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Echoes Duet #2
Echoes of the Past
My past has come back to haunt me.
As though it wasn’t enough that Lane’s past life came between us once, now our shared history threatens to rip him out of my clutches forever. And I’m powerless to stop it.
My control is waning. My entire life is slipping through my fingers.
The reincarnation of one dark and dangerous obsession looms like a shadow overhead, and I’m not sure how much longer I can hold onto the light, onto everything that’s mine.
That’s what Lane is. Mine. All of his memories and scars, his mind and his soul. His body that I’d give up my own soul just to touch one more time…
I’ll keep playing the bad guy, the devil, if that’s what it takes to save my angel.
These echoes won’t take Lane Hart away from me.
This adult dark MM romance duet contains trigger warnings, a toxic relationship, high angst, and a HEA. Please note the first book ends on a cliffhanger. Specific content warnings can be found on the author’s website.
As though it wasn’t enough that Lane’s past life came between us once, now our shared history threatens to rip him out of my clutches forever. And I’m powerless to stop it.
My control is waning. My entire life is slipping through my fingers.
The reincarnation of one dark and dangerous obsession looms like a shadow overhead, and I’m not sure how much longer I can hold onto the light, onto everything that’s mine.
That’s what Lane is. Mine. All of his memories and scars, his mind and his soul. His body that I’d give up my own soul just to touch one more time…
I’ll keep playing the bad guy, the devil, if that’s what it takes to save my angel.
These echoes won’t take Lane Hart away from me.
This adult dark MM romance duet contains trigger warnings, a toxic relationship, high angst, and a HEA. Please note the first book ends on a cliffhanger. Specific content warnings can be found on the author’s website.
389 pages, ebook
Published October 3, 2023
24 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
River Hale
9 books415 followersRiver Hale is a pseudonym, created because her mother once told her that she'll read everything she ever writes. She's a writer with a tea addiction and a love for everything dark, twisted, haunted, and beautiful. She's written and published more appropriate books that her mother is allowed to read under her real name, but she'll always have a special place in her heart for dark romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 7, 2023
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“I fear my obsession with you is dark and dangerous too.”
He stills, but only briefly. Then he brings my hand to his mouth, kissing each of my knuckles. “I’ll keep your soul safe.”
“I know you will. Because it belongs to you.”
Driven by the Echoes of the Past that still continue to haunt them, Harrison and Lane face the challenges that will forever change what they mean to each other and who they actually will be in the future. While not as electrifying as the first installment, there was so much to their relationship - so much pain and hurt that culminated in the most endearing romantic confessions that my heart swept through their tears in the hopes for their past not to define their present. 🤍🤍
“I have to martyr my soul to make sure the past doesn’t repeat itself. This is where my life was always headed.
I never had any control after all.”
Swept along the tides of the events that we left them off at, Harrison makes it his life's mission to protect Lane - no matter the cost. It's that fierce possessiveness that is their love language that makes him want to raze the Earth to keep him safe - memories be damned. 💔💔 But, it's the dangerous forces at play that won't let him do so - the challenges that threaten to break them apart that keeps the story going. The uncertainty from Lane that was what they shared together - the feelings that they amassed during their time - was any of it real? Through trials and tears, Lane and Harrison survive the storm that continues to weather their shore - only to come out more twisted and consumed with each other - but with the touch of love and hope. 🥺
Nothing that Harrison did this time was in his control - his hands were tied behind his back (no, I don't mean the times he does that to Lane to make him feel more calm within himself) that he couldn't really be himself with Lane. You really see how hard he's fighting the part of him that wants to chain Lane to him and still keep him apart for his own well-being. 🖤🖤 That he resorts to the cruelest of torment to keep his true emotions at bay; for even after he's ravaged Lane, bringing him to the cusp of intense pleasure in it's most vile and debauched form, Lane is always 'met with the storm that saved my life, the one raging in Harrison’s eyes.' There is such an intense push and pull of hatred that stems between the two, despite how much they both know how much they care for each other.
“I am unapologetically sick and twisted and madly in love with a man who is just as sick and twisted as me. Probably more…
We are corrupt and depraved and decadent.”
If Lane was addicted to 'Harrison Copeland - the devil and my drug', then Lane was the sun in his storm - the angel who calms the devil in him'. It is that volatile and explosive relationship that is fueled by a burning passion and their fierce need of each other - no matter the limitations that prevent them from being together that consumes them entirely. Harrison did whatever he could for Lane to hate him, but it was 'I complete-opposite-of-hate you' for him.
Poor Lane - my heart really bled for him - more than the blood that he willingly let Harrison shed from him. I did get a little perturbed by that this time around, even though it was with consent - surprisingly... Maybe as I'm getting older, things involving knife play to such critical parts of one's self makes more squeamish to it; but, even if I was upset by it, it was what Lane needed to survive. 'Pain that was cathartic and liberating - that make him get out of his head when he needs it most, when he needs to forget about the real things that hurt and haunt him.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹 And no matter how much Harrison hurt him with his scathing cruel words, physically hurt him with blades that slice through skin and bruises that are more than skin-deep, and violence that radiates the dominance to yield to him - for Lane, 'when it’s just me and Harrison and pain and pleasure, there is nothing else.' 🥺🥺
“I am yours, Lane,” I whisper as I lean my forehead against his. “Tell me you’re mine.”
“I am. I’m yours. I’m yours, Harrison. Body, mind, and soul, I’m yours. I’m yours to do whatever you want with. I’m yours to own. To hurt.”
“I let go of us so I can place both hands on the sides of his face once more, needing to hold that essence of eternal life between my palms.
“To love? Tell me you’re mine to love, Lane.”
As the story gains momentum - as the pieces slowly begin to unravel - as the demons at bay make their final moves - I was swooning at the affectionate moments that the two of them were unraveling with each other. Completely swept away with their feelings - those open-hearted confessions - those intimate moments that didn't just cater to their lust, but to their desire to care for the other. ❤️🔥❤️🔥 The gentle ways in which Harrison affirmed his loyalty to Lane - determined to prove to him that he is not the past that he finds himself caught in - he has so much of his own individual self that matters - when he whispered, 'I've got you'' when Lane was at the brink of exhaustion and collapsing within himself... It was written with such care - such kindness, despite the harshness of their situation that just echoed something deeper akin to longing in their touches. 🤌🏻 🤌🏻
The villain, ah, probably the weakest link of the duet, even though it should have been the strongest. For all that it was, I didn't quite buy it - the writing didn't quite convey that feeling of imminent danger that it could have been - a fear so tangible that I could believe that Harrison and Lane were destined to be apart. It didn't quite land in that aspect, and for that, the story suffered some of my initial enjoyment. He was supposed to be an unhinged, fragmented
soul, damaged beyond repair', but it just felt a bit cartoonish to me. I wanted it to be more menacing - more of an actual threat - but... 😞😞
And again, what really made up my true enjoyment of this were those heart-felt and heart-wrenching scenes that defined how much the two of them cared for each other. The author really shined in the writing towards the later half - yes, the sex was hot, but it's those soft and tender scenes that happened after. 🥰🥰 The quiet murmuring confessions, declaring 'but your life will always come before my own heart,' - I was clenching my fist against my mouth so much, because it was too sweet - just the softness my heart needed to melt it into oblivion! 🫂🫂
“I want it because I want to live forever with you.”
“Is one life with me not enough?”
“Nothing short of eternity with you will ever be enough.”
After my initial disappointing introduction to Rylee Hale, I really am glad to admit that it was not that bad of a choice to give their work another chance. Granted, it was not perfect, but it was enlightening - a concept that may have been done before, but I have yet to come across. There was enough spice to enrichen the flames and enough sugar to satisfy the heart. And for that, this duet will not just be an echo of a memory for me. 👏🏻👏🏻
“I fear my obsession with you is dark and dangerous too.”
He stills, but only briefly. Then he brings my hand to his mouth, kissing each of my knuckles. “I’ll keep your soul safe.”
“I know you will. Because it belongs to you.”
Driven by the Echoes of the Past that still continue to haunt them, Harrison and Lane face the challenges that will forever change what they mean to each other and who they actually will be in the future. While not as electrifying as the first installment, there was so much to their relationship - so much pain and hurt that culminated in the most endearing romantic confessions that my heart swept through their tears in the hopes for their past not to define their present. 🤍🤍
“I have to martyr my soul to make sure the past doesn’t repeat itself. This is where my life was always headed.
I never had any control after all.”
Swept along the tides of the events that we left them off at, Harrison makes it his life's mission to protect Lane - no matter the cost. It's that fierce possessiveness that is their love language that makes him want to raze the Earth to keep him safe - memories be damned. 💔💔 But, it's the dangerous forces at play that won't let him do so - the challenges that threaten to break them apart that keeps the story going. The uncertainty from Lane that was what they shared together - the feelings that they amassed during their time - was any of it real? Through trials and tears, Lane and Harrison survive the storm that continues to weather their shore - only to come out more twisted and consumed with each other - but with the touch of love and hope. 🥺
Nothing that Harrison did this time was in his control - his hands were tied behind his back (no, I don't mean the times he does that to Lane to make him feel more calm within himself) that he couldn't really be himself with Lane. You really see how hard he's fighting the part of him that wants to chain Lane to him and still keep him apart for his own well-being. 🖤🖤 That he resorts to the cruelest of torment to keep his true emotions at bay; for even after he's ravaged Lane, bringing him to the cusp of intense pleasure in it's most vile and debauched form, Lane is always 'met with the storm that saved my life, the one raging in Harrison’s eyes.' There is such an intense push and pull of hatred that stems between the two, despite how much they both know how much they care for each other.
“I am unapologetically sick and twisted and madly in love with a man who is just as sick and twisted as me. Probably more…
We are corrupt and depraved and decadent.”
If Lane was addicted to 'Harrison Copeland - the devil and my drug', then Lane was the sun in his storm - the angel who calms the devil in him'. It is that volatile and explosive relationship that is fueled by a burning passion and their fierce need of each other - no matter the limitations that prevent them from being together that consumes them entirely. Harrison did whatever he could for Lane to hate him, but it was 'I complete-opposite-of-hate you' for him.
Poor Lane - my heart really bled for him - more than the blood that he willingly let Harrison shed from him. I did get a little perturbed by that this time around, even though it was with consent - surprisingly... Maybe as I'm getting older, things involving knife play to such critical parts of one's self makes more squeamish to it; but, even if I was upset by it, it was what Lane needed to survive. 'Pain that was cathartic and liberating - that make him get out of his head when he needs it most, when he needs to forget about the real things that hurt and haunt him.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹 And no matter how much Harrison hurt him with his scathing cruel words, physically hurt him with blades that slice through skin and bruises that are more than skin-deep, and violence that radiates the dominance to yield to him - for Lane, 'when it’s just me and Harrison and pain and pleasure, there is nothing else.' 🥺🥺
“I am yours, Lane,” I whisper as I lean my forehead against his. “Tell me you’re mine.”
“I am. I’m yours. I’m yours, Harrison. Body, mind, and soul, I’m yours. I’m yours to do whatever you want with. I’m yours to own. To hurt.”
“I let go of us so I can place both hands on the sides of his face once more, needing to hold that essence of eternal life between my palms.
“To love? Tell me you’re mine to love, Lane.”
As the story gains momentum - as the pieces slowly begin to unravel - as the demons at bay make their final moves - I was swooning at the affectionate moments that the two of them were unraveling with each other. Completely swept away with their feelings - those open-hearted confessions - those intimate moments that didn't just cater to their lust, but to their desire to care for the other. ❤️🔥❤️🔥 The gentle ways in which Harrison affirmed his loyalty to Lane - determined to prove to him that he is not the past that he finds himself caught in - he has so much of his own individual self that matters - when he whispered, 'I've got you'' when Lane was at the brink of exhaustion and collapsing within himself... It was written with such care - such kindness, despite the harshness of their situation that just echoed something deeper akin to longing in their touches. 🤌🏻 🤌🏻
The villain, ah, probably the weakest link of the duet, even though it should have been the strongest. For all that it was, I didn't quite buy it - the writing didn't quite convey that feeling of imminent danger that it could have been - a fear so tangible that I could believe that Harrison and Lane were destined to be apart. It didn't quite land in that aspect, and for that, the story suffered some of my initial enjoyment. He was supposed to be an unhinged, fragmented
soul, damaged beyond repair', but it just felt a bit cartoonish to me. I wanted it to be more menacing - more of an actual threat - but... 😞😞
And again, what really made up my true enjoyment of this were those heart-felt and heart-wrenching scenes that defined how much the two of them cared for each other. The author really shined in the writing towards the later half - yes, the sex was hot, but it's those soft and tender scenes that happened after. 🥰🥰 The quiet murmuring confessions, declaring 'but your life will always come before my own heart,' - I was clenching my fist against my mouth so much, because it was too sweet - just the softness my heart needed to melt it into oblivion! 🫂🫂
“I want it because I want to live forever with you.”
“Is one life with me not enough?”
“Nothing short of eternity with you will ever be enough.”
After my initial disappointing introduction to Rylee Hale, I really am glad to admit that it was not that bad of a choice to give their work another chance. Granted, it was not perfect, but it was enlightening - a concept that may have been done before, but I have yet to come across. There was enough spice to enrichen the flames and enough sugar to satisfy the heart. And for that, this duet will not just be an echo of a memory for me. 👏🏻👏🏻
September 30, 2023
5⭐️ Obviously. To say I love, this duet would be a vast understatement. I love both characters growths, as well as the general story and everything else that goes along with it. I wish it wasn’t over but I’m excited to see what else Rylee comes up with! I don’t think I’ll ever be over Lane and Harrison though.
October 2, 2023
"I possess more memories than someone my age should. I can’t stand being in love with a memory. With echoes."
SHE'S DONE IT AGAIN!
If you haven't read Memory Lane by the fabulous Rylee Hale then you need to inhale it now, because Echoes of the Past is the conclusion of Lane and Harrison's story. This is a duet, so you need to read them in order.
Echoes of the Past is once again a gorgeous mix of (sort of) sci fi, science, past lives, murder/mystery, all with a dark MM romance wrapped in amongst it.
Without giving too much away, you should read this if you love:
🖤dark, angsty mm romance
🖤second chances
🖤D/S vibes
🖤age gap
🖤toxic relationships
🖤opposites attract
🖤hard won HEA
All the stars!
SHE'S DONE IT AGAIN!
If you haven't read Memory Lane by the fabulous Rylee Hale then you need to inhale it now, because Echoes of the Past is the conclusion of Lane and Harrison's story. This is a duet, so you need to read them in order.
Echoes of the Past is once again a gorgeous mix of (sort of) sci fi, science, past lives, murder/mystery, all with a dark MM romance wrapped in amongst it.
Without giving too much away, you should read this if you love:
🖤dark, angsty mm romance
🖤second chances
🖤D/S vibes
🖤age gap
🖤toxic relationships
🖤opposites attract
🖤hard won HEA
All the stars!
April 10, 2025
This book would’ve been so much better without Harrison Copeland. Why does he need to exist. Lane, sweetheart, you deserve better
March 18, 2025
Harrison + Lane
-dark mm romance
-lovers to enemies to lovers
-past lives/reincarnation
-kidnapping
-age gap
-possessive mc
ill tell ya what…out of so many things that i saw coming…THAT WAS NOT IT RIVER!!! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO THESE BOYS???😭😭😭 theyve been thru enough man!!! but wow oh wow am i obsessed!! the cliffhanger was probably easy for others to see but not me!! haha 😂 but this was such a unique story honestly, i was hooked from the start!!!
-dark mm romance
-lovers to enemies to lovers
-past lives/reincarnation
-kidnapping
-age gap
-possessive mc
ill tell ya what…out of so many things that i saw coming…THAT WAS NOT IT RIVER!!! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO THESE BOYS???😭😭😭 theyve been thru enough man!!! but wow oh wow am i obsessed!! the cliffhanger was probably easy for others to see but not me!! haha 😂 but this was such a unique story honestly, i was hooked from the start!!!
October 6, 2025
I love these two in a CRAZY way. Like actually obsessed. Such a unique plot and storyline that I simply couldn’t get enough of. Their toxicity was *chefs kiss* and everything I could’ve wanted in a darker romance.
Cont. from book 1 review because it too long to combine them😭
Scott was just one conniving evil man!! Shooting Lane was actually sick. I can’t tell whether he was acting on behalf of Jonathan’s soul or if he was actually Jonathan in those moments. Seeing him make Harrison push Lane away actually made me so depressed. Like I was full on sobbing given Lane’s reaction to it, wondering if what they had was ever real. And Harrison made it feel TOO real so he had an inkling that something must’ve happened. And then seeing his mom and her just reiterating that the way Harrison looked at him was something that could never be faked. We could truly feel Harrison’s fear after Lane was shot, knowing then and there that he didn’t want to live a life without Lane in it. So clearly the “only wanting Lane for the project” was absolute BS and deep down Lane knew that. There was no way he could go from calling Lane his honeydew angel to telling him he was a means to an end.
Look at me, making this way longer than I knew it’d be, but I fear I’m just passionate about them. From the moments of Harrison pushing Lane away, Lane sticking up for himself and going to work with Scott, Harrison working in the background to ruin Scott and eventually 💀 him, Harrison and Lane realizing they’d never be able to stay away from each other, to confessing their love, and then ultimately bringing Scott down.
Their journey was LONG and PAINFUL but they made it out alive albeit still fucked up hahaha. Because while they might have found forever with each other, deep down they knew they’d always be some sickos but at least they’d be sick AND in love together. Reading about Harrison’s internal thoughts when it came to Lane’s safety was everything 🥲 He had promised he’d never hurt Lane in a way he didn’t want to and seeing people hurt him in that way made that man see crimson red!!! Lane was his MAN and nothing and no one could rip away his angel. Lane craved the pain from Harrison because it was what he wanted. Again, seeing only Harrison’s marks on him made him feel loved in a way that seemed sick to anyone else but he didn’t care because no one would understand anyway.
I could say PLENTY more but I fear I’ve written enough. Anyway, I love them. Lane was Harrison’s angel and Harrison was Lane’s guardian devil. Their relationship may be toxic but it was theirs. The lengths they would go to be with each other was unexplainable. We see them at the end choosing to take the serum so that there was a way that they could have another life together or many more after that. Those lives might not be as Harrison and Lane, but it would still be their souls that would never want to part. In every lifetime, Harrison will always tell Lane: “I got you.” 🥹
— quotes
“I never expected to feel this way for another human being. Didn’t believe it was possible. Now that I do, I would have thought I’d be afraid of it or despise it or want to turn away from it. I feel none of that.”
“I’m also absolute shit at emotions too, but fuck me if I don’t care for this boy more than I’ve ever cared for anyone. Part of me wants to tell him, but I don’t know how.” (Definitely not crying)
“The only one allowed to ever hurt you is me. Because you’re mine, Lane. And if I haven’t proved that to you already, I swear I will spend the rest of this life and any future ones we may share doing just that.” — “Okay, so my love language is possessiveness. That sounds about right.”
“Lane enjoys submitting to me, loves it even, sometimes needs it. But outside of those lecherous moments between the two of us? That’s where I think he’s building those walls of fortitude and tenacity.”
“Thank you, Harrison,” he whispers, his voice raw with all the emotion he’s attempting to hold back. “For everything.” — “Anything for you, angel.”
“I just want you. I don’t care about the pain.” “I do. It’s not the good kind.” — “So give me the good kind to distract me from the bad kind.” (Like 😭)
“I’ve never cared about anyone the way I care for Lane. I’ve never loved another man the way people are supposed to love their partners. I never thought I was capable of it. But I guess if I could love someone…”
“I could try to hold it back, try to control it, stamp it down. But right now I don’t want to. Because the anger is protecting me, and if it truly isn’t mine, then this is the first time I’m grateful to share a soul with another, like this is just more pieces of that other life. Because this fury is better than the agony. And because this is so fucking wrong. Two pieces aren’t fitting together in my brain.” (Like actually SOBBING)
“People can fake a lot of things, Lane, but that’s not one of them.” — “I know what it looks like when it’s real, Lane. And the look in Harrison’s eyes at that hospital was anything but fake.”
“We all have the capacity for darkness. Even you, angel. And my darkness wants to swallow your light and swim in your shadows.”
“I’m going to be the last one to make you bleed.” — “To make you hurt. Your pain and blood and scars are mine.”
“But I’d be anything for Harrison Copeland, his angel or his whore.”
“I don’t think there will ever be anyone else who’s as good at that, at giving me both pain and pleasure in equal, exquisite doses, the perfect cocktail that lifts me into the air, into the soft, soft clouds…”
“You look pretty when you cry, but you’re fucking gorgeous when you’re gasping for breath.”
“This, too, was always meant to be my fate. Harrison Copeland will always have power over me.”
“I wish I knew exactly what it is about him—because sometimes it feels like one of those problems that I need to solve. He’s crawled under my skin, creeped into my goddamn heart.”
“Tell me first,” I whisper into the space between us. “Please.” — “That it kills me inside to not be with you every fucking day? That you’re the only one I want? That you’re mine? That…” “That what?” I urge breathlessly. “That I’ve got you.” (Like stopppp🥲)
“Don’t ever pretend not to be as sick as me, baby.”
“I’ve got you.” — “I think I might like loving Lane as much as I like hating him.”
“Does that mean you want to be together?” — “I guess I haven’t made it obvious enough. Of course I do. I’ve told you before, and I’ll tell you again. You’re mine, Lane Hart.”
“But nothing is better at relieving my stress than whatever it is Lane does to me, some kind of effect he has on my mind, my soul. I remember there was once a time that I couldn’t wait to be done with him because I hated what he did to me. Now? I don’t think I could live without it.”
“Did you know I’ve never gotten on my knees for another man before?” I look up at him as I undo his jeans and pull them down below his hips. “Not once.”
“Do you see how much power you have, Lane?” — “Not only over your own life. You have so much power over me you have no idea.”
“I’m yours, Harrison. Body, mind, and soul, I’m yours.” — “I’m yours to do whatever you want with. I’m yours to own. To hurt.”
“I’ve known for quite some time that I was in love with Harrison Copeland, but never would I have thought that he would love me too. — “I’ve always been yours, Harrison.” — “I love you. With everything I have. I don’t know why you’d want to love me, but I’m yours for that too.”
“I’m sorry I ever made you feel like I didn’t want to love you.” His thumbs stroke my cheeks as he gazes into my eyes with an intensity that is all-consuming. “But your life will always come before my own heart.” (Definitely sobbing here)
“The next time I look in the mirror, I need your marks to overshadow the ones I’m too afraid to look at.”
“Are you sure you want it to hurt?” — “I need it to.” He kisses me, a soft press of his lips against mine, then whispers, “I love you, angel. So fucking much.”
“You look so beautiful like this.” “Like what?” — “Powerful and fierce.” — “Taking what you want. Invincible.”
“I was never a slut for pain until Harrison, and now I don’t know how I ever lived without it. I’ve never felt so free. When it’s just me and Harrison and pain and pleasure, there is nothing else.”
“You mesmerize me, my divine angel.”
“Harrison has seen my soul in this life and my last, but right here, right now, he’s seeing my soul. Like he’s getting a glimpse all the way into that region of my brain where my soul resides, and it’s bleeding out, pouring over him, pleading to just be seen.”
“I think I finally believe in a god,” — “There’s no way something as perfect as you was created by chance, by anything short of the will of a rational, moral being.” — “You’re my spiritual awakening, angel.”
“I’ve got you, Lane. I’ve always got you.” (🥹🥹)
“The way this boy has such a chokehold over my heart, my soul. I recognize it for what it is, and there’s a part of me that’s frightened by it.”
“I fear my obsession with you is dark and dangerous too.” — “I’ll keep your soul safe.” — “I know you will. Because it belongs to you.”
“You are so beyond redemption,” — “My soul has always loved you, Harrison. Just in different ways.” — “And now I’m never letting you go.” — “I hope you enjoy damnation.”
“So that’s it then? You’re choosing Sean over your own father?” — “I’m choosing the man I love.”
“I need you to listen to me very carefully, Lane. You may share a soul with Sean McKay, but this?” He drops one hand off my face to place it over my heart. “This heart is all yours.” (Stop pls🥲)
“You are stronger than you know and so much braver than you give yourself credit for.” (Crying)
“I’ll keep your soul safe.” — “I know you will. Because it belongs to you.” — “He crashes his lips to mine in a tempestuous kiss, and I let myself drown in his storm, our tongues like turbulent waves, sparks like lightning.”
“I’ve already ruined you.” — “You have. But if I had to choose to do it all over again, I would. I’d choose you. Even after everything we went through.”
“I guess even the devil has a guardian angel.” —“You’re the only angel I need.”
“The shame I should probably be feeling isn’t there. I am unapologetically sick and twisted and madly in love with a man who is just as sick and twisted as me. Probably more… We are corrupt and depraved and decadent.”
“You hear me, Lane?” — “I’m never letting you go.”
“It’s official. I’m addicted. Harrison Copeland is the devil and my drug.”
“It was Lane I was waiting for. He’s the sun in my storm. The angel who calms the devil in me.”
“Unlike Sean, I don’t want it because I want to live forever like a god. I want it because I want to live forever with you.” (I want to cry)
“Is one life with me not enough?” — “Nothing short of eternity with you will ever be enough.” (Seriously stop)
“But if you want to take it, then I’m taking it too. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want eternity with you.”
“He gives me the brightest smile I’ve ever seen, and I don’t think I’ve ever been happier in my entire life. I don’t think my soul has ever been happier.” — “I love you, Harrison,” he says. “I love you too, angel.” “We’ll keep each other’s souls safe, right?” “Forever.”
Cont. from book 1 review because it too long to combine them😭
Scott was just one conniving evil man!! Shooting Lane was actually sick. I can’t tell whether he was acting on behalf of Jonathan’s soul or if he was actually Jonathan in those moments. Seeing him make Harrison push Lane away actually made me so depressed. Like I was full on sobbing given Lane’s reaction to it, wondering if what they had was ever real. And Harrison made it feel TOO real so he had an inkling that something must’ve happened. And then seeing his mom and her just reiterating that the way Harrison looked at him was something that could never be faked. We could truly feel Harrison’s fear after Lane was shot, knowing then and there that he didn’t want to live a life without Lane in it. So clearly the “only wanting Lane for the project” was absolute BS and deep down Lane knew that. There was no way he could go from calling Lane his honeydew angel to telling him he was a means to an end.
Look at me, making this way longer than I knew it’d be, but I fear I’m just passionate about them. From the moments of Harrison pushing Lane away, Lane sticking up for himself and going to work with Scott, Harrison working in the background to ruin Scott and eventually 💀 him, Harrison and Lane realizing they’d never be able to stay away from each other, to confessing their love, and then ultimately bringing Scott down.
Their journey was LONG and PAINFUL but they made it out alive albeit still fucked up hahaha. Because while they might have found forever with each other, deep down they knew they’d always be some sickos but at least they’d be sick AND in love together. Reading about Harrison’s internal thoughts when it came to Lane’s safety was everything 🥲 He had promised he’d never hurt Lane in a way he didn’t want to and seeing people hurt him in that way made that man see crimson red!!! Lane was his MAN and nothing and no one could rip away his angel. Lane craved the pain from Harrison because it was what he wanted. Again, seeing only Harrison’s marks on him made him feel loved in a way that seemed sick to anyone else but he didn’t care because no one would understand anyway.
I could say PLENTY more but I fear I’ve written enough. Anyway, I love them. Lane was Harrison’s angel and Harrison was Lane’s guardian devil. Their relationship may be toxic but it was theirs. The lengths they would go to be with each other was unexplainable. We see them at the end choosing to take the serum so that there was a way that they could have another life together or many more after that. Those lives might not be as Harrison and Lane, but it would still be their souls that would never want to part. In every lifetime, Harrison will always tell Lane: “I got you.” 🥹
— quotes
“I never expected to feel this way for another human being. Didn’t believe it was possible. Now that I do, I would have thought I’d be afraid of it or despise it or want to turn away from it. I feel none of that.”
“I’m also absolute shit at emotions too, but fuck me if I don’t care for this boy more than I’ve ever cared for anyone. Part of me wants to tell him, but I don’t know how.” (Definitely not crying)
“The only one allowed to ever hurt you is me. Because you’re mine, Lane. And if I haven’t proved that to you already, I swear I will spend the rest of this life and any future ones we may share doing just that.” — “Okay, so my love language is possessiveness. That sounds about right.”
“Lane enjoys submitting to me, loves it even, sometimes needs it. But outside of those lecherous moments between the two of us? That’s where I think he’s building those walls of fortitude and tenacity.”
“Thank you, Harrison,” he whispers, his voice raw with all the emotion he’s attempting to hold back. “For everything.” — “Anything for you, angel.”
“I just want you. I don’t care about the pain.” “I do. It’s not the good kind.” — “So give me the good kind to distract me from the bad kind.” (Like 😭)
“I’ve never cared about anyone the way I care for Lane. I’ve never loved another man the way people are supposed to love their partners. I never thought I was capable of it. But I guess if I could love someone…”
“I could try to hold it back, try to control it, stamp it down. But right now I don’t want to. Because the anger is protecting me, and if it truly isn’t mine, then this is the first time I’m grateful to share a soul with another, like this is just more pieces of that other life. Because this fury is better than the agony. And because this is so fucking wrong. Two pieces aren’t fitting together in my brain.” (Like actually SOBBING)
“People can fake a lot of things, Lane, but that’s not one of them.” — “I know what it looks like when it’s real, Lane. And the look in Harrison’s eyes at that hospital was anything but fake.”
“We all have the capacity for darkness. Even you, angel. And my darkness wants to swallow your light and swim in your shadows.”
“I’m going to be the last one to make you bleed.” — “To make you hurt. Your pain and blood and scars are mine.”
“But I’d be anything for Harrison Copeland, his angel or his whore.”
“I don’t think there will ever be anyone else who’s as good at that, at giving me both pain and pleasure in equal, exquisite doses, the perfect cocktail that lifts me into the air, into the soft, soft clouds…”
“You look pretty when you cry, but you’re fucking gorgeous when you’re gasping for breath.”
“This, too, was always meant to be my fate. Harrison Copeland will always have power over me.”
“I wish I knew exactly what it is about him—because sometimes it feels like one of those problems that I need to solve. He’s crawled under my skin, creeped into my goddamn heart.”
“Tell me first,” I whisper into the space between us. “Please.” — “That it kills me inside to not be with you every fucking day? That you’re the only one I want? That you’re mine? That…” “That what?” I urge breathlessly. “That I’ve got you.” (Like stopppp🥲)
“Don’t ever pretend not to be as sick as me, baby.”
“I’ve got you.” — “I think I might like loving Lane as much as I like hating him.”
“Does that mean you want to be together?” — “I guess I haven’t made it obvious enough. Of course I do. I’ve told you before, and I’ll tell you again. You’re mine, Lane Hart.”
“But nothing is better at relieving my stress than whatever it is Lane does to me, some kind of effect he has on my mind, my soul. I remember there was once a time that I couldn’t wait to be done with him because I hated what he did to me. Now? I don’t think I could live without it.”
“Did you know I’ve never gotten on my knees for another man before?” I look up at him as I undo his jeans and pull them down below his hips. “Not once.”
“Do you see how much power you have, Lane?” — “Not only over your own life. You have so much power over me you have no idea.”
“I’m yours, Harrison. Body, mind, and soul, I’m yours.” — “I’m yours to do whatever you want with. I’m yours to own. To hurt.”
“I’ve known for quite some time that I was in love with Harrison Copeland, but never would I have thought that he would love me too. — “I’ve always been yours, Harrison.” — “I love you. With everything I have. I don’t know why you’d want to love me, but I’m yours for that too.”
“I’m sorry I ever made you feel like I didn’t want to love you.” His thumbs stroke my cheeks as he gazes into my eyes with an intensity that is all-consuming. “But your life will always come before my own heart.” (Definitely sobbing here)
“The next time I look in the mirror, I need your marks to overshadow the ones I’m too afraid to look at.”
“Are you sure you want it to hurt?” — “I need it to.” He kisses me, a soft press of his lips against mine, then whispers, “I love you, angel. So fucking much.”
“You look so beautiful like this.” “Like what?” — “Powerful and fierce.” — “Taking what you want. Invincible.”
“I was never a slut for pain until Harrison, and now I don’t know how I ever lived without it. I’ve never felt so free. When it’s just me and Harrison and pain and pleasure, there is nothing else.”
“You mesmerize me, my divine angel.”
“Harrison has seen my soul in this life and my last, but right here, right now, he’s seeing my soul. Like he’s getting a glimpse all the way into that region of my brain where my soul resides, and it’s bleeding out, pouring over him, pleading to just be seen.”
“I think I finally believe in a god,” — “There’s no way something as perfect as you was created by chance, by anything short of the will of a rational, moral being.” — “You’re my spiritual awakening, angel.”
“I’ve got you, Lane. I’ve always got you.” (🥹🥹)
“The way this boy has such a chokehold over my heart, my soul. I recognize it for what it is, and there’s a part of me that’s frightened by it.”
“I fear my obsession with you is dark and dangerous too.” — “I’ll keep your soul safe.” — “I know you will. Because it belongs to you.”
“You are so beyond redemption,” — “My soul has always loved you, Harrison. Just in different ways.” — “And now I’m never letting you go.” — “I hope you enjoy damnation.”
“So that’s it then? You’re choosing Sean over your own father?” — “I’m choosing the man I love.”
“I need you to listen to me very carefully, Lane. You may share a soul with Sean McKay, but this?” He drops one hand off my face to place it over my heart. “This heart is all yours.” (Stop pls🥲)
“You are stronger than you know and so much braver than you give yourself credit for.” (Crying)
“I’ll keep your soul safe.” — “I know you will. Because it belongs to you.” — “He crashes his lips to mine in a tempestuous kiss, and I let myself drown in his storm, our tongues like turbulent waves, sparks like lightning.”
“I’ve already ruined you.” — “You have. But if I had to choose to do it all over again, I would. I’d choose you. Even after everything we went through.”
“I guess even the devil has a guardian angel.” —“You’re the only angel I need.”
“The shame I should probably be feeling isn’t there. I am unapologetically sick and twisted and madly in love with a man who is just as sick and twisted as me. Probably more… We are corrupt and depraved and decadent.”
“You hear me, Lane?” — “I’m never letting you go.”
“It’s official. I’m addicted. Harrison Copeland is the devil and my drug.”
“It was Lane I was waiting for. He’s the sun in my storm. The angel who calms the devil in me.”
“Unlike Sean, I don’t want it because I want to live forever like a god. I want it because I want to live forever with you.” (I want to cry)
“Is one life with me not enough?” — “Nothing short of eternity with you will ever be enough.” (Seriously stop)
“But if you want to take it, then I’m taking it too. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want eternity with you.”
“He gives me the brightest smile I’ve ever seen, and I don’t think I’ve ever been happier in my entire life. I don’t think my soul has ever been happier.” — “I love you, Harrison,” he says. “I love you too, angel.” “We’ll keep each other’s souls safe, right?” “Forever.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2023
After some serious begging on my part, Rylee kindly let me BETA read Echoes Of The Past. I was beside myself with excitement, reading the second part of the Echoes Duet. As Memory Lane fast became one of my favourite reads of 2023! I'm honestly still ranting and raving about it, and Rylee did not let us down with book two. I'm just as obsessed with Lane and Harrison, if not more...
I did not know how Rylee would go about topping the climactic ending of a cliffhanger, that the first book left us on. Harrison literally owns my heart at this point, never has there been an anti-hero I've rooted so much for! The need for him and Lane's HEA was strong in me. Echoes, was a wild ride, full of chaos, with an OTT baddie hell-bent on the destruction of Lane's happiness and control over Harrison, and a deadly obsession over the Reincarnation of one's soul.
I loved the echoes from Memory Lane throughout book two and the much-needed closure for these two. Obsessions are a dangerous thing, which, I think, is made clear as day in Echoes Of The Past, but the all-consuming one I have over these books is one I'll never seek help for. Let it swallow me whole, just as Harrison and Lane have.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxi3zg5Lwy5/
I did not know how Rylee would go about topping the climactic ending of a cliffhanger, that the first book left us on. Harrison literally owns my heart at this point, never has there been an anti-hero I've rooted so much for! The need for him and Lane's HEA was strong in me. Echoes, was a wild ride, full of chaos, with an OTT baddie hell-bent on the destruction of Lane's happiness and control over Harrison, and a deadly obsession over the Reincarnation of one's soul.
I loved the echoes from Memory Lane throughout book two and the much-needed closure for these two. Obsessions are a dangerous thing, which, I think, is made clear as day in Echoes Of The Past, but the all-consuming one I have over these books is one I'll never seek help for. Let it swallow me whole, just as Harrison and Lane have.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxi3zg5Lwy5/
September 23, 2023
HUGE 5 stars. This duet is a top 2023 for sure.
This story is so unique that it will be one I never forget.
We pickup where book one left off on the cliff hanger. Sheesh Rylee really knew how to leave us waiting but the wait is over.
You know through this book you think good vs evil. I mean evil can be evil with being good too right. And I love evil. Lol. Harrison that’s you I am talking about.
Rylee sends us on some super sexy times and for a wild action ride to stop the madness that is happening, namely Scott or is he Jonathan or a little of both. 🤷♀️. Well I do know but you need to read to find out.
The final epilogue melted my heart. Rylee has become an automatic read author from when I found Far from Neverland to now. Simply put perfect writing.
This story is so unique that it will be one I never forget.
We pickup where book one left off on the cliff hanger. Sheesh Rylee really knew how to leave us waiting but the wait is over.
You know through this book you think good vs evil. I mean evil can be evil with being good too right. And I love evil. Lol. Harrison that’s you I am talking about.
Rylee sends us on some super sexy times and for a wild action ride to stop the madness that is happening, namely Scott or is he Jonathan or a little of both. 🤷♀️. Well I do know but you need to read to find out.
The final epilogue melted my heart. Rylee has become an automatic read author from when I found Far from Neverland to now. Simply put perfect writing.
September 28, 2023
HO-LY WAH!!!
This book was so crazy. I loved reading it!! I never wanted to stop, especially coming from the cliffhanger that was in the first book. I just wanted to know how all the puzzle pieces lined up together, how all the loose ends find their way tied up in the end, that I just couldn't put this down.
With all the high stakes, blood, death, angst and hurt going between the characters and their lives, I just HAD to figure out how they all made it through. It says it has a HEA, and the funnest part of reading despite knowing that is just the journey it takes for them to get there. And BOY was this a journey, pushing and pulling to fight for the end. Oh, such a great read <3
This book was so crazy. I loved reading it!! I never wanted to stop, especially coming from the cliffhanger that was in the first book. I just wanted to know how all the puzzle pieces lined up together, how all the loose ends find their way tied up in the end, that I just couldn't put this down.
With all the high stakes, blood, death, angst and hurt going between the characters and their lives, I just HAD to figure out how they all made it through. It says it has a HEA, and the funnest part of reading despite knowing that is just the journey it takes for them to get there. And BOY was this a journey, pushing and pulling to fight for the end. Oh, such a great read <3
September 24, 2023
This beauty picked up right where book one left off so do not fear after that brutal cliffhanger! Harrison and Lane are absolutely everything and they literally set the pages on fire in this one 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠. I insist that Rylee writes more BDSM books because hot damn they wrote it so well!!!! Harrison owns me and we can just ignore all his red flags. To me they are more like pink flags. So let’s just say they’re all green flags and call it a day. He’s perfect. 🤣
This book was well paced, super hot, and definitely provided some angst compared to book one! Also. Greatest epilogue 😭♥️
This book was well paced, super hot, and definitely provided some angst compared to book one! Also. Greatest epilogue 😭♥️
November 4, 2023
I don’t feel like giving this long review and so I’m not going to what I will say is that this at the potential to be really good and I think where it failed was in the character development.
I don’t fully understand the science-fiction part so I won’t spend too much time trying to explain it, but basically as I understand it Lane, and I forget the other characters theme, but Harrison‘s dad figure out a way to essentially preserve peoples souls to be reincarnated into someone else’s body, and they do this trying to preserve Harrison‘s mother because she’s sick with cancer. Harrison‘s dad is so singularly focused on this that he kind of loses it and him and Lane get into a fight over it. He attacks Lane, Lane defense himself and kills Harrison’s dad (I’m sorry I really cannot remember this man’s name), Harrison walk in on it, Harrison kills Lane and retaliation……. The rest of the book Harrison is an adult man, Lane and his dad’s souls are both reincarnated and other peoples bodies.
That’s mostly the premise of the two books a bunch of stuff happens because of that I won’t spoil it anymore beyond that. That premise alone is really interesting. What ruined it for me was Harrison‘s father‘s character. He’s never described as a particularly good person, but he’s not described as evil for evil sake, either before the reincarnation. But after the reincarnation, he seems to just be evil to create a plot, and it was really distracting for the story to me. I couldn’t understand why he was doing half the things he was doing. The motivation were given is that he’s trying to reunite with his wife’s soul (Harrison‘s mother), but very little of what he does in those two books after the reincarnation is productive toward that end.
This is also just kink preference for me. I thought there was a missed opportunity for a forbidden aspect. Before the reincarnation Lane is almost like an uncle to Harrison. And then, after the reincarnation Lane is in a younger man’s body, and Harrison is the more mature, adult figure and they form a sexual relationship that was not at all present before the reincarnation and there’s definitely some forbidden dad‘s best friend trope that could’ve been explored there that just wasn’t. Missed opportunity in my opinion..
I don’t fully understand the science-fiction part so I won’t spend too much time trying to explain it, but basically as I understand it Lane, and I forget the other characters theme, but Harrison‘s dad figure out a way to essentially preserve peoples souls to be reincarnated into someone else’s body, and they do this trying to preserve Harrison‘s mother because she’s sick with cancer. Harrison‘s dad is so singularly focused on this that he kind of loses it and him and Lane get into a fight over it. He attacks Lane, Lane defense himself and kills Harrison’s dad (I’m sorry I really cannot remember this man’s name), Harrison walk in on it, Harrison kills Lane and retaliation……. The rest of the book Harrison is an adult man, Lane and his dad’s souls are both reincarnated and other peoples bodies.
That’s mostly the premise of the two books a bunch of stuff happens because of that I won’t spoil it anymore beyond that. That premise alone is really interesting. What ruined it for me was Harrison‘s father‘s character. He’s never described as a particularly good person, but he’s not described as evil for evil sake, either before the reincarnation. But after the reincarnation, he seems to just be evil to create a plot, and it was really distracting for the story to me. I couldn’t understand why he was doing half the things he was doing. The motivation were given is that he’s trying to reunite with his wife’s soul (Harrison‘s mother), but very little of what he does in those two books after the reincarnation is productive toward that end.
This is also just kink preference for me. I thought there was a missed opportunity for a forbidden aspect. Before the reincarnation Lane is almost like an uncle to Harrison. And then, after the reincarnation Lane is in a younger man’s body, and Harrison is the more mature, adult figure and they form a sexual relationship that was not at all present before the reincarnation and there’s definitely some forbidden dad‘s best friend trope that could’ve been explored there that just wasn’t. Missed opportunity in my opinion..
March 31, 2024
Did I read this and couldn't put it down until 3am? Yes. Yes I did.
This is the second and final installment to Echoes duet and MAN did this pack a punch! It had me thinking about previous lives and whether this has been attempted before.
Harrison and Lane's relationship is still dark and twisted and gives you all the butterflies! Lane is still a honey but as the book gets closer to the end you can see his character development and how he finally starts standing up for himself (Im so proud of him!) Harrison is still our Devil dressed in a suit and the lengths we will go to keep his Angel safe.
Harrison's history with his dad is revealed in this book and GOD I really felt sorry for him. So many plot twists and turns and no matter how much Harrison tried, John was always two steps ahead!
I cant speak on this duet enough!
"... You look pretty when you cry, but you're fucking gorgeous when your gasping for breath."
This is the second and final installment to Echoes duet and MAN did this pack a punch! It had me thinking about previous lives and whether this has been attempted before.
Harrison and Lane's relationship is still dark and twisted and gives you all the butterflies! Lane is still a honey but as the book gets closer to the end you can see his character development and how he finally starts standing up for himself (Im so proud of him!) Harrison is still our Devil dressed in a suit and the lengths we will go to keep his Angel safe.
Harrison's history with his dad is revealed in this book and GOD I really felt sorry for him. So many plot twists and turns and no matter how much Harrison tried, John was always two steps ahead!
I cant speak on this duet enough!
"... You look pretty when you cry, but you're fucking gorgeous when your gasping for breath."
October 3, 2023
Echoes of the Past by Rylee Hale is book two of echoes duet. Lane and Harrison’s story continues in Echoes of the Past, so you need to read Memory Lane first. If you haven’t read it yet, you need to ASAP!
«ARC REVIEW»
« dark mm romance »
« age gap »
« high angst »
« morally gray & possessive MC »
« time jumps/timelines »
« past lives / recovered memories »
« second chance »
« d/s vibes »
« fear kink, pain kink, CNC/dubcon, knife & blood play »
« toxic relationship »
« hard won HEA »
Rylee Hale does it again! After the cliffhanger ending of book one, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on an ARC of this book. I was OBSESSED with book one so going into this one I had wondered if it would live up to book one – oh boy, did it ever! Just like book one, I devoured this book in one sitting! Now I am OBSESSED with this duology! I’d like to think that cliffhanger ending really set the tone for Echoes of the Past because the wild ride doesn’t end, if anything, it just intensifies with the twists and turns and is basically a game of chess personified.
Our Lane is still a precious angel. But he is really put through it in this book. The poor guy can’t seem to catch a break and seemed to be one to get hurt over and over again. My heart broke for him so many times. Harrison and Lane are definitely at the top of my all-time favorite couples. Their relationship is toxic with everything stacked against them and on paper you would think these two would never work. But I don’t think they would work with anyone else and are perfect for each other. Harrison is probably my favorite morally gray/anti-hero character, even if he can be a self-sacrificing asshole when it comes to his angel, Lane. For someone who did not think he was capable of love, he loves Lane fiercely and will protect what is his at all costs. These two had to fight hard for that hard earn and much deserved HEA.
This book and Rylee’s writing makes you truly FEEL – it felt like she ripped my heart out at times, but thankfully she put it back together in the end. I was ecstatic that Rylee was hearing her petty pants when she was writing Scott’s/Johnathon’s ending. Pure justice. It was completely satisfying!
This is a book, and the complete duet is like no other. It is truly unique, twisted, and dark, wrapped up in a satisfying and intense HEA that is filled with passion, spice, and deep emotion. I really think this book really solidifies how talented Rylee Hale is an author. She keeps blowing me away, book after book, starting with Far From Neverland. Rylee is one of my favorite authors and an auto-buy/read for me. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
[I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review]
«ARC REVIEW»
« dark mm romance »
« age gap »
« high angst »
« morally gray & possessive MC »
« time jumps/timelines »
« past lives / recovered memories »
« second chance »
« d/s vibes »
« fear kink, pain kink, CNC/dubcon, knife & blood play »
« toxic relationship »
« hard won HEA »
“We all have the capacity for darkness. Even you, angel. And my darkness wants to swallow your light and swim in your shadows.”
“I’m going to show you how much your darkness loves mine.”
Rylee Hale does it again! After the cliffhanger ending of book one, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on an ARC of this book. I was OBSESSED with book one so going into this one I had wondered if it would live up to book one – oh boy, did it ever! Just like book one, I devoured this book in one sitting! Now I am OBSESSED with this duology! I’d like to think that cliffhanger ending really set the tone for Echoes of the Past because the wild ride doesn’t end, if anything, it just intensifies with the twists and turns and is basically a game of chess personified.
Harrison and I would paint our love in blood. He brings his mouth down on mine again, hard and punishing, the way our love was always meant to be. His tongue is a hot flame, licking against my lips, inside my mouth, like he’s trying to burn me alive to taste all of me.
Our Lane is still a precious angel. But he is really put through it in this book. The poor guy can’t seem to catch a break and seemed to be one to get hurt over and over again. My heart broke for him so many times. Harrison and Lane are definitely at the top of my all-time favorite couples. Their relationship is toxic with everything stacked against them and on paper you would think these two would never work. But I don’t think they would work with anyone else and are perfect for each other. Harrison is probably my favorite morally gray/anti-hero character, even if he can be a self-sacrificing asshole when it comes to his angel, Lane. For someone who did not think he was capable of love, he loves Lane fiercely and will protect what is his at all costs. These two had to fight hard for that hard earn and much deserved HEA.
I don’t miss the way Lane leans into me, his body falling against mine, face tilting toward my mouth, seeking whatever tenderness I’m willing to give him in the midst of my cruelty. He’s always been that way, thriving off both—all my hard, mean edges and my rare, soft center that exists only for him.
“He’s the sun in my storm. The angel who calms the devil in me.”
This book and Rylee’s writing makes you truly FEEL – it felt like she ripped my heart out at times, but thankfully she put it back together in the end. I was ecstatic that Rylee was hearing her petty pants when she was writing Scott’s/Johnathon’s ending. Pure justice. It was completely satisfying!
This is a book, and the complete duet is like no other. It is truly unique, twisted, and dark, wrapped up in a satisfying and intense HEA that is filled with passion, spice, and deep emotion. I really think this book really solidifies how talented Rylee Hale is an author. She keeps blowing me away, book after book, starting with Far From Neverland. Rylee is one of my favorite authors and an auto-buy/read for me. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
[I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review]
October 15, 2023
I think that coming into this book after devouring Ashlyn Drewek’s The Kidnapping of Roan Sinclair, The Vengeance of Roan Sinclair, - The Solnyshko Duet -, didn’t do the second part of this Duet any favors.
And what do I mean by that is that the story was just that little bit OTT and unconvincing. Scott got the lab out of Harrison’s hands with an electronic signature, no other verification needed, he asked him to break up with Lane and Harrison went with it because Scott had a contract on Lane’s head in the dark web.
Scott is this hacker genius and has all his bases covered to blackmail Harrison from all angles, has bugs in his home, his phone and his office. Harrison with the help of his own hacker and a device to show if there are bugs around, he works his own plan and “breaks up” with Lane, if you can call it that, because it seemed half-assed to me and Lane really was just too ready to take everything to heart.
Anyways let’s circle back to the bugs and Scott’s hacker genius. So Harrison finds and removes all the bugs and Scott does nothing/says nothing about it. Harrison has a burner phone and he communicates with Lane and Cason, his hacker, the security guys around Lane and his mother with it and with everyone else. Scott apparently doesn’t know about the burner phone and Harrison’s guys… Have I mentioned that apparently Harrison’s burner phone is a smart phone? How do I know that? I don’t but if Cason can install an application on it that unlocks a luxurious hotel room with it, I’m guessing it is a smart phone. But smart phones are hackable right? Yes they are! And Scott is a hacker genius isn’t he? Yes he is! Cason sends the information for that room to Harrison with an email or something. But emails are hackable and Scott is a hacker genius!
So little bits like that, like why wasn’t the burner phone a Nokia 3330 that is actually unhackable, why Cason a seasoned hacker, if secondary in skills to Scott since he had a backdoor to Cason’s systems after he found out that Harrison has hired his own hacker, made such amateur mistakes with the electronic communication and you know motels and cash, made the story not work for me 100%.
I’m not even gonna go into the how many times Lane and Harrison got together when they were supposedly broken up and hating one another. It was a big part of the story when they were blackmailed and their lives were on the line because of Scott’s obsession with Alicia and needing to complete the M-1963 project.
So yeah for me there were credibility issues that I couldn’t get past. The writing was solid though and maybe if the timing of my 2 previous reads and this one were a bit different, I wouldn’t have been so much influenced by that.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
And what do I mean by that is that the story was just that little bit OTT and unconvincing. Scott got the lab out of Harrison’s hands with an electronic signature, no other verification needed, he asked him to break up with Lane and Harrison went with it because Scott had a contract on Lane’s head in the dark web.
Scott is this hacker genius and has all his bases covered to blackmail Harrison from all angles, has bugs in his home, his phone and his office. Harrison with the help of his own hacker and a device to show if there are bugs around, he works his own plan and “breaks up” with Lane, if you can call it that, because it seemed half-assed to me and Lane really was just too ready to take everything to heart.
Anyways let’s circle back to the bugs and Scott’s hacker genius. So Harrison finds and removes all the bugs and Scott does nothing/says nothing about it. Harrison has a burner phone and he communicates with Lane and Cason, his hacker, the security guys around Lane and his mother with it and with everyone else. Scott apparently doesn’t know about the burner phone and Harrison’s guys… Have I mentioned that apparently Harrison’s burner phone is a smart phone? How do I know that? I don’t but if Cason can install an application on it that unlocks a luxurious hotel room with it, I’m guessing it is a smart phone. But smart phones are hackable right? Yes they are! And Scott is a hacker genius isn’t he? Yes he is! Cason sends the information for that room to Harrison with an email or something. But emails are hackable and Scott is a hacker genius!
So little bits like that, like why wasn’t the burner phone a Nokia 3330 that is actually unhackable, why Cason a seasoned hacker, if secondary in skills to Scott since he had a backdoor to Cason’s systems after he found out that Harrison has hired his own hacker, made such amateur mistakes with the electronic communication and you know motels and cash, made the story not work for me 100%.
I’m not even gonna go into the how many times Lane and Harrison got together when they were supposedly broken up and hating one another. It was a big part of the story when they were blackmailed and their lives were on the line because of Scott’s obsession with Alicia and needing to complete the M-1963 project.
So yeah for me there were credibility issues that I couldn’t get past. The writing was solid though and maybe if the timing of my 2 previous reads and this one were a bit different, I wouldn’t have been so much influenced by that.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 1, 2025
Here is River Hales's "Echoes of the Past." It's the second novel in her Echoes Duet series.
["My past has come back to haunt me.
As though it wasn’t enough that Lane’s past life came between us once, now our shared history threatens to rip him out of my clutches forever. And I’m powerless to stop it.
My control is waning. My entire life is slipping through my fingers.
The reincarnation of one dark and dangerous obsession looms like a shadow overhead, and I’m not sure how much longer I can hold onto the light, onto everything that’s mine.
That’s what Lane is. Mine. All of his memories and scars, his mind and his soul. His body that I’d give up my own soul just to touch one more time…
I’ll keep playing the bad guy, the devil, if that’s what it takes to save my angel.
These echoes won’t take Lane Hart away from me."]
I...I was not prepared to cry even more. I mean, I guess I should have seen it coming. But I just...wow. Holy shit. I'm a little broken at the moment. Then again, these two were just as broken, are just as broken, but their sicknesses match, and isn't that something.
I should have also been prepared for the darkness and blackmail and revenge, but I wasn't. This book was beautiful, this duet was beautiful. It touched not only on reincarnation but on how your previous life, the actions you took can and will effect your soul in the long run. It was karma at it's finest seeing certain people get darker and darker, losing their humanity because they made the wrong choices in their previous life. And I'm not talking about Lane or Harrison; those two tortured, broken boys have matching tortured, broken souls, and together, they're able to heal.
Trigger Warnings: murder, assault, violence, blood and gore, on-page parent death, losing a parent to cancer, grief and trauma, kidnapping, torture between MCs, mental abuse, choking, knife play, blood play, fear play, pain play, BDSM, edge play, dubious consent, consensual nonconsent, and more.
#memorylane #echoesofthepast #echoes #echoesduet #echoesduetseries #riverhale #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["My past has come back to haunt me.
As though it wasn’t enough that Lane’s past life came between us once, now our shared history threatens to rip him out of my clutches forever. And I’m powerless to stop it.
My control is waning. My entire life is slipping through my fingers.
The reincarnation of one dark and dangerous obsession looms like a shadow overhead, and I’m not sure how much longer I can hold onto the light, onto everything that’s mine.
That’s what Lane is. Mine. All of his memories and scars, his mind and his soul. His body that I’d give up my own soul just to touch one more time…
I’ll keep playing the bad guy, the devil, if that’s what it takes to save my angel.
These echoes won’t take Lane Hart away from me."]
I...I was not prepared to cry even more. I mean, I guess I should have seen it coming. But I just...wow. Holy shit. I'm a little broken at the moment. Then again, these two were just as broken, are just as broken, but their sicknesses match, and isn't that something.
I should have also been prepared for the darkness and blackmail and revenge, but I wasn't. This book was beautiful, this duet was beautiful. It touched not only on reincarnation but on how your previous life, the actions you took can and will effect your soul in the long run. It was karma at it's finest seeing certain people get darker and darker, losing their humanity because they made the wrong choices in their previous life. And I'm not talking about Lane or Harrison; those two tortured, broken boys have matching tortured, broken souls, and together, they're able to heal.
Trigger Warnings: murder, assault, violence, blood and gore, on-page parent death, losing a parent to cancer, grief and trauma, kidnapping, torture between MCs, mental abuse, choking, knife play, blood play, fear play, pain play, BDSM, edge play, dubious consent, consensual nonconsent, and more.
#memorylane #echoesofthepast #echoes #echoesduet #echoesduetseries #riverhale #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
October 4, 2023
I have a feeling this will be the most intense game of chess I’ve ever played.
After the shocking revelation of finding out that Lane’s roommate and best friend is sharing his soul with Jonathan Copeland, Harrison & Lane now must deal with a new threat seeking to destroy their new found relationship.
Jonathan has been hiding in plain sight all this time and now he wants to pick up where he left off with his obsession with finding his wife's soul reincarnation. Harrison however, is a mixture of emotions and at the breaking point of feeling lost as the one he loves is ripped away from him. Not only that Jonathan has underhanded everything that he has worked for. But, Harrison is not a man to bow down to anyone, even his so-called father and must play his own game now…
Lane meanwhile is recovering and dealing with a broken heart from Harrison's sudden rejection. Something not right though, Lane knows that everything they went through wasn’t a lie. He hates feeling weak and with Sean’s soul inside of him he’s starting to wonder just how much control he really has lately.
“We all have the capacity for darkness. Even you, angel. And my darkness wants to swallow your light and swim in your shadows.”
But, these two souls keep finding each other and sometimes it might be worth the risk to be together again. Harrison & Lane will have to find the strength within them to fight for their toxic raw love.
“Then let’s see how good hate can feel.”
I really enjoyed the second part of this story! I felt it was more edgy and with a twist of darkness that was coming through perfectly. The characters were well developed, exploring new experiences and they all had a great connection. Harrison & Lane's relationship is not sweet & perfect and I really enjoyed how far Rylee pushes them even further.
It’s gritty, raw and full of dark delights!
“I’ll keep your soul safe.”
“I know you will. Because it belongs to you.”
After the shocking revelation of finding out that Lane’s roommate and best friend is sharing his soul with Jonathan Copeland, Harrison & Lane now must deal with a new threat seeking to destroy their new found relationship.
Jonathan has been hiding in plain sight all this time and now he wants to pick up where he left off with his obsession with finding his wife's soul reincarnation. Harrison however, is a mixture of emotions and at the breaking point of feeling lost as the one he loves is ripped away from him. Not only that Jonathan has underhanded everything that he has worked for. But, Harrison is not a man to bow down to anyone, even his so-called father and must play his own game now…
Lane meanwhile is recovering and dealing with a broken heart from Harrison's sudden rejection. Something not right though, Lane knows that everything they went through wasn’t a lie. He hates feeling weak and with Sean’s soul inside of him he’s starting to wonder just how much control he really has lately.
“We all have the capacity for darkness. Even you, angel. And my darkness wants to swallow your light and swim in your shadows.”
But, these two souls keep finding each other and sometimes it might be worth the risk to be together again. Harrison & Lane will have to find the strength within them to fight for their toxic raw love.
“Then let’s see how good hate can feel.”
I really enjoyed the second part of this story! I felt it was more edgy and with a twist of darkness that was coming through perfectly. The characters were well developed, exploring new experiences and they all had a great connection. Harrison & Lane's relationship is not sweet & perfect and I really enjoyed how far Rylee pushes them even further.
It’s gritty, raw and full of dark delights!
“I’ll keep your soul safe.”
“I know you will. Because it belongs to you.”
September 24, 2023
ARC REVIEW
I have been not so patiently anticipating the conclusion to this duet and Rylee did not disappoint!
Man, did they have to work hard for their HEA in this one. Some points I was mad at Lane, others I was made at Harrison. The entire book I was mad at Scott of course. It seems like such an insurmountable situation at the beginning of the book, and Scott’s blasé attitude and yanking of Harrison and Lane’s chains definitely made my blood boil. But Harrison and Lane were able to pull it out in the end with the help of some side characters (and Case who I hope we see more of) we just had to trust the process, as frustrating as it was.
The ending didn’t go as I was predicting it would, which is always an unexpected pleasure. When an author is able to lay little breadcrumbs for the reader and then pull a fast one, I love it.
Thinking on it, the way I thought the ending was going to go was the exact opposite of a happy ending for the parties involved even though it would have hurt more for Scott (in my brain). I’m just so petty 😆.
This is hands down one of the best series I’ve read this year! I am absolutely blown away by Rylee Hale, she has quickly become one of my favorite authors (starting with Far From Neverland!).
Don’t sleep on this duet! It is absolutely worth it!
*****************************************************
‘Okay, so my love language is possessiveness. That sounds about right.’ -Lane
“Oh, angel,” I say, smirking wide. “If you wanted to play with the devil, all you had to do was ask.” -Harrison
‘I’m a monster, a devil, a sinner, a killer. Did I mention I’m also a fucking dick?’- Harrison
‘These fuckers are really going to make me kill Scott now and have to kidnap Lane all over again’ -Harrison
‘If he needs my hate right now, I’ll give it to him. I can love him later.’ -Harrison
*****************************************************
I have been not so patiently anticipating the conclusion to this duet and Rylee did not disappoint!
Man, did they have to work hard for their HEA in this one. Some points I was mad at Lane, others I was made at Harrison. The entire book I was mad at Scott of course. It seems like such an insurmountable situation at the beginning of the book, and Scott’s blasé attitude and yanking of Harrison and Lane’s chains definitely made my blood boil. But Harrison and Lane were able to pull it out in the end with the help of some side characters (and Case who I hope we see more of) we just had to trust the process, as frustrating as it was.
The ending didn’t go as I was predicting it would, which is always an unexpected pleasure. When an author is able to lay little breadcrumbs for the reader and then pull a fast one, I love it.
Thinking on it, the way I thought the ending was going to go was the exact opposite of a happy ending for the parties involved even though it would have hurt more for Scott (in my brain). I’m just so petty 😆.
This is hands down one of the best series I’ve read this year! I am absolutely blown away by Rylee Hale, she has quickly become one of my favorite authors (starting with Far From Neverland!).
Don’t sleep on this duet! It is absolutely worth it!
*****************************************************
‘Okay, so my love language is possessiveness. That sounds about right.’ -Lane
“Oh, angel,” I say, smirking wide. “If you wanted to play with the devil, all you had to do was ask.” -Harrison
‘I’m a monster, a devil, a sinner, a killer. Did I mention I’m also a fucking dick?’- Harrison
‘These fuckers are really going to make me kill Scott now and have to kidnap Lane all over again’ -Harrison
‘If he needs my hate right now, I’ll give it to him. I can love him later.’ -Harrison
*****************************************************
October 7, 2023
**ARC review: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
This is book 2 in Rylee Hale’s Echoes duet (MM dark romance). Book 1 needs to be read first and ends on a cliffhanger, so grab both at the same time because you’ll want to start the 2nd one right away! Harrison is the oh so morally grey neuroscientist who has been continuing his father’s work of perfecting a drug that makes people cognizant of their past life once their soul moves on to the next. Lane is a grad student who was kidnapped by Harrison in the 1st book and forced to remember his past life. In between all the kidnapping, blood play, and torture, he falls in love with Harrison, even after their past connection is revealed! Book 2 picks up right where 1 leaves off, and thankfully we don’t have to wait long for that cliffhanger resolution! Things I Loved About This Book:
The questions it raised, like the concept of past lives and nature vs. nurture: does our soul make us who we are, does our environment, both? How would the echoes of our past lives affect the present one?
The irony of how often Harrison promises to protect Lane and then Lane ends up attacked and/or kidnapped
How strong Lane becomes
How Harrison learns to love Lane
The push and pull between the “good” and “bad” guys and never knowing wtf was going to happen next!
The pain/pleasure pull of the spicy scenes with Harrison and Lane (check content warnings!)
The side characters Julie and Chase
Lane’s epilogue was so spicy and so worth the wait!
Bottom line is that I absolutely recommend checking this duet out.
This is book 2 in Rylee Hale’s Echoes duet (MM dark romance). Book 1 needs to be read first and ends on a cliffhanger, so grab both at the same time because you’ll want to start the 2nd one right away! Harrison is the oh so morally grey neuroscientist who has been continuing his father’s work of perfecting a drug that makes people cognizant of their past life once their soul moves on to the next. Lane is a grad student who was kidnapped by Harrison in the 1st book and forced to remember his past life. In between all the kidnapping, blood play, and torture, he falls in love with Harrison, even after their past connection is revealed! Book 2 picks up right where 1 leaves off, and thankfully we don’t have to wait long for that cliffhanger resolution! Things I Loved About This Book:
The questions it raised, like the concept of past lives and nature vs. nurture: does our soul make us who we are, does our environment, both? How would the echoes of our past lives affect the present one?
The irony of how often Harrison promises to protect Lane and then Lane ends up attacked and/or kidnapped
How strong Lane becomes
How Harrison learns to love Lane
The push and pull between the “good” and “bad” guys and never knowing wtf was going to happen next!
The pain/pleasure pull of the spicy scenes with Harrison and Lane (check content warnings!)
The side characters Julie and Chase
Lane’s epilogue was so spicy and so worth the wait!
Bottom line is that I absolutely recommend checking this duet out.
September 25, 2023
ARC READ
RELEASES ON OCTOBER 3RD
As we know by my previous review, I LOVED book one (Memory Lane). These books are so not what I usually read and reach for but holy shit. It was a leap of faith signing up for the first ARC after reading one book by this author that I was recommended and loved. As soon as I was presented with the opportunity to read the ARC for this one too? You best believe I jumped on that.
Just like book one, I was hooked from early on. Book one ended in a major cliffhanger and this picked up right from where we left off so there's no suspense in waiting to see what happens next there. We just right back into the story and a wild story it is. This is one of those books where I just didn't want to put it down. I just wanted to know where this was going and what new drama, angst, or twists were going to come up next. I was at 22% and already felt a little crazy about things that were happening.
I can't give any specific cliff notes because I will not spoil this book for anyone. But let's just say that Harrison and Lane don't have it easy here... I'll admit that throwing my kindle has come across my mind a few times during this read. There's one big fucking problem. Said big problem being a WHO (not a main character) rather than a what.
All in all, I LOVE this book (as much of a rollercoaster of emotions it was). Maybe even more than the first. The spice was HOT and it's rough. The angst was doing it's job. This book, this duet, has done a number on me. I love Harrison and Lane.
RELEASES ON OCTOBER 3RD
As we know by my previous review, I LOVED book one (Memory Lane). These books are so not what I usually read and reach for but holy shit. It was a leap of faith signing up for the first ARC after reading one book by this author that I was recommended and loved. As soon as I was presented with the opportunity to read the ARC for this one too? You best believe I jumped on that.
Just like book one, I was hooked from early on. Book one ended in a major cliffhanger and this picked up right from where we left off so there's no suspense in waiting to see what happens next there. We just right back into the story and a wild story it is. This is one of those books where I just didn't want to put it down. I just wanted to know where this was going and what new drama, angst, or twists were going to come up next. I was at 22% and already felt a little crazy about things that were happening.
I can't give any specific cliff notes because I will not spoil this book for anyone. But let's just say that Harrison and Lane don't have it easy here... I'll admit that throwing my kindle has come across my mind a few times during this read. There's one big fucking problem. Said big problem being a WHO (not a main character) rather than a what.
All in all, I LOVE this book (as much of a rollercoaster of emotions it was). Maybe even more than the first. The spice was HOT and it's rough. The angst was doing it's job. This book, this duet, has done a number on me. I love Harrison and Lane.
September 20, 2023
"I'm going to be the last one to make you bleed"..."To make you hurt. Your pain and blood and scars are mine."
Harrison and Lane are going to live rent free in my head for a long time. This book gave me so much anxiety but it was worth every minute. I devoured it on one sitting because I could not put it down. As I said in my review for Memory Lane... Harrison is not a good man. I will stand by that but... his kind of evil somehow works with Lane. And the things that come out that mans mouth... no words!!!
Something I really loved about this was when Lane started standing up for himself without it being overly dramatic. More like, I deserve more than this and I'm tired. It felt like a natural transition vs changing a character entirely to fit the narrative. And same goes for the way that Harrison softened a little more when it came to Lane. That may not make sense but if you read the books you'll understand exactly what I am talking about.
This was an amazing ending to the Echoes duet. It is a dark MM romance and is not for everyone. While this story does have an HEA, it was not easy getting there.
"I'll keep your soul safe." "I know you will. because it belongs to you."
Harrison and Lane are going to live rent free in my head for a long time. This book gave me so much anxiety but it was worth every minute. I devoured it on one sitting because I could not put it down. As I said in my review for Memory Lane... Harrison is not a good man. I will stand by that but... his kind of evil somehow works with Lane. And the things that come out that mans mouth... no words!!!
Something I really loved about this was when Lane started standing up for himself without it being overly dramatic. More like, I deserve more than this and I'm tired. It felt like a natural transition vs changing a character entirely to fit the narrative. And same goes for the way that Harrison softened a little more when it came to Lane. That may not make sense but if you read the books you'll understand exactly what I am talking about.
This was an amazing ending to the Echoes duet. It is a dark MM romance and is not for everyone. While this story does have an HEA, it was not easy getting there.
"I'll keep your soul safe." "I know you will. because it belongs to you."
October 7, 2023
4,5 ⭐️
**ARC Reviews**
***Disclaimer : English is not my first language***
Even with the cliffhanger of the first book, it took me a while to start book 2. The main reason is ✨️Life✨️ but I was excited to read about Harrison and Lane again.
After book 1, I was desperate to know what will happen to them and I was not disappointed.
My heart ache for Harrison and Lane in this book, especially for Lane. I can't tell you why because I don't want to spoil anything, but I just wanted them to have their happily ever after.
To sort themselves out of the mess they are in, Harrison will have to lose his control over everything he has built and Lane will have to learn to trust Harrison despite all the things going on.
Their relationship is so toxic but it's also so beautiful in a way. They are ready to do anything for each other.
All the plots-twist were mind-blowing ! It was so satisfying for me when they finaly won their HEA.
Anyway, this duet was sooo good, and even if I was a little less obsessed with them in Book 2 (it's totally a me problem), I love them so much 🥰. If you haven't started this duet already what are you waiting for ?!
⚠️ This is a Dark Romance. Seach up TW. ⚠️
**ARC Reviews**
***Disclaimer : English is not my first language***
Even with the cliffhanger of the first book, it took me a while to start book 2. The main reason is ✨️Life✨️ but I was excited to read about Harrison and Lane again.
After book 1, I was desperate to know what will happen to them and I was not disappointed.
My heart ache for Harrison and Lane in this book, especially for Lane. I can't tell you why because I don't want to spoil anything, but I just wanted them to have their happily ever after.
To sort themselves out of the mess they are in, Harrison will have to lose his control over everything he has built and Lane will have to learn to trust Harrison despite all the things going on.
Their relationship is so toxic but it's also so beautiful in a way. They are ready to do anything for each other.
All the plots-twist were mind-blowing ! It was so satisfying for me when they finaly won their HEA.
Anyway, this duet was sooo good, and even if I was a little less obsessed with them in Book 2 (it's totally a me problem), I love them so much 🥰. If you haven't started this duet already what are you waiting for ?!
⚠️ This is a Dark Romance. Seach up TW. ⚠️
September 28, 2023
I'm going to be the last one to make you bleed. To make you hurt. Your pain and blood and scars are mine.
🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 3/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Bi Awakening
❤️ Age Gap
🖤 Anti-Hero MC
❤️ Slow Burn
If he needs my hate right now, I’ll give it to him. I can love him later.
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
Since finishing the first half of the duet, I was left reeling after the cliffhanger and I was desperate to see how everything could end! I live for a good anti-hero and Harrison was the perfect one! Him and Lane completely owned me from the first meeting in the first book, and I was desperate for them to get their happy ever after. Of course it was never to be an easy ride and Rylee really knew how to break my heart and put it back together many times over. The plot was just as exhilarating as the first book and of course the ending was not as expected! Overall I had to best time reading this duet and I cannot wait to read more from the author!
🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 3/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Bi Awakening
❤️ Age Gap
🖤 Anti-Hero MC
❤️ Slow Burn
If he needs my hate right now, I’ll give it to him. I can love him later.
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
Since finishing the first half of the duet, I was left reeling after the cliffhanger and I was desperate to see how everything could end! I live for a good anti-hero and Harrison was the perfect one! Him and Lane completely owned me from the first meeting in the first book, and I was desperate for them to get their happy ever after. Of course it was never to be an easy ride and Rylee really knew how to break my heart and put it back together many times over. The plot was just as exhilarating as the first book and of course the ending was not as expected! Overall I had to best time reading this duet and I cannot wait to read more from the author!
September 30, 2023
This book takes place right where book 1 ends. So book 1 is a must read in order to know what's going on.
MY GOD was this a good book! Harrison is one processive, protective man! He's not good, at all. But he loves Lane and will ANYTHING to protect him! Scott/Jonathan has taken over at Copeland Laboratories. He is desperate to find his wife's memory and does a bunch of crazy stuff in an attempt to find it. Harrison has to play by his rules in order to keep Lane safe. But Lane doesn't want to be pushed to the side and when he gets his courage and starts to stand up for himself, he learns what all has been going on around him.
I don't want to say much else because I don't do spoilers but just know that this book will have you sitting at the edge of your seat while also making you sweat...because Harrison is a DIRRRTY, DIRRTY man!! The spice in this book is top knotch!! It's everything I love in a romance and more!!
Rylee had me hooked when I read Memory Lane but after reading this, I am 100% a Rylee Hale fan and will be reading everything she writes!!
MY GOD was this a good book! Harrison is one processive, protective man! He's not good, at all. But he loves Lane and will ANYTHING to protect him! Scott/Jonathan has taken over at Copeland Laboratories. He is desperate to find his wife's memory and does a bunch of crazy stuff in an attempt to find it. Harrison has to play by his rules in order to keep Lane safe. But Lane doesn't want to be pushed to the side and when he gets his courage and starts to stand up for himself, he learns what all has been going on around him.
I don't want to say much else because I don't do spoilers but just know that this book will have you sitting at the edge of your seat while also making you sweat...because Harrison is a DIRRRTY, DIRRTY man!! The spice in this book is top knotch!! It's everything I love in a romance and more!!
Rylee had me hooked when I read Memory Lane but after reading this, I am 100% a Rylee Hale fan and will be reading everything she writes!!
October 21, 2023
Wow! just so intense and good!
What an ending and now it has me thinking about previous lives. It was such a great plot!
I wasn’t sure how it was going to end for real! I didn’t check to see if it was an HEA because after book one, I immediately jumped into book two!
The relationship between Lane and Harrison is still a twisted one but it’s so hot! The devil vs angel was chef’s kiss how Harrison played it.
The battle that Harrison had to go through about his father and seeing and reading how Jon truly felt was heartbreaking. The man was certainly had an obsession with his wife. So many plot twists and Jon was just always two steps ahead.
Thoughts: if Sean hadn’t helped him meet his wife, would he have stalked her and maybe been overly obsessed and kidnap her if she didn’t want to be with him? So much to think about in this book!
Not gonna lie, the characters were perfect but I thought to myself for a second what if Lane’s previous life was the father and didn’t find out until after the light testing!
Absolutely would recommend this duet!
What an ending and now it has me thinking about previous lives. It was such a great plot!
I wasn’t sure how it was going to end for real! I didn’t check to see if it was an HEA because after book one, I immediately jumped into book two!
The relationship between Lane and Harrison is still a twisted one but it’s so hot! The devil vs angel was chef’s kiss how Harrison played it.
The battle that Harrison had to go through about his father and seeing and reading how Jon truly felt was heartbreaking. The man was certainly had an obsession with his wife. So many plot twists and Jon was just always two steps ahead.
Thoughts: if Sean hadn’t helped him meet his wife, would he have stalked her and maybe been overly obsessed and kidnap her if she didn’t want to be with him? So much to think about in this book!
Not gonna lie, the characters were perfect but I thought to myself for a second what if Lane’s previous life was the father and didn’t find out until after the light testing!
Absolutely would recommend this duet!
September 22, 2023
The conclusion to this duet was phenomenal. These books are so original, the theory that our souls can be reincarnated, and maybe we can remember our past lives is fascinating.
Rylee Hale has really taken us on a dark and twisted ride with these books, but my god, is it worth it. Harrison and Lane are truly meant to be together. This book was absolutely non-stop from the very first page.
The book picks up right where the last book is left, and man was my heart in my throat. I mean, I knew Lane had to be ok, but damn!!
Harrison and Lane are really put through the ringer in this one, and their relationship is tested to the max.
This book is dark and twisted, and Harrison and Lane are absolutely unique and custom made for each other with the way their darkness calls to one another and fits together perfectly.
I couldn't recommend this duet enough. The world that Rylee Hale has created is all consuming and will take you on a mesmerising journey that you dont want to miss.
Rylee Hale has really taken us on a dark and twisted ride with these books, but my god, is it worth it. Harrison and Lane are truly meant to be together. This book was absolutely non-stop from the very first page.
The book picks up right where the last book is left, and man was my heart in my throat. I mean, I knew Lane had to be ok, but damn!!
Harrison and Lane are really put through the ringer in this one, and their relationship is tested to the max.
This book is dark and twisted, and Harrison and Lane are absolutely unique and custom made for each other with the way their darkness calls to one another and fits together perfectly.
I couldn't recommend this duet enough. The world that Rylee Hale has created is all consuming and will take you on a mesmerising journey that you dont want to miss.
October 1, 2023
4.5⭐️
What a gripping end to this duet. That cliffhanger truly left me saying WTF?! Waiting nearly a month to find out what happens was terrible because I couldn’t stop thinking about these two.
I knew Jonathon would make an appearance but I had no idea his character would be so truly manic and psychotic. And knowing he was always a step ahead left me on edge and unable to put this down. But seeing more of Harrison’s soft, erm, soft-ish?! 😬 side was so very gratifying. All that possessiveness with a tinge of vulnerability. Yes! 🫠 Those MCs are my absolute favorites. Harrison is certainly no exception. And Lane coming into his own and realizing he’s not a victim but a fighter?! Worth every bruise he earned to get there.
The heat just kept getting hotter between these two. ESP as they learn to fully trust the other and Lane finds his power in their dynamic. Is it still toxic as all hell? Unquestionably! But I was here for it. 🔥
There were twists and turns that had me questioning which direction this would all go. And I’m stoked to know we’ll get more Case in the future because something about that green-haired boy grabbed me. It didn’t end at all how I thought it would, but yet it was everything it needed to be. The epilogue. 🥹 Yep. It was perfect for them.
What a gripping end to this duet. That cliffhanger truly left me saying WTF?! Waiting nearly a month to find out what happens was terrible because I couldn’t stop thinking about these two.
I knew Jonathon would make an appearance but I had no idea his character would be so truly manic and psychotic. And knowing he was always a step ahead left me on edge and unable to put this down. But seeing more of Harrison’s soft, erm, soft-ish?! 😬 side was so very gratifying. All that possessiveness with a tinge of vulnerability. Yes! 🫠 Those MCs are my absolute favorites. Harrison is certainly no exception. And Lane coming into his own and realizing he’s not a victim but a fighter?! Worth every bruise he earned to get there.
The heat just kept getting hotter between these two. ESP as they learn to fully trust the other and Lane finds his power in their dynamic. Is it still toxic as all hell? Unquestionably! But I was here for it. 🔥
There were twists and turns that had me questioning which direction this would all go. And I’m stoked to know we’ll get more Case in the future because something about that green-haired boy grabbed me. It didn’t end at all how I thought it would, but yet it was everything it needed to be. The epilogue. 🥹 Yep. It was perfect for them.
October 2, 2023
The way I DEVOURED part II of this duet, especially after the cliffhanger in book one! So this is me screaming if you haven’t read book one, start now! And if you have, book two is going to blow your mind. Firstly, because the chemistry between Lane & Harrison somehow dials up even more, and I’m telling you - it’s drool worthy hot. The touch him and die vibes as they navigate the mess they’ve found themselves in (yeah sorry I’m being vague, but spoilers suck) is top notch vibes. Their love is toxic and obsessive and probably completely dysfunctional, but damn is it good! I am totally in love with this couple and Rylee for crafting this epic duet with the mother load of plot twists and intrigue. I feel like I held my breathe the entire way and their HEA does not disappoint, you just have to make it through the heart stopping moments - promise!!
October 5, 2023
Yes! This book concludes the duet and I loved it! I couldn’t get enough of Lane and Harrison! Book 2 takes right off where we were left after that killer cliffhanger in book 1! Harrison and Lane have quite the struggle and they do not have the conventional relationship you expect. They are very much push and pull throughout the story. The angst is so high you can feel it coming off the pages! But I am here for their HAE and boy was it a journey!
This is a must-read MM dark romance!! Make sure to read the triggers if you have them!
This is a must-read MM dark romance!! Make sure to read the triggers if you have them!
October 18, 2023
And I will kiss every single scar on your body and soul, to remind you that love doesn’t have to hurt.
—ginnie bale
Book two starts off right where book one ends.
This one was very story heavy. No plot twists like the first book. I loved Harrison and Lane’s relationship. It was definitely a hard earned HEA for those two. I also felt for the villain of the story. I know that says a lot about me but it’s fine. I loved the ending so much! It was flawless. It wrapped the story up in a pretty little bow. Highly recommend this duet.
—ginnie bale
Book two starts off right where book one ends.
This one was very story heavy. No plot twists like the first book. I loved Harrison and Lane’s relationship. It was definitely a hard earned HEA for those two. I also felt for the villain of the story. I know that says a lot about me but it’s fine. I loved the ending so much! It was flawless. It wrapped the story up in a pretty little bow. Highly recommend this duet.
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