A Rose with Thorns is a paranormal romance by Bodie Summers. Rose Wallen needs a new job now that her abusive husband Greg is at home with a bad knee. His infidelity with her sister is one of the worst-kept secrets but the family needs money, especially now that their young daughter has started school. When Rose meets her new boss, Ezekiel Amravati, she questions why the job even exists as her only task seems to be answering a phone that never rings. When a stalker starts leaving roses and text messages, initially scaring Rose, it soon gives her something to look forward to before going home to face her drunk husband for yet another beating. The bruises on her face result in Ezekiel wanting Greg dead, but before long, Rose's stalker unwittingly becomes a very important part of her life as she faces the reality that vampires and werewolves are real. Rose's world turns upside down when she realizes that Ezekiel is much older than she thinks, and her link to him is far more powerful than anyone could have possibly imagined.

Bodie Summers has written a compelling tale that takes the reader's breath away. I loved how the beginning is akin to a mundane marital tale before fast turning into a narrative of lies, secrets, fear, and danger. The relationships between the different characters were quite complex but any initial confusion was resolved by the end. While A Rose with Thorns is most definitely not a Bella and Edward romance, it shows that even in the supernatural world, true love exists outside of the human world. The author takes the storyline to a whole new level, asking what would happen if a person had their memory wiped over and over again - would there be lasting damage or would true love prevail? I cannot recommend A Rose with Thorns enough to fans of paranormal romance novels but must warn that some parts may trigger survivors of rape and domestic abuse.

A Rose with Thorns is a work of fiction in the dark fantasy, romance, and suspense subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to explicit sexual scenes, dark themes, and descriptions of diverse sexual preferences and experiences. Penned by author Bodie Summers, this intriguing dark romance delves into an intense stalker situation that blurs the lines of relationships, passion, and desire. Yearning for more than just freedom and safety, our central protagonist finds her wish answered by a mysterious masked man who shadows her every move. Amid an abusive relationship, she finds herself captivated by this enigmatic figure, unaware of the depths of his desires or, indeed, the depth of her own.

Author Bodie Summers has crafted a compelling reading experience that takes her readers into a world of twisted, tantalizing desires, creating an atmospheric and surprising narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. The theme of the masked stalker starts the novel off with an eerie sense of mystery and fantasy, making it stand out against typically dark fantasy romances for its unsettling narrative and sophisticated portrayal of diverse sexualities and fantasies. The characters are complex and gorgeously described with really up close, personal narrative skills, and their emotions are portrayed with intensity, making for an absorbing and emotionally charged read as we see humanity at its most raw and honest. Overall, for those who enjoy dark and tumultuous romances, A Rose with Thorns offers a captivating and thrilling journey that is truly unmissable. I can’t wait to read more from this talented and complex author.