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When A Rose Falls: Book One of the Briar Series

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They have plagued Charlotte Briar’s nightmares for the last ten years. Their voices… Their hooded faces… Their touch.

Since that day, Charlotte’s life was filled with shadows, following her around, a constant reminder of what happened. But, when she moves to a new school at the end of her senior year, everything changes. She finally feels normal.

A new best friend.

A first love.

Newfound confidence.

She barely dreams of them anymore.


But you never know who’s watching you.

Monsters don’t always hide in the shadows. Sometimes they stand right in front of you and you don’t even know it until it’s too late.


Book contains elements of violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and attempted rape.

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2022

49 people are currently reading
317 people want to read

About the author

G.L. Strong

9 books88 followers

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5 stars
150 (57%)
4 stars
66 (25%)
3 stars
30 (11%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Emily.
2 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2022
I tried to like this book, but I had to force myself to finish. All of the characters lacked depth, and there was barely any plot development. It seemed as though this was written in an extremely hasty matter due to all the typos. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
Profile Image for Elise Oliver.
208 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2022
I wanted to enjoy this book. I really did. But I just couldn’t. The tense changes with every sentence. Past then present then back again. The characters were very simple. The lead is flip flopping all over the place. For a young lady that has endured what can only be considered some of the most heinous abuse ever she’s very quick to “fall in love” with whatever man shows her any attention. She’s infuriatingly annoying with her attitude as well. Too many “But how could anyone ever like me even though I’m effortlessly pretty” moments. It got tiring. She seemed to fall in love at the drop of the hat and every. Single. Guy. She comes into contact with thinks she’s a goddess. Even the older guys. Which gets tiresome. It just lacked depth. The premise is good but it’s rushed and a little bit… silly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
28 reviews
May 9, 2023
Easy read. Kept my interest and even had me crying a few times. Can't wait to read part 2!
Profile Image for Heather.
45 reviews8 followers
May 7, 2022
Powerful book

I have loved reading this new author & book! Can't wait to read the coming book/s!! Its an incredibly sad story but its done in a beautiful way. Such a powerful book & Charlie is a favorite character of mine, the beauty & strength she has is amazing yet she is funny, sweet & quirky, so full of life when she starts to realize she is important in this life & loved by many who truly see her & get to know her beautiful soul. The author has such an incredible way of bringing every character to "life" you feel as you know them or for me have come across a few monsters in my lifetime to understand what, why & how Charlotte feels thru her journey as she tries to heal & navigate her young life. Really looking forward to the next book to find out what happens & how it will all come together. I'm torn between Gray & Mateo, I love both of their characters for varying reasons & both have the ability to be just what Charlie needs moving forward in her life. Thank you to the author for such an amazing, intense page turner yet beautiful read!! Keep on writing you have a special gift not many have the ability to do!!
Profile Image for Courtney.
95 reviews
April 20, 2022
I started reading this because of “booktok” but as I read it I found out that this book was not the one referenced in the tiktok I had watched and it definitely was the 2nd one which isn’t available yet. I digress.

This book is a quick read but it’s a lot… it moves really fast and there are so many storylines roped into one - it’s a lot.
The story could have been sweet even with the backstory but once the Portugal plot got thrown into the mix it definitely took a turn. Too much going on in one story. But I like Gray. Of course.
It’s just not very believable or realistic.
I’d give this a 2 1/2 stars if possible.
16 reviews
Read
May 16, 2022
A well written and gripping debut novel by Jill Strong. Each page keeps you grasping for answers with twists in places you fail to foresee. The characters are messy and lovable creating an immediate sense of attachment for the reader. Suspense is built through bouts of love and torture, a favorite five star read.
Profile Image for Victoria Munoz.
41 reviews
April 22, 2022
amazing!!

I have read hundreds of books and I am completely blown away by this author! She had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Nothing was what it seamed it was dark it was romantic I cried I felt joy ! 10/10
Profile Image for Christy.
591 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2022
Fast-paced, new adult novel with junior writing. There are elements of an interesting story being developed here, however it needed an edit to change up some of these characters and give better writing structure to the paragraphs.
Profile Image for Dakota R-H.
56 reviews
September 15, 2022
This book had me on a damn roller coaster.
You don’t know who to hate and who to love
And than just when you start to fall In love with one person you fall for someone else.

And at the same time you just want to jump into the book and punch people.

Can’t wait to start part 2!
Profile Image for Rebekah.
45 reviews
January 9, 2024
Definitely an emotional read. My heart breaks for Charlotte, all the pain and suffering she has to go through. I am still unsure who I would see her with… Paxton, Grayson or Mateo. Definitely make sure to have the second book available it ends on cliffhanger.
1 review
April 21, 2022
Book 2 please!!

I am completely enthralled by When A Rose Falls. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out so we can see what happens!
6 reviews
April 24, 2022
Oh my goodness!

I legit bought this book tonight and I have now finished it. This book was sooooooo good and I highly recommend it!

1 review
August 16, 2022
Amazing

Loved everything about this book! Couldn't put it down the second I started reading it! Highly recommend purchasing this one!
19 reviews
September 30, 2022
what!!!!!!!

Intense, edge of your seat, asking yourself if you just read that correctly! This book is all of that and more! Must read!!!
Profile Image for Cristal.
131 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2022
3.5 stars possibly 4 now I need to read book 2
Profile Image for Sandy Ling.
32 reviews
October 7, 2022
Blind read found on TikTok. First read right after I finished school and bought on a whim. Definitely did not disappoint! I am looking forward to reading more books from this author.
Profile Image for Morgan Forsyth.
22 reviews
October 29, 2022
This book was hard to read simply because of all of the things that happen to Charlotte ( MC) but oh my gosh it was so good!!! I’m so excited to see more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews