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Ordinary Human Love by Melissa GoodeSensual, melancholy, hypnotic. Ordinary Human Love is a richly textured, exquisitely observed portrait of memory, longing, love and forgiveness. Emily Maguire, author of An Isolated Incident I read this incredible debut several months ago and I can tell you that since then, I have read a lot of books yet Ordinary Human Love still hasnt entirely left me. The Australian The end of the affair is just the beginning Mardi McKee, prodigal daughter, arrives
‘Sensual, melancholy, hypnotic. Ordinary Human Love is a richly textured, exquisitely observed portrait of memory, longing, love and forgiveness.’ Emily Maguire, author of An Isolated Incident
‘I read this incredible debut several months ago – and I can tell you that since then, I have read a lot of books – yet Ordinary Human Love still hasn’t entirely left me.’ –The Australian
The end of the affair is just the beginning
Mardi McKee, prodigal daughter, arrives at her father’s home in Lithgow, Australia, after drifting overseas for eighteen months. Her previous life is a memory. Her mother has died, she is divorced and is estranged from her former lover, Ian. Mardi had left Ian, at dawn before he awoke, with no explanation, only months after ending her marriage.
Ian’s teenage sister, Claudia, has also arrived, escaping her childhood home for Ian’s. Spiky, lovable, lost, Claudia forges an intense friendship with Mardi. But Mardi finds that repairing her relationship with Ian is not so easily done. Mardi is hiding something and Ian is having none of her quest for forgiveness, not until she explains why she vanished without a trace.
Set between country New South Wales, inner city Sydney, and Europe, Ordinary Human Love follows Mardi as she discovers that the greatest love she will ever feel is for the man she left. In this powerful and complex debut, Melissa Goode interrogates what makes a life worthwhile, and has created a vivid, intricate portrait of the relationships that shape and connect us, and the all-consuming nature of desire.
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4.0 ★★★★★
Based on 1132 reviews
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Unraveling Fate and Fae: A Captivating Journey in "Queen of Roses"
Format: Kindle
"Queen of Roses" by Briar Boleyn is a dark fantasy romance that masterfully combines elements of myth, magic, and romance with a captivating King Arthur retelling infused with a Fae twist. From its intricately woven plot to its compelling characters, this novel delivers an immersive reading experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
At its core, "Queen of Roses" is an enchanting tale of forbidden love and destiny, featuring an exceptionally slow-burn romance that ignites with the intensity of an enemies-to-lovers trope. Against a backdrop of magic and mythical creatures, the story unfolds with tension, banter, and forced proximity, drawing readers into a world filled with love, friendships, self-discovery, and betrayal.
While the novel excels in world-building, character development, and plot intricacies, some readers may yearn for a bit more fire and spice in certain aspects of the narrative. However, the promise of future developments in the series offers hope for an even more dynamic and engaging story to come. I know I personally cannot wait to get into book 2.
With a cliffhanger ending that leaves hearts racing and minds reeling, "Queen of Roses" succeeds in immersing readers from start to finish. Its dark and twisted fantasy elements are expertly balanced with moments of adventure, action, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
As the story delves into complex themes and explores the depths of its characters' struggles and desires, it's important to note that "Queen of Roses" may contain triggering content. Readers are advised to check the trigger warnings before diving into this captivating tale.
Overall, "Queen of Roses" is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy romance, offering a mesmerizing journey that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the series. With its lush prose, intricate storytelling, and unforgettable characters, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who venture into its enchanted world.
I want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to the author for granting me the opportunity to dive into "Queen of Roses" through NetGalley. It has been an absolute pleasure to explore the captivating world and characters crafted with such skill and imagination. Thank you for entrusting me with this glimpse into your enchanting world.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2024
★★★★★ 4
Right from the start, I was drawn in by the prologue!!!
Format: Paperback, Format: Paperback
Queen of Roses (Blood of a Fae #1) by Briar Boleyn
Genre General Fiction ( Adult), Romance, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Romance
“More primordial than the stars. My name was on his lips as he promised unspeakable darkness to any who came between us.”
Right from the start, I was drawn in by the prologue!!!
I’m a big fan of “touch her, and you die” vibes, but I mean, what’s also not to love about a unique Arthurian retelling with gender twists, a treacherous royal court, a dangerous quest, magical Fae & mystical monsters, entwined with a bit of spice!
Morgan, Princess of Pendrath and true heir to the throne has spent most of her life dimming her light to feel safe and to make others comfortable. She is treated as an outcast in the court and repressed by her family due to the blood of the Fae within her and forced to join the Temple of the Three as a priestess in training to one day replace Merlin.
Her brother, King Arthur, who reminds me of Joffrey from Game of Thrones, later tells her that he has other plans and offers her a choice of the Temple or to marry her off for political gain, unless… that is, she can journey through the great unknown and return with a long-lost fae weapon with enchanted powers known as Excalibur.
Her quest begins with a roguish crew that includes the mysterious, arrogant, and heart-tuggingly handsome Captain of the Royal Guard, Kairos Draven, whom she can’t decide if she wants to stab or indulge in pleasure with.
Along the way are plenty of surprises, mystical creatures, and betrayal, all while Morgan uncovers more of the truth about herself and who she can trust.
This book had intriguing storylines and lovable characters that kept me turning pages and wanting more. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds and comes together in book 2, Court of Claws, which I just started reading!!
Read if you’re into-
Dark Fantasy/Romance
Slow–Burn
Question Everything
Magic and Action
Fae
Arthurian Legend
Stabby/Broken FFC
Morally Gray MMC
Forced Proximity
Queen of Roses is perfect for Holly Black, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Sarah J. Maas fans.
Please check the trigger warnings page in the table of contents before reading this book.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2023
★★★★★ 3
3.5 stars, A little boring to say the least.
Format: Kindle
Wow so I'm not sure where to begin on this one. This was a very different take on the legend of Arthur and Excalibur. This is told from the point of view of Morgan the sister of Arthur. Honestly the first 50% of this book is world building and character building which unfortunately was super boring for me. Morgan to me was a female MC that had a hard time in believing in herself. Sometimes taking too long to understand exactly what was going on around her. Draven was also a different male MC, like I couldn't put my finger on him and what he was all about. It was not until the last 10% of the book did we get some answers on the mystery that is Draven. The other 50% of the book centered around this big journey with everyone having a different motive. We see a spark of magic around this time that had me excited but then we never expanded upon that and what it could mean for the female MC. I feel like I want to read the second book just to see where this goes, but the spice was probably a 2 out of 5. Side characters are ok, Lancelet was fun but I almost felt like I wanted more.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023
★★★★★ 5
A bewitching retelling of Arthurian legend!
Format: Kindle
In a land where the Fae have nearly become only a legend and those who still posses even a morsel of the blood are few and far between, Morgan finds herself cast aside by most of society due to her rumored half-Fae lineage, including her brother, King Arthur. With the kingdom at the brink of war, Arthur entrusts her with a quest to retrieve a Fae weapon of legendary power: the sword of Perun, Excalibur. Accompanied by men she loathes, Captain Kairos Draven and Ragnar Whitehorn, she embarks on her long and unbeknownst perilous journey, only to find that things she once believed to be myth are in fact very real. With devastating twists, omitted truths, witty banter and fierce action, Queen of Roses leaves you begging to know more about the secrets of Aercanum!
Wow, wow, wow! Going into this story, I did not realize that it was going to be a retelling of Arthurian legend, especially not one with a fantastical twist! The unique spin almost gave me The Witcher vibes and I think adding Fae into the mix was quite interesting. I knew the basics of the legend but after reading this book, it has piqued my interest and makes me want to learn more about it. My attention was snatched as soon as I finished the prologue and I knew that I was going to devour this story. I truly enjoyed the gender swaps and even how Arthur was portrayed as villainous. Morgan’s past and even her parts of her present is absolutely heartbreaking, and I felt for her at times. I can only recall one other book that made me hate characters the way I despised Florian and Arthur, leaving me with my blood boiling and feeling disgusted. Even after finishing the book, Draven is still a mystery to me and I cannot figure out how to feel about him. I guess they just means that the author did an excellent job at conveying each character’s persona! The rich world building and imagery made it easy for me to visualize the places that the group visited along their journey. I am truly engulfed in this story and I cannot wait to see wait fate awaits Morgan and how the Fae will be even more incorporated in the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2023
★★★★★ 4
Enchanting
Format: Kindle
"Queen of Roses" by Briar Boleyn is a delightful and refreshing reimagining of the classic tale of King Arthur, with a captivating twist that places the spotlight on Morgan, a character who has often been overshadowed in traditional retellings. Boleyn's creative decision to shift the narrative perspective to Morgan breathes new life into the story, offering readers an intriguing and compelling look at the Arthurian world from an entirely different angle.
One of the most commendable aspects of this book is its incorporation of Fae elements, which adds an enchanting layer of magic and mystery to the already familiar Arthurian setting. Boleyn skillfully weaves the world of the Fae into the narrative, creating a captivating backdrop against which the events of the story unfold. This addition not only adds depth to the world-building but also provides ample opportunities for twists and turns that keep readers thoroughly engrossed.
However, while the book boasts numerous strengths, it does have one noticeable flaw: the characterization of Morgan. While it is reasonable to create a flawed and complex protagonist, it appears that at times, Morgan's character becomes overly difficult and hard to relate to. Her persistently negative perception of one of the main male characters, who is a potential love interest, despite his efforts to support and assist her, may come across as somewhat irrational and could test the patience of some readers. Striking a balance between a strong, independent character and one who can recognize genuine support and affection could have enhanced the overall reader experience.
Nonetheless, the allure of "Queen of Roses" lies in its innovative approach to the Arthurian legend and its skillful blending of fantasy elements into a familiar narrative. Boleyn's evocative prose draws readers into a world where magic, destiny, and fate entwine, leaving us eager to uncover the mysteries that unfold within the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2023