Never the roses

Oneira has been revered and reviled for her power ever since she was a child. Tired of being used as a magical pawn to destroy at the whims of fickle kings and queens, Oneira moves into a self-imposed exile. But solitude has her seeking answers for questions she doesn't even know, and her quest has her stepping into the renowned library of her nemesis, the powerful Stearanos Stormbreaker. The two of them have never met for fear of the destruction they would bring upon each other and the world. What begins as the borrowing of a book soon leads to a correspondence between the two. When Stearanos shows up on Oneira's doorstep, having torn down the wards around her castle, Oneira wonders if he won't also tear down the walls around her heart. But can their love survive their powers and the whims of man? Lambert's captivating romantasy debut will enchant readers with its languid prose and unique world building along with its themes of regret and forgiveness and its fresh take on enemies to lovers that will have readers swooning. A must-add for any romantasy shelf.

After an unspeakable act, Oneira, a powerful sorceress, wins her freedom and leaves the battles of rival kingdoms behind. She builds a fortress far away from human habitation and quietly resigns herself to a solitary existence. Then, two magical creatures find her, providing her with comfort if not peace. Still, Oneira is restless and steals a rare book from the library of her nemesis. Stearanos, a formidable sorcerer, is enraged that his wards did not keep out the thief, so he leaves a note to provoke the mystery thief to return. The back and forth between them escalates, and Stearanos eventually discovers that his thief is Oneira. When he confronts her, the pair form an unexpected understanding and intimacy. But when Stearanos is commanded to take up arms against the kingdom Oneira once protected, the two find themselves on opposite sides of war yet again. VERDICT Lambert, pen name of Jeffe Kennedy (Reluctant Wizard), weaves a heart-wrenching tale of guilt and longing, with two star-crossed lovers finding much-needed absolution in each other, only to be forced apart once again. This captivating romantasy is a resounding delight and will leave readers dreaming of a sequel.--Eve Stano