Sarah J. Maas Cutting thorns and roses The series, one of BookTok’s most popular series, is known for its intricate world-building and romances. From Feyre and Rhysand’s slow passion to the intense physical chemistry between Cassian and Nesta, each pair offers a unique and compelling love story. Before adaptation Cutting thorns and roses, there are specific romantic scenes that should definitely be depicted.
From stolen glances and handwritten notes to grand gestures and heartfelt confessions, ACOTAR There’s something for every Romantasy reader. Whether it’s Feyre and Rhysand’s starry reunion, Cassian and Nesta’s steamy romance, or Tamlin and Feyre’s bittersweet love story, we’ll explore the moments that resonated with fans around the world.
10
Feyre gives Rhysand the Ouroboros painting
The distinctly small ACOTAR book A Court of Ice and Starlight is often referred to as the series’ “holiday special,” and it’s easy to see why. Much of the book revolves around the lead-up to the Winter Solstice, the gifts the Inner Circle are choosing for each other, and whether or not Nesta will attend – which sets the focus on Nesta for the following book, A Court of Silver Flames. Whether readers love it or hate it, there are some cozy romantic moments in Frost and starlight.
Feyre’s Solstice gift to Rhysand is a prime example and one of the most romantic gestures in the series. Looking at The Mirror of Ouroboros was a significant moment in Feyre’s character development and self-acceptance. When she painted, she didn’t paint with the intention of anyone else seeing it. However, her ability to show Rhys the most vulnerable and ugliest parts of herself and for him to call the painting beautiful shows the strength and depth of Feysand’s bond.
9
Missing notes between Feyre and Rhysand
Another moment (or rather, a collection of moments) that falls into the category of romantic gestures rather than dialogue are the handwritten notes that Feyre and Rhysand send back and forth in A Court of Mist and Fury, and they are an important part of what makes the second book in the series such a compelling read. While the pair get to know each other more during this book, This device allows them to say things to each other that they couldn’t face to face at this point in its history.
The playful banter and flirty tone of your correspondence create anticipation and excitement.
The writing of the notes is especially moving because Rhys was the one who taught Feyre how to write. This process shows Rhys’ arrogant sense of humor; the first thing he gives Feyre is a note saying how “delicious” she looks, and when learning to write, she has to write statements like, “Rhysand is an amazing person.” This, combined with the exchange of flirtatious notes throughout the book, makes for the slow and very satisfying build to their romance. The playful banter and flirty tone of your correspondence create anticipation and excitement.
8
Tamlin writing a poem for Feyre
In the interest of balance, there are several charming moments of romance between Feyre and Tamlin in the first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses. One of them also has to do with Feyre’s illiteracy, and it’s interesting how different characters respond to this in their own way. Tamlin responds by writing down Feyre’s troublesome words when she is trying to learn to read in the Spring Court. When creating these personalized limericks, Tamlin not only helps her learn but also brings a smile to her faceshowing a happier and more captivating side of his personality.
The explanation behind the poems is a fundamental part of the Tamlin tradition; When he had to join his father’s warband, there were competitions to see who could write the dirtiest rhymes. To help Feyre learn and make her laugh in the process, he wrote down her problematic words and turned them into increasingly dirty poems. This demonstrates that he pays more attention to Feyre than the reader realizesand his humor is an underrepresented part of his character.
7
Tamlin and Feyre at the Summer Solstice
Even though many memories with Tamlin are tarnished later Cutting thorns and rosesthere are some truly beautiful chapters about Feyre and Tamlin’s romance in Cutting thorns and roses. One of them is the celebration of the Summer Solstice, a highlight of the first book. Despite Lucien’s warnings not to drink the fairy wine, Feyre gets drunk with him. Meanwhile, Tamlin plays the violin. Tamlin takes Feyre to a secluded meadowwhere they witness the mysterious, flickering lights of will-o’-the-wisps. After sharing a romantic dance, he kisses her passionately. The couple then watches the sunrise together.
The entire night was written beautifully, with Feyre feeling safe letting go of her inhibitions around Tamlin and enjoying being in Fae lands. Tamlin saying: “Dance, Feyre” shows that at one point their relationship was in a positive light and he I wanted her to relax and experience joysomething still strange for Feyre after a long period of poverty. Although their relationship later turns sour and suffocating, the Midsummer scene with all its flowers, fairy wine, and dancing shows how much Feyre needed careless joy in her life, without responsibilities.
6
Azriel giving Elain the truth teller
Perhaps offering a dagger is an odd choice of romantic gesture, but for Azriel it makes sense and is touching in its own way. Elain is woefully underdeveloped – perhaps deliberately, to get Elain a satisfying surprise in the next ACOTAR book. However, one consistency is that Azriel notices things about Elain that other characters don’t, and he doesn’t coddle her like the others do, despite being kind to her. Borrowing Elain Truthteller is the ultimate demonstration of not underestimating her like others do.
The Truth Teller has been Azriel’s preferred torture tool as Spymaster, and that’s also part of what makes the gesture meaningful – he’s telling her the truth himself, reminding Elain of who he is, while entrusting her with this weapon. that no one else has. used, not even Mor. However, the gesture is also very open to interpretation. “Truth Teller” is arguably named after Mor’s powers, so the image of passing a symbol of his love for Mor to Elain is questionable – it does, however, act as a symbol of Azriel protecting Elain, empowering her to defend herself.
5
Cassian’s words to Nesta in ACOWAR
The climate battle in A Court of Wings and Ruin provides a poignant backdrop to a surprising and emotional moment between Cassian and Nesta. Amid chaos and danger, Cassian, the typically brash and good-natured warrior, reveals a depth of feeling that is both unexpected and deeply moving.
His declaration of love, although not explicit, is clear and sincere. He regrets the lost time and promises to meet her in future lives to make up for it. This vulnerability, so different from his usual behavior, highlights the profound impact Nesta had on him. This contrasts sharply with his warrior personality, making the moment even more poignant:
“I have no regrets in my life, but this. That we didn’t have time. That I didn’t have time with you, Nesta. I will meet you in the next world – in the next life. And we will have that time. I promise.
Some readers commented that Cassiano does not return the statement “I love you” which Nesta tells him in A Court of Silver Flames – however, without a doubt, moments of dialogue like this express the same feeling. This particular scene is even more romantic in retrospect, after they develop their bond.
4
Rhys and Feyre’s ACOWAR Reunion
The pain of separation between companions Rhysand and Feyre is palpable in A Court of Wings and Ruin, especially given the situation, with Feyre having to suppress and disguise their mating bond. When Feyre finally overthrows the Spring Court and returns to the Night Court, their reunion is incredibly touching. Feyre faints in tears – “Rhys moved instantly, but my legs were already giving out. The carpet in the lobby cushioned the impact when I fell to my knees.” and Rhys wipes away his tears, saying: “My love” – the dialogue is simple but conveys relief and affection so well.
This entire section of the book masterfully portrays not only Feyre’s relief at being back with her mate, but also back in the Night Court where she truly belongs as High Lady. In this reunion we learned how much Rhys is falling apart in Feyre’s absenceand how she is esteemed in Velaris. She doesn’t feel awkward around her chosen family: “I didn’t care that we had an audience when I looked up and saw the joy, concern and love shining in those remarkable eyes.”
3
Rhys and Feyre in Starfall
The Starfall chapter is just another reason why A Court of Mist and Fury is a favorite among ACOTAR readers. It’s also a great example of why Romantasy isn’t just simple smut – scenes like this really develop your emotional connection and romance as well as their friendship, and it is beautifully written. Starfall is an annual celestial event, a breathtaking spectacle where spirits migrate across the night sky. Its beauty is so captivating that even the reclusive inhabitants of Hewn City, the Court of Nightmares itself, emerge to witness the celestial spectacle.
Feyre shares joy with Rhys during this event – “True, open, delighted and kind laughter.” Feyre paints a star on Rhysand’s hand, which is a subtly intimate gesture in itself, and realizes how long it has been since she painted it – and the meaning of painting again on it. She notices how happy he looks without a trace of his High Lord mask and smiles. Rhysand tells her to do it again, highlighting how long it has been since Feyre has truly smiled and that she is beaming because of him.
2
Cassian and Nesta’s Solstice Scene
The first half of A Court of Silver Flames may test the patience of some readers, but Maas rewards your perseverance with a truly moving and well-deserved reward in the second half. The stage is meticulously set, emphasizing Nesta’s deep connection to music and the emotional meaning it has for her. Maas tantalizingly withheld a potential gift exchange between Cassian and Nesta in A Court of Ice and Starlightmaking the eventual gift in this novel all the more poignant.
Cassiano’s gift – the Symphony – is a silver orb that evokes a symphony orchestra inside the room, recreating the music of the Solstice ball. To make this gift even more personal, he sought out the taverns Nesta frequented and asked the musicians to play her songs, capturing her essence within the orb. This gesture not only demonstrates your deep understanding of Nesta’s love for music but it also means acceptance of a period in her life that is a source of shame for Nesta. It’s a beautiful moment that solidifies the bond they verbally accept in the same scene.
1
Rhys and Feyre accepting the mating bond
The icing on the cake A Court of Mist and Fury it was Rhysand appearing at the cabin. Feyre has been alone in the isolated cabin, privately coming to terms with the fact that they have a mating bond and processing why Rhys withheld this information from her, especially while she was with Tamlin. Mor also visits her and helps her mentally navigate the idea of being Rhys’ companion and part of his court. When Rhys arrives, it becomes clear that The emotional payoff for your slow burn is about to arrive – “No more games, no more jokes.”
In an incredible return to the first book, Maas offers details in a whole new light. Feyre painted the night sky in her drawer in her sisters’ bedroom at the cottage because, deep down, She knew that one day she would end up in the Night Court. Furthermore, Rhys’ words, “There you are. I’ve been looking for you” of Cutting thorns and roses are given a new gravitas considering the pair were waiting for each other. In the context of their romance, this seemingly insignificant sentence turns into something very emotionally charged.