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Crowns of Nyaxia #1.5
Six Scorched Roses
Six roses. Six vials of blood. Six visits to a vampire who could be her salvation… or her damnation.
Lilith has been dying since the day she was born. But while she long ago came to terms with her own imminent death, the deaths of everyone she loves is an entirely different matter. As her town slowly withers in the clutches of a mysterious god-cursed illness, she takes matters into her own hands.
Desperate to find a cure, Lilith strikes a bargain with the only thing the gods hate even more than her village: a vampire, Vale. She offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood–the one hope for her town’s salvation.
But when what begins as a simple transaction gradually becomes something more, Lilith is faced with a terrifying realization: It’s dangerous to wander into the clutches of a vampire… and in a place already suffering a god’s wrath, more dangerous still to fall in love with one.
Six Scorched Roses is a standalone fantasy romance novella set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, perfect for those who love dark, romantic tales with bite and fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Lilith has been dying since the day she was born. But while she long ago came to terms with her own imminent death, the deaths of everyone she loves is an entirely different matter. As her town slowly withers in the clutches of a mysterious god-cursed illness, she takes matters into her own hands.
Desperate to find a cure, Lilith strikes a bargain with the only thing the gods hate even more than her village: a vampire, Vale. She offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood–the one hope for her town’s salvation.
But when what begins as a simple transaction gradually becomes something more, Lilith is faced with a terrifying realization: It’s dangerous to wander into the clutches of a vampire… and in a place already suffering a god’s wrath, more dangerous still to fall in love with one.
Six Scorched Roses is a standalone fantasy romance novella set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, perfect for those who love dark, romantic tales with bite and fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2023
About the author
Carissa Broadbent
24 books26.2k followersI've been concerning teachers and parents with mercilessly grim tales since I was roughly nine years old. Since then, my stories have gotten (slightly) less depressing and (hopefully a lot?) more readable. Today, I write fantasy novels with a heaping dose of badass ladies and a big pinch of romance.
When I'm not writing, I'm working at my day job in cybersecurity marketing, watching too many movies, or drawing. I live with my fiance, one very well behaved rabbit, one very poorly behaved rabbit, and one perpetually skeptical cat in Rhode Island.
When I'm not writing, I'm working at my day job in cybersecurity marketing, watching too many movies, or drawing. I live with my fiance, one very well behaved rabbit, one very poorly behaved rabbit, and one perpetually skeptical cat in Rhode Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,172 reviews
April 19, 2023
no because why was this novella way better than i expected it to be? a full length story and full flushed out characters. this vampire is so miserable over her that he wants to send her letters too!! 🥹
“you’re not a stupid man, vale”
“no, just a desperate one” 🧎🏻♀️
“it must be hard, to bear the weight of so much affection in a life so short.” now why did that make me cry?! 😭
“you’re not a stupid man, vale”
“no, just a desperate one” 🧎🏻♀️
“it must be hard, to bear the weight of so much affection in a life so short.” now why did that make me cry?! 😭
March 29, 2023
wow. okay. i think this is the first time i have read a novella that doesnt actually feel like a short story! i feel so satisfied with this.
i have no idea if its the pacing, writing, plot content, character progression, or world-building that makes this feel like a full-length novel. but, whatever it is, its done a remarkable job at creating a fully developed story.
the only thing is, i cant for the life of me remember who vale and lilith are or how they are connected to ‘the serpent and the wings of night.’ lol. i think maybe this just takes place in the nyaxia world and is unrelated to the plot of the main series? either way, not remembering them had no impact on my enjoyment or understanding of this short story, so dont feel like you need to pick up the other book in order to read this.
that being said, being back in the nyaxia world has me totally desperate for the release of the second book!
↠ 4.5 stars
i have no idea if its the pacing, writing, plot content, character progression, or world-building that makes this feel like a full-length novel. but, whatever it is, its done a remarkable job at creating a fully developed story.
the only thing is, i cant for the life of me remember who vale and lilith are or how they are connected to ‘the serpent and the wings of night.’ lol. i think maybe this just takes place in the nyaxia world and is unrelated to the plot of the main series? either way, not remembering them had no impact on my enjoyment or understanding of this short story, so dont feel like you need to pick up the other book in order to read this.
that being said, being back in the nyaxia world has me totally desperate for the release of the second book!
↠ 4.5 stars
February 28, 2023
“You want more than I can give you,” I whispered.
“I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
I'm going to go ahead and give my own book five stars because I, unbiased as I am, think it is pretty swell. :)
Seriously, jokes aside, I am so very very excited to give Six Scorched Roses the standalone release it deserves on March 21 (and with *that* cover! My gods!). Six Scorched Roses is my shortest book, but it's also my most achingly romantic. If you're into love stories with absolutely heaping amounts of longing, socially awkward brilliant heroines, grumpy vampiric heroes, some crazy god-action, and, of course, lots of rumination the nature of death, this book is for you.
I was, frankly, really surprised by the reaction to Vale and Lilith's story. I'm so honored that readers connected so much with them, especially with Lilith. I hope that if you'll be picking it up for the first time on March 21, you'll find something of yourself in them, too!
Six Scorched Roses is a standalone novella set in the Crowns of Nyaxia world. It takes place roughly in parallel, timeline-wise, to The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and Vale and Lilith are significant characters from Book 2 of the Nyaxia series onward.
“I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
I'm going to go ahead and give my own book five stars because I, unbiased as I am, think it is pretty swell. :)
Seriously, jokes aside, I am so very very excited to give Six Scorched Roses the standalone release it deserves on March 21 (and with *that* cover! My gods!). Six Scorched Roses is my shortest book, but it's also my most achingly romantic. If you're into love stories with absolutely heaping amounts of longing, socially awkward brilliant heroines, grumpy vampiric heroes, some crazy god-action, and, of course, lots of rumination the nature of death, this book is for you.
I was, frankly, really surprised by the reaction to Vale and Lilith's story. I'm so honored that readers connected so much with them, especially with Lilith. I hope that if you'll be picking it up for the first time on March 21, you'll find something of yourself in them, too!
Six Scorched Roses is a standalone novella set in the Crowns of Nyaxia world. It takes place roughly in parallel, timeline-wise, to The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and Vale and Lilith are significant characters from Book 2 of the Nyaxia series onward.
March 21, 2023
【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】
ALL THE STARS. Every. Last. One. Of. Them.
In an effort to save her god-cursed home from a disturbing illness, Lilith decides to find a cure. This effort makes her seek out an old, grumpy, and reclusive vampire to make a deal for his blood. Vale has been living quietly on the outskirts until his life is disrupted by a nosy little mouse that has the audacity to ask him for his blood.
Lilith soon takes comfort in their shared need to analyze and understand the how, what, or why of things.
The deal may have been what brought them together, but it is something else entirely that makes them feel and want more. The chemistry between these two characters was sizzling and the banter had me smiling.
Overall, I am speechless over how much I loved this. The writing is exquisitely beautiful and transporting. The romance, the banter, both of the main characters, and the beautiful bond they share. We were promised achingly romantic and we got achingly romantic. Vale! I want to draw a big heart around his name. Why are vamps so hot though?? I squealed and had heart palpitations every time he called her mouse! It reminded me of Edward and Bella’s stupid lamb/masochistic lion moment. Forever swooning. I cannot wait to see how Lilith and Vale tie into our beloved Oraya and Raihn’s story. I highly recommend reading this delectable novella after The Serpent and the Wings of Night and in preparation for The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King.
»»—————- ⚜ —————-««
1 WEEK FROM TODAY!!! I AM DROPPING EVERYTHING FOR THIS! 🩸
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
»»—————- ⚜ —————-««
Just preordered it!!!
:¨·.·¨:
`·. 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓬𝓱 ❷❶ 🗓️
ALL THE STARS. Every. Last. One. Of. Them.
“It appears,” a deep voice said, “a little mouse has made its way into my home.”
In an effort to save her god-cursed home from a disturbing illness, Lilith decides to find a cure. This effort makes her seek out an old, grumpy, and reclusive vampire to make a deal for his blood. Vale has been living quietly on the outskirts until his life is disrupted by a nosy little mouse that has the audacity to ask him for his blood.
❝
“You came here to ask for my blood,” he said.
Alright, fine. I could see the irony.
Lilith soon takes comfort in their shared need to analyze and understand the how, what, or why of things.
❝
I realized that it was the stare of a scientist, someone used to analyzing things and taking them apart. A little spark of relief came with this realization. Because that, at least, was something I understood. Maybe Vale and I were worlds apart in every way—human and vampire, lord and peasant, near-immortal and pitifully ephemeral—but if we had that, it was already more than I had in common with most of the people I’d grown up with.
The deal may have been what brought them together, but it is something else entirely that makes them feel and want more. The chemistry between these two characters was sizzling and the banter had me smiling.
❝
“You’re an especially nosy mouse today.”
“May I write to you?” he asked.
“I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
“It must be hard,” he murmured. “To bear the weight of so much affection in a life so short.”
Overall, I am speechless over how much I loved this. The writing is exquisitely beautiful and transporting. The romance, the banter, both of the main characters, and the beautiful bond they share. We were promised achingly romantic and we got achingly romantic. Vale! I want to draw a big heart around his name. Why are vamps so hot though?? I squealed and had heart palpitations every time he called her mouse! It reminded me of Edward and Bella’s stupid lamb/masochistic lion moment. Forever swooning. I cannot wait to see how Lilith and Vale tie into our beloved Oraya and Raihn’s story. I highly recommend reading this delectable novella after The Serpent and the Wings of Night and in preparation for The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King.
»»—————- ⚜ —————-««
1 WEEK FROM TODAY!!! I AM DROPPING EVERYTHING FOR THIS! 🩸
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
»»—————- ⚜ —————-««
Just preordered it!!!
:¨·.·¨:
`·. 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓬𝓱 ❷❶ 🗓️
March 29, 2023
"You want more than I can give you."
"I can't imagine that being true. Because I only want you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I'll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I'll have it."
That was so good and so satisfying 😌 For a novella, it was so angsty it warmed up my heart and made me feel so much🤌 It's so beautifully written, although it took me about 30 pages to get into it but it's okay, cause once I really got into it- it was a whole rollercoaster of emotions.
✔️ Beauty and the beast retelling but make it human x vampire
✔️ He wants to write letters to her
✔️ He fights for her
✔️ Grumpy vamp
✔️ Angsty and smutty (2.5/5 🌶️)
Lilith, our FMC is terminally ill and town is plagued as well. She wants to find a cure, according to her the key to that cure is Vale our MMC who is a vampire. With the humans hating his presence and Lilith striking a bargain with him, things will not go as easy as she planned.
"Whatever you need. My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours."
I liked Lilith, but I LOVED Vale 😭😭❤️ Don't get me wrong, I love Raihn too but Vale is so charismatic. Any character who can make you swoon so much in a novella holds immense power... Well at least in my eyes Lilith although a bold FMC, Vale overpowered her presence easily. He's the one that you want to read more of.
I liked the plot, the pacing was decent.The romance and chemistry are chef's kiss 🤌 Tho am still not sure how this is going to tie into the Nyaxia world but we'll find out soon enough 🤔
I can't wait to read more about them, really hope we get to see them in the next book of Crowns of Nyaxia.
"I can't imagine that being true. Because I only want you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I'll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I'll have it."
That was so good and so satisfying 😌 For a novella, it was so angsty it warmed up my heart and made me feel so much🤌 It's so beautifully written, although it took me about 30 pages to get into it but it's okay, cause once I really got into it- it was a whole rollercoaster of emotions.
✔️ Beauty and the beast retelling but make it human x vampire
✔️ He wants to write letters to her
✔️ He fights for her
✔️ Grumpy vamp
✔️ Angsty and smutty (2.5/5 🌶️)
Lilith, our FMC is terminally ill and town is plagued as well. She wants to find a cure, according to her the key to that cure is Vale our MMC who is a vampire. With the humans hating his presence and Lilith striking a bargain with him, things will not go as easy as she planned.
"Whatever you need. My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours."
I liked Lilith, but I LOVED Vale 😭😭❤️ Don't get me wrong, I love Raihn too but Vale is so charismatic. Any character who can make you swoon so much in a novella holds immense power... Well at least in my eyes Lilith although a bold FMC, Vale overpowered her presence easily. He's the one that you want to read more of.
I liked the plot, the pacing was decent.The romance and chemistry are chef's kiss 🤌 Tho am still not sure how this is going to tie into the Nyaxia world but we'll find out soon enough 🤔
I can't wait to read more about them, really hope we get to see them in the next book of Crowns of Nyaxia.
December 14, 2023
“Whatever you need,” he said. “My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours.”
this novella wasnt enough, theyre so cute i need more 🥲
∘°∘♡∘°∘∘°∘♡∘°∘∘°∘♡∘°∘
➻ 'I had, after all, brought so much of Vale into my home already. His blood. His books. And how I felt as if I was covered in him, right down to my skin. Right down to my heart.'
➻ "I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
➻ 'Stay, I wanted to tell him. Stay with me. I don’t care if it damns us both. I don’t care if it damns my entire town. Stay, stay, stay.
June 2, 2024
✰⋆☾ ⋆ Six Scorched Roses⭑☽ ✧˖°. Carissa Broadbent ✰
🕮 Romantasy
🕮 Novella
🕮 Vampires and magic
🕮 Enemies to friends to lovers
🕮 Touch her and die literally ♡
🕮 Pen pals
🕮 🌶🌶/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
😍
My heart, seriously. LOVED this book! Normally I don't really care for novella's but this one had me HOOKED. Finished it in one day 😍❤
🕮 Romantasy
🕮 Novella
🕮 Vampires and magic
🕮 Enemies to friends to lovers
🕮 Touch her and die literally ♡
🕮 Pen pals
🕮 🌶🌶/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
😍
My heart, seriously. LOVED this book! Normally I don't really care for novella's but this one had me HOOKED. Finished it in one day 😍❤
June 10, 2024
4.5 stars
“You want more than I can give you,” I whispered.
“I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
Another perfect and an ecstatic story from Carissa and I'm obsessed with Lilith and Vale. Everything about this book was perfect. From the story to the characters to the romance and to the plot twist in the end. It was amazing. And it didn't felt like a novella because I felt every emotion the characters felt and I loved the plot so so much. I knew it I'm gonna love this book so much but I didn't knew I would be this obsessed with them.
The world building was absolutely beautiful and magical and I loved everything about it.
I loved that this novella had a stem female character because it was a fantasy book but I freaking loved that part and it was portrayed perfectly.
The last chapters had me crying because of what Lilith did to reverse the curse that was killing her town. But that scene was so tragically beautifully written and the way Carissa showed how death wanted to take Lilith with her. It was emotional but yet beautiful.
This book has a human and a vampire relationship, banter, freaking perfect chemistry betweem the main characters, the charming vampire and the brave stem girl and "let me give you everything I have." trope, and they exchanged letters with each other and cared when one got hurt.
The writing was flawless and exquisite. I loved how Carissa wrote this in such a smooth way and the way her characters felt so real and there was progress too and damn I related to them so much. The pacing wow it was perfect and the fact that this was a novella but she wrote it so perfectly and her story telling was smooth and consistent throughout it. Carissa is now one of my favourite authors and I can't wait to devour every book in Nyaxias series.
➙ Relationship: Lilith and Vale
A vampire and a dying human girl and she asked for his blood when she first met him!! Yeah well I knew they are going to be amazing.
Their romance was so beautiful and the way they both wanted to unravel each other!! The chemistry between Lilith and Vale was Chef's kiss 🤌🤭 the way they made my stomach flutter with butterflies. THEY ARE EVERYTHING. The banter was top notch and the flirting well well it was goddamn hot!
I enjoyed their interactions so much and the way Vale looked at her and called her Little Mouse!! I'm a goner for this man. The tension between them was delicious.
And the only spice scene we got was immaculate 😮💨🤌 and the
“Yes?” he asked. “Yes,” I gasped.
It fucking undid me.
Some of my favourite moments are:-
🥀 When he asked to write letters to her and how he even doodled little things on those letters.
🥀 When he told her he believe in her and she is brave and courageous and helped her with everything he had.
🥀 When he helped her when she got hurt and how she did the same with him.
🥀 The first time she kissed him ahh they was so adorable.
🥀 when he read books for her. I WANT THIS MAN!!
They are just so perfect for each other and I loved how they loved each other fiercely!!
✨️ SOULMATES SOULMATES SOULMATES!!! ✨️
✦ Lilith
She is brave, strong and resilient and won't back down from anything. She is curious about everything in this world and I love how she was so determined to save her sister from the deadly disease and even her town. She cared so much for her sister and I wish we could get more of her with Mina. Even though she was death followed her since she born but she never let that stop her from getting what she wants to do in her life. I love her so much and she is a badass woman in her own way!
✦ Vale
This man is perfect and I'm obsessed with him okay! He is a mysterious charismatic vampire✨️😭 he is the best and he is brilliant, brave, charming, sarcastic and even a little funny even though he enjoys the solitude but when it comes to Lilith I swear this man is a goner for her since the first moment he saw her. And the way he flirts with her and calls her little mouse is everything. I liked how he seems broody and all but he is such a soft inside and cares deeply for Lilith. He never saw her as a girl who was dying but as a women who is brave enough to save her entire town. I love him sm!
The ending I loved it and I just need more of them this was not enough. It will never be enough when it comes to these two. I just loved and enjoyed every second of it.
And I'm happy that now Lilith can explore the world the way she wanted the way deserved. I wish we get more of them in "The Ashes and the Star Cursed King".
—Some other favourite quotes—
➸ “You,” he said. “You are saving them. Whatever you need, My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours."
➸ “Time is the most valuable resource of all, and some of us are perpetually short."
➸ "Stay, I wanted to tell him. Stay with me. I don’t care if it damns us both. I don’t care if it damns my entire town. Stay, stay, stay."
➸ "At first, he just brushed his mouth over mine, like he wanted to start by knowing the shape of it, knowing the way I tasted."
➸ "Sweet with a bitter bite. I could still feel the way his breath had skittered over my skin when he said those words to me that night, when he told me he thought it was what I would taste like."
➸ "Unnatural life. Rightful death.
And Vale and I, between both, beholden to neither, and everything we were ever meant to be."
To my gorgeous girls Vio and Lyra ✨️💗 I had so so much fun reading this book with you and fang-girling as Lyra says over Vale the perfect man. I swear at this point he owns us all. And I'm happy we all loved this couple so much. Can't wait to devour the next book with you. I love you guys 🫶
—————————————————————————
So excited to finally meet Lilith and Vale 😌
Buddy reading this with my girls Vio and Lyra
“You want more than I can give you,” I whispered.
“I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
Another perfect and an ecstatic story from Carissa and I'm obsessed with Lilith and Vale. Everything about this book was perfect. From the story to the characters to the romance and to the plot twist in the end. It was amazing. And it didn't felt like a novella because I felt every emotion the characters felt and I loved the plot so so much. I knew it I'm gonna love this book so much but I didn't knew I would be this obsessed with them.
The world building was absolutely beautiful and magical and I loved everything about it.
I loved that this novella had a stem female character because it was a fantasy book but I freaking loved that part and it was portrayed perfectly.
The last chapters had me crying because of what Lilith did to reverse the curse that was killing her town. But that scene was so tragically beautifully written and the way Carissa showed how death wanted to take Lilith with her. It was emotional but yet beautiful.
This book has a human and a vampire relationship, banter, freaking perfect chemistry betweem the main characters, the charming vampire and the brave stem girl and "let me give you everything I have." trope, and they exchanged letters with each other and cared when one got hurt.
The writing was flawless and exquisite. I loved how Carissa wrote this in such a smooth way and the way her characters felt so real and there was progress too and damn I related to them so much. The pacing wow it was perfect and the fact that this was a novella but she wrote it so perfectly and her story telling was smooth and consistent throughout it. Carissa is now one of my favourite authors and I can't wait to devour every book in Nyaxias series.
➙ Relationship: Lilith and Vale
A vampire and a dying human girl and she asked for his blood when she first met him!! Yeah well I knew they are going to be amazing.
“It appears,” a deep voice said, “a little mouse has made its way into my home."
Their romance was so beautiful and the way they both wanted to unravel each other!! The chemistry between Lilith and Vale was Chef's kiss 🤌🤭 the way they made my stomach flutter with butterflies. THEY ARE EVERYTHING. The banter was top notch and the flirting well well it was goddamn hot!
"Well, Vale, you already had one houseguest this —”
“Not like that,” he huffed. “The houseguest is gone. I offer you your own bed. Though if you wanted to share mine instead, I wouldn’t object to that, either.”
“There would be consequences.”
“Consequences,” I scoffed.
“What? I’m a dangerous man. You aren’t afraid of what punishment might be?"
I enjoyed their interactions so much and the way Vale looked at her and called her Little Mouse!! I'm a goner for this man. The tension between them was delicious.
And the only spice scene we got was immaculate 😮💨🤌 and the
“Yes?” he asked. “Yes,” I gasped.
It fucking undid me.
"He pushed himself up enough to look at me, and my impulse was to turn my head, to look away. But he grabbed my chin, held it—held it, so that he was looking right into my eyes."
Some of my favourite moments are:-
🥀 When he asked to write letters to her and how he even doodled little things on those letters.
🥀 When he told her he believe in her and she is brave and courageous and helped her with everything he had.
🥀 When he helped her when she got hurt and how she did the same with him.
🥀 The first time she kissed him ahh they was so adorable.
🥀 when he read books for her. I WANT THIS MAN!!
They are just so perfect for each other and I loved how they loved each other fiercely!!
✨️ SOULMATES SOULMATES SOULMATES!!! ✨️
"May I write to you?” he asked.
My mouth closed. I blinked at him.
“May I write?” He sounded vaguely irritated, and I wasn’t sure why. “Yes,” I said, at last.
"I always wondered what you were thinking, When you look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like I’m a formula to be solved, and you’re very intrigued about the answer."
✦ Lilith
She is brave, strong and resilient and won't back down from anything. She is curious about everything in this world and I love how she was so determined to save her sister from the deadly disease and even her town. She cared so much for her sister and I wish we could get more of her with Mina. Even though she was death followed her since she born but she never let that stop her from getting what she wants to do in her life. I love her so much and she is a badass woman in her own way!
✦ Vale
This man is perfect and I'm obsessed with him okay! He is a mysterious charismatic vampire✨️😭 he is the best and he is brilliant, brave, charming, sarcastic and even a little funny even though he enjoys the solitude but when it comes to Lilith I swear this man is a goner for her since the first moment he saw her. And the way he flirts with her and calls her little mouse is everything. I liked how he seems broody and all but he is such a soft inside and cares deeply for Lilith. He never saw her as a girl who was dying but as a women who is brave enough to save her entire town. I love him sm!
The ending I loved it and I just need more of them this was not enough. It will never be enough when it comes to these two. I just loved and enjoyed every second of it.
And I'm happy that now Lilith can explore the world the way she wanted the way deserved. I wish we get more of them in "The Ashes and the Star Cursed King".
—Some other favourite quotes—
➸ “You,” he said. “You are saving them. Whatever you need, My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours."
➸ “Time is the most valuable resource of all, and some of us are perpetually short."
➸ "Stay, I wanted to tell him. Stay with me. I don’t care if it damns us both. I don’t care if it damns my entire town. Stay, stay, stay."
➸ "At first, he just brushed his mouth over mine, like he wanted to start by knowing the shape of it, knowing the way I tasted."
➸ "Sweet with a bitter bite. I could still feel the way his breath had skittered over my skin when he said those words to me that night, when he told me he thought it was what I would taste like."
➸ "Unnatural life. Rightful death.
And Vale and I, between both, beholden to neither, and everything we were ever meant to be."
To my gorgeous girls Vio and Lyra ✨️💗 I had so so much fun reading this book with you and fang-girling as Lyra says over Vale the perfect man. I swear at this point he owns us all. And I'm happy we all loved this couple so much. Can't wait to devour the next book with you. I love you guys 🫶
—————————————————————————
So excited to finally meet Lilith and Vale 😌
Buddy reading this with my girls Vio and Lyra
June 5, 2024
Stop it. This was adorable cute amazing everythinghhhh! THE WAY IT MADE ME FEEL EVERY EMOTION WAS INSANE.
It had the most beautiful character development and tender romance I’ve read in quite a while!
Every chapter, every scene, every interaction between the MCs had me banging my head against concrete bc Im so jelly I don’t have my own personal Vale 😭😭 it’s not fair
Miss Lilith the icon that you areeeee. The audacity in this woman is fucking admirable and hilarious at the same time. She gives as good as she gets ugh I love her sfm your honour 😩🙏
I appreciated how relatable she is OMFDS the way she had everyone on a leash hahah they were all wrapped around her finger. She’s so yummy, true queen behaviour imo 💅✨
The way their relationship progressed had me like 🥹🥹🥹 and then they went from wholesome to HOT AS FUCK like damnnn I was lit sweatinggghhh ✋ Mr Vale Sir you had no right to switch up the sexiness like that- brb imma just. . . 🕳️🏃♀️
Him calling her mouse did outlandish things to my heart, it’s true 🤭💗💘🦋
THE LETTERS THE DOODLING THE CARESSING WORDS FUCK MEEEE I WANT IT ALL 😭😭
The plot was crazily well developed for just a novella. I’m so impressed by this author! Every time Lilith would mention the disease I would actually feel so scared. It’s terrifying to imagine sweeping the dust out of the house like that. And reading about her put up a front like it didn’t kill her a little every time 😭❤️🩹
I was pleasantly surprised by the shift in the style of the writing. Omg it was delicious. Carissa out here giving us banger after banger fr 👑
I can see myself rereading this quite a lot!
Omg I cannot wait to see how they integrate into raihn and orayas story 🤭🤭
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Am I crazy or did Lilith remind anyone else of rose from the addicted Calloway series?
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀: 🎧
Saturday — Manuel Gardner Fernandes
Silver lines — traces
Hurricane — Koastle
Somebody like you — Bree Runway
Somebody like you — Bree Runway (orchestral version)
My Crowns of Nyaxia playlist
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“It appears,” a deep voice said, “a little mouse has made its way into my home.”
~NAHHH STOP IT 💗🦋💘💗✨
“Vale pulled up his shirt sleeve and extended his arm to me, and I drew his blood.”
~The sluttiest thing a man can do sksksksk
“You’re an especially nosy mouse today.”
~please
“You’re injured,” I said softly.
His chuckle was low and thick. “Incredible how much better I already feel.”
~STOP IT RFN IM SCREAMING GIGGLING KICKING MY FEET CLUTCHING MY SHEETS
He smoothed a strand of hair from my forehead.
“You’re shaking, mouse.”
I slid my fingertips beneath the waistband of his trousers, a light touch over the flesh of his abdomen—soft skin, hard muscle, trembling faintly.
“So are you.”
~FUCK MEEEE
“You aren’t a stupid man, Vale,” I said quietly, and he winced.
“No,” he said. “Just a desperate one.”
~SOBBING
“It must be hard,” he murmured. “To bear the weight of so much affection in a life so short.”
My eyes burned ferociously.
~WHEN HE JUST *GETS* HER 😩✋
“He smoothed my hair from my face. He’d been doing that this whole time—touching me in all these little mundane, fussing ways. Smoothing hair, adjusting my sleeve, wiping beads of sweat.”
~THIS is what I mean by small moments 😩💗🦋💘 MY HEART-
It had the most beautiful character development and tender romance I’ve read in quite a while!
Every chapter, every scene, every interaction between the MCs had me banging my head against concrete bc Im so jelly I don’t have my own personal Vale 😭😭 it’s not fair
Miss Lilith the icon that you areeeee. The audacity in this woman is fucking admirable and hilarious at the same time. She gives as good as she gets ugh I love her sfm your honour 😩🙏
I appreciated how relatable she is OMFDS the way she had everyone on a leash hahah they were all wrapped around her finger. She’s so yummy, true queen behaviour imo 💅✨
The way their relationship progressed had me like 🥹🥹🥹 and then they went from wholesome to HOT AS FUCK like damnnn I was lit sweatinggghhh ✋ Mr Vale Sir you had no right to switch up the sexiness like that- brb imma just. . . 🕳️🏃♀️
Him calling her mouse did outlandish things to my heart, it’s true 🤭💗💘🦋
THE LETTERS THE DOODLING THE CARESSING WORDS FUCK MEEEE I WANT IT ALL 😭😭
The plot was crazily well developed for just a novella. I’m so impressed by this author! Every time Lilith would mention the disease I would actually feel so scared. It’s terrifying to imagine sweeping the dust out of the house like that. And reading about her put up a front like it didn’t kill her a little every time 😭❤️🩹
I was pleasantly surprised by the shift in the style of the writing. Omg it was delicious. Carissa out here giving us banger after banger fr 👑
I can see myself rereading this quite a lot!
Omg I cannot wait to see how they integrate into raihn and orayas story 🤭🤭
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Am I crazy or did Lilith remind anyone else of rose from the addicted Calloway series?
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀: 🎧
Saturday — Manuel Gardner Fernandes
Silver lines — traces
Hurricane — Koastle
Somebody like you — Bree Runway
Somebody like you — Bree Runway (orchestral version)
My Crowns of Nyaxia playlist
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“It appears,” a deep voice said, “a little mouse has made its way into my home.”
~NAHHH STOP IT 💗🦋💘💗✨
“Vale pulled up his shirt sleeve and extended his arm to me, and I drew his blood.”
~The sluttiest thing a man can do sksksksk
“You’re an especially nosy mouse today.”
~please
“You’re injured,” I said softly.
His chuckle was low and thick. “Incredible how much better I already feel.”
~STOP IT RFN IM SCREAMING GIGGLING KICKING MY FEET CLUTCHING MY SHEETS
He smoothed a strand of hair from my forehead.
“You’re shaking, mouse.”
I slid my fingertips beneath the waistband of his trousers, a light touch over the flesh of his abdomen—soft skin, hard muscle, trembling faintly.
“So are you.”
~FUCK MEEEE
“You aren’t a stupid man, Vale,” I said quietly, and he winced.
“No,” he said. “Just a desperate one.”
~SOBBING
“It must be hard,” he murmured. “To bear the weight of so much affection in a life so short.”
My eyes burned ferociously.
~WHEN HE JUST *GETS* HER 😩✋
“He smoothed my hair from my face. He’d been doing that this whole time—touching me in all these little mundane, fussing ways. Smoothing hair, adjusting my sleeve, wiping beads of sweat.”
~THIS is what I mean by small moments 😩💗🦋💘 MY HEART-
July 15, 2023
✅ Neurodivergent MC
✅ Love interest
✅ Sexual tension and some smut
✅ Enemies to friends to lovers (although they were never really enemies)
✅ Love interest taking care of and healing the MC
✅ Pace
✅ Vampires and magic
✅ Writing
✅ Dark atmosphere
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: death, deadly illness, murder and mild gore, assault
4.5 stars I think... But a strong 4.5 stars!
Honestly, I just struggle to give 5 stars to novellas because they're just so short, I find it harder to really get into it, but Vale and Lilith were awesome, as are all of Carissa Broadbent's characters, and I can't wait to see more of them in the next book of the series.
While it is not absolutely necessary to read The Serpent and the Wings of Night before reading this novella, I recommend it since it is set in the same world so it helps to have the background information on the politics and world-building.
Lilith’s village has been plagued by a deadly disease for years now, and she made it her mission to find a cure before everyone she has left dies. After having tried everything, she decides to turn her efforts to an unorthodox idea, and she goes to the reclusive vampire living on the other side of the forest.
Lilith has always known she was marked by death, but unexpectedly, she is still alive after over 30 years. She is not afraid of death and has made her peace with it, and that makes her so brave in my eyes! She is a scientist through and through, driven and curious, and she is no pushover when she has a goal in mind. She does not hesitate to put Vale back in his place, and that’s what made their banter awesome. She was able to give it as much as him.
Vale has spent the last 200 years living as a grumpy recluse in his estate, and the last thing he was expecting was the visit of a human woman asking him for his blood of all things. We come to realize though that he is a softie hiding under a grumpy “I don’t give a shit” exterior. He is also one of the first to really take the time to see Lilith for who she is, and instead of finding her weird because she doesn’t fit the mold, he admires her determination, her curiosity, and her brains. The way he stands up for her, saves her, and cares for her when she needs it was also swoon-worthy. This novella is not even 200 pages long, but it was enough to make me fall in love with Vale and his charismatic presence.
Vale and Lilith’s relationship starts with a deal: in exchange for some of Vale’s blood every month for 6 months, Lilith will bring him 6 roses that apparently hold magical properties. I like that Lilith’s very rational side shone throughout the novella, and she didn’t just turn into a mushy hormone-driven woman when Vale started to warm up to her. She was very curious about him at first and was analyzing everything, but even when they became what could be called friends, she continued to be very rational and logical in her decisions, and she always kept her goal in mind. It got especially interesting when her logical side started to be at odds with what she was feeling against all odds, and she had to analyze her feelings to understand them and figure out how to proceed. It showed that while she had a very analytical mind, she was not a robot either, and she was able to feel deeply, she was just used to being by herself and devoting herself to her experiments and studies.
While there is not much smut in this book, and it remains pretty mild, the tension between Vale and Lilith in the second half of the novella, and their sweet chemistry was worth every page. They understand and complete each other, and seeing them help each other get out of their isolation and loneliness was better than any smut. I wrote “enemies to friends to lovers” in the checkmarks section at the beginning of the review, but besides the fact that vampires and humans are not usually friends, Vale and Lilith were never really enemies. They just started as strangers that should not have had any contact with each other, and from there it evolved into a friends-to-lovers romance.
As always, Carissa Broadbent wrote a moving, enthralling, and beautiful tale with vivid descriptions, and well-developed characters, and I am thrilled to know that we will see more of Vale and Lilith in The Ashes and the Star Cursed King.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Love interest
✅ Sexual tension and some smut
✅ Enemies to friends to lovers (although they were never really enemies)
✅ Love interest taking care of and healing the MC
✅ Pace
✅ Vampires and magic
✅ Writing
✅ Dark atmosphere
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: death, deadly illness, murder and mild gore, assault
4.5 stars I think... But a strong 4.5 stars!
Honestly, I just struggle to give 5 stars to novellas because they're just so short, I find it harder to really get into it, but Vale and Lilith were awesome, as are all of Carissa Broadbent's characters, and I can't wait to see more of them in the next book of the series.
“It appears,” a deep voice said, “a little mouse has made its way into my home.”
While it is not absolutely necessary to read The Serpent and the Wings of Night before reading this novella, I recommend it since it is set in the same world so it helps to have the background information on the politics and world-building.
Lilith’s village has been plagued by a deadly disease for years now, and she made it her mission to find a cure before everyone she has left dies. After having tried everything, she decides to turn her efforts to an unorthodox idea, and she goes to the reclusive vampire living on the other side of the forest.
“Not all of us have the resources to travel,” I said.
“Humans and your money.”
“I didn’t say money. I said resources.”
He glanced at me in confusion. I gave him a grim smile. “Time, Vale,” I said. “Time is the most valuable resource of all, and some of us are perpetually short.”
Lilith has always known she was marked by death, but unexpectedly, she is still alive after over 30 years. She is not afraid of death and has made her peace with it, and that makes her so brave in my eyes! She is a scientist through and through, driven and curious, and she is no pushover when she has a goal in mind. She does not hesitate to put Vale back in his place, and that’s what made their banter awesome. She was able to give it as much as him.
Vale has spent the last 200 years living as a grumpy recluse in his estate, and the last thing he was expecting was the visit of a human woman asking him for his blood of all things. We come to realize though that he is a softie hiding under a grumpy “I don’t give a shit” exterior. He is also one of the first to really take the time to see Lilith for who she is, and instead of finding her weird because she doesn’t fit the mold, he admires her determination, her curiosity, and her brains. The way he stands up for her, saves her, and cares for her when she needs it was also swoon-worthy. This novella is not even 200 pages long, but it was enough to make me fall in love with Vale and his charismatic presence.
Vale and Lilith’s relationship starts with a deal: in exchange for some of Vale’s blood every month for 6 months, Lilith will bring him 6 roses that apparently hold magical properties. I like that Lilith’s very rational side shone throughout the novella, and she didn’t just turn into a mushy hormone-driven woman when Vale started to warm up to her. She was very curious about him at first and was analyzing everything, but even when they became what could be called friends, she continued to be very rational and logical in her decisions, and she always kept her goal in mind. It got especially interesting when her logical side started to be at odds with what she was feeling against all odds, and she had to analyze her feelings to understand them and figure out how to proceed. It showed that while she had a very analytical mind, she was not a robot either, and she was able to feel deeply, she was just used to being by herself and devoting herself to her experiments and studies.
Tears pricked my eyes.
“You want more than I can give you,” I whispered.
“I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
While there is not much smut in this book, and it remains pretty mild, the tension between Vale and Lilith in the second half of the novella, and their sweet chemistry was worth every page. They understand and complete each other, and seeing them help each other get out of their isolation and loneliness was better than any smut. I wrote “enemies to friends to lovers” in the checkmarks section at the beginning of the review, but besides the fact that vampires and humans are not usually friends, Vale and Lilith were never really enemies. They just started as strangers that should not have had any contact with each other, and from there it evolved into a friends-to-lovers romance.
As always, Carissa Broadbent wrote a moving, enthralling, and beautiful tale with vivid descriptions, and well-developed characters, and I am thrilled to know that we will see more of Vale and Lilith in The Ashes and the Star Cursed King.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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April 9, 2023
5 Scorched Stars!
My brief summary:
Lilith has walked side by side with death all of her life. Side effects of knowing death and knowing it is coming for you and those you love, has led Lilith to take risks to find a cure. Even if the cure lies in the hands of a feared and loathed vampire, Lord Vale. In exchange for roses that possess a certain magic-like quality, Vale agrees to six meet-ups where he must have his blood drawn and observed for its healing properties as a cure. Multiple visits have led to developments that Lilith cannot entertain with the clock ticking invisibly in the background. Will Lilith be able to save her sister from the illness claiming them all, her village from the curse placed upon it by the god who started it all, and her heart from someone she was initially terrified but intrigued by? Or will death finally capture her this time?
Thoughts:
Personal Ad: Seeking a grumpy long-haired vampire pen-pal who is willing to call me mouse.
I’m sorry but it must be said that for the meantime (while we wait for book two) my opinion stands : Vale > RaihnI didn’t think it was possible, but I’m not even sorry about it. Raihn, I still love you!!
Lilith: A selfless scientist. A brave wanderer. A curious mouse. I adored her character so much! Our girl, Lilith, is no push over. She is honestly too stubborn for her own good, but she is head-strong and holds her ground even if she is doubting it in her own head. The banter was only so well done because she gave it back!
Vale: *grabs my megaphone* THE. HOLD. THIS. TEASING. MAN. HAS. OVER. ME. RIGHT. NOW. IS. TOO. MUCH! Lord(oops I forgot he said, “once someone has seen my bare ass, we can drop the titles”) Vale is a grump in disguise because he is a softie at his core. What didn’t this man do: he read to her, he wrote to her, he complimented her, he helped her, he defended her, her took her in and cared for her, he railed her (caringly) “look at me, Lilith”, and he rescued her. He gives “looks like a red flag”, but is a “hidden green flag” through and through!
I went back and forth on the rating for this, and have decided this deserves all of its stars! My only miniscule qualm is not getting enough pages of the sister relationship for me to really be heartbroken over whether Mina will live or die. However, overall I am obsessed! I didn’t know I could be even more excited about Crowns of Nyaxia #2, but this made it only that much more!
I'm the luckiest girl and got to buddy read this with the beautiful (inside and out) (who also holds onto the other half of my brain), Deema! (Go read her review!!) April 14th cannot come soon enough!
Would I recommend this and to who:
YES! To fans of Carrisa Broadbent, lovers of Beauty and the Beast retellings, and to those who have never left (or are looking to come back into) their vampire phase!
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-book! We bow down to the KU deity!
How did I discover this:
GR besties and because of all of our impatience for book 2!
Pace:
Fast/Medium
POV:
Lilith
Quotes: *semi-spoilers*
"Are you really not concerned that I'm going to eat you?" "No," I said. "If you were going to do that, you would have done it by now." "Maybe there were other things I wanted to do first"
“Time, Vale,” I said. “Time is the most valuable resource of all, and some of us are perpetually short.”
“You could stay, If you would prefer to wait until morning to leave.” “Well, Vale, you already had one houseguest this—” “Not like that. The houseguest is gone. I offer you your own bed. Though if you wanted to share mine instead, I wouldn’t object to that, either.”
‘I wanted him to see in himself what I saw of him every day. The beauty of it. The miracle of it.’
“Whatever you need,” he said. “My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours.”
“You are a very beautiful woman.”
“May I write to you?”
“Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
“It must be hard,” he murmured. “To bear the weight of so much affection in a life so short.”
Triggers:
Death, Terminal Illness, Sexual Content, Blood, Injury, Minor Gore, Violence, Murder, Fire, Assault, etc.
if you have made it here, then go read it
___________________________________
04/03/23 -
"Are you really not concerned that I'm going to eat you?" "No," I said. "If you were going to do that, you would have done it by now." "Maybe there were other things I wanted to do first" 👀🦋
Only 8% in but needed to add this cause *butterflies* already!
BR with my lovely Deema! 💕
My brief summary:
Lilith has walked side by side with death all of her life. Side effects of knowing death and knowing it is coming for you and those you love, has led Lilith to take risks to find a cure. Even if the cure lies in the hands of a feared and loathed vampire, Lord Vale. In exchange for roses that possess a certain magic-like quality, Vale agrees to six meet-ups where he must have his blood drawn and observed for its healing properties as a cure. Multiple visits have led to developments that Lilith cannot entertain with the clock ticking invisibly in the background. Will Lilith be able to save her sister from the illness claiming them all, her village from the curse placed upon it by the god who started it all, and her heart from someone she was initially terrified but intrigued by? Or will death finally capture her this time?
Thoughts:
Personal Ad: Seeking a grumpy long-haired vampire pen-pal who is willing to call me mouse.
I’m sorry but it must be said that for the meantime (while we wait for book two) my opinion stands : Vale > Raihn
Lilith: A selfless scientist. A brave wanderer. A curious mouse. I adored her character so much! Our girl, Lilith, is no push over. She is honestly too stubborn for her own good, but she is head-strong and holds her ground even if she is doubting it in her own head. The banter was only so well done because she gave it back!
Vale: *grabs my megaphone* THE. HOLD. THIS. TEASING. MAN. HAS. OVER. ME. RIGHT. NOW. IS. TOO. MUCH! Lord
I went back and forth on the rating for this, and have decided this deserves all of its stars! My only miniscule qualm is not getting enough pages of the sister relationship for me to really be heartbroken over whether Mina will live or die. However, overall I am obsessed! I didn’t know I could be even more excited about Crowns of Nyaxia #2, but this made it only that much more!
I'm the luckiest girl and got to buddy read this with the beautiful (inside and out) (who also holds onto the other half of my brain), Deema! (Go read her review!!) April 14th cannot come soon enough!
Would I recommend this and to who:
YES! To fans of Carrisa Broadbent, lovers of Beauty and the Beast retellings, and to those who have never left (or are looking to come back into) their vampire phase!
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-book! We bow down to the KU deity!
How did I discover this:
GR besties and because of all of our impatience for book 2!
Pace:
Fast/Medium
POV:
Lilith
Quotes: *semi-spoilers*
"Are you really not concerned that I'm going to eat you?" "No," I said. "If you were going to do that, you would have done it by now." "Maybe there were other things I wanted to do first"
“Time, Vale,” I said. “Time is the most valuable resource of all, and some of us are perpetually short.”
“You could stay, If you would prefer to wait until morning to leave.” “Well, Vale, you already had one houseguest this—” “Not like that. The houseguest is gone. I offer you your own bed. Though if you wanted to share mine instead, I wouldn’t object to that, either.”
‘I wanted him to see in himself what I saw of him every day. The beauty of it. The miracle of it.’
“Whatever you need,” he said. “My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours.”
“You are a very beautiful woman.”
“May I write to you?”
“Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
“It must be hard,” he murmured. “To bear the weight of so much affection in a life so short.”
Triggers:
Death, Terminal Illness, Sexual Content, Blood, Injury, Minor Gore, Violence, Murder, Fire, Assault, etc.
if you have made it here, then go read it
___________________________________
04/03/23 -
"Are you really not concerned that I'm going to eat you?" "No," I said. "If you were going to do that, you would have done it by now." "Maybe there were other things I wanted to do first" 👀🦋
Only 8% in but needed to add this cause *butterflies* already!
BR with my lovely Deema! 💕
February 11, 2024
This was such a cute novella! Very dark & grim setting but the romance was to die for 🥹
« Something being difficult is not a good reason not to do it » 🖤
My favourite part was when she was excited about something she found in her research and he was just staring at her and told her she was beautiful out of the blue 😭🥹 so sweet.
Now I’m off to the last book 🫡
Pre read ;
It’s time to finish this series 🫡
« Something being difficult is not a good reason not to do it » 🖤
My favourite part was when she was excited about something she found in her research and he was just staring at her and told her she was beautiful out of the blue 😭🥹 so sweet.
Now I’m off to the last book 🫡
Pre read ;
It’s time to finish this series 🫡
June 16, 2024
➼ 4.25★
𝕷𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖍
She’s the fmc and a human with illness. She’s a bold woman, she knows what she wants which makes her very passionate about what she does and kinda workaholic bc while working she didn’t sleep or eat. I understood her motives but sometimes I think she closed in herself too much. I mean, okay, you’re dying, and you don’t want ppl to suffer your loss but this is too much… I mean talk and spend time with your sister, friends etc. for god’s sake. She’s 30 and she spent her whole life pushing ppl away. It’s so sad imo.
Besides that, I liked her. She was well written and I wish I could read more about her.
“It must be hard,” he murmured. “To bear the weight of so much affection in a life so short.”
“I had never been enough. I had never been able to give any of them enough—enough time, enough love. Everyone gave up so much trying to get more from me, and now I did the same for them. From the moment I was old enough to understand my eventual fate, I made every decision knowing this. Knowing that I couldn’t be enough. Knowing that I would wither too fast, like a flower in an early frost.”
mar 3: someone can explain who’s lilith? bc i forgot🤧🤧🤧 i have a very bad memory, especially with names……….pls don’t judge me eheh
“You want more than I can give you,” I whispered.
“I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
omg when I tell you I loved this novellas sm!! And it’s kinda absurd since the first book was meeh, I mean, I liked it but not loved it, you know? But this one!!!! It was so cute istg.
About the plot:
Lilith has been dying since the day she was born. Death has always been in her life but now the lives of her loved ones are in danger, and she needs to find a cure to an illness that’s threatening her town. She strikes a bargain with a vampire, Vale. She offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of his blood, in hope it’ll be helpful to find the cure and save the town. When the bargain gradually becomes something more, Lilith realizes is dangerous to love the only thing gods hate even more than her village…
My thoughts:
Aaaaaaaaaa I loved this novella sm and tbh, it didn’t feel like one bc it was well written. I liked Lilith but I loved Vale. He was so charming and charismatics and I had genuine interest in him. I wouldn’t say I didn’t give two fucks about Lilith but…
The story itself was really good and intriguing, the writing is good and the pace is kinda fast, besides the beginning which is quite slow. I think the first 30/40 pages were slow but then the book picks up and you can enjoy it more.
𝕷𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖍
She’s the fmc and a human with illness. She’s a bold woman, she knows what she wants which makes her very passionate about what she does and kinda workaholic bc while working she didn’t sleep or eat. I understood her motives but sometimes I think she closed in herself too much. I mean, okay, you’re dying, and you don’t want ppl to suffer your loss but this is too much… I mean talk and spend time with your sister, friends etc. for god’s sake. She’s 30 and she spent her whole life pushing ppl away. It’s so sad imo.
Besides that, I liked her. She was well written and I wish I could read more about her.
“It must be hard,” he murmured. “To bear the weight of so much affection in a life so short.”
“I had never been enough. I had never been able to give any of them enough—enough time, enough love. Everyone gave up so much trying to get more from me, and now I did the same for them. From the moment I was old enough to understand my eventual fate, I made every decision knowing this. Knowing that I couldn’t be enough. Knowing that I would wither too fast, like a flower in an early frost.”
𝓥𝖆𝖑𝖊
He’s the mmc and a vampire. At first, he seems a bit rude but it’s just a mask he wears with Lilith. He has these mysterious vibes which make him so damn charming. He was also unintentionally funny sometimes.
I feel like he overshadowed Lilith a bit, at least for me bc I wanted to know more about him than Lil. I wish this novella were a full novel bc it deserves it. I wish I could read more about Vale, his backstory and his future with Lilith. He also gave her a nickname—Mouse. I mean… am I the only one who love when the mmc gives the fmc a cute nickname?
“Whatever you need," he said. "My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours.”
“He was now looking at me as he had looked at that rose—pulling me apart, petal by petal.”
𝕽𝖔𝖒𝖆𝖓𝖈𝖊
Their romance was everything and more. They really cared for each other and the chemistry was WOW!!!
As I said before—and I might be a little bit repetitive— I wish I could read more about them. They really deserve more bc their love story was so so good and I hope there’s more of it in the second book.
“Stay, stay, stay.”
“For the first time, I saw beauty in all the things I did not understand. And I knew that Vale saw beauty in all those things within me, too.”
Quotes:
“May I write to you?” he asked.”
“I want to stay,” I choked out. “I know,” he whispered, as his mouth lowered to mine, and I faded away there in his arms, surrounded by withering roses.”
“I’d thought I’d die with her thinking I did not love her. I did die, and that fear died with me. Because here, in this moment, with me on the right side of death and her on the right side of living, lost in a tearful embrace hello instead of goodbye, we met each other on level ground.”
“Unnatural life. Rightful death. And Vale and I, between both, beholden to neither, and everything we were ever meant to be.”
“He cradled my face like a lover, one hand on each cheek—one touch of death, one of life.”
“No one had ever seen that before. The love in my cold absence. And it was always so easy to just let them believe I didn’t feel it.”
“I had never been able to give any of them enough—enough time, enough love. Everyone gave up so much trying to get more from me, and now I did the same for them. From the moment I was old enough to understand my eventual fate, I made every decision knowing this. Knowing that I couldn’t be enough. Knowing that I would wither too fast, like a flower in an early frost.”
“And when the days passed, and my exhaustion and my enthusiasm led me to loosen my typically-closely-held control over my socially unacceptable attitudes, my raw enthusiasm leaking through as I talked excitedly to Vale about some theory or another, I turned to see him staring at me, brows drawn. His expression made me freeze, my face flushing—because I’d let down a wall I shouldn’t have and wasn’t sure what I might have revealed beyond it. “I—” I started. But he just said, calmly, “You are a very beautiful woman.”
mar 3: someone can explain who’s lilith? bc i forgot🤧🤧🤧 i have a very bad memory, especially with names……….
October 1, 2023
1.) The Serpent and the Wings of Night ★★★★
i might be stretching a bit, but this felt like a lilith origin story mixed with beauty and the beast reimagining... and i loved it. and because of consuming way too many lilith stories, i am so excited to see how these characters are incorporated into the rest of this series. and i really loved lilith in this story, and how she was older, and neurodivergent, and a scientist, and how big her heart was.
this story is all about her trying to find a cure for a sickness that has taken her town, and soon her sister, because her father spited a god. But on the outskirts of town lives a vampire all by himself, and maybe his blood could help lilith find a cure before it is too late. and they make a deal that will cost her six perfect roses in return for vials of his blood each transaction.
i really loved this, i loved both characters, the empathy, the healing, the discoveries of medicine and gods and each other. This is truly so very close to a five star for me. and the way the author was really able to give a fully fleshed out tale, with so much heart and empathy, that is completely different in every way to the introduction of this world in the first book, in under 200 pages, it is just so impressive. i highly recommend this one.
trigger + content warnings: loss of a parent, death in child birth mention, plague, death, blood, drawing blood, needles, animal testing mentions, robbing involving physical assault, threat of sexual assault, grief, sibling illness, gore, violence, battle / fighting, mention of war, panic attacks
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♡ Daughter of No Worlds ★★★
“My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours.”
i might be stretching a bit, but this felt like a lilith origin story mixed with beauty and the beast reimagining... and i loved it. and because of consuming way too many lilith stories, i am so excited to see how these characters are incorporated into the rest of this series. and i really loved lilith in this story, and how she was older, and neurodivergent, and a scientist, and how big her heart was.
this story is all about her trying to find a cure for a sickness that has taken her town, and soon her sister, because her father spited a god. But on the outskirts of town lives a vampire all by himself, and maybe his blood could help lilith find a cure before it is too late. and they make a deal that will cost her six perfect roses in return for vials of his blood each transaction.
i really loved this, i loved both characters, the empathy, the healing, the discoveries of medicine and gods and each other. This is truly so very close to a five star for me. and the way the author was really able to give a fully fleshed out tale, with so much heart and empathy, that is completely different in every way to the introduction of this world in the first book, in under 200 pages, it is just so impressive. i highly recommend this one.
trigger + content warnings: loss of a parent, death in child birth mention, plague, death, blood, drawing blood, needles, animal testing mentions, robbing involving physical assault, threat of sexual assault, grief, sibling illness, gore, violence, battle / fighting, mention of war, panic attacks
blog | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon
♡ Daughter of No Worlds ★★★
December 20, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ Love this novella! Vale and Lilith forever 🫶
"I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I'll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I'll have it."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ fantasy romance
✨ humans x vampires x gods
✨ she's a scientist looking for a cure to an illness that plagues her town
✨ he's a grumpy, reclusive vampire with blood that can help
✨ friends to lovers
✨ intellectual banter
✨ slow burn
✨ he calls her "mouse"
✨ 2/5 spice (one explicit sex scene)
✨ angst
✨ interesting world building
✨ neurodivergent FMC
✨ found family
✨ single POV
✨ HEA
✨ TW: terminal illness, death, violence, and attempted rape
My Thoughts:
Six Scorched Roses is a fantastic story! I read it after The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King but you can definitely read it before since it introduces new side characters in the main books of the series.
I've seen a lot of people saying this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but for anyone who's seen Castlevania (an animated TV series), it's a lot like Dracula and Lisa's story. The FMC, Lilith, is a scientist looking for a cure to a sickness caused by a curse from one of the gods. The MMC, Vale, is an old general and a reclusive vampire who has chosen to isolate himself from the rest of the world. Lilith goes to his mansion to ask him for his blood, which she believes holds the cure to the sickness. In exchange for Vale's blood every six months, she will give him six 'special' roses. Vale is intrigued by her cleverness and lack of fear, so he agrees to help her. From there, a friendship develops, which gives way to a beautiful romance.
I love Lilith because she is so different from other FMCs, especially compared to those in a fantasy world. She's a scientist and comes off emotionally detached, but in reality it's her love and care of others that drives her to finding a cure - something she's dedicated her entire life to. She's also neurodivergent and I LOVED seeing this representation in a fantasy novel, and seeing it done well.
Vale is an intriguing MC. He is a seemingly cold vampire that has lost his zest for life . . . until Lilith. ❤️ She provides him stimulating company and sparks his curiosity, and over the course of six months we see him open up and become playful, flirtatious, and charismatic. I also love that he's a bit of a hoarder and has so many interesting artifacts they can geek out over.
The romance between Vale and Lilith is so pure. They start off as strangers who are intrigued by each other, and then overtime develop a friendship founded on admiration and respect. Both are incredibly logical individuals and in a way mirror one another. And together, Vale finds something to love and care for, and Lilith finds someone who truly sees and appreciates her for who she is. I think Vale's complete acceptance of Lilith is what I really adored about these two. For her whole life she's been considered weird and different. But the things others find strange about her, Vale appreciates and loves. He's perfect for her in every way. 🫶
Carissa Broadbent never disappoints with the spice. There may have only been one sex scene, but it was intense, spicy and sweet. Vale is the king of consent and forced eye contact. So fucking hot. But also, they are completely enamored with one another by this point and their passion radiates off the page.
The sickness caused by the curse from a god was an interesting plot. The gods in this world remind me a lot of the Greek gods since they're fickle and temperamental. They're honestly the worst but it makes for some excellent drama! I can't wait for more books in this series so we can learn even more about them.
Since this is a novella, there's a bit more telling versus showing and at times, I would have liked a few more moments that would develop their relationship or explain certain things that were glanced over. For example, I wish we got an explanation of who that vampire chick was that Vale was fucking. Like, I didn't realize there were other vampires nearby. Was she a regular fuck buddy? Did he drink from her often? Again, this didn't really affect the story, but it would have given me a better understanding of how Vale was living before meeting Lilith.
Overall, I thought this was such a great novella, and I definitely recommend reading it either as a standalone or with the Crown of Nyaxia series.
-
Crowns of Nyaxia Series:
1. The Serpent and The Wings of Night: 4.75 ⭐️
1.5 Six Scorched Roses: 4.5 ⭐️
2. The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King: 3.5 ⭐️
-
Favorite Quotes:
"After so long, you realize that knowing things doesn't especially matter very much. Knowledge with no context is meaningless. That's not the real treasure."
"Oh? What is, then?"
"Curiosity."
_______
"Time is the most valuable resource of all, and some of us are perpetually short."
_______
"I smell you. I smell your blood."
"What does it smell like?"
"It smells like honey. Like. . . nightshade. Sweet. Perhaps with a bitter bite."
"And?"
"And I smell the beat of your blood through your veins."
My pulse quickened a little, as if stirring beneath his awareness. His hands braced against the doorframe now, so his body enveloped mine - though, still, without touching.
"And you know what else I smell?" His face ducked a little closer, voice lowering to a whisper. "I smell you want this."
_______
"Whatever you need. My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours."
_______
He was a question that had no answer. And every answer.
_______
Vale wasn't a cure for anything. He was a whole new disease, one I'd carry with me to my inevitable end.
_______
"I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I'll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I'll have it."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ fantasy romance
✨ humans x vampires x gods
✨ she's a scientist looking for a cure to an illness that plagues her town
✨ he's a grumpy, reclusive vampire with blood that can help
✨ friends to lovers
✨ intellectual banter
✨ slow burn
✨ he calls her "mouse"
✨ 2/5 spice (one explicit sex scene)
✨ angst
✨ interesting world building
✨ neurodivergent FMC
✨ found family
✨ single POV
✨ HEA
✨ TW: terminal illness, death, violence, and attempted rape
My Thoughts:
Six Scorched Roses is a fantastic story! I read it after The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King but you can definitely read it before since it introduces new side characters in the main books of the series.
I've seen a lot of people saying this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but for anyone who's seen Castlevania (an animated TV series), it's a lot like Dracula and Lisa's story. The FMC, Lilith, is a scientist looking for a cure to a sickness caused by a curse from one of the gods. The MMC, Vale, is an old general and a reclusive vampire who has chosen to isolate himself from the rest of the world. Lilith goes to his mansion to ask him for his blood, which she believes holds the cure to the sickness. In exchange for Vale's blood every six months, she will give him six 'special' roses. Vale is intrigued by her cleverness and lack of fear, so he agrees to help her. From there, a friendship develops, which gives way to a beautiful romance.
I love Lilith because she is so different from other FMCs, especially compared to those in a fantasy world. She's a scientist and comes off emotionally detached, but in reality it's her love and care of others that drives her to finding a cure - something she's dedicated her entire life to. She's also neurodivergent and I LOVED seeing this representation in a fantasy novel, and seeing it done well.
Vale is an intriguing MC. He is a seemingly cold vampire that has lost his zest for life . . . until Lilith. ❤️ She provides him stimulating company and sparks his curiosity, and over the course of six months we see him open up and become playful, flirtatious, and charismatic. I also love that he's a bit of a hoarder and has so many interesting artifacts they can geek out over.
The romance between Vale and Lilith is so pure. They start off as strangers who are intrigued by each other, and then overtime develop a friendship founded on admiration and respect. Both are incredibly logical individuals and in a way mirror one another. And together, Vale finds something to love and care for, and Lilith finds someone who truly sees and appreciates her for who she is. I think Vale's complete acceptance of Lilith is what I really adored about these two. For her whole life she's been considered weird and different. But the things others find strange about her, Vale appreciates and loves. He's perfect for her in every way. 🫶
Carissa Broadbent never disappoints with the spice. There may have only been one sex scene, but it was intense, spicy and sweet. Vale is the king of consent and forced eye contact. So fucking hot. But also, they are completely enamored with one another by this point and their passion radiates off the page.
The sickness caused by the curse from a god was an interesting plot. The gods in this world remind me a lot of the Greek gods since they're fickle and temperamental. They're honestly the worst but it makes for some excellent drama! I can't wait for more books in this series so we can learn even more about them.
Since this is a novella, there's a bit more telling versus showing and at times, I would have liked a few more moments that would develop their relationship or explain certain things that were glanced over. For example, I wish we got an explanation of who that vampire chick was that Vale was fucking. Like, I didn't realize there were other vampires nearby. Was she a regular fuck buddy? Did he drink from her often? Again, this didn't really affect the story, but it would have given me a better understanding of how Vale was living before meeting Lilith.
Overall, I thought this was such a great novella, and I definitely recommend reading it either as a standalone or with the Crown of Nyaxia series.
-
Crowns of Nyaxia Series:
1. The Serpent and The Wings of Night: 4.75 ⭐️
1.5 Six Scorched Roses: 4.5 ⭐️
2. The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King: 3.5 ⭐️
-
Favorite Quotes:
"After so long, you realize that knowing things doesn't especially matter very much. Knowledge with no context is meaningless. That's not the real treasure."
"Oh? What is, then?"
"Curiosity."
_______
"Time is the most valuable resource of all, and some of us are perpetually short."
_______
"I smell you. I smell your blood."
"What does it smell like?"
"It smells like honey. Like. . . nightshade. Sweet. Perhaps with a bitter bite."
"And?"
"And I smell the beat of your blood through your veins."
My pulse quickened a little, as if stirring beneath his awareness. His hands braced against the doorframe now, so his body enveloped mine - though, still, without touching.
"And you know what else I smell?" His face ducked a little closer, voice lowering to a whisper. "I smell you want this."
_______
"Whatever you need. My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours."
_______
He was a question that had no answer. And every answer.
_______
Vale wasn't a cure for anything. He was a whole new disease, one I'd carry with me to my inevitable end.
_______
May 5, 2023
“I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
I loved this book so much!! I’m obsessed! This was a brilliant and beautiful romantic fantasy about love, family, sacrifice and power. Six Scorched Roses follows Lilith, a woman who has been sick since she was born, who looks for a cure for the people who are dying in her village including her sister. Lilith makes a deal with Vale, a vampire, in which she will give him six roses if he gives her his blood. Eventually Lilith finds herself falling for Vale and must decide what is important to her.
"You are a very beautiful woman."
I was completely immersed in this awesome and intriguing world from the very first page. The world building was excellent in such a short novel and I loved learning about the world full of magic, vampires, gods, goddesses and humans. This book had everything I love in fantasy romance including slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, grumpy and sunshine characters, and great chemistry. I loved that this novella is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it's one of my favorite fairy tales and it was so well done. The pacing was perfect and the plot was so interesting. I'm in love with Vale (and his velvet robe), he is very handsome, sweet, charming, kind, strong and will do anything for Lilith. He's such a sweetheart and cinnamon roll once you see past his hard exterior. I love Lilith, she is strong, resilient, brave, kind and smart. Lilith's character development was excellent, I loved seeing her grow and watch her realize how much family means to her. I really liked Lilith's sister Mina, she is sweet, kind and brave. I do wish we got more back story on Mina and Lilith's relationship. The chemistry and sexual tension between Lilith and Vale was amazing! I loved their banter, it made me smile and laugh so much. I love Lilith and Vale's romance so much and I love watching their romance develop as they learned more about each other. The story telling and writing was excellent. I felt like I was transported into the world through the author's writing. The ending was so good and heartwarming! I can't wait to see more of Vale and Lilith in the second book of the Crowns of Nyaxia series!
I recommend this novella to anyone who loves fantasy, romance, slow-burn, Beauty and the Beast retellings, enemies to lovers romance and great characters.
I loved this book so much!! I’m obsessed! This was a brilliant and beautiful romantic fantasy about love, family, sacrifice and power. Six Scorched Roses follows Lilith, a woman who has been sick since she was born, who looks for a cure for the people who are dying in her village including her sister. Lilith makes a deal with Vale, a vampire, in which she will give him six roses if he gives her his blood. Eventually Lilith finds herself falling for Vale and must decide what is important to her.
"You are a very beautiful woman."
I was completely immersed in this awesome and intriguing world from the very first page. The world building was excellent in such a short novel and I loved learning about the world full of magic, vampires, gods, goddesses and humans. This book had everything I love in fantasy romance including slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, grumpy and sunshine characters, and great chemistry. I loved that this novella is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it's one of my favorite fairy tales and it was so well done. The pacing was perfect and the plot was so interesting. I'm in love with Vale (and his velvet robe), he is very handsome, sweet, charming, kind, strong and will do anything for Lilith. He's such a sweetheart and cinnamon roll once you see past his hard exterior. I love Lilith, she is strong, resilient, brave, kind and smart. Lilith's character development was excellent, I loved seeing her grow and watch her realize how much family means to her. I really liked Lilith's sister Mina, she is sweet, kind and brave. I do wish we got more back story on Mina and Lilith's relationship. The chemistry and sexual tension between Lilith and Vale was amazing! I loved their banter, it made me smile and laugh so much. I love Lilith and Vale's romance so much and I love watching their romance develop as they learned more about each other. The story telling and writing was excellent. I felt like I was transported into the world through the author's writing. The ending was so good and heartwarming! I can't wait to see more of Vale and Lilith in the second book of the Crowns of Nyaxia series!
I recommend this novella to anyone who loves fantasy, romance, slow-burn, Beauty and the Beast retellings, enemies to lovers romance and great characters.
April 12, 2023
Can we just talk about the writing in this book for a minute?
I was so swept away by it. I loved the feel of this story. There was something timeless, classic, historical and fairytale-like about it and it made for such an enjoyable reading experience.
I adored Vale but Lilith definitely stood out in this one. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders and the burden to fix what she believed her father caused.
She makes a deal with Vale, the beast, to use his blood as a form of cure for the plague that has overtaken their town. In exchange, she’ll give him roses. But they’re not just any kind of roses.
I’m realising how much I enjoy how Carissa Broadbent writes her romances. They’re slow-burn in the best way. She’ll have you pining and aching alongside the characters.
“If you have ever loved something that much, you know that there’s no wine sweeter, no drug stronger.”
And as much as I would’ve liked to have seen her relationship with her sister be explored, I also get why we didn’t get so much of it. I understood from context and from who Lilith was as a person, that she loved her sister. That she was doing everything she possibly could to save her which didn’t leave her with any room to process emotions. She was always putting others first.
The urgency to find the cure felt all too real. And since she felt like she was at the brink of death herself, time was something she could not afford to waste.
The ending I just loved! 🥰
It wrapped things up perfectly and I’m so excited to see what role they both will play in the upcoming books.
I was so swept away by it. I loved the feel of this story. There was something timeless, classic, historical and fairytale-like about it and it made for such an enjoyable reading experience.
I adored Vale but Lilith definitely stood out in this one. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders and the burden to fix what she believed her father caused.
She makes a deal with Vale, the beast, to use his blood as a form of cure for the plague that has overtaken their town. In exchange, she’ll give him roses. But they’re not just any kind of roses.
I’m realising how much I enjoy how Carissa Broadbent writes her romances. They’re slow-burn in the best way. She’ll have you pining and aching alongside the characters.
“If you have ever loved something that much, you know that there’s no wine sweeter, no drug stronger.”
And as much as I would’ve liked to have seen her relationship with her sister be explored, I also get why we didn’t get so much of it. I understood from context and from who Lilith was as a person, that she loved her sister. That she was doing everything she possibly could to save her which didn’t leave her with any room to process emotions. She was always putting others first.
The urgency to find the cure felt all too real. And since she felt like she was at the brink of death herself, time was something she could not afford to waste.
The ending I just loved! 🥰
It wrapped things up perfectly and I’m so excited to see what role they both will play in the upcoming books.
May 31, 2023
----4 'Little Mouse' ☆----
"I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want
only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour.
One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
This standalone novella was soo much better than l had originally anticipated. WE NEED A FULL LENGTH BOOK ABOUT THEM, IM BEGGING RN 😭😩😭🙏🙏
I'm not kidding when l say I will actually read a grocery list by Carissa at this point. I'm actually obsessed; her writing style, characters, settings, everything makes you feel like you're in the book and with the characters themselves.
Its aways so enchanting and keeps your focus, and l finished this is one day 😭😩 My eyes were gorilla glued to the pages because l wanted to see what would happen next
I didn't even take a break to drink water or eat food for as long as l was reading 😭
“It must be hard,” he murmured. “To bear the weight of so much
affection in a life so short.”
Lilith and Vale were perfect for eachother, their chemistry from the first pages, their banter, the way they care for each other had me squealing and crying and kicking like toddler 😭
Lilith actually had a ✨personality✨ other than Vale and being obsessed with him (which is really rare in books nowadays for the FMC's) and she was such a nerdy badass, knew how to speak her truth and has spine, and the way she was willing to give up everything to save her town and her sister 💥🧎♀️
And ✨🤰Vale🤰✨ need l say more? But in my opinion Raihn will still be superior to Vale (not by much) but still superior, maybe because we didn't get to see a lot of him? CARISSA THIS IS YOUR CUE TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF NEW BOOK FOLLOWING THE STORY OF LILITH AND VALE (yes this entire review is just a petition to Carissa to write a full length book about them 🤭) My man is so sickly in love with her I can't even- 😭😭😭
AND HE WROTE TO HER ❗❗ I REPEAT HE WROTE TO HER
~Favorite quotes/lines~
♧ “It appears,” a deep voice said, “a little mouse has made its way into my
home.”
♧ “Whatever you need,” he said. “My blood. My books. My knowledge.
Anything. It is yours.”
♧ “I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want
only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour.
One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
♧ “It must be hard,” he murmured. “To bear the weight of so much
affection in a life so short.”
♧ 'One day, he ended his letter with a drawing of a nightbane flower, and a tiny note beside it: sweet with a bitter bite.’
♧ The mouse suffers at the fangs of a snake. The snake suffers at the
claws of a badger. The badger suffers at the teeth of a wolf. The wolf suffers
at the spear of a hunter. There is no such thing as enough suffering.”
-----‐-----♤♤♤-----------
Also Carissa ma'am, how about you at least take into consideration to write a full book (or series even, l don't mind) about Lilith and Vale. Even if its just them being happy and having fun in life thats fine too they don't need any more problems, just think about it. It would change the trajectory of my life 😭🙏
-----‐-----♤♤♤-----------
Review to come when l can stop crying over a hot, grumpy, touch her and you die, hates everyone but her, will die and kill for her and her safety vampire man with wings because l know I'll never have one 😭😭💔
-----‐-----♤♤♤-----------
Okay but this cover- ✨🦋😩 Lets hope l love this just as much as the first one or all you five star reviewer's will be hearing from my lawyer 🤧🤞
"I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want
only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour.
One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
This standalone novella was soo much better than l had originally anticipated. WE NEED A FULL LENGTH BOOK ABOUT THEM, IM BEGGING RN 😭😩😭🙏🙏
I'm not kidding when l say I will actually read a grocery list by Carissa at this point. I'm actually obsessed; her writing style, characters, settings, everything makes you feel like you're in the book and with the characters themselves.
Its aways so enchanting and keeps your focus, and l finished this is one day 😭😩 My eyes were gorilla glued to the pages because l wanted to see what would happen next
I didn't even take a break to drink water or eat food for as long as l was reading 😭
“It must be hard,” he murmured. “To bear the weight of so much
affection in a life so short.”
Lilith and Vale were perfect for eachother, their chemistry from the first pages, their banter, the way they care for each other had me squealing and crying and kicking like toddler 😭
Lilith actually had a ✨personality✨ other than Vale and being obsessed with him (which is really rare in books nowadays for the FMC's) and she was such a nerdy badass, knew how to speak her truth and has spine, and the way she was willing to give up everything to save her town and her sister 💥🧎♀️
And ✨🤰Vale🤰✨ need l say more? But in my opinion Raihn will still be superior to Vale (not by much) but still superior, maybe because we didn't get to see a lot of him? CARISSA THIS IS YOUR CUE TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF NEW BOOK FOLLOWING THE STORY OF LILITH AND VALE (yes this entire review is just a petition to Carissa to write a full length book about them 🤭) My man is so sickly in love with her I can't even- 😭😭😭
AND HE WROTE TO HER ❗❗ I REPEAT HE WROTE TO HER
~Favorite quotes/lines~
♧ “It appears,” a deep voice said, “a little mouse has made its way into my
home.”
♧ “Whatever you need,” he said. “My blood. My books. My knowledge.
Anything. It is yours.”
♧ “I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want
only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour.
One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
♧ “It must be hard,” he murmured. “To bear the weight of so much
affection in a life so short.”
♧ 'One day, he ended his letter with a drawing of a nightbane flower, and a tiny note beside it: sweet with a bitter bite.’
♧ The mouse suffers at the fangs of a snake. The snake suffers at the
claws of a badger. The badger suffers at the teeth of a wolf. The wolf suffers
at the spear of a hunter. There is no such thing as enough suffering.”
-----‐-----♤♤♤-----------
Also Carissa ma'am, how about you at least take into consideration to write a full book (or series even, l don't mind) about Lilith and Vale. Even if its just them being happy and having fun in life thats fine too they don't need any more problems, just think about it. It would change the trajectory of my life 😭🙏
-----‐-----♤♤♤-----------
Review to come when l can stop crying over a hot, grumpy, touch her and you die, hates everyone but her, will die and kill for her and her safety vampire man with wings because l know I'll never have one 😭😭💔
-----‐-----♤♤♤-----------
Okay but this cover- ✨🦋😩 Lets hope l love this just as much as the first one or all you five star reviewer's will be hearing from my lawyer 🤧🤞
April 13, 2024
Reread 4/13/24…I finally have a (signed!) physical copy and couldn’t resist revisiting my comfort vampires 🥀
Happy release day!! My gosh that cover!! 😍😍😍
Reposting my review from the anthology where this first appeared:
This may be one of my favorite things Carissa has ever written, and if you know me you know that’s saying a lot. If you love a good Beauty and the Beast retelling, you’ll adore this novella.
Lilith is terminally ill - but then so is the rest of her small town, ever since a plague from the gods descended 15 years ago. She is a college educated scientist hell bent on curing the disease that’s killing her beloved sister and townspeople, even if she doesn’t expect her own heart defect to respond to the treatment.
Always one to think outside the box, she boldly approaches the reclusive vampire lord Vale. She strikes him a bargain - six magically-endowed roses in exchange for samples of his immortal blood for use in her research. What she didn’t expect is the surly vampire’s curiosity, cooperation and even friendship.
Will Lilith discover the cure before it’s too late? What about the nosy, vampire-hating town priests? And what about the growing chemistry between Lilith and Vale himself??
For being so short, this story packs such an emotional punch. Y’all know I would read Carissa’s grocery list at this point 😂 her writing style is gorgeous as ever and does not disappoint.
Happy release day!! My gosh that cover!! 😍😍😍
Reposting my review from the anthology where this first appeared:
This may be one of my favorite things Carissa has ever written, and if you know me you know that’s saying a lot. If you love a good Beauty and the Beast retelling, you’ll adore this novella.
Lilith is terminally ill - but then so is the rest of her small town, ever since a plague from the gods descended 15 years ago. She is a college educated scientist hell bent on curing the disease that’s killing her beloved sister and townspeople, even if she doesn’t expect her own heart defect to respond to the treatment.
Always one to think outside the box, she boldly approaches the reclusive vampire lord Vale. She strikes him a bargain - six magically-endowed roses in exchange for samples of his immortal blood for use in her research. What she didn’t expect is the surly vampire’s curiosity, cooperation and even friendship.
Will Lilith discover the cure before it’s too late? What about the nosy, vampire-hating town priests? And what about the growing chemistry between Lilith and Vale himself??
For being so short, this story packs such an emotional punch. Y’all know I would read Carissa’s grocery list at this point 😂 her writing style is gorgeous as ever and does not disappoint.
May 25, 2024
Oh my… novella perfection 👀👏
Six scorched roses was a treat for me to read, unexpectedly - may I also add and it’s safe to say my expectations that never existed, were transcended beyond measures.
A fast paced tale based upon a foreboding plague that wrecks havoc on a universe devoid of survival and togetherness because of an upset God with ulterior motives.
Now Sprinkle that with the irresistible entrancing lines of chemistry that were traced by woven bonding of a human and vampire.
Meet Lilith - a powerless certified boss lady who is witnessing death all around her, but remains to show unwavering resolve as she aims to conduct a curing experiment to revive the same humanity and family that is slowly dying in front of her own cynical eyes.
Meet Vale - an established war general, secluded vampire, and a crazed simp who is down right bad for his one lady love, as he supports her through a journey of denial and curiosity - all while awakening his own purpose.
The beauty for me, was entrenched deeply in the mind blowing symbolization of roses. Each gifted rose in this story represented the blossoming and withering of : Angst and Love. Doubt and Fear. Hellos and Goodbyes. Living and Perishing. Blossoming and withering - just like an actual rose.
Petal by petal, too similar to a flower, the unraveling of chemistry between Vale and Lilith screamed art and art. Simple.
To keep this vague, them roses had me turning into an even more vehement admirer of roses myself, if I wasn’t already one before, I’m one in tenfolds now 🥀.
“So much lived in that gap, the gap between the things I knew and the things I didn’t. So much died there”
“It must be hard, To bear the weight of so much affection in a life so short.”
“Once you love something so much, you know that there’s no wine sweeter, no drug stronger.
It’s a fucking stand alone Novella. Get unslumped. Flex the book count up.
Read this, no excuses 🌹.
Six scorched roses was a treat for me to read, unexpectedly - may I also add and it’s safe to say my expectations that never existed, were transcended beyond measures.
A fast paced tale based upon a foreboding plague that wrecks havoc on a universe devoid of survival and togetherness because of an upset God with ulterior motives.
Now Sprinkle that with the irresistible entrancing lines of chemistry that were traced by woven bonding of a human and vampire.
Meet Lilith - a powerless certified boss lady who is witnessing death all around her, but remains to show unwavering resolve as she aims to conduct a curing experiment to revive the same humanity and family that is slowly dying in front of her own cynical eyes.
Meet Vale - an established war general, secluded vampire, and a crazed simp who is down right bad for his one lady love, as he supports her through a journey of denial and curiosity - all while awakening his own purpose.
The beauty for me, was entrenched deeply in the mind blowing symbolization of roses. Each gifted rose in this story represented the blossoming and withering of : Angst and Love. Doubt and Fear. Hellos and Goodbyes. Living and Perishing. Blossoming and withering - just like an actual rose.
Petal by petal, too similar to a flower, the unraveling of chemistry between Vale and Lilith screamed art and art. Simple.
To keep this vague, them roses had me turning into an even more vehement admirer of roses myself, if I wasn’t already one before, I’m one in tenfolds now 🥀.
“So much lived in that gap, the gap between the things I knew and the things I didn’t. So much died there”
“It must be hard, To bear the weight of so much affection in a life so short.”
“Once you love something so much, you know that there’s no wine sweeter, no drug stronger.
It’s a fucking stand alone Novella. Get unslumped. Flex the book count up.
Read this, no excuses 🌹.
April 2, 2023
5 Acutely Aware Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
This book, is quite frankly, BETTER THAN SEX. It was so enjoyable, satisfying, and pleasurable. The excitement that I got from this and the gratification of just being back in this world and seeing a different part of it was amazing!!!!!
This book follows Lilith who is trying to find a cure for a plague that has cursed her town for the last 15 years. In doing so, she makes a bargain with Vale. a vampire that lives on the outskirts of her village. In exchange for some of his blood, she will bring him 6 "special" roses, 1 each month.
Lilith was an amazingly complex and convoluted character that was so beautiful to experience. She is terminally ill, but so she's not afraid of death. All she's afraid of is her lack of time and trying to save her sister, who is dying of this plague. She doesn't show fear when being pushed into a situation. She approaches things with logic and innate curiosity, to understand how things work and why they work this way. I also really appreciated that we had an FMC who was thirty!!!! Sometimes a girl just wants to read about a character who is closer to her age, you know?
Vale is very much her mirror image in Vampiric form. He is a little bit more playful, coy and flirtatious; but he also has this charismatic curiosity to understand things around him. He might also be a little bit of a hoarder. (OK he's quite a lot a hoarder)
What completely and utterly captivated me about this story was that even though it was a novella, it managed to do what so many books do not manage to do as full-length novels! This is one of the BEST Beauty and the Beast retellings I have read in a LONG TIME!!!! A fucking long time! It gave me those nostalgic vibes of watching that original Disney movie, and it is the very definition of reinforcement to why I love "Beauty and the Beast retellings" as a trope. There was so much character development in these few pages and so much relationship development between Vale and Lilith. THEY ACTUALLY went through the beautiful natural progression of "Enemies to friends to Lovers"!!!
It was beautiful. This book was beautiful! The chemistry between these two characters was bleeding off the page and I couldn't stop devouring this. It was all I thought about when I had to put it down...A girl has to sleep at some point and by 3pm I needed to accept my fate...
The writing in this is superb and I can see why Carissa has skyrocketed into popularity at the moment because her worldbuilding, prose, descriptions of everything, and how she's put together such a captivating and complicated world was spectacular!!! It's just on a whole other level of beauty!
This book is for you if you want:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Beauty and the Beast Retelling
▶ Pen Pals
▶ Touch her you die literally
▶ Vampire/Human Romance
▶ He calls her "mouse"
Book Fact: "Acutely Aware" appears 6 times in this novella!
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
This book, is quite frankly, BETTER THAN SEX. It was so enjoyable, satisfying, and pleasurable. The excitement that I got from this and the gratification of just being back in this world and seeing a different part of it was amazing!!!!!
This book follows Lilith who is trying to find a cure for a plague that has cursed her town for the last 15 years. In doing so, she makes a bargain with Vale. a vampire that lives on the outskirts of her village. In exchange for some of his blood, she will bring him 6 "special" roses, 1 each month.
Lilith was an amazingly complex and convoluted character that was so beautiful to experience. She is terminally ill, but so she's not afraid of death. All she's afraid of is her lack of time and trying to save her sister, who is dying of this plague. She doesn't show fear when being pushed into a situation. She approaches things with logic and innate curiosity, to understand how things work and why they work this way. I also really appreciated that we had an FMC who was thirty!!!! Sometimes a girl just wants to read about a character who is closer to her age, you know?
Vale is very much her mirror image in Vampiric form. He is a little bit more playful, coy and flirtatious; but he also has this charismatic curiosity to understand things around him. He might also be a little bit of a hoarder. (OK he's quite a lot a hoarder)
What completely and utterly captivated me about this story was that even though it was a novella, it managed to do what so many books do not manage to do as full-length novels! This is one of the BEST Beauty and the Beast retellings I have read in a LONG TIME!!!! A fucking long time! It gave me those nostalgic vibes of watching that original Disney movie, and it is the very definition of reinforcement to why I love "Beauty and the Beast retellings" as a trope. There was so much character development in these few pages and so much relationship development between Vale and Lilith. THEY ACTUALLY went through the beautiful natural progression of "Enemies to friends to Lovers"!!!
It was beautiful. This book was beautiful! The chemistry between these two characters was bleeding off the page and I couldn't stop devouring this. It was all I thought about when I had to put it down...A girl has to sleep at some point and by 3pm I needed to accept my fate...
The writing in this is superb and I can see why Carissa has skyrocketed into popularity at the moment because her worldbuilding, prose, descriptions of everything, and how she's put together such a captivating and complicated world was spectacular!!! It's just on a whole other level of beauty!
This book is for you if you want:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Beauty and the Beast Retelling
▶ Pen Pals
▶ Touch her you die literally
▶ Vampire/Human Romance
▶ He calls her "mouse"
Book Fact: "Acutely Aware" appears 6 times in this novella!
April 11, 2024
|| 2.5 stars ||
This wasn’t bad but it wasn’t particularly good either. It was shallow and simple.
There was no real development or build-up in any of the relationships; not even in the main romance. All of it lacked depth and progression.
I could also not connect with the main character much. She was cold and distant, and although she clearly had a good moral compass, I still couldn’t bring myself to feel much love for her.
When it comes to the love interest, I don’t feel like I know much of anything about him. Who is he really? No idea. When or why did he fall in love with our heroine? No clue.
The story itself wasn’t especially interesting to me either, and although it was short, it still dragged for me.
'Crowns of Nyaxia' series:
1. The Serpent and the Wings of Night - 3.0 stars
2. The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King - 3.0 stars
This wasn’t bad but it wasn’t particularly good either. It was shallow and simple.
There was no real development or build-up in any of the relationships; not even in the main romance. All of it lacked depth and progression.
I could also not connect with the main character much. She was cold and distant, and although she clearly had a good moral compass, I still couldn’t bring myself to feel much love for her.
When it comes to the love interest, I don’t feel like I know much of anything about him. Who is he really? No idea. When or why did he fall in love with our heroine? No clue.
The story itself wasn’t especially interesting to me either, and although it was short, it still dragged for me.
'Crowns of Nyaxia' series:
1. The Serpent and the Wings of Night - 3.0 stars
2. The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King - 3.0 stars
April 24, 2023
5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
This novella immediately captivated me and it was such a splendid read!
The romance was developed beautifully, Vale and Lilith felt like kindred souls and the chemistry between them was perfect. I swooned.
I'm now aware that this is not the last we see of Lilith and Vale and I mean I expected it but also delighted that it's confirmed they make an appearance in The Ashes and the Star Cursed King, because I certainly did not have enough of them.
This is also why I think it's best to read this novella between The Serpent and The Wings of Night and The Ashes and the Star Cursed King.
Also, thank you Carissa Broadbent for gifting me a 30-year-old heroine. We need more of them in this genre.
Now onto The Ashes and the Star Cursed King!
“Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
This novella immediately captivated me and it was such a splendid read!
The romance was developed beautifully, Vale and Lilith felt like kindred souls and the chemistry between them was perfect. I swooned.
I'm now aware that this is not the last we see of Lilith and Vale and I mean I expected it but also delighted that it's confirmed they make an appearance in The Ashes and the Star Cursed King, because I certainly did not have enough of them.
This is also why I think it's best to read this novella between The Serpent and The Wings of Night and The Ashes and the Star Cursed King.
Also, thank you Carissa Broadbent for gifting me a 30-year-old heroine. We need more of them in this genre.
Now onto The Ashes and the Star Cursed King!
August 5, 2023
i feel like this another one of those romances that everyone else loves and i… just don’t quite get it.
for a 200 page story- it was absolutely fucking fantastic.
relatable, enjoyable, dimensional characters. well developed motives and plot. fascinating setting. swoon worthy relationship.
what i don’t understand is why it exists.
is it technically in the same world as the duology… yes. but it’s a new part of the world, with completely new characters, and it shouldn’t have been a 1.5.
and in terms of the characters, i really loved lilith and, as a person who hated gym class in high school, how she was content as an academic and didn’t spontaneously become some fearsome, knife-wielding warrior.
and vale was sweet. i think this is the aspect that gets lost on me a little, the wow factor that i don’t understand, but that’s just a preference. i can totally see his appeal.
for a 200 page story- it was absolutely fucking fantastic.
relatable, enjoyable, dimensional characters. well developed motives and plot. fascinating setting. swoon worthy relationship.
what i don’t understand is why it exists.
is it technically in the same world as the duology… yes. but it’s a new part of the world, with completely new characters, and it shouldn’t have been a 1.5.
and in terms of the characters, i really loved lilith and, as a person who hated gym class in high school, how she was content as an academic and didn’t spontaneously become some fearsome, knife-wielding warrior.
and vale was sweet. i think this is the aspect that gets lost on me a little, the wow factor that i don’t understand, but that’s just a preference. i can totally see his appeal.
April 17, 2023
“Yes?” he said, softly. “Yes,” I answered.
Give another applause for Carissa Broadbent for another masterpiece that slayed me and particularly slayed my heart 👏🏻😭
God, how do I even begin with this review? Well, I suppose I can begin by saying that I get to keep my left ear because I fucking love it cause you know I'm actually pretty skeptical with novellas from a fantasy series. Cause a lot of times they just missed so badly and I was impressed when I saw the review on this book in GR, and some of you here really give a full 5 stars for this one and I was immediately convinced. And since I'm in the middle of buddy reading with Ri and Lyra, we might as well just do it together ad make it a journey before finally read the 2nd book together.
It didn't fucking disappointed.
It was just so perfect and I'm just so in love with the characters, the plot, the whole writinf- you know what? I think I'm not going to review Carissa's writing because in this house I have established that Carissa's writing is flawless and chef's kiss. And I know that I said TSATWON is also perfect, I mean it really is, but this book just hit different you know? I'm not sure how to put it in words but it just is.
But can I just point this out? GODDAMN CARISSA MA'AM, YOU PROBABLY WROTE THE HOTTEST AND BEST SMUT SCENE THAT I'VE EVER READ AMONG ALL THE FANTASY BOOKS THAT I READ- 😩🥵
The characters, my god- you don't know how happy I am to see that Lillith is a STEM girl in this book. Like what? We're in a fucking fantasy book and we get STEM heroine?? Surprised is an understatement of the year!! I love it so much, how strong-willed she is, how desperate she is, how vulnerable and yet so strong she is. She's not something I've never read before but she still feels refreshing to me. Vale on the other hand, my gosh, Vale. You are my man and publicly declare that I fucking claim him as my new book boyfriend!!😩 look- this man just hit different guys, I even preferred him than Raihn- yes I said what I said- (though still nobody beats Daddy Vince) but I'll take Vale a hundred times over. How sarcastic, and funny, and hot, and charming, and so brilliant he is. Like come on- this man decided to take part in what the heroine was currently doing and helped her in every step of the way. To put it simply, he charmed me. And I really fucking love the hero and the heroine's unmistakably sexual tension and chemistry. It was fireeeeeeee. I just have no words for this couple-
The plot, honestly, it's not something I've never read before. The sorts of mc trying to save the world or town. But the way the plot flows were refreshing and I enjoyed it every minute, although some introduction were cut short and kinda feel a bit lacking but it didn't bother me that much to the point that I was keep questioning the whole book. I really loved that Carissa introduce us to another God from White Pantheon cause tbh I'm so fucking intrigued with the whole gods in this universe and I hope Carissa have a plan to dive more into this universe cause honestly I love it so much and I would fucking read it.
Remember the time that you haven't read this and went fully mesmerized after reading it? This is me right now and for those of you who hasn't read this, read it now and relish all the damn minute you're read this book for the first time.
5 stars. There's no other way I'm going to give this book less than 5 stars.
I'm going to close the review by adding my most favorite moments from this book.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Yes,” I gasped.
“Yes?”
His voice was strained, like it took a lot of concentration to form even that small word.
I took his next stroke with equal force, pushing against him, contracting around him.
“Yes,” I choked. “Yes.”
ㅡㅡㅡㅡ
THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER FUN TIME BUDDY READING WITH ME, RI AND LYRA MY LOVES, LET'S JUST JUMP STRAIGHT TO THE 2ND BOOK MMKAY 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
Another buddy reading with my beautiful ladies, Ri and Lyra!💖
This is our trip to 2nd book of Crowns of Nyaxia, hope we'll have fun with this one too!!😭🫶🏻
I'm betting my left ear, I'll be giving this 5 stars in the end 🤭
Give another applause for Carissa Broadbent for another masterpiece that slayed me and particularly slayed my heart 👏🏻😭
God, how do I even begin with this review? Well, I suppose I can begin by saying that I get to keep my left ear because I fucking love it cause you know I'm actually pretty skeptical with novellas from a fantasy series. Cause a lot of times they just missed so badly and I was impressed when I saw the review on this book in GR, and some of you here really give a full 5 stars for this one and I was immediately convinced. And since I'm in the middle of buddy reading with Ri and Lyra, we might as well just do it together ad make it a journey before finally read the 2nd book together.
It didn't fucking disappointed.
It was just so perfect and I'm just so in love with the characters, the plot, the whole writinf- you know what? I think I'm not going to review Carissa's writing because in this house I have established that Carissa's writing is flawless and chef's kiss. And I know that I said TSATWON is also perfect, I mean it really is, but this book just hit different you know? I'm not sure how to put it in words but it just is.
But can I just point this out? GODDAMN CARISSA MA'AM, YOU PROBABLY WROTE THE HOTTEST AND BEST SMUT SCENE THAT I'VE EVER READ AMONG ALL THE FANTASY BOOKS THAT I READ- 😩🥵
The characters, my god- you don't know how happy I am to see that Lillith is a STEM girl in this book. Like what? We're in a fucking fantasy book and we get STEM heroine?? Surprised is an understatement of the year!! I love it so much, how strong-willed she is, how desperate she is, how vulnerable and yet so strong she is. She's not something I've never read before but she still feels refreshing to me. Vale on the other hand, my gosh, Vale. You are my man and publicly declare that I fucking claim him as my new book boyfriend!!😩 look- this man just hit different guys, I even preferred him than Raihn- yes I said what I said- (though still nobody beats Daddy Vince) but I'll take Vale a hundred times over. How sarcastic, and funny, and hot, and charming, and so brilliant he is. Like come on- this man decided to take part in what the heroine was currently doing and helped her in every step of the way. To put it simply, he charmed me. And I really fucking love the hero and the heroine's unmistakably sexual tension and chemistry. It was fireeeeeeee. I just have no words for this couple-
The plot, honestly, it's not something I've never read before. The sorts of mc trying to save the world or town. But the way the plot flows were refreshing and I enjoyed it every minute, although some introduction were cut short and kinda feel a bit lacking but it didn't bother me that much to the point that I was keep questioning the whole book. I really loved that Carissa introduce us to another God from White Pantheon cause tbh I'm so fucking intrigued with the whole gods in this universe and I hope Carissa have a plan to dive more into this universe cause honestly I love it so much and I would fucking read it.
Remember the time that you haven't read this and went fully mesmerized after reading it? This is me right now and for those of you who hasn't read this, read it now and relish all the damn minute you're read this book for the first time.
5 stars. There's no other way I'm going to give this book less than 5 stars.
I'm going to close the review by adding my most favorite moments from this book.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Yes,” I gasped.
“Yes?”
His voice was strained, like it took a lot of concentration to form even that small word.
I took his next stroke with equal force, pushing against him, contracting around him.
“Yes,” I choked. “Yes.”
ㅡㅡㅡㅡ
THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER FUN TIME BUDDY READING WITH ME, RI AND LYRA MY LOVES, LET'S JUST JUMP STRAIGHT TO THE 2ND BOOK MMKAY 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
Another buddy reading with my beautiful ladies, Ri and Lyra!💖
This is our trip to 2nd book of Crowns of Nyaxia, hope we'll have fun with this one too!!😭🫶🏻
I'm betting my left ear, I'll be giving this 5 stars in the end 🤭
February 11, 2024
It was cute, I didn’t realize it wasn’t connected to the Serpent and the wings of night tho, so the whole time I was trying to figure out how they connect, they don’t LOL (kinda wish they did somehow tho)
November 14, 2023
asking permission to send letters, killing anyone who threatens her life AND risking the wrath of a god? yea.. i guess you could say Vale was down bad for Lilith. 😏
December 31, 2023
“Whatever you need,” he said. “My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours.”
Before writing this review proper I just want to scream about the way Vale was so miserable for Lilith that he would literally risk a god's wrath for her 😭😭😭
"You aren’t a stupid man, Vale,” I said quietly, and he winced.
"No,” he said. “Just a desperate one.”
With a strange illness afflicting her town, Lilith, a brilliant scientist who has known she is terminally ill since the day she was born, sets out to find a cure. She believes that Vale's blood holds the key to the antidote, and strikes a bargain with him in order to glean six vials of his blood for her experiments. Vale dismisses her at first, but reluctantly agrees because she has piqued his curiosity by offering him six special roses in return. As their tentative relationship blossoms from friendship into something more, they must deal with obstacles from all sides, such as the humans' hatred for Vale and the god Vitarus' curse upon Lilith's town.
Carissa Broadbent made me fall in love with these characters in less than 200 pages. Novellas usually receive 2-3 stars from me at best because there's so little space for character or plot development that I just don't have as much emotional attachment. But Six Scorched Roses was so beautifully written I fell in love with it right from the start. Vale and Lilith are so adorable together I was giggling and kicking my legs in the air while reading 🤭
"You want more than I can give you,” I whispered.
"I can’t imagine that ever being true,” he murmured. “Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
If you're like me and love:
🤍 Beauty and the Beast retellings;
🤍 Slow-burn romances;
🤍 He falls first trope;
🤍 Mysterious and charismatic MMCs,
then trust me. You'll love this novella as much as I did. Six Scorched Roses was everything I could have asked for and more. The tension, chemistry and eventual romance between Vale and Lilith were just chef's kiss!! The only gripe I have is that a novella isn't enough! I would read a full-length series about Vale and Lilith any day. Carissa Broadbent, if you're reading this, I'll trade my firstborn child for an entire trilogy about them. Please.
May 22, 2023
#1 The Serpent and the Wings of Night — 3.25 stars
#1.5 Six Scorched Roses — 3.75 stars
there might be no more, but Vale the Head of War can pillage me in his stead. 🧎 🧎 i’ll be his Head of Wh*re. i mean, the word doesnt sound too far off from war. so, we’ll be a perfect rhythmical match🤪
anyway, this story is like a very loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast minus the Stockholm Syndrome and captor/captive dynamic. in their place is ANGST & SLOW BURN. 🤌 🤌 if youre wondering how thats possible to achieve in such a short novella, then dont skip this one!! the story is so satisfying. it feels like what you’d read in a full length novel. it might not be pivotal to the overall plot progression of the series, but read it for Vale & Lilith and their sweet sweet romance. 🙌
tbh i dont particularly understand the why of the curse, but i loved how it made such a hopeful, determined, and selfless character out of Lilith. on the other hand, i feel like she also seemed delicate/naive for her age (shes in her early 30s). shes just one of those characters who has a quiet strength—not necessarily in their physique, but in their mind & heart. kinda like Yrene from Tower of Dawn. i loved how she slowly breathed life into Vales heart and brought colors into his life.
watching Vale not being able to help himself but get attached to Lilith was... 🤩😭 🤌 their every interaction had me clutching my heart ooh and awww-ing. i swear, theyre lowkey giving Chaol & Yrene vibes.
#1.5 Six Scorched Roses — 3.75 stars
there might be no more, but Vale the Head of War can pillage me in his stead. 🧎 🧎 i’ll be his Head of Wh*re. i mean, the word doesnt sound too far off from war. so, we’ll be a perfect rhythmical match🤪
anyway, this story is like a very loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast minus the Stockholm Syndrome and captor/captive dynamic. in their place is ANGST & SLOW BURN. 🤌 🤌 if youre wondering how thats possible to achieve in such a short novella, then dont skip this one!! the story is so satisfying. it feels like what you’d read in a full length novel. it might not be pivotal to the overall plot progression of the series, but read it for Vale & Lilith and their sweet sweet romance. 🙌
tbh i dont particularly understand the why of the curse, but i loved how it made such a hopeful, determined, and selfless character out of Lilith. on the other hand, i feel like she also seemed delicate/naive for her age (shes in her early 30s). shes just one of those characters who has a quiet strength—not necessarily in their physique, but in their mind & heart. kinda like Yrene from Tower of Dawn. i loved how she slowly breathed life into Vales heart and brought colors into his life.
watching Vale not being able to help himself but get attached to Lilith was... 🤩😭 🤌 their every interaction had me clutching my heart ooh and awww-ing. i swear, theyre lowkey giving Chaol & Yrene vibes.
June 28, 2023
A very terminally ill human named Lilith seeks help from a grumpy vampire named Vale to save her people from death.
“You saved them.”
Years. Years of my life. Countless hours in my study, countless hours of sleep stolen. Thousands of books, thousands of notes. Years-worth of pen-grip callouses on my fingers.
Gosh, Lilith; my heart breaks for her, and seeing her bravery and selfishness in saving everyone is just beautiful. I love her sm💖
“Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
And oh, our amazing Lord Vale.. where do i begin :")
The way he was so fascinated by Lilith I-😭😭😭😭 He was so against the idea of helping her, but the minute he saw Lilith's willingness to save everyone- my boy is so down for her
My exhaustion and my enthusiasm led me to loosen my typically-closely-held control over my socially unacceptable attitudes, my raw enthusiasm leaking through as I talked excitedly to Vale about some theory or another, I turned to see him staring at me, brows drawn. His expression made me freeze, my face flushing—because I’d let down a wall I shouldn’t have and wasn’t sure what I might have revealed beyond it.
“I—” I started.
But he just said, calmly, “You are a very beautiful woman.”
-- “Whatever you need,” he said. “My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours.” --
I'm in love with Carissa's writing, and I'll definitely check out her other books.
“You saved them.”
Years. Years of my life. Countless hours in my study, countless hours of sleep stolen. Thousands of books, thousands of notes. Years-worth of pen-grip callouses on my fingers.
Gosh, Lilith; my heart breaks for her, and seeing her bravery and selfishness in saving everyone is just beautiful. I love her sm💖
“Because I want only you, Lilith. Whatever of you I can have. I’ll take one night. One hour. One minute. Whatever you want to give me. I’ll have it.”
And oh, our amazing Lord Vale.. where do i begin :")
The way he was so fascinated by Lilith I-😭😭😭😭 He was so against the idea of helping her, but the minute he saw Lilith's willingness to save everyone- my boy is so down for her
My exhaustion and my enthusiasm led me to loosen my typically-closely-held control over my socially unacceptable attitudes, my raw enthusiasm leaking through as I talked excitedly to Vale about some theory or another, I turned to see him staring at me, brows drawn. His expression made me freeze, my face flushing—because I’d let down a wall I shouldn’t have and wasn’t sure what I might have revealed beyond it.
“I—” I started.
But he just said, calmly, “You are a very beautiful woman.”
-- “Whatever you need,” he said. “My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours.” --
I'm in love with Carissa's writing, and I'll definitely check out her other books.
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