These Thorns are Sharpest

by M.R. Pritchard

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.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication December 7, 2025

About the author

M. 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.

Reviews

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Massiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Shanice Felipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rebecca Masterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Melissa Tonche · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[tre.wandereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Janet Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg must have next book!!!!!! I loved this book so much!!!! But my sweet Lucipurr N Chel what’s gonna happen next?!?!?!