With Hearts of Flame (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Dark Academia Romantasy Novel of Vampires and Dragons Featuring Stenciled Edges and Illustrated Endpapers (Bloodwing Academy, 4)
Briar Boleyn
When Roses Burn (Beneath the Briars Book 1)
by Brenda K Davies
About this book
Briar
“He went by Knox now, and Knox was everything Seth wasn’t and everything he’d never wanted to be. He was distant and ruthless like his father. Knox was a version of a man who was never supposed to exist, yet he stood only a few feet away from me.
My mother did this to him because of me.”
I’ve dreamt of finding Seth and fleeing the kingdoms as we once planned, but that was impossible. For ten years, while I longed for him, he plotted my demise.
Knox now believes every word I say is a lie, and has cast me aside as his mate, but the love I feel for him never wavered. He may hate me now, but he can’t deny the attraction that still binds us even as our history tears us apart.
I’m determined to prove to him that I’m not like the other night casters. The only problem is, I’m not sure what I am anymore as strange new abilities surface within me.
Knox
“I didn’t know exactly how this dragon came to exist, but I recognized a kindred soul when I saw one. We were both creatures forged by despair.”
And that despair has driven me since I last saw my mate, the woman I’d loved… and the one who betrayed me. Briar not only destroyed everything I cared about, she also cast me into a fate worse than hell.
I lost everything because of her, but I’m free now, and I intend to make Briar pay. She will help me save my kingdom and break the curse her kind set upon the shifters.
Once she does… I’ll destroy her.
Inspired by Beauty and the Beast, enter a romantasy where ancient magic, shapeshifters, and dragons dwell beneath the briars. Dark secrets fuel a forbidden romance turning enemies to lovers with second chances that ignite dangerous desires.
Due to sexual content, violence, and language, this book is recommended for readers 18+ years of age.
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2026
- ASIN
- B0FQVZJFK8
Reader Reviews
February 13, 2026
Yet another amazing book from Brenda K. Davies, she is the master of the cliff-hanger that always leaves me wanting to throw my book (or in this case Phone) because I'm mad it's over. The start of things with Knox and Briar is no exception. Briar has finally hit the point of maturity where she must go through a Needing and choose her fate as a day or night caster and where she will then draw her power from. Knox (then known as Seth) was her first love/ his mate but is not the man he used to be....
March 10, 2026
By George, I think she has gone and done it again! This author has a way of drawing her readers into new worlds where there is mystery and romance and danger. This book has it all. She captivates you with her charming characters who you just absolutely love (or love to hate…lol) and their spicy chemistry. For example, Briar and Knox. But things are rocky and if you know anything about Beauty and the Beast then buckle up, we might be in for an emotionally bumpy ride. Bring it! I’m ready for book...
February 13, 2026
I am always a fan of BKD books, and this is no exception. From beginning to end its gripping and you won't want to put it down. Briar is a strong FMC and her struggle with her identity and emerging powers is something you can really feel as you read this. She pushes to be different from others like her and doesnt give up, which I love. Knox is definitely living up to the beast in Beauty and the Beast, but hes a beast you feel for. His life hasn't been easy and its made him hard in a way that I...
May 22, 2026
Loved this book. Things kept happening and so much still to be revealed. One for my favorites list. Can't wait for book 2. )
February 17, 2026
Oh how I love a good fairytale retelling. But what I love even more, is an amazing story that knocks me off my seat and leaves me wanting so much more! Doesn’t hurt that it just so happens to be inspired by one of my favorite fairytales. When Roses Burn has everything that I want in my stories! Enemies to lovers ✔️ Forbidden love ✔️ Second chance ✔️ Spice ✔️ Dark secrets ✔️ Betrayal ✔️ Ancient magic ✔️ Shapeshifters ✔️ It’s a powerful journey of love and pain. It has all the action, suspense,...
