"I’ll be fine. I’m good at fading into the background."
"The last thing that you are is invisible."
I’m doing only one review for all three books because you can’t really read them separately. The most important thing is: where has Tessa Hale been all my life? I swear she can end all book slumps, and I absolutely loved this whole series!
"I was going to be surrounded by four guys I knew almost nothing about when the only being I was used to talking to was my cat."
Leighton has had a rough life since her father died and she went to live with her mom, losing touch with her childhood best friend, Colt. But it so turns out that Colt never forgot about her either, and he comes back for her, saving her from a dangerous and abusive situation.
It’s her ticket into the world of private schools, money, and influence, something very unlike what she’s used to. I loved how strong she was in the face of adversity, and while I hated that she had to go through it, I also loved how she adapted.
"I may not have been there when you needed me before, but I’m here now. You’re not alone anymore."
Colt lives in a house with his four best friends, Trace, Ronan, Dash, and Declan, and she instinctively knows there’s more to their life than what they’re telling her. In fact, there’s more to them in general.
As with Tessa’s other series, the guys’ personalities and how different they are shine through, especially when it comes to the way they connect to Leighton. Because they all do, in a way. And when you start to know more about each of them, you realize how meant to be this whole thing was.
"It’s not a choice, Firecracker. You’re our life now. The only life we want,"
They’re soulmates, but that’s not enough for them to navigate everything that’s going on. Being with some of them is easy, but others push her away at every turn, making her feel less than. You’ll find out that it has nothing to do with her but with what happened to them.
"You’re the most beautiful monster I’ve ever known. I love your light and your dark. Love them just the same because they make you who you are."
Watching them all heal together was pretty perfect too. As was the found family element and that feeling of finally belonging somewhere, which wasn’t only Leighton’s but all of theirs.
I won’t tell you who my favorite is—yes, I always have one—but if you read the books, I think you can figure it out. Someone who says torture and cuddle are not mutually exclusive.
"You stay, and I’ll take it out on this tight little body. I’ll break you. Destroy you."
"Do it."
Being with each of them is pretty special. Hot. Different. Each brings something to the table, and yes, I was here for all of it: for the steamiest scenes and for the ones that brought out a more emotional side.
"Not even torture and binding could hold you."
"Not even death,"
"You are our north star."
Bullies and supernatural world things are happening in the background, and the guys are all about protecting Leighton. But she’s not as fragile as you'd think, and when you find out who she is and what you can do, you’ll realize that.
I will say that the third book was a lot more repetitive than the other two and that this could easily have been a duet, to be honest. But yes, I still loved it.
"You’re everything. To all of us. And you make us one."
The best thing about this series for me is that it shows you that no matter how damaged you are (or think you are) and how bad your past is, you’re worthy of love and affection. Actually, you’re worthy, full stop.