Title: The Rose Not Taken
Author: K.T. Barnett
Publisher: Koehler Books
ISBN: 978-1646632190
Genre: Romance
Pages: 164
Reviewed by: Lisa Brown-Gilbert
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Author K.T. Barnett’s The Rose Not Taken brings intrigued readers on a titillating journey into the dark recesses of the heart and psyche of top-tier escort Estera Hornbrook, a woman who finds herself at the crossroads of moving towards the light or remaining in the shade of the abyss.

Gratifying from its outset, this adult-themed narrative proffers a well woven erotic induction into the world of the female escort, as seen and experienced from the viewpoint of the powerful and enchantingly sexy, Estera Hornbrook.

Altogether, Estera makes for a complex character, her backstory intrigues, as she was traumatized as a child, learning hard life lessons at a young age. Trauma and pain became her teachers as she learned to become independent, controlling, and to maintain her beauty which eventually paid off for her as she became a self-made woman whose claim to fame is her distinctive stature as a prominent, sought after, escort in Portland, Oregon.

Meanwhile, while successful, Estera cannot seem to find the middle ground for her true happiness or success in relationships in her life. Her life plays out as primarily as daily ventures into the debauched and superficial world with her personal dark pain lurking under the surface of her smile. Moreover, she carries her pain well, sublimating it in the hidden recesses of her mind, very seldom does she share or show her true self to anyone – that is until her client Don, with whom she feels that she is beginning to connect to on a deeper level. In fact she begins to develop feelings more than empathy for him. Eventually, her feelings towards Don seem to take on a life of their own as she finds she is willingly making time for him, romantically. However, Estera also develops feelings of conflict as an aspect of herself seems unwilling to let go of her indulgent, independent and fantastical, escort lifestyle completely, where although she is paid to satisfy her clients, she is the one truly in control. She always has the true power and being with Don was giving away some of her power.

Entirely enjoyable, I absolutely loved The Rose Not Taken. Author K.T. Barnett presents a fascinating story which is literate, evocative, as well as overall tantalizing to read. The story flows well with its entwined elements of diverse sexuality, romance and the supernatural. Plus Estera made for an intriguing, well-developed character to follow. I hope to see more from the world of Estera as her story would make a great series.