The Artist Trilogy by Karina Halle

On Every Street (The Artists Trilogy #0.5)

When young con artist Ellie Watt decides to call herself Eden White and go after the drug lord who ruined her as a child, she never expects to fall for one of his henchmen. But Javier Bernal is no ordinary man. Subtly dangerous and overwhelmingly seductive, Eden finds herself passionately in love with Javier, the very person she's set-up to betray. With her body and heart in a heated battle against her deep need for revenge, no one will walk away from this con a winner.

This 50K word (100+ pages) novella takes place six years before Sins & Needles. It can be read before or after Sins & Needles and may also be read as a standalone.

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Review:

Oh my! While reading this book I went ahead and read the summary of Sins & Needles. Wrong move :S. Here I was thinking Ellie was an As3&%&ole because Javier loved her so much and she was a lying bit"#& when he was straight forward with her since the beginning and my thoughts after I finished this book were... Fucking Javier I hate you, you motherfucking bastard from hell!!!!! I need to know what the heck happens next. Moving to #1.

Sins & Needles (The Artist Trilogy #1)

Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.


***The Artists Trilogy is a dark and sexy contemporary ride about three flawed individuals caught in a world where it's so easy to justify the bad things we do. This is a pure adult read (Not YA or NA).

This is the 1st book in the trilogy. It is followed by the novella On Every Street (released in March 2013) and the sequel Shooting Scars (released in May 2013). The third and final book in the series will also be released in 2013.***

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Review:

Ellie returns to her hometown after leaving six years ago. After a con went wrong with her parents she got some serious scars in her legs from acid that was poured to her by a drug lord when she was ten. She´s no longer using a fake name but her real name and is in need of a job to hit the road again. She meets a tattooed hot guy at a coffee shop while doing a job application. He turns out to be his former friend from high school, Camden. They were friends since childhood. 

She goes out with Camden several times while planning to con him but it all goes to shit when he discovers her true intentions. He gives her two options go to prison or help him disappear. Apparently tattooed hot guy has several skeletons on his closet too. They start with a love/hate relationship because the story is told from present and past. Guess who comes into the picture.... yeah! That´s right Javier Bernal. 

Shooting Scars (The Artists Trilogy #2)

Sometimes the right choice can be the deadliest.

When Ellie Watt made the ultimate sacrifice for Camden McQueen, she never thought it would be easy. But walking away with her ex-lover, Javier Bernal, in order to ensure Camden’s safety has brought a whole new set of dangers. With Javier’s plans for Ellie growing more secretive by the moment, Ellie must find a way to stay ahead of the game before her past swallows her whole.

Meanwhile, Camden’s new life is short-lived. Fueled by revenge and pursued by authorities, he teams up with an unlikely partner in order to save Ellie. But as Camden toes the line between love and retribution, he realizes that in order to get back the woman he loves, he may have to lose himself in the process. He might just turn into the very man he’s hunting.

Told in dual POV from Camden and Ellie.

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Review:

Woooooooooooooo!!! That was one hell of a ride....

This is the reason I hate reading a trilogy that hasn´t been finished. Now what?! 

Someone went all Liam Neeson on Javier.

I love Ellie.

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I love Camden.

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.......

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I FUCKING LOVE... JAVIER BERNAL!!! There I said it...

I´ve never read a book that caused me so much conflict to choose between two contenders for the love of a woman!

The three of them are doing so much shit in their present that they haven´t lost their head just because they have it glued to their neck.

It is said that "all is fair in love and war"...and apparently revenge too.

I love books in which the characters do all kinds of wrongs and still the writer makes you side with them because there´s always a reason behind their actions. They make you justify, spare them your hate, and make you pray for everything to end well for them. 

The thing is, that with this book there´s not a woman and a guy and a bad guy.... There are 3 fucked up people that love/hate each other.

What the heck is wrong with me!?.. Can someone please explain?!

That motherfucking asshole is a fucking liar! A fucking CHEATER! a killer! A dangerous/deadly drug lord! Then why did I read this book with the sole hope of getting glimpses of Ellie and Javier together. Sparks fly with those two.

I mean I felt horrible for poor Camden. He is hot, he is in love with Ellie, I even love him too.. He has changed so much from last book to this one. He has evolved , as Javier told Ellie several times.

My heart aches for the man that will not get the girl. I feel like she has mixed feelings/SS with each of them since book one. First when Camden blackmailed her to help him, then Javier blackmailing her to get to Travis and she has give in to both of them.. She hates one and claims to love the other or is it the other way around? Is it real love, friendship, a distant memory of a past love. She doesn't know what she wants, who she wants, who she loves. N-O-T-H-I-N-G. This might be SS at its finest LOL. What she knows is that she is a con artist nothing more. That´s all she´s seen in her life since she was a kid and old/bad habits die hard.

In this book we see two sides of the story: Camden and Ellie´s POV.

While she is going back "unwillingly"/"willingly" to her past, Camden is on the run and has to find Gus before the cops get to him. Together Gus and Camden hit the road to go find Ellie in Veracruz, Mexico. WHAT?! Yes, she is there with Javier looking for Travis and even though Javier says he used to love her and not anymore because she broke him the moment she left, you can tell he still has feelings for her and is trying to mold her thoughts so she can stay with him and she still has feelings despite the hate she claims because she´s still not over the fact that he slept with someone else. As I said above, there´s always a reason to every action... I AM NOT justifying him, I still hate him for what he did but I feel less stung after finishing this book though. You see how fucked up this is? Javier killed people for her claiming he was protecting her, he blackmailed her too and the only thing I hate about this asshole is that he CHEATED! BAHAHAHAHA 

A strange alliance has formed, loyalties are questioned too, the villains don't look as evil as before. Who will get the girl when it´s all said and done?! 

I loved how the writer portrayed the drug issues in Mexico. Sometimes I forgot I was reading a book and thought it was a newspaper with the latest stunts the DC´s had done. What made it more believable is that she explain a real case scenario where ambulance gets to pick someone injured but then the cartels stop them and take the person with them.

She has done her research well.

I can´t wait for October to come. If there is a chance I could read the third installment earlier I would. Now what the hell am I supposed to do Ms. Halle!!!??

Impatiently waiting for...

Bold Tricks (The Artists Trilogy #3)

The thrilling conclusion to The Artists Trilogy

October 15th, 2013 ?!!! 

I can hardly wait.. Thank God this fabulous writer won´t keep us waiting a whole year to read the third installment.

Anthony Rawlings POV by Aleatha Romig

Consequences & Truth 

Ohh.!! ANTHONY how I love thee......

So Aleatha Romig, the amazing author of The Consequences Trilogy posted a few months ago Anthony´s point of view. WHAT?!!! Yeiiii.!!! I feel stupid for reading them until now DUh.!! 

One POV is from consequences when Claire has her "accident" and the other two are from Truth, one of the "dream scene" and the other after Chester´s attack.  Yeiiii.!!!

Aleatha wrote these POV´s exclusively for The Consequences Series: Group Reads, Group Therapy & Group Hugs! in Goodreads. Although the author wishes not to post the text anywhere we do have permission to post links 

Sooo....Feel free to read what´s inside of our Tony´s head and enjoy the ride ;) * I know I did * *sigh* *wink* *wink*

If you dont have a goodreads account I suggest you Sign Up immediatly.

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/83457

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1140674-aleatha-s-gift-to-us-from-consequences---accident-scene-tony-s-pov

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1140669-aleatha-s-gift-from-truth--the-dreaming-scene-tony-s-pov

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1205830-1000-members-gift-tony-pov-from-truth

So what else has she been writing that I have been missing ?! ;( If anyone knows please let me know ;)

Truth by Aleatha Romig

(Consequences #2)

Claire Nichols endured the CONSEQUENCES of Anthony Rawlings’ vendetta.

When she first arrived to his home, her goal was survival. Through strength and compartmentalization Claire captivated her captor. Her resilience in the face of his rule threatened Anthony’s well developed plan. Domination became desire and power turned to love.

Their passion and adoration in a world of opulence appeared perfect. Yet, reality was a roller coaster of emotion. Claire’s world teetered on the edge of sanity as Antony monitored her every move. When given the opportunity to flee, Claire drove away. A fateful decision which set a well laid plan into motion.

However, unbeknownst to either of them, there were others who saw past the perfect facade of Anthony Rawlings. There were others who saw the TRUTH. Conspiracy and unfulfilled promises result in an early prison release for Claire. Not just a release – a pardon. According to the law, her crime never happened!

Will it be that easy? Faced with freedom from her past... can Claire seize it? Can she build a new life, mend her broken spirit, become the woman she once was, and seek her own revenge? Or is it all a game? And does the game master have different plans?

How does Sophia Burke fit into the puzzle that is Tony and Claire? Will her presence affect the future of this well esteemed man? Can he dominate twice? Is that his goal?

TRUTH continues the tumultuous saga of CONSEQUENCES, introduces new players, and uncovers more intrigue. Aleatha Romig skillfully weaves past transgressions through current deception to create a fervent world of obsessed desire. In this reality can an all-consuming relationship survive?

When buried sins are discovered they threaten not only Tony and Claire’s future -- but their very lives! Will the TRUTH be revealed in time?

Recommended: Lovers of the Consequences Triology, The Dark Duet and so many dark books somewhere in this big book universe ;)

Review:

So who played who at the end..!!!! Agr..I knew I shouldn't have read these books until the third installment was released but I just couldn't stop myself... There´s a part at the end with a near future and a happily ever after but then Anthony is where¨?! and Catherine damn it.!! I love this series. It´s the first time in a while I can´t expect anything because when I think I have the story figured out ... Everything changes.. Appearances my friends, nothing is what it seems... and every action has its Consequences.... I know Tony was an ass to her all the first book and I even sympathized with Tony´s parents as well and I hated his grandfather.. But, the author showed us a twisted story about physical violence, love and above all else appearances at the same time you get deep into his past and realize that people you thought were bad aren't as bad as they seem :S... I really hope the third installment gets released sooner because I really want to know how is she going to pull it off. I would really hate not having a HEV :(

In Truth everything you thought you knew is shattered to tiny little pieces because almost everything you thought you knew it´s not.. and you get to see one of the best sides of Tony.. Still controlling still domineering but with a fu"#&&cking big heart and he won´t stop at anything to get to Claire. You understand more things about Tony´s past and even when YOU know he indeed raped her and abused her.. you kind of justify him and start sympathizing. I really don´t know how to explain it..It is just so fu#%ing twisted. This book was so good.!! There where parts were I actually laughed my ass of and others where I felt nostalgic.. I even start developing hate feeling towards Claire´s sister and brother in law. I hate them I just don´t know why. Ever since Claire introduce Tony to them they behaved like if they owned her and could decide what path in life she had to take or something....Like if they were her parents. I understand they died when she was young but she´s a grown up woman now. She doesn´t need THEM to tell her what to do. She feels what she feels and she´ll do whatever is needed to be happy. Thank you so much Mrs. Romig for the fabulous ride .. this has been one of the best reads I had this year.

BEWARE OF SPOILERS.!!!

Favorite Quotes ;)

“I know you enjoy coffee, I´d offer you some. But, the last time I got you coffee, it didn´t work out so well for me."

Tony smirked, "God, Claire you´re something else. I can´t imagine anyone else joking about that."

"Well, see, you misinterpreted. I wasn´t joking. I´m actually still pissed as hell.” 

“First, you're sorry for invading my privacy for years, years before I even knew you existed. Second, you're sorry for kidnapping me, isolating, controlling me, and manipulating me. Third, you're sorry for lying to me, pretending you cared and oh yeah, marrying me. Fourth, listen carefully Tony, this is the big one...you're sorry for framing me for attempted murder, resulting in incarceration in a federal penitentiary."

"I would prefer the words, but you are welcome to say, one through four, if that's easier for you."

"I am deeply sorry for one and four. I did provide you with an alternative destination for number four. I am not proud of two, but three would never have happened without it. I am not, and never will be sorry for three. And, for the record, I never lied about or pretended to love you. I didn't realize it at first, but I have loved you since before you knew my name. And, you forgot our divorce. I am sincerely sorry for that also. Had I known you would be released so soon, we could still be married.” He placed her left hand on her knee, and stroked her empty fourth finger. "You could still officially be mine."

The song I recommend for this book....

Secrets - One Republic

I need another story
Something to get off my chest
My life gets kinda boring
Need something that I can confess
Til’ all my sleeves are stained red
From all the truth that I’ve said
Come by it honestly I swear
Thought you saw wink, no
I’ve been on the brink, so

Tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
Sick of all the insincere
So I’m gonna give all my secrets away
This time, don’t need another perfect line
Don’t care if critics never jump in line
I’m gonna give all my secrets away

My god, amazing how we got this far
It’s like we’re chasing all those stars
Who’s driving shiny big black cars
And everyday I see the news
All the problems that we could solve
And when a situation rises
Just write it into an album
Singing straight, too cold
I don’t really like my flow, no, so

Tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
Sick of all the insincere
So I’m gonna give all my secrets away
This time, don’t need another perfect line
Don’t care if critics never jump in line
I’m gonna give all my secrets away

Oh, got no reason, got not shame
Got no family I can blame
Just don’t let me disappear
I’mma tell you everything

So tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
Sick of all the insincere
So I’m gonna give all my secrets away
This time, don’t need another perfect line
Don’t care if critics never jump in line
I’m gonna give all my secrets away

So tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
Sick of all the insincere
So I’m gonna give all my secrets away
This time, don’t need another perfect line
Don’t care if critics never jump in line
I’m gonna give all my secrets away
All my secrets away, All my secrets away

Most ANTICIPATED books of 2013

Eyes Wide Open (The Blackstone Affair #3)

May 14th 2013

Big surprises are on the horizon for Ethan and Brynne as they struggle to adjust to what life has thrown at them. Demons from the past are threatening to destroy the passionate bond they’ve forged despite their vow that nothing will ever keep them apart. A truly devastating loss coupled with the promise of a new hope opens their eyes to what is most important, but is it possible for the lovers to move on from the painful histories that continue to haunt them? A stalker is still lurking in the shadows, plotting evil amidst the distraction of the 2012 Olympic games in London. Brynne and Ethan are on the cusp of losing everything as the stakes rise. Will they yield to circumstances beyond their control or will they give every ounce of fight they have left to save each other and win the ultimate prize of a life together?

Eyes Wide Open is a passion-wrought story that shows us what pure love can achieve when tested and what the heart can accomplish despite danger and adversity.

Safe Word by Teresa Mummert

June 1st 2013

A chance meeting with a stranger can turn your entire world upside down. 

When Colton ‘Colt’ Bishop enters a bar in New York City, he has a plan. His job is to find an easy target and take her back to his place for a few days. He is working his way up the crime ladder doing a job he never wanted.

Lily Hilton has it all, but is hiding from a troublesome past. When she enters a bar downtown, and runs into her old high school crush, her entire world is turned upside down. She is determined to make him notice her, but that plan may work better than she expects. 

Colton does not hesitate to take Lily home and use her as his new pawn, but their past begins to catch up with them as their secrets unravel and he must decide what is more important to him, protecting Lily or himself.

Entwined with You (Crossfire #3)

June 4th 2013

The final installment of the Crossfire Triology. 

From the moment I first met Gideon Cross, I recognized something in him that I needed. Something I couldn’t resist. I saw the dangerous and damaged soul inside–so much like my own. I was drawn to it. I needed him as surely as I needed my heart to beat.

No one knows how much he risked for me. How much I’d been threatened, or just how dark and desperate the shadow of our pasts would become.

Entwined by our secrets, we tried to defy the odds. We made our own rules and surrendered completely to the exquisite power of possession…    ***  I can´t wait for this one

Epilogue: The Dark Duet (The Dark Duet #2.5)

June 15th 2013

A short novella on Caleb and Livvie coming soon. MY ASS.!!! THIS WILL BE A WHOLE LONG SUPER HOT BOOK.  :p

Leo's Chance (Sign of Love #2)

Somewhere in June 2013

Leo´s life and POV before he decided to look for Evie *sigh*

For reference read Leo (Sign of Love, #1) first ;)

Honor & Betray (Honor #4)

August 15th 2013

My Sociopath William Honor Ohh ..!! How I love him 

Honor & Betray tells what happens after William proposes to Emma from his point of view. 

NOTE FROM AUTHOR:There will be NO cheating in this book. The betrayal refers to something different.

The Edge of Always (The Edge of Never #2)

November 5th 2013

He was taking the long road. She was taking the road to nowhere. It just so happened that they led to the same place…

Five months ago, Camryn and Andrew, both dealing with personal hardships, met on a Greyhound bus. They fell in love and proved that when two people are meant to be together, fate will find a way to make it happen.

Now, in the highly anticipated sequel to THE EDGE OF NEVER, Camryn and Andrew are pursuing their love for music and living life to the fullest as they always swore to do. But when tragedy befalls them, their relationship is put to the ultimate test. As Camryn tries to numb her pain, Andrew makes a bold decision: To get their life back on track, they’ll set out on another cross-country road trip. Together they find excitement, passion, adventure—and challenges they never could have anticipated.

Sexy. Daring. Dangerous. THE EDGE OF ALWAYS takes you on a ride you won’t forget .   *** I just hope this one is as emotional as the first bok :S ** I loved it

Convicted (Consequences #3)

Somewhere between 2013-2014

No Book Cover Yet :´(

Third in the CONSEQUENCES series... The saga of Anthony Rawlings, Claire Nichols, Derek and Sophia Burke, Catherine London and a host of wonderful characters will return to -- answer questions as Aleatha Romig determines fates, futures, and forevers...

You must stick to your CONVICTION,but be ready to abandon your assumptions - Denis Waitley
Disclaimer: Exact date of release is NOT set

Consequences by Aleatha Romig

(Consequences #1)

Besieged by memories of a brutal abduction, Claire Nichols wakes in an unfamiliar bedroom, within a luxurious mansion. Her recollections have one common denominator, the man she just met, Anthony Rawlings. Unbeknownst to Claire, for a very long time, she has been within Anthony’s sights. Many of the pivotal events in her life occurred, due to his sinister manipulation. Every action has a consequence, and his actions result in their chance meeting. More than a psychological thriller, Consequences is a vivid story of one woman’s struggle to survive incomprehensible circumstances. Every aspect of her being suddenly depends upon the tall, wealthy, dark haired, dark eyed businessman. Anthony Rawlings is known to the world as prosperous, benevolent, and kind. Claire quickly learns that he can also be a menacing controlling captor. With few options but concession, Claire attempts to earn her freedom, while enduring a hellish existence that truly appears perfect. Persevering tests and trials, she struggles to retain her pure Midwest values and beliefs. Encouraged by memories of a loving upbringing, she gains strength in the simplest of joys: solitude in nature and good in the face of evil. His goal in sight, Anthony’s calculated agenda encounters an unforeseen detour. He becomes captivated by Claire’s beauty, resilience, and determination. The interaction of these two compelling characters instigates strong emotions: fear, anger, love, and lust. Claire and Anthony's tumultuous journey flows into uncharted waters of intrigue and passion. Utilizing vivid detail, this 167,000-word novel unfolds like a movie, before the eyes of its readers. From the opening criminal abduction, through twists and turns, to the unlikely romantic thrills, the suspense climaxes as Anthony’s motivation becomes evident. Anthony and Claire must decide if they will stay true to one another, or allow preceding actions to result in justifiable Consequences.

Recommended: 18+

Lovers of: The Dark Duet by C.J. Roberts, Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas among others.

Review:

That WAS AN EPIC, WTF, WHAT DID I MISS, I CAN´T BELIEVE HE DID IT ENDING and I´m still trying to understand the stream of emotions am having at the moment....I am still reeling with them.

Every time Anthony went to her suite and greeted her the only thought that came to my mind was Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the lambs: "Good evening Clarice" ....It really gave me chills.

I suffered the angst she felt whenever he was near because I honestly didn't know what to expect of his reactions toward her. and I feel as if a was also played into his game of seduction. I feel soooo used. He raped her, physically beat her and other times he was good to her so why am I falling for this guy?! Is something wrong with me?!!! LOL Why am I sympathizing?!!! Noooooooo.!!!! 

This book was a maze. You start reading bits and pieces and put together the story in your head. There are a lot of unanswered questions. You actually believe he´s in love with her. He´s a good actor. The thing is that for someone so dark as him you really sense a change of emotions from him toward her, like if he is fighting the emotional attraction he has for her and finally gives in but with that ending.... MY GOD.!!! DAMN!!!!  I even cried. I was so mad I wanted to get into that book and smack him in the face for being such an ASS.

I know people have reviewed that this book wasn´t meant to arouse readers and that is not a love story but I must say I was excited literally looking forward for more Anthony/Claire encounters :S. And with the afterward.. My God.!!! He has more plans for Ms. Burke to complete the revenge.. Soo.. That means.. that he´s kidnapping her too?! What?! Is he planning her acquisition ? He´s going to move on after Claire?!! What?!!! Damn.!! I'm so jealous and mad at him. Why am I jealous?! I seriously thought HE was meant for Claire. I can´t believe he´s leaving her in that dump hole for other woman damn damn damn.!!! Is it normal I feel jealous?! He´s one evil MF.!!

Well played Mrs. Romig, well played.. I will start reading Truth right away. I have to know what´s next in Anthony Rawlings chess game. BRING IT ON.!!!!

Amid the Roar by Tempest C. Avery

(The Dreamer Triology #3)

Lily Bryg never thought she would end up magically locked away in Graindoth with Ronan. And actually kind of liking it. Now that she's bound to the castle for three days, he's let down some of his walls, giving her a look at a side of him she never knew existed. But how could she be starting to like the guy who not only ruined her life, but the lives of her friends as well? The fate of the entire realm rests with her, and in order to become the Dreamer of prophecy, Lily is going to have to start making choices she wouldn't have made only three months ago. Her fellow witches are trying to find a way to help her, while juggling their own love lives and the Rebellion at the same time. 

Add to the equation the fact she's still very much in love with both Devlin werewolves, and her traitorous best friend is living in the castle with her, and Lily's troubles just keep growing larger and larger. When in doubt Lily and her friends have always turned to magic for guidance, and now they're desperately struggling to form alliances with dragons and faeries before the final battle. She needs to figure out her heart, her soul mate, and decide once and for all how she plans on taking the throne. What kind of ruler she wants to be, and who she really wants to rule at her side. 


Demons and dark fey she can handle, but making a choice like this might just kill her.

Review:

Three men, two soul mates, one woman. Who´s bluffing for her love.

Lily has to stay in Graindoth for three days after Brid chooses The Dark King´s side. What Lily didn´t now was that Ronan could make those 72 hrs into 72 days :S . As day pass she gets to know the real Ronan at least the nice side of him. He´s not as evil as he looks and she gets to see that the way he manages his kingdom is for the good of the people. He makes justice but... not in a very conventional way. He tortures and mutilates the people that are caught doing some felony. Lily and the people of Bevain don´t want him to rule like that. While she´s in Graindoth she witnesses through "Keegan´s" memories how he (Keegan) killed Larkin and Lily is devastated and kills him. She is torn between the love of 2 wolves and the Dark king. She is so confused. I can´t believe how hard was for her to give up the mutts.!!! 

Who´s gonna win her heart and rule by her side forever?...

***SPOILER ALERT***

The book was great.! I laughed and cried in the right parts and enjoyed this story till the end. I was hooked. These series have a great plot but....I´m slightly disappointed of how this book ended. Everything that was written since the first book about Ronan and Lily was meant for them to be together and him to let his good side out and win her love. I think the writer got sidetracked by the wolves and the love they claimed to have for her. The three books where about Ronan stalking her in her dreams and her liking him since the beginning but denying her feelings. I think she was afraid of what would people think about her if she chose Ronan instead. She did have the option to choose him. Even her friends told her so. Flynn knew she was attracted to him. EVERYONE KNEW.

I think they would have been the perfect match. They were meant for each other and the darkness she let herself out when she was staying in Graindoth was by her choice not his. He only let her be. She could have been by his side and not let the dark overpower her. Seriously.!! He opened himself to her so much. He showed her not only the bad but the good and the reason he killed the former king of Bevain. He saved her from being drowned in the lake, saved her after she hit her head when Caer was casting a spell on her to see who her  soul mate was. Even when he didn´t want to give her pendant back (which I think he was a douche) but still he cared so much about her. He just wanted her by his side. To be together.

Conall and Larking were practiaclly in competition in who will she choose since the beginning. More Larking than Conall. Larking seemed like he wanted to force her at his will without being too obvious. They almost didn´t speak about their past with her even when she remembered some things and I think they were all lying to her in some way or another. Ronan was the only one who tell her the truth always. He admitted to love her, wanting her, and that he was going to take her whatever the cost.  Very cheeky Dark King i might say.

People gave Ronan too much credit of what he had done in the past. I´m not saying he didn´t do all those bad things 300 years ago, but people changed their version of what really happened always making him look as someone too evil and vicious. Kind of a sociopath but is understandable after knowing what happened to his parents.

They all want to defeat him because he has killed people. People he claims that are his enemies. No one ever said who he killed and why really. The Sidhe king, Lily and the other rulers are killing people too in the name of justice (Their justice) because they have enemies too. What does that make them. Dark Kings too? Murderers like Ronan? 

It was Brids right to decide to which side she wanted to go, but I really didn´t appreciate Bran being separated from her. 300 years ago he sided with Ronan and betrayed him for her. She was way to easy to manipulate and at the end she was exiled from Bevain and sent back to NYC. Bran turned his back to his one and only soul mate very easily just to be in Lily´s graces. That was stupid. Seriously no one gives their back to their soul mate.  Conall is way to noble for her. We needed a balance of good and bad no pure light. In the mortal world we don´t live like that. I´M PISSED.!!!

There are always two sides for every story.

He lied and schemed and plot against her and her people in order to get her. Always making sure she was not getting harmed as well as her friends in the way. He did everything in the name of love. She was literally playing hard to get. She should have chosen Ronan since the beginning. 

"ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR"

I think Ronan was so much in love with Lily that he would have given up most of his darkness and bring peace to the people of Bevain providing the perfect balance just by being with her.

I feel like there were missing A LOT of explations like for example:

1. They never said exactly how each of them died and why?  - They only make us think he was the one sending his people to kill them.

2 . In the first book:

"Good luck with the pain that I bring you Liliandra. That´s more luck then you gave for the pain you´ve brought me".  - I really thought there was so much more than "I have been hunting you for 300 years because I want you and that´s why i´m in pain".

or

The tapestries

The first was of a woman sitting by a stream, her hand brushing the surface of the water. At her back stood a man, hiding behind her the large trunk of a tree. He seemed as though he was watching her, a small smile touching his lips.

In the second one, the same woman was singing with a bue bird on perched on her hand. This time the man watched her while leaning up against a wooden building. The woman, however, didn´t seem to notice.

The last tapestry was a little different. This time the man wasn´t hiding. Instead, he was standing behind the woman, with his arms tightly wrapped around her waist. Her head was titled up, as if she were trying to look at him behind her but couldn´t turn all the way. In her hazel eyes tears were beginning to form.

Lily swallowed the lump in her throat as she stared at the woven threads that made up the forms of both her and Ronan. This was insane. Where eer she was she didn´t like it.

"Did any of this actually happened?" She asked before he could think better of it.

He shrugged his shoulders an then stepped over the first tapestry. He ran his hand over the material, stopping to stroke the depiction of her cheek.

"Yes. They were created out of memory. But I guess it´s obvious that you don´t remember"   - Again I really thought there was so much more of them together 300 years ago that she couldn´t remember and still she chose someone else. I never saw anything in the books that could make me fell in love with the wolves. Where the tapestries a lie so she could fall for him or what?

3. Sleibhin´s mom is the girl Ronan was hanging around before his parents were murdered? - It wasn´t explained why he was screwing Sleibhin´s mom if he was so in love with Lily

4. When she drowns in the lake he connects with her:

This was a safe place. There was no cause for fear here, she could not be harmed.

After all, it was hers. Sacred ground that couldn’t be marred with violence or turmoil.

“Ronan.” Her voice sounded as sweet as honey, her eyes glimmering with glee.

Dropping down beside her, he reached out a hand and gently brushed his fingers

against her soft cheek. Trailing it down, he touched her shoulder and down her arm,

spiking a shiver in her.

“You are so beautiful.”

Her smile widened. “I’ve been told much worse.”

“Lily, you scared me. Gods, did you scare me. I was so afraid… I thought I’d lost

you.” He rested his forehead against hers, and breathed in her scent. Already his nerves

were calm, his heart beating at an even pace. Fast, but still even.

“Lost me? Ronan, you can’t lose what you’ve never had.” Immediately she placed

a finger to his lips when he lifted his head. “No, don’t speak of it. Not here. Here, there is

just me, and just you. We aren’t the King of Bevain, or the Dreamer, not in this place.”

“Then neither are we enemies. Nor are we good or bad,” he added, his voice just

as quiet as hers.

She nodded. “No, we aren’t.”

Ronan stared down at her, into her hazel eyes and almost let the sigh pass his lips.

“Then let me love you,” he finally said. “Here, where neither of us is who we are,

let me love you, Lily. Please. Just this once, let me be the man you would want to touch

you. The man you can be proud of,” his eyes searched hers. “The man you could love.”

Now her smile did fade, and she glanced away as a sudden sadness came over her.

“Love is a tricky thing, Ronan. I won’t recall anything that happens here, between

us, not when I awake.”

“And when you don’t, I’ll have no proof that you gave into me, this once.

Liliandra, I’ve waited a million lifetimes for you. I’d wait a million more, if you’d only

let me touch you, just this once, without a fight, without a rejection. I want you to give

freely.”

He’d never dreamed of ending up in this position. Here she was right next to him

and she wasn’t pushing him away. In fact, there were no signs on her face of scorn or

derision. If he could hold onto this moment, make it last forever, he would. This was all

he wanted. All he needed. Everything and anything he’d done in the past three hundred

years had all been for this. With her, he could fathom being someone else. Being…better.

Before he could continue the thought, she wrapped a hand around the back of his

skull and pulled him down for a kiss.

His head spun, and his heart soared. She was kissing him. Not the other way

around. For once, her kisses were being given to him. It was a billion times better than

what he’d dreamed of. He opened his mouth to tell her as much, but she beat him to it.

“If things had been different, if you weren’t darkness, and I wasn’t light, then I

could see myself with you, Ronan. If things had been different…”

He felt her consciousness shift, struggled to hold onto the dream world she’d

created as her mind struggled to wake up.

No. Just a little longer. That’s it. A moment more to be like this. Like how we

should be…  - They had too bigger connection than the one she had with the wolves. Why would she use her "unconsciousness" as excuse to allow herself to be with him. Further in the book she does the same and meets with him in the woods.

Larkin: 

High Prince of Faolan, after his fathers dead he became the King of the Faolan. He doesn´t trust Lily is in good shape to fight with the Dark King. He doesn´t have faith in her and her capabilities. At the first fight he had with her he went looking for Whiltierna a she wolf I´m pretty sure he screwed in the past. Even though he didn´t do anything with her after Lily came back to Bevain but still. he lied....WTH.!!

"What does he mean by that, exactly?" The thought of another girl making the moves on her wolf-She stopped herself before she could go on. When had Larkin become hers? And what right did she have to be mad at him for acting the ways he was in front of his cousin if at the mere mention of another girl she flipped?

"Nothing" Larkin told her, turning so that he could face both her and Conall.

"Whilt is just a member of our pack. She´s got a crush on me, that´s all.

Before he knew what he intended, he was knocking loudly on Whiltierna´s door. The she wolf was frowning when she opened the door, her wheat color curls in disarray as if she´d just risen from bed. Her chocolate eyes widened when she realized it was him. "Larkin? What are you doing here?" He took a breath and frowned. What was he doing there? Whilt´s room was the closest to Lily´s that didn't belong to one of the Four, and he definitely wasn't going to talk to Brid or Caer about his jealousy. But this was a terrible idea. He wasn't going to talk to Brid or Caer about his jealousy. But this was a terrible idea. He wasn't that desperate, and he hadn't actually seen anything...

He also wanted to control her at his will and I didn´t like it. At the end of the book.. I wasn´t glad she chose Conall over Ronan but still was happy because she didn´t chose Larkin.

"Can we talk?" Larkin stepped even closer now and he finally turned to face him. She shook her head, fearing where this conversation was going. "Lark-"

"Im so happy for you," he surprised her by saying. "I wish nothing but the best for you and my cousin. I asked you to choose, Lily, and you did. i an´t fault you because your answer wasn´t the one I wanted to hear. But I meant what I said before he fight. I´m always going to love you. As the king of the Faolan, I´ll always stand byyou, even if it´s not as your king".

He wanted to conquer her. Like if she were his price and I didn´t like that a bit.

Connall:

High Prince of Faolan, cousin of Larkin. He loves Lily and although there´s no to much explanation of their past and current love, you kind of warm to him because he is very noble. He knows his cousin is clung to have her but still lets her be meanwhile she sorts her feelings for both of them. In the last book he is very understanding about her confusion of who she really loves. He tells her she can love whoever she wants and she shouldn´t care what other people think . He doesn´t feel threatend by his cousin for being the King of Faolan or by the Dark King and he treats her as his equal not him above her. He doesn´t want to fight her for control. He doesn´t want to control her. 

Ronan:

He loves Lily and Bran (his brother). Apparently he hasn´t been taking good care of Bevain and has to be defeated by his soulmate (Lily). He wants Lily to admit he is her only soulmate and that she loves him. In order to get her to admit that, he plots against the people she loves. Since I started reading the books I really thought he was besides being a sociopath, true meanness. Then I noticed he was just a guy in pain. In pain of his past and his present. The loss of his parents when he was young and now the girl he can´t have. When Lily was drowining in the lake my heart mealt for him. LITERALLY. I cried for a while at the end. I didn´t want his story to end up like that. He truly loved her and had a different way to approach and Lily liked that (My ass if she didn´t). Ronan´s feeling to towards Lily and viceversa were very elaborated. That´s why it was so difficult for me to let him go.

Both wolves let her go in the past and present and the only person loyal to her was Ronan. He wouldn´t let her go. NEVER and still he was not enough.

She stood in the library room he had made for her during her time in Graindoth. Outside the window the waves crashed against the ivory white and, and she thought of how she´s been here before, secretly watching his reflection in the glass. Ronan had been dead for forty-seven hours now, and she still couldn´t shake him from her mind. In truth, she didn´t think she´d ever be able to. He was, after all, her soulmate. He´d done horrible things throughout his life, but in the end he had loved her even with his last breath. - She´s never getting over him. He was his soulmate the only one for her. She just didn´t take him by her side because she was fighting for control with him. That´s why she chose the one that didn´t want to fight her and just be obedient/amenable with her.

I feel that the author underestimate the love/hate feeling we (the readers) were going to develop towards Ronan and she forced the story to end up with one of the wolves instead of him and that´s why she used the "two soulmates" and the Brid (The Traitor) bullshit. He deserved to be forgiven. I can´t say I disagree on how the story ended because it would be a lie.. I would have mourned Connall if he were dead but I think my heart aches and will keep aching for Ronan´s loss.

I´m rating this book for what the story was and not because I disagree with the ending plot. I give this author 5 stars and hope I see more of Lily, Brid, Caer, Bran and Ruarc in future books.