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Death's Rose
Petals wilt. Thorns bleed.
In marrying the prince, Elvira would fulfill the last and only duty owed to her late mother. This season marks her debut into society, and she is determined to triumph in winning the prince's heart.
But such a dream proves to be far-fetched when she has always been overshadowed by her charming sister, who commands the attention of every chamber she strides into, leaving Elvira to trail behind as the ghost of her brilliance.
When the debut ball goes terribly, she realizes she has no choice but to seek other ways to secure her goals. In her desperation, Elvira makes a bargain with a cursed man who claims to be trapped within the walls of a library, a wilting rose counting his days.
She breaks his curse; he helps her marry the prince.
But the more time Elvira spends with the caustic, mysterious man, the more she realizes how perilous his secrets may be . . . and that she
might have more to do with his past than she thought.
Worse still, she slowly begins questioning her own desires — are they objects of her passion or merely duty weighing down on her?
How far is Elvira willing to go for a dream that perhaps
never belonged to her?
In marrying the prince, Elvira would fulfill the last and only duty owed to her late mother. This season marks her debut into society, and she is determined to triumph in winning the prince's heart.
But such a dream proves to be far-fetched when she has always been overshadowed by her charming sister, who commands the attention of every chamber she strides into, leaving Elvira to trail behind as the ghost of her brilliance.
When the debut ball goes terribly, she realizes she has no choice but to seek other ways to secure her goals. In her desperation, Elvira makes a bargain with a cursed man who claims to be trapped within the walls of a library, a wilting rose counting his days.
She breaks his curse; he helps her marry the prince.
But the more time Elvira spends with the caustic, mysterious man, the more she realizes how perilous his secrets may be . . . and that she
might have more to do with his past than she thought.
Worse still, she slowly begins questioning her own desires — are they objects of her passion or merely duty weighing down on her?
How far is Elvira willing to go for a dream that perhaps
never belonged to her?
Unknown Binding
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 25, 2025
Someone give my girl Elvira a backbone or something
first of all, i’m thanking my girl Raya for letting me beta read before anyone else 😈😈😈😈😈 second of all Raya you are not my girl anymore. i hate you.
this book feels like i’m back in the ouabh universe but it’s somehow better? the whole world building was out of this world. the whole concept was so amazingly executed that i keep finding myself at a loss for words but since i am the first reviewer let me try to give this book some justice.
My girl Elvira finds herself debuting and then bam she’s making a deal with the devil ( not the devil just Caius but they’re like the same thing) and WOAH HER WHOLE WORLD GETS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN?????? So many quests , so many unanswered questions, so much tension and so many unravelled secrets.
The main male protagonist Caius is like Jacks from ouabh but even more moody and insufferable (i said what i said , i wanted to throttle that man) but he’s also so interesting and so hot xx
okay i am genuinely at a loss for words i am so perplexed by this book because genuinely it ended on a cliffhanger and im so furious. and i also need this book to skyrocket in popularity in booktok or bookstagram or whenever BECAUSE IT WAS GENUINELY SO GOOD I NEED EVERYONE TO READ IT WHEN IT COMES OUT!!!
first of all, i’m thanking my girl Raya for letting me beta read before anyone else 😈😈😈😈😈 second of all Raya you are not my girl anymore. i hate you.
this book feels like i’m back in the ouabh universe but it’s somehow better? the whole world building was out of this world. the whole concept was so amazingly executed that i keep finding myself at a loss for words but since i am the first reviewer let me try to give this book some justice.
My girl Elvira finds herself debuting and then bam she’s making a deal with the devil ( not the devil just Caius but they’re like the same thing) and WOAH HER WHOLE WORLD GETS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN?????? So many quests , so many unanswered questions, so much tension and so many unravelled secrets.
The main male protagonist Caius is like Jacks from ouabh but even more moody and insufferable (i said what i said , i wanted to throttle that man) but he’s also so interesting and so hot xx
okay i am genuinely at a loss for words i am so perplexed by this book because genuinely it ended on a cliffhanger and im so furious. and i also need this book to skyrocket in popularity in booktok or bookstagram or whenever BECAUSE IT WAS GENUINELY SO GOOD I NEED EVERYONE TO READ IT WHEN IT COMES OUT!!!
May 5, 2026
3.75⭐️
This was an Arc read and it was SO fun and magical and whimsical. I did not see the end coming so I am excited for the next book to continue the story! The time period was one of my favorite parts about the book!! The only thing I had trouble with sometimes was the dialogue, at times it felt disconnected/ incomplete but overall it didn’t take away from the story much.
This was an Arc read and it was SO fun and magical and whimsical. I did not see the end coming so I am excited for the next book to continue the story! The time period was one of my favorite parts about the book!! The only thing I had trouble with sometimes was the dialogue, at times it felt disconnected/ incomplete but overall it didn’t take away from the story much.
December 23, 2025
Raya, thank you so much for this BETA copy! I'm honored to be a part of it 💕
"She'll help him break his curse. He'll help her marry the prince. That's the bargain."
Oh My Gosh, I loved it, I absolutely loved this story!
Death's Rose is an enchanting, magical, and dark story that will truly mesmerize you 🖤 Think of it as Bridgerton meets Beauty and the Beast, plus Once Upon a Broken Heart, with a twist of the Grimm Brothers’ eerie tales 💀 It was an amazing read, I honestly couldn’t put it down and was hooked from the very beginning.
With royalty, dazzling balls and masquerades, a unique magic system, chilling challenges, and a uncertain path toward marriage, you’ll find yourself immersed in this bewitching yet disturbingly magical world.
Written in third person POV, we follow Elvira’s story, the lesser of the Thorn twin sisters (her words, not mine!). She’s tired of being the invisible twin, but there’s nothing she can do to outshine her sister. This love-hate-envy dynamic is devastating, yet so relatable. I loved her character, how she strives to be better, fulfill her duties, and find happiness, even as she slowly loses herself in the process.
Then we meet Caius, the mysterious cursed knight who despises her from the moment they meet but desperately needs her help to break his curse. And so, their epic, unsettling journey begins. But as you might expect, this won’t be an easy task. And as the end draws near, Elvira will have to decide what she truly wants.
I enjoyed everything! The aristocratic hierarchy, the world building, the pacing, the plotline, and the twists. R.I. is an amazing fantasy author! The ending was spectacular, and I’ll be waiting anxiously for the next book 💫📚
These are the amazing tropes:
✨Dark Fantasy Tale
🍃Unique Magic System
🥀Debutante Rivalry
🗡️Curses & Secrets
👑Royalty & Balls
💫Gods & Goddesses
🔥Forced Proximity
🖤Hidden Identity
☠️Chilling Challenges
"She'll help him break his curse. He'll help her marry the prince. That's the bargain."
Oh My Gosh, I loved it, I absolutely loved this story!
Death's Rose is an enchanting, magical, and dark story that will truly mesmerize you 🖤 Think of it as Bridgerton meets Beauty and the Beast, plus Once Upon a Broken Heart, with a twist of the Grimm Brothers’ eerie tales 💀 It was an amazing read, I honestly couldn’t put it down and was hooked from the very beginning.
With royalty, dazzling balls and masquerades, a unique magic system, chilling challenges, and a uncertain path toward marriage, you’ll find yourself immersed in this bewitching yet disturbingly magical world.
Written in third person POV, we follow Elvira’s story, the lesser of the Thorn twin sisters (her words, not mine!). She’s tired of being the invisible twin, but there’s nothing she can do to outshine her sister. This love-hate-envy dynamic is devastating, yet so relatable. I loved her character, how she strives to be better, fulfill her duties, and find happiness, even as she slowly loses herself in the process.
Then we meet Caius, the mysterious cursed knight who despises her from the moment they meet but desperately needs her help to break his curse. And so, their epic, unsettling journey begins. But as you might expect, this won’t be an easy task. And as the end draws near, Elvira will have to decide what she truly wants.
I enjoyed everything! The aristocratic hierarchy, the world building, the pacing, the plotline, and the twists. R.I. is an amazing fantasy author! The ending was spectacular, and I’ll be waiting anxiously for the next book 💫📚
These are the amazing tropes:
✨Dark Fantasy Tale
🍃Unique Magic System
🥀Debutante Rivalry
🗡️Curses & Secrets
👑Royalty & Balls
💫Gods & Goddesses
🔥Forced Proximity
🖤Hidden Identity
☠️Chilling Challenges
May 15, 2026
Do you enjoy fairy tales? Trials? Fake courtship? Morally gray MMC? THIS IS FOR YOU.
When I finished it, I immediately went back to check to make sure this was going to be a series because HOLY I was not ready for that ending.
The prose was so beautifully written. It was flourished but not overly done. The shift between Elvira's adventure and the fairytale woven between chapters was a nice touch.
This book was a page turner for me. I got to 50% so quickly, then life got really busy and I devoured the last 50% just as quick. I am so excited to explore more about Caius and his past.
GAAAAAAH
Thank you so much for the ARC <3
When I finished it, I immediately went back to check to make sure this was going to be a series because HOLY I was not ready for that ending.
The prose was so beautifully written. It was flourished but not overly done. The shift between Elvira's adventure and the fairytale woven between chapters was a nice touch.
This book was a page turner for me. I got to 50% so quickly, then life got really busy and I devoured the last 50% just as quick. I am so excited to explore more about Caius and his past.
GAAAAAAH
Thank you so much for the ARC <3
December 29, 2025
In short, Death’s Rose is a mash up of pretty much everything I love in a book. The FMC, Elvira, is deeply relatable to me (she spends a lot of this book struggling with being overlooked by everyone around her), the MMC, Caius, made me swoon multiple times and is also wonderfully grumpy and morally grey, the banter is bantering, the setting mixes regency era courts with fantastical fairy tale settings, and the plot feels like an epic quest with riddles and clues and curses.
It’s a slow burn with the most torturous of tension and there is so much character growth happening across the board from the main characters to the side characters who are just as delightful and endearing as Elvira and Caius. You know it’s a good book when you’re just as emotionally attached and invested in the story of a random side character who hasn’t even been particularly nice for most of the book.
I had such an amazing time reading this book and am very much so looking forward to seeing where these characters’ stories take them. Plus the ending? Torturous, and rude, and incredible because I desperately need to know what happens next and how things play out.
It’s a slow burn with the most torturous of tension and there is so much character growth happening across the board from the main characters to the side characters who are just as delightful and endearing as Elvira and Caius. You know it’s a good book when you’re just as emotionally attached and invested in the story of a random side character who hasn’t even been particularly nice for most of the book.
I had such an amazing time reading this book and am very much so looking forward to seeing where these characters’ stories take them. Plus the ending? Torturous, and rude, and incredible because I desperately need to know what happens next and how things play out.
May 1, 2026
I don’t even know where to start because my soul is still trapped in this regency-fairytale world. Death’s Rose is officially the blueprint for everything i crave in a book. imagine the elegance of Bridgerton mixed with the whimsical, dark magic of Once Upon A Broken Heart... i am actually gone. 🛐🤍
Elvira is such a visceral FMC. watching her struggle with being overlooked while trying to fulfill her duty to her late mother literally broke my heart into pieces. i felt her frustration in every single page. and then there’s Caius... oh my god. he is the ultimate grumpy, morally grey MMC. the banter between them? it was bantering so hard i was legit kicking my legs and giggling like a lunatic. 😭🤎
the plot is like an epic quest filled with riddles, curses, and the most torturous slow burn i have ever experienced. the tension was so thick i could barely breathe. and the way i got emotionally attached to every single side character?? that’s how u know the writing is top tier. 🎞️🥀
AND THAT ENDING?? I AM ACTUALLY UNWELL.
The audacity: Rude.
The feeling: Torturous.
The reality: Absolutely incredible.
I am sitting here with this heavy, exquisite residue on my soul and I honestly don’t know how I’m supposed to wait for the next book. I need answers. I need them now. 🎞️🩸
honestly, if u want a story that feels like a beautiful, cursed dream, YOU NEED TO ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR. a huge thank you to the author for this masterpiece. i’ll be thinking about Elvira and Caius forever. 🫂🥀
Elvira is such a visceral FMC. watching her struggle with being overlooked while trying to fulfill her duty to her late mother literally broke my heart into pieces. i felt her frustration in every single page. and then there’s Caius... oh my god. he is the ultimate grumpy, morally grey MMC. the banter between them? it was bantering so hard i was legit kicking my legs and giggling like a lunatic. 😭🤎
the plot is like an epic quest filled with riddles, curses, and the most torturous slow burn i have ever experienced. the tension was so thick i could barely breathe. and the way i got emotionally attached to every single side character?? that’s how u know the writing is top tier. 🎞️🥀
AND THAT ENDING?? I AM ACTUALLY UNWELL.
The audacity: Rude.
The feeling: Torturous.
The reality: Absolutely incredible.
I am sitting here with this heavy, exquisite residue on my soul and I honestly don’t know how I’m supposed to wait for the next book. I need answers. I need them now. 🎞️🩸
honestly, if u want a story that feels like a beautiful, cursed dream, YOU NEED TO ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR. a huge thank you to the author for this masterpiece. i’ll be thinking about Elvira and Caius forever. 🫂🥀
June 1, 2026
2.75 stars rounded up.
Thank you so much to the author for letting me be a part of the arc team.
This took me so long to get through and to get into.
Sadly, this wasn’t a favourite. It feels really confusing at times and there are some loose threads that left me unsatisfied.
Since I’ve been confused and honestly quite bored during a lot of the book, I really don’t have a lot to add, which is a shame.
But this book just wasn’t for me and that’s completely okay.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of “Cursed” which is her other series and I absolutely loved every second of that, so I’ll definitely keep my eyes open for more books from this author.
Thank you so much to the author for letting me be a part of the arc team.
This took me so long to get through and to get into.
Sadly, this wasn’t a favourite. It feels really confusing at times and there are some loose threads that left me unsatisfied.
Since I’ve been confused and honestly quite bored during a lot of the book, I really don’t have a lot to add, which is a shame.
But this book just wasn’t for me and that’s completely okay.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of “Cursed” which is her other series and I absolutely loved every second of that, so I’ll definitely keep my eyes open for more books from this author.
May 17, 2026
BEST BOOK I'VE READ IN A WHILE!!
Historical fiction meets High fantasy!! ✨
If you love fairytale retelling, morally gray hero, a mysterious bond, courting lessons, whimsical quests with a tinge bit of romance...then this book is for you!
It's giving highkey Bridgeton + Midnight library + Starless Sea vibes!! Forming a cozy & magical world within the walls of a library...
The story is about a girl on brink of death dreams to be married to a prince to fulfill the wish of her late mother. At the day of ball, she gets bonded by a mysterious crow-shifter trapped in the library that she visits frequently....so this man is in a limbo between life and death & she seems to be the key free him from the curse of her ancestors, for that they make a deal!
He helps her court the prince..
In return she helps him lift the curse...
The secrets that get revealed in the end!??? YOU'RE NOT READY FOR THIS! 👀
Elvira, Omg! That girl's so pretty & intelligent.... Please tell her to stop chasing prince 😭😭😭😭 ..... I was literally screaming at her everytime she mentioned 'I dream to marry a prince'.
Please learn something from your sister plssss....I know she did you wrong here but atleast you grew from your gardener crush to prince 👀 Can we think about the bright side here...?
Caius (I love the name & his eye colour sm!) he's an absolutel jerk....am I wrong to think that he deserved to be cursed??🫢
He literally broke hearts of 2 generations of Thorne....
I love how this story has lots of stories in it!! So cutesy, so whimsical.... Like all the fairytale combined into one book!! 🥰
The small clips of her childhood story 'Happily Ever After' being placed every chapter is just cherry on top ✨
I absolutely loved the hatmaker story.... The plot twist at the end was just jaw-dropping! I was on edge what would she have done if she failed 💀🫢
Evander?? I've no words for him 🙂 he's getting rejected so bad after being courted.... Please give me Book 2 ASAP!! I wanna see him get rejected 😂😂 The great prince of velandria being denied that would be a sight to behold!
10/10 - plot
10/10 - backstory
10/10 - fairytale retelling
10/10 - quest
100/10 - plot twist
My fav scene:
Caius in his crow-form came to check on Elvira but instead he got caught by her....he must be so happy he got to sleep beside her 🤭🥰....but the embarrassment in the morning...hehe so cute!!! 🫶😆
Thankyou so muchhhhhhhh for giving me such a marvelous ARC to read!! 😩🫶
Historical fiction meets High fantasy!! ✨
If you love fairytale retelling, morally gray hero, a mysterious bond, courting lessons, whimsical quests with a tinge bit of romance...then this book is for you!
It's giving highkey Bridgeton + Midnight library + Starless Sea vibes!! Forming a cozy & magical world within the walls of a library...
The story is about a girl on brink of death dreams to be married to a prince to fulfill the wish of her late mother. At the day of ball, she gets bonded by a mysterious crow-shifter trapped in the library that she visits frequently....so this man is in a limbo between life and death & she seems to be the key free him from the curse of her ancestors, for that they make a deal!
He helps her court the prince..
In return she helps him lift the curse...
The secrets that get revealed in the end!??? YOU'RE NOT READY FOR THIS! 👀
Elvira, Omg! That girl's so pretty & intelligent.... Please tell her to stop chasing prince 😭😭😭😭 ..... I was literally screaming at her everytime she mentioned 'I dream to marry a prince'.
Please learn something from your sister plssss....I know she did you wrong here but atleast you grew from your gardener crush to prince 👀 Can we think about the bright side here...?
Caius (I love the name & his eye colour sm!) he's an absolutel jerk....am I wrong to think that he deserved to be cursed??🫢
He literally broke hearts of 2 generations of Thorne....
I love how this story has lots of stories in it!! So cutesy, so whimsical.... Like all the fairytale combined into one book!! 🥰
The small clips of her childhood story 'Happily Ever After' being placed every chapter is just cherry on top ✨
I absolutely loved the hatmaker story.... The plot twist at the end was just jaw-dropping! I was on edge what would she have done if she failed 💀🫢
Evander?? I've no words for him 🙂 he's getting rejected so bad after being courted.... Please give me Book 2 ASAP!! I wanna see him get rejected 😂😂 The great prince of velandria being denied that would be a sight to behold!
10/10 - plot
10/10 - backstory
10/10 - fairytale retelling
10/10 - quest
100/10 - plot twist
My fav scene:
Caius in his crow-form came to check on Elvira but instead he got caught by her....he must be so happy he got to sleep beside her 🤭🥰....but the embarrassment in the morning...hehe so cute!!! 🫶😆
Thankyou so muchhhhhhhh for giving me such a marvelous ARC to read!! 😩🫶
May 3, 2026
Thank you R. I. Aryn for sending me this ARC!
Death’s Rose is the first book in a Romantic Fantasy series and it was such a fascinating story, I enjoyed it a lot and am excited for the next book.
To fulfil her dead mother’s wish, Elvira is willing to do anything to marry the prince. When her social debut doesn’t go according to plan, she makes a bargain with Caius, a mysterious man she meets in a library: she helps him break his curse and he helps her make sure the prince becomes her suitor. But between navigating the ton and the social season’s many balls and completing dangerous magical trials with Caius, she needs to decide what she actually wants and try to ignore her complicated feelings for Caius.
I knew I was going to enjoy this book when I saw the author marketing it as Bridgerton meets OUABH and it was everything I hoped for, I loved these two stories’ and some Beauty and the Beast vibes in this book. The author created a truly fascinating world with interesting magic and I enjoyed discovering its secrets alongside the main characters with many twists along the way. I must admit I didn’t really like Elvira for quite some time because of how childish and naive she seemed to be, but she grew a lot in this book and I enjoyed seeing her character development and am excited to see her again. Caius was a real mystery for most of the book and I had fun with coming up with a lot of theories about him and while I was right about some of it, I was still in shock when things when revealed and they are sure to make the next book even more interesting. There actually wasn’t much romance in this book, but I adore a true slow burn and am excited to see them in the next book, the tension and banter were so great here and I can only imagine how amazing they are going to be together. And I also liked the secondary characters, especially Arden, Caelyn, Darius and Serina and hope we will get more of them in the next book.
Death’s Rose is a really interesting romantasy book, I enjoyed it and recommend it to everyone who likes this kind of stories.
Death’s Rose is the first book in a Romantic Fantasy series and it was such a fascinating story, I enjoyed it a lot and am excited for the next book.
To fulfil her dead mother’s wish, Elvira is willing to do anything to marry the prince. When her social debut doesn’t go according to plan, she makes a bargain with Caius, a mysterious man she meets in a library: she helps him break his curse and he helps her make sure the prince becomes her suitor. But between navigating the ton and the social season’s many balls and completing dangerous magical trials with Caius, she needs to decide what she actually wants and try to ignore her complicated feelings for Caius.
I knew I was going to enjoy this book when I saw the author marketing it as Bridgerton meets OUABH and it was everything I hoped for, I loved these two stories’ and some Beauty and the Beast vibes in this book. The author created a truly fascinating world with interesting magic and I enjoyed discovering its secrets alongside the main characters with many twists along the way. I must admit I didn’t really like Elvira for quite some time because of how childish and naive she seemed to be, but she grew a lot in this book and I enjoyed seeing her character development and am excited to see her again. Caius was a real mystery for most of the book and I had fun with coming up with a lot of theories about him and while I was right about some of it, I was still in shock when things when revealed and they are sure to make the next book even more interesting. There actually wasn’t much romance in this book, but I adore a true slow burn and am excited to see them in the next book, the tension and banter were so great here and I can only imagine how amazing they are going to be together. And I also liked the secondary characters, especially Arden, Caelyn, Darius and Serina and hope we will get more of them in the next book.
Death’s Rose is a really interesting romantasy book, I enjoyed it and recommend it to everyone who likes this kind of stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3 ⭐️
I really like the FMC in this book. Her mental journey of learning about herself and what she truly wants was well done and liked that it was the one thing that twinned through every trial in the book. I also really enjoyed the friendship she formed with one of her fellow debs.
With the romance we are looking at a very slow burn. For some reason I hit halfway and thought this would be a series of connected standalones, no. Dare I say as a lover of slow burn that I could have taken a little more movement in the romance. We don't get a huge amount of them really getting to know each other outside of the quests. But the author did nail some tension filled moments.
I did find a couple of issues that impacted my enjoyment though. There’s a series of things that are just too convenient. Like he is cursed to be trapped in the library and yet somehow is constantly outside of the library by way of a loop hole. And the guidebook (but I have a suspicion about that).
Then there's Arden whose presence is never really explained fully and the poor guy is just the world's biggest third wheel. The magic system is also not really explained but I will put that down to us being in Elvira’s head and her not really knowing herself.
The overall plot was fine, it did get confusing at times and then instead of questions being answered we just seemed to be adding them. Like the saints, I assume book 2 will explain that aspect of things more but it was confusing. I found myself wishing the storylines intersected more, the curse and the debutant stuff felt very separate outside of Elvira’s development. I did like the ending though, my jaw actually dropped and I would pick up the next one just to know what happens next.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I really like the FMC in this book. Her mental journey of learning about herself and what she truly wants was well done and liked that it was the one thing that twinned through every trial in the book. I also really enjoyed the friendship she formed with one of her fellow debs.
With the romance we are looking at a very slow burn. For some reason I hit halfway and thought this would be a series of connected standalones, no. Dare I say as a lover of slow burn that I could have taken a little more movement in the romance. We don't get a huge amount of them really getting to know each other outside of the quests. But the author did nail some tension filled moments.
I did find a couple of issues that impacted my enjoyment though. There’s a series of things that are just too convenient. Like he is cursed to be trapped in the library and yet somehow is constantly outside of the library by way of a loop hole. And the guidebook (but I have a suspicion about that).
Then there's Arden whose presence is never really explained fully and the poor guy is just the world's biggest third wheel. The magic system is also not really explained but I will put that down to us being in Elvira’s head and her not really knowing herself.
The overall plot was fine, it did get confusing at times and then instead of questions being answered we just seemed to be adding them. Like the saints, I assume book 2 will explain that aspect of things more but it was confusing. I found myself wishing the storylines intersected more, the curse and the debutant stuff felt very separate outside of Elvira’s development. I did like the ending though, my jaw actually dropped and I would pick up the next one just to know what happens next.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
May 14, 2026
ARC Review!! I enjoyed Death’s Rose very much and am very thankful to have received an arc for it! Huge thanks to the author, all thoughts are my own! 🫶🏻
“No, Little Rose.” Oh, swoon. I LOVE nicknames that are actually fitting and not cringy 🤭.
Death’s Rose is a TRUE slow burn and YA Beauty and the Beast retelling that’s about Elvira Thorne, a young and lonely debutante who, desperate to win the prince’s hand in marriage, makes a deal with a stranger from the library. He promises to find her a suitor as long as she breaks his curse, binding their lives together. But they’re already more connected to each other than she knows. Oh, and they despise each other. It releases TOMORROW, May 15th, and I highly recommend you read it!
I LOVED this book. Especially how, despite it being a B&TB retelling, all these different fairytales were also woven into the storyline, and were woven well with the plot still being unique and original. The quest to break Caius’s curse and the whimsical, fairytale worlds we see on that path are well balanced with Elvira’s own magical world and Bridgerton coded society, so it’s the best mix of both worlds. Elvira is very relatable, and she’s also a reader! So we love her, of course.
There are mysteries and secrets all the way up until the last page, and the pacing is fairly fast, so this book will keep you hooked, guessing, and turning those pages like crazy. While I did somehow manage to predict one thing right about Caius’s past (go me!), the secrets revealed at the end were ultimately shocking.
You’ll also find plentiful banter, sharp wits, societal gossip, the vibes of Once Upon a Broken Heart, and more. There is also no spice, as R.I Aryn is a YA author, so it’s perfect for any and all readers! After that cliffhanger at the end, I cannot wait to read book two!!
“No, Little Rose.” Oh, swoon. I LOVE nicknames that are actually fitting and not cringy 🤭.
Death’s Rose is a TRUE slow burn and YA Beauty and the Beast retelling that’s about Elvira Thorne, a young and lonely debutante who, desperate to win the prince’s hand in marriage, makes a deal with a stranger from the library. He promises to find her a suitor as long as she breaks his curse, binding their lives together. But they’re already more connected to each other than she knows. Oh, and they despise each other. It releases TOMORROW, May 15th, and I highly recommend you read it!
I LOVED this book. Especially how, despite it being a B&TB retelling, all these different fairytales were also woven into the storyline, and were woven well with the plot still being unique and original. The quest to break Caius’s curse and the whimsical, fairytale worlds we see on that path are well balanced with Elvira’s own magical world and Bridgerton coded society, so it’s the best mix of both worlds. Elvira is very relatable, and she’s also a reader! So we love her, of course.
There are mysteries and secrets all the way up until the last page, and the pacing is fairly fast, so this book will keep you hooked, guessing, and turning those pages like crazy. While I did somehow manage to predict one thing right about Caius’s past (go me!), the secrets revealed at the end were ultimately shocking.
You’ll also find plentiful banter, sharp wits, societal gossip, the vibes of Once Upon a Broken Heart, and more. There is also no spice, as R.I Aryn is a YA author, so it’s perfect for any and all readers! After that cliffhanger at the end, I cannot wait to read book two!!
May 2, 2026
A perfect mixture of Bridgeton, The Rose Bargain and Once Upon a Broken Heart!
What a wonderful read! Firstly, the writing in this? How whimsical. It definitely solidified the “fairytale” atmosphere this story has and I enjoyed it. This isn’t my first read from Riar so I knew I was going to love the way this was written but this was just next level!
I really enjoyed the setting of the book, again it’s like I was in the world of Bridgeton but with a fairytale and fantasy twist, it was great. The world building and pacing of the book was perfect, at no point did I feel like something wasn’t explored or touched on enough, literally no stone was left unturned so bravo 👏🏼
I was instantly able to connect with Elvira, she’s intelligent and quite interesting. I found myself wanting her to win, I wanted her to get everything she wanted and more. Her personality really bloomed as the story went on, I felt for her at times, especially in respect of how she feels about her and Aurelia. It tugged on the heart strings. She’s also a little feisty, which I loooove! I’m excited to see how her growth continues.
Caius? Omg. He literally oozes an air of mystery, he’s very hot and cold but this added SO much depth to the dynamic between he and Elvira. Again, his story is equally beautiful and sad. The reveal at the end?! Excuse me, I was not expecting that ONE BIT.
This is a perfectly done YA fantasy! There is depth, courtly intrigue, complex characters and plenty of interesting plot developments throughout. I’m excited to see where this goes because despite the ending being relatively easy to pick up on, I still may have gasped. I’m eager to see how this plays out! Thank you Riar for having me apart of your ARC team!
What a wonderful read! Firstly, the writing in this? How whimsical. It definitely solidified the “fairytale” atmosphere this story has and I enjoyed it. This isn’t my first read from Riar so I knew I was going to love the way this was written but this was just next level!
I really enjoyed the setting of the book, again it’s like I was in the world of Bridgeton but with a fairytale and fantasy twist, it was great. The world building and pacing of the book was perfect, at no point did I feel like something wasn’t explored or touched on enough, literally no stone was left unturned so bravo 👏🏼
I was instantly able to connect with Elvira, she’s intelligent and quite interesting. I found myself wanting her to win, I wanted her to get everything she wanted and more. Her personality really bloomed as the story went on, I felt for her at times, especially in respect of how she feels about her and Aurelia. It tugged on the heart strings. She’s also a little feisty, which I loooove! I’m excited to see how her growth continues.
Caius? Omg. He literally oozes an air of mystery, he’s very hot and cold but this added SO much depth to the dynamic between he and Elvira. Again, his story is equally beautiful and sad. The reveal at the end?! Excuse me, I was not expecting that ONE BIT.
This is a perfectly done YA fantasy! There is depth, courtly intrigue, complex characters and plenty of interesting plot developments throughout. I’m excited to see where this goes because despite the ending being relatively easy to pick up on, I still may have gasped. I’m eager to see how this plays out! Thank you Riar for having me apart of your ARC team!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
[3.5 ⭐️] Thank you to the author for gifting me this lovely ARC! Death's Rose is a single POV Romantasy novel and is the first in the Raven and Rose Series. It follows Elvira, a socialite who wants nothing more to emerge from the shadow of her twin sister and marry the prince. So much so that she enters into a bargain with the cursed Caius, who seems to loathe everything about her.
This book had so many good things. I loved the writing, the dialogue, the balls and masquerade, the clothing, the court intrigue. I absolutely loved the way the book ended and felt everything Elvira did in those moments. I loved the way Elvira and Caius interacted with each and the underlying yearning between them. But… I spent a lot of the book confused. Caius is cursed to be trapped in the library, but through plot convenience, he can just leave pretty much whenever he wants. The aetheris is never really explained, and neither is Arden. Some of the quests also left me confused because the order of events was weird and I would have to reread sometimes to make sure I actually understood what happened. I also felt that the author did a lot of showing and not telling.
I will definitely be reading the next book in the series because that ending had me and I'm sure the answers to my questions will be there.
3.5 out of 5 stars
0 out of 5 spicy peppers
Memorable line: “Then will I be your Ruin?”
Read this if you like: Romantasy, cliffhanger, deadly curse, fake relationship, forced proximity, hidden identity, royalty falls for commoner magic, quests, Bridgerton and Beauty and the Beast influences
F*ck appears: 0
Spicy chapters: 0
This book had so many good things. I loved the writing, the dialogue, the balls and masquerade, the clothing, the court intrigue. I absolutely loved the way the book ended and felt everything Elvira did in those moments. I loved the way Elvira and Caius interacted with each and the underlying yearning between them. But… I spent a lot of the book confused. Caius is cursed to be trapped in the library, but through plot convenience, he can just leave pretty much whenever he wants. The aetheris is never really explained, and neither is Arden. Some of the quests also left me confused because the order of events was weird and I would have to reread sometimes to make sure I actually understood what happened. I also felt that the author did a lot of showing and not telling.
I will definitely be reading the next book in the series because that ending had me and I'm sure the answers to my questions will be there.
3.5 out of 5 stars
0 out of 5 spicy peppers
Memorable line: “Then will I be your Ruin?”
Read this if you like: Romantasy, cliffhanger, deadly curse, fake relationship, forced proximity, hidden identity, royalty falls for commoner magic, quests, Bridgerton and Beauty and the Beast influences
F*ck appears: 0
Spicy chapters: 0
May 16, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
ARC review!
I really enjoyed this one! The writing was so well developed, with vivid descriptions and compelling characterizations. 👏 The story was enchanting and infused with whimsical, magical elements that brought the world to life. ✨
The story follows a young Elvira Thorne, a debutante in society, who is determined to marry a prince. 👑 She meets Caius, a mysterious male whose curse she must help destroy. 🖤 He promises to assist her in her courtship if she agrees to break his curse. Their quest involves collecting Arcana cards, which can only be earned after completing mystical and challenging quests, before the last petals fall from Caius’s enchanted rose. 🥀
Filled with magic, intricate challenges, bargains, and hidden secrets, this novel combines a Beauty and the Beast-inspired fairy tale setting with the glamorous courtship atmosphere of Bridgerton, including elaborate balls and social intrigue. It's a perfect read for fans of YA fantasy! 🧚♀️
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though I wish there had been a bit more romance. 💕 I was captivated by every moment shared between the main characters; their witty banter was especially gripping. I love how both characters are secretly lying to themselves about their true feelings. 🤭 The ballroom scenes, with their tension, were some of my favorite moments.
The story ends on a cliffhanger, leaving me eager for the next installment. 😲
Thank you so much to the author, R.I. Aryn, for sending me a free e-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! 🫶
ARC review!
I really enjoyed this one! The writing was so well developed, with vivid descriptions and compelling characterizations. 👏 The story was enchanting and infused with whimsical, magical elements that brought the world to life. ✨
The story follows a young Elvira Thorne, a debutante in society, who is determined to marry a prince. 👑 She meets Caius, a mysterious male whose curse she must help destroy. 🖤 He promises to assist her in her courtship if she agrees to break his curse. Their quest involves collecting Arcana cards, which can only be earned after completing mystical and challenging quests, before the last petals fall from Caius’s enchanted rose. 🥀
Filled with magic, intricate challenges, bargains, and hidden secrets, this novel combines a Beauty and the Beast-inspired fairy tale setting with the glamorous courtship atmosphere of Bridgerton, including elaborate balls and social intrigue. It's a perfect read for fans of YA fantasy! 🧚♀️
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though I wish there had been a bit more romance. 💕 I was captivated by every moment shared between the main characters; their witty banter was especially gripping. I love how both characters are secretly lying to themselves about their true feelings. 🤭 The ballroom scenes, with their tension, were some of my favorite moments.
The story ends on a cliffhanger, leaving me eager for the next installment. 😲
Thank you so much to the author, R.I. Aryn, for sending me a free e-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! 🫶
June 3, 2026
First, a huge thank you to R.I. Aryn for providing me with an ARC of Death’s Rose. My apologies for the delay in posting this review—between buying a home and moving, life has been hectic, but I’m so glad I finally had time to delve into this dark and captivating story.
Death’s Rose is a haunting, beautifully dark romantasy that weaves together romance, suspense, and a touch of danger in just the right balance. From the very first page, the atmosphere is rich and immersive, pulling you into a world that feels both magical and perilous.
The characters are layered and compelling, with motivations that keep you guessing and relationships that simmer with tension. The romance is intense and emotionally charged, perfectly complementing the darker threads of mystery and intrigue running throughout the story. I loved watching the characters navigate their complicated world, where every choice carries weight and secrets abound.
The pacing is generally strong, with a nice balance between action, suspense, and tender moments. A few areas could have benefited from deeper exploration, but overall, the tension and emotional beats kept me hooked until the very last page.
For readers who enjoy dark romantasy, atmospheric settings, morally complex characters, and romances that are as intense as they are emotionally satisfying, Death’s Rose is a gripping read you won’t want to miss.
✨ A darkly enchanting tale of love, danger, and secrets, perfect for fans of romantasy with a twist of shadow and intrigue.
Thank you again to R.I. Aryn for the ARC! 🖤📚🌹
Death’s Rose is a haunting, beautifully dark romantasy that weaves together romance, suspense, and a touch of danger in just the right balance. From the very first page, the atmosphere is rich and immersive, pulling you into a world that feels both magical and perilous.
The characters are layered and compelling, with motivations that keep you guessing and relationships that simmer with tension. The romance is intense and emotionally charged, perfectly complementing the darker threads of mystery and intrigue running throughout the story. I loved watching the characters navigate their complicated world, where every choice carries weight and secrets abound.
The pacing is generally strong, with a nice balance between action, suspense, and tender moments. A few areas could have benefited from deeper exploration, but overall, the tension and emotional beats kept me hooked until the very last page.
For readers who enjoy dark romantasy, atmospheric settings, morally complex characters, and romances that are as intense as they are emotionally satisfying, Death’s Rose is a gripping read you won’t want to miss.
✨ A darkly enchanting tale of love, danger, and secrets, perfect for fans of romantasy with a twist of shadow and intrigue.
Thank you again to R.I. Aryn for the ARC! 🖤📚🌹
May 7, 2026
I genuinely had no idea where this book was going - in the best way! I absolutely loved the fairytale references and this book also felt like a puzzle I was trying to solve.
Our FMC, Elvira, has been overlooked her entire life and lives in the shadow of her perfect twin sister. Her mother makes Elvira promise, on her deathbed, that Elvira would marry a prince, and Elvira carries that promise with her every day. She meets our MMC, Caius, after a disastrous debut in society. She agrees to help Caius break the magical curse he's under in exchange for help to marry the prince.
Elvira is so unsure of herself. She truly believes her sister is better than her and she lives as a wallflower. Caius really helps her believe in herself more and helps give her that confidence to not be afraid to stand out. Caius is so deliciously grumpy and mean. He's been trapped in the library for 2 years waiting for Elvira to make this deal with him, and to break the curse they must work together to find Arcana cards. These cards are hidden in magical trials that they must complete. These trials also have some fairytale elements and we learn a lot more about the history of Caius and where he came from.
This is definitely a slow burn (which I LOVE), but then had so much tension. And I did not see what was coming at the end! I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys whimsy, a true slow burn romance, and a good mystery.
Tropes:
Trials/Quests
Regency Romantasy
Enemies to... lovers?
Forced Proximity
Our FMC, Elvira, has been overlooked her entire life and lives in the shadow of her perfect twin sister. Her mother makes Elvira promise, on her deathbed, that Elvira would marry a prince, and Elvira carries that promise with her every day. She meets our MMC, Caius, after a disastrous debut in society. She agrees to help Caius break the magical curse he's under in exchange for help to marry the prince.
Elvira is so unsure of herself. She truly believes her sister is better than her and she lives as a wallflower. Caius really helps her believe in herself more and helps give her that confidence to not be afraid to stand out. Caius is so deliciously grumpy and mean. He's been trapped in the library for 2 years waiting for Elvira to make this deal with him, and to break the curse they must work together to find Arcana cards. These cards are hidden in magical trials that they must complete. These trials also have some fairytale elements and we learn a lot more about the history of Caius and where he came from.
This is definitely a slow burn (which I LOVE), but then had so much tension. And I did not see what was coming at the end! I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys whimsy, a true slow burn romance, and a good mystery.
Tropes:
Trials/Quests
Regency Romantasy
Enemies to... lovers?
Forced Proximity
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I have no idea where to even start, so let me open by saying this: have you seen this cover?
I know that a lot of people are on the don't judge a book by its cover team and most of the time, I am too, but this time? I had a feeling, that it's going to be a good one and I'm so happy that my gut feeling was right.
It was marketed as Once Upon a Broken Heart meets Bridgerton and while I can neither confirm nor deny, because I haven't really got to either yet (please don't eat me for it), it gave me the vibe of something else, that I enjoyed a lot. Imagine Shadow and Bone (with that delicious Darkling vibe that I'm sure most of us loved... and I still chase till this day) meeting Beauty and the Beast retelling, somewhere halfway. That's exactly how I would describe Death's Rose.
We got the slow burn type romance that you could say actually burns (satisfying way)... and don't even let me get started on Caius, please. I definitely have a thing for tortured morally grey guys, especially if they have powers and I'm afraid that it won't ever change (sometimes I imagine myself as an old lady still reading this type of books and it's making me wheeze).
I can't wait for the second book, because what do you mean it ended like that and now I have to sit with my thoughts, alone and I can't reach for the next book yet?
I have no idea where to even start, so let me open by saying this: have you seen this cover?
I know that a lot of people are on the don't judge a book by its cover team and most of the time, I am too, but this time? I had a feeling, that it's going to be a good one and I'm so happy that my gut feeling was right.
It was marketed as Once Upon a Broken Heart meets Bridgerton and while I can neither confirm nor deny, because I haven't really got to either yet (please don't eat me for it), it gave me the vibe of something else, that I enjoyed a lot. Imagine Shadow and Bone (with that delicious Darkling vibe that I'm sure most of us loved... and I still chase till this day) meeting Beauty and the Beast retelling, somewhere halfway. That's exactly how I would describe Death's Rose.
We got the slow burn type romance that you could say actually burns (satisfying way)... and don't even let me get started on Caius, please. I definitely have a thing for tortured morally grey guys, especially if they have powers and I'm afraid that it won't ever change (sometimes I imagine myself as an old lady still reading this type of books and it's making me wheeze).
I can't wait for the second book, because what do you mean it ended like that and now I have to sit with my thoughts, alone and I can't reach for the next book yet?
April 19, 2026
Quote: “All over again, she felt like a phantom amongst a world that had no place for her.”
Death’s Rose follows Elvira who is one of the Thorn twins - she describes herself as a wallflower and constantly being overlooked due to her twin sister. This dynamic was full of love, jealousy and loathing at times. It did grate on me a little bit, it made me dislike Elvira at times as I found her self-pity a bit too overwhelming and boring.
After a miserable start at the debut ball, Elvira hides away in her favourite library only to discover a mysterious man - Caius. He hates her immediately and the reasons unclear at first.
Caius bargains with Elvira to help him break a magical curse in exchange for helping her capture the attention of the prince and other suitors. So, they set out on a quest to find the Arcana cards to begin unravelling the mystery that surrounds the Saints and both Caius and Elvira’s involvement in it all.
I’d describe this story as a mix of Bridgerton vibes with Beauty and the Beast, with a darker and eerie edge. It’s filled with royalty, lavish balls, and masquerades, alongside a really interesting magic system.
I’m giving this 3.5 stars because I found the dialog a little robotic at times. The book does a lot of telling rather than showing but regardless, this is a strong story and I will definitely read the next book to see how this story concludes!
Death’s Rose follows Elvira who is one of the Thorn twins - she describes herself as a wallflower and constantly being overlooked due to her twin sister. This dynamic was full of love, jealousy and loathing at times. It did grate on me a little bit, it made me dislike Elvira at times as I found her self-pity a bit too overwhelming and boring.
After a miserable start at the debut ball, Elvira hides away in her favourite library only to discover a mysterious man - Caius. He hates her immediately and the reasons unclear at first.
Caius bargains with Elvira to help him break a magical curse in exchange for helping her capture the attention of the prince and other suitors. So, they set out on a quest to find the Arcana cards to begin unravelling the mystery that surrounds the Saints and both Caius and Elvira’s involvement in it all.
I’d describe this story as a mix of Bridgerton vibes with Beauty and the Beast, with a darker and eerie edge. It’s filled with royalty, lavish balls, and masquerades, alongside a really interesting magic system.
I’m giving this 3.5 stars because I found the dialog a little robotic at times. The book does a lot of telling rather than showing but regardless, this is a strong story and I will definitely read the next book to see how this story concludes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun read! I know this book hasn't technically been published yet, but can I have book two now? After all that, I need to know what happens next!
Death's Rose definitely gives major Beauty and the Beast vibes. An enchanted rose. A beautiful (and grumpy) beast of a man with curious two toned eyes and a magic that cannot be tamed. A bookish wallflower of a girl with a dream and the power to break the curse. And yet, it's still entirely its own story.
There was a lot to like about this first installment. Elvira, the FMC, starts out as someone who more comfortable in the company of a good book than alongside the nobility. Easily, she gets lost in the crowd. Little by little, as the story progresses, Elvira comes out of her shell. I really enjoyed this progression, mostly because it's her constant bickering and banter with Caius - the MMC - that gives her the confidence to step out of the shadows. I was absolutely living for every interaction between the two of them!
There were a few plot holes that left me with questions (Caius spends way too much time out of the library for someone cursed to be trapped INSIDE the library), but overall I really did enjoy the book. Hopefully book two answers some of my questions.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
Death's Rose definitely gives major Beauty and the Beast vibes. An enchanted rose. A beautiful (and grumpy) beast of a man with curious two toned eyes and a magic that cannot be tamed. A bookish wallflower of a girl with a dream and the power to break the curse. And yet, it's still entirely its own story.
There was a lot to like about this first installment. Elvira, the FMC, starts out as someone who more comfortable in the company of a good book than alongside the nobility. Easily, she gets lost in the crowd. Little by little, as the story progresses, Elvira comes out of her shell. I really enjoyed this progression, mostly because it's her constant bickering and banter with Caius - the MMC - that gives her the confidence to step out of the shadows. I was absolutely living for every interaction between the two of them!
There were a few plot holes that left me with questions (Caius spends way too much time out of the library for someone cursed to be trapped INSIDE the library), but overall I really did enjoy the book. Hopefully book two answers some of my questions.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
May 14, 2026
(4.5 stars)
Thank you, R. I. Aryn for the ARC (available May 15).
This was such an enchanting read!! It definitely gives Beauty and the Beast vibes, but mixed with a bunch of other fairytales too! Along with the Once Upon a Broken Heart and Bridgerton vibes, and it’s a wonderful historical fantasy full of dark whimsy.
All Elvira wants is to marry the prince of her kingdom, but she’s unfortunately overshadowed by her twin sister, Aurelia. She comes across a mysterious man named Caius who claims he needs her help breaking the curse he’s under and in exchange he’ll help her win the prince’s affection. However, there’s more than meets the eye between them 👀
I really love Elvira! She comes across as timid, but soon proves that she’s cunning and has a sharp tongue. Her growth throughout the book is honestly great! And Caius is broody and a bit egotistical, but in an endearing way. They balance each other really well! There’s also a lot of will they or won’t they in their relationship that has you burning for more.
I love that each journey they go on together is inspired by different fairytales full of riddles for them to solve. The writing itself is also really well done, and definitely aids in creating the overall atmosphere of the book! I’m very excited to learn what happens next after that cliffhanger!!
Thank you, R. I. Aryn for the ARC (available May 15).
This was such an enchanting read!! It definitely gives Beauty and the Beast vibes, but mixed with a bunch of other fairytales too! Along with the Once Upon a Broken Heart and Bridgerton vibes, and it’s a wonderful historical fantasy full of dark whimsy.
All Elvira wants is to marry the prince of her kingdom, but she’s unfortunately overshadowed by her twin sister, Aurelia. She comes across a mysterious man named Caius who claims he needs her help breaking the curse he’s under and in exchange he’ll help her win the prince’s affection. However, there’s more than meets the eye between them 👀
I really love Elvira! She comes across as timid, but soon proves that she’s cunning and has a sharp tongue. Her growth throughout the book is honestly great! And Caius is broody and a bit egotistical, but in an endearing way. They balance each other really well! There’s also a lot of will they or won’t they in their relationship that has you burning for more.
I love that each journey they go on together is inspired by different fairytales full of riddles for them to solve. The writing itself is also really well done, and definitely aids in creating the overall atmosphere of the book! I’m very excited to learn what happens next after that cliffhanger!!
May 15, 2026
‘Death's Rose’ blew my mind, it really captivated me, everything flowed beautifully and I really love the way the author reimagined 'Beauty amAnd The Beast' with a concept perfectly portrayed. I enjoyed learning about the characters during this read, I feel there is a sense of mystery to them and you are peeling an onion layer by layer.
Female main character Elvira is a firecracker, she is the definition of character growth, when we are first introduced to her she’s very withdrawn and absolutely no confidence but throughout the novel, she comes out of her shell and she blossoms and as a reader it’s really satisfying because she grows out of her sisters shadow and she becomes her own person. I found the backstory behind caius intriguing, his character is very grumpy but as the story goes on, we really get a grasp on why he is the way he is.
As a whole, this is one of my favourite reimagines I’ve read, I didn’t feel like it was a reimagining and that’s what I loved so much about it, it had such a huge amount of uniqueness to it and what really topped it off for me is how the extracts of text added a sense of mystery and it all unravels at the end. Also, the ending was on a cliffhanger and it wasn’t the cliff hanger I was expecting but that was the best ending! Bring on book two!! If you’re a fan of fairytales, reimaginings or Bridgerton then add this to your TBR!
Female main character Elvira is a firecracker, she is the definition of character growth, when we are first introduced to her she’s very withdrawn and absolutely no confidence but throughout the novel, she comes out of her shell and she blossoms and as a reader it’s really satisfying because she grows out of her sisters shadow and she becomes her own person. I found the backstory behind caius intriguing, his character is very grumpy but as the story goes on, we really get a grasp on why he is the way he is.
As a whole, this is one of my favourite reimagines I’ve read, I didn’t feel like it was a reimagining and that’s what I loved so much about it, it had such a huge amount of uniqueness to it and what really topped it off for me is how the extracts of text added a sense of mystery and it all unravels at the end. Also, the ending was on a cliffhanger and it wasn’t the cliff hanger I was expecting but that was the best ending! Bring on book two!! If you’re a fan of fairytales, reimaginings or Bridgerton then add this to your TBR!
May 2, 2026
Thank you @riarynauthor for the ARC! It took me some time to really get into the story (it was a little confusing at times) but once I reached 65% I couldn't put it down! It was full of magic, swoon, and twists!
Elvira's debut in the Season is imminent. Only, her twin sister is better at everything. But Elvira promised her dying mother that she'd marry the prince. And that's all she sets her mind to do. And she goes all the way to bond herself in a magical blood bargain to a stranger in exchange for help to secure the prince's hand. Her end of the deal? Help him find five Arcana cards to break his curse. Each quest will take them to a new enchanted realm. And all before the last three petals of his rose fall, or he's stuck in his curse. Will they have enough time?
Favorite quotes out of context:
🥀 "Because of part of this curse is meant to torment us if we ever fall in love."
🌹 "Comfortable? If you're going to sit on me, at least pretend you hate it."
🥀 "Because that is what happens when you burn with so much hatred, the flames turns into a loathing desire!"
Tropes include: 🥀 Romantasy 🐦 Third person, past tense 🥀 Enemies to... bargain-bonded 🐦 Touch her and 💀 🥀 Breaking curses 🐦 Bridgerton x OUABH x Beauty and the Beast 🥀 Quests for Magical Cards 🐦 Slowest of slow burns 👀
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ / Spice: 🍭
Elvira's debut in the Season is imminent. Only, her twin sister is better at everything. But Elvira promised her dying mother that she'd marry the prince. And that's all she sets her mind to do. And she goes all the way to bond herself in a magical blood bargain to a stranger in exchange for help to secure the prince's hand. Her end of the deal? Help him find five Arcana cards to break his curse. Each quest will take them to a new enchanted realm. And all before the last three petals of his rose fall, or he's stuck in his curse. Will they have enough time?
Favorite quotes out of context:
🥀 "Because of part of this curse is meant to torment us if we ever fall in love."
🌹 "Comfortable? If you're going to sit on me, at least pretend you hate it."
🥀 "Because that is what happens when you burn with so much hatred, the flames turns into a loathing desire!"
Tropes include: 🥀 Romantasy 🐦 Third person, past tense 🥀 Enemies to... bargain-bonded 🐦 Touch her and 💀 🥀 Breaking curses 🐦 Bridgerton x OUABH x Beauty and the Beast 🥀 Quests for Magical Cards 🐦 Slowest of slow burns 👀
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ / Spice: 🍭
April 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for this eARC!
This one completely pulled me in from the start....dark, magical, and lowkey addictive in a way that made it hard to put down. The atmosphere alone had me hooked, with that slightly eerie, fairytale feel that lingers the whole time and keeps you turning pages.
The world building is honestly stunning. It takes familiar fairytale elements and blends them together so seamlessly, but still manages to feel fresh and unique instead of predictable. I loved how it leaned into those classic vibes while twisting them into something darker and more haunting, it felt both nostalgic and new at the same time.
The characters and their dynamics really added to the story for me, especially with the emotional tension woven throughout. There’s this underlying sense of danger and curiosity that keeps building, and I found myself completely invested in where everything was going.
Overall, this was such an enchanting, beautifully written read that balances magic and darkness so well. If you love fairytale-inspired stories with a darker edge and immersive world building, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
This one completely pulled me in from the start....dark, magical, and lowkey addictive in a way that made it hard to put down. The atmosphere alone had me hooked, with that slightly eerie, fairytale feel that lingers the whole time and keeps you turning pages.
The world building is honestly stunning. It takes familiar fairytale elements and blends them together so seamlessly, but still manages to feel fresh and unique instead of predictable. I loved how it leaned into those classic vibes while twisting them into something darker and more haunting, it felt both nostalgic and new at the same time.
The characters and their dynamics really added to the story for me, especially with the emotional tension woven throughout. There’s this underlying sense of danger and curiosity that keeps building, and I found myself completely invested in where everything was going.
Overall, this was such an enchanting, beautifully written read that balances magic and darkness so well. If you love fairytale-inspired stories with a darker edge and immersive world building, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
May 16, 2026
I was an ARC reader for this book!! It was fun to get to experience this world before most of the world!
Death’s Rose: Raven & Rose Book 1 is a dark, atmospheric romantasy that blends gothic fairy-tale vibes with emotional slow-burn romance. The story follows Elvira, a woman desperate to secure her future through marriage, whose life changes after she becomes entangled with Caius — a cursed, mysterious man trapped within an enchanted library. R.I. Aryn shines most in the book’s mood and character work, creating a world full of haunting imagery, hidden magic, and simmering tension.
Rather than focusing on nonstop action, the novel leans into emotional depth, longing, and personal transformation. The romance develops gradually through distrust, vulnerability, and sharp chemistry, making it especially appealing for readers who enjoy introspective romantasy with gothic undertones. While the pacing can feel slow at times, the rich atmosphere and emotional stakes make it a compelling start to the Raven & Rose series.
I can’t wait for book 2!!
Death’s Rose: Raven & Rose Book 1 is a dark, atmospheric romantasy that blends gothic fairy-tale vibes with emotional slow-burn romance. The story follows Elvira, a woman desperate to secure her future through marriage, whose life changes after she becomes entangled with Caius — a cursed, mysterious man trapped within an enchanted library. R.I. Aryn shines most in the book’s mood and character work, creating a world full of haunting imagery, hidden magic, and simmering tension.
Rather than focusing on nonstop action, the novel leans into emotional depth, longing, and personal transformation. The romance develops gradually through distrust, vulnerability, and sharp chemistry, making it especially appealing for readers who enjoy introspective romantasy with gothic undertones. While the pacing can feel slow at times, the rich atmosphere and emotional stakes make it a compelling start to the Raven & Rose series.
I can’t wait for book 2!!
April 29, 2026
This book was such a fantastic surprise! I was drawn in by the sharp, playful banter, and the constant undercurrent of tension between Elvira and Caius. There’s a richness and grandeur to the world that leans heavily into fairy tale conventions, but it's written so it's completely believable and whimsical.
One of my favorite aspects was how the metaphors are tied to Elvira’s perspective, especially through the conventions of painting. The imagery helps to place you even further into the story.
The story is packed with secrets, and even in the last pages you're still getting epic reveals. There’s also a really fun contrast between the magical, fairy tale elements, and the social world of debutante gossip, courtship rules, and frivolity. Its such a contrast between life and death heists and riddles and descriptions of the latest ball Elvira is attending that you're stuck in the edge of your seat suggesting what happens next.
One of my favorite aspects was how the metaphors are tied to Elvira’s perspective, especially through the conventions of painting. The imagery helps to place you even further into the story.
The story is packed with secrets, and even in the last pages you're still getting epic reveals. There’s also a really fun contrast between the magical, fairy tale elements, and the social world of debutante gossip, courtship rules, and frivolity. Its such a contrast between life and death heists and riddles and descriptions of the latest ball Elvira is attending that you're stuck in the edge of your seat suggesting what happens next.
April 26, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you for a copy for a review. What first got my interest was the cover. The artwork is stunning!
I overall loved the brigerton vibes mixed with beauty and the beast. The time period in general I’m a fan of. I loved how the FMC clothing was described. They all sound so beautiful. I liked the little stories after each chapter. I enjoyed the main story of the FMC trying to get the prince’s attention, all the ball’s and side characters even the MMCs friend I thought was a well made character. The story was really interesting, but I started getting lost during the quests to find the cards. All the added fairy tales in the story were confusing to me and felt like it didn’t mix well with the overall plot. I felt like there could’ve been more to show/world building in the overall story and less telling.
Thank you for a copy for a review. What first got my interest was the cover. The artwork is stunning!
I overall loved the brigerton vibes mixed with beauty and the beast. The time period in general I’m a fan of. I loved how the FMC clothing was described. They all sound so beautiful. I liked the little stories after each chapter. I enjoyed the main story of the FMC trying to get the prince’s attention, all the ball’s and side characters even the MMCs friend I thought was a well made character. The story was really interesting, but I started getting lost during the quests to find the cards. All the added fairy tales in the story were confusing to me and felt like it didn’t mix well with the overall plot. I felt like there could’ve been more to show/world building in the overall story and less telling.
May 16, 2026
One word to describe this book: MAGICAL.
Reading this was so much fun and completely mesmerising. It reminded me of when Bridgerton and Beauty and the Beast had a child and then that child was also influenced by some dark twisty eerie fairytales. Just a balance, a proper mix, and truly an amazing read!
I got hooked from page one and following this storyline was so immersive and dangerously bewitching. There's quests, challenges, adventures, and also slow burn romance with tension so thick and banter so tasteful. All the characters were complex and also relatable.
I absolutely enjoyed this book, and with that ending... how will I survive waiting??? Eeek, I am deffo excited to know what happens next!! Recommended! ✨️
Reading this was so much fun and completely mesmerising. It reminded me of when Bridgerton and Beauty and the Beast had a child and then that child was also influenced by some dark twisty eerie fairytales. Just a balance, a proper mix, and truly an amazing read!
I got hooked from page one and following this storyline was so immersive and dangerously bewitching. There's quests, challenges, adventures, and also slow burn romance with tension so thick and banter so tasteful. All the characters were complex and also relatable.
I absolutely enjoyed this book, and with that ending... how will I survive waiting??? Eeek, I am deffo excited to know what happens next!! Recommended! ✨️
May 16, 2026
I very much enjoyed this book. It touches on a lot of Fairy Tales throughout, stitching them together in a fun way of quests the main character has to navigate.
Elvira, though I can see why she was written as a insecure character, did have moments I wanted to throttle her. It was great characterization by RI Aryn, but I definitely got frustrated with the character herself (which I believe we were supposed to).
The pacing was quick, the characters were interesting and easily differentiated, their relationships were chaotic at times, but that is to be expected in a fairy tale retelling.
I am curious to see more of the backstories in the next book and am patiently waiting to see what comes next!
Elvira, though I can see why she was written as a insecure character, did have moments I wanted to throttle her. It was great characterization by RI Aryn, but I definitely got frustrated with the character herself (which I believe we were supposed to).
The pacing was quick, the characters were interesting and easily differentiated, their relationships were chaotic at times, but that is to be expected in a fairy tale retelling.
I am curious to see more of the backstories in the next book and am patiently waiting to see what comes next!
April 17, 2026
WOW! I loved this! This was such a good combination of books I love and a unique story/plot. The character development and chemistry were off the charts. The quests/trials were so interesting and were fairytale-inspired, which I loved. I also loved the self-love and different kinds of love woven throughout this book. I genuinely have a different perspective on love and the importance of self-love from this book. The cliffhanger was insane, and I need the next book asap. If you love Once Upon a Broken Heart, fairytales (like Beauty and the Beast), and The Rose Bargain, then you will love this book! Thank you so much to R.I. Aryn for the ARC!
April 23, 2026
Absolutely crashing out over this book.
Think a Beauty and the Beast retelling but make it regency. And then make our characters perform trials that go into other fairy tales. While the main story line is also its own fairy tale.
This book (and world) was so unique. Our characters are so endearing, even if they are stubborn and unsure. The adventure they go through together was nothing less than magical!
The writing style kept me engaged, I didn't want to do anything else other than read this book. The story was always moving, everything in here is important!
I'm definitely recommending this book.
Overall: highly recommend
Spice: no spice
Think a Beauty and the Beast retelling but make it regency. And then make our characters perform trials that go into other fairy tales. While the main story line is also its own fairy tale.
This book (and world) was so unique. Our characters are so endearing, even if they are stubborn and unsure. The adventure they go through together was nothing less than magical!
The writing style kept me engaged, I didn't want to do anything else other than read this book. The story was always moving, everything in here is important!
I'm definitely recommending this book.
Overall: highly recommend
Spice: no spice
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