• I’ve heard mixed reviews about this book. I’m excited because it’s a retelling of a story from 1000 Arabian nights. But the writing is taking a little to settle into.

• Tariq and Rahim are so endearing.

• I adore the sentiment of Tariq so much.

• Despina is a literal force of nature.

• This is so ignorant and I’m sorry for my ways, but can someone please tell me how to pronounce all these names! I mean, some of them I know. But even Shahrzad and Tariq, I’m not 100 percent certain on.

• Gotta love a good story within a story!!

• I mean, I know the story must go on and so she can’t die. But I actually though for a second…

• Tariq’s piety is just 💯💯🔥.

• I actually thought she was going to die. And then I was trying to decide which character would replace her as MC. So he was having second thoughts or it was an attack staged by someone else? I’m tinsey bit confused.

• OK, I know we don’t have a lot of information about these characters (because obviously the book has only lapsed 2 days) but I’m hoping in the next 30 pages or so we’ll start to discover what their back stories are and such but right now, I don’t have as much emotional attachment to the characters as I would hope, for more than 100 pages in.

• So who is Omar really, if giving him that piece of information was supposed to be harmless?

• I KNEW IT!! Omar is MORE than a servant.

• Khalid is surprised by that produce comment she made? He has not nearly spent enough time getting to know her character.

• I’m burning with curiosity. Please don’t make me wait for the next book to find out what his secret is!

• Tala is literally Jane Eyre, I think. I don’t know what’s in the cellar. Yet.

• Crap. Shahrzad’s dad isn’t going to sacrifice *ahem-kill* Rahim, is he??

• So many references to Arabian Nights. I love it and am excited to see how it’s all intertwined together.

• FLIP FLIP FLIP. Is Tariq now going to (attempt to) assassinate Khalid. And then what of whatever is going on with Khalid?

• I really feel for Tariq at this banquet.

• Also Salim is a repulsive excuse for a person.

• Why is Yasmine dancing like that for Khalid. She’s his half-sister LAWL. That would be a no-no.

• I just about had an heart attack while Tariq was in her bedroom, and I half expected Khalid to come in while they were kissing. Honestly. She’s moved on, and she hates it.

• I thought Tariq had it all together earlier in the book, I was like, “He’s a pretty rounded guy and he doesn’t have a super bad temper. Seems forgiving.” But he’s as much of a reflection of Khalid as Yasmine is of Shahrzad. Totally shipping Kalid and Shahzrad. I mean I know you’re supposed to root for them from the beginning, but I adore first loves.

• Wow, I’m surprised Jalal didn’t accuse her of betrayal. It’s refreshing and realistic. Yay for realism!!!

• Tariq called Jalal a boy. That’s bold of him. What’s all this talk of “boy” and such. They’re all like THE SAME AGE.

• That last line in the stables everyone!!!! What am I going to do? I’m not even close to having Rose and Dagger!!

• This was such a fun read I enjoyed every minute of it! I appreciated the fluidity of the writing and the relationship between Shahrzad and Khalid was heart warming. 5/10, I love retellings. Would definitely read again, and devour in an afternoon!!

• ON a surprising side-note. The love of roses didn’t strike me as cliché in this book which I really appreciated. The execution of it is just.