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The Roumaterra Chronicles #6
Boots and Roses
Liesl is determined to find the man who broke her heart. Getting stuck in a magical valley with an ogre isn’t part of the plan.
Liesl shouldn’t let the rose that Tobias gave her mean anything; she knows he isn’t willing to pursue her. But the discovery that he left his beloved cat behind when he disappeared drives her wounded feelings to the breaking point.
If Beast could remember his own name, maybe he would know how he came to the mountain valley. A restlessness reminds him of a task unfulfilled, but the valley’s magic won’t let him escape.
When a young woman and her cat stumble through the pass, his memories begin to stir. The more time he spends with Liesl, the more he believes that he may know where to find her Tobias – and that he may have wronged her beyond what she can forgive.
But if a confession will harm someone else, can he even ask? Or is keeping his secret worth losing the woman he loves?
Snatch up your copy of Boots and Roses and lose yourself in this clean, no-spice retelling of Puss in Boots and Beauty and the Beast. It is the sixth book in The Roumaterra Chronicles, a series of interconnected, standalone fairytale retellings perfect for readers of Brittany Fichter and Annette K. Larsen.
Liesl shouldn’t let the rose that Tobias gave her mean anything; she knows he isn’t willing to pursue her. But the discovery that he left his beloved cat behind when he disappeared drives her wounded feelings to the breaking point.
If Beast could remember his own name, maybe he would know how he came to the mountain valley. A restlessness reminds him of a task unfulfilled, but the valley’s magic won’t let him escape.
When a young woman and her cat stumble through the pass, his memories begin to stir. The more time he spends with Liesl, the more he believes that he may know where to find her Tobias – and that he may have wronged her beyond what she can forgive.
But if a confession will harm someone else, can he even ask? Or is keeping his secret worth losing the woman he loves?
Snatch up your copy of Boots and Roses and lose yourself in this clean, no-spice retelling of Puss in Boots and Beauty and the Beast. It is the sixth book in The Roumaterra Chronicles, a series of interconnected, standalone fairytale retellings perfect for readers of Brittany Fichter and Annette K. Larsen.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2026
About the author
Erin Halbmaier
16 books45 followersProgrammer. Composer. Author of clean, no-spice romantasy with swoony moments and a dash of adventure.
Erin Halbmaier’s love of a good tale covers multiple genres, but the relationships are always what draw her in. Her flawed characters stay in the 1.5-2 level for romance and have to struggle for their happily ever after, but she doesn't do sad endings.
When not buried in a book or writing one, she can be found fiddling with computer code, writing music, or hanging out with her husband and kids.
Keep up with updates, promos, and fun stuff: find all the links at https://erinhalbmaier.com/links/
Erin Halbmaier’s love of a good tale covers multiple genres, but the relationships are always what draw her in. Her flawed characters stay in the 1.5-2 level for romance and have to struggle for their happily ever after, but she doesn't do sad endings.
When not buried in a book or writing one, she can be found fiddling with computer code, writing music, or hanging out with her husband and kids.
Keep up with updates, promos, and fun stuff: find all the links at https://erinhalbmaier.com/links/
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow...okay. This is definitely my favorite book by Erin Halbmaier so far! I'm honestly left speechless and wanting more!!
I LOVE Tobias's character so much. I never would have guessed him to be acting lazy because he is an . I love how Erin included that in her book! She depicted his struggles very realistically. Tobias has always been my favorite character ever since I read about him in Spirits and Pacts and in Erin's short story Tobias's Rose and I desperately needed to know his story. I am so happy that I finally got to read it, and even better that I had the pleasure of getting an advanced copy!
I love how Liesl was such an active character in the book. She is so smart, brave, and stubborn and I think that she is an excellent match for Tobias. I love how she bonded with Puss, and I love Tobias's and Puss's relationship. I was SO not expecting that ending. Finding out who Puss was... All my previous assumptions about why Tobias "needed" a princess were so wrong. I have to say that I liked this twist a lot more than anything my mind could have conjured up.
Getting to see Keenan, Sakura, Oliver, Chirrupu, and everyone else from Trials and Commands again was awesome as well, especially given how Trials and Commands ended. The ending was extremely climatic and I love how they managed to defeat the ogre. It was such a great twist on how the miller's son managed to defeat the ogre in the original fairytale. I really love how Erin Halbmaier combined Beauty and the Beast and Puss in Boots so seamlessly and I loved spotting all the elements of the original fairytales in this book.
The ending was SO amazing but I wish that we got to see Liesl and Tobias's return. I really, really hope that Erin writes a short story where they reunite with Axel and Katy. I would love to see Axel and Katy's reactions to both of them returning married to each other!
The small little prologue to the next book was so intriguing as well, and now I can't wait for it!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to leave a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. This book is SO, SO, SO AMAZING and I HIGHLY recommend it! It deserves WAY MORE than the 5 stars I can give it!!!
I LOVE Tobias's character so much. I never would have guessed him to be acting lazy because he is an . I love how Erin included that in her book! She depicted his struggles very realistically. Tobias has always been my favorite character ever since I read about him in Spirits and Pacts and in Erin's short story Tobias's Rose and I desperately needed to know his story. I am so happy that I finally got to read it, and even better that I had the pleasure of getting an advanced copy!
I love how Liesl was such an active character in the book. She is so smart, brave, and stubborn and I think that she is an excellent match for Tobias. I love how she bonded with Puss, and I love Tobias's and Puss's relationship. I was SO not expecting that ending. Finding out who Puss was... All my previous assumptions about why Tobias "needed" a princess were so wrong. I have to say that I liked this twist a lot more than anything my mind could have conjured up.
Getting to see Keenan, Sakura, Oliver, Chirrupu, and everyone else from Trials and Commands again was awesome as well, especially given how Trials and Commands ended. The ending was extremely climatic and I love how they managed to defeat the ogre. It was such a great twist on how the miller's son managed to defeat the ogre in the original fairytale. I really love how Erin Halbmaier combined Beauty and the Beast and Puss in Boots so seamlessly and I loved spotting all the elements of the original fairytales in this book.
The ending was SO amazing but I wish that we got to see Liesl and Tobias's return. I really, really hope that Erin writes a short story where they reunite with Axel and Katy. I would love to see Axel and Katy's reactions to both of them returning married to each other!
The small little prologue to the next book was so intriguing as well, and now I can't wait for it!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to leave a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. This book is SO, SO, SO AMAZING and I HIGHLY recommend it! It deserves WAY MORE than the 5 stars I can give it!!!
October 12, 2026
Boots and Roses: A Retelling of Puss in Boots and Beauty and the Beast
The Roumaterra Chronicles #6
By Erin Halbmaier
Narrated by Elaine K. Schultz
The Roumaterra Chronicles are best enjoyed by reading or listening to them in order. You don't have to, but some aspects of the story make more sense if you do. Boots and Roses is the sixth book in the series and is an enjoyable mashup of Beauty and the Beast and Puss in Boots. This book covers much of the same time period as book five Trials and Command and these two stories are definitely intertwined (not saying more in case you haven't read it).
Liesl thought Tobias had feelings for her and was interested pursuing a relationship with her, but then he left without revealing his heart in search of a missing princess (from book 4 Arrows and Gems). Tobias's only companion was a black cat, whom he talks to, constantly.
When Liesl finds herself separated from her travel companions, she is thrust into a world cut off from everyone and everything she knows. At least Tobias's beloved cat, Puss is still at her side. But there is a murderous ogre called Beast, a village of suspicious people, and a magical barrier keeping her trapped in this valley. But Liesl is determined to think positive thoughts-- Tobias isn't dead, Beast isn't as violent as the villagers think, and she will escape this valley.
Beast has been told he murdered all the men in the village 20 years ago, but his memories of the past are hard to recall. When Leisl stumbles into the valley she brings a change with her. She is not frightened of him, well not very frightened, and he'll do anything to keep her and her cat safe.
This was an enjoyable retelling of Beauty and the Beast that gave a unique twist by adding in the retelling of Puss in Boots. The two interwoven stories blended into the Roumaterra Chronicles story world in an altogether satisfying way. These books are definitely ones for the reread/relisten to shelf. Yes, they are that good and there are always little hints one has missed in the past that afterwards, I'm like, "Oh!" And comparing Liesl to her older sister Katy (book 2 Songs and Spun Gold and book 3 Spirits and Pacts) it is obvious they are sisters. So maybe you should read the previous stories first to fully enjoy the experience of Boots and Roses.
I also enjoyed this book as an audiobook (purchased) and the audio was so good, The narrator does the voices so that one can recognize the different characters. I did listen at 1.25 times so it better matched my reading speed, but even at the slower speed of 1.00 it did not drag. Excellent and highly recommend for those commuting or suffering from eye fatigue after a day at the computer.
I was provided a complimentary advanced copy of the digital book. All thoughts expressed are my own.
The Roumaterra Chronicles #6
By Erin Halbmaier
Narrated by Elaine K. Schultz
The Roumaterra Chronicles are best enjoyed by reading or listening to them in order. You don't have to, but some aspects of the story make more sense if you do. Boots and Roses is the sixth book in the series and is an enjoyable mashup of Beauty and the Beast and Puss in Boots. This book covers much of the same time period as book five Trials and Command and these two stories are definitely intertwined (not saying more in case you haven't read it).
Liesl thought Tobias had feelings for her and was interested pursuing a relationship with her, but then he left without revealing his heart in search of a missing princess (from book 4 Arrows and Gems). Tobias's only companion was a black cat, whom he talks to, constantly.
When Liesl finds herself separated from her travel companions, she is thrust into a world cut off from everyone and everything she knows. At least Tobias's beloved cat, Puss is still at her side. But there is a murderous ogre called Beast, a village of suspicious people, and a magical barrier keeping her trapped in this valley. But Liesl is determined to think positive thoughts-- Tobias isn't dead, Beast isn't as violent as the villagers think, and she will escape this valley.
Beast has been told he murdered all the men in the village 20 years ago, but his memories of the past are hard to recall. When Leisl stumbles into the valley she brings a change with her. She is not frightened of him, well not very frightened, and he'll do anything to keep her and her cat safe.
This was an enjoyable retelling of Beauty and the Beast that gave a unique twist by adding in the retelling of Puss in Boots. The two interwoven stories blended into the Roumaterra Chronicles story world in an altogether satisfying way. These books are definitely ones for the reread/relisten to shelf. Yes, they are that good and there are always little hints one has missed in the past that afterwards, I'm like, "Oh!" And comparing Liesl to her older sister Katy (book 2 Songs and Spun Gold and book 3 Spirits and Pacts) it is obvious they are sisters. So maybe you should read the previous stories first to fully enjoy the experience of Boots and Roses.
I also enjoyed this book as an audiobook (purchased) and the audio was so good, The narrator does the voices so that one can recognize the different characters. I did listen at 1.25 times so it better matched my reading speed, but even at the slower speed of 1.00 it did not drag. Excellent and highly recommend for those commuting or suffering from eye fatigue after a day at the computer.
I was provided a complimentary advanced copy of the digital book. All thoughts expressed are my own.
November 2, 2026
This was a unique reeling of Puss in Boots and Beauty and the Beast. Erin Halbmaier’s fairytale retellings are always like that. I wish I would’ve reread this series before reading this one because I forgot some of the characters…haha. First, the cover of this is super cute. I liked Liesl. She was determined and stubborn. She loved him fiercely. Tobias was, well, the beast or an ogre for most of the book so it took me a little bit to like him. Their romance was sweet, especially since it was the second chance/amnesia type. This whole retelling was so unique and unlike any I’ve read before. I enjoyed picking up little elements that came from each of the different retellings. I do have to say that I was definitely confused on certain parts. But that tends to happen with her books. But I think that that’s a me thing…haha! I am definitely looking forward to the next one and intrigued how it will all work out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The continuation of the story with a focus on Lisel and Tobias, Boots and Roses was an engrossing fairytale adventure. I came into this world a little late, but still was so ready for them!
Lisel was a sweetheart! I loved her optimism and determination. She was not cowed by titles or magic, even when I was internally screaming at her to pull back! Lisel was searching for Tobias and it took her all over the place. I loved the elements of the both fairytales as she entered the valley and explored the magic there. Lisel was willing to search for the truth and willing to stand up to those in the valley to discover the truth about the ogre there.
I felt for Tobias! We also get some of his POV and he was really struggling to care for multiple people in his life. There was a lot that was not revealed right away with his family and his own struggles. The story was told with multiple POVs and seeing through the Beast’s eyes was really intriguing.
As the journey played out and the clues were unveiled, I really enjoyed seeing things come together! It had a fairytale adventure feel as Lisel journeyed. With every book in this series, I am amazed at how the fairytale inspiration blends into an original story! It was wonderful to also see the continuation of Keenan’s story as well. I love the way each of the standalone stories connect to each other and build one each other. This was a fairytale-inspired romantasy full of adventure with some light fantasy danger, magic and only kisses.
I received an ARC.
Lisel was a sweetheart! I loved her optimism and determination. She was not cowed by titles or magic, even when I was internally screaming at her to pull back! Lisel was searching for Tobias and it took her all over the place. I loved the elements of the both fairytales as she entered the valley and explored the magic there. Lisel was willing to search for the truth and willing to stand up to those in the valley to discover the truth about the ogre there.
I felt for Tobias! We also get some of his POV and he was really struggling to care for multiple people in his life. There was a lot that was not revealed right away with his family and his own struggles. The story was told with multiple POVs and seeing through the Beast’s eyes was really intriguing.
As the journey played out and the clues were unveiled, I really enjoyed seeing things come together! It had a fairytale adventure feel as Lisel journeyed. With every book in this series, I am amazed at how the fairytale inspiration blends into an original story! It was wonderful to also see the continuation of Keenan’s story as well. I love the way each of the standalone stories connect to each other and build one each other. This was a fairytale-inspired romantasy full of adventure with some light fantasy danger, magic and only kisses.
I received an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this. It's a very on-the-nose take of Beauty and the Beast, but with enough unique elements woven in to keep the story interesting even though you know where it's ultimately going. The Prologue chapter does essentially spoil the main plotline of the book, and I almost wish I hadn't read it so that I could be discovering details in real time along with the FMC. I really liked having a physically weakened MMC; it was a nice change to the knight in shining armor characters you usually find in these types of stories. I'm also a fan of switching chapters between FMC and MMC POVs, which this book executes well.
This book was marketed as an interconnected stand-alone, but this book was highly connected to the rest in the series that came before. This is my first book by this author (signed on as an ARC reviewer), and I got about two chapters in before I was so confused by the pre-established characters and their relationships/situations that I had to start Googling, at which point I discovered there's a separate prequel short story (Tobias' Rose - 9 chapters) providing relevant backstory and some author notes summarizing their interactions from the prior books. If you have not read the books that come before in this series, you absolutely must read this prequel otherwise this story will not make sense (the prequel is available as an e-book for free on the author's website). Freshly armed with prequel knowledge, I found Boots and Roses incredibly enjoyable.
The world building is descriptive, and I find the writing creative and enjoyable; I am intrigued by this world so much that I want to go back and read the rest of the Roumaterra Chronicles.
This book was marketed as an interconnected stand-alone, but this book was highly connected to the rest in the series that came before. This is my first book by this author (signed on as an ARC reviewer), and I got about two chapters in before I was so confused by the pre-established characters and their relationships/situations that I had to start Googling, at which point I discovered there's a separate prequel short story (Tobias' Rose - 9 chapters) providing relevant backstory and some author notes summarizing their interactions from the prior books. If you have not read the books that come before in this series, you absolutely must read this prequel otherwise this story will not make sense (the prequel is available as an e-book for free on the author's website). Freshly armed with prequel knowledge, I found Boots and Roses incredibly enjoyable.
The world building is descriptive, and I find the writing creative and enjoyable; I am intrigued by this world so much that I want to go back and read the rest of the Roumaterra Chronicles.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been waiting for this book since I read Katy's one and this book did not disappoint! I really love Tobias and I am so thrilled he finally got his own story! While this book wasn't exactly mystery (as in, it was obvious from the very beginning that Tobias was the Beast), it made sense why Liesl didn't think Tobias could be the Beast. And the reason why he was was really good at the end! I love Roumaterra, and the books connect really well to each other! It was great seeing Keanan and Cherry again, and I loved the characters in the story. The plot was really good and I loved how the book was rather low-stakes for the first half of the book as it gave more time to focus on the relationship between Liesl and Tobias. I love Liesl's optimism and positivity and attitude. Even though she has difficulties, she tries to see the best in people. And I loved the real-life messages about physical weakness not defining a person's strength of character! Overall, this book was incredible and I cannot wait for the next one!
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 12, 2026
Another amazing Roumaterra book!
I love how this series is so interconnected! Every character is the main character in their own story, which brushes against other characters who also have their own stories to tell, and the author does a fantastic job of tying it all together! I love how well she blends the fairy tales, too. These stories fit together so well!
I love Liesl! She is the sort of character who is bright and brings others joy, who always has a kind word, but who has been deeply hurt in the past. But she's not weak. She is fierce and determined. And Tobias! My heart just hurts for Tobias! He's in an impossible situation where no matter what he chooses, he loses and has to sacrifice something he can't lose. The levels of pining these two have for each other is off the charts!
And the narration is fantastic! The narrator does the different character voices and accents so well! They all sound unique and distinct. On top of that, she really brings out the emotions of the characters!
I can't wait for the next book!
I love how this series is so interconnected! Every character is the main character in their own story, which brushes against other characters who also have their own stories to tell, and the author does a fantastic job of tying it all together! I love how well she blends the fairy tales, too. These stories fit together so well!
I love Liesl! She is the sort of character who is bright and brings others joy, who always has a kind word, but who has been deeply hurt in the past. But she's not weak. She is fierce and determined. And Tobias! My heart just hurts for Tobias! He's in an impossible situation where no matter what he chooses, he loses and has to sacrifice something he can't lose. The levels of pining these two have for each other is off the charts!
And the narration is fantastic! The narrator does the different character voices and accents so well! They all sound unique and distinct. On top of that, she really brings out the emotions of the characters!
I can't wait for the next book!
October 17, 2026
Another Amazing Story
I absolutely love books with twists and turns that I can't foresee. Erin Halbmaier has done it again! Being immersed in her worlds with characters that invite you to love or hate them (or a little of both) is a great escape from reality. The depth to her characters and imagination is impressive. I find myself laughing, crying, wanting to wring some necks and celebrating depending on the circumstances. I wouldn't describe this as a feel good story, there's so many feelings involved, but it does leave you with good feelings. The conquering evil and the girl gets her guy is pretty much the only predictable aspect. The journey there is different, even knowing the original fairytales, it doesn't give away the magic of discovering the retelling.
I absolutely love books with twists and turns that I can't foresee. Erin Halbmaier has done it again! Being immersed in her worlds with characters that invite you to love or hate them (or a little of both) is a great escape from reality. The depth to her characters and imagination is impressive. I find myself laughing, crying, wanting to wring some necks and celebrating depending on the circumstances. I wouldn't describe this as a feel good story, there's so many feelings involved, but it does leave you with good feelings. The conquering evil and the girl gets her guy is pretty much the only predictable aspect. The journey there is different, even knowing the original fairytales, it doesn't give away the magic of discovering the retelling.
October 9, 2026
This clean romance retelling of Puss in Boots and Beauty and the Beast was worth staying up way too late to find out what happened next! There was adventure and danger at every turn, as well as personal trouble for the main character couple that had to be resolved. I loved the way the author made the characters feel so real with frailties and strengths all their own, and personalities to match! The clean romance was evident in the way they stuck together through thick and thin, even when they weren’t sure what was going on and who the other person was! I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
October 5, 2026
Epic story! I absolutely loved it! this is a very interesting retelling mashup with beauty and the beast and puss in boots. Finding out who puss is was a shock. It is made clear what is needed to break puss's curse. But I love Liesel's determination to save Tobias, even though his intentions seem to be all over the place. This is a confusing love story, and while we the readers know that Liesel and Tobias love each other the fact that they cant seem to communicate that to each or at least not effectively is frustrating. But I do love how the story was written and the cruel trick of the beast with the cursed. I love how Keenan also keeps his promise to find Liesel and make sure to see her safely home. Elaine Shultz does amazing narrating this series. I love every aspect of this story. I am curious and I hope to hear about Puss's story.
October 15, 2026
This story surpassed ALL of my expectations!
In this story I learned so much about Tobias and how his character is deeper than the lazy noble I thought him to be.
I admire how Leisl never gave up on Tobias and Beast when everything and everyone told her they weren’t worth it.
I also enjoy how characters from previous books are still causing issues even though they aren’t playing as major roles.
The narrator did a wonderful job in bringing the characters even more to life than they already were!
In this story I learned so much about Tobias and how his character is deeper than the lazy noble I thought him to be.
I admire how Leisl never gave up on Tobias and Beast when everything and everyone told her they weren’t worth it.
I also enjoy how characters from previous books are still causing issues even though they aren’t playing as major roles.
The narrator did a wonderful job in bringing the characters even more to life than they already were!
October 30, 2026
This book is okay. Everything about this book is okay.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews