The Lion's Den

Faraway #2

by Eliza Freed

The stunning conclusion to the Faraway novels.

Genres: Romance, Adult, Forbidden Love, Contemporary

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2016

About the author

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Eliza Freed graduated from Rutgers University and returned to her hometown in rural South Jersey. Her mother encouraged her to take some time and find herself. After three months of searching, she began to bounce checks, her neighbors began to talk, and her mother told her to find a job.

She settled into corporate America, learning systems and practices and the bureaucracy that slows them. Eliza quickly discovered her creativity and gift for story telling as a corporate trainer and spent years perfecting her presentation skills and studying diversity. It was during this time she became an avid observer of the characters she met and the heartaches they endured. Her years of study taught her that laughter, even the completely inappropriate kind, was the key to survival.

She currently lives in New Jersey with her family and a misbehaving beagle named Odin. As an avid swimmer, if Eliza is not with her family and friends, she'd rather be underwater. While she enjoys many genres, she is, and always has been, a sucker for a love story…the more screwed up the better.
To keep up with all of Eliza’s new releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter at
http://www.elizafreed.com/love-letter....

Reviews

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was AWESOME!

QUICK REVIEW of book 2:

Enjoyment: 4/5
Writing style: 4/5
Storyline: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Hero: 4/5 (beta hero)
Heroine: 4/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/steam: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Angst/feels: 3/5
Darkness level: 2/5
Humor: 2/5
Depth of the book: 3/5
POV: multiple, 1st person
Recommended for: fans of Jessica Hawkins, Mia Asher
Triggers:cheating; a suicide scene

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 STARS BOOK 1 - 5 STARS BOOK 2

”I was married. I was bored. This was nothing but a dangerous distraction. It was the devil’s playground.”

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Talk about stumbling across a true blue winner this two book series was seriously fantastic! Thank you KU for gifting me the opportunity of trying the first story. Friends, this is the story about an unhappy housewife, Meredith Walsh who no matter how hard she tries not to have affair with the amazing Chief of Police, Vincent Pratt they fall for one another. Meredith keeps finding herself trapped in his orbit. But that’s not all there is to this story, yes we get Meredith’s unhappiness not being able to be a career woman, her sucky husband and her children but the author blows it out of the park with the second book which is placed on my Favorite Shelf. The conclusion was so fast paced, well written, shocking and well done. Below you will find my review for both books which if you can handle cheating book I highly recommend!!

BOOK ONE ~ The Devil’s Playground ~ 4 STARS : This book is well written but slightly on the slow side. This first book is told entirely in Meredith’s POV and paints a picture of the unhappy housewife stuck in a town where she struggles to connect, a marriage where her husband Brad is at work nonstop:

”He was perfect. He works, for God’s sake.”

Meredith connects and falls for a married man:

”He was magnificent. A souvenir I hadn’t paid for, the vacation I didn’t earn. He was stolen goods, and I never wanted to return him, but I also knew I wouldn’t do the time to keep him. The cost was too high.”

Meredith struggles with growing feelings for Vincent:

”We’re not together. We’re not part of each other’s lives. We’re a fantasy. A play with an opening night and a curtain call. “We’re perfect together. “We’re a secret.”



BOOK TWO ~ The Lion’s Den ~ 5 STARS: Told in three POVS, YES Brad, Vince and Meredith’s all have a voice and guide this conclusion. It held tons of twists and turns and completely exceeded my expectations!!

Some FAV quotes:

”I loved him now. I knew I’d love him then. It wasn’t just an affair.”

”When a married man had an affair with a young girl, he was the only one having an affair. She was dating.”

”He’d played both women wrong, and now, we were putting the screws to him, and he couldn’t manage either of us. I hoped.”

I highly recommend this series to readers who don’t mind/like a well written story of deceit and love!

”You can’t be held captive if you can’t be caught.”

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Book 1 ended with a bit of a cliffhanger. I was wondering how all this would pan out. Vince, Meredith, Brad! Secrets and Lies.

I am happily married. Would I act if I met someone I was attracted to? If there was a spark? A connection? Doubt it ... "happily married", that is the key I suppose. Is Meredith happy? Is Brad a fucking dickhead?

Saying that, if it was Bruce ... I wouldn't have to think twice! LOL.


Bit of a twist in this one that I did not see coming and sort of justified the means to the end.

"I'm not the kind of woman who has an affair."

"Just follow your heart. It'll lead you home."

I would have loved to have had the ending a bit further down the road ... maybe a year or two later and see what is going on!

[Jenny••Steamy Reads Blog•• · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally blew my expectations. Blew them completely away. Hands down beautiful!!!!

This was everything and more to me. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, but I did! For those of you on the fence on to read this or not, read it, don't second guess it, it is simply amazing and you won't be sorry!! And it ends perfectly.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...this series was unputdownable for me. The Lion's Den is a top read for me. I need to come up with a review. But seriously. This series.

[Donna ~ The Romance Cover · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devils Playground &
The Lions Den by Eliza Freed
4 stars & 4.5 stars!!!!

“This was nothing but a dangerous distraction. It was the devil’s playground.”

These two books are a duet and ones that I read one after the other, only taking the mandatory toilet breaks and of course feeding the husband and kids, they were that addictive. Yes, this book does contain cheating which I know is a major turn off for some readers, however, the way that Meredith’s story is delivered is sympathetic, understandable and totally consuming.

“I’ve stopped time and have you all to myself, and in the moments I’m quiet, I’m trying to figure out how to never start it again.”

The Devils Playground is totally told in Meredith’s point of view and brings to the forefront just how lost she feels. Having been forced to move to the suburbs by her husband, to a house that she didn’t want and an area where she knew no-one she had never felt so isolated. Once a high flying attorney Meredith’s life is now monotonous, predictable and totally orbits around the lives of her two hilarious children. Meredith’s kids are the light of her majorly dim life and if it wasn’t for them she would have given up a long time ago.

Meredith’s husband, Brad, still lives the single life. He “works” all the hour’s god sends and is never ever around. Leaving the house in the early hours and rarely home before 10pm. Always attending happy hours, company dinners and a plethora of parties, leaving Meredith and the kids behind. “Work” invades his weekends and he really is a stranger in the night. I had my suspicions about Brad from the very beginning, he tried to come across as perfect and being the bread winner for the family, but when someone is so perfect, more often than not they are not, they are always hiding something.

“He’d wanted me so much back then, and I’d wanted him to have me. I just hadn’t realised how much he would take.”

Vince, I ADORED this man, he was the Colonel, the head of police in this little community and everyone loved him. He was the one stable person of authority that everyone relied upon and he was selfless. He helped everybody, was a volunteer for all school and community functions and was a real pillar of the community. He had a wife and family too, but in the past two years he had really been at the point of his life where he was re-evaluating everything.

“He was magnificent. A souvenir I hadn’t paid for, the vacation I didn’t earn. He was stolen goods, and I never wanted to return them, but I also knew I wouldn’t do the time to keep him. The cost was too high.”

When Meredith and Vincent’s paths cross the attraction is undeniable, the chemistry is palpable and the kindle literally combusted. But Meredith is a woman of morals and was adamant that she would never have an affair. Eliza Freed really captured that push and pull of attraction, that back of forth of conscience over emotion and the true fight to do what is right and to try and make the right choices.

“This won’t work if you’re in love with me. A mistake will be made.”
“It isn’t a mistake.”
“It’s worse. We’re a tragedy.”

As much as I should have been rooting for these two to steer clear of each other there was no denying their attraction and it really was a foregone conclusion. This was not just an attraction of lust but they had an undeniable friendship, a soul mate connection that grew and grew the more and more they spent in each other’s company. It is this intense connection that managed to shift my moral compass firmly in their corner. I would never condone an affair, however, these two were perfect for each other and with such a crappy husband who showed her no affection, no attention and literally used her, it was no surprise that she strayed. However, it was not an easy choice and one that she battled with for a long time.

“Brad didn’t realize I wasn’t some twenty-five-year-old he was fucking. I was his wife, and I was already gone.”

The Lion’s Den was fast paced and action packed and was told in three POV’s, Brad, Vince and Meredith. Eliza Freed really delivers an epic conclusion to this duet that will have you on the edge of your seat while delivering curve ball after curve ball.

“Just follow your heart. It’ll lead you home.”
“What if my heart lost its memory too?”

Everyone’s story is told in this book and finally you get to see the behind scenes, warts and all which only added another dimension to the twisted that Eliza Freed has penned.

“When a married man had an affair with a young girl, he was the only one having an affair. She was dating.”

This duet was totally addictive, unputdownable and for me, an easy, quick read. Meredith’s kids really add the fun factor to this story and created many a laugh out loud moment as I sympathised with the endless, monotonous unanswerable questions that kids manage to pluck out of thin air and of course you cannot beat their unique fashion sense. Meredith was the epitome of a mama bear, her kids always came first and foremost and she would lay her life down for them, her life was her kids until someone showed her that she deserved a life too.

“I was unhappy-horribly unhappy-and lonely. I let you fix what you never broke. I let you fill a spot you never vacated. I slipped into the darkness, because I’d follow you to hell if you asked me to.”

This was a beautiful story that will have you heart swooning, while the suspense will have your stomach tied up in knots. It’s emotional in places but perfectly balanced with wit and humour that will also have you laughing out loud. For a cheating story, it worked, it wasn’t illicit, it was two people that found love when they weren’t looking. I cannot wait to read more from this author, my only complaint…I WANT AN EPILOGUE!!!!!

“I’m Daniel, and my marriage is the lion’s den.”

www.theromancecover.com

[Loz · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!

i have been thinking about this book for the last few days even while reading another book so when i finally got a chance to sit down and devour it, well my expectations were pretty high! especially as book #1 is my favourite book i have read so far this year (and what a cliffhanger it left us with!)

this picks up right after the end of book #1 and straight away i was on the edge of my seat because i had no idea which direction we would be taking and i absolutely loved where it all went. there is so many twists and turns. i really liked the different pov's used. they really opened up the story and understanding of characters and their motives more. the pov's definitely worked well here, especially as its the conclusion so you wanted to know more from certain key players.

i loved that just when you think you may know where it's all heading, this author throws you a curve ball that has you furiously turning the pages. she just continues to suprise you in the best of ways. eliza freed's writing, characters and stories are always so bloody addictive and brilliant!! auto buy author for sure.

i am very happy with the way this story evolved and ultimately ended. as a reader, i don't mind cheating in my books especially with a good story to go with it and this is one of the best i have read. let's face it, flawed characters are always the most interesting to read. there is no wrong and no right here, no victim and no villain (even though brad was a dirtbag fool.) you really feel for and along with these characters. it was all really believeable at times.

if you haven't read this author, you're seriously missing out. her other series is just as addicting. i already eagerly await what she has in store for us next!

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

DAMN that was GOOD!!!

I’ve had my eye on The Lion’s Den since that painful cliffy in the first book, and I am so glad I continued with this story. As with many series, I often lose interest in subsequent installments, but not with the Faraway series! I was determined to see how this story would end and just as I thought…. The Lion’s Den would NOT let my attention go! ABSOLUTELY CAPTIVATING!

This installment picks up right where The Devil’s Playground left off. Vincent Pratt gets that dreaded text from Meredith Walsh that signals their affair is over. As the story progresses, a tragic accident leaves both Vincent and Meredith struggling to figure out if they can ever be together again, but as one marriage falls apart and the other one evolves into something sinister, finding each other might be their only salvation.

I loved how Eliza Freed concluded this story! I’m always a sucker for illicit relationships because only in fiction do I allow myself to let my morale compass navigate to forbidden territory. It’s always exciting to travel with these characters as they make choices that have me at the edge of my seat.

The Lion’s Den was absolutely addictive. I finished this story in one sitting, all the while stopping myself from jumping to the end for spoilers. I can’t wait to pick up another novel by this author. She definitely has a way of creating an exciting adventure and testing your moral limits. Loved it!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

"...our character has consequences.”

I would not go into details as to what happened in this book because I felt that it was better off if left unsaid. So, my review will be vague.

This is the conclusion of the Faraway Series, and I must say that it was far better than the first book. Because for one, it was written in multiple POV namely Brad, Meredith and Vince. And even though most of them still came from Meredith, having the POV of others gives more meaning to the story. Another thing was that this book has more story in it.

The moment I found out about the truth, my initial reaction was how convenient! So, I just set aside my disappointment and continued on with a new perspective to fully appreciate the story.

As I mentioned earlier, this book has more depths in it as it doesn't just focus on the "cheating". It also has some mystery in it, although there were some scenes that puzzled me and up until the very end, I wasn't given the answer.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

This book is part of a duet and should be read in order.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this duet! I highly recommend these books if you don't mind cheating. Strong writing.

[✦❋Arianna✦❋ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*REVIEW OF THE WHOLE SERIES*
4 Stars!! Book 1 and 4.5 Stars!! Book2



Is cheating always wrong? Is it ever okay to cheat? When cheating is the “right” thing to do? Eliza Freed tells the story of a woman who struggles to find all these answers. Since this duet obviously deals with cheating, which I know for sure is a turn off for many readers, my advice is to read this duet with an open mind and of course, don’t condemn these characters before reading their story from start to finish. Keep in mind that sometimes things are not quite so simple always as black and white.

Eliza Freed delivered an enthralling duet that kept my interest from the very beginning until the end. This duet is so well written, so addictive and I honestly couldn’t put it down. These two books simply consumed me, kept me at the edge of my seat for one reason or another and trust me when I say they have just a little bit of everything for you to be engrossed in these characters’ story from the very first chapter.

"He’d wanted me so much back then, and I’d wanted him to have me. I just hadn’t realized how much he would take."

Meredith is a wife and the mother of two young children. Until nine years ago she used to work as an attorney with the Justice Department. Her life now is very different, monotonous and evolves around her children and sometimes around her husband, Brad. She’s unhappy, lonely in her marriage and she desperately needs something or someone to fill her with life. She loves her children with all her heart, but she wants, needs something else.

“He was magnificent. A souvenir I hadn’t paid for, the vacation I didn’t earn. He was stolen goods, and I never wanted to return him, but I also knew I wouldn’t do the time to keep him. The cost was too high.”

Meredith starts to feel something, to fell a little bit alive when she meets Vince, the Colonel, the Chief of Police. She feels a strong attraction towards him, wanting not only his attention, but also…something more. Vince is married with his high school sweetheart and has three children. He’s a genuinely good person, a loyal father and an important man in the small community.

Meredith and Vince start a tentative friendship that becomes something more even if both of them, especially Meredith tries to fight their strong attraction.



As much as Meredith craves Vince’s touch and as much she wants the whole situation to be different for them, she can’t be selfish, she just can’t hurt her children having an affair. But as time passes Meredith reluctantly accepts what Vince proposes her – an illicit affair, but with a set of rules.

“Love radiated from his touch and was followed by the realization it belonged to someone else. He was another woman’s husband—not mine.”

But nothing is as simple as it seems. Meredith and Vince are not the only ones who have secrets. What will happen between Meredith and Vince? Will they be willing to sacrifice their marriages to be together?

Like everyone else I hate cheating in RL and like many readers I’m not a big fan of cheating in my books. While I don’t particularly love these kind of books, I have to admit that I really enjoyed this duet. It was well written, fascinating and so gripping. The cheating aspect was done so well that I almost believe there’s always a reason to cheat. Almost! The duet was structured really well and the way the story unfolded really pleased me. While the first installment is told entirely in Meredith’s POV (which I didn’t like too much since there were numerous times when I wanted to be in Vince’s head), the second one is told from three point-of-views.

Both Meredith and Vince were realistically portrayed (especially Meredith), likeable and in some way relatable. Meredith was easy to like even if she becomes a cheater as the story progresses. Maybe because it was easy to sympathize with her or more exactly with her situation. You can feel her unhappiness from the moment she is introduced, her love for her two children and later her attraction towards Vince. I liked Meredith even if at times I didn’t agree with all her decisions. She was a strong woman even if for so many years was Brad’s slave (in some way). She was a great mother, she was fun at times, smart-mouthed, she was honest with herself (most of the time) and overall I enjoyed her personality.

“You are my day off, my birthday surprise, a rainbow, a full moon, a four-leaf clover, and a lucky penny all rolled into one.”

Vince was a great beta-hero. I liked the way he was with Meredith from the beginning. I also felt his love for her as the story progressed. Their chemistry was palpable from the start and I liked how their forbidden relationship progressed. Not only I liked them together, but I also rooted for these two to start and later continue their affair.

The second installment was fast paced with more action and suspense which I enjoyed very much. It was a great conclusion to these characters’ story filled with some interesting twists and turns that really kept me at the edge of my seat.

Overall, this was a fantastic duet and I highly recommend it if you don’t mind cheating in your books!

“You can’t be held captive
If you can’t be caught”

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

WARNING : Yes this story contains cheating, so heed the warning.
IF the subject matter is a hard limit for you, please be kind and move along.

I'll keep this short and sweet; I LOVE this duet, even though it tore at my heart strings.
There are decisions, scenarios, actions and reactions that I may not agree with, but experiencing the emotions that I felt..........how can I not love this?

Bravo Ms. Freed!!!!! You rocked my socks off :D

Reading order:


Final honest rating : 4.5 stars

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 + stars!!!!
Eliza Freed, you are freaking brilliant!
I can't count how many times I was tempted to flip forward to see what crazy thing she cooked up. Only I knew if I did I'd miss something. She's sneaky and makes things twisted and thinks of things my imagination never could. I loved the different povs.
I know people dislike affairs in books and sometimes refuse to read books because of it, but it's a reality in this world. It's written so well that you love the characters for their strength to overcome their circumstances. Both books are addictive. It's one of those books that you finish and can't stop thinking about it. I woke up and thought I want more. I was sad I finished!
I told my husband I would read a few more chapters then go to bed, that ended up with me finishing it. I can't review this book and do it justice. I have loved everything I've read by her. Pick it up as soon as it's available, you won't regret it!! The only thing I can say is can I have more of this story.

[evergreencrime · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice conclusion to the story. I loved it. I loved the pace. The author knew what she was doing when she included Brad's and The Colonel's POV at the beginning. With that, we are able to understand better and adapt to the new situation with Meredith.

I'll definitely check out other books from this author because her style of writing really made me connect easily to the characters.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my most anticipated books for 2016…and it was amazing! The Devil’s Playground had left my spine tingling and my nerves rattled, needing to know what was going to become of Meredith, her relationships, and her family.

The Lion’s Den picks up right where The Devil’s Playground left off, but this time the book starts out with the story unfolding from Brad and Vince’s perspectives (throws confetti and cheers). Yes, I was more than a little excited to get into the minds of these men! I felt as though I already had a pretty good understanding of Meredith and her feelings, but I was curious to find out more about the men in her life. Why was her husband such a cold, distant jerk? What was wrong with Vince’s marriage that made him stray? Oh, it was insightful!

Meredith is faced with a new dilemma in The Lion’s Den. An unfortunate accident has left her with temporary memory loss. While she is struggling to regain her lost memories, her husband is trying to convince her that their marriage is rock solid, while Vince just wants her to be happy – even if her happiness means it’s without him. The only thing that Meredith knows for certain is that her kids are and always will be the center of her world.

Part of the way through the book it goes back to Meredith’s perspective. I felt for Meredith’s situation. As a reader, it was impossible not to root for Meredith and want her to find her own slice of happiness. She had flaws, she wasn’t perfect, but she deserved to be at peace with herself and her decisions. I left my morals back at the beginning of the first book in the series and completely immersed myself in the story. It is so well done, so well thought out and developed that I hated to see the book come to an end.

I read this book in record time. Just like the first book in the series, I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. I would love nothing more than to get into all of the juicy little details of the book and to shout them out from the rooftops, but I don’t want to risk spoiling it for anyone. The Lion’s Den is gripping and intense, with twists that I never saw coming. Between the superb writing, the captivating storyline and the fascinating characters, the Faraway Series has become one of my favorite series.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book of 2016 couldn't have been better. What an awesome conclusion to the story. I sometimes get bored and want to skip forward but with the writing in this book I did not even think about that! I knew every word was worth reading! Both of the Faraway books are excellent. They're the kind that you think about all day and after you force yourself to put the book down at night. Now I'm just excited to dive right into Eliza Freed's other books!

[E.M. Abel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent all day reading this book.
It was so good and the perfect closure I needed.
Vince... *sigh*
One of the best heroes I've ever read.

[thi · Rating 3 out of 5]

this duology was a lot of fun

it’s not that I like affairs and cheating necessarily but they really make some of the most heart wrenching and compelling reads

Within this trope I’ve mostly read the cases where the married couple strive to move past the infidelity, some ive really liked, a lot I’ve been meh about and and of course a few I’ve hated

I think an integral factor to my enjoyment is how well I understand (more often than not) the heroine’s decisions, and Meredith, a former attorney, was hands down my favourite and most memorable to read

she’s well aware of the consequences and is simultaneously the most caring and calcified person in the room?? I just really enjoyed her

where book one was perhaps a typical angsty draws book two steered into more suspense elements which I LOVED

an overall satisfying series

3.5/5

[Lindsey King · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERFECTION!

[Gina ~Pink Lace Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that I am a devoted fan to Eliza Freed would be an understatement. Prior to reading The Devil’s Playground, I had never heard of Ms. Freed and what a shame that would have been not finding out about her. The Devil’s Playground and its sequel—The Lion’s Den—are, by far, two of the best books I’ve read in a long time. And I read A LOT of books! You can find our reviews of The Devil’s Playground here. I loved it. So did my partner in crime and reading, Nat.

I loved the realness of the characters and the situation. Most of us reading this book are wives and mothers. Most of us understand the difficulties, the exhaustion and the pure joy involved in life. Ms. Freed brought all of that to us in a raw and emotional manner in The Devil’s Playground. And she did it again in The Lion’s Den.

The Lion’s Den did not disappoint. And I tweeted Ms. Freed that as I was about fifty percent into the book. (She kindly tweeted me back! J) This book had the same deep and authentic characters. I was entranced by the storyline, which this time was told in three different POVs—Meredith’s, Vince’s and Brad’s. (Just a hint—if you weren’t a fan of Brad in The Devil’s Playground, I assure you—he will not win you over in this book.)

The Lion’s Den takes you further into the lives of these three individuals and it is riveting. The first book ends on a cliff-hanger. Did Brad know about Meredith’s affair? If so, what did he know and how much? And what exactly would he do about it? Well, we find out early in The Lion’s Den and I didn’t like it. At. All.

But it’s what happens afterwards that is beautiful.

Meredith has to find herself—literally. And as she pieces things back together, she learns more than she thought possible. Her journey was a pleasure to experience—rediscovery in all forms can be incredible. She rediscovered her children, her husband, her friends and her lover. Though some of her actions—the restaurant scene in particular—seemed a little out of character and a bit crazy, I’m one of the biggest fans of Meredith. Being true to yourself is the best gift you can give yourself and those in your life. Meredith eventually does that in this book—it’s lovely. You’d be hard pressed to find a more genuine and real character in a book anywhere. She’s flawed and yet perfect because she’s flawed.

And if I thought for one second after reading The Devil’s Playground that I couldn’t fall more in love with Vincent Pratt, I was delirious. Seriously. I know the situation is imperfect. I know this relationship between he and Meredith is a result of an affair for both of them. I know people have been hurt, particularly Vince’s wife. And I struggled with this. I know the wrongness in an affair. I realize the hurt involved in that. But if you read these book with an open mind, you also realize that life is imperfect and good people can make mistakes. WE all make mistakes. And Vince—despite his errors in judgment—is a patient, caring and decent man. I loved him after the first book, but after The Lion’s Den—I fell head over heels for him.

I don’t want to give all the secrets away—especially if you’re reading this review to determine whether or not to read this series. READ IT. It’s one of the most real romance stories you will read. Yes, I’m a big fan of the instant attractions or billionaire meets damsel or bad boy and good girl fall in love in a day. But this story is real. Something like it happens every day, everywhere and Ms. Freed doesn’t sugar coat it. She doesn’t make it all cookies and cream. She gives us the raw reality of marriage, being a mother and having to make hard choices—even knowing sometimes we will make the wrong ones, hoping it leads to the right path.

Ms. Freed—You’ve got big fans here! What’s next?

5 Silver Buckles!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited (impatiently) for The Lion's Den as if my life depended on it. What happened to Meredith? What happened to Vince? What the hell is Brad's problem? Seriously, Brad is an a-hole. If The Devil's Playground showed me anything, it was that Brad is a slimy and we don't like him. That is why I could sit back and cheer on Meredith and Vince. That is why I cried for Meredith. Why my heart broke for Vince. We pick up immediately where we left off in The Devil's Playground -- from Vince and Brad's point of view! What?! Yep, Eliza did it. She gave us a little insight into each of these men and we are not disappointed.

After a few chapters from the men's perspective, we are given back our Meredith. I still want to have a glass of wine with Meredith. I want to hug her and shake her and sometimes smack her. If I learned anything from Meredith it is that I am quick to pass judgment. I am quick to assume the worst of a person and their choices. I am quick to do both of these things before I know. Before I know the person or the circumstances. It is with this realization I wanted to smack myself.

How could I judge Meredith? How could I hurt for her while I judged her? Because Eliza Freed is an amazing writer and she made me feel. With the unexpected twists and turns I was cheering Meredith on as she walked into The Lion's Den, faced the ramifications of her choices, and put herself and her happiness first. Meredith proved that while some may say she is selfish and playing with fire, she is in fact taking back her life and living it for all it's worth.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the conclusion of The Devil’s Playground, we’re left with the mother of all cliffhangers; not only is Meredith’s marriage hanging in the balance, but her life is as well. A shocking accident has left her without valuable memories of the past year, and she’s left to sort out the secrets she left behind.

But as she begins to regain her memory, she learns the truth behind the events of the afternoon that nearly cost her everything that was dear to her, including her relationship with Vincent. Just how much does her husband know about her affair, and will Meredith find her way back to Vincent? How much are they each willing to give up in order to continue to be together?

I hate to use the phrase “an explosive conclusion” because it seems so trite, but that is truly what Freed has delivered in this finale of the Faraway duet. Freed seems to exploit every emotion possible, and the inclusion of both Vincent and Brad’s points of view add a depth to the story that is not only unexpected, but heartbreaking. Often it seems that a conclusion to a series, especially one as riveting as this one, fails to live up to its expectations, but that is certainly not the case here. The combination of Freed’s complex characters and artfully woven tale of love, lies, and redemption result in a story that is captivating, from beginning to end.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this conclusion to the Colonel and Mar's love story. The first book, The Devil's Playground, got me hooked. This book picked up right where the first book ended, so you don't have to wait long to find out why Meredith didn't come to work....

My favorite part of this book was the local settings. I can picture them at Latteria (who has delicious ice cream BTW), I've been in the car pool line with Mr. Danner waving me on, and I've had Mrs. Carter call me about a sick child. :) It all made the story more believable to me. Now my next guess is to decide whom the characters are mimicking in real life!

I think this is Eliza Freed's best writing so far. Her style of writing has matured and the editing was almost perfect. I am looking forward to her next series!!!!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Freed did it again! As I waited impatiently for The Lion's Den I couldn't get the characters out of my head! I was worried sick about them due to the stunning cliffhanger at the end of The Devil's Playground. What did Brad know? What happened to Meredith? How was Vince going to fix things? These thoughts haunted me because Eliza Freed is simply amazing! I have loved each and every one of her books and they just keep getting better and better! Her books have all made me laugh and cry and lose sleep, and The Lion's Den is no exception to that. Once you start you won't be able to put it down and I'm once again left begging for more from this brilliant author. Eliza Freed has a truly magical gift and we are so lucky that she shares it with us! Thank you Eliza Freed!

[Beth Rinyu · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! What a series! It's been a week since I finished, and I'm still thinking about these characters and this story. This was the perfect conclusion to the series, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. Highly recommend!

[Copper78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I adored this book (and book 1) is an understatement. I literally tried to put it down and walk away several times just so it wouldn’t be over so quickly. Alas I still finished it in a day!! I think Eliza Freed is a fantastic writer. Anyone who takes on the topic of adultery and makes you love the cheaters and swoon at their relationship and root for them to be together against all odds has certainly got skills. And balls! I really enjoyed that we got multiple POVS this time, even Brad’s. If I could add anything it would be more info/insight into Vince and Lynn’s marriage and relationship with their kids. And also I really, really wish there had been one more chapter or an epilogue atleast. After 2 enthralling books and being SO invested in these characters (even the kids!) I felt like it ended somewhat abruptly. It would have been nice to see how they were all doing in their new lives. But nothing could take away any stars or how much I loved this book. I’ll remember it for a long time.

[Endless TBR Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series! Omg, not enough words to express my feelings completely, nor will I try. The writing, pace and development were perfection.

The love triangle between Brad, Meredith and Vince was life changing. I had never read a book about cheating before but I really enjoyed this one.

Meredith’s character, life and feelings were so relatable to any mother and housewife it was almost scary. The emotion and depth of her thoughts and character really hit.

Vince, daddy colonel, was one hundred percent MAN in my mind. He knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it in the most respectable and kindest way possible. His love and commitment for Meredith and balance of his own families well being and feelings made him so swoony.

Book 2 definitely gave me Notebook vibes. I liked how it gave three people’s point of views as opposed to just Meredith’s POV.

All in all I highly recommend this series! It was a quick read that I devoured!

For full edits and more reviews follow @endlessTBRclub on instagram

[KathyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how this would end considering the cliffhanger after the first book. I usually don't like duets, but this was really good. The characters are flawed and not always likable, which made the story more realistic and compelling. This probably won't work for a lot of readers based on the cheating. That said, it was a page turner for me. I would have preferred a look into the future, but overall it was a winner.

** This does not work as a standalone, you should read The Devil's Playground first.