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Melissa-Lily

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Melissa-Lily is Currently Reading

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The Thorn Queen (The Rose Bargain, #2)

by Sasha Peyton Smith (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: 2026-tbr, currently-reading, netgalley-reviews

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Melissa-Lily said: " ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book completely delivered as a rich, emotional, and satisfying conclusion that pulled me right back into this world, and honestly, I was hooked from the very first chapter.

What really stood out to me in this book was how much deeper ever ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book completely delivered as a rich, emotional, and satisfying conclusion that pulled me right back into this world, and honestly, I was hooked from the very first chapter.

What really stood out to me in this book was how much deeper everything felt, especially the characters.

Ivy’s journey in this installment was so compelling. Watching her step into her role as queen while still carrying everything she’s been through added so much emotional weight to her character. She’s constantly navigating impossible choices, torn between duty, love, and who she wants to be, and I loved how resilient she is through all of it. Her growth feels earned, and there’s something so powerful about the way she keeps moving forward even when everything feels stacked against her.

Bram was such an interesting presence throughout the story. There’s a complexity to him that really adds tension to every scene he’s in—he’s powerful, unpredictable, and deeply tied to Ivy in ways that make their dynamic feel intense and layered. Their history and connection bring so much emotional gravity to the story, and I really liked how that relationship continues to shape everything around them.

And Emmett… he absolutely stole my heart in this one. There’s so much quiet devotion in him, so much yearning and depth, and it made every moment from his perspective hit that much harder. The way he loves, the way he shows up, and the emotional vulnerability he brings to the story made him such a standout for me. His connection with Ivy is filled with tension, longing, and so many moments that just linger—and I was completely invested in every second of it.

The relationships overall felt even more layered here, not just romantically, but in the friendships too. I especially loved seeing the bonds between the girls grow into something so supportive and genuine. That sense of connection and found family added such a strong emotional core to the story.

The atmosphere, the magic, and the political tension all come together in a way that feels immersive and elevated from the first book. Everything feels bigger, the stakes, the emotions, the consequences, and it made the entire reading experience feel intense in the best way.
And the emotion?? This book truly leans into the angst, the longing, and those moments that just hit you out of nowhere. It’s one of those stories where you can feel everything right alongside the characters, and I loved how deeply it pulled me in.

Overall, The Thorn Queen is a beautifully written, emotionally rich conclusion that shines in its character work and relationships. With compelling dynamics, high stakes, and so much heart, this was such a strong follow-up, and I already know I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time.

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review! ...more "

Apr 20, 2026 09:44PM · see review

Melissa-Lily is currently reading

Little Thieves (Little Thieves, #1)

by Margaret Owen (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: 2026-tbr, currently-reading

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— Mar 14, 2026 09:41AM

Feb 12, 2026 07:19AM

Melissa-Lily’s Notes & Highlights

Book cover for One Dark Window (The Shepherd King, #1)

One Dark Window (The Shepherd King, #1) by Rachel Gillig

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“Be safe,” I whispered to the wind as Ravyn Yew disappeared beyond the gate. Had I known they’d be the last words I’d say to him aloud, I might have chosen them differently.