout.

-romantasy
-dragons
-magic
-captivity

thanks so much to berkleyromance berkleypub and netgalley for sending me an e-arc of this book I felt like I won the lottery getting this!

I received this free eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

I devoured this book in just a few hours. I'm not even sure I moved once while reading it! I was completely entranced in Arwen and Kane's story and needed to see how this was all going to end. And I loved every stage of it. I swear Arwen is a cat with nine lives because this girl throws her whole being into saving everyone around her rather than herself. I don't know if I could be her friend going through that grief over and over again.

Both Arwen and Kane have grown so much from when they first met and I loved seeing all of their changes throughout these 3 novels. And Arwen's brightness rivaling Kane's doom or gloom is quite comical. As is Griffin being super stoic. These characters have so many great quirks, its amazing.

I love Arwen's animal and I totally called what it was at the beginning of this book. I'm so glad I'm right too!

I'm hoping there might be a spin off series from this world in the works! Mari, Ryder, Leigh - they all need their story told and I'll be one of the first readers to read it if I'm allowed! Such a great series that I'm so glad I dived into and experienced! I wont be forgetting this world any time soon!

Thank you to the Kate Golden and Berkeley for an ARC of this book!!! A Reign of Rose is book 3 and the final book in the Sacred Stones Trilogy. This book is 5 stars and a perfect ending to Kane and Arwen's story. This book put me through an emotional rollercoaster ride. The characters you have previously fallen for are put through so much and am happy to say that they get a happily ever after!
This whole series is 5 stars, maybe even infinity stars! If you like underdog heroins who constantly underestimate themselves but always find the strength to do what is right or save those She loves, then this is the series for you! I hope you love Arwen as much as I do!

Though enjoyable, this conclusion to a pretty typical fantasy romance fell a bit flat, and after writing this review, I probably won't think about this series again. Golden is a good writer, her pacing keeps your attention, her characters are relatable, the world building has enough to stand on, the romance is believable, but there was nothing here that made this series stand above other romantasy. I wanted to like this book and series much more than I did unfortunately.

First I would like to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to review this book as an advanced reader copy. I picked up the first two books of The Sacred Stones trilogy this summer and completely devoured them. I feel in love with the characters and this world. I felt like Arwen and Kane was truly one of the best love stories I had read in a fantasy romance series.
So to dive right into this book! A Reign of Rose picks up right where A Promise of Peridot leaves off, and if you’ve read that one you know what a MASSIVE cliff hanger that was. This series and Kate Golden’s writing styles does such an excellent job of giving you a deep story with plot twists, but does it in a way that doesn’t drag out scenes or leave you feel board at certain parts of the story and I really appreciate that about this trilogy. It is action packed and give you the character development that you need with their own bought of adversity but doesn’t leave you waiting for a resolution for the entire book. A Reign of Rose really gave me everything I was looking for and tied up all of the final plot points. We finally got some answers to the questions that we’ve been looking for in the first two books and were stones blessed with the spice that we love between Arwen and Kane. I really liked the ending also, because I feel like it was left an excellent space where there could be a spin off series written fast forward in the future 18+ years or even a side novella for our friends Griffin and Mari.

A seller conclusion to the end of this fantastic fantasy romance series ☺️ I absolutely loved seeing these characters learn and grow and become a family through all the ups and downs of this series. October cannot come soon enough because I know everyone will love this💕

★★★★☆

What a fitting ending to such a compelling trilogy. The journey of Arwen, Kane, Mari and Griffin was a whirlwind over this series, especially in this last instalment, but it was an exciting, addicting, and intense one that had me as a reader filled with mixed emotions.

This book picks up after a major cliffhanger, starting with intense situations for both Arwen and Kane. The suspense was a page-turner and the entire time you just can't help but root for these two to find their way back to each other. I liked the political aspects of this book and how it shapes the arc of each character, including for Mari and Griffin and their stories, although I was hoping for more of a conclusion to them. Maybe the author has a spinoff in mind for them -- I hope so!

It fell a little flat for me around the middle and I actually started to feel a bit slump-ish, but when the pacing picked up again I didn't want to put it down! Also the language sometimes felt a bit like overdoing it in regards to scenery, analogies, dialogue, etc.

I do love this trilogy, and would especially recommend it to anybody wanting to get into fantasy or readers who love politically driven fantasy.

First I want to say thank you so much to Kate Golden for this ARC! All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I can’t believe the series is over, it’s so bittersweet. I remember first seeing this on TikTok before it was released as an indie and now here we are 2+ years later with the final book and it’s all been trad published!
I want to get my one complaint out of the way before the rest of my review - there was overuse of the term male/masculine in the descriptions. I think this is something that comes up a lot in romantasy books and is really verging into the territory of being overused in a distracting way.
This was a great conclusion to this trilogy. I love our characters and their arcs. This book had some ups and downs that left you feeling like we couldn’t resolve whatever was coming but ultimately it worked out. I loved the line “Do not equate bravery with fearlessness” and I think it described so much of Arwen and the way that she was throughout this book. She was facing a lot but ultimately worked through the fear and did what she had to.
The romance aspect of this delivers. I love that we see our MCs snatching moments for eachother where they can while not ignoring the realities of their world. They also grow and learn together, which, we love to see it.
This book ran the gamut of emotions. I think this is a great one for romantasy lovers! I love Kate Golden’s world she created with this one, I love the characters and their friendships and alliances, etc.