As a child, I discovered a castle. It became a sanctuary from the nightmare that was my life, but my fairytale truly began when he found me.The boy with green eyes and crooked smile. The boy with stories and an imagination that could take us far, far away. In our castle he was the prince, and I the princess.For the first time in my life I was safe, happy. I was loved. But every fairytale has a … loved.
But every fairytale has a villain, ours would be no different.
I just never expected the villain to be me.
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This one right here will wreck you! S.K. Rose brings such a heartbreaking story that will leave you crying in the corner. For her debut book, she did an amazing job!
I think Tessa will stay with me for awhile. Her life is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Her story will make you want to reach through your device and hug her hard, tell her everything will be ok. Knowing Tessa she’ll just push you off and say “fuck off”. She’s feisty like that But in all seriousness, she is who I would hope to even be a fraction of if I had to endure what she does. She’s a fighter. When the world kicks her down, she gets right back up and fights 10x harder. And for that I admire her.
If you’re looking for a dark and angsty read, this is definitely the book for you. But if you are easily triggered, keep in mind there are some dark scenes. You’ve been warned. Now go one click this bad boy and enjoy
Honestly after reading this book, I threw a fit. I couldn’t believe the ending. S.K.’s debut novel is dark, hauntingly tragic, sad and funny at the same time. Tessa’s been dealt a really crummy deck in life, yet finds a way to survive the odds despite it all. This is a story of a girl (Tessa) who meets her savior in a young boy (Andrew). The happily ever after in the heart of darkness unfortunately never comes as the prince in her castle is slain by the beast. The plot twists and turns as Tessa’s birthday comes each year. We follow Tessa as she grows, and endures high school, as she’s confronted with her current and past demons. I’ve re-read this story so many times. One of my only 5 star reads of 2018.
Wow wow holy hell wow!!!!! I had tears streaming down my face by 5% in. The writing grabs you by the throat and holds you hostage until the very end. You will cancel plans, you will sneak an extra 5 mins at work, you will stay up way too late all to get a bit more of this story.
For a debut novel this is exceptional.
The life Tessa lives will push your heart into a meat grinder. Its so terrible you wonder how she is still alive and walking and then, bam a slither of light at the end of her never ending dark tunnel. As the light grows she feels the sun on her skin for the first time in years. You want to sing with joy that she is getting a slice of good. But damn dont count your chickens too soon, an evil little fox has his beedy eyes on the fluffy fledgling of happiness desperately seeking a way to snuff it out.
I am eagerly awaiting book 2 as i NEED to know what happens!!!!!
This book was….. mind-blowing. Its dark, snark and twisted. But so so so damn good. I had moments where I had to force myself not to speed read to the end just so I could know everything. Tessa is strong and fierce. Broken and loss. But she is no ones prisoner. Andrew is happy and free. A knight in shinning armor. He is everything most of us want. Blossom and Chase are amazing supporting characters. I fucking loved the whole thing. From start to finish. I am on pins and needles waiting for the next book to come out!!
This book was wonderfully unique!! It wasn’t something I have read before and I instantly fell in love with the story! The fact that this is a debut novel is amazing and I cannot wait to see what S.K. Rose will deliver in the future!
A Complex & Heart Breaking Read. Brace Yourselves!!
This book is haunting. It’s beautifully written, brutal, honest, sweet, innocent & then it tears your heart to shreds starting at 13% I sobbed people!!!
The world that this book is set in is on one hand stark, dark, beyond barbaric & horrific for rearing a child then on the other side is beauty in friendship, trust, shelter & peace even amid all of the chaos!!
I’m not usually a fan of ‘darker’ reads but this book is outstanding & unmissable. I can’t do it justice in a review
Debbie, 1970, UK
Crowned with Guilt, SK Rose’s debut story, definitely brings all the feels and then some. She realistically and thoroughly portrays Tessa’s horrific childhood and the demons that continue to manipulate her life, forcing her to wear the scars of her past as both a reminder of life’s hardships and devastation and the ever-present knowledge that nothing is guaranteed and even those who don’t deserve it suffer due to other people’s maliciousness.
The characters’ pain, fear, and heartache are all palpable emotions that resonate from the pages of this story, which make some parts of the story line overwhelming to read, but it’s that emotional connection that allows readers to truly understand all that these characters have gone through and exactly what needs to occur in order to provide even the tiniest flickers of hope despite the perception that all is lost.
It’s hard to believe that this is SK Rose’s first book; Crowned with Guilt is a captivating read that left me eager to see where the author plans to take her characters since the ending left my emotions in turmoil and with a slew of unanswered questions heading into book 2.
4.5 Poison Apples
This book isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re not one for the dark and twisted bits of reality that are present in every page of this book, then turn away now. The author takes you on one hell of a journey, and there were times I hated it. Couldn’t keep reading, but at the same time I could not stop reading either. There’s so much about this story that hurt, bone deep hurt, but yet the glimmer of light and hope made it worth it. One hell of a read.
This is a debut novel from this author.
Let’s take a minute to process that…
THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL FROM THIS AUTHOR!! If this is her first book, I can’t even imagine what she will grace us with in the future! This is a must read book, and SK Rose is a must follow author!
Tessa is a young girl who knows better than anyone that life isn’t fair. Then, she meets her best friend who is the sunshine in her life. Unfortunately, life only continues to show her how unfair it can be. And yes, it ejds on a cliffhanger, BUT book 2 is coming out December 2018!
This book is one of those books where you get to the last page, and you just want to flip back to the first and read it all over again! My heart was torn to pieces, but this book is 100% worth it! You will be addicted to this series, and you will be a lifelong dedicated reader to SK Rose! Congratulations to SK Rose on an outstanding debut novel!
How to describe this book without spoilers… Everyone just needs to go get a copy and read it. Tessa was the abused and practically destroyed girl who did what she could to try to save herself. As a child she had one friend, Andrew, the boy next door, and their friendship was everything until her father killed him on her birthday. Tessa’s life is a struggle of abuse and neglect, and you see and feel her strength as she lives and copes.
The characters are amazingly well developed and real. You see Tessa’s interactions with each character, but you get to understand her actions and reactions. And when she meets Beth, then Drew, her whole life is changed, but not necessarily for the better.
There is a cliffhanger at the end that left me wanting to hunt down certain author, but that’s simply because this book is so amazing.
My heart is still racing!! I just finished this book and Oh Em Geeee! It’s one of those “stay up late, read at work, can’t put down” kind of reads… I’m obsessed with Tessa and Andrew and can’t wait til the next book comes out.
I honestly didn’t know what I was getting into when I picked up this book, but after meeting SK Rose at Wanderlust in Vegas, I knew I had to read it. And I am so glad I did.
The only disappointment I have is… how can this be the only book she’s written?? When I find a book I love… I stalk the author and read EVERYTHING they have out. So SK Rose…. pump out some more books! I’m an instant fan after reading Crowned with Guilt!
Wow. Stunning debut novel!
S K Rose is going straight on my list of insta-buy authors!
This book had it all. It made me cry, then it made me laugh, and swoon, and cry again.
But holy cow, that ending?! Seriously?! Wahhhhh!!!
Seriously. Read this book.
Crowned With Guilt is an amazing book that will rip your heart apart and start to put it back together. This is a story of abuse and the power of love and forgiveness. Crowned With Guilt ends in a cliffhanger, so you don’t get your HEA, but the emotions that you feel are real. Sadness, anger, love, forgiveness and utter shock. This book has more left turns than a NASCAR race.
Crowned With Guilt is everything and I can’t wait to see where the author goes with book 2.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
If you only ever read one book this year make sure it is this one. This is SK Rose’s debut novel. DEBUT!! Holy crap if she writes this amazing now I absolutely can not wait to see what other wonderful stories she comes out with. SK made these characters come to life, and pulled every single emotion out of me possible. No other book had ever made me full on ugly cry but I found myself sobbing while reading Crowned With Guilt. This book will leave you in a massive hangover/book funk.
My heart didn’t only break for Tessa, it shattered. All I wanted to do was give her a warm meal, hot bath, clean clothes, a comfortable bed and a great big ole hug. Andrew is the type of boy every mother hopes their son will grow into. His compassion for a little girl he just met is amazing. I wish there were so many more Andrews in the world.
This has been my #1 book recommendation to everyone. I usually get messages back telling me how much they love it and can’t wait for the next one.
Crowned with Guilt is so freaking good!!!! Tessa was dealt a crappy parental hand in life. One boy, who was her world, her only friend, her prince . . . . until he wasn’t. Tessa’s story will break your heart, make you think of her every time you hear “Don’t Fear the Reaper”, will make you angry for her and fall in love with Andrew. Even though there is a cliff hanger, and when you get to the end you’ll be fussin at S.K., it is totally worth it! But girlfriend needs to get on book 2!!!!
S.K. Rose has some serious talent! Dang! That book was amazing! Tortured, heart wrenching and beautiful! You fall in love with the characters and find yourself going along their journey with them. It makes you think twice about people and the masks they wear. Not happy about the clip hanger but I’ll get over it.
Ahhhh! No!! It can’t end like this!! I can’t wait for the next book, talk about a non-stop read! This book will tear your guts out and you’ll beg for more.
This book floored me. I loved it from beginning to end, getting so caught up in the story that I screamed when it ended. It’s a wonderful story and i can’t wait for the next one.
First off S.K. Rose this damn book is amazing!!! Tessa and Andrews story was so interesting.(in a good way) This damn book had me on the edge of my bed for hours. I read this book in a whole entire day. I hated that it ended. I’m soooo freaking mad that the second book isn’t out yet. I can’t wait! S.K. Rose you know how to rip a girls heart out and put it back together. If you have any thoughts about reading this book Just Do ItThis book is my new favorite of 2018.
Holy crap! This is a debut?? Where has S.K. Rose been hiding? This book is so well done. You need this book!
S.K. had me gripped from the start. My heart sank as I read the words she so expertly designed to paint the picture of a tragic life. She gives you hope only to violently rip it from your grasp. Do not let your guard down.
I found myself crying like a damn baby but other times sighing from the sweetness that only innocent children have.
Life got busy for me and I’m not sure if I’m happy or sad. Happy because I was able to enjoy the story over a few days but sad because for those few days it was all I thought about and my heart was heavy.
I have the worst book hangover now. Hold on to your heart. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.