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Until the Last Petal Falls
Cosy, sweet, and intimate, Until the Last Petal Falls is a character-driven Nigerian queerplatonic retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
When Eru was eleven years old, he met an unforgettable boy.
Only a few weeks after, he forgot all about that boy.
Ten years later, after his parents’ sudden deaths, all Eru wants is to find a way out of the village he was supposed to leave behind, and escape the abuse of his grieving grandmother. When he receives a summons from Able Mummy, the wife of the High Chief, it seems all of his prayers have been answered.
Able Mummy needs his help. But she and the High Chief have a secret.
Once Eru uncovers the truth, he finds that the fate of the village, and that of the boy he’d been made to forget, could lie solely in his hands.
When Eru was eleven years old, he met an unforgettable boy.
Only a few weeks after, he forgot all about that boy.
Ten years later, after his parents’ sudden deaths, all Eru wants is to find a way out of the village he was supposed to leave behind, and escape the abuse of his grieving grandmother. When he receives a summons from Able Mummy, the wife of the High Chief, it seems all of his prayers have been answered.
Able Mummy needs his help. But she and the High Chief have a secret.
Once Eru uncovers the truth, he finds that the fate of the village, and that of the boy he’d been made to forget, could lie solely in his hands.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2024
16 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Viano Oniomoh
12 books478 followersViano Oniomoh is a passionate reader and writer, who was born and raised in Nigeria. She spends fifty percent of her time writing, forty percent reading, and the other ten listening to BTS. She may or may not use magic to get everything else in her life done. She also has no idea how to write about herself in the third person.
Find more about her at vianooniomoh.com
You can also connect with her on social media:
Viano Oniomoh on Facebook
@vianoniomoh on Twitter
and @vianoniomoh on Instagram.
Find more about her at vianooniomoh.com
You can also connect with her on social media:
Viano Oniomoh on Facebook
@vianoniomoh on Twitter
and @vianoniomoh on Instagram.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 27, 2024
I always want more queerplatonic stories, and it being a Beauty and the Beast retelling had me even more excited, because it's a story I love so much. And this is definitely a new comfort read for me. I immediately cared so deeply for the characters, and my aroace heart feels full seeing these two aroace men find queerplatonic love with each other and become life partners. I know I will be rereading this a lot!
October 29, 2024
I flew through this. Any chance I had I was reading a page or two and loving every second of it.
As an aroace who is still looking for what type of partner they may want, if any, I kinda lived for these two aroace men finding themselves through friendship and eventually platonic partnership.
Beauty and the beast is not one of my favorite Disney movies because of the problematic parts but this one twists all of it on its head and gives us such a hopeful and heartwarming story.
I can't express how much joy this book brought to me and I can't wait for others to enjoy it as well.
Two Black aroace men MCs, set in Nigeria, QPR
As an aroace who is still looking for what type of partner they may want, if any, I kinda lived for these two aroace men finding themselves through friendship and eventually platonic partnership.
Beauty and the beast is not one of my favorite Disney movies because of the problematic parts but this one twists all of it on its head and gives us such a hopeful and heartwarming story.
I can't express how much joy this book brought to me and I can't wait for others to enjoy it as well.
Two Black aroace men MCs, set in Nigeria, QPR
June 7, 2025
Eru is the friend everyone needs in their life. He was tender hearted and pushy when needs be. Esioghene was sweet and lonely. They both needed each other and the unconditional acceptance of their queer platonic relationship. I loved the depth of emotion I was pulled into in such a short book and the way extremely difficult themes, like abuse, were handled.
Triggers: abuse, isolation, threat of death, curse, threat of houselessness, grief from parent death
Triggers: abuse, isolation, threat of death, curse, threat of houselessness, grief from parent death
November 12, 2024
From Viano Oniomoh in the acknowledgments:
As an aroace girly myself, this book means absolutely everything to me. It felt so freeing to write a queerplatonic relationship that was this warm and loving and intense and full of yearning, because some people seem to think asexuality/aromantic = less emotionally charged—or less emotional, period—which I wanted to combat. I hope I succeeded.
From my demi/ace perspective Oniomoh definitely succeeded. I loved Until the Last Petal Falls. It was really lovely. And honestly, maybe I don’t understand what romance is because I found the story to be sweetly romantic or maybe just my idea of romantic anyway. In any case, it touched and deeply resonated with my ace heart 🖤🩶🤍💜
As an aroace girly myself, this book means absolutely everything to me. It felt so freeing to write a queerplatonic relationship that was this warm and loving and intense and full of yearning, because some people seem to think asexuality/aromantic = less emotionally charged—or less emotional, period—which I wanted to combat. I hope I succeeded.
From my demi/ace perspective Oniomoh definitely succeeded. I loved Until the Last Petal Falls. It was really lovely. And honestly, maybe I don’t understand what romance is because I found the story to be sweetly romantic or maybe just my idea of romantic anyway. In any case, it touched and deeply resonated with my ace heart 🖤🩶🤍💜
November 11, 2024
This was beautiful and aching and such a heartfelt reimagining of Beauty and the Beast. It gives us a queer platonic love that is not often seen in romance, but is very much appreciated as a reminder that there are many forms of loving another, and that they are all valid. That you can find solace and comfort in another in your own way, and realize that you are not what others would seem you to be. You can be yourself and still loved.
December 21, 2024
This didn't work for me in the slightest. For me to get invested in any type of fictional relationship, including a queerplatonic one like Eru and Esioghene develop, I need to be able to see why characters work together and why they end up bonding. None of that was included on-page in this novella, so I ended up not caring about anything that happened in it.
June 6, 2025
Excellent Beauty and the Beast retelling! I’m also starting to warm up to novellas this year it seems.
The first book I’ve read with a queer platonic story and it was so charming and cute!
The first book I’ve read with a queer platonic story and it was so charming and cute!
November 30, 2024
5 stars
I really think it is impossible at this point for Viano Oniomoh to write something that I won't love. This was so perfect. I haven't seen very many aro/ace stories or queerplatonic stories. This just made me so happy. And it's a Beauty And The Beast retelling without being problematic, and it's queer? Yes, please! Eru and Esioghene's story was so sweet and beautiful. This story is short, but it's full of so much emotion, and Viano manages to provide believable character and relationship development along the way. I fell in love with everything about this story so quickly and easily. I'm beginning to think Viano is a witch and just can't write horrible stories. I love this story so much, and I love Viano for creating it.
I really think it is impossible at this point for Viano Oniomoh to write something that I won't love. This was so perfect. I haven't seen very many aro/ace stories or queerplatonic stories. This just made me so happy. And it's a Beauty And The Beast retelling without being problematic, and it's queer? Yes, please! Eru and Esioghene's story was so sweet and beautiful. This story is short, but it's full of so much emotion, and Viano manages to provide believable character and relationship development along the way. I fell in love with everything about this story so quickly and easily. I'm beginning to think Viano is a witch and just can't write horrible stories. I love this story so much, and I love Viano for creating it.
August 15, 2025
2025 reread - still a joy
1st review, 2024:
what a goddamn delight of a book.
1st review, 2024:
what a goddamn delight of a book.
April 29, 2025
5 stars
Okay. I'm going to need to start straight up buying anything Viano Oniomoh writes because good god this is wonderful.
The way queer platonic relationships where handled in this??!??!! The best portrayal I've ever seen. Hands down, one hundred percent. I also just felt strongly for all of these characters, which is crazy because this book is 150pgs, I barely know these guys but I was fiercely loving and hating. I think Viano Oniomoh is secretly magic or is living in my walls bc how is she writing what I didn't know I needed? I need to throw money at her asap.
Okay. I'm going to need to start straight up buying anything Viano Oniomoh writes because good god this is wonderful.
The way queer platonic relationships where handled in this??!??!! The best portrayal I've ever seen. Hands down, one hundred percent. I also just felt strongly for all of these characters, which is crazy because this book is 150pgs, I barely know these guys but I was fiercely loving and hating. I think Viano Oniomoh is secretly magic or is living in my walls bc how is she writing what I didn't know I needed? I need to throw money at her asap.
February 27, 2025
3.75 stars
As a smut addict, I found this platonic love story refreshing to read. Eru and Esioghene are just so damn cute together. I could have used a full-length novel to flesh out their characters more. The connection they had itself was fine, but I didn't really buy into the reunion in adulthood.
As a smut addict, I found this platonic love story refreshing to read. Eru and Esioghene are just so damn cute together. I could have used a full-length novel to flesh out their characters more. The connection they had itself was fine, but I didn't really buy into the reunion in adulthood.
November 24, 2024
Man, this is my favorite Viano Oniomoh novella but like…I love all of her work so who’s surprised?
Aroace is not represented enough in romance novels and VO was like “what if I fill that gap, make it queer, and let the Beast stay a beast”. Which is all a win in my book. We’ve got the teeny tiniest found family, an achingly sweet platonic queer relationship, and two very lonely people finding each other again against all odds. It’s previous and so beautifully written.
But also! The shitty parents stay shitty and aren’t forgiven! We love to see it! We aren’t making excuses for our abusers and are cutting them off! The relationship is tender and shows the spectrum of aroace and how intimacy isn’t just sexual!
This is one of my favorite reads of the year. 10/10. Absolutely no notes. I’d follow Viano Oniomoh over a cliff. 😌
Aroace is not represented enough in romance novels and VO was like “what if I fill that gap, make it queer, and let the Beast stay a beast”. Which is all a win in my book. We’ve got the teeny tiniest found family, an achingly sweet platonic queer relationship, and two very lonely people finding each other again against all odds. It’s previous and so beautifully written.
But also! The shitty parents stay shitty and aren’t forgiven! We love to see it! We aren’t making excuses for our abusers and are cutting them off! The relationship is tender and shows the spectrum of aroace and how intimacy isn’t just sexual!
This is one of my favorite reads of the year. 10/10. Absolutely no notes. I’d follow Viano Oniomoh over a cliff. 😌
June 11, 2025
Delightful. Love the story, the characters, the complexity of the backstory for the “beast” and the curse. Viano Oniomoh’s talent shines in every word.
October 25, 2024
Viano might as well be my comfort author atp. Review to come
June 23, 2025
Until the Last Petal Falls is a cozy standalone story by author Viano Oniomoh. Here's what you can expect from Eru and Esioghene:
🌹 MM queerplatonic story
🌹 Third person dual point of view
🌹 Guaranteed happily ever after
🌹 Queerplatonic retelling of Beauty & the Beast
🌹 Aromantic and asexual representation
🌹 Novella length
Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this story is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
This book was just so beautiful, and it made my arospec heart ridiculously happy. I've been so impressed with Viano's work in the past, and Until the Last Petal Falls is no exception. She is such a gifted storyteller, and I think her queerplatonic retelling of Beauty & the Beast was lovely. There's a lot of magical and fantasy elements in this story, including curses and blood bonds, but I felt the author did a great job at ensuring enough background context was given to follow the storyline. I also appreciated the pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book, as it really enhanced my understanding of the story. You'll definitely find yourself rooting for Eru and Esioghene and the unique bond they share. Their happily ever after was beautiful, and it is a great example how romantic love shouldn't and doesn't trump other types of love. When Esioghene held Eru as he cried and mourned for his parents, their feelings just came through the page so perfectly and at that moment, I knew I would die for those characters.
I devoured this cozy book in one sitting, and I know it's something I'll come back to read in the future when I need a comfort re-read. Amazing job, Viano!
🌹 MM queerplatonic story
🌹 Third person dual point of view
🌹 Guaranteed happily ever after
🌹 Queerplatonic retelling of Beauty & the Beast
🌹 Aromantic and asexual representation
🌹 Novella length
Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this story is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
This book was just so beautiful, and it made my arospec heart ridiculously happy. I've been so impressed with Viano's work in the past, and Until the Last Petal Falls is no exception. She is such a gifted storyteller, and I think her queerplatonic retelling of Beauty & the Beast was lovely. There's a lot of magical and fantasy elements in this story, including curses and blood bonds, but I felt the author did a great job at ensuring enough background context was given to follow the storyline. I also appreciated the pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book, as it really enhanced my understanding of the story. You'll definitely find yourself rooting for Eru and Esioghene and the unique bond they share. Their happily ever after was beautiful, and it is a great example how romantic love shouldn't and doesn't trump other types of love. When Esioghene held Eru as he cried and mourned for his parents, their feelings just came through the page so perfectly and at that moment, I knew I would die for those characters.
I devoured this cozy book in one sitting, and I know it's something I'll come back to read in the future when I need a comfort re-read. Amazing job, Viano!
March 1, 2025
Better in concept than execution
I was immediately interested in this book based on the premise. An aroace Beauty & the Beast retelling with an explicit QPR? And that cover? Sign me up!
Alas, this worked better for me in concept than it did in execution. It felt cheesy, on-the-nose, and forced. And I don’t think the novella length did the story any favors.
It’s cute, and I didn’t hate it, which is about the best I can say for it.
I was immediately interested in this book based on the premise. An aroace Beauty & the Beast retelling with an explicit QPR? And that cover? Sign me up!
Alas, this worked better for me in concept than it did in execution. It felt cheesy, on-the-nose, and forced. And I don’t think the novella length did the story any favors.
It’s cute, and I didn’t hate it, which is about the best I can say for it.
June 15, 2025
I loved this. The found family elements with Mama Edna really warmed my heart, especially with the theme of family being who you choose in this book. I also loved the author's exploration of a queer platonic relationship with Eru and Esioghene, as QPRs are not something I am very acquainted with as a reader. Though this book does deal with some heavy themes, it is overall a very heartwarming read and one I would highly recommend.
October 23, 2024
Honestly, at this point, I don't think Viano could write anything that I wouldn't fall in love with.
This was such a sweet story and that made me so happy. It warmed my heart and soul, it was so wonderful to read such a beautiful exploration of an aroace queerplatonic relationship.
Now I have to go back and re-read all of Viano's other books.
This was such a sweet story and that made me so happy. It warmed my heart and soul, it was so wonderful to read such a beautiful exploration of an aroace queerplatonic relationship.
Now I have to go back and re-read all of Viano's other books.
October 30, 2024
This was almost everything I’d been wanting to find in a retelling, esp for Beauty & the Beast or Mulan retelling. I’m so beyond happy this exists and to see the love between the Eru and Esioghene. I love the way they handled the curse in the end. And I’m so thrilled by this kind of aroace and queer platonic rep.
November 30, 2025
A nice and cute read. And I loved the aromantic and asexual rep!
The Nigeria setting was also great. It really felt like you were there.
I admit, at some point I was afraid it was going to have a bad ending but thankfully, it didn't happen.
So if you are looking for something cute with a happy ending, this book is for you :)
The Nigeria setting was also great. It really felt like you were there.
I admit, at some point I was afraid it was going to have a bad ending but thankfully, it didn't happen.
So if you are looking for something cute with a happy ending, this book is for you :)
November 1, 2024
My partner and I read this book together and it was real sweet. They rated it 5/5 I rated it 4/5. It was sweet, it was cozy, it did everything it said it would on the tin. I recommend it to someone wanting a sweet story with a lil bit of yearning and friendship!
featured
January 27, 2025Eru from Until the Last Petal Falls is aromantic asexual!
Esioghene from Until the Last Petal Falls is aromantic asexual!
https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...
Esioghene from Until the Last Petal Falls is aromantic asexual!
https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...
February 27, 2025
Just an absolutely lovely twist on the original, and everything my lil' aroace heart could dream !
This is my second book by Viano Oniomoh, and I'm looking forward to picking up the rest of her backlist as well as future works <3
This is my second book by Viano Oniomoh, and I'm looking forward to picking up the rest of her backlist as well as future works <3
August 26, 2025
This was such a refreshing take on a classic story. Very occasionally there were bits of writing that were stilted but it's hard to make certain discussions sound natural in a fantasy, but that was about the only problem I had. Otherwise, absolutely perfect.
October 24, 2024
Cute! Sweet! Gay! Perfect in every way!
There's blushing, there's a cool curse, there's kindness, there's no reconciliation with abusive parents, there's queerplatonic love, read immediately
There's blushing, there's a cool curse, there's kindness, there's no reconciliation with abusive parents, there's queerplatonic love, read immediately
October 29, 2024
4.25⭐ (rounded off)
June 1, 2025
Super sweet, quick read.
August 1, 2025
very sweet
November 12, 2025
Sweet, emotional, a beautiful aroace love story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews