Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent is a standalone novella (long novella - it’s almost 200 pages) in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. Brief overview is a human scientist goes to a nearby vampire to barter for his blood. She hopes his vampire blood can help end the plague that is ravishing her village. But, most people do not take kindly to her working with a vampire. Tropes include forbidden romance and protective/saving of the female main character.

The Lovely: I loved the characters in this book. I felt like I connected with the inquisitive (sometimes to a detriment)female main character and her relationship with the male vampire main character.

The Mundane: This was a quick paced read that fit a lot into a novella. I liked the tension, and the twist at the ending.

The Dreadful: if anything, I wanted more. More time between the two main characters and more challenges.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Recommendation: This was a solid standalone and for just shy of 200 pages I think it worked well. It definitely made me want to see the two main characters in the next book of the Nightborn duology. Based on what the author has said on social media, it is best read before book 2 of the Nightborn duology (The Ashes and the Star Cursed King). That said, I think the first book of the duology, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, provides important context. So, it would seem best to read this novella in between the two duology books. ( )