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Roses & Thorns #2
The Rose That Got Away
As a rose abandoned in the desert, she's made a vow - she'll never go back to the way things were... a promise that was easier to keep before a thorn showed up.
(This is not a book centered around a love story.)
(This is not a book centered around a love story.)
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2020
188 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 19, 2022
This Is An Excellent Series! CCJ is so freaking creative....I love the cloak and dagger....type of espionage storylines...this definitely was not the typical romance/love story....But, I did appreciate the fact that both Wilder and Tamera realized that they had an instant attraction to one another. However, work came first! I did read this series a bit out of order and I see how Isiah (Zay) from book 3 was introduced to the series.
10/04/2021....This is my second time listening to this story...this time CCJ employed Eboni Flowers & Emmanuel Ingram....I still Feel The Same Way About this story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/04/2021....This is my second time listening to this story...this time CCJ employed Eboni Flowers & Emmanuel Ingram....I still Feel The Same Way About this story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 4, 2020
The Rose That Got Away was action packed. Tamera and Wilder took us on a wild ride. Both of them are former operatives of the Garden trying to keep May and Amelia safe from a dirty wanna be politician. This story was a fast paced and packed full of action and mystery. We get to see more of Ace as she plays an actual role in the story line. But, be warned. This is NOT a romance novel. So, do not expect a heartwarming story of two people falling in love and finding their HEA. The Rose That Got Away ain’t that book.
August 26, 2022
Tamra and Wilder are Mr and Mrs Smith without the marriage lol! The short was action packed and had all the information for the continuation of this Rose series! What I wish is that we got to see the spice between Wilder and Tamra because I know it was fire! Lol either way I loved this book this second time around reading it! Definitely recommend this book!
October 30, 2021
LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!
Ok, I'm going to be honest...I usually read all of CCJ's books before I listen to them because her writing is just so amazing. However, I did not read this one after seeing it "wasn't" a love story. and boy was I wrong to skip it. This story was so action packed and entertaining. And although it was NOT a love story, it had a little loving added in there and I was satisfied with that. Emmanuel Ingram and Eboni Flowers are incredible narrators, but there were a few hiccups in production. but that did not take away from the story to me. I do believe the end of chapter 7 was cut off and I missed whatever took place in that closet. I'll just read it and find out. LOL
Overall, brilliant writing by CCJ and performance by Emmanuel and Ebony.
Ok, I'm going to be honest...I usually read all of CCJ's books before I listen to them because her writing is just so amazing. However, I did not read this one after seeing it "wasn't" a love story. and boy was I wrong to skip it. This story was so action packed and entertaining. And although it was NOT a love story, it had a little loving added in there and I was satisfied with that. Emmanuel Ingram and Eboni Flowers are incredible narrators, but there were a few hiccups in production. but that did not take away from the story to me. I do believe the end of chapter 7 was cut off and I missed whatever took place in that closet. I'll just read it and find out. LOL
Overall, brilliant writing by CCJ and performance by Emmanuel and Ebony.
August 18, 2020
Plot Twist!
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. There was plenty of action. I was happy to catch up with Ace again. She’s become such a likable character. Romance was on the back burner of this storyline. I liked that the drama and action were the focus. This was a quick, fun read.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. There was plenty of action. I was happy to catch up with Ace again. She’s become such a likable character. Romance was on the back burner of this storyline. I liked that the drama and action were the focus. This was a quick, fun read.
January 10, 2026
Tamra and Wilder are quite the pair. At first it seemed like they were an unlikely pairing but after they are thrust into each other’s lives on a mission, it turns out that their past lives and future desires are matched pretty perfectly.
Wilder is protective but respectful of Tamra's ability to protect herself. He's pretty perfect, for a former assassin.
libby. Average read for me.
Wilder is protective but respectful of Tamra's ability to protect herself. He's pretty perfect, for a former assassin.
libby. Average read for me.
March 12, 2025
This was an action-packed romantic suspense novella, although romance is not the focus of the story. It's an enjoyable, quick read about a Rose named Tamra who is determined to live life on her own terms and never go back to the way things were in her "old life." She is living a quite unsuspecting life as a mechanic until a handsome stranger with a broken-down vehicle shows up… Meet Wilder.
Wilder and Tamra have the same "mission of protection," so to speak, but they don't know that about one another at first, so they go about protecting their "target" in different ways.
Alicia from Book #1 makes an appearance, which I loved!
As the synopsis said, this book was not centered around a love story. Having said that, it doesn't mean that love can't happen. Read more to find out!
Wilder and Tamra have the same "mission of protection," so to speak, but they don't know that about one another at first, so they go about protecting their "target" in different ways.
Alicia from Book #1 makes an appearance, which I loved!
As the synopsis said, this book was not centered around a love story. Having said that, it doesn't mean that love can't happen. Read more to find out!
April 20, 2021
Another great read!!!
Tamra was leaving a quiet life in the desert. When a stranger stops in to get his car fixed, trouble comes and Tamra decides its time to move on. When the stranger shows up, Tamra finds out who he is and why he is there. Wilder was sent to protect the people Tamra lived with, but Tamra wasn't sure that was the case. When they lose the target they set out together to find her and protect her. Tamra and Wilder eventually became a team and helped protect their target. This wasn't a love story at all, but this was about two people getting to know each other and trusting each other to protect the other. This series is not what I'm used to from CCJ, but I'm definitely loving it!!!
Tamra was leaving a quiet life in the desert. When a stranger stops in to get his car fixed, trouble comes and Tamra decides its time to move on. When the stranger shows up, Tamra finds out who he is and why he is there. Wilder was sent to protect the people Tamra lived with, but Tamra wasn't sure that was the case. When they lose the target they set out together to find her and protect her. Tamra and Wilder eventually became a team and helped protect their target. This wasn't a love story at all, but this was about two people getting to know each other and trusting each other to protect the other. This series is not what I'm used to from CCJ, but I'm definitely loving it!!!
February 5, 2022
This was a quick one but it packed a huge punch. I finally got to know Alicia a little better. I have to make sure to read the series featuring her. She's intriguing.
But I liked the war of the roses type thing Tamara and Wilder had going on. And the whole thing with their target and the politician was very good.
I just wish this one had been longer because there was so much more I wanted to know, and I was not ready for this one to end at all!
But I liked the war of the roses type thing Tamara and Wilder had going on. And the whole thing with their target and the politician was very good.
I just wish this one had been longer because there was so much more I wanted to know, and I was not ready for this one to end at all!
April 16, 2023
4.5 stars. These Roses and Thorns stories gave me life. Always love when Alicia makes an appearance. Makes things clearer about the Garden and what each person endured. Tamra and Wilder were a great pairing.
June 24, 2021
I play too much. I read this out of order but once again this was one you could read in a couple of hours! Definitely one to read if you like a little romance and want to get out of a reading slump.
July 30, 2022
Loved it!! The action, the suspense and even the chemistry between Tamara and Wilder was everything!
March 25, 2021
A fast paced, exhilarating, and entertaining novella. Christina C Jones had me hooked on the series after reading book one, but I wasn’t expecting to be thrown into this enthralling chase with so much action and twist and turns. There was so much happening in this book I hesitated on turning the page before I braced lol. This book was a pleasant surprise for me because CCJ didn’t give us a love story at all and yet I still felt the love and connection progressing between these two. This was a quick read but a great addition to the series. We get to reconnect with Ace (which I loved) but we also meet a new character that I hope has a story because the suspense pouring off of that man has me highly intrigued!
February 27, 2021
I didn't know where this story was headed at first because Wilder was in a half broken down car in the desert then runs into Tamra at a repair shop. They soon realize they're from the same world & get into a fight. From there, the adventure is on.
You can't really put this down you have to know what's gonna happen next.
You can't really put this down you have to know what's gonna happen next.
October 23, 2020
Roses and Thorns
I just continue to enjoy learning about the lives of roses and thorns and their reemergence into "normal" lives! Although CCJ said this book is not a love story, it ends in a good place so I encourage everyone to read it. It is fast-paced, kinda edgy and mixed with a little flirtation that will have the reader hooked from beginning to end. I enjoyed it!
I just continue to enjoy learning about the lives of roses and thorns and their reemergence into "normal" lives! Although CCJ said this book is not a love story, it ends in a good place so I encourage everyone to read it. It is fast-paced, kinda edgy and mixed with a little flirtation that will have the reader hooked from beginning to end. I enjoyed it!
January 1, 2021
Wilder and Tamra are hot and deadly- Great combination!
This story was new and refreshing to read. I really enjoyed the action element and was excited for the killer to be revealed. Alicia's presence in the book gives us a glimpse into what's been going on since the Garden's demise. Looking forward to reading Book 3
This story was new and refreshing to read. I really enjoyed the action element and was excited for the killer to be revealed. Alicia's presence in the book gives us a glimpse into what's been going on since the Garden's demise. Looking forward to reading Book 3
August 16, 2020
Quick Suspense
Wilder and Tamara, I need more. Christina’s writing is taking a new direction and I’m loving it. Please turn it into a series(this would be book 3). The suspense, quick shock and quickie were everything. Great job, anxiously waiting for more.
Wilder and Tamara, I need more. Christina’s writing is taking a new direction and I’m loving it. Please turn it into a series(this would be book 3). The suspense, quick shock and quickie were everything. Great job, anxiously waiting for more.
August 19, 2020
Loved it
I liked how you brought the old rose and thorn together for a good chaser. It makes me want to hear more about the rest of the roses and thorn especially Isaiah if he'll come around again. Great story.
I liked how you brought the old rose and thorn together for a good chaser. It makes me want to hear more about the rest of the roses and thorn especially Isaiah if he'll come around again. Great story.
August 21, 2020
Loved it
A quick witty story written with Christina C Jones flair for telling a story. I enjoyed reading The Rose That Got Away as much as did hearing it on CCJ's YouTube channel . I hope we get more stories about the former Roses and Thorns.
A quick witty story written with Christina C Jones flair for telling a story. I enjoyed reading The Rose That Got Away as much as did hearing it on CCJ's YouTube channel . I hope we get more stories about the former Roses and Thorns.
August 21, 2020
Loved!
I love these books, if I missed a book about the garden then sombody tell me about it, otherwise We need a prequel telling all about the Garden, some more roses and thorns. Great at usual!
I love these books, if I missed a book about the garden then sombody tell me about it, otherwise We need a prequel telling all about the Garden, some more roses and thorns. Great at usual!
October 5, 2020
Loving this story 😍
What a wonderful story I wouldn't expect anything less from Mrs. Jones. Wilder and Tamara she really need it to find someone just for her and I'm glad she did. As always it was an absolute pleasure. Yes you should read it.
What a wonderful story I wouldn't expect anything less from Mrs. Jones. Wilder and Tamara she really need it to find someone just for her and I'm glad she did. As always it was an absolute pleasure. Yes you should read it.
October 23, 2020
Not everyone has freedom to reach adulthood without a life riddled with people chaining you to their will, but when a way out comes a calling be it unconventional, its better starting over than staying. Loved this short read
April 18, 2021
Lost and Found
She Tam was a rose hidden on the outskirts, alone, no friends, no life, nothing. Her interactions with humans consisted of customers and the woman she was renting from and the woman’s daughter, oh and her little dog Roxy. She was hiding and had erected a place of safety that she wasn’t willing to stray from.
Wilder was a thorn reborn. He was living life on his terms and doing it with a purpose. Helping out the boss lady with her cause to help all roses and thorns as well as those who needed saving. He loved having a choice and not being manipulated and commanded to do jobs.
These two met under crazy circumstances and it became an opportunity for Tam to be apart of something and Wilder to express himself openly about how he was feeling.
Tam now has an opportunity to seize a new way of living and Wilder has an opportunity to have more with someone. Oh the possibilities.
She Tam was a rose hidden on the outskirts, alone, no friends, no life, nothing. Her interactions with humans consisted of customers and the woman she was renting from and the woman’s daughter, oh and her little dog Roxy. She was hiding and had erected a place of safety that she wasn’t willing to stray from.
Wilder was a thorn reborn. He was living life on his terms and doing it with a purpose. Helping out the boss lady with her cause to help all roses and thorns as well as those who needed saving. He loved having a choice and not being manipulated and commanded to do jobs.
These two met under crazy circumstances and it became an opportunity for Tam to be apart of something and Wilder to express himself openly about how he was feeling.
Tam now has an opportunity to seize a new way of living and Wilder has an opportunity to have more with someone. Oh the possibilities.
March 25, 2023
The second installment of this series has Tamra (another former Rose) trying to fix cars and live a semi-normal life. Then Wilder walks in, she recognizes his tattoos and chaos ensues. Neither of them is there to hurt the other, but neither of them can be sure of that. Tamra and Wilder get caught up in a wild game of intrigue and Tamra discovers it might be better to have a home base after all.
I like this. It was short, but packed a punch. Tamra is so bad ass how could you not love her? But she was able to soften herself with the little girl, and lean into her attraction to Wilder and that shows the humanity she'd been so desperately trying to find. I love that too. Wilder is protective but respectful of Tamra's ability to protect herself. He's pretty perfect, for a former assassin. Taking this journey with the Roses is fun. And CCJ is already going to hit it out of the park.
I like this. It was short, but packed a punch. Tamra is so bad ass how could you not love her? But she was able to soften herself with the little girl, and lean into her attraction to Wilder and that shows the humanity she'd been so desperately trying to find. I love that too. Wilder is protective but respectful of Tamra's ability to protect herself. He's pretty perfect, for a former assassin. Taking this journey with the Roses is fun. And CCJ is already going to hit it out of the park.
December 8, 2020
Love another peek into the “life after”
We knew Ace got her HEA and I love that we’re getting Dacia’s story but this and Reinvention are extra special because they’re surprise gifts! Knowing that there were roses and thorns left flapping in the wind who are finding themselves, some sense of healthy normalcy and even love is just a wonderful treat! And I love how even though this wasn’t romance centered the chemistry btwn Wilder and Tamra still jumped off the page. Great job CCJ!
We knew Ace got her HEA and I love that we’re getting Dacia’s story but this and Reinvention are extra special because they’re surprise gifts! Knowing that there were roses and thorns left flapping in the wind who are finding themselves, some sense of healthy normalcy and even love is just a wonderful treat! And I love how even though this wasn’t romance centered the chemistry btwn Wilder and Tamra still jumped off the page. Great job CCJ!
February 15, 2021
Book 2 wasn't as interesting as book 1 and should have been the original book 1.
Atleast now I know Alicia's story is in Deuces Wild.
This was short. And I think that's what actually saved the book. If it would have been longer, it would have been for no use.
There really wasn't much depth to the characters. It was just a snippet into the ex Garden roses and thorns and their lives after leaving the Garden.
Again, no epilogue, so we don't even know if Tamra decided to stay on with Wilder permanently or not.
It was an okay read.
Atleast now I know Alicia's story is in Deuces Wild.
This was short. And I think that's what actually saved the book. If it would have been longer, it would have been for no use.
There really wasn't much depth to the characters. It was just a snippet into the ex Garden roses and thorns and their lives after leaving the Garden.
Again, no epilogue, so we don't even know if Tamra decided to stay on with Wilder permanently or not.
It was an okay read.
September 30, 2021
❤️
I’m in Love with this Thorn and Roses series And all though this book The Rose that Got Away, was not ladened down with sexual encounters. It had plenty of action and suspense and hints of romance that could happen. It’s a short story of only 8 chapters
But I loved every bit of it Having a Thorn and a Rose encounter one another was suspenseful , humorous and exciting . I also took the time to listen to the author narrate this story on you tube which helped me develop an even greater appreciation for Ms Jones artistry.
It’s a good read
I’m in Love with this Thorn and Roses series And all though this book The Rose that Got Away, was not ladened down with sexual encounters. It had plenty of action and suspense and hints of romance that could happen. It’s a short story of only 8 chapters
But I loved every bit of it Having a Thorn and a Rose encounter one another was suspenseful , humorous and exciting . I also took the time to listen to the author narrate this story on you tube which helped me develop an even greater appreciation for Ms Jones artistry.
It’s a good read
November 27, 2022
4.25 Stars
A very different vibe from Roses 1 and 3. This has a mystery at the center of the plot. It's fast paced, action-packed, and pack a lot of plot twists into its pages. Tamra and Wilder are definitely fun characters with chemistry, but don't have as much going on with them, as this is not a romance-centric book. There's also no sex scenes, which is a first for what I've read from Jones. I didn't mind it, though. I hop she writes more action-y books like this in the future.
The audiobook narrators Emmanuel Ingram and Eboni Flowers were very good.
A very different vibe from Roses 1 and 3. This has a mystery at the center of the plot. It's fast paced, action-packed, and pack a lot of plot twists into its pages. Tamra and Wilder are definitely fun characters with chemistry, but don't have as much going on with them, as this is not a romance-centric book. There's also no sex scenes, which is a first for what I've read from Jones. I didn't mind it, though. I hop she writes more action-y books like this in the future.
The audiobook narrators Emmanuel Ingram and Eboni Flowers were very good.
June 9, 2025
4.5 stars! This shorter story nestled in the middle of the Roses and Thorns trilogy was full of action and mystery! I took .5 star away because I was a bit annoyed by Tamara to fight first without questions but I understand that as a former Rose it’s always about being on guard. I also wish we got a little more backstory for both characters but overall this book was about the mission and how the two of them connected over that mission. Meeting Isaiah at the end was a great transition to book 3.
October 26, 2024
Baby, these Rose and Thorns did not come to play and Alicia is standing on all kinds of business!!!…This book has my full attention and seeing how they are trying to change the bad into good is interesting!!!…
The sense of freedom, but also the feeling of helping and still having friends and family is one they need although gripped with fear of the unknown!!!…
Alicia understands how she left them after destroying the garden and the fact that she making sure they are good after is amazing!!!…
The sense of freedom, but also the feeling of helping and still having friends and family is one they need although gripped with fear of the unknown!!!…
Alicia understands how she left them after destroying the garden and the fact that she making sure they are good after is amazing!!!…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews