What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cairnwood Reel #1
My Thorns For Your Roses
True love takes many forms.
As one of the few survivors of her generation, Lark wants to live a quiet, peaceful life. All she needs is a tolerable husband. On her 24th birthday, Lark offends the local faerie lord, the shapeshifter Tamlin, who punishes her with a rose rooted in her flesh.
In her efforts to convince Tamlin to undo his handiwork, Lark visits the forest daily and discovers the breathtaking and terrifying wonders of his realm. Despite her pragmatic nature tugging her toward a mortal huntsman, Lark falls for Tamlin.
After a near-fatal accident exposes Tamlin’s cruel deception, Lark moves to the capital to accept a marriage of convenience. Yet when she learns of Tamlin’s capture, Lark must choose whether to secure her future or risk it all to save the love of her life from his cannibal ex.
--
MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES is a "Tam Lin" retelling written in the spirit of the Scottish faerie tale and folksong - for readers who enjoyed the fae in Heather Fawcett's EMILY WILDE series, retellings like Naomi Novik's SPINNING SILVER, and the complicated family dynamics of Kell Woods' AFTER THE FOREST and UPON A STARLIT TIDE.
Book cover artist: Yinan Sun (Grey)
As one of the few survivors of her generation, Lark wants to live a quiet, peaceful life. All she needs is a tolerable husband. On her 24th birthday, Lark offends the local faerie lord, the shapeshifter Tamlin, who punishes her with a rose rooted in her flesh.
In her efforts to convince Tamlin to undo his handiwork, Lark visits the forest daily and discovers the breathtaking and terrifying wonders of his realm. Despite her pragmatic nature tugging her toward a mortal huntsman, Lark falls for Tamlin.
After a near-fatal accident exposes Tamlin’s cruel deception, Lark moves to the capital to accept a marriage of convenience. Yet when she learns of Tamlin’s capture, Lark must choose whether to secure her future or risk it all to save the love of her life from his cannibal ex.
--
MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES is a "Tam Lin" retelling written in the spirit of the Scottish faerie tale and folksong - for readers who enjoyed the fae in Heather Fawcett's EMILY WILDE series, retellings like Naomi Novik's SPINNING SILVER, and the complicated family dynamics of Kell Woods' AFTER THE FOREST and UPON A STARLIT TIDE.
Book cover artist: Yinan Sun (Grey)
386 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Kristen Argyres
7 books20 followersKristen is a wife, mom, and lifelong reader from the Midwest, USA. She loves love, but dabbles in other genres to flex her creativity.
If you enjoyed her work from the Dragon Soul Press and Wild Ink charity anthologies, there is more to come!
The first book of The Cairnwood Reel series, MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES, debuted May 5th, 2026. Book 2, ALONG THE HAWTHORN PATH, is scheduled to publish in 2027.
More information on future projects can be found on her website.
If you enjoyed her work from the Dragon Soul Press and Wild Ink charity anthologies, there is more to come!
The first book of The Cairnwood Reel series, MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES, debuted May 5th, 2026. Book 2, ALONG THE HAWTHORN PATH, is scheduled to publish in 2027.
More information on future projects can be found on her website.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 20, 2026
This is the single most daring romantasy I have ever read. It has all the traditional markers of a romantasy (a magical fairy world mixed with a clear romantic arc), but I would also argue that its subgenres are high/epic, dark fairytale, and even straight up horror.
Why do I say horror?
I’m not going to lie, I didn’t take the content warnings seriously at the beginning of the book. I don’t know why. Argyres never lies to us about what’s in this romantasy. While many romantasies have content warnings, they’re usually only there because the story briefly or subtly brings up darker themes, often pulling away to focus on the lighter stuff like humor or the romantic arc. That is not the case with My Thorns For Your Roses. This book reminds me of some of the darkest fairytales I read in college. For those of you who have studied classic fairytales, you may be starting to get an idea of what this book is like.
Look, I read horror and dark fantasy all of the time. I was honestly fascinated by Argyres’s retelling and impressed with her daring as an author. I think this book will be well received by the romantasy readers who can handle the really dark themes. If you’re one of those readers, you should pick up this book and give it a try.
Let me tell you why:
This book is incredibly atmospheric. The forest is magical in a way that feels both alluring and dangerous—just like the fae who inhabit it. All of the settings were beautiful, though, and the language to describe them was both sensuous and florid.
The characters were also fascinating, especially Lark. Again, Argyres’s daring came to play, and she made Lark unapologetically different from other romantasy protagonists. Lark is “plain” in appearance, easily irritated, often brooding, deeply emotional, and sometimes holds grudges for years. Other than the “plain” description, she reminds me more of many MMCs we see in romantasy, rather than the MFCs. I ended up liking her for that reason, honestly. It was kind of a refreshing twist, for her to act like that, and it eventually grew on me.
It’s also nice that Lark has some awareness of her own flaws. While she was “denied a childhood,” she is sometimes incredibly cruel and unforgiving toward her family (although, to be fair, no one in this world understands what PPD is, so Lark doesn’t truly realize how cruel she’s being). That being said, she’s aware to some degree how she’s hurting the people she loves and that her resentment is damaging her relationships. With this awareness, she doesn’t totally blame her family for everything and paint herself as a totally blameless victim. Nor does she shoulder ALL the blame for what happened like some unconvincing martyr. Writing her character this way made Lark feel human and believable.
The other characters are great as well, and I was intrigued by the villains. Matchmaker Maggie, Brent, and Nastas were three of my favorite minor characters, and I loved Lark’s family. The Huntress is 100% going to haunt my dreams.
The slow pacing at the beginning of this novel will make the story feel a little more chill and give you some cozy romantasy vibes. It isn’t until the later chapters in the book, when the horror elements start to pick up and the story dives into the dark fairytale aspects, that the pacing feels faster and more urgent. There is, however, a clear romantic arc throughout the book, and that element of the story felt perfectly paced.
Overall, I think this book will appeal to people who like dark fairytale retellings and very dark romantasy. Is it my personal cup of tea? Kind of. I don’t normally gravitate toward romantasy, it’s just not a genre I enjoy as much as others do, and the romance often bores me (which is not the author’s fault, it’s just a flaw of mine). However, the darker elements of this story fascinated me and made me want to know more about the original fairytale. In the end, even though I’m not a romantasy convert, I’m still glad I tried it!
Disclaimer: I was part of the street team for this book and received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Why do I say horror?
I’m not going to lie, I didn’t take the content warnings seriously at the beginning of the book. I don’t know why. Argyres never lies to us about what’s in this romantasy. While many romantasies have content warnings, they’re usually only there because the story briefly or subtly brings up darker themes, often pulling away to focus on the lighter stuff like humor or the romantic arc. That is not the case with My Thorns For Your Roses. This book reminds me of some of the darkest fairytales I read in college. For those of you who have studied classic fairytales, you may be starting to get an idea of what this book is like.
Look, I read horror and dark fantasy all of the time. I was honestly fascinated by Argyres’s retelling and impressed with her daring as an author. I think this book will be well received by the romantasy readers who can handle the really dark themes. If you’re one of those readers, you should pick up this book and give it a try.
Let me tell you why:
This book is incredibly atmospheric. The forest is magical in a way that feels both alluring and dangerous—just like the fae who inhabit it. All of the settings were beautiful, though, and the language to describe them was both sensuous and florid.
The characters were also fascinating, especially Lark. Again, Argyres’s daring came to play, and she made Lark unapologetically different from other romantasy protagonists. Lark is “plain” in appearance, easily irritated, often brooding, deeply emotional, and sometimes holds grudges for years. Other than the “plain” description, she reminds me more of many MMCs we see in romantasy, rather than the MFCs. I ended up liking her for that reason, honestly. It was kind of a refreshing twist, for her to act like that, and it eventually grew on me.
It’s also nice that Lark has some awareness of her own flaws. While she was “denied a childhood,” she is sometimes incredibly cruel and unforgiving toward her family (although, to be fair, no one in this world understands what PPD is, so Lark doesn’t truly realize how cruel she’s being). That being said, she’s aware to some degree how she’s hurting the people she loves and that her resentment is damaging her relationships. With this awareness, she doesn’t totally blame her family for everything and paint herself as a totally blameless victim. Nor does she shoulder ALL the blame for what happened like some unconvincing martyr. Writing her character this way made Lark feel human and believable.
The other characters are great as well, and I was intrigued by the villains. Matchmaker Maggie, Brent, and Nastas were three of my favorite minor characters, and I loved Lark’s family. The Huntress is 100% going to haunt my dreams.
The slow pacing at the beginning of this novel will make the story feel a little more chill and give you some cozy romantasy vibes. It isn’t until the later chapters in the book, when the horror elements start to pick up and the story dives into the dark fairytale aspects, that the pacing feels faster and more urgent. There is, however, a clear romantic arc throughout the book, and that element of the story felt perfectly paced.
Overall, I think this book will appeal to people who like dark fairytale retellings and very dark romantasy. Is it my personal cup of tea? Kind of. I don’t normally gravitate toward romantasy, it’s just not a genre I enjoy as much as others do, and the romance often bores me (which is not the author’s fault, it’s just a flaw of mine). However, the darker elements of this story fascinated me and made me want to know more about the original fairytale. In the end, even though I’m not a romantasy convert, I’m still glad I tried it!
Disclaimer: I was part of the street team for this book and received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2026
A gorgeous (and accurate) retelling of the Tam Lin fairy tale that is ACOTAR meets the atmospheric story telling of Juliet Marillier! A beautiful debut!
May 23, 2026
What a great Tamlin reimagining! Review to come! 🥀
(FINAL REVIEW:)
This was a lovely reimagining of the Scottish borderland folktale about Tam Lin. The element of shapeshifting from male to female apperances was a wonderful way to bring transgender characters to life while still keeping within deceptive fairy beliefs of the Isles. 🌳
I would like to preface this review with the fact that I am a part of the street team for this book, and this had no effect on my views and opinions of the book. Now, onto the review! 😊
The story follows Lark, a young 25-year-old woman whose family had recently moved to the borderlands of her home country for a new start. I found her to be a wonderful complex character who was wonderfully loyal and loving to her rambunctious family, while at the same time harboring so much unresolved anger towards them. In my personal opinion, she could have been a bit more rebellious and outspoken, but I still loved that Argyres wrote Lark as a woman who loved immensely but seethed privately. ❤️🩹
The love interest and the character that inspired the book, Tamlin, was a wonderfully aloof and alluring faerie lord. I think he could have been a bit more cold and deceptive, but this is again, a personal thought as I do like more troublesome faerie character. I also really enjoyed the slow burn romance of the main couple which again is something I enjoy and know others might not. 😁
The side characters for me were a wonderful motley of Lark’s siblings or the other faeries of Cairnwood forest. I loved that all of Lark’s siblings had time in the “spotlight” and that they all equally loved Lark in their own way. The faeries of Carinwood were another motley crew that wonderfully warmed up to Lark over time. I was especially taken with the witty fox, Nastas, who in my view, acted like a wingman for both Tamlin and a funny conspirator for Lark. 🦊
All in all, I really enjoyed this start to, if I’m correct, a trilogy. I think this book will definitely work for those who enjoy a slow-burn romance and plot build. I think this book did a lot of heavy-lifting for the world building and it was done very well in my opinion. I have an idea of where the second book is going to go with its plot, but it’ll be exciting to see if I’m right or not! 🤭
Thank you goes to the author, Argyres, for sending me an early copy of the book and selecting me to be a part of the book’s street team! I had a wonderful time in this world and can’t wait to return in the second book! ❤️
Publication date: May 5, so go get your hands on this if you can!
Overall: 4.25/5 ⭐️
(FINAL REVIEW:)
This was a lovely reimagining of the Scottish borderland folktale about Tam Lin. The element of shapeshifting from male to female apperances was a wonderful way to bring transgender characters to life while still keeping within deceptive fairy beliefs of the Isles. 🌳
I would like to preface this review with the fact that I am a part of the street team for this book, and this had no effect on my views and opinions of the book. Now, onto the review! 😊
The story follows Lark, a young 25-year-old woman whose family had recently moved to the borderlands of her home country for a new start. I found her to be a wonderful complex character who was wonderfully loyal and loving to her rambunctious family, while at the same time harboring so much unresolved anger towards them. In my personal opinion, she could have been a bit more rebellious and outspoken, but I still loved that Argyres wrote Lark as a woman who loved immensely but seethed privately. ❤️🩹
The love interest and the character that inspired the book, Tamlin, was a wonderfully aloof and alluring faerie lord. I think he could have been a bit more cold and deceptive, but this is again, a personal thought as I do like more troublesome faerie character. I also really enjoyed the slow burn romance of the main couple which again is something I enjoy and know others might not. 😁
The side characters for me were a wonderful motley of Lark’s siblings or the other faeries of Cairnwood forest. I loved that all of Lark’s siblings had time in the “spotlight” and that they all equally loved Lark in their own way. The faeries of Carinwood were another motley crew that wonderfully warmed up to Lark over time. I was especially taken with the witty fox, Nastas, who in my view, acted like a wingman for both Tamlin and a funny conspirator for Lark. 🦊
All in all, I really enjoyed this start to, if I’m correct, a trilogy. I think this book will definitely work for those who enjoy a slow-burn romance and plot build. I think this book did a lot of heavy-lifting for the world building and it was done very well in my opinion. I have an idea of where the second book is going to go with its plot, but it’ll be exciting to see if I’m right or not! 🤭
Thank you goes to the author, Argyres, for sending me an early copy of the book and selecting me to be a part of the book’s street team! I had a wonderful time in this world and can’t wait to return in the second book! ❤️
Publication date: May 5, so go get your hands on this if you can!
Overall: 4.25/5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you again for the ARC I won in the Pagebound giveaway. Absolutely beautiful artwork and cover design ✨🩵
“…love’s the easiest and most difficult to in the world.”
It took me quite a while to get into this book, maybe halfway through before I actually was enjoying the story. It is quite the slow build up but the little town and FMC are very built up on the beginning so I appreciate the character & world building. I think the main reason why I didn’t love this book was a few things brought up with little to no development. Lark gets an idea about Tamlin lying to her and goes on a tangent about it and then all is forgiven two pages later… the ending trials last barely one chapter and the ending seems rushed when the first half of the book DRAGGED for me. I enjoyed the writing but I think this general folklore/ fairytale is not for me, which is fine, definitely no fault to this author she portrays this story in an enjoyable read. I just struggle with FMCs who seem so wishy washy and feel like they have no backbone and are immature. Lark turns 26 but acts every bit as immature as if she was 18. I understand it’s probably because of how she had to grow up fast raising her younger siblings due to her mother’s health, but it is at times frustrating.
I’d recommend this read to friends as a fairytale love story with fun fantasy world aspects - I just don’t think I’d reach for this again.
“…love’s the easiest and most difficult to in the world.”
It took me quite a while to get into this book, maybe halfway through before I actually was enjoying the story. It is quite the slow build up but the little town and FMC are very built up on the beginning so I appreciate the character & world building. I think the main reason why I didn’t love this book was a few things brought up with little to no development. Lark gets an idea about Tamlin lying to her and goes on a tangent about it and then all is forgiven two pages later… the ending trials last barely one chapter and the ending seems rushed when the first half of the book DRAGGED for me. I enjoyed the writing but I think this general folklore/ fairytale is not for me, which is fine, definitely no fault to this author she portrays this story in an enjoyable read. I just struggle with FMCs who seem so wishy washy and feel like they have no backbone and are immature. Lark turns 26 but acts every bit as immature as if she was 18. I understand it’s probably because of how she had to grow up fast raising her younger siblings due to her mother’s health, but it is at times frustrating.
I’d recommend this read to friends as a fairytale love story with fun fantasy world aspects - I just don’t think I’d reach for this again.
June 17, 2026
Some of my favorite romantasy novels are based on fairy tales. Well, you can add MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES to that list. In this case, I’m not even familiar with the source material, but it makes for a compelling story nonetheless.
The book is a reimagining of the Scottish folk tale “Tam Lin.” It focuses on Lark, a young woman whose family has moved to a new village in years following a war. At 25, Lark faces societal pressures to get married. She wants to do right by her family, but she fears losing her independence. She’s not sure what to do next, and she’s torn between loyalty to (and love for) her family and resentment for the position she finds herself in.
Then Tamlin enters the picture and hoo boy! Do things change for Lark. At first, she can’t stand the aloof, mysterious faerie. Their relationship soon develops into a slow-burn romance. It’s a believable, evolving dynamic, and author Kristen Argyres had me invested for this ride. Lark and Tamlin don’t resolve their differences too quickly, but at the same time, they both grow, and that growth leads them closer together.
There also are some great supporting characters in this book. I’m particularly fond of Nastas, the fox faerie and friend to both Lark and Tamlin, and Brent, a kind friend of Lark’s father who helps her see the truth. Oh, and no spoilers, but the title of the book makes perfect sense once you read it!
Add in a beautiful cover and MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES is a fairy tale romance that I would highly recommend!
The book is a reimagining of the Scottish folk tale “Tam Lin.” It focuses on Lark, a young woman whose family has moved to a new village in years following a war. At 25, Lark faces societal pressures to get married. She wants to do right by her family, but she fears losing her independence. She’s not sure what to do next, and she’s torn between loyalty to (and love for) her family and resentment for the position she finds herself in.
Then Tamlin enters the picture and hoo boy! Do things change for Lark. At first, she can’t stand the aloof, mysterious faerie. Their relationship soon develops into a slow-burn romance. It’s a believable, evolving dynamic, and author Kristen Argyres had me invested for this ride. Lark and Tamlin don’t resolve their differences too quickly, but at the same time, they both grow, and that growth leads them closer together.
There also are some great supporting characters in this book. I’m particularly fond of Nastas, the fox faerie and friend to both Lark and Tamlin, and Brent, a kind friend of Lark’s father who helps her see the truth. Oh, and no spoilers, but the title of the book makes perfect sense once you read it!
Add in a beautiful cover and MY THORNS FOR YOUR ROSES is a fairy tale romance that I would highly recommend!
July 6, 2026
4.5 ⭐
i'm gonna admit it took me a while to fully immerse myself at the start because, having english as my second language, i struggled to understand a lot of words and that frustrated me - but oh girl when i tell you i was captivated when i actually sat to read
both lark and tamlin managed to get on my nerves for different reasons but i love them so much you don't understand. those two are my children (they're both older than me)
the story was so magic it made me feel like i was also a forest faerie seeing their love story happening in real time, and i will specifically always remember their dance at the brightest night festival (ʃƪ＾3＾) i was totally giggling and kicking my feet
it also had me gasping every three chapters because i'm just easily shocked, but you would never believe my gasp when maggie revealed her secret or when i realized tamlin was actually turning into wind (i was actually crying, but yeah)
overall i love it, and i love it more because of nastas... and i will love it even more if we get a book where he's the main character... or at least he makes another appearance... pretty please...
though i still have to say it, the end was a little... not bad, but maybe a little "here, damn" (?)
i'm gonna admit it took me a while to fully immerse myself at the start because, having english as my second language, i struggled to understand a lot of words and that frustrated me - but oh girl when i tell you i was captivated when i actually sat to read
both lark and tamlin managed to get on my nerves for different reasons but i love them so much you don't understand. those two are my children (they're both older than me)
the story was so magic it made me feel like i was also a forest faerie seeing their love story happening in real time, and i will specifically always remember their dance at the brightest night festival (ʃƪ＾3＾) i was totally giggling and kicking my feet
it also had me gasping every three chapters because i'm just easily shocked, but you would never believe my gasp when maggie revealed her secret or when i realized tamlin was actually turning into wind (i was actually crying, but yeah)
overall i love it, and i love it more because of nastas... and i will love it even more if we get a book where he's the main character... or at least he makes another appearance... pretty please...
though i still have to say it, the end was a little... not bad, but maybe a little "here, damn" (?)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wanted to start by saying thank god for books with named chapters. Growing up, I started reading books that had named chapters, and those kept me hooked. So this book with named chapters was very fun for me to read as it keeps things interesting no matter what.
The story and the concept were good. However, I could not connect with Lark’s character. She was very naive, but I couldn’t blame her. She made very argumentative choices, but in her situation and dilemma, she was making the right choice for herself. With her family, the people around her, and Tam Lin, she tried to make everything work. Speaking of people around her, that one Kier part felt like a slap in the face. THAT part made me want to punch someone. You know which part I’m talking about, not to spoil the story.
The portrayal of Tamlin in this book was close-ish to the original Tam Lin but not the same. In fact, this book made me like Tamlin. With a brave main character and a misunderstood fae prince, the concept of companionship (and wanting to be loved, in general) in this book was heartwrenching and bittersweet.
🧾 Review of advance copy received from Pagebound and author, Kristen Argyres.
The story and the concept were good. However, I could not connect with Lark’s character. She was very naive, but I couldn’t blame her. She made very argumentative choices, but in her situation and dilemma, she was making the right choice for herself. With her family, the people around her, and Tam Lin, she tried to make everything work. Speaking of people around her, that one Kier part felt like a slap in the face. THAT part made me want to punch someone. You know which part I’m talking about, not to spoil the story.
The portrayal of Tamlin in this book was close-ish to the original Tam Lin but not the same. In fact, this book made me like Tamlin. With a brave main character and a misunderstood fae prince, the concept of companionship (and wanting to be loved, in general) in this book was heartwrenching and bittersweet.
🧾 Review of advance copy received from Pagebound and author, Kristen Argyres.
Review of advance copy
I received this book as in an ARC giveaway, but all thoughts are true.
I absolutely adored this book. It brought back a whimsy in me that I had long forgotten. The romance between the characters is beautifully written, and I am so happy that I got to read it.
There are times that as an audience you are frustrated at the characters but we love them so much and just wish the best for them.
I really appreciate how the author brings the original tales of Tamlin into consideration within this novel, mentioning Janet and Margaret. It was very well done and brings all of it together.
I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, though I know I may have to wait a while.
I absolutely adored this book. It brought back a whimsy in me that I had long forgotten. The romance between the characters is beautifully written, and I am so happy that I got to read it.
There are times that as an audience you are frustrated at the characters but we love them so much and just wish the best for them.
I really appreciate how the author brings the original tales of Tamlin into consideration within this novel, mentioning Janet and Margaret. It was very well done and brings all of it together.
I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, though I know I may have to wait a while.
June 3, 2026
Alright okay you got me at the end. This was gonna be like… a 3.5 star just for the sake of the editorial issues BUT OKAY THAT WAS WONDERFUL!
While the pacing was off a little bit (slow to fast to HOLYSHITWHATDOYOYMEANITSNOTOVERHELP!) I did really enjoy this retelling of the tale of Tamlin (yes I read three versions of the original).
I loved the shape shifting aspect of his character a lot, actually, and I adore Nastas. Elowyn and Beatrice better fucking end up together or else ima riot in the streets.
While the pacing was off a little bit (slow to fast to HOLYSHITWHATDOYOYMEANITSNOTOVERHELP!) I did really enjoy this retelling of the tale of Tamlin (yes I read three versions of the original).
I loved the shape shifting aspect of his character a lot, actually, and I adore Nastas. Elowyn and Beatrice better fucking end up together or else ima riot in the streets.
May 26, 2026
Thank you to the author for a copy for a review.
Just now getting to post my review 😅
This was a very good debut! I was swept away in this fantasy world. It was beautifully written and I adored all the characters in this book especially the fox 🦊 . The cover is also so beautiful. It caught my eye and I’m so grateful that the author let me read this early. It was so easy to read and I felt like I was in the book as well. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Just now getting to post my review 😅
This was a very good debut! I was swept away in this fantasy world. It was beautifully written and I adored all the characters in this book especially the fox 🦊 . The cover is also so beautiful. It caught my eye and I’m so grateful that the author let me read this early. It was so easy to read and I felt like I was in the book as well. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Thorns for Your Roses is a beautiful story that explores the myth of the Scottish faerie, Tamlin, and themes of love, loss, and hope. The world Argyres has built is lush and a character of its own. We especially loved the cast is secondary and tertiary characters with all their faerie antics. This fantasy romance is certainly one to look forward to. ❤️
May 8, 2026
Finalmente, non me cundiu :( Bo take coa lenda de Tam Lin pero houbo certas cousas que me botaron mazo para atrás. Ademais como que o tono do libro é super lixeiro pero en verdade pasan cousas moi turbias entón uf.
Recibín un ARC ao gañar o sorteo en Pagebound.
Recibín un ARC ao gañar o sorteo en Pagebound.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a beautiful fairytale! <3 While this is a Tam Lin retelling, it also felt wholly original, and full of lovable characters!
June 16, 2026
Definitely would be interested in reading more from this series! (Also love demisexual rep!)
July 24, 2026
Review to come!
June 10, 2026
Hello, I'm the author of this book! I want to clarify a few things for potential readers:
1) This is an adult retelling of the original Scottish faerie tale "Tam Lin." So yes, there is a Tamlin because that is the name of the titular character in the faerie tale - like "Beast" in "Beauty and the Beast." I kept his name.
2) This is an LGBTQIA+ romance. Lark is demisexual and Tamlin is a pan shapeshifter. I don't use those labels in the novel but those are the modern equivalent terms. They most often kiss as a hetero-passing couple, but they also kiss while Tamlin is a woman. There are other shapeshifting shenanigans in certain scenes, too. [Those familiar with "Tam Lin" should know what I mean.] As a demisexual, I don't particularly care to write "graphic" love scenes, but they are open-door.
3) This book is written in first person POV because it is first and foremost a romance novel and that is a genre convention. While it does also qualify as romantasy because the plot would not occur without the romance, My Thorns For Your Roses is a faerie tale romance.
4) This is the first book in the series so I do a lot of world building to set up for things that come up later in the trilogy. I'm mostly finished drafting book 2 and hope to pass it on to my editor in the next few months so I can start writing book 3.
5) While this is not a Grim Dark faerie tale, there is a list of content warnings. If you have certain triggers, please take care of yourself and review the list before reading.
6) I originally signed to publish My Thorns For Your Roses with Conquest Publishing back in 2024 for a release date of April 14th, 2026. However, Brittany McMunn, the owner and EIC of Conquest, passed away unexpectedly back in February. Her husband decided to dissolve the company and revert rights back to the authors. I decided not to re-query to find a new publisher since we were so close to publication and will self-publish through Draft2Digital on May 5th, 2026.
Thanks and happy reading!
Kristen
1) This is an adult retelling of the original Scottish faerie tale "Tam Lin." So yes, there is a Tamlin because that is the name of the titular character in the faerie tale - like "Beast" in "Beauty and the Beast." I kept his name.
2) This is an LGBTQIA+ romance. Lark is demisexual and Tamlin is a pan shapeshifter. I don't use those labels in the novel but those are the modern equivalent terms. They most often kiss as a hetero-passing couple, but they also kiss while Tamlin is a woman. There are other shapeshifting shenanigans in certain scenes, too. [Those familiar with "Tam Lin" should know what I mean.] As a demisexual, I don't particularly care to write "graphic" love scenes, but they are open-door.
3) This book is written in first person POV because it is first and foremost a romance novel and that is a genre convention. While it does also qualify as romantasy because the plot would not occur without the romance, My Thorns For Your Roses is a faerie tale romance.
4) This is the first book in the series so I do a lot of world building to set up for things that come up later in the trilogy. I'm mostly finished drafting book 2 and hope to pass it on to my editor in the next few months so I can start writing book 3.
5) While this is not a Grim Dark faerie tale, there is a list of content warnings. If you have certain triggers, please take care of yourself and review the list before reading.
6) I originally signed to publish My Thorns For Your Roses with Conquest Publishing back in 2024 for a release date of April 14th, 2026. However, Brittany McMunn, the owner and EIC of Conquest, passed away unexpectedly back in February. Her husband decided to dissolve the company and revert rights back to the authors. I decided not to re-query to find a new publisher since we were so close to publication and will self-publish through Draft2Digital on May 5th, 2026.
Thanks and happy reading!
Kristen
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews