Rosa Cruz, the fiery and ultra-sexy heiress of the Mama Linda Latin foods empire, is determined to create something on her own and not rely solely on her family’s name and legacy. For her new upscale restaurant in the trendy Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, she enlists the help of her childhood friend, the hot, young Cuban-American chef, Eliseo Perez, who’s already made a name for himself on the … New York culinary scene. Despite Rosa’s reservations about a forbidden workplace romance with her new employee, not to mention longtime friend, the chemistry between them is undeniable. When the cooking starts, things quickly heat up in the kitchen and the bedroom. But with Eliseo’s troubled past coming back to haunt him, can Rosa and Eliseo hold onto love and keep the restaurant from going up in flames?
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“Once again love drives me on, that loosener of limbs, bittersweet creature against which nothing can be done.”- Sappho
Vivian Winslow puts this quote at the beginning of both this book and the first in the Wildflowers series. To me this is the perfect quote to describe these novels. Especially this one. Love is a bittersweet thing. One minute it can be the most amazing feeling in the world. Sometimes love can be the opposite of amazing though. Especially when it hinders us from deciphering between the heart and the mind. This leaves us helpless because the heart wants what the heart wants.
This is especially apparent between the two main characters in this book.
Rosa is a twenty-five year old entrepreneur and has always wanted to open her own restaurant. When her dreams are realized as she sets out to open an upscale restaurant she finds herself in need of an amazing chef. And, she knows the perfect person. Her childhood friend, now thirty year man, is a fabulous chef in New York. She ventures to New York from Miami to try and convince him to come home and work for her.
Eliseo is a handsome and talented individual but he is also very guarded too. He doesn’t trust many with his past and feelings but something about Rosa gets him to feel safe enough to open up to her. Reluctantly, but he wouldn’t say no, he does make the move to Miami.
Working so close together stirs up more than just friendly feelings between the two. The steam that has been building up finally breaks and things heat up between the two. Just when they start to adjust to the new relationship though, Eliseo’s past comes back to haunt him. Can they survive the turmoil and come out with a happily ever after?
I love Vivian Winslow. The first book in this series was my first read by her and I have been hooked ever since. She can write one amazing slow burn book that will keep you turning those pages way past your bedtime. Each book can be read as a standalone which is nice if you aren’t a series fanatic. I’ll be honest though to not read it would be a shame because it kicks off this series very well. I can’t wait to see what is to come in book three!
Forbidden Rose (Wildflowers Book 2)
By: Vivian Winslow
5 out of 5 stars
The story Forbidden Rose (Wildflowers Book 2) by Vivian Winslow is a contemporary romance book. It is a story that I loved reading and didn’t want to put it down until I had read the final page. It is the story of Rosa Cruz and Eliseo Perez. Rosa is a smart, independent woman who is opening her own restaurant. She wants it to be a success and is determined to show everyone that she can do this on her own. She hires Eliseo as the chef. Eliseo and Rosa were very close friends when young. Then he moved away. Even though it has been a while Eliseo and Rosa find that they are still comfortable talking with each other. They also start to experience different feelings for each other, ones that go beyond friendship. These two soon find the connection between them only growing stronger. Will they act on their newfound feelings for each other? She thinks that a relationship is off-limits, he is having a hard time thinking of anything else but her. Will these two find their HEA or will the past the has followed Eliseo put an end to any chance of this couple’s happiness? Read this book to find out. I loved the characters of Rosa and Eliseo. When reading about them and how they interact you know that they are meant to be together. There is plenty of playful bantering and flirting. I also enjoyed reading about many of the other characters in this book and how they interacted with Rosa, Eliseo, and each other. This story includes steamy scenes that will have the temperature in the room rising. This is the second book in a series and I can’t wait to read the next one. The author has created a wonderful story with amazing characters. It is a book that I found easy to read and hard to forget.
Another wonderful book by Vivian Winslow. Loved it. The chemistry between the main characters immediately drew you in. The plot was paced well and believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the series and am loving this author’s writing style. Highly recommended.
Forbidden Rose, by Vivian Winslow, is the second novel in the Wildflowers series. This contemporary romance featuring Rosa and Eliseo. I read the first book of this series and was swept away with the author’s story line, themes and writing techniques. She has a way with words that truly create an involved story with well rounded and dynamic characters that are riveting and a joy to follow through the story. In Forbidden Rose, the chemistry is off the charts steamy and cannot be denied as these characters heat up the pages. The dialogue and character interactions between Rosa and Eliseo just flowed from the pages seamlessly. I liked the locale of the story and all that was going on. It was well written and a wonderful addition to this series.
Forbidden Rose is part of the Wildflowers Series by Vivan Winslow but can most definitely be read as a standalone. I recently came across Blossoming Flower and completely fell in love with this author’s writing style. So, when given the chance the pickup Forbidden Rose, I jumped on it without a second thought.
I love that this book can be definitely read as a standalone, even though a couple of the characters from Forbidden Rose do make a cameo appearance. They are minor, but there enough to be noticed.
In Forbidden Rose, we get to meet Rosa Cruz – the daughter of Cuban Immigrants who have made a name for themselves in the community of Little Havana, Florida (or otherwise known as little Cuba). They are known for their renown cuisine. Being who she is, and where she comes from – she decides that she’s going to open up an upscale restaurant in a prominent neighborhood. Except that she requires special assistance from an old childhood friend – Eliseo Perez – a well-known individual in the New York Cuisine area.
I LOVED everything about this book. Absolutely everything. From the setting, to the characters and their development. I loved being able to read this book in Spanglish – because that’s exactly what I got with it. I was able to experience certain aspects in both languages. I don’t get this too often, so when I do and it’s well delivered – it’s something that I tend to enjoy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the passion and steam that this book offered. There was just enough angst in between characters, that I sat on the edge of my seat – waiting to see what would happen. Like any good book, the story development was well delivered. I was never left wanting for more. I appreciate discovering and coming across great authors that can elicit several different emotions out of me. I definitely consider this book a 5 Star Review.And I certainly can’t wait to get my hands on the next book of the Wildflowers Series – which again, can most definitely be read as a Standalone.
Forbidden Rose ( Wildflowers Book 2 )
By Vivian Winslow
5/5 Stars
This is such an an amazing book ( and series ) !! This story follows Rosa and Eliseo’s journey. Eliseo has always been a family friend. He grew up with Rosa’s brothers. But now, Rosa hired him to work in her restaurant. The innocent flirting and sexual tension is undeniable. It’s a will they or won’t they story? It’s a crazy ride, buckle up and enjoy!
I love Vivian’s attention to detail. I can see and hear the character’s voices in my head!! It’s really funny too, It had me smiling and giggling from start to finish!! The story flows flawlessly, with captivating characters! Trust me, once you start reading … you will not be able to put it down!! I can’t wait to see what happens in book three next! Another phenomenal job, Vivian!!
Forbidden Rose is book two in the Wildflowers series by Vivian Winslow. These stories just keep giving me new and wonderful experiences, and leaving me lasting memories. This author weaves energetic and powerful romances that grip a reader from beginning to end. Vivian Winslow gives so much with each and every story, it is impossible to forget.
Rosa and Eliseo are a mystery begging to be solved. The chemistry they shared was not something that was always there, but their bond and connection was thick and strong. I think they were a little blindsided by the intensity of their attraction and feelings once they surfaced. There was no hiding from them once they made themselves known. They had to work at this new dynamic to their relationship, with many moments of uncertainty, humour, passion and discovery. There was an ever present feeling of anticipation and edginess that was unique and addictive. Forbidden Rose lacked nothing and gave me as a reader,everything. The Wildflowers series is fast becoming one of my favourites, and the mixture of colouful and exciting characters make reading an fulfilling experience. 5 stars
Forbidden Rose by Vivian Winslow is the second book in her Wildflower Series, and what a great follow up in this new series. Following the story of Rosa and Eliseo, we get to see the struggles that come from Rosa opening a new upscale restaurant and her determination to make something great that she can call her own. When Rosa finds that she needs help, and her pride stopping her from asking her family the next best person that she can turn to is her childhood best friend, Eliseo. Eliseo has been quite famous on the culinary scene, creating quite the name for himself, and while he is happy to help out Rosa not all of his motives are pure. Eliseo has had feelings for Rosa for as long as he can remember, and he knows she feels something for him because of their inability to keep their hands off each other. When the past comes back to haunt him, can he keep his new found relationship with Rosa or will he lose the girl and the career that he loves? Rosa will have to take a leap of faith on Eliseo and herself if she wants to make things work in the long term, but does she have the ability to blindly go into something with Eliseo even with all of their chemistry? I highly suggest that this series be read in order, starting with book one, Blossoming Flower, and continuing from there. Winslow is a new to me author, but I am so happy that I branched out and grabbed this series. Her writing has a unique voice to it, her characters are completely lifelike and the storyline pulled me in from page one. The series started off a bit rough with book one, but each book has only gotten better from there. I can’t wait to see where this series goes and what new things Winslow will bring to her readers because I only see great things happening so far.
4 Stars
Forbidden Rose is the second book in the Wildflowers series by Vivian Winslow. This is a great, friends to lover’s story, with some spice, drama, romance and emotion. This book can be read as a standalone, but the other books really are wonderful and well worth the read, too.
Rosa Cruz, heiress to the Mama Linda Latin Foods Empire doesn’t want to coast along on her family name and fortune, she’s determined to pave her own way in life. Opening a restaurant in Miami, she hires her childhood friend as the new head chef.
Eliseo Perez moves from New York to help Rosa to get the restaurant steaming ahead. With them working together so closely, things quickly heat up between them and their friendship evolves into more. But trouble tracks Eliseo down and threatens everything they have established. A great read that will keep you flipping the pages to find out what happens.
As with the first book in this series, it is beautifully written with Ms. Winslow’s fluid, sexy and inviting style, as well as being textured with wonderful descriptions. The characters really make this story extra special, I loved getting to know Rosa and Eliseo. Ms. Winslow has a way with words and has produced a captivating read. I am really enjoying this series and am looking forward to seeing where she takes us on this journey.
Thank you, Ms. Winslow!
Even though this is the second book of the series. You don’t have to read the first one to know what’s going on as it catches you up though it certainly does help if you have already read the first one. This is a very enjoyable read and the storyline is quite submersive. I loved the characters relationships with each other and quickly found that I couldn’t put it down. There were a few bits I had to re-read personally at the start but I soon found that I was getting to grips with it more as I went on. I love how strong and sassy the main character is and am looking forward to diving in the next read by this author.
Forbidden Rose (Wildflowers Book 2) by Vivian Winslow is a 5 star read.
As soon as I started reading this story I was hooked!! It is my advise that you read the first book in the series before reading this one as it will help you with some background. This story is about Rosa and Eliseo, who were friends a long time ago, and are now going to work together, and hopefully make something amazing. I fell in love with these characters and you can feel the chemistry between these two jump off the pages!! Even though you know that if they choose to give in to their desires it could make working together a little tricky. While my head says that my heart says they belong together. What happens when Eliseo’s past comes back to haunt him? Will it get in the way of what they have built? This book took me on an emotional ride and I loved it! After reading the first book I hoped that this one would be just as good and it turns out that it’s even better. This book will draw you into their lives and some of their culture. I couldn’t put this book down and I couldn’t wait to get to the end to find out what was going to happen, but once it ended i was so sad that I reached the end because I want more!! I think Vivian did an amazing job telling this wonderful romantic story. I highly recommend this book!!
Forbidden Rose (Wildflowers #2) by Vivian Winslow. This is the second book in the Wildflowers Series. This is also my second book by this author.
All Rosa wants is to open up her restaurant but being the only daughter in a Cuban family, there are things that are expected of her. While her family wants her to find a husband and start a family, she has other desires. When her childhood friend and well known chef, comes and works for her, her family might just get what they wanted. For Eliseo, this might just be what he is looking for to escape his past. Will their chemistry and attraction be enough to make it last or is the past coming back to haunt him?
I truly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more from this author and this series.
Forbidden Rose (Wildflowers Book 2) by Vivian Winslow is the second book in her Wildflowers series. I highly suggest you read the first book before this one to help your enjoyment of this series but this book can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this book a little bit more then the first one as this series keeps getting better and better with each one I read. Her writing style is such that she made me feel as if I was right there in the story. Her characters are connectable and I found myself being able to relate to them. They took me on an emotional roller coaster ride of various emotions. This is the story of Rosa and Eliseo. Rosa has just opened an upscale restaurant. She is determined to create something on her own and not rely just on her family. What will happen when she gets her childhood friend to help her out? Eliseo has been known on the culinary scene and has made a name for himself. Problem is that their attraction for each other is off the charts. Will there be more just cooking in the kitchen but the bedroom too? But when Eliseo’s pasts comes crashing into their present will they go down in flames? I enjoyed both of these characters and certainly their attraction for each other. They just can’t seem to take their hands off each other. I loved their chemistry together. I found myself hoping they would find their HEA despite his past coming to the present. Will they be able to keep things strictly business? Will they cross that line? They both are strong characters that are determined took this story to another level. The secondary characters are supportive and add to the story. I highly recommend this book, find out if they cross that friendship line.
Forbidden Rose is book two in the Wildflowers series. While it could be read as a stand alone, Eddie and Poppy makes an appearance in book 1, so it might be helpful to have that backstory. While book 1 is set in the horse stable, book 2 is set the kitchen. Rosa talks Eliseo into moving from NYC back to Miami to help her in her restaurant. Things definitely heat up with those two in the kitchen, but will the heat last? This was another great story, and the description of the dishes really make me wish I wasn’t such a plain jane when it comes to food!
S Star
Forbidden Rose (Wildflowers book 2.) By Vivian Winslow is the second book in her Wildflower series. I do recommend reading the first book in this series if you haven’t already, although this book can be read as a standalone. I love this series so far .i was once again drawn in from the beginning till the end. This is my favorite in this series so far I can’t wait to read more. Get ready for a emotional rollercoaster ride of various emotions. This is the story of Rosa and Eliseo.She just opened a upscale restaurant and is very much set out to do something by herself and not have to rely on only her family.Eliseo has already gone and made a name for himself These two have some serious attraction. What happens when his past comes into the picture? Find out if these two get their HEA?.i highly recommend this book.
Forbidden Rose by Vivian Winslow is the 2nd book in the Wildflower series. I loved this book and the characters and how everyone is connected in some way to the first series which I still haven’t read but plan on reading soon.
Rosa is amazing. She is a strong woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to fight for it, but she’s use to that being the baby with two older brothers. Her determination to make her life a success made me quite proud of her.
Eliseo is amazing chef who can’t seem to get away from his past, but still finds himself going home after so many years away. He and Rosa always had a special relationship as kids but neither realized the importance until it was too late.
This is an amazing series which I have already finished. This groups of books is a must read if you like romance with a lot of streamy intimate moments.
Forbidden Rose by Vivian Winslow is the second book in the Wildflower series and is well written and the storyline is one you readily immerse yourself in. It is a romance story where there is passion abound and of the charts chemistry between characters. I enjoy a story where there is drama and angst on the road to romance it spices things up. Vivian takes on a journey where there are secrets and love, beauty and sweet sweet raunchiness that will leave you breathless.
Vivian has written story that will have you begging for more. I am off to start the next in the series.
Forbidden Rose By Vivan Winslow
5 Stars!!!!!
Well this series just keeps getting better. I was glued from page one and seeing the world being drawn out more. This brings a bit more of the extended family of Poppy and starts to draw out the plot more from the first book. The drama is just starting to unfold.
This book focuses on Rosa and Eliseo. The drama that unfolds during this book and the slight backstory that comes out really brings the characters to life. I was quite engrossed in this second book and I am eager to read more from this author. The unique way that the author creates the storyline around the characters is very original really helps the books to flow.I really cannot wait to read more from this author.
Forbidden Rose
Written by Vivian Winslow
4 out of 5 stars
Forbidden Rose is the second book I’ve read by Vivian Winslow and it happens to be the second of her Wildflowers books. Once again I am floored by how amazing the characters in this novel are. Each character has depth and brings so much to the story without overwhelming you with details. Vivian Winslow has a talent for creating strong, independent, relatable women!
While the books in the Wildflowers series are stand alone reads, I am happy I read Blossoming Flower first. It is fun to see previous characters that were mentioned in conversation creep into a seemingly unrelated storyline and picking up on connections you otherwise would have missed.
I am once again looking forward to reading more from Vivian Winslow and seeing what other memorable characters will be introduced.
For some reason I am reading this series out of order and it’s working out just fine. FORBIDDEN ROSE is set in the restaurant scene in Miami and features a couple of different main characters throughout the story. All of the characters are easy to follow, their intentions are pretty clear.
The romance aspect of this made my heart happy. There are some very strong females in this story – mothers and daughters alike – and I was cheering for them all. I was all over the place when taking sides hahaha
As with any good recipe, this book has spice and flare and beautiful ingredients. I enjoyed the restaurant aspect of this book also. It doesn’t skim over the details, I understood her angst about opening up a new business and making sure everything is right. Watching the partnership grow and change was a true delight.
This book was right up my alley and would absolutely visit the restaurant and let Eddie over explain the menu for me.