Boots and Roses ~ Review

Boots and Roses: A Retelling of Puss in Boots and Beauty and the Beast 

The Roumaterra Chronicles #6

By Erin Halbmaier

Narrated by Elaine K. Schultz

The Roumaterra Chronicles are best enjoyed by reading or listening to them in order. You don't have to, but some aspects of the story make more sense if you do. Boots and Roses is the sixth book in the series and is an enjoyable mashup of Beauty and the Beast and Puss in Boots. This book covers much of the same time period as book five Trials and Command and these two stories are definitely intertwined (not saying more in case you haven't read it).

Liesl thought Tobias had feelings for her and was interested pursuing a relationship with her, but then he left without revealing his heart in search of a missing princess (from book 4 Arrows and Gems). Tobias's only companion was a black cat, whom he talks to, constantly.

When Liesl finds herself separated from her travel companions, she is thrust into a world cut off from everyone and everything she knows. At least Tobias's beloved cat, Puss is still at her side. But there is a murderous ogre called Beast, a village of suspicious people, and a magical barrier keeping her trapped in this valley.  But Liesl is determined to think positive thoughts-- Tobias isn't dead, Beast isn't as violent as the villagers think, and she will escape this valley.

Beast has been told he murdered all the men in the village 20 years ago, but his memories of the past are hard to recall. When Leisl stumbles into the valley she brings a change with her. She is not frightened of him, well not very frightened, and he'll do anything to keep her and her cat safe.

This was an enjoyable retelling of Beauty and the Beast that gave a unique twist by adding in the retelling of Puss in Boots. The two interwoven stories blended into the Roumaterra Chronicles story world in an altogether satisfying way. These books are definitely ones for the reread/relisten to shelf. Yes, they are that good and there are always little hints one has missed in the past that afterwards, I'm like, "Oh!" And comparing Liesl to her older sister Katy (book 2 Songs and Spun Gold and book 3 Spirits and Pacts) it is obvious they are sisters.  So maybe you should read the previous stories first to fully enjoy the experience of Boots and Roses.

I also enjoyed this book as an audiobook (purchased) and the audio was so good, The narrator does the voices so that one can recognize the different characters. I did listen at 1.25 times so it better matched my reading speed, but even at the slower speed of 1.00 it did not drag. Excellent and highly recommend for those commuting or suffering from eye fatigue after a day at the computer.

I was provided a complimentary advanced copy of the digital book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Liesl is determined to find the man who broke her heart. 

Getting trapped in a cursed valley with a dangerous ogre isn’t part of the plan.

Tobias gave Liesl a reason to hope when he offered her the rose from his waistcoat, but then he volunteered to search for the missing princess he’d been half-heartedly pursuing. Liesl refuses to admit she cares, but when she learns he’s vanished without his beloved cat, concern overrides her hurt. Something is wrong, and she’ll track him down to ensure he’s safe – and to demand the answers she deserves.

Beast has no memory of who he is, only the desperate need to complete a task the valley’s magic won’t let him leave to finish. When Liesl appears with a familiar cat at her heels, eerily realistic dreams begin to trouble him. They feel like memories, but they can’t be. Because in the dreams, he’s human.

Liesl struggles to believe the villagers’ claims that Beast is violent, but she has a reason for ingratiating herself to him: she believes he knows something about Tobias. He isn’t averse to her company, but the mission Beast can’t recall doesn’t allow for a future with Liesl. And if he could remember, he wouldn't confess the reason.

Because some secrets must be kept. Even if his silence costs him the woman he loves.

Fans of K.M. Shea and Melanie Cellier will love this clean fantasy romance retelling of Puss in Boots x Beauty and the Beast, where quiet connection, magical mysteries, and impossible choices take you on an emotional journey. Pick up Boots and Roses and fall into a cursed valley where the truth can be dangerous – and love demands everything.

Available from Amazon