"We either adapt to our circumstances or we shatter.
Life is messy. Messy and short.
Why waste precious time picking up the pieces?
It's easier to bend than it is to break." ~Taylor~
Adrianna Noir has created yet another masterpiece! This series just keeps getting better, and I'm hooked! It is raw,dark, and gritty; and has you questioning the fine line between right and wrong. The last half of this book had the tension and suspense ramped up so high, I didn't want to stop reading for anyone or anything. I was so engrossed in the story, my stomach is still in knots and I am so wishing that book #4 was already out! This series is not for the faint of heart. There are scenes that will leave you quivering in your boots. I do like how Ms. Noir writes a balance of good and bad. There are scenes that make me sick, and then others that melt my heart. I have never read a book that has taking me on such an interesting emotional journey that one minute I am laughing, and the next I am in tears. These books have it all, from action, sex, violence, and even romance.
Book 3 gives us the after math of Sebastian almost losing his life, and Taylor being captured and attacked. Sebastian is at a huge crossroads in his life. Will SKALS turn him into the evil beast that most think he is, or will love conqer all and have him fight to stay human for Taylor? There are secrets coming to light regarding SKALS, and huge possible betrayals. Sebastian doesn't know who to trust, and he gets the feeling that someone is following him. He is frustrated because he isn't quite sure if he is feeling this way because of the attacks or if his instincts are kicking in and he really is in danger.
This time we get a glimpse of what his work life is really like, and just what kind of monster Marx (his boss) is. I have to say that Marx makes Sebastian look like a fairy Godmother in comparison. Marx is as evil and sadistic as they come, and I am petrified for Taylor's safety when it comes to this monster. He doesn't seem to like sharing Sebastian with Taylor, and he feels strongly that Sebastian is too distracted with her around. Having this boss on their radar is anything BUT good, and I can see that there are potential bad things to come. I sure understood Sebby's battle to keep his humanity in tact way more, now that I have been given some insight into Marx's character. Yes, Seb can be nasty when he is in a mood, and he has been abusive at times to Taylor..but it is nothing compared to what Marx would do if he ever got a hold of her. The conditioning that the SKALS members are put through is utter hell. It is basically torture at its finest, and it is no wonder that when Sebastian comes out of that it is hard for him to be a functioning person again. I believe that is exactly what Marx wants, and there is no stopping this vile creature when he has a bone to pick with someone.
There were some great scenes with Sebby and Taylor, and when things are going well for them it is like reading a fairy tale. Then Seb will get in a mood, and all of that changes in a heart beat; and out comes the belt and his aggression is taken out on Taylor. My heart bleeds for that woman, because truly there is no way out for her. She is in this for the long haul, and for the most part she seems to be happy to be there.
I have a love/hate relationship with Sebastian myself! When he says things like this to Taylor...
"Well, she is honest, gentle, and kind. She has a huge heart, but it's also the heart of a fighter, because no matter how rough things get, she refuses to give up on me. She makes me want to give her my best. Her smile alone is enough to brighten anyone's day."
How could you not love a guy like that? Unfortunately, that is just one side of him. The other side is one that I wouldn't want to meet, let alone be the focus of when he is a rage. Taylor deals with him and his mood swings quite well, even though at times she is terrified. Some people may think she is weak; but I think it makes her strong..She needs to have a spine of steel in order to deal with a man like that.
As you can tell, I am aborbed into this story whole heartedly. I feel like I know these people, and when I am reading one of these books, a train could run through my house and I wouldn't know it! I am hooked. The next installment is apparently the last one in the saga of Sebastian and Taylor. This saddens me, and yet I can't wait to read it! I have utter faith that Adriana Noir will write another blazing hot story! THis series is a MUST read for anyone who likes a bit of darkness to their books, you won't be disappointed!