Naeryn is on the threshold of womanhood, which means her dream of establishing her own House among the highest tiers of Fudorian society is only two short years away. There, Naeryn can raise children as she’s always longed to do and become respected as a moral pillar of the community. But first she must attract a husband. Sent to finishing school, this gentle soul is left without any friends that might provide guidance. What skills should she pursue? Without knowing the man her strong-willed mother might choose for her, it’s a challenge to find focus. Should Naeryn fail at her Debut, she will not be permitted to become a mother, and instead must settle for employment in a man’s business.

When she meets Gianetta, a headstrong young woman who has no interest in marriage, Naeryn makes a connection she can’t quite define. Gianetta strives to join a business and is passionate to change the strict Fudorian gender dichotomy—despite it providing centuries of stable, efficient governance. Though opposites in temperament, talents, and aspirations, the two young women become devoted to one another’s happiness…until Naeryn falls in love with a rakishly handsome knight. When Gianetta misguidedly charges to the rescue, the lives of both women begin to unravel.

Banished to a convent, Naeryn is isolated from all she knew and loved: her city, her hopes, and Gianetta. As she begins learning magic to salvage a future for herself, she has only her letter-writing to keep her company and keep her sane. She must learn to support herself, stand up to her mother’s plans for her, and defend the one she loves.

Briar & Thorn is a 101k word queer romance in the style of Jane Austen’s Persuasion written for a well-read contemporary New Adult audience. Set in a small corner of a larger fantasy world, it combines knights, correspondence, debut dances, magic nuns, intrigue and Naeryn’s search for a happily ever after.

Reviews:

"Considering I managed to read it in a day, I’d say that the pacing and length was great. I like that the plot picks up pace consistently as the novel goes on, so that by the time you reach the end, you look back and can see just how far Naeryn (and yourself as the reader) have come. Naeryn is immediately likeable, and I was rooting for her from the start. Each mistake or stumble was completely relatable, so even when she would do something that I, as the reader, would deem foolish, I also acknowledged that there was a time when I was also foolish, and so though I cringe, I am also entirely sympathetic. And then, when she begins to grow and evolve and take back control of her life, I’m there cheering her on, imagining being her hype-man, completely satisfied with how her story ends." -- Jess F.


"Nailed the 18th century style for the modern audience. The touch of magic was subtle rather than over the top ... giving the tale a sense of authenticity. Astra handled the themes with a maturity and wisdom beyond her years. The philosophical aspects, controversies, challenges, frustrations, perceived societal ‘norms’ & eventual outcome were clear and revealed through all aspects of character discussion and behaviour." -- Marcia Mae Nelson Pedde, author


"The world was so engaging!  I loved exploring Ul-Zaorith through Naeryn’s eyes.  I loved the ideas of casting a la an electricity plant, I loved the blatant history constantly woven into every little thing.  I loved the holidays and religious ceremonies. I felt very immersed in the world. There were so many emotions going around, and Naeryn is a very likeable character.  It was very engrossing to see her getting involved with and struggling against so many obstacles - I really felt she deserved a happily ever after, after everything she’d been through." -- Kaitie R.