Bestselling author Tiffany Reisz returns with an imaginative tale of lust and magic, and the dangers unleashed when the two are combined… 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.
more
Oh my goddess it was panfuckingtastic.
What a lovely mothers’day I had! I got to sit on my derrière all day and read this book. Then I had Jamie Oliver’s fantastic fish pie for dinner, not made by Jamie, made by the hubster.
I sat and I laughed and laughed. Little giggles. Dirty guffaws. Laughs so hard they made me cry but at the same time my knowledge of Greek mythology increased exponentially.
I loved this book!
Lia – daughter of Mona (The Red) meets August Bowman at her graduation party. She has something he wants and it isn’t her gardening or tennis skills. It’s a Greek artefact that he wants to claim.
In The Red, Mona has adventures with painting themes, and Lia, oh my oh my oh my, slip me a toga and find me a winged horse, gets all Grecian.
Tiffany Reisz writes with such humour, and wit and sexiness beyond measure. I would love to live in her mind. She is definitely one of my dream dinner guests. I’d make her fantastic fish pie.
Tiffany Reisz took me on another magical and steamy adventure, this time centered around Greek gods and mythology. The Rose was absolutely delicious from start to finish. Whereas The Red was about Mona, The Rose follows her daughter Lia, freshly graduated from college and running an escort business on the side. You don’t have to read The Red first but it is an incredible erotic fantasy and I recommend reading it at some point.
Lia receives a wine cup for her graduation that turns out to be a special Rose kylix which can bring sexual fantasies to life. Lia decides to test out the cup with August, a Greek businessman and friend of her parents, at her side. While this is centered on Lia’s fantasies, it is just as much about her sexual awakening and reclaiming who she is after a lackluster first experience with a man who is now, years later, blackmailing her. Each one of Lia’s fantasies is about empowering her, whether she’s the gender swapped goddess Eros seducing the prince Pysche or trying out consensual nonconsent as Briseis with Achilles and Patroclus. There’s nary a minotaur (readers of The Red will understand) but there are sex scenes that are just as bananas and well worth the read.
Even as August and Lia are bringing Greek myths to life via the Rose kylix, August is wooing her and seducing her. He’s definitely not all that he seems, which only made me more intrigued. He was such a good complement to Lia and I loved how he looked after her in ways big and small.
One of my favorite scenes is when, instead of reenacting Dionysus and Ariadne, August changes the fantasy so Lia can visit her favorite childhood book The Wind In The Willows. Her wonder at the boat and being face to face with Pan brought tears to my eyes. Who among us has not imagined really experiencing or becoming a part of our childhood books? How would we react if we could really step through the wardrobe or drink raspberry cordial with Anne and Diana?
The book has Reisz’s trademark sense of humor. There are a few reveals that kept me guessing and really made for a satisfying story. I absolutely loved the happy ending! And it was fun to see glimpses of Mona and Malcolm who remain progressive with their bedroom habits and in how they raise their children.
Tiffany Reisz is a genius no matter what genre she writes. This is wildly hot, incredibly good. I continue to be Team Reisz. I have no idea how she’ll top this but I sure will enjoy seeing her try!
CW: reference to rape, consensual nonconsent/rape fantasy, blackmail, bad first time
Feels 1
Steam 5+++
Storyline 5
Overall Rating 4.5
Reviewed by Robin
What a steamy fantasy book! Tiffany Reisz is the queen of erotic imaginative tales. First, we had The Red and now The Rose blew me away. I love when a story takes me out of the same old romantic tropes I read every day and pushes the envelope. This book is sexy, funny, mysterious and kept me glued to the page wondering what would happen next. I enjoyed every single seductive play by August and Lia had her sarcastic comebacks on point. I can’t wait for the next one.
4.9 Stars
Remember Mona from The Red? This is the story of her 21 year old daughter Lia.
Lia’s parents are throwing her a college graduation party and one of the guests is the mysterious August. A sexy and charming greek god lookalike who is after her graduation present. August lost the ancient cup to Lia’s father at an auction and now he’s hoping that Lia will sell it to him. She won’t – BUT she is very interested in finding out why he so badly needs this beautiful relict.
And what he tells her is so not what she expected ….
Let the mysterious sexy times begin ….
Well, that was … interesting. And mega sexy.
Just like her mom’s book, Lia’s book is very erotic and supernatural.
As soon as someone drinks wine out of the kylix, they fall asleep and have all their sexual fantasies come true! Isn’t that something?!?! LOL!
Next to being ridiculously sexy, this story was a very historically and mythologically interesting tale. Full of gods and heroes and virgins and daughters and concubines and sea monsters …
Greek mythology and history is not really my thing, but it was interesting to read about it for a few hours. Plus all those sexy moments. I really liked it. August is so adorable and I hoped all through the book that he won’t end up being a ghost or some kind of not-real thing … I want that happy end for Lia!
Great story – just like the first book. Different. Definitely not a sweet and fun new adult romance – even though there is a bit of that in here too.
It’s a Tiffany Reisz book, so we know it has to be amazing and different and erotic!
Can’t wait to see where this series will take us next!
Delightfully imaginative!
Ophelia (Lia) is more than what meets the eye. She is living parallel lives between being the only daughter of Lord Godwick and running a group of escorts on the secret side. Her life could not more complicated when an ex lover attempts to blackmail her, while she is trying to deal with a new man in her life – August Bowman!
Magic, Greek Myths, and a romantically lustful courtship drive this plotline while the reader sits at the edge of their chair. Pure enjoyment!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy with me.
This is a continuation of the story begun in The Red, set a generation later. Like The Red, The Rose uses a framing element to set up various erotic scenarios. While the first book was based on scenarios enacting famous paintings, The Rose is about Greek Mythology.
Both novels have an element of the fantastic to them and I enjoyed the tales as they unfolded. It’s a good introduction to Reisz’s writing for readers who’ve wondered about her Original Sinners series, but want to try her stories in smaller bites.
First off I just have to say how much I love this cover. This book pretty muck takes the reader on several erotic fantasies based on Greek mythology. I have to say the Tiffany Reisz did a wonderful job with her vivid attention to detail.
Every time the couple explored a new fantasy, I saw it play out in my head and felt like I was there!
I really liked August and Lia as a couple. I have read a few books by this author but none written like this before and I mean that in a good way. Apparently I need to check out “The Red” by this author and see what I’ve been missing!
This story held my attention from beginning to end. If you like provocative reads that sweep you away to majestic places be sure to check this story out!
What a magical and wildly erotic tale of adventure! A unique and thoroughly entertaining journey that will have you wide eyed and envious. The Rose is unlike any other story I have read. The intriguing blurb has absolutely nothing on the story. This whirlwind tour of “history” and the erotic situations are enough to melt your kindle and even your “lady bits” !!!
Tiffany Reisz successfully had me enthralled in the world of her making. So much so I had no idea that the guy on plane next to me was so squirmy because he couldn’t believe I had the “lady bits” to read it in public! Cleary, I must be related to the Godwicks…
Whimsical, highly erotic, and astoundingly clever, The Rose is yet another of Tiffany Reisz’s stories that managed to blow my mind away.
The Rose is the sequel to The Red and as with all books from Tiffany Reisz, is another sizzling story that takes the reader on many sensual adventures along with Lia and August. While it is the second book in The Red series, I have to say it has a much different feel and I found myself completely pulled in from the first page.
Lia just might be one of my favorite characters ever from Ms. Reisz. Seriously, she comes from major family money yet still starts an escort service with her best friends while at university. She is smart, sexy, protective, and so full of humor. She is the absolute pride and joy of her parents and it is evident when her father gives her the priceless Rose kylix as a graduation gift. Lia would never think of getting rid of any gift from her parents until she is blackmailed by a former lover. Enter August, who had made her offers from the moment the gift was given to her.
I’ll just say I loved August from the moment he appeared on the page. He is so self-assured without being an ass. I felt the attraction and connection between August and Lia from the moment they met and have to say I adored them together. I loved that Lia felt comfortable enough with August to share her past and even open up about her fantasies. Each one was hotter and sexier than the last. Each fantasy interlude occurs in a story from Greek myths and I have to say I felt like Lia and August feeling for one another only increased.
There are always twists and turns in a Tiffany Reisz book. I have to say Ms. Reisz totally threw me for a loop with a couple of the reveals in The Rose in only the best possible way. The Rose is the perfect book for anyone who enjoys reading a super sexy story with lots of Greek mythology thrown in. I really loved The Rose and highly recommend it to other romance fans.
Rating: 4 Stars (B+)
Review copy provided by publisher
***I received an ebook from the author at no cost***
I admittedly haven’t read the first book in The Red series, but I did enjoy The Rose, although it’s a departure from what I’m used to from Tiffany.
This story is a delicious mixture of fantasy, mythology, modern day, and all the sexy excitement that I’m used to from Reisz. Lia has two identities. To her closest friends, she’s a madam who brings the sexual fantasies of wealthy men to life. To the rest of the world, her family included, she’s the daughter of an Earl who is relatively quiet and not very outspoken. She meets August at her graduation party. He’s a guest at the party, though Lia has never seen him before. His motive has nothing to do with her however; he’s after the Rose kylix that Lia’s dad gifted her with.
I don’t want to give out many spoilers, so I won’t go into too much detail. This book has everything I have come to expect from Reisz: romance (in this case, out-of-this-world romance), hot and beautifully written sex, and a storyline that’s unique and unlike anything I’ve read before. Lia and August are brilliant characters. I love that Reisz gives her characters a naughty twist, and Lia’s madam antics were the perfect naughty side to give her. August is a sculpted Greek god of a character. He exudes raw sexual energy and, even though Lia is sure that she can keep her feelings out of anything physical she embarks on, he ends up charming her just as much as he turns her on.
Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. (Another thing I’ve come to expect from Reisz novels!) This story is well-written, Reisz has clearly done her research on mythology and does an amazing job of handling it in the story, and the characters are interesting and developed. I liked the imagery anyhow vividly Reisz described the scenes in this story. It was more like watching a movie in mind than reading a book, and that is a testament of a great writer to me.
This is a bit different than what I’ve previously read from Reisz, but I like the departure from the norm. Check this one out if you’re looking for a fascinating and sexy story.
Four stars to this novel!
Tiffany Reisz never disappoints. It takes an exceptional writer to make mythological tales come alive in such an ingenious way. Loved every page!
Tiffany once again gives us some filthy erotic fun in a follow on from The Red. Full of contemporary one liners taken back in time to the era of Greek Gods… lines such as Eros ‘copped a strop’ and many others had me laughing out loud at inappropriate times.
There is no better era the The Greek Gods for raw and dominating sex. I always feel educated after Tiffany’s books, I now know who was banging who thousands of years ago.
Whilst The Red was more paranormal fantasy , The Rose is satirical history. Great humour, great story and plenty of tongue in moments. I love the versatility of this authors writing. But one thing is certain, whatever the genre Tiffany’s writing goes where no other authors dare to tread !
I absolutely loved the The Red, the previous book in this series and I couldn’t wait to dig into The Rose. I was thrilled that there would be more since I loved the mythology, eroticism and supernatural aspects of the first book.
The Rose deals with a special mythological cup, said to be used in appreciation of Eros, Greek god of erotic love. If you’ve read Tiffany Reisz before you know she can weave a wonderfully erotic tale, complete with mind-bending twists and turns. She does a fabulous job of repeating this in The Rose while also providing a little more character development. While this did give The Rose a slightly different tone than The Red, I loved having the additional information to round out the story.
When Lia received the cup as a graduation gift, she’s blackmailed into selling it, but not before she can use it with August, a family friend. The cup transports her into a new world of eroticism and fantasy that is unique and even a little bit scary at times. Of course August wants the cup for himself too! There are some real surprises here that I don’t want to reveal, and I loved how this all played out.
I definitely recommend this for readers looking for something a little different in erotic romance. This well-researched story puts a spin on Greek mythology that you don’t want to miss.
Although second in The Red series, you don’t have to have read the first book at all to read and enjoy this one. In fact, I enjoyed this book far more than the first, which while definitely “erotic” seemed a bit thin on plot/story, in my opinion. The Rose was no less erotic, but seemed to have a bit more of a substantial plot surrounding all the sexytimes. Admittedly, things got a little hokey at the very end and the “twist” at the end were no huge surprise, but it was still enjoyable. And my #nerdygirl heart truly enjoyed all he endless references to Classical Greek mythology.
*Advance copy provided by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*
The Rose by Tiffany Reisz is book Two in The Red Series. This is the story of Lady Ophelia ‘Lia’ Godwick and August Bowman. I haven’t yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Lia is 21 and she is at her graduation party where her father gifts her with a rare wine cup. Lia’s parents are collectors of antiques and her father got the cup. August wanted the cup as it has mystical powers but Lia starts to become some else he wants. Lia wasn’t fallen to fast the first night they met and actually avoided him but then things started to take off.
Enjoyed their story.
Let me start my review by saying that I have never been a huge fan of Greek mythology, much to my husband’s dismay; he finds it fascinating. He has tried and failed to change my mind. Where he has been unable Tiffany Reisz has succeeded with her new book The Rose. Be prepared to enter a world filled with the wildest of erotic Greek mythology fantasies, starring none other than the incredible male and female Gods of ancient Greece.
The Rose by Tiffany Reisz is the second book in The Red series. I have not read the first book in this series, but I plan on doing so as soon as possible. The Rose is a beautifully written book that has expanded my knowledge about Greek mythology in fun and sexy ways. Ms. Reisz takes Greek mythology and puts an original erotic twist on it, creating a world that I wanted to delve into and never leave. I must say, I will never look at Greek mythology in the same way and I guarantee neither will you. This book was well researched, and I found myself googling parts to learn more on the subject.
The Rose is infused with lust and laughter, deceit and deception and lots of erotic romping all set between the real world set in the 21 century, and the mythical world dating back centuries. This book also contains unique and well-developed characters. Ms. Reisz does a perfect job of balancing the romance/erotic aspects of this book with the underlying plot. She perfectly depicts, through the main character Lia Godwick, the pain a woman with a broken heart feels. I found Lia to be a compelling character she was smart, strong-willed, but also soft-hearted and vulnerable at the same time.
August Bowman crashes into Lia’s life at her graduation party, claiming that the gift her father gave her, the Rose Kylix, has mythical powers to elicit the most intimate sexual fantasies. From here the story takes off, intertwining the two main characters with some wonderful fantasies, some cute surprises and a bit of blackmail. I enjoyed the dialogue between August and Lia; it was super smart and kept me turning the pages. No mushy nonsense dialogue found in this book, but there were lots and lots of dazzling steamy mature conversation.
You will probably figure out most things in this book, I did, but this book is not about the mystery aspect but the fantastic ride of reading Lia and August’s story. I founded the ending very endearing in a warped poetic justice sort of way, and I did have a good laugh about it. Oh, I’m sorry did you want me to tell you…lol…no spoilers in my reviews.
The Rose was a delightful erotic book to read, and I highly recommend it. The Rose is part two of The Red Series but can be read as a standalone book. So now is about the time I smacked myself in the face. I have had the first book in this series since 10/17 and haven’t read it. Please don’t make the same mistake I made, make time to read this series!
***I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion .***
***5 ‘Kitten With A Switchblade’ Stars***
This one hit ALL of my happy buttons.
ALL OF THEM.
It has the smexy, it has fascinating characters, it has heart, it has Greek Mythology woven into every fiber of the story (Note: I’m a closet Greek Mythology junkie) and then when you add in those sneaky twists…and I was just done. Absolutely done and hated it when there were no more words to read
I adored Lia aka Ophelia and August. Lia is witty, sassy and all kinds of perfect society lady (at least on the outside) that it was hard not to like her from the start, but it’s when you find out who she truly is, is when you start to love and adore here. August is all kinds of charismatic. Like panty melting charismatic. He is sweet, smexy, sneaky and determined and though he doesn’t scream Alpha AF male, he still has that alpha vibe that makes you want more.
Lia and August’s journey to their HEA was all kinds of smexy and fun. The way they got to know each other was most definitely unique, but it made perfect sense as it brought out their true selves in more ways than one and showed how well suited they were for one another.
There is soooo much more of love to say about this book, but I won’t/can’t, because experiencing it all blind is half the fun. Though, if you’ve read The Red you’ll have an idea of what could possibly happen…maybe. But I loved how the Greek legends and mythology were woven into the story and how we got to see some of them from a different perspective than what is considered the norm.
Note: it took me a minute – ok, more than a minute – to figure out the connection between The Rose and The Red, but when I did it was a total “Ooohh” moment for me, but it also showed that The Rose can be read as a stand-alone without any issue.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
The Rose is a decadent delight that only Tiffany Reisz can deliver. A deliciously naughty tale of Lia Godwick and August Bowman. The madam and the escort. Together they take a ride that is beyond erotic. Beyond roguish. In a word, it is sublime.
Lia is truly her parents’s daughter. Spencer and Mona, who provide much-needed comic relief with the requisite parental embarrassment for their offspring, were featured in The Red, the first in this series. And I tend to agree with Mona that Lia is definitely more like her. This 21 year-old young woman finds herself drawn to August and he gives her a sexual awakening like I’ve never read before. Much like her mother before her and the rakish Malcolm. Who, by the way, is still giving a devilish wink or two from his oft-times changing locations, portrait.
Using incredible tales from Greek mythology, Reisz beautifully guides us through the most ultimate in fantasies that are the ultimate in carnal. Dreams that are all too real give Lia the passion she needed to understand both her intricate legacy, her worship of Aphrodite and her current dilemma with a nasty past lover.
I was immersed in a world that I didn’t want to end and to say a fan was needed during August and Lia’s trysts is an understatement of mega proportions! I was often flushed and enjoyed myself as much as they did. My love for Greek mythology was taken to new heights as I got to understand even more what these ancient stories really meant. I could not get enough, and I completely understood Lia’s own insatiable love for these narratives.
With a gift for combining erotica with humor and heart like no one else, Tiffany Reisz has crafted yet another winner with The Rose. At the crux of this story is the Rose Kylix and my question is: where can I get one of these for myself? If Lia and August’s adventures could truly come to life, we should all get a chance to experience the powers of this mysterious vessel and live a life fully satiated.
Worthy of all the stars and more, it is a remarkable book that is not to be missed. A truly unique experience that is unmatched in this remarkable book world.
5+++ stars!
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.
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!
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