Poison Petals

Release Date - 1st March

“Dangerous and unhinged and completely fucking beautiful “ - the best quote to sum up this duet!

“Bleed if you need to. Break if you must . Just don’t leave”

This book was SO MUCH MORE! I was shown the painful past of Shannen & Phoenix . This made me understand their deep connection and why they had grown up to be who they are .

Phoenix was unhinged yes.. BUT

Did he love Shannen? Yes!
Did he stalk to protect her ? Yes!
Would he kill for her? Don’t ask him twice !
Was the cameras in her home necessary ? Of course !
Did he mutilate his skin in the name of love ? Swoon worth moment I guess !

Our red flag man was just a romantic soul . Their connection was dangerous . A love so destructive. A love that could destroy eachother

I DEVOURED THIS BOOK.. That ending !! Why did you do that to me 😭😭😭 The way I highlighted practically EVERY word in epilogue 2!

YOU BROKE ME ! I. AM. NOT. OKAY! I repeat .. I . AM . NOT. OKAY!!!! “I love you, Phoenix Cassidy.” “I love you too, but can you please tell me again tomorrow?” Whyyyyyy Lea ! Why?!!!! Just stab me in the heart next time. I did text my sister for moral support ! I needed it !

“ Forever and hereafter. Just like I promised.”😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 Their story was beautiful . Devastating. A must read !

I am in awe in your ability as an author ! The way you captured their story beautifully and made me feel and see everything from their eyes and heart. I felt the rage , the passion , the desperation , the love .. I FELT IT ALL! I’m so proud of you! Another amazing book that will be loved !!

Also, I know I’m being greedy but I definitely need a book for Cain, Lucien and Lianna. Their banter was top tier !

✨ Thank you Lea Rose for this advance reader copy in return for an honest review . I love being on your unhinged street team✨

Jess Catlow

115 reviews6 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

coming back with a full review soon... just know that no matter what you tell yourself... you are not ready to be ruined by Pheonix Cassidy.

Trinket Reads

209 reviews

Still not over this one. Poison Petals was so worth the wait. Ever since that cliff-hanger at the end of Velvet Thorns, I’ve been counting down for this release—and I’m happy to report it did not disappoint. Poison Petals picks up right where we left off and dives deeper into the dark, seductive world Lea has created.
The tension between Phoenix and Shannen is absolute perfection and once she starts to understand the depth of his obsession now, she knows he’s not going anywhere. And instead of shrinking, she pushes back and challenges him. The chemistry is explosive. Her eventual surrender? Delicious agony.
Phoenix… yeah. I’m not okay. He’s earned a permanent, non-negotiable spot in my top-tier book boyfriend lineup. He is catastrophically obsessed, and unwaveringly devoted to Shannen. And Shannen, she is pure fire and fury. She starts off guarded, furious, heartbroken but watching her slowly bring down her walls and open back up to Phoenix was everything. Their relationship is messy, volatile, and beautiful. Shoutout to Lianna, Lucien and Cain, I need more. Immediately! I’ve actually decided I want to be Lianna when I grow up! This book had me smiling like an idiot one minute, blushing hard the next and hen there were times my jaw was on the floor but what I didn’t expect was to be sobbing - Lea you reached into my heart and pulled every emotion out with this one!
The ending ruined me in the most beautiful way. I still keep thinking about it. This is not surface-level romance. It consumes you. If the first book hooked you, this one takes everything and cranks it up—the obsession, the devotion, the intensity, the stakes. It’s relentless and unapologetic in its pursuit of a love that refuses to be quiet or sensible. Would I give it more than five stars if I could? Without hesitation.

Michelle Morley

146 reviews13 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

4.5 ⭐️'s

Poison Petals is book two in the Broken Devotion duet, and it delivers a dark, obsessive, emotionally volatile reunion that absolutely does not play by the rules.

Ten years after high school, Shannen and Phoenix are forced back into each other’s orbit. Once best friends, now something far more dangerous. Shannen wants to tear the skin from him — one hatred-fuelled claw mark at a time. Phoenix? He’d stand there and let her. He’d probably tell her how to make it hurt more, all while calling her “pretty girl” — and he'll love it. Because at least her fury means he has her attention.

Lea Rose has crafted a deliciously dark romance layered with stalking, friends-to-enemies-to-unhinged-and-feral-lovers energy, touch-her-and-💀 possessiveness, he-falls-first devotion, and a morally grey virgin MMC who is obsessive in the most chaotic way possible.

Shannen and Phoenix have always been all or nothing. Their bond was forged in trauma-filled childhoods, fractured by betrayal, and rebuilt through obsession, resentment, longing, and a reluctant reestablishment of trust. This is not a healthy relationship — not even close. But it is raw. It is intense. It is consuming.

Are they each other’s orbit? Absolutely.
Is it safe? Not even slightly.

Lea Rose’s writing feels effortless while cutting straight to the emotional core. You don’t just read their pain — you feel it pressing against your ribs. And despite the darkness, this book is packed with some of the sharpest, most outrageous one-liners I’ve read in a long time.

For all its toxicity, Poison Petals is emotionally gripping, deeply character-driven, and unforgettable. This duet has been a reading journey that will stay with me for a very long time, and I adore Lea for bringing it into the world

Thank you to Lea Rose for this ARC — all opinions are my own.89

incredibly_bookish

90 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

Lea never disappoints!! Phoenix and Shannen are definitely one of my top couples... 🤩 Their story is, well, crazy af 😆👌 but that just adds to the fun.

This is the second book in the duology, the first being Velvet Thorns. The series was such an enjoyable read, with lots of sexual tension, laugh out loud moments and - quite unexpectedly - tears!!

Side characters are absolute friend goals!! 🙌 Not so secretly manifesting that we get to learn more about some of them... if you read it, youll know 👀

Can't say too much more or i will spoil it for sure! I won't be able to help myself. Just know that you are guaranteed to have a good time with this series...

✨️ COMING MARCH 1ST 2026 - AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW ✨️

Danielle Frances

28 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Absolute show stopper of a book. I was already in love with Pheonix Cassidy from Velvet Thorns and felt like I have waited a lifetime for the rest of his and Shannen's story.

I will never get enough of these two and their obsessive, possessive, toxic love.

Our Pheonix, he's got some issues, he's a little bit traumatised, causing some questionable stalker tendencies, for the sake of protecting his woman and I have so here for it!!

Shannen, she fought her demons, overcame them, then went back to play with the devil!

I absolutely love the additional characters in this book and really hope we get a spin off! it was great to hear more about Lianna and girl is she my spirit animal.

The epilogue broke my damn heart, so prepare for a final tear jerker at the end 😭 still a HEA, but just a wee bit emotional at the end.

Hats off to Lea again, another fabulous book from you and I really hope you write more dark romances 💖

Jade Eve

51 reviews1 follower

Phoenix Cassidy the man you are 🫦😍

Lea’s gone and done it again 😭 another 5* read, with characters (and side characters I can’t wait to see more of) that you endlessly fall in love with.

Blessed to have read the ARC for Poison Petals, and I’ll immediately be buying my trophy book for when it releases in a few days.

Oh Lea I love you girl, you spoil us in every way! 😭🫶🏼

Smuttybooks_geekystuff

719 reviews46 followers

Review of advance copy

advanced-readers-copy broken-boy cockholding

What an epic conclusion to this dark romance duet!

Phoenix is deranged, possessive and psychotic but this man is totally gone for his woman and I loved every second of it.

Oh, and Lianna and the twins... yeah I'm going to need a lot more of them please.

Zuzana

71 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

February 4, 2026

Honestly I don't know what to say other than I need more.
I read every single book ever written and published by Lea, and she knows how much I love them. So when she asked me if I wanted to read PP as she writes, my soul literally left my body, because there's not a bigger honor than when the author recognises your love for their work and wants you to have the front row seat while they create 🖤

This duet is Lea's first Dark Romance, and I think we'll all agree when I say HELL YES! 🔥

I loved every single moment of this duet, Phoenix is one of my favourite MMCs (right after Tobias), he's the OTT man every girl dreams of having in her life (maybe except the excessive stalking LOL)
Both the FMC Shannen and MMC Phoenix went through a great character development, Shannen from a bitch who wanted revenge for Phoenix breaking her heart, and Phoenix went from absolute casual psycho to loving, devoted (still) psycho 🤣🤭🖤

The side characters in this duet had me cackling, and I hope to see more of Lianna, Lucien and Cain🫠😈

Phoenix and Shannen got their HEA, after the slight slow burn (side eyeing you Lea👀💀), but I would say the HEA is kinda questionable 🤔 I cried, for a long time, because as much as it was beautiful, it still broke my heart 😭🖤

I honestly think Lea is one of the very much underrated authors, and I try to recommend her books everywhere I go, because she's a remarkable writer. Her stories are so well written, and she possesses an ability to show you what's happening within the pages, instead of telling you.

Lea is not just my auto buy author, she is on the 'I hope she never stops writing' list!

If I could I would give this book (and the duet) infinity stars, that's how much I love it!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

P.S.: EVERY SINGLE ONE OF HER BOOKS IS A MASTERPIECE, so if you're looking for a read with no grammar mistakes that will make both your brain and panties wet, her books are the right choice 🖤

Faiza BEGUM

546 reviews15 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

I have officially surrendered my sanity to this duet.

This story is a chaotic cocktail of vengeance, fixation, unwavering allegiance, and hard-earned transformation — equal parts velvet and razor blades. It is intense, dramatic, and completely addictive.

Phoenix? I am unwell. He has secured a permanent seat in my elite book boyfriend hierarchy, and that placement is not given lightly. He is feral-level protective, morally questionable, catastrophically obsessed, and entirely committed. The man radiates “cross the line and I’ll erase you” energy. Is he stable? Absolutely not. Is he devoted beyond reason? Without hesitation. A loyal menace. A consistent menace. We respect it.

And Shannen? She is fire wrapped in fury. She begins hardened and furious, carrying heartbreak like armor, determined to make him pay. Watching her slowly dismantle those walls — not because she is weak, but because she chooses to feel again — was mesmerizing. Their evolution together is messy, volatile, and strangely beautiful. Phoenix matures too, in his own slightly unhinged way. He’s still chaos… just now it’s focused chaos.

The supporting cast deserves their own spotlight. Lianna is the kind of unfiltered, slightly unbalanced best friend everyone secretly needs. Lucien and Cain? I am begging for more content immediately. The dynamics, the humor, the sharp dialogue — it all adds texture to an already explosive story. The banter alone had me grinning like a fool.

Now let’s talk about that ending. Yes, technically you receive your happily-ever-after. Emotionally? Prepare for damage. I was left staring into space reevaluating my entire emotional resilience. It’s tender and brutal all at once — which feels very on-brand for this author. She gives you joy wrapped in ache and tells you to survive it.

The tension between Phoenix and Shannen after everything is revealed is chef’s kiss. She knows the depth of his obsession now. She knows he’s not leaving. And instead of shrinking, she challenges him. She pushes back. She fumes. He remains utterly undeterred. The chemistry is combustible. The inevitability of her surrender? Delicious torture.

Also — can we acknowledge that Phoenix is essentially a possessive, slightly psychotic golden retriever when it comes to her? Desperate for her attention. Determined to claim every piece of her. It’s outrageous and somehow endearing at the same time.

The writing style pulls you directly into the emotional crossfire. You don’t just observe the turmoil — you experience it. The longing feels tangible. The heartbreak lingers. The passion is almost suffocating in the best way. This isn’t surface-level romance. It’s consuming.

If the first installment impressed you, brace yourself. This one escalates everything — the stakes, the intensity, the obsession, the devotion. It is relentless in its pursuit of a love that refuses to be quiet or reasonable.

Would I give it more than five stars if I could? Without question.

If you crave romance that is polished yet primal, emotionally chaotic yet purposeful, and centered around a man who would dismantle the universe for his woman — this duet is waiting for you.

I, for one, am still spiraling. And I regret nothing.

Kirsty

505 reviews10 followers

Review of advance copy

February 24, 2026

I genuinely do not have coherent thoughts. I have feelings. Ferocious, unhinged, feral feelings.

First of all, being asked to read Poison Petals while it was being written? Front row seat to the chaos? I ascended. There is no greater honour than when an author you adore says, “come watch me build this world.” I have read every single thing Lea has ever put into the universe, so this felt like being handed the crown jewels and told not to drop them.

This duet was everything. Obsession, devotion, revenge, character growth wrapped in barbed wire and silk. Phoenix… I don’t even have the vocabulary. He is officially sitting in my top MMC lineup right under Tobias, and that is sacred territory. He is that over the top, unhinged, touch her and you die, I will burn the world down for you kind of man. The stalking? Slightly concerning. The loyalty? Absolutely elite. The love? Deranged but devoted. We support a consistent psycho king.

Shannen’s evolution had me hooked. She starts out sharp edged, furious, out for revenge because Phoenix shattered her heart, and watching her unravel and rebuild herself alongside him was addictive. And Phoenix going from casual chaos gremlin to loving, devoted chaos gremlin? Growth. Beautiful, unwell growth.

The side characters? I was cackling. Lianna, Lucien, Cain… I need more of them immediately. Give me spin offs. Give me crumbs. Give me anything.

Now let us discuss the HEA. Technically, yes. They get it. Emotionally? I am still recovering. I cried. Proper cried. The kind where you stare at the wall afterwards questioning your stability. It was beautiful and devastating in equal measure, which feels very on brand for Lea. She hands you a happy ending dipped in heartbreak and expects you to cope.

Lea is criminally underrated. Her writing does not just tell you what is happening, it drags you into the room and makes you breathe the same air as her characters. The tension feels real. The pain feels real. The love feels dangerously real. She is not just an auto buy author for me. She is on my “please never stop writing because I am emotionally dependent on your fictional men” list.

If I could rate this duet infinity stars, I would. Infinity and then some.

And yes. Holy hell. I love Phoenix and Shannen with my entire unhinged heart. 💀🌹

Every single one of her books is a masterpiece. If you want a story that is cleanly written, emotionally feral, and makes both your brain and your hormones clock in for overtime, this is your sign.

C_C

198 reviews4 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

ARC REVIEW

"Poison Petals"
(The Broken Devotion Duet Book 2)

FAVORITE.

My review could very well be just one word: favorite.

But author Lea, this book, and especially this duet of books, they all deserve SO MUCH more than one word.

Even when that word reflects EVERYTHING this book/duet is: favorite.

I have been waiting for almost 6 months to be able to read after that cliffhanger where Lea left us suffering at the end of Velvet Thorns.

And Lea delivered ALL.
Every detail is crucial for the development of the story. Every scene is wrapped in pain and desire and love and fire. Every piece of right vs wrong is there.
The amount of unhinged is insane. The way we are sucked into the scenes is unbelievable. The way Phoenix (oh Phoenix...) and Shannen are the two BROKEN yet PERFECT pieces of the puzzle they live in since teenagers.

Try and stop me about be FERAL for them. I am utterly OBSESSED with them, with this book, with this duet.

Did I mention: FAVORITE? Oh, my heart.

p.s.: how dare you make me cry? How? I won't forgive you for that.

p.s.2 : please, Lea, I'm begging you, write a book about Lianna.

-----

some of my favorite quotes:

Ignoring Phoenix is like trying not to breathe.

I can't fight the boy who used to kiss my bruises.

He's disgustingly beautiful.

She's inviting the wolf inside.

Jesus Christ, I'm touching her.

I'm not some naive girl who thinks love makes monsters less monstrous.

I should've remembered all the reasons why letting him touch me is playing with fire.

The heat of him everywhere at once, like he'd swallowed the sun and decided to burn every inch of me with it.

We've been synced since we were kids, two fucked-up souls orbiting each other in the dark.

Need and obsession coil in his eyes, and he looks like a wolf scenting blood.

"Please let me love you," he pleads, and my heart cracks straight down the center.

This isn't just a kiss. It's two souls grabbing each other by the throat and saying: I'm never losing you again.

I'm rabid for her.

"I'm yours, Phoenix. Not just in the dark but in the light too."

And my all time favorite:

I want to consume her.
Rip her open.
Climb inside her chest and close the door behind me.
I want to live there.

favorites

Hayley Peckham

283 reviews5 followers

😲😲😲 Hold on. Give me a minute… actually no, give me three… because how am I even supposed to articulate this level of pure perfection. All I know is this: you NEED this in your life. NEED. IT. (But not until you’ve read Velvet Thorns first)

And don’t you dare circle back asking me “why didn’t you tell me?” Oh, I’m telling you right now. You are going to go THROUGH. IT.

Emotionally. Spiritually. Cardiovascularly. (If that’s even a word 🤣)

I was laughing. Crying. Swooning. Gasping for oxygen at times. Checking my racing pulse, genuinely wondering how many beats per minute qualifies as “Hayley, you might wanna chew some aspirin for your impending heart attack” And oh my lawd… brace yourself, because your lady bits are about to clock in for a full shift with overtime approved. 🔥🥵🪭

Seriously, these two are disgustingly perfect. Phoenix is every bit as unhinged as he was in Velvet Thorns. The man is chaos wrapped in pure devotion, and somehow that makes him even more irresistible. The chemistry? Unreal. It practically bleeds off the pages. You can feel the heat, the hunger, the years of longing clawing their way back to the surface. It’s not just romance, it’s two soulmates ripping back the time they were robbed of and claiming it with fire in their veins. And it was so achingly, overwhelmingly beautiful to read. That ending?! Completely destroyed my poor wee heart.

I mean… I obviously can’t tell Lea what to do…but if I had the power to teleport across the world? I would absolutely grab her by the shoulders, give her the most dramatic shake, and screech in the highest, most unhinged pitched voice possible “I WILL NOT SURVIVE IF I DON’T GET LIANNA AND THE TWINS STORY.” Because trust me when I say that when you read this, you are going to be feral for them too.

If you haven’t been able to tell all ready. I am obsessed!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thanks Lea for the advanced copy to read 🫶

Rae

251 reviews12 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

5 months.. that’s how long I waited to read the end of this duet and I’d wait it out again and again if I could reread this duet for the first time over and over.

”Bleed if you need to”

If you’ve read Lea’s work before, then you know you’re in for a ride with her plots and the raunchiest times with her 🌶️ scenes. The best way I can describe the style of Lea’s writing is elegant formats, emotional depth, laugh out loud moments, spice that leaves you 🥵 and characters that you can’t help but fall in love with.

”Break if you must. And if…”

We got to begin Shannen & Phoenix’ story in Velvet Thorns, where (if you haven’t read it, stop reading this and go read VT!) we learn their story of trauma bonded teen love. It’s nothing sinister, it’s an innocent young love filled with their similar trauma’s of bad parents.
Poison Petals picks right up from the moment we were left veering off an almighty cliffhanger in VT, an explosion of emotion that left a lot of us wanting to throw our kindles at the wall as if it were a frisbee in an attempt to squish our literature spicy frustration of NEEDING the second book right then 🤣 if a cliffhanger don’t make you feel like that, was there any point to it?! Lea you’re good!
And now.. now! We are left with an ending beautifully fit for Phoenix & Shannen but also an obsessive need to find out if Lianna will get her cheeks slapped by those sexy lethal brothers 😏🥵 my imagination is running rampant already!!
Oh and I freaking love Lianna, she was fun as hell in VT but in this one, she starts to shine as that ‘balls to the wind’ bestie! I really do need a duet focused on Lianna (and the brothers)

”If you need to leave, it’s okay.”

So, do I recommend this book?
Well If you read above, you’d know the answer without a shadow of a doubt. But just incase, HELL YES!
Go grab yourself the duet, enjoy this dark, emotional and sexy as hell duet whilst I go beg the author for a Lianna duet 🤣🤣

Novellaworm

100 reviews4 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

February 28, 2026

Poison Petals is the second book in the duet that begins with Velvet Thorns, and once again Lea Rose completely delivered.

This book picks up immediately where we left off, throwing us straight back into the intensity between Shannen and Phoenix. There’s no easing in — the emotions are raw, the tension is high, and the history between them is impossible to ignore.

Shannen is still carrying the deep wound of Phoenix’s abandonment from ten years ago. Watching her navigate the life she built for herself while trying to protect her heart from him all over again was painful in the best way. Her strength, vulnerability, and refusal to simply fold made her growth feel real and earned.

Phoenix, on the other hand, is relentless. He’s broken, obsessive, and completely devoted. His desperation to prove that their connection never died — and to earn her forgiveness — drives so much of this story. He knows he failed her, and the weight of that failure has shaped him for a decade. His love isn’t soft or quiet; it’s intense, consuming, and at times overwhelming. But beneath it is genuine remorse and a need to make things right.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the supporting cast. Calling them “side characters” feels unfair because they are integral to the emotional depth of the story. Each one adds weight and perspective, and I sincerely hope we see more of them in future books.

The emotional impact builds steadily throughout, but the epilogue truly broke me. It was moving, heartfelt, and a beautiful conclusion to their journey. After everything they endured — the lost years, the misunderstandings, the pain — their ending felt deserved.

This duet is a reminder that love can survive time, distance, and even self-destruction — but only if both people are willing to fight for it.

I feel incredibly grateful to have received an ARC of this book. Lea Rose’s writing continues to be emotive, immersive, and unforgettable.

Elizabeth Judge

9 reviews

REVIEW OF ADVANCE READER COPY FROM AUTHOR

Oh my word, how has Lea done it again? From the get-go we are right back in the thick of things with Phoenix and Shannen, picking straight back up where we left off at the end of Velvet Thorns.

Shannen’s journey centres around her feelings of abandonment by Phoenix all those years ago and how badly he let her down. We watch her struggle to live in the life she’s made for herself while accepting that Phoenix is out in the open now and present in her life. He doesn’t give her an inch, he’s all stalker/intense/dominant vibes.

Phoenix’s journey centres around his desperate need to have Shannen love him back, to forgive him and relieve him of his self-imposed punishment that has lasted a whole decade.

Watching this couple’s story develop and conclude has been an absolute privilege. It’s a reminder that nothing worth having ever comes easy and that true love is absolutely worth whatever you have to go through to get there.

As ever, Lea’s writing is beautiful. As a reader, I felt both Shannen and Phoenix’s deep pain, in addition to their love for each other that never died despite all their time apart. I grieved for the decade they’d missed out on and epilogue two reduced me to tears. We all want a love like theirs.

And if you’re familiar with Lea’s other books, watch out for an After All This Time cameo. I may have squealed a little.

Do yourself a favour and read this book (but remember to read Velvet Thorns first if you haven’t already), you won’t regret it. I consider myself to be so fortunate to have received an ARC of this book, thank you so much Lea. You never fail to disappoint with your creations.

Chante De Wit

139 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

OMG. OMYGOD. OH MY GOD.

First of all, this is book two in a duet and it is highly recommended to read book one first as this one picks up right where we left off. Now, this book was messy, chaotic, unhinged and I loved every freaking second of it. If Phoenix is a red flag then call me colorblind because while this man is dangerous, its the best kind of danger. And he would do just about anything for his woman, and yes I mean anything.

Shannen has walls higher than the empire state. Hardened by a harsh childhood and Phoenix who broke her heart when he was the only one she felt safe with. But he is back and determined to bulldoze through every wall she puts up to prove to her they belong together.

We dove a lot more into their story in this one compared to the first book, but we got to see Phoenix fight tooth and nail to get his woman back and Shannen finally give in and let him back in because she realized while he is a bit psychotic, he is her kind of psychotic. There book was packed with every thing I could have asked for. All the donwright unhinged moments to absolutely scorching spice. These two are just explosive together.

And finally, that last epilogue. I think I'm still recovering from that one. While they got their HEA the end of their story was so incredibly emotional and beautiful at the same time I could not contain my tears. Lea is such an underrated author because HOLY CRAP her books are good and I NEED MORE.

Veronica Turner

124 reviews4 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

February 28, 2026

Poison Petals by Lea Rose, Book 2 of The Broken Devotion Duet. This is an Enemies to Lovers Dark Stalker Romance following Shannen Clarke and Phoenix Cassidy. 🚩This is for adult readers only (18+) as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. There are heavy themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩

My thoughts 💭
Before we dive into this review, if you have not read Velvet Thorns, stop here. Go read it. Then come back, this book picks up right where that one ends. Now, diving in….this book is soooooo beautiful. Lea Rose ties it up with a beautiful bow and obliterated my heart in the process. Phoenix Cassidy is a man with a plan, that plan involves any and every thing that is Shannen. And no is not an option. He’s unhinged, possessive, obsessive and beautiful…but only has eyes for his Pretty Girl. Shannen does not make it easy, she says horribly mean things that she knows will shatter him, but he takes it because she’s his end game. And let’s take a moment to appreciate that this man waited to lose his virginity to her. Shannen and Phoenix are the definition of soul mates. I don’t want to say much more without giving it all away but know this…it’s a must read, you will not regret it.

“Bleed if you need to. Break if you must. Just don’t leave.”

✨I would like to thank Author Lea Rose for the opportunity to read and review Poison Petals.

Betty Wong

394 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy

There are some authors that speak your language or you just connect so well with their writing. For me that would be Lea Rose because there isn’t a book she has written that I haven’t absolutely loved. Poison Petals is no different. Highly anticipated book two to Shannen and Phoenix’s story that started in book one, Velvet Thorns.
These are to very soulmate connected best friends that were thrust away from each other after some very mean girl/boy stuff went down in book one.
But Poison Petals is here to say that Phoenix doesn’t give up, not when the woman of his life is at stake. And oh boy….do you like stalker vibes? Do you like morally dark, dark, dark gray vibes? How about touch her and die? If you said yes well this is the absolute book for you. Because this man cannot be more perfect. He’s as committed as they come!
Shannen is also one you will love because you need a next level FMC to contend with the bad boy Phoenix is. Lea gave us two perfect main characters who were so easy to love and to root for equally. The underlying subplot of the book brings a suspenseful approach to the story and also gives some perspective on just how connected our lovebirds are. The pacing of the story leaves you never wanting to drop that book - because why? Finished mine in marathon time! Read it and you will devour every delicious page!

Heids_in_books

64 reviews10 followers

This is the second book in the Broken Devotion Duet. This was magnificent.
Lea has written an incredible book.
Now that Phoenix is no longer in the shadows, he needs to work through the trauma, anger and grief that both Shannen and himself shoulder.

The chemistry and love between the two of them was so evident, not just in Phoenix and his obsessive behaviour, but the fact that he was always there when she needed him. He took responsibility for his part in her anger and trauma. He never lied to her(after he came clean in the first book I mean) and he always treated her with love and respect.
Ok, we now need to go to the spice, because OMG. I have only read about a male MMC being a virgin a handful of times. It may well be my new favourite trope.

All of his firsts with Shannen were so beautifully written, and I'm certain at one point I actually teared up. I also needed a hand fan, because GEEZ! The chemistry was off the charts and the way he got caught up in all those first's in the moment was spectacular to read.

The ending in this duet, specifically the second epilogue was so incredibly good, that I was crying in bed at 11pm reading it. It is definitely one of the best epilogues I have ever read.

This was such a well written, beautiful book, and lea did Phoenix and Shannen's ending proud.
Make sure you add it to your TBR TODAY!

5 ⭐️
4 🌶️

read-in-26

Kaitlyn

89 reviews18 followers

Starting straight off where Velvet Thorns left us, we are thrown back in to Shannen & Phoenix’s intoxicating emotional push and pull dynamic.

Tropes include:
Forced Proximity
Dark Stalker Romance
Friends to enemies to lovers
Virgin MMC
OTTJP
Touch her /him & 💀

The tension is immediate.
The obsession undeniable.
And beneath it all lives a dangerously unhinged ferocity that only they truly understand in each other.

I loved the glimpses of learning why Phoenix is the way he is, with memories of his childhood. We feel his pain, his complicated feelings towards his parents, adding a raw vulnerability that makes his devotion hit harder.
Shannen sees Phoenix’s light, she’s fighting her own demons and still chooses to step into the darkness hand in hand.

Their connection is visceral.
Chaotic.
All-consuming.
The kind of love that feels inevitable.
Soulmates.
Ride-or-die.
Endgame in its most dangerous form.

Two fractured souls coming together, building each other up, grounding each other when the world gets too loud.

They choose each other. Always.

Also, I am dying for Lianna, Cain & Lucien to get their own book! 🔥 Cain might be my favourite…

Thank you Lea for allowing me to ARC read another stunning book! 🖤

Happy Reading
😊📸🐦‍🔥

Adele Miller

31 reviews

☆☆☆☆
🌶🌶🌶

CONTAINS SPOILERS, VELVET THORNS MUST BE READ FIRST

🖤Dual POV
🖤Touch her and die
🖤Morally gray MMC
🖤Virgin MMC
🖤Stalker
🖤Obsessive/possesive
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Anti hero
🖤Suspense

" Dangerous and unhinged and completely fucking beautiful."

Phoenix and Shannen are back in part 2 of the Broken Devotion Duet. This novella leaves an addictive anticipation with the turn of every page. The devil has never been so deliciously dark.

Shannen thinks she's once again escaping Phoenix, only to find out he's been close by for all this time. Watching, waiting,......wanting.

Phoenix is obsessive and possessive and the epitome of 'touch her and die'. Having watched Shannen from the shadows for years he is now coming out of the dark and into the light to claim what is his.

Is Phoenix delusional and dangerous or does his dark devotion know exactly what Shannen craves and needs? Can Phoenix convince Shannen to see through his twisted reality of self destruction and see the boy who only ever wanted to love and protect her. Even if his protection demands blood .......

Commamirandabooknerd

782 reviews16 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

February 25, 2026

ARC Review 📖
Poison Petals
Written by Lea Rose
@authorlearose

Oh I'm so obsessed with the change in dynamic now that Phoenix has shared everything with her she's now stuck knowing that he's watched and that he does plan on going anywhere. Phoenix could stalk me anytime Shannen should be so lucky. The banter between them and how mad at him she is but it doesn't deter him in the slightest is just too perfect.

The chemistry is too strong between them and it's only a matter of time when Shannen gives in. I just love that Phoenix is a needy Psycho golden retriever puppy for his woman.

Without fail this book has my favorite Lea humour sprinkled throughout. Some great one-liners from Shannen but mostly from Shannen’s best friend. But also his friendship with Cain is hilarious and I want to know more about Cain and Lucian.

🖤Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🥀Stalker/Obsession
🖤Revenge
🥀Dark Romance
🖤 Yearning
🥀Virginia MMC
🖤Touch Her & Die
🥀Forced Proximity

#LeaRose
#comingsoon
#arcreview
#darkromance

Megs

534 reviews9 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

February 25, 2026

🥀🖤ARC Review🖤🥀
♾️⭐️

THANK YOU Lea for the honor of being a part of your team and this crazy beautiful amazing ARC of Poison Petals‼️

First off let me just say, WOW‼️
I am completely 💯 OBSESSED🖤

Book 2 in The Broken Devotion duet was absolutely EVERYTHING‼️
From the stalking (that wasn’t hidden anymore) to the tattoos and the way that Shannen finally felt/realized the torturous longing, lust, and need that Phoenix felt was breathtakingly PERFECT.

Lea this book was pure perfection and I can’t even.
YOU MUST read this, but also MUST read Velvet Thorns first, just so you have the insight into why these characters are the way that they are.

I did NOT want this book to end, I could have read hundreds more pages of Phoenix and Shannen…

I really hope that some of these characters get their own MFM book, and then we hopefully get more Phoenix and Shannen.

Tropes:
🖤Stalker Romance
🥀He is always sleeping
🖤Spicy
🥀Virgin MMC
🖤He is OBSESSED
��No Third Act Break-Up
🖤The Banter
🥀He has a Praise K!nk

2026-arcs

Brenda

183 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

ARC review

Poison Petals is the second book in the Broken Devotion Duet, picking up right where Velvet Thorns left off. This installment dives deeper into their twisted dynamic, as Phoenix’s obsession and Shannen’s conflicted feelings come together in a whirlwind of passion, revenge, and vulnerability.
In this book Phoenix is still unhinged, not that we thought he would change, right? I enjoyed how his obsession is so vividly written that you can't do anything else than root for him. Same goes for Shannen, she brings the same energy that she has in the first book. I love how she is deliciously conflicted about wanting Phoenix but also hating that she wants him.
The whole chemist between these two is off the charts. And don't get me started on the sexual tension.... Sissling!
Oh and the way Phoenix has a physical manifestation of his obsession...
I would have loved a bit more development about James. He is built up as a threat, but would have liked it if that came out more.

Hayley Edwards

251 reviews30 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Advanced copy from Author

I sobbed my heart out at the end of this book as this book

This book was a mixture of vengeance and Obssesion
It was intense and addictive and I was hooked.

Hold on to your pearls and brace yourself as once you start you won't be able to put this book down

Prepare to go through every emotion. This book literally had me melting into a puddle to wanting to screams and shout at the pair of them, to nearly throwing my Kindle at points.

The tension and chemistry between Shannon and Phoenix is explosive all it needed was one spark and it exploded.
Leas writing made you feel every emotion while along side the characters as they were experiencing it.

I was obsessed with phoenix and I fell in love with his unhinged ass more and more in this book

The epilogue broke my heart into pieces so be prepared to want I scream and shout while sobbing your heart out

Another amazing book lea. You out all yourself into this book I felt it in every page and emotion and action.

Chrissy

305 reviews11 followers

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I loved the first book in this duet, Velvet Thorns, but my god, I ADORED Poison Petals. I can honestly say, Phoenix Cassidy is in my all time top three of book boyfriends. He’s book husband material, if you like your man wild, feral and obsessively, possessively in love with you. Check mark yes to all those boxes for me please. Hes unhinged for Shannen, the girl he’s known since he was 14 and has been in love with every day since.

Ten years after high school, Phoenix found Shannen again at a high school reunion (must read Velvet Thorns first) determined to win Shannen back, a confrontation about the past and the hurt…leading to close encounters left us hanging with an epic cliffhanger…but now in Poison Petals, we see how deep Phoenix’s love goes for the girl with the gold colored eyes who he’d tear everything down for….if she wants to listen to him or not. Spicy SPICE, a man who gets to take control, a love story born from childhood and an epilogue that left me in tears….Poison Petals is amazing.

This duet is everything. So highly recommend.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Victoria S

158 reviews3 followers