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The Storm and the Rose
Obsession leaves marks deeper than any wound.
Arden Rivers has rebuilt her life brick by fragile brick, determined not to be defined by the shadows of her past. But when roses begin to appear at her door—perfect, blood-red, deliberate—so do the notes. Intimate. Intrusive. Written by someone who knows her too well.
Each gift is beautiful. Each gift is a threat.
The stalker who calls himself her admirer isn’t the only man watching. Gideon Blackwell, heir to a powerful legacy, is as relentless as he is protective. Calculated where others are reckless, he offers her safety—but at a cost: letting him past the walls she’s built.
Torn between the protector who sees her strength and the predator who worships her fire, Arden must decide which man holds the greater danger. Because obsession doesn’t always hide in shadows—sometimes it comes wrapped in devotion.
In this slow-burn modern gothic romance, passion and peril entwine. Love may be her refuge—or the deadliest trap of all.
Arden Rivers has rebuilt her life brick by fragile brick, determined not to be defined by the shadows of her past. But when roses begin to appear at her door—perfect, blood-red, deliberate—so do the notes. Intimate. Intrusive. Written by someone who knows her too well.
Each gift is beautiful. Each gift is a threat.
The stalker who calls himself her admirer isn’t the only man watching. Gideon Blackwell, heir to a powerful legacy, is as relentless as he is protective. Calculated where others are reckless, he offers her safety—but at a cost: letting him past the walls she’s built.
Torn between the protector who sees her strength and the predator who worships her fire, Arden must decide which man holds the greater danger. Because obsession doesn’t always hide in shadows—sometimes it comes wrapped in devotion.
In this slow-burn modern gothic romance, passion and peril entwine. Love may be her refuge—or the deadliest trap of all.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2025
63 people are currently reading
7076 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Johnson
2 books34 followersT.L. Johnson writes moody fiction and poetry—part survival, part intimacy, part “don’t tell me to smile.” She lives in West Virginia with her husband, their daughter, and two cats: one elegant and aloof, the other slightly feral and entirely convinced that silence is a lie.
She is also the founder of Midnight Haven Books, an indie bookshop championing indie storytelling across genres.
She is also the founder of Midnight Haven Books, an indie bookshop championing indie storytelling across genres.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 19, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens and T.L. Johnson for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
The plot of this book has so much potential. Unfortunately, I did not feel like the book stood up to the hype. It is agonizingly long...it could have been a novela if all the repetitive descriptions of the club and Blackwell family dynamic were omited.
It is a 500 page book that took until the last pages to still get nowhere.. be prepared to read Book 2. I ended up skimming the last half.
I also wish I had more character descriptions-I don't recall anything about the characters appearances but read so much about how powerful and demanding the Blackwell room was (in almost every chapter). There is mention of Arden (main character) being a trauma nurse but no backstory on why she's no longer nursing and bartending. I wish there was much more backstory there.
The author made note that there were a few grammatical and punctuation errors that were being corrected prior to release so I overlooked them, but hope the author is aware of the continuity errors throughout the book.
Overall, I liked reading about Gideon and Arden and wish that there was more depth to novel as a whole.
The plot of this book has so much potential. Unfortunately, I did not feel like the book stood up to the hype. It is agonizingly long...it could have been a novela if all the repetitive descriptions of the club and Blackwell family dynamic were omited.
It is a 500 page book that took until the last pages to still get nowhere.. be prepared to read Book 2. I ended up skimming the last half.
I also wish I had more character descriptions-I don't recall anything about the characters appearances but read so much about how powerful and demanding the Blackwell room was (in almost every chapter). There is mention of Arden (main character) being a trauma nurse but no backstory on why she's no longer nursing and bartending. I wish there was much more backstory there.
The author made note that there were a few grammatical and punctuation errors that were being corrected prior to release so I overlooked them, but hope the author is aware of the continuity errors throughout the book.
Overall, I liked reading about Gideon and Arden and wish that there was more depth to novel as a whole.
September 23, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. The plot? Familiar in feel. But the execution? On a whole other level. The writing is poetic and lyrical, hypnotic at times, then sharp and punchy when the moment demands. The writing style and depth to the characters is what made this feel so fresh, so alive, and totally unputdownable.
I need more people to read and talk about this book because this author is truly talented. It’s absolutely criminal that this book only has 10 reviews.
I need more people to read and talk about this book because this author is truly talented. It’s absolutely criminal that this book only has 10 reviews.
July 25, 2025
Wow—this book wrecked me in the best way. Every page felt like it was written just for me. The characters were so real, their struggles so familiar, it was like holding up a mirror to parts of my own life I didn’t even realize needed reflection. The writing was beautiful—raw, honest, and haunting. I laughed, I cried, and at times, I just had to pause and breathe.
It ended with that perfect kind of ache—the kind that makes you want to clutch the book to your chest and sit in silence for a while... but also immediately dive into the next one. I’m not ready to leave this story behind, and I honestly can’t wait to see where book two takes me
It ended with that perfect kind of ache—the kind that makes you want to clutch the book to your chest and sit in silence for a while... but also immediately dive into the next one. I’m not ready to leave this story behind, and I honestly can’t wait to see where book two takes me
October 2, 2025
ok, this could have been 200 pages less. i like the story, but I was skimming after a while. I like descriptive books, but not repetitive descriptive. things explained 2 pages ago do not need reiterating. the constant comparisons like...'it was not asked for, but demanded,' type thing just...too much. same for all the times things were done "deliberately", or they "demanded" etc. i want to know what happens next, but with better editing. sorry.
December 13, 2025
EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORNS
Arden Rivers is a strong, independent woman. She had to be. Deciding to leave her family for self-preservation was the start. Evading a dangerous stalker pushed her further. When the stalker chose to confront her, and she escaped, she knew she needed to move far away where he couldn't find her. She met a charming, handsome, wealthy man named Gideon Blackwell one night before the incident, who gave her his card and offered her a job in NYC if she wanted it. It was a great escape from the psycho trying to take her, so she left to start fresh.
But when roses begin to appear at her door—perfect, blood-red, deliberate—so do the notes. Intimate. Intrusive. Written by someone who knows her too well.
Each gift is beautiful. Each gift is a threat.
Gideon Blackwell, an heir to a powerful legacy, is seductive in a non-threatening way. Making his attraction known without pushing. He tells her what he wants without pushing her against a wall. He offers a safety she never knew, gives her space but is always available, as relentless as he is protective. He is dangerous because he is chipping away at the wall she has been building to keep her heart safe.
Before Gideon made it more obvious of his intentions with Arden, it seems like the stalker is back. She starts by dealing with it on her own. At first, she tells herself it is just a coincidence, but when they leave his signature rose and notes in places that are personal to her, she knows things are getting serious. She doesn't want to tell her new friends or Gideon, but the signs are becoming evident to everyone, and now Gideon is taking steps to try to keep her safe. The stalker isn't the only threat to Arden: Gideon's snobby, wealthy family believes she isn't worthy of a serious relationship with him, and they want their budding relationship to end.
Torn between the protector who sees her strength and the predator who worships her fire, Arden must decide which man holds the greater danger. Because obsession doesn’t always hide in shadows—sometimes it comes wrapped in devotion.
This is a slow-burning modern gothic romance that delves into two worlds that rarely collide. A man who doesn't care and will do whatever it takes to keep her, and a woman who wonders if she should run again or accept that she is falling for the hero.
This is a slow-burning story with layers, so be patient and see how each piece falls into place. Jacci Prior's narration is excellent, as usual. What I did not expect was a giant cliff hanger! What the heck, this is a duology?! I am really hoping that in chapter one of the next book, Arden kicks the ever-living crap out of everyone. She is backed into corners, and poor Gideon is doing everything he can to keep her safe.
I was given an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Yes, it is on the slower side as it builds, but it has a strong finish that keeps you in suspense for book 2.
5/5 for narration, 4/5 for story, only because it was slower to get to the point, and I am impatient.
Arden Rivers is a strong, independent woman. She had to be. Deciding to leave her family for self-preservation was the start. Evading a dangerous stalker pushed her further. When the stalker chose to confront her, and she escaped, she knew she needed to move far away where he couldn't find her. She met a charming, handsome, wealthy man named Gideon Blackwell one night before the incident, who gave her his card and offered her a job in NYC if she wanted it. It was a great escape from the psycho trying to take her, so she left to start fresh.
But when roses begin to appear at her door—perfect, blood-red, deliberate—so do the notes. Intimate. Intrusive. Written by someone who knows her too well.
Each gift is beautiful. Each gift is a threat.
Gideon Blackwell, an heir to a powerful legacy, is seductive in a non-threatening way. Making his attraction known without pushing. He tells her what he wants without pushing her against a wall. He offers a safety she never knew, gives her space but is always available, as relentless as he is protective. He is dangerous because he is chipping away at the wall she has been building to keep her heart safe.
Before Gideon made it more obvious of his intentions with Arden, it seems like the stalker is back. She starts by dealing with it on her own. At first, she tells herself it is just a coincidence, but when they leave his signature rose and notes in places that are personal to her, she knows things are getting serious. She doesn't want to tell her new friends or Gideon, but the signs are becoming evident to everyone, and now Gideon is taking steps to try to keep her safe. The stalker isn't the only threat to Arden: Gideon's snobby, wealthy family believes she isn't worthy of a serious relationship with him, and they want their budding relationship to end.
Torn between the protector who sees her strength and the predator who worships her fire, Arden must decide which man holds the greater danger. Because obsession doesn’t always hide in shadows—sometimes it comes wrapped in devotion.
This is a slow-burning modern gothic romance that delves into two worlds that rarely collide. A man who doesn't care and will do whatever it takes to keep her, and a woman who wonders if she should run again or accept that she is falling for the hero.
This is a slow-burning story with layers, so be patient and see how each piece falls into place. Jacci Prior's narration is excellent, as usual. What I did not expect was a giant cliff hanger! What the heck, this is a duology?! I am really hoping that in chapter one of the next book, Arden kicks the ever-living crap out of everyone. She is backed into corners, and poor Gideon is doing everything he can to keep her safe.
I was given an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Yes, it is on the slower side as it builds, but it has a strong finish that keeps you in suspense for book 2.
5/5 for narration, 4/5 for story, only because it was slower to get to the point, and I am impatient.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
3.5 stars! Ok, so I have very mixed feelings about this book. I actually really enjoyed the story. Arden is running from a dark past, and a stalker - not necessarily connected. When Gideon walks into the small bar she bartends at and makes her a proposition for a job at his prestigious club, coinciding with her pending move to NY, she’s intrigued, for many reasons. The move brings her a new bestie in her roommate, and when she accepts the bartending job at Gideon’s club, her work colleagues become friends as well. She starts to find her place. But Gideon is obsessed, determined to make her his, and the stalker hasn’t gone away, punctuated with mysteriously appearing red roses. But there are even more players on the board, Gideon’s wealthy family, obsessed with legacy and belonging, and another stalker-like presence, competing with the one that already followed her. Arden is always on alert, not sure who to trust, but slowly Gideon works his way past her walls. It’s a slow burn, and very much makes sense as one, and the mystery of the stalker, and the ominous presence of his family continues to build throughout the story. There are multiple POVs (not just MMC and FMC), which is fine as long as those POVs ultimately serve a purpose in the end game of the story, but that’s yet to be determined. I will say that the stalker POV (no name, just “he”) does feel extremely repetitive, and seems to be just saying the same thing over and over just from a different vantage point (with only a couple exceptions). The book ends on a pretty significant cliffhanger, which is not unexpected, but overall, because of my next points, the books pacing is very slow, and if book 2 is similar, it’s going to be……challenging.
My issue, however, is that I really feel like this book takes the idea of flowery, artistic, gothic prose way too far. I actually really love a good visually descriptive book. But here, everything, and I mean everything, is described with a metaphor, or a simile, or some kind of excessive language. So many things aren’t left with just a statement, it’s a statement, followed by 1 to 3 single word descriptors. Things “aren’t this” but “that” instead of just giving us the “that”. It’s constant, and often times it felt very repetitive (especially with the unnamed stalker POV), and it became a bit exhausting, because this is a very long book that truly could have been maybe not half as long, but definitely a fair amount shorter. And by the end, it was quite distracting. Which was disappointing, I really did enjoy the story.
The audiobook was actually very well done. It is single narration, so I would say given the multiple POVs even dual narration would be preferred (of course I always love duet), but I also understand the financial restrictions associated with that. Jacci Prior does an excellent job of narration, definitely bringing a dramatic flair to the words. In the end, I just wish there weren’t so many of them, and maybe that they were a bit less dramatic, because yeah, it’s a lot.
My issue, however, is that I really feel like this book takes the idea of flowery, artistic, gothic prose way too far. I actually really love a good visually descriptive book. But here, everything, and I mean everything, is described with a metaphor, or a simile, or some kind of excessive language. So many things aren’t left with just a statement, it’s a statement, followed by 1 to 3 single word descriptors. Things “aren’t this” but “that” instead of just giving us the “that”. It’s constant, and often times it felt very repetitive (especially with the unnamed stalker POV), and it became a bit exhausting, because this is a very long book that truly could have been maybe not half as long, but definitely a fair amount shorter. And by the end, it was quite distracting. Which was disappointing, I really did enjoy the story.
The audiobook was actually very well done. It is single narration, so I would say given the multiple POVs even dual narration would be preferred (of course I always love duet), but I also understand the financial restrictions associated with that. Jacci Prior does an excellent job of narration, definitely bringing a dramatic flair to the words. In the end, I just wish there weren’t so many of them, and maybe that they were a bit less dramatic, because yeah, it’s a lot.
October 11, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much. I loved getting to know Arden and Gideon and seeing their relationship bloom. I had a strong feeling this book would end with a cliffhanger. There was so much going on!! This book kept me engaged and wanting more! I wanted to learn who was the one stalking Arden. I wanted to find out what exactly Eleanor was up to. I feel that Arden was finally finding her place in this world, but that would all come crashing down. I cannot wait for the second book to come out so I can devour it. Well done, TL!
July 18, 2025
This book is an amazing read. It usually takes me so long to read a book. But the book was so good. I read it in two weeks. The story seemed so real. It's like you were in the story with them. It's comical, romantic, mysterious and has a somewhat dark chill to the plot. The Author done an incredible and awesome job with the writing. The words are so eloquently placed. I'm so glad I bought this book. I'm so excited about the next one in the series.
November 19, 2025
Psycho stalker, strong heroine who has flaws, storyline has twists and turns you don't see coming. Great read that really surprised me. Getting to read how Arden and Gideon's relationship develops was really nice. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2025
If you love romance, suspense, intrigue, tantalizing visuals from only the written word, this is your book to obsess over! Beautiful
storytelling that will have you begging for more. I can't say, "read this book", enough!! Go, run!
Thank me later!
storytelling that will have you begging for more. I can't say, "read this book", enough!! Go, run!
Thank me later!
April 19, 2025
This one is at the top of my books I can't wait to read!
April 21, 2025
Can’t wait for it to come out…just in time for our girl trip to Panama City Beach. ⛱️🍹📖
November 24, 2025
Once I started, I couldn't put it down and I cannot wait for the second part!!!
July 20, 2025
I was so excited to get a copy of this book because which is filled with drama, excitement, twists, and turns unexpected. The characters were well developed and kept me guessing on what will take place next. A slow burn romance develops, and it is a perfect twist I needed to read. Very well written and I recommend this book which you won’t regret reading.
December 13, 2025
This audiobook is phenomenal. The narrator’s voice is beautiful and haunting, and they bring the characters fully to life—you don’t just hear the story, you feel it. Every emotion lands, every moment pulls you deeper, and it becomes impossible to stop listening.
The narration is completely immersive and keeps you desperate to know what happens next. Even having read the story before, the audiobook experience was just as powerful—maybe even more so. The pacing, the emotion, the way the characters breathe through the narrator’s voice… it’s exceptional.
There’s a cliffhanger at the end, and it’s the best kind—the kind that lives rent-free in your head and leaves you counting the days until the next part is released. I’m already planning a re-listen because this is absolutely the kind of audiobook you catch more from the second time around.
Highly recommend the author and this incredible narrator. If you love audiobooks that completely consume you, this one will wreck you in the most delicious way. 🎧🖤🔥
The narration is completely immersive and keeps you desperate to know what happens next. Even having read the story before, the audiobook experience was just as powerful—maybe even more so. The pacing, the emotion, the way the characters breathe through the narrator’s voice… it’s exceptional.
There’s a cliffhanger at the end, and it’s the best kind—the kind that lives rent-free in your head and leaves you counting the days until the next part is released. I’m already planning a re-listen because this is absolutely the kind of audiobook you catch more from the second time around.
Highly recommend the author and this incredible narrator. If you love audiobooks that completely consume you, this one will wreck you in the most delicious way. 🎧🖤🔥
May 20, 2025
The Storm and Rose completely consumed me!
Wow. Just… wow. The Storm and Rose completely consumed me. It’s dark, intense, and so emotionally layered that I found myself thinking about it long after I finished the last page. I am so honored that I received an advanced copy of this book! I will read it again now that is is officially released.
This book is the definition of a slow burn. The tension between the characters builds so beautifully that when it finally snaps, it’s electric. The romance is passionate but never rushed—every glance, every touch carries weight. You feel it in your bones.
What really got me, though, were the characters. They are complex, flawed, and deeply human. The heroine is strong but not invincible, and I loved watching her fight through so much—emotionally and physically. And the villain? Utterly chilling. The psycho stalker element added such a twisted edge to the story that had my heart racing more than once.
There are no flat personalities here. Everyone feels alive, with their own secrets and motives. Even the side characters leave an impression. The emotional stakes are high, and the way the story unfolds—layer by layer—is so well done.
This is the kind of book you stay up too late reading, completely lost in the storm of it all. Dark, passionate, and unforgettable. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Wow. Just… wow. The Storm and Rose completely consumed me. It’s dark, intense, and so emotionally layered that I found myself thinking about it long after I finished the last page. I am so honored that I received an advanced copy of this book! I will read it again now that is is officially released.
This book is the definition of a slow burn. The tension between the characters builds so beautifully that when it finally snaps, it’s electric. The romance is passionate but never rushed—every glance, every touch carries weight. You feel it in your bones.
What really got me, though, were the characters. They are complex, flawed, and deeply human. The heroine is strong but not invincible, and I loved watching her fight through so much—emotionally and physically. And the villain? Utterly chilling. The psycho stalker element added such a twisted edge to the story that had my heart racing more than once.
There are no flat personalities here. Everyone feels alive, with their own secrets and motives. Even the side characters leave an impression. The emotional stakes are high, and the way the story unfolds—layer by layer—is so well done.
This is the kind of book you stay up too late reading, completely lost in the storm of it all. Dark, passionate, and unforgettable. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
October 3, 2025
The Storm and the Rose was my first foray into modern gothic fiction, and I’m officially hooked. Thus story delivers a slow-burn romance wrapped in mystery, obsession, and emotion. Arden is a compelling heroine, rebuilding her life while being pulled between two men: one who wants to protects her, and one who wants to watch her burn.
The atmosphere is rich and unsettling, with roses and notes that feel intimate and invasive. I loved how the story blurred the lines between devotion and danger. The writing is lyrical and so immersive, and the tension never lets up.
As someone just getting back into reading, this book reminded me how powerful a well-told story can be. I can’t wait for the conclusion. If you love gothic vibes, psychological suspense, and romance that simmers before it scorches, buy this now.
The atmosphere is rich and unsettling, with roses and notes that feel intimate and invasive. I loved how the story blurred the lines between devotion and danger. The writing is lyrical and so immersive, and the tension never lets up.
As someone just getting back into reading, this book reminded me how powerful a well-told story can be. I can’t wait for the conclusion. If you love gothic vibes, psychological suspense, and romance that simmers before it scorches, buy this now.
April 21, 2025
I’m not sure where to begin to even tell you how much you need to read this. I was so fortunate enough to do an early review of this and I was not disappointed. At all. The twists, the turns, and the drama all just grab you and don’t let go. The romance that blooms is the chef’s kiss to keep you turning the pages. Do yourself a favor and read this! You can thank me later!
“Nothing about him screamed danger, yet every hint of him whispered it.”
Y’all… you better strap in.
“Nothing about him screamed danger, yet every hint of him whispered it.”
Y’all… you better strap in.
May 20, 2025
I recently read the digital version on my kindle and became obsessed with this book so I purchased the hard copy!! I love a good book in my hands. If you enjoy suspense, drama, and dark romance then this is the book for you!! It is a must read!! I was captivated until the very end. This book is part of a duology and I am so excited for book two. The author understands attention to detail and keeps the reader wanting more.... 10/10 must read!!
April 19, 2025
Can’t wait for this one!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews