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Enchanted Hearts #2
Blood & Roses
Isolde Nightshade is happy to retire from her life of crime, even if she does still occasionally use her poisons for a worthy cause. But when a handsome hunter shows up with a problem only Isolde can solve, she decides to take on one final job to save a prince from a wicked queen with a deadly secret. Blood & Roses is the second story in a series of seven spicy fairy tale retellings, each featuring a different magically gifted Nightshade sister as she finds both intrigue and romance.
181 pages, Paperback
Published April 12, 2024
16 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Madeleine Eliot
19 books510 followersMadeleine Eliot loves to read and write spicy romantasy with all of the best tropes. Dubbed the “Queen of Cozy” by her readers, Madeleine enjoys writing romantasy that is all vibes and spice, with a dash of adventure and world-building. She is always working on her next book, which is probably another spicy romantasy. Follow her adventures and latest works at instagram.com/madeleineeliotwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
August 17, 2024
Blood & Roses, un retelling de Blancanieves, es la segunda entrega de la serie de novelas cortas Enchanted Hearts.
Me encantó este libro: la magia, el romance y la acción están presentes. Con un ritmo rápido, se lee fácilmente y fluye maravillosamente.
Izzy y Rowan tienen una química desde el momento en que se conocen, y fue hermoso leer cómo él derribaba los muros de ella con pequeños detalles que le ganaron su corazón.
La escena de la cabaña fue muy spicy 🌶🌶.
Lo disfruté muchísimo.
Me encantó este libro: la magia, el romance y la acción están presentes. Con un ritmo rápido, se lee fácilmente y fluye maravillosamente.
Izzy y Rowan tienen una química desde el momento en que se conocen, y fue hermoso leer cómo él derribaba los muros de ella con pequeños detalles que le ganaron su corazón.
La escena de la cabaña fue muy spicy 🌶🌶.
Lo disfruté muchísimo.
April 3, 2024
This series should be read in order, since there is an overarching plot throughout each sister's novella.
Blood & Roses is Isolde and Rowan's novella! Isolde is the eldest Nightshade sister. Though Isolde and her sisters have "retired" from their assassin activities, Isolde can't tell Rowan no when she stumbles across him in the woods. Rowan desires her services for a task that is dangerous and may be impossible to complete...so of course, Isolde decides to assist him!
Rowan and Isolde's chemistry was clear from their first meeting. Given it's a novella, the author definitely sells the idea of fated mates/some kind of fated partners. So far Gold & Shadow is still my favorite, but I'll have to continue with the series to see where the mystery plot goes next!
TROPES: Snow White retelling, novella, shifter hero, one bed/one tub
Blood & Roses is Isolde and Rowan's novella! Isolde is the eldest Nightshade sister. Though Isolde and her sisters have "retired" from their assassin activities, Isolde can't tell Rowan no when she stumbles across him in the woods. Rowan desires her services for a task that is dangerous and may be impossible to complete...so of course, Isolde decides to assist him!
Rowan and Isolde's chemistry was clear from their first meeting. Given it's a novella, the author definitely sells the idea of fated mates/some kind of fated partners. So far Gold & Shadow is still my favorite, but I'll have to continue with the series to see where the mystery plot goes next!
TROPES: Snow White retelling, novella, shifter hero, one bed/one tub
May 19, 2024
I'm not much of a Snow White as a fairy tale fan but since this is loosely inspired by Snow White and the Huntsmen and I really enjoyed the first book, I gave this one a go.
This story follows Isolde Nightshade this time and I believe she's the oldest. She has been like the mother figure for her sisters and her power is in blood and so she's really good with poisons but also healing. She comes across this stag who is crazed and ready to attack her when another stag saves her. Turns out he's a shifter named Rowan and he needs her help to kill the queen. The sisters decided to give up their criminal ways but Isolde is persuaded by Rowan's tale and goes with him to the palace to poison the queen.
I loved Lis in the first book and equally loved Isolde (Izzy). She had one really badass fight scene that left Rowan impressed and it was no wonder he fell hard. Rowan was just okay for me. His storyline seemed a little chaotic at times. Their chemistry was a bit lukewarm for me and I feel like the sex scenes were a bit of a repeat from book one but overall this series is great and can't wait for the next one!
This story follows Isolde Nightshade this time and I believe she's the oldest. She has been like the mother figure for her sisters and her power is in blood and so she's really good with poisons but also healing. She comes across this stag who is crazed and ready to attack her when another stag saves her. Turns out he's a shifter named Rowan and he needs her help to kill the queen. The sisters decided to give up their criminal ways but Isolde is persuaded by Rowan's tale and goes with him to the palace to poison the queen.
I loved Lis in the first book and equally loved Isolde (Izzy). She had one really badass fight scene that left Rowan impressed and it was no wonder he fell hard. Rowan was just okay for me. His storyline seemed a little chaotic at times. Their chemistry was a bit lukewarm for me and I feel like the sex scenes were a bit of a repeat from book one but overall this series is great and can't wait for the next one!
March 22, 2024
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
2.5/5🌶️
Blood & Roses is book two in the Enchanted Hearts Series, a seven novella series following the Nightshade sisters. I recommend reading this series in order, as there is an overarching plot. This book is a sweet & spicy Snow White retelling featuring Isolde, a half-elf, and Rowan, a shape-shifting huntsman.
Tropes & themes: fairy tale retelling, assassin FMC, forced proximity, only one bed & only one horse, secret identities, he falls first, and more.
Spoiler-free summary:
The Nightshade Sisters have sworn off crime, so when Rowan comes seeking their skills, they try to find a workaround to avoid murder. The job? Help Rowan’s brother, who appears cursed, and possibly kill an evil queen. But nothing is quite what it seems and Isolde and Rowan will have to work together to piece everything together.
Thoughts:
Blood & Roses is a fast paced, imaginative Snow White retelling that will have you eager to see what happens next!
I enjoyed this retelling and appreciated the fact that it was fresh, and not too on the nose. There were familiar elements to Snow White without being exactly the same, and I think that worked really well!!
Isolde is a really fun, morally questionable FMC that is great with poisons and knives but not so great with relationships and allowing others to care for her the way she cares for everyone else. Enter Rowan, a huntsman with as much charm as he has secrets, and the stage is set for these two to fall in love.
I’m really enjoying the furthering of the larger plot, and look forward to what the next book has in store!
2.5/5🌶️
Blood & Roses is book two in the Enchanted Hearts Series, a seven novella series following the Nightshade sisters. I recommend reading this series in order, as there is an overarching plot. This book is a sweet & spicy Snow White retelling featuring Isolde, a half-elf, and Rowan, a shape-shifting huntsman.
Tropes & themes: fairy tale retelling, assassin FMC, forced proximity, only one bed & only one horse, secret identities, he falls first, and more.
Spoiler-free summary:
The Nightshade Sisters have sworn off crime, so when Rowan comes seeking their skills, they try to find a workaround to avoid murder. The job? Help Rowan’s brother, who appears cursed, and possibly kill an evil queen. But nothing is quite what it seems and Isolde and Rowan will have to work together to piece everything together.
Thoughts:
Blood & Roses is a fast paced, imaginative Snow White retelling that will have you eager to see what happens next!
I enjoyed this retelling and appreciated the fact that it was fresh, and not too on the nose. There were familiar elements to Snow White without being exactly the same, and I think that worked really well!!
Isolde is a really fun, morally questionable FMC that is great with poisons and knives but not so great with relationships and allowing others to care for her the way she cares for everyone else. Enter Rowan, a huntsman with as much charm as he has secrets, and the stage is set for these two to fall in love.
I’m really enjoying the furthering of the larger plot, and look forward to what the next book has in store!
April 13, 2024
Since the Nightshade Sisters have vowed never to commit a crime, they attempt to find a way around Rowan's request for their expertise in order to prevent murder. The position? Assist the seemingly cursed brother of Rowan and perhaps even destroy the evil queen. Isolde and Rowan will need to collaborate in order to piece everything together, though, as nothing is quite as it seems.
A thrilling, inventive reimagining of Snow White, Blood & Roses will have you guessing till the very end!
This was an entertaining rendition, and I liked that it wasn't overly corny. Snow White had recognizable elements without being precisely the same, and I thought that worked incredibly well!
Isolde is a tremendously entertaining, ethically dubious FMC who excels with blades and poisons but struggles with relationships and letting other people treat her the way she treats everyone else. As soon as Rowan—a hunter with as many secrets as charm—enters the picture, the two are certain to fall in love.
A thrilling, inventive reimagining of Snow White, Blood & Roses will have you guessing till the very end!
This was an entertaining rendition, and I liked that it wasn't overly corny. Snow White had recognizable elements without being precisely the same, and I thought that worked incredibly well!
Isolde is a tremendously entertaining, ethically dubious FMC who excels with blades and poisons but struggles with relationships and letting other people treat her the way she treats everyone else. As soon as Rowan—a hunter with as many secrets as charm—enters the picture, the two are certain to fall in love.
August 5, 2024
The queen has done it again! The combination of sweet, cozy, and action was exactly what I needed to pull me out of my reading slump. The overarching mystery has me on edge for the next book in this lovely series. The story is paced nicely for it being a shorter book, the characters develop along at an even pace, and there is just a hint of what comes next to keep us coming back for more. Also…the bathtub scene come on…I just swoon, Madeleine Eliot has this way of writing MMCs that have me sweating, and begging for more! Do yourself the favour and pick up the first in the series if you haven’t already, and join us as we all collectively wait for book three! And if you haven’t yet…checkout the rest of her catalogue of cozy romantasy you won’t be disappointed :).
April 12, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I am a big fan of Madeleine’s writing and the fairytale retellings that she has created with The Enchanted Hearts series.
Blood and Roses is a Snow White retelling with a twist. We follow Isolde one of the seven Nightshade sisters who has a way with poisons and knives and is deeply protective of her sisters. Rowan is the huntsman who she comes across when he saves her from an attack and asks for her help rescuing his brother from a curse and to kill the wicked queen who has enchanted their kingdom.
I loved that this had a new take on the Snow White fairytale and while there were some similarities it was done in a way that makes it unique. For a novella there is enough plot that keeps the pace moving and the romance is slowly built throughout but doesn’t feel rushed. Isolde and Rowan have this sweet relationship and I like how with him she learns to care about herself.
The sisters relationship is still one of my favourite things about these novellas and I love seeing different aspects of them in each one and how we learn more about them.
While each book has a separate story I like how there is a bigger plot line working through each of the novellas and I’m looking forward to seeing how it’s developed throughout the rest of the Nightshade sisters’ stories.
Thank you so much to Madeleine for the opportunity to read a arc this is a voluntary review of my honest thoughts.
I am a big fan of Madeleine’s writing and the fairytale retellings that she has created with The Enchanted Hearts series.
Blood and Roses is a Snow White retelling with a twist. We follow Isolde one of the seven Nightshade sisters who has a way with poisons and knives and is deeply protective of her sisters. Rowan is the huntsman who she comes across when he saves her from an attack and asks for her help rescuing his brother from a curse and to kill the wicked queen who has enchanted their kingdom.
I loved that this had a new take on the Snow White fairytale and while there were some similarities it was done in a way that makes it unique. For a novella there is enough plot that keeps the pace moving and the romance is slowly built throughout but doesn’t feel rushed. Isolde and Rowan have this sweet relationship and I like how with him she learns to care about herself.
The sisters relationship is still one of my favourite things about these novellas and I love seeing different aspects of them in each one and how we learn more about them.
While each book has a separate story I like how there is a bigger plot line working through each of the novellas and I’m looking forward to seeing how it’s developed throughout the rest of the Nightshade sisters’ stories.
Thank you so much to Madeleine for the opportunity to read a arc this is a voluntary review of my honest thoughts.
August 18, 2025
“Life with you will be anything but boring, Isolde Nightshade,” he said, his breath a whisper against my lips. “And I think I’ll want to stay here forever.”
Blood & Roses by @madeleineeliotwrites is a sweet and spicy Snow White Retelling! 🍎🗡️❤️✨
Blurb: Isolde Nightshade is happy to retire from her life of crime, even if she does still occasionally use her poisons for a worthy cause.
But when a handsome hunter shows up with a problem only Isolde can solve, she decides to take on one final job to save a prince from a wicked queen with a deadly secret.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Anything Madeleine Eliot writes is a BANGER, and this one is no exception! I enjoyed returning to this world and getting reacquainted with the Isolde sisters. This time, we follow Isolde who is a poison master and a complete spitfire! I loved her personality and how fiercely protective she is of her sisters. Isolde’s budding romance with Rowan is both fiery yet adorable! The “one bathtub” scene was such a sexy addition to the story and kept me well-entertained. I cannot WAIT to read the other sisters’ stories and how they continue to intertwine with the overarching plot! 🥀✨
🏷️: #bloodandroses #madeleineeliot #review #bookrecommendation #bookstagram
Blood & Roses by @madeleineeliotwrites is a sweet and spicy Snow White Retelling! 🍎🗡️❤️✨
Blurb: Isolde Nightshade is happy to retire from her life of crime, even if she does still occasionally use her poisons for a worthy cause.
But when a handsome hunter shows up with a problem only Isolde can solve, she decides to take on one final job to save a prince from a wicked queen with a deadly secret.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Anything Madeleine Eliot writes is a BANGER, and this one is no exception! I enjoyed returning to this world and getting reacquainted with the Isolde sisters. This time, we follow Isolde who is a poison master and a complete spitfire! I loved her personality and how fiercely protective she is of her sisters. Isolde’s budding romance with Rowan is both fiery yet adorable! The “one bathtub” scene was such a sexy addition to the story and kept me well-entertained. I cannot WAIT to read the other sisters’ stories and how they continue to intertwine with the overarching plot! 🥀✨
🏷️: #bloodandroses #madeleineeliot #review #bookrecommendation #bookstagram
June 12, 2024
The queen of cozy does it again! A sweet cozy retelling with everything you could want. I wish I could reread this book again for the first time in front of a fire at my cabin, but alas I will just have to read it again when the time comes! I love this author!
April 2, 2024
I was very lucky to receive an ARC of this novella - coming out April 12th. This story follows a different Nightshade Sister - Isolde. (The first book Gold&Shadows is about Lis). This is a fantasy twist on snow white. After the sisters swear to retire from crime, Isolde is approached by a hunter in the woods, who is desperate for her help to save his brother from an evil curse. With the help of her sisters, Isolde and Rowan begin their adventure, while their attraction to each other also grows. Isolde is a great character, the martyr and caretaker, the eldest sister, she is always looking after others first. Rowan is also perfect for her because he is protective, but pushes her to go after her own wants and needs. Its a short story with it being only 150 pages, but a good quick steamy read. This authors writing style is just so effortless.
February 9, 2025
Deliciously cozy, spicy, and wholesome. Perfect winter read!
April 13, 2024
Blood and Roses is a snow white retelling novella. It's the second book in this series.
✨" But this kiss. This kiss was different. It was everywhere and everything". ✨
I love reading this story. Isolde was an amazing character. She loves taking care of her family and she wants to continue to do so. She's also fierce and would do anything for them.
✨“You’re plenty fearsome.”✨
And Rowan was just so perfectly arrogant, sweet and in awe of Isolde. It was amazing to see them falling in love.
Also, seeing bits of the two previous characters of the first novel, was amazing and fun.
If you love novellas or are in need of a quick read, this is definitely for you, read if you love :
✨ Retellings ;
✨ Only Horse/ One Bed ;
✨ He falls first ;
✨ Morally Grey FMC;
✨ Sweet but Spicy.
✨" But this kiss. This kiss was different. It was everywhere and everything". ✨
I love reading this story. Isolde was an amazing character. She loves taking care of her family and she wants to continue to do so. She's also fierce and would do anything for them.
✨“You’re plenty fearsome.”✨
And Rowan was just so perfectly arrogant, sweet and in awe of Isolde. It was amazing to see them falling in love.
Also, seeing bits of the two previous characters of the first novel, was amazing and fun.
If you love novellas or are in need of a quick read, this is definitely for you, read if you love :
✨ Retellings ;
✨ Only Horse/ One Bed ;
✨ He falls first ;
✨ Morally Grey FMC;
✨ Sweet but Spicy.
May 15, 2024
I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED this book - Madeliene is the queen of cozy spice and honestly this book series is amazing - this is the second book of her series and I am not so patiently waiting for her next installment!!!!
June 11, 2024
This is book 2 in the Enchanted Hearts Series, which is a series of fairytale retelling novellas by Madeleine Eliot. Each book will be centered around one of the Nightshade Sisters.
Another lovely book by Madeleine! This book is perfect for a quick read when you want a dose of fantasy, action, magic and spice, all wrapped up in a short book that’s part of an ongoing series.
In this book you’ll find:
🌹Snow White retelling
🌹a handsome huntsman who’s also a shifter
🌹blood magic wielding FMC who’s good with daggers
🌹poison, a magic mirror, and an evil queen
🌹only one bed/horse
🌹forced proximity
🌹he falls first
🌹secret identities
🌹under 200 page read
Isolde vowed to hang up her life as an assassin. But opportunity seems to always fall upon her doorstep with one last task, one last request. After accepting a final job, she finds herself staring down death. But when a huntsman saves her life, their fates intertwine. Now, entangled in this mysterious huntsman’s cause, and fighting her growing feelings for him, she must become who she was once more to save a kingdom and free a prince from a wicked curse, or risk wrath befalling her beloved sisters. But things aren’t what they seem, and neither is the curse that holds the heir hostage…
It’s fast paced, and readable in one sitting—if you wish! Perfect to take on road trips—which is where I read mine!
Enjoy!
Another lovely book by Madeleine! This book is perfect for a quick read when you want a dose of fantasy, action, magic and spice, all wrapped up in a short book that’s part of an ongoing series.
In this book you’ll find:
🌹Snow White retelling
🌹a handsome huntsman who’s also a shifter
🌹blood magic wielding FMC who’s good with daggers
🌹poison, a magic mirror, and an evil queen
🌹only one bed/horse
🌹forced proximity
🌹he falls first
🌹secret identities
🌹under 200 page read
Isolde vowed to hang up her life as an assassin. But opportunity seems to always fall upon her doorstep with one last task, one last request. After accepting a final job, she finds herself staring down death. But when a huntsman saves her life, their fates intertwine. Now, entangled in this mysterious huntsman’s cause, and fighting her growing feelings for him, she must become who she was once more to save a kingdom and free a prince from a wicked curse, or risk wrath befalling her beloved sisters. But things aren’t what they seem, and neither is the curse that holds the heir hostage…
It’s fast paced, and readable in one sitting—if you wish! Perfect to take on road trips—which is where I read mine!
Enjoy!
April 13, 2024
Madeleine’s books are a gift to this world ✨
Blood and Roses is the second book in the interconnected Enchanted Hearts series. It is a spicy romantasy retelling of Snow White 🍎. Highly suggest you read the books in order so that you’re able to follow along the references (SO WORTH IT 🥰)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️
Favorite Characters: Isolde, all the sisters, Orson, Rowan, Tristan, the owl.
Least Favorite Characters: N/A
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
When it comes to the Nightshade sisters, nothing is impossible! Izzy (FMC) is fierce and determined throughout the book, she’d craft the perfect poison and had a killer aim 🔪 😏 I really enjoyed her in the story. She’s also the older of the seven Nightshade sisters, and has been their primary caretaker through the years. Hence her compassion when Rowan (MMC) confesses what he needs from her. Romance has never been a priority or even a thought until Rowan shows up to turn her world upside down [in the best of ways]. He had such a strong & mysterious persona throughout the book, it kept me wanting to learn more about him.
I can’t wait for more of the Nightshade sisters. As always, thank you Madeleine for having me as part of your ARC team.
Blood and Roses is out now!
Blood and Roses is the second book in the interconnected Enchanted Hearts series. It is a spicy romantasy retelling of Snow White 🍎. Highly suggest you read the books in order so that you’re able to follow along the references (SO WORTH IT 🥰)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️
Favorite Characters: Isolde, all the sisters, Orson, Rowan, Tristan, the owl.
Least Favorite Characters: N/A
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
When it comes to the Nightshade sisters, nothing is impossible! Izzy (FMC) is fierce and determined throughout the book, she’d craft the perfect poison and had a killer aim 🔪 😏 I really enjoyed her in the story. She’s also the older of the seven Nightshade sisters, and has been their primary caretaker through the years. Hence her compassion when Rowan (MMC) confesses what he needs from her. Romance has never been a priority or even a thought until Rowan shows up to turn her world upside down [in the best of ways]. He had such a strong & mysterious persona throughout the book, it kept me wanting to learn more about him.
I can’t wait for more of the Nightshade sisters. As always, thank you Madeleine for having me as part of your ARC team.
Blood and Roses is out now!
November 3, 2024
"A beautiful day for murder"
Spice:🌶🌶🌶/5
Plot: 🌹🌹🌹/5
Tropes: one bed, he falls first
This short and sweet Snow White inspired book was such a fun read! It follows the oldest sister of the Nightshade family, the caretaker and bloodbender, helping avenge the murder of the royal family. This book follows on nicely from book #1, but could also be read as a standalone. I loved the dynamics of Royal-Guard-Seeking-Assistance-from-Assasin. I loved having a morally grey FMC, I think this is so underplayed in the genre with all the morally grey zaddies. Also, the whole crime family was explored beautifully in this book.
Im interested to see how the overarching storyline of the series continues. While each book is primarily focused on the couple, there is a significant amount of world building which I hope we will see explored. Madeleine beautifully lined up information about a big adventure that I hope we get to see the sisters explore.
Please note that I received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own
Spice:🌶🌶🌶/5
Plot: 🌹🌹🌹/5
Tropes: one bed, he falls first
This short and sweet Snow White inspired book was such a fun read! It follows the oldest sister of the Nightshade family, the caretaker and bloodbender, helping avenge the murder of the royal family. This book follows on nicely from book #1, but could also be read as a standalone. I loved the dynamics of Royal-Guard-Seeking-Assistance-from-Assasin. I loved having a morally grey FMC, I think this is so underplayed in the genre with all the morally grey zaddies. Also, the whole crime family was explored beautifully in this book.
Im interested to see how the overarching storyline of the series continues. While each book is primarily focused on the couple, there is a significant amount of world building which I hope we will see explored. Madeleine beautifully lined up information about a big adventure that I hope we get to see the sisters explore.
Please note that I received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own
April 14, 2024
༻♡︎☀️🌸☀️♡︎༺
📖ⒷⓄⓄⓀ•ⓇⒺⓋⒾⒺⓌ📖
───── • ♡︎🌹🍎🌹♡ • ─────
📚🍎🌹✨𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞•𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦✨🌹🍎📚
🍎𝙱𝙻𝙾𝙾𝙳 & 𝚁𝙾𝚂𝙴𝚂 𝙱𝚈 𝙼𝙰𝙳𝙴𝙻𝙴𝙸𝙽𝙴 𝙴𝙻𝙸𝙾𝚃
🍎𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟸 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙴𝙳 𝙷𝙴𝙰𝚁𝚃𝚂 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂
🍎𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙸𝙲 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈; 𝚂𝙿𝙸𝙲𝚈 𝙵𝙰𝙸𝚁𝚈𝚃𝙰𝙻𝙴 𝚁𝙴𝚃𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙶
🍎𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙰𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙻 𝟷𝟸𝚃𝙷, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺
╰┈➤𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄✨
🍎𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟷𝟾𝟹 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
🍎𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻
🍎𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ || 𝟻
🍎⚠️𝗔𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
───── • ♡︎🌹🍎🌹♡ • ─────
✨✨𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼✨✨
Thank you so much to Madeleine Eliot for my Advanced Reader Copy of Blood & Roses! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
The Queen of Cozy strikes again with Book 2 of the Enchanted Hearts series! If you’re looking for a quick, fun, spicy, & cozy fantasy romance novella, then you definitely need to check out Blood & Roses. This was such a great read, and I loved how quick it was! I will never say no to a fairytale retelling and these books are becoming some of my absolute favorites!!
This novella follows the eldest sister of the Nightshade crew, Isolde. This is a Snow White retelling with a little twist, as Isolde is an assassin and is the one dealing out the poison apples! I loved this little twist to the story! Isolde is absolutely amazing as a FMC. Even though she’s supposed to be retired from her ways, she can’t help but say yes to helping Rowan when she meets him in the woods, and he requests her help in saving his brother and bringing down the evil queen.
Rowan and Isolde have the most amazing chemistry! I loved watching their relationship unfold and their love is so beautiful and passionate. Even with this being a novella, the pacing was absolutely incredible and Madeleine did a fantastic job of keeping the story flowing in a captivating way that never felt rushed or forced. The spice and plot work beautifully together to create something so amazing and so special! And I was SO excited to get to see Lis and Orson from the first book!! I am loving that each book has its own plot, but overall you can really see the way the overarching plot is starting to unfold.
One of my favorite things about these novellas is the sisters and their relationship with each other. I love getting to see their interactions and each of them are so different from each other. I love getting to know each of them more as their books come out!
I am absolutely loving these books and am already so excited for the next one! They’re definitely a must read if you like cozy, quick, & spicy fantasy romances, AND if you are a fan of fairytale retellings!
𝗧𝗟𝗗𝗥: Absolutely amazing!! Snow White retelling with a twist and spice! Cozy, quick, and fun!
───── • ♡︎🌹🍎🌹♡ • ─────
📖ⒷⓄⓄⓀ•ⓇⒺⓋⒾⒺⓌ📖
───── • ♡︎🌹🍎🌹♡ • ─────
📚🍎🌹✨𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞•𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦✨🌹🍎📚
🍎𝙱𝙻𝙾𝙾𝙳 & 𝚁𝙾𝚂𝙴𝚂 𝙱𝚈 𝙼𝙰𝙳𝙴𝙻𝙴𝙸𝙽𝙴 𝙴𝙻𝙸𝙾𝚃
🍎𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟸 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙴𝙳 𝙷𝙴𝙰𝚁𝚃𝚂 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂
🍎𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙸𝙲 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈; 𝚂𝙿𝙸𝙲𝚈 𝙵𝙰𝙸𝚁𝚈𝚃𝙰𝙻𝙴 𝚁𝙴𝚃𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙶
🍎𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙰𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙻 𝟷𝟸𝚃𝙷, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺
╰┈➤𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄✨
🍎𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟷𝟾𝟹 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
🍎𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻
🍎𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ || 𝟻
🍎⚠️𝗔𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
───── • ♡︎🌹🍎🌹♡ • ─────
✨✨𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼✨✨
Thank you so much to Madeleine Eliot for my Advanced Reader Copy of Blood & Roses! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
The Queen of Cozy strikes again with Book 2 of the Enchanted Hearts series! If you’re looking for a quick, fun, spicy, & cozy fantasy romance novella, then you definitely need to check out Blood & Roses. This was such a great read, and I loved how quick it was! I will never say no to a fairytale retelling and these books are becoming some of my absolute favorites!!
This novella follows the eldest sister of the Nightshade crew, Isolde. This is a Snow White retelling with a little twist, as Isolde is an assassin and is the one dealing out the poison apples! I loved this little twist to the story! Isolde is absolutely amazing as a FMC. Even though she’s supposed to be retired from her ways, she can’t help but say yes to helping Rowan when she meets him in the woods, and he requests her help in saving his brother and bringing down the evil queen.
Rowan and Isolde have the most amazing chemistry! I loved watching their relationship unfold and their love is so beautiful and passionate. Even with this being a novella, the pacing was absolutely incredible and Madeleine did a fantastic job of keeping the story flowing in a captivating way that never felt rushed or forced. The spice and plot work beautifully together to create something so amazing and so special! And I was SO excited to get to see Lis and Orson from the first book!! I am loving that each book has its own plot, but overall you can really see the way the overarching plot is starting to unfold.
One of my favorite things about these novellas is the sisters and their relationship with each other. I love getting to see their interactions and each of them are so different from each other. I love getting to know each of them more as their books come out!
I am absolutely loving these books and am already so excited for the next one! They’re definitely a must read if you like cozy, quick, & spicy fantasy romances, AND if you are a fan of fairytale retellings!
𝗧𝗟𝗗𝗥: Absolutely amazing!! Snow White retelling with a twist and spice! Cozy, quick, and fun!
───── • ♡︎🌹🍎🌹♡ • ─────
April 3, 2024
I love fairy tale retellings, which is how I picked up Gold & Shadow (the first book in this series), and I really enjoyed that one. Lis and Orson’s story in book one introduces the Nightshade sisters and kicks things off, and in this novella, we get to see the oldest sister, Isolde, find her true love herself, after spending the majority of her life taking care of her six younger sisters and pretty much being a mother to them.
As the oldest, Isolde feels a great sense of responsibility for her sisters and their well-being, and it’s clear that she dotes on them because she loves them. She’s no-nonsense but soft-hearted and unused to having anyone else to take care of her. Enter Rowan, a huntsman (the nods to Snow White and the twists on the characters are a lot of fun) who comes to Isolde as a client seeking her help in assassinating an evil queen. These novellas are quite bite-sized, so the romance is very quick-paced; there’s immediate attraction on both Rowan and Isolde’s parts (like there was with Lis and Orson), and you know they’ll end up together but still have fun watching to find out just when they’ll give in to their attraction. We get only one horse, only one bed, a bathtub, and some fun times even on a dangerous mission.
These novellas are great for a quick read that you can speed through, and you also get to see the overarching plot progression that began with Gold & Shadow and continues in Blood & Roses. I’m curious to see exactly how things are going to keep shaping up (what’s with the High King? And where did the mirror come from?) and to see which sister gets her story told next (I’m staring at the titles and trying to see if I can guess haha)! There are some hints in this one as to the likely love interests for Sera and I’m pretty sure for Ella (that line about her rival 😏) and also Lena (based on that epilogue!), and I think they’ll be just as fun as these first two novellas.
Thank you to Madeleine Eliot for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
As the oldest, Isolde feels a great sense of responsibility for her sisters and their well-being, and it’s clear that she dotes on them because she loves them. She’s no-nonsense but soft-hearted and unused to having anyone else to take care of her. Enter Rowan, a huntsman (the nods to Snow White and the twists on the characters are a lot of fun) who comes to Isolde as a client seeking her help in assassinating an evil queen. These novellas are quite bite-sized, so the romance is very quick-paced; there’s immediate attraction on both Rowan and Isolde’s parts (like there was with Lis and Orson), and you know they’ll end up together but still have fun watching to find out just when they’ll give in to their attraction. We get only one horse, only one bed, a bathtub, and some fun times even on a dangerous mission.
These novellas are great for a quick read that you can speed through, and you also get to see the overarching plot progression that began with Gold & Shadow and continues in Blood & Roses. I’m curious to see exactly how things are going to keep shaping up (what’s with the High King? And where did the mirror come from?) and to see which sister gets her story told next (I’m staring at the titles and trying to see if I can guess haha)! There are some hints in this one as to the likely love interests for Sera and I’m pretty sure for Ella (that line about her rival 😏) and also Lena (based on that epilogue!), and I think they’ll be just as fun as these first two novellas.
Thank you to Madeleine Eliot for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
March 31, 2024
I absolutely love these retelling stories!! Blood and Roses follows Isolde and Rowan in a Snow White and the Huntsman feel.
Isolde (Izzy) is a bloodweaver and potion aficionado. Rowan is part of the late King’s guard on a mission from the current Queen, though under different pretenses than expected. What brings him to Isolde’s side is to get her help in taking out the Evil Queen who has been using her enchanted mirror to enthrall the kingdom. He wants nothing less than the best assassin.
Though Isolde is a little reluctant at first, she does feel a connection to Rowan. They have an ease of banter and he easily wins her over with his charm and caretaking, something Izzy doesn’t allow herself, always needing to be the one taking care of everyone else. When secrets are revealed at the real reason why he needs her help, the pair take off on the adventure to kill the queen and save the kingdom by returning it to the rightful heir.
We get some tension, one horse/bed trope, he falls first, care/comfort, royal intrigue, kick a$$ fight scenes, and some spicy spice to melt us a little. I absolutely love how Madeleine’s MMCs always give the FMC choices and complete control in the bedroom in deciding when and how much intimacy but also allowing her to relinquish control to him for their pleasure, she asks, she gets!
I loved seeing Lis and Orson again, along with snippets of what’s to come with the rest of the Nightshade sisters (true love’s kiss breaking spells perhaps 🙌🏻) am definitely invested in where the story goes next based on that epilogue (and who Captain E.E. is paired with because I have theories lol).
Thank you Madeleine for having me on your team to ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and honesty reviewed.
Isolde (Izzy) is a bloodweaver and potion aficionado. Rowan is part of the late King’s guard on a mission from the current Queen, though under different pretenses than expected. What brings him to Isolde’s side is to get her help in taking out the Evil Queen who has been using her enchanted mirror to enthrall the kingdom. He wants nothing less than the best assassin.
Though Isolde is a little reluctant at first, she does feel a connection to Rowan. They have an ease of banter and he easily wins her over with his charm and caretaking, something Izzy doesn’t allow herself, always needing to be the one taking care of everyone else. When secrets are revealed at the real reason why he needs her help, the pair take off on the adventure to kill the queen and save the kingdom by returning it to the rightful heir.
We get some tension, one horse/bed trope, he falls first, care/comfort, royal intrigue, kick a$$ fight scenes, and some spicy spice to melt us a little. I absolutely love how Madeleine’s MMCs always give the FMC choices and complete control in the bedroom in deciding when and how much intimacy but also allowing her to relinquish control to him for their pleasure, she asks, she gets!
I loved seeing Lis and Orson again, along with snippets of what’s to come with the rest of the Nightshade sisters (true love’s kiss breaking spells perhaps 🙌🏻) am definitely invested in where the story goes next based on that epilogue (and who Captain E.E. is paired with because I have theories lol).
Thank you Madeleine for having me on your team to ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and honesty reviewed.
April 13, 2024
Blood & Roses by Madeleine Eliot
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
In this magical Snow White retelling, we meet the next Nightshade sister and morally gray heroine, Isolde. She is a bloodweaver—an assassin turned good, or maybe not. 👀 When she crosses paths with Rowan, our mysterious male lead, their lives become entwined when he requests her help to save his brother from the wicked queen’s curse that plagues their kingdom.
Isolde’s character is a perfect blend of dark and light. As the oldest, she's used to taking care of her family and doing whatever it takes to do so. Watching her become vulnerable with someone (especially our Rowan) was something else.
The witty exchanges between Isolde and Rowan had me grinning the entire time. Madeleine always delivers with the banter. Their chemistry just leaps off the pages!
This book delivers all the goods including the ONE BED trope. 🛌 And the spice.... mmmmm please, sir, can I have some more?🌶️
Madeleine's writing feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket, there's no other way to explain it. Her heartwarming storytelling creates the best experience.
“Blood & Roses” is a captivating tale of redemption, love, and magic. If you’re a fan of fairytale retellings with a twist, this book is an absolute must-read.
Art by @honeyy.fae and @hobbysparrow_
Blood & Roses is available now!
Thank you so much @madeleineeliotwrites for this beautiful package I received today 😭 even though my cat was a better beta reader than me 🤣 I'll heart your face always!
#bloodandroses #enchantedheartsnovellas #snowwhiteretelling #fairytaleretelling #fantasyromance #novella #romantasy #newreleasebook #kindleunlimited #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookunboxing #bookstareels #reelsofbookstagram
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
In this magical Snow White retelling, we meet the next Nightshade sister and morally gray heroine, Isolde. She is a bloodweaver—an assassin turned good, or maybe not. 👀 When she crosses paths with Rowan, our mysterious male lead, their lives become entwined when he requests her help to save his brother from the wicked queen’s curse that plagues their kingdom.
Isolde’s character is a perfect blend of dark and light. As the oldest, she's used to taking care of her family and doing whatever it takes to do so. Watching her become vulnerable with someone (especially our Rowan) was something else.
The witty exchanges between Isolde and Rowan had me grinning the entire time. Madeleine always delivers with the banter. Their chemistry just leaps off the pages!
This book delivers all the goods including the ONE BED trope. 🛌 And the spice.... mmmmm please, sir, can I have some more?🌶️
Madeleine's writing feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket, there's no other way to explain it. Her heartwarming storytelling creates the best experience.
“Blood & Roses” is a captivating tale of redemption, love, and magic. If you’re a fan of fairytale retellings with a twist, this book is an absolute must-read.
Art by @honeyy.fae and @hobbysparrow_
Blood & Roses is available now!
Thank you so much @madeleineeliotwrites for this beautiful package I received today 😭 even though my cat was a better beta reader than me 🤣 I'll heart your face always!
#bloodandroses #enchantedheartsnovellas #snowwhiteretelling #fairytaleretelling #fantasyromance #novella #romantasy #newreleasebook #kindleunlimited #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookunboxing #bookstareels #reelsofbookstagram
May 21, 2024
I absolutely loved this Snow White retelling! It was nothing short of completely sweet, wonderfully cozy, with the perfect amount of spice and just enough mystery and angst to keep me enthralled and those pages turning!
Isolde doesn’t mind giving up the life of crime her and her six sisters have had to live by in order to survive. She appreciates that she can be choosier and use her bloodweaving magic to help others as opposed to using it to create poisons and going on assassinations. But when a strange stag fallows her home and saves her life, then shifts into a handsome man with gorgeous green eyes, she cannot help but listen to his tale of a wicked queen, a cursed prince, and the need for a skilled assassin. Buuuuuut...is this man who he claims to be? Can she trust his story? And can she use her magic, again, for crime?
The romance in this novel was top notch! It was completely sweet and swoon worthy, all the while, having just the perfect amount of heat and spice.
I love the different types of magic Eliot has created in this series! All seven sisters have their own unique abilities and I really enjoy getting to learn about them and experience what they are capable of.
But my very very favorite aspect of this book was the actual way Eliot focused her Snow White retelling. This is a Snow White retelling unlike you’ve ever experienced before. And it was just so unique and creative and just perfection!!!
So yep! If you like a little spice with your sweet! A little danger with your cozy! And a retelling that is going to be unlike any Snow White you’ve ever experienced! Then you absolutely NEED to read Blood & Roses!
Isolde doesn’t mind giving up the life of crime her and her six sisters have had to live by in order to survive. She appreciates that she can be choosier and use her bloodweaving magic to help others as opposed to using it to create poisons and going on assassinations. But when a strange stag fallows her home and saves her life, then shifts into a handsome man with gorgeous green eyes, she cannot help but listen to his tale of a wicked queen, a cursed prince, and the need for a skilled assassin. Buuuuuut...is this man who he claims to be? Can she trust his story? And can she use her magic, again, for crime?
The romance in this novel was top notch! It was completely sweet and swoon worthy, all the while, having just the perfect amount of heat and spice.
I love the different types of magic Eliot has created in this series! All seven sisters have their own unique abilities and I really enjoy getting to learn about them and experience what they are capable of.
But my very very favorite aspect of this book was the actual way Eliot focused her Snow White retelling. This is a Snow White retelling unlike you’ve ever experienced before. And it was just so unique and creative and just perfection!!!
So yep! If you like a little spice with your sweet! A little danger with your cozy! And a retelling that is going to be unlike any Snow White you’ve ever experienced! Then you absolutely NEED to read Blood & Roses!
May 24, 2024
"Blood & Roses" is the second enchanting tale of a Snow-White retelling in a series of seven spicy fairy tale retellings, each featuring a different magically gifted Nightshade sister as she unravels intrigue and finds romance. It is recommended to read them in order because they are overarching throughout each sister's novella.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Genre: Fantasy Romance
A short synopsis 📑
Isolde Nightshade, a woman ready to leave her life of crime behind, still occasionally uses her poisons for a good cause. But when a handsome hunter arrives, seeking her unique skills to save a prince from a wicked queen with a deadly secret, Isolde's courage is tested as she is drawn back into the game for one final, high-stakes job.
My thoughts 💭
I was completely drawn in by the fresh and unique spin on the Snow-White fairytale presented in this novella. It skillfully retained elements of the original story while introducing innovative and captivating twists. Despite its shorter format, the plot was intricately woven, maintaining a perfect balance of momentum and depth. The gradual development of the romance between Isolde and Rowan was particularly compelling, evoking a sense of authenticity and genuine emotion. Their endearing relationship served as a catalyst for Isolde's personal growth, as she learned to prioritize self-care and self-worth. This novella was a delightful and enchanting read that left a lasting impression.
Tropes:
🍎 Snow-White retelling
🍎 Only one bed, bath, and a horse
🍎 He falls first
🍎 Morally gray FMC
🍎 Novella
🍎 Stag-shifter
🍎 Cozy and spicy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Genre: Fantasy Romance
A short synopsis 📑
Isolde Nightshade, a woman ready to leave her life of crime behind, still occasionally uses her poisons for a good cause. But when a handsome hunter arrives, seeking her unique skills to save a prince from a wicked queen with a deadly secret, Isolde's courage is tested as she is drawn back into the game for one final, high-stakes job.
My thoughts 💭
I was completely drawn in by the fresh and unique spin on the Snow-White fairytale presented in this novella. It skillfully retained elements of the original story while introducing innovative and captivating twists. Despite its shorter format, the plot was intricately woven, maintaining a perfect balance of momentum and depth. The gradual development of the romance between Isolde and Rowan was particularly compelling, evoking a sense of authenticity and genuine emotion. Their endearing relationship served as a catalyst for Isolde's personal growth, as she learned to prioritize self-care and self-worth. This novella was a delightful and enchanting read that left a lasting impression.
Tropes:
🍎 Snow-White retelling
🍎 Only one bed, bath, and a horse
🍎 He falls first
🍎 Morally gray FMC
🍎 Novella
🍎 Stag-shifter
🍎 Cozy and spicy
May 26, 2024
"𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙄𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
Blood & Roses is the second installment in the Enchanted Hearts novella series. This time around we follow Isolde, the eldest sister and caretaker, also known as the poison master and blood weaver. This is a Snow White retelling, and although we get a few similarities to the original tale, Madeleine has once again given us a story that is inventive, sweet and deliciously spicy.
The Nightshade sisters have vowed to step away from their life of crime, but when a hunter approaches Isolde and begs for her assistance in saving his cursed brother, she reluctantly accepts. At the core of this series, we get a deep rooted mystery, and bits and pieces start unfolding with each new novella. The part we crave though, the slow burn, the romance, the chemistry...this book delivers!!! Isolde and Rowan fit perfectly in every way.
Do I have questions after this book? Definitely yes, but I am working on my over analyzing flaw and know they will be answered throughout the series. We see some old faces and even get a glimpse of a possible romance in the works for one of the other sisters, so eventhough each novel stands firmly on its own, I would suggest reading them in order.
🌹If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, assassin FMC, one bed, one horse, secret identities and he falls first, then don't hesitate to pick up this series.
🌹Thank you to the amazing author for gifting me an arc copy of Blood & Roses. I can't wait for the next one😍
Blood & Roses is the second installment in the Enchanted Hearts novella series. This time around we follow Isolde, the eldest sister and caretaker, also known as the poison master and blood weaver. This is a Snow White retelling, and although we get a few similarities to the original tale, Madeleine has once again given us a story that is inventive, sweet and deliciously spicy.
The Nightshade sisters have vowed to step away from their life of crime, but when a hunter approaches Isolde and begs for her assistance in saving his cursed brother, she reluctantly accepts. At the core of this series, we get a deep rooted mystery, and bits and pieces start unfolding with each new novella. The part we crave though, the slow burn, the romance, the chemistry...this book delivers!!! Isolde and Rowan fit perfectly in every way.
Do I have questions after this book? Definitely yes, but I am working on my over analyzing flaw and know they will be answered throughout the series. We see some old faces and even get a glimpse of a possible romance in the works for one of the other sisters, so eventhough each novel stands firmly on its own, I would suggest reading them in order.
🌹If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, assassin FMC, one bed, one horse, secret identities and he falls first, then don't hesitate to pick up this series.
🌹Thank you to the amazing author for gifting me an arc copy of Blood & Roses. I can't wait for the next one😍
March 21, 2024
Are you looking for a quick read filled with sexy, injured half-elves, a gaggle of baddass assassin sisters who also happen to be half-elven, a murderous evil step mother, a poisoned apple, gender swapped Sleeping Beauty vibes, Snow White vibes minus the dwarves, a few familiar faces from a previous book, and an evil mirror that may lead us all the way back to even more familiar faces? Well, toss on your warmest clothes and find someone you hate to be your taste tester from here on out because you won’t want to drop dead from a poisoned apple (or a latte in my case) before you read this charming little novella full of poison and spice!
Guys, I LOVE this fairytale retelling series of Madeleine’s and am always curious as to how she’s going to spin the classic tales we know and love. She does not disappoint with her take on Snow White. This story is filled with poison, murder (but they deserve to be 🧪😵💀), secret identities, off the charts chemistry between our two main characters, maybe a little something between one of the other sisters and another important player in the story (if I was picking up the right vibes)…We got to see Orson take on the role of big and learn that he and Lis have set a date for their hand fasting! I don’t want to give too much away, but this novella ties in seamlessly with Gold & Shadow and the ending….that ending. Makes me wonder about a certain other novella series and whether it’s connected...🪞🧙🏻♀️
Guys, I LOVE this fairytale retelling series of Madeleine’s and am always curious as to how she’s going to spin the classic tales we know and love. She does not disappoint with her take on Snow White. This story is filled with poison, murder (but they deserve to be 🧪😵💀), secret identities, off the charts chemistry between our two main characters, maybe a little something between one of the other sisters and another important player in the story (if I was picking up the right vibes)…We got to see Orson take on the role of big and learn that he and Lis have set a date for their hand fasting! I don’t want to give too much away, but this novella ties in seamlessly with Gold & Shadow and the ending….that ending. Makes me wonder about a certain other novella series and whether it’s connected...🪞🧙🏻♀️
April 12, 2024
Genre: Romantasy
Story: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
Absolutely enchanting! This novella packs a punch in every sense - it's short, sweet, and delightfully spicy!
The blurb does an impeccable job of setting the stage for the adventure. Isolde finds herself at a crossroads, ready to leave her life of crime behind. But when the dashing hunter Rowan appears, seeking her skills, she can't resist the pull back into the world of assassination.
Amidst their quest to rescue Rowan's brother and overthrow the nefarious queen, a tender yet very passionate romance blossoms between Isolde and Rowan. While I can't quite determine if they're destined soulmates, the dynamic between them crackles with an electrifying tension that kept me eagerly turning the pages. Their compatibility is palpable, lending credibility to their sizzling chemistry.
For those seeking a blend of cozy and spicy romantasy within the confines of a novella under 200 pages, the Enchanted Hearts series comes highly recommended. It's a journey you won't want to miss!
I must admit, I didn't delve into the first novella before diving into this one, but fear not! It's incredibly easy to grasp the storyline, allowing readers to seamlessly immerse themselves in the tale. However, I would still recommend indulging in the first novella, as there's an intriguing underlying plot waiting to be discovered, even if it's not directly pertinent to this particular story.
Story: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
Absolutely enchanting! This novella packs a punch in every sense - it's short, sweet, and delightfully spicy!
The blurb does an impeccable job of setting the stage for the adventure. Isolde finds herself at a crossroads, ready to leave her life of crime behind. But when the dashing hunter Rowan appears, seeking her skills, she can't resist the pull back into the world of assassination.
Amidst their quest to rescue Rowan's brother and overthrow the nefarious queen, a tender yet very passionate romance blossoms between Isolde and Rowan. While I can't quite determine if they're destined soulmates, the dynamic between them crackles with an electrifying tension that kept me eagerly turning the pages. Their compatibility is palpable, lending credibility to their sizzling chemistry.
For those seeking a blend of cozy and spicy romantasy within the confines of a novella under 200 pages, the Enchanted Hearts series comes highly recommended. It's a journey you won't want to miss!
I must admit, I didn't delve into the first novella before diving into this one, but fear not! It's incredibly easy to grasp the storyline, allowing readers to seamlessly immerse themselves in the tale. However, I would still recommend indulging in the first novella, as there's an intriguing underlying plot waiting to be discovered, even if it's not directly pertinent to this particular story.
March 22, 2024
Absolutely adorable! The second installment of The Nightshade Sisters really lived up to the charm of the first. Having received this ARC, I'm eagerly awaiting its official release to recommend it to all my friends.
Meet Izzy, our strong eldest sister. Despite the Nightshade Sisters' retirement from a life of crime, she still finds herself in a bit of trouble. As a bloodweaver and poison expert, she inadvertently gets entangled in a forest encounter after returning from a good deed. Soon after, a handsome hunter approaches her, seeking her and her sisters' help to catch a stag and save the kingdom from the Evil Queen.
The pacing was excellent; I was impressed by how seamlessly everything unfolded without feeling rushed. The nods to the original Snow White story were so clever, I was very impressed with this retelling.
The romance was both sweet and spicy, contributing to the overall charm of the story.
Also the bonus of Lis and Orson, the last book’s focus, from a different perspective was so so fun! It even tempted me to revisit the first book and experience Izzy's parts from Lis' perspective. I'm so excited to dive deeper into the world of the Nightshade sisters and all of their stories!
Meet Izzy, our strong eldest sister. Despite the Nightshade Sisters' retirement from a life of crime, she still finds herself in a bit of trouble. As a bloodweaver and poison expert, she inadvertently gets entangled in a forest encounter after returning from a good deed. Soon after, a handsome hunter approaches her, seeking her and her sisters' help to catch a stag and save the kingdom from the Evil Queen.
The pacing was excellent; I was impressed by how seamlessly everything unfolded without feeling rushed. The nods to the original Snow White story were so clever, I was very impressed with this retelling.
The romance was both sweet and spicy, contributing to the overall charm of the story.
Also the bonus of Lis and Orson, the last book’s focus, from a different perspective was so so fun! It even tempted me to revisit the first book and experience Izzy's parts from Lis' perspective. I'm so excited to dive deeper into the world of the Nightshade sisters and all of their stories!
April 2, 2024
The queen of cozy does it again with the Enchanted Hearts books
These books are so cute. They really feel like a warm hug. These books are short and sweet, so they are the perfect treat to unwind. As a Disney adult, Fairytales have always had a special place in my heart. Therefore, I enjoyed experiencing this whimsical twist on childhood classics. I have giggled, smiled, and blushed so many times reading these two books. Without giving spoilers, I think it is safe to say I have such a major crush for shifting males.
Eliot writes the perfect book boyfriends.
Blood and roses is focused on themes from Snow White. This was a refreshing approach into a classic fairytale. I generally dislike Snow White. Especially after that cringy kristen Stewart phase, snow white and huntsman. However, this is nothing like that. This take of the tale was really cute and playful but still spicy. Instead of focusing on the cliche snow white you are introduced to the story for a different point of view. And again, the male interest 🍎🥵🥵. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it,and it didn't feel snow whiteish at all ,which is high praise. I enjoyed the ending of this one a lot. It was a breath of fresh air.
These books are so cute. They really feel like a warm hug. These books are short and sweet, so they are the perfect treat to unwind. As a Disney adult, Fairytales have always had a special place in my heart. Therefore, I enjoyed experiencing this whimsical twist on childhood classics. I have giggled, smiled, and blushed so many times reading these two books. Without giving spoilers, I think it is safe to say I have such a major crush for shifting males.
Eliot writes the perfect book boyfriends.
Blood and roses is focused on themes from Snow White. This was a refreshing approach into a classic fairytale. I generally dislike Snow White. Especially after that cringy kristen Stewart phase, snow white and huntsman. However, this is nothing like that. This take of the tale was really cute and playful but still spicy. Instead of focusing on the cliche snow white you are introduced to the story for a different point of view. And again, the male interest 🍎🥵🥵. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it,and it didn't feel snow whiteish at all ,which is high praise. I enjoyed the ending of this one a lot. It was a breath of fresh air.
March 26, 2024
“Let’s dispense with the pleasantries until we are out of the snow,” he growled, his keen eyes flashing with irritation. “It’s too difficult to talk and walk and bleed at the same time.”
☆☆☆☆☆
I just finished beta reading Blood & Roses by Madeleine Eliot! This is the second book in the Enchanted Hearts series that follows along the Nightshade sisters. Each book will follow along a different sister while also retelling a classic fairytale. This one is Snow White! ❤️
Isolde and Rowan are absolute perfection 🫠 She's a sarcastic assassin who can poison anyone, and he's a hunter who is just as deadly (and witty) as she is... it's literally a match made in heaven.
You will love this book (and series) if you enjoy:
- Fairytale retellings
- Secret identities
- Only one bed (and horse!)
- Forced proximity
- He falls first
- Touch him and 💀
Blood & Roses gets released on April 12th, which gives you enough time to binge the first book, Gold & Shadow! These little romantasy novellas are short and sweet, and you will LOVE them!! 😍
So, you know.. just pre-order it! You know you want to 😏
☆☆☆☆☆
I just finished beta reading Blood & Roses by Madeleine Eliot! This is the second book in the Enchanted Hearts series that follows along the Nightshade sisters. Each book will follow along a different sister while also retelling a classic fairytale. This one is Snow White! ❤️
Isolde and Rowan are absolute perfection 🫠 She's a sarcastic assassin who can poison anyone, and he's a hunter who is just as deadly (and witty) as she is... it's literally a match made in heaven.
You will love this book (and series) if you enjoy:
- Fairytale retellings
- Secret identities
- Only one bed (and horse!)
- Forced proximity
- He falls first
- Touch him and 💀
Blood & Roses gets released on April 12th, which gives you enough time to binge the first book, Gold & Shadow! These little romantasy novellas are short and sweet, and you will LOVE them!! 😍
So, you know.. just pre-order it! You know you want to 😏
March 26, 2024
4/5 stars
2.5/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tropes: fairy tale retelling, secret identity, he falls first, one bed/one horse, forced proximity/reluctant allies
Blood and Roses is the second book in the Enchanted Hearts series, based on the snow white fairytale. Similar to the first in the series, these are short, easy reads with great plot and an interesting overall story arc.
Isolde was an intelligent, brave fmc who will take care of everyone but herself. I thought her blood magic abilities were really creative and interesting, especially with her use of poisons. Rowan felt like a pretty cookie cutter mmc to me. There was really not a lot of development of his character compared to the other novella on the series. The twist about his identity was pretty obvious, but the story was still very enjoyable.
I enjoyed Gold and Shadow a little bit more as the focus was more on the relationship growing between lis and orson. It seems that there is quite a bit of setup happening for the other books in the series and I'm really looking forward to seeing where the story goes! Overall, if you are looking for a short fantasy read with a good storyline and some spice, this is a great series to read!
2.5/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tropes: fairy tale retelling, secret identity, he falls first, one bed/one horse, forced proximity/reluctant allies
Blood and Roses is the second book in the Enchanted Hearts series, based on the snow white fairytale. Similar to the first in the series, these are short, easy reads with great plot and an interesting overall story arc.
Isolde was an intelligent, brave fmc who will take care of everyone but herself. I thought her blood magic abilities were really creative and interesting, especially with her use of poisons. Rowan felt like a pretty cookie cutter mmc to me. There was really not a lot of development of his character compared to the other novella on the series. The twist about his identity was pretty obvious, but the story was still very enjoyable.
I enjoyed Gold and Shadow a little bit more as the focus was more on the relationship growing between lis and orson. It seems that there is quite a bit of setup happening for the other books in the series and I'm really looking forward to seeing where the story goes! Overall, if you are looking for a short fantasy read with a good storyline and some spice, this is a great series to read!
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