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Love is War #1
Breaking Him
SCARLETT
It was the kind of relationship where I invested more than I had to spare.
I gave it everything.
And so when it failed, I lost myself.
It changed me. He changed me.
I went down with the ship.
My soul, burnt embers in the aftermath.
The fire of him ravaged it all.
He burned me.
Broke me.
—
Scarlett had always dreamed big. She was headed straight for Hollywood. Destined for silver screen greatness.
But in her wildest dreams she never imagined she’d be broke and single at twenty-eight, doling drinks at thirty-five thousand feet.
She was a glorified waitress in the skies.
It had been years since she’d seen him.
But one day, there he sat, gazing intently at her, ready to set everything ablaze once more.
Dante wanted her. Again.
Sure, she’d play along…but this time, it was his turn.
She was breaking him.
After all, love is war.
It was the kind of relationship where I invested more than I had to spare.
I gave it everything.
And so when it failed, I lost myself.
It changed me. He changed me.
I went down with the ship.
My soul, burnt embers in the aftermath.
The fire of him ravaged it all.
He burned me.
Broke me.
—
Scarlett had always dreamed big. She was headed straight for Hollywood. Destined for silver screen greatness.
But in her wildest dreams she never imagined she’d be broke and single at twenty-eight, doling drinks at thirty-five thousand feet.
She was a glorified waitress in the skies.
It had been years since she’d seen him.
But one day, there he sat, gazing intently at her, ready to set everything ablaze once more.
Dante wanted her. Again.
Sure, she’d play along…but this time, it was his turn.
She was breaking him.
After all, love is war.
338 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2015
453 people are currently reading
13307 people want to read
About the author
R.K. Lilley
39 books12.7k followersR.K. Lilley has been a writer since she can remember, but has held down some interesting jobs to pay the bills. For several years she was a first class flight attendant, and she always swore that she just had to write a book about it. Mixing her love of romance and all things BDSM, the Up In the Air Trilogy is her debut into the world of contempary romance and erotica. She is currently working on the final installment in the series.
You can contact R.K. at Authorrklilley@gmail.com
Visit her Facebook page to keep up-to-date on what she's working on
https://www.facebook.com/authorrklilley
And check out her website http://www.rklilley.com/
R.K. also writes urban fantasy under the pseudonym: Rebecca K. Lilley
You can contact R.K. at Authorrklilley@gmail.com
Visit her Facebook page to keep up-to-date on what she's working on
https://www.facebook.com/authorrklilley
And check out her website http://www.rklilley.com/
R.K. also writes urban fantasy under the pseudonym: Rebecca K. Lilley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,275 reviews
June 28, 2019
★★★★★! Breaking Him, book 1 of 2. Dante & Scarlett were destined to be together until something derailed their love!
“Breaking him until he was as broken as me was the only thing that would ever be enough.”
Books in Love is War duet should be read in order:
Book 1: Breaking Him
Book 2: Breaking Her
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
“ Don’t You Remember” by Adele captures the beauty and pain of their love ♫ CLICK TO LISTEN ♫
I know I have a fickle heart and a bitterness
And a wandering eye, and a heaviness in my head
But don't you remember, don't you remember?
The reason you loved me before
Baby please remember me once more
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
Breaking Him (book 1) is hands down one of the best epic love stories I have ever read. It’s a story of a toxic and addictive love. The kind you cannot walk away nor recover from because it consumes you. And if given a choice you wouldn’t have it any other way. Because this love is the kind told of in sonnets and legends, the kind we all aspire to feel even for the briefest of moments in a lifetime.
Story spans twenty years, alternating between unfolding presents and pasts detailing the relationship between businessman and heir Dante Durant and flight attendant and aspiring actress Scarlett Theroux.
They called her Trashcan girl.
“I hadn’t been left on the doorstep of an orphanage or church. I wasn’t abandoned in some frilly basket by a tearful mother. Even that was too romantic of a story for me. I was left in a trashcan. Meant to die, I figured.”
Teased and bullied because her mom left her in a dumpster Scarlett Theroux, Angel aka Trashcan girl learned to fight to survive and to hide a stutter. It gave her a prickly, testy and easily offended personality. But under the hard façade was a girl who just wanted to be loved and accepted. This feeling has carried through and still rules her life. I was utterly enchanted by Scarlett and as she grew up she also captivated her surrounding like a siren.
He was the boy who fought for her.
“His lips were my own personal hell. They were either his biggest lie, or his greatest betrayer.”
From a privileged family and heir to a department store empire Dante Durant did not have to befriend the angry feisty girl who smelled like trash, but he did and more on that and what battles he fought to unfold with story.
Once fast friends they were inseparable growing into high school sweethearts and beyond. But now in their late twenties the story follows a dysfunctional love set on destroying each other. How can two people destined to be together veer of course to the point of ruin? What ultimately derailed them?
Breaking Him, told from Scarlett’s POVs is, a masterpiece. R.K. Lilley has created two multi-faceted characters and pulled me into their story which gutted and elated me in equal measures. Up next is book 2: Breaking Her for the conclusion of their story.
“No one would ever know me like he did. Understand and indulge the darkness and the lightness in me. The good and the bad. The strong and the weak. Take all of the parts of me that were toxic and soothe them with the perfect antidote. We had all of the ingredients of forever love.”
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5+ stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Plot rating: 5+ stars
Dialogue rating: 5+ stars
Storytelling rating: 5+ stars
Story ending rating: N/A
**********************************************
Overall rating: 5+ stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
March 11, 2016
4-4.5 stars!
R.K. Lilley brings it once again with a crazy angst-filled, disastrous love story. She is one of the only authors I know that can consistently pull this off without making me want to pull my hair out. This, much like Tristan and Danika but also different in a lot of ways, kept my heart racing, my palms sweating and left me wondering… WTF is going to happen with these two?!?
Scarlett and Dante have a tumultuous past. We aren’t sure what happened to cause this divide between them, all we know from reading is that way back in the past they were best friends, their love was strong and their chemistry was on fire. Then, something happened. Now, they don’t speak. BUT something else happens that makes Dante come back into Scarlett’s life and things get complicated.
I have so many questions and theories after reading this. I loved that it’s still keeping me guessing. Scarlett is a fantastic heroine. She’s tough, strong, stubborn and feisty. And I love that Dante loves that side of her. He’s got something going on and I can’t wait to find out what that is… I’m glad I waited to read this one, seeing as the second book will be out later this month! I’m dying to know what’s happening!
If you’re looking for a read that is high on angst, emotion and steam- pick this one up! You won’t be disappointed!
What happens when two people of terrible pride fall for each other? Terrible things. Destruction. Chaos. Pain. Sorrow. War.”
R.K. Lilley brings it once again with a crazy angst-filled, disastrous love story. She is one of the only authors I know that can consistently pull this off without making me want to pull my hair out. This, much like Tristan and Danika but also different in a lot of ways, kept my heart racing, my palms sweating and left me wondering… WTF is going to happen with these two?!?
Scarlett and Dante have a tumultuous past. We aren’t sure what happened to cause this divide between them, all we know from reading is that way back in the past they were best friends, their love was strong and their chemistry was on fire. Then, something happened. Now, they don’t speak. BUT something else happens that makes Dante come back into Scarlett’s life and things get complicated.
His lips were my own personal hell. They were either his biggest lie, or his greatest betrayer. Every kiss he’d ever given me, when we were in love or in hate, told me how he cared. Told me how he longed. Craved. Pined. Mourned. Despaired. Told me he was as desperate for me as ever.
I have so many questions and theories after reading this. I loved that it’s still keeping me guessing. Scarlett is a fantastic heroine. She’s tough, strong, stubborn and feisty. And I love that Dante loves that side of her. He’s got something going on and I can’t wait to find out what that is… I’m glad I waited to read this one, seeing as the second book will be out later this month! I’m dying to know what’s happening!
If you’re looking for a read that is high on angst, emotion and steam- pick this one up! You won’t be disappointed!
October 14, 2015
4.5 STARS
”Once upon a time, I’d been his angel.”
Damn what an angsty ride! When does book two come out? What the hell happened in the past that broke Scarlett and Dante up? (I have my guesses.) Fans of angsty heartbreak you’re going to devour this book. Scarlett and Dante’s story is told in the present with chapters of the past.
In the present Dante appears on a flight of Scarlett’s in an attempt to tell her some really bad news. These two have astronomical amounts of chemistry and equal amounts of hate going on.
”It was a sad, tragic fact that I’d take three times my share of the damage just to give him his third of it.”
Both characters are hotheaded, stubborn, fighters and you just know something really bad happened to break up their fairy tale love that started when they were young.
”There is only one heart in this universe that calls to mine, and it does call. Constantly, relentlessly, it sings out to me in a captivating, resonating voice. Day after day, year after year, it calls to me. But I won’t listen to it. It belongs to a liar.”
Dante brings Scarlett back to their home town and as chapters of the past show how intense their connection has always been in the present Dante seems to be trying to apologize? Or try again? Or perhaps just hurt her yet again?
This story was a fast intense read that if you’re a fan of great angst you have to one click and join me in waiting for book two!!
”I belonged to him. I was his. I’d never stopped being his. It was a cruel, unbearable, and undeniable fact.”
”Once upon a time, I’d been his angel.”
Damn what an angsty ride! When does book two come out? What the hell happened in the past that broke Scarlett and Dante up? (I have my guesses.) Fans of angsty heartbreak you’re going to devour this book. Scarlett and Dante’s story is told in the present with chapters of the past.
In the present Dante appears on a flight of Scarlett’s in an attempt to tell her some really bad news. These two have astronomical amounts of chemistry and equal amounts of hate going on.
”It was a sad, tragic fact that I’d take three times my share of the damage just to give him his third of it.”
Both characters are hotheaded, stubborn, fighters and you just know something really bad happened to break up their fairy tale love that started when they were young.
”There is only one heart in this universe that calls to mine, and it does call. Constantly, relentlessly, it sings out to me in a captivating, resonating voice. Day after day, year after year, it calls to me. But I won’t listen to it. It belongs to a liar.”
Dante brings Scarlett back to their home town and as chapters of the past show how intense their connection has always been in the present Dante seems to be trying to apologize? Or try again? Or perhaps just hurt her yet again?
This story was a fast intense read that if you’re a fan of great angst you have to one click and join me in waiting for book two!!
”I belonged to him. I was his. I’d never stopped being his. It was a cruel, unbearable, and undeniable fact.”
October 14, 2015
Fucking cliffhangers!!! GRRRR!!
I need to process before I try to review....
But I will leave you with this. ANGST. This book is page after page of brutal angst.
I need to process before I try to review....
But I will leave you with this. ANGST. This book is page after page of brutal angst.
July 9, 2017
The journey that R.K. Lilley’s latest book, Breaking Him left me with a feeling of great elation, an euphoric high, euphoric high giddy, fuming, ticked-off, happy, excited, anticipation, hopefully, sad, hateful…….hell, talk about an emotional overdrive!!!!
I became hooked on R.K. Lilley after reading her incredible Up in the Sky Series and I cannot miss out on any of her books, so I was so so excited to begin page 1 of Breaking Him which is #1 of her Love is War duet.
I have so much feelings about this story and I want to share them with you….look, I’ll try to keep it short…but I don’t think that may be possible because…too many becauses!!!
This is a story of two people who you can see were destined to be together but just keeping f@@@@@ up things that causes them heartbreak and pain. Friends to lovers. Who are given a second chance to finding each other again and seem to continue on yet another destruction road.
Page 1…..I am beyond “on a high”…..Scarlett is a flight attendant…………my absolute most favorite heroine character…and yes one of the reasons being that I so feel connected to these people…after all, I was once part of that glam world …so let’s just say I have a soft spot for someone like me….well, the flight attendant part…so okay, this job is only temporary until she’s discover and becomes a movie star!!!!!!
And how could I not love someone like Dante? There’s something mysterious about this sexy and gorgeous man…..that makes me want to know what’s going on in his head. But this is Scarlett’s story told from her POV.
The first time we meet these two is when Dante boards Scarlett’s flight. The scenes and their interaction was a total blast……
I kept thinking….gee, I hope that the other passengers in the vicinity can’t hear or see Scarlett’s customer service skills…..she just made Dante’s trip with her “the flight from hell”!!! This guy must have done something really bad for her to be so snarky and disdainful towards him!
Yes, he did and she did too!!! What happened in their lives that could turn into something so destructive? What did Dante do that made Scarlett feel such hatred for him? Why? What?
Scarlett and Dante met as children and became close friends when he stood up for her during one of her very many verbal and physical attacks by her schoolmates. Ridiculed, scorned and mocked for being found in a trashcan when she was a baby, she has endured so many bad things in her life. She was unwillingly taken in by her horrible grandmother, who lives and works for Dante’s family.
She’s had to be a fighter all her life and is not afraid of kicking ass. The only people who cared about her and helped her were Dante and his grandmother aka Gram, a retired movie star icon. They have always been there for her. And when she’s told that Gram has died, Scarlett feels her whole world is spinning out of control. She’s lost the person she’s loved and who loved her the most in her life.
After many years, she goes back to her old home to attend her beloved Gram’s funeral. Back to seeing the people who had caused so much heartbreak and pain in her life. And when we meet some of those characters…….how did Scarlett even survive their wickedness?
Dante’s mother – this is a truly evil person. The malevolence and malice she shows towards Scarlett and how she manipulates to keep Dante and Scarlett apart is really scary.
Scarlett’s grandmother – what a cruel and malicious person that begs you to think that Scarlett could never be related to someone like her.
Tiffany, the ultimate bitch who had played some part in the reason for Scarlett and Dante’s present situation. I loved the way Scarlett took this horrible and despicable character down….
“He was mine before you ever had him, and even when you did, know this, a part of him as still mine. You never got what I had. You had what was left when I was done with him.” –Scarlett to TiffanyI was praying that this Tiffany had never got her claws into him!!!
Gram was one of my favorite characters in this story. She was a bright and shiny light in Scarlett and Dante’s lives and she truly believed that the two were destined to be together forever.
She had the most amazing attitude to life and I loved her wisdom and kindness so much. I was sad that she was no longer here to be with the two people she clearly and dearly loved.
It was painful watching Scarlett and Dante together again and perhaps just maybe they could resolve the things in the past and be together again…..but with the interference by the people who are determined to keep them apart, how will it ever come right??Is it too late? Is there nothing that can be fixed? I felt for these two people…so much pain, so much loss……is one ever able to survive???
I just felt there was some sinister secret that caused Scarlett and Dante to be apart and that his mother had a part in it. And as I anxiously turned the next page for the revelation……..what happens??? Yes, the end….left with a cliffhanger that drove me absolutely nuts!!!! How long must I wait to discover what the secret is ?????
Dante and Scarlett’s story is intense, emotional and yes, even sad. Anger, passion, pain, hate and love and a sense of hope as well.
I loved the writing style, the pace of the story, the flashbacks from past to present, the sensual and well-written sex scenes, the incredible dialogue and great character development.
This is a book I will definitely read again.
One of the quotes that touched me…..oh there were a lot of them…but this one…..unforgettable!!!
There is only one heart in this universe that calls to mine, and it does call. Constantly, relentlessly, it sings out to me in a captivating, resonating voice.
Day after day, year after year, it calls to me.
But I won’t listen to it. It belongs to a liar.”
October 17, 2015
4 Stars!!
Damn...this was good! It was better than I expected. Prepare yourself for a ‘heathy’ dose of angst because this book has plenty of it. Fortunately for me (and I’m sure for others readers as well) it was the ‘good’ kind of angst if you know what I mean. Nothing was forced, overwhelming and honestly I really enjoyed it. “Breaking Him” was simply addictive. I devoured it from start to finish and that ending for sure left me wanting more.
The story is told both in the past and I the present (only from Scarlett’s POV) and honestly I enjoyed both equally. From the past we find out the two main characters met when they were younger. Scarlett and Dante were from the beginning very different from each other. Scarlett is poor, named by everyone ‘the trashcan girl’ because was abandoned by her mother in a trash can, while Dante comes from a very rich family. But at the same time, they were alike and both of them knew it. They could relate with each other from the start, their connection had been a strong one from the moment they met. They became friends and over the years we get to ‘see’ how their relationship changed. They became much more, but something happened, something ugly that destroyed not only their happiness, but also who they really are.
Scarlett and Dante from the present hate each other. But hate is a strong word. They don’t really hate each other, but someone or something happened in the past and they broke up. Over the years they ‘hated’ each other guts, they hurt each other tremendously, but maybe just maybe love can win. Dante is back in Scarlett’s life and she doesn’t know what he really wants from her. Does he wants her back or does he wants to hurt her...again?
This one was simply fantastic. It was a fast paced read, intense and what I really wanted. Like I mentioned, the story was angsty as f*ck and I have to admit at times all the angst and the fact the plot is a big, big mystery really frustrated me. Scarlett and Dante were great characters. Both of them were reallllly stubborn, complicated, intense, but they were very likeable IMO. Scarlett is portrayed really great as a badass heroine and her inner monologues were the sh*t. Loved them! I have to say I really sympathize with her. Her childhood must’ve been awful, but at least she had Dante. Through Scarlett’s eyes we get to know a little about our male MC, Dante. (btw, I would love the next installment to be written in Dante’s POV or at least in dual POV). Dante was sexy, intriguing and I enjoyed his character as much I enjoyed Scarlett’s. Most of the time he was actually sweet and not only from his words, but also from his actions we can figure out how much he still loves Scarlett. I loved the way he loves her – fiercely.
So...these two don’t really hate each other. However, the love-hate relationship was fantastically done. I absolutely loved it. The chemistry between Scarlett and Dante, both in the past and in the present was sizzling, palpable and I couldn’t get enough of them. They were passionate till the end and the sexy scenes between them were hot as hell. Damn!!!
This installment left me with lots of questions. The big one? Why these two broke up? It goes without saying I can’t wait to get some answers.
All in all, “Breaking Him” was a fantastic read about love, hate, secrets and betrayal with a mysterious, yet great, solid plot, two MC that were vividly portrayed from start to finish and a great love story.
“Love is never satisfied with half-measures. It won’t take parts of you. It will own all of you, every single, longing piece. Love will make you its slave. It will ruin you. Grind you under its heel until you don’t recognize what’s left. Love will take your soul.”
Damn...this was good! It was better than I expected. Prepare yourself for a ‘heathy’ dose of angst because this book has plenty of it. Fortunately for me (and I’m sure for others readers as well) it was the ‘good’ kind of angst if you know what I mean. Nothing was forced, overwhelming and honestly I really enjoyed it. “Breaking Him” was simply addictive. I devoured it from start to finish and that ending for sure left me wanting more.
"What happens when two people of terrible pride fall for each other? Terrible things. Destruction. Chaos. Pain. Sorrow. War."
The story is told both in the past and I the present (only from Scarlett’s POV) and honestly I enjoyed both equally. From the past we find out the two main characters met when they were younger. Scarlett and Dante were from the beginning very different from each other. Scarlett is poor, named by everyone ‘the trashcan girl’ because was abandoned by her mother in a trash can, while Dante comes from a very rich family. But at the same time, they were alike and both of them knew it. They could relate with each other from the start, their connection had been a strong one from the moment they met. They became friends and over the years we get to ‘see’ how their relationship changed. They became much more, but something happened, something ugly that destroyed not only their happiness, but also who they really are.
“There is only one heart in this universe that calls to mine, and it does call. Constantly, relentlessly, it sings out to me in a captivating, resonating voice.
Day after day, year after year, it calls to me.
But I won’t listen to it. It belongs to a liar.“
Scarlett and Dante from the present hate each other. But hate is a strong word. They don’t really hate each other, but someone or something happened in the past and they broke up. Over the years they ‘hated’ each other guts, they hurt each other tremendously, but maybe just maybe love can win. Dante is back in Scarlett’s life and she doesn’t know what he really wants from her. Does he wants her back or does he wants to hurt her...again?
This one was simply fantastic. It was a fast paced read, intense and what I really wanted. Like I mentioned, the story was angsty as f*ck and I have to admit at times all the angst and the fact the plot is a big, big mystery really frustrated me. Scarlett and Dante were great characters. Both of them were reallllly stubborn, complicated, intense, but they were very likeable IMO. Scarlett is portrayed really great as a badass heroine and her inner monologues were the sh*t. Loved them! I have to say I really sympathize with her. Her childhood must’ve been awful, but at least she had Dante. Through Scarlett’s eyes we get to know a little about our male MC, Dante. (btw, I would love the next installment to be written in Dante’s POV or at least in dual POV). Dante was sexy, intriguing and I enjoyed his character as much I enjoyed Scarlett’s. Most of the time he was actually sweet and not only from his words, but also from his actions we can figure out how much he still loves Scarlett. I loved the way he loves her – fiercely.
“I hate that I still love you.(..)I hate that I’ll never stop.”
So...these two don’t really hate each other. However, the love-hate relationship was fantastically done. I absolutely loved it. The chemistry between Scarlett and Dante, both in the past and in the present was sizzling, palpable and I couldn’t get enough of them. They were passionate till the end and the sexy scenes between them were hot as hell. Damn!!!
This installment left me with lots of questions. The big one? Why these two broke up? It goes without saying I can’t wait to get some answers.
All in all, “Breaking Him” was a fantastic read about love, hate, secrets and betrayal with a mysterious, yet great, solid plot, two MC that were vividly portrayed from start to finish and a great love story.
“Breaking him until he was as broken as me was the only thing that would ever be enough.”
October 15, 2015
"You and I being together is not a question, Scarlett, it's a fact of life."
So....
Lots of them actually, but I'll keep them to myself for now.
Scarlett and Dante have a whole lot of sordid history. When we meet them, it’s apparent that Scarlett has a lot of anger towards Dante and that Dante had broken her heart. And she makes no secret of her hatred towards him. Seriously. Her hate and anger permeates the pages of this book, you could practically taste it.
We only know Dante through Scarlett’s POV. Sadly. And let me tell you that he was not painted in a very good light. Even at a young age, Scarlett’s view of Dante is unreliable. So Dante is a bit of an enigma. One thing is for sure though, Dante is one randy dude.
Anyway, there were some revelations along the way that made me mad, frustrated me and sometimes made me roll my eyes especially with the villains. Don’t get me wrong, I like to hate on villains in a book, in this case though, Dante’s mom, Tiffany, Scarlett’s own classmates, her grandmother were all caricatures of evil bitches. They absolutely had no depth to them.
Nevertheless, the angst was enjoyable albeit frustrating sometimes because we’re not really told or shown anything substantial yet. We see them talk about it and we get introduced to the players...we get clues here and there but other than that, readers still don’t know what exactly happened to them. And just when we finally get to where we might get some answers, the book ends!
So for the love of all that’s holy, Rk Lilley, you better write faster because we need answers! I need answers. But, like I said, I have theories. Hopefully, the wait for the next book won’t be that long.
Meanwhile…
So....
Lots of them actually, but I'll keep them to myself for now.
Scarlett and Dante have a whole lot of sordid history. When we meet them, it’s apparent that Scarlett has a lot of anger towards Dante and that Dante had broken her heart. And she makes no secret of her hatred towards him. Seriously. Her hate and anger permeates the pages of this book, you could practically taste it.
We only know Dante through Scarlett’s POV. Sadly. And let me tell you that he was not painted in a very good light. Even at a young age, Scarlett’s view of Dante is unreliable. So Dante is a bit of an enigma. One thing is for sure though, Dante is one randy dude.
Anyway, there were some revelations along the way that made me mad, frustrated me and sometimes made me roll my eyes especially with the villains. Don’t get me wrong, I like to hate on villains in a book, in this case though, Dante’s mom, Tiffany, Scarlett’s own classmates, her grandmother were all caricatures of evil bitches. They absolutely had no depth to them.
Nevertheless, the angst was enjoyable albeit frustrating sometimes because we’re not really told or shown anything substantial yet. We see them talk about it and we get introduced to the players...we get clues here and there but other than that, readers still don’t know what exactly happened to them. And just when we finally get to where we might get some answers, the book ends!
So for the love of all that’s holy, Rk Lilley, you better write faster because we need answers! I need answers. But, like I said, I have theories. Hopefully, the wait for the next book won’t be that long.
Meanwhile…
September 30, 2020
💜 4.5 (Broken) STARS 💜
How far will you go for love? How much will you sacrifice? How much will you risk...? 😱
If you've read 'Bad Things' trilogy, you already know that this author likes to hurt her characters. Here, she raised the bar - and sorry, because (mostly) I do not enjoy other people's pain, but heck... I LOVED it! 😜
📚 “𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐞.” 📚
Scarlett and Dante once shared a huge love, but they have had no reason to look at each other affectionately for years... Now, 5 years after, a tragedy has united them and they are forced to meet again. All the emotions rising... the lies and secrets from their past are revealed - and everything is going to change. 💜
It's a "friends to lovers" story about two people who shared a once-in-a-lifetime love that turned into a huge hatred... Why? And will it all be over before they'll break each other completely?? 😱
📚 “𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐫, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬.” 📚
I enjoyed the first book but it took me a while to connect to the second book... The reason is that her hatred for him (which in the first book intrigued me) started to get frustrating, there were characters who did not contribute to the plot (and ones who did not get enough time), the jumps between past and present were confusing, there was too much sex (which made the characters' deep connection, a bit superficial and cheap 😬) and there were also boring parts (an entire chapter about green smoothies, vegan food and yoga? How does that help the plot?? 🙈)
I mean, all that, UNTIL the secrets were revealed (oh, mommy!) and then... I couldn't stop until I finished!!!!!!! 💥
📚 "𝐈'𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞. 𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.” 📚
I laughed, I cried (or like... sobbed!), I got angry, swooned, bought new shoes (I want a shoe closet too 😭) and mostly, I fell DEEPLY in love with Dante and his huge heart! 💜
I loved that every chapter opened with a famous quote, I loved the strong emotions this book evoked (both positive and negative), the moments of anxiety, pain and horror - and I really did not expect the story to unfold like this... so despite all the things that bothered me, I could not help but give this duet 4 stars. Totally deserves it! 👏👏👏
• I listened to the AUDIO version, which was AMAZING. 🎧
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📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/
📖 GOOᗪᖇEᗩᗪᔕ: https://bit.ly/3acMRMP
💕 לקריאת הסקירה בעברית, כנסו לבלוג: https://books-romance.com/ 💕
October 3, 2018
4 stars
I read the books in this series one after the other so I decided to review them as a whole because separate reviews would be too repetitive.
You can find my joint spoiler-free review here: Review
I read the books in this series one after the other so I decided to review them as a whole because separate reviews would be too repetitive.
You can find my joint spoiler-free review here: Review
October 21, 2015
5 stars!
“Love is never satisfied with half-measures. It won’t take parts of you. It will own all of you, every single, longing piece. Love will make you its slave. It will ruin you. Grind you under its heel until you don’t recognize what’s left. Love will take your soul.”
This book fucking WRECKED ME. R.K. Lilley is pure magic! Not that I am surprised, the Tristan and Danika series is one of my all time favorites, but after The Wild Side books I had drawn away from Lilley for a bit. But after my girlie Jasmine from Reading Escapade told me she loved this and that it was super angsty, I had to read it! And I read it in 5 hours. Stayed up until 2:30 AM and everything. This is R. K. Lilley at her best!
Scarlett and Dante were childhood loves. Now they hate each others guts. With the benefit of an occasional hate fuck. But Dante comes in search of Scarlett with news of a family friend and Scarlett finds herself traveling back to her hometown and to Dante. That's all I can really say without spoiling anything for you, it's best if you go into this book knowing less.
Scarlett and Dante ruined each other, and it only got worse over the years. Both cannot find it within them to forgive the other, but neither one of them have gotten over each other either. The plot is a big mystery to the reader with little tidbits being revealed in the present, and through flashbacks interspersed throughout the book.
This book was so beyond angsty and I ate it all up! Lilley is the master of angst, so many points in the book where I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest and I loved every minute of it!
My favorite part?:
"Tell me you don't miss this."
"I don't miss this."
"Liar."
"No. No. No. I'm not the liar. You know why I don't miss this? Because it's a lie..... It was always a lie."
All I gotta say is RK Lilley better have that second book written or I am going to lose my shit!
“Love is never satisfied with half-measures. It won’t take parts of you. It will own all of you, every single, longing piece. Love will make you its slave. It will ruin you. Grind you under its heel until you don’t recognize what’s left. Love will take your soul.”
This book fucking WRECKED ME. R.K. Lilley is pure magic! Not that I am surprised, the Tristan and Danika series is one of my all time favorites, but after The Wild Side books I had drawn away from Lilley for a bit. But after my girlie Jasmine from Reading Escapade told me she loved this and that it was super angsty, I had to read it! And I read it in 5 hours. Stayed up until 2:30 AM and everything. This is R. K. Lilley at her best!
Scarlett and Dante were childhood loves. Now they hate each others guts. With the benefit of an occasional hate fuck. But Dante comes in search of Scarlett with news of a family friend and Scarlett finds herself traveling back to her hometown and to Dante. That's all I can really say without spoiling anything for you, it's best if you go into this book knowing less.
Scarlett and Dante ruined each other, and it only got worse over the years. Both cannot find it within them to forgive the other, but neither one of them have gotten over each other either. The plot is a big mystery to the reader with little tidbits being revealed in the present, and through flashbacks interspersed throughout the book.
This book was so beyond angsty and I ate it all up! Lilley is the master of angst, so many points in the book where I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest and I loved every minute of it!
My favorite part?:
"Tell me you don't miss this."
"I don't miss this."
"Liar."
"No. No. No. I'm not the liar. You know why I don't miss this? Because it's a lie..... It was always a lie."
All I gotta say is RK Lilley better have that second book written or I am going to lose my shit!
September 1, 2016
4 STARS
“What happens when two people of terrible pride fall for each other? Terrible things. Destruction. Chaos. Pain. Sorrow. War.”
For me this was one of the most anticipated books for this month! I was waiting patiently for it to go live so I could finally read it! The story started off well and I instantly became a part of the story! It's fast passed, full of angst, hot, emotional and mysterious.The fact that the story jumps from past to present made it even more interesting and captivating! This book is about love, hate, revenge and lies.
Scarlett and Dante were meant to be together since they were young. But when something tragic happened the ties that bounds began to unravel and they spent years apart "hating" each other. Now due to an unexpected reunion they are forced to deal with each other and they are ready for "WAR"...
Scarlett is simply amazing!! I love her dirty mouth, she is so sassy she knows exactly what she wants. You don't often find characters like her! She has something that made me love her, maybe is the fact that she wasn't afraid to speak er mind! It was easy to relate with her. She is broken and hurt. I felt so sorry for her especially because of her past where people treated her so badly. Dante is hot and knows how to play the game with Scarlett. I'm not sure exactly how I feel after the end..but I hope he can give a good excuse in the next book! Dante and Scarlett are like a fire and gasoline! Their chemistry and sexual tension is off the charts.There are some really hot moments that will make you swoon!
The only reason I gave it 4 stars is the fact that I have many questions that I hoped I would get answers to and this didn't happen!I have read many books from R.K. Lilley but neither was like this! I love the writing in this one it's different and more beautiful! I can't wait for the next book and I hope it comes out soon because I need answers!!
“What happens when two people of terrible pride fall for each other? Terrible things. Destruction. Chaos. Pain. Sorrow. War.”
For me this was one of the most anticipated books for this month! I was waiting patiently for it to go live so I could finally read it! The story started off well and I instantly became a part of the story! It's fast passed, full of angst, hot, emotional and mysterious.The fact that the story jumps from past to present made it even more interesting and captivating! This book is about love, hate, revenge and lies.
Scarlett and Dante were meant to be together since they were young. But when something tragic happened the ties that bounds began to unravel and they spent years apart "hating" each other. Now due to an unexpected reunion they are forced to deal with each other and they are ready for "WAR"...
Scarlett is simply amazing!! I love her dirty mouth, she is so sassy she knows exactly what she wants. You don't often find characters like her! She has something that made me love her, maybe is the fact that she wasn't afraid to speak er mind! It was easy to relate with her. She is broken and hurt. I felt so sorry for her especially because of her past where people treated her so badly. Dante is hot and knows how to play the game with Scarlett. I'm not sure exactly how I feel after the end..but I hope he can give a good excuse in the next book! Dante and Scarlett are like a fire and gasoline! Their chemistry and sexual tension is off the charts.There are some really hot moments that will make you swoon!
The only reason I gave it 4 stars is the fact that I have many questions that I hoped I would get answers to and this didn't happen!I have read many books from R.K. Lilley but neither was like this! I love the writing in this one it's different and more beautiful! I can't wait for the next book and I hope it comes out soon because I need answers!!
October 15, 2015
4.5 STARS! ★★★★☆
"Love is never satisfied with half-measures. It won't take parts of you. It will own all of you, every single, longing piece."
OH MY GOD. THIS BOOK. This is EXACTLY what I've been waiting for from RK Lilley for the longest time. I've had rotten luck with her past few works but THIS ONE is the one that reminded me why I loved her work in the first place. She came, she brought the mothafreaking angst and she absolutely conquered.
Both Scarlett and Dante completely owned this book. Right off the bat, these two are the most stubborn people and they keep holding onto their damn pride. There's just so much going between these two that are outright explosive! They hate each other yet they love each other. They've been childhood sweethearts but something so awful happened which we have yet to learn that tore them apart. I love their flashback chapters as much as I love the present. One made me so giddy on love while the other had me riding the angst!!
For all the angst-whores just like me out there, READ THIS BOOK!! It will satisfy your angst cravings and be prepare to get your heart stomped on into tiny pieces. This is a read that will gripped you from page one till the very end even if it means there is a huge cliffy right there. I just know I need the second book right this second. OMG MY HEART AND MY FEELS.
P/S: Thank you Jennifer for holding my hand while I read this book!! I'm so glad we went through this angsty ride together! ♥
Breaking Him is the first book in the Love is War series and is not a standalone read.
"Love is never satisfied with half-measures. It won't take parts of you. It will own all of you, every single, longing piece."
OH MY GOD. THIS BOOK. This is EXACTLY what I've been waiting for from RK Lilley for the longest time. I've had rotten luck with her past few works but THIS ONE is the one that reminded me why I loved her work in the first place. She came, she brought the mothafreaking angst and she absolutely conquered.
Both Scarlett and Dante completely owned this book. Right off the bat, these two are the most stubborn people and they keep holding onto their damn pride. There's just so much going between these two that are outright explosive! They hate each other yet they love each other. They've been childhood sweethearts but something so awful happened which we have yet to learn that tore them apart. I love their flashback chapters as much as I love the present. One made me so giddy on love while the other had me riding the angst!!
"What happens when two people of terrible pride fall for each other? Terrible things. Destruction. Chaos. Pain. Sorrow. War."
For all the angst-whores just like me out there, READ THIS BOOK!! It will satisfy your angst cravings and be prepare to get your heart stomped on into tiny pieces. This is a read that will gripped you from page one till the very end even if it means there is a huge cliffy right there. I just know I need the second book right this second. OMG MY HEART AND MY FEELS.
P/S: Thank you Jennifer for holding my hand while I read this book!! I'm so glad we went through this angsty ride together! ♥
Breaking Him is the first book in the Love is War series and is not a standalone read.
October 22, 2015
4 Broken Stars.
Dante and Scarlett were completely in love once… until Dante broke her heart and never looked back.
Ten years later they meet again and this time Scarlett is settled in getting her revenge… and break his heart this time. But when the past and the future keeps mixing together and a lot of questions start to appear, will Scarlett go ahead with her plan, or will past repeat itself?
There was so many twists and turns in this book that for a moment I didn’t know each way I should turn into. It was a sexy (so sexy) and angsty (so angsty) reading that definitely left me hooked from the first page.
I loved the heroes at times, hated them at others but not for a moment I was indifferent. With an engaging writing style and an addictive plot that will left more questions than answers this a book that will make a mark. Take a chance!
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: In all fairness, the only side of Dante we know is through Scarlett’s eyes… and he does seem like an unreliable asshole that she’s unfortunate to love. But there’s a lot of unanswered questions so I’m hoping his actions have a strong reason behind. It’s really the only way of redeem Dante. Scarlett is fierce and if this was any other book she would completely be a bitch, but in this book her actions come from hurt and they are understandable. I really can’t wait for the next instalment.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Dante and Scarlett were completely in love once… until Dante broke her heart and never looked back.
Ten years later they meet again and this time Scarlett is settled in getting her revenge… and break his heart this time. But when the past and the future keeps mixing together and a lot of questions start to appear, will Scarlett go ahead with her plan, or will past repeat itself?
There was so many twists and turns in this book that for a moment I didn’t know each way I should turn into. It was a sexy (so sexy) and angsty (so angsty) reading that definitely left me hooked from the first page.
I loved the heroes at times, hated them at others but not for a moment I was indifferent. With an engaging writing style and an addictive plot that will left more questions than answers this a book that will make a mark. Take a chance!
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: In all fairness, the only side of Dante we know is through Scarlett’s eyes… and he does seem like an unreliable asshole that she’s unfortunate to love. But there’s a lot of unanswered questions so I’m hoping his actions have a strong reason behind. It’s really the only way of redeem Dante. Scarlett is fierce and if this was any other book she would completely be a bitch, but in this book her actions come from hurt and they are understandable. I really can’t wait for the next instalment.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
March 29, 2017
Freaking phenomenal read!!
Talk about one dysfunctional couple! Scarlett and Dante are so perfectly imperfect together. This book was a beautiful, gritty, destructive and gut-wrenching love story. The entire book was a roller coaster of emotions.
This story was about family, secrets, betrayal, grief, forgiveness and love. A story that will own you!
The story unfolds alternating between past and present. They were childhood sweethearts, first love, first everything, until something awful happened that tore them apart.
Years later, a tragedy brings them back together and as much as they want to deny their feelings, they can't. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot!
They love to hate each other and hate to love each other. They alone held the keys to their destruction or their salvation.
Scarlett’s past and what she experienced during her childhood has shaped and defined her in so many ways. She is a woman scorned with a shattered heart. Dante is a very interesting and intriguing character and there is so much more to learn about him.
This first book left you with more questions than answers. And I have so many questions!
Why did they break up? What happened between Dante and Tiffany? Who is the doctor who spoke to Scarlett at Gram’s house? What was Bastian talking about when he alluded to possible blackmail from Adelaide? Did Dante play a game or was he only trying to protect Scarlett to justify all his hurtful decisions?
R.K. Lilley is my one to go author and I've fallen in love with her books and writing style from the very beginning. My favorite is still the wonderful Up in the Air series. This author creates unique and unforgettable characters.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read book 2 Breaking Her.
Here a few of my favorite quotes. :
“I hate that I still love you….I hate that I’ll never stop.”
“What happens when two people of terrible pride fall for each other? Terrible things. Destruction. Chaos. Pain. Sorrow. War.”
“Kissing him ruined me. He knew it. Apparently I wasn’t the only one out for blood here. His lips were my personal hell. They were either his biggest lie, or his greatest betrayer”.
“Never relinquish the keys to your soul to someone else. It gives them too much power.”
"All we are is proof that love can survive anything.”
“I loved cats but I had a dog. Story of my life”
October 16, 2015
4.5 ★'s
R.K. Lilley is pretty much an auto buy for me and this was no exception. I couldn't wait to get my little grabby hands on this book even without having a clue what it was about. I have to say that I was utterly delighted !
Dante and Scarlett have known each other since the fourth grade when she became aware of him because she overheard him sticking up for her...and that was a very rare thing. You see, when Scarlett was born, she was found in a trash can and with only having a poor grandma to live with, the kids are merciless. And here's the rub...Dante's family is loaded but he doesn't really care about that.
But the story doesn't start there...we get dropped right into the middle of a war! Scarlett and Dante, aka The Bastard, HATE, (aka LOVE), each other something fierce. Well, it was but something's happened and Dante's different.
The incident has thrown both of them for a loop and they can't keep their hands off each other! They reminded me of Tristan and Danika when they acted like they weren't madly in love with each other.
The problem is trying to find out what happened. We s-l-o-w-l-y get some answers from events in the present and the past but definitely not enough. I couldn't quit reading and trying to find some answers but really all I had was more questions! This book totally sucks you in! And that ending? OMG...it hurt so good!
There's three things you need to know if you decide to read this book: #1 - this book is hella angsty and intense! And even someone like me who loves this kind of stuff had a hard time with it at times. (Actually, I wanted to punch someone or claw someone's back too!) #2 - There are a lot of unanswered questions...A LOT! and #3 - yep, you got it...there is a cliffy! BUT...RKL does put in a teaser for the next book so that does help...a bit.
There's not a release date for the next book, Breaking Her, but I heard a possible date is November or January. (Thanks Jen!) Either way, thank goodness it won't be a year from now!
♦ Some Unanswered Questions...for those who have read it and have any theories!
Favorite quote:
♥"There is only one heart in this universe that calls to mine, and it does call. Constantly, relentlessly, it sings out to me in a captivating, resonating voice.
Day after day, year after year, it calls to me.
But I won’t listen to it. It belongs to a liar."
6/8 ~ Teaser...
R.K. Lilley is pretty much an auto buy for me and this was no exception. I couldn't wait to get my little grabby hands on this book even without having a clue what it was about. I have to say that I was utterly delighted !
Dante and Scarlett have known each other since the fourth grade when she became aware of him because she overheard him sticking up for her...and that was a very rare thing. You see, when Scarlett was born, she was found in a trash can and with only having a poor grandma to live with, the kids are merciless. And here's the rub...Dante's family is loaded but he doesn't really care about that.
But the story doesn't start there...we get dropped right into the middle of a war! Scarlett and Dante, aka The Bastard, HATE, (aka LOVE), each other something fierce. Well, it was but something's happened and Dante's different.
The incident has thrown both of them for a loop and they can't keep their hands off each other! They reminded me of Tristan and Danika when they acted like they weren't madly in love with each other.
The problem is trying to find out what happened. We s-l-o-w-l-y get some answers from events in the present and the past but definitely not enough. I couldn't quit reading and trying to find some answers but really all I had was more questions! This book totally sucks you in! And that ending? OMG...it hurt so good!
There's three things you need to know if you decide to read this book: #1 - this book is hella angsty and intense! And even someone like me who loves this kind of stuff had a hard time with it at times. (Actually, I wanted to punch someone or claw someone's back too!) #2 - There are a lot of unanswered questions...A LOT! and #3 - yep, you got it...there is a cliffy! BUT...RKL does put in a teaser for the next book so that does help...a bit.
There's not a release date for the next book, Breaking Her, but I heard a possible date is November or January. (Thanks Jen!) Either way, thank goodness it won't be a year from now!
♦ Some Unanswered Questions...for those who have read it and have any theories!
Favorite quote:
♥"There is only one heart in this universe that calls to mine, and it does call. Constantly, relentlessly, it sings out to me in a captivating, resonating voice.
Day after day, year after year, it calls to me.
But I won’t listen to it. It belongs to a liar."
6/8 ~ Teaser...
March 23, 2016
This story is definitely angst-ridden and leaves you wanting more. I am not just referring to the cliffhanger ending, I am referring to the fact that at the end of every chapter I was needing more.
Scarlett and Dante were friends from a young age and turned into lovers as they got older. Dante is from a wealthy family and Scarlett is infamous in her small town for being unwanted and penniless. They have every reason to not be together, but from the beginning Dante protects Scarlett.
The story is told in present tense with reflection of the past. It was hard to comprehend the Dante from the past with the present and I was constantly wondering what changed. While we are left with more questions than answers I am so excited that the sequel will be here in just a few more days.
If you are a fan of angst and second chance love stories, looking for a sexy, fast-paced story I definitely recommend.
Teaser created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
Scarlett and Dante were friends from a young age and turned into lovers as they got older. Dante is from a wealthy family and Scarlett is infamous in her small town for being unwanted and penniless. They have every reason to not be together, but from the beginning Dante protects Scarlett.
The story is told in present tense with reflection of the past. It was hard to comprehend the Dante from the past with the present and I was constantly wondering what changed. While we are left with more questions than answers I am so excited that the sequel will be here in just a few more days.
If you are a fan of angst and second chance love stories, looking for a sexy, fast-paced story I definitely recommend.
Teaser created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
March 28, 2016
“…It was never enough. Breaking him until he was as broken as me was the only thing that would never be enough.”
Breaking him is the story of Scarlett and Dante. Talk about one dysfunctional couple!
They love each other.
They love to hate each other.
Scarlett and Dante were child hood sweethearts, and while they could not have come from more completely different lives, they connect from a young age and fall into a mad, passionate love.
In the present, all we know is something has broken these two apart and they cannot seem to be within 5 feet from one another without insulting and trying to rip the other apart. After an encounter on a flight, where Scarlett is a flight attendant, they are forced to go back home and be around each other once again.
The chapters alternate between past and present, where the reader gets to see how they grew in love, and the current situation they are in.
Scarlett is ONE. BAD. ASS. She is feisty and angry and scorned and will kick the ass of anyone who even looks at her wrong. And I loved her temperamental personality.
"Do it," I bit out.
"Ask for it," he spoke into my skin. There he was. The Bastard I knew and loathed.
"Go die in a fire," I gritted out, pushing back against him.
"Ask me nicely," he added. "Say, please, Dante."
"Please go die in a fire, Dante."
Dante, to me, was actually sweet (aside from his hulk-like temper). And even though Scarlett paints him as the spawn of Satan, you could immediately tell he has a soft spot for Scarlett and is still completely in love with her.
And even those these two claim they cannot stand the other, it’s so clear the heat and chemistry between them has not fizzled whatsoever and it’s a task for them to even stay fully clothed when the other is near.
In the past, RK paints the story of young first love with all the emotions that come from such a sweet time. And in the present, little mysteries/hints are dropped throughout the chapters that will leave you feeling uneasy and dying to know what the hell happened between the MCs to cause them to be so torn apart.
“I hate that I still love you….I hate that I’ll never stop.”
The reader is given little on what the HELL is going on with Dante’s shady family and most importantly left with the question …WHY DID THEY BREAK UP?!?! There is clearly still SO much to learn on why Dante and Scarlett didn’t last. And I have a pretty good feeling the side characters introduced have a great deal to do with it. (What’s with that sheriff and the father comment? What the hell is Tiffany’s deal? Did Dante’s mother put her up to something? What was Bastian talking about when he spoke of black mail?) DO YOU SEE HOW MANY QUESTIONS I HAVE!?! I.NEED.ANSWERS. –sorry rant over - and I can't wait until the next installment to get them!
April 13, 2023
*4.5*
Breaking him until he was as broken as me was the only thing that would ever be enough.
When I’m in the mood for a high angst story RK Lilley never disappoints. Poor girl, meets rich boy in third grade, boy protects for girl and they become inseparable until college.
Duo pov, mostly h
Young, forbidden love
Both virgins
Present and past alternating chapters
The toxicity in this book was difficult at times to read. But the writing was engaging, and you can’t help but want to figure out what the mystery is all about. On to book two!!
When I’m in the mood for a high angst story RK Lilley never disappoints. Poor girl, meets rich boy in third grade, boy protects for girl and they become inseparable until college.
Duo pov, mostly h
Young, forbidden love
Both virgins
Present and past alternating chapters
The toxicity in this book was difficult at times to read. But the writing was engaging, and you can’t help but want to figure out what the mystery is all about. On to book two!!
February 18, 2023
Reread 2023 and still 5 stars.
This series is angsty and emotional, and has no cheating.
And it’s only one of the few books where the H is the one who is celibate while the h wasn’t.
You know that song, “when a man loves a woman”. This book is like that.
————
Spoilers for book 1 and 2 for safety gang. Trying to share without giving out the plot.
- these two meet when they’re only kids. 3rd grade.
She is the poor trailer park girl everyone calls the trashcan girl, because her mom threw her in the trash when she was a baby.
She’s completely alone and unloved, suffers but remains strong.
The h, Scarlett, had a mouth, a short temper and a big personality. I just wanted to give her a hug. This girl is brutalized for being poor, for not having a grown up who loved her.
Shes bullied throughout her life, by grown ups, teachers, by her peers, but Dante, the rich golden boy in her town, is always there defending her.
He is her champion, her guardian angel through everything.
Kicking her bullies asses, talking smack to teachers who were abusing her,
He IS a real life hero, her best and only friend.
He is also the only person she ever grows up trusting. He is her religion.
That’s how much she adored, worshipped and loved him, she knew he would never hurt her,
until he did.
She thought he had fallen for another woman. That he had cheated.
With A rich girl. Someone she was always insecure about growing up.
He left her, dumped her, until she was completely broken.
So in fury (because Scarlett is no doormat) she seduces his bestfriend who had been in love with her too to get back at Dante.
Kinda like revenge cheating.
- Scarlett then grows up to be a fem fatale, a man eater. She is cruel to men.
It’s what life made her.
Just mentioning that here because I know some readers prefer wimpy, doormats.
Doormats who needs to remain celibate for 20yrs while the H fucked everything. This duet isn’t for you. Move along.
- No, he never cheated, NEVeR, and he doesn’t touch anyone even after they break up. he remained faithful to the h for 10 years. She is his one and only, and forever since he was in elementary school.
- however, she is made to think he left her for the ow, does sleep with a few men. These scenes aren’t shown but talked about. MCs fight like cats and dogs.
- the MCs aren’t together together for 10yrs after growing up together, but they do randomly hook up throughout the years.
The hero is absolutely devoted and obsessed with her!
They were true soulmates! I couldn’t get their story out of my head for weeks.
- should also mention, the story is told in flashbacks. One of my biggest pet peeves, but for some reason, it didn’t bother me here.
100% recommend it!
This series is angsty and emotional, and has no cheating.
And it’s only one of the few books where the H is the one who is celibate while the h wasn’t.
You know that song, “when a man loves a woman”. This book is like that.
————
Spoilers for book 1 and 2 for safety gang. Trying to share without giving out the plot.
- these two meet when they’re only kids. 3rd grade.
She is the poor trailer park girl everyone calls the trashcan girl, because her mom threw her in the trash when she was a baby.
She’s completely alone and unloved, suffers but remains strong.
The h, Scarlett, had a mouth, a short temper and a big personality. I just wanted to give her a hug. This girl is brutalized for being poor, for not having a grown up who loved her.
Shes bullied throughout her life, by grown ups, teachers, by her peers, but Dante, the rich golden boy in her town, is always there defending her.
He is her champion, her guardian angel through everything.
Kicking her bullies asses, talking smack to teachers who were abusing her,
He IS a real life hero, her best and only friend.
He is also the only person she ever grows up trusting. He is her religion.
That’s how much she adored, worshipped and loved him, she knew he would never hurt her,
until he did.
She thought he had fallen for another woman. That he had cheated.
With A rich girl. Someone she was always insecure about growing up.
He left her, dumped her, until she was completely broken.
So in fury (because Scarlett is no doormat) she seduces his bestfriend who had been in love with her too to get back at Dante.
Kinda like revenge cheating.
- Scarlett then grows up to be a fem fatale, a man eater. She is cruel to men.
It’s what life made her.
Just mentioning that here because I know some readers prefer wimpy, doormats.
Doormats who needs to remain celibate for 20yrs while the H fucked everything. This duet isn’t for you. Move along.
- No, he never cheated, NEVeR, and he doesn’t touch anyone even after they break up. he remained faithful to the h for 10 years. She is his one and only, and forever since he was in elementary school.
- however, she is made to think he left her for the ow, does sleep with a few men. These scenes aren’t shown but talked about. MCs fight like cats and dogs.
- the MCs aren’t together together for 10yrs after growing up together, but they do randomly hook up throughout the years.
The hero is absolutely devoted and obsessed with her!
They were true soulmates! I couldn’t get their story out of my head for weeks.
- should also mention, the story is told in flashbacks. One of my biggest pet peeves, but for some reason, it didn’t bother me here.
100% recommend it!
December 18, 2015
REVIEW TO COME
5 Stars!
5 Stars!
November 3, 2021
Edit
I mean , sunflower seeds are more mature than them
I mean , sunflower seeds are more mature than them
November 8, 2021
3++ ✨
this couple was actually pretty cute
not in the way in which it left me wanting more, just a fun way to past time
so they were childhood friends to lovers,
who separated but came back together one day coz of smth and this became a second chance romance
theyre both toxic ppl. well more so scarlett than dante (i dont even think hes toxic as a person by fiction standard but these two together most certainly is), so it was entertaining in a messy way. i loved it honestly, 2 alphas in a relationship is such a nice change
”I never said I don’t believe in love,” I said heatedly.
“Trust me, I believe in it. I know love. It lives in me still. Like a cancer, it thrives under my skin, metabolizes in spite of all of my attempts to eradicate it.” I had to take a few breaths I was talking so quickly and passionately.
“What I said was that if you feel yourself falling, you should run like hell. Avoid it. If it tries to set its hooks in you, rip them out. If it tries to shackle you, break the chain.” I was waving my hands around to illustrate my point.
“Love is never satisfied with half-measures. It won’t take parts of you. It will own all of you, every single, longing piece.
“Love will make you its slave,” I stated venomously.
“It will ruin you. Grind you under its heel until you don’t recognize what’s left.
“Love will take your soul.” I looked pointedly at Demi.
“If you’re very unlucky, it might even turn you into someone like me. “
“I do believe in love,” I reiterated. “I believe it’s the most destructive force on earth.”
this couple was actually pretty cute
”Scarlett,” he breathed his sweet liquor breath against my mouth right as he started to push into me.
Even his drunk breath I hated. Even that held bittersweet memories that reminded me inevitably of our love and our losses.
My eyes were shut tight as I breathed back, “Don’t talk. Your voice ruins it for me.”
“Scarlett,” he repeated, this time with a smile in his voice.
“Shh. I’m trying to pretend you’re someone else. Every time you speak it ruins the illusion.”
“It’s been too long, angel,” he murmured.
not in the way in which it left me wanting more, just a fun way to past time
’Whether I was the love or hate of his life, nothing and no one would ever overshadow me.’
so they were childhood friends to lovers,
”But what does it—I mean—are we . . . “ I couldn’t even finish I was so embarrassed.
His entire gorgeous face was flushing in pleasure. “Yes, Scarlett. Of course. We’re together. We’ve always been together.”
I was bright red and I couldn’t look at him anymore, but I needed more assurances, something concrete. “S-s-s-so you’re my . . .”
“Ah, Scarlett,” he said softly and fondly. “I’m your boyfriend. You’re my girlfriend. Yes. Is that what you were getting at?”
I shot him a look. “Isn’t that something you’re supposed to ask a girl, not tell her?” He got a real kick out of that, in fact I didn’t think I’d ever seen him happier.
He leaned close, touching our foreheads together. “Not this. Not us. Neither of us have a choice in this. You and I being together is not a question, Scarlett, it’s a fact of life.”
who separated but came back together one day coz of smth and this became a second chance romance
”You’re terrible at truces,” I said. It was an effort to keep my voice from trembling.
He nodded jerkily. “Ditto, tiger. Peace was never your strength. You were born for battle.”
“Look who’s talking?”
His mouth twisted.
“A match made in hell.”
Wasn’t that the truth.
theyre both toxic ppl. well more so scarlett than dante (i dont even think hes toxic as a person by fiction standard but these two together most certainly is), so it was entertaining in a messy way. i loved it honestly, 2 alphas in a relationship is such a nice change
February 23, 2016
It's kind of hard to like these characters. The story itself wasn't bad. There is obviously something from the past that makes them both act the way they do but I'm guessing that it will be revealed in the sequel. It had some funny moments though.
“Are those German chocolate?” he asked. “Like you used to make?”
“Not quite the same recipe. I tweaked it a bit. Spoiler alert: The secret ingredient now is hate.”
And many,many moments that made me roll my eyes...
"That was fine. I was ready.
I grabbed the opened bottle of champagne and strutted out into the cabin.
Under my breath I was humming Seven Nation Army.
My battle anthem.
Because this was war."
Yeah...It's one of those "love me destroy me" relationships.
March 28, 2016
I loved it so much! From page one, the desperation of this couple had my heart beating out of control. I'm thankful there is a book two, just so I didn't have to give them up yet! Beautiful writing and feels.
April 1, 2016
Full review of duet posted at: http://natbkj.me/love-is-war
October 14, 2015
Irresistibly explosive and edgy with melt-the-pages tension that will have you furiously flipping pages and clamoring for more.
You know those scenes from movies? Where two people scream at each other, throw things at each other, sling every hateful word at each other—I hate yous and never agains and worse? Scenes where you think they’re about to murder each other, but instead… suddenly… rapidly… they dissolve into a frenzied, urgent, inescapable fit of kissing and touching and needing? You know those scenes? Well, this book is 300+ pages of that. Sky-high intensity with a volatility that had me clawing at the pages… I couldn’t flip them fast enough. Not only that, all kinds of emotion and history tether the story together, but only just barely because you feel as if it’s a raging volcano aching to erupt.
Admittedly, I knew the very high-level premise of the story, but I’ve never seen R.K. Lilley incite such fervor, such major angst on the page. Tristan and Danika seem downright grounded after meeting Scarlett and Dante. Even their names evoke passion and fire, and they are all that and more. Because if there is one thing that becomes crystal clear, it’s that love is war, and war is most definitely hell.
When Dante Durant invaded Scarlett’s airplane cabin, her anger surged. But before she could unleash her wrath on the man who had ruined her, she changed into her five-inch stilettos and applied a rich coat of blood-red lipstick. Donning her armor, she strutted down the cabin to where he sat, prepared to unleash the first verbal strike.
Immediately, we see not sparks fly, but rather, spontaneous fire ignite and rage between these two ex-lovers who know exactly how to fuel the flames. From this very first interaction, their chemistry incinerates the pages.
Scarlett is not your usual heroine. She’s had a terrible childhood, grew up largely alone, until she’d met Dante, who saved her as much as he ruined her. And now, years after their split, she embodies the battle cry against love. She’s tough as nails. Relentless. She fights mean. And she fights to win.
Dante is bound to her. Always has been. But with her red-hot, spirited demeanor, and an inescapable history, Scarlett is just as big a trigger for him, and he is to her. But this time, his visit and the news he’s come to deliver, changes everything once again, drawing her back into the lion’s den.
The story marches forward in alternating past and present tenses, through Scarlett’s perspective, as we see how they came to be, and how they’ve come undone. The scenes from the past pulse with tenderness and warmth as we see how Dante protected Scarlett during a time where the whole world threw proverbial stones at her. The juxtaposition between their entwined past and their emblazoned present is striking, making us want to know more of how and why it all fell apart. But as we near the end, more questions assail us with some unexpected twists that drove me mad in the best possible way.
Scarlett and Dante’s story just bleeds intensity, running over with equal parts love and hate. Betrayal and secrets weave through the story however, and by the flip of the final page, I was left desperate for more. I loved every nail-biting, agonizing, sexier-than-hell minute of this book.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Follow Vilma's Book Blog: Website | Facebook | Twitter
You know those scenes from movies? Where two people scream at each other, throw things at each other, sling every hateful word at each other—I hate yous and never agains and worse? Scenes where you think they’re about to murder each other, but instead… suddenly… rapidly… they dissolve into a frenzied, urgent, inescapable fit of kissing and touching and needing? You know those scenes? Well, this book is 300+ pages of that. Sky-high intensity with a volatility that had me clawing at the pages… I couldn’t flip them fast enough. Not only that, all kinds of emotion and history tether the story together, but only just barely because you feel as if it’s a raging volcano aching to erupt.
Admittedly, I knew the very high-level premise of the story, but I’ve never seen R.K. Lilley incite such fervor, such major angst on the page. Tristan and Danika seem downright grounded after meeting Scarlett and Dante. Even their names evoke passion and fire, and they are all that and more. Because if there is one thing that becomes crystal clear, it’s that love is war, and war is most definitely hell.
“I was humming Seven Nation Army. My battle anthem. Because this was war.”
When Dante Durant invaded Scarlett’s airplane cabin, her anger surged. But before she could unleash her wrath on the man who had ruined her, she changed into her five-inch stilettos and applied a rich coat of blood-red lipstick. Donning her armor, she strutted down the cabin to where he sat, prepared to unleash the first verbal strike.
“He thought I was the devil, and as far as he was concerned, I sure as hell was.”
Immediately, we see not sparks fly, but rather, spontaneous fire ignite and rage between these two ex-lovers who know exactly how to fuel the flames. From this very first interaction, their chemistry incinerates the pages.
Scarlett is not your usual heroine. She’s had a terrible childhood, grew up largely alone, until she’d met Dante, who saved her as much as he ruined her. And now, years after their split, she embodies the battle cry against love. She’s tough as nails. Relentless. She fights mean. And she fights to win.
“Breaking him until he was as broken as me was the only thing that would ever be enough.”
Dante is bound to her. Always has been. But with her red-hot, spirited demeanor, and an inescapable history, Scarlett is just as big a trigger for him, and he is to her. But this time, his visit and the news he’s come to deliver, changes everything once again, drawing her back into the lion’s den.
“We were landmines with each other.”
The story marches forward in alternating past and present tenses, through Scarlett’s perspective, as we see how they came to be, and how they’ve come undone. The scenes from the past pulse with tenderness and warmth as we see how Dante protected Scarlett during a time where the whole world threw proverbial stones at her. The juxtaposition between their entwined past and their emblazoned present is striking, making us want to know more of how and why it all fell apart. But as we near the end, more questions assail us with some unexpected twists that drove me mad in the best possible way.
Scarlett and Dante’s story just bleeds intensity, running over with equal parts love and hate. Betrayal and secrets weave through the story however, and by the flip of the final page, I was left desperate for more. I loved every nail-biting, agonizing, sexier-than-hell minute of this book.
“Love is never satisfied with half-measures. It won’t take parts of you. It will own all of you, every single, longing piece.”
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Follow Vilma's Book Blog: Website | Facebook | Twitter
October 13, 2015
4.5 Passionate Stars!!
MAJOR heartache. MAJOR passion. And a strong heroine with a painful past! I’m obsessed with Scarlett and Dante!!
“Love is War” is a great description of this second chance, lovers-to-enemies story. BREAKING HIM was nothing that I expected. I need the second book yesterday! I must know more about Scarlett and Dante!!
This story has very much of a Tristan-and-Danika feel to it. The chemistry between Scarlett and Dante is almost so real, you can feel it leap off the pages. Why is Scarlett so ANGRY about everything? At first, her prickly attitude kept me at a distance, but once I learned more about her character and her background, I absolutely fell in love with her and was rooting for her. And Dante, well he seems like the perfect guy at first and I just know that he will end up doing the right thing. He and Scarlett MUST be together! They are meant for each other!! Do you hear me, Author Lady?!
The secondary characters are all fantastic, and are an integral part of the story. Ms. Lilley does a great job of describing the social hierarchy of small town life and how stifling it can be for those who do not “fit in”. I literally read this book in one sitting and cannot wait for the continuation of Scarlett and Dante’s story. Ms. Lilley has once again created an absolutely unforgettable couple whose passion and chemistry burned through every page.
Favorite quote:
“I have tormented some sweet men. Broken hearts and shattered dreams.
Men are punching bags, and I have a hell of a right hook.”
(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
MAJOR heartache. MAJOR passion. And a strong heroine with a painful past! I’m obsessed with Scarlett and Dante!!
“Love is War” is a great description of this second chance, lovers-to-enemies story. BREAKING HIM was nothing that I expected. I need the second book yesterday! I must know more about Scarlett and Dante!!
This story has very much of a Tristan-and-Danika feel to it. The chemistry between Scarlett and Dante is almost so real, you can feel it leap off the pages. Why is Scarlett so ANGRY about everything? At first, her prickly attitude kept me at a distance, but once I learned more about her character and her background, I absolutely fell in love with her and was rooting for her. And Dante, well he seems like the perfect guy at first and I just know that he will end up doing the right thing. He and Scarlett MUST be together! They are meant for each other!! Do you hear me, Author Lady?!
The secondary characters are all fantastic, and are an integral part of the story. Ms. Lilley does a great job of describing the social hierarchy of small town life and how stifling it can be for those who do not “fit in”. I literally read this book in one sitting and cannot wait for the continuation of Scarlett and Dante’s story. Ms. Lilley has once again created an absolutely unforgettable couple whose passion and chemistry burned through every page.
Favorite quote:
“I have tormented some sweet men. Broken hearts and shattered dreams.
Men are punching bags, and I have a hell of a right hook.”
(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
September 30, 2018
4.5 Love, Hate Stars!
Holy angst ridden roller coaster!! I'm such a sucker for tons of angst and heartache it's not even funny and R.K. Lilley is the Queen!
Scarlett and Dante go way back to when they were kids and a whole messy history to go along with it. This story is told from Past and Present POV of Scarlett. When we first meet Scarlett, her hatred and distaste for Dante, aka The Bastard, is very evident. In fact she goes out of her way to prove how much she despises the man who broke her heart. There is so much passion behind her hateful actions that you just know that they love they once shared was full of passion as well.
Dante shares a mutual distaste but we only experience it through word of mouth from Scarlett and she does not paint a pretty picture for him. I was fully ready to hate him for Scarlett's sake. But in the glimpses from the past you can strongly feel the bond, the love, and the protectiveness he had for Scarlett and I quickly realized that he is not entirely to blame. The electricity between these two is so tangible that you can almost feel it coming off the pages. These 'Past' chapters made me love Dante and Scarlett so hard in spite of all the terrible things they may have done to each other and I can't help but root for them.
"What happens when two people of terrible pride fall for each other? Terrible things. Destruction. Chaos. Pain. Sorrow. War"
Scarlett and Dante have been at war with each other for years and neither can forgive the other for the hurt and pain they have caused. There were some events that came to light, sort of. We're given little clues through conversation here and there but never the whole story regarding what tore these two apart, even though I have my suspicions.
I don't want to go into the plot too much because I believe this is a book you should go into blind and have no expectations. But my god, if you love the angst as much as I do, this is the book for you!
The Tristan & Danika trilogy is one of my favorites of all time so I had big expectations coming into this book. I'm so happy that it did not disappoint. My only complaint is that damn dreaded cliffhanger!!! And what a cliffhanger it is! It completely wrecked me! I was SHOCKED to say the least. All I have to say is I hope R.K. Lilley is writing like a mad woman because I don't know how us readers are going to survive very long after that!
Holy angst ridden roller coaster!! I'm such a sucker for tons of angst and heartache it's not even funny and R.K. Lilley is the Queen!
Scarlett and Dante go way back to when they were kids and a whole messy history to go along with it. This story is told from Past and Present POV of Scarlett. When we first meet Scarlett, her hatred and distaste for Dante, aka The Bastard, is very evident. In fact she goes out of her way to prove how much she despises the man who broke her heart. There is so much passion behind her hateful actions that you just know that they love they once shared was full of passion as well.
Dante shares a mutual distaste but we only experience it through word of mouth from Scarlett and she does not paint a pretty picture for him. I was fully ready to hate him for Scarlett's sake. But in the glimpses from the past you can strongly feel the bond, the love, and the protectiveness he had for Scarlett and I quickly realized that he is not entirely to blame. The electricity between these two is so tangible that you can almost feel it coming off the pages. These 'Past' chapters made me love Dante and Scarlett so hard in spite of all the terrible things they may have done to each other and I can't help but root for them.
"What happens when two people of terrible pride fall for each other? Terrible things. Destruction. Chaos. Pain. Sorrow. War"
Scarlett and Dante have been at war with each other for years and neither can forgive the other for the hurt and pain they have caused. There were some events that came to light, sort of. We're given little clues through conversation here and there but never the whole story regarding what tore these two apart, even though I have my suspicions.
I don't want to go into the plot too much because I believe this is a book you should go into blind and have no expectations. But my god, if you love the angst as much as I do, this is the book for you!
The Tristan & Danika trilogy is one of my favorites of all time so I had big expectations coming into this book. I'm so happy that it did not disappoint. My only complaint is that damn dreaded cliffhanger!!! And what a cliffhanger it is! It completely wrecked me! I was SHOCKED to say the least. All I have to say is I hope R.K. Lilley is writing like a mad woman because I don't know how us readers are going to survive very long after that!
April 3, 2016
“I do believe in love … I believe it’s the most destructive force on earth.”
4 bitter, twisted and angsty stars
I love R.K. Lilley. She writes brilliantly angsty, emotionally intense stories with fantastic, sexy romance, and she’s given us something really unique in this book - a love/hate story that is absolutely brimming with intensity and that is more disaster than romance, but one that is dripping with chemistry and angst and held me absolutely captivated.
Scarlett dreams of life as a movie star, but at the age of 27 her life seems to have stalled. She’s working as a flight attendant, living paycheck to paychek and is one bitter and twisted ball of anger. Her childhood was hideous, but she found something special with her first love, Dante, only to be left completely destroyed when it fell apart.
Scarlett gave herself completely to Dante. From a childhood of abandonment and neglect, she let him in and trusted him fully. They knew each other inside and out, and hid nothing from each other, and the loss of that relationship and the betrayal she felt over its breakdown has left her bitter, hard, and unhappy. She dislikes most people and doesn’t let anybody close, making an effort to be bitchy in order to protect herself. And that is never more evident than when Dante appears in her life again.
Dante has tracked Scarlett down, claiming that he needs to talk to her, but from the moment they see each other, passion and tempers flare, and they are immediately engaged in an epic battle to one-up each other in a game to see who can hurt who the most. But their chemistry is still sizzling, and it creates one hell of a dynamic.
There is SO much anger and pain between these two, but Dante is bringing news that leads them both back to their home town – to where it all began for them and where it all fell apart, and so begins their journey as for the first time in years they are forced to spend time together, both of them emotionally shattered and vulnerable enough to let go of the game playing and embrace the constantly-sizzling sexual tension between them (So. Freaking. Hot) and start to confront their past.
This has got to be one of the most effed up relationships ever! There’s no denying their love for each other, or their incredibly intense physical and emotional connection, but it’s all overshadowed by their anger and the events of their past.
Scarlett and Dante’s backstory is revealed in chapters of their past where we can see the incredible connection that they shared as young teenagers who fell in love and became each other’s whole world. Their love was all-consuming, but was impacted on by difficult childhoods that left them angry, distrustful and insecure. They had no choice but to cling to each other, and though it’s not all sweet and happy, they truly did have something special together.
The two stories blend together to give the beginnings of a heartbreaking story. Hints are dropped throughout the book about what tore them apart and left them both bitter and twisted, but there is still so much to be revealed. But through it all it’s very clear that the love they had for each other has never disappeared, it’s just become warped with anger, pain, guilt and regret, and it makes for one very intense read.
I have so many theories, so many questions, and I’m slightly terrified of where the story is going to go, but Lilley does a great job of building the tension. You think you almost know what happens, and then another hint will be dropped and she’ll have you guessing all over again. It definitely looks to be a situation where all is not as it seems, and all I can say is it had to be epic to bring Scarlett and Dante to the position they are in now, and I’m desperate to find out more.
The book ends on a massive cliffy which makes me very thankful that I waited to read it until the next book was available. I’m diving straight in.
4 stars.
4 bitter, twisted and angsty stars
I love R.K. Lilley. She writes brilliantly angsty, emotionally intense stories with fantastic, sexy romance, and she’s given us something really unique in this book - a love/hate story that is absolutely brimming with intensity and that is more disaster than romance, but one that is dripping with chemistry and angst and held me absolutely captivated.
Scarlett dreams of life as a movie star, but at the age of 27 her life seems to have stalled. She’s working as a flight attendant, living paycheck to paychek and is one bitter and twisted ball of anger. Her childhood was hideous, but she found something special with her first love, Dante, only to be left completely destroyed when it fell apart.
How much of your life can you devote to spite?
I’d spent a lot of time thinking about this.
The answer, in my case, was sad: Too much.
Great, gory chucks of it. Major, necessary pieces.
And all because of him.
Scarlett gave herself completely to Dante. From a childhood of abandonment and neglect, she let him in and trusted him fully. They knew each other inside and out, and hid nothing from each other, and the loss of that relationship and the betrayal she felt over its breakdown has left her bitter, hard, and unhappy. She dislikes most people and doesn’t let anybody close, making an effort to be bitchy in order to protect herself. And that is never more evident than when Dante appears in her life again.
Dante has tracked Scarlett down, claiming that he needs to talk to her, but from the moment they see each other, passion and tempers flare, and they are immediately engaged in an epic battle to one-up each other in a game to see who can hurt who the most. But their chemistry is still sizzling, and it creates one hell of a dynamic.
“Scarlet,” he breathed…
My eyes were shut tight as I breathed back, “Don’t talk. Your voice ruins it for me.”
“Scarlett,” he repeated, this time with a smile in his voice.
“Shh. I’m trying to pretend you’re someone else. Every time you speak it ruins the illusion.”
“It’s been too long, angel,” he murmured, then took my mouth and shoved in hard.
There is SO much anger and pain between these two, but Dante is bringing news that leads them both back to their home town – to where it all began for them and where it all fell apart, and so begins their journey as for the first time in years they are forced to spend time together, both of them emotionally shattered and vulnerable enough to let go of the game playing and embrace the constantly-sizzling sexual tension between them (So. Freaking. Hot) and start to confront their past.
“All we are is proof that love can survive anything. You and I, we’re heavy hitters, but even at our worst, we still couldn’t break this bond. If you’re honest with yourself, we didn’t even come close. “
This has got to be one of the most effed up relationships ever! There’s no denying their love for each other, or their incredibly intense physical and emotional connection, but it’s all overshadowed by their anger and the events of their past.
Scarlett and Dante’s backstory is revealed in chapters of their past where we can see the incredible connection that they shared as young teenagers who fell in love and became each other’s whole world. Their love was all-consuming, but was impacted on by difficult childhoods that left them angry, distrustful and insecure. They had no choice but to cling to each other, and though it’s not all sweet and happy, they truly did have something special together.
“Neither of us have a choice in this. You and I being together is not a question, Scarlett, it’s a fact of life.”
The two stories blend together to give the beginnings of a heartbreaking story. Hints are dropped throughout the book about what tore them apart and left them both bitter and twisted, but there is still so much to be revealed. But through it all it’s very clear that the love they had for each other has never disappeared, it’s just become warped with anger, pain, guilt and regret, and it makes for one very intense read.
“I hate you,” I told him, quietly and vehemently.
“I hate that I still love you.” Just as quiet, just as vehement. Far more destructive … “I hate that I’ll never stop.”
I have so many theories, so many questions, and I’m slightly terrified of where the story is going to go, but Lilley does a great job of building the tension. You think you almost know what happens, and then another hint will be dropped and she’ll have you guessing all over again. It definitely looks to be a situation where all is not as it seems, and all I can say is it had to be epic to bring Scarlett and Dante to the position they are in now, and I’m desperate to find out more.
I can’t forgive you. I can’t and won’t trust you again. You betrayed me and it can never be made right again.
Also, I can’t forgive myself. The things I did to hurt you, to survive after you left, and of course, the things I did to take revenge for the things you did, have damaged me beyond all repair.
The book ends on a massive cliffy which makes me very thankful that I waited to read it until the next book was available. I’m diving straight in.
4 stars.
October 12, 2016
Scarlet: "He owned me...I don't need food, I don't need air or shelter. I just need this"
I dislike these types of New Adult books with stupid drama that could be addressed and dealt with if the couple just communicated with each other.
Scarlett and Dante were in love but Dante left her and broke her heart for reasons unknown. When the flight attendant Scarlett sees Dante on one of her flights, she resolves to break him like he broke her. So they begin these games of who can play who, and they use sex as a weapon. Lots of sex...
I didn't care for either character and wanted to know what made Dante hurt Scarlett because they clearly care about each other.
Having to hunt for their background and figure out what was at the heart of their problems annoyed me. So I won't read book 2 as I don't care enough.
I also didn't enjoy the writing so this whole thing wasn't compelling enough for me to continue.
I dislike these types of New Adult books with stupid drama that could be addressed and dealt with if the couple just communicated with each other.
Scarlett and Dante were in love but Dante left her and broke her heart for reasons unknown. When the flight attendant Scarlett sees Dante on one of her flights, she resolves to break him like he broke her. So they begin these games of who can play who, and they use sex as a weapon. Lots of sex...
I didn't care for either character and wanted to know what made Dante hurt Scarlett because they clearly care about each other.
Having to hunt for their background and figure out what was at the heart of their problems annoyed me. So I won't read book 2 as I don't care enough.
I also didn't enjoy the writing so this whole thing wasn't compelling enough for me to continue.
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