This book was just needed. After meeting Lilith and Vale in the first two books I was eager for this and it did not disappoint. It was well written and added so much more to the story line. I can't wait for the next!

Six Scorched Roses is a short and swoony - mostly romantic angst - novella in The Crowns of Nyxia world. It has Easter Egg appeal and serves as a little treat between book one and two in the series. I'm a fan of these novellas on side characters in these rich fantasy worlds full of lore. There's kind of a Beauty and the Beast vibe to it with a 'monster'-esque figure, tons of libraries, and research. But it also delivers questions about letting our fears as a community hold us back from progress and saving those within.

5 Stars! This book was really accessible, fun, and propulsive. Great addition to the Crowns of Nyaxia series! Really enjoyed it. Carissa Broadbent doesn't "waste" a word. I really liked how the relationship between Vale and Lilith develops. Thank you NetGalley for a copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bramble for the ARC in exchange for an honest reivew

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f fantasy novella
-grumpy one vs. driven one
-forced proximity
-a bit of a deal
-vampires
-chronic illness rep

This series just sucks you right in (pun intended) and I couldn't put this one down. Great pacing. If you're looking for a romance with very little sideplot and just exciting twists and turns with great chemistry pick this up.

Audience: Adult
Plot: 5 out of 5
Characters: 4 out of 5
Spice: 🌶️ out of 5
Keywords: Vampires, Fantasy, Curses, Death god, Redemption, Science, Romance, Slow-burn
Tea Pairing: Lover’s Leap by Steven Smith Teamaker

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley from Tor Publishing. Thank you!

This is a novella set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series (it’s 1.5 in the series). It tells the story of Lilith, how she meets Vale, and makes a bargain with him to help her save her village from a devastating plague.

I just love the author’s style of writing — it’s so engaging and I feel transported to the world. I loved Lilith and how relatable she was as a character. Especially how she was working tirelessly to save those she loves, and in the end making the ultimate sacrifice. I loved the chemistry between her and Vale, and how protective he is of her. I think she really brought him back to life, and gave him a new sense of purpose.

Overall, I really loved this novella. I also loved that it didn’t feel too short — it really felt like a complete novel. I read this after book 2 in the series. And I was able to appreciate Vale and Lilith more after reading this because they do play a pretty important role in book 2. But I think that if I was recommending this, I would encourage them to read Roses after Serpent, and before Ashes. Overall, fabulous read, great series, I highly recommend it!

I read this title AFTER I read the duet. I had no idea there was a novella at the time, and was shocked to see there was a Crowns of Nyaxia 1.5! Thankfully it didn't impact the flow of the storyline. I truly enjoyed reading about Vale and Lilith. I felt every emotion possible. The romance was written beautifully, but in my eyes Carissa Broadbent can do no wrong! She's my favorite fantasy author and will likely stay that way.

I've been meaning to read this author, and this delightful novella delivered! A great darker romantasy, and I really enjoyed Lilith and Vale. Great chemistry with a storyline that kept me reading!

Just what I needed to hold me over until I can get to book 2! While this was just a novella, which can sometimes not work for me, this one 100% did. The plot moved along quickly, and the details were perfection. The writing was so propulsive I read it in one sitting.

I’m completely obsessed with this series and have loved every second with it!

The only reason this isn't a purchase for my library is that we don't buy items digital-only. This was an amazing short story - it is not a standalone, you really do have to be reading the main series to follow. But Lilith and Vale are now my favorite characters and the only thing I regret is that this ain't a full novel!

"Six Scorched Roses" is fantastic dark fantasy that really pulls you in! With its rich magic, thrilling romance, and gripping suspense, it's a treat for fantasy lovers. The world-building is top-notch, and while it slows down a bit sometimes, it’s definitely worth the read for anyone who loves immersive stories.

This novella exhibits exceptional depth and great worldbuilding despite its short length, the pacing is impeccably executed and never felt rushed, this was a short book with a big story, another stellar edition to The Crowns of Nyaxia universe, I read this after the nightshade duology but advise people to read it after TSATWON, loved that it had an older FMC, I just adore Carissa and can't wait for more in this series!

HOLY ALL THINGS VAMPIRES...WHAT A FANTASTIC NOVELLA!

Lilith believes she is cursed by death, yet death avoided her and went for others in her town due to her father. Knowing that there is a curse out there placed by a God, she runs headfirst and knocks on Vale's door- the vampire that is abhorred by the gods. She promises his blood in exchange for a rose for the next six months. She believes his blood can save everyone. But when stakes rise and people figure out she's collaborating with THE vampire, all hell will rise. Will feelings be enough to save herself and everyone that she loves, including Vale?

Six Scorched Roses is a stand-alone novella that you could easily read before book one or in between. After a few chapters, I was SUCKED in to Lilith's story and found my heart racing as I continued on her journey with each passing rose given. I found some "easter egg clue" nods to book one and towards the end, was screaming with how relevant it was and immediately wanting to figure out when these "fated" characters pop up in Ashes. Carissa does such a FANTASTIC job of making the world building seamless and easy to follow without making it seem too overwhelming. The love story and overall GUTS of the main female (Lilith) made Six Scorched Roses a novella that I will pick up again and scream all over once more at that ending!!!!

"He also sprinkled little pieces of his life into those letters, sometimes sketching in the margins or at the bottom of the page. 😭 Vale and Lillith are such an adorable, nerdy duo! It was such a treat to peek into their backstory, and I’m eager to see more of them in the main series.

I’m impressed with how well-developed the characters were for a novella. I felt a real connection to them even in just a few pages. Carissa Broadbent has a gift for creating characters that never annoy me—every decision they make feels so logical, and I’m never left frustrated. The plot was understandably fast-paced and fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!"

I enjoyed Lilith’s story. It wasn’t insta lovey, the characters took their time. I found Lilith relatable, while Vale wasn’t as developed as a character.

I was so happy to get this look into Lilith and Vale's relationship. So beautifully written and gives such a good backstory. I love Lilith so so much! Even more invested in this world now.

Carissa Broadbent became a one click author for me, and it was so rapidly! I love this world that she has created, and it's hard to get away from it! Lilith is an amazing character, a determined and resourceful woman who makes a desperate bargain with the enigmatic vampire Vale in hopes of finding a cure. As their unlikely partnership unfolds, both Lilith and Vale confront the boundaries of their trust and the depths of their sacrifices. The novella blends romance, tension, and a richly imagined world to deliver a compelling tale of survival and connection. I love it so much when side characters that I love get their own stories!

This darkly enchanting novel introduces us to Lilith, a protagonist whose plight resonates from the very first page. Lilith has lived with the specter of death looming over her since birth, but when a mysterious, god-cursed illness ravages her village, her sense of urgency escalates dramatically. Broadbent expertly paints a vivid picture of a town in despair, and through Lilith’s eyes, we experience not just her desperation, but her fierce determination to save those she loves. The stakes are incredibly high, and with each passing day, the tension amplifies. The crux of Lilith’s quest lies in her audacious bargain with Vale, a vampire shrouded in mystery and danger. The concept of trading "six roses for six vials of blood" sets the stage for a gripping exchange that transcends a mere transaction. Broadbent’s portrayal of Vale is captivating; as the story unfolds, layers of his character are peeled back, revealing a depth that complicates Lilith's feelings for him. The chemistry between Lilith and Vale is both tantalizing and fraught with peril, creating an intricate dance of emotions that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the novel’s strongest themes revolves around the choices we make in the face of fate. Lilith’s journey is not just about saving her village; it’s also a profound exploration of love’s risks and the cost of salvation. As she grapples with her blossoming feelings for Vale, the question of what it means to truly risk it all lingers in the air, enriching the emotional landscape of the story. Overall, Six Scorched Roses is a hauntingly beautiful tale that skillfully blends romance and fantasy, wrapped in a cloak of intrigue and danger. Carissa Broadbent has crafted a mesmerizing story that invites readers to ponder the depths of love and the lengths one might go to for those they cherish. With its evocative prose, rich character development, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this book is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and romantic adventure alike.

I devoured the first two books in this series, and this one was no different. While I was ready for the dark and emotional stories I expected from the the others in this series, this book is softer and lighter by comparison. I absolutely loved every second of it. It's a shorter book, but still includes all the twists and layers and emotional depth that I loved in the Nightborn duology (with far less angst which is a personal plus). There is still some world-building since this is in a different society than the others, but it is done so well I don't doubt this could easily be a stand alone. The story, characters, and setting all stand for themselves was fluidly blending in with what is already established. I always find Broadbent's gods/religion structure so unique and fascinating, I've never seen another author handle them quite like she does and she does it so well. This book might be my new favorite and I hope she does more like these.

This one is a detour from the Nightborn duology where we meet Vale and Lilith. Vale is an army general hiding out for the past 200 years when his subgroup of vampires fell out of command. Lilith is a dying human trying to find a cure for some plague that is affecting her village. She’s somewhat of a scientist and wonders if vampire blood could be distilled and used as medicine. She makes a bargain with Vale for the blood and over the course of a few months, they develop a friendship and more. This one is a fairly quick read and I loved seeing both Vale and Lilith defend each other as needed. It also helps us understand these characters a lot better when we see them again in The Ashes and the Star-Crossed King.

✨Book Review✨

Six Scorched Roses - Carissa Broadbent

📖 Lillith has been dying since the day she was born. She has met death many times, and while she has come to terms with death for herself she is not as willing to let others meet that fate. She has been working tirelessly to try and find a cure for the curse that has plagued her town and family for many years. She can’t help but wonder if vampire blood could be the solution. She offers a deal, six roses, over six months, for six vials of blood from Vale. Will Vale end up being her salvation or her damnation? Only time will tell, and time is a valuable resource that Lillith doesn’t have much of.

📚 I love a good side story to dive deeper into characters that we barely meet on the main quest of a novel. Six Scorched Roses is the origin story of Vale and Lillith, who we meet in The Ashes and the Star Cursed King. I loved getting to know their histories and how their lives intersected. I found this novella quick but captivating - I could not put it down!

🌟 If you read The Serpent and the Wings of Night then this novella should be on your TBR. It is fantasy with vampires and a bit of romance all rolled into a fantastic story.

Shoutout to @NetGalley and Carissa Broadbent for allowing me to preview this title. I actually had it sitting in my physical TBR pile, so I knew it was time to pick it up and I was not disappointed.

Have you ever read through a family movie night because you didn’t want your characters to do something without you?!

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