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Garden of Thorns #1
Garden of Thorns: Blood Descendants Universe
It’s easy to blend in and disappear on the streets of Boston. Elle Ward has finally taken control of her own destiny—away from the dark shadow of her family’s reputation. Putting her botany and chemistry degree to work, she’s the successful owner of her own apothecary. But she lives by a secret identity. Curing innocent Bitten in the basement, she flies under the radar, risking her life, and risking punishment from King Cyrus.
But being raised in this world means she can never truly get away from the Houses and their politics. She lives under the rule of the House of Allaway, and Charles is out to avenge the brutal murder of his twin: a sister for a sister.
Elle has fought tooth and nail to claim her own life, and she’s not about to let it be ripped away. But her brother demands a Born move in to protect her, someone who knows how the enemy thinks. Elle has live in a House with Lexington Dawes before, but she’s no longer a fragile girl, and he’s not the bitter, sarcastic man she remembers…
The House of Royals world continues with Garden of Thorns.
But being raised in this world means she can never truly get away from the Houses and their politics. She lives under the rule of the House of Allaway, and Charles is out to avenge the brutal murder of his twin: a sister for a sister.
Elle has fought tooth and nail to claim her own life, and she’s not about to let it be ripped away. But her brother demands a Born move in to protect her, someone who knows how the enemy thinks. Elle has live in a House with Lexington Dawes before, but she’s no longer a fragile girl, and he’s not the bitter, sarcastic man she remembers…
The House of Royals world continues with Garden of Thorns.
249 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2017
305 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Keary Taylor
82 books2,104 followersKeary Taylor is the USA TODAY bestselling author of over twenty novels. She grew up along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where she started creating imaginary worlds and daring characters who always fell in love. She now splits her time between a tiny island in the Pacific Northwest and Utah, with her husband and their two children. She continues to have an overactive imagination that frequently keeps her up at night.
Please Note: Keary does not check Goodreads very often, so the best way to get in contact is directly through email: me@kearytaylor.com.
Please Note: Keary does not check Goodreads very often, so the best way to get in contact is directly through email: me@kearytaylor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 21, 2021
3 Stars
That ending definitely went to a weird place👀 at least Elle isn't as annoying as Liv (yet), so, so far I'm liking this book just a bit better than the previous ones. It still has the unrealistic insta-love that I can't stand, and uncalled for reactions, but it isn't too bad so far, and hopefully it won't just go downhill.
That ending definitely went to a weird place👀 at least Elle isn't as annoying as Liv (yet), so, so far I'm liking this book just a bit better than the previous ones. It still has the unrealistic insta-love that I can't stand, and uncalled for reactions, but it isn't too bad so far, and hopefully it won't just go downhill.
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January 9, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/10/2019)! 🎁
January 29, 2017
Wowzers. Amazing book. I gladly Received this ebook for an honest review. I fell in love with Alivia and Ian. Now I fell in Love with Elle and Lexington. What Elle does with all of her herbs and everything is incredible, and she is kickass too. At first I really thought that there was going to be something between Elle and Kai. But then that thought was shut down. Then Lexington comes around and I oh there has to be something there. Lexington (Sigh) I'm swooned completely. The little glimpse we got of Ian had me all giddy.
The end had me WTC. This Charles dude is Psycho, is he for real!?! Because I do not want to babble and give all what's in it. I recommend that you get it and read it. Over all I really enjoyed reading Elle's story and with the ending, I can't wait for the next one!!
I fell in Love with House of Royals, and I'm so Happy that Keary is continuing this series.
The end had me WTC. This Charles dude is Psycho, is he for real!?! Because I do not want to babble and give all what's in it. I recommend that you get it and read it. Over all I really enjoyed reading Elle's story and with the ending, I can't wait for the next one!!
I fell in Love with House of Royals, and I'm so Happy that Keary is continuing this series.
March 10, 2017
3 Stars
Full Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
As much as I enjoyed the original House of Royals books (Alivia’s story), I was ready for it to end. But then this one came out, and I figured I’d give it a go since I did enjoy the original and this one was about a different main character (Elle, Alivia’s sister-in-law). Unfortunately it fell flat for me.
Even though I could understand why Elle was the way she was after all that she’d been through, I still couldn’t connect with her. Withdrawn would probably be a good word to describe her. She was badass in her own way though, I’ll give her that. She wasn’t an expert fighter, but she was an expert with botany and chemistry and creating toxins and weapons to use against the vampires. She also had some more conventional weapons, like stakes and hand guns. And despite the dangers, she wasn’t afraid to be around vampires when she felt it was the right thing to do, like when she was administering cures to the Bitten. So I can see people liking her and maybe connecting with her better than I did.
Another problem I had though was that I felt like not much happened in the plot, then it ended on a cliffhanger, still without anything really having happened. There wasn’t a climax, or maybe that scene would’ve been it, but it was cut short because the book ended. And when Allaway’s plan was fully revealed, it didn’t make sense in that it was just a bad plan and I didn’t see how it connected to the “a sister for a sister” revenge thing.
Lastly, there was a lot of talk about the chemistry between Elle and Lexington, but I never felt it. And because of that, even though it wasn’t instalove, the love still felt kind of sudden. But they had cute moments together, and I did think it was sweet and hilarious when she poured some blood into the batter and made him blood waffles.
So overall this book was too subdued for my taste, I didn’t connect with the characters, and it seemed like it mostly set things up without having much plot of its own. Even though Keary Taylor has created an interesting take on vampire society in her House of Royals series, sometimes you’re just ready to say goodbye to a series, and maybe I’d have enjoyed the book more if that weren’t the case for me. If you still want more House of Royals after finishing Alivia’s story though, or if you were interested in getting to know Elle, you might like this book more than I did.
*Note: Even though this book has a different protag and storyline, I recommend starting this series with Book 1. It might be possible to start here since there are brief explanations for most things, but you might still be confused by terminology and side characters.*
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-5 in Keary Taylor's House of Royals Series. Anyone looking for a subdued kind of vampire romance/urban fantasy with a protag who's badass in a quieter kind of way.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Full Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
As much as I enjoyed the original House of Royals books (Alivia’s story), I was ready for it to end. But then this one came out, and I figured I’d give it a go since I did enjoy the original and this one was about a different main character (Elle, Alivia’s sister-in-law). Unfortunately it fell flat for me.
Even though I could understand why Elle was the way she was after all that she’d been through, I still couldn’t connect with her. Withdrawn would probably be a good word to describe her. She was badass in her own way though, I’ll give her that. She wasn’t an expert fighter, but she was an expert with botany and chemistry and creating toxins and weapons to use against the vampires. She also had some more conventional weapons, like stakes and hand guns. And despite the dangers, she wasn’t afraid to be around vampires when she felt it was the right thing to do, like when she was administering cures to the Bitten. So I can see people liking her and maybe connecting with her better than I did.
Another problem I had though was that I felt like not much happened in the plot, then it ended on a cliffhanger, still without anything really having happened. There wasn’t a climax, or maybe that scene would’ve been it, but it was cut short because the book ended. And when Allaway’s plan was fully revealed, it didn’t make sense in that it was just a bad plan and I didn’t see how it connected to the “a sister for a sister” revenge thing.
Lastly, there was a lot of talk about the chemistry between Elle and Lexington, but I never felt it. And because of that, even though it wasn’t instalove, the love still felt kind of sudden. But they had cute moments together, and I did think it was sweet and hilarious when she poured some blood into the batter and made him blood waffles.
So overall this book was too subdued for my taste, I didn’t connect with the characters, and it seemed like it mostly set things up without having much plot of its own. Even though Keary Taylor has created an interesting take on vampire society in her House of Royals series, sometimes you’re just ready to say goodbye to a series, and maybe I’d have enjoyed the book more if that weren’t the case for me. If you still want more House of Royals after finishing Alivia’s story though, or if you were interested in getting to know Elle, you might like this book more than I did.
*Note: Even though this book has a different protag and storyline, I recommend starting this series with Book 1. It might be possible to start here since there are brief explanations for most things, but you might still be confused by terminology and side characters.*
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-5 in Keary Taylor's House of Royals Series. Anyone looking for a subdued kind of vampire romance/urban fantasy with a protag who's badass in a quieter kind of way.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
February 4, 2017
3.5 Stars
Garden of Thorns is the sixth book in this series. We are now 7 years past the events after the first five books and it’s following Elle, Ian sister. We got to know a little bit about her previously, but now we really get to see who she is.
Elle is living under a secret identity in a whole new place but still curing the Bitten. She’s no longer living under the close eye of her brother and Alivia but she’s protected by her friend, Kai. However, she’s now living in the area controlled by Charles Allaway. And he’s now starting to cause an uproar over the death of his sister years ago.
Keary does a great job of building a new plot and love interest in this series, however it doesn’t carry that same intrigue and mystery as before. It’s all well written and I enjoyed reading it, but it just didn’t capture me as much. I think anyone starting this series from here (which you can, but I don’t recommend) will enjoy it.
We are left with having more questions and you are intrigued to see how things play out. I still hope to have some lingering questions from book 5 that I hope get answered later in this series.
Overall, Garden off Thorns is a good read. While it may not be my favorite in this series, it gives a different look insight into other key players in this series.
Garden of Thorns is the sixth book in this series. We are now 7 years past the events after the first five books and it’s following Elle, Ian sister. We got to know a little bit about her previously, but now we really get to see who she is.
Elle is living under a secret identity in a whole new place but still curing the Bitten. She’s no longer living under the close eye of her brother and Alivia but she’s protected by her friend, Kai. However, she’s now living in the area controlled by Charles Allaway. And he’s now starting to cause an uproar over the death of his sister years ago.
Keary does a great job of building a new plot and love interest in this series, however it doesn’t carry that same intrigue and mystery as before. It’s all well written and I enjoyed reading it, but it just didn’t capture me as much. I think anyone starting this series from here (which you can, but I don’t recommend) will enjoy it.
We are left with having more questions and you are intrigued to see how things play out. I still hope to have some lingering questions from book 5 that I hope get answered later in this series.
Overall, Garden off Thorns is a good read. While it may not be my favorite in this series, it gives a different look insight into other key players in this series.
February 21, 2018
This is a spin-off story line from the first 5 House of Royals books. At first, I was a little disappointed because I missed the characters from those books. But I think I might end up liking this one better. It's a human living in a vampire world. Violence, language, but no sex. I like the science aspect of it.
March 15, 2017
Very good read. Love Elle and Lexington's story so far. The cliff hanger was a surprise to me. Didn't see it coming... not like that.
May 5, 2017
The "House of Royals" series is adored by me. However, this book breaks the cardinal rule of all romance novels and fails to deliver a H.E.A. ending. That in and of itself would have gotten it three out of five stars by me. Therefore, what makes it lose an additional star is that it ends with a cliffhanger.
First off, both Book 6 and Book 7 should be their own series in the same world as 1-5 House of Royals. A continuation of the original story fails to describe either book. I bought the book expecting to read about Alivia and was shocked by the change. However, the original series was abundantly loved enough by me, to give this story a chance. It was like going to the movies to see a new movie you already enjoy, but instead find a sneak preview of a new show similar to what you were expecting.
The cliffhanger fails to even be that, because the resolution of the 'situation' only has one possible direction to anyone who is 'trying' to right an 'edgy' romance novel. And if Ms. Taylor was trying to do something else? The books would have never been listed as one. It is as if she thought introducing a cliffhanger would be an effective substitute for the lack of any real teen angst.
Maybe Ms. Taylor succeeded at that though, because the abundant lack of 'teen angst' in the entire chain of books was greatly enjoyed by me. As with the previous books of the chain, the necessary drama for a romance fill a book is thought out, logical, and reasonable. The resolution to the drama is satisfying enough to forget the drama. And so, please understand that the novel still follows the general flow of a romance novel, until the very end when Ms. Taylor jumps the shark with novel.
Both Book 6 and Book 7 was purchased by me, and so the 'want' for a resolution is far from why the rating of 2/5 is given by me. Romance books are read precisely read because they are 'supposed' to have a H.E.A. ending, at least read by me. Other genres are great but life can be negative enough without negativity corrupting my entertainment.
Only the Goddess knows, whether "Garden of Snakes" will ever be read by me. A grudge fails to be the reasoning, instead I am unsure whether she has yet another "cliffhanger" with that book, in store for readers such as me. As it was said, the delight of stories with H.E.A., are why subgenres of romance novels are of great interest of mine.
Ms. Taylor, novels in other genres have "romance" in them as well. For instance, the Fellowship of the Ring, has Arwen and Aragorn. The novels fails to be Fantasy-Romance though because the romance fails to have a H.E.A. ending. Mr. Tolkien could have easily made a few changes if he wanted that and changed everyone's lives in the process. However, he did not and the novels and story are still great as a "Fantasy" story. Hopefully if he released it into the current modern realm, he would have released it as a Fantasy story instead of trying to mislead and confuse people by labeling the series as "Fantasy Romance", feel do I.
All the problems with this novel has been thoroughly described without spoiling the actual story for anyone. Therefore, those who have read this far and disagree are encouraged by me, to enjoy the novel. That is that their enjoyment is hoped by me.
Grateful for you sharing your time and Force. May you ask the Goddess to eternally alight your self-determined path.
First off, both Book 6 and Book 7 should be their own series in the same world as 1-5 House of Royals. A continuation of the original story fails to describe either book. I bought the book expecting to read about Alivia and was shocked by the change. However, the original series was abundantly loved enough by me, to give this story a chance. It was like going to the movies to see a new movie you already enjoy, but instead find a sneak preview of a new show similar to what you were expecting.
The cliffhanger fails to even be that, because the resolution of the 'situation' only has one possible direction to anyone who is 'trying' to right an 'edgy' romance novel. And if Ms. Taylor was trying to do something else? The books would have never been listed as one. It is as if she thought introducing a cliffhanger would be an effective substitute for the lack of any real teen angst.
Maybe Ms. Taylor succeeded at that though, because the abundant lack of 'teen angst' in the entire chain of books was greatly enjoyed by me. As with the previous books of the chain, the necessary drama for a romance fill a book is thought out, logical, and reasonable. The resolution to the drama is satisfying enough to forget the drama. And so, please understand that the novel still follows the general flow of a romance novel, until the very end when Ms. Taylor jumps the shark with novel.
Both Book 6 and Book 7 was purchased by me, and so the 'want' for a resolution is far from why the rating of 2/5 is given by me. Romance books are read precisely read because they are 'supposed' to have a H.E.A. ending, at least read by me. Other genres are great but life can be negative enough without negativity corrupting my entertainment.
Only the Goddess knows, whether "Garden of Snakes" will ever be read by me. A grudge fails to be the reasoning, instead I am unsure whether she has yet another "cliffhanger" with that book, in store for readers such as me. As it was said, the delight of stories with H.E.A., are why subgenres of romance novels are of great interest of mine.
Ms. Taylor, novels in other genres have "romance" in them as well. For instance, the Fellowship of the Ring, has Arwen and Aragorn. The novels fails to be Fantasy-Romance though because the romance fails to have a H.E.A. ending. Mr. Tolkien could have easily made a few changes if he wanted that and changed everyone's lives in the process. However, he did not and the novels and story are still great as a "Fantasy" story. Hopefully if he released it into the current modern realm, he would have released it as a Fantasy story instead of trying to mislead and confuse people by labeling the series as "Fantasy Romance", feel do I.
All the problems with this novel has been thoroughly described without spoiling the actual story for anyone. Therefore, those who have read this far and disagree are encouraged by me, to enjoy the novel. That is that their enjoyment is hoped by me.
Grateful for you sharing your time and Force. May you ask the Goddess to eternally alight your self-determined path.
July 1, 2018
Well Charles Allaway is a sick fuck!
For the first time ever, since I started reading this series, I skipped ahead to reviews for the remaining books to prepare me for what happened after that final scene. Safe to say that it is the equivalent of nuclear codes for all I learnt. There's a Rose person coming up. That's about it.
I haven't felt this way since House of Judges, where Alivia was drinking gallons of blood and spinning on poles. Not necessarily in that order but the end of this novel definitely gave me chills.
I always wondered why Elle chose to stay by herself in that swamp and why she was always so quiet but observant. Turns out the girl is missing a healthy dose of fear, that also travelled with her to Boston where she's apparently playing mad scientist with flowers.
Lexington is everything I expected. That easy going and cool demeanor. The man is the friend you never knew you needed, a confidant, protector and I can imagine a good lover.
Unlike Alivia and Ian, I believe their relationship and I see their potential for more. A real connection built on time and history. They have actually had "dates" and though it doesn't feel like 6 years elapsed, I like that we get to focus on Elle and Lexington with not much Silent Bend influence.
I am a sucker for learning new things so all these flowers and potions are interesting. We also aren't recycling vamps so we get to meet new ones, who live by a different set of rules in a new city filled with so much possibilities.
The Bitten and Born aren't what we became accustomed to from Silent Bend and watching them work together is interesting and different.
It's all fairly new so it's more of an orientation to this new region. A steady pace and well written to draw you in and keep you needing more and believe me, I am HAPPY I already have the next novel in line and waiting! Welcome to Boston. Keary Taylor definitely knows how to move to a new city.
For the first time ever, since I started reading this series, I skipped ahead to reviews for the remaining books to prepare me for what happened after that final scene. Safe to say that it is the equivalent of nuclear codes for all I learnt. There's a Rose person coming up. That's about it.
I haven't felt this way since House of Judges, where Alivia was drinking gallons of blood and spinning on poles. Not necessarily in that order but the end of this novel definitely gave me chills.
I always wondered why Elle chose to stay by herself in that swamp and why she was always so quiet but observant. Turns out the girl is missing a healthy dose of fear, that also travelled with her to Boston where she's apparently playing mad scientist with flowers.
Lexington is everything I expected. That easy going and cool demeanor. The man is the friend you never knew you needed, a confidant, protector and I can imagine a good lover.
Unlike Alivia and Ian, I believe their relationship and I see their potential for more. A real connection built on time and history. They have actually had "dates" and though it doesn't feel like 6 years elapsed, I like that we get to focus on Elle and Lexington with not much Silent Bend influence.
I am a sucker for learning new things so all these flowers and potions are interesting. We also aren't recycling vamps so we get to meet new ones, who live by a different set of rules in a new city filled with so much possibilities.
The Bitten and Born aren't what we became accustomed to from Silent Bend and watching them work together is interesting and different.
It's all fairly new so it's more of an orientation to this new region. A steady pace and well written to draw you in and keep you needing more and believe me, I am HAPPY I already have the next novel in line and waiting! Welcome to Boston. Keary Taylor definitely knows how to move to a new city.
August 10, 2021
Like Elle Ward, I too only love vampires, my cat, my plants, and sometimes my brother when he isn't being annoying.
Garden of Thorns is on an entirely different level. We have a time jump after the ending of House of Ravens. We have now switched to Elle's (picture Lizzie Saltzman) pov after she's graduated college and moved from Mississippi to Boston. (I, too, once moved from Mississippi to a little town named Groton, Massachusetts. And I fell in love with Boston. #Relateable) Bitten vampires are still a problem but Elle spends all of her time trying to help them while running her own apothecary. Her brother sends a Born vampire to protect her. There's some romance. Maybe a little instalovey but still cute. Except for the terrible ending, keeping me from giving this book 5 stars, I absolutely loved it. Hopefully, book 2 fixes *that*.
Garden of Thorns is on an entirely different level. We have a time jump after the ending of House of Ravens. We have now switched to Elle's (picture Lizzie Saltzman) pov after she's graduated college and moved from Mississippi to Boston. (I, too, once moved from Mississippi to a little town named Groton, Massachusetts. And I fell in love with Boston. #Relateable) Bitten vampires are still a problem but Elle spends all of her time trying to help them while running her own apothecary. Her brother sends a Born vampire to protect her. There's some romance. Maybe a little instalovey but still cute. Except for the terrible ending, keeping me from giving this book 5 stars, I absolutely loved it. Hopefully, book 2 fixes *that*.
January 23, 2017
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I just found out about Keary Taylor in early 2016 and I immediately fell in love with both her Royals series as well as her McCain Saga. I was over-the-moon excited when I heard that there was going to be another book in her Royals series.
I loved the chemistry between Elle and Lexington. Though it happened quickly and easily, I overlooked it because it was refreshing to read a book where the leading couple didn't have to go to hell and back before they realized their feelings for one another. Unfortunately, the rest of the book followed suit. There was so much potential and I loved the storyline, but Ms. Taylor left MUCH to be desired. The main points of conflict were very underdeveloped and whatever conflict did arise, it was quickly resolved with very little effort.
I loved the chemistry between Elle and Lexington. Though it happened quickly and easily, I overlooked it because it was refreshing to read a book where the leading couple didn't have to go to hell and back before they realized their feelings for one another. Unfortunately, the rest of the book followed suit. There was so much potential and I loved the storyline, but Ms. Taylor left MUCH to be desired. The main points of conflict were very underdeveloped and whatever conflict did arise, it was quickly resolved with very little effort.
December 30, 2021
Cliffhanger out of Nowhere
3½. Garden of Thorns picks up about 6 years after the end of House of Ravens, & is told from the point of view of Ian's human sister, Elle Ward. I like the nods to the House of Conrath, the characters that I am familiar with. The other, new characters are slowly growing on me. The conflict in this book is actually a direct result of something that happened in the House of Royals series, so I would definitely recommend reading those books first. The writing is solid & the romance is off to a decent start, with room for growth which is always good. The cliffhanger ending of this book Linda came out of nowhere, & it is quite shocking, I must say. While I am eager to see what happens next, I really hate the cliffhanger gimmick used by so many authors these days.
3½. Garden of Thorns picks up about 6 years after the end of House of Ravens, & is told from the point of view of Ian's human sister, Elle Ward. I like the nods to the House of Conrath, the characters that I am familiar with. The other, new characters are slowly growing on me. The conflict in this book is actually a direct result of something that happened in the House of Royals series, so I would definitely recommend reading those books first. The writing is solid & the romance is off to a decent start, with room for growth which is always good. The cliffhanger ending of this book Linda came out of nowhere, & it is quite shocking, I must say. While I am eager to see what happens next, I really hate the cliffhanger gimmick used by so many authors these days.
February 13, 2018
So thrilling, so exciting, so epicly.... huge!! This new story in the vampire universe Ms. Taylor has crafted is mouth hanging open, on the edge of your seat entertainment! Elle is the main female main character this time and she's so strong, morally and emotionally. Along comes a male vamp from her past and he starts seeping through the tiny cracks within her walls and the results are so terribly sweet to read ♡ This leaves you on a huge precipice! What will happen next!? Thankfully, I've come along at the right time as the rest of her story has already been written. Ms. Keary is a master storyteller and she weaves these huge plots and all this drama into her books! And it's breathtaking ♡♡♡♡
May 9, 2025
DNF. I Made at 41% of the way through. I have been listening to this book for the last few nights to put me to sleep, it’s that boring. So far she was curing some bitten, breaking the heart of her BFF, and then a vampire named Lexington moves in. And I think there was some walking about the city, but I started zoning out because it was so boring and nothing was happening. Wah. The only interesting things are the vampire history, the fact that there are bitten and born, and that she is an alchemist and using her ability to heal the bitten. Oh, there was some potential with a love potion that Lexington stupidly sticks his face in. But that didn’t really go anywhere. He just sits on a stool all googly eyed in the shop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2017
I really liked this book! The author has created an interesting world involving vampires. This story takes place several years after the events in the House of Royals series and features Elle, along with a new villain.
This book does set up for events to come in future books, I think it was well done. I also think the author did a great job of summarizing events from previous books. I do think it's possible to start the series here and not be lost, however starting at the very beginning will give a better overall understanding of certain events and the world the author has created.
I look forward to reading what will happen next!
I received a copy of this manuscript from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
This book does set up for events to come in future books, I think it was well done. I also think the author did a great job of summarizing events from previous books. I do think it's possible to start the series here and not be lost, however starting at the very beginning will give a better overall understanding of certain events and the world the author has created.
I look forward to reading what will happen next!
I received a copy of this manuscript from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
August 27, 2018
This story brings together a grown up business owner, Elle Ward, and a Born vampire assigned by Elle's over-protective older brother, Ian. Elle is determined to make a successful, independent life for herself as she secretly helps cure Bitten vampire in the Boston area where she lives. It is against King Cyrus's commands to cure Bitten. I loved the interaction between adult Elle and the sarcastic Born vampire, Lexington Dawes . Watching their relationship evolve was a pleasure and very touching. I completely adored this story. There was still plenty of excitement and suspense as the story progressed. Really entertaining and fun to read!!!
November 24, 2024
Wrote well, good story. However I’m sooooo disappointed, I thought this was gonna stay with the same story line as before. Or even swap to someone interesting that was a part of the first’s books. The character It swapped to however is someone I had no interest in reading about her or her story line. I was hoping the queen would come back some way. I probably won’t be finishing the series now.😩 shame too because they were so good.
May 29, 2022
Elle and Lexington
Elle is a botanist and has her degree in chemistry. She has concocted a cure for vampirism, and has been saving those who were bitten. Lexington has been assigned by her brother Ian to protect her, and they fell in love. Now she has been captured by a Royal with a vendetta against her family.
Elle is a botanist and has her degree in chemistry. She has concocted a cure for vampirism, and has been saving those who were bitten. Lexington has been assigned by her brother Ian to protect her, and they fell in love. Now she has been captured by a Royal with a vendetta against her family.
July 23, 2024
This book was so much better than the original series! There was so much more going on and I like Elle way better than I liked Alivia. Lexington is so adorable and I love him. Everything about this book was amazing. That ending was f’d up though and very unexpected. I can’t wait to start book 2!
🧛Vampires
☠️Bad A FMC
📚Spin Off
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🧛Vampires
☠️Bad A FMC
📚Spin Off
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
February 28, 2019
Omg!!! Must read what happens next!!
Love how this series has Elle, Ian’s no so little anymore sister as the leading character. She still attracts trouble unfortunately and boy does the book end on a cliffhanger!! Love this series!!
Love how this series has Elle, Ian’s no so little anymore sister as the leading character. She still attracts trouble unfortunately and boy does the book end on a cliffhanger!! Love this series!!
December 20, 2017
Didn't enjoy this book as much as the other House of Royals books but I think I'll have to continue to the next one thanks to that (pretty dark) ending...
January 15, 2017
I was excited to be thrown back into the House of Royals world with Garden of Thorns. I always liked Elle's character because although she's a more subtle, quieter heroine than Alivia, she's still kickass in her own way (toxin master!!).
I had a love/hate relationship with the time jump in this book. It was nice to have the fast-forward from the last book and see where characters were at in their lives. However, I still have some unanswered questions from Alivia's stories that I pray get answered because they weren't addressed in this story.
I liked the new plot line and I'm always a sucker for a revenge story with some romance. Although Allaway is seeking revenge from something in the previous books, not Elle, she's still his target and it made the story more interesting. I also liked Lexington and while his chemistry with Elle wasn't in your face there, it was still present and was cute to see unfold.
Overall, I was happy with the read and will continue to read on in hopes of seeing some loose ends tied up. If you're new to the House of Royals series do not fret. Keary Taylor did a nice job of making sure readers have an idea of what went on in previous books. However, I would highly recommend starting at the very beginning so you have a more thorough introduction to other characters and the world itself. That's just me though! :)
The author graciously provided a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I had a love/hate relationship with the time jump in this book. It was nice to have the fast-forward from the last book and see where characters were at in their lives. However, I still have some unanswered questions from Alivia's stories that I pray get answered because they weren't addressed in this story.
I liked the new plot line and I'm always a sucker for a revenge story with some romance. Although Allaway is seeking revenge from something in the previous books, not Elle, she's still his target and it made the story more interesting. I also liked Lexington and while his chemistry with Elle wasn't in your face there, it was still present and was cute to see unfold.
Overall, I was happy with the read and will continue to read on in hopes of seeing some loose ends tied up. If you're new to the House of Royals series do not fret. Keary Taylor did a nice job of making sure readers have an idea of what went on in previous books. However, I would highly recommend starting at the very beginning so you have a more thorough introduction to other characters and the world itself. That's just me though! :)
The author graciously provided a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
December 13, 2017
Intriguing storyline with surprising plot twists.
July 9, 2019
Another great read
Loved it. Read the book in one sitting. Could not get away from it. Looking forward to the next one
Loved it. Read the book in one sitting. Could not get away from it. Looking forward to the next one
July 18, 2019
(3.5 stars)
May 24, 2020
Yet another amazing book by this author. Devoured this one in one sitting and jumped straight into book 2
September 19, 2023
Cliffhanger
February 14, 2024
what a twist !
Loved the characters and I am glad that Penny Jones found romance. This book was a faster pace and the action picked too. Get the books and leave your reviews.
Loved the characters and I am glad that Penny Jones found romance. This book was a faster pace and the action picked too. Get the books and leave your reviews.
September 9, 2025
Absolutely average.
June 24, 2024
good
It’s been a while since I read the House of Royals books, and I was hoping for a bit more of a reminder in the beginning of this one since I’ve forgotten almost everyone and a lot of what happened before.
I wish the romance was a bit more drawn out; it happened too fast for me. I wanted to see more dilemma from Lexington, you know, since he’s immortal and she isn’t.
I missed this world and characters, though, and I was excited to dive back in. Can’t wait for the next.
It’s been a while since I read the House of Royals books, and I was hoping for a bit more of a reminder in the beginning of this one since I’ve forgotten almost everyone and a lot of what happened before.
I wish the romance was a bit more drawn out; it happened too fast for me. I wanted to see more dilemma from Lexington, you know, since he’s immortal and she isn’t.
I missed this world and characters, though, and I was excited to dive back in. Can’t wait for the next.
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