Cover Image: The Red

The Red

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Member Reviews

This is the first book I have read from Tiffany Reisz and I enjoyed it. The read was different for me compared to other books I have read and I think it's because of her writing style.

Mona Lisa St. James is the new owner of The Red art gallery, previously owned by her mother and Mona has incurred all with The Red. The Red in financial debt, Mona made a promise to her mother on her death bed that she would do anything to save The Red. Mona meets a mysterious man name Malcom, what he offers her to help save The Red isn't what Mona was expecting. What Malcom offers Mona is she give him complete Carte Blanche to her body for a year. After every encounter Malcom will pay her in art to help save The Red. They will take specific art and reenact these erotic scenes in Mona's back room and always wondering how Malcom can transform her back room without her knowing. After the year is up, she will never see Malcom again.

As I reach the end of the book, there is a twist that I wasn't expecting and it made the read a lot more sweeter and interesting and I couldn't put it down.

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This book was amazing written and interesting to read

I loved the characters in the book

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*3.5 stars*

I'm a Tiffany Reisz fan, but this book was NOT what I was expecting. The Red is a book that is extremely hard to review without giving away spoilers, and this is a book that can truly be spoiled by a careless review. I will try very hard not to be careless, however, I think there are some important things that potential readers should know going into this one.

1) This is NOT a romance. If you are looking for any sort of romance you are barking up the wrong tree. While there is a hint of romance near the end of the book, this book is EROTICA, plain and simple. And there is nothing wrong with that, however, it is something you should be aware of.

2) This book is KINKY. If you are squeamish about any or all of the following, stay away (some minor spoilers ahead): Group sex and/or multiple partners, pain and bruising play, anal, fisting, role play, orgasm denial, and more. I'm not generally a fan of pain play, but all the other stuff was no sweat for little kinky me.

3) This book does not have much of a plot. It just... doesn't. Most of the book is sex, sex, and more sex. There is very little else happening. It is literally all about the sex.

4) The female MC is a whore. Literally. I'm not using whore in a derogatory manner, but you should know that the female MC prostitutes herself out to the male MC (for most of the story) in order to save her store. This is basically explained in the blurb, but you should know that Mona embraces this role. There is no shame, no guilt, no barriers. There is NO safeword.

Now, I actually loved how sex-positive the female MC was. She was open and free with her body in a way that I rarely see in fiction. She was insatiable and shameless and glorious. It is one of the things I liked most about the book.

I enjoyed the sex in the book a great deal, but I was always plagued with my doubts, my logical mind interfering. I KNEW there had to be some twist, some catch, and that bothered me as I was reading. It was almost a relief once I figured it all out because I could just concentrate on the kinky stuff and let the story wash over me.

I rushed through this book in two sittings. It went very, very quickly, despite being quite long. I liked it for what it was, but I think I was expecting more romance, more plot and less sex. However, if I look at this book as simply some clever erotica, I like it more. It is clever, and it is erotica, and it is well-written. Just check my warnings and go into it with an open mind and minimal expectations.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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Mona is in charge of The Red, an art gallery that had been dear to her mother. She is willing to do just about anything to save her failing gallery, including whoring herself out to a mysterious rich stranger that wants her to reenact sensual paintings.

It's interesting that the kinks play into famous art pieces, which are brilliantly described. We feel all of Mona's confusion and emotions, especially with the otherworldly aspects of her meetings with Malcolm. I was drawn into the premise, but some of the phrasing made it hard for me to really connect with her. The ending of the book was very neat and well done, but at the same time felt almost too pat. It did explain the odd moments with Malcolm very well. I think if the ending had been a little less abrupt, I could have given this five stars.

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Terrific book. Totally did not expect the ending but loved it!

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What to say about this book? I went in not knowing what this book was about. I haven’t read this author before but I have known about her for a long while. I was bored and decided to get this book as a way to pass time between books. I didn’t intend to like it and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know this was erotic fantasy nor did I now what that meant. Had I known what it meant I probably wouldn’t have read it since fantasy doesn’t really appeal to me. But boy was I wrong.

This book is fucking dirty!! It’s dirty and wrong and fucking fantastic. I fell in love with this story from the first few pages. The story is so intense I had to take breaks (which my husband enjoyed ;) ). There are hardly any adequate words to describe how erotic, how fulfilling this story is. If you’ve ever had a dirty fantasy, this book brings it to life.

Mona is barely hanging on. Her art gallery is going under and she has to find a way to save it. Malcolm makes her a offer she could refuse. After all, how could it get any worse? Her mother was dead, she had no family, and her art galley would be closing soon. She has nothing left. But who is Malcolm? The only way to find out is to go through with their agreement. The storyline is too good to be true but let’s not forget that this is erotic fantasy. It’s supposed to different, it’s supposed to be shocking. And let me tell you, the sex is fucking shocking. It’s beautiful, wrong, forbidden, and delicious and will leave you aching in all the good places. By the end of this book, your mind will be blown.

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Wow!! Awesome and holly molly HOT as hell.  I didn't have the pleasure to read anything by Tiffany Reisz so far but after reading this book that will change very soon. 

Just WOW !! And I must make a point, how very very original this stoy was for me. I mean I have read some fantastic and paranormal books before but nothing like this.  I also must admit that some moments were very strange like WTF strange but at the same time very interesting. 

And, most of all, I need to mention the action the erotic action. In this book there was a lot of it ( it is a erotica after all) but damn hot hot hot. In this book every sex scene was different from another. Some of them were odd like I would mention before but all of them made me squirming in my sofa with excitement.

Very original erotic and fantastic read. And I will recommend this book to everyone who like to read something different and at the same time smoking hot.

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I really enjoy Tiffany Reisz books. I love how she brings so much personality into her characters. Mona wants to save her mother's gallery, but is in bad debt. Malcolm walks in and offers an answer.
The erotic element in this story is vivid and interesting. Tiffany builds characters throughout the story endearing you to them the deeper you go and more you read. If you've never read Tiffany you need to start and this will give you a sampling of her stories. You will want more from her after each book, she is a great writer.

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I received a copy of this through NetGalley for my honest review.

This was an entirely different premise than I have read and was much more darker/erotic than I was expecting. The writing was amazing, the premise was quite engaging, and the steam factor was over the top. Mona owns an art gallery which is on the brink of crumbling around her, when Malcolm appears in her life. He offers to save her gallery if she agrees to fulfill his fantasies for one year. He will pay her in art pieces that she can later sell, if she gives him one or two nights a month for a year to play out all his sexual games. She agrees and what ensues is a series of encounters that is over-the-top BDSM games. And Malcolm has some strange secrets that he will only reveal when their time is over.

I have not read a book like this before and I was glued to the pages trying to figure out what would come next and what the "secret" was. I figured out the premise before it was revealed, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

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As a story line, it was pretty far fetched, however, if erotica is your favorite...you would definitely have plenty of opportunities to be turned on.

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WOW! I think I just found my new favorite author.
This book had the perfect balance of storytelling and erotica.
I found Mona a compelling character. Her motivation to save her mother's gallery led her into a situation not for the faint of heart. She wasn't afraid of her own sexuality and was open to new experiences.
Its only at the end of the book to we discover more about Malcolm and his motivation for striking the deal with Mona. What an ending that was. To say I wasn't expecting that is an understatement.
There was a sampling of all types of erotica, from regular kink, menage and role-playing to a touch of bdsm all the way to WTF did I just read.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story with a good helping of erotica thrown in.
I received the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review from netgalley.

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Man want to see their porn , woman want to read their porn. This book is an artfully written porn you definitely should read, if you up to weird , kinky things :P there's a cat in it , a handsome man , beautiful woman , artsy conversations , lots of theatrical scenes , even if you don't like extreme sex scenes you should read anyway. It's that good. I love tiffany's story telling ways. she's such a good writer, I even want this one to continue so we can read more of this story :=)

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
5 What-the-heck-is-going-on stars

I need to preface this review that it will be short and sweet, because I will not remove the entertainment value for the reader by adding anything that isn't already in the blurb.

I enjoyed the suspense of trying to figure out what was happening. While I enjoyed the content, what speared me on was trying to puzzle out who Malcolm was in relation to Mona, with a bunch of wild guesses being made. This kept me endlessly entertained, because generally I deduce every detail about a story in the beginning, so it's always amazing when I don't know what's going on (not in a confusing, the author doesn't know what's going on either, so the story is being written by the seat of their pants way, but when it's written precisely in a controlled manner from start to finish).

Mona's whole life revolves around The Red, her mother's gallery. After making a deathbed vow to always keep The Red, Mona is struggling under a mountain of debt, and in an economy where art lovers aren't dropping big bucks to buy from her gallery... in walks salvation, with a devilish request.

If you've read Tiffany Reisz in the past, expect a similar feel with the content – erotic, inventive scenes, BDSM elements, and a riding crop. With The Red, expect a more truncated experience, which I was thankful to read. No inane everyday experiences, no making coffee, or every detail of taking a shower, or phone calls made to relatives, the food eaten, or the actions to take the character from point A to C.

These everyday mundane actions are left up to the reader's imagination, with only the important scenes spotlit by the author. This creates a super-fast pacing, focuses on Mona and Malcolm's agreement and the things that matter – setting the scenes between the characters. However, it takes a bit away from the character building – getting to know the narrator on a deeper level and the relationship she has with Malcolm. But, if the reader uses their imagination and empathy, the gaps should be easy to fill.

Erotic scenes, some sensual and slightly silly, some hardcore and intense, are torn from the canvases of masterpieces. There was an ethereal feel to some of these scenes, almost fairy-tale-esque. Well thought out, highly inventive and creative, it wasn't a stick part B into slot A repetitiveness.

The mystery is the story itself. At the ending, I was eager for more yet surprisingly satisfied with what was left up to my imagination.


Kris – ☆☆☆☆☆
I have loved the Original Sinner series since the inception and I make an effort to read anything Reisz puts out there. The Red became available and I jumped at the chance to give it a read. The Red did NOT disappoint! Full out erotica with a strange twist. Who is Malcolm?? No, not who, WHAT? Besides being very dapper, very dom, and very persuading, Malcolm is everything I like in the twisted, male lead Reisz is so darn good at creating. Man, Reisz can make me hate myself for loving the crazy stuff she has her characters do to each other. I shake my head while rabidly turning the pages! Groaning in desperation and dismay at my reactions.

Malcolm comes to Mona in her time of desperate need. Mona's art gallery, The Red, is in the red. Days from closing, Mona finds a strange man in her gallery. The odd man's proposition, to be his plaything and he'll save her gallery, is just too interesting and too good to pass up. But what the heck IS Malcolm, is he real? Is Mona dreaming this? Has he given her drugs? Is he the Devil? Right up to the very end, we are on the edge of our seats trying to figure out where this story is going. I'm still not sure if I loved the ending or hated it, but I'll tell ya what, it left me thinking about it for days. Well worth the read!!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Erotica with hints of BDSM

Mona is trying to keep her mother's gallery alive. Despite the death bed promise Mona made to her mother, Mona is finding that the best course of action might be selling. Enter Malcolm.

Malcolm is an enigma – he is intriguing, dominant, sexy, rough around the edges, and a smooth talker. Throughout the story we are trying to figure him out. Why is he so interested in the gallery? How does he know about the gallery's financial situation? Who is Mona to him?

This is a great erotic story that is both frustrating and calming all wrapped in to one. It is well developed, but leaves you questioning everything. I loved that there was a mystery and romance, history and sex all in one story.

I have not read this author before, but now am going to be on the lookout – this was a great story.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
5 stars of absolute enchantment

I love Ms. Reisz’s books, they challenge the reader. They entice, entertain, and (in my opinion) should be read in private, as their eroticism incites lustfulness. This particular story is one which I am sure I will read again – in fact, I have a feeling it may become a comfortable, soothing friend. There is something so wonderfully magical, so wild and fanciful as to be fresh on each reading, yet familiar and worthwhile.

Mona is a wonderfully conflicted character who we see mainly in relation to her need to save The Red (her newly inherited art gallery) and her relationship with Malcolm. The time in between his visits is compressed into want, but really little else. This makes the situation much more intense and erotic. As she waits to find out what he has for her next, revealed by the clue given by a masterpiece in a text book. The scenes are wild and highly erotic, even when totally crazy! I loved the concept and the execution. Luckily, I knew to read this when home alone as it exudes passion and sexiness off the page.

I loved how it ended, and was totally enthralled by the twists, which I had loved unravelling. Thank you, Ms. Reisz, for a wonderful novel to add to my absolute favourites list.

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Okay, I didn't really realize that it would be so much erotica. Nevertheless, the idea of this book was very interesting, I liked the flair of paranormal in this book. I am just not quite satisfied with the ending of this book.

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This is a hard review to write. I’m still having difficulty putting my thoughts to paper. The Red is a uniquely twisted story. Mona makes a death bed promise to save her mother’s art gallery. Buried beyond belief in debt she finds herself making a deal with a handsome stranger who promises to save The Red. That deal changes her life forever. Right off the bat I knew there was something off about Malcom. He has a very mysterious air around him but I wouldn’t have guessed his story in a million years. There’s no argument that Tiffany Reisz is a brilliant writer. But for me and my tastes this really didn’t do it for me. The premise was interesting, their assignations were dark and twisted and I devoured the last quarter of the book. Overall there were elements that I enjoy about a story and its characters that I didn’t get in this. With that being said, I will still read anything and everything TR writes.

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It has been a while since I've read one of Tiffany's books and The Red reminded me of what I was missing. There is something really poetic to her telling of Mona's story, especially as it relates to art. The Red is one of those books you aren't going to want to put down. It grabs you hard and rough and then lulls you into a warmth and security that will baffle and turn you on, only to do it all over again. I enjoy books like this that push your limits. The mystery behind the handsome Englishman will haunt you, hurt your heart and make you smile all at the same time. I loved the way the story was broken up. Chapter VII was probably one of my favorites. Raw, brutish and feral it was hard not to be captivated by the scene that played out. I have to admit I was a little shocked and shaken as things became more clear and it only made me want to re-read The Red to see if there were tells to secrets untold I had missed. I found myself rather emotional towards the end as certain things unfolded. The Red is smart, sexy, and clever with a dash of humor.

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I am a faithful Tiffany Reisz reader the moment there is a new book I am trying to get my hands on it. I was lucky enough to do that early with The Red when I received a copy from Netgally for an honest review.

BLOWN AWAY. Ms. Reisz always has me captivated in her stories at the heart she is a talented weaver of tales but none have captivated me aws much as The Red. The magical story of Mona Lisa St. James and Malcolm left me breathless and so immersed in their tale. Of course there is the mind blowing erotic scenes that a Reisz book is know for, but my lord the storytelling and twist is what made this book a FIVE star read for me.

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The Red is pure sensory overload when it comes to erotica. It reads like a fairy tale with the female protagonists Mona enacting scenes from famous painting for her mysterious lover, Malcolm, who has promised her financial help in saving her gallery. In return, she is his to do as he pleases. It may sound like a typical BDSM romance but Ms. Reiz is known for her out of the box stories and The Red is no exception. It is definitely erotic, with each encounter between Mona and Malcolm being turned up a notch until the inevitable happens. The Red will keep a reader turning the pages even with the most jaded fan of BDSM stories. The Red is excellently crafted, sinfully sexual and ultimately will keep a reader guessing how it will end.

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This book wasn't quite what I was expecting. That being said- The book is well written and held my attention the whole way thru.... that being said, if you love sexy hot moments, menages, lots of sex and art work this is the book for you!!!!!!

3.5 stars from me.

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When I heard Tiffany Reisz was writing an erotica I immediately added it to my TBR. Her Original Sinners series changed my life in so many ways that I'll be here all day if I had to list them. The Red is an erotic fantasy which is something I had never read before. I don't even know if there are any books in this sub-sub genre (heh, sub, get it?) but I digress. This Erotic Fantasy is about a woman whose art gallery is way in the red...that is named The Red. A man comes to her and offers to save the gallery by paying her in expensive paintings and in return she will give him one night a month with her in the biblical sense. She agrees.

The plot was incredible. I read this in almost one sitting because once I started I was immediately enthralled. The story weaves its magic on the reader and I was transported into the world of Mona and Malcolm and all their depravity. And depravities there were. The twist is when Malcolm wants to visit Mona he leaves a picture of a painting. They will then act out said painting and it gets...weird. But so hot. It is SO HOT. Call me a pervert, call me depraved, some of it made me head tilt and say, 'holy shit, is she going there?' and duh, it's Tiffany, she goes there and more.

The book is on the shorter end with each chapter the title of the painting they act out. So it is really read as more of a serial, I think that's the word I'm looking for. There isn't really any other plot outside of Mona's nights with Malcolm. The time in between their meetings is briefed upon but not a focus at all. This didn't bother me, honestly, I really just wanted to get to the next Malcolm encounter thus why it read more like a serial than a novel just to let you know. I could see how some people would want more in between and filler but I honestly didn't. I was here for Malcolm and everything he came with.

This book is not for the faint of heart. It deals with fantasies that to the average person would be really freaking weird. I've come to expect the unexpected from Tiffany and that's what I love about her books. She explores the deepest and darkest of sexual fantasies and I love her for it. The fantasy element also played a big part in this and I LOVED how it all came together at the end. It was a little odd and felt quite rushed but eh, whatever. It wasn't what I expected and wasn't my ideal ending or twist but I did enjoy it and it did fit with the story, in my opinion.

I would definitely recommend this if you loved her Original Sinners series or are looking for something to really make you think about the blurred lines of sexuality. As always, Tiffany's books always make me think and I look forward to the next sexual adventure with her!

Rating: Backstage Pass
If you depravity, art history, and a little bit of magic...this book is for you.

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