Synopsis:
Blythe Hawthorn has never let anyone tell her what to do . . . and she’s not about to start now.
Headstrong and passionate, she won’t be ruled by society, or by her overprotective father, and certainly not by the man she’s bound herself to, no matter how insufferable he is. She’s determined to be a thorn in his side for the rest of her days, even as he ensues that her life in his palace is anything but the decadent fairytale she imagined.
But as Blythe discovers a new side of herself linked to his past, she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to let an unexpected spark ignite . . . and discover the real truth about who she is inside.
Review:
Reading Wisteria has been a long time coming and oh boy did I love this. The entire Belladonna series has been incredible but Wisteria really takes the cake. While I didn’t devour this book very quickly, I did still love reading it. It’s been a while since I gave a book five stars so I’m more than happy to give one here.
In the years since reading the first two books in this series I’d forgotten just how cutting Signa could be. I love the scene when she stands up for Blythe by being catty towards Diana Blackwater – and not for the first time too. Part of me wishes this book had a dual POV as I really miss Signa and Death but I adore Blythe and Aris.
Blythe took every opportunity she had to make a comment about how unnerving Signa could be and it’s actually hilarious. These characteristics weren’t something you were aware of in the previous books as they’re Signa’s perspective. “Perhaps the couple filled their evenings staring into each other’s eyes and seeing who could be the most unnerving and go the longest without blinking.” and “like Signa, he did not blink nearly as much as he ought to. What an unnerving couple they made.” I love Signa but these really made me laugh.
Also random note but Blythe visits Signa in her new home and it’s called ‘Fiore’ which instantly made me question what it was in reference to. My heart says Fairy Tail or Pokemon but that’s not likely as it’s Italian for ‘flower’ and this series is named after plants.
There’s nothing better in an enemies to lovers book than “prove it” and one of them calling the other a term of endearment just to rile them up. Aris often calls Blythe “love”, which to be honest didn’t outright rile her up but it did make me do a little smirk every time he said it – impatiently waiting for it to turn from sarcastic to genuine.
Wisteria starts with their wedding and pretty much the first thing Aris says to Blythe at the altar is “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world, my darling. Though do feel free to divorce me tomorrow.” They spend the majority of the book exchanging quips like this and it gave me life (pun intended).
Also, Aris is quite possibly one of the most dramatic book characters I’ve ever read “It’s no matter, though, as her pathetic human life will soon pass and one day I shall build my bed atop her bones and sleep soundly for the rest of eternity.” Imagine saying this about your wife on your wedding day.
Some of their other interactions I absolutely loved were:
- “What of the people? The staff? Your father believes you are a princess.”
“Then make me a princess. You are Fate, are you not? If what I’m asking for is beyond your ability, then you are weaker than I was led to believe.”
“Beyond my ability?” Such words hit their mark, striking Aris as fiercely as if she’d slapped him across the face. “There is nothing that’s beyond my ability, you petulant girl.” - “Speak one more word to my wife,” Aris growled, “and I will tear your tongue from your throat.”
I also need to give a special mention to “Burn was too casual a word, for Blythe did not burn for this man; she incinerated.” Not sure if this was intended as a Bridgerton reference, but if it is 1. Nice 2. This is so much better than the Bridgerton quote. The passion involved in enemies to lovers is unmatched.
I feel like there’s not too much story wise I could comment on without giving huge spoilers, but a lot of Wisteria is pretty obvious really. Discovering Life and finding out about Fate’s backstory was magical as was the whole of Wisteria from start to finish. What a way to end a series (unless you count the holiday novella which I’m yet to even buy, but I definitely will).
This review is a little all over the place but this is very common for five star reviews when it comes to me. I couldn’t recommend the Belladonna series more.
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