My Rose

by E.S. Portman

The sharp thorn often produces delicate roses — Ovid

She was pure with a quick tongue—a rose with the sharpest of thorns.

Rose Fields fought through years of therapy to learn how to get her voice back—yet, the one thing she couldn’t get out was that she was in love with her best friend, August Coleman. It’s not until a mysterious man from her past, Briggs Andrews, steps in that she begins to question the friendship and love she held so close to her heart. Rose begins to face the harsh reality that August could never be the man she wanted him to be, but turning to Briggs Andrews might be the end of the safe life she worked so hard for.

Claiming his Rose was always going to be messy.

Briggs Andrews knew he should have stayed away. He knew the consequences of getting involved—of getting too close to the one person he ruined all those years ago. But staying away from Rose was becoming harder than he thought possible. He never felt worthy of anything until her, never believed he’d want to break down those carefully constructed walls just to be with her.

But those walls were crumbling down faster than either anticipated. Love hangs in the balance, muddled between lines that are crossed and secrets that begin to unravel, bringing change neither could have envisioned.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Billionaire Romance

572 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2024

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thank you to E.S Portman for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.


This book was really good!! The writing was excellent, and the story itself flowed well. I read this on the heels of Rook and Rebel, and this had similar themes. So if you enjoyed that one, I think you'd like this one even more! We have tragic backgrounds for both our MMC and FMC, death and abandonment, *touch her and die* possessive male vibes (but for a damn good reason), and some excellent steamy scenes. This definitely wasn't as dark as I was expecting it to be, and the banter between MCs was delightful. This appears to be a standalone, although I wouldn't mind reading Dean and Minnie's story as well if the author were to write it.

4 glowing stars
3 chili peppers

[Juniper Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Length: 570 pages

If you’re looking for a dark, spicy, and emotionally intense romance with a morally gray MMC, My Rose by ES Portman will captivate you from page one!

Rose has endured tragedy, loss, and trauma, leaving her with scars—both inside and out. After years of therapy, she’s finally starting to live a “normal” life. But then there’s Briggs—a man shaped by cruelty, molded into a monster by his father, yet struggling against the darkness inside him.

Briggs knows he should stay away from Rose. She’s light, innocence, and hope—everything he isn’t. But after years of keeping his distance, he can’t resist her anymore. Their chemistry is instant, intense, and completely consuming.

Rose feels inexplicably drawn to Briggs, trusting him without understanding why. But when secrets unravel and the truth about their past surfaces, will she still see the man she’s fallen for—or only the monster he fears he is?

This book is an emotional rollercoaster full of twists, betrayals, and jaw-dropping revelations. The spice? Off the charts! But it’s the raw, emotional depth and complex characters that make this book unforgettable.

Favorite Quotes:

"Some things trauma gave to you—anxiety, fear, desperation for things, or people who were out of reach. Other times, trauma would take like a hungry beast—your ability to function in normal situations, your voice, your memories. It always left an impression no matter how hard you fought against it."

"I wasn’t ready to fully justify torture or the brutality he showed, but just like the color grey—sometimes it appeared light, other times it was darker and more black. He walked the grey line and survived on the darker side when he wanted to run the other way."

If you love morally gray heroes, dark romance, and scorching spice, this book is a must-read!

[Allie M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

Dark Romances are not my go-to’s but this was so worth the read! The dedication alone had me swimming in my emotions so I knew I would enjoy the book.

Following Rose and Briggs’s love story was such a fun read. Each time I put the book down it left me swooning 🥹, sweating 🥵, or perplexed🤔 as I tried to solved the mysteries of past events for each of our main characters.

What I loved
🥀 Forbidden Love
♥️ Billionaire in a small town
🥀 Broody Boy/Outspoken Girl
♥️ Alpha Male
🥀 Shared love of Roman Artwork
♥️ Dual POV
🥀 Mental health rep
♥️ Draco/Hermione vibes (this might be just me but I’m rolling with it)
🥀 “F🫢ck it!”

Don’t skip over the Roman poets’ quotes at the beginning of each chapter! They add a pinch of foreshadowing plus more depth to each POV.

[bookish1.sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut dark romance who? This book is so good! Making me add a blonde book boyfriend to the list too 🙌 Normally I don't do blonde but hot damn how could I resist Briggs?

I was already feeling giddy and butterflies at just 20% in and couldn't get enough! I mean he has a dimple, loves ancient roman artwork, has mythology based tattoos, reads Ovid, has multiple tattoos for his girl, reads to her in bed, has a dirty mouth and calls her little viper!

At the beginning of every chapter there is an ancient quote and my mythology, ancient history/art loving self is geeking out so hard! The way my heart leapt when I saw the names Pyramus and Thisbe, really not expecting them to be mentioned cause indeed not a lot of people know about them!

To find this in a contemporary dark romance? My cheeks are hurting from smiling! I just loved this so much!

The chemistry between Briggs and Rose was off the charts. He should stay away from her but he can't and she doesn’t want him to! The tension and banter were delicious and the spice was really good! I loved and highlighted so many quotes!

Some parts about there past where beautiful and sweet and some where devastating. My heart broke for Briggs and the way he was forced to live a life he didn't want, but got healed by how Rose saw him and loved him for who he truly is.

I kind of saw the plot twists coming but the way it was written, still made me go through all the emotions and I definitely want to read more from Elsa!

🥀Forbidden Love
❤️Billionaire in a small town
🥀Past trauma/loss and healing rep
❤️Broody Boy/Outspoken Girl
🥀Alpha Male
❤️Shared love of Roman Artwork
🥀Tatted MMC/Virgin FMC
❤️College-aged romance
🥀Br33ding/B0ndage kink
❤️Spit/cüm play
🥀Morally Grey MMC

[Kendra Job · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘My Rose’ is a dark romance with a good amount of spice. Due to some of the topics in this book, definitely check the content/trigger warnings before diving in!
This book had me captivated from the beginning starting with the dedication. I loved reading Rose & Briggs experience and love story. I loved the Dual POV to get to see each side & their intentions, it really added to the story & helped me understand certain things more. There’s a lot of depth to Rose and Briggs and there’s lots of layers to uncover as you read. I found this an emotional read that I could not put down!
This was my first E.S. Portman read and I’m so excited to read more!
Thank you E.S. Portman for an ARC of this book!

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good dark romance!! There was plenty of spice but a really good story at the same time .
Rose has a tragic past and falls for the wrong guy. In comes someone from her past , Briggs, what she doesn’t know is he blames himself for what happened in the past . He has kept tabs on her this entire time ….now he is in love with her

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice: 4

Tropes:
small town
billionaire romance
alpha male
virgin
bondage kink
breeding kink
slow burn
Dual POV

Okay, I knew from the moment E.S. Portman announced this book, I'd love it. Why? Well, one because I've been obsessed with all her books first. Second, the tropes sounded good to me! And I was right. I couldn't put it down! Do you all ever see a 600 page book (before reading it) and go, why is this 600 pages- and sometimes it takes forever to read? WELL NOT THIS ONE! This book flew by for me to where I was like are we sure Amazon didn't get the page count wrong? There's no way it's close to 600 pages, I'm almost done in just a few hours! Anyways....

FMC Rose is a young woman who thinks she's in love with her guy friend- who's an absolute jerk, btw. She lives with her grandparents, works hard, and while a virgin, she's a "viper" with words. I love the character growth of Rose. She starts as someone a man can walk all over and assumes it's okay, and quickly because the strong woman we all knew was there. When his terrible friend stands her up at the movies, a handsome/tattooed man happens to be in line and asks her to watch the movie with him.

Enters MMC Briggs. Briggs has been obsessed with Rose since Highschool (maybe before?) and sees this as his opportunity to get close. He's also the son of a ruthless Billionaire, who expects his son to be an enforcer for business dealings. Hm.. would I call Briggs morally grey? No, I think Briggs hates what his father has forced him to become and wants out, but doesn't know how. He wants more out of life. But let me tell you, don't screw with Rose. The alpha male that comes out, the "touch her and die" that I LOVE, is sexy as hell with Briggs.

But put Briggs and Rose together and what ensues is miscommunication, secrets, terrible rich parents, slow burns, sexy foreplay, and an alpha male who will easily become one of your favorite MMCs.

I'm not describing this book justice, honestly. It's hard to put into words how much I loved this book. The slow burn was everything, especially since Rose is still a virgin in her 20s. And while I don't condone stalking, why is it so sexy in books? Why does it come across as protective? (cause it is here!) I just want Rose and Briggs to find their happiness so bad while reading this book. They both have traumatic pasts and deserve the world together!

*Side note, can we get a Minnie and Dean story?

[Miryam Drakon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read E.S. Portman's other series forever, and I’m determined to make it happen next year. That said, I’m really grateful for this ARC!

This was my first non-fantasy book this month, and I absolutely loved Briggs and Rose—their personalities and backstories were compelling. I genuinely felt bad for Briggs and was so glad he found Rose. Normally, I enjoy clichéd lines, but I guess I wasn’t in the mood this time because I found myself cringing at some of Rose’s dialogues.

I really liked Rose at the start; she was level-headed and strong. However, she seemed to leave her brain behind halfway through the book, which got frustrating. The revelation that they knew each other as kids was heartwarming, though not entirely surprising. I had my suspicions when Rose’s grandmother gave her the box—that her parents were gathering evidence against Briggs’ father, leading to their deaths.

Overall, it was a great story with a solid plot. While the FMC got annoying at times, I still enjoyed the read and can’t wait to dive into Elsa’s other works!

Loved this quote,
“You were once my pain, my agony, the greatest thorn to pierce my flesh. But now, you are my soul, my reason, the most devastating love I could ever imagine. You have been my life’s greatest obsession and my heart’s greatest weakness, and I wanted you visibly carved into me just as badly as you have invisibly woven your way beneath my skin.”

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

I’ve been so excited for this book since I first heard about it. The book follows Rose and Briggs, two people who grew up in the same town but had vastly different up bringings. Rose is a middle class woman who struggles with the death of her parents and the nightmares that come along with it. And, Briggs is an upper class man, who is set on the trajectory of taking over the family business. Whether he wants to or not. Sparks fly after he saves her multiple times from the likes of someone she calls a friend. But can their relationship survive when secrets come to light and will the darkest of those secrets lead the MCs to physical pain or worse?

First and foremost, Rose is an absolute queen. There were parts of this book when I was talking to the book and cheering her on. I loved how we got to see their relationship grow at first as tensions grew instead of just jumping into something from the start. There were also a number of surprising little twists that all made sense in the end, but were definitely happy experiences throughout.

Overall, this book was really good. I highly recommend checking the content/trigger warnings before starting. While there is a HEA, there is definitely a dark path leading the way.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter this book was captivating! I needed to know Rose’s story and how it connected with Briggs. Their story unfolds and you just get pulled into this story! The plot twists and the drama all add to making this book amazing! E.S Portman has such a good writing style that’s just enough to leave you wanting more and more each page!

If you’re looking for a small town, billionaire dark romance! This is the one!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Emily Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐
4/5 🌶️

First, I would like to say thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book before release day.

I enjoyed the story of Rose and Briggs (I love that name) in this compelling and emotional dark romance. I was intrigued from the first chapter, and probably would have finished this sooner if I had more time.
The characters have depth to their lives and stories and really helps the reader make connections with them. This book gives you a little mystery along the way and it really kept me guessing and intrigued; I had my suspicions, but I was still left guessing.
The romance between the main characters felt mostly believable, however with most mafia/billionaire romances I never really feel the relationship 100%, so that's a me thing, not the book.
I will say I got a little annoyed by how often Briggs said "baby" but again, that's a me thing, not the book. Over all I really enjoyed this and it was easy to be consumed by it.
This was definitely worth the read, and I do recommend!

[Amanda | escapetoerilea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars but rounded up

The dedication: 🥹🥹
For the girls and women who are used to being silenced by those they thought they loved and could trust and have since lost not only their voice but also who they are. Those people aren’t for you, babe. It’s time to move on.

Dual POV 😍, morally grey MMC, he likes her wearing his jacket (she likes it too), mental health rep, forbidden love, evil father, they take care of each other, "f*ck it," who did this to you (from her), billionaire but in a small town/mafia vibes, tattoos, very spicy, lots of praise

What an experience going through Rose and Briggs' love story that was so healing for them both. Rose begins the book thinking she is in love with a slimy guy who treats her like trash and Briggs is completely under his father's control trapped in a life he hates. Though Briggs tries to push her away they soon decide they don't want to be apart. There are some mysteries to unravel as the book goes along with some mafia vibes dangerous situations and violence. (Please check the trigger warnings for violence related triggers)

There is explicit spicy spice getting into BDSM territory and I would strongly recommend folks read the trigger warnings for this as well! But Briggs has some very creative rigging of exercise equipment. 👀👀

Overall I read this book almost in a day and enjoyed it!

I don't think the trigger warning list is easily available quite yet so including here:
Trauma, mentions of death of parents, mentions of abandonment by parents, use of drugs and alcohol, being drugged (NOT DONE TO FMC OR MMC), obsessive/possessive behavior by the MMC, assault and described intent of sexual assault (NOT DONE BY FMC OR MMC), use of guns, excessive violence with descriptions of damage done by MMC (yes, he's violent at times), mentions of domestic abuse and homelessness (NEITHER FMC OR MMC), mentions of sex trafficking, and torture on page. There are also explicit sexual scenes that include light bondage/suspension bondage, spit & cum play, somnophilia, breeding kinks, use of objects for pleasure that are not designed for it, and mild sexual degradation.

[Rachel Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by the first chapter… I was reading this book every chance I got and completed it within 3 days which is fast for a 500 page book for me, having days off from work helped 🤣

This book had everything for me. I’m pretty confident in saying this is the best standalone book I’ve read I’ve read all year!

Tropes:
🌹Touch her & d!e
🌹 Who Did This To You
🌹 Cinnamon for her MMC
🌹 Forbidden Love
🌹 St@lk
🌹 Spicy 🌶️🥵
🌹 Dual POV 🫠
🌹 HEA 🥹

—

Fav Quotes:

“I’d take that silver spoon out of your mouth for you, but I think you swallowed it on all those d!*ks you’ve been sucking.”

“I’ll answer your questions and apologize to you even more as soon as we get to where we’re going. If I need to do that on my knees, then I will.”

“Try to date them, babe. See what happens to them the next day. The only man you’ll be seeing is me. Let me make that clear to you now. I want you, and I know you want me. I am yours just as much as you are mine. I believe that makes you my girlfriend or whatever else you want to call it, does it not?”

“Chin forward, baby girl.” “Yes, sir,”

“Rose baby, everything is for you.”

“I wanted to keep you with me forever, even if you were just going to be a memory.”

“You’re so fucking stunning, Rose. Now get over here and boss me around some more.”

“You were once my pain, my agony, the greatest thorn to pierce my flesh. But now, you are my soul, my reason, the most devastating love I could ever imagine. You have been my life’s greatest obsession and my heart’s greatest weakness, and I wanted you visibly carved into me just as badly as you have invisibly woven your way beneath my skin.”

—

Ok ok we’ll be here forever I get it I’ll stop.

[Morgan Plott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rose is a forbidden love, dark romance and I am obsessed. My Rose is set in a small town and follows Briggs and Rose. Rose and Briggs are an unlikely pair that have a slight past, but man are they wonderful together.
Rose is a spicy and very stubborn FMC. Rose had a very traumatic past and her character is written beautifully. Her naivety in certain aspects of life were extremely well portrayed.

Briggs is the perfect tortured, morally gray MMC. He is a bit stalkerish, but what would a dark romance be without a little stalking?! His love for Rose is very clear through every single decision made throughout the novel.

In true Elsa fashion, the villains in this book are A++. I hated them with every fiber of my being. I am not saying much other than that to avoid spoilers, but man are they horribly amazing. The other side characters in the book are absolutely wonderful. I could read an entire series about Minnie and her man (again avoiding spoilers). The relationship between Rose and her grandparents is so cute. Clearly, I just loved them all.

The imagery in this novel is incredible. I felt like I was in the novel and experienced everything alongside the characters. The spice in this….HOTTTT. The twists throughout this entire story make it a complete rollercoaster of a book and it was the best ride ever.

[BookTimeWithShaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rose is a intoxicating dark romance that will have you wanting the dark side. My Rose is filled with trust, deception, raw emotions, trauma, obsession, discovery, love and definitely raw uninhibited passion.

The FMC (Rose) is a small town girl who has been crushing on her best friend for as long as she can remember. She would do anything for him even at the detriment of her own psyche. She just wants to really be seen by him, but he had other plans in mind.

The MMC (Briggs) is the mysterious, dark and handsome guy who seems to have more secrets than the Pentagon, but one thing is for sure: behind those hard eyes is a man who might have a little obsession for a cute little small town girl.

Rose and Briggs’s friendship definitely starts off in a very interesting way, but bloomed with every encounter. More and more their connection becomes more intense and palpable. However, nothing can be that easy, right?!

Grab your blanket, beverage and snacks because you’re not going to put down this book down until it’s finished.

Do I recommend? Yes!

[Smutty Professor · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rose by E.S. Portman is a beautifully written and emotionally charged dark romance that was a page-turner. The story of Rose and Briggs is layered with heartbreak, healing, and intense chemistry that did not disappoint. The characters were crafted with care while the themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption tugged at my heartstrings.

Rose is a strong yet vulnerable FMC who faces her trauma head-on. Briggs is the ultimate protective and obsessive MMC- the "touch her and ***" vibe was real and I was there for every moment of it. Their dynamic is fiery with just the right mix of tension, banter, and steamy scenes that are incredibly well-written.

The plot twists and emotional moments more than made up for any lulls which keeping me invested in Briggs and Rose's journey. The darker elements of the story are handled with care, but I recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in.

My Rose is a dark romance with an excellent balance of angst, spice, and heart. If you love possessive heroes, strong heroines, and emotional storylines, you should check this one out.

[Annie Banannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose Fields refused to let her traumatic past define her future. She loved her grandparents, her only family after her parents’ tragic deaths. She had Minnie, her best friend and her love for art history. Little did Rose expect that running into Briggs Andrews would change her life in ways she never expected.

Briggs Andrews spent his childhood in the shadow of his brother Beck. When tragedy struck and Briggs had to step into Beck’s shoes, he slowly became someone he never wanted to be just to appease his father. His work became his singular focus until he ran into Rose.

I am thankful to have received the ARC of My Rose. This was the perfect darkish romance. I ate up the Briggs’ broody vibes and Rose’s feisty attitude. Their romance was intense, passionate and organic, nothing felt forced. The spice didn’t deter from the overall plot and didn’t seem unnecessary. The story kept me engaged and I found myself unable to put this down!

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rose by E.S. Portman
ARC Review: 3.75/ 5 Stars & 3/5 Chili Peppers

*I just want to say a huge thank you to the author for this amazing read*

This book was oh so really good, and the writing was freaking excellent to how the story was done up! I loved how the feeling of the plot related to quite a few other reads in my romance shelves, but no matter the plot, it was still A1!!

I loved hearing about all the background history between the MMC & FMC because both had a tragic backstory, but it also helped with relating more to the characters and to their development in the plot line. E.S. Portman, you have done a great job with this one, and it was just a stunner. Overall, the plot was a bit on the darker side of the idea I had. It was still amazing to read, and the death and abandonment topics both helped with development that then led to the spice. Also, with all this being said to this book, I had an amazing amount of good funny banter that just made me go “omg they get it, lol, or that was amazing hehe”. Everything was great in this read, and I can not wait to see what else comes of E.S. Portman!!!!!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

My last book of 2024, I’m really glad it got to be My Rose!! I absolutely loved reading this book. From the start it captured my attention until the end!! I couldn’t put it down and had to find out the story behind Briggs and Rose. The way Briggs tried to stay away from Rose but couldn’t at the end, how he showed that he loved her melted my heart reading it! And the way she always showed him love and that he was a good person despite what he thought of himself. They both went through traumas and I think in the end they both helped each other feel better. The spice in this book was 👌🏻 I’m sure people might think they’ve read spicer and maybe it’s true, but I found the spice to be amazing haha

The epilogue was a pretty good ending to the book, i definitely loved the way their love story grew a few years later and brought tears to my eyes!! Briggs and Rose will forever be one of my favorite reads!! 🌹

[Sadie Boe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this book! It was great. I read it in less than a week. It was my first dark romance. I loved the small town vibe. Plus a girl who was a strong lead was amazing. The dual points of view kept it super interesting and making me want to read more. There’s some spicy scenes 🌶️🌶️🌶️ which did not disappoint.

Briggs is the male lead. Billionaire business man set to inherit daddy’s big company. Comes off as cold and possessive but opinions change and change fast once you find out what he’s really about.

Rose is the small town girl. She starts off as a sweet little rose but by the end is quite a little viper! 😉

Twists and turns along the way. Business deals. Etc.

I have loved every one of E.S Portman’s books I’ve read and haven’t been disappointed yet. This is a must read!! 🥀

[Itzel Aguilera · Rating 5 out of 5]

You did it again.

Another book of yours that I enjoyed so much that I finished it so quicky! And this one is so much different than the others! This one is a dark romance and that all i've been obsessing over this year.

Don't get me wrong, as you said in the beginning, I wanted to knock both of their heads together and practically say 'kiss' so that they could finally get together. All the walking around...

Of course Briggs being the main reason. Not wanting her to be a part of his life that is full of darkness and blood. Wanting her but knowing it was best to keep her away from him. But he couldn't stay away. He's been watching her their entire lives practically and nothing could have stopped her from getting close to him, not even himself. And he would do anything to keep her safe from the darkness of his life. Even after she found out about their past.

Oh Rose. Thinking she was in love with her best friend even though he never gave her the time of day. Everyone in her life told her he was a tool and not good for her but she would never listen. But then here comes Briggs. An old classmate she hasn't seen since high school when he mysteriously stopped going one day. And he no longer looked like the same kid from class. There's a pull she feels from him that even August couldn't bring out but with all the pushing he did, maybe she'll push him back.

GOD! And those SCENES... you know how to make a girl pant while reading hehe

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review 🥀

Thank you to E.S Portman for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I absolutely loved this book, from the very first page I was hooked. My Rose gives off modern day Romeo and Juliet vibes. Briggs has definitely earned a spot as one of my favorite book boyfriends. I loved how Rose was everything to him from the start, and how he constantly strived to be better for her, willing to do anything for her. I also loved seeing Briggs growth as he navigates his feelings for Rose. His love for her was above and beyond. The chemistry between Rose and Briggs was undeniable, and their journey was one that I won't soon forget.

“Love can’t even begin to cover what I feel for you. I love you past any measurable depth- you are my light, my life my very fucking existence. You have obliterated my heart and soul for any else, Rose” -Briggs

[Lauren McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you E S Portman for letting ARC this masterpiece!

My Rose
🥀 Dual POV
🥀Playlist
🥀MMC blonde green eyes, FMC brunette with blue eyes
🥀 Bond over grief
🥀 Fuck it moment
🥀possessive
🥀 He give her his jacket serval times
🥀 NICKNAME
🥀HE IS CINNAMON ROLL FOR HER
🥀”To her, I was her boyfriend, but to me, she was simply mine.”
🥀Stalker romance
🥀daddy 🤭sorry 🤭 daddy
🥀He asks for permission 🤭
🥀POOL TABLE SCENE 🎱
🥀HE HAS TATTOS
🥀Suspense

The emotional depth these characters had was incredible! The author showed how the MMC had a character arc from beginning to end. The FMC learned how to stand up for herself! I loved this book the emotion between the characters was consistent! I loved this book so much! I want a copy one day for my bookshelf to re read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Brianna Hausladen · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.S. Portman?!? How dare you make a character as dark and broody as Briggs! I’m immediately adding him to the ever-growing book BF list. My Rose is a dark romance standalone with FMC Rose, who had a traumatic experience in her childhood that shaped who she is now. We also meet morally gray MMC Briggs, heir to a multi-billion dollar company with some questionable business dealings and a cruel father. Together, they are Dark and Light and WOW do they create some fireworks! The book is dual POV, steamy (perhaps a bit more than just steamy 😝🥵), with lots of praise and kinks. The characters and depth that E.S. Portman creates in her books is incredible to read and experience and I’ll admit, the banter she had within My Rose had my blushing and kicking my feet 😳❤️‍🔥 Overall, I highly recommend reading this so that you can also experience the power that Briggs has!

[Abbie Menier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the Author for a copy of this beautifully written dark romance and a chance to review it before release!
I would definitely rate more of a 4.5!
So wonderfully and beautifully written!
While romance/dark romance/contemporary romance it self as a genre is not my first go to this book showed me if you find the right book and/or Author can make all the difference!
This book was quickly paced and it kept me reading the whole time! If not for the holidays I would have finished much quicker!

3-4 spicy level!

* if you want to go in blind stop reading no spoilers but if you want to have faith and trust the process just stop reading**but as always check your trigger warnings*

I feel like at some points in our lives we are all Rose swept up own perspectives and trauma not believing we deserve anything. Even Briggs feels the same way. Learning to love is a wonderfully beautiful thing which you can experience here through Rose and Briggs!

[Mel Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! Dark romance lovers are sure to love this one as it has all the elements that make a great book. Both main characters have tragic backstories that have shaped who they are. The MMC is a man obsessed. Truly and utterly obsessed with his woman. He is so poetic in his love for her which is such a contrast from his intense protective side. The spice in this book is also hot hot hot! I loved the writing so much and the plot had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The book is a bit long but, it is so worth it. A must read! *Be sure to check triggered warnings as this is a dark romance.

Thank you so much to E.S. Portman for this ARC in return for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

[alexis.rae.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rose is a dark romance filled with suspense, secrets, and spice. You will be hooked from the start.

The story follows Rose and Briggs. Both have a traumatic past. Rose is feisty. She is pining after a man named August, who has no redeeming qualities. I have to admit I questioned why she was so in love with this man. Enter Briggs, who is mysterious, dark, and is obsessed with Rose. He will do anything to protect her.

He is a man with many secrets and lots of daddy issues. These secrets do catch up to haunt them both. There are many twists and turns that have you questioning what's going to happen next. I quite enjoyed this aspect of the book.

This book is spicy. I had to fan myself a couple times. These two had so much chemistry and the author perfectly captured that all consuming love.

Thank you to E.S. Portman for an arc of this title.

[Courtney Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rose- the FMC that starts off quiet, shy, pure and turns into a viper.
Briggs- the bad boy MMC with a dark side but also a heart of pure gold for his Rose.

I loved Briggs and Rose’s love story, it was funny, raw, gritty, dark, and tied you in knots…😉

This is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year!

[Charese · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️ 4/5 🌶️… this is a good dark romance read. It’s attention mafia romance without it being specifically mafia based. The MMC( Briggs) is just such a touch her and ***, type of MMC. You can see how much he cares for her. The MFC is bratty when she needs to be but also so cute and adorable. I really enjoyed this book, it seemed a little long about 50% of the way into it but I was so hooked with the characters I kept reading and man am I so grateful I did because I loved the whole book overall! The author really knows how to describe good scenes… they are 🌶️ 🥵!

[Crystal Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this book, it is a bit dark but gathering where the main characters had their beginnings you see how it affects them.. Briggs is a great man.. his love for Rose is palpable. The way Rose is oblivious at first kinda got to me BUT I loved her devotion to Briggs as the book goes on. I am definitely reading this book again! The spice was so great!