***5 ‘Kitten With A Switchblade’ Stars***

This one hit ALL of my happy buttons.

ALL OF THEM.

It has the smexy, it has fascinating characters, it has heart, it has Greek Mythology woven into every fiber of the story (Note: I’m a closet Greek Mythology junkie) and then when you add in those sneaky twists...and I was just done. Absolutely done and hated it when there were no more words to read

I adored Lia aka Ophelia and August. Lia is witty, sassy and all kinds of perfect society lady (at least on the outside) that it was hard not to like her from the start, but it’s when you find out who she truly is, is when you start to love and adore here. August is all kinds of charismatic. Like panty melting charismatic. He is sweet, smexy, sneaky and determined and though he doesn’t scream Alpha AF male, he still has that alpha vibe that makes you want more.

Lia and August’s journey to their HEA was all kinds of smexy and fun. The way they got to know each other was most definitely unique, but it made perfect sense as it brought out their true selves in more ways than one and showed how well suited they were for one another.

There is soooo much more of love to say about this book, but I won’t/can’t, because experiencing it all blind is half the fun. Though, if you’ve read The Red you’ll have an idea of what could possibly happen...maybe. But I loved how the Greek legends and mythology were woven into the story and how we got to see some of them from a different perspective than what is considered the norm.

Note: it took me a minute - ok, more than a minute - to figure out the connection between The Rose and The Red, but when I did it was a total “Ooohh” moment for me, but it also showed that The Rose can be read as a stand-alone without any issue.

The Rose, oh what a fantasy read. Chock full of all good things Tiffany Reisz. Encasing all of the little gems I relish in a fine book. The author really knows her subject matter. I have always had a deep fascination with ancient Greece and the mythologies behind their Gods.

The Rose is the second in a series aptly named The Red; either can be read separately. Lia is her own person with her own personality and quirks; her tale has no bearing on what came before. Her parents are art lovers and for her graduation from university, her father purchases her a gift appropriate for someone who loves Greek Mythology.

Upon entering, August Bowman is a man with incredible mysteries and desires. He badly wants something and Lia is not willing to part with it. What transpires next is sure to be some of the finest lust and heat I have had the privilege of reading.

“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.”

There is a certain expectation when it comes to this author and the books she creates. She has a penchant for erotic. The more sex the better if you ask me. She never holds back and always and in this reviewer's opinion, follows the tale where it tells her to go, never where she thinks it should. With intensity, there is always levity. Humility and stupidity are also scattered throughout where appropriate.

‘“I am going to proceed,” she said, “on the assumption that you are a sane person who occasionally says insane things like ‘the Greek gods exist’ and ‘I’ve had sex with a cloud.’”

Throughout there are questions; who is August Bowman and why can Lia not deny him? Can Lia uncover the truth before she gets her heart smashed into a million pieces? I would like to say thank you to Ms. Reisz for once again piquing my curiosity and bringing me another truly wonderful escape from reality.

4.5 Hearts

The Rose is the second book in The Red series by Tiffany Reisz. It can be read as a standalone. I actually didn’t read the first book, The Red. It slid right past me. The point is that they are each standalone novels. The synopsis is kickass so I will make this quick.

Lia’s life is forever changed the night of her graduation party. She meets August Bowman, a hottie with a Greek accent and a swoon-worthy wink. She is gifted the most extraordinary cup used twenty-five hundred years ago. And her past shows up looking smug as ever. All she wanted was a small party. What she got was everything she never imagined. A night she will always remember that is the beginning of a week she will never forget...

The cup is not just an old as dirt cup. It’s dangerous. It’s magnificent. It can bring you pleasure and it can bring you pain. August warns Lia of his powers but she isn’t believing him. Can he convince her that it’s real? That fate has stepped in and brought the cup to her? And figure out why it did? He intends to find out himself and to show her the power it holds.

This is very unique tale. I love history. I really do but I never got into mythology. Mixing it in with modern times was fantastic. It gave the story that unique twist and I loved that. I also loved the characters. Their banter was fun. Their connection was beautiful, and their story is full of fantasy, love, and twists. And her parents...omg. They were so much fun.

Overall...I loved it! The characters. The mythology. The writing.

Quotes:

“You’re trouble.”
“You don’t know the half of it,” he said.

“Lia,” her father said. “Where have you been all evening?”
“I was kidnapped and forced to have a threesome with Greek soldiers.”
“Hope you had a nice time,” her mother said.

“It’s morning,” she said.
“Again? Why does this keep happening to me?” He rubbed his eyes.

It's been a while since I've read a Tiffany Reisz book, and I'm so glad I picked this one up! Reisz has been one of my favorite authors since I devoured her Original Sinners series years ago. She is truly one of the most gifted authors out there, her writing is superb and out of this world sexy. 'The Rose' showcased that very well.

The Rose is set in the same world as The Red, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. This story starts with Lia receiving a gift.. this gift is something special. This gift makes all her erotic fantasies come true. What a gift, am I right? She and August go on many adventures through this story. Some are insanely hot, but even the non-erotic ones kept my interest.

This was a super steamy read that had a twist, and was actually a lot of fun to go through. I was completely captivated by this story and hope to read more from this world.

[Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review]
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Oh, boy, nobody writes Erotica as good as Tiffany Reisz. I'm a big fan of her, I love her Original Sinners series and I wait with enthusiam everyone of her books. And I love Greek mithology! This book is almost a dream come true.
I enjoyed immensely the whole fantasy part, where Lia and August live (and enjoy!) some Greek myths. It's beautifully written, accurate and very very VERY hot, pure Tiffany Reisz. However, the "real world" part seemed a little weak in comparison, too long for me and not as thrilling as the fantasy part. But the characters are lovely and full of mischieve (especially August, so lovely!) and overall the reading is funny and extremely hot.

Lady Ophelia (Lia) Godwick lived and breathed Greek mythology. For her graduation party, her beloved father bought her a special ancient wine cup. Unbeknownst to her, Augustine (August) Bowman, an antique collector set his eyes on the same prize. What she thought was an ordinary cup turned into an erotic adventure she would never forget.

I love Greek mythology since I was in college. And I love porn. So this book is the best combination of both worlds haha!

I enjoyed following Lia and August’s adventures throughout the book where they relived various mythological couples’ sexual encounters. There were good varieties of eroticism among the stories ranging from sweet and romantic to thrilling and dirty. My favorites were Briseis & Achilles (who is my favorite Greek hero) and Eros & Psyche. Oh, of course, Aethra & Poseidon too. Though I have to say this book was a lot milder than The Red.

Lia and August had good chemistry and were entertaining with their banters. The supporting characters were equally amusing. Sometimes I even found myself reading the dialogue in a posh British accent.

The Rose is a tale healing and sexual liberation. It would appeal to readers who crave to embark on erotic fantasy adventures.

We have a growing readership of erotica and this title, along with the mystery, historical, and fantasy element covers all the basis for a few niche patrons. It was a bit different from things I've read in the past, but I enjoyed the story all the same. I know I'll have patrons waiting for a sequel or other titles from this author,

Feels 1
Steam 5+++
Storyline 5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley
Reviewed by Robin

What a steamy fantasy book! Tiffany Reisz is the queen of erotic imaginative tales. First, we had The Red and now The Rose blew me away. I love when a story takes me out of the same old romantic tropes I read every day and pushes the envelope. This book is sexy, funny, mysterious and kept me glued to the page wondering what would happen next. I enjoyed every single seductive play by August and Lia had her sarcastic comebacks on point. I can't wait for the next one.

Let me start my review by saying that I have never been a huge fan of Greek mythology, much to my husband’s dismay; he finds it fascinating. He has tried and failed to change my mind. Where he has been unable Tiffany Reisz has succeeded with her new book The Rose. Be prepared to enter a world filled with the wildest of erotic Greek mythology fantasies, starring none other than the incredible male and female Gods of ancient Greece.

The Rose by Tiffany Reisz is the second book in The Red series. I have not read the first book in this series, but I plan on doing so as soon as possible. The Rose is a beautifully written book that has expanded my knowledge about Greek mythology in fun and sexy ways. Ms. Reisz takes Greek mythology and puts an original erotic twist on it, creating a world that I wanted to delve into and never leave. I must say, I will never look at Greek mythology in the same way and I guarantee neither will you. This book was well researched, and I found myself googling parts to learn more on the subject.

The Rose is infused with lust and laughter, deceit and deception and lots of erotic romping all set between the real world set in the 21 century, and the mythical world dating back centuries. This book also contains unique and well-developed characters. Ms. Reisz does a perfect job of balancing the romance/erotic aspects of this book with the underlying plot. She perfectly depicts, through the main character Lia Godwick, the pain a woman with a broken heart feels. I found Lia to be a compelling character she was smart, strong-willed, but also soft-hearted and vulnerable at the same time.

August Bowman crashes into Lia’s life at her graduation party, claiming that the gift her father gave her, the Rose Kylix, has mythical powers to elicit the most intimate sexual fantasies. From here the story takes off, intertwining the two main characters with some wonderful fantasies, some cute surprises and a bit of blackmail. I enjoyed the dialogue between August and Lia; it was super smart and kept me turning the pages. No mushy nonsense dialogue found in this book, but there were lots and lots of dazzling steamy mature conversation.

You will probably figure out most things in this book, I did, but this book is not about the mystery aspect but the fantastic ride of reading Lia and August’s story. I founded the ending very endearing in a warped poetic justice sort of way, and I did have a good laugh about it. Oh, I'm sorry did you want me to tell you…lol…no spoilers in my reviews.

The Rose was a delightful erotic book to read, and I highly recommend it. The Rose is part two of The Red Series but can be read as a standalone book. So now is about the time I smacked myself in the face. I have had the first book in this series since 10/17 and haven’t read it. Please don't make the same mistake I made, make time to read this series!


***I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion .***

Ok after reading some reviews I was really skeptical if I was going to like this book. I loved the first one, so figured I would like this one too and to give it a shot. I’m glad I read it, it’s not normally my thing, mythology, any sort of unnatural or of that sort. But I really did enjoyed this book and the journey it took me on. Very good read, so interesting and sexy too!!

Wow. I somehow missed that this is a blend of erotica and mythology, with some history thrown in. I knew there would be erotica (and there is- and it's written in a lovely way) but I didn't fully understand until I read this terrific novel the extent to which Reisz has given us a range of Greek mythology. Lia and August- what a pair! You might, like I did, find yourself googling to read the backstory on the various Greek myths Reisz has incorporated into this love story- or not. Either way, it's a good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Must find a Rose Kylix, pronto! To live in a different fantasy world with the Greek Gods would be magical. A sip from this special cup can take you anywhere, briefly, and then sadly you return to the real world. Lia received this cup for her graduation and quickly learned from a handsome man that it has unique properties. He showed her what the cup can do and it changed her life. Mythology has been an interest of mine for yours but the names and relationships are tricky to follow. Reisz got my heart pumping for mythology again. August and Lia explore an evening in an immortal couples life, some erotic and some shocking. The unique way she woven Lia into the world of Greek mythology was intriguing and captivating. My copy came through Netgalley, review was voluntarily written.

Enthralled with all the mythology! I am so in love with August, his easiness and sexy charm completely won me over. His calming effect works wonders on Lia, who can be uptight. Love his teasing ways and their banter.

The story flows smoothly throughout, and its sensuality cannot be overstated.

*ARC provided by author through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is not my usual genre but the premise of the story seeming intriguing so I thought, why not!? I was immediately thrilled (and pleasantly surprised) when the story took a deep dive into Greek Mythology, which I have a soft spot for. And yes, this is a story with magical elements that takes place in the present, so you have to just go with it and not really question things. Reality is entirely not the point of this book - it’s meant to push past boundaries of the mundane and make you believe in the impossible. And that it did.

I was actually really surprised to find that I really liked the way it was written and found myself reading for hours without realizing how much time had passed. A true sign of great storytelling. It was easy to get lost in Lia and August’s crazy world(s) and weave through reality and fantasy alongside them. It did have a predictable but very welcome twist that's easy to overlook when you realize how fun this book actually was to read.

The Rose by Tiffany Reisz is a romance novel that takes a moment to settle in, and that appears to be purely by design. What begins as a prim and proper European examination in high class manners soon evolves into an environment of sexual deviancy and other worldly vessels for an alternate reality.

From the top: the Gardening & Tennis Club of Wingthorn Hall is preparing for an elegant evening hostessed by the young and demure Ophelia Anne Fitzroy Godwick, who is thankfully referred to as Lia for the rest of the proceedings. Lia is celebrating her graduation along with her smart, sophisticated girlfriends. Attending as well are Lia's family and some business associates, including a jaw-droppingly handsome gentleman who looks like trouble with a capital T. Oh by the way, there's not much gardening or tennis involved in this club, mind you...as it's more of an escort service. Lia's father is a count, or an earl, or some sort of fancy rich guy, but most importantly he's a sexual deviant...and so is Lia's mother. Moreover, this is a family of sexual mavericks that stretch back across generations. In short: old money, old sex, this family is a portrait of smut and a perfect family for such an enticing romance novel. Anyway, Lia's graduation party is going fairly well, and she's received a lovely gift from her father, a brilliant wine cup or "kylix" marked with a beautiful rose. Greek and thousands of years old, this artifact must have cost a fortune, and Lia is beyond delighted to have this in her possession. Unfortunately, the handsome trouble maker is interested too, and steals Lia away to talk about her new gift.

The atmosphere in The Rose is expressed by its sheer amount of dialogue. The word that best describes it is, "talky." If you're a Through the use of the Kylix comes The Rose's unique characteristic. Most romance novels come from two points of view, The Rose comes from two different realities. Keeping it simple and avoiding spoilers: the sexual partners discuss a fantasy, typically something from mythology, and then that fantasy is explored in its most graphic detail. I’m not the resident expert on mythology at TehBen, however I believe the sexual fantasies are fairly good homages to their source material. Good homages, but quite verbose as well. This being a Harlequin novel requires each sex scene’s text to be roughly the length of a vengeful spouse’s divorce deposition...so have yourself a nice long bath drawn before investing yourself. Still, there’s a great mixture of fantasies throughout the novel: hero/savior, consenting-non-consent, three-ways, and even a few twists towards the end. This interpretation of sexual mechanics using a fantasy land was a welcome change from the typical “gives in way too easy to a guy she just met” to new experiences. It’s odd to say this when the main plot points of this novel come from discussing a magic sex cup, but hey, I'm just keeping things realistic.fan of older movies, consider any of the classics by Robert Altman, like Gosford Park with a 2019 edge. Whenever there's more than one person in the room, it's a constant back and forth that makes Gilmore Girls look like a librarian’s study hall. It's witty and smart, but damn their jaws must be sore by the end of the night (niiiice). Some of the best dialogue is as you might expect, between Lia and the troublesome August Bowman. August is many things, but among them he is a collector of fine Greek artifacts. He warns that her gift is no ordinary kylix, but the mythical "Rose Kylix" that would be dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands. One drink out the Kylix and all the drinker's sexual fantasies will come true, down to the smallest detail. August is going to get that Kylix, but it doesn't mean he can't fulfill Lia's every desire as well...

Verdict: The Rose by Tiffany Reisz lives up to the Harlequin Romance standard producing an enjoyable novel and fun characters. With a few twists and turns keeping things from growing stale combined with a the raw power of a diesel locomotive’s sex drive, both romance and erotica readers will leave satisfied. So long as you like your characters sharp witted and verbose (so very, very, verbose) have a sip from your favorite Kylix and prepare to traverse a world of sex, mythology, and the very concept of fate itself.

Special thanks to Harlequin for providing an advance review copy to TehBen.com. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

(Review to be posted on TehBen.com on April 16th, 2019)

This book was BANANAS but in all the good ways. Lia is a British upper class madam who receives a magical rose kylix for her birthday. One of her birthday party's guests, August Bowman, tells her of the cups mystical properties- that it takes anyone who drinks from it into erotically charged Greek myths, and offers to show her how to use it. With this series, you just have to go with it, and you'll have a good times. Reisz writes really intelligent and complex erotica, and I really enjoyed this one.

Absolutely brilliant. Totally magical, and I was easily swept up the story. So much so that I read this book in a few hours.. I just could NOT put it down! Intrigue the entire way through, and I especially loved the plot twist.. albeit slightly predictable.. I loved how Lia had to go through tons of different fantasies to find and forgive herself.. and then grow from it.

All the characters were brilliant. I loved the dry humour throughout the book, the way the relationships linked together was well thought out, giving each character plenty of depth.

This book brings out every emotion for the reader. Literally EVERY EMOTION.
Utterly spellbinding and incredibly exciting!

Ok read. The writing was great as always. If you are up for creative sex and lots of it this is definitely for you. This story has a mystical theme, so it all is taken with a grain of salt and know it’s not meant to be real. Greek Gods to the max. Lots of Greek tales and of course Greek Gods behaving badly. Don’t they all!

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

🌹🌹🌹🌹 4.5 🌹🌹🌹🌹

As it turns out, this book didn't involve any of my-IMO-erudite hypotheses...

Not this kinda rose... though it was involved. Somewhat.



Not this kind...



Maybe this... negative



This? #nope



Turns out it's a little bit Greek mythology, a little bit contemporary romance and a whole lot erotic.

Crazy, stupid erotic. Ever hear that saying, "beware of Greeks bearing gifts"?

I say, fuck that noise. Bring on the gifts, Greeks!



Any possibility of super-sizing the gift?

Asking for a friend.

But seriously, The Rose relates to The Red in that Lia is Mona's daughter. Cut from the same cloth and at the ripe old age of 21 she's begun a rather lucrative escort service.

Recently graduated, her father gifts her a rose kylix which he outbid a handsome, charming and persistent Greek named Augustine Bowman who makes it very clear that he would like to get his hands on that kylix as well as its owner.

After Lia finds herself in a bit of a pickle she turns to August for help and a bit of an... education. An education that involves an atypical and uniquely special kylix.

COMMENCE FUN TIMES IN 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

Greek myths retold. Erotically. By Tiffany Reisz. Hold onto your hats, people.

Kicking of the fun times are Andromeda and Perseus...



Next up are Briseis and Achilles with a guest appearance by Patroclus... (personal fave/one handed read)



Then we have Eros and Psyche...



JAYZUS, MARY AND JOSEPH!!! I think I forgot my name with Aethra and Poseidon who are sort of bad wrong but also sort of bad right too...



Lastly, and most provocatively, Daphne and Apollo...



They were all quality scenes and worthy of some "me time" but I think what I enjoyed most was the relationship development between Lia and August outside of the fun times, something I thought was missing from The Red. Even though their entire relationship develops over the course of a week I completely bought into it as well as their consuming love. The banter that Reisz does so well was out in force too which heightened my enjoyment.

If you're a fan of Greek mythology or erotic romance, The Rose is some of Reisz' finest. I can envision rereading this or at least... parts of it. *eyebrows*

An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In honor of Lia’s graduation, her parents gift her the Rose Kylix, a rare artifact. Handsome August Bowman, a friend of her parents and guest at her party, who was outbid on the ancient wine cup by her father, tells her that it was used at ceremonies of Eros, Greek God of Love, and, if she drinks from it, all of her sexual fantasies will come true. When skeptical Lia is dared by August to try it, she is instantly thrown into erotic dreams that bring myths to life with August and her playing central roles. When he offers to buy it, she proposes a trade instead: spend 7 nights together sipping wine and slipping into fantasy. Since both she and August are engaged in morally ambiguous businesses, she doesn’t worry that they’ll fall in love. But when August sacrifices his independence to save Lia from blackmail, will their dreams become nightmares?

The Rose, 2nd book in The Red series, is a standalone erotic novel that transcends the typical badly-written fan fiction (think "Fifty Shades of Grey"). Reisz cleverly uses several Greek myths as vehicles for the erotic journey Lia and August embark on with vividly descriptive imagery and emotional depth. In addition to the seductiveness of the story and the element of mystery, there is also humor and genuine affection between both main and secondary characters. It’s a fun, cautionary tale that reminds us not to mess with the gods unless we’re willing to be subjected to their whims.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Harlequin Mira through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.