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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
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.
I love Tiffany I say it every time I do a review on one of her books. She just has a way to pull people in. I wasn't sure where this was going exactly but figured it out for the most part not too far after starting it but I did love the main character's parents. The mom and dad killed me. I was laughing every time she would talk to her parents. I kind of wish I got more of them. I want their story now.
There is greek mythology and although I don't know a lot about it I always enjoy reading it from time to time. It is a good read, there is romance, sex, hot sex, banter, and education on greek mythology while you are at it too.
I would recommend it for anyone who loves greek mythology and good sex. :)
There is greek mythology and although I don't know a lot about it I always enjoy reading it from time to time. It is a good read, there is romance, sex, hot sex, banter, and education on greek mythology while you are at it too.
I would recommend it for anyone who loves greek mythology and good sex. :)
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
What a fantastic, mystical story! I loved every moment reading this novel. I hope there will be more to this series!
This was ridiculous and silly and surprisingly sexy. I don't think that I realized/remembered that it is more erotica than romance, but I don't mind; I just only read it at home.
This is second in the Red series, and I liked this one much better than the first book! I loved Reisz's portrayal of Greek heroes, heroines, goddesses, gods, and mortals. Re-imagining Andromeda's story was brilliant, and August was a wonderful, idealistic 'hero' for Ophelia.
Looking forward to Ophelia's brothers' stories.
Looking forward to Ophelia's brothers' stories.
Got this from the library because I'd heard it recommended a lot of times - and not for me. Made 50 pages and hard pass.