Member Reviews
The Rose is linked with Reisz's previous novel, The Red, but can be read perfectly well as a standalone. It tells the story of a young English woman, Lia, who is from a highly privileged background. She has just graduated, and the story begins at her graduation party. One of the gifts she's given is a unique artefact, a rose kylix - and around this item hinges the entire tale. A fellow guest at the party has his eye on the kylix, and without giving too much away, from there spins out a web of intrigue, deception, adventure and, of course - this is Reisz, after all - totally hot sex.I found this unique novel to be a breath of fresh air - just something a little different, brilliantly written as always, with intriguing characters, wonderful scenes, lots of twists and turns, and a satisfying ending. I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for an erotic romance with one foot in reality and the other in utter decadent fantasy.
Those thoughts you had about Greek Mythology translated on to pages of steamy erotica.
An enjoyable read but didn’t grab me in the same way as The red but equally kept my attention as the story of Lia and August unfolded.
Clever writing whilst educating about Greek mythology.
Worth a read.
Ugh I LOOOOOVE The Red, you guys have no idea but THE ROSE!!!! THE ROSE!!!!! It blew me away.
I was so excited for it when I read that it's about Spencer and Mona's daughter. As with The Red, I really can't say anything without spoiling the story but MYTHOLOGY!!! [REDACTED]!!! [REDACTED]!!!!
I love Tiffany Reisz and her kinky ways.
The Rose is a go forward from The Red. That had Paintings that came alive and this has Greek mythology which literally makes Liv "come alive". Full of sass and attitude, she headbutts with swoonworthy August Bowman on her birthday over her father's gift to her. They are fighting over a Kylix- A rose decorated antique Cup of sorts.
He matches Liv in confidence and passion, His claims aren't exaggerated by any standards.
“Lia, I could make you come so hard that your body floats three feet off the sheets and lightning will explode from your belly. You will see smells and hear colors. The heavens will break open and you will touch the face of God when I make you come. And I could do it with my hands tied behind my back.”
Lia's parents were introduced to us in The Red, this story is more intoxicating, more erotic,more heady in sensuality!!
The story keeps you on your toes throughout. I can actually say, keeps your Toes Curled" and there's a twist towards the end which is quite interesting.
“And the gods do say women feel more pleasure in the act than men. When there is pleasure, that is women have the better time of it.”
Tiffany excels in Research and history before setting foot in any story she writes. Her knowledge of Greek Gods, Goddesses and Godwicks just blows my mind. Her details makes the story reverberate with power and passion in equal measure. I love her heroines they're in a league of their own. Ophelia has the same stubborn and adventurous streak as Mona and I loved them both for it. Unabashedly erotic, it's somehow gave me a very Kamasutra like feel.
4.5 stars for Hearing Colours and Smelling Sounds
Every time I see that there's a new Tiffany Reisz book coming out, I think awesome, I really like Tiffany Reisz! without really remembering, however, exactly how AWESOME Tiffany Reisz's books are until I start reading them. She. Is. Seriously. Freaking. Amazing.
I haven't yet read The Red (I know! I OWN it! I have no excuse...it's up at the top of my TBR now, though, believe me!) but you really don't have to have read it (yet!) to truly enjoy the second book in the series. The heroine of book one is the mother of Lia, our heroine here--we do hear plenty about how her parents met and more than Lia wants to about their healthy sex lives, but starting the series here worked just fine. If nothing else, it's been years since the events of that book took place--this one starts at Lia's graduation party from Kings College, so we're not *exactly* picking up where the last book left off, anyway.
The blurb for this book doesn't even begin to do it justice, although it is perfectly accurate. Reisz's tale is a perfect blend of eroticism and romance, giving us mythology with a modern twist that both makes the ancient stories more palatable but still acknowledges the darkness of their origins. (Lia and August do a gender-swap version of the Psyche and Eros myth! So. Good. And don't get me started on the Achilles-Brisies-Patroclus portion, OMG.) To be honest, I have a tendency to skip over sex scenes in some books, especially after the first one--just get to the story, already!--but I wouldn't dare to in any of Ms. Reisz's books. They're that good, and that vital to the overall story she is telling.
Like every other book I've read by her, The Rose is so much more than just a titillating read. It's hot as heck, don't get me wrong, but it's also smart, romantic, and made me laugh out loud more than once. Lia and August's conversation is as snarky and fun as it is hot AF. A conversation between Lia and her mother offers a searing assessment on the treatment of women in history and in art that will stay with me long after Ms. Reisz is done writing this series (PLEASE tell me she's not done with this series yet! I need more!) and there are so many clever twists and turns in the plot--honestly, I have no idea how she manages to come up with her plots--they're so well thought out and engrossing, and details that you barely even noticed from the early chapter suddenly become ...OMG, remember when...and now... moments later on. An ongoing mystery in the book is pretty heavily hinted at for readers throughout--Lia remains adorably clueless, of course. She's also exactly as dubious as she should be about the possibility of the ancient gods and goddesses being real and relevant today, because I mean really, even though plenty of proof abounds. Again, exactly as it should be!
I'm honestly not even coming close to doing this book justice. If you're a fan of smart erotica, read it. If you're a history and mythology nerd, read it. If you love romance that makes you think as much as it makes you swoon, for the love of the gods, READ IT NOW!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of The Rose from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK! I almost did not even read it though, because mythology is not really my thing, but I actually HAD TO read The Rose a second time before writing this review. (Not kidding.) FYI: Anyone could fall in love with August Bowman! Though Lia's earlier adulthood was marred with betrayal, her new love interest surely compensated for that with healing and compassion. After a big reveal--which I had secretly wished for from mid-novel--I had to reread this book so that I could enjoy it all over again from the point of view of now KNOWING the beautiful secret. The clues were all there and intricately woven into this fabulous tapestry of fantasy. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this book. Twice! (Note: I have not immediately reread a book in years.) If the gods have not already foretold of a sequel for this novel, I would request that Tiffany Reisz PLEASE seriously consider writing one. : )
Thank you to NetGalley and Tiffany Reisz for the ARC!
Fifty Shades of Grey meets Percy Jackson in this delicious erotica from Tiffany Reisz. When British aristocrat, Ophelia, receives an ancient Greek wine goblet as a college graduation gift, she is thrust into a world where myth and reality merge. Accompanied by a sexy, tall, dark, and handsome Greek man, she will have to face the ultimate choice. Will she be able to let go of her past to face her future, or will she end up a prisoner of her own hurt and doubt?
Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This story is both erotica and romance. The premise begins predictably, where a young woman meets a slightly older and very handsome man. They banter and eventually mind blowing sex ensues. There's a twist here, though, in that a cast of Greek gods play a role. A fun of a little silly, this is a book that's all in good fun.
THE GODS WALK AMONG US.
If you can taste ambrosia and have sex with the gods, why wouldn't you? A great story like no other awaits you in The Rose. Reisz returns with a scintillating new tale with greek mythology and jaw-dropping erotica.
Lia meets August Bowman and the attraction between them is undeniable. And despite Lia's doubt of who he is, they can't stay away from each other. August is gorgeous and mysterious. He serves as Lia's guide through a world of enchantment. Eros and Aphrodite are bought to life with a love story that leave you wanting.
Its well written and researched; not to mention very H-O-T. Its a tale of romance intertwined with magic. And its magic is very accessible in its simplicity: Drinking from the cup of gods. Reisz writting provides sexy details about what happens physically when you drink from the Rose Kylix cup.
At the heart of the story is this: The things that you fear the most are also the things that give you power. Truly an amazing read!
Mile High Kink Book Club highly recommends for your carryon. The Perfect Airplane Read!!!
What a magical and wildly erotic tale of adventure! A unique and thoroughly entertaining journey that will have you wide eyed and envious. The Rose is unlike any other story I have read. The intriguing blurb has absolutely nothing on the story. This whirlwind tour of "history" and the erotic situations are enough to melt your kindle and even your "lady bits" !!!
Tiffany Reisz successfully had me enthralled in the world of her making. So much so I had no idea that the guy on plane next to me was so squirmy because he couldn't believe I had the "lady bits" to read it in public! Cleary, I must be related to the Godwicks...
Before I start this review, I have three confessions to make.
I’ve been a Tiffany Reisz fan ever since I first read The Siren, almost seven years ago.
I’ve been obsessed with the old Greek myths for as long as I can remember.
I half read and half listened to this book.
As I mentioned above, I’ve been fascinated by the Greek myths since I was a young girl. In fact, I’m pretty sure I wrote an essay on the Trojan war while I was still in primary school. If I remember correctly, I enjoyed reading my mother’s book about Greek myths more than I did the actually writing, but in my memory, the whole experience was exquisite.
Not quite as exquisite as reading The Rose was though. Before I started reading this book, I knew that offering me a book based on those myths and written by one of my favourite authors, equalled handing me a one-way ticket to paradise. But even that certain knowledge before I started the story couldn’t prepare me for the pure joy that was losing myself in The Rose.
The Rose did not disappoint. This book is a showcase of that special talent Tiffany Reisz has when it comes to layering her stories. On the surface this is a rather fluffy, fairy-tale like, and very sexy fantasy. But that’s only true if you limit yourself to what is in plain sight. If you look a little deeper, you’ll appreciate how much research must have gone into the Greek mythology referenced in The Rose. What’s more, the author doesn’t limit herself to a retelling of those myths, she adds to them, gives them slightly different meanings or outcomes, or provides answers where the original myth only leaves us with questions.
Lia was an utter delight. Just twenty-one years old, she has the whole wanting to be an adult and treated as such, but still reverting back to childish reactions, thoughts, and emotions, down pat. For a long time, August remained a bit of a mystery to me. He was obviously gorgeous and smart not to mention incredibly kind, but for a long time I didn’t feel as if I knew him at all. Of course, that was exactly as it should be because Lia doesn’t know him that well, and we experience the story through her eyes.
I retrospect, I have no idea why I even gave that vagueness in August a second thought. I should have known there would be a reason…a very good reason…an utterly delightful (although not completely unexpected) reason for his mysterious aura…and of course I have no intention of what that reason might be. Read the book. 😊
This wouldn’t be a Tiffany Reisz story if it wasn’t filled with clever observations, sparkling conversation, and delightfully original statements and ideas.
“You’re like a kitten with a switchblade (…) Give a switchblade to a kitten and the kitten somehow gets cuter, and also, even the switchblade becomes cute. That’s you.” - August
Only Tiffany Reisz could come up with an escort agency, ran by a twenty-one year old member of the British aristocracy and called the Young Ladies Gardening & Tennis Club of Wingthorn Hall.
And I’m not surprised that her charming romance gave me considerable food for thought:
“If a story is suppressed or obscured, it’s because somewhere along the way it scared the shit out of a man.”
Oh, and just in case you’re curious. I can honestly say that this book is as big a joy to read as it is to listen to. Both the written and the spoken editions come highly recommended.
*Sighs* I could easily write another 700 words about this book, but I’ll spare you that. I’m just going to leave you with this conclusion:
Whimsical, highly erotic, and astoundingly clever, The Rose is yet another of Tiffany Reisz’s stories that managed to blow my mind away.
This was the third book I have read by Tiffany. I really liked her twist on Greek mythology and how it brought Lia and August together . The erotica in the book was a really big part of this story. It actually was the main part of the story in my opinion. "The Rose" was a very well written book." If this is your genre do not miss it.
I can't continue. I can't. If I continue, in my eyes, it's not fair on the author. She wrote this. She wants me to continue. She wrote this for me to continue. She wrote this for you to continue, however...
This. I started reading it, out of wanting a piece of what looked like, erotica with the potential in meeting or surpassing the brilliant piece of erotica I'd just read. Like having a first girl, I've gotten everything I want, whereupon shortly after, a second girl is found, an assumption is made that this will bring me more of the same, or more of something... more...
However, what is found in the latter, is true love. Something that wasn't known to have existed to show you a way of loving that unknown; here I'm referring to Romantic Literature. It exists, it's not something I knew I was able to love, but, having found it in 'The Rose' I've now loved Tiffany Reisz' writing of this genre.
However, before reading, all I wanted to know is, where's the smut? 80 pages in, I'm loving the writing; the cultural teachings; the history lessons; the characters, their characteristics, and their background; everything, until the point of: "Around the center of the shaft, holding firmly."...
I can't continue; I don't want an erotic novel any more, or if I do, it's not this that I want...
Is there anything Ms. Reisz can not write? I am blown away with this latest book by talents Ms. Reisz. Her writing is complex, intertwined with mythology and so thought provoking. About a few chapters into this book, I finally realize this is connected to the book, The Red. I confess that I never read the blurbs for Ms. Reisz's books. I go in totally cold and just enjoy the ride. This ride is indescribable and needs to be experienced first hand.
As a lover of Greek mythology, this story hit all of my happy buttons. The erotica based on fantasies come to life in a virtual reality-esque manner is my dream come true. Where is this special rose cup of Eros? I would love to take a little sip and be transported into one of my darker fantasies. Ms. Reisz is an author for a specific group of readers. Readers who like their boundaries pushed. Readers who get off on intellectual stimulation. Readers who enjoy layering of stories upon myths. This is more than a fairy-tale/greek mythology retold. This is a web of interconnected Greek mythology reinterpreted and experienced through another set of eyes. The concept is mind blowing and yet it is something Ms. Reisz excels in showcasing. This is not the first time she's taken an existing story and have it viewed through and experienced from her protagonist's eyes. This writing also reminds me of Nora in her Original Sinners series. Nora takes the story of Ester from the bible and makes it erotic. Granted, Greek stores tend to already have a hint of eroticism through their capture/prey/slavery/rape themes.
In this one, there is a blending of several of my favourite Greek stories into a new version of Eros. Eros's love story was one of my favourites. To see an "after Psyche" romance is innovative, creative and so very erotic.
The characters in this story are fantastic. I loved Lia and August. Their interactions are realistic and heart warming. Both characters are multi-layered and intriguing. I admire Lia and what she has done with her side hobby. August's character... a man of mystery is not as mysterious as Lia thinks. For me, it was pretty clear who August really was and it only added to my enjoyment of this story.
I highly recommend this erotic novel. It is unique and riveting from start to finish.
<I>Arc received from Netgalley</I>
I’m on then 3.5 star fence. I didn’t know that this was a second book in a series when I requested it. I kinda went in blind so I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to get. I got mythology. It’s really not my bag so it took me much longer to get through this one. I did skim a few parts but the extremely sexy times were certainly on point. I really like the authors writing so I may go back and read the first one.
This book was okay. I enjoyed it well enough, but I can see how others would really enjoy this book. It simply wasn't my cup of tea, but I cannot judge it on that.
***I received an ebook from the author at no cost***
I admittedly haven't read the first book in The Red series, but I did enjoy The Rose, although it's a departure from what I'm used to from Tiffany.
This story is a delicious mixture of fantasy, mythology, modern day, and all the sexy excitement that I'm used to from Reisz. Lia has two identities. To her closest friends, she's a madam who brings the sexual fantasies of wealthy men to life. To the rest of the world, her family included, she's the daughter of an Earl who is relatively quiet and not very outspoken. She meets August at her graduation party. He's a guest at the party, though Lia has never seen him before. His motive has nothing to do with her however; he's after the Rose kylix that Lia's dad gifted her with.
I don't want to give out many spoilers, so I won't go into too much detail. This book has everything I have come to expect from Reisz: romance (in this case, out-of-this-world romance), hot and beautifully written sex, and a storyline that's unique and unlike anything I've read before. Lia and August are brilliant characters. I love that Reisz gives her characters a naughty twist, and Lia's madam antics were the perfect naughty side to give her. August is a sculpted Greek god of a character. He exudes raw sexual energy and, even though Lia is sure that she can keep her feelings out of anything physical she embarks on, he ends up charming her just as much as he turns her on.
Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down. (Another thing I've come to expect from Reisz novels!) This story is well-written, Reisz has clearly done her research on mythology and does an amazing job of handling it in the story, and the characters are interesting and developed. I liked the imagery anyhow vividly Reisz described the scenes in this story. It was more like watching a movie in mind than reading a book, and that is a testament of a great writer to me.
This is a bit different than what I've previously read from Reisz, but I like the departure from the norm. Check this one out if you're looking for a fascinating and sexy story.
Four stars to this novel!
A historical romance book that is easy to relate to. Characters are relatable. Steamy sexy romance book that will make you fall in love with the characters.
PHENOMENAL!
It must be the craziest playground inside your head, Tiffany. ♥ God bless!
I definitely recommend this book to the dare ones, the ones that can read without judgement, the ones who love a book full of lust and sex.
Wow! This was quite a sexy read. I need to brush up on my Greek Mythology but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already recommended it to many people!