Monday, November 4, 2024

Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent

In a world of curses and vampires, love is the ultimate risk

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Broadbent's writing is a breath of fresh air in the sometimes stale world of vampire romance. She takes familiar tropes and injects them with new life (pun absolutely intended), creating a story that feels both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new.

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You know that feeling when you bite into a perfectly ripe strawberry, and the sweetness explodes on your tongue, but there’s also that hint of tartness that makes your taste buds tingle? That’s exactly what reading Carissa Broadbent’s “Six Scorched Roses” feels like. It’s a delicious morsel of vampire romance that manages to be both achingly sweet and delightfully dark at the same time. Set in the rich world of her Crowns of Nyaxia series, this novella is a standalone treat that will leave you craving more of Broadbent’s intoxicating blend of fantasy and romance.

A Tale as Old as Time… With a Bloodsucking Twist

Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. “Six Scorched Roses” follows Lilith, a young woman who’s been living with a death sentence since birth. But here’s the kicker—she’s not just worried about her own impending doom. Her entire village is slowly withering away, thanks to some god-cursed illness. Talk about a tough break, right?

But our girl Lilith isn’t the type to sit around and mope. Nope, she decides to take matters into her own hands. And what’s her brilliant plan? Oh, you know, just make a deal with a vampire. Because that always ends well, doesn’t it?

Enter Vale, our resident bloodsucker with a heart of… well, maybe not gold, but definitely something shiny. Lilith offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood, hoping it’ll be the miracle cure her village needs. It’s like a twisted version of “Beauty and the Beast,” except instead of a library, he’s offering her his veins. Romantic, huh?

Love Bites… Literally

Now, you might think you know where this is going. Girl meets vampire, they fall in love, cue the sparkly skin and brooding stares, right? Wrong. Broadbent takes this familiar trope and turns it on its head, creating a romance that’s as unpredictable as it is swoon-worthy.

Lilith and Vale’s relationship develops slowly, like a delicate flower unfurling its petals. (See what I did there? Roses? Petals? I’ll show myself out.) Each visit, each exchange of rose for blood, peels back another layer of their personalities. It’s a dance of trust and suspicion, desire and fear, that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

And let me tell you, the tension between these two? It’s so thick you could cut it with a… fang. Broadbent has a knack for writing chemistry that sizzles off the page. There were moments when I had to fan myself, and I’m not even exaggerating. But it’s not just about the physical attraction. The emotional connection that grows between Lilith and Vale is what really hooks you.

A World Painted in Shades of Gray

One of the things I love about Broadbent’s writing is her ability to create morally complex characters. Vale isn’t your typical brooding vampire with a heart of gold. He’s dangerous, unpredictable, and at times downright scary. But he’s also capable of kindness and vulnerability that catches you off guard.

Lilith, on the other hand, isn’t some wide-eyed innocent stumbling into the supernatural world. She’s tough, pragmatic, and willing to do whatever it takes to save her people. Her determination is admirable, but it also leads her to make choices that aren’t always black and white.

This moral ambiguity extends to the wider world-building too. The gods in this universe aren’t benevolent deities watching over humanity. They’re capricious, cruel entities who think nothing of cursing an entire village. It’s a harsh reality that adds depth and authenticity to the story.

More Than Just a Pretty Face (or Neck)

Don’t let the romance fool you—there’s more to “Six Scorched Roses” than steamy glances and forbidden desires. Broadbent weaves in themes of sacrifice, mortality, and the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love. Lilith’s struggle with her own impending death and her desperation to save her village adds a poignant layer to the story that elevates it beyond a simple romance.

The novella also explores the idea of monsters and what truly makes someone monstrous. Is it their nature, their actions, or the perceptions of others? Vale may be a vampire, but is he really more of a monster than the gods who cursed Lilith’s village? It’s these kinds of questions that keep you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.

A Feast for the Senses

Can we talk about Broadbent’s writing for a sec? Because holy smokes, this woman can paint a picture with words. Her descriptions are vivid and evocative, bringing the world of “Six Scorched Roses” to life in technicolor detail. You can practically smell the musty scent of Vale’s lair, feel the velvety petals of the roses Lilith brings him, taste the metallic tang of blood in the air.

And the dialogue? It crackles with wit and tension, each exchange between Lilith and Vale a verbal sparring match that’s as thrilling as any physical confrontation. Broadbent has a gift for snappy one-liners and meaningful silences that speak volumes.

The Thorns Among the Roses

Now, no book is perfect, and “Six Scorched Roses” does have a few tiny thorns that might prick you. The novella format means that some aspects of the world-building and character development feel a bit rushed. I found myself wishing for more time to explore the intricacies of this fascinating universe Broadbent has created.

Also, while the ending is satisfying in its own way, it left me with a serious case of book hangover. I wanted more, dammit! But I suppose that’s the mark of a good story – it leaves you hungry for the next bite.

The Verdict: Sink Your Teeth Into This One

Look, if you’re a fan of fantasy romance with a dark edge, “Six Scorched Roses” is a no-brainer. It’s like if “Beauty and the Beast” and “Interview with the Vampire” had a baby, and that baby grew up to be a badass, emotionally complex story that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe invest in some turtlenecks (you know, just in case).

Broadbent’s writing is a breath of fresh air in the sometimes stale world of vampire romance. She takes familiar tropes and injects them with new life (pun absolutely intended), creating a story that feels both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new.

For fans of Broadbent’s Crowns of Nyaxia series, this novella is a delightful addition to the world. And for newcomers? It’s the perfect appetizer to whet your appetite for more of her work. Trust me, after reading this, you’ll be itching to dive into “The Serpent and the Wings of Night” and “The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King.”

Final Thoughts: A Rose by Any Other Name…

“Six Scorched Roses” is like that one friend who shows up to game night with a bottle of expensive wine and a dirty joke. It’s classy, it’s fun, and it’s got just the right amount of bite. Broadbent has crafted a story that’s equal parts romantic and thrilling, with characters you can’t help but root for (even when they’re being idiots).

So, should you read it? Absolutely. Will it make you want to offer your blood to the next mysteriously handsome stranger you meet? Maybe. (But please don’t. That’s how you end up on the evening news, kids.)

One thing’s for sure – “Six Scorched Roses” will leave you looking at your garden in a whole new light. And who knows? Maybe the next time you prick your finger on a thorn, you’ll find yourself wondering if there’s a handsome vampire nearby ready to strike a bargain.

The Good:

  • Sizzling romance that’ll make you fan yourself
  • Complex, morally gray characters
  • Rich, atmospheric world-building
  • Themes that’ll make you think

The Not-So-Good:

  • Novella format leaves you wanting more
  • Some aspects feel a bit rushed

Perfect for fans of:

  • Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series
  • Jennifer L. Armentrout’s “From Blood and Ash” series
  • Anything involving sexy vampires and strong-willed heroines

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of “Six Scorched Roses,” curl up with a glass of red wine (or, you know, whatever floats your boat), and prepare to be thoroughly entertained. Just maybe keep some garlic handy, just in case. You never know when a charming vampire might come knocking at your door, offering a deal you can’t refuse.

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Broadbent's writing is a breath of fresh air in the sometimes stale world of vampire romance. She takes familiar tropes and injects them with new life (pun absolutely intended), creating a story that feels both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new.Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent