The Galamere Chronicles · #2

Once Upon A Rose

Name: Once Upon A Rose
Rating: 10 (1 reviews)
Author: Gabrielle Landi

Gabrielle Landi

Fantasy Cozy Fantasy Dragons Fairy Tale Retellings Shapeshifters Retellings Romance Small Town

10.0 / 10

1 rating

1 review

A cursed lord, a feisty librarian, and their disguised pet dragon.

Being the first librarian in their small town is everything Beatrice Montgomery has ever dreamed of–except no one in town knows what to make of her, or the library. But spending her days surrounded by books is an occupation beyond her wildest dreams, and she'll do whatever it takes to make the library a success.

Lord Alexander Dunham's time is running out. Providing for his estate and the people dependent on him before his curse ruins his life is his first priority--and that means he needs a wife, immediately. Proposing a marriage of convenience to the feisty librarian seems like the perfect plan: he gets a wife, she gets funds for her library, and the sorcerer trying to steal his estate gets nothing.

Even with his lips sealed about the curse, a transforming dragon watching his every move, and a wife who's winning over everyone on their estate, their marriage of convenience should have solved all of Alexander's problems. Unfortunately, he's falling for his wife, and it's causing a new problem: he's no longer willing to die. Can Alexander and Beatrice outwit the most powerful sorcerer in the Northlands, or will Beatrice lose the man she's growing to love?

Once Upon A Rose is a Beauty and the Beast fairytale retelling and the second book in the Galamere Chronicles. Each standalone book is a retelling of a beloved story or fairy tale, with the swoon-worthy sweet romance of a Hallmark movie, the wholesome and heartwarming feeling of cozy fantasy, and the comfort of a found family of friends, with a sprinkling of danger and a dash of magic.

Tropes:

❤️ Marriage of Convenience
❤️ Beauty and the Beast Retelling
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Grumpy/Sunshine

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Published: March 19, 2025

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The Galamere Chronicles

The series

Full series details →

In The Galamere Chronicles, the line between myth and reality is razor-thin, and the fate of a world teetering on the edge of chaos rests in the hands of those brave enough to confront the darkness that binds it. Set in the mystical lands of Galamere, where ancient forces stir beneath the surface of a fractured kingdom, this series explores the tangled destinies of a cast of characters bound by power, prophecy, and a shared desire to reshape their world.

Read full series description

At the heart of this epic tale is the young but fiercely determined Arlen Caelus, a gifted seer who has long been haunted by cryptic visions of a crumbling empire. Torn between her visions of the future and the struggles of her present, Arlen must grapple with her own identity while confronting the shadowy figures who seek to exploit her abilities for their own ends.

Joined by an unlikely band of allies—each carrying their own burdens and secrets—Arlen embarks on a journey that takes her deep into the heart of Galamere’s forgotten histories. Along the way, she will uncover hidden truths about the kingdom’s origins, challenge the oppressive forces of the ruling elite, and face the terrifying reality that the future she sees may be one of destruction, not salvation.

The Galamere Chronicles blends political intrigue, powerful magic, and rich world-building into a narrative that will draw readers in with its complexity and emotional depth. Galamere itself is a character, with its towering cities, sprawling wilderness, and ancient ruins that whisper of a time long past. As the series unfolds, secrets are revealed, alliances shift, and the true nature of power—both magical and political—becomes clear.

In this world, every choice has consequences, and those who dare to alter the course of destiny must be prepared to sacrifice everything. With its gripping storyline, richly developed characters, and haunting atmosphere, The Galamere Chronicles is a tale of transformation, rebellion, and the unyielding pull of fate. Each page turns like a revelation, pulling readers deeper into a story that is as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.

#1 · 2024Once Upon An Apple

#2 · 2025Once Upon A Rose

#3 · 2025Once Upon A Pumpkin

#4 · 2026Once Upon A Cat

#5 · 2026Once Upon A Bear

#6 · 2027Once Upon A Goat

2024Once Upon A Café

2024Of Peace and Presents

2025Once Upon A Cake

2025Tales of Cake And Comfort

2025The Galamere Chronicles: Volume One

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What Risingshadow readers think about this book

Chelsea K2025-03-17

This was a really fun Retelling of Beauty and the Beast and I loved reading about Beatrice & Lord Alexander Dunham as well as Rose (Alexander's pet Kitten / Dragon), she was so adorable. All the characters in this story were a lot of fun and I enjoyed seeing how everything came together in the end. This story can be read as a standalone (I haven't read Once Upon An Apple or Once Upon A Cake yet) but does have characters from previous books so I am sure it adds another level of enjoyment if you have read previous books. I am also looking forward to reading more about Dietrich in the next book Once Upon A Pumpkin: A Cozy Fantasy Cinderella Retelling as well as learning about the girl he met that moved next door to his mother.

The Galamere Chronicles Series
Once Upon An Apple: A Cozy Fantasy Snow White Retelling: Sophia & Lord Caspian Rendon
Once Upon A Cake: A Cozy Fantasy Little Mermaid Retelling: Thea & Nathaniel
Once Upon A Rose: Beatrice & Lord Alexander Dunham
Once Upon A Pumpkin: A Cozy Fantasy Cinderella Retelling: Dietrich & ?

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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