Viridia

by Vera Queen, Fiona Gatsu (Editor)

He lives in a palace. She scrubs his floors. She was never supposed to touch anything that wasn’t hers–including him.
Viridia Teva was hired to clean the Kensington estate–not to disrupt it. But from the moment she walks in, she becomes a problem for her boss Blaise Kensington: too sharp, too defiant, and far too tempting for a man born into legacy.
Their first clash ends in an unforgettable challenge. Their second…into something more reckless.
But Viridia knows exactly what drove her to the elite part of London in the first place and knows too well that all that glitters isn’t gold.
Falling for Viridia’s impeccable allure comes easy for the prince of a fintech dynasty. But when a mysterious letter from Viridia’s past resurfaces, it shakes the very foundations of everything Blaise believes about loyalty, bloodlines, and the lies power is built on.
She’s the woman who shouldn’t be in his world. He’s the man that can’t stay out of her bed. Now secrets are unravelling faster than clothes being ripped. Carefully woven lies are smoother than the silk sheets they’re tangled in. It’s only a matter of time before everything ignites. A scorching billionaire romance where status is power, passion is betrayal, and some lines were never meant to be crossed…no matter how tempting.

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2025

Reviews

[PlotTwistQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word…unputdownable! I’ve seen posts that the author posted on this being a modern day re-telling of Cinderella and boy was it clever! Please read this y’all…highly recommended. I’m so thankful for receiving this as an arc copy.

[Cassandra Courchesne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstandingly beautiful ❤️❤️

Vera has created a beautiful story, I started this book with an open mind as I’m not huge on 3rd person point of view, but all that aside it was a beautiful story. Blaise and Viridia’s love is a slow start but beautiful all the same the Plot Twist got me, I definitely didn’t see it coming that’s for sure. I laughed, I cried , I got angry, all things that made reading this book amazing. It was emotional roller coaster of grief and revenge, of love and loss and family ties.

There is some spice in the book ❤️

All in all I enjoyed ARC reading this love authors first book 📖

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: Viridia by Vera Queen

💎 Overview
Vera Queen’s Viridia (released April 30, 2025) is a high-stakes, luxuriously crafted billionaire romance suspense that plunges readers into a world of opulence, danger, and irresistible attraction. When a fiercely independent protagonist crosses paths with a enigmatic billionaire whose empire hides dark secrets, their explosive chemistry becomes a battleground of trust and deception. Queen masterfully balances steamy romance with razor-sharp suspense, delivering a page-turner that glitters with glamour and thrills.

✨ Key Strengths
💰 Lavish World-Building – From penthouse suites to shadowy boardrooms, the settings drip with decadence and intrigue.
🔥 Sizzling Chemistry – The central romance crackles with tension, blending passion with psychological depth.
⚡ Pacing & Plot Twists – A tightly wound narrative that keeps readers guessing until the final reveal.
🖤 Complex Antagonist – The billionaire’s morally gray persona adds layers to the classic romance trope.

⚠️ Considerations
🌶️ Trope Reliance – Familiar billionaire romance beats may feel predictable to genre veterans.
🔍 Suspense vs. Romance – At times, the thriller elements overshadow character development.

⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice → ★★★★ (4/5) (Diamonds and daggers in every sentence.)
💘 Romantic Tension → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🕵️ Suspense Execution → ★★★★ (4/5)
🔄 Originality → ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Overall: ★★★★ (4/5)
A gilded cage of desire and danger—you’ll fight to escape it, but never want to leave.

🎯 Perfect For Fans Of
📚 The Spanish Love Deception meets Fifty Shades with a suspenseful twist
💎 High-gloss romance with a side of danger
👑 Vera Queen’s signature blend of emotional intensity and plot-driven drama

🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Vera Queen for the advance copy. Viridia is a seductive escape into a world where love and power collide—with unforgettable consequences.

(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; subject to change before publication.)

[Mary Harrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viridia felt less like a book and more like a hidden door I stumbled through on an ordinary afternoon. From the first chapter, Vera Queen pulls you into a world that hums with emerald light and quiet danger. I found myself trailing the protagonist as if an unseen companion.

What struck me most was how each twist arrived like a whispered secret. Characters didn’t simply appear; they emerged, shaped by the land itself, carrying motives as tangled and vibrant as Viridia’s vines. By the time the story reached its final crescendo, I realized I’d been holding my breath, utterly caught in its spell.

It’s a novel that doesn’t just tell a story—it invites you to wander, to listen, and to believe in worlds that bloom just beyond sight.

Even though Viridia closes on a heavy note—where loss, uncertainty, or sacrifice may leave the world dimmed for a moment—there’s an unmistakable current of hope running beneath it. The struggles the characters face don’t erase what they’ve built; instead, they reveal just how deeply their choices matter. The ending reminds you that even when a path closes, the roots of change have already taken hold, quietly preparing for renewal.

It’s the kind of finish that nudges you to look beyond the sadness and recognize the quiet victories: the courage earned, the bonds forged, the wisdom gained. The story may bow out in shadow, but it also hands you a lantern—an invitation to believe that healing begins in the dark and that the next chapter, though unwritten, holds every possibility of light, love and happiness.

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viridia is a billionaire, slow burn, Cinderella retelling set in the UK. Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of her book to read and review.

I will start out saying I see a lot of promise with Vera's writing, but I did have a few issues. At first, I struggled with the 3rd person POV and how it was written speaking to the reader in spots but eventually I got used to her writing style. It took me a while to get into the story and I thought the pacing was a little slow in the middle. I did feel like this could have been a little shorter since some things were drawn out and repetitive.

I did love the hero and heroine and could feel their chemistry. Blaise was such a sweet cinnamon roll hero and I loved how devoted he was to Viridia.

One of my issues was the OTT villainous female characters. Almost every other female was written as a villain. I just don't enjoy when authors make all other women out to be horrible, vapid, selfish characters. I want to see some good women in my books and I hate seeing women who blame other women for SA or SA attempt. I also thought the reveal of the bad guys was pretty obvious and they were written like mustache twirling villains.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern Cinderella retelling? Yes please—and Viridia delivers it with secrets, scandal, and a hero who’s basically trouble in a tailored suit.

Viridia Teva steps out of the shadows and into a world of wealth, masks, and dangerous truths. When she crosses paths (and locks horns) with Blaise Maximus Kensington—yes, his name sounds like royalty and sin rolled into one—you just know sparks are about to fly. And whew, do they.

This book has everything I love: enemies-to-lovers tension, swoony banter, mysterious letters, and a masquerade ball where the drama hits harder than stilettos on marble. The chemistry between Viridia and Blaise crackles, the secrets unravel at just the right pace, and I was flipping pages like I needed to know what happened next (spoiler: I did).

It’s classy, spicy, and a little dangerous—like love wearing a mask and daring you to guess what’s real.

Would I wear the shoe? Without hesitation.
Would I run from the ball? Only if Blaise was chasing me.
5 stars. Glamorous, emotional, and completely addictive.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only meant to peek at a few chapters on the train—next thing I know I’m pacing my kitchen at stupid-o’clock, desperate to see if Viridia finally tears off Blaise Kensington’s perfect façade. The whole modern-Cinderella-but-make-it-fintech vibe hooked me fast: neon-lit London rooftops, secret letters, a prince of banking who’s way too smooth for his own good, and a heroine who’s been living in the shadows so long she practically speaks in code.

Yeah, it’s a slow burn and the prose can get a bit extra—couple sentences had me rereading like “wait, what did she just metaphor?”—but honestly, that lush wording ended up feeling part of the masquerade atmosphere. And the tension… whew. Every time their masks slipped, sparks flew hard enough to light Tower Bridge.

Biggest win for me? The emotional unmasking. When the lies finally crack and the real stakes land, it’s raw, messy, and so worth the all-nighter. If you’re cool with a little purple prose and love enemies-to-lovers with actual bite, jump in. I’m still grinning like an idiot.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all this book was messy in the most addictive way. Viridia walks in with a mop and attitude, and Blaise, Mr. Rich, Cold, and Off-Limits, basically short-circuits on the spot. Their tension? Immediate. Their vibes? Forbidden. And the drama? Chef’s kiss.

She’s not supposed to touch anything that’s not hers including him. But rules? Yeah, they get tossed out real quick. One look, one smart comment, and suddenly it’s game on. I was flipping pages like my life depended on it.

But it’s not just all steam and stolen glances. There’s a shady letter, secrets from Viridia’s past, and way too many lies wrapped in fancy suits and legacy nonsense. You know the kind. Rich people problems but with actual stakes.

Viridia is a whole vibe, fierce, sharp, and so done with playing nice. Blaise? Total grump with hidden feels. Together? Chaos. Hot, twisty, slow-burn chaos.

If you love forbidden romance with spice, secrets, and main characters who seriously can’t keep their hands or hearts to themselves, Viridia is your next obsession.

[Abigail Dove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m absolutely taken aback by this read!
From the very first page, I knew this wasn’t just another story. It’s an experience. I’ve always loved books that dive right into the action, and at first, I found myself itching to get to the drama and intensity. But as I kept reading, I realized how much I was falling in love with the slow burn, the depth, the detail, and the care that the author puts into building her world.
Each scene feels alive, every character layered and real, and the emotions so vivid that I can almost feel them. This novel has truly opened my eyes to the art of storytelling. How the little things, the quiet moments, make the explosive ones even more powerful.
And those plot twists?! Absolutely brilliant. Just when I think I know where things are heading, the author throws me for a loop, and I can’t help but smile in awe. The chemistry between Viridia and Blaise has me completely hooked. It’s raw, intense, and beautifully unpredictable!
Thank you for reminding me why I love to read. I’m officially obsessed!!!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Viridia every spare moment I had even in between meetings, while cooking, and basically any time, I could sneak in a few pages. It’s one of those stories that pulls you in fast and keeps you hooked with its glamorous chaos. Honestly, the writing got a bit over-the-top in places I had to reread a few metaphors just to make sure I got them right but it kind of worked with the whole masquerade vibe. It added to the theatrical, mysterious atmosphere.
I visualized so many scenes so clearly, especially those dramatic rooftop moments and hidden glances at fancy events, that now I actually want to visit London and retrace their steps.
I’m giving it 4 stars only because the prose could’ve been tightened a little, but overall, this book is absolutely worth the read if you’re into angsty, glamorous romance with a pulse.

[Shai RB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this read!

I have always been the one to enjoy a book that jumps straight into the stories and the action of the plots.

At first I was impatient with the details eagerly awaiting the juicy bits, but as I read on and pushed through trusting the Vera Queen’s process, I have come to enjoy the build up and depth of the details of each character, each environment and atmosphere and so much more.

This novel is teaching me the beauty and appreciation for the finer things in life.

I cannot express how amazed I am at the fact that this story is so unpredictable, with unbelievable twists, I actually find myself gasping and getting excited as Viridia and Blaise’s relationship grows, and I’m usually not one to get so immersed in a story.

Thank you Queen V! I cannot wait for your future releases!

[William Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel delivers a potent blend of luxury, passion, and danger, whisking readers into the glamorous yet treacherous world of Viridia, where a fiery protagonist clashes with an enigmatic billionaire. The plot weaves together the intoxicating allure of a whirlwind romance with the gripping tension of a suspenseful mystery, ensuring pages turn quickly. While it comfortably follows the beloved tropes of its genre—brooding alpha heroes and high-drama conflict—it executes them with a polished flair that fans will adore. Perfect for an afternoon escape, this book offers a satisfying dose of wish-fulfillment and intrigue, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking a steamy, high-stakes love story.

[Viktoriia Visser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whewww this book was spicyyy and I was so here for it. I'm glad I got it in the first place, as I've devoured it in like two days. I couldn’t stop reading it, like my life depended on it. It just sucked me in no time, I'm not even kidding. I guess because, ya know, sometimes we all need a lil’ rich guy fantasy to cope with life and ugly trolls coming our way. The main character, Viridia, is smart, bold, and doesn’t take crap from anyone, even Mr. Billionaire Boss Man, lol, love it. The heat and tension are Off The Charts. It's a great slow burns that turn into straight-up into fire. Five stars, no question from me!

[Larisa Hladkykh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, addictive read! I love a good Cinderella twist, and Viridia takes the familiar fairytale and spins it into something way more intense and mysterious. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Viridia and Blaise was done so well — full of tension, secrets, and that slow-burn pull that keeps you up way too late.

The whole atmosphere felt rich and cinematic, with just the right balance of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth. I especially enjoyed how both main characters wear “masks” in different ways — not just at the literal masquerade, but in how they protect themselves emotionally. Can’t wait to see what this author writes next!

[Vitalii Hladkykh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a solid surprise. Viridia is definitely a romance at its core, but what hooked me was the mystery and the power dynamics between the characters. There’s something fascinating about watching two people navigate attraction while constantly second-guessing each other’s motives — and in a setting that feels both modern and mythic.

The writing is slick, the emotional stakes are high, and the plot moves with purpose. I appreciated how the author wove in themes of identity and control without losing the tension. Even if you’re not usually into “fairy tale retellings,” this one has enough grit and style to pull you in.

[J. Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viridia is the kind of romance that sweeps you away and keeps you hooked until the very last page. The tension between Viridia and Blaise is electric, every interaction sparks with wit, desire, and danger. I loved how Viridia isn’t just another heroine in a fairy-tale retelling; she’s fierce, complex, and unafraid to challenge the powerful man who can’t resist her. The backdrop of wealth, secrets, and betrayal makes the story even more thrilling, and the twists tied to Viridia’s past add an irresistible layer of suspense. Bold, seductive, and addictive, this is romance with teeth, heart, and unforgettable heat.

[Kaylee Lear · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I want to thank Vera for sending me a copy of her book and i’m so sorry It took me way longer than it should have to actually dive into this book, and that is my own doing!!! But i thoroughly enjoyed this read even though I struggled with the THIRD POV. (not a pov i’m used to reading in) It was a clever twist on a Cinderella retelling and Viridia and Blaise’s love story is something so uniquely of its own. There are no words I can say to conjure up to explain something you must experience for yourself!

“Angel eyes”….sooooo cute🥰

[Svitlana Korotash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me everything I wanted—Cinderella vibes, masks, secrets, and that deliciously slow-burn tension. Viridia is such a layered character—tough, smart, and full of heart—and her chemistry with Blaise is off the charts. I loved the way the story plays with light and shadow, privilege and danger.

It’s more than just a billionaire romance—there’s suspense, mystery, and a sense of elegance that makes the whole reading experience feel cinematic. I kept saying “just one more chapter” and stayed up way too late. If you're into glam, grit, and emotional twists, you’ll be hooked.

[Sergio Funes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story surprised me in the best way. It’s a modern Cinderella with real bite — elegant, moody, and full of chemistry. Viridia is sharp and strong, and Blaise has just the right mix of power and vulnerability. I liked how the storyblends romance, secrets, and ambition without feeling predictable. The writing has energy andattitude, and once I started, I didn’t want to stop. I’m giving it 5 stars because when I read a book, what I want most is to forget everything else — and even though this one has more than 400 pages, it completely did that.

[Jenny Ko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viridia is one of those rare stories that feels both familiar and unpredictable. It starts like a modern Cinderella tale but quickly spirals into a layered web of secrets, seduction, and power. The chemistry between Viridia and Blaise is electric—full of tension, vulnerability, and danger—and the whole setting glimmers with a cinematic, mysterious energy. I loved how the book balances romance with deeper themes of identity and ambition, wrapped in writing that’s lush, moody, and evocative. If you enjoy romance with substance, style, and a hint of suspense, this one’s hard to put down.

[Michelle Hoag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vera created a beautiful love story between Blaise and Viridia. It was a slow burn at the beginning of their relationship but the sexual tension between them kept me wanting more. Once they finally gave in to each other it was 🔥🔥🔥. Overall I loved their story and the twists and turns throughout the book. At times it felt repetitive with some of the topics throughout their story and I found myself skimming over those portions to get through it.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a awesome book definitely plot twists multiple, but for that being an almost 600 page book it definitely kept my interest the entire time and I absolutely loved it even though it was odd writing because it was english which there is nothing wrong with that It just threw me off until I got further into the book but this was definitely a 5 star book it is very hard to keep my interest in a thick book but this one definitely did

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not even a romance book reader, I just read this out of curiosity and wow. This book has excellent characterization and is beautifully written. Viridia is someone you root for from the first page all through her her insane romance with Mr. Kensington. It keeps getting more and more intense so, even if the book is long, it’s super enjoyable. Even missing a page is a lot. Definitely worth a read.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this exciting story, a brave young woman’s life takes a big turn when she meets a rich man with a mysterious past. Inspired by the Cinderella tale, she doesn’t just wait for someone to save her, she finds the strength to change her own future. With lots of romance, hidden secrets, and suspense, the story is easy to read and perfect for anyone who enjoys feel good moments and strong characters who grow through challenges.

[Aly sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like romance with a twist of suspense and fairy tale charm, this story is a good escape. It follows a modern Cinderella who enters a world of wealth, mystery, and hidden secrets. The characters are easy to care about, and the billionaire love interest adds sparkle and tension. As the story unfolds, it mixes glamour with danger in a way that keeps things exciting. It’s a simple, fun read with just enough edge to keep you turning pages.

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book totally sucked me in. Viridia's character is bold and sharp. I loved how it mixed fairytale glamour with corporate secrets and real emotional shakes. Some of the prose did get a bit dramatic at a times, but honestly, it added to the whole moody, intense feel. I found myself reading late into the nights just to see how it would all unfold. If you like your romance smart, sultry, and a little dangerous - this one delivers.

[Shayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viridia is instantly intriguing—a protagonist navigating both deception and desire, while Blaise Maximus Kensington sounds like the kind of suave, brooding antihero fans of contemporary romance will devour. The masked ball motif and simmering enemies-to-lovers tension add a seductive, high-stakes energy that promises both heartbreak and heat.

[Kerri Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh, addictive Cinderella retelling full of secrets, tension, and slow-burn romance. Viridia and Blaise’s chemistry leaps off the page as their worlds of shadows and spotlight collide. Mysterious, elegant, and emotionally charged this story kept me hooked from the first masked glance to the last twist. A must-read for fans of hidden identities and forbidden love.

[Alicia Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a new to me author and I went into the book not knowing anything about it and I was hooked, I’m usually not into third person so that surprised me. Blaise and Viridian’s story will make you feel all the feels and the plot twist, well PLOT TWIST.. A modern day Cinderella retelling with some added darkness. I love HEA’s!

[Tali]

Beautiful read

I liked how this story felt like a modern fairytale with a twist. Viridia is strong but still figuring things out and when she meets Blaise, everything changes. There’s mystery, romance and a bit of danger too. It’s not just about love, it’s about trusting yourself when life gets complicated.