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Keeper of Crimson Petals
To be a Keeper was to dedicate one’s life – and heart – to protecting another.
Jasmine wasn’t ready for it. Less than a year into her training at Sanctuary, a college for Keepers and mages alike, and with a fresh start from a brutal life of thievery in the slums, all she wanted to do was continue mastering the sword arts and avoid her other responsibilities.
Those plans are ruined when she's assigned to be the protector of a young nobleman whose family was murdered. Her new charge is cocky, smug, and drives her up a wall at every opportunity. Forced to protect a man she can’t stand with her life, Jasmine needs to find time that isn’t there to continue her training and keep assassins from killing both of them, all the while learning magic and discovering that there’s more to life than survival.
And yet, Jasmine starts to find herself inexplicably drawn to him. In the slums, Jasmine never had room to care about anything other than putting food on the table. But she’s not in the slums anymore, and she can’t keep her feelings tied down forever.
Unfortunately, burgeoning love is the least of Jasmine’s problems. As pieces of a malevolent plot start to unfold around them, she and her charge realize that there might be only one thing left that they can rely on.
Each other.
Keeper of Crimson Petals is the first book in a new series with a badass female lead, heartwarming romance, and cursed magic. It's perfect for fans of Scholomance and Fourth Wing.
Jasmine wasn’t ready for it. Less than a year into her training at Sanctuary, a college for Keepers and mages alike, and with a fresh start from a brutal life of thievery in the slums, all she wanted to do was continue mastering the sword arts and avoid her other responsibilities.
Those plans are ruined when she's assigned to be the protector of a young nobleman whose family was murdered. Her new charge is cocky, smug, and drives her up a wall at every opportunity. Forced to protect a man she can’t stand with her life, Jasmine needs to find time that isn’t there to continue her training and keep assassins from killing both of them, all the while learning magic and discovering that there’s more to life than survival.
And yet, Jasmine starts to find herself inexplicably drawn to him. In the slums, Jasmine never had room to care about anything other than putting food on the table. But she’s not in the slums anymore, and she can’t keep her feelings tied down forever.
Unfortunately, burgeoning love is the least of Jasmine’s problems. As pieces of a malevolent plot start to unfold around them, she and her charge realize that there might be only one thing left that they can rely on.
Each other.
Keeper of Crimson Petals is the first book in a new series with a badass female lead, heartwarming romance, and cursed magic. It's perfect for fans of Scholomance and Fourth Wing.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 9, 2024
Thank you to the author for the eARC. This is an honest review.
Jasmine, a former street urchin, enrolls as a Keeper - an elite group of guardians slash advisors to magic-users. When a young, headstrong lesser noble (and her former rival) needs protection against assassination, she is charged as his Keeper despite her initiate status and is thrust into a role far beyond her comfort zone. The danger around them sparks a bond, leading Jasmine to grapple with her growing affections while navigating a treacherous world of assassins and conspiracies.
The book sets a charmingly cozy atmosphere. Lie adeptly weaves humor and heartwarming romance into a tale that balances the urgency of danger with moments of levity. The dynamic between Jasmine and her charge is surprisingly vulnerable and their bond is beautiful.
While the magical aspect, particularly the bond between Jasmine and her mage, adds depth to the narrative, there are instances where its intricacies may become slightly convoluted. It's a pretty soft magic system and I really do not understand its rules. In addition, there is a pretty colloquial dialogue that makes this seem to have a bit of younger energy, yet there are elements of mild spice that leans towards older audiences.
"Keeper of Crimson Petals" invites readers into a fast-paced, engaging narrative, offering an entertaining blend of fantasy, humor, and heartwarming romance. Lie crafts a compelling protagonist in Jasmine, a determined and multifaceted character navigating a world fraught with danger and secrets. This is a delightful and accessible read for those seeking a mix of adventure and heartwarming, sweet romance with vulnerable leads.
Jasmine, a former street urchin, enrolls as a Keeper - an elite group of guardians slash advisors to magic-users. When a young, headstrong lesser noble (and her former rival) needs protection against assassination, she is charged as his Keeper despite her initiate status and is thrust into a role far beyond her comfort zone. The danger around them sparks a bond, leading Jasmine to grapple with her growing affections while navigating a treacherous world of assassins and conspiracies.
The book sets a charmingly cozy atmosphere. Lie adeptly weaves humor and heartwarming romance into a tale that balances the urgency of danger with moments of levity. The dynamic between Jasmine and her charge is surprisingly vulnerable and their bond is beautiful.
While the magical aspect, particularly the bond between Jasmine and her mage, adds depth to the narrative, there are instances where its intricacies may become slightly convoluted. It's a pretty soft magic system and I really do not understand its rules. In addition, there is a pretty colloquial dialogue that makes this seem to have a bit of younger energy, yet there are elements of mild spice that leans towards older audiences.
"Keeper of Crimson Petals" invites readers into a fast-paced, engaging narrative, offering an entertaining blend of fantasy, humor, and heartwarming romance. Lie crafts a compelling protagonist in Jasmine, a determined and multifaceted character navigating a world fraught with danger and secrets. This is a delightful and accessible read for those seeking a mix of adventure and heartwarming, sweet romance with vulnerable leads.
January 6, 2024
This is the first book in a debut new adult romantasy series about a magic wielder and his female bodyguard. Tropes include rivals to lovers, one bed, bodyguard and a stabby FMC. There is some on page spice buts it’s limited in detail.
The Lovely: I loved the plot of this - it wasn’t what I was expecting (in a good way) and my interest was maintained through most of the way through. I also liked the main characters and how their relationship blossomed, as well as the secondary characters.
The Mundane: The tensioning seemed to stutter in the first third of the book. Some non-pivotal scenes felt much longer than they needed to be to the point it was distracting. This seemed resolve as the story ramped up.
The Dreadful: Some of the dialogue between characters came across as unnatural and stilted. It almost felt as though it was language that belonged in a middle grade or young YA novel, which was obviously inconsistent with the book. Unfortunately, these pieces of dialogue pulled me out of the experience of the story.
Rating: 4/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Overall, I liked this story and felt like it was a unique take on rivals to lovers in an educational institution. Based on the ending this would appear to be the first in a series and I would read the next book in the series. If you like new adult romantasy with a different plot and sweet relationship, I think you would like this book.
The Lovely: I loved the plot of this - it wasn’t what I was expecting (in a good way) and my interest was maintained through most of the way through. I also liked the main characters and how their relationship blossomed, as well as the secondary characters.
The Mundane: The tensioning seemed to stutter in the first third of the book. Some non-pivotal scenes felt much longer than they needed to be to the point it was distracting. This seemed resolve as the story ramped up.
The Dreadful: Some of the dialogue between characters came across as unnatural and stilted. It almost felt as though it was language that belonged in a middle grade or young YA novel, which was obviously inconsistent with the book. Unfortunately, these pieces of dialogue pulled me out of the experience of the story.
Rating: 4/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Overall, I liked this story and felt like it was a unique take on rivals to lovers in an educational institution. Based on the ending this would appear to be the first in a series and I would read the next book in the series. If you like new adult romantasy with a different plot and sweet relationship, I think you would like this book.
January 9, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and I can honestly say I love it!
Jasmine is the girl I imagine I would be if I could kick ass. She is strong, feisty and independent, but also gentle once you get to know her. She is a Keeper that is better at fighting than anything else.
Asher is a Starvein that has my heart. He is strong and caring. He has the fight of a Keeper but the intelligence of a Starvein. He cares for Jasmine and protects her as best as he can.
Lydia is the feisty and caring best friend every girl in needs. She is hilarious and a great cook. I love how her personality shines are certain points in the book.
The story is great, to be honest. It has the perfect amount of smut and fight in it. It flows fairly well but there are some times were it feels forced. But I can move past that and see how well it is written.
I love this book and look forward to the second one
Jasmine is the girl I imagine I would be if I could kick ass. She is strong, feisty and independent, but also gentle once you get to know her. She is a Keeper that is better at fighting than anything else.
Asher is a Starvein that has my heart. He is strong and caring. He has the fight of a Keeper but the intelligence of a Starvein. He cares for Jasmine and protects her as best as he can.
Lydia is the feisty and caring best friend every girl in needs. She is hilarious and a great cook. I love how her personality shines are certain points in the book.
The story is great, to be honest. It has the perfect amount of smut and fight in it. It flows fairly well but there are some times were it feels forced. But I can move past that and see how well it is written.
I love this book and look forward to the second one
December 30, 2023
I got this book as an ARC and I was so excited to read it. Overall, I liked the story. But I do think some parts of the writing felt stilted with unnatural dialogue and the plot felt slow at parts. I would give this a 3.5 if I could but you can't do half star ratings.
The main character was likable and the plot made sense, but some of the conversations between characters came across as unnatural. Those moments pulled me from the story because I was thinking, "no one talks like that in real life." Other parts of the story were really well done and I found myself laughing out loud. I could tell the author had a really good sense of humor because they incorporated a lot of funny lines and situations into the story. I loved that! The main characters were likable and I was rooting for them the whole way. I think we got a good sense of all of the main players and they felt well rounded. The plot was engaging, if slow at some parts. I think it started off really strong, got slow a bit in the middle, then picked up again right before the end, then ended slowly again. I wish the pace kept up for the whole story because that would have kept my attention more.
I liked how this felt like a really unique story, I haven't read a book where the female main character is the body guard for the male main character. That felt fresh to me and I enjoyed it. I liked how relatable Jasmine was as a character and I think she was very well written. I did find some typos that I notified the author about so hopefully they will be fixed in the final version of the book.
Some things I wish were done better was I wish the author used show not tell more often. They often wrote out word for word what was happening and what they wanted the reader to understand. I think showing us is more effective then telling us. I also did not like that there was one chapter where the narrator randomly switched to another character, out of the blue in the middle of nowhere. Then it went back to the FMC and stayed like that the rest of the book. That threw me off because it was very odd to have a different POV for just a couple of paragraphs and then never again.
All in all, a fun story that I did enjoy!
The main character was likable and the plot made sense, but some of the conversations between characters came across as unnatural. Those moments pulled me from the story because I was thinking, "no one talks like that in real life." Other parts of the story were really well done and I found myself laughing out loud. I could tell the author had a really good sense of humor because they incorporated a lot of funny lines and situations into the story. I loved that! The main characters were likable and I was rooting for them the whole way. I think we got a good sense of all of the main players and they felt well rounded. The plot was engaging, if slow at some parts. I think it started off really strong, got slow a bit in the middle, then picked up again right before the end, then ended slowly again. I wish the pace kept up for the whole story because that would have kept my attention more.
I liked how this felt like a really unique story, I haven't read a book where the female main character is the body guard for the male main character. That felt fresh to me and I enjoyed it. I liked how relatable Jasmine was as a character and I think she was very well written. I did find some typos that I notified the author about so hopefully they will be fixed in the final version of the book.
Some things I wish were done better was I wish the author used show not tell more often. They often wrote out word for word what was happening and what they wanted the reader to understand. I think showing us is more effective then telling us. I also did not like that there was one chapter where the narrator randomly switched to another character, out of the blue in the middle of nowhere. Then it went back to the FMC and stayed like that the rest of the book. That threw me off because it was very odd to have a different POV for just a couple of paragraphs and then never again.
All in all, a fun story that I did enjoy!
January 10, 2024
I received this book as an arc and I have to admit I didn’t remember signing up for it. But, I went ahead and read it to get a review up near the release and help out. I’m a bit late….
I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed this book. Even with getting an arc that had quite a few mistakes still, I was so into the story I didn’t care.
I loved Asher and Jasmine’s relationship. I am a sucker for a guy that falls first. There banter was fun and it was obvious how Asher felt before admiring it to the readers it was cute. They really made the book a four star for me.
It is a classic take on a mage and bodyguard. Jasmine being the guard and Asher the mage but it didn’t feel cliche or boring. The story was interesting the whole way.
I would say the only thing I disliked is that the ending seemed rushed and left a lot of questions about the person they defeated. It is obviously a first book but I feel like there wasn’t much information given to close it off well. So the second book is very needed and I hope things get answered more throughly there.
Over all I recommend you give it a read not to mention the cover is beautiful. Last I checked I didn’t see a physical copy for sale yet but when one comes up I’ll be adding it to my shelf.
January 23, 2024
Jasmine has been in training to become a Keeper ever since she was taken from the dregs of her life. Jasmine has only ever truly been good at fighting, and not the rest of her training to be a Keeper, but suddenly she’s assigned to be a true Keeper for a mage whose family was assassinated and has to protect this mage from would be assassins. She begrudgingly takes on the task, but after being attacked by an assassin, she begins to realize there is more to this mage than must meet the eye and she will do everything she can to protect them.
This is a very unique read. I love the idea of a Keeper who protects mages because mages have to take time to work their magic, and the Keeper can protect them as the mage builds their magic to attack or defend. There were some details that I felt like we’re lacking about the world and the magic especially, but I really enjoyed the world and would love to explore more of it.
Jasmine is grumpy and hilarious 😂 I loved her grumpiness and her seriousness when it came to being a Keeper, well, at least until she’s around her mage 😂 then it was just a lot of sass!
The romance is sweet and maybe a bit quick, but I really liked the way the romance just suddenly happens. It’s like a lightbulb goes off in Jasmine’s mind and then they’re kissing. I mean, I dunno, I really enjoyed the romance and the rivalry that went along with it and the bit of steam!
I really enjoyed this book! And I’m excited for the next one, especially after that ending that I FEEL like Jasmine should have figured it out at least, but it’s okay, makes for a great end and a great segway into the next book!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a very unique read. I love the idea of a Keeper who protects mages because mages have to take time to work their magic, and the Keeper can protect them as the mage builds their magic to attack or defend. There were some details that I felt like we’re lacking about the world and the magic especially, but I really enjoyed the world and would love to explore more of it.
Jasmine is grumpy and hilarious 😂 I loved her grumpiness and her seriousness when it came to being a Keeper, well, at least until she’s around her mage 😂 then it was just a lot of sass!
The romance is sweet and maybe a bit quick, but I really liked the way the romance just suddenly happens. It’s like a lightbulb goes off in Jasmine’s mind and then they’re kissing. I mean, I dunno, I really enjoyed the romance and the rivalry that went along with it and the bit of steam!
I really enjoyed this book! And I’m excited for the next one, especially after that ending that I FEEL like Jasmine should have figured it out at least, but it’s okay, makes for a great end and a great segway into the next book!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 7, 2024
AMAZING book! So glad this was my first read for 2024. Well written characters and the back story and world building is done well, without it being a giant info dump.
I love that the girl is the one doing the protecting and the guy is protected for a change! Love the strong FMC. Things are simple for Jasmine at first, until things change and her life gets upended; then nothing is as simple as it seems and things that were once black and white are now varying shades of gray. Treachery is afoot and you don't really know who to trust, then you think you do, but you don't. Right when Jasmine thinks she has things figured out another piece of information comes to light and throws everything out of whack again. The ending was a surprise, but it wasn't at the same time. You'll see!!
There's some spice and romance about midway through, but it doesn't overpower the story, just adds to it. A little bit of one bed, grumpy/ sunshine, slow burn... I loved it!
I love that the girl is the one doing the protecting and the guy is protected for a change! Love the strong FMC. Things are simple for Jasmine at first, until things change and her life gets upended; then nothing is as simple as it seems and things that were once black and white are now varying shades of gray. Treachery is afoot and you don't really know who to trust, then you think you do, but you don't. Right when Jasmine thinks she has things figured out another piece of information comes to light and throws everything out of whack again. The ending was a surprise, but it wasn't at the same time. You'll see!!
There's some spice and romance about midway through, but it doesn't overpower the story, just adds to it. A little bit of one bed, grumpy/ sunshine, slow burn... I loved it!
January 8, 2024
i got this book as an arc read. i started reading it and i didn’t understand what was going on until about a quarter into the book, even then at some points i didn’t really know what was going on. i feel like there was too many unnecessary names of characters that were introduced especially in the beginning which made it difficult to get characters straight, especially when a book is in 3rd person. that being said i can’t get into this book i am about 40% in and it’s just not grabbing me into it liked i’d like to. that being said it’s not a bad book, especially for being a debut novel. i will be going back and reading it once i’m in a better mindset to read it.
⭐️.5
⭐️.5
January 13, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book. This review is an honest depiction of thoughts on the book.
Spoilers below 👇🏻
Fans of Fourth Wing and the Crave series will enjoy this book,
This romantasy follows our two main characters, Jasmine, a Keeper, and Asher, a Starvein and Jasmine’s charge, as they unravel the mystery of who killed Asher’s family, and why assassins are now coming for him.
Set in a magic/war school-like setting, this story has a surprisingly cozy feel to it. The relationship between Jasmine and Asher is very sweet and their dynamic is fun to read.
What didn’t I love? Some of the dialogue felt a bit forced and pulled me out of the story at times. But it didn’t overshadow the good about the book.
I am looking forward to adding the next book in the series to my TBR!
Spoilers below 👇🏻
Fans of Fourth Wing and the Crave series will enjoy this book,
This romantasy follows our two main characters, Jasmine, a Keeper, and Asher, a Starvein and Jasmine’s charge, as they unravel the mystery of who killed Asher’s family, and why assassins are now coming for him.
Set in a magic/war school-like setting, this story has a surprisingly cozy feel to it. The relationship between Jasmine and Asher is very sweet and their dynamic is fun to read.
What didn’t I love? Some of the dialogue felt a bit forced and pulled me out of the story at times. But it didn’t overshadow the good about the book.
I am looking forward to adding the next book in the series to my TBR!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
I was excited to read this one it is one of my favorites tropes enemies to lovers. But it was a little different in a good way. Instead of the MMC being the bodyguard the FMC was the bodyguard. It was a nice change.
The angst between the two kept me entertained. There was some spice but nothing they would be consider too much, for me at least. It was a nice read. Recommend it if you like bodyguard books and want a nice romantasy read.
The angst between the two kept me entertained. There was some spice but nothing they would be consider too much, for me at least. It was a nice read. Recommend it if you like bodyguard books and want a nice romantasy read.
January 23, 2024
Great start of a new series. A perfect mix of fantasy and romance with a perfect balance of both to make a great story. The magic and world building was super interesting leaving plenty of questions that I eagerly await answers too. The characters were well developed and fun to read. Plus like I said before there was a great mixture of romance, intrigue, and adventure. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what happens next.
February 3, 2024
Found this book on KU, just got around to reading it
Really enjoyable. Jasmine was a breath of fresh air. Had a bit of grumpy-sunshine with the woman being the grumpy, which i REALLY appreciated, as well as how assertive she is in everything she does. Doesnt feel like Gurl Power either. The magic is interesting and unique to me, I liked it.
Book was easy to read and the plot flowed. I am really interested in seeing more of this couple.
Really enjoyable. Jasmine was a breath of fresh air. Had a bit of grumpy-sunshine with the woman being the grumpy, which i REALLY appreciated, as well as how assertive she is in everything she does. Doesnt feel like Gurl Power either. The magic is interesting and unique to me, I liked it.
Book was easy to read and the plot flowed. I am really interested in seeing more of this couple.
January 3, 2024
Picked up this book on the recommendation of a friend who knows the author, but do not regret it.
It's an interesting read with a really refreshing twist on what would otherwise be a pretty overdone trope (buff physically focused bodyguard for an otherwise physically weak mage).
Worth picking up
It's an interesting read with a really refreshing twist on what would otherwise be a pretty overdone trope (buff physically focused bodyguard for an otherwise physically weak mage).
Worth picking up
January 8, 2024
I just say I absolutely loved it. Keeper of Crimson Petals leaves you reeling for more and sitting on the edge of your seat. I did not want to put it down, but reading over the holidays means you read when you can! There were plot twists the reader doesn’t expect and they pull you in deeper to this other world you don’t want to finish exploring.
January 10, 2024
She had been living in the slums of the city and now she is training as a protector and to use magic. She is not happy when she is told she needs to protect him. He drives her mad as she tries to continue her studies. Can she do both? Will her life get better? Will love find her? See how her life goes
January 16, 2024
Interesting magic system
The book is the sort of romance fantasy book that deals with both romance and fantasy fairly well. We don't know much about the characters or the world and we learn more as we go along, leaving us with more questions than answers. Hopefully the next book has more answers!
Also, kind of cliche and predictable, but not in a bad way necessarily.
The book is the sort of romance fantasy book that deals with both romance and fantasy fairly well. We don't know much about the characters or the world and we learn more as we go along, leaving us with more questions than answers. Hopefully the next book has more answers!
Also, kind of cliche and predictable, but not in a bad way necessarily.
January 23, 2024
This was a good book.
The book is a bit of a rollercoaster at times sometimes. It was filled with action and quick-paced; other times, it was a bit slow. Some scenes might have carried on for a bit longer than they needed to, but they were still good.
The characters are alright, you know what their purpose is and some of them bring something.
I'm interested to see where this could go
The book is a bit of a rollercoaster at times sometimes. It was filled with action and quick-paced; other times, it was a bit slow. Some scenes might have carried on for a bit longer than they needed to, but they were still good.
The characters are alright, you know what their purpose is and some of them bring something.
I'm interested to see where this could go
January 8, 2024
I loved the dynamic between Jasmine and Asher! I was shocked with the plot twist that was throughout the book. It does give me Fourth Wing vibes in a way. They way the book ends like omg I’m so ready to see what comes next from Jasmine and Asher!!!
January 3, 2024
I absolutely ADORE keeper. Its got really great writing and the characters feel real. I devoured this book in an afternoon, 10/10.
February 16, 2024
I was fortunate to be selected to read this as an ARC, I was not disappointed! The magic system and world are very interesting, however, much of the world layout and organization is only hinted at. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Asher and Jasmine, from rivals to reluctant partners to friends to lovers, the transition felt organic and flowed easily.
I am interested to find out what happens next, especially after the revelation in the epilogue!
I am interested to find out what happens next, especially after the revelation in the epilogue!
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