The Reinvention of the Rose. Christina C. Jones. 2020. Warm Hues Creative. 200 pages. [Source: Personal copy]
In Deuces Wild, The Garden fell, leaving its Roses and Thorns with newfound autonomy over their lives. Some integrated seamlessly into new lifestyles, while others had a stormier experience. Such is Tempest. She’s settled into what she has crafted as a quiet, anonymous, unassuming existence in The Heights. She’s slowing integrating herself into the community, but keeps herself at a distance.
The Reinvention of the Rose isn’t so much of a romance as it is Tempest’s attempts to make sense of she is and what she wants. She spent years being defined by someone else’s standards, and literally doesn’t know who she is, where she’s from, or her own birth day. Instead, she’s a grown woman having to reinvent herself because what other option does she have? From figuring out what to do with the old candle shop she bought to navigating sex, romance, and intimacy with men — especially local tattoo artist Tristan — Tempest has a lot to learn and redefine for herself.
Also this story is centered around Tempest, Tristan isn’t a character without his own challenges. A military vet who’s still coming to terms with his own adjustment, he’s a good guy, but has his own work to do. It’s almost frustating to see his missteps but I always found him likeable and by no means a complete mess. I did enjoy the chemistry and banter between Tristan and Tempest. He’s charming and she’s hard to get, and I had plenty of moments where I was unsure about whose will I wanted to win out.
This is a just-right length book, coming in at 200 pages. The story has good pacing and just the right amount of drama, angst, and passion. This is a great continuation of the Roses and I look forward to more stories of those adjusting to life outside The Garden.
No Comments