Of Dreams and Poison: The Dragon and The Devouring Tree Part 1

Happily Ever After Dark #2

by Darva Green

"It was always meant to be a tale of the dragon and the devouring tree..."
Sleeping Beauty meets Robin Hood in the first book of this high-heat sapphic dark romantasy duology.

Rosemary
Three years ago I was freed from the jailer’s cart and sentenced to a lifetime of servitude at the Briar Apothecary, located at the edge of a forest filled with devouring trees. I spend my days blending herbal remedies for my mistress and concocting poisonous treats to weed out her enemies.
I've learned firsthand that the prince isn’t the hero the rebellion wants him to be. His careless bet invites danger to my doorstep, but it turns out a bit of danger is exactly what I need. Now I’m falling for a woman willing to be ruthless for me. The only problem is I’ll have to betray her to free my godmothers from the Ivy Keep.
Can I break my own heart to save my family?

Carabosse
The little witch must have cast a spell on me. The job was supposed to be easy. Get the dragon eggs and be discreet. Take care of any loose ends and leave a message for the brat prince who dared to steal from the Dragon Valley.
But I never expected to feel this warmth in my chest until I laid eyes on her.
I've served my queen for twenty years, helping her rise to power in this realm after escaping Faerie. I'm blood-sworn to put her above all else, but now I'm questioning everything.
And I'll do anything to get sweet Rosemary to safety, even if there's no chance of a happy ending for me.
Can I break an oath to uphold a vow?

**The Happily Ever After Dark series collects dark fairytale retellings. Each separate story is a standalone or a part of a duology. **

This book contains elements fit for an 18+ audience.

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Romance, Queer, LGBT, Retellings, Magic

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2025

Reviews

[Jes · Rating 5 out of 5]

speech. less.

PERFECTION FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. I was so scared to read the ending but completely feral to know more. Waiting for part 2 is going to be agony in the best way

[Kathryn Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

First note! This ends on a cliffhanger! Because this is a duology the pacing for this is perfect. I didn’t go into this knowing it was a duology which is why i think it’s important to clarify that IT IS! Because if I didn’t know the pacing would’ve felt so off.

The one sided mate bond (which is explained) is everything you want in a mate bond. As a fantasy reader mating bonds are my favorite and this was a great one. Especially because Rosemary can’t/doesn’t (maybe) feel that bond in the way Carabosse does.

The writing is always on point with Darva Green but I need to add emphasis on you have to be paying attention! No skimming. The first chapter felt very easy to follow and then i got confused… after some clarification though it made sense.

I am so excited for book two. I need all the knowledge. And i waited since the announcement for this book so I’m so glad it held up!

[Lady Olenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Of Dreams and Poison by Darva Green is what I hope and look for in every witchy, magical fantasy book I read. I was so sated after finishing the book. It hit all the right spots just right, no more no less.

The balance between the characters’ personalities was what did it for me I guess? In general they were both balanced because every chapter was a give and take between who has the upper hand which made the read more interesting.

Aside from the very cool magical abilities they possess, the sex scenes were also very hot yet sweet. So it’s like a win win win situation for me.

Darva Green is one of my auto-buy writers and she’s proven time and again why. Of Dreams and Poison has the right blend of slow burn, magical, very hot sex scenes and resisting oppression. In my opinion, it was written well and I’m obsessed with Carabosse. Book 2, I got my eye on you and know that I am feral for you.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. I need book 2, like, right now🥹

(Review coming soon)

[annabelle ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi friends, don’t ask me if I’m okay because the answer is no ✨

I have consumed 5 Darva Green books this week.
Every book was easily 5 stars. I don’t even have a rating system but I know I will likely read these books multiple times and I have never felt that way about any book.
Dreamers & Demons series? Fantastic. Beautiful. Absolutely obsessed. Give me like 10 more of them.
Of Tides and Snow? Retelling of a Disney princess? Witchy and Pirates? Touch her and die? PLEASE. Obsessed.
….
This book??? This book is everything I needed. Witches, Fae, and Dragons!!! But that CLIFFHANGER?? I don’t even have the words to properly express my love for this book and the sadness I feel after this cliffhanger. My therapist will be hearing about this.
…
Anyways, 10/10. Absolutely read. Anything she puts down? I’m reading and buying. 💖💖💖

[Unpopmary · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 ⭐

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had all the best parts of a romantasy - morally gray mc, fated mates, shadow wielding, dragons, delicious spice, AND it’s sapphic !!!!!

I can’t wait to read the sequel - Darva Green is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

[Bethanys_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey love this I cannot wait for the second book. To hold me over I think I’ll read some more books by Darva Green because I cannot get over her sapphic monster series. All of her psychic books are the perfect amount of fantasy with the perfect amount of monster Spice and I just love it. You have a witch that doesn’t know where she came from and a wraith that thinks she has no soulmate anymore because her queen told her that, but really she finds her soulmate and oh my it’s just plot twist and adventure and spice and it’s the right amount of everything . like between Rosemary, getting these dragon eggs and becoming a dragon, mom and the wife of a wraith like mine blown from the beginning to the end it is just a story that you need to read, and it leaves off with such a perfect like you go girl the next book is gonna be all about these two. Let’s see it like I cannot wait to read book 2 and tell you all about my opinion there. every book by this woman just amazes me story after story I love this author and will always recommend her to anyone who likes sapphic fantasy

[TJ Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, this ends on a cliffhanger. It’s the first book in a duology. My main feelings here is, meh. The beginning is hard to follow but becomes easier when it switches to Rosemary’s point of view. I wanted to like this and I appreciated all the fairytale callbacks (but with a twist) but I didn’t really like the 2 mains nor feel their connection. Also, the constant not communicating was annoying AF. So many secrets and for what? Sadly, I won’t be picking up the second book.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling

Dangers lie ahead in perilous journey of the unknown. Wanting to save the people who have loved and raised her. Decision have been made to secure their safety but on the way, also led her to her mate. Will she be able to find a way towards her happily ever after?

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down!

Excellent world building. The MCs have great chemistry and there’s plenty of spice. Can’t wait to read part 2 and see what happens next!!

[O T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every minute and every page! My only problem is that I read the book the second it got out and now I have to wait impatiently for part 2.

[Cari Resh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. This. Book! Sapphic Sleeping Beauty / Robin Hood retelling. It has everything I wanted in a book. Witches. Shadow mommy. Magic. Dragons! Come on! What else do you need?

Rosemary. She is a witch and she is determined to free her theee godmothers from the Ivy Keep (witches jail). I love her. There is more to her than meets the eye and I love that. She takes everything in stride while never giving up hope.

Caraboss! She’s my favorite. Fae. Wraith. Shadow mommy. Yes, please. 🥵 When she meets Rosemary on a mission for dragon eggs for her queen, she knows she’s special. 😍 I loved Caraboss’ POVs the most. Being inside her head, knowing her true feelings and how much she’s holding back? Ughhhhh LOVE.

This book was jam packed with action, adventure, intrigue, magic, dragons!, and drama drama drama! I could not put it down and I am IMPATIENTLY waiting for the next!

Read. It.

PS: one of my favorite things? The things Caraboss does with her shadows?!? 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

[Jae Alistar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am weak for a fairy tale retelling and Darva Green does not disappoint. Of Dreams and Poison expertly blends the timeless enchantment of Sleeping Beauty with the rebellious spirit of Robin Hood. We get magic, witches, fae, dragons, and political scheming. Before I knew it, I was completely hooked on this world, the women trying to survive it, and everything else this story had to offer.

Carabosse has spent her life defined by duty and unwavering loyalty, only to find herself questioning everything she believed to be true as long-buried truths begin to surface. Watching her slowly unravel everything she thought she knew was completely captivating. Beneath her guarded darkness is someone yearning for the chance to choose her own future instead of simply fulfilling the one she's been sworn into. Rosemary comes in and challenges everything. Kind-hearted yet quietly fearless, her power comes from her compassion, determination, and refusal to stop fighting for what she believes is right. She carries this warmth and hopefulness into a world that keeps giving her reasons to lose both. At the same time, she can't ignore the growing pull toward the very darkness she was never supposed to trust.

Their rotating dual perspectives reveal just how completely they've begun to consume each other's thoughts. It's fascinating watching both women believe they're maintaining control while steadily surrendering pieces of their hearts instead. Their relationship is beautifully paced from the very beginning. The banter is witty, the emotional vulnerability develops naturally, and their growing trust makes every moment of tenderness land that much harder. By the time the romance fully blossoms, the chemistry is undeniable. Every conversation, sacrifice, and choice builds a foundation that's impossible not to believe in. The spice strikes a delicious balance between steamy and sweet, never overshadowing the emotional connections that make them so meaningful.

There was so much to discover in this world and the more I learned about it, the more I wanted to uncover. Green creates a rich fantasy landscape filled with twisted monarchies, political manipulation, unreliable histories, ancient magic, and creatures that make the world feel wonderfully alive. Despite its complexity, everything feels immersive without ever becoming overwhelming, allowing the story to unfold vividly and naturally. Every revelation left me questioning what is true, what's been manipulated, and what other secrets are still waiting beneath the surface.

Sophie Hunter Scott delivers another exceptional narration that perfectly captures the contrast between these two women. Rosemary's gentle warmth contrasts perfectly against Carabosse's cool, weathered edge, making each perspective feel immediately distinct. Scott never loses sight of the emotional core of either character. Every quiet moment of vulnerability, every flicker of longing, and every shift in their growing connection feels authentic, allowing their emotions to flow as naturally through the performance as they do on the page.

Overall, Of Dreams and Poison is exactly the kind of fantasy I love getting lost in. Darva Green delivers a story filled with fairy tale magic, layered political intrigue, unforgettable characters, and a romance that feels both beautifully tender and undeniably steamy. This story creates a world that's easy to get swept away in while still leaving plenty of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. If you love fairy tale retellings, sapphic fantasy, and romances built on tension, trust, and impossible choices, this series as a whole has it all. I was completely enchanted by this story and cannot wait to see where Green takes me next!

Favorite Quotes:
“Attraction has always been random for me. I'm drawn to certain energies, and this woman's charisma is like a magnet. A shiver of dark curiosity runs through me.”

“It would take time and patience to earn her trust. I think I'd like that, to gain her love fairly. To make her want me. I'd wait forever if I had the opportunity to.”

“I want to keep being with you even though we’ll be apart. And when I finish my work, I’m going to come back for you.”

“I’d catapult just about anyone into the sun for you.”

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I generally love Darva Green, but this one didn’t capture me as much as others. I did like it. Don’t get me wrong. But I especially loved Of Tides and Snow, so some comparison is at play.

It’s hard with it being in the same series as that and having the same audiobook narrator who’s using the same voices for the leads as she did for Of Tides and Snow. I kept wanting it to be those MCs instead and it just wasn’t. This was also an issue with Darva’s other series (she came… series) - different narrator than this series but one who still did all three books with similar MC voices.

I was also just really hyping this up. I’ve listened to the first twice and maybe just set my expectations too high.

And… this book does have plentiful spice because it’s Darva Green, but keep in mind that it’s got the least amount of her books. That still means it’s more than the average sapphic romance but it’s not like every couple chapters per her usual MO. I also just wasn’t that compelled by it bc I wasn’t as attached to the characters.

All of this could be because I didn’t pay enough attention to some of the groundwork. Some other reviewers said there was some import stuff and I admit that when it came to her godmothers and her whole conflict I kinda was lost and kept waiting for a better explanation. So maybe that’s my bad; but I just wanted a bit more. Hopefully the second in the duology will offer some of that for me. Maybe I’ll re-listen before it since it will prob be a bit of time until it’s available on audiobook.

3.5 rounded up to 4. I hate doing that but it just is my honest opinion!

Ps. No rabbit vibrators mentioned. That’s a first hahah

[Subira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy | Sapphic Romance | Political Intrigue

Lollishire never knew peace was borrowed.

This fantasy novel dives headfirst into a richly woven world of goddesses, dragon eggs, and twisted monarchies, where reality sneaks into the magic with striking familiarity. Political manipulation, mythological echoes, and conflicting versions of history shape a narrative where truth is slippery and power always comes at a cost.

Despite a few “did-that-just-happen” moments—curtainless windows, impromptu break-ins, and intense insta-lust—the story pulls you in with its fierce characters and sharp banter. Rose and Cara’s romance is chaotic, steamy, and surprisingly tender, with shadow magic doing far more than fighting (yes, in that way too).

At its heart, this is a sapphic epic about love, betrayal, and forgotten gods. The cliffhanger ending will leave you groaning—and pre-ordering book two, Of Thorns and Wings, the moment it drops.

[Hunter Athena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been searching for sapphic books featuring dragon riders and this one was suggested to me, and wow am I ever grateful it was. This book was exactly what I was looking for! The fantasy is lovely yet still accessible which can be great for those who don’t generally veer towards fantasy to easily get into this book. The writing was good and definitely draws you into the story, it’s very action packed and I absolutely adored how much dragon riding actually happens within the story. The chemistry between the two main characters was fun and believable, I especially loved their banter with each other. It does take quite a bit of build up before we get any spice, however once it starts it does not stop. I can already say I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel to see how the loose ends are tied up!

[Candace Aresfury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this and am definitely looking forward to the second book, but I will say I wish this book had a map. Some of the descriptions of the woods and the layout of the towns were very confusing. I couldn’t tell where the towns ended and the woods began or which woods were the dangerous one…it seemed to stretch everywhere? But yet there’s a boundary you can’t cross but Rosemary makes it through but then is back in the kings city? She was thrown out of the grounds…are the woods in the middle of the kingdom? I ended up glazing over that part because I was into the story. Also, dragons…love dragons and now Rose has two, I hope we get to know more about them and their bond to her.

[Madds · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. I really enjoyed the writing style and storytelling. The author does a good job with world building however the pacing is realllly slow in the beginning. It doesn’t get super exciting until the second half of the book. I think this would’ve been better if the second half was a better chunk of the book, and it would also give room for Thea and Nylah’s character development. They’re small characters but clearly play significant roles that would’ve been more impactful if we had more time with them. Not a super spicy book either but it does get steamy!

I did really like it though and am definitely reading part two 👏🏼

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

get a tissue box

Absolutely loved this book. I’ve read a few other of darva greens books, and this one by far is my favorite. I love the way the rosemary and carabosse entertwine with each other. The angst, the love, the fear. It’s a wonderful written book, and oh the spice is spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. I love that it’s not a slow burn but doesn’t just jump right in. I can’t wait for book 2!

[Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO SO good. Initially I thought it was a little slow to start, it took a couple times of reading the beginning to understand what was going on. Once it clicked and I started reading it, I was completely captivated. The depth of each character is so well written, and feeds into the story perfectly. I love the steam between the two FMC’s. It was a perfect mix of fantasy, romance and just fun to read.

[Terpretor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. The chemistry between Carabosse and Rosemary was incredible. I loved how their romance naturally developed and didn’t feel rushed despite being mates.

The plot was also enticing. The back and forth between the 3 sides of the war was well explained throughout the book. I’m itching to know what happens next. Hate King Stefan and Mal, love Sun and Moon.

[mrs dawn myers-ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC

This is a fantastic captivating storyline. Excellent writing that had me hooked, I was reeled in with this delightful fantasy.
Loved it. 💖
I definitely recommend this exciting, frightening and beautiful story.

[JLK · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED the characters. Wraith, witch. Lots of spice and yearning and enemies to lovers sort of. Lots of good revenge as well.

Fated mates, overprotective lover, touch her and die vibes.

Great sapphic read and the author is fantastic in all of her fairy tale retellings!

[Sweetpea4me · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has a unique combo of Sleeping Beauty meets Robin Hood. It's not as much twisted as it is dark. I usually don't care for sapphic, but this worked. There's a devouring forest, dragons, witches, apothecary, and a friggin shadow MOMMA. oh what those shadows can do!

[Shazh76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Great fantasy x romance. Fated mates and an evil queen. It has everything….drama…..spice….thrilling. Can’t wait for the next book please

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[peaches · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 4.

[maela ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

[Meghan Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ouuuuuf I am into this