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These Thorns are Sharpest
A warrior bound by duty.
An angel haunted by her bloodline.
The only way to survive is together.
Chel never asked for time off but when the Queen of Hell demanded he take a “vacation,” the Hellion warrior found himself stranded on the Earthen plane. What should have been rest quickly became a hunt, chasing the strange creatures crawling out of the ocean. And then there was the little lie he told the grocery clerk… about being on his honeymoon.
A forced vacation.
A fake marriage.
And the one Hellion she can’t resist.
Teari has spent her life carrying her father’s sins, silenced by secrets too heavy to name. Now benched from her post as Gabriel’s healer, she’s sent on her first “vacation” but shadows are stirring, the Veil is thinning, and the truth she’s buried refuses to stay hidden. She might run from fate, but she can’t run from him.
Bound together by lies, desire, and the unraveling Veil, they’ll have to decide whether to risk their hearts or lose the ones they love most.
Perfect for fans of forbidden love, winged guardians, cursed devotion, and slow-burning passion set against gothic peril.
An angel haunted by her bloodline.
The only way to survive is together.
Chel never asked for time off but when the Queen of Hell demanded he take a “vacation,” the Hellion warrior found himself stranded on the Earthen plane. What should have been rest quickly became a hunt, chasing the strange creatures crawling out of the ocean. And then there was the little lie he told the grocery clerk… about being on his honeymoon.
A forced vacation.
A fake marriage.
And the one Hellion she can’t resist.
Teari has spent her life carrying her father’s sins, silenced by secrets too heavy to name. Now benched from her post as Gabriel’s healer, she’s sent on her first “vacation” but shadows are stirring, the Veil is thinning, and the truth she’s buried refuses to stay hidden. She might run from fate, but she can’t run from him.
Bound together by lies, desire, and the unraveling Veil, they’ll have to decide whether to risk their hearts or lose the ones they love most.
Perfect for fans of forbidden love, winged guardians, cursed devotion, and slow-burning passion set against gothic peril.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2025
28 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Pritchard
50 books170 followersM. R. Pritchard is a two-time Kindle Scout winning author and her short story "Glitch" has been featured in the 2017 winter edition of THE FIRST LINE literary journal. She holds degrees in Biochemistry and Nursing. She is a northern New Yorker transplanted to the Gulf Coast of Florida who enjoys coffee, mint chocolate, cloudy days, and reading on the lanai.
Visit her website MRPritchard.com and sign up for her newsletter. You'll get a monthly newsletter with updates, day to day shenanigans, and book deals.
Visit her website MRPritchard.com and sign up for her newsletter. You'll get a monthly newsletter with updates, day to day shenanigans, and book deals.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 25, 2025
I really didn't think there was anything special about this book. There wasn't really much to it. The fights were lacking. There were 2 parts in the book that I figured would be pretty intense battles. Nope. The "spicy" scenes where the same way. It all just kind of seemed thrown together. I had no clue what was going on in the last couple of chapters. Maybe I was just done with it or maybe it really didn't make much sense I'm not sure.
There were quite a few spelling errors to the point of noticing. I usually don't notice any of that.
I can't say I'd recommend this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There were quite a few spelling errors to the point of noticing. I usually don't notice any of that.
I can't say I'd recommend this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2025
There's no rest for the heroes of this book… but still, love triumphs over sorrow, and hope refuses to be estinguished in their hearts. They are both scarred, soul-weary, haunted by dark memories, even lonely and burned out, but Tieara never stops healing and Chel never stops protecting.
Their story is epic, and the plot twists and turns in a well written quest to save humanity and each other. Their story is not over at the end of the book, and I must admit the author's rich imagination and diverse character building takes a new direction, the surprises and the fight neverending and the world-building expanding to new layers.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Their story is epic, and the plot twists and turns in a well written quest to save humanity and each other. Their story is not over at the end of the book, and I must admit the author's rich imagination and diverse character building takes a new direction, the surprises and the fight neverending and the world-building expanding to new layers.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2026
Yet again, another FANTASTIC read - absolutely LOVED this book. LOVED, loved, loved getting to see Chel and Teari finally getting to spend some time with each other, their issues, getting to see more of all the gang as they interact with, Meg as she's working whatever angles and "omens" she's up to, someone FINALLY dealing with Teari's father - he had it coming for EONS - getting to see more of Lucipurr - I still have many questions about him, even more now that we've seen some of what's driving him and hints at/glimpses of the Magpie's aka the Collector's collection - and that opened up even more questions about him, as well as the other realms that they don't yet know what they were, and what this is all leading up to - the knowledge that Rue and Evelyn with their partners Remm and Thrush are digging up with their family's and friend's support, and sooo much more - I LOVE how this series teases us, giving us some answers with every fantastic couple we get to see come together and see their story, while simultaneously giving us even more questions as some things aren't answered, other things are teased, and more things are revealed only opening more questions.
Can't wait to dive right on into the next book - can't help but wonder how many more we will end up getting because it feels like we could just as easily get one to three more, as we could another twenty :P (which I would NOT be against - I love longer series and plots that just keep giving, with the best characters and pairings and turns and more :P - and most of these characters are long-lived or immortal so there' not really any timeline to when any one's story has to end or not which gives her sooo much freedom to play with :D )
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Can't wait to dive right on into the next book - can't help but wonder how many more we will end up getting because it feels like we could just as easily get one to three more, as we could another twenty :P (which I would NOT be against - I love longer series and plots that just keep giving, with the best characters and pairings and turns and more :P - and most of these characters are long-lived or immortal so there' not really any timeline to when any one's story has to end or not which gives her sooo much freedom to play with :D )
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2025
Book Review: These Thorns Are Sharpest by M.R. Pritchard
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
This is a dark fantasy romance with a very slow-burn and tons of tension. Chel (a Hell warrior) and Teari (an angel healer) are stuck in a fake marriage, which means forced proximity, awkward moments, and a lot of unspoken feelings—especially since Chel has been pining for Teari forever.
What starts as a forced getaway turns into investigating mysterious disappearances tied to family secrets and betrayal. The theme that the people closest to you can hurt you the most is handled really well and adds a lot of emotional weight.
The world-building is strong and the Veil of Shadows setting stays dark, dangerous, and interesting. I rated this 5-sstars mostly because I loved the slow-burn and plot in Chel and Teari’s story. I am really enjoying this whole series. The ending gave me the “unfinished” feels —so I hope to see more of them as this series continues or maybe even another book focused on their story.
Overall, I flew through it and stayed invested the whole time. Great pick for fans of dark romantasy, slow burns, and angel/demon dynamics.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
This is a dark fantasy romance with a very slow-burn and tons of tension. Chel (a Hell warrior) and Teari (an angel healer) are stuck in a fake marriage, which means forced proximity, awkward moments, and a lot of unspoken feelings—especially since Chel has been pining for Teari forever.
What starts as a forced getaway turns into investigating mysterious disappearances tied to family secrets and betrayal. The theme that the people closest to you can hurt you the most is handled really well and adds a lot of emotional weight.
The world-building is strong and the Veil of Shadows setting stays dark, dangerous, and interesting. I rated this 5-sstars mostly because I loved the slow-burn and plot in Chel and Teari’s story. I am really enjoying this whole series. The ending gave me the “unfinished” feels —so I hope to see more of them as this series continues or maybe even another book focused on their story.
Overall, I flew through it and stayed invested the whole time. Great pick for fans of dark romantasy, slow burns, and angel/demon dynamics.
March 6, 2026
Oh Chel, the man that you are! (well, not man, but you know)
This series has been with me for a long time, I adore every storyline, every character and the world in itself is so rich that I go into it already knowing it's going to be a treat. And this one wasn't the exception.
The tropes in this book are right up my alley, with enough of my favorite romantic formulas I enjoyed it a lot, without it feeling flat or cliche (which, hey, I do love a good cliche too, but this author always surprises me in the best way). Fake dating, slow burn, forced proximity. Healing characters and a journey to trusting each other. It had everything.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We get to see many of the other characters from previous books, and the lore keeps expanding.
Can't wait to keep reading from this world. I really recommend this book and the series as a whole (both first and second generation). The author is such a talented writer!
This series has been with me for a long time, I adore every storyline, every character and the world in itself is so rich that I go into it already knowing it's going to be a treat. And this one wasn't the exception.
The tropes in this book are right up my alley, with enough of my favorite romantic formulas I enjoyed it a lot, without it feeling flat or cliche (which, hey, I do love a good cliche too, but this author always surprises me in the best way). Fake dating, slow burn, forced proximity. Healing characters and a journey to trusting each other. It had everything.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We get to see many of the other characters from previous books, and the lore keeps expanding.
Can't wait to keep reading from this world. I really recommend this book and the series as a whole (both first and second generation). The author is such a talented writer!
December 5, 2025
This was an interesting read. I really liked Chel and Teari. Their desire to overcome their legacies keeps the readers guessing will it work out in the end. I had no problem with the plot; however, the talking horse and the ending were kind of strange. There was a lot more to be done with the fact that Chel is a demon. I would have liked to see that development. Also, these are powerful beings, and there emotions are sometimes too human, which is why I was between 3 and 4 stars. I gave it 3 because many things did not make sense. Chel's sickness was also another one of those problems. The talking animals were a bit too much for me. It also ruins the whole "dark fantasy" vibe. Their arranged marriage was also a bit naive. I don't want to give away the plot. Will some people find the read interesting? Yes. Is it worth reading? Yes, if you don't mind my previous comments.
December 10, 2025
Atmospheric, angsty, and addictively slow-burn.
Chel, a Hellion warrior forcibly put on “vacation,” ends up on Earth dealing with sea-born monsters, and the fallout of a little lie about being on his honeymoon. Teari, an angel silenced by her bloodline’s sins, is equally unwillingly benched. When fate pushes them together, their fake marriage and unwanted partnership ignite into a tense, magnetic connection that’s impossible to look away from.
The worldbuilding is rich, the danger constantly simmering, and the romance hits all the best tropes: forbidden longing, forced proximity, cursed devotion, and guardians with wings and secrets. As the Veil unravels, so do their defenses, leading to high stakes, emotional depth, and a payoff that feels earned.
A must-read for fans of gothic peril, celestial warriors, and romances that smolder before they burn.
Chel, a Hellion warrior forcibly put on “vacation,” ends up on Earth dealing with sea-born monsters, and the fallout of a little lie about being on his honeymoon. Teari, an angel silenced by her bloodline’s sins, is equally unwillingly benched. When fate pushes them together, their fake marriage and unwanted partnership ignite into a tense, magnetic connection that’s impossible to look away from.
The worldbuilding is rich, the danger constantly simmering, and the romance hits all the best tropes: forbidden longing, forced proximity, cursed devotion, and guardians with wings and secrets. As the Veil unravels, so do their defenses, leading to high stakes, emotional depth, and a payoff that feels earned.
A must-read for fans of gothic peril, celestial warriors, and romances that smolder before they burn.
October 29, 2025
The Veil is thinning again, and what comes through is unexpected
While on forced vacation Teari and Chel investigate disappearances in Perdido Key, which leads them both on a journey of discovery and into danger the likes of which they were not anticipating. The thorns planted by family are the sharpest and dig the deepest, and the secrets they carry could destroy worlds.
If you love dark and twisted, slow-burning passion and winged guardians, the Veil of Shadows series and the Next Generation series are for you.
Fantastic world-building and brilliant characters.
I received an advanced copy from the author
While on forced vacation Teari and Chel investigate disappearances in Perdido Key, which leads them both on a journey of discovery and into danger the likes of which they were not anticipating. The thorns planted by family are the sharpest and dig the deepest, and the secrets they carry could destroy worlds.
If you love dark and twisted, slow-burning passion and winged guardians, the Veil of Shadows series and the Next Generation series are for you.
Fantastic world-building and brilliant characters.
I received an advanced copy from the author
October 30, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was a whirlwind of action for me. I loved the deepening of the world building. This book really gave the reader an increase in understanding of the old world (set in the veil of shows universe) by revealing secrets long forgotten throughout the book.
I loved seeing the inner thoughts of Chel and Terri as they struggle with their own demons. Their chemistry was chefs kiss 💋. I was begging for more!
I loved seeing snippets of what lucipurr is and how the book is set up nicely to keep the story going.
This book was a whirlwind of action for me. I loved the deepening of the world building. This book really gave the reader an increase in understanding of the old world (set in the veil of shows universe) by revealing secrets long forgotten throughout the book.
I loved seeing the inner thoughts of Chel and Terri as they struggle with their own demons. Their chemistry was chefs kiss 💋. I was begging for more!
I loved seeing snippets of what lucipurr is and how the book is set up nicely to keep the story going.
October 2, 2025
Oh my goodness! How do these books keep getting better than the last! This is the fourth installment in the next generation of the Veil of Shadows series and in it we’re seeing Chel forced to take a vacation, possibly go into retirement but there’s something he has to do for the White Horse first. Wouldn’t you know it- Teari is being forced to take vacation as well. Why not vacation together? Forced proximity at its best! The storyline in this book is fantastic, there’s action that keeps you turning the pages and not putting the book down. Meredith does it again!
November 26, 2025
A worry, bound by duty and angel hunted by her bloodline the only way to survive is together!!
How could that not entice you! This is the story of Chel the last Hellion & Teari the angel healer daughter of an archangel.
I really loved this book it’s one of my favourites fr the series so far, more in depth emotion connected to it. Both MC’s are strong & determined but both have suffered under the evil hands of others! No wonder they were drawn to each other.
Forced proximity, fake marriage, forbidden love, winged guardians, cursed devotion, slow burn!
How could that not entice you! This is the story of Chel the last Hellion & Teari the angel healer daughter of an archangel.
I really loved this book it’s one of my favourites fr the series so far, more in depth emotion connected to it. Both MC’s are strong & determined but both have suffered under the evil hands of others! No wonder they were drawn to each other.
Forced proximity, fake marriage, forbidden love, winged guardians, cursed devotion, slow burn!
November 30, 2025
Chel & Teari, the Hellion and the Angel. The unlikely duo.
I liked this one! I rated it 3 stars because it ended unresolved, not exactly a cliff hanger but simply unfinished. The author mentioned at the end that their story isn’t done & that’s exactly how it felt.
I liked their dynamic, Chel was pining for Teari for so long, trying to win her over. Their chemistry wasn’t as strong as other couples in this series but I can see potential in possibly another book centralized on them. I’m excited to see how their story unfolds!
I liked this one! I rated it 3 stars because it ended unresolved, not exactly a cliff hanger but simply unfinished. The author mentioned at the end that their story isn’t done & that’s exactly how it felt.
I liked their dynamic, Chel was pining for Teari for so long, trying to win her over. Their chemistry wasn’t as strong as other couples in this series but I can see potential in possibly another book centralized on them. I’m excited to see how their story unfolds!
December 14, 2025
I give it 4.5 ⭐️
This book blends romantasy action with a really slow slow-burn romance. Chel, a warrior from Hell and Teari, a angel and healer, end up in a situation where they’re forced to work together in a fake marriage. Their relationship is tense and intense, danger is always just around the corner, and the feeling of forbidden love runs through the entire book. It’s dark, charged, and perfect if you like fantasy where both emotions and stakes are high.
This review is voluntary
Thank you so much BookSirens for letting me be a part of the team.❤️🌺
This book blends romantasy action with a really slow slow-burn romance. Chel, a warrior from Hell and Teari, a angel and healer, end up in a situation where they’re forced to work together in a fake marriage. Their relationship is tense and intense, danger is always just around the corner, and the feeling of forbidden love runs through the entire book. It’s dark, charged, and perfect if you like fantasy where both emotions and stakes are high.
This review is voluntary
Thank you so much BookSirens for letting me be a part of the team.❤️🌺
October 5, 2025
I love that these stories can be stand alone but are also part of a larger universe. Any recaps needed are blended into the story. Even with the flawed characters, the super natural, and the dystopia world these books are so relatable. I also liked the fact that it was fast paced. Angst and regret didn't ever get to the point that it was irritating. I received this ARC from Booksirens and am happy to leave this review
October 15, 2025
4.5/5 - this is the 4th book in the series and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, with the suspense of what would happen next.
The chemistry, tension, slow burn and banter between Chel and Teari was so well written, the twists and turn kept me guessing which way things were going to go until the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, with the suspense of what would happen next.
The chemistry, tension, slow burn and banter between Chel and Teari was so well written, the twists and turn kept me guessing which way things were going to go until the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
December 28, 2025
This is my first read from this author. And I truly loved it. Both main characters were awesome. They both have scars and inner demons. But I loved how they came together and Omgosh they’re so perfect for one another. A true compliment to each. I loved the world building. So beautifully detailed. I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to read others
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 14, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
These Thorns Are Sharpest just became another favorite of mine. 5 out of 5. I felt all the emotions with this one. Sadness, anger, and happiness definitely a must read. I can’t wait to read more Teari and Chel and of course Lucipurr.
These Thorns Are Sharpest just became another favorite of mine. 5 out of 5. I felt all the emotions with this one. Sadness, anger, and happiness definitely a must read. I can’t wait to read more Teari and Chel and of course Lucipurr.
December 13, 2025
Chel & Teari
I could not put this one down, I have loved every story in this world that I have read! This one really stood out, I was invested in this story from the start, and could not put it down! I Think that it is Fantastic! I Loved It! I Highly Recommend!! No Spoilers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I could not put this one down, I have loved every story in this world that I have read! This one really stood out, I was invested in this story from the start, and could not put it down! I Think that it is Fantastic! I Loved It! I Highly Recommend!! No Spoilers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 12, 2026
Book 4. This series Next Generation is a continuation of The Veil of Shadows. Mrs. Prichards boos only gets better with each book. You don’t have to read The Veil of Shadows 1st but I would definitely recommend it. Also read 1-3 in the Next Generation. If you love vampires you will love this series.
October 4, 2025
I have loved and adored every single book in this series and this was no exception. The dark world, the yearning of the characters, the fantasy elements… you ask for everything and this author delivers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.Amazing book. Highly recommend it to everyone. The characters and plot were on point and I was hooked from the beginning to end.
October 7, 2025
Meredith has done it again. Page turning book that I didn't want to end. I've been waiting on Chels story and she didn't disappoint me. I'm so excited to read more.
October 30, 2025
Book 4 of the series and I am still loving it! It has a lot of action, a lot of tension and a whole lot of depth in the story. It keeps me on my toes and I am always hungry for more!
November 22, 2025
I am loving this whole series, and I cannot wait for more. Run don’t walk and start reading this series.
November 30, 2025
Another 5 ⭐️ read!!
I’m totally immersed this world, planes or should I say realms?
Both Chel & Teari’s backstories are beautifully tragic. But I love how it brought them together & healed each other.
New characters introduced & old ones from previous books intertwined in this fast paced story. One of my faves, Lucipurr, got some page time & more about him!!
Can’t wait for the next book & who we follow next!!
*** Thank you BookSirens for the opportunity to read & review this ARC! I am voluntarily leaving this honest review. ***
I’m totally immersed this world, planes or should I say realms?
Both Chel & Teari’s backstories are beautifully tragic. But I love how it brought them together & healed each other.
New characters introduced & old ones from previous books intertwined in this fast paced story. One of my faves, Lucipurr, got some page time & more about him!!
Can’t wait for the next book & who we follow next!!
*** Thank you BookSirens for the opportunity to read & review this ARC! I am voluntarily leaving this honest review. ***
October 8, 2025
Omg must have next book!!!!!! I loved this book so much!!!! But my sweet Lucipurr N Chel what’s gonna happen next?!?!?!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews