The Rose and The Thistle by Laura Frantz
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Publication Year: 2023
5 Stars
This book might actually be my favorite of the series! With Tessa and Zane being teased throughout the entire series, it was so cool to be able to finally dive into their story.
I really appreciated how tactfully Blackburn handled topics like alcoholism and relationship issues and physical attraction with tact and while still highlighting the ways her characters were able to make the hard decisions to do the right things in those areas.
Total fangirl moment… I really loved Tessa and Zane. I felt like their slow-burn relationship, the way they really complimented each other and how they made the decision to be friends first was so well done and encouraging. The suspense and story was great and Blackburn was able to create a female character that held onto her dignity and femininity while still being strong and smart in her own right, all without all of the feminist garbage.
It was a truly solid read and one that you will enjoy and love if you get a chance to read it! If you are a fan of romantic suspense, this one does not disappoint! The characters were well written, the story a page turner, and the characters, banter, and dialogue something that kept me smiling even when the story itself and the suspense was amping up.
The mystery was layered and fun to uncover with the characters!
Content: one character deals with alcoholism and has a wake up moment where she finds herself drugged and in a hotel room without a shirt, but otherwise unharmed. She then goes into rehab. Physical attraction and “sparks” between characters, but not overly descriptive and handled correctly with self-control. Minor violence, attempted murder/assassination etc.
*This book was given to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
