Reviews

Books

Reviews

Contests

Work in Process

Biography

Renders

Links

Creatures, Creations and Critters

Tilting Rose by Viola Grace
eXtasy Books
Historical with a touch of Fantasy
ISBN: 1-55410-981-7
Reviewed by Tanya

"Tilting Rose is the latest Viola Grace story that I find I must make a Recommended Read.  This story not only shows the courage of women and good people, but also that love will come to those who deserve it and are willing to take the chances necessary to achieve it.  Ms. Grace has skillfully wound the story of survival and dedication with the finding of true love.  I loved to see how all of the townsfolk were her staunchest supporters – willing to do what was necessary to keep Rose’s secret.  Tilting Rose is a must for those who like just a touch of faerie in their historical romances.  I look forward for more stories in this genre from Ms. Grace. - Tanya, Joyfully Reviewed"

 Given time, I am hoping that I will be able to fill out the tale of Rose, Roth and Osgood.

Title: Tilting Rose
Author: Viola Grace
Publisher: Extasy Books
Publisher URL: www.extasybooks. com
Reviewer: Kate Garrabrant
Rating: 3 Stars
Heat level: S    

Roth of Raynal, son of Lord Abeno, is really not his son at all, but rather his daughter Rose in disguise. Ever since Abeno lost his wife and son to the plague when Rose was a child, her father became delusional. So, Rose pretends to be Roth, especially when winning tournaments so she can protect her people and her kingdom. But that is all about to change when Abeno sells Rose’s hand in marriage to man named Osgood. Soon Rose can no longer hide herself as Roth because Osgood is a elf and knows all of Rose’s secrets and wants her for his wife.

Tilting Rose has its enjoyable moments especially when Rose and Osgood engage in a battle of wits and love making, but it seems Viola Grace wasn’t sure which way she wanted her story to go. When I first started reading, I thought this would be a medieval historical romance with the heroine disguising herself to protect those she loves and the man who comes along and loves her for herself. But then the story changed into a fantasy with Osgood being an elf. This really didn’t make any sense to me and didn’t add anything to the story. I also could not believe that Rose could get away with being her dead brother for many years.  Rose’s disguise ended as quickly as it was brought up when Osgood entered the story. The reader is really not given any insight on why Rose has taken this path other than because her father is mentally ill and bereft over the death of his wife and son. There is also not that much action as Rose quickly seems to forget her role just because a man who knows how to kiss and touch her the right way enters her life. But I must give Ms. Grace credit for writing some enjoyable sex scenes, even though there is not much emotional feeling between our hero and heroine. It is more of a lusting and physical reaction between the two that doesn’t fully round out into something more. I also felt the ending was abrupt when things could have been finished in a better way. Tilting Rose is a fast read, but because I couldn’t sympathize with Rose and the fact I wasn’t sure what type of romance this was, I was more confused and found myself a bit bored with the story. Perhaps some readers won’t mind the heroine pretending to be a man, but I found myself wanting Rose to be herself and have a nice steamy romance with a handsome elf.

Kate Garrabrant
Just Erotic Romance Reviews