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From USA Today bestselling author Layla Frost… The FINAL book in this twisty urban fantasy romance series about fated mates, evil soul-stealers, and love so beautiful, it must be magicks.

The battle was fought.

And the battle was lost.

Waking up in the middle of nowhere, my connection to my siblings was gone. Jaggedly severed like a stolen soul.

I searched for centuries. Living under countless names. In countless places. Never getting close to anyone. Never staying long enough for anyone to notice I didn’t age.

I gave up on finding them.

I gave up on finding the other half of my soul.

I gave up… period.

Until the day I felt Aurora. My one.

I didn’t know how the golden-haired beauty ended up in the woods near my cabin. What she’d been through. Why a hollow pain—the kind that could take a grown man to his damned knees—filled her. Or why finding out she was my soulmate made her burst into tears.

I would gladly let the world burn to give her happiness, but letting her go was never an option.

It had nothing to do with fate and everything to do with her being mine.

It was no coincidence I found Aurora and my siblings at the same time. Evil lurked closer. Bigger and badder than we ever expected. Heaven, Hell, and everything in between was in danger.

I felt it in my bones.

Warning: This completed steamy romantasy series is made to be read in order. If you try to jump in at book four, you'll be as lost as Juno in a corn maze after a handful of her special gummy bears. Start back at Styx and enjoy the magicks from the beginning. Check author's site for CW.

354 pages, Paperback

Published November 22, 2024

102 people are currently reading
393 people want to read

About the author

Layla Frost

24 books3,430 followers
Growing up, Layla Frost used to hide under her blanket with a flashlight to read the Sweet Valley High books she pilfered from her older sister. It wasn’t long before she was reading hidden Harlequins during class at school. This snowballed into pulling all-nighters after the promise of “just one more chapter”.

Her love of reading, especially the romance genre, took root early and has grown immeasurably until it was time to write her own stories.

When she's not writing, Layla Frost is an insomniac with a deep love of iced coffee, tchotchkes, plants, and her hens. She's also the world's okayest mom, but her kids think she's cool... ish.

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74 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,012 reviews800 followers
November 26, 2024
What an ending!! Aurora and Deke’s have gone through a lot and despite some heavy subjects, the humor we all know and love from this author still shined through. I’m sad to see this series end but it was a fun journey to get there.
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,385 reviews898 followers
November 27, 2024
What an awesome completion to the series! I loved the beginning of Aurora’s and Deke’s relationship. With the background this author established for her I was anxious to see where the storyline was going to go.

Along with the explosive chemistry between this couple there was a sprinkling of sweet, fun, and tender moments as well as the danger and drama that they must ultimately face. With the addition of the characters from the previous books, we have a final look at what it's all about and a conclusion that was well worth the wait.
3 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2025
I’ve enjoyed this series so far, the four horsemen/horsewoman of the apocalypse in a modern day setting. Bones is the final book in the series, following Aurora and Deke’s story.


Plot
⭐️⭐️⭐️


A traumatised girl escaping a religious cult meets her fate destined mate who just so happens to be Famine, of the four horsemen of the apocalypse fame.

Aurora and Deke (the artist formally known as Famine) have to team up with his siblings and their mates, who he has been separated from for hundreds of years, to take down a mysterious group who are stealing the souls of unsuspecting mortals.

LOVED the family reunion scene. My favourite part of the whole book.

Little disappointed in the ending, it felt a bit anti climatic after a four book build up but I’m glad things worked out the way they did.


Main Characters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Every girl escaping a violent ex and religious cult should automatically be entitled to their own Deke. What a sweetheart.

After spending centuries searching for his siblings and his mate, Deke had finally given up hope. He’s just out in the woods running his restaurants and feeding the poor, until Aurora, quite literally, runs into him. He’s so kind, patient and protective and just the right amount of possessive to help Aurora heal.

Aurora’s growth was just a joy to read. I spent the whole time I was reading cheering her on. I love how the first time she spoke words to Deke were to tell him off and how in such a short time he’d made her feel comfortable and confident enough to do so. She’d been through so much and her HEA was very much deserved.

Spice 🌶🌶.5

Side Characters
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5


Loved the scenes with the fam. Juno, you will always have my heart, one star just for your inclusion. Really enjoyed the family dynamic the author has created in this series and I’m glad Aurora came to feel that she had people looking out for her. So happy for Deke to have his siblings back after so many years of waiting, the curse really did do him the dirtiest.

Did I love reading about one of the four horsemen making TikTok references at inopportune times, big fat yes. Would I confiscate all his devices if I had to spend time with him in real life, oh absolutely!

Would liked to have seen more of the fallen angels and their story, the epic conclusion lasted all of about three pages.

Bonus points for Levi (my second favourite character in this series) but I feel like we missed out on Michael, wanted to see more.

World/Setting
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5


A cabin in the woods in Maine. Yes please.

A (formerly) haunted house in Salem. Dreams.

A comic book store/candy shop. Where do I apply?

Ignore the uber religious, mentally insane religious cult out to steal souls and I would run and jump headfirst into this setting.

Overall Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Not my favourite book from this series (Juno and Stellan, take a bow) but really enjoyed.
Profile Image for AnotherRomanceReader.
261 reviews72 followers
January 5, 2025
Book Name/Series: Bones (The Four #4)
Author: Layla Frost
Standalone?: Each book follows a different couple but there is an overarching storyline.

4 Stars

My Opinion: This is the final book in the series, and it was a great read. I liked both the main characters, the storyline was interesting, the writing was engaging, and I loved the relationship between the hero and heroine. One of my only issues was that I felt like the final “battle” was a little bit anti-climactic.

Hero: 5/5. Deke. He was Famine of the four horsemen. After the bond with his siblings had been severed, he had spent centuries looking for them, but he had given up hope of finding them. He lived in a secluded cabin in Maine where he ran a restaurant. I loved him. He was super protective and possessive, but he was also really sweet and supportive of Aurora.
Heroine: 4/5. Aurora (22 ish). She had had a very difficult 6 years. After being found in the woods on her 16th birthday with no memory, she was taken in a family that abused and tormented her because of her ability to see glimpses of the future. She then got involved with a man who groomed, abused and used her for his own gain. Despite everything she had been through, she was still strong, and she still kept going. I do wish she had been better at communicating with Deke sometimes though, but it was understandable considering her background.

POV: 1st person POV (Deke and Aurora).

Push/Pull:

Sadness: 0/5.

Explicit Sex and Spice Level: Yes. 3/5.

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) Drama: No.

Separation:

Cheating: No.

Closure/Ending: HEA.

Possible Triggers:
1,350 reviews6 followers
November 26, 2024
I almost didn't want to read this one only because I didn't want the story of these four brothers and sister to end. Getting Deke's story closes the book for the family I have invested in for so long! I loved the fact that I stumbled into Nate's book so long ago and then got to dive into this new world.
Aurora has had a hard life. She has no memory before being sixteen and was taken in by a religious zealot and his horrible family. From there she is abused, before being groomed by a youth pastor who also steals her way for her gift of knowing things before they happen. Deke is the last of the four we get to meet. He remembers everything about his brothers and sister and what happened to them. He spent the time away living hundreds of lives, each time losing a bit more hope and faith in finding his family and his One. When he finds Aurora, he is thrilled but wary after being burned before by another. Aurora is just as wary after her past experiences so they spend time almost circling each other while breaking down their walls and learning each other. Their connection is too strong as truths about who they are are revealed.
I loved getting to see Nate and Denny, Juno and Stellan, and Lennon and Lilith. Having this group all together to fight their big bad was amazing. And to top it off, we get LEVI. Total scene stealer that darned devil! My heart just overflowed with happiness at every part of this story. I never felt sad, if anything I felt lucky I got to read such a great story and enter this fantastic world. Here is to hoping Levi gets his own story as well!
569 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2024
What a fantastical ending to a Magickal series!

Bones is book 4 in The Four series and if you have not already read this series from the beginning you will need to stop right here and start with book 1, Styx and be sure to read them in order!

Bones is the conclusion to The Four and I loved it! Getting to know the final horsemen; Famine was not what I expected nor was his mate and they wildly exceeded my expectations. And, of course all my other favorite horsemen and their mates have a major part to play.

These four horsemen have such unexpected attributes that makes them a refreshing change from the stereotypical version of myth that we all know. The world building is imaginative with lively dialogue and creative description. Then after all that, throw in some Archangels, a cheeky devil with a huge… churro and not to mention his heart, magicks, malevolent forces, good vs. evil, fated mates, soul-stirring family and friends, an unforgettable HEA and swearing, not swearing fun! The only thing missing is more cotton candy please!

If you are looking for a wonderfully entertaining binge read that ticks all the boxes and some you did not even think you needed then try The Four series. I will miss these characters and hope Layla Frost explores writing some more about this unique world.
Profile Image for Dora.
808 reviews11 followers
November 30, 2024
4.5 stars

This was an amazing conclusion to a fantastic series!!! My heart absolutely broke for everything that Aurora endured in her life, but she became so strong in the end and I loved it. And to imagine everything that Deke had to go through must have been heart wrenching! These two definitely had gone through so much hardships and then to find one another made my heart sing! Don’t get me wrong, it was not an easy path, there were many obstacles, between the two of them and those outside of their control. This was an emotional roller coaster ride filled with angst, mistrust, fear and abuse, but also with explosive chemistry, feeling hope, finding peace and healing. Then we get some of the hilarity from the siblings from the previous books, I absolutely loved when they are all back together again and to see them finally fight off who they have been after throughout this whole series. Great great conclusion!
Profile Image for Leslee.
2,654 reviews76 followers
December 1, 2024
Bones was a phenomenal conclusion to this series! Aurora's past was a nightmare, her survival a testament to her strength. Deke has searched for ages, for his mate and his siblings. These two needed each other so deeply but Aurora's past has stunted her spirit and battered her heart. Deke proceeds cautiously, hesitant to move to fast and scare her off. When they are reunited with Deke's siblings and their mates, the past and present converge. Now the Four and their mates can finally defeat the evil that had cursed them all. While some might feel that the final battle wasn't as dramatic as they were expecting, I found it to be just right. The true battles were fought before they had that final showdown. They just had to learn how to all work together. While I'm sad to see this story conclude, I loved seeing them in the epilogue living and loving without the shadows of the past holding them back!
Profile Image for Penny.
610 reviews15 followers
January 30, 2025
Epically epic epicness is what Bones is. A fabulous ending to this amazing series by Ms. Frost. But I do have to be honest, this world is so fabulous I did not want this to be the end.

This story had my heart breaking in parts, laughing my butt off (especially when Juno and Denny are around) throughout and fanning myself when our last fate-mated couple finally get it going on.
Deke was definitely my kind of guy, all lumberjacky, knows how to cook, and is massively built in every way. Aurora was amazingly resilient and awe-inspiring, being a decent human after what she was put through was a small miracle.

With some suspense, action and Layla Frost’s enthralling writing style and world building I could not put this book down until I was turning (very reluctantly) the last page.

This is not a book to be read on its own, but why would anyone purposely miss on a freaking amazeballs series?

Rating: 4.5 stars
1,838 reviews24 followers
November 26, 2024
Oh my gosh I loved this novel and I love this series. I have read other novels by this author and loved them this novel did not disappoint. I love this series and I was so excited to jump back into this series. From the first chapter I was sucked back into this series and this novel captured and held my attention until the very last page. I did not want this novel to end. I tried to make myself slow down reading because I needed this novel to keep going. Once I started reading I could not put this novel down. Even if it meant staying up all night reading because I needed to know what was happening next. So so worth losing sleep over, and I love to sleep. I loved Deke and Aurora. Their chemistry was so so good! I just loved this novel so much. I can't get it out of my mind. So so good! I can't wait to see what this author has coming next. Loved it!
Profile Image for Tara Smith(Tara's Romance Reads).
744 reviews9 followers
November 26, 2024
Wow! I can't believe this series is over. I honestly didn't think I would connect with it going in. I was so wrong. This series has hooked me deep in my soul. I was drawn in from the very beginning with Denny and Nate. Then Juno and Stellan. The onto Lillith and Lennon. And finally Aurora and Deke. And of course Levi and his churros and big "D" energy. I loved every single story and fell more and more in love with this crew.

Aurora and Deke were no different. Their draw to one another was explosive and magical. Their connection was powerful and unyielding. I was on the on the edge of my seat the entire time.

It's bittersweet to see this amazing series come to an end. but it is a series I will cherish and return to often. I just wish I knew for certain if Levi's big "D" energy was legit or not. LOL

An absolute 5 tar ending to a 5 star series!
Profile Image for CourtneyS.
660 reviews36 followers
November 28, 2024
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
▪︎Spice Level:  🌶🌶.5/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Angsty: 🔥🔥🔥/5
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: Sure will
•Recommend: Yes
•Platform: E-book (coming to Audio soon)
•Trope: Paranormal, Fated Mates, Touch her and be un-alive. 4 Horsemen.
**Must be read in order. Book 4 - series is complete

• Thoughts:
Ahhhhh, my heart is so happy and full right now. I loved this book, I love Deke and Aurora and their characters and the chemistry between them!! They are so sweet, and Deke is a frwakong posessive cave man. I absolutely adore watching Aurora gain her confidence. I was basically a smiley, giddy nut during this book. I devoured this story and pretty much stayed up reading. Ha. It's fine, right? Haha.
This is definitely a series you just need to read. Go into it and just enjoy.
Profile Image for Tami Daley.
12 reviews
October 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this whole series and I’m actually sad to see it end. Absolutely loved the family dynamic and I really appreciated having all the siblings as sub characters in each other’s books. I love how everything fell into place once Deke reunited with his siblings and essentially tied the whole story together.

The build up to Deke and Aurora’s relationship was the perfect pace based on Aurora’s background.

What I didn’t love: the ending. I don’t know what I expected but it was a little anticlimactic for me. Also the epic battle after a 4 book build up didn’t pack quite the punch I expected and was very quickly. Also the pacing at some points had me a little lost.

Overall, these books kept me awake at night because I couldn’t put them down. Looking forward to reading more from Layla Frost.

Profile Image for Smutbookluvr.
129 reviews
January 8, 2025
FMC: Aurora
MMC: Deke aka Dubhloach
Tropes: paranormal, the four horsemen, fantasy, magic romantasy, angels/demons, mates
Spice Rating: 2
Series: Yes | Book Four of The Four Series
Cliffhanger: No

This was a great series. I can’t tell which of the horsemen I love more. This one deals with some darker trauma themes for the FMC. Thankfully, Deke and Aurora are the perfect balance. Deke has been waiting for his mate forever and with his memories intact, unlike his siblings, he’s had years of suffering alone. Aurora understands suffering and pain. Together they heal and with the combined magic of the horsemen and their mates, they are able to overcome Absolve.

Highly recommend this series and would read again!
Profile Image for Robin.
1,003 reviews29 followers
November 24, 2024
OK, I don’t even know where to start with this review. This book was so good! And so worth the wait!
Deke and Aurora were everything!!!
I loved Aurora so hard and was so engrossed in the beginning of her story I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. When Deke and her finally connected, you could feel their chemistry seep off the page.
Just a reminder, this book is not meant to be read as a standalone. You should read Styx, Stoned and Broken in that order.
I don’t want to give anything away, but this was a very satisfying ending to this series that I love so much.
This was definitely a five star read for me!
Profile Image for Anna Mcdonnell.
130 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2024
Bones was simply amazing and totally worth the wait! This series was different than anything I have read in a while and was such a nice change of pace. The Four Series was laugh-out-loud funny mixed in with edge-of-your-seat suspense.

Bones was the perfect ending to this series and I am so sad to see it end. Deke and Aurora were wonderful. Poor Aurora, I just wanted to wrap her up in a warm blanket and tell she was beautiful and amazing. I loved Deke's patience and love for her. Deke was a big old marshmallow when it came to his One and it was so great to see the big man fall.

Layla definitely knocked this one out of the park. 5 Stars for Bones!
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,054 reviews65 followers
December 31, 2024
Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)

Just like that, the series is over, and what a way to end it! I will start off with this is not a standalone and the previous three books need to be read before diving into this. PSA out of the way on to gushing about how Layla Frost has fast become one of my absolute favorites. She gives you a story that plays out perfectly. We get laughs, along with all the seriousness of the storyline, danger, violence, naughty bits that were freaking on point, and while I am super sad to see the four couples go, I absolutely enjoy one hell of a ride! I give this 5 huge stars.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,664 reviews36 followers
March 10, 2025
Deke & Aurora

This is such a fantastic series! The whole premise, each couple, the way they all have complimentary powers... beautifully written!

I have a lot of empathy for what Aurora had to get through before meeting Deke. It understandably took her a while to trust, but Deke did everything he could to prove her trust was safe with him. I love his heart!

We get a lot of healing time with them on their own, and then time when everyone is together. I love seeing the whole family together - including Levi & the archangel gang. So much fun!

A very well plotted story all together, and it's going to make a highly enjoyable binge reread to do so all together! 💜

😍😍😍😍
Profile Image for Amanda.
309 reviews5 followers
November 27, 2024
I looooved this! So worth the wait. I have absolutely loved this series of Layla’s (this is what actually introduced her to me) and have so thoroughly enjoyed reading each of the four’s stories. Deke and Aurora were everything. I loved their instant connection and the banter. I loved hanging out with the other couples. I loved the action and fighting. I loved the epilogue. I just loved it all. I laughed, I swooned, I panted. 🥵 Highly recommend, but be sure you have read the other 3 first! Not good as a standalone. I’m sad to see the series end (I want more Levi!), but what a send off this was.
2,518 reviews16 followers
November 26, 2024
I can’t explain just how happy I am to have the final instalment of this amazing series. We’ve been waiting with bated breath to finally know what happens next and how this truly inspired author will tie everything up. Once I started I couldn’t put it down! I was hooked from the first page to the last but I won’t give any spoilers but I will say it’s one book you don’t want to miss if you love this series and this authors writing. It’ll break your heart and then put it back together again. Great book Ms Frost. Truly inspired.
Profile Image for Gi's Spot Reviews.
1,144 reviews1,366 followers
November 29, 2024
5 Gazillion 'Fated' Stars


Bones is the PERFECT conclusion for this must read series! I adore every single thing about The Four series and Deke and Aurora's love story closed this EPIC supernatural romance adventures! A MUST READ in every way!


Once again, I will not give anything away, and will just tell you, that if you haven't started this quartet, go grab it STAT.
Brilliant humour, entrancing mystery, emotional depth in so many ways, and oh so sexy times, this book (and series) really does have it all. Layla Frost outdid herself with this bunch, and the only downside I saw on it is that it's a bittersweet goodbye to all these fantastic characters. How I miss them already... Is it too early for a reread?! LOL


ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review
390 reviews
December 2, 2024
What an ending to the series!
I am so happy Bones is here yet sad at the same time.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and loved Aurora and Deke. It had all the elements that I have come to love from these books. I love the banter and the relationships between them all. I have laughed out loud and been super engrossed.

Aurora and Deke is everything I could have wanted and more.
I am going to miss Levi and his hilarious moments.

Layla has a way of just pulling you in and not letting go u til she is finished with you.
Fantastic books!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
711 reviews15 followers
December 9, 2024
I loved this whole series and I didn’t want it to end. Aurora was different than the other heroines in this series and it was hard figuring her out. Deke was pretty straight forward and I loved him. Together they were great! The chemistry was there simmering until it finally burst through the beaker.
I was anxious and excited to see who their archangel was and I wasn’t disappointed!
I loved seeing glimpses of Levi and the other characters as well.
The ending was beautiful and I’m sad this series is closed, but I’m looking forward to seeing what next adventure comes from this author.
Profile Image for Geeky Girl Review Cafe.
1,234 reviews99 followers
November 24, 2024
What a great ending to the series...as promised Layla delivered an epic ending that did the wait for the final book justice.

I started this series not thinking I'd enjoy the mix of fantasy with the romance...and boy was I wrong. The way it was weaved into each story and the over-arching storyline in the series was amazing, I have learned to never doubt Layla.

This story definitely tugged at my heartstrings, what Aurora endures to get to her place as a mate of one of The Four was A LOT....she is truly amazing and worthy of her position. And how much Deke loved and cared from her from the moment he found her....swoon. He for sure earned his place in my Layla Frost RH.

The end is amazing...and exactly the epic ending Layla promised us...I was worried she couldn't possibly deliver EPIC....again why do I ever doubt her?

I'm sad the book and series are over...but this is a series (and book 4 too once available in all formats) that I reread and listen to often...I loved ever minute of the battle and adventure!
Profile Image for Carole.
380 reviews3 followers
November 26, 2024
Bones is the last book in the Four series and it was full of humor, suspense, and schmexy times like only Layla Frost can do. And she saved the best for last!

Deke and Aurora’s story is one of struggle and survival, but the journey to their HEA is beautifully depicted.

If you haven’t read the other three books, run—don’t walk—your behind to the kindle store and grab them now. You won’t be disappointed.
182 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2024
I love Deke and Aurora. Together they are so perfect. She was so strong but didn’t realize it and Deke showed her and encouraged her. He loved everything about her. She felt cherished, loved, safe and beautiful with him. It was so easy to see them as soulmates. I love that we got to see all the siblings and spouses, Levi and Victoria was awesome. The epilogue was perfect. This was such a great series and ended on such a good note.
16 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2024
I absolutely love Layla Frost - I wait on pins and needles for any new release and then force myself to slow down as I read it to make it last longer. Then I read the book again. Bones did not disappoint with the chemistry between Aurora and Deke, all the Four couples, and even their other worldly support team. Layla writes comedy that is fresh and clever without tipping into trying too hard. I fluffing love it. Fantastic ending to a creative and well thought out story.
Profile Image for Phoenix Mae.
173 reviews
November 30, 2024
Such a good book but I'm sad.

I'm so sad!!! I hate that this world is over. No more witty banter!! No more quirky banter!! No more hot spicy scenes!! I hate seeing this series leave, but it was such a beautiful ending. I loved seeing all the mates come together as one, and watching them kickass. Layla Frost is such a diverse author who can spin such a beautiful world. I can't wait to read her next project.
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