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Empire of Wolves #1
Lady of Roses and Ruin
A curse.
A wolf lord bound by ancient evil. A witch who sees lies.
A promise.
In a trick of fate, the witch must marry the wolf for a year and a day.
A vow.
To save the ones they love, one of them must die.
"Until I die, my darling. And even then I will love you beyond the grave."
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, touch her and die, beauty and the beast vibes.
Lady of Roses and Ruin a dark retelling of beauty and the beast. This heart-pounding romantasy is the first book in a new series--featuring morally grey characters, dark magic, and bloodthirsty court politics--and is perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses .
A wolf lord bound by ancient evil. A witch who sees lies.
A promise.
In a trick of fate, the witch must marry the wolf for a year and a day.
A vow.
To save the ones they love, one of them must die.
"Until I die, my darling. And even then I will love you beyond the grave."
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, touch her and die, beauty and the beast vibes.
Lady of Roses and Ruin a dark retelling of beauty and the beast. This heart-pounding romantasy is the first book in a new series--featuring morally grey characters, dark magic, and bloodthirsty court politics--and is perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses .
518 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2023
58 people are currently reading
4541 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Shack
3 books69 followersCourtney Shack writes and reads fantasy, romance, or any combination of the two. She lives in Virginia with her beloved partner and pup. In her free time, she drinks too much coffee and dreams up worlds where people fight and kiss. She also co-hosts Storybeast, a podcast about the transformative power of story. To keep up with Courtney, you can follow her on TikTok and Instagram at @cshackwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 22, 2023
2.75⭐️rounded up. This started off so well! the first half of the book was a solid 4 star read. The author did such a good job of creating tension between the MCs.. what let it down for me was the second half of the book, the characters personality’s all of sudden felt different and the story turned a little wattpadish. Don’t think I’ll read the next book but you do you💫
October 22, 2023
Hmmm…
The writing is unique — poetic, descriptive and complex… but whilst it can be beautiful, almost lyrical to read, it can also be very distracting.
The heavy, overly illustrative narratives are jam-packed with so many similes, metaphors and overly complicated proses that when it has been dragged-on for the whole chapter, my head started to hurt. As a reader you become so wrapped-up with the extra focus it requires to comprehend the sentences that you lose focus on the story, the current happenings of the plot.
This was mostly true for the first half of the story, particularly the start, up until the point when Briar and Killian are married. After that, the plot really kicks off and when the writing is mixed in with the dialogue, it’s a lot more palatable. But during the starting passages of nothing but Briar’s inner monologue? Ugh, my head hurt. It just really made reading this story feel like more of a chore as opposed to naturally “falling into” the story.
I also spotted quite a number of spelling and typesetting errors. Not sure if this has been revised, but it was enough to impact my reading experience.
I’m not sure if I’ll come back to this series. I’m truly intrigued by parts of it, and I love Briar’s truth-telling power of seeing coins. But with the pacing and the writing style, I might not be inclined to continue when half my interest died after trudging through the first 50% with a headache.
The writing is unique — poetic, descriptive and complex… but whilst it can be beautiful, almost lyrical to read, it can also be very distracting.
The heavy, overly illustrative narratives are jam-packed with so many similes, metaphors and overly complicated proses that when it has been dragged-on for the whole chapter, my head started to hurt. As a reader you become so wrapped-up with the extra focus it requires to comprehend the sentences that you lose focus on the story, the current happenings of the plot.
This was mostly true for the first half of the story, particularly the start, up until the point when Briar and Killian are married. After that, the plot really kicks off and when the writing is mixed in with the dialogue, it’s a lot more palatable. But during the starting passages of nothing but Briar’s inner monologue? Ugh, my head hurt. It just really made reading this story feel like more of a chore as opposed to naturally “falling into” the story.
I also spotted quite a number of spelling and typesetting errors. Not sure if this has been revised, but it was enough to impact my reading experience.
I’m not sure if I’ll come back to this series. I’m truly intrigued by parts of it, and I love Briar’s truth-telling power of seeing coins. But with the pacing and the writing style, I might not be inclined to continue when half my interest died after trudging through the first 50% with a headache.
October 14, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
I received this ARC yesterday and just finished it.
The beauty and the beast vibes are there, but I wouldn’t really consider it a retelling. I enjoyed the story and it kept me guessing and on my toes. This is a sloow burn enemies-to-lovers story.
Sometimes I feel like fantasy has such a slow start to books but this one throws you right in! While it wasn’t a slog to get through, I wasn’t hooked to the point I couldn’t put it down until about 80%
I liked Briar even though I couldn’t really relate to her obsessive loyalty to her father. Her falling for Killian was a bit unclear to me but we find out more at the very end as to why that may be. Killian is secretive and a bit hard to understand what his motivations are until close to the end. Maybe I’m too used to books with multiple POVs…
Overall, this was a good book to start a series. I do feel like a lot was left unanswered but I’m assuming that’s intentional for the series. We will see as it continues!
I received this ARC yesterday and just finished it.
The beauty and the beast vibes are there, but I wouldn’t really consider it a retelling. I enjoyed the story and it kept me guessing and on my toes. This is a sloow burn enemies-to-lovers story.
Sometimes I feel like fantasy has such a slow start to books but this one throws you right in! While it wasn’t a slog to get through, I wasn’t hooked to the point I couldn’t put it down until about 80%
I liked Briar even though I couldn’t really relate to her obsessive loyalty to her father. Her falling for Killian was a bit unclear to me but we find out more at the very end as to why that may be. Killian is secretive and a bit hard to understand what his motivations are until close to the end. Maybe I’m too used to books with multiple POVs…
Overall, this was a good book to start a series. I do feel like a lot was left unanswered but I’m assuming that’s intentional for the series. We will see as it continues!
October 18, 2023
When I opened my Kindle app on my phone to start this book, it glitched to the very last page somehow, and I read the very last sentence before I was able to scroll away. Le sigh. I haven't been this disappointed in myself since I accidentally spoiled Avengers Endgame for my husband.
So, I had accidentally seen a major cliffy ending, and with no solution to bleach that sentence from my brain, I persevered.
The book is marketed as a Dark Fantasy Romance Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I definitely got those vibes, but with so much of its own lore and original plot, it really stood out on its own as well.
The characters were interesting, realistic, and well-developed. I liked the magic system and the vast world-building. Courtney is really setting the world up nicely for the series. There were a ton of twists and turns throughout the book - enough so that I *almost* forgot I read that last sentence and was gaslighting myself that maybe I misread it. LOL.
The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage romance was great. The chemistry, tension, and spice 🌶 were well done. I will be anxiously awaiting the second book since, as previously discussed, it ends on a major cliffy.
Tysm to Courtney for the ARC. I'm really glad tiktok brought us together!
Ps- Courtney and I are giving away a signed copy of this book this week on my tiktok- @hauntedhousebooks if you're interested! Xx
So, I had accidentally seen a major cliffy ending, and with no solution to bleach that sentence from my brain, I persevered.
The book is marketed as a Dark Fantasy Romance Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I definitely got those vibes, but with so much of its own lore and original plot, it really stood out on its own as well.
The characters were interesting, realistic, and well-developed. I liked the magic system and the vast world-building. Courtney is really setting the world up nicely for the series. There were a ton of twists and turns throughout the book - enough so that I *almost* forgot I read that last sentence and was gaslighting myself that maybe I misread it. LOL.
The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage romance was great. The chemistry, tension, and spice 🌶 were well done. I will be anxiously awaiting the second book since, as previously discussed, it ends on a major cliffy.
Tysm to Courtney for the ARC. I'm really glad tiktok brought us together!
Ps- Courtney and I are giving away a signed copy of this book this week on my tiktok- @hauntedhousebooks if you're interested! Xx
October 13, 2023
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Speechless as I finish the book. The world building and the way Briar grows throughout the first book was amazing.
Briar is willing to do whatever it takes to save her sick father, but she never imagined her stranger in the woods would be her future husband. Killian has been haunted with internal demons all his life, but with Briar around to shine light on his shadows, is she the girl he remembers from his dreams as a boy? Following Briar and Killian as their marriage for “a year and a day” starts rocky as it’s arranged by the Witch King, who has a serious obsession with his ravens. Secrets are revealed but more secrets remain.
It does leave on a cliffhanger and I cannot watch for the next book.
“There’s my wicked witch” - instantly made me fall in love Killian.
Speechless as I finish the book. The world building and the way Briar grows throughout the first book was amazing.
Briar is willing to do whatever it takes to save her sick father, but she never imagined her stranger in the woods would be her future husband. Killian has been haunted with internal demons all his life, but with Briar around to shine light on his shadows, is she the girl he remembers from his dreams as a boy? Following Briar and Killian as their marriage for “a year and a day” starts rocky as it’s arranged by the Witch King, who has a serious obsession with his ravens. Secrets are revealed but more secrets remain.
It does leave on a cliffhanger and I cannot watch for the next book.
“There’s my wicked witch” - instantly made me fall in love Killian.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2023
Lady of Roses and Ruin by Courtney Shack is the first book in the Empire of Wolves series. This is a dark(ish) romantic fantasy about a witch and wolf shifter bound by an arranged marriage for a year and a day. Tropes include morally gray characters, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, a shadow daddy, who did this and touch her and die. Please check the content warnings before reading as there are some dark topics/themes in this book.
The Lovely: I loved the main characters - how not perfect and how not stereotypical they were. I loved them, raged at them, cried at them and laughed at them. Their relationship evolved, and not in a straight lines which I found so much more realistic.
Also Lovely: I also loved the story and the tension. This book had more twists, turns and loops than I could keep up with and very very few did I see coming. And the ending just 🤯. Like what? I could not put this book down.
Still Lovely: The world-building and magic system are unique - from the forest to the Wolf keep to even the FMC’s peculiarities as a witch. It was an immersive experience that I can’t wait to come back to for book 2.
Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book just wrecked me into a book hangover. How is it possible for a book to make such an emotional impact? It had everything I want in a dark romantasy and there wasn’t one thing about the book I didn’t like. If you like romantasy books with a darker undertone but heavy on the character relationships and world building you would like this.
The Lovely: I loved the main characters - how not perfect and how not stereotypical they were. I loved them, raged at them, cried at them and laughed at them. Their relationship evolved, and not in a straight lines which I found so much more realistic.
Also Lovely: I also loved the story and the tension. This book had more twists, turns and loops than I could keep up with and very very few did I see coming. And the ending just 🤯. Like what? I could not put this book down.
Still Lovely: The world-building and magic system are unique - from the forest to the Wolf keep to even the FMC’s peculiarities as a witch. It was an immersive experience that I can’t wait to come back to for book 2.
Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book just wrecked me into a book hangover. How is it possible for a book to make such an emotional impact? It had everything I want in a dark romantasy and there wasn’t one thing about the book I didn’t like. If you like romantasy books with a darker undertone but heavy on the character relationships and world building you would like this.
October 19, 2023
I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“If I kill something he cares about, that’s the surest way to murder someone.”
Lady of Roses and Ruin is a really beautifully written introduction to Briar and Killian’s story, complete with Beauty and the Beast undertones, but that stands on its own two very unique feet, so I’m not sure I’d call it so much a retelling.
When Courtney provided “you told me to say shadow daddy” as part of the sign up for this ARC, she KNEW what she was doing. S H A D O W D A D D Y, INDEED!
Briar will do anything for her father, up to and including marrying her enemy. And so she does, having made a bargain with the witch king for lifesaving measures for the man who raised her in exchange for a year and a day of her time arranged to be wife to the Duke of Death himself.
She’s been tasked to kill the wolf, with one rather large obstacle blocking her path to that end— the marriage has bound their lives, and to kill him may very well be the end of her life as well.
Forced to live a life alongside her enemy, Briar is at least hopeful that the allotted year and a day will buy her time— time to discover if she may uncover the secrets held close to the wolf’s chest, and among them the secret to ending said wolf while leaving the man alive….the man that, somewhere along the way, she has begun to fall in love with.
I finished this book a little less than 12 hours ago and I am still UNWELL and feeling the lingering impact of that cliffhanger ending.
Please go read this book, and thank me —or send me your therapy bill —later.
“If I kill something he cares about, that’s the surest way to murder someone.”
Lady of Roses and Ruin is a really beautifully written introduction to Briar and Killian’s story, complete with Beauty and the Beast undertones, but that stands on its own two very unique feet, so I’m not sure I’d call it so much a retelling.
When Courtney provided “you told me to say shadow daddy” as part of the sign up for this ARC, she KNEW what she was doing. S H A D O W D A D D Y, INDEED!
Briar will do anything for her father, up to and including marrying her enemy. And so she does, having made a bargain with the witch king for lifesaving measures for the man who raised her in exchange for a year and a day of her time arranged to be wife to the Duke of Death himself.
She’s been tasked to kill the wolf, with one rather large obstacle blocking her path to that end— the marriage has bound their lives, and to kill him may very well be the end of her life as well.
Forced to live a life alongside her enemy, Briar is at least hopeful that the allotted year and a day will buy her time— time to discover if she may uncover the secrets held close to the wolf’s chest, and among them the secret to ending said wolf while leaving the man alive….the man that, somewhere along the way, she has begun to fall in love with.
I finished this book a little less than 12 hours ago and I am still UNWELL and feeling the lingering impact of that cliffhanger ending.
Please go read this book, and thank me —or send me your therapy bill —later.
October 19, 2023
This is such an amazingly detailed book. I loved all the attention to detail in the writing and just the detail in the whole entire book. There is wolves, witches, shadow daddy magic, enemies to lovers, fairytale references, twists and turns and most of all BETRAYAL. Courtney did an amazing job on her debut novel and I can’t wait to see what more of this series has to hold. There is a major cliffhanger so be sure Warned but I loved it.
April 2, 2024
This book wrecked me in the best and worst ways possible.
October 19, 2023
This book has everything!!
Curses? ✅
Magic ?✅
Dark mysterious men? ✅
Enemies to lovers ? ✅
I realized this book as an ARC. I really enjoyed this book! Briar , our FMC, will do anything to save her dying father, even marry their enemy. The enemies to lovers is such a perfect slow burn! I had such a fun time reading this book. Courtney does a great job of slowly building dark, fantasy world.
I cannot wait for the next book!
Curses? ✅
Magic ?✅
Dark mysterious men? ✅
Enemies to lovers ? ✅
I realized this book as an ARC. I really enjoyed this book! Briar , our FMC, will do anything to save her dying father, even marry their enemy. The enemies to lovers is such a perfect slow burn! I had such a fun time reading this book. Courtney does a great job of slowly building dark, fantasy world.
I cannot wait for the next book!
October 20, 2023
𝑲𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌. 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑲𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓.
I am unwell. Distraught. Dead on the inside.
I loved loved loved this book. It has all of my favorite things (Beauty and the Beast vibes, enemies to lovers, fated mates, possessive MMCs and stabby FMCs), but it is so unique and fresh that it doesn't feel like it was made in the standard romantasy mold.
Briar is a witch trying to save her father from an untimely death - then the opportunity to do so presents itself... but that means marrying the mysterious Lord of Wolves that she shared a passionate and violent kiss with in the woods.
Killian is cursed, and his people with him, and the only solace he has ever found from his curse is in his dreams. Dreams where he is visited by a girl with white hair, made of thorns. The girl he leaves a candle burning for, day in and day out. The girl who looks a lot like his reluctant wife.
I cannot wrap my head around the ending (MAJOR cliffhanger!!) - I usually have an idea of how a story is going to end, and what twists and turns to expect, but this one blew me out of the water! Courtney has done a fabulous job of pulling you in with the world building and banter, and keeping you absolutely locked in with the tension and slow burn. I do hope Courtney considers doing dual POV for book two because I NEED to get inside that Shadow Daddy's mind ASAP.
I am unwell. Distraught. Dead on the inside.
I loved loved loved this book. It has all of my favorite things (Beauty and the Beast vibes, enemies to lovers, fated mates, possessive MMCs and stabby FMCs), but it is so unique and fresh that it doesn't feel like it was made in the standard romantasy mold.
Briar is a witch trying to save her father from an untimely death - then the opportunity to do so presents itself... but that means marrying the mysterious Lord of Wolves that she shared a passionate and violent kiss with in the woods.
Killian is cursed, and his people with him, and the only solace he has ever found from his curse is in his dreams. Dreams where he is visited by a girl with white hair, made of thorns. The girl he leaves a candle burning for, day in and day out. The girl who looks a lot like his reluctant wife.
I cannot wrap my head around the ending (MAJOR cliffhanger!!) - I usually have an idea of how a story is going to end, and what twists and turns to expect, but this one blew me out of the water! Courtney has done a fabulous job of pulling you in with the world building and banter, and keeping you absolutely locked in with the tension and slow burn. I do hope Courtney considers doing dual POV for book two because I NEED to get inside that Shadow Daddy's mind ASAP.
October 20, 2023
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my review. Thank you, Courtney, for this book!!
I enjoyed this book it was such a good read! It did give beauty and the beast vibes, but not how you would think. This was slow burn and enemies to lovers, but once we got past that, it was on!
Briar is our FMC, who is a witch, keeping it a secret from everyone or else she will be killed. Killian is our MMC, who is a wolf shifter who is cursed. We only really follow Briar through this book, but we get some chapters that are Killiand backstory that sort of slowly piece together the current timeline. These two are made to marry for a year and a day, but they both have their own motives in this marriage.
Now I will say Briar's loyalty to her father and people who never seemed to accept her was a bit frustrating, but that being said, there are people in the world like that! I did enjoy that the relationship with these two did evolve over the time frame they were together. The tension we got from these two was just chefs' kiss.
Now the world was so interesting as they lived on the border of each other but there was this unique forest in between them. The magic system, and even lore of other beings within this world, were so interesting! We got some twists and turns in this as well as a dang cliff hanger that made me need book 2 like ASAP! Overall, i highly enjoyed this book and can not wait for book 2!
I highly recommend that if you love shadow daddies, enemies to lovers, slow burn, arranged marriage, morally grey men, and touch her and die vibes, you should totally give this book a try!!
I enjoyed this book it was such a good read! It did give beauty and the beast vibes, but not how you would think. This was slow burn and enemies to lovers, but once we got past that, it was on!
Briar is our FMC, who is a witch, keeping it a secret from everyone or else she will be killed. Killian is our MMC, who is a wolf shifter who is cursed. We only really follow Briar through this book, but we get some chapters that are Killiand backstory that sort of slowly piece together the current timeline. These two are made to marry for a year and a day, but they both have their own motives in this marriage.
Now I will say Briar's loyalty to her father and people who never seemed to accept her was a bit frustrating, but that being said, there are people in the world like that! I did enjoy that the relationship with these two did evolve over the time frame they were together. The tension we got from these two was just chefs' kiss.
Now the world was so interesting as they lived on the border of each other but there was this unique forest in between them. The magic system, and even lore of other beings within this world, were so interesting! We got some twists and turns in this as well as a dang cliff hanger that made me need book 2 like ASAP! Overall, i highly enjoyed this book and can not wait for book 2!
I highly recommend that if you love shadow daddies, enemies to lovers, slow burn, arranged marriage, morally grey men, and touch her and die vibes, you should totally give this book a try!!
October 14, 2023
Lady of Roses and Ruin
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was given an arc of Lady of Roses and Ruin in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and do not reflect any thoughts of the author.
When I was chosen as a member of the street team for this book, I was so excited! Courtney Stack excels at marketing, and this book had all of my favorite elements:
Enemies to lovers
A shadow daddy/wolf shifter mmc
Arranged marriage
One bed
Who did this to you???
This book follows Briar, the only child of the Duke of Bears. Her father is dying of an illness, and in order to save him Briar agrees to marry her House's biggest enemy, the Duke of Wolves. Arranged to be married for a year and a day, Briar makes a bargain with the immortal Witch King to kill Killian, the Duke of Wolves. In exchange, the king will heal her father. There is one caveat: Killian is unkillable.
This book had so many elements that I enjoy, but unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. I wasn't able to connect with the main characters, and the pacing was a little slow for me.
I really liked Briar's guards/friends Barro, Valor, and Daria! I also really liked Killian's right-hand people, Lukas and Jessa. These characters added some levity and heart to the story while allowing us to see a different side to Briar and Killian. I loved Barro and Lukas' antics with Briar and Killian, respectively. They never failed to make me laugh. Kudos to Courtney, she also got me with the twist at the end!
I am very grateful to Courtney for letting me be a part of this process, and I wish her well with this debut novel!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was given an arc of Lady of Roses and Ruin in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and do not reflect any thoughts of the author.
When I was chosen as a member of the street team for this book, I was so excited! Courtney Stack excels at marketing, and this book had all of my favorite elements:
Enemies to lovers
A shadow daddy/wolf shifter mmc
Arranged marriage
One bed
Who did this to you???
This book follows Briar, the only child of the Duke of Bears. Her father is dying of an illness, and in order to save him Briar agrees to marry her House's biggest enemy, the Duke of Wolves. Arranged to be married for a year and a day, Briar makes a bargain with the immortal Witch King to kill Killian, the Duke of Wolves. In exchange, the king will heal her father. There is one caveat: Killian is unkillable.
This book had so many elements that I enjoy, but unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. I wasn't able to connect with the main characters, and the pacing was a little slow for me.
I really liked Briar's guards/friends Barro, Valor, and Daria! I also really liked Killian's right-hand people, Lukas and Jessa. These characters added some levity and heart to the story while allowing us to see a different side to Briar and Killian. I loved Barro and Lukas' antics with Briar and Killian, respectively. They never failed to make me laugh. Kudos to Courtney, she also got me with the twist at the end!
I am very grateful to Courtney for letting me be a part of this process, and I wish her well with this debut novel!
November 3, 2023
ARC Review
3.5stars - rounded up to 4
2 in spice
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn
Forced marriage
Briar our MFC seems truly alone in the world, having to hide the fact that she is a witch or be killed can be pretty lonely. Growing up without a mother, Briar will do whatever it takes to save the only family she has left. Her father is dying of an unknown illness and she sets out one night into the woods in search of a way to save him.
Killian our MMC who was cursed by a witch long ago is the sexy shapeshifting Duke of the Wolfes. He is told that a women he is to marry in order to bring peace to his people for a year and a day, will be in the woods. But what he isn't expecting is for it to be her. The one that had brought him peace night after night, only to be gone the next.
This story reminds of beauty and the beast with some Romeo and Juliet vibes when it comes to enemy houses becoming one.
There was a lot of detail and poetry like writing style, I did have to go back a few times because I would get lost in what I was reading or slightly confused.
I love the enemies to lovers and it was very clear where the line was for enemies but I feel like the transition into lovers was missed. It was a good read that kept me interested. I will more than likely read the next book as this one leaves off on a CLIFFHANGER AND I NEED ANSWERS ABOUT SHADOW DADDY KILLIAN!
3.5stars - rounded up to 4
2 in spice
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn
Forced marriage
Briar our MFC seems truly alone in the world, having to hide the fact that she is a witch or be killed can be pretty lonely. Growing up without a mother, Briar will do whatever it takes to save the only family she has left. Her father is dying of an unknown illness and she sets out one night into the woods in search of a way to save him.
Killian our MMC who was cursed by a witch long ago is the sexy shapeshifting Duke of the Wolfes. He is told that a women he is to marry in order to bring peace to his people for a year and a day, will be in the woods. But what he isn't expecting is for it to be her. The one that had brought him peace night after night, only to be gone the next.
This story reminds of beauty and the beast with some Romeo and Juliet vibes when it comes to enemy houses becoming one.
There was a lot of detail and poetry like writing style, I did have to go back a few times because I would get lost in what I was reading or slightly confused.
I love the enemies to lovers and it was very clear where the line was for enemies but I feel like the transition into lovers was missed. It was a good read that kept me interested. I will more than likely read the next book as this one leaves off on a CLIFFHANGER AND I NEED ANSWERS ABOUT SHADOW DADDY KILLIAN!
October 18, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐️
If you are looking for a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with more tension and spice, look no further!
The story follows Briar, daughter to a lord who is terminally ill. The king arranges a marriage to Killian, the Duke of Death, for one year and a day of peace. Briar agrees to do this in exchange to save her father. The one condition decreed by the king - she must kill the Duke.
The villain gets the girl and is obsessed. And so am I. Killian is a man battling demons and will do it all again for Briar! I really enjoyed seeing him fight for Briar, even under their circumstances.
I loved all the tropes - arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, touch her and d!e, forced proximity and more.
I also enjoyed watching Briar discover the truth about Killian and the wolves. The internal struggle between her duty to her father and her feelings for Killian were compelling and interesting.
The world itself is so interesting - witches, wolves, fairies and curses abound! It is layered and unique. We are shown just a sliver of what there is and I am anxiously awaiting to be shown more!
The twists and turns at the end were a shock - I had suspicions early on that were wrong! There are so many things left to uncover as the series continues.
I am excited to learn more about the world and uncover more about the secrets and forgotten memories! Book two cannot get here fast enough!
If you are looking for a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with more tension and spice, look no further!
The story follows Briar, daughter to a lord who is terminally ill. The king arranges a marriage to Killian, the Duke of Death, for one year and a day of peace. Briar agrees to do this in exchange to save her father. The one condition decreed by the king - she must kill the Duke.
The villain gets the girl and is obsessed. And so am I. Killian is a man battling demons and will do it all again for Briar! I really enjoyed seeing him fight for Briar, even under their circumstances.
I loved all the tropes - arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, touch her and d!e, forced proximity and more.
I also enjoyed watching Briar discover the truth about Killian and the wolves. The internal struggle between her duty to her father and her feelings for Killian were compelling and interesting.
The world itself is so interesting - witches, wolves, fairies and curses abound! It is layered and unique. We are shown just a sliver of what there is and I am anxiously awaiting to be shown more!
The twists and turns at the end were a shock - I had suspicions early on that were wrong! There are so many things left to uncover as the series continues.
I am excited to learn more about the world and uncover more about the secrets and forgotten memories! Book two cannot get here fast enough!
October 19, 2023
Wolves, Witches, Magic, Oh my!
4.5 stars.
Tropes- enemies to lovers, shadow daddy, magic
I received this book as an ARC, and can say that I truly enjoyed Shack's world she has created. We follow Briar, a young woman who has tasked herself with saving her father from a terminal illness. She is not well liked by her community due to who her mother is. She is tasked with marrying her enemy, Killian for 1 year and a day in exchange for her fathers health.
LORAR is full of lies, love, deceit, betrayal, and never truly knowing who to trust. Briar has to navigate this, all while trying to uphold her bargain of killing her enemy husband.
Shack's writing style is unique, a first person past tense perspective, but filled with purple prose. At the beginning of the novel, this is very evident to the point of difficulty with reading the text. Some scenes were overshadowed by this, however as the novel progressed, Shack used this writing style less and less, getting to the point and reserving those moments for important scenes. My half point was taken off for technical and over use of prose, but otherwise the plot is solid, the world building is exceptional, and the magic system is well thought out and unique. I can't wait for book 2!
4.5 stars.
Tropes- enemies to lovers, shadow daddy, magic
I received this book as an ARC, and can say that I truly enjoyed Shack's world she has created. We follow Briar, a young woman who has tasked herself with saving her father from a terminal illness. She is not well liked by her community due to who her mother is. She is tasked with marrying her enemy, Killian for 1 year and a day in exchange for her fathers health.
LORAR is full of lies, love, deceit, betrayal, and never truly knowing who to trust. Briar has to navigate this, all while trying to uphold her bargain of killing her enemy husband.
Shack's writing style is unique, a first person past tense perspective, but filled with purple prose. At the beginning of the novel, this is very evident to the point of difficulty with reading the text. Some scenes were overshadowed by this, however as the novel progressed, Shack used this writing style less and less, getting to the point and reserving those moments for important scenes. My half point was taken off for technical and over use of prose, but otherwise the plot is solid, the world building is exceptional, and the magic system is well thought out and unique. I can't wait for book 2!
October 18, 2023
* 3.5 - 4 Stars *
I like to take a few days after I finish a book to review it, but I am still having a hard time forming my thoughts for this one.
The cover is stunning, the aesthetic is eye catching, and the tropes had me ready to dive into a new world.
With a book this size, you can expect the pacing to be on the slower end to allow for a proper build up and world building to take place. I felt the beginning was a good medium pace with lots of intrigue and leaned towards a suspenseful build up. However, I did find a large portion of the meat of the book to be on the slower side, not just the main dynamic. There are spicy scenes mixed in throughout the plot, but I had a really hard time connecting with the dynamic. Some of their moments felt drowned out by other things or paragraphs of description.
I will say that the last 80-85% was when I really became invested. Everything seemed to fall in place and become one fluid story. The pacing picked up and I could feel a connection to the couple.
Overall, I did still enjoy the story and will happily read the rest of the series.
I like to take a few days after I finish a book to review it, but I am still having a hard time forming my thoughts for this one.
The cover is stunning, the aesthetic is eye catching, and the tropes had me ready to dive into a new world.
With a book this size, you can expect the pacing to be on the slower end to allow for a proper build up and world building to take place. I felt the beginning was a good medium pace with lots of intrigue and leaned towards a suspenseful build up. However, I did find a large portion of the meat of the book to be on the slower side, not just the main dynamic. There are spicy scenes mixed in throughout the plot, but I had a really hard time connecting with the dynamic. Some of their moments felt drowned out by other things or paragraphs of description.
I will say that the last 80-85% was when I really became invested. Everything seemed to fall in place and become one fluid story. The pacing picked up and I could feel a connection to the couple.
Overall, I did still enjoy the story and will happily read the rest of the series.
October 27, 2023
This fractured Beauty and the Beast retelling is twisty, fun, and steamy! Complete with tropes we all love like enemies-to-lovers and arranged marriages complimented by a witchy female MC bent on breaking the unbreakable, this dark romantasy will surely captivate readers of the genre. I love the integration of fae, pixies, and lore, as well as the mystery surrounding Briar and Killian's past.
I will say, if you're here for the smut, you'll be waiting until the second half, but it pays off. The beginning of the book crawled, for me, and felt a bit repetitive but it was worth it to stick with it. I absolutely fell in love with the tension between Briar and Killian's wants and Briar's determination not to fall in love with her enemy. Briar and Killian are tortured by their own demons--some real and others metaphorical--and it's rewarding to watch them conquer them as they grown.
I'm intrigued to see where book 2 goes!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I will say, if you're here for the smut, you'll be waiting until the second half, but it pays off. The beginning of the book crawled, for me, and felt a bit repetitive but it was worth it to stick with it. I absolutely fell in love with the tension between Briar and Killian's wants and Briar's determination not to fall in love with her enemy. Briar and Killian are tortured by their own demons--some real and others metaphorical--and it's rewarding to watch them conquer them as they grown.
I'm intrigued to see where book 2 goes!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2023
The writing in this debut novel is beautiful, the way it captures details that is so vivid in world building and characters is done so well.
This is a darkish fantasy about a witch and wolf shifter who are bound by an arranged marriage for a year and a day. The main characters aren’t perfect in anyway and the way the relationship slowly grows and evolves between them is written in such a relatable way that just made it work.
Even though it took me a little while to get into which is understandable for any new fantasy setting I loved how this book holds all of my favourite things, the tension and the intricate plot, unique magic system, the twist and turns that I wasn’t expecting and especially that ending.
Definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a a darker fantasy romance with interesting and well developed characters and a vivid yet easy to understand worldbuilding.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is a darkish fantasy about a witch and wolf shifter who are bound by an arranged marriage for a year and a day. The main characters aren’t perfect in anyway and the way the relationship slowly grows and evolves between them is written in such a relatable way that just made it work.
Even though it took me a little while to get into which is understandable for any new fantasy setting I loved how this book holds all of my favourite things, the tension and the intricate plot, unique magic system, the twist and turns that I wasn’t expecting and especially that ending.
Definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a a darker fantasy romance with interesting and well developed characters and a vivid yet easy to understand worldbuilding.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2023
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When I say I absolutely love Killian (swoon). The characters have such a unique but relatable bond with one another. I loved the quirky and unique personalities of each one.
The magic system/fantasy-ish vibe this book gives off is definitely one of a kind and hold your interest and makes you wonder what could possibly happen next. The world building is detailed and descriptive and so beautiful.
I felt as if some parts with Briar was repetitive, and I couldn’t grasp the obsession of “loyalty” to her father when none was given back to her. But that’s just my own hardheaded petty self coming to the forefront- because I could never 😆
Killian and Briar’s chemistry is undeniable and fated- you can’t tell me any different. The constant push and pull and banter was definitely giving! 🙌🏼
That ending though? MA’AM, how dare you! 😂😭
*this book is #1 in a series and ends on a cliff hanger, read at your on risk 😭
When I say I absolutely love Killian (swoon). The characters have such a unique but relatable bond with one another. I loved the quirky and unique personalities of each one.
The magic system/fantasy-ish vibe this book gives off is definitely one of a kind and hold your interest and makes you wonder what could possibly happen next. The world building is detailed and descriptive and so beautiful.
I felt as if some parts with Briar was repetitive, and I couldn’t grasp the obsession of “loyalty” to her father when none was given back to her. But that’s just my own hardheaded petty self coming to the forefront- because I could never 😆
Killian and Briar’s chemistry is undeniable and fated- you can’t tell me any different. The constant push and pull and banter was definitely giving! 🙌🏼
That ending though? MA’AM, how dare you! 😂😭
*this book is #1 in a series and ends on a cliff hanger, read at your on risk 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
Decent first book
I have mixed feelings about this book. Mostly, my thoughts are positive, but unfortunately, I have some not so positive thoughts as well.
Overall, the story was fascinating, with secrets slowly being revealed, the chemistry between Briar and Killian building, and twists that the reader thinks they have figured out but not quite.
The writing itself is sometimes confusing and difficult to follow, like it's not completely smoothed out. There are instances of misspelled or wrong tensed words, and one point where a paragraph is repeated. I understand Courtney is an indie author doing everything on her own, but perhaps requesting an additional set or two of eyes on the editing would have helped in that regard.
Even with its rough edges, I recommend reading this if you're into fantasy filled with darkness, morally grey characters (both male and female), mystery, betrayals, fragile hope, and a little bit of spice.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Mostly, my thoughts are positive, but unfortunately, I have some not so positive thoughts as well.
Overall, the story was fascinating, with secrets slowly being revealed, the chemistry between Briar and Killian building, and twists that the reader thinks they have figured out but not quite.
The writing itself is sometimes confusing and difficult to follow, like it's not completely smoothed out. There are instances of misspelled or wrong tensed words, and one point where a paragraph is repeated. I understand Courtney is an indie author doing everything on her own, but perhaps requesting an additional set or two of eyes on the editing would have helped in that regard.
Even with its rough edges, I recommend reading this if you're into fantasy filled with darkness, morally grey characters (both male and female), mystery, betrayals, fragile hope, and a little bit of spice.
October 23, 2023
I definitely enjoyed this book. It has so many themes and tropes a lot of people love.
Briar is a young woman who isn't terribly liked by her community due to her mother, but she is determined to save her father who is very ill. She is then tasked to marry her enemy for a certain time period for her father's health.
It was a good paced novel that is filled with very detailed worldbuilding, character development, and suspenseful build up. I didn't get super hooked until about 50% to 75% in, but I think it will pick up even more from here on out in the rest of the series. This novel is full of lies, betrayal, love, and hard decisions. I think you'll be shocked with the twists and turns within the book, especially the ending. I'm excited to see where this series goes in book 2.
Briar is a young woman who isn't terribly liked by her community due to her mother, but she is determined to save her father who is very ill. She is then tasked to marry her enemy for a certain time period for her father's health.
It was a good paced novel that is filled with very detailed worldbuilding, character development, and suspenseful build up. I didn't get super hooked until about 50% to 75% in, but I think it will pick up even more from here on out in the rest of the series. This novel is full of lies, betrayal, love, and hard decisions. I think you'll be shocked with the twists and turns within the book, especially the ending. I'm excited to see where this series goes in book 2.
January 7, 2024
I agree with the reviewer saying that the writing was very poetic, descriptive and complex that made it hard to stay focused. There were quite a few grammatical errors, misspelling, and repetition in the book that may be worthwhile having an editor come in.
It was really hard to push through the first 50% of the book because of the writing and only reading Briar's thoughts but when we finally get dialogue between her and Killian, it became so much better.
There is a bit of spice in the book. I really enjoyed the concept with Briar being able to tell truth from lies with her ability to see coins come from people's mouths. I liked Killian as a shadow welder and a wolf. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book with a lot of lead up for the 2nd book.
It was really hard to push through the first 50% of the book because of the writing and only reading Briar's thoughts but when we finally get dialogue between her and Killian, it became so much better.
There is a bit of spice in the book. I really enjoyed the concept with Briar being able to tell truth from lies with her ability to see coins come from people's mouths. I liked Killian as a shadow welder and a wolf. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book with a lot of lead up for the 2nd book.
October 14, 2023
Lady of Roses and Ruin is a triumph of a debut novel.
This is a story of long held anger and deep seated hatred. But it is also a story of longing and love.
Briar is a bad ass witch who loves her father more than anything and as such is willing to do the unthinkable and marry a man she knows may be her death.
Killian is flawed man who carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The world building in this book it top tier. The magic system is unique and fresh.
This is a fantasy story that provides the tropes we all love and the takes inspiration from stories you know but it makes them something new and exciting.
Do yourself a favor and read this book!
This is a story of long held anger and deep seated hatred. But it is also a story of longing and love.
Briar is a bad ass witch who loves her father more than anything and as such is willing to do the unthinkable and marry a man she knows may be her death.
Killian is flawed man who carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The world building in this book it top tier. The magic system is unique and fresh.
This is a fantasy story that provides the tropes we all love and the takes inspiration from stories you know but it makes them something new and exciting.
Do yourself a favor and read this book!
October 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Lady of Roses and Ruin by Courtney Shack is an engaging enemies to lovers slow burn that will have you laughing, raging, crying, and falling in love. I am still shook from the twists and turns this book takes you on. In this expertly built world, Briar finds herself married to her clan’s villain with a dark past and blood-soaked hands. Briar is strong-willed and cunning, so killing an unkillable man should be easy—right?
Vibes/tropes:
— Beauty and the Beast Vibes
— “who did this to you?”
— touch her and ☠️
— enemies to lovers
— slow burn
— strong FMC
— betrayal
— paranormal creatures
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Lady of Roses and Ruin by Courtney Shack is an engaging enemies to lovers slow burn that will have you laughing, raging, crying, and falling in love. I am still shook from the twists and turns this book takes you on. In this expertly built world, Briar finds herself married to her clan’s villain with a dark past and blood-soaked hands. Briar is strong-willed and cunning, so killing an unkillable man should be easy—right?
Vibes/tropes:
— Beauty and the Beast Vibes
— “who did this to you?”
— touch her and ☠️
— enemies to lovers
— slow burn
— strong FMC
— betrayal
— paranormal creatures
October 18, 2023
If you like a dark romantic fantasy and a unique magic system with beauty & the beast vibes, then this book is for you. Need more convincing? There's everything! Morally grey characters, witches & wolf shifters, curses, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, shadow daddy....YES a shadow daddy, "who did this" and "touch her & die" vibes, and tension, ugh, the tension!! The writing was poetic, the twists and turns of the plot had me on the edge of my couch, and the ending!!! WHAT!? WHAT???? I love a book that has me so consumed and the cliffhanger has me screaming! Congrats to the author, well done! Next book please. I received an ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.
October 18, 2023
4.5 stars
I'm a sucker for a good romantasy book and this one was so good! I was drawn in by Briar's mysterious ability to see lies literally spilling out of peoples mouths and a magical Black Panther as a familiar.
The world building and magic system was really well done. I enjoyed the book throwing the reader into the action, albeit being a little flowery and over descriptive. But it did help to set the scene.
There's so many secrets and twists and turns throughout the book. As the reader I enjoyed not truly knowing what was going to happen until it did. It was a great introduction into the series and I'm so eager to see what happens next.
I'm a sucker for a good romantasy book and this one was so good! I was drawn in by Briar's mysterious ability to see lies literally spilling out of peoples mouths and a magical Black Panther as a familiar.
The world building and magic system was really well done. I enjoyed the book throwing the reader into the action, albeit being a little flowery and over descriptive. But it did help to set the scene.
There's so many secrets and twists and turns throughout the book. As the reader I enjoyed not truly knowing what was going to happen until it did. It was a great introduction into the series and I'm so eager to see what happens next.
November 14, 2023
Lady of Roses and Ruin took me on a journey into a world of curses, ancient evils, and a marriage shaped by destiny. Courtney's dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast had me hooked from the start with enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, morally grey characters, and a touch of the classic fairy tale.
The story was a slow burn....until it wasn't. There was tension, unexpected twists, a mysterious realm, and oh, we can't forget the shadow daddy. The world building and unique magic system stood out, and don't get me started on the cliffhanger!
I am grateful for the chance to read Courtney's story, and I can't wait to see what the second book brings us!
The story was a slow burn....until it wasn't. There was tension, unexpected twists, a mysterious realm, and oh, we can't forget the shadow daddy. The world building and unique magic system stood out, and don't get me started on the cliffhanger!
I am grateful for the chance to read Courtney's story, and I can't wait to see what the second book brings us!
October 20, 2023
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Where do I start..... This book is wonderfully written and has great world building. The details in the book may make it a little longer of a read for some, but I really thought it added to the story and bringing me into the book.
Throughout the book we can *kind of* guess what is coming seeing as we know it is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, BUT THE ENDING!!!! O. M. Goodness! I was not expecting that ending. Definitely excited for the next book in this series.
Where do I start..... This book is wonderfully written and has great world building. The details in the book may make it a little longer of a read for some, but I really thought it added to the story and bringing me into the book.
Throughout the book we can *kind of* guess what is coming seeing as we know it is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, BUT THE ENDING!!!! O. M. Goodness! I was not expecting that ending. Definitely excited for the next book in this series.
October 20, 2023
I seriously loved this story SO MUCH ‼️ I cannot wait for the next book because the cliffhanger has me in a chokehold right now.
This book was a slower-burn but for me that worked perfectly! You really got to enjoy the story and connect with the characters on a deeper level and it wasn’t over-powered by ✨ the spice ✨
That being said, Briar is better than me because I would have folded for Killian IMMEDIATELY 😂
If you enjoy fantasy/romantasy, enemies to lovers, slow-burn (but not agonizingly slow iykyk) and witches / wolves I would definitely recommend checking it out 🫶🏻
This book was a slower-burn but for me that worked perfectly! You really got to enjoy the story and connect with the characters on a deeper level and it wasn’t over-powered by ✨ the spice ✨
That being said, Briar is better than me because I would have folded for Killian IMMEDIATELY 😂
If you enjoy fantasy/romantasy, enemies to lovers, slow-burn (but not agonizingly slow iykyk) and witches / wolves I would definitely recommend checking it out 🫶🏻
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