Never The Roses (Sprayed Edge) Hardcover
Never The Roses (Sprayed Edge) Hardcover
Our readers rate this: 🌶️🌶️½ (2.5 Peppers)
Here’s why:
Romantic tension and emotional intimacy are clearly present, with moments of physical closeness that feel intentional and earned. While the connection carries a noticeable spark, scenes stay light on detail and often pull back, keeping the story atmospheric and character-driven rather than spice-forward. đź–¤
AN USA TODAY BESTSELLER!
DELUXE EDITION―featuring beautiful stenciled edges, stylish endpapers, a foil casestamp and a detailed map.
The most powerful sorceress in all the world comes face to face with her greatest rival in this enchanting and seductive fantasy romance debut from Jennifer K. Lambert.
"Just beautiful. It's beautifully written. Academic, intellectual, poetic… it's everything." —Katherine Heigl on #booktok
The Dread Sorceress Oneira has retired. She’s fought and won endless wars and has finally exiled herself to a remote forest where the mountains meet the beach.
But with one last curiosity to satisfy, Oneira makes a reckless trip to the most extensive library in existence: the collection of her most powerful rival, the sorcerer Stearanos.
There, she steals a book on rare roses, inadvertently initiating a forbidden correspondence with her once-enemy. Taunting notes and clever retorts reveal a connection neither has found―nor could ever find―in any other.
When Stearanos, bound to a vile king, is called to war against the queen she once served, Oneira knows a relationship with him is far too dangerous to pursue despite their mutual desire.
And yet, Stearanos is far too tempting to ignore…
Exquisitely crafted and bewitchingly lyrical, Never the Roses is like Circe by Madeline Miller meets The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent.
“[A] fresh take on enemies to lovers that will have readers swooning. A must-add for any romantasy shelf.” —Booklist, starred review
Expect:
- Rivals to lovers
- Forbidden love
- Slow burn
- Starcrossed lovers
- Tragic romance
- Dark past
- Redemption
- Unexpected ending
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SPICE SCALE
SPICE SCALE
🌶️ 1 Pepper — Barely a Spark
What to expect:
- Subtle romantic tension
- Hand brushes, lingering looks, emotional connection
- Fade-to-black moments or implied affection
Perfect for:
Fantasy lovers who want plot-first stories with just a whisper of romance.
🌶️🌶️ 2 Peppers — Soft Heat
What to expect:
- Kissing, yearning, and physical closeness
- Romance takes center stage, but details stay gentle
- Intimacy is suggested rather than shown
Perfect for:
Readers who enjoy romance but prefer things cozy, sweet, and low-heat.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Peppers — Noticeably Spicy
What to expect:
- On-page intimate scenes with moderate detail
- A balance of story, emotion, and physical connection
- Heat that feels intentional, not overwhelming
Perfect for:
Romantasy readers who want chemistry you can feel without it taking over the plot.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 Peppers — High Heat
What to expect:
- Frequent and detailed intimate scenes
- Strong physical tension woven throughout the story
- Desire, attraction, and connection are front and center
Perfect for:
Readers who like their fantasy rich with passion and aren’t afraid of intensity.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5 Peppers — Extra Spicy
What to expect:
- Explicit, on-page intimacy with vivid detail
- Multiple scenes and sustained heat
- The spice is a major element of the reading experience. May include some considered taboo elements.
Perfect for:
Seasoned spice lovers who want maximum heat alongside their magic, monsters, or morally grey love interests.
✨ Important Nox & Novel Notes
Because transparency is kind of our thing:
- 🌶️ Ratings reflect on-page detail and frequency, not just vibes
- 🌶️ Emotional intensity ≠spice (but we’ll tell you when both show up)
- 🌶️ Trope-heavy books may feel hotter—this scale keeps it honest
- 🌶️ When in doubt, we round up, never down
SPICE & CONTENT NOTE
SPICE & CONTENT NOTE
Books listed outside of our mystery selections are not guaranteed to be low-spice. While we do our best to curate with care, spice levels can vary by author, genre, and reader interpretation.
If spice level is something you’re concerned about, we strongly recommend checking reviews or spice guides (shoutout to Google & BookTok ) prior to purchasing.
As always, books may contain profanity, mature themes, and descriptive or explicit content. Reader discretion is advised, and we recommend these titles for readers 18+.
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Nox & Novel is a fantasy book subscription created by readers, for readers. Each box is thoughtfully curated with immersive stories and elevated bookish goods designed to slow you down and pull you into another world. We focus on plot-driven, low-spice fantasy that values storytelling, atmosphere, and the quiet magic found between pages.
Every box is an invitation to escape—intentionally, beautifully, and without overwhelm.
RETURNS/EXCHANGES
RETURNS/EXCHANGES
Due to the curated and limited nature of our subscription boxes and add-ons, all sales are final. We do not accept returns or exchanges.
Additionally, some books may be titles you’ve already read, as we have no way of tracking individual reading histories. This is not considered a defect or eligible for return.
If your box arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days of delivery, and we’ll be happy to assist.
For title known books and merch orders, please submit a return request within 7 days of delivery and we will assist you if your items are eligible for return!
