Honestly the way Kate Golden writes is just above and beyond. It took me a really long time to read this book. NOT BY CHOICE. I just had a baby and I was stuck between do I want to read a chapter or do I want to sleep? I picked reading chapters about 50 percent because this book is just that good. It’s romance perfection. My heart aches for Kane in the beginning of the book when he thought he lost Arwen. I laughed at the banter and smiled ear to ear. Being an ARC for Kate has truly been one of the best experiences with books I’ve had in a long time. This 3rd book has made me feel things that books don’t normally get out of you. And I cried actual tears I don’t think I’ve actually cried from a book since I was 18. I can’t wait to continue to read any book Kate creates. It’s truly been a pleasure. And we definitely need a spin off on our grumpy commander and our spit fire red head.

After the major cliffhanger in the previous book, we are back at it again with Kane and Arwen. It picks up right after the cliffhanger, which I love so much. Kane believes that he has no other options left when Arwen is dead. And he is more than willing to accomplish the ultimate goal with the deadly gods help. Yet Kane is out of his depth when dealing with the gods. They are always tricky when they want to help or appear to be helping the fae.

Arwen is alive!!! That’s right, she never died. It was all a trick and ploy. A deadly one-ploy. Arwen is now in the midst of the high fae, aka Kane a-hole father. And it doesn’t help that she has no ally in her corner. Thank goodness, she has strong determination to get back to her love, Kane. She is more than willing to do anything to get back to him, no matter what.

I have been waiting for this book ever since the previous book, Cliffhanger. It left me on the edge for days. I literally needed to know what was going to happen. And thankfully enough, I was able to read this book early. I was so glad that it picked up right after the cliffhanger. There was no rushed or slowed time. It was action-packed until the end. And so much has happened that leaves me shocked or gagged half the time. It’s a good romance-fantasy read.

A Reign of Rose delivers on everything in the romance fantasy genre. I literally felt so many emotions as I read throughout the book. I never felt unsatisfied at all. I felt like I was watching a series, but I was reading it instead. And I do think that they should do a series. It’s really good.

I do recommend that you read the series from the beginning to understand everything. It’s a good romance fantasy series with morally gray characters, dragons, and steamy scenes in the mix.

Spice: 3/5

Read if you like:
-fantasy romance
-forced proximity
-steamy scenes
-morally grey characters
-betrayals
-deadly gods
-dragons and phoenix

Trigger warnings:
-abuse
-implied sa actions toward fmc if fmc doesn’t comply

Thank you Berkley Romance for the gifted eARC!

I was SO anticipating this final book after enjoying the heck out of the first two, but despite Reign of Rose being entertaining…it fell flat ☹️ A lot of major plot points got lost or brushed over, and Golden decided focusing on the steam was more important. Don’t leave us confused about a blood oath but have a whole chapter set in the bathtub! (Also, there’s a scene where Arwen and Kane hook up while in the same hotel room as their two friends, which is just rude and major ICK so automatic star loss for that.) I’m also disappointed the ending had to be an automatic marriage and pregnancy. Is that the only way to achieve a happily ever after, even in a fantasy world??

A Reign of Rose

Love the Cover! It’s great how you keep all the cover’s similar. The next series the author works on I would caution against this style of cover. The majority of books are doing this type of cover and it’s making them all look the same.

The beginning really does suck you in and keep you. I was a quarter of the way through and was not bored at all. It’s great how the story is constantly building and moving forward.
I like that there is enough story and details that you don’t have to read the first two books to get what’s going on or to get the read on the family drama. This book was absolutely incredible and I loved it!

I didn’t like how the author would drag scenes on. For example, getting out of the castle or finding help.. We don’t need all the inner dialogue or the 20 pages of details. Get to the point.

ARC review of A Reign of Rose, By: Kate Golden

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

+ found family
+ romantasy
+ character growth/arcs
+ banter
+ angst
+ magic, fae, mythical creatures
+ battle scenes

Please take my review as a grain of salt, just because this series was not for me doesn’t mean that you will not enjoy it.

The transition from book two to three was flawless. There was a lot of buildup and interest in the first few chapters but the story went down hill for me from there. Most of events in the middle of the book were drawn out and felt that they were there purely just to add length. There were a few chapters that felt out of place and left me confused to why they were included. I felt that many sentences were overly descriptive and flowery and again were that way to lengthen the page count.

I appreciated the dual POV, but found myself enjoying the side characters more so than the main characters in this finally installment. There was character growth from both Arwen and Kane felt natural and I liked that they were still themselves but a better version.

Many of the resolutions to problems felt exmachina and rushed. It is always off putting to me when a character seems to have nine lives and gets to come back multiple times. I was left with many unanswered questions which left me feeling dissatisfied

I enjoyed that this series was an easy fast read but unfortunately found it to be predictable, and was never blown away.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Ah what a end to a lovely trilogy! I was filled with a whirlwind of emotions throughout this book, and a bit sad that with this book it's over. My heart shattered for Kane at the start when he believed Arwen was gone. The transition from the end of book 2 to the beginning of book 3 was seamless, keeping the intensity alive. Arwen's despair while under Lazarus's control was palpable, leaving me on edge about their fates.
Witnessing the growth of each character since book 1 was truly satisfying. A re-read before diving into book 2 refreshed my memory, and I admired Arwen's newfound self-worth and resilience. Kane's protective nature emerged as he fought for a cause greater than himself, while the supporting characters also underwent significant development. The theme of "found family" resonated deeply, especially as each character coped with personal losses.
Although some loose ends remained at the conclusion, hinting at potential spin-offs for Mari and possibly Griffin, I found the overall resolution of A Reign of Rose to be fulfilling.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

The final volume in the sacred stones trilogy. This books wraps up the series perfectly, in my opinion.. Arwen must battle her own mind to find the strength to do what she must., while Kane seeks to find an alternative path to save both realms from descruction.

This was the best book in the entire series. I admire an author who isn’t afraid for things to go wrong for our main characters. It makes the stakes higher and the plot more realistic. I was shocked, gasping audibly, and crying several times throughout it. I adored the way we got to know every character as well as their relationships with each other. It was never a surprise when characters formed any sort of relationships with each other because you could see why. In my opinion, the series was perfectly wrapped up. I didn’t wish for more or have any question, but was excited to see potential opportunity for the author to explore other characters in the future.

This book was truly so wonderful! I highly recommend the entire series, but mostly because this book right here.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC!

Before I start this review off I want to give a massive thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for my arc of the book! Let me tell you when I got that email 3 weeks after finishing A Promise of Peridot I had a massive freak out moment. Thankfully I was at home and no one saw my crazy self. And once I had a chance to calm down and gather my thoughts I immediately jumped into A Reign of Rose. Just a hint this finale does not disappoint. A Reign of Rose comes out on October 8, 2024, so you have plenty of time to start the series if you haven't already done so! So what are you doing already?!?!! Get up and start this series!

So without further ado It is my pleasure to provide an honest review.

First let me tell you how devastated I am that this series is over! I read book 1, A Dawn of Onyx, immediately fell in love and it became one of my top books of 2023. Book 2, A. Promise of Peridot renewed my love for this series and that ending. How dare Kate Golden, how dare ;) I digress, like I said earlier Book 3, A Reign of Rose did not disappoint. I love these characters so much and I’m forever grateful I got to go on this journey with them and it's extremely hard to say goodbye. Even with all that said, I’m happy with how everything wrapped up!

I loved seeing how much each character developed throughout the series. Especially Arwen, seeing her come full circle and really start to value and believe in herself was incredible and inspiring. I also loved seeing Kane's softer, even shadow daddies can be marshmallows. Lastly, I loved the "found family" element to this series. I was routing and equally terrified multiple times throughout this journey for all of our side characters. Especially Mari and Griffin, (PS this is for Kate Golden and Kate Golden only) Pretty pretty please may we have a spin-off of these two characters I will love you forever. I mean we already love but this would just be icing on top.

Again Thank you so much to Berkley and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of A Reign of Rose. Please check out this series, it’s not one to miss!

I am so sad this series is over! I just love these characters so much that it's hard to say goodbye. That said, I’m happy with how everything wrapped up! Sometimes you don't know what you'll get in a final book of a series, but I'm happy to A Reign of Rose didn't disappoint!

My emotions were all over in this book. My heart was broken for Kane in the beginning of the book when he thought Arwen was dead. We saw a sneak peak of how he was doing at the end of book 2, and book 3 picks up immediately after book 2 ends, so the events of book 2 are still very fresh for him! I felt the hopelessness Arwen felt at points while she was held captive by Lazarus, and I was so curious how everyone would get out of the predicaments they were in.

I loved seeing how much each character had grown from book 1 as well. I did a re-read prior to book 2 coming out, so everything was fresh for me reading this advanced copy, and I loved seeing Arwen really start to value herself, and believe in her strength. We saw Kane's softer side come out as he found someone worth fighting for, and we saw many side characters have their own growth arcs too. I loved the "found family" element to the trilogy too, especially because each of our characters lost someone important to them at some point.

At the end of the book there were still some open questions and plot points that were unresolved/unanswered, which I hope means that we’ll get a spin off for Mari’s (and hopefully Griffin's) story!

I was so excited for the opportunity to arc read A Reign of Rose. I had just finished the second and NEEDED to know how it ended. Let me tell you it did not disappoint. I often find myself walking away for final books feeling like something’s missing but this book did NOT feel like that. This series as a whole was fantastic and I’m so glad the final book did not disappoint. If you’re on the fence about reading it……………just do it. I promise you will not be disappointed.

The final installment of the Sacred Stones trilogy! I was so excited to read this after that absolutely insane cliff hanger in book 2. This story started off strong with lots of buildup and intrigue. I love seeing a male main character go absolutely insane with he’s away from his lover. Arwen’s situation had me so stressed out too. Then, towards the middle, my interest started to wane. I wasn’t quite sold on why the story had to keep going and it wasn’t as gripping as the beginning. However, I did really enjoy the ending and I’m glad I finished this series. The side characters definitely added a lot, especially Griffin and Wyn! Overall, this is a good fantasy romance series and I do recommend!

Will never not be grateful for getting to arc read this entire series. Dawn of onyx altered my brain and I’ve loved these characters since the beginning. Now on to the review of the last one. Phew this book took me a minute to get through, but boy was it jam packed and worth it. I was also in a reading slump when I started this book so I stepped away for a couple weeks and came back then flew right through it. What I loved about this book is the character arcs that happen while they remain themselves if that makes sense. They grow and learn, but are still the characters you fall in love with in book 1, just… more, even side characters. This did well about wrapping up plot points, the main battle wasn’t over and done in a page, and you do lose people you love. It’s very well done. I laughed, I almost cried (a few times… not nice Kate 😢) but I love that it left some things open… so while Kane and Arwens story may be done it doesn’t seem we have to be done with the world which I love!

This was a perfect conclusion to this trilogy. These books are definitely a cozy comfort read! I feel like most things in this book are 'predictable' in the sense that it follows most story beats.

But that's what makes this book so fun to sit and read, to me at least!

I love this series! I have it on my staff pick shelf and tell everyone I can about it but I wish it was more well known!

This book wrapped things up perfectly, even though I was not ready for it to end. There is some room left to tell stories about other characters so fingers crossed that happens!

The romance was perfect and as with the other two I had a hard time finding a good place to stop reading to do my ugh responsibilities. Things like cooking meals, going to work (to get money to supply my reading habit) were not as important as the story in this book.

I will insta buy whatever Kate Golden writes, forever.

UGH THIS SERIES IS LITERALLY FANTASY ROMANCE PERFECTION. Legit the perfect conclusion—I'm going to miss these characters so much. I don't want to give anything away, but I love how this book really honed in on the found family + how the characters are finding joy and humor even with the war brewing and no real allies. It's giving Kingdom of Ash in more ways than one, which I love.

Also Mari and Griffin are just TOO iconic. I really hope this is hinting at a spinoff book for the two. They have the most hilarious conversations.

And like all of the books in this series, A Reign of Rose has the perfect combination of fantasy and romance. From the fantasy side, we have a detailed plot, fully fleshed out world building, kingdom politics, and war. These elements are all written in a digestible way too, which is great for when you're not looking for something dense. And from the romance side, we have slow burn, tension, emotional connection, enemies to lovers (more so in the first two installments), and spice. Let me be the first to say that the spice in this series is FANTASTIC because of the slower burn + the characters' emotional connection. And it's not overdone either.

Also I love when books tie up all loose ends in the last few chapters, but still leave things slightly open-ended. A lot of smaller details didn't go unnoticed, and I love that. Unsurprisingly, I was tearing up during the last 100 or so pages hehe.

Thank you so much to Berkley and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of A Reign of Rose. As always, my reviews are one hundred percent voluntary and all opinions are my own :)

I have never been more excited to read the final in a trilogy than for this book! While both Kane and Arwen are fighting for revenge and their lives, their relationship builds stronger. A lot of conflict was seen between them in the last book so it was very refreshing to have a chance to see them at peace and happy as they find a way to save eachothers lives. This book was beautifully written as more than just a romance, but a poem of love between two starcrossed characters.

I absolutely loved this book! It was the perfect ending to a wonderful ride through the world of the sacred stones. It picks up on the second books, A Promise of Peridot, cliffhanger ends. Kane and Arwen are in the middle of the war with Kanes father, fae King Lazarus. Lazarus is determined to repopulate the earth with full blooded fae and Arwen is the only one that he can accomplish that with. She's also the only person who can kill Lazarus. Kane will go to the ends of the earth to find her again or find a way to kill his father himself and take her place in the prophecy. Through perseverance and some help from both old and new friends we see this story through. There is some spice also.

What a truly epic conclusion! Although I am hoping for a spinoff on Mari!!!
I loved the found family trope, the beautiful female friendships, and I love love Kane. What a beautiful relationship Arwen and Kane had. They loved each other so fiercely and truly just wanted the other to be alive and happy. I loved every bit of this book. From start to finish, it was action-packed. Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC. I loved this series! Highly recommend

This was a really solid finale to this series! I really liked how the story wrapped up (I could see a subsequent book/novella about side characters too) and how things tied together. I did feel like the pacing fluctuated a little, but even the slower bits were fairly brief. There was definitely a LOT packed into this story but I think that made sense given the way book 2 left the characters. It's hard to write this without spoiling, but I really liked the characters and the world building! Would definitely read more from this author and will recommend the series to my romantasy loving friends.