The Red, An Erotic Fantasy, Tiffany Reisz

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance,Erotica

I love Tiffany Reisz' stories, so well written, so full of interesting twists and turns and I have read and reread all the Original Sinners novels. So was really excited to get this, a novel "written" by Nora Sutherlin. I think its the book she's writing in the very first of the series...I could be wrong on that. 
Sadly, it Just Wasn't One for Me, surprised me, shocked me that I really didn't like it, I just didn't expect that. I was looking forward to a typical sensual on the edge Tiffany read and what I got was something that made me seriuosly uncomfortable reading,  it's fantasy possibly, but its presented as real, Mona thinks its real, we don't really know when it happens what's real, whether she's dreaming, drugged, or having a genuine experience.

There were parts I enjoyed, the art links to the sex scenes, they were cleverly done and interesting, fitted the art gallery link, I loved the way the story winds round full circle and ties up so neatly.
Set against that though I found some of the sex scenes too disturbing - even gave me bad dreams...I'm very prone to them so avoid anything likely to set those off, my mind takes an idea and runs with it. This story though takes a direction I didn't expect, not the spicy, sensual and edgy OS scenes I'm used to but ones with a supernatural edge that I feel uncomfortable with. 

So, my BDSM knowledge comes purely from books, especially Original Sinners ones, so SSC and RACK are terms I agree with.
However the sex here takes a twist so that really Mona isn't consenting, isn't aware of risks she's taking and the big bugbear - she has no safe-word. She signs a blank cheque for anything Malcolm wants to do to here almost. Is that consent? Is that Safe and Sane? Risk Aware? I don't think so, and I'm uncomfortable with scenes where she isn't consenting, even if she does enjoy what happens.
If someone orgasms does that make it not rape for example? That defence wouldn't and shouldn't work in real life or books IMO.
Throw in the Satyrs and the Minotaur and it was a step too far for me, a little too animalistic. I love fantsy and paranormal so I'm used to werewolves having sex, but they don't do it in their werewolf or part werewolf form – well, not in the books I like.
There's a thin line between art and porn whether its sculptures, paintings or writings and this for me is reaching the wrong end of the scale. I can see others love it, and that's great but for me its a step too far.
I enjoyed the story, thought it had a clever twist - a few clever twists, but I didn't like the execution of some of the sex scenes.
I've loved all the OS ones, but this book just isn't right for me. 

Stars: Two, a clever and intriguing story but the turn the sex scenes took was not right for me. Others love it, only you know what's right for you.  

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

Rated 4.5 Stars

The Red is an unholy fuckfest that I enjoyed immensely. I loved the premise of it and the execution of it. It kept my attention from start to finish and also kept me hot and bothered. If you're in the mood for an erotic romance I definitely recommend this book.

My first read of the author and a nice introduction.

3.5 stars
I loved the Original Sinners series, so when I saw this book from Tiffany, I couldn't wait to read it!

Well... I must confess I honestly don't know what to think about this book.
When her mother passed away, Mona has promised her to do all she could to save The Red, her Art Gallery.
Then one night, she receives an offer she can't refuse... Malcolm offers her money to use her body for one year, with encounters 1 or 2 per month.

I have to admit I didn't like all of the sex scenes... which sometimes describe some facts way too much for me. But the descriptions are original : each scene is based on a real painting.
I loved so much the Art, omnipresent in the book. I really found that side of the story interesting and I really loved to learn more about the stories behind the paintings.

Tiffany succeeded again to take the reader with her in her world and we really want to know what's going to happen! Even if I didn't like the sexe scenes, I wanted to read more, to know the truth about Malcolm, to understand how everything was possible. I didn't expect this ending, at least not all of it. I found it a little bit too fast, and I wonder if a sequel is planned.

Anyway, I loved to read again Tiffany's writing style, her gift to take us in her universe and teach us many things based on a real documentation.

I am a diehard fan of the Original Sinners series, so as soon as I found out "Nora" was writing a book, I was counting down the days until its release. And what a release it is.

The Red is an erotic fantasy, meaning there are supernatural elements at play. It's important to keep this in mind. This isn't the kind of erotica you've come to expect from Tiffany. It will push your limits and nudge you out of your comfort zone. But that's what I love about Tiffany's books. She challenges her readers with her stories. She tries to get them to withhold judgment. And, trust me, with this book, you'll be tempted to judge—Mona for her decisions and Malcolm for his acts.

That said, if you love art (which is used so well in this book), graphic (and lots of!) sex, and using your imagination, you will LOVE this book.

I was nuts over this book—the first 75% of it. After that, I stumbled a bit over the plot, which really yanked me out of the world I had been immersed in. The end answered many of the questions you wonder while reading, but it still left me wanting more. I'd leave my questions/comments here, but I don't want to give anything away. Its best to go into this book without any idea of what you'll be experiencing.

Pre-75%, I would've given this book 10 stars. Post-75%, 4 stars. In the end, it deserves 5. This book made me stretch and, in my opinion, those are the best kind of books.

Oh, My!!
Erotically Fabulous.
Loyal fans of Tiffany Reisz will love The Red.
Tiffany is brave and fearless in her writing and some of the acts in a couple of the scenes very rarely appear in other erotica novels, that said, some people reading Tiffany's work for the first time may feel a little uncomfortable. Me, I lapped it up, devoured it and I want more!

She is the expert in seduction! I really loved this book and its main character " This is an uncommon story, the tone is dynamic, the writing is frank We identify ourselves with the clients quite easily, much less to our expert. The book is really worth it. Must read!

This is labeled a “Fantasy” but Mona isn’t sure if her involvement with Malcolm is reality or fantasy. She will do what it takes to save her mother’s art gallery and if that means submitting to Malcolm then how hard could it be when he is devastatingly handsome.

There is constant suspense and mystery that is intertwined with all of the extremely erotic encounters of Mona and Malcolm. I initially thought Malcolm was real, then a fantasy, then real and I kept going back and forth wondering. That kept me turning pages to find out what was the outcome of this mystery.

I am a fan of Tiffany Reisz’ books ever since I read the wonderful THE HEADMASTER. She is a wonderful storyteller and there is no one better at writing erotic sex scenes. This is a romance even if not the usual vanilla type. If you are at all squeamish about BDSM, then you will want to skip this one. However the story is compelling enough so that you will like it anyway.

Review to come.

4.5 Willing to Take The Risk Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
When I read Tiffany Reisz, something deep inside compels me to open my mind and allow the story to take me where Ms. Reisz wishes to go...I think it is as simple as that...For with this endeavor, I have gone places I never would have gone on my own. It is the crafting, weaving and hints of what this is all about which kept me interested...

Oh, there was a bit of unusual circumstances for our Mona Lisa St. John...Raised by a very forward and free thinking mother...always surrounded by true art, those who lived it and... all of the stories of how her wondrous mother acquired her Art pieces...some tales so outlandish, Mona never was quite sure what was real or exaggerated.

We find ourselves with Mona worrying about all the loans that are due for payment. Times have not been profitable for awhile now at this Infamous Gallery, The Red. Back in the day, it was notorious for having amazing shows, special erotic art by invitation only and a place to be seen...

But now things are different. Mona's mother was struck with cancer; the time Mona had left with her mother was hard going and took most of the funds. Mona loved her mother dearly...felt lucky to have had her and all of the life lessons she gave...So when her mother made her promise on her deathbed not to let The Red go... to hold on to it by any means necessary...

She was in a perfect head space to do just that...
To hold on...
To do whatever it took to keep The Red....

As Mona is contemplating how she can stretch what funds she has...She see a man standing in the Gallery looking at a small painting with a discerning eye...He is quite the vision himself... Masculine, robust and impressive... a quiet strength which became impossible to ignore the moment he looked directly at Mona.

Mona greeted him as if he was just another man who had an interest in art... This was nothing new...only the electricity in the air was startling and caused Mona to regard this stranger more carefully...

This man seems to see and know how tenuous Mona's hold is on The Red...He lays out a very specific offer to Mona...and with the love she had for her mother coupled with the deep calling and affection Mona personally had for The Red...

She does not reject this outrageous offer out right...She is drawn to the way this man speaks and takes her in with his eyes...She thinks of her mother's independent ways and open sexuality...
And she cannot let go of her Deathbed promise...

To do whatever it takes to keep The Red....

Terms and conditions are agreed...Mona has entered into a no holds barred arrangement with this man...To be his Sexual plaything for a year...in exchange, Mona will receive valuable Master Paintings and Artwork which will save The Red.

We go on this unusual journey with Mona...All of these encounters with this mysterious man have this other worldliness and Mona is shocked every time with her willingness to to taken over, suspend her disbelief to accept what is happening...For she is becoming addicted to these times when he comes to her with very specific scenarios in mind.

This is not a lighthearted tale... this is a tale of extreme sexuality...nothing vanilla, nothing run of the mill...But then when would Reisz ever do that... My heads up to the potential reader is be prepared to not be prepared...It may sometimes feel like it may have gone off the rails...But hold on as all of it comes together with everything being revealed.

I admit it...I think I must be Tiffany Reisz' Bit@h....because this done by anyone else would not have be my jam...But with the style, mind meld of Reisz... I wanted to follow it all the way to the end.

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh to be back in the throes of Tiffany Reisz...
Doing what she does so well...
Making a Vanilla Gal turn Very, Very Naughty....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tiffany Reisz will forever be in my mind
As the creator of the Original Sinners...
From the first introduction to Nora Sutherlin...
An erotic author with a private life full of the forbidden for Vanilla Readers...

We have never been the same...

Because Ms. Reisz' talent is beyond compare...
She has the ability to take us places...
Have us experience things we would never contemplate...
And beg for more...

Ms. Reisz' career has expanded...
She has ventured successfully in other avenues of writing....

But Ah....
She has decided to give us a taste...
A tease back to maybe her first love....

Because coming to us is a piece presented as if it is written by Nora Sutherlin...
It promises to have all the passion, raw sexuality, brutal honesty....
And compelling romance at the heart of it...

Once again, I am all a flutter and cannot wait for....

The Red - July 11th 2017

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This was the first book I have read by this author and I am sad to say I didn't enjoy it that much. It wasn't really what I was expecting. I think I would have preferred if there had been a bit more story and a bit less sex. The ending wasn't what I was expecting. Even though I didn't particularly like this book, it wouldn't put me off of trying another book by this author.

Well written, the author does an excellent job with the world building. I loved the use of art in the plot. Wish there was more to the characters.

Not for me but I enjoyed the writing style. I'm sure Reisz fans will love it.

The Red is unlike anything I've ever read before. Tiffany Reisz has once again completely captivated me in her story and left me begging for more. Mona Lisa St. James is about to lose her art gallery and has to make a deal with Malcolm, the devil, to save it. Every time Malcom comes for a visit they reenact a different painting, and while some of them were not my cup of tea I couldn't stop reading. The Red just confirmed that I'll read anything Tiffany Reisz and end up loving it!