If you combine Reisz's signature mindf*ckery, panty-melting erotic scenes, and banter with Greek mythology and the modern British peerage... you get The Rose.

I devoured this book. It's delicious. I don't have better words to say this, so I'll just give you my initial impression:

I would like to drizzle this book over a lover and lick it off.

Where The Red was an experiment in pain/pleasure and pushing the boundaries of reality and the physical body, The Rose is a little sweeter. Of course, it isn't too sweet, because this is Tiffany Reisz and she doesn't do that.

The Rose opens with a young woman, daughter of an Earl, about to have a graduation party as she's just wrapped up her time at university. She's 21, and she has a bit of a secret. You see, she's a Madam. She arranges appointments and handles the financial bits for several of her friends. She's got the connections, they've got the skills and desire to use them.

This is all going smoothly, until the night of her graduation party. Her father has invited a stranger to the party as a sort of consolation prize. You see, Ophelia's father outbid August Bowman at an auction recently. The piece up for bid? A rose kylix (an ancient cup made for drinking wine, decorated with an image of a young woman and a rose). August is sexy as hell, but he also warns Ophelia that the kylix is dangerous and has the power to transport people who drink wine from it into their deepest sexual fantasies. You see, August is a prostitute with the Cult of Eros and this Kylix is a gift given from Aphrodite to her son (Eros).

She tells him to go away and figures that's that.

Until the artist (and terrible person) who took her virginity blackmails her. Unless she pays him 1,000,000 pounds, he's going to tell the papers about her escort service and destroy her life. This leads Ophelia to go to August with a deal - he gives her the money, she gives him the Kylix. But she doesn't need the money for a week... so why shouldn't they play with it first?

The week that follows is the bulk of the book, and it's full of Reisz's combination of erotic scenes, angst, and enough mythology to satisfy fans. It's like reading the myths again, but without the X-Rated bits removed. As a bonus, since Ophelia and August are acting these scenes out, it's pleasurable when Achilles forces Briseis into his bed every night. It's hot as hell when a shower of literal gold glides over and into Danae/Ophelia's body. And it's romantic as hell when August and Ophelia fall for each other while they explore the bounds of their trust.

The Rose is lighter on BDSM and I wouldn't say it contains dubious consent like The Red, but only because Ophelia is knowingly entering scene wherein the original character was raped. These are her fantasies, and August is there to protect her. It's still a big mindf*ck, but not like The Red was. There are several content warnings, which I've listed below, but I think that if you had a difficult time with The Red, this one will be easier. If you loved The Red, you'll probably enjoy The Rose, too.

Oh and there's definitely a happy ending.



Content warnings: mention of rape, blackmail, "pleasurable rape" fantasy, character in peril, bad first-time sex

Suzanne received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review.

4.9 Stars

Remember Mona from The Red? This is the story of her 21 year old daughter Lia.

Lia's parents are throwing her a college graduation party and one of the guests is the mysterious August. A sexy and charming greek god lookalike who is after her graduation present. August lost the ancient cup to Lia's father at an auction and now he's hoping that Lia will sell it to him. She won't - BUT she is very interested in finding out why he so badly needs this beautiful relict.

And what he tells her is so not what she expected ....

Let the mysterious sexy times begin .... ☺

═══════════════════

Well, that was ... interesting. And mega sexy.
Just like her mom's book, Lia's book is very erotic and supernatural.
As soon as someone drinks wine out of the kylix, they fall asleep and have all their sexual fantasies come true! Isn't that something?!?! LOL!

Next to being ridiculously sexy, this story was a very historically and mythologically interesting tale. Full of gods and heroes and virgins and daughters and concubines and sea monsters ...

Greek mythology and history is not really my thing, but it was interesting to read about it for a few hours. Plus all those sexy moments. I really liked it. August is so adorable and I hoped all through the book that he won't end up being a ghost or some kind of not-real thing ... I want that happy end for Lia! ☺

Great story - just like the first book. Different. Definitely not a sweet and fun new adult romance - even though there is a bit of that in here too.

It's a Tiffany Reisz book, so we know it has to be amazing and different and erotic!

Can't wait to see where this series will take us next!

4/5 - I really enjoyed this book and would like to reread it when it’s released. My problems with this ARC are mainly with text formatting and typos.

This story about Lia and August was really fun to read. They are both very likable and their relationship flows and grows in a beliable way. I’m a fan of PNR and Greek mythology but haven’t really seen the two genre’s mashed together well. The Rose is an exception this story is legit.

The intensity between the two characters and also playfulness were my favorite. August is brilliant. I laughed out loud at some of his lines. For example:

“Fourth... He probably kicks puppies, too, and is one of those bastards who creates anonymous Twitter accounts to insult celebrities. My cock’s bigger, right?”

AND

“That’s your mother,” Lia whispered.
“I invited her as a sort of peace offering.”
“That was nice of you,” she said.
“Not really,” August said. “I’m going to shoot her in the heart with a great big arrow.”
“What? Why?”

Lia is both sweet and strong. She’s heartbroken and closed off but August is determined to show her that true love exists. Even if his mom had a little something to do with the connection in the beginning.

Like I said I liked this book. And I’d will buy the physical copy when it releases, something I rarely do with books I’ve all ready read.

I truly want to know what happens with these two characters even though it was a standalone book.

The mind of Tiffany Reisz never cease to amaze me!

The thing I liked the most about the first book, "The Red", was that it was so different. Mixing new with old. History and art. It was sinfully hot with - a twist.

And now with “The Rose"!

Omg! Greek Mythology has never been more interesting that's for sure. My knowledge of the Greek Gods is pretty slim, but now, I feel like I have to learn more.

It all began with Lia's birthday, a Greek artifact gifted by her dad, a handsome stranger and a big regret from her past.

There is a connection between this artifact and the stranger and Lia's knowledge of Greek Mythology will take her on a journey beyond her wildest imagination.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I only knew from reading the first one that I needed more. And now after reading this one, I feel lost, I need even more. But can any new book top this one?

I've been a huge Tiffany Reisz fan for some years now and I'm pretty sure Ms. Reisz can do it. She did say after "The Red" that there wouldn't be a sequel ...

I am for sure going to dream about hot, Greek Gods tonight.

www.arcticbooklover.blogspot.com
December 28th 2018

Delightfully imaginative!

Ophelia (Lia) is more than what meets the eye. She is living parallel lives between being the only daughter of Lord Godwick and running a group of escorts on the secret side. Her life could not more complicated when an ex-lover attempts to blackmail her, while she is trying to deal with a new man in her life - August Bowman!

Magic, Greek Myths, and a romantically lustful courtship drive this plotline while the reader sits at the edge of their chair. Pure enjoyment!

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy with me.

The Rose - Tiffany Reisz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After reading Tiffany Reisz’s “The Red”, my mind was opened but “The Rose” just added an additional layer to all the fantastical stories this extraordinary author has the capabilities to deliver to us mere mortal readers.

Lia’s story was totally engrossing, as well as a throughly wonderful escapist read. I loved the playful connections between the family history of Great Grandfather Malcom and his diverse sexual exploits and Lia’s entrepreneurial little venture in the Garden and Tennis club.

Lia’s dalliances with August into the other realms of her fantasies were erotic and played out beautifully. Their connection and chemistry was palpable and you just had to hope that the fates and gods were on their side.

No spoilers but enter this story with an open mind and a heart ready to believe..... a gem of a story and I hope there’s more to come.

I certifiably liked this book better than The Red! I really liked the characters, esp August. The Greek mythology was creative and fun to follow. There were a bunch of typographical errors but I assume those will be corrected before the official release.

Great story – I’m looking forward to the next one.

4 stars

This is more a paranormal romance/erotic story. It starts out quite normal but as it continues more strange other worldy items and events happen. The romance is good. I especially liked the hero. I enjoyed the story and would recommend it as something a little different.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It is Lia’s university graduation party and because of her interest and love for Greek mythology, she receives the Rose kylix as a gift from her father. This kylix which is a drinking vessel used in ancient Greece, is rumored to have been used in the temple ceremonies of Eros and has powers beyond imagination.
One of the guests at the party, August Bowman who is a wealthy Greek art collector, would pay any price to have the kylix. But would Lia part with it? To what lengths would August go to have what he desires? Would Lia dare to test the kylix’s magical power?
This was very different from what I usually read. I thought it would be more historical fiction than eroticism. That said, it was entertaining and fast paced. Readers who like erotic stories would enjoy this one.

Thanks to the author, Mira books and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.

Oh boy was this book HOT! The Rose takes you on a journey like no other, and I’m still a bit speechless after finishing it. What an amazing ride it was though.

Lady Ophelia is the bright, bored 21-year-old daughter of Mona and Spencer, characters from Reisz's erotic fantasy The Red. She receives a 2,500-year-old cup as a birthday gift, and a mysterious (and handsome) man arrives at her party to tell her the cup has dangerous magical properties, which he offers to show her. Soon, Ophelia and August are exploring a sensual world of Greek mythology and secret fantasies. But the secrets of the cup and August's true identity may destroy them.

Like The Red, The Rose is imaginative, fun, and filthy in the best possible way. Plus, Reisz clearly knows her classical source material, and I learned a lot about Greek gods and goddesses. I really hope she writes another book in this series, and soon!

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. When I started reading I couldn't put it down. Tiffany Reisz is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

Oh to spend one day in the mind of Tiffany Reisz. What a brilliant playground. This tale of the Rose takes eroticism to levels you don't even expect. We are reliving and retelling some of the most sensual and famous stories in mythology. I enjoyed greek mythology and this has a much sexier appeal if that is even possible. This is the Story of Ophelia aka Lia the daughter of Mona from The Red ( if you haven't read that you really should its excellent but you don't have to for this story). Magic and mythology ,Beliefs and following your heart. This was so entertaining from the start your engrossed in a world of reality and fantasy. Gods and Mortals what could be better. I was done for. A much needed change from modern day romance. Absolute Must read. PLEASE GO FOR THREE!**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

"The cloud started it."

Many thanks to Harlequin for approving my request! I was so excited when I got the email from NetGalley, I had to reread it to make sure my eyes weren't playing a trick on me.

The Rose is set in the same world as The Red, and that was all I needed to know to put this book on my must-read list. I figured if I enjoyed it even half as much as I did The Red, it would be great. The Rose showed me how silly it was of me to expect so little. It surpassed The Red. I was in a reader's paradise these last few days I spent in the company of Lia and August. I knew Tiffany Reisz has a wonderfully wicked imagination — she proved it time and again — but this was on a whole other level. Greek mythology level.

Not knowing how exactly The Red and The Rose are connected, I reread The Red before jumping into the enchanting world of The Rose. Was that necessary? No. But I'm glad I did it. Lia and August's erotic and non-erotic adventures were captivating, but having a look into how Mona and Spencer's marriage turned out — well, I liked that, too, to say the least. Certainly, all the mentions of Malcolm were appreciated more than they would've been had I not reacquainted myself with the story of The Red. One of the first things we learn about the main character Lia is that she's involved in certain illegal activities at which I chuckled and thought: her great-grandfather would be proud!

The story starts with a party, a precious gift, a new acquaintance, and an unwelcome guest. Though her great-grandfather would've been proud, Lia's business could put her and others in a lot of trouble, so it had to remain secret. When the unwelcome guest came with blackmail on his mind, Lia was backed into a corner. Her way out was August Bowman, the new acquaintance. They made a deal, and thus began the days of erotic fantasies fulfillment and healing.

The gift Lia received, the Rose kylix, had the power making erotic fantasies come true. Lia and August, both well-versed in Greek mythology, had fantasies involving characters and stories from those myths. It's been a long time since I read ancient Greek literature. I hardly remember anything, but I do know it wasn't nearly as interesting or fun or erotic as this. Yes, those parts were all that, but I couldn't help but like the parts where Lia and August were Lia and August a little more. I grew fond of both of their characters early on and I wanted to read about them as much as possible. Lia — "a kitten with a switchblade". And August — that man was like sunshine, a mischievous sunshine. I adored them both, 'cause they were both so freaking adorable. Their story was one that would make me laugh at one part, and make me teary-eyed at the next. Not to forget it was a smoking hot magical story. Of course, since Tiffany Reisz wrote it, the story had an air of mystery surrounding it, and by the end it had some major twists.

To summarize, this is an imaginative, sweet, erotic tale with a twist, and laugh-out-loud moments. In the honor of those moments, and August, and a naughty cloud, I picked the quote with which I started my review.

In the Acknowledgements section, Ms. Reisz asks: Shall we go for three? I say: Yes, please! And then for four, and five, and six...

When Lia receives a rose Kylix (drinking cup) for her graduation, she has no idea the kind of powers it has. Luckily, August is there to show her the wonders of it and of the cult of Eros!

Once again, Tiffany Reisz delivers! After exploring art works in the Red, she takes us on a discovery of greek mythology through very very sexy scenes! The mix of banter and sex is spot on and you don't want to close this book! Although not quite as depraved as the first one, the sex was hot hot hot and quite enjoyable ;)
Please please go for Three!

This is second in the Red series, and I liked this one much better than the first book! I loved Reisz's portrayal of Greek heroes, heroines, goddesses, gods, and mortals. Re-imagining Andromeda's story was brilliant, and August was a wonderful, idealistic 'hero' for Ophelia.
Looking forward to Ophelia's brothers stories.

#Rose #8thcirclepress
ARC received from Netgalley in return for honest review.
Holy Hell! I enjoyed, but didn’t love, ‘the Red’.. but Ophilia’s story caught me far quicker than her mother’s had. I preferred the mythological theme better than the classic art so that might have been it!
The sex was hot 🥵.. the story was fun... did I mention the hot sex! I guessed August’s secret fairly early on.. but the tale was fun in the unfolding. Definitely go for three Ms Reisz 😬

I didn’t think Reisz could outdo herself but she absolutely has. I absolutely loved this erotic fantasy more than The Red. And that’s saying something because I absolutely loved The Red. I love Greek mythology so I could be biased but this was an absolute delight! The chemistry between August and Lia was electric and the inclusion of popular Greek myths was done wonderfully. This was also an intensely feminist tale of a woman finally coming into her own and discovering her sexuality. I loved it completely and I can’t wait where Reisz will take us next. We’ve gone into classic pairings and mythology so perhaps she will take us into some fairy tales next?!

"You will hear colors and smell sounds."

I can't even tell you what this story is about, but I loved it. Tiffany Reisz is a favorite author and I will follow her wherever she leads, even outside the genres I usually read. Why not a little mythology and magic, right? Especially when love and lust are involved.

I found this story to be very intriguing and I was wishing that I'd paid more attention to mythology and memorized some Greek god facts. It's not necessary to enjoy this story, but I probably would have had a better visual in my mind. No worries, I had no trouble with the sexy side of things. It might have a different name, but it works the same.

The history of the Rose kylix was also very interesting and its powers both dangerous and priceless. I could definitely see how much something like that would be worth to a collector. And this particular collector, "She wanted to touch every inch of him and she knew exactly which inch she wanted to start with..."

What an amazing journey the author took me on. Her mind is a wonderful thing and I'm so thrilled that she shares it with her readers. I can't even imagine what she has in store for us next, but I'll be right there ready and waiting. The line forms here...

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable, fantastical tale full of romance, humor, intrigue, Greek mythology and of course hot, melt-your-panties sex! Leí is pulled into a world of gods and elaborate sexual fantasies with a man, August, who tries to convince her to sell him a relic her father's gifts her for her bday.
August is an incredibly sweet guy who offers Lei not only unforgettable sexual pleasure but an opportunity to believe in the magic of love.

A+ for creativity and unforgettable characters. I was spellbound.