2.5 Stars!

The Red was a book I was so happy to read. I was literally buzzing. It was going to be my first Tiffany Reisz, and some of my book friends love her, so I was pretty sure I was going to love it. I was so wrong.

As the book was nearing the end, I wanted to cry. But then, the last chapters helped a little bit. You know, I do love reading steamy scenes as much as the next girl, but if you're gonna give me sex, sex, sex, the least you can do is make me feel it, right? But I didn’t feel a thing here. My lack of connection with the characters, as well as the lack of chemistry between them was the downfall from enjoying this read. I thought about DNF the book, but the mysterious man kept my curiosity high and kept me reading.

The storyline and the writing were solid, appealing. I have never read anything like this before. So that's why I found myself disappointed by how the steamy scenes took control of the story.

Although I did not enjoy the story, it still had its moments. I’m interested in reading more from this author since I found her writing very intriguing.

If you're looking for a porn-ish story, then this is the book for you.

I have to say I do love reading porn, but this time I was expecting MORE!

I am still quite a new reader to Tiffany Reisz's work, but seeing she had a new release coming out i thought i need to read this but this book was not as agreeable as her work i have read so far. It is very sexy , and i loved that i mean downright super sexy at times again no complaints. But i just found the story very predictive to a point, ie the sexy, mysterious wealthy man swooping in to save the day. However, there was many surprises i did not suspect, the description also of the paintings was so vivid i could almost picture them as they really are, when i searched for them to see for real what they look like. As i am so new to this authors work, i am going to give this book another try after i have read more of her previous works, as i feel it needs another attempt and i may change my review rating to more stars

review on goodreads under the name kimothy

The blurb and cover completely piqued my interest in this book and I have to say, It did not disappoint at all. It was Erotic and intriguing and very different from anything I've read before. Reisz has absolutely gained a new fan.

Like I said before, the whole storyline was very unique. Mona is trying to save her mothers art gallery, much to her disappointment the only way to achieve that is by selling it. But a mysterious stranger makes her a proposition, her body in exchange for the funds to get The Red out of debt. This story explores sex that is far from vanilla, all while revolving around famous works of art throughout history. I never felt lost with the art references while reading, if anything it added to my excitement while reading. I found myself googling the artists and the paintings mentioned.

I loved how Mona embraced what she was doing to save the art gallery. There was never a moment where she doubted her decision but more so that she was liking her interactions with Malcolm a little too much. Still that never stopped her from indulging in the fantasies he created. The build up of the story was great, and you certainly felt the confusion from Mona as the lines between reality and fantasy were blurred.

This book was a pretty fast paced. Perfect for a weekend binge read. I get seriously excited when I come across a book that stands out, so if you're looking for something different I'd highly recommend this one.

This is not your typical erotica. It is not a simple story about girl meets boy. It is so much more.

Ms. Reisz has written The Red in the same elegant rhythm of Anais Nin. It is precise and clear with broad enough strokes to paint the picture she wants you to see. With dark undertones it captures your attention almost immediately and demands your full attention. Within the first few chapters you are caught up in Malcolm and Mona’s actions. Then before you realize it, it’s no longer about the erotic acts, but about the secrets each painting and subsequent act reveals.

I suggest you go into this read with very little information. Trust this author to point you in the direction you should go. Then just enjoy the journey.

ARC provided through NetGalley

3.5 Artistic CROWNS

Tiffany Reisz has provided readers with an erotic experience that is incredibly unique. Tying in famous paintings and bringing them to life while having tantalizing sexual experiences that awaken the heroine is really unlike anything I've ever read before.

Malcom is the mysterious patron that is there to save The Red, but readers know very little about him throughout the book. He has certain sexual proclivities and craves a woman who will own them. He pushes boundaries and the limits of the heroine in this book. Even though readers and Mona know little about him, there is something enticing about his power and dominance, and both are hard pressed not to fall under his charm and prowess.

Mona is an interesting heroine, and her journey into her sexual desires, owning them and demanding them, is unlike one I've read before. With each encounter she begins to crave what she once thought of as taboo or scandalous. She begins to accept that these encounters are what she craves and now what she needs in order to have satisfaction not just in the bedroom but her life. Her sexual awakening throughout the novel creates a more empowered heroine than readers meet at the beginning of the novel, and I enjoyed this transformation immensely.

The story is erotic, hence the classification, but every chapter depicts a different piece of art, a different sexual encounter. What is lacking for me is the plot line of the story. Very little is revealed about Malcolm until the end, and although we witness the transformation of Mona, readers know little about her outside of her interactions with Malcolm and the art gallery. The plot of the story really picks up in the last 4-5 chapters of the book, and this is when I truly became engaged in this story. The ending blew my mind, and I really hope she continues this story.

This has been my first Tiffany Reisz book, but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed her writing and the unique twist on erotic romance. It was dirty, it had fantastical elements, and it showcased sexual reformation. All the things I love in a good erotic book. If she continues to write the journey of Mona and Malcolm, I will certainly be reading it.

"Things aren’t what they seem.”
Ain't that the truth of all times !. Scandalous story of an Earl of Godwick -Malcolm Arthur Augustus Fitzroy. The Earl of Godwick. He's a man of his word. A promise on a deathbed and he's a soul hanging in limbo. He handpicks Mona to get a rightful heir and in the process , he comes alive.
Mona , is a gallery owner - The Red. Its actually going under , burdened with debts she accrued while taking care of her ailing mother. She promises her mother on her deathbed that she'd do anything to save the Gallery.
And then she meets the Devil ,Who smiles ....no he smirks! He offers to save her gallery, but she'd have to sell herself like a whore to him, for a year.
He’d made her three promises when they’d made their deal: He promised to pay her enough in art to save the gallery. He promised to tell her the provenance of the paintings. And he promised he would leave her.
During this year , He brings her hidden desires to surface. Role playing and enacting the paintings he gifts her. They're pulsating with life and she explores them under the hand of Malcolm. Are they hallucinations, dreams, enactments .....

Olympia
Dora And the Minotaur
The luncheon on the Grass
The Roman Charity

Each painting just breathes and unfolds like a theatrical play right in front of our eyes and by becoming captive IN them, Mona unlocks and frees her own inhibitions and some ancient mysteries.
The story is not written, but displayed in front of you. Words morph into visions and swirling colours and babbling Brooks and dancing nymphs and growling minotaur and swishing crops . Tiffany bleeds emotions on the paper and strikes deep into your soul . My whole being thrummed with intense aftershocks reading the passionate animalistic, raw sexual encounters.
By this time my mind is playing tricks on me. But i am beyond care.
I'm craving Malcolm as a worshipper craves her God
He was a god to her now, a god of sex and sin.In hell where the sins of lust were punished, they said the lascivious damned tore each other apart with their desires , and the rent and bleeding pieces still found ways to meet and mate with each other. How was that hell, she wondered? These theologians had never met Malcolm.
I'm amazed by the spread of Tiffanys imagination, it's an endless ocean of visions and poems. Carefully weaving and interspersing till you forget where you are, what you're reading or where you're supposed to be. You just meander in a world she creates with a candle light. You just see only what is in front of you , rest is dark and unknown. That's where the magic lies!!!
What magic was it, what sorcery that could turn an act of violence and pain into an act of adoration and affection? It was alchemy, the art of turning base things into gold.
Same could be said about Reisz !!
One of a kind story
One of a kind writer
One of a kind characters
“Millions of paintings in this world. Only one Mona Lisa. Billions of women in this world. Only one you, Mona Lisa St. James.”
And Malcolm ....what can I say about him . He could be the Devil , “The devil wants your soul. I only want your body.”
But he's just a man trying to fulfill a promise he made. He suffers because he fell in love with a woman he shouldn't have !!
"There's debauchery but no debasement " is perhaps the most profound sentence of the story.that separates Mona from all the other submissives.shes not obligated , but she's obliged.
She doesn't Fuck Malcolm for Degas, but she does because he gives her Degas..
Delve Deep ladies....theres a whole pool of light in here
I'm so enamoured by Tiffany, I'm going to drink every word she's ever written, even if it takes me a lifetime. And I won't ingest, just swirl them around in my brain so I can feel them for ages !!
And then go hunting for an antique brass bed with knobs<3
From inside his frame, the portrait of Malcolm smiled. Or was it a smirk?
5 artsy stars
#BookBistroBlogApproved

Wow, what a freakin cool and crazy story! Each time they met it was more and more unbelievable. The love scenes were both filthy and beautiful, the characters were unapologetic in their wants and desires.

I loved Mona, such a confident, self-assured woman. She was a strong heroine who loved deeply and fiercely. The man she makes a deal with is imposing, intimidating. He is playful and mysterious.

This book took me on a journey. It was very unexpected and entertaining, delicious and surprising. Sometimes straight up shocking. I have never read anything like it and it will stay with me for a long time. I can see myself reading this multiple times!

I received an arc and these are my honest thoughts.

"He was an angel of beauty and pain."


That's definitely how to describe Malcolm. His behaviour screams DOMINANT, he radiates powers and he brings so much pleasures and pains. Yup totally fell for him.
As for Mona, she's really tough girl, only a strong woman who can accept and endure such challenges from man like Malcolm and still stand strong in the end.


So about this book, I think this one is not everbody's cup of tea, but if you're into crazy madness hot hardcore book, you'll like this one.
And if you're Original Sinners fans, this one is perfect for you.
The story is great, from the beginning till the end, the author takes me to the beautiful world of art and turn in to something hot. The author makes me feel so good about something so wrong and makes me crave it.
The author takes Love into some crazy madness radical thing, it's not your usual type of love story.
Although some scenes make me cringe, overall I like and really enjoying this one.

An extremely distinctive and unique kinky fantasy story!

I devoured this book! It was so unlike anything I'd ever read, I didn't know what was real or not. It definitely had Ms. Reisz's style of writing, and the level of kink was off-the-charts. It features Mona, a woman who is desperate to save her mother's art gallery, but she is running out of options. Along comes the mysterious Malcolm, a man who swears that she will be able to save her gallery, and all she has to do is give herself to him completely.
The Red is a sensuous journey about finding one's self, and one's desires, as well as a descriptive journey through the art world. I will admit I was feeling a little trepidation about the art content, it is not one of my strengths. However, the art world was so vivid and detailed in the book that I found myself looking up the pieces to see if they were real. Ms. Reisz is able to weave a tale of eloquent words, striking art, and debauchery that leaves your mind reeling, and your panties soaked.
Trust me when I say, this is not a book you want to miss.

Quick paced book that keeps you guessing until the end

Omg, what can I say , but Tiffany Reisz has written an incredible erotic, hot read with paranormal twist , nevermind difficult to put down but damn near impossible !
Did you like her previous stories, the original sinner series ? Your going to love this stand alone!

Mona Lisa St.James is the new owner of the Art Gallery The Red, the gallery she grew up in, absorbing all the art she was surrounded by , her mother's gallery. Mona promised her mother on her death bed that she would do whatever it took to keep the gallery open; however the gallery deeply in debt and having searched for ways to save it, Mona finally concedes to defeat, she will have to sell or let the bank take it.
Mona's certainly did not expect her and the studios savior to be in the form of a handsome rake with a indecent proposal. Malcolm proposed that Mona be his whore for a year, giving him complete Carte Blanche to her body, in return he would give her immense pleasure and a million dollars payable in installments after each encounter . He would after a year leave her alone and never bother again, she could have other men in her life S long as she made herself available when he requested.
Scandalous for sure, but most definetly a way to keep her promise to her mother and the gallery she has come to love. Decision made these two embark on intensely erotic scenes based around specific prices of art , scenes that she can only wonder at how he set up without her knowing , with each encounter she desires Malcom more and more, and with each encounter he leaves her a peice of Art work that brings great value to the gallery and relief from the creditors.
Each encounter leading up to an ending with a wonderful twist .
Reader be prepared for erotic scenes, some BDSM , orgy and threesomes.

Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I was SO curious about this book. The book cover- the heroine (?) facing away. The blurb- a mysterious man comes into an art gallery and makes an offer to the heroine, Mona.
I have been checking out this author's books. Had not read any of them. Saving up to set aside some time (big block of time) to read one? I received an ARC of "The Red" from NetGalley. Ok, I'm reading this one!
I set aside some time to read this.This is one book that the reader should have some time to get into it. Major power outage at my house. Saturday. Kindle charged up! I dug into this story.
*Possible spoilers ahead:
The set up is very quick. Is it ever. OH. Uh hmm. wow. How did I miss the genre' label: Erotic Fantasy.
Yep. Erotic.
Mona has inherited an art gallery, "The Red" from her mom. Mona's mom died from a long bout with cancer. Mona is left with the medical bills and is about to lose "The Red" and have to sell off the paintings.
An Englishman, Malcolm comes in after the gallery's closing. He offers her a way to keep her deathbed promise to her mother to keep "The Red" .
My GR friend Val reviewed that she stays away from "artsy fartsy" type books. So do I. I even have a GR shelf called artsy- fartsy. I would NOT put this book in that category (I agree w/ you Val).
Mona is 26 y/o but knows her artists. Malcolm knows even more. Mona agrees to his terms.

There are a series of paintings which Malcolm uses as a theme for their Sunday night encounters.
The first one was Manet's Olympia, which depicts a courtesan looking at the viewer. (a very controversial paint at the time).
Each encounter is a month apart - on Sunday after the gallery is closed. Their agreement is for 1 year
The most difficult to read about is "The Slave Market" by Jean-Leon Gerome.
The fantasy really ramps up in "Nymphs and Satyr by Bouguereau. I found a link for this painting:http://www.book530.com/paintingpic/27...
By coincidence, when I googled him, i realized that I have a print of his on my bedroom wall for 25+ years.
The Nymphs "episode" with Malcolm & Mona was shocking. This is where the fantasy really ramps up.
There are so many times I read through (normally major) trigger points for me. Many times.
There a few more paintings/encounters that are shocking and yes graphic.
This is 3rd person POV, The first 50-60% is nearly all Malcolm and Mona's meetings. There is a secondary character, Sebastian (an authority on Degas) that confused me.
I was so mesmerized but, I couldn't look away ( or stop reading).
This book is not for the faint of heart. If you're looking for a sweet romance, this is NOT it.
For most of their year Malcolm plays the dominate. One exception (near the end of the book) is "Roman Charity" by Jean-Baptiste Greuze. This part was thankfully brief, but heartbreaking too.
http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/o... *This one is at the Getty- so I'll have to see this one in person.
There is a unique ending to this book. Most of my questions were answered. I'm glad that I read this. There was so much and so MUCH that I just held on during this ride.
I wonder how many times I said Oh my God! Major kudos for originality.

I had a chance to read this story and can say Tiffany’s fans will love it! I’ve always said Tiffany Reisz has a way with words. Her stories are always pretty intense, naughty… well, more like filthy good and The Red is no different. As I read the book, I found myself looking up the artwork she referenced in each chapter. I think what she did with the art references and how she worked it into each scene was pretty ingenious. Who would’ve thought?!

My favorite line is when the mysterious man tells Mona straight out: “I want to fuck you.” I can’t recall if I laughed or gasped because I was certainly not expecting him to be so forward. As I turned the pages, I looked forward to finding out what the next clue for their next scene would be. I didn’t expect the twist at the end, though I should’ve seen it coming it didn’t click until then. Overall, The Red was an enjoyable read–the scene of the Nymphs and Satyr is still stuck in my head

The Red is an intense read with some paranormal elements, and a nice but unexpected twist at the end. This isn't a story for everyone but Tiffany Reisz's fans will love it.

What a delicious read!

Mix: Art + Roleplay + Erotica = Ringing out my non-existent panties!

To say that this was full of wonderful erotic scenes would be quite an understatement. Girls, be prepared for some off the pages steam that not only includes our bodies but our minds.

We just do not get: man+woman+toys = happy ending, we get the Tiffany’s signature touch with classy and unique stories and scenes. The characters all play an integral part to make this read come alive. Whether it be a black, cat, a woman on a mission to save her gallery, a mysterious man who promises both pleasure and means to save The Red.

Tiffany has a wealth of knowledge to weave the BDSM that we read, true to the lifestyle. Our limits, what we will say yes or no to, who holds the power, the pleasure that can come from the smallest of actions. It is quite refreshing to read the words her mind creates to give the unique flavor of adding art to a scene played by two willing and wanting parties.

Mona and Malcolm set on a journey not only with their bodies, but their souls and the art that they love. Each art piece has a solid meaning to both the story and society.

How we need to see an other for who they are.
How we need to recognize the progression of man and woman.
How we need to acknowledge hidden meanings.
How we need to learn.
How we need to overcome.
How we need to love.
How we need to forgive.
How we need to stand strong.
How we need to be powerful.
How we need to just be ourselves.

I am always in awe of Tiffany’s writing, how she fuses words to lend us her incredible imagination. She intertwines life with fiction that is so smooth we want to fall down the rabbit hole to be witness right alongside of them. We fell in love with Nora Sutherlin in The Original Sinners, she wrote many stories and we are lucky to have Tiffany write as Nora to give us this completely unique and intriguing read that only Nora and Tiffany can create.

Review of "The Red" - do I dare to tell I did read that?

This one had a beautiful cover and after the "50 shades of grey"- hype even a nun can admit to have read an erotic novel right?

Mona Lisa inherited the artgallery of her mother but the business was so deep in depths she had to fire the staff and was about to close it down. Then a very goodlooking man appeared in the gallery after closing time and offered her to save her gallery. But she had to have sex with him once and awhile for a period of a year. She thaught he was a rich guy and who wanted a mistress. What he wanted was to reenact famous paintings however.

Which means they have sex only a couple of times during that year but it is all a bit out of the ordinary.

To be honest I thought most of the book pure porn. I am a hopeless romantic so group orgies, flogging and the like are not my cup of tea. And there is not that much story between the sexscenes.

However some of the things that happened seemed to hint to something that was strange and unexplainable. Like when Malcolm reenacts a painting of a satyr playing with nymphs he seems to have real satyr legs. Mona at first thinks it is just a matter of having spent a lot of money on re-ennacting.

So I wanted to know what was really going on. Mona Lisa herself wonders if he is the devil. In books everything is possible is it not? In the end we find out who Malcolm really is and to be honest that part of the book is quite good.

I also liked the fact that the book explained a lot about famous paintings or paintings that I had not known from famous painters.

Hot! Hot! Hot! Intoxicatingly Erotic! This was the most erotic story I have ever read! Blush! Blush! The heat of this story will singe your fingers as you turn the pages. Not only from the content but from the speed of your fingers turning the pages to read more. Tiffany Reisz is a masterful author of erotica and she out did herself in this story, in my opinion. This was captivatingly, arousing storytelling at its finest. If you want your panties to combust, this is your story.
Mystery, suspense, with dark, erotically, ominous overtone I devoured this! Loved it!
Received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

I love Tiffany Reisz’s writing and it’s no secret she writes books that are hot as sin. When I saw she was writing The Red, I jumped at the chance to read it. I’m such a huge fan of her Original Sinner’s series and these books are connected (though The Red can be read as a stand alone). Although this book was extremely steamy, that wasn’t what I loved best about it. I thought Tiffany Reisz’s story-telling ability really shined with The Red.

The Red is about a young gallery owner named Mona. Mona’s mother passed away and left this gallery to her, but she left her more than just that… she left her in a bad place financially and Mona isn’t sure if she can even keep the gallery. Then someone comes along. Someone who may be able to help her with her problems….

I loved the art history aspect of this story and the way the paintings were recreated ;) There was a great dynamic and some crazy hot sexual chemistry between Mona and her man. Reisz never disappoints when it comes to that! I loved thinking in my head that my favorite heroine, Nora, wrote this story. It made it all the more special for me.

This is a little different from what I’m used to from Tiffany, but it’s one I recommend to anyone who loves erotica and is looking for a different type of story! I enjoyed it lots! I give it 4 stars.

I really didn't enjoy this book. I thought this would be a quick and entertaining read, but it was just confusing and uncomfortable. The characters felt very one dimensional and I wouldn't recommend this book.