The Rose is linked with Reisz’s previous novel, The Red, but can be read perfectly well as a standalone. It tells the story of a young English woman, Lia, who is from a highly privileged background. She has just graduated, and the story begins at her graduation party. One of the gifts she’s given is a unique artefact, a rose kylix – and around this item hinges the entire tale. A fellow guest at the party has his eye on the kylix, and without giving too much away, from there spins out a web of intrigue, deception, adventure and, of course – this is Reisz, after all – totally hot sex.
I found this unique novel to be a breath of fresh air – just something a little different, brilliantly written as always, with intriguing characters, wonderful scenes, lots of twists and turns, and a satisfying ending. I’d definitely recommend this if you’re looking for an erotic romance with one foot in reality and the other in utter decadent fantasy.