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The Scorched Rose

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The Scorched Rose

Two sisters.
One Killer.
And a death far too violent to imagine.

Ella and Nell Parsons, sisters from Chicago, went out to a bar to celebrate Nell’s graduation from college, except one of them never came home.

Nell caught the interest of a serial killer and was brutally assaulted, beaten, and murdered leaving her older sister consumed with grief. With her mother already gone and her father dealing with dementia, Ella felt entirely alone in the world.

She was broken and in agony, the guilt that she couldn’t protect her sister was eating at her soul, closing her off. Ella made a vow to search and find the killer, to either bring him to justice or have him die by her hands.

As soon as the killer took another victim, Ella used her savings to make the long trip to Italy and find him, but what she found instead seemed just as dangerous.

***This book contains trigger warnings. A full list can be found on my Instagram. Lizzie_Lioness1***

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2022

58 people are currently reading
516 people want to read

About the author

Lizzie Lioness

10 books104 followers

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5 stars
62 (40%)
4 stars
54 (34%)
3 stars
29 (18%)
2 stars
10 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Em.
213 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2024
Writing was pretty juvenile (lots of showing and then telling immediately after, super weird and unpleasant to read), but I loved the plot.
Profile Image for Kaylyn .
397 reviews18 followers
January 10, 2024
Lizzie Lioness takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster in "The Scorched Rose," a devastating masterpiece that unfolds the heartbreaking tale of tragedy, sisterhood, and the pursuit of justice. From the very first page, Lioness grips your heart and doesn't let go.

The plot revolves around the tragic death and assault of one sister, sparking a relentless quest for truth by the surviving sibling. Lioness doesn't shy away from the complexities of grief and the raw emotions that accompany such a devastating loss. Every twist and turn in the plot pulls at the heartstrings, making it an emotionally charged journey from start to finish.

What sets "The Scorched Rose" apart is Lioness's skillful addition of romance and top-tier smut to the narrative. It's like a cherry on top of an already perfect sundae, adding a layer of intimacy and passion that enhances the storytelling.

It's a wonder I haven't picked this up earlier, but the important thing is that I did. Start reading it today and brace yourself for an unforgettable journey.
3 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2022
Wow. I have read a few of Lizzie's books and every time I read a new one, she brings out more emotion and suspense in each writing. The Scorched Rose didn't disappoint when it came to revealing emotions and suspense. I was grateful to be able to get an ARC copy and get a chance to read such a well written book by an amazing author. I can't wait to be able to read anything new she has to come and some of her older books that I have yet gotten the chance to fully read. Keep up the amazing work.
1 review1 follower
May 13, 2022
I was lucky enough to be part of the ARC group for this book.

When I was told what the storyline would be, I could not wait to read it. My 2 favourite genres of crime and romance in one book!

This book did not disappoint, I could not put it down. I fell in love with the characters and went with them on their journey through heartache and tears.

I would recommend anyone read this book, you will not be disappointed either.
Profile Image for caffe.and.books (Aimee).
570 reviews59 followers
May 16, 2022
I 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 this booked. This author is new to me and I was not disappointed, her ability to tell a story is top notch, I was immersed in the story from page one and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen.

If you love a mystery and suspense vibe with some romance mixed in from your books this story is for you. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book with this type of storyline and I didn’t realize how much I missed it. Please heed the triggers as this book touches on some subjects that could be bothersome to certain readers- this author handles these with Grace and you can tell she did a lot of background research into this story.

The chemistry between Ella and Slater was palpable and had me rooting for them from the start. I wanted to reach into my kindle and wrap Ella on the biggest hug, she had some many struggles but she stayed strong and intended to follow through with her goals. I really enjoyed that it wasn’t your typical storyline or your typical ending but seeing this couple find their HEA and the closure they both needed was everything. I would definitely recommend this book.

**An advanced reader copy was provided and the review above is my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,066 reviews67 followers
May 12, 2022
I have been a fan of Lizzie Lioness for a few years and have read her works over a few different platforms. I was ecstatic when she decided to publish her books. The Scorched Rose is her newest release and it is gripping. She has a way of pulling you in and keeping you engaged with the characters and storyline. Her writing style is unique and she is able to produce incredible stories that you just cannot put down.

Ella is determined to find her sister's killer, with or without the help of authorities. Her sister's killer will pay for what he has done by means of having justice served or she will take matters into her own hands. In her seeking information, she finds out that her sister is not the only one that was killed in a similar fashion. Her determination takes her across the ocean to Italy from the states. Upon arrival, she is thrown into an attempted kidnapping. She now has another situation that she is determined to look into. Ella seems not to worry about putting her life in danger and meets a man, Slater, who has her complete attention. Will this man cause more trouble for her? Can she open up and allow him into her life? When they spend time together, the chemistry is off the charts. The only thing is that Ella has no idea what is in store for her and that her life is in danger. Will the people that she meets give her an insight into who killed her sister?

The Scorched Rose does have triggers and Ms. Lioness does an outstanding job of writing them with care and she gives you a warning before you read them. Throughout the book, I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat and unable o put the book down. I recommend picking up this book and be prepared to have your heart stop beating and your stomach in knots.

I received this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ramona Ziemele (grāmatu lāde).
240 reviews19 followers
August 22, 2023
This one was interesting and a bit out of my usual format/comfort zone, considering that the book can also be included in the erotica field. But, to my delight, there was not so much erotica here, focusing more on the thriller part.
The main nuance of the book is my weakness - a serial killer. He physically and sexually attacks his victims - women - whose only common characteristic is gender. He is not guided by a specific appearance, age, place of residence, so basically anyone can feel threatened. When this killer kills Ella's sister Nell, the young woman is determined to find him and follows the clues to Italy. Arriving in Italy brings her new adventures, which result in meeting Slater. Here is something that I'm already a little tired of in books - the rich, handsome man and the naive woman who is unaware of her attractiveness and sexuality. Often read, right? A plus in the author's field - Slater is not the usual cocky, rude, overconfident macho. He's even a very nice guy! 😏 As you can guess, there are sparks, but not too overwhelming - there is still a large dose of tension (I was already afraid that there would only be bed scenes). It should be warned, however, that there is quite a lot of graphically described material here, which might be too much for some. An assassin's attack as an example.
Overall, I liked it and if you like serial killer novels and don't mind erotica, I think you'll like this one too.
The author writes in easy, fluent language, so it was a very quick read.
Profile Image for Charlene Alana  Henderson .
1,322 reviews33 followers
June 28, 2023
This story is the scorched rose🌹


Ella and her sister go on a night out she wakes up to find out her sister has been raped and killed 😱 Ella is determined to find her sister's killer, with or without the help of authorities.

Her sister's killer will pay for what he has done by means of having justice served or she will take matters into her own hands. In her seeking information, she finds out that her sister is not the only one that was killed in a similar fashion.

Her determination takes her across the ocean to Italy from the states. Upon arrival, she is thrown into an attempted kidnapping. She now has another situation that she is determined to look into.

Ella seems not to worry about putting her life in danger and meets a man, Slater, who has her complete attention. Will this man cause more trouble for her? Can she open up and allow him into her life?

When they spend time together, the chemistry is off the charts🔥🥵

The only thing is that Ella has no idea what is in store for her and that her life is in danger. Will the people that she meets give her an insight into who killed her sister?

Read the book and find out you won't be disappointed.

Lizzie has done it again, I haven't read a book of hers yet that I haven't liked. This one I couldn't put down at all. Highly recommend 10 out off 10. If I could give it more than five stars ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I would.

Can't wait too see what she brings out next
3 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2023
One Word: Captivating!

The Scorched Rose by Lizzie Lioness is a captivating thriller that combines mystery, romance, and suspense in the most perfect way. The author's writing style is remarkable, and her pacing is excellent. From start to finish, it hooked me.

The main character, Ella, is determined to find her sister's killer and, in the process, unravels secrets that she hasn't expected to come across. The way she handles her pain and struggles is heart-wrenching, and you can feel her emotions throughout the novel. The chemistry between Ella and Slater is palpable, and their journey to finding closure is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

I especially loved The Faceless Killer's point of view, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, and Lizzie Lioness does an outstanding job of keeping the killer's identity a secret until the grand reveal.

The Scorched Rose does touch on some sensitive subjects, but the author handles them with grace and gives a trigger warning before you read them. Definitely a fast-paced, "unputdownable" read!

I highly recommend this book to everyone
Profile Image for Sierra Beasley.
19 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2023

This book had some very dark and detailed SA scenes so please be sure to check TW beforehand.

Ella goes out for drinks with her sister to celebrate her sister finishing college and wakes up the next morning to find out her sister had been brutally raped and murdered. She then finds out her sister was not his first nor last victim so she is on a mission to bring justice to her sister and the other women by finding the killer and making him pay. During her journey she finds herself going to Italy to hopefully get more answers and finds herself saving a child from getting kidnapped and eventually meets a man named Slater (said child's dad) who she soon falls in love with. The both of them are on a desperate mission to find out who killed her sister and who attempted to kidnap his daughter.

I loved the character build and chemistry between these characters and how attention grabbing the book was from start to finish. I had hoped for a little more romance (outside the bedroom) between Ella and Slater, but the plot was so good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2022
Another A+++ from the brilliantly talented Lizzie Lioness. I was honoured to be a part of the Beta group for this change of pace for Lizzie and the following is my honest opinion from reading before release. Having read all of Lizzie's previous books I was super excited about reading something out of her comfort zone. You wouldn't know this is a new direction for Lizzie because it is expertly written, the detail given is intricate and well thought out and the storyline flows effortlessly. The main characters are complex and deep. The triggers are written carefully and with grace. This story will grip you from the beginning, make you power through the middle and then wish it didn't end. If your looking for something emotional with a gripping storyline, loveable characters and a re-read must then look no further. Add this to your wishlist and look out for the pre-order, this is one not to be missed.
Profile Image for Hanan .
2,027 reviews20 followers
May 26, 2022
**4.5 thrilling stars**
Ms. Lioness is a new to me author.
When I read the blurb to this book I knew it was a must read.
And it absolutely did not disappoint.
This author is detailed in descriptions and gives vivid accounts of places and people it was like seeing a movie play out in my mind while reading.
I loved Ella.
She’s strong, fierce and determined to find her sister’s killer.
Ella is a chef, she has zero experience in investigation work.
But her love and loyalty to her sister has her mind set on one track, finding the murder, even though she herself may get caught in the crossfire.
When her search leads her to Italy she finds herself in the middle of an attempted kidnapping.
And that situation has her meeting Slater.
This story was thrilling, suspense filled and heated.
The characters are unforgettable and the plot had me on pins and needles.
I’m so happy to have discovered a very talented author and I will follow her for her future books ❤️
Profile Image for Ffion Harris.
349 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2022
4.5
ARC was kindly provided by the author.
I read this book in one sitting and really enjoyed it. It was the first book I have read from Lizzie and it combined Romance, mystery and thriller in a perfect way. Reading about Ella's loss was awful and you could feel her pain and struggles tremendously throughout the novel.
Although the main focus was Ella's journey through solving her sisters murder, I found it fascinating reading from The Faceless Killer's point of view aswell. With many murder mystery novels, the killer is blatantly obvious from the offset but in The Scorched Rose, Lizzie kept us hanging until over halfway for the big reveal.
Seeing how Slater supported Ella through her journey was really lively aswell. Although he did not know her entire story at first, saving his daughter was enough for him to trust and believe her.
Overall, I definitely would recommended this book to people and loved Lizzie's writing style.

Thanks so much!
Profile Image for Brittany Baxa.
20 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2023
This book is DARK!
First and foremost... If you have triggers please check the trigger warnings. This is a dark romance, with detailed SA scenes!
Ella and Nell were close sisters. So going out for drinks to celebrate Nell's recent graduation from college was a given!
But the next morning, Ella's world is flipped upside down when she finds out her baby sister has been brutally murdered!
After mourning the loss of her sister, and feeling betrayed by the police who are giving up in their search for answers... Ella takes matters into her own hands!
This story is a roller coaster of dark emotions. You will have your heart ripped out of your chest and then somehow have it neatly placed back and stitched right up!
The storyline is amazing, Ella is the best big sister going to the end of the world to bring justice to her baby sister.
Profile Image for A.K. Otsana.
Author 3 books21 followers
June 1, 2022
"I was tempted to take one of the suits from the racks and step into the changeroom beside hers. At least I'd get to be close to her without her knowing."

Suspenseful, heartbreaking, hopeful, exciting, sexy, steamy! The Scorched Rose hit all the perfect points of a well-written book. The main character, Ella, brought you to feel everything with her. She was strong while carefully admitting to her pain of loss. I love everything that Lizzie Lioness writes and this book exceeded anything I ever imagined. The book was paced well, the flow was amazing, and the transition from scenes to character perspectives was flawless. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a gripping book! I read this in one day, unable to put it down.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Krista.
1,247 reviews7 followers
June 5, 2023
This is the first book by Lizzie Lioness that I have read. I was pleasantly surprised. The overall story was really good. I really liked Ella and loved how she refused to back down and went on her own investigation. I really appreciated the different POVs as well. I love being able to get into the killer's head to see what makes him tick. I would have liked a little more dialogue between him and Ella, as to the reasons why but it didn't take away from the story with the information I did have. I really liked getting Nell's POV. You don't normally get that much POV from the victim. While it was hard to read, I loved that it focused more on her inner dialogue than what was being done to her. Really good story!!
Profile Image for Marly Eikenaar.
4 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2022
This book is beautiful,
Even with the trigger warnings,
I found it a comfortable read.
The Author has a way with words,
that makes it approachable for everyone.

I love to play detective in books, so I did it with this book aswell.
The writer, every time I though I knew someting it changed, sometimes I found a clue that was right, lucky me 🤭
it keeps you busy and wanting more and more.

It's a story that you want to bing read and you want to read the last words for sure.

I Can't wait to get it in my collection of books, are you with me?

39 reviews4 followers
May 24, 2022
Intense

I knew it was a dark book and that's why I was hesitant at the beginning but I'm for sure not disappointed.
The author has the capability to get through the emotions and feelings and drive you into the caption of the moment, she knows how to balance and how to keep your attention and curiosity.
A love that will melt your heart, heartbreak and pain but also thrill and excitement this book is a mix of emotions and revelations that will make you eager to see how all the events will develop.
Profile Image for Jaime Cantrell.
601 reviews14 followers
June 2, 2023
This is the second book by Lizzie Lioness that I have had the privilege of reading, and just like the 1st one it definitely did not disappoint. I absolutely loved reading this book. I was sucked in as soon as I began reading. I literally was on the edge of my seat. The characters are so well written. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially if you like suspenseful crime stories with some romance.




This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy. These are my own thoughts and opinions about this book.
Profile Image for Nancy.
433 reviews
June 2, 2023
This is the first book I have read by Lizzie Lioness and it will not be the last. Scorched Rose drew you in and had me clinging to the edge of my seat the whole time. I just could not bring myself to put it down. It is a wonderful suspense / mystery with some romance thrown in. Ella was so determined to solve the murder of her sister that she sometimes would put herself into bad situations. This book had me holding my breath at some points and screaming at others. The ending had me satisfied. I can not wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Ashley Bohner.
1 review
May 13, 2022
Wow! Just wow! As a part of the arc group to read this, I wondered how the trigger warnings would pan out and as usual, her way with words did not disappoint and made them readable and relatable and the triggers added to the story in a way I didn’t expect! I am exhausted from staying up late to read because once I started I couldn’t put it down! I now have a new dream man and will absolutely be reading this book again….and again and again!
Profile Image for Kendall Veen.
2 reviews
May 15, 2022
Ella's love for her sister and finding justice goes above and beyond. Even with trigger warnings ⚠️ Lizzie still is respectful and tells a story of determination and love that powers through. I honestly thought I had figured out the killer in the beginning but Lizzie did her twists and turns which proved me wrong. And I love that I was wrong because it kept me completely engaged and excited to keep turning the page! Thank you Lizzie for another wonderful book! BRAVO!
2 reviews
May 18, 2022
Another amazing book from the brilliant mind of Lizzie Lioness.
This book is different to the other books I have read from Lizzie but it will not disappoint! It had me hooked from the first chapter and will keep you on the edge of your seat from all the twists and cliffhangers (which Lizzie is famously known for!).
I found myself having to hold back tears in the first few chapters from the emotion written into this book.
Profile Image for Ella S..
14 reviews
May 31, 2022
A Fantastic Mystery/Thriller/Romance

I love a good romance story with heat and passion between the main characters, but add in a thrilling mystery and you have officially checked all my boxes for a fantastic read! The chemistry between Slater and Ella will have you rooting for them the entire time while all the twists and turns from Ella trying to solve the murder of her sister make this a highly enjoyable fast-paced read.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
547 reviews13 followers
May 28, 2023
After Ella's sister is brutally murdered she vows to find the killer. Tracking the killer brings her to Italy where she unexpectedly meets Slater after saving his daughter from being kidnapped.

🩶Murder mystery
💜Mainly Ella's POV
❤️Dark
💙Light steam

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: 4/5
Sexual Level: 🔥🔥
Series: standalone
HEA: Yes
🆓️ on KU

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book


Profile Image for Ms A.
2 reviews
May 12, 2022
I was lucky enough to be a arc reader for Ms Lioness. and I’ve been a very long time reader of our fab author this is not your typical Ms Lizzie’s rom com, it’s a total departure from that, however she tells her story masterfully with a strong woman who struggled to find herself after her sisters death and father’s illness. But despite life’s hardships and setbacks she makes a vow that takes her across the world, one that changes everything. You’ll be no doubt be binge reading this one to the end. it’s a great story amazingly told and one that will leave you on the edge of your seat prepare yourself for a fantastic journey.
Profile Image for Stacey Gomez.
1,106 reviews17 followers
June 27, 2022
I was just watching a suspenseful movie and finished reading this book which made my heart rate jacked up! Never recommend to watch thriller movie then read a thriller murder mystery. Ella is out to find her sisters killer. Omg I never saw each twist coming. Loved reading this book. I was giving the opportunity to read this book for my honest review.
2 reviews
May 29, 2023
This was a well written book, I didn’t put it down till I was finished reading it! I loved how it was written with other perspectives and not just Ella’s. I love reading mysteries so it was amazing reading this book that has a mystery and romance. I loved it, I definitely recommend reading this book! You won’t be disappointed in the spicy and mystery murder going on!
Profile Image for Justine.
85 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2023
wow

This book really kept me on my toes. I’m not normally a mystery/ murder book reader but I loved this. The relationship that developed while she was investigating her sisters murder was written amazingly and there wasn’t to much suspense for me not to like this book. Well done.
Profile Image for Carol Jarvis-Jackson.
Author 2 books4 followers
September 24, 2023
Intriguing and Addictive

This story pulled me in from the first page. Relatable characters who got me in all the feels. The emotional roller-coaster of some of the dark content of the story was difficult to traverse, but if you're open to anything and can handle triggering content, this is a great read.
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