THE ROSE is the second book in Tiffany Reisz’s ‘The Godwicks’ series, and you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who was as excited about this book as I was! The first installment of The Godwicks, THE ROSE was a phenomenal read. Probably the best erotic story I’ve ever read. There was no doubt I would read The Rose, and I’m not sure what took me so long to pick it up. This book tells the story of Lia and August, one of whom is gun shy about relationships, the other willing to dive headfirst into any new adventure. And also the story of the Rose Kylix, the mystical catalyst that brings them together. As expected, the sex in this book was off the charts. Steamy, squirmy, sweltering...those types of ‘feels.’ (And the threesome scene...I would have needed a fourth just to fan me.) There was also some added intrigue that I really enjoyed, and all of the secondary characters were a treat to read. Especially since I knew Lia’s parents from The Red. The hilarious life they’ve created and the way they embarrass their children with sometimes over the top affection and flirting in front of them was hilarious! I loved catching up with them again and seeing how their life ended up, especially after their quick ‘not so there’ courtship.
I really enjoyed the character arcs here, with Lia and August both learning that there is something to be said for sacrifice, and that things can always get worse. Their connection felt genuine, and I loved how August’s willingness to be forthcoming so effortlessly brought it out in Lia. I do wish we’d gotten to know August a bit better, but at the same time, I liked the mystery that surrounded him.
The only issue I had with the story - for a madam, I felt like Lia wasn’t sex saavy at all. In fact, her first time having sex in this book felt very virginal (she had some experience) and totally diverged from what she was supposed to be. Not that I minded her innocence or naivete at all. It just didn’t jive with the career she’d fallen into, and it felt a bit disconnected. I actually liked the backstory of Lia being a bit shy in the bedroom, and I wish it felt more in line with her choice of career. But even in spite of that, this book was a spectacular read. There was also a twist at the end that I saw coming, but I think I was supposed to, so it was disappointing. It was more exhilarating than anything.
The fantastical elements of this series are so unique, creative and most of all sensual. In THE ROSE, Tiffany Reisz flawlessly combines erotica and fantasy. And I am here for it!
Bestselling author Tiffany Reisz returns with an imaginative tale of lust and magic, and the dangers unleashed when the two are combined…
On the day of Lia’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.