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Breaking Insanity #3
The Darkest Descension
This is not a romance
The Breaking Insanity saga concludes with an explosive and bittersweet ending....
With the world around them spinning out of control, Nikki and Eric will decide how far they are willing to descend to obtain what they want the most.
Nikki faces a tough situation that changes everything she thought she knew and tests her fragile limits. In order to get what she wants, she must do the one thing she swore to never do.
Unable to fight his nature, Eric quickly realizes he's losing a fight against something he can't control. Despite increasingly dire circumstances, Eric refuses to relent. He will fight to regain control of what he lost....by any means necessary.
Content contains descriptive violence, coarse language, graphic sex, minor horror elements, and scenes that most readers would find objectionable. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
The Breaking Insanity saga concludes with an explosive and bittersweet ending....
With the world around them spinning out of control, Nikki and Eric will decide how far they are willing to descend to obtain what they want the most.
Nikki faces a tough situation that changes everything she thought she knew and tests her fragile limits. In order to get what she wants, she must do the one thing she swore to never do.
Unable to fight his nature, Eric quickly realizes he's losing a fight against something he can't control. Despite increasingly dire circumstances, Eric refuses to relent. He will fight to regain control of what he lost....by any means necessary.
Content contains descriptive violence, coarse language, graphic sex, minor horror elements, and scenes that most readers would find objectionable. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2015
10 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Lane
19 books647 followersCOURTNEY LANE has been creating her own little world since she was very young.
While many of her works touch several different genres, she has an archetype when it comes to the female protagonists in her stories.
Currently, Courtney can be found either working on her next book, playing the latest role-playing game on her X-Box (preferably a game by BioWare), or spending time with her family.
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCourtn...
http://twitter.com/AuthorLane
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+Courtney...
While many of her works touch several different genres, she has an archetype when it comes to the female protagonists in her stories.
Currently, Courtney can be found either working on her next book, playing the latest role-playing game on her X-Box (preferably a game by BioWare), or spending time with her family.
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCourtn...
http://twitter.com/AuthorLane
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+Courtney...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 13, 2016
In the conclusion to this dark and twisted series, all of the secrets between Nikki and Eric finally come to light. At last, the holes are filled in and things make sense...or at least, as much sense as things between these two will ever make.
Picking up where the second book left off, Nikki and Eric are separated for most of this book. Fighting her unhealthy addiction to Eric, Nikki tries to move forward without him. Meanwhile, Eric is determined to prevent her from doing so.
Forces are still working against these two. Victor has gotten even more devious, while Charlie's involvement is steadily increasing. Every time they start to make progress, something else is thrown in their path to stir up distrust.
Overall, I enjoyed this series and thought that the ending was fitting. This definitely isn't a rainbows and unicorns type of story. So, if you're looking for that, look elsewhere. It was sick, dark and twisted, just like I like my stories. I only wish that I had felt more connected to Nikki and Eric. I don't know why, but it just never happened for me with this series.
Picking up where the second book left off, Nikki and Eric are separated for most of this book. Fighting her unhealthy addiction to Eric, Nikki tries to move forward without him. Meanwhile, Eric is determined to prevent her from doing so.
Forces are still working against these two. Victor has gotten even more devious, while Charlie's involvement is steadily increasing. Every time they start to make progress, something else is thrown in their path to stir up distrust.
Overall, I enjoyed this series and thought that the ending was fitting. This definitely isn't a rainbows and unicorns type of story. So, if you're looking for that, look elsewhere. It was sick, dark and twisted, just like I like my stories. I only wish that I had felt more connected to Nikki and Eric. I don't know why, but it just never happened for me with this series.
February 4, 2016
5 I Didn't Want It To End Stars!
This is the third and final book in the Breaking Insanity Series. I fucking loved it!!
You will be on a never ending roller coaster ride while reading this one.
The twists and turns will have you shaking your head saying wait! What's that again?
One minute you will be trying to cool down from Eric and his dirty mouth
“Don’t stop finger-fucking that pussy. Slip your fingers inside your cunt.” He hit me again in the same area I was sure was now bleeding. I begged for more, wanting the pain one more time. He wound the length of my hair around his fist and yanked my head back. “Tell me again what you need, Nikki, because it seems you need the fucking reminder.” “You, I just need you!” I proclaimed through my quivering lips.~Eric & Nikki
and the next minute drinking so much alcohol you will probably pass out where you're reading!
So beware! lol
This series was a total mind fuck. I'm still not sure I have every answer that I was after but I'm pretty sure I'm satisfied.
Eric and Nikki are not in a good place. Everyone around them is trying to break them apart. I swear I didn't know what or who to believe reading this here book. I kept screaming
I don't really know what to say. If you're a fan of a good mind twister this series is for you! You won't know who is telling the truth, who is really bad and who is really good. You will be wondering was this all a set up? Did Eric know from the beginning? Does he really love Nikki or is he too fucked up to love her? Does Nikki have secrets? What will happen when secrets start coming out? Will Ethan show back up? OMG! I tell you this book is crazy! But rest easy my friends! I thought this was a great ending to an awesome series although the last 10% gutted me!!! COMPLETELY GUTTED ME!!!! I understand why CL left me in shreds but I'm not saying I liked it. It's NOT how I wanted it to go dammit!
“There’s a difference between killing yourself because your love wasn’t returned, and putting your life on the line to save the person you love. The former is dying aimlessly. The latter is dying for a cause... for a purpose. I think most wouldn’t mind dying for a cause.”
Awesome job Courtney Lane! Those are my real tears up there woman!! I love your books and I can't wait for more from you:))
This is the third and final book in the Breaking Insanity Series. I fucking loved it!!
You will be on a never ending roller coaster ride while reading this one.
The twists and turns will have you shaking your head saying wait! What's that again?
One minute you will be trying to cool down from Eric and his dirty mouth
“Don’t stop finger-fucking that pussy. Slip your fingers inside your cunt.” He hit me again in the same area I was sure was now bleeding. I begged for more, wanting the pain one more time. He wound the length of my hair around his fist and yanked my head back. “Tell me again what you need, Nikki, because it seems you need the fucking reminder.” “You, I just need you!” I proclaimed through my quivering lips.~Eric & Nikki
and the next minute drinking so much alcohol you will probably pass out where you're reading!
So beware! lol
This series was a total mind fuck. I'm still not sure I have every answer that I was after but I'm pretty sure I'm satisfied.
Eric and Nikki are not in a good place. Everyone around them is trying to break them apart. I swear I didn't know what or who to believe reading this here book. I kept screaming
I don't really know what to say. If you're a fan of a good mind twister this series is for you! You won't know who is telling the truth, who is really bad and who is really good. You will be wondering was this all a set up? Did Eric know from the beginning? Does he really love Nikki or is he too fucked up to love her? Does Nikki have secrets? What will happen when secrets start coming out? Will Ethan show back up? OMG! I tell you this book is crazy! But rest easy my friends! I thought this was a great ending to an awesome series although the last 10% gutted me!!! COMPLETELY GUTTED ME!!!! I understand why CL left me in shreds but I'm not saying I liked it. It's NOT how I wanted it to go dammit!
“There’s a difference between killing yourself because your love wasn’t returned, and putting your life on the line to save the person you love. The former is dying aimlessly. The latter is dying for a cause... for a purpose. I think most wouldn’t mind dying for a cause.”
Awesome job Courtney Lane! Those are my real tears up there woman!! I love your books and I can't wait for more from you:))
January 5, 2016
The story was so beyond convoluted. Every turn of the corner was another person who was betraying the characters. Actually, EVERY character in this story is playing both sides and has an agenda. It was so OTT and stupid. I can't even tell you what the story was bc there was no resemblance of what I read in the first book. The h would scream and become psycho in front of people then kiss and makeup with the H. And there was SO MUCH lying. Everyone in this story lies all the time. The H and h lied to each other continuously throughout the story. I wanted to bash my head against the wall. Plus, the h, who suffered throughout her entire life does not get a HEA. One of the main characters dies and I was left extremely disappointed. This story should have ended after the first book. The author made a HUGE mistake continuing the series. She ruined these characters and the story. It was clear that she made up this useless plot well after the first book and tagged on a scenario that wasn't originally planned. I have to read another book immediately to get the bad taste of this disaster out of my mouth.
December 10, 2015
READ THE WARNING!
Unpredictable plot, dysfunctional characters, a psychological thriller that will leave your mind spinning, your heart shattered. A game of who's playing who, it's emotionally charged darkness.
"I have a way of making people want to kill themselves. This might be your last chance to hold onto your sanity. Because you know what they say about therapists, correct?”
It's been a couple of hours since I finished. I still haven't come to terms with my feelings, I'm staring at my kindle like it should hold all the answers, because the wall didn't. Ninety percent of the books I read are dark, twisted, or at least contain some dark themes. Sometimes I prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I love the unpredictability that comes with dark books, Courtney Lane has become a favorite for pulling out the twists. I never know what she has lurking around the corner, I start to sweat, I start to breathe heavily, my heart thumps in my chest, it's all the feels of a horror movie. You can't stop watching. I grab my blanky and curl my toes in the couch. I may have squealed out loud a couple of times.
“I’m so sick of being riddled with your disease,” I mumbled. “And you keep making me sicker, poisoning me with your words. Your pretty words make me— make me whatever you want me to be. They make me sick all over again.”
Eric Brenton isn't your knight in shining armor. He's that good looking, slightly terrifying guy with sociopathic urges. He's the book anti-boyfriend for us dark readers, he may have scared me as much as he turned me on. You have to remember this series is far from romance, it's sick, it's twisted. And complicated in all the wrong ways. I was on the verge of a breakdown with every new revelation. I didn't know if I wanted to hug, kill, or marry Eric. I didn't know if I wanted to protect, slap, or coddle Nicki. I could've been on the verge of insanity myself. This book turned me upside down, inside out. Damaged doesn't compare to these two. I couldn't help but want them to end with that dreaded HEA. Knowing they would ruin each other till the end. It was devastatingly beautiful. Tragically twisted.
“This is more than love. Something that can’t be described or defined. It’s consuming and soul -shattering. You don’t know what you did to me when you rescinded our deal. You broke me.”
This story will keep you on your toes. Make you question your stability. The intricate details were carefully thought out, wickedly written to leave you breathless. I had to read this book in small doses. I felt a certain doom looming. I knew the big bang was to come, but nothing prepared me. I'm still flipping the pages. The book is over, I'm still flipping the pages. I keep flipping the pages to point that I want to throw my kindle at the wall. This can't be the end, as I try to flip the page one more time. I have a lump in my throat, a lost feeling, emotions I can't fathom.
Courtney Lane managed to shred my Dark heart. I'll be in the corner rocking back and forth.
Unpredictable plot, dysfunctional characters, a psychological thriller that will leave your mind spinning, your heart shattered. A game of who's playing who, it's emotionally charged darkness.
"I have a way of making people want to kill themselves. This might be your last chance to hold onto your sanity. Because you know what they say about therapists, correct?”
It's been a couple of hours since I finished. I still haven't come to terms with my feelings, I'm staring at my kindle like it should hold all the answers, because the wall didn't. Ninety percent of the books I read are dark, twisted, or at least contain some dark themes. Sometimes I prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I love the unpredictability that comes with dark books, Courtney Lane has become a favorite for pulling out the twists. I never know what she has lurking around the corner, I start to sweat, I start to breathe heavily, my heart thumps in my chest, it's all the feels of a horror movie. You can't stop watching. I grab my blanky and curl my toes in the couch. I may have squealed out loud a couple of times.
“I’m so sick of being riddled with your disease,” I mumbled. “And you keep making me sicker, poisoning me with your words. Your pretty words make me— make me whatever you want me to be. They make me sick all over again.”
Eric Brenton isn't your knight in shining armor. He's that good looking, slightly terrifying guy with sociopathic urges. He's the book anti-boyfriend for us dark readers, he may have scared me as much as he turned me on. You have to remember this series is far from romance, it's sick, it's twisted. And complicated in all the wrong ways. I was on the verge of a breakdown with every new revelation. I didn't know if I wanted to hug, kill, or marry Eric. I didn't know if I wanted to protect, slap, or coddle Nicki. I could've been on the verge of insanity myself. This book turned me upside down, inside out. Damaged doesn't compare to these two. I couldn't help but want them to end with that dreaded HEA. Knowing they would ruin each other till the end. It was devastatingly beautiful. Tragically twisted.
“This is more than love. Something that can’t be described or defined. It’s consuming and soul -shattering. You don’t know what you did to me when you rescinded our deal. You broke me.”
This story will keep you on your toes. Make you question your stability. The intricate details were carefully thought out, wickedly written to leave you breathless. I had to read this book in small doses. I felt a certain doom looming. I knew the big bang was to come, but nothing prepared me. I'm still flipping the pages. The book is over, I'm still flipping the pages. I keep flipping the pages to point that I want to throw my kindle at the wall. This can't be the end, as I try to flip the page one more time. I have a lump in my throat, a lost feeling, emotions I can't fathom.
Courtney Lane managed to shred my Dark heart. I'll be in the corner rocking back and forth.
January 29, 2016
I was very invested in these characters. This book had the potential to finish off a well rounded and well written series that could have became my favorite series of all time. However, the ending of this book went against everything I stand for in my fictional realm of la la land. I mean that's why I read so many romance books, because I want to escape too la la land every night for an hour or two. Everyday I wake up and go through case after case of crazy mofos killing and abusing and hurting innocent people, 98% of the time there are no happy endings. So, when I escape to la la land at night I expect a happy freaking ending, no matter how unrealistic, I don't care how you have to do it. Just do it. It's a fictional realm of romance for crying out loud!
I loved every single moment of the first two books and all of the third book except the end. These characters are dysfunctional enough, they had enough drama to write twenty books, so killing a MC added very little to the book in my opinion. That being said, I can't allow death into my romance la la land, there is already enough sad crap in everyday life.
All in all, the low rating has nothing to do with the book nor author, it has everything to do with a personal preference. Before this book I would have auto-bought this author, now I must hunt down spoilers to make sure MCs are still alive at the end. It's a sad day when another must buy favorite author bits the dust into the land of maybe authors.
Don't kill off MCs folks, it's not cool and the only people that can get away with it was the writer and director of Titanic.
I loved every single moment of the first two books and all of the third book except the end. These characters are dysfunctional enough, they had enough drama to write twenty books, so killing a MC added very little to the book in my opinion. That being said, I can't allow death into my romance la la land, there is already enough sad crap in everyday life.
All in all, the low rating has nothing to do with the book nor author, it has everything to do with a personal preference. Before this book I would have auto-bought this author, now I must hunt down spoilers to make sure MCs are still alive at the end. It's a sad day when another must buy favorite author bits the dust into the land of maybe authors.
Don't kill off MCs folks, it's not cool and the only people that can get away with it was the writer and director of Titanic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2015
★★★★ 4 INSANE STARS!
The final book from Breaking Insanity series. Whew... This is one of the hardest story I've ever read. Nothing like this. Complicated and jaw dropping till the end. A little recap from previous book, with all the tragedy happened to Nikki, she's trying to protect her secret from her husband. Eric become more agitated after the lost of their unborn child. He hardly believe her wife even he claimed he still love her and wouldn't let her go. And now as the conclusion, I need to know the answer they're hiding it. I believe this isn't simple as a death wish from Nikki's mother. Eric made promise to protect her with all cost.
** BEWARE! MAYBE CONTAINS SPOILER! **
✔ I couldn't feel positive energy around Eric anymore. He did what his instinct to do include hurting Nikki. Because so many unfortunate events happened around them, I think Eric lost his mind. He couldn't be the anchor for Nikki. Until this book, I still didn't feel connected entirely with Eric and his attitude. Sometimes he could be flirty like a normal guy. On other side, he's scary as fuck and cold.
✔ After some sessions with a therapist, she's doing better. Nikki's trying so hard to let go from Eric's influence. I think the therapist become her 'friend' because Nikki live her life alone. She need someone to hear and close to her. I just realize Eric never do the role. Be someone to comfort her. Eric always use sex as the communication with Nikki. Her survival instinct is increasing since she sense Eric couldn't fit the husband role anymore.
✔ It's become more obvious with the intervention from the certain person. Some the mysterious role is starting to appear until the end. More secrets unveiled and surprised me. I'm confused with some statement that I need to replaced back and forth. Faintly memorable because the turn of events is quite fast.
✔ But the most surprising thing is Nikki deserve the awards. Her performance was flawless and believable. Finally I understand what's her role for Eric this whole time. She need to bring Ethan back for their future. Eric become lost in his other personality. Nikki know the sacrifice she has to make in the end. After all, it's all about Eric and his happiness even it doesn't include her.
✔ As for the ending? Fuck... Heartbreak didn't even cover it. Tears. Oh my... I shed tears from my cold heart in the morning. I'm so glad I didn't end up have puffy red eyes. I have to lower my expectation with the warning. I knew something will happened with both of them but I'm not ready. Somehow it's just too coincidental or too careless? *shrugs*
You need to prepare for this roller coaster. It's one way to the darkness. I have shitty feeling because of this book. Nearly drove me insane to puzzle the clues. I couldn't forget the suspense and thrill until the end. Overall, The Darkest Descension is one crazy fucked up ride. Everything is tragedy and need to be happened in order to achieve the goal. What is it? Read it. Courtney Lane gave us the 'happy ending' they deserved. It is... done. I need sweet-as-diabetes story after read this.
The final book from Breaking Insanity series. Whew... This is one of the hardest story I've ever read. Nothing like this. Complicated and jaw dropping till the end. A little recap from previous book, with all the tragedy happened to Nikki, she's trying to protect her secret from her husband. Eric become more agitated after the lost of their unborn child. He hardly believe her wife even he claimed he still love her and wouldn't let her go. And now as the conclusion, I need to know the answer they're hiding it. I believe this isn't simple as a death wish from Nikki's mother. Eric made promise to protect her with all cost.
For that future to happen, I needed the man before me to disappear and reveal the man underneath. The persona of Eric had become a thickening layer, consuming Ethan and approaching a state dangerously close to killing him forever.
** BEWARE! MAYBE CONTAINS SPOILER! **
✔ I couldn't feel positive energy around Eric anymore. He did what his instinct to do include hurting Nikki. Because so many unfortunate events happened around them, I think Eric lost his mind. He couldn't be the anchor for Nikki. Until this book, I still didn't feel connected entirely with Eric and his attitude. Sometimes he could be flirty like a normal guy. On other side, he's scary as fuck and cold.
✔ After some sessions with a therapist, she's doing better. Nikki's trying so hard to let go from Eric's influence. I think the therapist become her 'friend' because Nikki live her life alone. She need someone to hear and close to her. I just realize Eric never do the role. Be someone to comfort her. Eric always use sex as the communication with Nikki. Her survival instinct is increasing since she sense Eric couldn't fit the husband role anymore.
✔ It's become more obvious with the intervention from the certain person. Some the mysterious role is starting to appear until the end. More secrets unveiled and surprised me. I'm confused with some statement that I need to replaced back and forth. Faintly memorable because the turn of events is quite fast.
✔ But the most surprising thing is Nikki deserve the awards. Her performance was flawless and believable. Finally I understand what's her role for Eric this whole time. She need to bring Ethan back for their future. Eric become lost in his other personality. Nikki know the sacrifice she has to make in the end. After all, it's all about Eric and his happiness even it doesn't include her.
✔ As for the ending? Fuck... Heartbreak didn't even cover it. Tears. Oh my... I shed tears from my cold heart in the morning. I'm so glad I didn't end up have puffy red eyes. I have to lower my expectation with the warning. I knew something will happened with both of them but I'm not ready. Somehow it's just too coincidental or too careless? *shrugs*
You need to prepare for this roller coaster. It's one way to the darkness. I have shitty feeling because of this book. Nearly drove me insane to puzzle the clues. I couldn't forget the suspense and thrill until the end. Overall, The Darkest Descension is one crazy fucked up ride. Everything is tragedy and need to be happened in order to achieve the goal. What is it? Read it. Courtney Lane gave us the 'happy ending' they deserved. It is... done. I need sweet-as-diabetes story after read this.
December 5, 2015
I Just Finished ~ I didn't want it to end...
The Ending??? I didn't expect.. Sooo bitter-sweet but I wouldn't change a thing..
Review to follow
The Ending??? I didn't expect.. Sooo bitter-sweet but I wouldn't change a thing..
Review to follow
January 5, 2016
I respect the author for her writing this book but for me as a reader who was severely invested with Eric and Nikki this ending was not how I wanted it to go, I loved the first book and just feel so let down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2015
I've waited three days to allow myself time to regroup and accept the events in this book. I don't think I could have predicted a tenth of the events in this series finale even with a gypsy tarot card reader!
TDD picks up where book 2 ended, Nikki and Eric's breakup. Those two are so miserable without each other. They're destructive together and even more so apart. Eric literally goes off the deep end. He's back on a rampage....torture and murder. Nikki is still searching for Ethan, the sensitive loving guy who existed before he became cold and dark Eric. After all, they both have something to live for now. Nikki is willing to keep things under wraps until Eric agrees to counseling. As Eric continues his self- destructive behavior, Nikki continues to fight her own demons/mental illness, obsession with Eric, and Eric himself.
Of the three books in the series, TDD is the most revealing, the most dramatic. This story will exploit every emotion you possess. This story will tie you up in knots and painfully wring every tear you possess. Big ugly tears! This story especially the end will gut you and will force you to question whether destiny and soul mates truly exist. You will question if the ultimate sacrifice is worth the debilitating pain that will most certainly follow if such a sacrifice truly exists. Is it acceptable for one part of the soul to make a decision of such a magnitude that would surely cripple the entire soul for the greater good?
Readers, I can only say prepare yourself to question every illusion you've ever encountered , read about, or witnessed in the finicky subject of love and obsession. This series displays one of the most emotionally graphic displays of love, obsession, and physical interdependence I've ever read. This three book series is beautifully dark, beautifully written and is one of my favorite . Read this series. You WILL NOT regret one single moment you spend reading this series.
Five gazillion emotional, sexy, obsessive, stars!
November 24, 2015
ARC given for honest review
HONESTLY I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
Dark, twisted, loving to the bitter end.
What a hell of a ride, Courtney has taken me on. I cannot count the amount of times I GASPED OUT LOUD while reading. I received some pretty strange looks.
The roller coaster of emotions I felt while reading the conclusion of Dr. Eric and Nikki's story was amazing. There were quit a few times I had to just walk away from the Kindle.
Both characters in my opinion grow so much in this conclusion.
However, read the warnings if you are looking for a beautiful romantic ending, think again. Nothing is as it seems.
However, I did love the ending, it’s how it was meant to be.
This book has left me in such a hangover, I need more Dr. Eric.!!!!!!
God I love that man
HONESTLY I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
Dark, twisted, loving to the bitter end.
What a hell of a ride, Courtney has taken me on. I cannot count the amount of times I GASPED OUT LOUD while reading. I received some pretty strange looks.
The roller coaster of emotions I felt while reading the conclusion of Dr. Eric and Nikki's story was amazing. There were quit a few times I had to just walk away from the Kindle.
Both characters in my opinion grow so much in this conclusion.
However, read the warnings if you are looking for a beautiful romantic ending, think again. Nothing is as it seems.
However, I did love the ending, it’s how it was meant to be.
This book has left me in such a hangover, I need more Dr. Eric.!!!!!!
God I love that man
March 10, 2018
The Conclusion WOW!....this series took over my life the last few days and I’m drained! This story was brilliantly executed from start to finish. The writing was mesmerizing. Nikki and Eric have a journey like no other filled with layers upon layers and many twists and turns. The author stays true to the characters and I so love that because it wouldn’t of worked for me any other way. Very dark, very twisted and I didn’t want it to end. I loved it!!!!
December 5, 2015
I was given an ARC from the Author for honest review.
What can I say I Loved The Darkest Descension, I think this book is my favorite out of them all But I have loved Eric and Nikki’s Story from the beginning and this book does not disappoint a lot of questions get answered a Few things I didn’t see coming.
I not going to say much because I don’t want to give anything away much but if you are after a HEA then as the Author says in the warning stop at the sordid promise. . I also couldn't see how else it could have ended as Eric/Ethan and Nikki story wasn't all hearts and flowers.
This is one hell of a ride and such an explosive and bittersweet ending to an amazing series. One of my all time series and it will stay with me for a long time to come.
If you do go ahead and read this it is not a standalone. You have to read The Sordid Promise and The Starkest Truth in order to understand what is going on in The Darkest Descension.
The Darkest Descension.
This is BY FAR my favorite in the whole series!!
What can I say I Loved The Darkest Descension, I think this book is my favorite out of them all But I have loved Eric and Nikki’s Story from the beginning and this book does not disappoint a lot of questions get answered a Few things I didn’t see coming.
I not going to say much because I don’t want to give anything away much but if you are after a HEA then as the Author says in the warning stop at the sordid promise. . I also couldn't see how else it could have ended as Eric/Ethan and Nikki story wasn't all hearts and flowers.
This is one hell of a ride and such an explosive and bittersweet ending to an amazing series. One of my all time series and it will stay with me for a long time to come.
If you do go ahead and read this it is not a standalone. You have to read The Sordid Promise and The Starkest Truth in order to understand what is going on in The Darkest Descension.
The Darkest Descension.
This is BY FAR my favorite in the whole series!!
December 7, 2015
Everything you could ask for in the crazy world of Dr. Eric Benton and Nikki was captured in this series finale. I will be the first to admit I wanted to stop with my vision of a HEA in the first book, The Sordid Promise. Once I found out this would be a series I tried, I really did to just ignore it. After all I was happy with TSP and being happy with the ending, well what more could I ask for. Well the more I could ask for is found in this book! I can't believe me, who loves the tidy little Cinderella endings would be okay. You know what though? I was more than okay. I was torn, distraught, hurt, and when I turned that last page, I was sorrowful yet somehow I was healed. No one else can do this folks. Honestly, how do you take a horrid man and pair him with a broken woman and find out everything ends just as it should be. As my book friend Emma stated "the perfect ending to an imperfect couple."
November 23, 2015
**ARC given for Honest Review**
Courtney completely made me a mess with this book. I still have yet to come down off the emotional high I got from it. Please read the warning before going through with this book and enter at your own risk. Now that I've said that, I couldn't even begin to imagine what she had in store for us with all the angst, emotions and twists that she gave us. She had me doubting my feelings for Eric then turned around to make me doubt everything I had learned with all the secrets that Eric and Nikki had been keeping. He is still one of my favorite characters though after taking this journey with him. I was blown away by all the answers we finally got and then the ending of this book. This just proves to me why I love Courtney and her work so much. This is a must read if you think you can handle a great mess with your mind type of series.
Courtney completely made me a mess with this book. I still have yet to come down off the emotional high I got from it. Please read the warning before going through with this book and enter at your own risk. Now that I've said that, I couldn't even begin to imagine what she had in store for us with all the angst, emotions and twists that she gave us. She had me doubting my feelings for Eric then turned around to make me doubt everything I had learned with all the secrets that Eric and Nikki had been keeping. He is still one of my favorite characters though after taking this journey with him. I was blown away by all the answers we finally got and then the ending of this book. This just proves to me why I love Courtney and her work so much. This is a must read if you think you can handle a great mess with your mind type of series.
February 15, 2016
5 Break my heart stars
Wow im rendered speechless about this book and the series itself. Really was beyond amazing and I enjoyed it so much. It was dark, disturbing and wow a total mindfuck. Had me on the edge snd guessing a lot. Not everything was what it seems. I.just decided to wtite a small review because im still hadnt gotten over this series. It was fantastically and beautiful written and I praise Courtney Lane.
Wow im rendered speechless about this book and the series itself. Really was beyond amazing and I enjoyed it so much. It was dark, disturbing and wow a total mindfuck. Had me on the edge snd guessing a lot. Not everything was what it seems. I.just decided to wtite a small review because im still hadnt gotten over this series. It was fantastically and beautiful written and I praise Courtney Lane.
Want to read
October 22, 20153rd Dec!!
January 4, 2016
"I'm so tired of feeling like I'm standing in the middle of a high security insane asylum, surrounded by deranged assholes who behave as if they are in full control of their mental facilities when I'm the sanest one there."
Like a roundabout that only gets faster and faster this series leaves you feeling dizzy and slightly sick, but you never want to get off! After the shocking ending of book 2 this one is an epic story of manipulation, perceptions and misdirection. The player's hand are all set to be revealed yet the results are not the expected! Nikki commences her journey to recovery, forcing herself to go cold turkey she does the unexpected and seeks help from a therapist to unlock her secrets. Through her sessions she starts to remember. Things she was meant to forget. The pieces come together and Nikki becomes clear in her directives although she is lost in a game of cat and mouse that commenced many years ago. A product of nature or nature, is Nikki and Eric the culmination of their upbringing or their genetics?
Eric is overwhelmed by the game he choose to play, no longer able to rely on his senses rheostat manipulator has lost his edge as he did the one thing he never thought he was capable of and fell in love. Like a puppet on a string he reacts to every jerk with immense repercussions, his actions leave irreparable damage...the consequences rippling out further than he could he ever imagine.
Stuck in the middle of a power play, nothing as moral as good and evil, more like various shades of dark....Nikki and Eric are pawns in a bigger game. Unaware of their tangled past and the warring factors that rightly or wrongly brought them together they must complete their parts to fruition. Sadly not everyone gets what they deserve and the ending was magnificent in its unexpectedness. This story is filled with suspense and intrigue, providing many answers but always creating more. As always Courtney Lane delivers an impassioned volatile love story that encompasses the darker side of human nature and explores the depths of evil we are willing to partake in for further development of our own fortunes. Never one to shy away from sensitive subjects this story is making no excuses for the characters behaviour or trying to justify it either which is totally refreshing to read. Nikki becomes someone better by the end of this story, her pain was her path to finding peace. Eric...poor manipulated boy was honed to become the instrument of death and despair and ultimately exceeds all expectations including those of his makers. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, the writing style, plot line and characters. Amazing and slightly awed.
A five star freaking marvellous read.
~*~ Obsessed by Books copy given in exchange for an honest review ~*~
Like a roundabout that only gets faster and faster this series leaves you feeling dizzy and slightly sick, but you never want to get off! After the shocking ending of book 2 this one is an epic story of manipulation, perceptions and misdirection. The player's hand are all set to be revealed yet the results are not the expected! Nikki commences her journey to recovery, forcing herself to go cold turkey she does the unexpected and seeks help from a therapist to unlock her secrets. Through her sessions she starts to remember. Things she was meant to forget. The pieces come together and Nikki becomes clear in her directives although she is lost in a game of cat and mouse that commenced many years ago. A product of nature or nature, is Nikki and Eric the culmination of their upbringing or their genetics?
Eric is overwhelmed by the game he choose to play, no longer able to rely on his senses rheostat manipulator has lost his edge as he did the one thing he never thought he was capable of and fell in love. Like a puppet on a string he reacts to every jerk with immense repercussions, his actions leave irreparable damage...the consequences rippling out further than he could he ever imagine.
Stuck in the middle of a power play, nothing as moral as good and evil, more like various shades of dark....Nikki and Eric are pawns in a bigger game. Unaware of their tangled past and the warring factors that rightly or wrongly brought them together they must complete their parts to fruition. Sadly not everyone gets what they deserve and the ending was magnificent in its unexpectedness. This story is filled with suspense and intrigue, providing many answers but always creating more. As always Courtney Lane delivers an impassioned volatile love story that encompasses the darker side of human nature and explores the depths of evil we are willing to partake in for further development of our own fortunes. Never one to shy away from sensitive subjects this story is making no excuses for the characters behaviour or trying to justify it either which is totally refreshing to read. Nikki becomes someone better by the end of this story, her pain was her path to finding peace. Eric...poor manipulated boy was honed to become the instrument of death and despair and ultimately exceeds all expectations including those of his makers. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, the writing style, plot line and characters. Amazing and slightly awed.
A five star freaking marvellous read.
~*~ Obsessed by Books copy given in exchange for an honest review ~*~
November 25, 2015
“Clutching the back of my head he proceeded to kiss me like we’d been apart for centuries. It was a kiss that made my knees weak and stirred up things inside me I thought were dormant. He separated slightly from our kiss, permitting me the time to swallow down the sob that tempted to spill forth and ruin everything.”
5 darkest stars!!! Ugh what an ending!!! I’m sad it’s over but d@mn that ending was phenomenal!!!
I will start off by saying this review is going to be short, becuase I don’t want to ruin anything. A lot of questions are answered in this book and loose ends are tied up nicely. I loved this journey that we go on with Nikki and Eric, it was dark, twisted and beyond words really! I’m sad that it has come to an end but I loved the way it ended!!
I love a great dark series, and I will say that this book is beyond that! It takes you on an emoitonal journey and has twists at every corner. I’m now a huge fan of Courtney Lane and will forever read anything she puts out, including an encyclopedia (ha ha ha). She’s a stellar author and knows how to grab the reader by the throat and just when you think you can’t breathe, she lets you go and punches you in the stomach!! I love it!!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
December 14, 2015
4.5 stars
All the control has been lost to Eric. Nikki and the baby are in danger. Eric must keep control of himself and the chaos that has started. Nikki can only watch as her life unravels as Eric slowly looses his path, if only for just a second. That second is all she needs to see what she must do to save her baby and Ethan. The past has been revealed, the lies, the secrets all entwine as the past collides with the present and will destroy the future. Eric must play the part in which to save Nikki, but with him the control is beginning to bring him to his knees. Their enemies are all around them and making great strides to take everything away.
Nikki knows what must be done to save her destiny, along with her family.
Self sacrifice, seeing the future of her family, the love of her life, Ethan and now their baby is the only thing that Nikki can see.
This love story is full of darkness, secrets, lies, betrayal, survival, heartache, but a love so deep that the end is the means for their love to survive. Disturbing but yet addictive. I couldn't put the book down until I got to the end and when I did, I was completely numb. So much emotion and feelings through the whole series. Faint of heart should be careful with this read.
All the control has been lost to Eric. Nikki and the baby are in danger. Eric must keep control of himself and the chaos that has started. Nikki can only watch as her life unravels as Eric slowly looses his path, if only for just a second. That second is all she needs to see what she must do to save her baby and Ethan. The past has been revealed, the lies, the secrets all entwine as the past collides with the present and will destroy the future. Eric must play the part in which to save Nikki, but with him the control is beginning to bring him to his knees. Their enemies are all around them and making great strides to take everything away.
Nikki knows what must be done to save her destiny, along with her family.
Self sacrifice, seeing the future of her family, the love of her life, Ethan and now their baby is the only thing that Nikki can see.
This love story is full of darkness, secrets, lies, betrayal, survival, heartache, but a love so deep that the end is the means for their love to survive. Disturbing but yet addictive. I couldn't put the book down until I got to the end and when I did, I was completely numb. So much emotion and feelings through the whole series. Faint of heart should be careful with this read.
December 5, 2015
A perfectly, perfect, fucked up twisted ending to a wild ride. My ticker took one for the team with this book, my heart racing and pounding as pages flew by.
This book hits close to home I understand mental illness and I understand the writers need for the perspectives she was able to give. It's a sick twisted world we live in and not all things are shiny and perfect, but can still be beautiful.
Eric & Nikki's conclusion was perfect for them. I couldn't flip through pages fast enough. Book 3 felt more on pace to the way I felt in book 1. While book 2 had its peaks and had lots of important information. I didn't feel the rush and urge quite the same as I did with books 1 and 3.
Would I recommend this book/series ABSOLUTELY!
Recommended audience would be those who love a wild ride, an I perfect perfect. I would warn of the 18 and older warning, take heed to all the earning the author has posted!
This book hits close to home I understand mental illness and I understand the writers need for the perspectives she was able to give. It's a sick twisted world we live in and not all things are shiny and perfect, but can still be beautiful.
Eric & Nikki's conclusion was perfect for them. I couldn't flip through pages fast enough. Book 3 felt more on pace to the way I felt in book 1. While book 2 had its peaks and had lots of important information. I didn't feel the rush and urge quite the same as I did with books 1 and 3.
Would I recommend this book/series ABSOLUTELY!
Recommended audience would be those who love a wild ride, an I perfect perfect. I would warn of the 18 and older warning, take heed to all the earning the author has posted!
January 14, 2016
WOW!! Just WOW!!
This book is a complete rollercoaster of emotions!!
Courtney Lane is one of my favorite mind f***s writers. She completely gets the thin thin line between a book boyfriend and a complete f***d- up guy, because even though Eric is one of the most evil characters I've read, doing some of the most evil things, I still can't let go of him!
The plot twists a were unpredictable and unforgettable and even though they made my heart all beoken,msome healed it from the first heartbreak from The Sordid Promise!
With an ending like the one in The Darkest Descension I have to say...Courtney Lane have talent! And guts!! Not many authors would be brave enough to do what shw did here! Bravo, Courtney!!!
November 25, 2015
mind blown. if you haven't read this series let me say it's a MUST. now one of my favorites EVER. no spoilers but this is the best one yet so if you read one and two you need this and it's so unpredictable. twists had no idea coming. Courtney is brilliant. definitely will continue to one click her always. no spoilers just read it. I was lucky enough to receive a arc for honest review and it was a honor again Courtney needs more stars....
December 9, 2015
Wow. Just wow... What a conclusion to an amazing series... I was blown away. This is not your typical romance and HEA. It's grity, it's raw. It's an emotional roller coaster with a dose of headtrip. As we learn more about their pasts, we realize they have seen and lived through so much more than we realized. This one's a tearjerker....
Tonight, she's going to show me just how badly she wants my forgiveness and be a very dirty girl for me.
Awesome.
Tonight, she's going to show me just how badly she wants my forgiveness and be a very dirty girl for me.
Awesome.
August 15, 2017
This "review" is not actually a review of the book itself, just about how the last 10% of this book did to me
This is the first (and might be the last) book I ever read that is dark and that I know won't have a happy ending. Both my heart and my mind were NOT prepared for a book series like this.
I knew because of the warning that there wasn't going to be a HEA.
There was a point in this book where I told myself to stop, but I continued anyway because I thought I could handle whatever was going to happen.
I ignored the warning and now I'm sitting in my room, in the fucking dark, tears in my eyes, and emotionally RUINED.
Despite the ending, the book series itself is definitely one of those that you stay up all night wanting to read.
This is the first (and might be the last) book I ever read that is dark and that I know won't have a happy ending. Both my heart and my mind were NOT prepared for a book series like this.
I knew because of the warning that there wasn't going to be a HEA.
There was a point in this book where I told myself to stop, but I continued anyway because I thought I could handle whatever was going to happen.
I ignored the warning and now I'm sitting in my room, in the fucking dark, tears in my eyes, and emotionally RUINED.
Despite the ending, the book series itself is definitely one of those that you stay up all night wanting to read.
December 5, 2015
If you are looking for a love story, a happily ever after or one of those cliché romance stories where mental illness disappear just because the protagonist has fallen in love: this series is not for you.
Ethan is a tortured. He was abused as a young boy and in order to disconnect himself from his past he created an alter ego: Eric.
Eric Brenton is Satan reincarnated. The things he did to women were repulsive, the way that he treated people was despicable, and he killed people like you’d kill flies. Okay things aren't so black and white in this book but Eric's method of "breaking" women was just diabolic. I liked Ethan and I sympathised with him but Eric? I wouldn't shed a tear over him.
I liked Nikki in the first book, I really did. I found her annoying in the second book, I’m still not sure how I feel about her in the third book.
Nikki was depressed and even after she married Eric she was still dealing with her own demons.I’ve read so many god-awful stories were the girl has social anxiety/ depression and yet as soon as the handsome guy who everyone totally wants look at her she becomes the baddest bitch in the game. This was not the case in these books. I really respect the author for pointing out that just because you get the guy it doesn’t mean that your depression magically disappears.
This series was very difficult to rate. Overall this story was dark, epic and brutal. I loved it! I love the author’s writing style and really enjoyed reading this series but I had to give it 3 stars and here is why.
Eric’s delusional ass. The guy believes that he is god’s gift to mankind and every woman within 100 miles wants to have sex with him.
****my face every time Eric bragged about his looks or referred to his penis as a “gift”****
“No bad deed done against Nikki goes unpunished.” Oh the irony! The amount of shit that Eric did and said to Nikki were despicable and yet he’s ready to kill anyone who even dares to give Nikki the evil eye? Hypocrite. BUT he did have his moments and he did love Nikki in his own way. Also I liked how he was protective of Nikki when people tried to talk shit about her.
The sex scenes. It just got ridiculous so I started to skip them. I don’t even think some of the sex scenes were necessary. I don’t understand why every conversation lead to sex.
Nikki annoyed me a little. Eric was abusive and yet she still loved/ felt some type of way about him.
I understand that she’s self-destructive but my goodness! It got tiring. I wanted Nikki to channel her mother’s badassness (I know that’s not a word, don’t judge me) and... I don’t know, I just expected more from her in the second and third book. I wanted her character to develop, it did a little bit in the end but there were times when I really wanted her to be strong but she was just sloppy. Anyway I know depression is a bitch so yeah.
I don’t know how I feel about the ending. I don’t know if it was necessary but then again we are dealing with Eric here unless Nikki did something extreme nothing could really change him. I don’t know if Nikki deserved that ending but hey it’slife,or rather fiction, and shit happens.
Ethan is a tortured. He was abused as a young boy and in order to disconnect himself from his past he created an alter ego: Eric.
Eric Brenton is Satan reincarnated. The things he did to women were repulsive, the way that he treated people was despicable, and he killed people like you’d kill flies. Okay things aren't so black and white in this book but Eric's method of "breaking" women was just diabolic. I liked Ethan and I sympathised with him but Eric? I wouldn't shed a tear over him.
I liked Nikki in the first book, I really did. I found her annoying in the second book, I’m still not sure how I feel about her in the third book.
Nikki was depressed and even after she married Eric she was still dealing with her own demons.I’ve read so many god-awful stories were the girl has social anxiety/ depression and yet as soon as the handsome guy who everyone totally wants look at her she becomes the baddest bitch in the game. This was not the case in these books. I really respect the author for pointing out that just because you get the guy it doesn’t mean that your depression magically disappears.
This series was very difficult to rate. Overall this story was dark, epic and brutal. I loved it! I love the author’s writing style and really enjoyed reading this series but I had to give it 3 stars and here is why.
Eric’s delusional ass. The guy believes that he is god’s gift to mankind and every woman within 100 miles wants to have sex with him.
****my face every time Eric bragged about his looks or referred to his penis as a “gift”****
“No bad deed done against Nikki goes unpunished.” Oh the irony! The amount of shit that Eric did and said to Nikki were despicable and yet he’s ready to kill anyone who even dares to give Nikki the evil eye? Hypocrite. BUT he did have his moments and he did love Nikki in his own way. Also I liked how he was protective of Nikki when people tried to talk shit about her.
The sex scenes. It just got ridiculous so I started to skip them. I don’t even think some of the sex scenes were necessary. I don’t understand why every conversation lead to sex.
Nikki annoyed me a little. Eric was abusive and yet she still loved/ felt some type of way about him.
I understand that she’s self-destructive but my goodness! It got tiring. I wanted Nikki to channel her mother’s badassness (I know that’s not a word, don’t judge me) and... I don’t know, I just expected more from her in the second and third book. I wanted her character to develop, it did a little bit in the end but there were times when I really wanted her to be strong but she was just sloppy. Anyway I know depression is a bitch so yeah. I don’t know how I feel about the ending. I don’t know if it was necessary but then again we are dealing with Eric here unless Nikki did something extreme nothing could really change him. I don’t know if Nikki deserved that ending but hey it’s
December 9, 2015
The Darkest Descension is the third book in the Breaking Insanity Series. I knew the moment I read the warning that I was going to love reading this book. The book is not for the faint of heart; it is dark, raw, gritty and very real. If you need a traditional happy ending this book is not for you; however if you love a dark, erotic, twisted stories you will love The Darkest Descension.
The Darkest Descension is about the dissection of Dr Eric Brenton. This book follows Eric and Nikki as they both try to find themselves and learn how to cope. Nikki is very troubled and is seeking therapy to deal with her issues. Eric has issues of his own but doesn’t seem willing or able to admit he has them or to be able to come to terms with them. How far are they willing to go to prove their love? Will they be able to find the help they need and end up together in the end?
The characters are so raw and real. Ms Lane made me feel every emotion that they went through. I felt so sorry for Nikki. She seemed weak but she was much stronger than anyone thinks. She was beautiful, smart and resourceful. I had a love hate relationship with Eric. At times he was caring but a lot of the times he was cold and ruthless. He didn’t seem to have a conscious, he just did whatever he pleased thinking that his actions wouldn’t have consequences.
This book kept me on my toes from the beginning to the end. It was full of twists and turns. I loved that it was so unpredictable. I love a dark read and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. It had my emotions all over the place and at times I couldn’t believe what I had just read. It made me question everything and trust no one. The ending was absolutely perfect and completely unexpected. I cannot wait to read more from Ms Lane
The Darkest Descension is about the dissection of Dr Eric Brenton. This book follows Eric and Nikki as they both try to find themselves and learn how to cope. Nikki is very troubled and is seeking therapy to deal with her issues. Eric has issues of his own but doesn’t seem willing or able to admit he has them or to be able to come to terms with them. How far are they willing to go to prove their love? Will they be able to find the help they need and end up together in the end?
The characters are so raw and real. Ms Lane made me feel every emotion that they went through. I felt so sorry for Nikki. She seemed weak but she was much stronger than anyone thinks. She was beautiful, smart and resourceful. I had a love hate relationship with Eric. At times he was caring but a lot of the times he was cold and ruthless. He didn’t seem to have a conscious, he just did whatever he pleased thinking that his actions wouldn’t have consequences.
This book kept me on my toes from the beginning to the end. It was full of twists and turns. I loved that it was so unpredictable. I love a dark read and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. It had my emotions all over the place and at times I couldn’t believe what I had just read. It made me question everything and trust no one. The ending was absolutely perfect and completely unexpected. I cannot wait to read more from Ms Lane
December 10, 2015
I've agonized over this review for well over a week. I struggled with the rating because although I did not need to have a HEA, I did not necessarily like the way it ended. So make sure you heed the warning, if you need the HEA then don't read this book. This isn't my first Courtney Lane book so I knew going in it would be a hard read. With the way things ended in book 2, we knew Eric was in a dark place and no longer trusted Nikki. Meanwhile Nikki continued with her inner battles that she has fought since the beginning. I really wanted her to have a somewhat happy for now ending at least. With some of the things she has been through I think she deserved that. I didn't need her to end up with Eric but I wanted her to have a better life. I'm torn with her actions at the end. I understand her and I don't. Now I can't say much as I don't want to spoil, but I couldn't see her doing what she did at the end especially when the outcome she was hoping for was not guaranteed in regards to another life. She got lucky and that wasn't explained fully, orders from Victor were different. I apologize for talking in circles but I don't want to ruin it for others. My initial rating was going to be a 3, but that wouldn't have been fair since it was based on not liking the ending. I went with a 4 since in a way it made it more real, not everyone gets a HEA. There are lots of secrets and lies to comb through so buckle up for a bumpy ride.
December 31, 2016
I am dead. The Darkest Descension takes you all over the place. Just with the plot and the characters, I did not know what to do, who to believe, what to expect.
I really enjoyed this. This book-this trilogy is not for the faint-hearted. There is a lot that happens in this trilogy, one mostly dealing with mental illness.
The last thing that I will say about this book was that the ending was expected, yet not. It was a perfect ending the more I thought about it and I love that Courtney Lane went there.
I really enjoyed this. This book-this trilogy is not for the faint-hearted. There is a lot that happens in this trilogy, one mostly dealing with mental illness.
The last thing that I will say about this book was that the ending was expected, yet not. It was a perfect ending the more I thought about it and I love that Courtney Lane went there.
February 20, 2016
TORE UP!! I am tore the hell up and a hot ass mess right now.
My poor Eric!
Review to follow shortly.
**update, Feb 2016, I'm slack on reviews, forgive me**
3 months later and I'm still tore the fuck up over the ending to this series. I know all good things must end but I weren't expecting it to end the way it did. I love how Courtney Lane fucks with my head but I have to admit, she fucked with my heart this time.
My poor Eric!
Review to follow shortly.
**update, Feb 2016, I'm slack on reviews, forgive me**
3 months later and I'm still tore the fuck up over the ending to this series. I know all good things must end but I weren't expecting it to end the way it did. I love how Courtney Lane fucks with my head but I have to admit, she fucked with my heart this time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 5, 2015No rating. No words. This ending shattered my heart.
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