Crown of Roses

Ash and Roses #2

by N.B. Snook

All curses can be broken… But at what cost?

In this highly anticipated sequel to Ash and Roses, the strength of more than one bond is put to the test.

QUINN has donned his father’s crown, and in doing so, opened himself up to yet another curse. After freeing himself from one monster, another has taken residence in his mind, poisoning his thoughts and calling for the destruction of Lunae… and the princess who holds his heart.

ABBY has returned to Lunae, but she has no intention of staying. After unraveling a dark secret, she flees her homeland as a new enemy grows stronger. If she’s to survive the war that’s brewing, Abby must learn to harness a power beyond her wildest dreams… or risk losing everyone she holds dear.

JADE has a curse of his own, and it’s one that’s linked him to Abby since she saved his life fifteen long years ago. When the truth of that day finally comes to light, Jade is forced to make an impossible choice that might just leave more than one heart broken.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Shapeshifters

489 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2024

About the author

N.B. Snook is a Canadian author who prefers to spend her days sipping mocha lattes by the lakeshore and working on her latest novel. She’s a lover of cats, dinosaurs, and massive portions of spaghetti. Thunderstorms excite her, true crime fascinates her, and oranges are her enemy.

N.B. Snook also writes under Noel B. Snook

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this one up after re-reading the first book, which is so helpful because they blend together seamlessly. This sequel picks up right where book 1 left off.
Book 2 in the Ash and Roses series dives much deeper into the relationship between Quinn and Abby. We also get to better know a few other characters who try and steal our hearts. The book kept me guessing as to where it was leading up to. I cannot wait for book three to be released (and this one only just came out too!)

[Jennifer Mossbarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 this was much better than the first one.

The plot was plotting and the characters grew deeper. There is still something missing that is keeping this from a higher rating. There is a lot going on.

Also it made me so mad that she has all this power and didn’t use it much during battle.

The next one doesn’t come out until possibly 2025. I’m unsure if I will continue the series or not.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute delight. I smiled, I cried, I smiled again and then I cried. The last couple of chapters was just me reading through a blur of tears.

Noel has a space in my heart as one of my all time favourite authors. She consistently draws me in to the world's she creates and makes me feel so much for the characters she gives life to and the worlds she builds for them.

If you're a fan of Beauty and the Beast you'll love this series just as much as I do.

[Katie Bush · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sequel but it did get a little long in the middle. I’m excited to see what happens next with all three characters as well as the side characters. Spicy scenes were so good!

[Kalia Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book. Crowns and Roses was pact full of emotions. A deeper dive into the world; no longer just B&B related.
My heart... oOo Can't wait for book 3!



















Jade just has to be ok

[Kyrani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun reading this one! Definitely would recommend rereading the first book as it picks up exactly where book one ends.

Writing significantly improved with the second book and pacing was soooo much better. I felt like the book flowed well and really enjoyed it!

Excited for book 3!

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up right where book 1 left off so I recommend reading the last couple chapters to refresh yourself or re-reading the book 1 but this book had some good twist and turns spice and not a big cliffhanger but leaves enough for you to want book 3 to see what happens

[Ashley Hargett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this book since the release of Ash and roses and it did not disappoint! I was happy to see this book was longer and we also see the story from more than one perspective. This story kept me guessing as to where it was going left me wanting book 3. I love this rendition of beauty and beast and how it includes other supernatural beings besides just werewolves. I can’t wait for book 3 and to see where the story leads us next. This is definitely a series I can re read.

[Lauren Giac · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫

Thank you to N.B. Snook, for this copy of Crown of Roses! This is book number two in the series Ash and Roses, so make sure to read that one first before diving into this sequel! And trust me, you’ll want to read both! There are little trinkets of Beauty and the Beast scattered throughout, which I love since it’s my favorite Disney movie. 🌹 📚

So glad to be back with Abby and Quinn!

Abby is very unhappy to have Jade, one of the King’s Marked Guardian’s watching guard of her. Jade (one of eight dragons left) has his own agenda, and oh boy, he’s going to be quite the challenge in this story! The King, who she despises, is also her father. The King, who’s know for wiping out the dragons, has made enemies along the way, and things surely take off right away.

The triad of the mating bond is still a buzz, with Abby, Jade, and Quinn. The prince, Quinn, is forced to be with the werewolves, even though he needs, and wants, to be at Abby’s side. Jade won’t give up either… but Jade has his eye on one enemy.. and one enemy only.

Once things really started taking off with the King, Abby, her evil Stepmother, her stepsister… the avalanche of bombs kept coming and coming.

Abby was still a strong willed character, but at times I felt she faltered and went back inside herself. She questioned herself or Quinn, when she would then remind herself-“ no, I should know what he’s feeling or thinking.” But I guess she does have a lot on her plate. 😉

I could tell a handful of chapters in that this second novel is much more developed in feeling, action… world building. This time around, as Rosewood and Lunae were detailed, I was transported deeper into their story.

The spice level in this book also steps up a notch 🥵 🔥

The first book was well done, but this second one gives you a much deeper background into the character’s personal history, their secrets, lies… and a few of the twists I surely did not see coming! This novel was less B&B, more grown up.

I am so grateful to be chosen to be on her arc team, and loved watching the writing develop through both novels. If you’re just starting to get into Romatasy, or want to dip your toes in the fantasy world, this would be an easy transition for you!

[Leann Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers.

This is one of my most anticipated books of 2024, as I read Ash and Roses last year and loved it. Crown of Roses did not disappoint. N.B. Snook did a great job expanding the world building and upping the stakes while still keeping the romance between Quinn and Abby at the center. Their romance made book 1 for me, and it continued to keep me turning pages.

In Crown of Roses, we get a look at the deities and how they interact with the denizens of the world. N.B. did a great job showing how the deities affect the cultures and people that worship them. Lunalissa, for example, is a dark, harsh goddess, and Lunae is a harsh country with ruthless leaders. This expansion to the story world upped the stakes tremendously and gave a massive level up for our girl Abby. I would have liked to see that story thread developed further before she gained powers. That's really all I can say without spoiling a major plot line.

We also got to see our characters in new situations. SPOILER HERE. Quickly into the story, Quinn and his sister are reunited. Watching him navigate reconnecting with her after years of thinking he killed her let us show him in a new light. And we see more dynamics of Quinn and Abby's relationship as she pushes him to - I mean supports him in - talking to his sister.

We also get a chapters from Jade's POV in this book. While not the villain we may have believed at the end of book 1, he is still very much a gray character. I enjoyed seeing a truly gray character rather than a heart of gold cinnamon roll pretending to be a villain. It added an element missing from a lot of romantasy.

If there's one thing N.B. Snook does will, it's endings, and this one did not disappoint. It was heart wrenching while leaving us with a shred of hope in a way that's reminiscent of Sarah J. Maas. SPOILER HERE. Thankfully, N.B. Snook isn't making us wait until the next book to soothe our hearts. The book ends with an absolutely adorable scene between Quinn and Abby.

I'll read Book 3 for sure.

[Amy Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy. Smokes. Batman.

I thought book 1 was intense and left me on the edge of a cliff, but the way book 2 ended has me absolutely reeling!! N.B. Snook took me on such a crazy ride from start to finish, and nearly gave me whiplash with the last chapter in Crown of Roses.

So many secrets brought to life about our FMC and so many internal battles waging for both our MMCs throughout this book. Seeing the relationship simmering out between Abby and Jade as the relationship between Abby and Quinn only burns hotter and brighter was both wonderful and heart-breaking. I love Stabby and Quinn together and I love how good they are together, but my soul aches for Jade and all he has lost and/or never had the chance to have.

If you loved book 1 of the Ash and Roses series, you need to RUN to get and read book 2. But be ready for a lot of unexpected twists and turns and for our MCs to be haunted by a lot of things from their past as they face their future.

“She’ll never look at me the way she looks at him, and I don’t want to spend whatever years I have left staring into the eyes of someone who wishes they were staring into his. If those are my choices, then I’ll happily fly through fire for her. Nothing good has come out of my existence, but maybe something good can come from my ashes.”

“I’m on my knees for you, Stabby.“

“I’m asking you to choose me again. Choose me to be by your side. To be your shoulder to cry on. To be a protector, a lover, a friend. I may have given myself to you when I thought we were bonded, but it was never because of the bond. I fell in love with you. So much changed last night, but this is one thing that didn’t. I choose you. I will always choose you.”

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start out by thanking Snook for this ARC copy. And being ok with a delayed review.
I had the honor of reading the first book, “Ash and Roses”. With this book there was a Beauty and the Beast, adult, fairytale retelling. So I jumped at the chance to read book two, “Crown of Roses”.
This book had it all! A love triangle, death, life, drama, shifters, and so much more. I Still love Jade. The first love interest who I was kinda hoping got something. And Abby! Oh Abby she blames herself for everything. Even things out of her control, that she didn’t know about. I feel that the true character of Abby was released in this book. But that there is still so much more to come. Speaking of characters, let's talk about our favorite “Beast” Quinn.
I know that Quinns’ character is one that beats himself up a lot. And sometimes acts like a baby because of his own emotions, making him want to punish himself. But as much as I did like Quinn. There were alot of times where he and his interactions with Abby. Made me want to slap him in the back of the head and say, “really child?”
Still even with those moments I fell in love with this book. And can hardly wait to see what will happen in book three. But that is probably why this book, like the first. Received a 8/10 rating from us. If you're interested in checking this book out. I recommend going to Kindle Unlimited now and checking out both books now.

#HaveYouReadReviews

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continues on from where Ash & Roses ended so be sure and read it first! I am glad I reread the end of Ash & Roses!

I was excited to start this book! I love stories with curses and battles and secrets and this did not disappoint. This books has some great twists and turns and things get very emotional! We are talking ugly crying. I did not expect to need tissues but this book wrecked me! Be prepared!!

We really dive into this world and the characters and why they are the way they are. Quinn has the crown but not everything is as it seems. Abby is struggling but maybe someone in her family isn’t what she expects and Jade is a bit of a jackass but he falls into a love/hate category for me. These three definitely struggle but will have to come together. really like the underlying mystery in this book and if you think you know where it is going, you don’t!

There is a great mix of action in this book too and it makes for an “epic story” feel. We have curses and shifters and magic all over an epic love story. I really love these characters and very much enjoyed this book!

I can’t wait for the next book!

✨Genre/Tropes
🥀Fantasy Romance
🥀Beauty & The Beast Vibes
🥀Fated Mates
🥀Shifters
🥀Stabby & Feisty FMC
🥀Redemption
🔥“Burn the world for you”

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crown of Roses is book no. two in the Ash and Roses series, and I cannot wait for the release of book no. three!

Against her will Abby is back at Lunae. Jade may have thought he was saving her, but just brought her into a new prison. As we learned at the end of book one, Quinn is not dead and he is determined to get Abby back.

Okay, I loved the first installment and this book picks up exactly where the first one left off. Jade majorly annoyed me, and I have to admit I sometimes merely skimmed his POV chapters. In general the book was just too long, almost double of the first one. Yes, we get more world building and steamy scenes between Abby and Quinn, but there was sooooo much filler material that dragged on. A lot of times the second book in fantasy series is so over the top, and it was the same with this one. I loved the relationship bubble we got between Quinn and Abby, but all the other stuff was too out there. Dragons, Sirens, Chosen Ones, Sorcerers/ Witches, (Were) wolves, Seers... just enough please.

There were a few unexpected plot twists, and the ending gave me butterflies, and made me very excited about book three with (hopefully) less Jade.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book because of the ending of the first. Absolutely need to read Ash and Roses first for this to make sense - it ends where you are questioning so much! This story starts right where we left off in the first book with Quinn deep in the crown. I loved that we still had the mix of the bond(s) don’t want to spoil that too much but I was dying! I am so happy we finally get to see who Abby really is and I’m interested in how Kaylee will come to play on the future(get it?, hehe). The sorceress was way more powerful than I expected, the fact that the spell connected them and then BROKE EVERYTHING killed me, almost as much as Jades decision at the end to attempt to save everyone. It honestly redeemed him because I was frustrated with him throughout. Also thank you for not completely ripping my heart out because I was dying when they all lost each other and I was not going to be okay if we were left on another huge cliffhanger. This story is not done but at least you aren’t absolutely devastated at the end of this one! Unless you’re a Jade Stan that is lol.

“I love you”. “I loved you first” 🫠

Read if you like:
The chosen one
Magic
Dragons
Shifters
Mating bonds

Thanks to the author for the arc!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me longer to finish this book because I needed to reread the first book to reacquaint myself to the story. I won’t lie, I remembered why I had some frustrations with the first book and forgot the initial story. However, I feel as though the author worked really hard to fill the gaps and address the issues in this book! First of all, the pacing was better. Abby and Quinn took a little more time to get to know each other. By the end, I was on a roller coaster ride with surprises and emotions. I rolled my eyes. I yelled, “come on!” I cheered.

This book takes the appropriate detours away from Beauty and the Beast, but also has enough nice tie-backs to keep recognition alive in the reader. I got enough From Blood and Ash vibes that I think that if you love that story, you will feel familiar with this, albeit with less spice. Speaking of spice, I felt like the sex itself wasn’t overly gratuitous. Most of it served to move the story along rather than just for the enjoyment of it.

I’m interested to see what happens next!

[Alicia Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man this series is just getting better!!!

Jade is a butt, he’s angry all the time, instigates fights, rules and boundaries be damned, and yet a part of you feels for him and this book wouldn’t be the same withought this infuriating dragon!

Quinn, he is just heart melting over and over again. Smart man not trying to control or take choices away from Abby. He gets the shock of his life in this book when someone he believes to be dead is alive.

Abby is prisoner once again in her “home”. Something is very odd with her younger half brother but she can’t put her finger on it. She has had her step sister pegged all wrong…. She escapes again going back to rosewood and later is gifted something from the gods and she has to figure out how it works. Her bonds with Quinn and Jade are confusing and tested.

Curses, bonds, secrets, battles, heartbreak, love. This book has it all! Much more steamy than the first. I cannot wait for the next book!

[Clarice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crown of Roses by @author.noelbsnook
ARC Review

Stars: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️

Dragons, and sirens, and wolves…oh my!
In this book, we find Abby locked back up in the castle of Lunae with Jade as her assigned Guardian. And in true Abby fashion, it takes all of 0.02 seconds before she lands herself in over her head because she can’t just keep her mouth shut. It doesn’t help that Abby, Quinn, and a Jade ultimately have no clue what the real problem is…and even worse, it will require the 3 of them working together to survive because all magic comes with a price, dearie!

This book is a nice mix of action and plot that keep a nice pace throughout the book. But if you thought you knew what the problem was…you’re wrong. It’s much more deliciously complicated than it seems. Secrets long since past will be brought out into the light. Memories long forgotten will suddenly be remembered. But will it all be enough for Abby, Quinn, and Jade to survive the perils which they must face if they hope to break a curse?

Mark your calendars for April 30th to order your copy of Crown of Roses! And if you haven’t already read the prequel Ash and Roses, run don’t walk to read it now!

#crownofroses #beautyandthebeastretelling #darkromance #romantasy #dragons #wolves #sirens #arcreview #preordernow

[Alexis Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 definitely brought the heat. I liked the first one, but this book i loved. I loved the relationship building between quinn and abby. i also begin to love jade again which i was very “f him” after the end of the last book. the bond between abby and both guys is so interest. like how they can feel jade’s agony when he looks at abby. they can see through each other’s eyes sometimes. it was shown when the poison was given to jade, quinn felt it. then when jade tried to sacrifice himself how the bond “broke”. i literally cried lol. all the character development was THERE. i needed jade to be included more and she GAVE that. i think the queen annoys me but obviously as a villain she needs to. i really wanna know why tf shes using her kid like a weapon. shes so evil. i cant wait to see what happens in book 3. do they defeat her? does quinn die? is jade going to be okay? with jade’s “sacrifice” does the agreement between dragons and imelda break?

[Jazymine Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING!!! I am obsessed with Noel’s writing!!

All the twists and turns she throws at you are so not expected and because of that this book is one you won’t want to put down at all!!

The love that Quinn and Abby share is so beautiful and special!

Let me just tell you, you learn to love and hate Jade throughout this book but that’s all I can say you’ll have to read and find out why about that!!

Also the spice is chefs kiss 👩‍🍳💋there are so many scenes where you are just sitting there like dang… 🌶️🥵

I highly recommend this book! Make sure to read Ash and Roses first as these books are not standalones and are based off of one story as whole!!

I promise neither disappoint especially if you love a Beauty and Beast retelling with a bit of a spicy twist!! Also this has to be one of my favorite retellings of this story!! 🌹🌹🥀

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown of Roses!!! Wow what a ride!!!! Such a beautiful and exciting story. The characters you loved in the first book take quite an adventure in this sequel. Everything you thought you knew, is turned on its head! The times I gasped reading Crown of Roses!!! The vivid pictures painted by NB Snook will live rent free in my mind. ❤️ So many creepy moments that I didn't see coming and others that inspired awe! And don't forget about the action!!! Do yourself a favor and reread the last 2 chapters of Ash and Roses and that's all the convincing you'll need to pick up Crown of Roses!!!! I am certain you won't regret it!!!! I absolutely can't wait for the third book. I need to know where my friends are going next!! 💜

[Kaeley Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was anxiously anticipating this book after falling in love with the first! Not only did it not disappoint, but it told so much more of the story. I fell in love with all the characters, including jade, who not only redeems himself ten times over in this book, don’t worry he’s still obnoxious 😅 but I just can’t wait to see how his story continues to unfold. He deserves a HEA too.

Quinn and Abby’s plot continues to thicken and so many twists for them. But the love they have for each other is so special. And it’s beautiful to see. Their story is so much more than a beauty and the beast retelling! Although admittedly, that’s what drew me in at first.

I can’t wait to see how the story continues for these three! Can’t wait to see what twists and turns book 3 has in store.

[Lucy Nason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the first book in this series, and was waiting impatiently for the second. I did a quick re read of Ash & Roses first to reacquaint myself with the characters and plot lines, and I’m glad I did.

I think I enjoyed Crown of Roses more than A&R. There’s a lot more pages, so more time was able to be dedicated to people/place/relationship building. I really appreciated that. We got to know Abby, Quinn, Jade, and the others much more.

I would shake my fist at N.B Snook if I were with her! I was convinced one character would die, then another! Other things happen that I can’t mention without spoilers, I’ll just leave that there... Emotional rollercoaster or what?!

I am now impatiently waiting for the 3rd installment.

[Rae S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO. GOOD. I stayed up way too late reading it, forgot I finished it, and experienced heartbreak this morning when I realized I had finished it.
The character development of a certain dragon was *chef’s kiss*. I HATED him and then actually liked him (surprise surprise). The selflessness of the two main characters was heartwarming, and my heart also broke for Quinn. Poor guy was really goin through it!
I can’t wait to find out more about the sister and see her plot develop. I really hope Void turns out to be a good guy, too. I feel so bad for him. It’s not his fault that he was born the person that he is. ☹️
If you like adventure, romance, and strong, witty heroines, READ THIS BOOK!

[✨Gretch✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I maybe should have done a reread of the first book before I jumped into this one, but after getting a few chapters in, all the events of the first book came flooding back to me. The first book had many twists and turns full of love, hope, heartbreak, and anxiety, and this book was full of the same.

My heart broke many times during this book, and I was sitting there happy and overjoyed for the characters as well.

I know this is based off a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but this author has taken inspiration from the story and crafted it into a beautiful and amazing one of her own. I can't wait to see how everything will shape out with Abby/Quinn/Jade and the impending war in the next book.

[Melissa Falkenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I couldn’t remember enough of what happened in the first book so I went back and read it again before starting this book. It picked right up from where the first book ended smoothly. There were a lot of twists and surprises to keep the pages turning. It’s so easy to become invested in these characters and to want to cheer for them or smack some of them even! 😉 thanks to the author for doing us readers a solid at the end and I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3!
I received an advance read copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Elise K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish 4.5 was an option. I'm not going to spoil this book, but just know you will not be disappointed.

This book picked up right where book 1 left off. I actually went back and re-read the last part of book 1 just to make sure I hadn't forgotten what happened. It was a good choice and I absolutely love that this flowed so well.

I really enjoy the author's writing style and the detail and world building was better in this book than book 1. What a ride! I think I'm gonna go re-read one and two now. Enjoy!

[Book lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book was amazing, the second book was outstanding! I absolutely loved diving back into this fantasy world with such rich characters and a storyline that pulls you into the world so you feel part of it. N.B. Snook's writing is supurb with the ability to hold your attention from start to finish.
I need to immediately go back and do a reread of Ash and Roses then Crown of Roses.
Do yourself a favour, if you love romantasy, shifters, adventure and action then read these books.

[Tyiara Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without giving away any spoilers I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it picked up right from the end of book 1 and continued to be fast paced, we got more world building and character building in book 2 more history and some more insight to characters pasts.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series though I promise it's not as big as a cliffhanger as book 1 so I'm not pulling out all my hair waiting for the next installment only some of it 😅

[Cassandra Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crown of Roses was a brilliant second book to Ash and Roses. I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end and can’t believe I have to wait again for the next one.

Snook writes this beautifully and I love the multiple POV that enables us to delve deeper into the lives of the characters.

Definitely recommend reading this (and the book prior first) and getting into some other work by N.B. Snook