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The Godwicks #2
The Rose
In the second Godwicks novel, the bestselling author of The Red "transmutes spicy mythological tales into sensual fantasies and erotic romance" (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
On the day of Lia Godwick'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.
On the day of Lia Godwick'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.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2019
471 people are currently reading
8348 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany Reisz
160 books9,274 followersTiffany Reisz is the USA Today-bestselling author. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and two cats. Find her online at TiffanyReisz.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 828 reviews
April 17, 2019
There is a tiny handful of authors I trust with the erotica I read and Tiffany Reisz is at the top of that list. She gives equal dedication to all components within her novels which allows every character, every plot and subplot, every witty line and underlying theme, and yes, every delicious sexual encounter to be worthy of the readers entire investment. She has many popular works in her bibliography, but her name became even more well-known when 2017's The Red hit the masses. With such an addictive story and well-deserved success, readers (and apparently publishers) needed more! The Rose is Reisz's answer to their call.
Spoiler contains my spin on the book synopsis:
Erotic romance meets mythological re-imaginings, The Rose could only come from the mind of Tiffany Reisz. Written to work as a standalone, this installment will perfectly satisfy readers new to the series as well as existing fans. Well-researched, funny, and delightfully creative, once you enter this dream world of goddesses, gods, and Godwicks, you won't ever want to wake up. Check it out!
Note: There is an identity mystery of sorts floating throughout this book. It will likely be no mystery at all to you as the reader even though it takes our heroine quite some time to make it to the big reveal. I believe it's spelled out for the reader intentionally. Who wants to be mentally distracted when there's so much fun to be had? I foresee this being a possible criticism so just wanted to put in my 2 cents.
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of The Rose. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Tiffany Reisz
Publisher: Harlequin - MIRA
Genres: Erotica
Pub Date: April 16, 2019
Spoiler contains my spin on the book synopsis:
Erotic romance meets mythological re-imaginings, The Rose could only come from the mind of Tiffany Reisz. Written to work as a standalone, this installment will perfectly satisfy readers new to the series as well as existing fans. Well-researched, funny, and delightfully creative, once you enter this dream world of goddesses, gods, and Godwicks, you won't ever want to wake up. Check it out!
Note: There is an identity mystery of sorts floating throughout this book. It will likely be no mystery at all to you as the reader even though it takes our heroine quite some time to make it to the big reveal. I believe it's spelled out for the reader intentionally. Who wants to be mentally distracted when there's so much fun to be had? I foresee this being a possible criticism so just wanted to put in my 2 cents.
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of The Rose. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Tiffany Reisz
Publisher: Harlequin - MIRA
Genres: Erotica
Pub Date: April 16, 2019
April 7, 2019
Real talk: there’s nothing I love more than brainy erotica.
Because, at heart, I am a romance reader. Sure, I dabble in fantasy and history and contemporary literature, but if there isn’t at least a hint of a romantic subplot, you bet your ass I’ll probably knock a half star off the rating. Sure, I’ll chalk it up to some other “reason”, but that’s bullshit.
Don’t judge me.
The problem with my overwhelming love of romance is that I demand a lot from it. I’ve read so much of the genre that my pet peeves have morphed into giant, book eating monsters. If too many of them appear, they’ll tear the thing apart in my hands.
Ragebeast male leads? Fuck that noise. Dubious consent? I’m out! Insta-love? *vomits noisely*
But give me a consensual slow-burn and I’m happy. Add in a bunch of accurate history and I am delirious. That’s what The Rose does.
You can tell that Reisz did her research here. Or that she’s at least as big of a history nerd as I am. Because it’s not just the Greek myths that permeate these pages, but some well-placed, casual mentions of other historical facts. There’s a passage about Mary Shelley’s Mathilda that is especially poignant, delivered in such a crushing way that I had to set my kindle down for a second and say a little pray of thanks to the pantheon that I was born when I was.
History has not been kind to women.
For me, this book contains the best form of historical incorporation. Because really, when you add in this much history, you’re world building. Reisz laid it out in such an organic way that it never felt info-dumpy or forced. And while she acknowledged the cruelty endured by women in Ancient Greece, she found so many ways to subvert it. To have Lia and August re-write these tales while still acknowledging their darker origins.
The blurb for this book is so spot on. Lia is gifted what she’s told is a magical erotic cup, and she is believably reticent about its powers. Even when she and the male lead, August, take their first sips of wine from it and descend into the myth of Andromeda and Perseus, she chalks it up to something rational like hallucinogenic compound traces in the clay paired with hypnosis.
I really appreciated this aspect. So often in stories with paranormal elements something like this happens: “Oh, hey, I’m a vampire!” Followed by, “No shit? Cool!” Here, Lia portrayed the perfect amount of disbelief throughout the entire story.
And whoo boy, what a story it was. Through her and August, I got to relive not only Andromeda and Perseus, but a non-rapey Briseis and Achilles (and Patroclus – oh my!), a gender-swapped Psyche and Eros, a hilarious Dinoysus and Ariadne, Pan, Poseidon, Zeus, you name them, they make an appearance here.
This is my first book by Reisz, and from my friend’s reviews of her other works, I expected to be titillated. I did not expect to ugly-laugh my way through this. Between Lia’s highly inappropriate parents, to her and August’s whip-sharp back and forth dialogue, I spent the entirety of this book as amused as I was turned on.
Quite a feat, because this is hot AF.
But it’s so much more than time-traveling sex. In between the historical flashbacks, there’s another plot unfolding. One revolving around male power and the many ways in which men can hurt women. It was handled so well. The feminism, the progressive thinking on the part of the MCs and their friends and families, the (for once!) positive depiction of prostitution, the subversion of the patriarchy in a million small ways – I AM SO HERE FOR IT.
Even though I was given an ARC of this, I’m buying it when it comes out. Firstly, that cover is gawg. Secondly, I can easily see myself re-reading this over and over again.
If you enjoy braingasms as much as you do orgasms, add this one to your TBR immediately.
And to answer the author’s question in her acknowledgments:
YES, PLEASE. MORE OF THIS SERIES. I LIKED IT SO MUCH I ACTUALLY READ THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FOR ONCE.
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February 10, 2019
_________________________________
Jeeeeez looooeeeeze I never thought I could enjoy a book about Greek mythology but I should have know that Tiffany Reisz could bring me there.
The Rose is the second book in The Red series but can certainly stand on it's own.
Two decades after The Red, The Rose picks up with the daughter of Mona from book one, Ophelia (Lia).
Where in The Red each chapter took us on a fantastical journey through the world of art and infamous paintings, similarly The Rose takes us on journeys featuring legendary mythological couples.
I have to say that I enjoyed The Rose much more than The Red. I loved the magical forays into the Greek Gods and found their stories much more interesting than the interpretation of famous paintings as in The Red.
The research that Reisz has put into this series is unfathomable and is worthy of applause. She is a phenomenal writer with original ideas in a genre that is saturated with cliché.
_________________________________
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jeeeeez looooeeeeze I never thought I could enjoy a book about Greek mythology but I should have know that Tiffany Reisz could bring me there.
The Rose is the second book in The Red series but can certainly stand on it's own.
Two decades after The Red, The Rose picks up with the daughter of Mona from book one, Ophelia (Lia).
Where in The Red each chapter took us on a fantastical journey through the world of art and infamous paintings, similarly The Rose takes us on journeys featuring legendary mythological couples.
I have to say that I enjoyed The Rose much more than The Red. I loved the magical forays into the Greek Gods and found their stories much more interesting than the interpretation of famous paintings as in The Red.
The research that Reisz has put into this series is unfathomable and is worthy of applause. She is a phenomenal writer with original ideas in a genre that is saturated with cliché.
_________________________________
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2019
The Rose is a go forward from The Red. That had Paintings that came alive and this has Greek mythology which literally makes Liv "come alive". Full of sass and attitude, she headbutts with swoonworthy August Bowman on her birthday over her father's gift to her. They are fighting over a Kylix- A rose decorated antique Cup of sorts.
He matches Liv in confidence and passion, His claims aren't exaggerated by any standards.
“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.”
Lia's parents were introduced to us in The Red, this story is more intoxicating, more erotic,more heady in sensuality!!
The story keeps you on your toes throughout. I can actually say, keeps your Toes Curled" and there's a twist towards the end which is quite interesting.
“And the gods do say women feel more pleasure in the act than men. When there is pleasure, that is women have the better time of it.”
Tiffany excels in Research and history before setting foot in any story she writes. Her knowledge of Greek Gods, Goddesses and Godwicks just blows my mind. Her details makes the story reverberate with power and passion in equal measure. I love her heroines they're in a league of their own. Ophelia has the same stubborn and adventurous streak as Mona and I loved them both for it. Unabashedly erotic, it's somehow gave me a very Kamasutra like feel.
4.5 stars for Hearing Colours and Smelling Sounds
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He matches Liv in confidence and passion, His claims aren't exaggerated by any standards.
“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.”
Lia's parents were introduced to us in The Red, this story is more intoxicating, more erotic,more heady in sensuality!!
The story keeps you on your toes throughout. I can actually say, keeps your Toes Curled" and there's a twist towards the end which is quite interesting.
“And the gods do say women feel more pleasure in the act than men. When there is pleasure, that is women have the better time of it.”
Tiffany excels in Research and history before setting foot in any story she writes. Her knowledge of Greek Gods, Goddesses and Godwicks just blows my mind. Her details makes the story reverberate with power and passion in equal measure. I love her heroines they're in a league of their own. Ophelia has the same stubborn and adventurous streak as Mona and I loved them both for it. Unabashedly erotic, it's somehow gave me a very Kamasutra like feel.
4.5 stars for Hearing Colours and Smelling Sounds
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on :
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
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March 31, 2020
ALL THE 'MYTHOLOGICALLY MAGNIFICENT AND MOST DELIGHTFULLLY EROTIC' STARS
My alternative name rating was 'Gods do it better' but I wanted something posher because, well, this book deserves posh. Seriously, oh my gods and goddesses! Be still my heart. This book was written for me! Erotica about Greek mythology. I must have died and gone to Elysian Fields, that's the most likely explanation.
The story is about lady Ophelia Godwick, shortened Lia, who's the daughter of Mona and Spencer - yes, that Mona and Spencer from The Red! For a graduation gift, she gets Rose Kylix that once belonged to a cult of Aphrodite. If you drink from that kylix, it will fulfill all your secret sexual fantasies. What can I say, like mother like daughter. But I don't know which one of them had more wicked fun. Classic art on one side and mythology on the other... you can't expect of me to be able to decide between these two.
This book has everything that you can possibly want. Stunning cover, marvelous writing, loveable characters, beautiful moments, hilarious English humor, bizarre erotic scenes, Greek myths, mysterious storyline, and the most wonderful love interest that ever lived in literature. Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only August Bowman, who just came to the top of my book boyfriends. I am all his, my heart, my soul, and my cunt. His words, not mine. *wink*
Because there's not a chance I can give this book justice that it deserves, I'll let the masterpiece speak for itself. And do yourself I favor and read this book. You won't regret it.
From death, new life. It’s fitting that the new flower was named after Eros, the son of Aphrodite and Ares. The goddess of love and the god of war. Beautiful petals. Vicious thorns. That was Eros. Beautiful and lovely. And very, very dangerous.
My alternative name rating was 'Gods do it better' but I wanted something posher because, well, this book deserves posh. Seriously, oh my gods and goddesses! Be still my heart. This book was written for me! Erotica about Greek mythology. I must have died and gone to Elysian Fields, that's the most likely explanation.
The story is about lady Ophelia Godwick, shortened Lia, who's the daughter of Mona and Spencer - yes, that Mona and Spencer from The Red! For a graduation gift, she gets Rose Kylix that once belonged to a cult of Aphrodite. If you drink from that kylix, it will fulfill all your secret sexual fantasies. What can I say, like mother like daughter. But I don't know which one of them had more wicked fun. Classic art on one side and mythology on the other... you can't expect of me to be able to decide between these two.
“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.
This book has everything that you can possibly want. Stunning cover, marvelous writing, loveable characters, beautiful moments, hilarious English humor, bizarre erotic scenes, Greek myths, mysterious storyline, and the most wonderful love interest that ever lived in literature. Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only August Bowman, who just came to the top of my book boyfriends. I am all his, my heart, my soul, and my cunt. His words, not mine. *wink*
He caressed the lines on her palm again. She didn’t realize how sensual that could feel, how intimate, like he was caressing her whole life with one fingertip...
Because there's not a chance I can give this book justice that it deserves, I'll let the masterpiece speak for itself. And do yourself I favor and read this book. You won't regret it.
Perseus stood before her, hands on either side of her body. Sweat and seawater drenched his hair, and there was blood on his tunic. His skin was flushed and his eyes wild with victory. She had never seen a more beautiful man.
She knew well of Achilles. They said he was the greatest warrior who ever lived. They said he was a favorite of the gods. They said he was immortal. They said he was merciless. They said he was loyal to no one but his own honor and his shield-bearer, Patroclus.
They said many things about the great Achilles.
They’d never said he was handsome
His cries filled the room to the rafters and she imagined that the whole world could hear the sounds of their lovemaking in the far distance. What would it sound like to them? The cry of a hawk swooping down on a dove? A coming rainstorm? An army marching to war?
Or would they hear and know the truth — that Eros had at last been felled by her own arrow and this was the sound of Love Itself falling in love?
He left the shade of the tree and walked toward her. He walked slowly, no hurry in his steps at all. He had a fine male form, she couldn’t help but notice. The muscle of Hermes in his thighs, the beauty of Apollo in his bearing and the seductive smile of Zeus on his lips.
Another drop fell from the ceiling. Then another and another. They landed on the bed all around Lia. Drop. Drop. Drop. Like pennies from heaven. The drops kept coming and coming, and as they fell, they found each other and formed puddles of gold, shining gold, glimmering gold...
March 31, 2019
3.5 Stars
Lia is twenty-one-year-old and is the madam of an illegal escort agency. She has wealthy, powerful parents and loves Greek mythology. August is in his thirties and has been buying up ancient artifacts. He also is a sacred prostitute. They both have so many in common. They meet at Lia’s graduation party. At that party, Lia’s father gives her a gift, a very dangerous gift…
Well, I’m not really into mythology but I liked the first book in the series, I liked the author’s writing and I liked the idea of both books. my only issue was the prolonged sex scenes. It was comprehensible considering the subject matter but still it was too much for me. Told in single POV, 3rd person. It’s the second installment in "The Red" series with character crossover but it can be read as a standalone. Overall, I liked this and hope you enjoy it as well!
Thanks to Tiffany Reisz, Netgalley and Harlequin-Mira for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
Lia is twenty-one-year-old and is the madam of an illegal escort agency. She has wealthy, powerful parents and loves Greek mythology. August is in his thirties and has been buying up ancient artifacts. He also is a sacred prostitute. They both have so many in common. They meet at Lia’s graduation party. At that party, Lia’s father gives her a gift, a very dangerous gift…
Well, I’m not really into mythology but I liked the first book in the series, I liked the author’s writing and I liked the idea of both books. my only issue was the prolonged sex scenes. It was comprehensible considering the subject matter but still it was too much for me. Told in single POV, 3rd person. It’s the second installment in "The Red" series with character crossover but it can be read as a standalone. Overall, I liked this and hope you enjoy it as well!
Thanks to Tiffany Reisz, Netgalley and Harlequin-Mira for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
March 30, 2019
Genre: Erotic Fantasy
Type: Standalone Book 2 of The Red series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
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.
Books in the series:
🌹 💋 🌹 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 🌹 💋 🌹
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone Book 2 of The Red series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
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’m dying to hear what you dream about in that deep dark little corner of your mind, the one with all the locks on the door and Cerberus guarding it with all three of his vicious heads…”
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.
“Why’s it so important to you?”
“I want you to believe in magic,” August said. “I want you to believe…”
“In what? The gods?”
“In Eros,”
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.
Books in the series:
🌹 💋 🌹 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 🌹 💋 🌹
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
April 15, 2019
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 wanted 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!
April 13, 2019
Lady Ophelia “Lia” Godwick, a lover of Greek mythology, receives an ancient kylix wine cup as a gift for her college graduation. Thrilled by the beauty of the artifact, Lia soon learns the myths surrounding it and becomes entranced by the fantasy offered by the enigmatic Augustine “August” Bowman.
“There is no shame in wanting to live inside your favorite stories.”
From the beginning, the narrative is like story time when listeners gather in a circle to hear a grand tale, and this particular story is centered on the erotic symbolism of mythological heroes and gods. As Lia agrees to partake in the fantasies as a means to resolve her pending problem, the plot seamlessly weaves into the past taking Lia and August to mystical and ethereal places.
“I know you don’t want to believe the kylix actually belongs to a real god, but I believe it. And the toys of the gods tend to pick their owners.”
What I always love about the writing of Tiffany Reisz is her sheer storytelling ability. Getting immersed into each Greek tableau felt as though I was transformed into their playground, where gods wreak havoc and take pleasure as they wish. The story of Achilles, Patroclus and Briseis was a particular standout for me and also Aethra and Poseidon. Of course, Danaë and Zeus was the golden scene.
“If you’re going to get swept up in one of your own erotic fantasies and nearly die doing it, you might as well enjoy some top-notch cock first.”
The connection between Lia and August is rather steamy with elements of flirtation and naivety weaved into their dynamic. August exudes charm, mischief and his directness about sex was refreshing compared to Lia’s prissy facade. Though I was expecting a dirtier book, I still enjoyed the fantasy, symbolism and characters.
The Rose is a beautifully written story about fated love and will appeal to those looking for a true romance.
*A copy was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
April 17, 2019
4★★★★Stars
Genre: Erotic Fantasy
Type: Standalone Book 2 of The Red series
POV: Third Person
❝ We are most ourselves in our fantasies,'..There is no shame in wanting to live inside your favorite stories.❞
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.
❝ She knew it was him the moment she met his eyes...Even if he didn't know himself, she knew him.❞
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.
❝ If you drink from this cup you will have extraordinarily heightened sexual experiences.❞
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.
Books in the series:
🌹 . . . This was a (F)BR With CC & War . . . 🌹
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 8, 2019
Wow! What a crazy fantasy ride. 4.5 stars
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I have to say I am surprised at myself. For a genre I rarely read, this one surprised the hell out of me.
Maybe it was the author who took a chance outside of her normal writing style. Maybe it was the entire fact that the story was so different and intriguing. Maybe it was because it was sexy as hell.
Whatever it was, I became enthralled with Greek mythology and the beautiful blend between today and another age - real or not.
The characters were wonderfully depicted. I loved the dry humor and bit of snark. But I especially loved the hot connection between the two of them. Damn!
If you are looking for something different in a romance, The Rose is it!
* copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say I am surprised at myself. For a genre I rarely read, this one surprised the hell out of me.
Maybe it was the author who took a chance outside of her normal writing style. Maybe it was the entire fact that the story was so different and intriguing. Maybe it was because it was sexy as hell.
Whatever it was, I became enthralled with Greek mythology and the beautiful blend between today and another age - real or not.
The characters were wonderfully depicted. I loved the dry humor and bit of snark. But I especially loved the hot connection between the two of them. Damn!
If you are looking for something different in a romance, The Rose is it!
* copy received for review consideration
September 3, 2020
Tiffany Reisz is really good at Erotic Fantasy!!
This is the second book of The Red series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really need more of this series.
I loved the Greek gods and mythology aspects and really couldn't get enough!
This is the second book of The Red series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really need more of this series.
I loved the Greek gods and mythology aspects and really couldn't get enough!
December 24, 2018
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 was 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.
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.
March 14, 2019
Lia met August Bowman at her graduation party given by her parents. It wasn't loved at first sight, as a matter of fact, Lia tries to avoid August, for she knew he's trouble. But he's just persistent and charming his way to Lia to talk to him. The banter between these two is quite entertaining to read. And so when Lia's father gave his gift to her the cup known as the Rose Kylix. August warned Lia about it that...
"If you drink from this cup you will have extraordinarily heightened sexual experiences."
Will Lia believe August?
I've been fascinated by Greek's god and goddess and their story. Tiffany Reisz just made a wonderful adaptation of each character in this book. Be warned, though, that this story will stimulate your wild imagination and if you already read a book by this author, you know she no holds barred when it comes to her writing. I found The Rose greatly enjoyable right from the start. There's the mystery surrounding the Kylix and the secret Lia is hiding from her parents. A real page-turner, a perfect sequel to book 1, The Red! Recommended to readers who like erotic romance.
A question was left by the author...
Author: Shall we go for three?
Me: YES! Please!
*ARC provided thru Netgalley.
April 16, 2019
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.
ARC provided.
"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.
ARC provided.
July 7, 2019
The Rose is an erotic mythology retelling contained in a modern-day romance. This was an entertaining, adventurous, and humorous story with plenty of steamy scenes.
Some things we get in this book include:
An Andromeda and Perseus love scene
Achilles and Briseis!
Cupid and Psyche, sort of like this but with a twist
The story is about Lia, a young woman who has a deep interest in Greek mythology. She also happens to manage an escort agency with her friends, which understandably adds some complications to her life. Her father gifts her an ancient Greek artifact, a kylix, which happens to have special powers. August Bowman, an acquaintance of her father, is aware of the kylix’s special abilities. He meets Lia with the intention of acquiring the kylix for himself. From there the plot takes off as they both experience the kylix’s powers and Lia navigates challenges regarding her business.
I was impressed with the writing style. From the very beginning I was already chuckling to myself at the humor and starting to feel the tension. Reisz was great at creating suspense, which made this a page turner. The dialogue was top notch among all the characters; I loved the witty banter. The prose was atmospheric but also moved along at a fast pace. Within the first several pages I got a thunderstorm during a party in a mansion, a candle-lit rendezvous, and a steamy love scene. What’s not to love? The love scenes were sweet, playful, and endearing. A nice change of pace to some the darker, more brooding erotic stories I've been reading. Overall, I’m incredibly impressed by the author’s creativity. With The Rose she’s crafted a charming, fanciful love story that was so much fun to read. This was the first book by this author I've read and I’ll be checking out more from her.
Thank you MIRA for the ARC : )
Some things we get in this book include:
An Andromeda and Perseus love scene
Achilles and Briseis!
Cupid and Psyche, sort of like this but with a twist
The story is about Lia, a young woman who has a deep interest in Greek mythology. She also happens to manage an escort agency with her friends, which understandably adds some complications to her life. Her father gifts her an ancient Greek artifact, a kylix, which happens to have special powers. August Bowman, an acquaintance of her father, is aware of the kylix’s special abilities. He meets Lia with the intention of acquiring the kylix for himself. From there the plot takes off as they both experience the kylix’s powers and Lia navigates challenges regarding her business.
I was impressed with the writing style. From the very beginning I was already chuckling to myself at the humor and starting to feel the tension. Reisz was great at creating suspense, which made this a page turner. The dialogue was top notch among all the characters; I loved the witty banter. The prose was atmospheric but also moved along at a fast pace. Within the first several pages I got a thunderstorm during a party in a mansion, a candle-lit rendezvous, and a steamy love scene. What’s not to love? The love scenes were sweet, playful, and endearing. A nice change of pace to some the darker, more brooding erotic stories I've been reading. Overall, I’m incredibly impressed by the author’s creativity. With The Rose she’s crafted a charming, fanciful love story that was so much fun to read. This was the first book by this author I've read and I’ll be checking out more from her.
Thank you MIRA for the ARC : )
April 10, 2019
I’m so, so glad that Navessa talked up this book so much! I’ve avoided erotica, and all but my favorite authors’ romance books, for the better part of a year. I live for romance in my stories, but all the manufactured drama added to the fact that sex scenes are mostly boring to me now has kept me well away.
But this. The Rose. Man. I would have been missing out if I had not picked this up. I haven’t picked up anything by Tiffany Reisz before because, from what I’ve understood, most of her books deal with the punch-you-in-the-gut sorts of erotic stories. The kind where they make you incredibly uncomfortable. The ones that you end unsure how to even classify it. And while that may be great writing and a fantastic story….it’s just not for me. I don’t like to feel gut-punched anymore. It’s why I don’t read true crime, or Jodi Picoult, or Nicholas Sparks.
Lia watched her father, Spencer, the fifteenth Earl of Godwick, chatting with Augustine Bowman, no doubt talking of important manly things like football, old Scotch and how very grand it was to go through life with a penis.
Which makes me that much more surprised that I so thoroughly enjoyed this book. This has none of that. There’re no gut-punches. There’s no manufactured drama. What there is, is good, sweaty, hot-as-hell sex, coupled with genuine character and relationship development. In fact, I’d put it right up there with some of my favorite erotica writers, like Cherise Sinclair, for the way it effortlessly (seemingly) combines fan-yourself-and-take-a-shower sex scenes with an HEA I can believe in.
The Rose also blends in the most beautiful mythological and fantasy moments. Those moments out of mythology’s history are so stunningly written that I felt like I was there with those people, there in that moment, experiencing what they experienced. I cannot say enough good things about these scenes. They were absolutely gorgeously written.
It’s the little things that garnered a large amount of my appreciation. Things like the subversions of the darkness found in how women are treated, and have been throughout history. The history and reality is well acknowledged, which is something amazing all on its own. But the fact that Lia and August find ways to subvert it, subtly, making it so much more feminist - I love it. They take myths, which are typically very brutal to women in general, and turn them on their heads. And it's done in such a subtle way. I don't mean that you can barely see it, but that it feels so natural and unjarring.
For example, when Lia has a forced-seduction fantasy...Let me sidebar for a moment, because non-consenual scenes are, for me, almost universally a rage-quit moment. I recognize this is personal, because of my own experiences, but if an author includes one of these I (a) want to know about it in advance, and (b) need it to be done well. Thankfully, Navessa warned me about this one, because the way that Lia explains this fantasy is ... not good. It's a difficult fantasy to talk about, because rape is a very real, brutal, horrific, and terrible thing. Which makes fantasies about wanting to lose control to a captor...difficult. However, here Lia gives explicit consent. So while it's a little borderline non-consensual in the beginning of the mythology time-travel scene, it's also very clear that it's all completely consensual. Tiffany Reisz takes that moment and makes it something completely unexpected, at least for me.
It's so rare that a book portrays sex workers and does it in a way that diminishes the stereotypes instead of reinforcing them. But, The Rose does. In fact, every aspect of it is sex-positive. From open relationships, to sex work, to simply enjoying sex because we all should be able to . It fills every moment and nuance in the contemporary scenes and the mythological time travel scenes. It's everywhere. Every moment.
"Can't you please let me complete my walk of shame in peace, Mother?"
"Walk of fame, darling. Walk of fame. We do not buy into those sexist and outdated notions that girls aren't allowed to have as much fun as boys are."
Lia and August are quite simply awesome together. They have some amazingly funny moments, mixed with the perfect amount of tender, sprinkled in amongst the fan-yourself sex. The respect that built between them, the care and concern...it's easy to understand why they fell for each other.
It's not a long novel, so it didn't surprise me that there wasn't much development of Lia's friends. But her family, man that's a different story. I love her parents. They had me laughing out loud more than once.
"I am not going to show him my tapestry," Lia said. "Or anything else."
"Sex really is very fun, darling."
"My kingdom for a normal mother."
The Rose was a book that I didn't expect - in all the best ways. I'll definitely be looking for more of this sort of story from Tiffany Reisz.
More on The Alliterates
April 16, 2019
Holy Hera, this story was pure brilliance!
From beginning to end, and all the magic in between, The Rose was an addicting, fascinating and captivating read that lured me inside the wondrous world conjured by the exceptionally talented mistress of erotica, Tiffany Reisz.
Weaving Greek mythology with modern-day characters, we experience the relationship between Lady Ophelia (Lia) Godwick - daughter of Mona and Spencer Godwick from The Red - and the mysterious, handsome stranger, August Bowman. Through the powers of an ancient relic, gifted to Lia by her father, this couple embarked on several fantastical sexual escapades set in the realm of Grecian gods. With each erotic adventure, Lia and August grow closer, and like a beautiful rose, their love gloriously blossomed.
What I love the most about Reisz' romances, aside from the hotter than Hades sexual scenes, is exploring the lives of her colorful characters. Lia was such a lovable leading lady. An ambitious young woman who's an "entrepreneur" of sorts, she was bright, comical, strong-willed, cynical, and above all ~ a realist. Lia's views on all things romance were tainted, courtesy of her first lover, who cruelly shattered her heart. She was a total disbeliever of true love altogether, that is until August magically inserted himself into her world. I savored every moment of August's quest to break through Lia's impenetrable walls with the hope of mending her heart and winning her affections.
I fell fast and hard for the charismatic and incredibly scrumptious August Bowman. I was mesmerized by this silver-tongued Lothario and self-proclaimed whore as his charms and oozing raw sexual magnetism had me swooning. Intriguing and shrouded in mystery, I loved every bit of his passionate soul, and his back and forth banter with Lia was utterly hysterical. He was the perfect match for Lady Godwick both sexually and intellectually.
The Rose has undoubtedly joined the ranks as one of my most favorite reads as I consumed this novel in one sitting and mourned the loss of these characters and their love story once hitting the end. Another magnificent tale penned by the genius storyteller that is Tiffany Reisz.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication
August 20, 2021
Recensione in Anteprima sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSy_JNDsc...
Non appena Lia scese la scalinata principale che portava all’ingresso di Wingthorn Hall, la dimora ancestrale dei conti di Godwick, vide sua madre Mona. La contessa era magnifica nel suo abito da sera senza spalline, scarlatto come la sua reputazione. Era molto felice di poter festeggiare la sua laurea, lei e suo marito erano orgogliosi del risultato raggiunto dalla loro figlia.
Per l’occasione le avevano portato un dono speciale che erano certi avrebbe saputo apprezzare, date le sue conoscenze del mondo dell’arte. Da sempre aveva la passione per la mitologia greca e da anni si dedicava anche alla tessitura di arazzi a tema mitologico.
«Perciò, come piccola dimostrazione dell’amore che provo per lei, le regalo questo…».
Il padre, difronte a tutti gli ospiti accorsi per festeggiare la sua laurea, le mise di fronte una scatola avvolta da una carta rossa. Lia la scartó e con profonda ammirazione sollevò la coppa che le era stata in dono.
Non aveva mai visto un cimelio greco più bello di quello, squisito manufatto vecchio di duemila e cinquecento anni.
«Questa è una kylix, una coppa da vino datata 500 a.C. Si presume venisse usata nelle cerimonie al tempio in onore di Afrodite».
Tutte le persone presenti erano sgomente e felci per quel regalo. Tutti tranne August Bowman.
🖋️Un racconto fantasy molto particolare è The Rose, avventuroso, magico ed erotico.
Nel momento in cui Lia, dietro l’insistenza di August beve dal prezioso e antico manufatto greco, si ritrova catapultata nel mondo dei miti che tanto ama, trovandosi a vivere fantasie erotiche peccaminose e piene di lussuria.
🖋️Ho amato moltissimo la leggenda dell’isola di Pan e il come abbia preso vita nella mente della protagonista, che più volte ha ringraziato gli antichi popoli greci per la ricchezza e la bellezza dei loro miti, delle storie, della cultura e delle leggende che ci hanno tramandato.
Ho trovato strabiliante la perfetta fusione tra mito e realtà che l'autrice ha saputo creare.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSy_JNDsc...
Non appena Lia scese la scalinata principale che portava all’ingresso di Wingthorn Hall, la dimora ancestrale dei conti di Godwick, vide sua madre Mona. La contessa era magnifica nel suo abito da sera senza spalline, scarlatto come la sua reputazione. Era molto felice di poter festeggiare la sua laurea, lei e suo marito erano orgogliosi del risultato raggiunto dalla loro figlia.
Per l’occasione le avevano portato un dono speciale che erano certi avrebbe saputo apprezzare, date le sue conoscenze del mondo dell’arte. Da sempre aveva la passione per la mitologia greca e da anni si dedicava anche alla tessitura di arazzi a tema mitologico.
«Perciò, come piccola dimostrazione dell’amore che provo per lei, le regalo questo…».
Il padre, difronte a tutti gli ospiti accorsi per festeggiare la sua laurea, le mise di fronte una scatola avvolta da una carta rossa. Lia la scartó e con profonda ammirazione sollevò la coppa che le era stata in dono.
Non aveva mai visto un cimelio greco più bello di quello, squisito manufatto vecchio di duemila e cinquecento anni.
«Questa è una kylix, una coppa da vino datata 500 a.C. Si presume venisse usata nelle cerimonie al tempio in onore di Afrodite».
Tutte le persone presenti erano sgomente e felci per quel regalo. Tutti tranne August Bowman.
🖋️Un racconto fantasy molto particolare è The Rose, avventuroso, magico ed erotico.
Nel momento in cui Lia, dietro l’insistenza di August beve dal prezioso e antico manufatto greco, si ritrova catapultata nel mondo dei miti che tanto ama, trovandosi a vivere fantasie erotiche peccaminose e piene di lussuria.
🖋️Ho amato moltissimo la leggenda dell’isola di Pan e il come abbia preso vita nella mente della protagonista, che più volte ha ringraziato gli antichi popoli greci per la ricchezza e la bellezza dei loro miti, delle storie, della cultura e delle leggende che ci hanno tramandato.
Ho trovato strabiliante la perfetta fusione tra mito e realtà che l'autrice ha saputo creare.
April 26, 2019
** spoiler alert ** I admire authors who know how to renew their style, who do not stay stuck in their old niches and who dare to try something that few or no one has dared before. Miss Reisz did it with The Red and continued with The Rose. In my opinion, The Red was less successful than The Rose.
The author could have contented herself with writing a collection of erotic short stories on the themes of Greek mythology. But she managed to find a way to create what could be called a Ariadne's thread, a link between all these short erotic-mythological stories. The basic idea is clever: this magic cup (kylix) that makes experience mythical events if you drink wine from it. Thus, each time the main character does it, she becomes one of the figures of Greek mythological epics and experiences what this heroine had lived. Of course, what she goes through always has a strong tendency to be erotic.
But each story is related to the real life of the main character on a psychological level. She tends to experience only Greek myths that relate to traumatic events of her own real past.
What is also good in this novel is that the author has created a small plot in the actual present of her MC. She made her meet August, a kind of priest of the cult of Eros, who calls himself a whore. lolll She also gave to her MC an ex who cheated on her and who blackmails her. This adds spice to the story and keeps our attention until the end.
The erotico-mythical sex scenes gives everyone descriptions of their favorite fantasies, from exhibitionism and kidnapping to rape, but in the reality the sex scenes are a little more "vanilla" without being totally commonplace.
In short, this novel does not lag as The Red did. The Rose is innovative and well done. That's why I give it five stars.
Thanks to Ms. Reisz, the publisher and NetGalley for an eCopy of this ARC.
The author could have contented herself with writing a collection of erotic short stories on the themes of Greek mythology. But she managed to find a way to create what could be called a Ariadne's thread, a link between all these short erotic-mythological stories. The basic idea is clever: this magic cup (kylix) that makes experience mythical events if you drink wine from it. Thus, each time the main character does it, she becomes one of the figures of Greek mythological epics and experiences what this heroine had lived. Of course, what she goes through always has a strong tendency to be erotic.
But each story is related to the real life of the main character on a psychological level. She tends to experience only Greek myths that relate to traumatic events of her own real past.
What is also good in this novel is that the author has created a small plot in the actual present of her MC. She made her meet August, a kind of priest of the cult of Eros, who calls himself a whore. lolll She also gave to her MC an ex who cheated on her and who blackmails her. This adds spice to the story and keeps our attention until the end.
The erotico-mythical sex scenes gives everyone descriptions of their favorite fantasies, from exhibitionism and kidnapping to rape, but in the reality the sex scenes are a little more "vanilla" without being totally commonplace.
In short, this novel does not lag as The Red did. The Rose is innovative and well done. That's why I give it five stars.
Thanks to Ms. Reisz, the publisher and NetGalley for an eCopy of this ARC.
August 3, 2021
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher for promotional purposes.
I loved everything about this book!
I first have to preface this review by saying that I haven’t read the first book in the series but that did not affect my comprehension or enjoyment of this book. It can be read as a standalone. This is also my first Tiffany Reisz book.
This is some damn good erotica. There is a lot of sex, but it was done so well. Sometimes erotica can be a little cringey, but this one wasn’t. Who knew that greek mythology fantasies could be so hot?
I loved that there was also a plot; it wasn’t just all sex. There was actual substance to it.
The characters were fantastic as well. Lia and August had sizzling chemistry. They were perfect together. Lia’s parents were an unexpectedly hilarious touch. Even though they were barely in the book, I liked Lia’s friends. They seemed so cool and I low-key want a spin-off book about their sexual adventures.
The book is also incredibly well written. I can tell why so many people love Tiffany Reisz’s book. She knows how to write!
Lastly, the book was so sex-positive. There was a lot of emphasis on both men and women enjoying sex.
Overall, this was an impressive erotic romance. I will definitely be reading more from Tiffany Reisz.
I loved everything about this book!
I first have to preface this review by saying that I haven’t read the first book in the series but that did not affect my comprehension or enjoyment of this book. It can be read as a standalone. This is also my first Tiffany Reisz book.
This is some damn good erotica. There is a lot of sex, but it was done so well. Sometimes erotica can be a little cringey, but this one wasn’t. Who knew that greek mythology fantasies could be so hot?
I loved that there was also a plot; it wasn’t just all sex. There was actual substance to it.
The characters were fantastic as well. Lia and August had sizzling chemistry. They were perfect together. Lia’s parents were an unexpectedly hilarious touch. Even though they were barely in the book, I liked Lia’s friends. They seemed so cool and I low-key want a spin-off book about their sexual adventures.
The book is also incredibly well written. I can tell why so many people love Tiffany Reisz’s book. She knows how to write!
Lastly, the book was so sex-positive. There was a lot of emphasis on both men and women enjoying sex.
Overall, this was an impressive erotic romance. I will definitely be reading more from Tiffany Reisz.
April 19, 2019
THE ROSE is book two in the Red series. Previously, I had no idea that Tiffany Reisz had intentions to create a series with this book, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that there were more books set in this world.
The thing about THE RED is that I felt it had a VERY different feel to this book. I almost had to do a double take to make sure that these two were from the same series because although there are obvious similarities, the tone of each story feels very different.
THE RED seemed more erotic right from the get go and I was very excited about this because I truly believe that Reisz excels the best when she writes BDSM. However, THE ROSE has a more refined feel to it. It doesn’t go straight into the sex scenes and spends a lot of time smoozing with all the different characters.
It looks like Reisz intends to write more in this series so I’m looking forward to that. It just took me a minute to find my footing with this book because of the change in tone, so keep that in mind especially if you’re going in blindly to read this book.
May 2, 2019
Stopped about 30% in and I gave it 2 stars cause the cover is gorgeous and the sex was hot (at least from what I did read) but I couldn’t get into this story. Perhaps I’ll try again soon...
April 15, 2019
4.5 Mythical Stars
“I’m going to make you fall in love with me. I don’t know how, but I am.”
When we pick up a Tiffany Reisz book, we know we’re in for intelligent addictive prose, a unique story, a bit of kink, passion, emotion and some tongue in cheek humour. We also know it’s going to be a story that will leave us fulfilled and in awe of her brilliant storytelling, and with The Rose we were once again proven right. What a story! The exhaustive research that must have gone into this book is mind-boggling! Captivating and vividly beautiful, we were beguiled by every word.
“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.”
Twenty-one-year-old Lady Ophelia (Lia) Godwick is attracted to the mysteriously handsome and commanding Augustine (August) Bowman, when he attends a small party at her house. It turns out both share a passion for Greek Mythology, and August is very interested in a gift Lia’s father has given her for her graduation. The Rose kylix, a wine cup dated 500BC, that in Greek mythology is said to give you the opportunity to live out your most erotic fantasies if you drink from the cup.
“Kiss me. I dare you.”
“What’ll happen when I kiss you?”
“Good things will happen.”
“Like What?”
Lia was horribly spurned by a previous lover and bears the emotional scars which have left her believing she is a less than an adequate lover. August is the consummate lover and promises to bring pleasure beyond anything Lia could imagine if she will just take the leap. How can she resist?
After sipping wine from the kylix, August and Lia embark on an erotic passionate and sensual journey where Tiffany Riesz manages to seamlessly blend present day Lia and August, with a passionate erotic and kinky journey into Greek Mythology where they experience desire and sex on a whole new level, living out heightened sexual experiences that were sizzling and adventurous.
“Are you afraid?” August asked.
“No,” Lia said.
Oh, the twists!! We loved how this enticing tale kept us guessing. The Rose was mesmerizing, intelligent and mesmerising storytelling. The Greek mythology aspect of the story was fascinating and so brilliantly delivered. There were surprises we didn’t see coming and we loved how the story culminated in an ending that challenged us and wowed us. Boy, can this lady write a bloody fabulous erotic story! The Rose is an enticing and passionate story switching from the present to a time when Gods ruled in their own cruel and seductive way. A perfect way to escape for a few hours!
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February 14, 2019
After bingeing on the Original Sinners Series, I was under no illusion that this book would be an erotica romance, complete with all kinds of kinky delights.
With that said, unlike the Original Sinners Series, there's little romance to speak of. The story is extremely erotic and some of the kinks might make certain readers uncomfortable.
While I enjoyed the story enough, I like Tiffany's writing, I feel I would've got more out of it if I was up to speed with mythology. Some of the retellings were lost on me.
Copy received via NetGalley
Publication date - April 2019
With that said, unlike the Original Sinners Series, there's little romance to speak of. The story is extremely erotic and some of the kinks might make certain readers uncomfortable.
While I enjoyed the story enough, I like Tiffany's writing, I feel I would've got more out of it if I was up to speed with mythology. Some of the retellings were lost on me.
Copy received via NetGalley
Publication date - April 2019
January 12, 2020
5++ stars! i think this is probably one of the best books I had ever read!
erotic ancient greek mythological themed?? hell yes! i had a thing for ancient greek mythology and i chose that as my elective so i can write mountains worth of essays lol so yep, I loved the idea of how this author included the stories of different gods and goddesses with a little twist here and there (especially with the series of sexual fantasies. too hot!)
highly recommended to anyone that enjoys such mythical reads.
on a side note: can i volunteer to drink from the rose Kylix too??
erotic ancient greek mythological themed?? hell yes! i had a thing for ancient greek mythology and i chose that as my elective so i can write mountains worth of essays lol so yep, I loved the idea of how this author included the stories of different gods and goddesses with a little twist here and there (especially with the series of sexual fantasies. too hot!)
highly recommended to anyone that enjoys such mythical reads.
on a side note: can i volunteer to drink from the rose Kylix too??
December 29, 2021
Tiffany Reisz is a witch!
That's the only explanation I came up with for what she was able to do. How she weaved reality with fantasy wrapped in eroticism is unlike anything I've read before. And those erotic scenes?
Ooh, mama! I gobbled that up like a fresh out of the oven cherry pie. Yes, I did.
I didn't even know it was a part of the series. I thought The Red was a one and done freaky little perve treat so I was excited to see where the next one would go. But where The Red was pervy, The Rose was romantic with a side dish of little kinky. Not a bad thing at all if you ask me 'cause some things in The Red made me somewhat uncomfortable. This was more my speed.
I thought the characters were very well done and a hoot to get to know. Parents were hilarious but August was undeniably the life of this party. Funny, adorable, mischievous, sweet and sexy as all get out. I absolutely adore him. Lia was okay too. I mean, as long as she's not a total idiot or a dud I'm good. It's not like I'm in it for her, you know what I mean?
Anyway, can't wait to see what's next for this crazy family.
Over and out
That's the only explanation I came up with for what she was able to do. How she weaved reality with fantasy wrapped in eroticism is unlike anything I've read before. And those erotic scenes?
Ooh, mama! I gobbled that up like a fresh out of the oven cherry pie. Yes, I did.
I didn't even know it was a part of the series. I thought The Red was a one and done freaky little perve treat so I was excited to see where the next one would go. But where The Red was pervy, The Rose was romantic with a side dish of little kinky. Not a bad thing at all if you ask me 'cause some things in The Red made me somewhat uncomfortable. This was more my speed.
I thought the characters were very well done and a hoot to get to know. Parents were hilarious but August was undeniably the life of this party. Funny, adorable, mischievous, sweet and sexy as all get out. I absolutely adore him. Lia was okay too. I mean, as long as she's not a total idiot or a dud I'm good. It's not like I'm in it for her, you know what I mean?
Anyway, can't wait to see what's next for this crazy family.
Over and out
April 16, 2019
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.
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.
December 11, 2018
"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...
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...
June 7, 2019
I was a fan of Tiffany Reisz years ago, but reading The Rose affirms my love for her writing once again!
I love a good romance story with a side of steaminess and this novel gave me everything I was looking for. The storyline of the mysterious wine cup artifact drew me in and once I met the characters I was hooked!
August and Lia take part in an erotic and passionate journey that leaves them breathless for more. I loved that this novel wasn’t all erotic sex, but there was a plot and romance too. I seriously think that I have a thing for Greek Mythology now after reading this!
*Thank you to Harlequin Publicity Team and MIRA books for this complimentary book. All opinions are my own.
I love a good romance story with a side of steaminess and this novel gave me everything I was looking for. The storyline of the mysterious wine cup artifact drew me in and once I met the characters I was hooked!
August and Lia take part in an erotic and passionate journey that leaves them breathless for more. I loved that this novel wasn’t all erotic sex, but there was a plot and romance too. I seriously think that I have a thing for Greek Mythology now after reading this!
*Thank you to Harlequin Publicity Team and MIRA books for this complimentary book. All opinions are my own.
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