Reading Pathways: Tiffany Reisz
The mistress of all things sexy, vaguely terrifying, and heart-wrenching, I’m pretty sure Tiffany Reisz owes me damages for all the times she’s wrecked me emotionally. At the very least she ought to subsidize my tissue budget. No other author makes me cry so often. But then, no other author makes me laugh so hard (sometimes a split-second after she made me cry), which is something to be grateful for these days. Reisz’s books have also taught me more about love, mercy, forgiveness, hope, and grief than almost any other influence in my life.
If you’re thinking those sound more like things you’d learn in church, you wouldn’t be far off! Tiffany Reisz began writing while she was enrolled in a theological seminary, which (if you couldn’t guess) she eventually left to pursue her writing. Since then she has written dozens of full-length novels, novellas, and short stories, becoming a USA Today Bestseller and winning multiple awards. Reisz’s books are well known for her gorgeous prose and captivating blend of horror, humor, and hope.
Not sure where to get started with over 15 full-length novels to choose from? Let me help!
The Lucky Ones
The Lucky Ones is probably my favorite of Reisz’s literary fiction novels. Part love story, part thriller, it’s set on the beautiful, dramatic coast of the Pacific Northwest. Allison, one of seven children who grew up in an Oregon beach house called The Dragon, has returned 13 years after an accident nearly took her life. Or was it an accident at all? With her adopted father nearing death Allison has come home to say her goodbyes and to finally find out the truth.
If you like buried family secrets, suspense, bittersweet romance, and emotional family scenes then The Lucky Ones is for you. And you’ll also want to check out Reisz’s other literary fiction novels: The Bourbon Thief (Content Warning: Sexual Violence) and The Night Mark.
Her Halloween Treat
Her Halloween Treat is the first in a holiday-themed trio that Reisz wrote for Harlequin Blaze. This novel is 110% pure steamy, adorable romance between newly (very newly) single Joey Silvia and handyman Chris Steffensen. Her brother’s best friend should technically be off-limits but Chris is definitely not objecting, so Joey decides he’ll make the perfect rebound guy. Chris’ plans, however, are a bit more longer term. All he has to do is convince Joey.
If you like sexy contemporary romance novels, rugged heroes with marshmallow hearts who know how to act like decent human beings, and childhood friends falling in love, definitely start with Her Halloween Treat. Like it? Make sure you pick up the other books in the trio: Her Naughty Holiday (Thanksgiving) and One Hot December (Christmas).
The Siren
Nora Sutherlin is notorious. She’s also hilarious, bold, and a little broken. Lucky for Nora her demanding new editor Zachary Easton has some cracks of his own in need of repair. But between their mutual attraction, Nora’s dangerous ex-lover, and some grueling re-writes they’ve already got their hands full. Lush, beautiful, heartbreaking, and surprisingly spiritual, The Siren will get you hooked on a seductive world of domination and submission, populated by a vibrant cast of unforgettable characters.
My first impulse was to start this reading pathway with The Siren, as it was Tiffany Reisz’s first novel. However, the Original Sinners is a very divisive series. Erotic, dark, with a lot of BDSM and some very controversial themes, it will either snare your heart for life, or turn you off completely. But if you’ve read Reisz’s other novels and enjoyed her style – or if super kinky, dark erotic romances are for you – then you should definitely read The Siren. And if you find that you’re a fan of Reisz’s erotic works, you’ll also want to check out The Chateau, a standalone novel in the Original Sinners universe, and The Red.
Can’t get enough Tiffany Reisz? Make sure you check out her author site where you can read a number of her short stories for free!
