Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Hi friends, happy Friday! I spent the last few days listening to this latest read and getting ready for my trip this weekend. I am so excited that today is Sinners and Stardust in Boston! I have had this event on my books for a while now, and I am so excited it is finally here. I am all packed and about to walk out the door for the drive up to the city. If you do not already, make sure you follow me on my socials if you want to see more about this event and my time up in Boston this weekend.

I was stoked to get the newest fantasy read from the folks at NetGalley and HarperAudio. Immortal Rose by Alexandra Bracken is the start of a fantasy series and, yes friends, be forewarned: it does end on a cliffhanger!

This fantastic tale follows Viola Lockwood, the illegitimate last living member of the Rosebourne family. She has the gift of magic thanks to a fairy ancestor, but this is not just any kind of magic. Viola has the ability to infuse fragrance with magic that can manipulate your mind, body, and emotions!

At the start of this novel, she is thrown in jail by none other than Hugh Thornton, a royal spymaster, for making magical perfumes. After the king becomes sick, Hugh gets her out of the very jail he threw her in so he can force her to make a perfume capable of saving the king: Immortal Rose. Viola comes to an agreement to craft this perfume and step into the life that always should have been hers as long as she can complete the perfume and save the king in time.

I absolutely adored this book. Perfume as a magical device, political intrigue, found family, slow-burn desire, and a strong female lead who does what she has to do to survive. There is so much good about this book. Also, that ending… I did not see that coming. How in the world am I going to wait until book two?! I really hate cliffhangers. Hey Alexandra- we are BFFs now, right? If you want to let me know how it ends right now, I am cool with that.

Also, let’s just take a second to talk about the narrators! Nicola Barber and Christian Coulson, man, did you both do a fantastic job. I absolutely adored how Nicola was able to give us Viola’s tough side while still expressing the vulnerability in those softer scenes. Also, Christian putting a voice to the spymaster that is Hugh was perfection. I would not hesitate to listen to another book from either of these narrators.

This book comes out on August 18th, but check your local bookstores. My Barnes & Noble had the hardcover on shelves already.

As always, friends, I hope you have a great weekend filled with bookish fun. And if you cannot be at a book event, at least grab your favorite book from your TBR to enjoy!