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Lights of Peril #3
Toxic
Told through Shame’s point of view, the final installment of the Lights of Peril MC takes place on the ‘implied’ wedding day.
Shame is plagued with doubts surrounding his love for Mace. He loves her. He’s loved her since she was five years old, but feels he doesn’t deserve her. This uncertainty is surfacing while struggling to forget the loss of his tragic childhood.
“What if the trigger has already been set and I’m going to wake up one day and realize I’m my parent’s son in their way of evil? The thought sickens me. I’m no good without Mace. I never have been. She’s the one person in my life I would refuse to live without. If I ever treated her and Ryder like my father treated my mother and I, it would make for an easy decision. I would kill myself.”
Shame’s childhood wasn’t filled with happiness and love. It was heart wrenching, and abusive. Used by his father and resented by his mother, a young Neil struggles through his days waiting for an escape; a savior.
Shame is plagued with doubts surrounding his love for Mace. He loves her. He’s loved her since she was five years old, but feels he doesn’t deserve her. This uncertainty is surfacing while struggling to forget the loss of his tragic childhood.
“What if the trigger has already been set and I’m going to wake up one day and realize I’m my parent’s son in their way of evil? The thought sickens me. I’m no good without Mace. I never have been. She’s the one person in my life I would refuse to live without. If I ever treated her and Ryder like my father treated my mother and I, it would make for an easy decision. I would kill myself.”
Shame’s childhood wasn’t filled with happiness and love. It was heart wrenching, and abusive. Used by his father and resented by his mother, a young Neil struggles through his days waiting for an escape; a savior.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2014
57 people are currently reading
1215 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Bextor
25 books1,241 followersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/AC-Bex...
Twitter: @ACBextor
Official Website: www.acbextor.com
Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/A.C.-Bextor/e/B...
Email: Acbextor@gmail.com
Twitter: @ACBextor
Official Website: www.acbextor.com
Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/A.C.-Bextor/e/B...
Email: Acbextor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
February 20, 2014
What can I say that I haven't already said about AC Bextor. I was given a copy of Toxic even before it went to the editor. I was anxious and nervous at the same time. I mean, I found the first two books in the series to be fucking brilliant. The love of book one is what led me to become friends with AC.
I downloaded the book and within the first few pages I WAS AGAIN IN LOVE. Like I think I now seriously have a girl crush on AC. Her stories have always grabbed me and held me and made me take one emotional roller coaster ride after another. She has made me laugh and cry and be pissed off. And on more than one occasion made my girly parts happy. I've wanted to hunt her down and give her a lashing and turn around and give her a hug! Her writing has a way of pulling you in and making you go through every emotion possible.
When I found out that she was writing Shame's story and that we would learn about his past through this book. I will admit I was nervous. First off - How can she make this POV be just as amazing as the first two books. Those were BIG FUCKING shoes to fill. Second - other authors often do POV's or back stories and they sometimes don't hit the mark for me. I honestly don't want to have the same exact story told only in HIS POV with a few changes. SO, to open this book I was nervous. To see that it does basically start off where the second left us had me questioning what was going on. Especially being told it was a back story through Shame's eyes. But, the moment she transports us back to Neil's childhood I am full of emotions~ I am saddened and sickened at the way his childhood was. I am disgusted and angry. I am telling myself there is no way I can read about this. It's hurting my heart. But, then I keep reading. It was necessary to hear about his past to understand why he is the way he is current day. We are now present day and I am happy again. The banter and humor between all the characters we have all fell in love with continues as Shame is struggling to not remember his past.... to put those memories to bed forever....so he can be the man that Mace and his family needs and move forward.
AC blew me away with the way she told this story. We relive moments in the past that are key elements to their relationship. We see how much he was in love with Mace from early on and how he would have done anything to protect her. On several occasions I am laughing at what lengths he goes through to "protect her". We see how he kept his feelings locked away for several reasons. One - being the age difference. To me the age difference wasn't a big deal. Yes there was a huge gap in their ages. But, he doesn't do anything to make it creepy. He waits until Mace is of age and old enough to share his true feelings with her. Feelings that he didn't want to admit himself. Two - I think him just feeling he wasn't good enough for her. You will read for your self that he did not have the best childhood and some of the shit he went through would certainly make someone question if they are worthy of love! He struggles with this a lot through this book. Listen here SHAME... YOU ARE WORTHY! AC has a way with taking us back and making us feel like we are actually there living those moments with the characters. She again, makes me tear up on several occasions. Just seeing what Shame went through as a child and teen..... UGH!
Shame's story will break your heart and make you happy at the same time. He is truly struggling to find peace with his past, so that he can move forward with Mace. After he finds what he is looking for.... it's beautiful! Everything we loved about Shame from previous stories are here again. He might be a hard ass alpha , but he is so sweet and loving too.
If you loved the first two books in the series you will once again fall in love and love this one just as much. Hearing Shame's story was needed. It has confirmed again why I fell in love with this man in book one! And how I wish I were Mace! I need that man between my legs! =)
To quote my man Shame "I love your face" AC! You took me on yet another emotional roller coaster and just like the previous two - the book was brilliant and amazing!
I can't wait to see what AC has in store for us next. I am sad that this series is over. It's definitely one of those series that will forever stay in your mind and your heart. You will read them over and over just so you can fall in love - cry - and be happy all over again!
I downloaded the book and within the first few pages I WAS AGAIN IN LOVE. Like I think I now seriously have a girl crush on AC. Her stories have always grabbed me and held me and made me take one emotional roller coaster ride after another. She has made me laugh and cry and be pissed off. And on more than one occasion made my girly parts happy. I've wanted to hunt her down and give her a lashing and turn around and give her a hug! Her writing has a way of pulling you in and making you go through every emotion possible.
When I found out that she was writing Shame's story and that we would learn about his past through this book. I will admit I was nervous. First off - How can she make this POV be just as amazing as the first two books. Those were BIG FUCKING shoes to fill. Second - other authors often do POV's or back stories and they sometimes don't hit the mark for me. I honestly don't want to have the same exact story told only in HIS POV with a few changes. SO, to open this book I was nervous. To see that it does basically start off where the second left us had me questioning what was going on. Especially being told it was a back story through Shame's eyes. But, the moment she transports us back to Neil's childhood I am full of emotions~ I am saddened and sickened at the way his childhood was. I am disgusted and angry. I am telling myself there is no way I can read about this. It's hurting my heart. But, then I keep reading. It was necessary to hear about his past to understand why he is the way he is current day. We are now present day and I am happy again. The banter and humor between all the characters we have all fell in love with continues as Shame is struggling to not remember his past.... to put those memories to bed forever....so he can be the man that Mace and his family needs and move forward.
AC blew me away with the way she told this story. We relive moments in the past that are key elements to their relationship. We see how much he was in love with Mace from early on and how he would have done anything to protect her. On several occasions I am laughing at what lengths he goes through to "protect her". We see how he kept his feelings locked away for several reasons. One - being the age difference. To me the age difference wasn't a big deal. Yes there was a huge gap in their ages. But, he doesn't do anything to make it creepy. He waits until Mace is of age and old enough to share his true feelings with her. Feelings that he didn't want to admit himself. Two - I think him just feeling he wasn't good enough for her. You will read for your self that he did not have the best childhood and some of the shit he went through would certainly make someone question if they are worthy of love! He struggles with this a lot through this book. Listen here SHAME... YOU ARE WORTHY! AC has a way with taking us back and making us feel like we are actually there living those moments with the characters. She again, makes me tear up on several occasions. Just seeing what Shame went through as a child and teen..... UGH!
Shame's story will break your heart and make you happy at the same time. He is truly struggling to find peace with his past, so that he can move forward with Mace. After he finds what he is looking for.... it's beautiful! Everything we loved about Shame from previous stories are here again. He might be a hard ass alpha , but he is so sweet and loving too.
If you loved the first two books in the series you will once again fall in love and love this one just as much. Hearing Shame's story was needed. It has confirmed again why I fell in love with this man in book one! And how I wish I were Mace! I need that man between my legs! =)
To quote my man Shame "I love your face" AC! You took me on yet another emotional roller coaster and just like the previous two - the book was brilliant and amazing!
I can't wait to see what AC has in store for us next. I am sad that this series is over. It's definitely one of those series that will forever stay in your mind and your heart. You will read them over and over just so you can fall in love - cry - and be happy all over again!
February 19, 2014
OMG, let me just start off by saying I didn't think I could love Shame anymore than I already did after the first 2 books but boy was I wrong!!! AC Bextor, I freaking love your face (haha)
This whole book is told in Shame's POV and I LOVED it!!!! On the day Shame and Mace are to get married his past decides to haunt him causing him to question himself where Mace is concerned. Even though I knew from books 1 and 2 that Shame and Mace got their HEA this book still kept me on the edge of my seat wondering if Shame was going to show up to marry Mace.
I am not a fan of books that have flashbacks into the past but this book was so different for me because it helped me connect with and understand Shame so much more!!
Shame had a horrible childhood thanks to his no good sorry parents. His dad was such a cruel as*hole and I just did not understand his mother at all. She seemed to just hold so much resentment for Shame bc of the life she was being forced to live. He never knew what it felt to be loved until he met Doc, Lynda and Hem. I loved seeing more of Doc and Lynda in this book. Lynda was such a great mother figure for Shame and I loved the relationship they all had together. Just when it seems all is going well for Shame because he has Hem and Lynda, his as*hole of a dad decides to move tearing them apart but Shame promises he will be back.
When Shame decides to take off and go home again this is where you meet the two adorable 5 year olds, Mace and Sadey. These two had my lmbo in so many parts it wasn't funny. I loved how Mace drove Shame up a wall with her nonstop talking and questioning. As Mace and Sadey grow into young women, you see how the boys feeling eventually change towards them but how hard they fight it off. I know to some that part may be weird but nothing ever happens until they are of age. To me it works out because I feel you get the whole background story which makes you understand how much Mace really did change Shame's life for the better. She made him want to be a better man and I couldn't see the two of them with anyone else.
As much as I did not want this book to end, the ending to me, was perfect. I'm crossing my fingers that AC writes a book on Ace and that he will eventually get his HEA. Maybe in his book we could still get a little more on Shame, Mace, Hem and Sadey (hint hint) Again, AC you ROCK and I thank you so much for allowing me to read and review your books. I can't wait to see what else you come up with in the future!! <3
This whole book is told in Shame's POV and I LOVED it!!!! On the day Shame and Mace are to get married his past decides to haunt him causing him to question himself where Mace is concerned. Even though I knew from books 1 and 2 that Shame and Mace got their HEA this book still kept me on the edge of my seat wondering if Shame was going to show up to marry Mace.
I am not a fan of books that have flashbacks into the past but this book was so different for me because it helped me connect with and understand Shame so much more!!
Shame had a horrible childhood thanks to his no good sorry parents. His dad was such a cruel as*hole and I just did not understand his mother at all. She seemed to just hold so much resentment for Shame bc of the life she was being forced to live. He never knew what it felt to be loved until he met Doc, Lynda and Hem. I loved seeing more of Doc and Lynda in this book. Lynda was such a great mother figure for Shame and I loved the relationship they all had together. Just when it seems all is going well for Shame because he has Hem and Lynda, his as*hole of a dad decides to move tearing them apart but Shame promises he will be back.
When Shame decides to take off and go home again this is where you meet the two adorable 5 year olds, Mace and Sadey. These two had my lmbo in so many parts it wasn't funny. I loved how Mace drove Shame up a wall with her nonstop talking and questioning. As Mace and Sadey grow into young women, you see how the boys feeling eventually change towards them but how hard they fight it off. I know to some that part may be weird but nothing ever happens until they are of age. To me it works out because I feel you get the whole background story which makes you understand how much Mace really did change Shame's life for the better. She made him want to be a better man and I couldn't see the two of them with anyone else.
As much as I did not want this book to end, the ending to me, was perfect. I'm crossing my fingers that AC writes a book on Ace and that he will eventually get his HEA. Maybe in his book we could still get a little more on Shame, Mace, Hem and Sadey (hint hint) Again, AC you ROCK and I thank you so much for allowing me to read and review your books. I can't wait to see what else you come up with in the future!! <3
March 24, 2014
Amazing book!! Loved Shames point of view. This book was very emotional ( I cried throughout the second half of the book, as Shame struggled with his feelings for Mace).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the whole series, it has everything I look for in a book, a sweet alpha, unconditional love, troubles and trials, a beautiful build up of the relationship between the hero and the heroine.
Of course you need to read the first two books in the Lights of Peril series before this one as this one is the back story of Shames life, and it takes place in one day, shame and Maces wedding day. It's mostly him going back through his memories as he prepare himself for to marry Mace and doubts himself if he is good enough for his sweet Mace, the girl that's been his since one way or the other since she was his best friends 'annoying' five year old little sister. Amazing job, AC Bextor!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the whole series, it has everything I look for in a book, a sweet alpha, unconditional love, troubles and trials, a beautiful build up of the relationship between the hero and the heroine.
Of course you need to read the first two books in the Lights of Peril series before this one as this one is the back story of Shames life, and it takes place in one day, shame and Maces wedding day. It's mostly him going back through his memories as he prepare himself for to marry Mace and doubts himself if he is good enough for his sweet Mace, the girl that's been his since one way or the other since she was his best friends 'annoying' five year old little sister. Amazing job, AC Bextor!!!
March 30, 2014
Toxic is the third in the Lights of Peril series. I really like this series, even though I hated how book 1, Holding On, ended. I absolutely love Shame, Mace, Hem, and Sadey. Toxic is not a stand alone book, you absolutely have to read Holding On and The Way Home before this one. However, you can read books 1 and 2 without reading this one. But, if you enjoyed them you are in for a treat with Toxic.
Toxic is told solely through Shame's POV. It is his and Mace's wedding day and he is reminiscing about his life, his parents, meeting Mace for the first time, and the development of his love for her. Even though you already know most of the events that take place (if you read books 1 and 2), you see them in a new perspective through Shame's POV.
I highly recommend this series. Good writing, only the occasional editing glitch, mostly a missing conjunction here and there. In Toxic, you get to visit with all of our favorites from the earlier books and catch up with them. It will, if you aren't already, make you fall in love with Shame even more. Solid 4-4.5 star book.
Toxic is told solely through Shame's POV. It is his and Mace's wedding day and he is reminiscing about his life, his parents, meeting Mace for the first time, and the development of his love for her. Even though you already know most of the events that take place (if you read books 1 and 2), you see them in a new perspective through Shame's POV.
I highly recommend this series. Good writing, only the occasional editing glitch, mostly a missing conjunction here and there. In Toxic, you get to visit with all of our favorites from the earlier books and catch up with them. It will, if you aren't already, make you fall in love with Shame even more. Solid 4-4.5 star book.
May 23, 2017
Told from Shame's POV, it's his wedding day to Mace and he's going down memory lane beleiving he doesn't deserve Mace. We've seen brief snippets through out the other 2 books of what life was like for Shame as a kid, but now we have the unedited version. Never loved by his parents, forced to take their beatings an starvation, made to be their drug runner at 9 and life only getting worse from there, Shame's life is nothing but a black whole until he meets Hem and Lynda. Lynda becomes the mom he always needed and Hem his brother in arms.
Most was utterly sad, but you also get to Meet Doc and see his influence over Shame and how he grows from a kid to teenager to young adult with Doc as his mentor.
Absolutely emotional and even though we already know what happens we don't get the full story until Shame tells it.
Most was utterly sad, but you also get to Meet Doc and see his influence over Shame and how he grows from a kid to teenager to young adult with Doc as his mentor.
Absolutely emotional and even though we already know what happens we don't get the full story until Shame tells it.
April 2, 2014
Thank you AC for another great book in this awesome trilogy. I truly hate to see it come to an end but couldn't think of a better way to go out. We finally got to have insight into what makes Shame tick and his flourishing relationship with Mace and Sadie throughout the years. I also enjoyed finding out more about his and Hems relationship. What a great read! The romantic relationship with Shame and Mace was a long time coming and I loved all parts of their history together. From brotherly/sister, to protector and then to lover.
You will not be disappointed with this series. The first will keep you in suspense and bring you to your knees. I challenge anyone who is not an emotional mess by the end. Book 2 will have your jaw hit the floor within the first few chapters and leave you wondering "where do we go from here" and this final book 3 will leave you hoping (with fingers crossed) that it's truly not the end (hint) (hint AC)
You will not be disappointed with this series. The first will keep you in suspense and bring you to your knees. I challenge anyone who is not an emotional mess by the end. Book 2 will have your jaw hit the floor within the first few chapters and leave you wondering "where do we go from here" and this final book 3 will leave you hoping (with fingers crossed) that it's truly not the end (hint) (hint AC)
June 17, 2014
This is my ZON Review.... :-)
Had this third book by A C Bextor on my TBR pile for a while ... why you say... cause I didn't want this Fantastic Series to be Finished with.... So apon hearing of the fourth book I got stuck in ... boots & all ... loved every moment, you really get to see how & the why Shame's head works the way it does & I don't think I really doubted he wouldn't get to where he was supposed to be going in the end …… a few tears were leaked, Some laughs were had..... heart ache felt all through.... Hot Sexyy Times were had...... so you see a well written heart felt BOOK was read & thoroughly enjoyed... Shame & Mace .... love story....rough but still LOV....... One Click , You Won't be Disappointed. :-)
Had this third book by A C Bextor on my TBR pile for a while ... why you say... cause I didn't want this Fantastic Series to be Finished with.... So apon hearing of the fourth book I got stuck in ... boots & all ... loved every moment, you really get to see how & the why Shame's head works the way it does & I don't think I really doubted he wouldn't get to where he was supposed to be going in the end …… a few tears were leaked, Some laughs were had..... heart ache felt all through.... Hot Sexyy Times were had...... so you see a well written heart felt BOOK was read & thoroughly enjoyed... Shame & Mace .... love story....rough but still LOV....... One Click , You Won't be Disappointed. :-)
February 27, 2014
I'm ever in awe and truly honored to be a beta reader for ac bextor... My first experience as one and feel privileged for the opportunity. I have seen her grow as an author and pray she continues. Shame always held a special place in my heart and this does not disappoint. His journey through life is moving. Loved how she pulled it all together and brought him more to life to me *sigh*... If you read the first two of this series... YOU HAVE TO READ THIS! all you could want in a book, laugh, cry and fan yourself with a HEA!
March 26, 2014
AC, I love your face.......LOL OK, so how many of your readers said that to you?? I loved Shame from the first book and to read his POV was just the perfect way to show why he's so over-protective, hard-assed, and oh so sexy, pure alpha male. I'm happy he found his "happy ever after", he deserves it. One of my favorite series to re-read.
March 22, 2014
If I didn't already love Shame so much this book would have pushed me over the edge. Seeing Shames life though his eyes just made you know him better. Great job A.C.!!!
July 1, 2014
This book was amazing! It made me want to cry. I was very sad to see it end!
November 27, 2018
not a fan of this book - mainly just repeats of things or more back story of things that happened in the first 3 books of the series
July 7, 2017
I almost did not read this book because I do not like what I call recap books where the author goes back and retells the same story but from a different point of view. That is not what this is at all. Well ok some is but most is totally new content that goes back and tells things that were not included in the first two books. I just wanted to give Shame a big old hug though most of the book. So glad I read this book!
May 17, 2018
This is the last book in the lights of Peril series
The book is tol from Shames point of view. It covers his childhood and adolescence and adulthood and the trials and tribulations that he faced. The book ends and begins on their wedding day - Mace and shame. The book is well written and hold your interest from first to last and you learn a lot more about the different situations that occurred when the kids were growing up through their teenage years and then adulthood
The book is tol from Shames point of view. It covers his childhood and adolescence and adulthood and the trials and tribulations that he faced. The book ends and begins on their wedding day - Mace and shame. The book is well written and hold your interest from first to last and you learn a lot more about the different situations that occurred when the kids were growing up through their teenage years and then adulthood
August 2, 2018
Oh WOW!!!
Shame! That poor little boy, the confused teen, the lost young man and finally the tried and true, rock solid man. What a journey! This book is thought provoking, insidious, demanding, and at times, gut-wrenchingly sad.
I'm going to read it again, right away. Oh! By-the-way, A.C. Vector is a hell of an author. If I could, I'd give this book 10 stars!
Shame! That poor little boy, the confused teen, the lost young man and finally the tried and true, rock solid man. What a journey! This book is thought provoking, insidious, demanding, and at times, gut-wrenchingly sad.
I'm going to read it again, right away. Oh! By-the-way, A.C. Vector is a hell of an author. If I could, I'd give this book 10 stars!
February 23, 2020
3.75 stars
While this was still good, I'm not sure this book was needed seeing as how 90% of it was in the past growing up or had scenes that were straight out of other books. The last books epilogue already let us know how things turned out.
Still solid writing and a good series. However, I could have skipped this one and missed nothing.
While this was still good, I'm not sure this book was needed seeing as how 90% of it was in the past growing up or had scenes that were straight out of other books. The last books epilogue already let us know how things turned out.
Still solid writing and a good series. However, I could have skipped this one and missed nothing.
July 11, 2017
Sweet, Loving, needing to feel
Wow book 3 does not disappoint Shame finally has his woman Mace it's there day or is it. Follow Shame down memory lane wanting to clear everything. So heartaching, sexy, sweet and hot.
Wow book 3 does not disappoint Shame finally has his woman Mace it's there day or is it. Follow Shame down memory lane wanting to clear everything. So heartaching, sexy, sweet and hot.
February 19, 2019
Couln' stop reading until I finished the series
This is a definite trilogy for fans of MC books, just realize they are not standalone books. A.C. Bextor keeps you gripped in the boys with the girls they learn to love whole heartedly , as they all grow up together.
This is a definite trilogy for fans of MC books, just realize they are not standalone books. A.C. Bextor keeps you gripped in the boys with the girls they learn to love whole heartedly , as they all grow up together.
January 23, 2020
Wish there was a way to give this 10 stars... it is the best series I have read in a long time. Made me laugh, cry, yell, and all those other emotions a great book gives you. Love, love, love and would HIGHLY recommend it!!!!
January 23, 2020
Wow a powerful book
Do not read it there are certain triggers for you. Wow!! What hell Shame came from and still had the ability to love. Another book that you will need a tissue here and there. This was a powerful book. A series you need to read!
Do not read it there are certain triggers for you. Wow!! What hell Shame came from and still had the ability to love. Another book that you will need a tissue here and there. This was a powerful book. A series you need to read!
December 10, 2023
⭐️ 2.5
I love this world & it was good to see all four characters finally have a good life after everything they have endured. I loved seeing Shame's POV & his childhood, but I wish this was added to the other two books. I honestly got bored at times because I'm not a fan of revisiting scenes.
I love this world & it was good to see all four characters finally have a good life after everything they have endured. I loved seeing Shame's POV & his childhood, but I wish this was added to the other two books. I honestly got bored at times because I'm not a fan of revisiting scenes.
March 27, 2018
3,5*****
June 16, 2018
loved it
This book made me feel so many emotions. It wrapped up Shame's story perfectly and had a great mixture of despair and humor. Very well done
This book made me feel so many emotions. It wrapped up Shame's story perfectly and had a great mixture of despair and humor. Very well done
May 7, 2020
This was an ok read. Basically was a back story on Shame and whatever already read in first 2 books
November 29, 2023
LOVE this author!
May 9, 2020
Ok, I'm not really sure what the point of this book was. It is Mace & Shame's wedding day and Shame takes a really long drive down memory lane. I'm not sure what the point was except to give his backstory, which I didn't need because I don't really like his character.
This series is not for me.
This series is not for me.
March 20, 2014
4.5 Stars
You thought you knew the entire story with books 1 and 2 of the Lights of Peril Series, but now we get to see the story through Shame’s eyes. We were given very little to go on in terms of a back story with Shame. We knew that he came from a neglected home and that he killed his father. Now we get to see just how terrible life was for Shame and how he was going through the daily steps needed in order to “live only to survive.” My heart broke for the little boy who at the age of 7 was forced to steal food in order to quench his starving stomach. His parents paid little attention to him, only using him when it would benefit them and their drug habits. The bright spot in his life occurred when he met Hem, Mace and their mother. This is what got him through the terrible pre-adolescent years. He was fed and nourished not only by food but by love with this family.
Hem, Sadey, and Mace are all I want to remember from my childhood. They were what I considered my family. There was never anyone else. Before they came into my life, it was empty.
Shame has been an integral part of Sadey and Mace’s lives. He’s been with them while they danced around in tutus, shopped for prom dresses, scared off prom dates and left home for school. He was there to watch Sadey’s life fall apart. Today is his wedding day to Mace and Shame has too much time on his hands; time that allows him to think and to remember the road that brought him to Mace. It is through his visits to places prominent in his life that we are able to relive his troubled times. We are witnesses to the end of Shame’s horrific childhood and when his hands became innocent no more. He is scared of becoming his father…
Since I’ve been in her life, I’ve done nothing but add danger and heartache to it. If she marries me today, that’s all she will be promised going forward and that thought is what continues to haunt me.
There may be a 12-year age difference between Mace and Shame, but that didn’t stop Shame from his feelings being morphed into something more than an overprotective brother. Years ago he knew that Mace was the one for him, but he didn’t know how to handle his feelings or how to push them back. All he knew is if he acted on them then their lives would forever be changed and he was not willing to live his life without Mace in it.
As we know, Shame gets the girl. But we also know that Shame goes through a lot to get to the point where he can stand in front of others and proclaim his “I do.” Before that he has to have his heart broken and face the loss of his best friend. These chapters are back to back and whereas before I was having to blink hard to hold back any tears, now I just gave in and let them freely fall hoping that my pajama shirt neckline could keep up to the dam that broke.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and I congratulate Ms. Bextor on writing a series that never wavered in her ability to hold the reader captive. Some sequels cannot stand up in comparison to its predecessor but I never felt like the story was losing its momentum or quality. I was never rushed through the storyline and each component of the plot was covered in its entirety. I do not know if the author will continue on with any of the secondary characters, but I feel complete with how the story has ended.
“This life that you’ve given me is more than I ever thought possible. You’re everything that I’ve ever needed…”
You thought you knew the entire story with books 1 and 2 of the Lights of Peril Series, but now we get to see the story through Shame’s eyes. We were given very little to go on in terms of a back story with Shame. We knew that he came from a neglected home and that he killed his father. Now we get to see just how terrible life was for Shame and how he was going through the daily steps needed in order to “live only to survive.” My heart broke for the little boy who at the age of 7 was forced to steal food in order to quench his starving stomach. His parents paid little attention to him, only using him when it would benefit them and their drug habits. The bright spot in his life occurred when he met Hem, Mace and their mother. This is what got him through the terrible pre-adolescent years. He was fed and nourished not only by food but by love with this family.
Hem, Sadey, and Mace are all I want to remember from my childhood. They were what I considered my family. There was never anyone else. Before they came into my life, it was empty.
Shame has been an integral part of Sadey and Mace’s lives. He’s been with them while they danced around in tutus, shopped for prom dresses, scared off prom dates and left home for school. He was there to watch Sadey’s life fall apart. Today is his wedding day to Mace and Shame has too much time on his hands; time that allows him to think and to remember the road that brought him to Mace. It is through his visits to places prominent in his life that we are able to relive his troubled times. We are witnesses to the end of Shame’s horrific childhood and when his hands became innocent no more. He is scared of becoming his father…
Since I’ve been in her life, I’ve done nothing but add danger and heartache to it. If she marries me today, that’s all she will be promised going forward and that thought is what continues to haunt me.
There may be a 12-year age difference between Mace and Shame, but that didn’t stop Shame from his feelings being morphed into something more than an overprotective brother. Years ago he knew that Mace was the one for him, but he didn’t know how to handle his feelings or how to push them back. All he knew is if he acted on them then their lives would forever be changed and he was not willing to live his life without Mace in it.
As we know, Shame gets the girl. But we also know that Shame goes through a lot to get to the point where he can stand in front of others and proclaim his “I do.” Before that he has to have his heart broken and face the loss of his best friend. These chapters are back to back and whereas before I was having to blink hard to hold back any tears, now I just gave in and let them freely fall hoping that my pajama shirt neckline could keep up to the dam that broke.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and I congratulate Ms. Bextor on writing a series that never wavered in her ability to hold the reader captive. Some sequels cannot stand up in comparison to its predecessor but I never felt like the story was losing its momentum or quality. I was never rushed through the storyline and each component of the plot was covered in its entirety. I do not know if the author will continue on with any of the secondary characters, but I feel complete with how the story has ended.
“This life that you’ve given me is more than I ever thought possible. You’re everything that I’ve ever needed…”
March 16, 2017
Toxic was such an emotional read, one that was intent on breaking my inner strength to keep it together whilst turning the pages, something I’ve come to expect when picking up A.C Bextor books. I loved Shame before, but after reading Toxic I am not ashamed to say I had fallen further madly and deeply for his character. Toxic was raw, a ride where Shame reminisced about his childhood days before he married Mace. Looking at Mace and Ryder before leaving, thoughts crept into Shame’s mind questioning his sanity, fearing underneath his upbringing there lurked the possibility he could possess his father’s pattern of abuse and inflict that on his own family. As Shame opened the door to his past we witnessed how he suffered so much physical, and emotional abuse at the hands of his parents. Parent’s that should have loved him unconditionally and protected him with their last breath. Parts of the abuse were hard to read, to feel the pain of one so young that had no one to rely on but himself, definitely left my eyes blurry and an ache in my heart to step in myself and comfort him lol. I really felt his pain as he fought to survive, whether that was protecting himself from violence or dealing with his hunger. The scene where Shame meets Lynda for the first time was just heart rendering, leaving you anticipating all the love that you knew was coming his way. Finding love and friendship with Lynda, Doc and Patrick gave Shame belonging and a reason to exist. I loved how they cared for him and embraced him into their lives, I was glad to read more about Doc and Lynda and how they influenced his life. Years later going back home, Shame encountered five year old Mace, the bane of his life lol, the scene left me in stitches it was just hilarious. I loved how Mace shined with her cheekiness and curiosity to befriend him from a young age. Their relationship was just beautiful as it blossomed, I loved reading about Mace and Sadey growing up, and how Shame tried to handle his emotions for Mace as she became a woman, going all crazy possessive alpha male on her ass! The chemistry and sexual tension they shared was hot and passionate. He truly loved her, even though at times he behaved badly but he never failed to put his feelings on the line, with his sexy and intense words. His thoughts on Greyson and Gunner and how it evoked jealousy had me jumping with excitement, I understood the intense need he felt to have Mace in his life, because she was his other half, providing him with inner peace, love and a family making him feel safe and loved. Mace’s character was beautiful, so perfect for Shame, the woman did know how to play her man lol, but Shame always had it in control, reigning her back in knowing how Mace liked it lol! This was such a beautiful and painful journey, keeping you on tender hooks throughout to see if he could overcome his fears in time to wed Mace. Shame was such an amazing character, a survivor, a guy who was sexy as hell, loveable and rough. “I love your face” has to be one of my all-time favourite book quotes. The Lights of Peril series is another one of my go too books, a fantastic series that had me heading back to the beginning after reading Toxic. I can’t wait to read more about Shame and see how his future unfolds.
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May 2, 2016My favorite book in the series by far!
Shame is just awesome! I love everything about this man. I knew his story was going to be dark and filled with a lot of hurt, anger, and uncertainty. But after everything that Shame has gone through he is the most sane and grounded one.
Younger Years
Shame grew up in a very bad home with two parents, (if you call them that). His drunken dad feels nothing about hitting him across the head at age 7. He's already nursing a sore side from a previous injury to his rib. Not only that, but Shame gets to witness his mother getting beat with fists and frozen food, because she burnt their dinner. The reason that happened was because Shame's mother had her face stuck in the crack laid out on the table. His dad tells him that he wants his dinner in one hour and not later. He doesn't care if Shame or his wife eats, but he better have his dinner. So the solution to that is that she tells her 7 year old son, to make sure that he wears his jacket to the store. Shame knows what that means. He will have to steal some hamburger in order to eat tonight that is... after walking a mile to the store first in the summer heat! Before long, Shame is being taped with cocaine around his stomach and riding his bike across town to do his dad's dirty work. Little did Shame know that by doing one of his runs that he would meet Doc. And thankfully, that's where Shame's life starts getting a little better.
Teen years
Shame is riding his bike and hears a woman shouting. He goes to see what it's all about. He winds up helping Lynda, who turns out to be Hem's mom (and saving grace ), get her keys from being locked in the car by Hem, of course. This starts the journey of Shame, Hem, Mace, Sadey, and Doc.
Present year
Shame and Mace are getting married today. Lets just say it wasn't the traditional proposal.
Shame knows that he wants to be married to Mace and have a family. He just doesn't feel like he is good enough for Mace. He is terrified that he will become his dad. That somehow he will have inherited a bad gene to make him turn into the monster that his dad was. But he knows if that happens that he will kill himself.
Shame is going back to all of the places from his childhood around town before he has to get to the church. Mace has called him, one of his club brothers has called him and told him that everyone is asking about his whereabouts. Shame just needs some time to process things and to make sure he isn't making a mistake. Each place that he goes to, it causes him to relive all of the nastiness of his past.
Shame finally makes it to the church and decides to see Mace first. He comes face to face with Sadey's overbearing mother, but soon puts her in her place. He winds up pouring out his heart to Mace.
Way to go, A.C. This story was everything that I was hoping it would be and more.
Shame is just awesome! I love everything about this man. I knew his story was going to be dark and filled with a lot of hurt, anger, and uncertainty. But after everything that Shame has gone through he is the most sane and grounded one.
Younger Years
Shame grew up in a very bad home with two parents, (if you call them that). His drunken dad feels nothing about hitting him across the head at age 7. He's already nursing a sore side from a previous injury to his rib. Not only that, but Shame gets to witness his mother getting beat with fists and frozen food, because she burnt their dinner. The reason that happened was because Shame's mother had her face stuck in the crack laid out on the table. His dad tells him that he wants his dinner in one hour and not later. He doesn't care if Shame or his wife eats, but he better have his dinner. So the solution to that is that she tells her 7 year old son, to make sure that he wears his jacket to the store. Shame knows what that means. He will have to steal some hamburger in order to eat tonight that is... after walking a mile to the store first in the summer heat! Before long, Shame is being taped with cocaine around his stomach and riding his bike across town to do his dad's dirty work. Little did Shame know that by doing one of his runs that he would meet Doc. And thankfully, that's where Shame's life starts getting a little better.
Teen years
Shame is riding his bike and hears a woman shouting. He goes to see what it's all about. He winds up helping Lynda, who turns out to be Hem's mom (and saving grace ), get her keys from being locked in the car by Hem, of course. This starts the journey of Shame, Hem, Mace, Sadey, and Doc.
Present year
Shame and Mace are getting married today. Lets just say it wasn't the traditional proposal.
Shame knows that he wants to be married to Mace and have a family. He just doesn't feel like he is good enough for Mace. He is terrified that he will become his dad. That somehow he will have inherited a bad gene to make him turn into the monster that his dad was. But he knows if that happens that he will kill himself.
Shame is going back to all of the places from his childhood around town before he has to get to the church. Mace has called him, one of his club brothers has called him and told him that everyone is asking about his whereabouts. Shame just needs some time to process things and to make sure he isn't making a mistake. Each place that he goes to, it causes him to relive all of the nastiness of his past.
Shame finally makes it to the church and decides to see Mace first. He comes face to face with Sadey's overbearing mother, but soon puts her in her place. He winds up pouring out his heart to Mace.
Way to go, A.C. This story was everything that I was hoping it would be and more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2014
WIN WIN WIN...yes it's three big wins for all three books in the Lights of Peril series. I absolutely loved this series and was just so engrossed in everyone's stories that I feel like I know these people.
In the first two books we were given the tragic and very dysfunctional stories of Shame, Hem and Mace's childhoods...from parents who were abusive, to alcoholic and terminally ill mother and finally the step-dad from hell who was not who he seemed to be. Mace's BFF Sadey was a big part of their lives and was along for the bumpy ride from childhood into young womanhood with Mace.
Although we get an HEA at the end of the second book, this one, TOXIC holds a special place in my heart. We are given the love story and final walk down the "implied" marriage aisle with Mace through Shame's eyes and it was a poignant and beautiful journey as we are let in on more details and insights as to how they ended up at this point.
I have read other biker books where the woman was many years younger than her man and some people find that distasteful or inappropriate...and it could be looked down upon as bordering on abuse of a child when you think about the age at which these characters first met. However this is NOT the case in my opinion...I think this story was done very well and made perfect sense to me. Nothing inappropriate occured before these girls were of legal age to consent and honestly, you love who you fall in love with...it was inevitable and fitting that the boys who looked over these precious girls as children would grow up to be their knights in shining armour as adults. They all came from hard backgrounds full of so much anger and at times hatred, that to fall in love with the person who understands where you came from more than anyone else, is the glue that will hold you together forever.
Shame questions his ability to be that 'good' man that Mace deserves to have as her forever and fears he will be like his father before him. This book effortlessly goes back and forth between Shame's wedding day and the past events that shaped who they are and how they got to this blessed day.
If you've read the first two books you will definitely NEED to read this one. Beautiful =)
***** 5 ***** "I love your face...till death do us part" stars
In the first two books we were given the tragic and very dysfunctional stories of Shame, Hem and Mace's childhoods...from parents who were abusive, to alcoholic and terminally ill mother and finally the step-dad from hell who was not who he seemed to be. Mace's BFF Sadey was a big part of their lives and was along for the bumpy ride from childhood into young womanhood with Mace.
Although we get an HEA at the end of the second book, this one, TOXIC holds a special place in my heart. We are given the love story and final walk down the "implied" marriage aisle with Mace through Shame's eyes and it was a poignant and beautiful journey as we are let in on more details and insights as to how they ended up at this point.
I have read other biker books where the woman was many years younger than her man and some people find that distasteful or inappropriate...and it could be looked down upon as bordering on abuse of a child when you think about the age at which these characters first met. However this is NOT the case in my opinion...I think this story was done very well and made perfect sense to me. Nothing inappropriate occured before these girls were of legal age to consent and honestly, you love who you fall in love with...it was inevitable and fitting that the boys who looked over these precious girls as children would grow up to be their knights in shining armour as adults. They all came from hard backgrounds full of so much anger and at times hatred, that to fall in love with the person who understands where you came from more than anyone else, is the glue that will hold you together forever.
Shame questions his ability to be that 'good' man that Mace deserves to have as her forever and fears he will be like his father before him. This book effortlessly goes back and forth between Shame's wedding day and the past events that shaped who they are and how they got to this blessed day.
If you've read the first two books you will definitely NEED to read this one. Beautiful =)
***** 5 ***** "I love your face...till death do us part" stars
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