In a clearing in the middle of the woods lies the village of Sandy, and to Rose, Sandy is her entire world. Rose possesses a gift, and the gods have chosen her. But everything unravels when a rebel with a cause, armed with a prophecy, steals her from her fate and reveals that she is destined for greatness in a world far bigger than she could ever imagine.
Book One of A Twin Souls Saga: A tale of building friendships in the battle for righteousness, overthrowing tyranny, and finding love in the throes of war.
So proud of my fellow Corby girl, Lauren on her first romantasy novel 💜 We were more than happy to pick this local author for our read this month for book club and YOU DID NOT DISAPPOINT LAUREN 💜💜 I loved the whole premise of the village of Sandy being the centre of Rose's world to the point she didn't imagine anything else out there... until Nathanial saves her from a horrible fate and she learns the truth about her town, a king she didn't know existed, and she learns about herself and how she was born to do more than die for her village. She was born to save the world. Her world.
I connected with every single character, even the evil ones 😡. I fell in love with Colm's enthusiastic cheekiness and Sylvie's calm to counterbalance him. I loved the, what I assume, is a polygamous relationship between Lis, Thoran and Tuck. I HATED the King, Thaddeus, and two from Rose's village with every fibre of my being. I loved Meg and how by meeting Rose and her merry band of rebels it softened her in a better way. I loved Rose's natural relationship with Sable. Then there is Nathaniel.... 😍💜😍💜😍💜😍💜😍💜😍💜
He is a gift sent from Jacobi and Adama themselves. He is now on my list of Book Boyfriends 😍😍 The way his and Rose's relationship developed so naturally throughout the book was my favourite thing. I loved how he helped Rose realise how strong she was, never held her back but held her up for the world to see. THAT is what you want in a partner. The 🌶🔥 was deliciously slow, just enough tension and the "are they going to do something now?" with small intimate moments throughout so you didn't get proverbial blue balls. The book definitely didn't need anymore spice than it had. Otherwise it would have ruined the flow of the story.... HOWEVER, Lauren please for the love of Jacobi, please don't make me wait so long in book 2 🤣
As I've said before I am a huge vibe/mood reader. And some reviews didn't like the flow of the book or how a lot of info was put in as Rose explaining it at a later date. I enjoyed this. I enjoyed that the info was short and to the point, told me what I needed to know and carried on with the story. Though I'd have also happily read another 100 pages if she wrote it in more detail.
There is a cliffhanger so be prepared to be a nervous wreck!
I really enjoyed this book, though there were a couple things I would like to change. For instance, the book was written in first person and past tense, however there were times when the narration slipped into present tense and third person which was a bit disruptive to me. The story, altough really enjoyable, felt a bit rushed - I would happily read 50+ pages more of this. I also felt like the main character was kind of not really curious and just accepted everything that was happening without asking many questions - a lot of stuff we learned (about the bonding ritual, war strategy etc) we learned retrospectively and I feel like those aspects of the story could have been explained a bit better.
I usually round half stars down but I had to round up this time because I really see the potential, it just needs a bit more polishing. Can’t wait for the second book!
I really enjoyed this book. There are a few things to comment on, in my opinion. This starts out really solid. World building comes off to a strong start, I find the main character believable, it has my attention, I'm getting Midsummer vibes and super excited to read it. It all feels very original and well thought out. And then about 40-50% through the book, it feels like it loses focus. There are too many popular tropes trying to be stuffed into the book, too much unbelievable things (she's never had combat practice in her life, yet she's outsmarting someone who's be professionally trained in a week or two) and things get rushed. I understand the excitement to get to the big finale, and all the things you've been building up to - take a breath! You'll get there. Overall, this book is very much worth reading. I'm excited to follow this series and to see where it goes. I think there is a lot of potential here, and if the author can stick with how well done the beginning was, I can see this becoming very popular.
A good first book from a new author. The concept was interesting and it was enjoyable to read.
Though it did feel quite rushed, the characters didn't have much depth individually and in their relationships. Though hopefully this can be built on more as the author continues to write the series.
I enjoyed the different world, and the detail of the rites and rituals within it, and feel a lot of thought was put into this. Being from Northamptonshire, I can see where the author has had some inspiration for place names from our county which I enjoyed too.
I will definitely read the next book to see how the characters grow and how the story progresses.
I have been fortunate to read Lauren’s newer edited version! She’s smoothed elements, added depth to characters and given more insight. We even get an additional MMC bonus chapter.
I agree with some previous comments where they said the later parts were stronger than the start but Lauren has tweaked this and you can tell her writing and story telling has improved throughout the book. When you consider this is her first Romantasy book it’s incredible.
It has great plot and world building with lots of creatures, prophecies, powers and bonds. My main criticism was I wanted more yearning/ build up and conversation between the 2 main characters but Lauren has resolved this in the newer edited version.
It’s a great Romantasy book and I can see this on the same shelf as other famous Romantasy authors. In fact I would say this is actually better than some of the popular books that I have read in this genre.
Too often Romantasy books either have plot and low romance or romance with low plot however I feel this book has the perfect balance. I love that the story is meaty with back stories, lots of characters, places and plenty to keep me glued to the page.
I’m led to believe that book 2 in the series is even better so I look forward to this especially after the cliffhanger.
If you get to read the newer edited version please do.
“The Gift of a Rose” is such a beautiful and fast-paced romantasy. 🌹✨ From the very beginning, Rose completely won me over—she’s a wonderful FMC - strong, heartfelt, and easy to connect with. The world-building is vivid and immersive, and the romance develops in such a natural, emotional way that I couldn’t help but root for it.
Lauren Gross’s writing is gorgeous, and this book pulled me in from page one. 📖 It’s captivating, enchanting, and the perfect start to a series I instantly fell in love with. 💗
Looking forward to continuing reading the Twin Souls Saga series! 📚
‘The Gift of a Rose’ is a must-read for any Romantasy lover. A slow-burn romance with just a pinch of spice! Fantastic world-building and characters you can relate to! The FMC is relatable while also developing throughout the book. The MMC is intense but loveable. The additional characters felt thought out and interacted well. The end had me speed reading with intensity! Fantastic parallel with the beginning and ending!
‘Patiently’ waiting for her next book, which is sure to be even better!
Absorbing indie author debut romantasy with a hell of a curveball ending.. Need book 2 right now! I had the privalidge of meeting Lauren at a local book event and she is just the most lovely, hilarious and down to earth woman who honestly echoes the FMC more than I think she realises! What is the most incredible takeaway from this book and this meeting is that this incredible woman has written, edited and published this book entirely by herself based on some notes she made on her phone and written on a notepad on a very old computer without telling a soul until it was published. I have reviewed this book taking all of that into consideration and I genuinely think Lauren has done a fantastic job. My feedback is genuinely constructive and in no way a criticism so I hope this comes across as supportive ♥️ Without further ado, here are my thoughts.....
Tropes: Fated mates Found family Wyverns Slow burn Chosen one Prophecies Magic
Spoilers ahead....
What I loved: - the world building was great, wasn't complicated and no hard to pronounce names! - an interesting back story (prequel would be sooo good to learn more about this!) - FMC wasn't your typical white, 18 year old, petite girl and MMC wasn't your typical tall dark and handsome brooding grumpy morally grey character. - no miscommunication trope long may it continue! - Exactly the right balance of intrigue without being confusing and too much foreshadowing. - character development of FMC from niave sheltered girl to a bit of a badass (can't wait to see this develop further) - the relationship with Rose and Nathaniel was honestly so wholesome from the start it was a slow burn but not in the typical enemies to lovers trope. It started with a crush from the beginning and built from there and I was so down for it! He is such a sweet MMC it was refreshing to not have a broody, grumpy, burn the world for her MMC which you often get in romantasy. Also there spice wasn't used as a plot filler and I genuinely didn't miss it (though I get the feeling Nathaniel will be a dark horse!) - great side characters with good dialogue and banter. The relationship between Lis, Tuck and Thoran was a personal favourite and I hope we get more of them in the next book! - Megs almost maternal relationship with Rose was wholesome and I really can't wait to read more about them. - Inclusion of the wyverns and being able to communicate took the edge off the Fourth Wing hangover. Sable started to give me Tairn sassy vibes towards the end and I loved that. - There were some subtle hints along the way that I picked up on that maybe some can turn the wyvern upon death (red hair, red scales particularly struck me in similarity) as well as Sable and Rose's instant connection.. I wonder if perhaps Sable is actually Rose's mother who turned upon death.......? - That ending!! I need to know more immediately!
What I would have liked: - Lauren after listening to your reading I would kill for you to do your own audio book!! - the rest can be summed up with saying it all needed to be just slowed down a little. Some parts felt a little jarring and out of the blue and certain emotional scenes I felt could have been more powerful if I had more time to get to know the characters. - whilst I loved this book I think this would have benefitted from being 2 separate books as follows: Book 1 following the separate stories of Rose and Nathaniel, seeing his dreams, learning his history of being a kingman and the beginning of the revolution whilst also following sheltered Rose, her relationship with her father, the manipulation she faced as well as the build up to her sacrafice and ending with her being kidnapped by Nathaniel Book 2 following Rose's journey with Nathaniel and their crew, delving deeper into the slow burn of their feelings and relationship with Nathaniel. Their switch from crush to full blown love was the most jarring part and I would have loved that to have built more organically over the course of a book. Also more time here to build this bond with her Wyvern. We could have learnt more about the back story and felt a stronger connection to the side characters too. Ending this book where it was would have been the perfect build up to book 3.
Small thing but a few of the similies that Rose used in her inner monologue didn't match her back story. Example: she used a similie related to the beach but had only lived in a village surrounded by the woods. These took me out of the world for a little while when they cropped up.
Finally, very simple change but having Rose's visions written in Italics would have made these scenes more seemless and less confusing.
In summary of the longest book review I've ever given, I would absolutely recommend this book especially if you love an indie author and a fun read with an ending that leaves you screaming for more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"I would have hopped worlds and breached dimensions to find you." Don't we all wish our significant others would say stuff like this to us 🤤
When I put out I was looking for a new book to read this one was recommended to me multiple times and so I decided to give it a go. If you enjoy fast paced reads with a huge found family element this is definitely a book to look at reading. Oh and let's not forget the sloooooow burn.
For myself I wish the book was larger. The pacing was a bit too quick which didn't allow me to develop an attachment to the characters. I wish there was more depth to them and an opportunity to truly let their individual personalities shine. At some points I felt like I was struggling to keep up, and should the pace have slowed it would have let me take in the information from the pages before getting caught up in the next events that unfurled.
Truly loved the concept and the originality behind the story. You can tell a lot of thought had gone into the world building and the lore, and loved being given glimpses of past events. Again I just wished the pacing was a tad slower.
Without giving away spoilers, the ending was definitely mind blowing. I did not see it coming and even now writing this review can't put into words how I feel about it, with an ignited curiosity and questions that now can only be answered by reading the sequel.
All in all for a debut novel, this author is definitely one to watch. Her imagination knows no bounds and clearly aren't made to be contained within one book. I look forward to seeing what else this author has to offer.
I have just finished this book by Lauren. I was a bit unsure at the start, took me a bit to get into it, But after that I flew through it!
It’s heartbreaking in places and moved me at times, as I quickly became attached to the characters! The bonds the characters have are clear to see and my favorite being, Colm and Sylvie. The love they have for each other is incredible. Rose and Nathanial are genuinely meant to be together and the slow burn and spice is at just the right level so it does not over power the story. I loved how Rose learned that she was more than just Rose from Sandy the village. She grew so much in the story and trained and became a badass. Nathaniel is just gorgeous, what else can I say 😘. As for Sable! I love her so much I want a Wyvern!
I did feel like Rose could have put up a bit of a fight at the beginning but apart from that I loved it!
LAUREN! That cliffhanger!!!! Hope Book 2 is nt too far away will definitely be reading!!
this was very fast paced and was jam packed with tropes that a lot of bookish people would love. however I wish it was a bit longer and fleshed out but the world building was pretty solid.
the characters felt very flat as if they had no personality, the fmc & mmc didn’t feel as if they had much of a connection other than they were fated mates, I just wished there was more depth and yearning. the fmc rose seemed to take things for what they were & not fight back, argue or question anything and that became quite frustrating
overall, I can see the series (?) becoming great, this was truly a unique story with a lot of potential!
🌟🌟🌟🌟 I’ve just finished the first book in the Twin Souls Saga by Lauren Gross, The Gift of a Rose was truely a pleasure to read. An FMC who is thrust in to a world she never knew existed with an MMC who is always there to lift her up to make her realise how strong she actually is all on her own.
Rose and Nathaniel are a sensational slow burn romance ❤️🔥. The atmosphere created through Lauren’s writing is phenomenal, I felt fully immersed in her world, I had originally planned to read this over the Christmas period but once I started I couldn’t stop. My emotions ran high throughout the book; anger, sadness, feet kicking happiness, it has it all.
3.5 ☆ I had a good time with this one. There were some things I would have changed like the tense switched a couple of times and I wanted a little faster pacing at the start. This was based using names and places that are things I know helped me connect with the story for sure. The second half of the story was definitely stronger than the first and because of this I am looking forward to reading the second book. Good job Lauren, can't wait to see what comes next
I think there is a lot of potential here for the author..this is her first book and it was a good and interesting read. I can see this series getting better. What I had a hard time with was going to first person POV to past tense POV., a lot of tropes crammed into one story.. overall a great story
Wow, what a fantastic book. Initially I picked this book up as Lauren is a local girl from the same town as myself. I didn’t really know what to expect. But this will forever be ‘that book’ that changed my reading experience and unlocked the fantasy genre for me! The world building is fantastic and you will fall in love with the characters- not just the MCs! The story line is refreshing and unique and the ending is GOB SMACKING!! Can’t wait for book 2! You should be proud of what you have created Lauren, thank you for sharing this with us!