Review: A Rose is a Rose by Jet Mykles

I'm a huge Jet Mykles fan and so was thrilled when I saw that she had a book out in time for Valentine's Day. This story follows the lovely Carson who works as a entertainer in a Burlesque show, whilst also enjoying the attentions of a wealthy sugar daddy. When Anthony decides he's had enough of Carson, things stop going so well for the man and he begins to realise how much he depended on Anthony's benevolence and influence. Whilst feeling rather sorry for himself, Carson meets the superintendent of his apartment building, the taciturn Eddie. They're very opposite in terms of lifestyle, but somehow they work together. That doesn't mean that Carson can commit, not when he's got bills to pay and an expensive life to maintain, something he knows that Eddie can never provide for him.

What I found most surprising about this book is the risk that the author has taken with Carson. Let's face it, he's not a particularly nice man. He's vain, self-indulgent, selfish, spoiled, completely oblivious to the feelings of others and bursts into tears whenever things are not going his way. He's been brought up by a similarly selfish mother to believe that life should be handed to him on a platter, preferably by a rich man. It could have been so easy to not like Carson and to have no sympathy for him whatsoever. Fortunately we meet Carson at a crossroads in his life, and a point at which he's about to get his eyes opened to a lot of truths about himself and those around him. This means that we go on a journey with Carson, one where he emerges a much better person and I delighted in taking that journey with him. It also helps that Carson is actually a very engaging man. He's lively and fun - one of the main things that attracts Eddie to him - and I liked being in his head, despite wanting to smack him around the head a few times. That smacking happened to him anyway, and I got a great amount of satisfaction seeing Carson brought low, before he was able to pick himself up again.

In comparison to Carson, Eddie is rather overshadowed, but I think that is the point of the story. Eddie is the quiet one who provides unconditional support for Carson, and even allows himself to be trampled on in the process of Carson 'finding himself'. I would have liked more from Eddie, a better indication of his feelings and perhaps a little more background on him, other than just living and growing up in the apartment complex. Having said that, his quiet nature and steadiness was a perfect foil for Carson's flightiness and tendency for the dramatic and I was happy with the way the book ended, confident in leaving them to their HEA.

Another part I enjoyed reading were the descriptions of life in the Burlesque show, the actors and dancers who take part and the back stage drama, love and general cattiness which takes place. In some ways it's a shame there wasn't a bit more of that in the book, as I found it all rather fascinating. The character of Eddie's mother, and indeed Carson's mother too, were well characterised and gave me an insight into the heroes and why they act as they do.

If I have any niggles about the story, it's in the way that the story skips forward at the end. I would have liked to have been with Carson during that time and seen his development, rather than just get the finished product presented to me at the end. However, that is just a tiny niggle in what was a very enjoyable story.

Those of you who love opposites attract stories are going to be very pleased with this book. I found it to be a wonderfully romantic read with a hero who changes for the better because of the love of a genuinely nice guy, and would recommend it with a grade of 'Very Good' to all those who are looking for a great romantic read.

Buy this book HERE.