Review: Stealing Rose by Monica Murphy
Stealing Rose (The Fowler Sisters #2)
by: Monica Murphy
Publication Date: Mar. 3, 2015
Publisher: Bantam
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 336 pages
Order Links: Amazon
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars
People say the youngest child has it easy, but nothing can be further from the truth. Unlike my two sisters, Violet and Lily, I’m never in the limelight. I just work my butt off for Fleur Cosmetics and get little to no thanks for it. I’ve been pushed too far one too many times, and I’m finally brave enough to do something about it.
Maybe my newfound courage has something to do with the amazing pink and white diamond necklace I wear to the party in Cannes. The instant those dazzling heirloom jewels touch my skin, they excite some deep, aching need inside. And when that guy—that totally gorgeous guy—locks eyes with me, I know this nice girl is going to be naughty.
For once it’s my turn. My turn to say no to my father, to outshine my sisters, to walk away from it all—straight into the arms of a mysterious stranger. But what if Caden is much more than I bargained for? Sure, he makes me feel sexy and free in a way I never have before, but there’s something else I can’t quite place—something dangerous. Maybe our “chance” meeting wasn’t so random. Maybe he was looking for me for a reason. Whatever his motive, there’s no going back now.
And maybe I don’t want to.
Maybe my newfound courage has something to do with the amazing pink and white diamond necklace I wear to the party in Cannes. The instant those dazzling heirloom jewels touch my skin, they excite some deep, aching need inside. And when that guy—that totally gorgeous guy—locks eyes with me, I know this nice girl is going to be naughty.
For once it’s my turn. My turn to say no to my father, to outshine my sisters, to walk away from it all—straight into the arms of a mysterious stranger. But what if Caden is much more than I bargained for? Sure, he makes me feel sexy and free in a way I never have before, but there’s something else I can’t quite place—something dangerous. Maybe our “chance” meeting wasn’t so random. Maybe he was looking for me for a reason. Whatever his motive, there’s no going back now.
And maybe I don’t want to.
You can always count on Monica Murphy to bring the sexy times in her books. Stealing Rose is certainly no exception! This book follows the youngest Fowler, Rose, who is struggling to find her place in the world. She doesn't want to be the same girl she's always been. She's unhappy with her father's love life and what that will mean for Fleur Cosmetics, she feels she doesn't do anything wild or reckless (when she wants to), and to top it all off- she's lonely. She sees how happy her sister Violet is with her fiancée Ryder and she longs to have that in her life.
Rose was an okay heroine for me. She did grate on my nerves a bit as she could act quite childish at times. She is fed up with her father and his girlfriend Pilar, which I can't really blame her for, but for her to want to quit over it? I wanted to see Rose take action and fight against her father and Pilar. I wanted to see her have a conversation with her father, explaining why she would be the better fit. Instead, we get none of that and we have Rose hiding out in London with Violet and Ryder for the majority of the book. For someone who knows what she wants in terms of a relationship, she has an odd way of showing it. She's content to do the casual thing with Caden, even when she knows she wants more from it.
Which brings us to Caden. Oh my. I really did like him. He's not your typical hero, which I was a big fan of. He also wasn't as big of a douche as Ryder was, so I liked that about him too. He can't help but be attracted to Rose, even though he knows he needs to stay away from her, as his intentions are not honorable. A chance encounter brings them back together and this time Caden isn't going to listen to his conscience. He wants Rose and he plans to have her... however, the secret he harbors is one that could threaten everything between them.
I liked Caden and Rose, but I didn't quite connect to their relationship like I would have wanted. They have explosive sexual chemistry, but we don't see much of the couple getting to know one another and having actual conversations until much later on. They are both insistent it's a casual affair, but of course, feelings get involved and soon Caden is torn over his feelings for Rose and the other part of his life he has kept hidden from her. He wants to be worthy of Rose and will have to make quite a few changes in his life in order to do so. He didn't always make the best decisions, but his pride and desire to be a better man take precedence here.
Overall, I did enjoy this one- despite the copious amounts of sex between Rose and Caden. I did want to see more of their interacting with one another instead of turning to sex, but by the end I believed in their relationship. I am really looking forward to Lily's story, as we have heard so much about the wild child of the group and I am really curious about some of her associations, especially after finding out one of Caden's friends is familiar with her.... I have no doubt her story will be as sexy as its predecessors and will shed some light as to why she's such a loose cannon.
12 comments
The lack of emotional connection between the couples is a problem I've encountered in many of the author's books. They have strong sexual chemistry, but when it comes to that emotional part, I'm a little bit let down. I'm glad you were able to enjoy this one overall even though Rose grated on your nerves! I think I would enjoy these books when I'm in the mood for something quick and sexy.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, Jessica!
I felt a bit more of a connection with Drew and Fable, but this series is just not living up. I don't hate them, but I do wish it were less sex and more communication! I'm with you- this was the perfect book for quick and sexy, which I really needed this week!
DeleteI don't think I've read any of Murphy's adult books! It sounds like you didn't like this one as much as your rating conveys... this sounds like a 2.5-star read to me :o Which means I'll be passing it straight! I can't read a book that is mostly a lot of sex and not a lot of relationship building. And I'll be honest - I'd probably hate Rose. So there's that :D
ReplyDeleteI'm recommending Time Served by Julianna Keyes to you! It's a bit dark and really, REALLY adult-y... but a great romance novel with likable protagonists and hawt chemistry. Wink.
Excellent review, Jess!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Oh I will add that one on GR right now! Thanks hun for the rec! I did like this one- but mostly for the sexy times and Caden. Haha. I debated rating it 3 stars, but decided those two things worked enough for me that I upped it a bit. LOL. Yeah, I'm not sure you'd be much for this one.
DeleteIsn't is so so so frustrating when you want the characters to talk but then they keep having sexy times instead! It drives me crazy, I'm like "no..stop it... talk first" lol. This does sound like a fun series I hope to try one day. Great review.
ReplyDeleteYES! It is a bit frustrating! I needed a bit more balance with this one, but I do like the sexy times. Hehe.
DeleteI loved these two together (in bed) but I'm like you, I felt their relationship was ALL sex. I am curious about the next one though!
ReplyDeleteYes! They had explosive sexual chemistry! But I was like, really? Do you guys like each other? Or is it just good sex? LOL.
DeleteHmmm, I don't usually like it when a couple is just all about the sex. I need a connection and emotions. I haven't read the 1st book in this series, but I actually just started this book since it was NG, lol. Good to know Caden isn't a bad guy, but sucks that Rose can be annoying.
ReplyDeleteI agree- I need that connection too. I hope the last book will be better.
DeleteThis is up very soon on my TBR. Like, maybe later today, as a matter of fact. I love good sexy times in my book, but I need something more than that between the characters. Sexual chemistry is great, but I need the feels too! The first book in the series was good, but didn't totally blow me away. I'm interested to see how I feel about this one.
ReplyDeleteSame here! This hasn't been my favorite series of hers sadly.
DeleteLeave me some comment love! And I will get around to commenting back!
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