When nineteen-year-old Primrose is forced into an arranged engagement, she devises a desperate plan to save herself from a man she could never love. But when she messes up a magical spell, she accidentally lures a plethora of terrifying monsters into her nightmares, as well as the realm. Oops! Primrose wakes to find a sexy, yet peculiar, djinn lurking in her bedroom, and with no options left, she teams up with her new magical bodyguard to save the realm from her mistake. As she faces the monsters, however, she finds facing her feelings may be the greater challenge…. Will she bloom like a rose, or will she burn in the eternal flames?
Now, I don’t wish to use up all my review-writing energy on this so...this will be a short one.
And, as always, I’ll preface this with the fact that it’s me, not the book.
To be fair, this book was actually what I wanted. I needed a palate cleanser, something I could read quickly. And really, that’s what this was. Even for a 200 page book, it managed to contain a startling amount of not only insta-love, but insta-lust too! The main character’s only interest seemed to be her love interest (a genie, if I remember correctly) And plot-wise, it was almost nonexistent. There wasn’t even anything in particular I especially hated, it was just not for me. I’ve forgotten almost everything about this book...so this is a oddly calm rant!
Although I love the concept of a djinn protecting you, the realization didn’t quite work for me. The writing style seemed a bit immature and the characters' dialogue felt forced and awkward. I had hoped that this would improve as the book progressed, but I just couldn't connect with it. The world-building was flawed because the information was given somewhat haphazardly and without a smooth introduction. The pace was also too fast for my liking, especially when the monsters appeared, and I'd have liked a slower build-up. I've just discovered that this is the author's debut, and it shows. For now, I’m putting the book on hold and will wait to see if the author revisits it, because it has potential, but I think it’s more suited to a full-length story than a novella. If the author wants to continue to present the story as a novella, it needs some editing.
this was so good. protego and primrose had me crying and making heart eyes for so long. i honestly wish this book was longer so we got to see more of their relationship before the end. i needed more fluff and smut, but it was an enjoyable read overall.
First let me start off by saying how amazing this cover is, I fell in love with the characters before I even met them. Just look at the embrace and the emotions that’s being portrayed. I just had to read it and I was so lucky to get an arc so thank you again Priscilla for letting me read your book.
I loved the storytelling and the world we were immersed into especially for a novella it has an amazing look into the world and magic system we will get to know in this series. I think Priscilla did an amazing job at giving us just enough with this novella.
Primrose and Protego were an amazing pair and I couldn’t help but fall in love with them, not to mention they are one of my favorite tropes. I can’t say what because that’s a spoiler and if you want to know you must read.
All of the characters were fun and I loved all of the banter between everyone. I cannot wait to see where else this story goes.
“I see—Primrose, I want you to know that just because someone loves you, doesn’t mean that they are doing what is best for you. They are just doing what they think is best for you. These are not the same.”
Shadow of eternal flames was well written, I really enjoyed the plot as well as the spice. It had everything I love in a romantasy; romance, magic, comedic moments, loveable side characters, and demons!
This is only Priscilla’s debut and I can’t wait to read more of her work! This novella was such a quick read and I devoured it!
I’m trying to keep this review spoiler free so all I’ll say is that I had a couple theories as I read and one of them is one of my favourite tropes/twists and I was so happy that I was correct!
Hi everyone! I am the author of this debut novella. I thoroughly believe that GoodReads is a space meant for readers, so I will not be spending much time here! That being said, I wanted to give some quick notes about the book.
Content Warnings: This novel contains potentially distressing material such as graphic scenes of violence, death, monsters/demons, consensual sex, and adult language. Additionally, it discusses darker topics such as sexual assault, war, and colonization. Reader discretion is advised. 18+
Ensured to have a happily ever after! I hope you all enjoy 🔥
I was extremely excited for this Novella when seeing it online and I was really anticipating the release day.
Unfortunately the writing style really isn't for me. I feel as if it's almost immature in a way. The character dialogue felt forced and awkward. I didn't get too far in so I hope as the book progresses that changes.
I do plan on coming back to it once I feel ready. I am aware that this is Priscilla Rose's debut Novel so I do want to come back and read it eventually.
This is a really solid debut novella. It took me a little bit to get into the story at first but once I learnt more about the world and the characters I was so intrigued. By the end I figured out the trope and it's one I do enjoy. It's one that always makes me so emotional when done well-
This was a novella but I felt like the story was fleshed out quite well and I really enjoyed Primrose and Protego's banter. It was great to see their relationship grow and I don't feel like it was too rushed. There were some steamy scenes which were very nice :) and one of my favourite scenes has some very lovely artwork to accompany it.
Overall this is a great debut from the author and I look forward to reading more from them in the future. Please note, there are a few content warnings.
Thank you to the author for the ARC to leave an honest review.
I need more! I'm so excited to see what happens next! This book kept me entranced from the very first chapter! I love Primrose! She is amazing This cover is absolutely stunning and I wish I could have print of it lol! This is a book that all Fantasy Romance lovers need to read!!
OMG! This book is incredible. The characters are sooo good and the story too! I just needed to dive in this new world. Priscilla, thank you for this opportunity to read your book! Lots of love, Sabine.
Thank you so much Priscilla for the ARC of this book! I’m so grateful that the book community led me to you and your talent.
When I started it, I was in the middle of my work week so I got the treat of reading a few chapters a night, which was so nice for pacing out this book. As soon as I had the time, I completely devoured it
This was such a quick and fun read, I was pulled in by the witty banter. While focusing on the fantasy and romance of this book, you were still able to fall in the love with the other character— *cough* Sera *cough,* she’s one of my favorites. I truly enjoyed the relationships between everyone and even when they were in a tough spot, they were able to support one another in the proper ways. The world building was just right for this novel that allowed me the understanding of what was going on and the monster that were present. I noticed that if I felt lost in anyway, it seems to follow Primroses understanding and she would ask the question I needed answer! I enjoyed how this book was paced and that even in the calmer moment, it wasn’t dull and I think that had to do with the darling Primrose, she’s quite a lovely character. And just because this book was quick paced and fun, does not mean it was lacking in spice because those scene were heated in just the right ways.
As a debut author, I loved ability to find the content warnings and tropes page, the pronunciation page, the playlist, the map, and overall thought that went into this book. I cannot wait to read more and see the leaps and bounds you will make as an author. Also, the cover art and Clearwater cove art were impeccable!!!
Pretty solid debut for a new author. I really love Primrose and Protego and of course the other supporting characters. I am honestly curious on the worldbuilding and the political stuff like the royals fighting etc. I hope the author would write more books about this. Also the smut is pretty good and the chemistry between Primrose and Protego is just 🔥. I would say that since the chapters are short, I feel like some of them could have been combined. Idk if it’s just me but some of the conversations between the characters was a bit stilted at the beginning. Personally, I feel like the pacing really took off around 30% of the book. Also I wished that we would have seen more remorse from Primrose. Like All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I would be anticipating for more of the author’s future works.
Playful Relationships are honestly the cutest ever, especially when they're portrayed well in books.
Priscilla Rose does a fantastic job of developing an extremely adorable, swoon-worthy relationship that grows between the Heroine and her Hero/Demon. I couldn't get enough of Primrose and Protego!!
I was gifted an ARC of this book by its wonderful author. All opinions are my own and this review is given voluntarily.
A quick fantasy novella with a sunshine heroine and a demon hero. 👀
I firstly stumbled upon this book on TikTik by seeing a spicy art for it! I then got the amazing opportunity to get an ARC of it, so here we are!
The heroine, Primrose seems very naive, silly, a little bit childish with her head in the clouds, but it was very interesting to have someone like that as the main character. The hero, Protego comes in and acts as a guard for her, so for those who love the guard/protector trope, this novella is right up your alley. I did like their romance and I very much praise the author for the inclusion of difficult themes and other things not very seen in other literature. ❤️
The book wasn't really my cup of tea, I enjoy my fantasy books longer, with more world-building and slow burn. This was so fast-paced you didn't get to explore much. There was some smut in this book, but I would consider it NA and not Adult because it wasn't very explicit.
The main surprise of the book also wasn't really my thing because I'm not the biggest fan of this trope and I don't enjoy the general theme of it.
In conclusion, I think this is a wonderful book for someone looking to get into spicy fantasy but wants to go slowly. The author did a wonderful job writing the story but the book and I didn't just vibe. 🥺
2.5 stars ✨
Thank you, Priscilla Rose, for the ARC. I received an ARC for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
I know this is a debut so I hope this review doesn’t come across like I’m bashing it, I think the plot has some good foundations, but there were a few personal qualms I had.
I think that the concept of this book is really cool! I mean who wouldn’t like the idea of a handsome demon coming in the night to protect you?? Like a sexy sleep paralysis demon.
However, I think that it kind of fell short for me in the way the world building is done and the dialogue. The world building reminded me of FBAA, it’s explained by people talking about it. It feels a little unnatural when it’s done in that way to me, and the actual dialogue itself seemed a little stiff and unnatural as well. I wish there was a little more flow, or that things weren’t as fast paced. Even getting the stereotypical introductory chapter explaining the character and the world it’s set in would have helped to ease us into the plot a little more, as opposed to just dropping us in.
I do really hope to see more from this author. I think if you look at almost any author, especially the self published ones, the first books are rough but they progress and get better, and I’m sure we’ll see that with this one too!
If you like stories with a little magic, some monsters, and fated mates with a little spice thrown in, then this book is for you!
Primrose is just living her life, trying to figure out how to escape her impending arranged marriage to the revolting and lecherous Lord Mercer. In desperation, she tries to cast a specific spell but her inexperience causes it to go awry, and inadvertently results in summoning monsters from near and far to her family estate. Cue the darkly handsome Protego, who swoops in and serves as her protector, posing as a sorcerer and working with Primrose and family to get rid of the monsters. I won’t give it all away, but you’ll find humor, sassy relatives, an LGBTQ friendly side story, and plenty of banter to go with the sweet spice served up by Primrose and Protego.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First I want to say Thank You to my tiktok mutual and the author of this book Priscilla for sending me an ARC of her first book in exchanged for an honest review! So proud of you bestie!!
This is the first fantasy book I've read in 2022 and not being the biggest fantasy reader I didn't know how much I would enjoy it. However, I can say I definitely did enjoy it and loved the characters! Shadow of Eternal Flames follows Primrose Reditus, a nineteen-year-old girl who is being forced to marry a merchant--a man that she does not know or love due to a political conflict that is occurring throughout her realm. In a rebellious act to avoid having to wed him, Primrose tries to do a magical spell that would curse him, but soon realizes how much of a mistake it was. When monsters start appearing and attacking her and her family's castle, she meets Protego, a demon who appears, who is not only there as her protector and someone to help fend off the monsters, but as someone who may open her eyes to a love Primrose longs for.
For one thing, the way the story flowed kept me interested. There is world-building to allow readers to understand the realm but it wasn't overwhelming to the point where it becomes confusing. Primrose is a likable fmc throughout it all, she's a young girl who wants to be free to make her own choices and choose the life she wants to live. She does display childlike behavior throughout the book but also shows immense growth from the beginning to end--goes from living a life that was already planned out for her without her choice to a life full of adventure with a demon she can fight alongside and maybe fall in love with 😜. I also love Protego's character! I think he is funny, caring, and knows just what to say (the banter between them is great)! I loved learning about his secrets and his past and can't wait till other readers have a chance to b/c you're in for a real surprise! I enjoyed the side characters and I am here for the diversity within them!! They were written in a way that would keep you interested in their lives and wanting for them to have a book, a story of their own.
There were however, some things I wish were different. First, I feel like this book would have been perfect in first person narrative simply b/c I would've liked to know more about Primrose's inner thoughts coming directly from her. It would have been even better as DUAL POV, b/c honestly I really liked Protego lol. Also I didn't know it was a novella until the very end but I wish the book was longer! I think the introduction of the political battle in the realm of Terra that we learn about in the beginning could have been developed more if it was longer and we're introduced to more characters and settings. But overall, for a quick, sweet, steamy, and adventurous novella, this book was quite enjoyable! 4.5/5⭐!
Story ⭐⭐⭐ When the queen forces a political engagement upon her, nineteen-year-old Primrose devises a plan to save herself from a man she could never love. Magically cursing her fiancé appears to only curse Primrose instead… This book was very descriptive and it was a great read. The whole book was entertaining. It was fast-paced and in the end, had me in my feelings. But overall it felt a bit rushed to finish. The first half of the book easily would’ve been a four-star, but reading more and more of it, the book itself started to fall short in my opinion. The only thing that saved it was the ending.
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Primrose is a naive and childish character to who a lot of women can relate in a certain way. I didn't really like her at the beginning of the story but as you read on you really start to fall in love with her. Protego is... spicy! When he comes in you get the bodyguard/protector trope which I live for!
World ⭐⭐⭐ For a fantasy book, I expected more world-building. I also expected the book to be a bit longer. But maybe in the future, there will be a book two, to build on it.
Relationship ⭐⭐⭐⭐ As I said above, I am a sucker for a protector trope. But I prefer books with more smut in them. I mean, there was some... but nothing explicit. More Young Adult than Adult.
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐ Curses... Curses... Curses... All it reminds me of is Disney movie curses. Like Tiana getting turned into a Frog or Prince Adam getting turned into the Beast. Or in this instance, "Primrose sets out to break the curse she’s plagued upon her people."
I give this story 4 stars! ✨
Thank you, Priscilla Rose, for the ARC. I received an ARC for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Priscilla Rose for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I’ve followed Priscilla on TikTok for a while, pretty much since I joined the platform. We both read the same books and love the same characters, so when she announced her debut Novella, I was so excited to get my hands on a copy to read. Even better that the book came out on my birthday!
Somehow, I was approved to be a part of her ARC team, and I received a copy of her book last night, like an early birthday gift. The cover is absolutely stunning, and I love that you could see art of the characters prior to reading so you have something to envision while reading.
I was also kind of shocked to see that the Novella was 150 pages. I didn’t even realize it was a Novella until I received the ARC, but I enjoy quick reads so it was nbd. I was able to read this stand alone in just a few hours.
If you’re looking for a quick/fun Fantasy read that doesn’t leave you on a cliffhanger, this is the book for you! The world building is simple, the characters are cute, and the plot is fast paced and intriguing. It has some hot scenes, and I appreciate the author including a warming page for any possible triggers to readers.
This novella was a slump buster for me! (Well, if we're considering nothing EXCEPT Ice Planet Barbarians read in almost a month to be a slump.) I received an advance copy of Priscilla Rose's fantasy romance novella Shadow of Eternal Flames for free in order to review it. I have to say I enjoyed it so much! Usually, what I expect from a novella (especially in this genre) is a world we're only shown enough of to get the context for the romance within--which is always fine! However, the world building in this is so rich, and the world created is so interesting that I was shocked so much could be included in so few chapters! The main character, a duchess-to-be named Primrose, and MMC, a djinn named Protego, have such a sweet romance within a well-fleshed-out world and surrounded by a super interesting cast of characters (I NEED more Haruka and Sera!!) When Primrose accidentally summons a slew of monsters to her town and castle while trying to rid herself of her odious, old, shipping merchant fiance, she has to lean on her friends, both old and new, to fix this problem she'd created. Along the way, she finds love with the djinn Protego, who appears to help her in her time of need. I absolutely want to know more about the physical world of Terra and the spiritual realms connected to it. So glad I got the chance to read this book!
”Hatred is rampant, and we still rage and war over different political agendas, but our enemies unite us. Sometimes we’re so busy fighting monsters that we have little time to hate each other. Just promise me you will be careful. Some monsters are human….”
I devoured this in one sitting. I’m a sucker for the trope in this book so once those little nuggets of foreshadowing started hinting at it I had to keep reading to see how it would play out. And since this is a novella it wasn’t that hard to do. Protego and Primrose were so sweet it was hard not to fall in love with them.
Since this is the start of a longer series I’m curious to see what will happen in the next book!
AHH this book was amazing! I think that one thing that scares new readers away is a slow pace which results in just getting bored before the story begins. Well, that is the first great thing about SOEF, it's super fast paced, but at the same time you don't feel like the story is pressured or hurried. I absolutely enjoyed this book, it was so romantic, beautiful and Primrose is in some ways relatable and is others just remarkable in her own way. It's easy to tell that the book was written with love and actual want, unlike some books that you can feel that were forced. This was an absolute joy, and if you're looking for something light with beautiful writing, The Shadow Of Eternal Flames is for you.
First off I want to thank Priscilla for providing me an ARC of her book in exchange for an honest review.
Overall I give this book a 3.8/5. I really enjoyed the plot! However, I would have loved a little bit more world building. I felt a little confused at times which I feel like could have been helped had the world building been a bit more fleshed out.
The romance aspect of the book was great! It had a few of my favorite tropes (nightmare trope, praise trope and of course the one bed in the inn trope) and the steamy scenes were very well written.
Overall if you’re looking for a quick steamy, fantasy romance read you should definitely give this one a chance!
I have not read such a fast paced book in a long while. I absolutely loved the connection between Primrose and all the characters. I would have loved more backstory of Ilona and Protego. And a POV from Protego. I love him!! The banter between him and Haruka was hilarious. This book is full of political intrigue and I really got into the book quickly. The world building was perfect and not overwhelming. I hope we get more of the story of Protego and Primrose!! I am equal parts satisfied with the ending and also desperate for more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really enjoyed this novel. I loved Protego and Primrose, I was routing for them. Protego the Demon and Primrose the sunshine. I really liked all the side characters and enjoyed the fact that their was a same sex relationship. The story was very fast-paced, and sometimes I felt like I needed more, but most of the time, it was just the right amount of story.
i’m not the best with expressing my thoughts so please bear with me here(‘:
pris i love you soooo much and i’m so proud of you for accomplishing this! this story is so cute and is just what i want when i pick up a fantasy romance. dark bad boys and sunshine girls.
for a debut novel, this one really killed it and i cannot wait to read more from you<3
I was able to receive an ARC of this lovely debut and I am so excited for this author to start her journey.
This story was good. I loved the MMC he was bad ass and sexy. Everything you want in a fantasy man.
Although there are some minor things I think that could improve the writing I was overall very pleased with the book and I wish Pricilla all the best on her author journey!!
This was a fun short novella. It kept me interested till the end. I liked the sort of found family aspect with Primrose and her teachers. I thought our heroine was entirely too trusting of the hero in the beginning but it was all explained. The romance was sweet with the right amount of steam. Overall I enjoyed this. Not my new favourite but it was fun.
I normally don’t like novellas but I fell in love with this one. I loved all the characters! This was such an amazing read. I truly wish I had more because I loved every second of it and I can’t wait for the authors first full book to come out!! I need a whole book for Sera and Haruka!! It has: spice, forbidden love, Queer side characters, magic, hidden secrets, angles, demons and monsters, and good old funny and fluffy moments!!!