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Carnage #3
Marley
“They want me to write a book? They want the truth. My truth. But they don't know what they're asking for!
Marley Layton has lived a life of music, chaos, loss and mistakes that still haunt him.
Everyone thinks they know the story of one of rocks most prolific bad boys:
The sex. The Drugs. The Rock & Roll.
What they don't know is the guilt he carries, the secrets he keeps, and the pain he's buried after destroying the people he loves most.
Now, for the first time, Marley shares his side of the Carnage story.
The highs of fame.
The choices that shattered lives.
The devastation of loss..
And truths that might break hearts all over again.
Raw, gritty, and totally unforgettable, Marley takes you on a journey through those missing years, and lays bare the soul everyone thought they knew!
Marley is a companion novel to Carnage 1 and 2, which should be read first.
An adult contemporary ROCK STAR romance packed with passion, romance, regret and redemption.
An absolute must read for fans of the series. This book cuts deep and will stay with you long after you turn the final page!
It contains content suitable only for mature adults with an open mind, and scenes that some may find triggering. Please head to the authors website for more details.
Marley Layton has lived a life of music, chaos, loss and mistakes that still haunt him.
Everyone thinks they know the story of one of rocks most prolific bad boys:
The sex. The Drugs. The Rock & Roll.
What they don't know is the guilt he carries, the secrets he keeps, and the pain he's buried after destroying the people he loves most.
Now, for the first time, Marley shares his side of the Carnage story.
The highs of fame.
The choices that shattered lives.
The devastation of loss..
And truths that might break hearts all over again.
Raw, gritty, and totally unforgettable, Marley takes you on a journey through those missing years, and lays bare the soul everyone thought they knew!
Marley is a companion novel to Carnage 1 and 2, which should be read first.
An adult contemporary ROCK STAR romance packed with passion, romance, regret and redemption.
An absolute must read for fans of the series. This book cuts deep and will stay with you long after you turn the final page!
It contains content suitable only for mature adults with an open mind, and scenes that some may find triggering. Please head to the authors website for more details.
450 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2015
505 people are currently reading
3818 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Jones
23 books2,375 followersLesley Jones is a NYT's best selling, and internationally acclaimed author known for her emotionally charged novels featuring gritty, down-to-earth characters navigating angsty, raw and emotional plot lines.
Born and raised in Essex, England, Lesley and her family relocated to Australia in 2006.
Her writing career launched in 2013 with her debut novel, Saviour - Since rewritten and republished as Saving Ren - And quickly gained a loyal following for her unique ability to pivot from hot and steamy romance to emotionally charged, ugly cry scenes, often followed by laugh-out-loud moments, all within the span of a few sentences.
Her third novel The Story of Us, book 1 in her New York Times best selling Carnage Series, became her breakout success, hitting multiple bestseller lists and winning several awards, including the distinctive title of Best Ugly Cry.
For Lesley, the most rewarding part of her job is connecting with her readers, whether that be sharing personal stories about her hectic family life in her reader group, or in person at signing events around the world.
When not writing, Lesley is a self-confessed lover of reality TV, long walks, travelling and dining out.
When doing none of these, she enjoys a full bodied red, or a large G&T, preferably while wearing pyjamas and no bra unless absolutely necessary.
Born and raised in Essex, England, Lesley and her family relocated to Australia in 2006.
Her writing career launched in 2013 with her debut novel, Saviour - Since rewritten and republished as Saving Ren - And quickly gained a loyal following for her unique ability to pivot from hot and steamy romance to emotionally charged, ugly cry scenes, often followed by laugh-out-loud moments, all within the span of a few sentences.
Her third novel The Story of Us, book 1 in her New York Times best selling Carnage Series, became her breakout success, hitting multiple bestseller lists and winning several awards, including the distinctive title of Best Ugly Cry.
For Lesley, the most rewarding part of her job is connecting with her readers, whether that be sharing personal stories about her hectic family life in her reader group, or in person at signing events around the world.
When not writing, Lesley is a self-confessed lover of reality TV, long walks, travelling and dining out.
When doing none of these, she enjoys a full bodied red, or a large G&T, preferably while wearing pyjamas and no bra unless absolutely necessary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 506 reviews
November 15, 2015
3.5 - 4 ★'s
The Good News... is that I enjoyed reading this from Marley's POV and finding out a few new things. The Bad News... is finding out a few of those things.
The story is told in the present (2014) and the past (1985 -1989). The past is supposed to be in "book form" as Marley has been asked to write his biography. All the main issues are covered and thankfully, not as in depth as Georgia's book. I think that would have been too much.
As I said, we get to find out a few things. Most of them, I didn't really care to know and I'm not even talking about the sex scenes which I felt were pretty mild and not as descriptive as I thought they would be.
My favorite part was reading all about Marley and Ashley. They were so sweet together, especially later on in life. It was also wonderful getting the updates on everyone and their kids. (Although I did get a little confused on who's kid was who's!)
So, would I recommend it? Definitely, especially if you enjoyed the other Carnage books. This gives you a deeper and more fuller understanding on what went on and how other people were affected. You also get to really see how much Georgia was affected!
I loved the last lines...definitely glad Marls went that way!
Favorite quote:
♥ “Did you phone ahead and tell them how good my performance in the cupboard just was?” I whisper into Ashley’s ear.
“You’re shagging was shit, but you play great guitar, Rock Star.” She whispers back.
Cheeky cow.
The Good News... is that I enjoyed reading this from Marley's POV and finding out a few new things. The Bad News... is finding out a few of those things.
The story is told in the present (2014) and the past (1985 -1989). The past is supposed to be in "book form" as Marley has been asked to write his biography. All the main issues are covered and thankfully, not as in depth as Georgia's book. I think that would have been too much.
As I said, we get to find out a few things. Most of them, I didn't really care to know and I'm not even talking about the sex scenes which I felt were pretty mild and not as descriptive as I thought they would be.
My favorite part was reading all about Marley and Ashley. They were so sweet together, especially later on in life. It was also wonderful getting the updates on everyone and their kids. (Although I did get a little confused on who's kid was who's!)
So, would I recommend it? Definitely, especially if you enjoyed the other Carnage books. This gives you a deeper and more fuller understanding on what went on and how other people were affected. You also get to really see how much Georgia was affected!
I loved the last lines...definitely glad Marls went that way!
Favorite quote:
♥ “Did you phone ahead and tell them how good my performance in the cupboard just was?” I whisper into Ashley’s ear.
“You’re shagging was shit, but you play great guitar, Rock Star.” She whispers back.
Cheeky cow.
January 9, 2018
Review: Surj
( NB* If you haven't read Carnage, there is a spoiler quote in this review, that will give away something big. You've been warned!!! )
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TSU: http://www.tsu.co/HopelessRomantics
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When Lesley Jones announced she'd be giving us another book in the "Carnage" series, I'll admit I was a little hesitant. I mean a companion novel... another POV... did I really want to put myself through "that" again? It was bad enough the first time. It took me days to get over Maca and George's story and even now when I think about it, I get a lump in my throat... so yeah, why put myself through the agony, torture and heart break all over again? Why open up old wounds? Why not leave those stones unturned? Why not just leave those skeletons in the closet? Surely once was enough... right? Nope. I'm a glutton for punishment and I still had questions that needed answering. I needed to know what really went on during those pivotal, life altering scenes and the only way that was going to happen was hearing it from the one person who was there to witness it all... Marley.
Both this first two books in this series were emotional... I don't think there is anyone out there that would disagree. But this one had a different vibe to it. It felt darker, more raw, more gritty and more brutal for want of a better word. I felt every ounce of pain the characters went through, every bit of soul destroying agony they experienced. There were parts were definitely heavy going, parts where the tension never left my body, where I felt so wound up, so nervous, so anxious that I actually thought I needed to take five to get myself together. But in the same breath, I couldn't just leave these characters.... I had to know. I needed to know even though I already knew.
This book was filled to the brim with grief, guilt and remorse. It was full of cock up after cock up, fuck up after fuck up. There were tears and there was joy. There was gut wrenching sobbing and there was laugh out loud hysterics. There was even laughing whilst sobbing and yes... there were snot bubbles as a result!!! Lol. I cannot praise this book enough. It was wonderful, amazing, suburb. The words, the characters, the story line... just everything about it blew me away. I really don't know whether I'll ever recover from this series. I don't know whether my heart will ever heal. What I do know is that her characters have stolen a piece of said heart and honestly, I don't want it back. They deserve every little bit of it.
I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. "Marley" gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.
( NB* If you haven't read Carnage, there is a spoiler quote in this review, that will give away something big. You've been warned!!! )
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHopelessR...
TSU: http://www.tsu.co/HopelessRomantics
Blog: http://thehopelessromanticsbookblog.b...
When Lesley Jones announced she'd be giving us another book in the "Carnage" series, I'll admit I was a little hesitant. I mean a companion novel... another POV... did I really want to put myself through "that" again? It was bad enough the first time. It took me days to get over Maca and George's story and even now when I think about it, I get a lump in my throat... so yeah, why put myself through the agony, torture and heart break all over again? Why open up old wounds? Why not leave those stones unturned? Why not just leave those skeletons in the closet? Surely once was enough... right? Nope. I'm a glutton for punishment and I still had questions that needed answering. I needed to know what really went on during those pivotal, life altering scenes and the only way that was going to happen was hearing it from the one person who was there to witness it all... Marley.
But we weren't men, we were still boys- kids playing in a very grown up world. We had no clue how to handle what we were feeling and we didn't always handle things the right way.So I read it and wow... Lesley Jones... what can I say? You have exceeded every single one of my expectations. I eat my words when it comes to what I thought I might get (I put my hands up... I did wonder whether this book might be a rehash of Carnage #1)." Not at all. in fact the majority of this book was brand new material and even those scenes that I was familiar, that had been included in this third instalment felt different. This book really was something else. I honestly didn't think my heart could break all over again but it did. In fact Lesley Jones managed to shatter it and very early on too. I grieved, I mourned and I felt absolutely destroyed. Those years that George and Maca were apart were soul destroying. I've never felt pain like it. What Marley went through, what Maca went through, what the band and the family went through. Seeing it from George's POV was one thing, but seeing those years through a fresh pair of eyes and seeing the effect it had on Maca and so many other characters truly was brutal. I would say the majority of the first at least 50% of this book was completely new material and it really was an eye opener. Yes I got some of the answers I had been looking for... were they the answers I wanted? You'll have to wait and see!!!
"Shall I tell you a secret, Rock Star?"
"Yeshssss. Yessss. Yes baby, tell me. Tell. Me."
When you call me baby, it makes my fanny flutter."
Both this first two books in this series were emotional... I don't think there is anyone out there that would disagree. But this one had a different vibe to it. It felt darker, more raw, more gritty and more brutal for want of a better word. I felt every ounce of pain the characters went through, every bit of soul destroying agony they experienced. There were parts were definitely heavy going, parts where the tension never left my body, where I felt so wound up, so nervous, so anxious that I actually thought I needed to take five to get myself together. But in the same breath, I couldn't just leave these characters.... I had to know. I needed to know even though I already knew.
This book was filled to the brim with grief, guilt and remorse. It was full of cock up after cock up, fuck up after fuck up. There were tears and there was joy. There was gut wrenching sobbing and there was laugh out loud hysterics. There was even laughing whilst sobbing and yes... there were snot bubbles as a result!!! Lol. I cannot praise this book enough. It was wonderful, amazing, suburb. The words, the characters, the story line... just everything about it blew me away. I really don't know whether I'll ever recover from this series. I don't know whether my heart will ever heal. What I do know is that her characters have stolen a piece of said heart and honestly, I don't want it back. They deserve every little bit of it.
When Georgia was brought out of surgery, I volunteered to be the one to tell her what happened. I brought Maca into her life that sunny August day back in 1980 and I'd be the one to take him away on that bitterly cold December day in 1999.
I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. "Marley" gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.
November 12, 2015
5+ I Love You Lesley Jones!
I can not express how I feel after reading this! BITTERSWEET. I never got over Carnage #1 and never will. Devastation is what that caused. Sean stole my heart from the beginning and crushed it by the end. I never wanted to read this but when there's an author who creates one of my favorite book boyfriends, I'm sure to go back for more. That's why I decided to go ahead with this. Am I sorry I did, for the most part, no! I learned a lot from this read. I seem to blame Marley more than Sean for their actions. Yet Marley is loveable too, and human after all.
I decided that I need to create characters for Sean and Georgia. Back long ago when I read Carnage I was new to GR and didn't review much. ;D I need to put faces with the main characters between the books Carnage and Marley.
MARLEY & ASHLEY
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SEAN & GEORGIA
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I fell more in love with Sean in this book. Oh he pissed me off no doubt but Marley's ass I wanted to kick!
"I don't know what to do. I'm so fucking lost without her."~~SEAN
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Oh how they've aged in this book. George is 46! So you can imagine the rest. Marley is 50! And as far as Cam, he only had to say one thing and I was panting! That guy is in love like it's nobody's business!
"Kitten," is all that he whispers into her hair, kissing her head as he does.
"T," she greets him.
"love the fuck outta you."~~Cam *squealin' and panting!*
The whole crew is here and there. The Triple M charity brings them all together as I learned about them and how many children between them all except... either way the ending was re-living the nightmare all over again with detail and my heart has been torn out and stomped on again doubling my pain. I didn't think that would be possible! Lesley the detail after what happened and what took place couldn't have been more heart shattering and that was the main reason I regretted reading this at all.
"You've seen the words! It's only her, it'll always only ever be her"~~SEAN
And with that, it will always be true... I'm done.
I can not express how I feel after reading this! BITTERSWEET. I never got over Carnage #1 and never will. Devastation is what that caused. Sean stole my heart from the beginning and crushed it by the end. I never wanted to read this but when there's an author who creates one of my favorite book boyfriends, I'm sure to go back for more. That's why I decided to go ahead with this. Am I sorry I did, for the most part, no! I learned a lot from this read. I seem to blame Marley more than Sean for their actions. Yet Marley is loveable too, and human after all.
I decided that I need to create characters for Sean and Georgia. Back long ago when I read Carnage I was new to GR and didn't review much. ;D I need to put faces with the main characters between the books Carnage and Marley.
MARLEY & ASHLEY
[image error]
SEAN & GEORGIA
[image error]
I fell more in love with Sean in this book. Oh he pissed me off no doubt but Marley's ass I wanted to kick!
"I don't know what to do. I'm so fucking lost without her."~~SEAN
[image error]
Oh how they've aged in this book. George is 46! So you can imagine the rest. Marley is 50! And as far as Cam, he only had to say one thing and I was panting! That guy is in love like it's nobody's business!
"Kitten," is all that he whispers into her hair, kissing her head as he does.
"T," she greets him.
"love the fuck outta you."~~Cam *squealin' and panting!*
The whole crew is here and there. The Triple M charity brings them all together as I learned about them and how many children between them all except... either way the ending was re-living the nightmare all over again with detail and my heart has been torn out and stomped on again doubling my pain. I didn't think that would be possible! Lesley the detail after what happened and what took place couldn't have been more heart shattering and that was the main reason I regretted reading this at all.
"You've seen the words! It's only her, it'll always only ever be her"~~SEAN
And with that, it will always be true... I'm done.
October 29, 2015
Holy Jesus. My freakin’ world has been ROCKED by Marley! And I enjoyed....
EVERY.
SINGLE.
MIND BLOWING.
CHAPTER.
Lesley! Just. Wow. I knew, I just KNEW that this book was going to take me on an incredible journey, but what I didn’t know is that it would LITERALLY leave me speechless long after I finished it. How does one write a review that is even going to do this masterpiece justice? I’m going to give it a try.....
What did I know going in? Questions would be answered. Secrets would be revealed. Hearts would break. Lives would be forever altered and changed. Hell. My damn life wasn’t going to be the same after reading this story. I knew that much. That’s the power and utter genius that is Lesley Jones! She has the brilliant capability of evoking such raw emotion through her words that you feel you are experiencing everything the characters endure.
This story was was everything I thought it was going to be and MORE. SO. SO. MUCH MORE! I loved Marley in Carnage One and Two...but this? This book? God oh God. Did I cry? Oh, yes. Hard. We know the scenes from reading Carnage, but what I didn’t know was the story of Marley and Ash. This is when I fell utterly and COMPLETELY head over heels IN LOVE with him! SO. DAMN. HARD. Of course he is flawed, who isn’t? Who doesn’t make mistakes? He was so young when he started on his journey as a rock star! What I quickly learned was that Marley is truly a beautiful, emotional soul and a genuine man. He loves with his whole heart, his family is his life. To me, he is everything. The story of Ash and Marley had me tearing up so many times. I laughed out loud dozens of times. Too many to even count! These two just stole my heart.
I enjoyed the scenes when the rest of the family was there. Marley’s brothers Lennon and Bailey are so hilarious, I enjoyed the dialogue between them. My face was sore from laughing so much! The girls Georgia, Ashley and Jimmie had me laughing so hard, they are a sisterhood one could only hope to experience in their own lifetime. I love this family! They’re so real and funny and when they love, they love hard. They love with all that they are. It’s a beautiful thing.
I absolutely ADORE Lesley Jones and her writing style, I fell in love with her and her Carnage family from the beginning. There are many writers out there, but Lesley shines like a gem, she’s one of a kind and a true talent. Thank you for bringing me on Marley’s journey, it was unforgettable and an absolute honor.
EVERY.
SINGLE.
MIND BLOWING.
CHAPTER.
Lesley! Just. Wow. I knew, I just KNEW that this book was going to take me on an incredible journey, but what I didn’t know is that it would LITERALLY leave me speechless long after I finished it. How does one write a review that is even going to do this masterpiece justice? I’m going to give it a try.....
What did I know going in? Questions would be answered. Secrets would be revealed. Hearts would break. Lives would be forever altered and changed. Hell. My damn life wasn’t going to be the same after reading this story. I knew that much. That’s the power and utter genius that is Lesley Jones! She has the brilliant capability of evoking such raw emotion through her words that you feel you are experiencing everything the characters endure.
This story was was everything I thought it was going to be and MORE. SO. SO. MUCH MORE! I loved Marley in Carnage One and Two...but this? This book? God oh God. Did I cry? Oh, yes. Hard. We know the scenes from reading Carnage, but what I didn’t know was the story of Marley and Ash. This is when I fell utterly and COMPLETELY head over heels IN LOVE with him! SO. DAMN. HARD. Of course he is flawed, who isn’t? Who doesn’t make mistakes? He was so young when he started on his journey as a rock star! What I quickly learned was that Marley is truly a beautiful, emotional soul and a genuine man. He loves with his whole heart, his family is his life. To me, he is everything. The story of Ash and Marley had me tearing up so many times. I laughed out loud dozens of times. Too many to even count! These two just stole my heart.
I enjoyed the scenes when the rest of the family was there. Marley’s brothers Lennon and Bailey are so hilarious, I enjoyed the dialogue between them. My face was sore from laughing so much! The girls Georgia, Ashley and Jimmie had me laughing so hard, they are a sisterhood one could only hope to experience in their own lifetime. I love this family! They’re so real and funny and when they love, they love hard. They love with all that they are. It’s a beautiful thing.
I absolutely ADORE Lesley Jones and her writing style, I fell in love with her and her Carnage family from the beginning. There are many writers out there, but Lesley shines like a gem, she’s one of a kind and a true talent. Thank you for bringing me on Marley’s journey, it was unforgettable and an absolute honor.
November 7, 2015
There is a line between want something and need something. I definitely need this book. I loved Marley. And he has answers that I'm dying for.
If Carnage: The Story of Us broke my heart, I don't know how I'm going to end after this book. But I need it anyways.
My goodreads friends, boxes of tissues are appreciated.
-----
7/11/2015
Well, I finished it. I got the answers I needed. Not all of them were good or happy but they gave me the closure of the gang lives stories I didn't have before.
After all these years, I still hurt from the tragedy that the Carnage family have been through, but as them, I finally came to peace. Thank you, Lesley, for showing us this part of the story we've been missing out, for created such real, emotional and lovely characters, so as it feels like I met them in person.
I'll love you forever, Maca, in this life and in the next.
If Carnage: The Story of Us broke my heart, I don't know how I'm going to end after this book. But I need it anyways.
My goodreads friends, boxes of tissues are appreciated.
-----
7/11/2015
Well, I finished it. I got the answers I needed. Not all of them were good or happy but they gave me the closure of the gang lives stories I didn't have before.
After all these years, I still hurt from the tragedy that the Carnage family have been through, but as them, I finally came to peace. Thank you, Lesley, for showing us this part of the story we've been missing out, for created such real, emotional and lovely characters, so as it feels like I met them in person.
I'll love you forever, Maca, in this life and in the next.
October 30, 2015
I have no words NONE! The vocabulary is not extensive enough to describe this book my emotions are everywhere, I need time to place what I'm feeling. But i will start by saying Lesley you could not have out done yourself anymore Than what you just did. I loved every single WORD that was written in that book every single one. I was sad so sad, mad so mad, and happy so happy with everything I read In the last 48 hrs. Marley I love you so much I'm so happy to have been living in your brain and finally understand some things. This series has gutted me in some ways and put me back together in others but more than anything it's made me feel true life emotions something I don't take for granted ever. Read this.
September 23, 2018
This book was a little love/hate for me - I loved book 1 and 2 of this series and I adore this whole carnage family!!! But this book 3, was an immediate retelling of book 1 and 2 from Marley's perspective and I probably would have loved it more had I not went in to it back to back! note to next reader...wait a few months, take your time, so it will be like reconnecting with the story!!
Also, the first 50% was A LOT of rockstar garbage - lots of girls, drinking, drugs, orgies - I really wasn't in to it, but wow..once we caught up to present day the continuing story of Marley, Maca, and G still gutted me!!!!! Gah, the whole story is a real heartbreaker!!! Still so glad I read this series!!!
Also, the first 50% was A LOT of rockstar garbage - lots of girls, drinking, drugs, orgies - I really wasn't in to it, but wow..once we caught up to present day the continuing story of Marley, Maca, and G still gutted me!!!!! Gah, the whole story is a real heartbreaker!!! Still so glad I read this series!!!
August 9, 2016
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
I'm going to review the entire series here. I'm actually glad I read this one even though I hated this series because I did like getting Marley's POV and some of his story with Ashley. I didn't like any of the MCs in the first two books. I didn't hate Sean or Cam, but I didn't really like them either. I HATED George, and HATE is not really a strong enough word. So she met Sean at age 11 and knew they were going to be together forever, he was 13 at the time and apparently felt the same, but what I don't understand is they told everyone they were together, yet he was sleeping with lots of other people while they were in school until George talked to him and they actually agreed to be together. I don't understand why you'd tell everyone you're together for him to sleep with everyone but you?! Of course, Sean and Marley were in a band that took off the the heights of fame, so of course Sean "cheats". He gets set up, and even though he didn't actually kiss or have sex with the girl, no one ever told George that. Why wouldn't you say you snorted the coke off her boobs, but nothing else happened? UGH! And George is so distraught over this betrayal that she can't even listen to music, hear Sean's name or talk to her brother Marley for four years. Why didn't someone get this girl help?! She finally starts getting herself back together and dates Cam, a supposedly bad guy with shady business dealings, only to run off, bump into Sean and immediately get back together with him and sleep with him before she ever tells Cam that she's back with Sean. Hypocrite much? I don't remember if she and Sean were married at this point, but she goes to a club with friends, bumps into Cam and freaking has sex with him and NEVER TELLS SEAN. SERIOUSLY????? She was so upset over Sean's supposed cheating, yet she's cheated on both of them. And inthe second book, we get a Cam cheating scare, but it turns out that the girl who ran to the press didn't bother to admit she slept with Cam months ago before he was with George. OMFG the ridiculous drama. That dramatic plot twist was already used. Remember?! Sean "cheated" in the first book. And then to find out that Sean cheated, even if they didn't have sex there was kissing involved, with Carla after he and George lost their baby and George shut him out. What is with all of these cheaters and no one tells anyone. Marley knows and never tells his sister the truth about either time, and she hates being cheated on but clearly has no issues doing it to the men in her life and not saying a word. Honestly, it would have been better for me if she had died. I feel like Sean was killed off just so there would be a reason for Cam's existence in the books. And that really annoyed me as well. I have nothing else to say about these books. George's mother was a complete whackjob trying to keep Sean and George apart and telling lies. Do families like this really exist? I really don't think I want to know because if they do, I'd be HORRIFIED! The only person I liked at all was Ash, which I why I read book 3. I felt so bad about her upbringing, and I'm glad she got her HEA. Too bad I disliked Marley even more after reading this one. How can you encourage your BFF to cheat on your sister and never tell anyone, and then catch him cheating and not tell her? Despicable... everyone in these books is just despicable!
I'm going to review the entire series here. I'm actually glad I read this one even though I hated this series because I did like getting Marley's POV and some of his story with Ashley. I didn't like any of the MCs in the first two books. I didn't hate Sean or Cam, but I didn't really like them either. I HATED George, and HATE is not really a strong enough word. So she met Sean at age 11 and knew they were going to be together forever, he was 13 at the time and apparently felt the same, but what I don't understand is they told everyone they were together, yet he was sleeping with lots of other people while they were in school until George talked to him and they actually agreed to be together. I don't understand why you'd tell everyone you're together for him to sleep with everyone but you?! Of course, Sean and Marley were in a band that took off the the heights of fame, so of course Sean "cheats". He gets set up, and even though he didn't actually kiss or have sex with the girl, no one ever told George that. Why wouldn't you say you snorted the coke off her boobs, but nothing else happened? UGH! And George is so distraught over this betrayal that she can't even listen to music, hear Sean's name or talk to her brother Marley for four years. Why didn't someone get this girl help?! She finally starts getting herself back together and dates Cam, a supposedly bad guy with shady business dealings, only to run off, bump into Sean and immediately get back together with him and sleep with him before she ever tells Cam that she's back with Sean. Hypocrite much? I don't remember if she and Sean were married at this point, but she goes to a club with friends, bumps into Cam and freaking has sex with him and NEVER TELLS SEAN. SERIOUSLY????? She was so upset over Sean's supposed cheating, yet she's cheated on both of them. And inthe second book, we get a Cam cheating scare, but it turns out that the girl who ran to the press didn't bother to admit she slept with Cam months ago before he was with George. OMFG the ridiculous drama. That dramatic plot twist was already used. Remember?! Sean "cheated" in the first book. And then to find out that Sean cheated, even if they didn't have sex there was kissing involved, with Carla after he and George lost their baby and George shut him out. What is with all of these cheaters and no one tells anyone. Marley knows and never tells his sister the truth about either time, and she hates being cheated on but clearly has no issues doing it to the men in her life and not saying a word. Honestly, it would have been better for me if she had died. I feel like Sean was killed off just so there would be a reason for Cam's existence in the books. And that really annoyed me as well. I have nothing else to say about these books. George's mother was a complete whackjob trying to keep Sean and George apart and telling lies. Do families like this really exist? I really don't think I want to know because if they do, I'd be HORRIFIED! The only person I liked at all was Ash, which I why I read book 3. I felt so bad about her upbringing, and I'm glad she got her HEA. Too bad I disliked Marley even more after reading this one. How can you encourage your BFF to cheat on your sister and never tell anyone, and then catch him cheating and not tell her? Despicable... everyone in these books is just despicable!
December 15, 2015
Arc so gratefully received from author for honest review.
No spoilers just heartfelt words of my journey while reading this book.
I'm assuming if you're going to read Marley you have read carnage and if you haven't I suggest you do first.
You need to appreciate the emotional roller coaster this book takes you through as you get to relive all those emotions you first felt in Carnage again and when you begin to read it's like they have been dragged up from that place you thought you had buried.
While reading this all the emotions I went through while reading Carnage one and two came flooding back it's one of those books that follows you around for days and you can't shake it off because your head has been all over the place and you're still trying to process what you have read.
Marley is parts of Carnage retold by Georgia's brother who is in fact Marley now in his 50's as he considers writing a book on all that has happened in his career, personal private and secret that even his other brothers,Georgia or Ashley doesn't know about.
As Marley begins his story he takes you back on that journey and you get to witness Georgia and Macas story all over again from another perspective and the inside view from Maca's side of the fence.
There's a whole lot of pain a whole lot of laughs and frustration in this book just like with Carnage and like I said old feeling get dragged up and I got really angry with maca all over again let me tell you if not more than before.
That there is brilliant writing when fictional characters can do that, Lesley Jones I take my hat off to you girl.
Its not all doom and gloom, there's is that good old British humour that I loved and still love in these books
Ashley
"When you call me baby it makes my fanny flutter"
Marley
"Ill not only make your fanny flutter Ill make your minge twinge"
Yep and there it is, as good as show us ya tits!
I loved Ashley and marleys story although tangled up with Georgia and maca's story it was brilliantly done a heartfelt read and I loved every word of it.
Lesley, Thank you so much for this Arc it was a pleasure to relive Carnage again and I could tell your heart and soul was poured into every chapter. This should be a film and I would be one of the first cheering that on.
Reviewed on behalf of BBBf(goodreads and facebook) https://www.facebook.com/sizzlereads/...
Now live http://www.amazon.com/Marley-Carnage-...
No spoilers just heartfelt words of my journey while reading this book.
I'm assuming if you're going to read Marley you have read carnage and if you haven't I suggest you do first.
You need to appreciate the emotional roller coaster this book takes you through as you get to relive all those emotions you first felt in Carnage again and when you begin to read it's like they have been dragged up from that place you thought you had buried.
While reading this all the emotions I went through while reading Carnage one and two came flooding back it's one of those books that follows you around for days and you can't shake it off because your head has been all over the place and you're still trying to process what you have read.
Marley is parts of Carnage retold by Georgia's brother who is in fact Marley now in his 50's as he considers writing a book on all that has happened in his career, personal private and secret that even his other brothers,Georgia or Ashley doesn't know about.
As Marley begins his story he takes you back on that journey and you get to witness Georgia and Macas story all over again from another perspective and the inside view from Maca's side of the fence.
There's a whole lot of pain a whole lot of laughs and frustration in this book just like with Carnage and like I said old feeling get dragged up and I got really angry with maca all over again let me tell you if not more than before.
That there is brilliant writing when fictional characters can do that, Lesley Jones I take my hat off to you girl.
Its not all doom and gloom, there's is that good old British humour that I loved and still love in these books
Ashley
"When you call me baby it makes my fanny flutter"
Marley
"Ill not only make your fanny flutter Ill make your minge twinge"
Yep and there it is, as good as show us ya tits!
I loved Ashley and marleys story although tangled up with Georgia and maca's story it was brilliantly done a heartfelt read and I loved every word of it.
Lesley, Thank you so much for this Arc it was a pleasure to relive Carnage again and I could tell your heart and soul was poured into every chapter. This should be a film and I would be one of the first cheering that on.
Reviewed on behalf of BBBf(goodreads and facebook) https://www.facebook.com/sizzlereads/...
Now live http://www.amazon.com/Marley-Carnage-...
November 19, 2015
Update 11/18/15: Just finished. Review to come soon. I promise, I took notes on this one :)
This is probably my most anticipated read this year!
This is probably my most anticipated read this year!
November 17, 2015
I thought I would be fine reading this knowing how the story goes, but no I had my heart broken again. It was so worth it though to go through that pain to find out what went on behind the scenes with the band Carnage.
Wow the life Marley lead and encouraged Maca/Sean to have after he lost George was totally mind blowing.
You really get to know what life was like on the road with the band.
Wonderful to get the inside story from Marley about his life and how he met and fell in love with Ashley, a perfect match.
All pieces of the puzzle finally coming together.
So loved this series it was beautifully written and will definitely read again someday.
Wow the life Marley lead and encouraged Maca/Sean to have after he lost George was totally mind blowing.
You really get to know what life was like on the road with the band.
Wonderful to get the inside story from Marley about his life and how he met and fell in love with Ashley, a perfect match.
All pieces of the puzzle finally coming together.
So loved this series it was beautifully written and will definitely read again someday.
November 3, 2015
Holy Shit! I tore thru a box of tissues reading this. Just a little bit into this story (told by Marley)I almost shut it down. I said to myself I can't relive the sadness. However, Marley won my heart and the way he told his story had my face glued to my damn book. I'm so glad I read it.
November 3, 2015
*****4.5 Stars*****
October 31, 2015
*****5 + STAR*****
Have you ever read a book with so much hype and scared it wouldn’t live up to it? Well Marley just surpassed all expectations.
Lesley Jones delivered us a book, not only highlighting some major events from Carnage, telling them in a whole new light, with just as much emotion, just as much feeling, but from another perspective, allowing us to get insight into other things that happened that we didn’t even know.
Marley’s book had me in tears from the prologue, I knew going in that it would hold me captive, that it was going to give us so much more of those we were drawn to, but it left me Speechless, it left me in tears.
Reading this from Marley’s POV was a very clever idea, Lesley has delivered one of the top reads of 2015.
REVIEWED FOR HASHTAG MINXES
Have you ever read a book with so much hype and scared it wouldn’t live up to it? Well Marley just surpassed all expectations.
Lesley Jones delivered us a book, not only highlighting some major events from Carnage, telling them in a whole new light, with just as much emotion, just as much feeling, but from another perspective, allowing us to get insight into other things that happened that we didn’t even know.
Marley’s book had me in tears from the prologue, I knew going in that it would hold me captive, that it was going to give us so much more of those we were drawn to, but it left me Speechless, it left me in tears.
Reading this from Marley’s POV was a very clever idea, Lesley has delivered one of the top reads of 2015.
REVIEWED FOR HASHTAG MINXES
March 31, 2020
3.5/5 🌟
October 31, 2015
https://kindlefriendsforever.wordpress.com/
Reviewed by Donna Elsegood
I always knew reading Marley was going to be an emotional roller-coaster. Let’s face it, anybody reading this would certainly have read Carnage books one and two. And we all know what happened in them.
This tells the story from Marley Layton’s point of view. Where the rock band Carnage began, what happened in the four years his sister, Georgia, and band mate and childhood friend, Sean McCarthy, were apart. Marley is torn about whether to write a book about his life as a rock and roll star and all that entailed in that lifestyle. He is torn because of all the guilt, the secrets opening up old wounds. Ashley, Marley’s wife, wants him to open up share what will be in the book; however, he is reluctant and unsure as to whether his wife and kids should know all the things that he did back then.
Quote: Ash ~ “Talk to me, Marls. Please, don’t shut me out.”
Marley ~ “It hurts, Ash. It still ******* hurts so much.”
We step back in time as Marley tells us how it all started on the first Carnage tour when he found himself and Maca in a predicament in Paris 1985. Two young lads of eighteen in a band, the girls, drugs and alcohol on offer is a recipe for disaster. Only Maca is supposed to be in love with Marley's little sixteen year old sister, Georgia. Marley gets it in his drug fuelled mind with the help of others that if they were to marry, the band may no longer continue. So he does a selfish act that he will forever feel guilty about.
Len Layton, Marley's elder brother and manager, despairs of Marley and Maca's behaviour through the band's glory years. The boys constant drug taking, drinking and sleeping with anything that moves in a skirt and in fact, not averse to sharing their women.
The story continues with Marley observing Maca missing Georgia and what seemed to be his self-destruction. It sometimes seemed as if he was accepting that he and George were not getting back together then other times, pining for her. What we see is Marley eventually realising that for all the money and what came with the band's success meant nothing as he felt so lonely. Eventually Maca and George are back together and things seem to be going well except he just couldn't shake the feeling that he needed more. What I did realise was through all the goofing around, Marley was finally growing up.
Marley meets Ashley who is a friend and employee of Georgia's. She completely knocks him sideways and it is definitely love at first sight.
Quote: Marley ~ “Happy Birthday, Ashley. You. Are. Beautiful.”
Ash ~ “You’re Marley Layton.”
Marley ~ “I am.”
Ash ~ “You said I was beautiful.”
Marley ~ “I did.”
Ash ~ “I’m not stupid. That sort of talk won’t get you in my knickers.”
The banter was funny between Marley and Ashley and I loved their interactions and the connection between the two of them. It was fantastic to read about the Layton family again, but all the while I was waiting for the tragic events that changed the Layton family forever. Reading Marley’s point of view of what happened and subsequently after, broke my heart all over again. Lesley Jones can write hot scenes, funny scenes and by god, she really knows how to throw in angst enough to smash your heart to smithereens! I spent best part of my afternoon in tears, and unable to function up to the point that when my husband arrived home, he was concerned to see me so upset.
Of course, there's a marvellous play-list to accompany this fantastic five star read which is worth listening to it while reading Marley. I would also advise reading in the comfort of your own home with a box of tissues. If you want to know whether Marley wrote and published his book or not, well, as I'm not going to tell you, you'll just have to read it! What I will say in Lesley’s defence is this. Maybe after having read Carnage, you're concerned that you'll be reading the same story once more. Absolutely no worries here because although it kind of is, the viewpoint is completely different. Worth the tears and upset? Don't doubt it for a second!
Reviewed by Donna Elsegood
I always knew reading Marley was going to be an emotional roller-coaster. Let’s face it, anybody reading this would certainly have read Carnage books one and two. And we all know what happened in them.
This tells the story from Marley Layton’s point of view. Where the rock band Carnage began, what happened in the four years his sister, Georgia, and band mate and childhood friend, Sean McCarthy, were apart. Marley is torn about whether to write a book about his life as a rock and roll star and all that entailed in that lifestyle. He is torn because of all the guilt, the secrets opening up old wounds. Ashley, Marley’s wife, wants him to open up share what will be in the book; however, he is reluctant and unsure as to whether his wife and kids should know all the things that he did back then.
Quote: Ash ~ “Talk to me, Marls. Please, don’t shut me out.”
Marley ~ “It hurts, Ash. It still ******* hurts so much.”
We step back in time as Marley tells us how it all started on the first Carnage tour when he found himself and Maca in a predicament in Paris 1985. Two young lads of eighteen in a band, the girls, drugs and alcohol on offer is a recipe for disaster. Only Maca is supposed to be in love with Marley's little sixteen year old sister, Georgia. Marley gets it in his drug fuelled mind with the help of others that if they were to marry, the band may no longer continue. So he does a selfish act that he will forever feel guilty about.
Len Layton, Marley's elder brother and manager, despairs of Marley and Maca's behaviour through the band's glory years. The boys constant drug taking, drinking and sleeping with anything that moves in a skirt and in fact, not averse to sharing their women.
The story continues with Marley observing Maca missing Georgia and what seemed to be his self-destruction. It sometimes seemed as if he was accepting that he and George were not getting back together then other times, pining for her. What we see is Marley eventually realising that for all the money and what came with the band's success meant nothing as he felt so lonely. Eventually Maca and George are back together and things seem to be going well except he just couldn't shake the feeling that he needed more. What I did realise was through all the goofing around, Marley was finally growing up.
Marley meets Ashley who is a friend and employee of Georgia's. She completely knocks him sideways and it is definitely love at first sight.
Quote: Marley ~ “Happy Birthday, Ashley. You. Are. Beautiful.”
Ash ~ “You’re Marley Layton.”
Marley ~ “I am.”
Ash ~ “You said I was beautiful.”
Marley ~ “I did.”
Ash ~ “I’m not stupid. That sort of talk won’t get you in my knickers.”
The banter was funny between Marley and Ashley and I loved their interactions and the connection between the two of them. It was fantastic to read about the Layton family again, but all the while I was waiting for the tragic events that changed the Layton family forever. Reading Marley’s point of view of what happened and subsequently after, broke my heart all over again. Lesley Jones can write hot scenes, funny scenes and by god, she really knows how to throw in angst enough to smash your heart to smithereens! I spent best part of my afternoon in tears, and unable to function up to the point that when my husband arrived home, he was concerned to see me so upset.
Of course, there's a marvellous play-list to accompany this fantastic five star read which is worth listening to it while reading Marley. I would also advise reading in the comfort of your own home with a box of tissues. If you want to know whether Marley wrote and published his book or not, well, as I'm not going to tell you, you'll just have to read it! What I will say in Lesley’s defence is this. Maybe after having read Carnage, you're concerned that you'll be reading the same story once more. Absolutely no worries here because although it kind of is, the viewpoint is completely different. Worth the tears and upset? Don't doubt it for a second!
December 26, 2015
It has been many months since I last experienced Carnage, and oh what an enthralling and emotional book it was---the ugliest cry I’ve ever had on a book date and a book that broke me. I vividly recall it like it was yesterday, hugging my box of tissues as I wept at the end of Carnage, feeling like I had been torn in half. After only a few pages into Marley, I was immediately Carnaged again, and knew it was time to get my tissue box ready to hug and drain once more.
Marley is Carnage written from an alternate angle: Marley’s diary or Carnage through Marley’s eyes. A counterpart to Carnage, this tale takes you on a parallel path. You walk in Marley and Maca’s shoes, live in their crazy, corrupt, and captivating rock star world, and experience all of their emotions.
“Writing this book, reliving these situations, has helped me come to terms with…to take ownership of some of the shitty things I’ve done in the past. I just need to make sure that I’m ready for the rest of the world to see me for what I am…who I was.”
While Carnage is mostly about Georgia; Marley focuses on Marley and Maca. You may know how Carnage ends, but you are left with questions that Marley answers. This story fills in the missing pieces to the puzzle where Marley makes Carnage more perfect if that is even possible.
“I’ve never told anybody this, but in that moment, I knew. Don’t ask me how, but I just knew that one day, we would lose Maca.”
Not just a story, Marley is an emotional and enlightening experience that elicits a whirlwind of feels. Feel for Marley who comes to life as if he is sitting with you telling his and Maca’s story. Feel every emotion that the Carnage characters experience. Feel every hardship they endure. Feel each heartbreak that breaks your heart too. These characters are compelling and captivating, crossing over from the pages straight into your mind while stealing your heart as Lesley Jones has done with this sensational and sensory-wielding series.
“I’ve finally accepted the part I played in f**king up and f**king with the lives of my little sister and of my best mate. Now, I just need to decide what the f**k to do with all of these words that have the potential to break hearts, maybe even minds. Do I leave it as is and tell the truth, or do the kind thing and leave bits out?”
Marley is an all-encompassing emotional and riveting roller coaster of a rock star romance that grabs your guts, shakes your soul, and renders you as raw as the story. Your emotions will bleed as you laugh, smile, grunt, and weep at this breathtaking and beautiful tale of love and loss. Not just sex, drugs, rock, and roll, Marley is so much more with a love story that shatters your soul.
Part of the Carnage series, Marley leaves you with an endless book hangover. Pure addiction. You want more…need more…in this story that will stay with you forever long after you turn the last page.
5 sensational and soul-grabbing stars
***ARC provided to Bookalicious Babes Blog for an honest review***
Marley is Carnage written from an alternate angle: Marley’s diary or Carnage through Marley’s eyes. A counterpart to Carnage, this tale takes you on a parallel path. You walk in Marley and Maca’s shoes, live in their crazy, corrupt, and captivating rock star world, and experience all of their emotions.
“Writing this book, reliving these situations, has helped me come to terms with…to take ownership of some of the shitty things I’ve done in the past. I just need to make sure that I’m ready for the rest of the world to see me for what I am…who I was.”
While Carnage is mostly about Georgia; Marley focuses on Marley and Maca. You may know how Carnage ends, but you are left with questions that Marley answers. This story fills in the missing pieces to the puzzle where Marley makes Carnage more perfect if that is even possible.
“I’ve never told anybody this, but in that moment, I knew. Don’t ask me how, but I just knew that one day, we would lose Maca.”
Not just a story, Marley is an emotional and enlightening experience that elicits a whirlwind of feels. Feel for Marley who comes to life as if he is sitting with you telling his and Maca’s story. Feel every emotion that the Carnage characters experience. Feel every hardship they endure. Feel each heartbreak that breaks your heart too. These characters are compelling and captivating, crossing over from the pages straight into your mind while stealing your heart as Lesley Jones has done with this sensational and sensory-wielding series.
“I’ve finally accepted the part I played in f**king up and f**king with the lives of my little sister and of my best mate. Now, I just need to decide what the f**k to do with all of these words that have the potential to break hearts, maybe even minds. Do I leave it as is and tell the truth, or do the kind thing and leave bits out?”
Marley is an all-encompassing emotional and riveting roller coaster of a rock star romance that grabs your guts, shakes your soul, and renders you as raw as the story. Your emotions will bleed as you laugh, smile, grunt, and weep at this breathtaking and beautiful tale of love and loss. Not just sex, drugs, rock, and roll, Marley is so much more with a love story that shatters your soul.
Part of the Carnage series, Marley leaves you with an endless book hangover. Pure addiction. You want more…need more…in this story that will stay with you forever long after you turn the last page.
5 sensational and soul-grabbing stars
***ARC provided to Bookalicious Babes Blog for an honest review***
February 26, 2018
I don't know where to start with this post. I am very torn on books being redone in a different person's perspective. Sometimes its not necessary. Its redundant and boring and I find no interest in that character enough to have that insight. But Marley, yes. I needed that with Marley. I needed that with Carnage. In Carnage there was so much stuff going on that we have no idea how the pieces of the puzzles were ever going to come together. The hotel room, we had no idea what REALLY happened. The studio at Georgia's parents when Maca walks in with that girl, we NEEDED to know what was going on there. And with this book and Marley's perspective we needed those answers and those insights. So when Lesley Jones announced she'd be giving us another book in the "Carnage" series, I'll admit I was a little hesitant. I mean a companion novel...did I really want to put myself through all of this again? It took me WEEKS to move on from the first book alone.
The answer? Yes. Yes I did. I NEEDED that hurt again. I needed that closure. I knew that there was some stuff going on the four years that Maca and Georgia were apart but nothing like what I just read. This book was filled to the brim with grief, guilt and remorse. There were some nasty details and some gruesome events that were so hard for me to stomach. If you've read the first two you are probably thinking "how am I supposed to go through all of this again?" It's hard. And it hurts. But what a beautiful story.
I felt like Lesley did an excellent job executing this story. I am a huge fan of those stories that rip me apart. They don't have to heal me. But this book did. Reliving moments in their lives through Marley’s eyes definitely put a whole new perspective on the whole of the Carnage series, helping us to understand in more depth and detail the choices that were made and the consequences of those choices. Helping us understand what is was like for Marley all those years, his battles, his hurt, his pain and his love.
This book was not a complete rehash of Carnage. In fact, there was a lot of new details and a lot of new story lines. This book was about rebellion and being reckless. It's about sex and drugs and rock and roll. It's about heartache and gut wrenching pain. Consequences. Guilt. Most importantly it's about finding love and being sorry. It’s about secrets that will never be shared. I am applauding you Lesley. Applauding you for ripping my heart out a third time like it was no big deal.
The answer? Yes. Yes I did. I NEEDED that hurt again. I needed that closure. I knew that there was some stuff going on the four years that Maca and Georgia were apart but nothing like what I just read. This book was filled to the brim with grief, guilt and remorse. There were some nasty details and some gruesome events that were so hard for me to stomach. If you've read the first two you are probably thinking "how am I supposed to go through all of this again?" It's hard. And it hurts. But what a beautiful story.
I felt like Lesley did an excellent job executing this story. I am a huge fan of those stories that rip me apart. They don't have to heal me. But this book did. Reliving moments in their lives through Marley’s eyes definitely put a whole new perspective on the whole of the Carnage series, helping us to understand in more depth and detail the choices that were made and the consequences of those choices. Helping us understand what is was like for Marley all those years, his battles, his hurt, his pain and his love.
This book was not a complete rehash of Carnage. In fact, there was a lot of new details and a lot of new story lines. This book was about rebellion and being reckless. It's about sex and drugs and rock and roll. It's about heartache and gut wrenching pain. Consequences. Guilt. Most importantly it's about finding love and being sorry. It’s about secrets that will never be shared. I am applauding you Lesley. Applauding you for ripping my heart out a third time like it was no big deal.
October 29, 2015
It’s no secret that Carnage 1 and 2 are my all-time favorite books. So when I found out Lesley was writing Marley’s book I was really excited but nervous for what we would find out. I wanted the back story of Carnage but I really wanted to hear Marley’s story. I wanted to see how his relationship with Ashley formed, how he felt when Georgia pushed him out of her life, how he handled the success of being a bad ass rock star and I wanted to know all the dirty little things he and Sean got up to during those four years.
In great Lesley style she rocked this book! I laughed, hard laughed to where my husband would ask what was so funny and I cried. I cried hard, ugly tears to where my husband would ask why I continued to torture myself with these characters. I wanted to devour this book but I also wanted to savor the book. I love the Carnage family and never wanted it to end. You know it’s a good book when you are sneaking in reading time while at red lights. I hate being stuck at a red light but didn’t mind too much when Marley was riding shot gun in the passenger seat. I needed to know what was going on. I could not put the book down. But the book needs to come with a warning! DO NOT READ WHILE AT THE OFFICE! I know, I know, I should have known not to read it at the office but did I mention I could not put the book down? Yeah….
Seriously, Lesley, I don’t know how you come up with half this stuff. Oh, to spend the day in your mind. Amazingly great book! I can’t wait to see what you do next. Fan girl for life and I still adore my Sean, always and forever no matter what.
In great Lesley style she rocked this book! I laughed, hard laughed to where my husband would ask what was so funny and I cried. I cried hard, ugly tears to where my husband would ask why I continued to torture myself with these characters. I wanted to devour this book but I also wanted to savor the book. I love the Carnage family and never wanted it to end. You know it’s a good book when you are sneaking in reading time while at red lights. I hate being stuck at a red light but didn’t mind too much when Marley was riding shot gun in the passenger seat. I needed to know what was going on. I could not put the book down. But the book needs to come with a warning! DO NOT READ WHILE AT THE OFFICE! I know, I know, I should have known not to read it at the office but did I mention I could not put the book down? Yeah….
Seriously, Lesley, I don’t know how you come up with half this stuff. Oh, to spend the day in your mind. Amazingly great book! I can’t wait to see what you do next. Fan girl for life and I still adore my Sean, always and forever no matter what.
November 9, 2015
In which Carnage is retold in Marley's POV
This is basically a retelling of Carnage. Don't get me wrong, it is obviously a Carnage companion book, but this is obviously a book done for the Carnage fan. After reading Carnage 1 & 2 I was definitely interested in what Marley had to say. I was not expecting this to be a retelling of Carnage though. Both Carnage 1 & 2 are full of time jumps, Georgia and Sean stay apart for 4 years, there's a 10 year time jump, and ect. Well, the same pretty much happens here, there's a few chapters about what happens to Marley and Sean while him and Georgia are apart but nothing too major or earth shattering. I was very interested in Marley and Ashley's relationship and that doesn't happen until 60% in the book. Again, basically the same 10 year time jump we see in Carnage we see here. Very little new, very little original. Overall, I'm not impressed with this book. I loved the Marley and Ashley parts of the book, but I was mostly bored with the rest, it was like reading Carnage all over agin and we all know how that one ended. This is obviously a book geared toward the passionate Carnage fan.
This is basically a retelling of Carnage. Don't get me wrong, it is obviously a Carnage companion book, but this is obviously a book done for the Carnage fan. After reading Carnage 1 & 2 I was definitely interested in what Marley had to say. I was not expecting this to be a retelling of Carnage though. Both Carnage 1 & 2 are full of time jumps, Georgia and Sean stay apart for 4 years, there's a 10 year time jump, and ect. Well, the same pretty much happens here, there's a few chapters about what happens to Marley and Sean while him and Georgia are apart but nothing too major or earth shattering. I was very interested in Marley and Ashley's relationship and that doesn't happen until 60% in the book. Again, basically the same 10 year time jump we see in Carnage we see here. Very little new, very little original. Overall, I'm not impressed with this book. I loved the Marley and Ashley parts of the book, but I was mostly bored with the rest, it was like reading Carnage all over agin and we all know how that one ended. This is obviously a book geared toward the passionate Carnage fan.
November 5, 2015
The Carnage series is one of my all time favorites. When I saw that Lesley Jones was going to do the story from Marleys' POV, I knew that I wanted to read it but wasn't sure if it would have the same effect on me as the other two..IT DID. While in the 'Story of Us', we get Georgias perspective, along with some of Seans. In this one we see what happens during the same time frame but from the guys view and how Sean dealt with it as well as Marley. Then of course we get to really meet Ashley(love her character) If you enjoyed The Carnage series I highly recommend you read this one.
November 22, 2015
Amazing
It has to be said Lesley Jones is an amazing author. I was really excited about Marley story after reading the first two books. Yes this book does fill in the blanks from the previous books. But it does so much more than that. It takes you on a journey. A journey that sucks you in until the very last page.
All the characters feel real and to me that is very important.
It has to be said Lesley Jones is an amazing author. I was really excited about Marley story after reading the first two books. Yes this book does fill in the blanks from the previous books. But it does so much more than that. It takes you on a journey. A journey that sucks you in until the very last page.
All the characters feel real and to me that is very important.
March 6, 2016
What can I say I loved it !. What a great addition to this series, loved Marley's character and Ash as well. Leslie is a great writer and I love how her stories just flow perfectly with some great crack-up moments. Loved the morning scene with the Tupperware conversation. Moving on the The Letters.
February 10, 2016
Oct 21, 2015
OMG! so excited for this one..the warning is there so i will prepare myself. #theagonyisreal #patienceisnotmyforte #releasedatepls
Jan 18, 2016
i forgot about this book. gosh!downloading my copy now.
Feb 10, 2016
Just bittersweet
OMG! so excited for this one..the warning is there so i will prepare myself. #theagonyisreal #patienceisnotmyforte #releasedatepls
Jan 18, 2016
i forgot about this book. gosh!downloading my copy now.
Feb 10, 2016
Just bittersweet
October 30, 2015
AMAZING! Marley was the perfect avenue back into the carnage world. His perspective gives a whole different meaning to certain events and fills in a lot of gaps.
It was also great to get to know Marley better. He's so much MORE than I had ever imagined.
It was also great to get to know Marley better. He's so much MORE than I had ever imagined.
July 19, 2016
Absolutely fucking perfect.
Loved. It.
Loved. It.
February 15, 2019
OMG, I LOVE MARLEY SO MUCH!! This book totally completed the series for me and made it that much better! I know there are a lot of haters of this series, and I totally got it after not really loving the first book.
But I highly recommend you continue reading it just to get to Marley's POV! So worth it!!!!!!!!
But I highly recommend you continue reading it just to get to Marley's POV! So worth it!!!!!!!!
October 19, 2015
I have been looking forward to reading this book for some time now. I loved the Carnage series, in fact I love all of Lesley Jones's stories, but this is a bit different. It is the Carnage story from Marley Layton's point of view and to be fair not all books like this, written from a character in the story's point of view work - this one however definitely does!
Marley is intrinsic to the Carnage books, he is Georgia's brother, Sean's best mate, one quarter of the band Carnage - he is a real character, funny, irreverent, a real bad boy of rock. He was there throughout the bands rise to fame, through all the attention from media, fans and groupies ... and he knows what went on...he knows all the dirt ... the stories behind the story!
Marley's story starts at the beginning and goes through till the present day, he tells about how he met Ash, his wife, what really went on with Whorely, about Georgia's ups and downs...and all your favouirite characters are there again, in black and white.
If you have read Carnage #1 and #2 then this is a definite must read. You will NOT be disappointed! I laughed out loud, I smiled, I cried a little but most of all I thoroughly enjoyed reading it - revisiting old friends. As always Lesley Jones knows how to write a great story, her words are compelling and her characters real, with all their flaws and foibles exposed. I look forward to her next story.
Marley is intrinsic to the Carnage books, he is Georgia's brother, Sean's best mate, one quarter of the band Carnage - he is a real character, funny, irreverent, a real bad boy of rock. He was there throughout the bands rise to fame, through all the attention from media, fans and groupies ... and he knows what went on...he knows all the dirt ... the stories behind the story!
Marley's story starts at the beginning and goes through till the present day, he tells about how he met Ash, his wife, what really went on with Whorely, about Georgia's ups and downs...and all your favouirite characters are there again, in black and white.
If you have read Carnage #1 and #2 then this is a definite must read. You will NOT be disappointed! I laughed out loud, I smiled, I cried a little but most of all I thoroughly enjoyed reading it - revisiting old friends. As always Lesley Jones knows how to write a great story, her words are compelling and her characters real, with all their flaws and foibles exposed. I look forward to her next story.
October 29, 2015
OMG Marley Marley Rocked my World This book was Fantastic I knew it would be but wow I loved Marley in books 1 and 2, but to be reading things from his POV was so much more to be inside his head to find out all the things we didn’t know in the missing years.
It has taken me over 3 hours to be able to try put some words together to write a review cause I was speechless at the end, A sobbing mess for nearly an hour after wards it was Carnage all over again it hurt so much reliving it but this book is worth all the tears and heartache I totally Love Marley.
In this book Questions are answered and secrets are told.
I loved the scenes with the family they have so much Love for each other.
Marley is Funny, Heartbreaking, Rollercoaster of a ride I was laughing out loud at some parts it.
If you have read Books 1 and 2 you really have to put on your big girl pants and make yourself read this it is so worth it
Thank you Lesley For another great read
It has taken me over 3 hours to be able to try put some words together to write a review cause I was speechless at the end, A sobbing mess for nearly an hour after wards it was Carnage all over again it hurt so much reliving it but this book is worth all the tears and heartache I totally Love Marley.
In this book Questions are answered and secrets are told.
I loved the scenes with the family they have so much Love for each other.
Marley is Funny, Heartbreaking, Rollercoaster of a ride I was laughing out loud at some parts it.
If you have read Books 1 and 2 you really have to put on your big girl pants and make yourself read this it is so worth it
Thank you Lesley For another great read
October 31, 2015
Lesley Jones, you have done it yet again!!!!! WOW, I don't even know where to start, besides you are an amazing author. Your writing draws the reader in and you don't let us go until the very end. Your books are ones that stay with us long after we finish the books. You are truly phenomenal.
I knew once starting Marley that it was going to rip my heart out once again. What I didn't expect was the depth and how caring Marley was towards his family and friends. The feelings and emotions in this book is beyond any words that I can put together.
This book for me is one that I will for sure be reading over and over again. I have already recommended this book to all of my friends and family. I highly without a doubt recommend the Carnage Series to everyone!!!
If I could give this book millions of stars I would. Hands down Marley is a five star (more like millions of stars) read.
I can not wait for more books from Lesley Jones. I LOVED Marley!!!
I knew once starting Marley that it was going to rip my heart out once again. What I didn't expect was the depth and how caring Marley was towards his family and friends. The feelings and emotions in this book is beyond any words that I can put together.
This book for me is one that I will for sure be reading over and over again. I have already recommended this book to all of my friends and family. I highly without a doubt recommend the Carnage Series to everyone!!!
If I could give this book millions of stars I would. Hands down Marley is a five star (more like millions of stars) read.
I can not wait for more books from Lesley Jones. I LOVED Marley!!!
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