The Rose by Tiffany Reisz is book Two in The Red Series. This is the story of Lady Ophelia 'Lia' Godwick and August Bowman. I haven't yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Lia is 21 and she is at her graduation party where her father gifts her with a rare wine cup. Lia's parents are collectors of antiques and her father got the cup. August wanted the cup as it has mystical powers but Lia starts to become some else he wants. Lia wasn't fallen to fast the first night they met and actually avoided him but then things started to take off.
Enjoyed their story.

This was an enjoyable story that I did not want to put down. While some of it did get a bit repetitive I enjoyed the characters of Lia and August.

I didn’t realize Reisz was planning to make The Red into a series until I saw this book pop up in my email...what a surprise and I one-clicked NG right away.

The Rose tells the story of Greek mythology lover and madam Lia and a man she meets at her graduation party August Bowman.

Lia and August have an immediate connection when their eyes meet but even more so over Lia’s bday gift from her father...a Greek relic-a wine cup called a kylix-used by Aphrodite herself.

It is said that taking a drink from the kylix will transport you into your sexual fantasies and WOW! This writing and sexiness is what Reisz is known for.

The reason for my rating...while I enjoyed being transported from fantasy to fantasy, I wanted more of that feeling and connection from the characters themselves. The twist...I didn’t see coming and loved that so much!

Would I continue reading this series or anything Reisz writes...most definitely. I just wanted a little more from this one.

The Rose is an erotic tale that brings the heroine’s fantasies to life. The setting for each fantasy is within Greek mythology with reality and fantasy interwoven throughout the story. Readers are introduced to the entrepreneurial young Lia as her parents prepare to celebrate her university graduation.

I was instantly swept up into Lia’s world and her connection to the secret Tennis and Gardening Club for Young Ladies. When her parents announce they are hosting a party in honour of her recent graduation that has a guest list of men who are familiar with her secret group, she calls for an emergency club meeting. Lia swiftly brings the young ladies up to speed on who will be attending her graduation and the potential trouble ahead for their club.

It was at the party that Lia meets August Bowman. August is one of the few guests unknown to Lia and he turns out to be a popular man. His maturity and charming confidence caught Lia and her friend’s attention. He was handsome, charming and Lia had something August wanted. An artifact her father had outbid him on at a recent auction. He offers to pay Lia whatever she deems necessary to take the chalice off her hands, but she won’t budge.

Up until that point of the story I was hooked, but then the plot hones in on August and Lia’s adventures associated with the chalice. I was still fascinated by the change of scenery but the focus on ancient gods and mythology was kind of lost me. That’s on me and not the story. My preference was to remain in the present and see how the Tennis and Gardening club members were getting on. Now there was the story that went begging in my opinion.

While the direction I wanted the story to go in drifted off into the distance, a rather raunchy tale begins to unravel. Lia’s euphoria overtakes her confusion over the reality of her adventures. She is literally weaving her own story. Without being familiar with mythology, I am unsure as to how much of the book were interpretations of old tales or masterfully modern takes on stories of old. Usually when a book refers to details I am unfamiliar with I have an urge to find out more. In this case though, it had the opposite effect, and I began to skim. I just wanted to get back to Tennis and Gardening LOL.

Tiffany’s Reisz’s distinctive voice resonates throughout The Rose. Her witty humor and boldness of the characters came through effortlessly. Lia’s parents were not the kind I could relate to, they reminded me of the Fockers with their relaxed and open-loving lifestyle. Lia’s interaction with her parents was the opposite and surprisingly reserved in comparison.

Now for readers who enjoy a bit of story with their sextivities, you are in for a treat. The pace felt slow to me as I had my hopes pinned on the plot taking a different direction. Lia’s adventures felt repetitive after a while. That said, their journey was erotically depicted through fantasy and mythology with a dash of mystery to keep readers guessing right up until the end

Author Tiffany Reisz returns to the world of The Red with an imaginative sequel full of lust and magic, and the dangers unleashed when the two are combined…

On the day of Lia’s university graduation party, her parents—wealthy art collectors with friends in high places—gift her a beautiful wine cup, a rare artifact decorated with roses. It’s a stunning gift, and one that August Bowman, a friend of her parents and a guest at Lia’s party, also has his eye on. The cup, August tells her, is known as the Rose kylix, and it’s no ordinary cup. It was used in the temple ceremonies of Eros, Greek god of erotic love, and has the power to bring the most intimate sexual fantasies to life.

But Lia is skeptical of August’s claims of the cup’s mythology and magic—after all, he’s a collector himself, and she suspects he just wants to get his hands on this impressive piece of art. So he dares her to try it for herself, and when Lia drinks from the Rose kylix she is suddenly immersed in an erotic myth so vivid it seems real—as though she’s living out the most sensual fantasy with August by her side…

Realizing the true power of this ancient and dangerous relic, Lia is even more wary of giving it up, though August insists it is only safe with him. He’s willing to pay the full value of the cup, but Lia has another type of trade in mind. One that finds them more tangled up in each other—and in fantasy—than either was prepared for.

Review:

I loved that it intertwined art, fantasy and kinky-ness. The story was truly unique. Both books in this series are so very different from other romances, that make me love them more. Lia and August are such interesting and intriguing character, they are a great combination. The way the Author wove the first and second book together worked to make a greater, mysterious world. I loved the ending, thought it was perfect. There is lots of kinky goodness in this story, but thought they were excellently done. Now, it is not all fun and sexiness, there is emotion and drama woven into the story too.

I will say if you want a sexy, unique erotic fantasy story, you should read this one!

4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

First off I just have to say how much I love this cover. This book pretty muck takes the reader on several erotic fantasies based on Greek mythology. I have to say the Tiffany Reisz did a wonderful job with her vivid attention to detail.
Every time the couple explored a new fantasy, I saw it play out in my head and felt like I was there!

I really liked August and Lia as a couple. I have read a few books by this author but none written like this before and I mean that in a good way. Apparently I need to check out “The Red” by this author and see what I’ve been missing!

This story held my attention from beginning to end. If you like provocative reads that sweep you away to majestic places be sure to check this story out!

I'm sorry I won't be reviewing this. In my excitement to see a new Reisz book, I didn't realize it was part two of a series when I requested it. I just don't have the time to read book one. In the future when I get a chance to read both I will update with my review.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Again, sorry about that.

My rating does not reflect my opinion of the book. Placing since since Netgalley makes you choose one.

I'm a big fan of Ms. Reisz's other works and this one is no different. The complexity needed to create this story is astonishing. Her ability to pay attention to details in her world-building, especially when it comes to the Greek mythology, is compelling. The level of research required to invest into each of the erotic dreamscapes is a lot and there are like 4 of them on top of the general Parthenon that is thrown around. Yet, Ms. Reisz's is able to seamless work all of it into a magical, erotic, romance that, quite frankly I couldn't put down. I was up until 3am finishing it. It's beautifully written and wonderfully done.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I wasn’t expecting such an in depth exploration into Greek mythology, but I really enjoyed it. I’ve always been interested it so it was fun to see it from such a sexy angle. I was unsure about the connection between August and Lia at first, but I ended up loving that way it was built up. This is such a fun, sexy read!

Told in the third person, single point of view, Tiffany Reisz puts a steamy literary erotica spin on Greek mythology.

Gifted with an ancient Kylix wine cup by her father for her graduation, Lia is approached by a friend of her parents, August Bowman, warning her of the cup's powers. As an antique collector, he offers to buy it; Lia, however, is enamored of Greek mythology and finds it too interesting to sell. Besides, it's a gift from her father. But when a secret she is trying to keep hidden is about to be exposed, she proposes a deal with August. One that takes her on erotic adventures she never imagined.

Using erotic vignettes in the style of The Red, she brings the characters through varying erotic adventures that keeps their tale fresh and exciting. Creative, with witty dialog, intelligent story-telling, this is a novel that only not brings the heat, but engages your mind. With the exception of an ending that, while satisfying, felt a bit rushed, I enjoyed this one.

Absolutely amazing story...the author's ability to weave mythology, romance, mystery, emotion, humor, snarkily fun banter and supremely steamy adult time and make it all seem so real in today's world is just magnificent to me. I have loved mythology, especially Greek mythology since I was a young girl and this story has me wanting to delve into these ancient worlds again. I thought that The Red was truly unique but in my eyes, Me. Reisz has outdone herself...and I want so much more from this wonderful, perverted family!

4★★★★Stars

Genre: Erotic Fantasy
Type: Standalone Book 2 of The Red series
POV: Third Person



Lady Ophelia (Lia) Godwick was a daddy's girl; her father spoiled her so much that when he made a graduation party for her he gave her an ancient cup.  Her love for Greek mythology was her life and this gift meant everything to her. 



Augustine (August) Bowman, was a very interesting character.  He sees Lia on her graduation party and became friends with her.  Lia's new cup was special and they both knew it.  It somewhat connected them two in a deeper level but what they didn't know was that it will turned into an adventure that they never want to com back from.



I am going to be honest; I am pretty bad at remembering named and characters specially all the Greek gods; it was confusing for me because I honestly don't remember any of them hahaha.  I still enjoyed the story thought because the author did a great job putting a very enchanted tale where two characters manage to make their fantasies come true.  The places they transported and the things they saw were so vivid described that made the chapters so much interesting. 



Overall; I enjoyed this book it had very likable characters and the chemistry between Lia and August was on point. I was kind of expecting it to be a erotic as book one which was one of my favorites but even thought it wasn't as steamy I still found it enjoyable.  

The Rose will be appealing to readers who enjoy Greek mythology and a good romantic adventure.

Oh my Gosh, I will never look Greek Mythologies the same way again thanks to the author.
This book is about myths but in a whole another level, a sweet cute kinky level. Yup you read that right, it is a sweet cute kinky romance read, never thought I could put cute and kinky in one sentence, but it is what it is.
This book has everything, from Gods and Goddesses to legendary mythology creatures, from sweet wonderful love to crazy wild kinkyness and it amazed me from the first chapter till the last one. This book got me weep sometimes with joy and sometimes with sadness.

If you love myths, or if you love sweet beautiful romance, or if you love kinky steamy read, this is THE book for you.

Lady Ophelia "Lia" Godwick has lived a privileged life. Her parents, still fiercely in love twenty-one years in, are art collectors and give their children all they can. Lia, desperate to be independent, has found her own way to make money, however her methods are quite illegal. Her father gifts her a beautiful kylix for her graduation gift, catching the attention of the handsome August Bowman, and also bringing back into her life a man she'd love nothing more than to never see again. August, with his sight set on both Lia and the cup, sets out to prove to her that the cup holds the power of the gods', the power to take her on an erotic journey. The cup promises to be the tool to help Lia escape from letting her secret out and so she concocts a plan to use both August and the cup. Reality and fantasy blend for Lia as she soon falls for the chivalrous man and the erotic dreams he plants in her head.

"That wink. That smile. Pure mischief."

Magic and lust, two of this girl's favorite subjects in a novel, collide in The Rose, Tiffany Reisz' standalone followup to The Red. Filled with Greek mythology, erotic encounters, and a bit of a coming-of-age story too, The Rose takes readers on an adventure in sensuality. August gives Lia something she could only dream of, a chance to live for a moment as the Gods and Goddesses she adores, bringing life to the artwork and stories she has studied. The imagery in this novel is just outstanding, I felt like I was experiencing the sumptuous locations, the tasty wine, the heated looks and sexy play. Tiffany Reisz uses Lia's experience, both in human life and in her fantasies, to explore the power play men cling to historically. There is acceptance in sexuality, respect towards those who make their living as escorts, and fierce support for equality.

"If there was a painter in residence, tis would make quite the mural. A winged goddess on her knees in front of a mortal prince wearing the night tied around his eyes."

Quite a bit tamer than The Red, The Rose sees August and Lia revisiting the popular folklore and giving it new life, with the joining of Andromeda and Perseus their first fore into the other world.I loved Lia, she has a certain spark, likely the same spark that attracted August, that keeps you on the toes as a reader. It is unexpected what she will do or say next. I immediately gave up any notions that I knew what would come in this book, loving that Lia too had to suspend her own beliefs and understanding of the world in order to appreciate the gift of pleasure August presents to her. August was a pleasant surprise as well, his backstory a mystery, and yet he is the perfect gentleman. Their chemistry is obvious from the moment they meet and, despite being a bit like insta-love, it is easy to hope that these two realize that they are meant to share more than their short arrangement.

"'We are most ourselves in our fantasies,' he said."

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I enjoyed The Rose so much more than The Red. For me, the fantasy and fantasy line in The Red was confusing, I felt like I was reading dreams and not something the characters really felt were real. Plus, it took me beyond my own personal comfort level in erotic reading. Not a bad thing, but jarring when it is unexpected. In The Rose though it was a perfect blurring of the line between reality and fantasy. It truly felt as though Gods and Goddesses interacted among the living with a perfect mask in place, like the realm they live in is accessible. I loved that there were multiple plot-lines, that the lust filled meetings couldn't be sustained indefinitely due to human necessity and to allow Lia to deal with the deceptive life she has been hiding.

"The gods aren’t magicians. They’re gods. But even gods have toys. Word of advice. Don’t play with a god’s toy without permission."

I was quite impressed to find that The Rose could easily be read as a standalone, with Lia's story quite different from the one found in The Red. However, as someone who read The Red previously it was fun to revisit main character, Mona, and see where life has led her. While not necessary to read both, I think readers who enjoy erotica, fantasy, and history will find both novels are a wonderful escape. Historically accurate, sexy, and fun, The Rose was an absolute pleasure to read. Tiffany Reisz has given us a well written novel that I certainly will read again.

Lady Ophelia Anne Fitzroy Godwick lives a double life. To some, she’s simply Lia – the shy and beautiful daughter of an Earl. To others, she’s an ever-discreet Madame who caters to the sexual whims of the rich and infamous.

Her life is relatively quiet and structured. Until the night of her graduation party when she’s unknowingly gifted with two powerful pieces of Greek mythology. The first is in the form of the mysterious Rose kylix and the other is in the form of a Greek god made man.

“The grand oak front doors of Wingthorn yawned open. A man entered. Lia couldn’t see who he was at first, as his face was hidden behind an umbrella held by a footman. The footman lowered the umbrella, and Lia had one thought at the first sight of the man.
Oh no.
The man, whoever he was, wore a dark blue three-piece suit that perfectly complemented his olive-brown skin. The umbrella had gotten to him a second too late. His hair was rain-damp, dark and curling. His age? Lia guessed thirty, thirty-three tops. Too young to be friends with her parents, too old to be friends with her.
Whoever he was, Lia knew she’d never seen him before. Yet when he looked at her, it seemed he knew her. He gave her the slightest little winking smile as her father shook his hand.
That wink. That smile. Pure mischief. It made Lia’s toes clench in her shoes. She ordered her toes to unclench, which they did, but under protest. “Blink, child,” her mother whispered, “before your eyes dry out.”
“Who is he?” Lia asked, blinking.
“Has to be Augustine Bowman.””

August Bowman is an enigma. He’s reported to be the wealthy son of Greek aristocracy but nothing more is truly known except that he is as handsome and wicked as the devil himself.

He’s interested in acquiring the kylix from Lia. But before he does, he’s going to show her just how mighty the cup of Eros really is.

So when Lia finds herself vulnerable to her past, she proposes an irresistible deal. In exchange for a cool million pounds and a week to live out her most intimate fantasies with him as her guide and the cup will be his.

But when their time together comes to a close, Lia discovers that she’s lost far more than just money.

She’s lost her heart as well.

"She poured enough for two swallows into the kylix. She set the bottle aside and waited. She expected August to make a joke, say “bottoms up” or something, but he didn’t.
He cradled the kylix in his two large hands and closed his eyes. He murmured something in Greek, something strange and lovely, as strange and lovely as he was.
“What did you pray?”
“I prayed for you. That you would enjoy worshipping with me.”
“Who are we worshipping?” she asked. “Eros?”
“Each other, of course,” he said. Then he sipped from the cup and passed it to her.
She stared at it, suddenly frightened.
“I’ll protect you,” August assured her. “Whatever happens, you’ll be safe.”
Lia took a deep long breath. She drank from the cup.
The wine tasted a little dusty but still sweet and warm and potent. She set the cup carefully on the bedside table.
“Now what do we do?” she asked.
“Kiss me,” August said.
“What?”
“Kiss me. I dare you.”
“What’ll happen when I kiss you?”
“Good things will happen.”
“Like what?” she demanded.
“I’ll put my tongue in your mouth, for starters.”
“And after that?”
“You’ll see,” he said. “If you dare.”"

With each book, Tiffany Reisz somehow magically weaves the very best of edgy erotica with the unexpected sweetness of romance to create a gem that shines brighter than all the others.

The Rose is certainly the embodiment of all of that and so much more. Most unexpected was the character of August. I found him to be utterly charming and even tender at times. There is an authenticity to him that makes you believe that all of your innermost secrets will be safe in his keeping.

It’s debauchery at its most exquisite and soul deep longing at its most tortured.

And I savored every decadent drop…

“An imaginative tale of lust and magic” INDEED! Another deliciously sexy read from the fabulous Tiffany Reisz in the books for me, another one I simply couldn’t put down. I read the book that precedes this one (The Rose) for book club and was completely swept away by the magical elements, something I’ve never leaned into before so the fact that it took me by surprised and I enjoyed it was great.

In The Rose, we meet Lia who is gifted a rare wine cup at her graduation party. A cup that the handsome August tries to buy from her, telling her that it holds dangerous magic. I don’t want to spoil anything (including the description below) but the very sexy scenes that are based on mythology are EVERYTHING. Hold me. I am loving this series so much, I NEED MORE.

Description:

On the day of Lia’s university graduation party, her parents—wealthy art collectors with friends in high places—gift her a beautiful wine cup, a rare artifact decorated with roses. It’s a stunning gift, and one that August Bowman, a friend of her parents and a guest at Lia’s party, also has his eye on. The cup, August tells her, is known as the Rose Kylix, and it’s no ordinary cup. It was used in the temple ceremonies of Eros, Greek god of erotic love, and has the power to bring the most intimate sexual fantasies to life.

But Lia is skeptical of August’s claims of the cup’s mythology and magic—after all, he’s a collector himself, and she suspects he just wants to get his hands on this impressive piece of art. So he dares her to try it for herself, and when Lia drinks from the Rose Kylix she is suddenly immersed in an erotic myth so vivid it seems real—as though she’s living out the most sensual fantasy with August by her side…

Realizing the true power of this ancient and dangerous relic, Lia is even more wary of giving it up, though August insists it is only safe with him. He’s willing to pay the full value of the cup, but Lia has another type of trade in mind. One that finds them more tangled up in each other—and in fantasy—than either was prepared for.

THE ROSE is available NOW, pick up your copy on Amazon.

Thanks so much to the Harlequin team for an advanced copy of this book! Opinions are obviously my own.

Twisty, erotic, fascinating and mesmerising, a brilliant continuation by Tiffany, I was completely immersed from beginning to end.
4.5 Stars

I love Tiffany Reisz's writing style and how she can pretty much writing about anything.

Want something tha'st on the odd side, but dark and creepy? She has written it. You want a cute romance? She has written it. Want pure erotica, with all the whips & inappropriately-behaved priests? Yes, she has written that too.

The Rose is a sequel to The Red, but you don't have to read the first, if you don't want to. You should, but it's not a must. You will understand what The Rose is about.

Lia is our heroine and she knows her parents are on the wild side - they're so funny, they made me laugh a lot - but she's not your every-day girl either. With a not exactly-legal job, she has to be careful. However, the past is back to bite her in the derriere and secrets will be revealed.

On the other hand, there's this journey - sexual journey, mind you - between Lia and the - let's call him hero. I love how Greek myths and legends are a huge part of the story; that they play a major role in it all.

I honestly don't want to spoil all the twists and turns this book has, so I'll just say this: it's funny, it has a bit of drama, whole lot of hot scenes, and yes, swoon-worthy-ness.

I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy via Netgalley and my rating is 4 stars. Recommend it.

I loved The Red, when it hit my kindle I devoured it. When I saw this was in the same series as that book - I jumped on reviewing it. Overall I did enjoy this book. There were a few things that did not work for me but it was mostly minor things. I really enjoyed the banter between Lia and August, the great side characters added so much, several other things that are spoiler-ish so I'm leaving those off the list. This was a bit milder than The Red. I did take me some time to fully get into the story and to connect to Lia and August. The Greek mythology aspect of the story was very entertaining. I do like this book but I liked The Red even more. I still recommend reading both of them though.

The story of Lia continues with her graduation party and the meeting of August. Lia's father gifts her a rare kylix, and August wants to show her how it works, and to buy it from her. She does not want to sell it, but is willing to see how it works with August.
From there we go on a mythological journey through Zeus and other Gods.
This story was fabulous and well worth the purchase!