Romance isn't one of my usual genres because it falls into the usual (albeit addictive) formulas that isn't mean to reflect real life. Okay, fine ... nobody reads romance *because* it reminds them of real life. I didn't read The Rose because it's supposed to resemble real life. I read it because the description sounded interesting and and the reviews were good.

And perhaps it's because I went in with little expectation that I was blown away by what a fantastic read this was.

Lia's parents throw her a graduation party. Because of her interest in Greek mythology, her father presents her with something called a Rose Kylix, a drinking vessel used in ceremonies dedicated to Eros in ancient Greece. Enters August Bowman, a wealthy art collector (Greek, of course) who has a fixation of acquiring the kylix and far more knowledge about it than anyone Lia knows. He offers to show her and off they went on a fantasy erotic escapade in mythological Greece.

At the same time, Lia had been running an escort service through university and her secret was about to be blown by someone from her past. He blackmailed her for an amount of money that she could only raise if she accepted August's offer to buy the Rose Kylix from her.

As part of the deal, she and August embarks on many, many sexy adventures with the help of the magical drinking vessel. Naturally he falls for her. Meanwhile, Lia has to come to grips with her blackmailer and their shared history.

The Rose is a next-generational follow-up to The Red (which is about how her parents met), which I had not read and am now dying to get my hands on. The Rose stands alone well, which is the better news.

Author Tiffany Reisz hits a lot of right notes with this book - engaging and endearing lead characters, great sex scenes, a device that makes your erotic fantasies come true. Escapism at its finest. The only part I rolled my eyes on was the part about Lia's past with her blackmailer, but I also keep forgetting that Lia is young enough not to be able to deal well with this scenario.

As for August Bowman, what leading man in a romance novel doesn't have a mysterious past? This takes the cake as far as any other mysterious pasts are concerned, but I was fully invested in the fantasy by the time the reveal came that I grinned rather than rolled my eyes.

A solid 5-star from me because I enjoyed it far more than I'm going to admit.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley.

Four British high society girls playing escort are in danger of being found out when a lot of their clients are invited to a birthday party. A statue of Aphrodite is involved, as well as an ancient goblet. The birthday girl can’t resist her Greek guest, who is really jonesing for the goblet, leading to some fantasy escapades as well as real ones.
The writing during the Greek visions is stunning. It’s hard to believe this is the same author that wrote the wonderful but completely opposite Picture Perfect Cowboy, but on the other hand it’s not. I particularly liked their patter. The heroine is a bit mannered, a touch spoiled, and prone to fits of stubbornness and posturing, but her sense of humor makes up for a lot. She’s also incredibly lucky; usually when an immortal plays with a mortal’s life, it doesn’t turn out nearly as well.
There’s a recurring gag about him having sex with a cloud, which makes me laugh every time, especially when he admits it might have only been a fog or a stiff breeze.
Some confusing turns at the end, but eventually neatly wrapped up.

As I have come to expect with Tiffany Reisz, this was a fascinating ride. Intriguing, original, sexy, mysterious, "The Rose" is an erotic adventure that mixes fantasy and mythology in a way that only a brave, daring author can.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Why I love books written by Tiffany Reisz? Because they are unique, like THE RED and THE ROSE.
This story is an erotic fairytale. Lia (daughter of Mona from The Red) get a kylix from her father as a graduation present. But this kylix had a special power: when someone drinks from it he/she will experience her/his erotic fantasies, they enter them, live them.
August, a really handsome, attractive and myterious man told Lia the story about the kylix and he helped her use it. Lia loved mythology so through her erotic fantasies we could read about the famous and hot stories from the greek mytology.
Unbelievable what Tiffany Reisz can do! Every chapter told a story about a famous mytological couple, about their love story. This book arused my interest about greek mytology, now I want to know more about the couples in the book!
It's an erotic book with lots and lots of sex scenes in it. But it's also a romantic story too. I recommend this book to every Tiffany Reisz fan, especially those should read it who love the Red!
I don't really know how many stars should I give this book. I love Tiffany's work, I loved The Red, and I liked this book too. But somehow I liked the Red more, I finished that in record time. Maybe the classic art was closer to me than the greek mytology? I don't know. So compairing to that book (which was 5 stars for me) I give this book 4* because it was unique, and hot and sweet too!

The Rose by Tiffany Reisz is one of the most unique and well written books that I have read. I read several books every month and this book just is so different from every single romance or erotic book I’ve read. It brings the worlds of Greek Mythology, history, and romance together in one story. The characters are well written and so in-depth that you would not see them in other books by other authors. They are unique and you can not wait to learn more about them and the people around them. Tiffany Reisz does a wonderful job in writing about the mythological world and how it relates to these characters and their story. I have always loved Greek Mythology and it’s such an excellent thing to weave into romance. I’ve seen others try to do paranormal with it but here she is making it part of the story instead of making the story just on that. Such a beautiful written book and I like how she is able to tell the story of Lia and what happened to her and why this put a rift in her life. So powerful in this time of women empowerment and speaking up. The love story being told is so unique and makes this book incredible how he has to build his time with her. I highly recommend this book to read. The Rose is so far one of my favorite books of 2019.

Tiffany Reisz never lets me down. NEVER.

The Rose is a sequel to The Red (and having read both - you can read one without having read the other. But why not read both as they are SO GOOD). Those of you who have read The Red, I won't spoil how the two relate to each other.

Lia is the daughter of parents who are well to do, as well as wealthy art collectors. Upon her graduation from college, her father gifts her with an ancient kylix - a wine cup decorated with roses. A friend of her parents, August Bowman, tells her that the kylix was used in ceremonies worshipping Eros, the Greek god of love. He then proceeds to try and purchase the kylix from her, advising that it contains powers that could be dangerous. Of course, Lia refuses. Not only is it a gift from her father, but it appeals to her own interest in Greek mythology.

Further, Lia has a little secret that her family doesn't know about it. When she is blackmailed by someone who wants to be paid for keeping her secret, she seeks August out not only to allow him to purchase the kylix - but also to explore its powers.

This is Tiffany Reisz, so the "adventures" with the kylix that follows are very erotic. My bet is if you enjoy erotica, if you enjoy Tiffany Reisz, and if you enjoy the recent novels of Madeline Miller and her twist on Greek anthology - then you will love The Rose. No, The Rose isn't anything like Miller's novels other than you will get lovely versions, and some twists, of Greek mythology.

I also repeat myself when I review this author's novels. So different. Great writing and storytelling. Did I mention different? I would love to pick her brain to see how she comes up with all the wonderful stories she has. The different tales woven throughout this book are enchanting, breathtaking and a joy to read. I know we always want to get to the end of a story; to see a resolution. But I would have loved more kylix adventures between Lia and August.

Highly, highly recommend. Such a lovely book.

Wow!! This is only the second book by this author I've read. The Red is the only other I've tried. I absolutely looooved this book! I am amazed at how Reisz is able to intermingle Greek/Roman Mythology into a current 21st Century story. The scenes are descriptive and luscious and beautiful! The stories within the story help captivate your mind and keep your attention throughout the book. I will definitely be reading more from Tiffny Reisz.

I was gifted this as an ARC book in return for my unbiased opinion.

Ein wundervolles Buch, voller antiker Mythen, Erotik und - etwas, dass Tiffany Reisz auszeichnet- Humor.
Damit ist es eine kurzweilige, aber alles andere als flache Lektüre.

Arc provided in exchange of an honest review. If not, may Zeus stab me to death with is lightning bolt.
The Rose (The Red #2) tells about Lia, daughter of Spencer, the fifteenth Earl of Godwick and Mona, the Countess of Godwick. Lia’s just graduated and she’s attending the party her parents threw for her. This party, however, is not the only thing they gift her: she gets the Rose Kylix, a 2500-years-old Greek wine cup. Like every party worthy of his name, appears a deus ex machina, August Bowman, a friend of Lia's parents. Mr. Bowman tells Lia about her preciuos gift, because that cup is not only an ancient Greek wine cup that her father snatched him under the nose: the Rose Kylix,“a name, a legend and a secret”, used in the temple ceremonies of Eros and with the power to bring the most intimate sexual fantasies to life.
We know what a woman’s curiosity is and we’d expect no less from Lady Ophelia than test these cup’s prodigious powers. So Lia, safe and sound under August’s protective wing, undertakes mythological affairs, experiences her erotic fantasies, she enters them, she lives them.
I gave 5 stars to The Red, I’m sorry I can’t give 10 stars to The Rose. Just when you think Tiffany Reisz couldn’t be more perfect, sbam! she gives you a book that is more than adventurouse, more than magic, more than erotic, more than anything you can think.
In Italy we study the history of Greece, we study ancient Greek-speaking, Greek tragedies, Greek comedies.
The Greek myths have their own strenght, a magical force that can lead you in another time. The Rose lead me in another time, as well. This book is like a slingshot that catapute you into Love with capital L, where L itself contains the whole sense of the word love and the world of love. While I was reading The Rose, Apollo’s arrow hits me. My name, Veronica, derives from Nike, the Goddess of Victory and The Rose is a worthy opponent: it’s an honor be defeated by a book like this.
Tiffany Reisz’s create ability can match Zeus’ punishment of Prometheus: who wouldn’t want be sentenced to the eternal and never ending reading of The Rose. Come, eagle, and feed on my liver.

Oh, how I love this story! Tiffany Reisz is just such a phenomenal storyteller.
What an amazing story. And the writing is incredible. I was immersed in the world that is The Rose. I love Lia & August! I enjoyed all the Greek mythology. This is such a fantastical story and amazing journey. I can’t get enough of Tiffany Reisz’s storytelling.

Tiffany Reisz has done it again - this story left me gasping and spellbound. The way she wound Greek mythology into the modern world with oh-so scintillating erotica is somehow educational, captivating, sexy, and brilliant. Bravo!

I received a free ARC via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

So I requested this ARC because the visual-storytelling app I work for (Chapters) recently adapted Reisz's "The Red" and this is something of a spin-off from that. You don't need to read "The Red" first (though there is a genealogical connection and a brief nod to the former), but the book is written in the same vein of erotic fantasy. I think this is a clever way to get those unusual, taboo sexual encounters in a less bad-tastey way. Each "scene" is just a fantasy, happening in a dream, a recreation of one myth or another. Both The Red and the Rose are erotica--that is the point of these books; they're not historical romance--though I will say the Rose has a lot more story in between the sex fantasies, and in my opinion, a more likable heroine and love interest. If you liked The Red, you'll love The Rose, and if you haven't read either, I'd suggest giving them a chance to broaden your erotic romance horizons.

GAH! Tiffany Reisz has an amazing ability to weave a story in a way that pulls you in and never lets go. This book was no exception. She takes Greek myths and puts a very 'Reisz' spin on them. Easily moving between modern day and ancient times and making you fall in love with every character you meet. Although I realized the twist fairly early on, it did nothing to take away from the magic of the story.

The Greek mythology fan in me is so satisfied right now!

I chose this book mainly because of the mention of a Greek god. But I was pleased to find the book full of stories about Greek gods and goddesses. And of course, the graphic scenes were really well written too. It did not touch on monotony once. Maybe because of all the fantastical elements.

I really liked Lia as a character and could empathize with her. August was a mysterious character right from the beginning. But I loved how he treated Lia. Lia's parents were a riot to read about. There was a mixture of hilarity and sweetness in the relationship between Lia and her parents that I just adored.

I personally am not a fan of the erotica genre and only read it if ever mood strikes. What bugs me about this genre is that most of them tend to be weak in plot which is there just as an instrument. But Reisz weaves a fascinating tale about greek mythology, fantasy and a woman's journey to self-realization, with of course tons of smut for those who love it!

I would like to point out, though, that there were a few typos and grammatical errors. But I'm sure that by the time of its release, the final edited version will be free of them. So no complaints about that.

Wow! What a hot read this was! This was by far the best book I have read by this author, and I love all her books! It was wonderfully angsty and naughty too, just what I’ve come to expect and love from Ms. Reisz. Straight to my favorites shelf! Well done!

Wow! Literally just finished reading this after staying up hours and hours past my bedtime. What an adventure! It took me a while to get into this and was a little confusing at times but the second half definitely had me hooked. Part 6 brought the tears. And the ending was just perfect.

Well, I found the Red through the Twitter recommendation of another author I know and trust. And, as an Art History major and professional museum employee, I can’t tell you how much my inner art dork enjoyed all of Malcolm and Mona’s hijinx. So, when I saw that the sequel had posted on Netgalley, well, you can be sure that I requested it. MAJOR thank yous to MIRA and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Because, honestly, I loved it.

However, I am removing one star because, while this is an ARC, there are some formatting issues, occasional words missing, and the language just didn’t seem to flow as smoothly and – for lack of a better word – gracefully as they did in the Red. It just didn’t hit the five-star button for me. If Goodreads allowed for a 4 and a half, it would totally be a four and a half.

This book picks up 22 years after the Red and tells the story of Lia, Mona’s daughter. You can read the blurb to find out the general idea of the plot, but it is mostly rooted around the use of an ancient Greek artifact called the Rose Kylix that was supposedly used during ancient ceremonies by the cult of Eros. When Lia and her father’s not-quite-adversary use the kylix together, they embark on a sort of choose your own adventure through famous sexual encounters of Greek mythology.

Much like how Malcolm and Mona act out some of art history’s most famous sexual and sensual paintings, Lia and August enjoy their romps through such stories as Andromeda and Perseus, Briseis, Achilles, and Patroclus (threesome!), Poseidon and Poseidon. Though, I think my favorites were what came after Dionysus and Ariadne (Pan! A rowboats!) or even the fun interpretation of Danae and Zeus. Each experience with the kylix is exciting and unique. While a general knowledge of mythology would help the reader have a deeper experience, outside reading or google searches aren’t necessary. The author does an excellent job setting the scene and giving the key background information.

All in all, I loved this book and look forward to reading more by this author and hope that we get more stories in this series – perhaps about Mona’s mother or Lia’s siblings? If so, I can’t wait!

Following on from Tiffany Reisz' The Red, The Rose is a fantastical erotic journey through Ancient Greek mythology combined with modern-day love-life and everyday-life problems. The tale follows Lia, a young and modern english aristocrat with a love of Ancient Greek stories, as she gets swept up in an affair that promises to grant all her fantasies come true.

As always from Reisz, this is a delightfully well-crafted story with a heroine that readers can identify with as well as live vicariously through. Although it follows The Red, this is a fully separate stand-alone story, and these books do not need to be read in order to be enjoyed.

There is a great deal of erotic material to draw from Greek myths, and I particularly enjoyed the way Reisz allowed Lia to take charge as the heroine of these tales. Often when reading the original myths it can seem as if the male gods were the ones having all the fun, frequently at the expense of hapless females. In Lia's journeys with August she has a male partner to share her fantasies with, but she is as much the seducer as the seduced.

There is also a coming-of-age element to this story, as events unfold that cause Lia to reexamine her relationship with her parents, and ultimately make the final transition from young adult to adult.

Overall I found this to be an enjoyable read combining ancient tales with modern sensibilities. For me, as always, Reisz is at the top of her Genre.

This book was good! Combines some of favorite things: Greek mythology and erotic romance. I didn't know there was a first book to this "duology" but you don't have to read the first one to read this. I loved Lia and August characters and the magical realism that this story had. Me being me just wanted a full epilogue.

Wow. This book is so far outside the realm of what I'd normally read I hardly know where to begin. The first few paragraphs had me checking the description I'd read. It seemed strange and contrived to start out with a meeting of a club I knew nothing about. I thought this was a party. Then the true nature of the club was revealed and I was near abandoning the book. Were it not for my love of Greek Mythology I probably wouldn't have finished the book, but I'm glad I did. I actually loved the way the myths were weaved into the storyline, and how playful the dialogue was between August and Lia. The twist at the end was pretty interesting as well. Some of the scenes pushed me outside my comfort zone, but the story was engaging enough for me to keep calm and read on.