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The Clayborne Roses #4
One Red Rose
Escaped slave and confirmed bachelor Adam Clayborne finds his convictions faltering when Mama Rose summons irresistible former slave Genevieve Delacrois to Montana, where the beautiful young woman teaches Adam the meaning of true freedom. Original.
152 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1997
483 people are currently reading
1562 people want to read
About the author
Julie Garwood
151 books12.5k followersWith more than 35 million books in print and 26 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, Julie Garwood has earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
February 5, 2017
Oh Adam ..so wonderful. Julie just knows how to write a hero but really her heroines just shine with strength and sass.
March 15, 2018
Él es su escolta hasta el pueblo donde se va a casar con su prometido: un hombre al que sólo conoce por cartas. Pero por cosas del destino, se termina enamorando de Travis, el chico que la guía y va a entregarla a otro hombre, que resultaron ser dos asquerosas ratas por cierto.
June 22, 2024
4 Estrellitas. Éste librito se me ha pasado en un suspiro, vale que es cortito y se lee rápido, pero con tiempo y ganas, apenas me ha durado veinticuatro horas. La señora Garwood era única para hilar historias, y esta es muy del estilo de toda la serie; la he disfrutado de principio a fin.
"Una rosa roja" es el cuarto libro de la serie de los hermanos Clayborne, y en ella tenemos a Adam como protagonista. Adam era el hijo fugado de unos esclavos del sur, que gracias a su inteligencia y astucia pudo sobrevivir en el Nueva York de la segunda mitad del siglo XIX. Él, junto con Douglas, Cole y Travis, encontraron a la pequeña Mary Rose, y se fueron al Oeste para darle a la niña una vida mejor.
Con los años, los Clayborne compraron un rancho y se convirtieron en granjeros. Tras los libros de Mary Rose, Travis y Douglas, ahora le toca el turno a Adam, el serio y taciturno. Tras unas semanas de negocios, Adam vuelve a Rosehill, su rancho, para el cumpleaños de su madre, Mama Rose, y lo que no esperaba Adam, era encontrarse a la hermosa Genevieve durmiendo en su cama.
Genevieve conoció a Mama Rose en Nueva Orleans, ambas se conocieron en la iglesia, frecuentando la misma congregación, donde Genevieve cantaba en el coro. Con el tiempo se hicieron amigas, y Mama Rose llegó a planear el matrimonio de Genevieve con su hijo Adam. Después de la guerra y abolida la esclavitud, Mama Rose pudo reunirse con su hijo Adam, y esta vez traerá a Genevieve.
El problema con Genevieve, es que es una mujer llena de secretos, y pueden entrañar peligro para Adam. Una vez que le conoce, Genevieve no es capaz de involucrar a Adam en el engaño de casarse con ella, pues alguien la está persiguiendo y no puede quedarse mucho tiempo.
Tras unas semanas de conocerse y a pesar de que se gustan, deciden romper el compromiso, Genevieve recibe un telegrama el día del cumpleaños de Mama Rose y huye. Pero esta vez, Adam la seguirá hasta dar con ella y averiguar sus secretos.
Muy breve, muy conciso, pero ha funcionado y me ha gustado. No son muchos los libros que he leído donde los protagonistas son de color, y más proviniendo de una autora blanca, y teniendo el libro los añitos que tiene. Lo cierto es que la pluma de la Garwood es tan maravillosa que te olvidas de que los protagonistas no son los sempiternos a los que nos tienen acostumbradas.
Genevieve y Adam son maravillosos juntos y me ha encantado como Garwood ha entrelazado su historia, además la he visto cociéndose poquito a poco, gracias a ese primer tiempo en Rosehill, y después cuando ella huye de sus perseguidores y Adam la ayudará a enfrentarse a ese peligro.
Desde luego, el libro ha funcionado, y no me arrepiento de haber continuado con los hermanos Clayborne. Ahora me queda el último, el del hermano más oscuro; Cole, el pistolero. Y me gustaría saber qué es lo que se tienen entre manos él y el nuevo sheriff, Daniel Ryan.
"Una rosa roja" es el cuarto libro de la serie de los hermanos Clayborne, y en ella tenemos a Adam como protagonista. Adam era el hijo fugado de unos esclavos del sur, que gracias a su inteligencia y astucia pudo sobrevivir en el Nueva York de la segunda mitad del siglo XIX. Él, junto con Douglas, Cole y Travis, encontraron a la pequeña Mary Rose, y se fueron al Oeste para darle a la niña una vida mejor.
Con los años, los Clayborne compraron un rancho y se convirtieron en granjeros. Tras los libros de Mary Rose, Travis y Douglas, ahora le toca el turno a Adam, el serio y taciturno. Tras unas semanas de negocios, Adam vuelve a Rosehill, su rancho, para el cumpleaños de su madre, Mama Rose, y lo que no esperaba Adam, era encontrarse a la hermosa Genevieve durmiendo en su cama.
Genevieve conoció a Mama Rose en Nueva Orleans, ambas se conocieron en la iglesia, frecuentando la misma congregación, donde Genevieve cantaba en el coro. Con el tiempo se hicieron amigas, y Mama Rose llegó a planear el matrimonio de Genevieve con su hijo Adam. Después de la guerra y abolida la esclavitud, Mama Rose pudo reunirse con su hijo Adam, y esta vez traerá a Genevieve.
El problema con Genevieve, es que es una mujer llena de secretos, y pueden entrañar peligro para Adam. Una vez que le conoce, Genevieve no es capaz de involucrar a Adam en el engaño de casarse con ella, pues alguien la está persiguiendo y no puede quedarse mucho tiempo.
Tras unas semanas de conocerse y a pesar de que se gustan, deciden romper el compromiso, Genevieve recibe un telegrama el día del cumpleaños de Mama Rose y huye. Pero esta vez, Adam la seguirá hasta dar con ella y averiguar sus secretos.
Muy breve, muy conciso, pero ha funcionado y me ha gustado. No son muchos los libros que he leído donde los protagonistas son de color, y más proviniendo de una autora blanca, y teniendo el libro los añitos que tiene. Lo cierto es que la pluma de la Garwood es tan maravillosa que te olvidas de que los protagonistas no son los sempiternos a los que nos tienen acostumbradas.
Genevieve y Adam son maravillosos juntos y me ha encantado como Garwood ha entrelazado su historia, además la he visto cociéndose poquito a poco, gracias a ese primer tiempo en Rosehill, y después cuando ella huye de sus perseguidores y Adam la ayudará a enfrentarse a ese peligro.
Desde luego, el libro ha funcionado, y no me arrepiento de haber continuado con los hermanos Clayborne. Ahora me queda el último, el del hermano más oscuro; Cole, el pistolero. Y me gustaría saber qué es lo que se tienen entre manos él y el nuevo sheriff, Daniel Ryan.
May 12, 2021
3 stars.
I think my expectations for this novella were too high. I was really really really looking forward to reading this story because of the foreshadowing in book 1, and was left pretty disappointed. Oh well! It’s not bad, just not great, and had a little too much love at first sight for me.
Safe
I think my expectations for this novella were too high. I was really really really looking forward to reading this story because of the foreshadowing in book 1, and was left pretty disappointed. Oh well! It’s not bad, just not great, and had a little too much love at first sight for me.
Safe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2021
Yeeeeetttt.... It was another okay book and here I thought Adam's story gonna win me over.
December 31, 2009
From The Cover:
The Claybornes are back -- and love is in bloom! First introduced in Julie Garwood's magnificent New York Times bestseller For the Roses, which inspired the Hallmark Hall of Fame television film Rose Hill, the Clayborne brothers of Blue Belle, Montana, have been embraced by millions worldwide. Now Julie Garwood spins the individual stories of these three spirited brothers -- once a mismatched gang of street urchins -- in a trio of special novels that continues with One Red Rose.
Adam Clayborne has always put great stock in the power of books. As an escaped slave -- and a wanted man -- reading has been his only ticket to the wonders of distant lands. Adam is content with his life as a confirmed bachelor, which is why his Mama Rose has summoned the irresistible Genevieve Delacroix to Montana. Also a former slave, Genevieve shares his dream of seeing the world, but she arrives to find Adam unfailingly polite...and just as distant. Undaunted, Genevieve determines to teach Adam what he'll never learn from a book -- that true freedom only comes when you open your heart.
My Review:
Well, the above blurb pretty much sums it all up so I'll skip all that. While I enjoyed the read, I had wished for a more indepth look at Adam Clayborne, the brother who, in my opinion, raised the family and held them together. He gave them morals, values and security and taught them how to survive in a cruel world.
Genevieve was a sweet, funny woman but wasn't given enough page time to become more.
In most novellas, it works out this way and is ok. But because of my adoration of For The Roses, I wanted so much more for all the Clayborne brothers and their future HEAs.
Still, not enough Mama Rose time to make me happy. I'm hopeful that the full novel, Come The Spring, will remedy that.
The Claybornes are back -- and love is in bloom! First introduced in Julie Garwood's magnificent New York Times bestseller For the Roses, which inspired the Hallmark Hall of Fame television film Rose Hill, the Clayborne brothers of Blue Belle, Montana, have been embraced by millions worldwide. Now Julie Garwood spins the individual stories of these three spirited brothers -- once a mismatched gang of street urchins -- in a trio of special novels that continues with One Red Rose.
Adam Clayborne has always put great stock in the power of books. As an escaped slave -- and a wanted man -- reading has been his only ticket to the wonders of distant lands. Adam is content with his life as a confirmed bachelor, which is why his Mama Rose has summoned the irresistible Genevieve Delacroix to Montana. Also a former slave, Genevieve shares his dream of seeing the world, but she arrives to find Adam unfailingly polite...and just as distant. Undaunted, Genevieve determines to teach Adam what he'll never learn from a book -- that true freedom only comes when you open your heart.
My Review:
Well, the above blurb pretty much sums it all up so I'll skip all that. While I enjoyed the read, I had wished for a more indepth look at Adam Clayborne, the brother who, in my opinion, raised the family and held them together. He gave them morals, values and security and taught them how to survive in a cruel world.
Genevieve was a sweet, funny woman but wasn't given enough page time to become more.
In most novellas, it works out this way and is ok. But because of my adoration of For The Roses, I wanted so much more for all the Clayborne brothers and their future HEAs.
Still, not enough Mama Rose time to make me happy. I'm hopeful that the full novel, Come The Spring, will remedy that.
May 16, 2012
Synopsis : Adam Clayborne has always put great stock in the power of books. As an escaped slave -- and a wanted man -- reading has been his only ticket to the wonders of distant lands. Adam is content with his life as a confirmed bachelor, which is why Mama Rose has summoned the irresistible Genevieve Delacroix to Montana. Also a former slave, Genevieve shares his dream of seeing the world, but she arrives to find Adam unfailingly polite...and just as distant. Undaunted, Genevieve determines to teach Adam what he'll never learn from a book -- that true freedom only comes when you open your heart.
My Review : I liked Adam's story but not as much as the others in the series. I like him as a character but I found Genevieve a little bit unrealistic and kind of annoying. I mean, she goes around giving all her money away to needy strangers. It's a nice thought, but who really does that? Especially at a time when women would have been powerless to get more. I also found it hard to believe that Adam and Genevieve - both African American - wouldn't have found more trouble back in 1881. People treat them normally, despite the fact that it's only about 15 years after the end of the civil war. I guarantee you that Adam - being a runaway slave - would have found more trouble, especially by Southerners. Still I like the series all in all.
My Review : I liked Adam's story but not as much as the others in the series. I like him as a character but I found Genevieve a little bit unrealistic and kind of annoying. I mean, she goes around giving all her money away to needy strangers. It's a nice thought, but who really does that? Especially at a time when women would have been powerless to get more. I also found it hard to believe that Adam and Genevieve - both African American - wouldn't have found more trouble back in 1881. People treat them normally, despite the fact that it's only about 15 years after the end of the civil war. I guarantee you that Adam - being a runaway slave - would have found more trouble, especially by Southerners. Still I like the series all in all.
January 30, 2018
This one was nice enough. It just isn't my favorite. I was expecting a little more seeing it was Adam's story.
JG did reveal a tidbit about what we will get in Cole's story. I'm intrigued and look forward to reading it.
December 20, 2019
Re-reading.
Another terrific addition to the series.
Another terrific addition to the series.
February 12, 2016
Me siento bastante orgullosa de mí. Estoy avanzando un montón con todas esas series que me propuse terminar este año. Y ahora le toca a la hermosa familia Clayborne. Es hora de decirle adiós, aún cuando eso signifique que ya no me queda ningún libro histórico de Garwood sin leer. Lo que debería considerarse una tragedia, porque los medievales de esta mujer me encantan y sus western, esta única serie, es genial.
Y como les tengo demasiado cariño a esta familia voy a ver si consigo en ML Tiempo de rosas, es un libro que vale la pena tener aunque esté más manoseado que pasamanos de colectivo.
A lo que iba: Adam Clayborne. Cabeza de la familia, centro de toda la sabiduría Clayborne, intelectual, tranquilo, con todo el amor dentro de sí, listo para dar una mano a sus hermanos. Sinceramente, no sentí que este Adam sea el mismo Adam que yo conocí pero a caballo regalado...
Conoce a su pareja. Fin. No creo que Genevieve sea lo que Adam necesita, es demasiado imprudente para su propio bien y será causa de su muerte. Lo bueno es que se van a ir a vivir a Rosehill, cerca de mi Mary Rose :3
Y como les tengo demasiado cariño a esta familia voy a ver si consigo en ML Tiempo de rosas, es un libro que vale la pena tener aunque esté más manoseado que pasamanos de colectivo.
A lo que iba: Adam Clayborne. Cabeza de la familia, centro de toda la sabiduría Clayborne, intelectual, tranquilo, con todo el amor dentro de sí, listo para dar una mano a sus hermanos. Sinceramente, no sentí que este Adam sea el mismo Adam que yo conocí pero a caballo regalado...
Conoce a su pareja. Fin. No creo que Genevieve sea lo que Adam necesita, es demasiado imprudente para su propio bien y será causa de su muerte. Lo bueno es que se van a ir a vivir a Rosehill, cerca de mi Mary Rose :3
September 25, 2012
Not such a fan of this particular series.
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I have to admit, I was disappointed in Adam's story. Maybe disappointed is to strong of a word. Genevieve drove me nuts and I really couldn't stand her and her nonsense. She seemed very smart and brave one moment and then just plain stupid the next. There is nothing I hate more than a stupid heroine who makes stupid decisions.
The storyline in One Red Rose didn't draw me in at all and in fact, I've made the decision to not read the next book in the series for awhile. The Rose books just haven't grabbed me the way Julie Garwood books usually memorize me. I am not sure why I haven't fallen in love with this series as the Clayborne men are outstanding. I just didn't feel this series.
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...
I have to admit, I was disappointed in Adam's story. Maybe disappointed is to strong of a word. Genevieve drove me nuts and I really couldn't stand her and her nonsense. She seemed very smart and brave one moment and then just plain stupid the next. There is nothing I hate more than a stupid heroine who makes stupid decisions.
The storyline in One Red Rose didn't draw me in at all and in fact, I've made the decision to not read the next book in the series for awhile. The Rose books just haven't grabbed me the way Julie Garwood books usually memorize me. I am not sure why I haven't fallen in love with this series as the Clayborne men are outstanding. I just didn't feel this series.
November 7, 2018
This book was so mediocre I can't even think of what to say. I disliked both main characters, heroine was just plain stupid at times and it overplayed damsel in distress. Whole book is filled with tropes and there isn't enough characterisation to make characters likeable or even believeable. Maybe if it had 100 pages more and if it focused more on their personalities this could've been a better book. The best thing I can say about it is that it's a very short and quick read
December 22, 2016
Read originally in 2012, just revisiting one of my favorite series in audio. I recommend the series, it's a pure pleasure
August 17, 2012
Not as good as the first two novelettes. I couldn't believe that Adam would fall for this girl. However it seemed like Adam's character was also very different in this book than in the others.
June 8, 2019
I was most looking forward to Adam's story, and this was the biggest disappointment. Based on his characterization in previous books, this story and romance isn't believable at all.
February 9, 2021
I'm disappointed in Adam's book. He has been such a powerful presence, a binding force in this family of mismatched orphans. He deserved much better than the annoying Genevieve and a rushed plot.
August 12, 2018
Due stelline e mezzo
November 16, 2019
Good little book to read.
August 12, 2017
I really struggled to get into this book out of books 2, 3 and 4, this one needed to have had the 1st book read the most to fill in some background on Adam Claiborne. In this book as in the previous two books Mama Rose is pretty much a no show which I found other odd as she is the one who set up Genevieve as Adam's future bride. Genevieve is hiding the reason she no longer wishes to marry Adam and Adam never had any intention of getting married in the first place. So it came as quite a shock for Adam when he returns home unexpectedly to find Genevieve asleep in his bed.
July 10, 2016
The Clayborne brothers are all honest men who stand up for justice plus always listen to the person known as their mother, and Adam is the sibling who encouraged these traits in them. His beloved Mama Rose is the one who taught him many wonderful characteristics, and now she wants him to share his life with a particular woman of her choosing. Though he has never met Genevieve before, this is going to be a rare time where he disobeys an order. Julie Garwood has created a short, sweet novella for the third Clayborne brother, and Adam gets the chance to show off his gun fighting skills while proving the emotions he keeps hidden are right below the surface. ONE RED ROSE is a charming historical romance.
Wanting to get a restful night of sleep instead of camping outside once again, Adam Clayborne arrives very late at Rosehill ranch. As he prepares to get in his own bed, he discovers it already occupied by Genevieve Perry. Though he has heard of the woman and knows Mama Rose had invited her for a specific reason, he did not think she would come from the Deep South all the way to Montana. Since Adam never plans to wed, marrying someone picked out by his mother is not going to happen.
Although Genevieve has traveled a long distance, marriage between her and Adam cannot come to pass. Her life is filled with big trouble because of an incident in her past, and while Adam would make a fine husband, she knows there will be no wedding taking place. When the person connected to the problem that she hoped to avoid turns up in Montana, she plans to keep everyone else out of harm’s way. But Adam is not going to let her face any danger by herself.
All the books in the Clayborne Brides series have been entertaining with appealing characters plus engaging plots, and ONE RED ROSE is another compelling story from Julie Garwood. Mama Rose wants her boys to settle down with women who are perfect for them, and if it takes some manipulation on her part, then it just has to be done. Adam has always been serious and kept things to himself. Though he had dreams of traveling, he forgot about his wishes and put family first. Now it appears someone else has come into his life who needs his attention, whether they want it or not. I have always thought of Adam as principled, doing what should be done, regardless of how others see him. While he may not want a wife, Genevieve means a lot to his mother, and he feels it is his responsibility to watch over her. What he did not expect is for his own feelings to become so involved with her. Several of their conversations are humorous, while other talks are insightful into the cause of their behavior. The short length of the book keeps delving deep into their relationship from occurring, but I did get a sense of their emotional connection steadily growing.
During the birthday celebration for Mama Rose, all the Clayborne siblings make an appearance. A few chats between Adam and Cole are especially enjoyable, as their differences of opinion are very amusing. Now I must reread Cole’s story again, as I need to see if I remember everything about his personal adventure.
Copy received from publisher for Always Reviewing blog
Wanting to get a restful night of sleep instead of camping outside once again, Adam Clayborne arrives very late at Rosehill ranch. As he prepares to get in his own bed, he discovers it already occupied by Genevieve Perry. Though he has heard of the woman and knows Mama Rose had invited her for a specific reason, he did not think she would come from the Deep South all the way to Montana. Since Adam never plans to wed, marrying someone picked out by his mother is not going to happen.
Although Genevieve has traveled a long distance, marriage between her and Adam cannot come to pass. Her life is filled with big trouble because of an incident in her past, and while Adam would make a fine husband, she knows there will be no wedding taking place. When the person connected to the problem that she hoped to avoid turns up in Montana, she plans to keep everyone else out of harm’s way. But Adam is not going to let her face any danger by herself.
All the books in the Clayborne Brides series have been entertaining with appealing characters plus engaging plots, and ONE RED ROSE is another compelling story from Julie Garwood. Mama Rose wants her boys to settle down with women who are perfect for them, and if it takes some manipulation on her part, then it just has to be done. Adam has always been serious and kept things to himself. Though he had dreams of traveling, he forgot about his wishes and put family first. Now it appears someone else has come into his life who needs his attention, whether they want it or not. I have always thought of Adam as principled, doing what should be done, regardless of how others see him. While he may not want a wife, Genevieve means a lot to his mother, and he feels it is his responsibility to watch over her. What he did not expect is for his own feelings to become so involved with her. Several of their conversations are humorous, while other talks are insightful into the cause of their behavior. The short length of the book keeps delving deep into their relationship from occurring, but I did get a sense of their emotional connection steadily growing.
During the birthday celebration for Mama Rose, all the Clayborne siblings make an appearance. A few chats between Adam and Cole are especially enjoyable, as their differences of opinion are very amusing. Now I must reread Cole’s story again, as I need to see if I remember everything about his personal adventure.
Copy received from publisher for Always Reviewing blog
September 30, 2021
I started reading this book cos I want to finish the whole series, but it sorely tested my resolve. I saw in another review where the heroine was described as occasionally stupid and I thought it was a stretch. But nope she proved me wrong. She was so scared of being pursued that she slipped away from the birthday party of a loved one, and yet she kept stopping to talk to people and telling them all about herself. Wasn’t she worried about leaving a trail???
Also I think Julie Garwood forgot that her main characters are supposed to be black people in the late 1800s. Adam was born into slavery and only ended up a free man because he ran away. But somehow Genevieve grew up in a house whose description gave the impression that it was owned outright by her parents who had no interaction with slavery.
Somehow a black woman in the 1800s was able to travel as freely as she wanted, and even had two white business owners in one town begging her to perform for them. And they paid the black man who threatened them with a gun the agreed upon price without haggling??
Somehow a black man was able to just offer (what I assume were white) strangers jobs outright??? Said black man also got physical with a white officer of the law and there were absolutely ZERO repercussions??
I’m not looking for excessive racism, but I feel Julie Garwood should have been more conscious about the fact that her main characters were black people in a country where the war that was fought to end slavery was barely over. I would love a world like the one described, but even to this day a lot of the stuff described wouldn’t go down well and I’m a little disappointed she just glossed over the issues their race would have brought up.
This book was a major letdown, and I was so looking forward to it because Julie Garwood did a good job with Adam in For The Roses, only to basically undo all the character development and reduce Adam to a mass of hormones. 1.5 stars
Also I think Julie Garwood forgot that her main characters are supposed to be black people in the late 1800s. Adam was born into slavery and only ended up a free man because he ran away. But somehow Genevieve grew up in a house whose description gave the impression that it was owned outright by her parents who had no interaction with slavery.
Somehow a black woman in the 1800s was able to travel as freely as she wanted, and even had two white business owners in one town begging her to perform for them. And they paid the black man who threatened them with a gun the agreed upon price without haggling??
Somehow a black man was able to just offer (what I assume were white) strangers jobs outright??? Said black man also got physical with a white officer of the law and there were absolutely ZERO repercussions??
I’m not looking for excessive racism, but I feel Julie Garwood should have been more conscious about the fact that her main characters were black people in a country where the war that was fought to end slavery was barely over. I would love a world like the one described, but even to this day a lot of the stuff described wouldn’t go down well and I’m a little disappointed she just glossed over the issues their race would have brought up.
This book was a major letdown, and I was so looking forward to it because Julie Garwood did a good job with Adam in For The Roses, only to basically undo all the character development and reduce Adam to a mass of hormones. 1.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
"One Red Rose" by Julie Garwood, book three of The Clayborne Brides
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Cover: 4/5
Story: 2/5
Steam (novella): 🔥 (+kissing, steam scene is technically there, but it's not much)
Ending: HEA with epilogue
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Series or Stand Alone: Out of the three novellas in these series, this is the one that would benefit from having read "For the Roses." There is also a mild side plot throughout the series that I expected to be cleared up by the end of this novella, but it is not.
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Montana, 1881
Rugged Country Man
Woman with a Secret
Road Trip
Formerly Enslaved MCs
Close Proximity
Peril & Danger
Meddling Mother
On the Run
Western Historical Romance
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This is not a good novella. At all. My biggest issue is that it weirdly glosses over the fact that both MCs are formerly enslaved, including that Adam was a runaway and had been a wanted man as a result. Unless you read the book blurb, readers would likely miss the race of the characters as Garwood never even mentions it. For me, this seems like a major detail that adds so much to the storyline, feelings, and actions of the characters. It makes absolutely no sense as to why it is not made crystal clear in the actual book. There is ONE mention by Genevieve that she has African ancestors near the end of the book, and that's it.
Additionally, Genevieve is not a likable character. At all. Adam is WAY too forgiving and kind to her after all of the lying and outrageous antics Genevieve engages in. I'd have left her on the side of the road in Montana.
As for steam, as mentioned, this is a very low steam book. While there is a steam scene, it's extremely short and alluded to. It's not exactly a closed door, but it might as well have been.
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Read as a self-selected physical copy book. Honest review left voluntarily.
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CW (may contain spoilers):
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.
.
.
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G*n vi*lence
De*th
M*rder
MCs are formerly enslaved persons
Theft
Mild peril
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Cover: 4/5
Story: 2/5
Steam (novella): 🔥 (+kissing, steam scene is technically there, but it's not much)
Ending: HEA with epilogue
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Series or Stand Alone: Out of the three novellas in these series, this is the one that would benefit from having read "For the Roses." There is also a mild side plot throughout the series that I expected to be cleared up by the end of this novella, but it is not.
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Montana, 1881
Rugged Country Man
Woman with a Secret
Road Trip
Formerly Enslaved MCs
Close Proximity
Peril & Danger
Meddling Mother
On the Run
Western Historical Romance
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This is not a good novella. At all. My biggest issue is that it weirdly glosses over the fact that both MCs are formerly enslaved, including that Adam was a runaway and had been a wanted man as a result. Unless you read the book blurb, readers would likely miss the race of the characters as Garwood never even mentions it. For me, this seems like a major detail that adds so much to the storyline, feelings, and actions of the characters. It makes absolutely no sense as to why it is not made crystal clear in the actual book. There is ONE mention by Genevieve that she has African ancestors near the end of the book, and that's it.
Additionally, Genevieve is not a likable character. At all. Adam is WAY too forgiving and kind to her after all of the lying and outrageous antics Genevieve engages in. I'd have left her on the side of the road in Montana.
As for steam, as mentioned, this is a very low steam book. While there is a steam scene, it's extremely short and alluded to. It's not exactly a closed door, but it might as well have been.
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Read as a self-selected physical copy book. Honest review left voluntarily.
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CW (may contain spoilers):
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G*n vi*lence
De*th
M*rder
MCs are formerly enslaved persons
Theft
Mild peril
October 4, 2021
I was very disappointed, especially with how unlikeable Adam was in this book. I also had some issues with the author trying to pretend like they weren't Black. It just was not realistic that they would have been treated the same by everyone they passed on the road and the sheriff. I am also confused about the fmc talking about having such a perfect childhood when she was born in slavery? Some of the issues Adam faced were mentioned in the first book, but were totally overlooked in this one. Plus she totally ruined Adam's personally, and he was just annoying in this book when he was so great before.
August 22, 2025
The fourth book in Julie Garwood's Rose series. This is Adam's story. Adam is an escaped slave and one of the 4 boys that rescued and raised Mary Rose. Adam is probably my favorite next to Cole. Unfortunately, his story was too short. The story itself was nice but it just wasn't long enough to be truly developed.
June 11, 2016
Adam never had a chance!
Another super sweet book in this series. Adam, the book adventurer- meets Genevieve, his to be bride/singer extraordinaire/ runaway from trouble woman, and despite both of them trying not to fall for each other- they do and its wonderful. I absolutely loved how Gen made Adam break his shell and experience life!
Super safe read
4/5
Another super sweet book in this series. Adam, the book adventurer- meets Genevieve, his to be bride/singer extraordinaire/ runaway from trouble woman, and despite both of them trying not to fall for each other- they do and its wonderful. I absolutely loved how Gen made Adam break his shell and experience life!
Super safe read
4/5
June 25, 2024
I loved Adam's story. He was a mystery to me in For The Roses. This book made him easier to understand. He is strong, loyal and very protective. Genevieve was sweet and so generous. She always put others before herself. They were the perfect couple and their life was an adventure!
July 15, 2023
This series is an old favorite that I love to revisit.
Read
November 13, 2022i love adam character.but still i wish another way and more complicated than that.anyway maybe that l love julia and love the brothers i can mange that simpie novel.
July 25, 2017
Meh. 2,5 rounded up to 3 for now. I do like the family.
Also, I finished typing up this whole review and then realised I read them in Estonian. Oops. I won't rewrite it. Here's just a quick note on the Estonian translation:
//Võin vaid öelda, et selle osa tõlge oli tunduvalt kohmakam, sisse jäeti väga kummalisi sõnu: showgirl tõlgiti šõugörliks, nt. Lisaks oli keelekasutus armustseenis äärmiselt võõrastav. Sama tõlkija, aga veidi kehvem tõlge kui eelmised. //
I think I've grown tired of these. This trilogy is just too naive. I'm not sure when I'll pick up the last in the series, but these last three short novels in the For the Roses series (a series that consists of a huge first book, a trilogy of novellas, and another chunkster) have been slightly disappointing. The people are odd, and haven't been brought to life, unlike in the first novel. I can see they are just sort of space-fillers until the last installment, which again seems a bit meatier.
I mean, it's a quick romance. Barely any raunchiness. The Claybourne Brides novels are quite tame compared to the first in the series, which is not what I want, really?
I mean, read if you're a completist but you won't be missing THAT much. I'd say Travis got the best wife, she was hilarious. The rest are just... Also there, ya know? Kind of.
This novel WAS diverse, however, although the major issues that could have been tackled weren't really handled, or were presented in an overly idealised way.
Also, I finished typing up this whole review and then realised I read them in Estonian. Oops. I won't rewrite it. Here's just a quick note on the Estonian translation:
//Võin vaid öelda, et selle osa tõlge oli tunduvalt kohmakam, sisse jäeti väga kummalisi sõnu: showgirl tõlgiti šõugörliks, nt. Lisaks oli keelekasutus armustseenis äärmiselt võõrastav. Sama tõlkija, aga veidi kehvem tõlge kui eelmised. //
I think I've grown tired of these. This trilogy is just too naive. I'm not sure when I'll pick up the last in the series, but these last three short novels in the For the Roses series (a series that consists of a huge first book, a trilogy of novellas, and another chunkster) have been slightly disappointing. The people are odd, and haven't been brought to life, unlike in the first novel. I can see they are just sort of space-fillers until the last installment, which again seems a bit meatier.
I mean, it's a quick romance. Barely any raunchiness. The Claybourne Brides novels are quite tame compared to the first in the series, which is not what I want, really?
I mean, read if you're a completist but you won't be missing THAT much. I'd say Travis got the best wife, she was hilarious. The rest are just... Also there, ya know? Kind of.
This novel WAS diverse, however, although the major issues that could have been tackled weren't really handled, or were presented in an overly idealised way.
March 9, 2022
I am giving this book one star because the author totally ignored the fact that the hero, Adam, is Black. Totally. Menioning it on the back cover does not make it part of the story. The heroine, Genevieve's, description is so brief that you could easily miss the fact that she is Black as well. There were two mentions: one was Genevieve's white nightgown contrasting with her skin; the other was a brief mention of her African heritage. Her background in no way described that of a slave's as mentioned on the back of the book. On the contrary, it sounded like a privileged upbringing.
This book was placed in the 1800's. The colour of their skin should have affected their social interactions and their access to public places. I realize this would take the book from romantic fluff to incorporating serious racist issues but if your character is Black that needs to be part of the book.
This book was placed in the 1800's. The colour of their skin should have affected their social interactions and their access to public places. I realize this would take the book from romantic fluff to incorporating serious racist issues but if your character is Black that needs to be part of the book.
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