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The Price of a Rose: A Literary Revenge Thriller Inspired by Real Injustices
Not yet published
Expected 5 Aug 26WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A REAL AMERICAN SYSTEM, BUILT TO EXPLOIT AND ERASE THE VULNERABLE, CREATES THE ONE WOMAN DETERMINED TO BURN IT DOWN?
In 1994, Rose Washington disappeared into the Alabama prison system, framed for a crime she did not commit by authorities who unwittingly exposed her to a secret powerful enough to bring down everything they protected.
Inside, prison is not chaos; instead, it is control. A meticulously engineered economy of exploitation operated by gangs, corrupt officials, and corporate interests. In this world, incarceration is not the end of the pipeline. It is the beginning.
Beyond the prison walls, Rose is pushed into a clandestine global network built on blackmail and erasure. Names vanish. Records are rewritten. Survival demands transformation.
But they made one mistake.
They let Rose escape.
Thirty years later, she has resurfaced as something no one can identify or a famous celebrity, hardened soldier, and powerful philanthropist. Each identity is a carefully constructed mask worn by one woman with a single dismantling the empire that stole her name, her body, and her humanity, and now threatens to consume millions more.
From sealed billionaire circles to modern battlefields, Rose follows a trail of corruption to the highest levels of corporate, legal, and political power.
She is no longer running.
She is hunting.
The Price of a Rose is an unflinching, relentlessly tense literary revenge thriller that confronts mass incarceration, systemic exploitation, and the authoritarian machinery that preys on the vulnerable. A timely story of American revelation, reinvention, and rage asking us what happens when a woman the system tried to erase learns exactly how to destroy it.
In 1994, Rose Washington disappeared into the Alabama prison system, framed for a crime she did not commit by authorities who unwittingly exposed her to a secret powerful enough to bring down everything they protected.
Inside, prison is not chaos; instead, it is control. A meticulously engineered economy of exploitation operated by gangs, corrupt officials, and corporate interests. In this world, incarceration is not the end of the pipeline. It is the beginning.
Beyond the prison walls, Rose is pushed into a clandestine global network built on blackmail and erasure. Names vanish. Records are rewritten. Survival demands transformation.
But they made one mistake.
They let Rose escape.
Thirty years later, she has resurfaced as something no one can identify or a famous celebrity, hardened soldier, and powerful philanthropist. Each identity is a carefully constructed mask worn by one woman with a single dismantling the empire that stole her name, her body, and her humanity, and now threatens to consume millions more.
From sealed billionaire circles to modern battlefields, Rose follows a trail of corruption to the highest levels of corporate, legal, and political power.
She is no longer running.
She is hunting.
The Price of a Rose is an unflinching, relentlessly tense literary revenge thriller that confronts mass incarceration, systemic exploitation, and the authoritarian machinery that preys on the vulnerable. A timely story of American revelation, reinvention, and rage asking us what happens when a woman the system tried to erase learns exactly how to destroy it.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 20, 2026
I received this as an ARC, and this revenge story is bitter sweet. Bitter because she should have NEVER gone through what she went through in the first place, but sweet, because she is a powerful black woman who came out stronger and more powerful! A story that needs to be told, and is told well, and I’m honored that I was chosen to be an early reader for it! Read it!
Also, LOVE that I started this story on Juneteenth!
Also, LOVE that I started this story on Juneteenth!
July 4, 2026
I received an ARC of The Price of a Rose by London Valen in exchange for my honest review.
WOW. This book hooked me from the very first page and never let go. It took me through every emotion imaginable, devastation, anger, sadness, frustration, hope, and ultimately satisfaction. Rose is the definition of strength, resilience, and survival. She endures more than anyone ever should, yet she refuses to let it define her.
Watching Rose outsmart everyone standing in her way was incredibly satisfying. This is how you write a literary revenge thriller!
What I appreciated most was that, despite the heavy subject matter, the book doesn’t dwell on graphic details. Instead, it focuses on Rose’s strength, determination, and perseverance. Had it lingered on the brutality, it would have been much harder to get through. Knowing this story is inspired by the real experiences of victims made it even more heartbreaking.
Reading this while so many conversations are happening about abuse, trafficking, and powerful people protecting one another made it feel especially relevant. It was difficult at times because it reflects injustices that still exist, but that’s also what makes it such a powerful read.
An emotional, gripping, and unforgettable story. Easily 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WOW. This book hooked me from the very first page and never let go. It took me through every emotion imaginable, devastation, anger, sadness, frustration, hope, and ultimately satisfaction. Rose is the definition of strength, resilience, and survival. She endures more than anyone ever should, yet she refuses to let it define her.
Watching Rose outsmart everyone standing in her way was incredibly satisfying. This is how you write a literary revenge thriller!
What I appreciated most was that, despite the heavy subject matter, the book doesn’t dwell on graphic details. Instead, it focuses on Rose’s strength, determination, and perseverance. Had it lingered on the brutality, it would have been much harder to get through. Knowing this story is inspired by the real experiences of victims made it even more heartbreaking.
Reading this while so many conversations are happening about abuse, trafficking, and powerful people protecting one another made it feel especially relevant. It was difficult at times because it reflects injustices that still exist, but that’s also what makes it such a powerful read.
An emotional, gripping, and unforgettable story. Easily 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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July 6, 2026I don't think I've ever read a book filled with this much RAGE 😤🔥 Especially with everything happening around the world right now, it hit even harder.
This literary revenge thriller, inspired by real injustices, is powerful, emotional, and impossible to put down.
In 1994, Rose Washington disappears into the Alabama prison system after being framed for a crime she didn't commit. The very people who put her there unknowingly expose her to a dangerous secret. Inside the prison, what looks like pure chaos is actually a carefully controlled system of exploitation. 😳
I loved every single decision Rose made. She was determined to make every single one of them pay for everything they had done, and I was cheering her on the entire time! 👏🏻🔥
And can we talk about the love story between Rose and her husband? 🥹❤️ "A PAIR OF DOG TAGS"... you'll know exactly what I mean when you read it. That part completely stole my heart. ❤️
Definitely recommend this one! ⭐⭐⭐⭐📚
This literary revenge thriller, inspired by real injustices, is powerful, emotional, and impossible to put down.
In 1994, Rose Washington disappears into the Alabama prison system after being framed for a crime she didn't commit. The very people who put her there unknowingly expose her to a dangerous secret. Inside the prison, what looks like pure chaos is actually a carefully controlled system of exploitation. 😳
I loved every single decision Rose made. She was determined to make every single one of them pay for everything they had done, and I was cheering her on the entire time! 👏🏻🔥
And can we talk about the love story between Rose and her husband? 🥹❤️ "A PAIR OF DOG TAGS"... you'll know exactly what I mean when you read it. That part completely stole my heart. ❤️
Definitely recommend this one! ⭐⭐⭐⭐📚
July 6, 2026
This book was amazing. The story was gripping and I couldn’t put it down. Rose is one of the strongest characters I have ever read and seeing how she powers through so much inspires me. From the start of this book I knew I was in for a whirlwind and I have no complaints. This book was written in the most beautiful way. So many twists and turns.
June 30, 2026
This is an amazing book! Seriously I am so honored to have been given the opportunity to get an advance copy! Rose is one of the STRONGEST main characters I have ever read! The highlights on the flaws and corruption in the prison system, the foster care system, the vulnerability of girls who grow up in those systems then fall prey to traffickers the HORRIBLE atrocities committed against children by the rich and powerful, in injustices black women face as in the military and life, the struggle to find your identity, what it feels like to be white passing. I could go on for DAYS about what this book covers but I won’t definitely go and pick up this book when it releases!!
July 11, 2026
What a timely and powerful read. This book hit me in so many ways. It was raw, emotional, and shed light on so many of the stories and experiences we need to pay more attention to.
What I appreciated most was that this wasn’t simply a book about politics. Although it was fictionalized, It was about the people, the lived experiences, and the stories that have shaped history—many of which are too often overlooked. Those personal narratives made the history feel immediate and deeply impactful.
If you enjoy historical fiction that makes you reflect long after you’ve finished the last page, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
What I appreciated most was that this wasn’t simply a book about politics. Although it was fictionalized, It was about the people, the lived experiences, and the stories that have shaped history—many of which are too often overlooked. Those personal narratives made the history feel immediate and deeply impactful.
If you enjoy historical fiction that makes you reflect long after you’ve finished the last page, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
July 11, 2026
I recently read, “The Price of a Rose”,and it is a gripping story about racial bias in the South. The plot follows a young, light-skinned black woman who is wrongfully incarcerated after her racial identity is discovered. Sent to an Alabama prison run by corrupt officials and sexual predators, the story highlights her resilience as someone that has spent her life fighting to survive.
This book powerfully demonstrates the detrimental effects of a government (much like the one we have.) that uses corruption, cruelty and chaos as tools of control-until they meet Rose Washington! There is so much more I want to tell you, but it would ruin how all of this would end. It is a definite page-turner that I highly recommend!
This book powerfully demonstrates the detrimental effects of a government (much like the one we have.) that uses corruption, cruelty and chaos as tools of control-until they meet Rose Washington! There is so much more I want to tell you, but it would ruin how all of this would end. It is a definite page-turner that I highly recommend!
July 10, 2026
I received this as my very first ARC read and it did not disappoint! Once I got over my rage for the things that were happening to the main character I couldn’t put it down! It truly is a revenge thriller and I loved everything about it ! I can’t wait until everyone reads it because I want to talk about it all day. Impatiently waiting for her next book
Review of advance copy received from Author
There are books you enjoy while you’re reading them, and then there are books that quietly move in and take up space in your mind long after you’ve finished the last page. The Price of a Rose is one of those rare books.
I expected to fly through it. Four hundred pages is usually only a day or two of reading for me. Instead, I found myself setting it down over and over not because I was bored, but because I needed time to process what I’d just read. Some chapters hit with an emotional weight that demanded reflection before I could move on.
This story doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects. Abuse, exploitation, corruption, racism, human trafficking, and the failures of systems are all woven into the story in a way that feels authentic rather than sensational. As a father whose own family has experienced abuse, there were moments that were incredibly difficult for me to read. That’s a credit to the writing. The characters never feel like fictional creations, they feel like people whose pain matters.
What impressed me most is that, despite tackling such heavy themes, this isn’t a hopeless book. It’s ultimately about resilience, courage, justice, and the stubborn refusal of the human spirit to be broken. Even in its darkest moments, there’s still a belief that people can choose better and that change is possible.
The storytelling has the emotional depth of great literary fiction while moving with the pace of a thriller. More than once I caught myself talking to the pages, rooting for Rose, getting angry at injustice, or celebrating small victories that felt deeply earned.
When I finished the novel, I realized something. I wasn’t thinking about the plot anymore. I was thinking about the people. That’s the mark of a truly memorable story.
I hope this book reaches the audience it deserves because it’s the kind of novel that starts meaningful conversations. It challenges readers, breaks their hearts a little, and reminds them why compassion matters.
Some stories entertain us.
Some educate us.
A very rare few change the way we see the world.
For me, The Price of a Rose belongs in that last category.
I expected to fly through it. Four hundred pages is usually only a day or two of reading for me. Instead, I found myself setting it down over and over not because I was bored, but because I needed time to process what I’d just read. Some chapters hit with an emotional weight that demanded reflection before I could move on.
This story doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects. Abuse, exploitation, corruption, racism, human trafficking, and the failures of systems are all woven into the story in a way that feels authentic rather than sensational. As a father whose own family has experienced abuse, there were moments that were incredibly difficult for me to read. That’s a credit to the writing. The characters never feel like fictional creations, they feel like people whose pain matters.
What impressed me most is that, despite tackling such heavy themes, this isn’t a hopeless book. It’s ultimately about resilience, courage, justice, and the stubborn refusal of the human spirit to be broken. Even in its darkest moments, there’s still a belief that people can choose better and that change is possible.
The storytelling has the emotional depth of great literary fiction while moving with the pace of a thriller. More than once I caught myself talking to the pages, rooting for Rose, getting angry at injustice, or celebrating small victories that felt deeply earned.
When I finished the novel, I realized something. I wasn’t thinking about the plot anymore. I was thinking about the people. That’s the mark of a truly memorable story.
I hope this book reaches the audience it deserves because it’s the kind of novel that starts meaningful conversations. It challenges readers, breaks their hearts a little, and reminds them why compassion matters.
Some stories entertain us.
Some educate us.
A very rare few change the way we see the world.
For me, The Price of a Rose belongs in that last category.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Price of a Rose follows Rose Washington, a woman who is wrongfully imprisoned after being framed for a crime she didn't commit. What she uncovers behind prison walls exposes a brutal system fueled by corruption, modern slavery, sex trafficking, prison violence, sexual assault, power imbalances, and politicians willing to protect it all at any cost.
This was one of the most eye-opening books I've read in a long time. It's a dark, unsettling look at the realities of a corrupt justice system and the exploitation that can thrive behind closed doors. The amount of research that clearly went into this story is incredible. It felt meticulously researched without ever sacrificing the narrative. While it's undeniably a difficult read because of the heavy subject matter, it's also an important one that pulls back the curtain on horrors many people never see. Disturbing, thought-provoking, and impossible to forget. The parallels to Jeffrey Epstein, Donald Trump, and our corrupt government was uncanny.
The only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me is that a few sections felt slower than they needed to be, which occasionally interrupted the momentum. There were also a handful of moments that stretched my suspension of disbelief and felt less convincing than the rest of the story. Even so, those minor issues didn't take away from the impact of the novel or the importance of the topics it explores.
I finished this book in 3 sittings, I could not put it down. I believe this is an important book that everyone should read.
This was one of the most eye-opening books I've read in a long time. It's a dark, unsettling look at the realities of a corrupt justice system and the exploitation that can thrive behind closed doors. The amount of research that clearly went into this story is incredible. It felt meticulously researched without ever sacrificing the narrative. While it's undeniably a difficult read because of the heavy subject matter, it's also an important one that pulls back the curtain on horrors many people never see. Disturbing, thought-provoking, and impossible to forget. The parallels to Jeffrey Epstein, Donald Trump, and our corrupt government was uncanny.
The only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me is that a few sections felt slower than they needed to be, which occasionally interrupted the momentum. There were also a handful of moments that stretched my suspension of disbelief and felt less convincing than the rest of the story. Even so, those minor issues didn't take away from the impact of the novel or the importance of the topics it explores.
I finished this book in 3 sittings, I could not put it down. I believe this is an important book that everyone should read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Refreshing because it's a fictional story based off true events with an honest historical narrative! As brutal as it is honest! A thrilling novel with a badass FMC who navigates the dark elite trenches and plays a long game anyone could admire. Revenge, blackmail, and scandal against the backdrop of everyday fascism (and the very real AND STILL ACTIVE KKK) and the truth behind society's oligarch shot-callers. It's anticapitalist, pro black, pro resistance and anti oppression. It highlights the history of slavery, jim crow law, the 1877 compromise, civil war history and it's direct links to white supremacy, today's prison industrial complex, inmate treatment, gender bias, s/x trafficking... all through the lens of a biracial foster kid who passes as white. This book touches on so many things!!! It is part of a conversation that needs to be had, and a reminder that... things are almost always "that deep".
Review of advance copy received from Author
I couldn’t delay this ARC review! I literally just finished it!
The Price of a Rose by London Valen is a must read 10 star literary revenge thriller! This is a VERY well written MASTERPIECE!
Rose, a biracial woman who is wrongfully arrested by corrupt racist police officers in a small Alabama town. The story follows her harrowing story/revenge after being wrongfully sentenced to 20 yrs and subjected to sex trafficking, SA, physical violence, exploitation, and corruption that infiltrates every level of government. The author weaves real life injustices, statistical data, and powerful social commentary throughout this emotionally gripping and enraging narrative that exposes systemic racism and discrimination.
This story is very emotional and please be mindful of your triggers!
@London Valen thank you for the opportunity to be an arc reader!
The Price of a Rose by London Valen is a must read 10 star literary revenge thriller! This is a VERY well written MASTERPIECE!
Rose, a biracial woman who is wrongfully arrested by corrupt racist police officers in a small Alabama town. The story follows her harrowing story/revenge after being wrongfully sentenced to 20 yrs and subjected to sex trafficking, SA, physical violence, exploitation, and corruption that infiltrates every level of government. The author weaves real life injustices, statistical data, and powerful social commentary throughout this emotionally gripping and enraging narrative that exposes systemic racism and discrimination.
This story is very emotional and please be mindful of your triggers!
@London Valen thank you for the opportunity to be an arc reader!
July 11, 2026
You should start this book on a weekend because you won’t want to put it down until you’re finished.
London Valen pulled from true events and wove them into the story of Rose. It was phenomenal. I gasped more than once as her story unfolded.
The book deals with some difficult subjects, but they’re all based on facts. They were hard truths that go ignored by most novels. Rose pulls you in as she moves through hard parts of life. I cheered for her. I cried for her. I celebrated her ability to overcome.
This is a story that takes you through unbelievably hard moments. If you’re like me, you’ll get distracted by going online to see what each situation is derived from.
Despite the fact that I RAGED for Rose, I also celebrated her as she moved through life and the situations that would make many people give into despair. We all need a hero like Rose.
I hope there’s a sequel!
London Valen pulled from true events and wove them into the story of Rose. It was phenomenal. I gasped more than once as her story unfolded.
The book deals with some difficult subjects, but they’re all based on facts. They were hard truths that go ignored by most novels. Rose pulls you in as she moves through hard parts of life. I cheered for her. I cried for her. I celebrated her ability to overcome.
This is a story that takes you through unbelievably hard moments. If you’re like me, you’ll get distracted by going online to see what each situation is derived from.
Despite the fact that I RAGED for Rose, I also celebrated her as she moved through life and the situations that would make many people give into despair. We all need a hero like Rose.
I hope there’s a sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Price of a Rose
By London Valen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
🖤 A Literary Revenge Thriller
🌹 Inspired by real life injustices
🖤 Fierce FMC
🌹 The long game of revenge
🖤 Friends to lovers
🌹 Hidden identity
I don't even know where to start with how incredibly written this book was!
This novel follows the story of Rose through a rough life with a hidden agenda of claiming revenge on those that have wronged her through a meticulous plan, she is playing the long game and she wins.
This novel hits on very real subjects and injustices that happen every day throughout the world and is written so well you will have chills!
The Price of a Rose releases August 5th 😘🖤
#revenge #thrillerbooks #thepriceofarose #bookreview #booktok
By London Valen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
🖤 A Literary Revenge Thriller
🌹 Inspired by real life injustices
🖤 Fierce FMC
🌹 The long game of revenge
🖤 Friends to lovers
🌹 Hidden identity
I don't even know where to start with how incredibly written this book was!
This novel follows the story of Rose through a rough life with a hidden agenda of claiming revenge on those that have wronged her through a meticulous plan, she is playing the long game and she wins.
This novel hits on very real subjects and injustices that happen every day throughout the world and is written so well you will have chills!
The Price of a Rose releases August 5th 😘🖤
#revenge #thrillerbooks #thepriceofarose #bookreview #booktok
Review of advance copy received from Author
For starters thank you so much for reaching out to me to read your novel literally so beyond honored! This novel touches on and explores real life injustices and brings them to the light By a girl named Rose. This novel follows Rose through her journey of imprisonment, self acception, finding her voice and standing on business and working her way up literally from the bottom all the way to the top. Do yourself a favor and snag this book immediately when it is realesed ♥️
10/10 recommend 💞 Will edit review to include all of my thoughts once the novel is publicly released and include spoilers 💞
10/10 recommend 💞 Will edit review to include all of my thoughts once the novel is publicly released and include spoilers 💞
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a powerful and intense read that kept me invested from start to finish. What stood out most was the strength of the main character and the way the story tackled difficult themes without pulling any punches. The author creates a tense atmosphere and raises important questions about power, justice, and what people are willing to do to survive and fight back.
I appreciated how ambitious the story was and how it balanced action with deeper social issues. The pacing was generally strong, although there were a few moments where I felt it could’ve tightened up a bit but the book is very well written.
I received this book as an ARC from the author , all thoughts are my own . Thank you London Valen .
I appreciated how ambitious the story was and how it balanced action with deeper social issues. The pacing was generally strong, although there were a few moments where I felt it could’ve tightened up a bit but the book is very well written.
I received this book as an ARC from the author , all thoughts are my own . Thank you London Valen .
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rose Washington is a protagonist I've never seen before, smart, gritty and vulnerable. She plays the long game in her quest for vengeance against the institutions that betrayed her and there are more than a few twists and turns that'll keep you hooked. London Valen gives us a high-octane climax that'll have you pumping your fist with satisfaction.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I highly enjoyed this book. The injustices that Rose faced, made me think and question a lot of things. Rose overcame a lot during her life. But the way she overcame and destroyed was great. I highly recommend reading this book.
Review of advance copy
Great book if you like thrillers
Review of advance copy received from Author
What immediately caught my attention was how the author weaves dark, real world issues into the narrative. While reading, it was easy to pinpoint echoes of real-world headlines, systemic corruption, and high profile trafficking networks. It gives the story a very sobering, gritty edge
The pacing is incredibly engaging and starts with a total bang. The main character goes through an astronomical amount of trauma, transformation, and different worlds which stems from wrongful imprisonment to international espionage and beyond.
If you love an ambitious, fast-paced thriller that tackles heavy themes and never lets off the gas, you’ll definitely want to add this to your TBR!
The pacing is incredibly engaging and starts with a total bang. The main character goes through an astronomical amount of trauma, transformation, and different worlds which stems from wrongful imprisonment to international espionage and beyond.
If you love an ambitious, fast-paced thriller that tackles heavy themes and never lets off the gas, you’ll definitely want to add this to your TBR!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews