Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the arc of this book!
To say this book confused me but had me gripped is an understatement. This book moved in such a fast pace for only taking place in a week. At times I felt it hard to keep up with what was happening and if anything I feel I am left with more questions than I started with.
However, will I be reading the second book? Absolutely.
The characters I presumed I wouldn’t like had depth and left me with questioning their motives leading me to wonder why. The ending of the book was a great cliffhanger but knowing I have to wait until November is hard!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book

I am sorry in advance!

Well I have a lot of things to say about this, and unfortunately most of them are not positive.

The good things:
- The story becomes quite interesting after the first few chapters are over
- The magic system has the potential to be really interesting if another book comes out, I would be interested to see how it develops
- Good set up for the next book
- Interesting ending!

To point out a few of the major things that made me not really love it:
- The main story only really starts to pick up halfway through the book
- There are so many interesting things brought up that kind of felt like they were forgotten about and plotpoints that could've been exploited more to drive the story home
- The sidekick characters genuinely just felt like they were there to drive the plot with no personality or interesting story of their own
- The main character gives me whiplash with how she oscillates between emotions and thoughts
- A lot of tell, not show, which eventually became quite the drag to read unfortunately

I really enjoyed the concept of this book, both fantasy but also dystopian. As soon as it said it was for those who love the “blood and ash” series I knew it would be a hit for me. I read this in two sittings over two days as I couldn’t stop! Very well done!

Our main character is a Cerise (someone with magical powers) named Khiara whose life mission is to get revenge on those who have killed her family. While getting into some trouble, with her best friend Ezra, she finds herself entering a culling to potentially become the next queen in order to save him. Some things she does are impulsive and you want to question her why?! but, it didn’t take away from how strong of a female character she is. She is relatable and frankly a badass and I can’t wait to learn more about her and the array of powers she has.

There are two love interests introduced, Bash (the Prince) and Riot (Bash’s personal guard). I wouldn’t be upset with whom she ends up with and I’m curious how these relationships will develop in book two. She has chemistry with both and different relationships with both but I definitely have a favorite (ahem Riot).

The world building was very well done and I could picture everything perfectly in my mind while reading, and loving, every page. While I love a cliffhanger I also hate them at the same time as I can’t stand waiting for the next one. But I’m SO looking forward to the next release.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this e-arc and opportunity to read and review a fantastic book.

All I can say is wow.

I read this entire book in one night I was sucked in from the first chapter. The plot is captivating and the pacing is just perfect.

I found myself giggling and kicking my feet like a teenage girl and that’s exactly what I want when I read a book.

Our FMC is witty and charming and just a blessing to read about. I can’t even describe how much I loved her.

I’m so sad I have to wait for the next book.

Firstly, the cover is eye-catching and immediately draws you in. I agree that it definitely has a sense of From Blood and Ash about it (one of my favourite series). A strong FMC is also nice and refreshing. Looking forward to reading the next one.

This was a great book. I loved the setting and the plot. If you loved the selection books as a teen I think you will live this book.

I really liked the book. It was quite interesting with all the world building and the lore. Definitely a nice read.

The selection vibes were also a nice touch. Definitely give this a try if you're into quick fantasy reads.

It did feel a bit rushed and slow at times. So the pacing could've been done better.

My only issues: Khiara tried to act too much like Poppy from FBAA and like her, didn't show that she has fighting skills. All the men are so creepy and disgusting. The best friend uncle, the king, the prince, his guard..every single one of them is gross. Is there no normal man in this story? The Bash-Khiara-Riot thing was a bit icky. The cheating, the lying..ew.

But overall, its a nice short fantasy novel you can finish in one sitting.

dnf at 55%

I think the story has potential and the concept is intriguing. However, the pacing just felt all over the place, and a lot of things were not making sense. From the beginning the reader is left with a lot of questions, setting the story up for answers as we read more. A lot of those set ups were still unanswered halfway through the story, to the point where it seemed as though it was forgotten about.
I do think with maybe a bit more editing the story could flow a lot better, for me personally it just wasn't working.

I am HOOKED! This book has a captivating plot, lovable characters, and amazing tension. A must read for any fans of JLA’s From Blood and Ash. With so many questions left unanswered, I already can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I loved the world building and the entire dystopian concept of this book.

It was really interesting to read about the Cerise and how the red haired were considered abnormal and dangerous in this world. I do think that the fmc Khiara was too impulsive at times which was infuriating as she kept chasing trouble and falling into it.

The author added two love interests, but this is not a love triangle as towards the end Khiara gravitated more towards one person. I would have preferred the romance to be between her and Bash rather than Riot as it didn't feel too realistic. Riot was too hot and cold with her. At first, he hated her, so I found it hard to believe feelings being developed between them so fast.

Apart from the romance, everything else was spot on and I definitely plan on reading the next book whenever its published.

Some of my spoilery thoughts on different chapters has been posted in my Goodreads review as we can't use spoilers here.

The only reason this book didn’t get a full five stars is because I found myself a little lost a couple of times, but otherwise, it has everything I want in a book. Enemies to lovers. Unexplainable connections. Magic. Corrupt royalty and a competition for the prince’s hand.

But man… I do not know who to trust! Khiara is a bad ass but what is going on with these men??? I don’t know who is the bad guy, if we’ve got a love triangle going on, or why she has these far off memories of people she hasn’t even met before. And now I have to wait until NOVEMBER???? Not fair. This is so good.
Riot, Bash, Jinx… is it safe to love any of you? I NEED TO KNOW. New favorite fantasy story unlocked.

Honestly... this book has left me so confused.
The main character is such a mess of emotions it's frustrating.
The plot felt like it went nowhere and finally when we were getting somewhere the book ends.

Wow, what an adventure and the cliffhanger was out of this world, when I tell you I finished this book in less than a day...
If you are a avid reader of magic in an unforgiving world, she doesn't fall first but wow does she fall harder romance, or a revenge mission that goes not quiet as Khiara planned then this book is for you.
The character building is incredible and felt with all the characters that grow on you, the growth with just Khiara is something you feel in your heart as you read, and don't get me started on the world building you can really tell the author put their all into this book.
If I had to offer any criticism it would be the cliffhanger, nothing bad about it, I just can't stop thinking about what is going to happen next in Khiara's story.
The Cerise is most certainly going on my favorites shelf. 10/10 recommend this book, I know I will be reading it again while waiting for the next part of a jaw dropping adventure.

I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did and I'm looking forward to reading more. I need to know more about the daughters of legend and see more of the culling process.

DNFing at 35% I picked this up because of the cover but it was a little too choppy for me to get through. It took until about 30% for the culling to really be mentioned and I was very confused to what they were talking about. I stopped where I did because of how Khiara talks to Jessup. It seems pretty unrealistic that Jessup would let Khiara tell him to shut his mouth when he is physically abusing his wife in public. I did like the idea of the book though, just wish it was executed a little better!

“blood was the key to it all. it cursed, and it cured, but not without cost.”

OML, bailey black, that cliffhanger?! 😨 seriously criminal! gonna be stressing about my babies till november. but, like, i can't wait! 🤭

and, guys, EVERYONE needs to read this book RN! it's seriously awesome, loved it so much. just a tiny issue, but it's almost close to perfection. the world-building, the plot, and OML, THE CHARACTERS 🥹. such a ride, and getting that ARC approval made my week. bailey, you rocked my world with this book, even though you also shattered it with that cliffhanger! 😵‍💫

➛ tropes:
⤷ a witch in a world where magic is illegal
⤷ a rescue mission
⤷ a touch of enemies to lovers
⤷ a revenge mission
⤷ he falls first she falls harder
⤷ 2 love interests (not a reverse harem nor a love triangle)
— genre’s: fantasy, romance

➛ plot summary:
so, there's this girl khiara, right? she's on a mission to save her friend, ezra, who's stuck in the kingdom dungeons fighting for his life. she can't just let him die, but walking into the castle? risky move 😬. but, guess what? with some unexpected allies, she dives into the culling - this one-time shot at becoming queen. khiara's not into winning the prince heart or the crown; she just wants to storm the castle, find her friend, and bounce before they figure out she's a cerise.

sounds cool on paper, huh? but when the welcome ball on the first night turns into a messed-up dance of death, everyone's eyes are on khiara. and as if that's not wild enough, the soldier who killed her whole family back then is also there. yeah, khiara's in for a crazy ride 😭

➛ the writing:
okay, so that little issue i mentioned? yeah, the start of this book was a bit of a drag 🥱. seriously, it felt like forever to get into it, and i almost gave up, but thank the stars i didn't because i would've missed out on this masterpiece. for me, things started getting good around 37%, and from there, it was just up, up, up 😍. loved every second, it became a total page-turner. i was hooked, couldn't do anything else but read to find out what happens.

around 60%, i was loving this book so much that i didn't want it to end 😣. had to force myself to drop it for like 8 hours before i was back to clinging desperately to it. yeah, i'm seriously attached. the writing is cool – it's a fantasy, but not all fancy and complicated. easy to read, kinda contemporary vibe, and i'm all about it. plus, the second half's pacing was spot-on, had me on edge till the end. super awesome! 😋

꒰🕸️ ⌗ khiara:
⤷ little bird / princess
SPITFIRE! 🔥 i'm telling you, i'm lowkey obsessed with this girl 😫. i'm all about those strong, badass female main characters, and khiara is owning that title. her no-nonsense attitude is off the charts, seriously remarkable. even with her whole family death, she's standing strong, doing her thing. she's independent as heck, fights her battles solo, but hey, if someone decent comes along, she won’t say no 🫣

and her sass? legendary. khiara's comebacks to the mean girls in the culling? priceless 😂. she demands respect, and you better believe she gets it. overall, she's on a mission for revenge and justice for her family and all the cerise’s. if you're into fierce female leads, khiara's your girl. i'm legit in love with her, and bonus, she kinda reminds me of alizeh from this woven kingdom. anyway, did i mention i love her? like, a lot 🤭💘

꒰👑 ⌗ bash:
he's legit charming, like giving off major jacks vibes from once upon a broken heart. so witty, it's hilarious, feisty, and sweet all rolled into one. i'm loving how he instantly clicked with khiara and has been glued to her side ever since 🥹. she's got him wrapped around her finger, and it's just adorable how into her he is. he's like a super welcome highlight to the story, seriously awesome, no lie. can't wait to see what he's up to in the next book, especially after that ending 👀

꒰🗡️ ⌗ riot:
OML, let's finally talk about riot because HOLY MOLY, #teamriot all the way! 😍 this guy is a whole mood. he's like hazan from this woven kingdom, but cranked up to a hundred in the sexiness department. riot is the bomb, seriously. he's this perfect mix of sweet and hot, protective, witty, and sassy – just like khiara. and get this, he COOKS for her. like, cook for me, and i'm head over heels! 😫 plus, he'd probably kill anyone who even glances at khiara. total gentleman move – he gives her his coat so she won't freeze, like, all the time! i'm just in love, major swoon vibes! 🥹

oh, and did i mention jealous riot? hell yeah! he's like a sulking baby when he's jealous, and it's freaking adorable. like, let me kiss that frown off your face! 🤭 and his mouth? unreal. wink wink 🤪. when he talks, i'm on the floor every time. the things he says about khiara, to her – it's all too much. i just NEED riot to be endgame, you feel me? 😣

꒰🕊️ ⌗ khiara and bash:
so, these two haven't hit the relationship gas pedal like khiara and riot, but they're chill and comfy together. their interactions? super cute. right now, though (early days, you know?), they seem more like tight pals than anything romantic. but hey, who knows? things might spice up in the next book. for now, it's all cozy and platonic vibes. 🤷🏾‍♀️

꒰❤️‍🔥 ⌗ khiara and riot:
if these two ain't endgame, i swear i’m gonna riot, 'cause OML, they're just perfect for each other, and i'm dying to see more of them 😭. the chemistry is off the charts, and the tension? i can't even! and that spicy scene? hold up, i did not see that coming – jaw on the floor moment, for real 😳. these two might just be the death of me, but i want them together, crazy in love, forever and ever 😋. they're adorable, perfect, match made in heaven – i'm all heart eyes for them. yeah, my review might be a bit biased, but can you blame me? these two are the real deal, and i can't help but gush about it. 😍🔥

➛ overall.
"the cerise" is a magical, mind-blowing adventure. the twists, the characters, the plot – it grabs you and won't let go 🤭. it's out everywhere, so seriously, grab it. if you loved “the selection” and “from blood and ash,” this is your jam. also, if you vibed with “once upon a broken heart” and “this woven kingdom,” trust me, you'll be screaming about this one too!

P.S. november 5th, come faster! 😫

”thank you netgalley, booksgosocial, and the author for sending me a copy of this e-arc. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”

I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did, because books that are compared to “ The Selection” have mostly disappointed me over the years and never come up to my expectations. But boy, did this book exceed every one! I loved the vibes throughout the entire thing and read it all in one sitting which I rarely do anymore.
Our main character is Khiara and she is a Cerise, someone with magical powers, and typically red hair. Her family was killed, and she's made it her life's mission to get revenge and to do so she has to enter the Culling to potentially become the next queen. I loved Khiara, she's a super strong female character and a total badass and her character development was super good.
We seem to have 2 love interests, Bash the prince and Riot his soldier and honestly I won’t be upset if she ends up with one or the other. I enjoy both but the book doesn’t seem to be a why choose so I’m curious on who she’ll end up with. ( Please be Riot just bc ) . She has good chemistry with both and I’m excited to find out who it is in the next book.
The world building in this story is also extremely good and I found myself loving every second of it. The only downside to this book in its entirety was the cliffhanger at the end. Like I don’t think I’ll be able to survive that long without knowing what's happening next!
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really good book. Good magic system and decent world-building with a likeable main character.

However, I have a lot of unanswered questions and it ends on a cliffhanger. The plot is a good, but I have more questions than answers from the first book. I hope the second book ties some of this together.

3.75 stars!!

If you loved the Selection series, if you love cool powerful witchy magic, if you like the FMC being called nicknames (emphasis on nicknameS!!), if you like your fantasy with a little intrigue of "what on earth is happening here," then the Cerise is for you!

Khiara is at risk of being murdered- because she's a redhead. No, not because the king just really hates gingers, but because red hair in this world typically signals a person with magical powers, and that is something that will not do! Through a wild series of events that involve some light ransom of her best friend, Khiara enters the Culling, a Selection-style event held at the palace where the prince is meant to pick his future bride from 12 (in this case 13! what a good witchy number!) eligible bachelorettes. With some fun twists, and a love triangle that's not quite a love triangle, Khiara finds herself torn between the prince (who she had met before, and feels extra familiar to her for unknown reasons) and the head of his guard (who seemingly hates her, but is it a cover for something?).

This book was a fun addition into the romantasy genre, and that CLIFFHANGER left me waiting excitedly for book 2 so I can check some of my theories when trying to understand what just happened!!

Thank you so much to Bailey Black and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review! The Cerise is out now!

"Cerise" by Bailey Black introduces a trio that steals the spotlight – Khiara, Bash, and Riot. These characters bring a dynamic energy that elevates the narrative. Khiara, with her unapologetic sass and charisma, adds a layer of complexity to the story. Her character is a refreshing departure from conventional archetypes.

Bash, the charming counterpart, brings a magnetic presence to the ensemble. His interactions with Khiara are a highlight, injecting humor and warmth into the plot. Their chemistry contributes to the novel's engaging enemies-to-lovers dynamic.

Riot, the wild card, introduces an unpredictable element that keeps the reader on their toes. The contrast between Riot's impulsiveness and the calculated nature of the others creates a fascinating dynamic. The interactions within this trio form a captivating subplot, adding depth to the overall narrative.

While the focus on Khiara, Bash, and Riot enhances the book's appeal, certain pacing issues and predictable plot twists prevent it from reaching its full potential. Nevertheless, their presence contributes significantly to the charm of "Cerise," earning it a solid 3.5 stars. Fans of character-driven narratives and intricate relationships will find this trio's story arc a compelling aspect of the book.