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The Burdened Rose
Elita's destiny has shifted, driving her farther from the kingdom and herself than she ever imagined. After narrowly escaping the shores of Orondal, she must now face the harrowing truths in the light of a realm-shattering betrayal.
Sinister secrets continue to derail Elita's desperation for control, and with the promise of impending war against the kingdom, time is running out to unravel the threads of a mistaken prophecy.
Elita is forced to confront her past to step into her power. Clawing her way out of the depths of betrayal, she must learn to overcome before the realm falls to ruin.
Sinister secrets continue to derail Elita's desperation for control, and with the promise of impending war against the kingdom, time is running out to unravel the threads of a mistaken prophecy.
Elita is forced to confront her past to step into her power. Clawing her way out of the depths of betrayal, she must learn to overcome before the realm falls to ruin.
584 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2025
4 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞
𝐛𝐲 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡
- - -
Read this if you like:
□ new adult gothic/dark fantasy
□ main characters in their 20s
□ slow-burn
□ trauma rep
□ green flag MMC
□ plant abilities / unique magic system
□ FMC that's soft and timid, with heavy feminine rage arc
□ ancient curse
□ obsessive villains and deities
□ misread prophecy
"Sorry for the emotional damage". That's the first sentence in the acknowledgements. The audacity!
The Burdened Rose is the sequel. Please, read The Sacrificial Rose first!
How do I feel after reading this book? Well, let's see. First, I was so happy to dive back into this thrilling world, and see what happens with the lovely Elita, then I felt sadness cause she went through a lot, like really a lot, and then, I felt hope and relief when Elita put her grief and trauma aside and turn into this remarkable, brazen young woman. But somehow, Olivia thought it would be funny to turn everything upside-down and hell broke loose. The last chapters broke my heart into pieces and I was an emotional mess. Oh, and there is also this frustrating, hair-gripping cliffhanger!
Overall, beside all the heartbreak and emotional damage, I loved this sequel! Every single character in this book captures your heart (okay, maybe not that obsessive villain cause you just want to punch him) and this story is so beautifully penned. Olivia's writing is just excellent! Be prepared for a wild ride, with twists and turns, a beautiful slow-burn romance, and found family.
Thank you, Olivia Renner, for the ARC! I can't wait to read the next book.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞
𝐛𝐲 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡
- - -
Read this if you like:
□ new adult gothic/dark fantasy
□ main characters in their 20s
□ slow-burn
□ trauma rep
□ green flag MMC
□ plant abilities / unique magic system
□ FMC that's soft and timid, with heavy feminine rage arc
□ ancient curse
□ obsessive villains and deities
□ misread prophecy
"Sorry for the emotional damage". That's the first sentence in the acknowledgements. The audacity!
The Burdened Rose is the sequel. Please, read The Sacrificial Rose first!
How do I feel after reading this book? Well, let's see. First, I was so happy to dive back into this thrilling world, and see what happens with the lovely Elita, then I felt sadness cause she went through a lot, like really a lot, and then, I felt hope and relief when Elita put her grief and trauma aside and turn into this remarkable, brazen young woman. But somehow, Olivia thought it would be funny to turn everything upside-down and hell broke loose. The last chapters broke my heart into pieces and I was an emotional mess. Oh, and there is also this frustrating, hair-gripping cliffhanger!
Overall, beside all the heartbreak and emotional damage, I loved this sequel! Every single character in this book captures your heart (okay, maybe not that obsessive villain cause you just want to punch him) and this story is so beautifully penned. Olivia's writing is just excellent! Be prepared for a wild ride, with twists and turns, a beautiful slow-burn romance, and found family.
Thank you, Olivia Renner, for the ARC! I can't wait to read the next book.
December 21, 2025
Ok, what an amazing second book to follow up the first. I will say I liked this one better. The new locations, the new lore, the new power systems, it was all so creative and interesting I couldn't keep the book down!
I love the growth of the characters in this book, I felt the angst, I felt the panic, I felt it all, the writing was very visual and I loved that.
I can usually tell where a story is going, but man this book really took me for a ride and I did NOT see some of those plots coming, and I give the author brownie points for that.
The dark themes continue, the gothic feel is very tangible, I really enjoy this world. And even though I'd consider this a more "clean" book, I appreciate the heavier themes and feel they are appropriate, even the occasional language use, it feels right.
This was a 5 star read for me, and it's the epitome of why I enjoy indie reads so much and shows what some traditional books are lacking, its so imaginative even when some of the tropes and themes are present in lots of fantasy books, I feel like this author and this book does a good job bringing fresh ideas to the table and package it in an unexpected way. It feels free and not held back, I can't wait for the next books in the series.
I love the growth of the characters in this book, I felt the angst, I felt the panic, I felt it all, the writing was very visual and I loved that.
I can usually tell where a story is going, but man this book really took me for a ride and I did NOT see some of those plots coming, and I give the author brownie points for that.
The dark themes continue, the gothic feel is very tangible, I really enjoy this world. And even though I'd consider this a more "clean" book, I appreciate the heavier themes and feel they are appropriate, even the occasional language use, it feels right.
This was a 5 star read for me, and it's the epitome of why I enjoy indie reads so much and shows what some traditional books are lacking, its so imaginative even when some of the tropes and themes are present in lots of fantasy books, I feel like this author and this book does a good job bringing fresh ideas to the table and package it in an unexpected way. It feels free and not held back, I can't wait for the next books in the series.
September 15, 2025
I was so completely enraptured with Olivia's storytelling in book 1, The Sacrificial Rose, and she did NOT disappoint with book 2. First things first, the vibes:
🌹 completely unique magic system
❤️🔥 a deliciously agonizing slow burn
🤍 deep, complex characters and solid development
✨ very intriguing lore and world building
😱 mind blowing plot twists
🌙 beautiful, well written prose
One of my favorite things about Olivia Renner's writing is how beautifully polished it feels. She clearly has talent for it, and reading it is a pleasure. I felt transported to a different world complete with mystery, dark and serious threats, and gothic/whimsical imagery.
❤️ The slow burn romance had me squealing, kicking my feet, and desperate for more!
🗡️ The last 40% of this book was so completely gripping that I literally couldn't put it down.
Olivia Renner blew it out of the water with this one, and she continues to be an auto-buy author for me 💯
*note* closed door
🌹 completely unique magic system
❤️🔥 a deliciously agonizing slow burn
🤍 deep, complex characters and solid development
✨ very intriguing lore and world building
😱 mind blowing plot twists
🌙 beautiful, well written prose
One of my favorite things about Olivia Renner's writing is how beautifully polished it feels. She clearly has talent for it, and reading it is a pleasure. I felt transported to a different world complete with mystery, dark and serious threats, and gothic/whimsical imagery.
❤️ The slow burn romance had me squealing, kicking my feet, and desperate for more!
🗡️ The last 40% of this book was so completely gripping that I literally couldn't put it down.
Olivia Renner blew it out of the water with this one, and she continues to be an auto-buy author for me 💯
*note* closed door
November 22, 2025
I don’t typically use Goodreads!! I’m definitely a Fable girly, but I wanted to post this review on here as well!!
Vibes : 🥀❤️🔥📖❤️🩹👣🌱⛺️🗡️🌹
I received this book as an eARC 💫
I immediately started book 2 after I finished book 1. So I definitely think I was coming off a high from the end of the first book.
This is one of those books where you feel invested in the characters and what their futures look like. I think it was interesting to see Elita come into herself and her powers. Also, the yearning between her and Casimir was really fantastic.
I would say there were a few points in the book that felt a little bit slow. I think the pacing of book 1 was absolutely fabulous and stuff was just popping off the whole time. I was anticipating the same vibe for book 2, but it definitely slows down a little bit to delve into Elita‘s story and build up the plot line. I think it sets the stage amazingly for book 3!!
The last 5% definitely had me grouping the edge of my seat!
Vibes : 🥀❤️🔥📖❤️🩹👣🌱⛺️🗡️🌹
I received this book as an eARC 💫
I immediately started book 2 after I finished book 1. So I definitely think I was coming off a high from the end of the first book.
This is one of those books where you feel invested in the characters and what their futures look like. I think it was interesting to see Elita come into herself and her powers. Also, the yearning between her and Casimir was really fantastic.
I would say there were a few points in the book that felt a little bit slow. I think the pacing of book 1 was absolutely fabulous and stuff was just popping off the whole time. I was anticipating the same vibe for book 2, but it definitely slows down a little bit to delve into Elita‘s story and build up the plot line. I think it sets the stage amazingly for book 3!!
The last 5% definitely had me grouping the edge of my seat!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
This book absolutely wrecked me in the best, most soul-shattering way. I’ve read it four times now I think (I was blessed with beta-reading privileges 🙏), and after my first read? I fell into the worst reading slump of my life. The hangover was real. 😭
Liv’s imagery use needs to be studied. I’m such a visual reader, and her writing didn’t just paint a picture, it transported me. The world of this series is so breathtaking that I genuinely want to step into it and never come back. The worldbuilding? Immaculate. The magic system? Unique, layered, and endlessly captivating.
And the characters…
Elita is an unstoppable force.
Talos is universally hateable (as he should be).
And Casimir? That man YEARNS harder than any male character I’ve ever read. The slow burn is burning.
This book will break you, heal you, and break you again… and you’ll thank Liv for every moment.
Book 3… we need it.
Liv’s imagery use needs to be studied. I’m such a visual reader, and her writing didn’t just paint a picture, it transported me. The world of this series is so breathtaking that I genuinely want to step into it and never come back. The worldbuilding? Immaculate. The magic system? Unique, layered, and endlessly captivating.
And the characters…
Elita is an unstoppable force.
Talos is universally hateable (as he should be).
And Casimir? That man YEARNS harder than any male character I’ve ever read. The slow burn is burning.
This book will break you, heal you, and break you again… and you’ll thank Liv for every moment.
Book 3… we need it.
December 16, 2025
🥀ARC REVIEW🥀
Where do I even begin with book 2?! This was such a great sequel to The Sacrificial Rose. Olivia truly delivers the gothic, haunting atmosphere of this world again. After the events of book one, Elita is thrown into training her abilities in more ways than one while carrying so much guilt from previous choices. We get some much more of the side characters and their journeys and I just can’t get enough. The romantic subplot in this dark fantasy is like none I’ve ever experienced. Olivia might just be my new queen of tension, slow burn & just the absolute best kick your feet squealing swoon worthy romance ♥️ Book 3 needs to be in my hands like yesterday. The last 4 chapters have me in complete denial of what actually happened 🫠
🖤thank you again Olivia for the ARC🖤
Where do I even begin with book 2?! This was such a great sequel to The Sacrificial Rose. Olivia truly delivers the gothic, haunting atmosphere of this world again. After the events of book one, Elita is thrown into training her abilities in more ways than one while carrying so much guilt from previous choices. We get some much more of the side characters and their journeys and I just can’t get enough. The romantic subplot in this dark fantasy is like none I’ve ever experienced. Olivia might just be my new queen of tension, slow burn & just the absolute best kick your feet squealing swoon worthy romance ♥️ Book 3 needs to be in my hands like yesterday. The last 4 chapters have me in complete denial of what actually happened 🫠
🖤thank you again Olivia for the ARC🖤
December 30, 2025
The story telling, world building, and vivid writing in this series is simply insane. I'm not usually a fantasy reader, but I signed up to be an ARC reader after having read the first book, upon recommendation from the author's sister. I absolutely cannot put these books down. I always need to know what is going to happen next. The unique characters, their abilities and their stories... are all so amazing. Every chapter has me wanting more. Olivia's writing is strong, imaginative, and brings the reader right into the fantasy world she's built. Looking forward to book three!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am glad that the grief and trauma that Elita went through in the first book did not get swept under the rug in book 2.
With the prophecy weighing heavily on Elita's shoulders, she prepares herself for the inevitable war coming for the Roses while battling with her trauma. She trains to become less of a burden to others, aide them, and hopefully, in situations like with Ronin, she has the ability to defend herself.
The connection between Elita and Casimir grew deeper and I adored that for them.
If the rest of the series is like books 1 and 2, I fear I may not be emotional prepared.
With the prophecy weighing heavily on Elita's shoulders, she prepares herself for the inevitable war coming for the Roses while battling with her trauma. She trains to become less of a burden to others, aide them, and hopefully, in situations like with Ronin, she has the ability to defend herself.
The connection between Elita and Casimir grew deeper and I adored that for them.
If the rest of the series is like books 1 and 2, I fear I may not be emotional prepared.
December 13, 2025
A sequel that builds on the progress from the first book—from high stakes to romance to emotional damage! Olivia Renner succeeds in making an emotionally intimate romantic subplot that’s a delightful slow burn. If you loved book one, you’ll enjoy book two! And I’m already looking forward to book three. The pacing felt a little slower in this one, but that’s probably the nature of what’s happening in the plot: training, preparation, dread, etc. But I thoroughly enjoyed it!
December 16, 2025
Content: explicit language (but not an excessive amount, message me for details), violence (descriptive, injuries/wounds mentioned/described), kissing only (descriptive). Author also includes a page of other content considerations.
Genre/Tropes: Adult fantasy, slowwwww burn romance, single POV, prophecy, dying kingdom, healing from trauma
My thoughts: A fantastic book 2! Oh my goodness the tension between Elita and Casimir had me dying in the best way the entire book. And when they freaking finally kiss?? 🔥🔥🔥 Aside from the romantic tension, we are in a new city this book (Mistvalle) in which Roses and norms live side by side. Elita works on healing and trying to figure out what her life will look like now, after the events at the end of book 1. Battle ever looming in the distance, as they all know Talos and the king won’t give up on finding them to finish what they started. Friendships deepen, new ones form, and Elita continues to train and even gets her own armor.
I still trust no one. Except Casimir. Always Cas. ❤️
Don’t read this if you hate cliffhangers. This one ends on more of one than the first book, and the third book cannot come soon enough.
Favorite moments:
🌹 sneaking into the library
🌹 learning to swim
🌹 Cas on the battlefield
🌹 Elita’s sleeping arrangements
🌹 seeing Valor’s care as a father
🌹 scouting mission
🌹 drinking at the pub after battle
🌹 the ending!!! As much as I also hate it 😅
Genre/Tropes: Adult fantasy, slowwwww burn romance, single POV, prophecy, dying kingdom, healing from trauma
My thoughts: A fantastic book 2! Oh my goodness the tension between Elita and Casimir had me dying in the best way the entire book. And when they freaking finally kiss?? 🔥🔥🔥 Aside from the romantic tension, we are in a new city this book (Mistvalle) in which Roses and norms live side by side. Elita works on healing and trying to figure out what her life will look like now, after the events at the end of book 1. Battle ever looming in the distance, as they all know Talos and the king won’t give up on finding them to finish what they started. Friendships deepen, new ones form, and Elita continues to train and even gets her own armor.
I still trust no one. Except Casimir. Always Cas. ❤️
Don’t read this if you hate cliffhangers. This one ends on more of one than the first book, and the third book cannot come soon enough.
Favorite moments:
🌹 sneaking into the library
🌹 learning to swim
🌹 Cas on the battlefield
🌹 Elita’s sleeping arrangements
🌹 seeing Valor’s care as a father
🌹 scouting mission
🌹 drinking at the pub after battle
🌹 the ending!!! As much as I also hate it 😅
December 19, 2025
The trauma!!!! I absolutely admired Book 1 so I knew Book 2 would not disappoint. We continue to follow Elita's journey as she now has to flee towards a new place. Who is actually a part of her alliance and who is pretending? There was more world building in this one and training for Elita as they prepare for war. She starts to tap into who she is and tries to figure out what she is capable of.
I love seeing her become stronger and accepting herself. Not taking bs from people while also having an inner monologue, similar to what I consider most of us to have, with self doubts. I have major trust issues and I do not accept that ending!!!! I refuse to believe it!! Definitely ends on a major cliffhanger and now I can't believe I have to wait for Book 3!!! But also insanely excited!!
I love seeing her become stronger and accepting herself. Not taking bs from people while also having an inner monologue, similar to what I consider most of us to have, with self doubts. I have major trust issues and I do not accept that ending!!!! I refuse to believe it!! Definitely ends on a major cliffhanger and now I can't believe I have to wait for Book 3!!! But also insanely excited!!
November 24, 2025
I don’t know how I’m going to possibly make it through the rest of this series!! My heart is broken but I must persist.
December 13, 2025
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
review coming soon...
review coming soon...
December 13, 2025
EXCUSE ME! Olivia you can't be doing this to me😩
Chapter 51... WTF... this should be illegal
Chapter 51... WTF... this should be illegal
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews