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Lucian & Lia #5
Aidan
Aidan Spencer walked away from his family and his friends when the woman he'd loved since childhood died while attempting to kill his best friend's wife. Aidan had chosen to save another and in doing so had lost Cassie. For over a year, he's been isolated from everyone he loves until a family emergency brings him back home. When he meets a woman along the way whose problems are more dire than his own, Aidan must decide if he's strong enough to fight for the woman he's falling in love with. Contains mature themes.
ebook
First published July 27, 2016
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About the author
Sydney Landon
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Danvers series reading order:
Weekends Required
Not Planning on You
Fall For Me
Fighting For You
No Denying You (12/15/2014)
Always Loving You (2/15/2015)
Betting on You (standalone novella)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
August 4, 2016
Since the beginning of the year I started to read less and less MF romance.
I read Him by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen and I was hooked with MM and that's mostly what I read now.
Why am I saying all this? Because this book is an example of why I stopped reading books with Female MCs. That sounds awful, but trust me, I'm not the problem. I think.
I started this series when the first book came out. I was just starting to read romance and I liked it just fine.
The first three books about Lucian and Lia are good.
Then it came Rose. That book was weak. Then we have Aiden. Sigh*
The MCs are Aiden, Lucian's best friend and Kara, Lia's cousin.
Aidan was "in love" for 20 years with a woman with a mental condition that didn't loved him. A year a go said woman tried to kill Lia. Aiden saved Lia and when he tried to come back for Cassie it was too late. She died.
Aiden decides he needs a break and he disappears.
Kara arrives to the place where Aiden is staying and she decides to seduce him. She needs to feel alive.
Kara had breast cancer and one of her breast was removed. She's has been in remission for a year but she struggles with depression.
At chapter 3 I was already done with Kara's whining. I get cancer is awful and traumatic, all the women in my family have died of cancer. So for me it is a sensitive subject but Kara.. Dear time lords! She was a nonstop monologue of how she was broken and it pissed me off.
Kara is defeated even after a healthy year. She whines and whines and whines and "oh why did I survived? My life will never be the same. My life was so perfect"
And all the time I was thinking WEAK WEAK WEAK!
Eventually Aiden and Kara's relationship develops, some things happen and they go their separate ways for months.
In this time Kara discovers a lump in her breast and you know what she does? Nothing. She's done with life and deserves nothing. (Her words)
Here comes the only moment I liked of the book, Lia's father calls Kara out and tells her she's being weak and she needs to get her shit together.
I thought, yes, this is it, this is the moment we see the strong side of the character. WRONG.
She's still in denial so uncle Lee has to go and talk to Aiden so he can save her.
Aiden goes back to Kara and Kara GOES TO HER EXAM! Everything is fine and Kara starts a foundation and is happy because she has love.
Because women are only strong and accomplished with a man by their sides right?
Fuck this! I'm sick of what Authors think is romantic. It's fucking not. Kara Jacks was a weak, spineless woman. She didn't deserved her good fortune and fucking honestly she didn't deserved Aiden.
Women are not as strong as the man by their sides.
I'm sick and tired of Authors not doing a better job with their female characters. They are either bitchy, funny or weak.
They take some much time writing the perfect "hero" they forget about the female characters and write cartoon character that are not entertaining.
I am not going to give a good review because I like a certain Author. That's a compliment on their bad work.
So that's why I mostly read MM. If the writers do a bad job it doesn't bother me as much as reading a pathetic portrayal of women.
I'm not trying to offend anyone and this is personal opinion.
I read Him by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen and I was hooked with MM and that's mostly what I read now.
Why am I saying all this? Because this book is an example of why I stopped reading books with Female MCs. That sounds awful, but trust me, I'm not the problem. I think.
I started this series when the first book came out. I was just starting to read romance and I liked it just fine.
The first three books about Lucian and Lia are good.
Then it came Rose. That book was weak. Then we have Aiden. Sigh*
The MCs are Aiden, Lucian's best friend and Kara, Lia's cousin.
Aidan was "in love" for 20 years with a woman with a mental condition that didn't loved him. A year a go said woman tried to kill Lia. Aiden saved Lia and when he tried to come back for Cassie it was too late. She died.
Aiden decides he needs a break and he disappears.
Kara arrives to the place where Aiden is staying and she decides to seduce him. She needs to feel alive.
Kara had breast cancer and one of her breast was removed. She's has been in remission for a year but she struggles with depression.
At chapter 3 I was already done with Kara's whining. I get cancer is awful and traumatic, all the women in my family have died of cancer. So for me it is a sensitive subject but Kara.. Dear time lords! She was a nonstop monologue of how she was broken and it pissed me off.
Kara is defeated even after a healthy year. She whines and whines and whines and "oh why did I survived? My life will never be the same. My life was so perfect"
And all the time I was thinking WEAK WEAK WEAK!
Eventually Aiden and Kara's relationship develops, some things happen and they go their separate ways for months.
In this time Kara discovers a lump in her breast and you know what she does? Nothing. She's done with life and deserves nothing. (Her words)
Here comes the only moment I liked of the book, Lia's father calls Kara out and tells her she's being weak and she needs to get her shit together.
I thought, yes, this is it, this is the moment we see the strong side of the character. WRONG.
She's still in denial so uncle Lee has to go and talk to Aiden so he can save her.
Aiden goes back to Kara and Kara GOES TO HER EXAM! Everything is fine and Kara starts a foundation and is happy because she has love.
Because women are only strong and accomplished with a man by their sides right?
Fuck this! I'm sick of what Authors think is romantic. It's fucking not. Kara Jacks was a weak, spineless woman. She didn't deserved her good fortune and fucking honestly she didn't deserved Aiden.
Women are not as strong as the man by their sides.
I'm sick and tired of Authors not doing a better job with their female characters. They are either bitchy, funny or weak.
They take some much time writing the perfect "hero" they forget about the female characters and write cartoon character that are not entertaining.
I am not going to give a good review because I like a certain Author. That's a compliment on their bad work.
So that's why I mostly read MM. If the writers do a bad job it doesn't bother me as much as reading a pathetic portrayal of women.
I'm not trying to offend anyone and this is personal opinion.
July 28, 2016
Sydney is an amazingly talented author who isn't afraid to tackle the tough issues. The Lucian and Lia/Pierced series is one of the best I've ever read. The characters come alive and leap from the pages. Aidan was a beautiful, emotional and brilliant ride. I was hooked from the first page. I don't want to give it away, but suffice is to say bring some tissues and enough time to finish this book in one sitting. Sydney you've outdone yourself. This book shows you an amazingly talented author who isn't afraid to tackle the tough issues. Do yourself a favor and read this series today. You won't regret it.
December 10, 2020
Man, so disappointed. I really wanted a book about Aidan that I could love because he so deserved the best ever book. Unfortunately,this didn’t deliver for me.
After the Cassie incident (from the Lucian and Lia trilogy) Aidan flees to Charlotte to recover. He’s gone for a year and just a couple weeks before he returns home, he runs into kara
When Aidan finds out his mother is sick, he rushes back home.
My problem with this book is that it felt shallow. Who was Kara really? Her personality seemed inconsistent. Was she depressed or bubbly? Bi-polar maybe? And her decision to get/not get medical answers irritated me. A man in your life shouldn’t dictate that type of choice. Whether or not that was the reason for changing her mind didn’t matter, that’s the way I took it.
Aidan was also still a bit of a mystery. he went away to get some clarity, was gone for a year but didn’t really get clarity in that time away. Instead, it’s his mother’s Illness that provides the trigger for clarity. So, it looked like he didn’t grow at all and was really a stagnant character. I don’t know, the whole thing just bothered me. It was like he didn’t even try to come to terms with the whole Cassie situation. Was he just wallowing in his own pity party for that year??? His time away to gain clarity really consisted of drinking and random sex partners rather than anything productive.😡
The cancer aspect was touching and heart tugging and the other aspects of the book were a letdown.
The book seemed short and the characters shallow and not very likeable. Plus, the ending was abrupt. Overall, the story lacked depth and I didn’t feel it was a good addition to the series. Very disappointed as I was really looking forward to Aidan’s story.
After the Cassie incident (from the Lucian and Lia trilogy) Aidan flees to Charlotte to recover. He’s gone for a year and just a couple weeks before he returns home, he runs into kara
When Aidan finds out his mother is sick, he rushes back home.
My problem with this book is that it felt shallow. Who was Kara really? Her personality seemed inconsistent. Was she depressed or bubbly? Bi-polar maybe? And her decision to get/not get medical answers irritated me. A man in your life shouldn’t dictate that type of choice. Whether or not that was the reason for changing her mind didn’t matter, that’s the way I took it.
Aidan was also still a bit of a mystery. he went away to get some clarity, was gone for a year but didn’t really get clarity in that time away. Instead, it’s his mother’s Illness that provides the trigger for clarity. So, it looked like he didn’t grow at all and was really a stagnant character. I don’t know, the whole thing just bothered me. It was like he didn’t even try to come to terms with the whole Cassie situation. Was he just wallowing in his own pity party for that year??? His time away to gain clarity really consisted of drinking and random sex partners rather than anything productive.😡
The cancer aspect was touching and heart tugging and the other aspects of the book were a letdown.
The book seemed short and the characters shallow and not very likeable. Plus, the ending was abrupt. Overall, the story lacked depth and I didn’t feel it was a good addition to the series. Very disappointed as I was really looking forward to Aidan’s story.
July 26, 2016
As sure as the sky is blue, there are bumpy roads on the highway of life. Ms. Landon powerfully drives that point home in Aidan. Aidan Spencer has seen his share of heartache and betrayal, yet nothing prepared him for the fear of falling in love. It had to be good for me to finish in one day. Not only does Sydney Landon create a poignant love story. She tackles an emotional subject that is a global problem. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Aidan is the second novel of Ms. Landon's that I have read. Sometimes a person has to face the ugly to appreciate the beauty. Hats off to Sydney Landon.
August 21, 2024
This one was a sweet read. It covered some heavy health situations. It was very beach read worthy! Another great one by this author.
August 3, 2016
4.5 beautifully breathtaking stars.
I absolutely LOVE this series and with each book Sydney brings a story that not only holds the reader captive, but breaks your heart and soul before beautifully mending everything.
Aidan is a sexy, searing story that from beginning to end leads the reader on a journey of love, loss, pain, heartache, lust, sex and tension. Aidan and Kara are super hot, a burning flame. It's easy to feel their connection, their love and pain and in turn want them to be happy.
Sydney touches on some truly devastating subjects in this book and writes the scenes so perfectly, it's definitely hard to not FEEL everything when reading this book. Sydney has truly made me smile through the heartbreaking beauty of the words and the passion within Aidan's story. I'm gutted the series has come to an end but can't wait to read Sydney's next masterpiece.
I absolutely LOVE this series and with each book Sydney brings a story that not only holds the reader captive, but breaks your heart and soul before beautifully mending everything.
Aidan is a sexy, searing story that from beginning to end leads the reader on a journey of love, loss, pain, heartache, lust, sex and tension. Aidan and Kara are super hot, a burning flame. It's easy to feel their connection, their love and pain and in turn want them to be happy.
Sydney touches on some truly devastating subjects in this book and writes the scenes so perfectly, it's definitely hard to not FEEL everything when reading this book. Sydney has truly made me smile through the heartbreaking beauty of the words and the passion within Aidan's story. I'm gutted the series has come to an end but can't wait to read Sydney's next masterpiece.
March 8, 2018
Aidan and Kara what a story they have. I really loved this one.
Aidan has been gone for a year and still is lost until a beautiful familiar woman crosses paths at the beach bar. Her resemblance is amazing but she has black hair now. She turns and recognizes him. She comes over and they strike up a conversation.
Kara comes over and sits down by Aidan. She knows he disappeared a year ago but not the circumstances and doesn't ask questions. Just like she recently left home for a need to face what has been happening in the last year for her and what the possibility of it happening again.
This is another tear jerker, but again I loved reading this one.
Aidan has been gone for a year and still is lost until a beautiful familiar woman crosses paths at the beach bar. Her resemblance is amazing but she has black hair now. She turns and recognizes him. She comes over and they strike up a conversation.
Kara comes over and sits down by Aidan. She knows he disappeared a year ago but not the circumstances and doesn't ask questions. Just like she recently left home for a need to face what has been happening in the last year for her and what the possibility of it happening again.
This is another tear jerker, but again I loved reading this one.
July 18, 2017
*Audiobook*
I am soooooo incredibly sorry this series has ended! However, I am soooooo thrilled it ended on a high note!
Throughout the series, Aidan's character is complex to say the least. So why should we expect any different from his personal story? This story exploited every single one of my emotions! I devoured every word and wanted more!
Aidan is a masterpiece! Kudos to Landon for an epic ending in an epic series!
Five stars!
I am soooooo incredibly sorry this series has ended! However, I am soooooo thrilled it ended on a high note!
Throughout the series, Aidan's character is complex to say the least. So why should we expect any different from his personal story? This story exploited every single one of my emotions! I devoured every word and wanted more!
Aidan is a masterpiece! Kudos to Landon for an epic ending in an epic series!
Five stars!
July 31, 2016
* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *
~ 5 Princess Stars ~
FULL REVIEW Now Posted ::
Well Sydney Landon has done it again. I absolutely LOVED Aidan!!
I am truly sad to see this series end. This series has definitely been one of my favorite series. I have loved every character and storyline she has given us.
Aidan in the 5th and final book in the Lucian & Lia Series. This book is probably the most emotional book of the 5. I was crying at many different times while reading this story. Sydney covers a very serious topic in this story and I believe this book will hit very close to home for many readers out there. I have to be honest and tell you I never would’ve guessed this was the direction Aidan’s story would’ve gone. I don’t want to say too much because this is a book I think you need to go into blind and just immerse yourself into the story and all the different emotions you will feel.
This story is told from both Kara and Aidan’s POV. This is a fairly quick read but nothing is rushed. I felt she gave us the perfect story for Aidan. This was another wonderful addition to this series. To me this is a MUST READ series!!!
We met Aidan back in Pierced (Book 1 of the series) and I have to be honest I loved him even back then. I knew I wanted him to get his own book right from the very beginning. This book can be read as a standalone from the series, but truly I wouldn’t recommend it. I feel you should definitely read Pierced, Fractured and Mended first just to get the feel of all the characters in this series. There is a lot of backstory on Aidan told in the other books. Now don’t worry if you don’t want to read those books, you will get Aidan’s backstory in this one as well. I personally don’t remember meeting Kara in any of the past books, but I guess we might have briefly. Since she is Lia’s cousin. I loved Kara for Aidan!!! They both had a lot of healing to do and I thought that they were perfect for each other. They brought out each others better side. This is a couple you are going to want to meet.
I loved that we got more of Lucian and Lia in this book. And also more of Lee Jacks. I wouldn’t be opposed to a story about Lee in the future ;) I also liked getting to know Peter and Charlotte (Kara’s parents and Lee’s Brother) in this story.
I would 100% recommend this book/series to everyone I know. If you are looking for that book that is a story about healing and overcoming many obstacles, but in the end will leave you smiling, then this is the book to read!!!
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~ 5 Princess Stars ~
FULL REVIEW Now Posted ::
Well Sydney Landon has done it again. I absolutely LOVED Aidan!!
I am truly sad to see this series end. This series has definitely been one of my favorite series. I have loved every character and storyline she has given us.
Aidan in the 5th and final book in the Lucian & Lia Series. This book is probably the most emotional book of the 5. I was crying at many different times while reading this story. Sydney covers a very serious topic in this story and I believe this book will hit very close to home for many readers out there. I have to be honest and tell you I never would’ve guessed this was the direction Aidan’s story would’ve gone. I don’t want to say too much because this is a book I think you need to go into blind and just immerse yourself into the story and all the different emotions you will feel.
This story is told from both Kara and Aidan’s POV. This is a fairly quick read but nothing is rushed. I felt she gave us the perfect story for Aidan. This was another wonderful addition to this series. To me this is a MUST READ series!!!
We met Aidan back in Pierced (Book 1 of the series) and I have to be honest I loved him even back then. I knew I wanted him to get his own book right from the very beginning. This book can be read as a standalone from the series, but truly I wouldn’t recommend it. I feel you should definitely read Pierced, Fractured and Mended first just to get the feel of all the characters in this series. There is a lot of backstory on Aidan told in the other books. Now don’t worry if you don’t want to read those books, you will get Aidan’s backstory in this one as well. I personally don’t remember meeting Kara in any of the past books, but I guess we might have briefly. Since she is Lia’s cousin. I loved Kara for Aidan!!! They both had a lot of healing to do and I thought that they were perfect for each other. They brought out each others better side. This is a couple you are going to want to meet.
I loved that we got more of Lucian and Lia in this book. And also more of Lee Jacks. I wouldn’t be opposed to a story about Lee in the future ;) I also liked getting to know Peter and Charlotte (Kara’s parents and Lee’s Brother) in this story.
I would 100% recommend this book/series to everyone I know. If you are looking for that book that is a story about healing and overcoming many obstacles, but in the end will leave you smiling, then this is the book to read!!!
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March 19, 2019
🌟4 Stars🌟-Great (had my attention and I enjoyed it),
Dual POV; Standalone in a series; HEA. 17+ readers; No cliffhanger;
(Side note - I kind of skipped Rose's story, book #4, and you do read a little of how their story ends in this read, so it's kind of a spoiler, but I just couldn't wait to read Aiden's story. I was so intrigued by him and my ache for him was so fresh after finishing Lucian and Lia's story, I decided I can skip Rose and go back to her story later.)
Aiden has a big heart and he has suffered so much with Casey in the past, which you learn in Lucian and Lia's trilogy. Of course, it doesn't end there for him, because he still has more pain to live through. This read picks up one year later after Lucian and Lia's wedding when Aiden decides to leave town for a while to wallow in his pain of losing Casey. (Which technically is not a spoiler since you find out in books 1 -3. This story takes place after, when he's trying to pick up the pieces of his life and learning how to move on. He's hurt and dealing with the guilt which is eating him up. I felt so bad for Aiden's story. The poor guy just can't catch a break and I just want to hold him and console him.
Great writing of his story. You can't miss the drama and pain but I'm happy for the fun and love that unfolds throughout the read. Definitely an enjoyable read.
Dual POV; Standalone in a series; HEA. 17+ readers; No cliffhanger;
(Side note - I kind of skipped Rose's story, book #4, and you do read a little of how their story ends in this read, so it's kind of a spoiler, but I just couldn't wait to read Aiden's story. I was so intrigued by him and my ache for him was so fresh after finishing Lucian and Lia's story, I decided I can skip Rose and go back to her story later.)
Aiden has a big heart and he has suffered so much with Casey in the past, which you learn in Lucian and Lia's trilogy. Of course, it doesn't end there for him, because he still has more pain to live through. This read picks up one year later after Lucian and Lia's wedding when Aiden decides to leave town for a while to wallow in his pain of losing Casey. (Which technically is not a spoiler since you find out in books 1 -3. This story takes place after, when he's trying to pick up the pieces of his life and learning how to move on. He's hurt and dealing with the guilt which is eating him up. I felt so bad for Aiden's story. The poor guy just can't catch a break and I just want to hold him and console him.
Great writing of his story. You can't miss the drama and pain but I'm happy for the fun and love that unfolds throughout the read. Definitely an enjoyable read.
August 10, 2021
8/9/21 Reread (listen) Rereading this book with the knowledge that this isn't the last book in the series, I did not feel the disappointment I did the first time around. I'm happy I decided to do a reread of this series via audio. All the narrators were excellent, and really brought the stories to life.
I love this series and for the most part I really enjoyed this book. I've been waiting to see what happened with Aiden since pretty much the beginning. I enjoyed the story, and felt my heart breaking along with his.
Really, I was a little disappointed towards the end, the last couple of chapters felt rushed, and I felt as the end of a series starring three couples, a bit more of an epilogue was warranted. I would have liked to see a little more of a glimpse into the future of the couples.
I love this series and for the most part I really enjoyed this book. I've been waiting to see what happened with Aiden since pretty much the beginning. I enjoyed the story, and felt my heart breaking along with his.
Really, I was a little disappointed towards the end, the last couple of chapters felt rushed, and I felt as the end of a series starring three couples, a bit more of an epilogue was warranted. I would have liked to see a little more of a glimpse into the future of the couples.
June 4, 2019
I was so looking forward to this book since I've been captivated by these characters since Lia and Lucian's beginning and have wanted to get inside the seemingly mellow but comedic Aidan's head.
I think it was fabulously written, however, I feel like it was rushed. Don't get me wrong, I still totally cried but I feel like the last 3-4 chapters were scrambles to just finish the book. I wish Sydney would have gone through Kara and Aidan's days without each other after their breakup.
All in all I still definitely loved the book and glad we got a piece of L&L in there while diving into Aidan and Kara.
PS Sam and Cindy got married ahhh I'd love to hear their story play out!
I think it was fabulously written, however, I feel like it was rushed. Don't get me wrong, I still totally cried but I feel like the last 3-4 chapters were scrambles to just finish the book. I wish Sydney would have gone through Kara and Aidan's days without each other after their breakup.
All in all I still definitely loved the book and glad we got a piece of L&L in there while diving into Aidan and Kara.
PS Sam and Cindy got married ahhh I'd love to hear their story play out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2016
I have really enjoyed this series, and I have loved Aidan from the begninv, his sense of loyalty was so great and to see him put himself through hell after what happened with Cassie was very upsetting. I could idenitfy with both of these characters as a cancer survivor myself that fear of reoccurance is so great but your support system is such a crucial part of everything you go through and it was nice to see both sides of that in this book.
April 21, 2017
I hated this book. I liked the others but this one, no. I was excited for it but it was a depressing let down. This entire book was depressing. He tells her he can't stay with her because she had cancer and he tells her how upset he is that he lost the love of his life, right after he tells her he loves her, what the hell? And instead of standing up for herself and getting pissed, she wants him back. That is weak. And she decides to let a guy stop her from treating herself. No.
July 30, 2016
This story made me laugh, but it also made me cry real tears. I don't usually have to wipe tears away from my eyes when read a story. It proves once again that Sydney Landon creates characters that her reader love. This was a wonderful way to finish the series. I'm going to miss these characters.
August 2, 2016
Story was great, loved Aiden and Kara. Thought the ending was really rushed. But I would still recommend reading it.
July 30, 2016
3.5***
August 19, 2016
CAPTIVATING, COMPELLING, EMOTIONALLY GRIPPING, AND SEXY AS SIN!!!
Title: Aidan
Series: Lucian & Lia (Pierced)
Author: Sydney Landon
Designation: Book 5 of Series, Can be read as a Standalone, Full-length, No Cliffhanger
My Rating: Five Divinely Entertaining Stars*****
Where do I begin? Have you ever read a book that affected you so profoundly, it left you completely speechless? Well, this is one of those stories. I've been a diehard Sydney Landon fan for years and generally order her books sight unseen. It doesn't matter who's on the cover or what the title is; if Sydney Landon writes it, I buy it. She ranks as one of my top five all-time favorite authors in the romance genre and I've never been disappointed with her work. But I admit, after having read the first four releases in this series, and loving them all, my expectations for Aidan's story were even greater than for any of the previous books. I could hardly wait to get it in my hot little hands. In all honesty, I truly believed it impossible for Landon to meet those expectations but I was sorely mistaken. Surprisingly, she not only met them, she completely surpassed them and totally blew me away! I generally order her books months in advance, then anxiously await each release but it's always worth the wait and this time, she has truly outdone herself with Aidan, the fifth and final book of the Pierced: Lucian and Lia Series. This is one of the most emotionally engaging stories I've ever read and that's saying a lot because I've read thousands and thousands of books, too many to even count. It's not often an author manages to engage all five of my senses while reading a story but Landon did exactly that. I could see the characters in my mind and hear the pain in their voices; I could smell the air they breathed and taste the salt of their tears, but more importantly, I could feel their heartache, pain, and despair. I became fully immersed in their world and totally engaged in their lives. By the time I finished the first fourth of the book, I was sniffling and reaching for my box of tissues. And by the time I reached the halfway point, I was sobbing uncontrollably. It was absolutely gut-wrenching. Landon not only tugged on my heartstrings, she broke my heart and ripped it from my chest. But this story was also hopeful, heartwarming and at times, quite humorous. By the time I reached the final page, Landon had miraculously mended my broken heart and healed my weary soul. And that, folks, is entertainment. Personally, I think it's Landon's best work to date. It was imperfectly perfect! But there's so much more I love about this book. Yes, it's exceptionally well-crafted and edited, as is with all Landon's books. The dialogue is intelligent, snappy, sexy, sometimes funny, well executed and flows effortlessly. The narrative is beautifully written in the first-person with multiple perspectives, primarily from the two protagonists: handsome, grief-stricken playboy Aidan Spencer, and beautiful, troubled and very unhappy cancer survivor Kara Jacks. But without a doubt, my favorite component is the extraordinary cast of well-developed, relatable and thoroughly engaging characters who come to life and completely capture your heart. I fell in love with both Aidan and Kara. I felt they were each realistically flawed but perfect together and played off each other brilliantly, not to mention their attraction and sexual chemistry was smokin' hot. The scenes between these two characters sizzled with heat, attraction, passion and emotion. My heart literally ached for the heartbroken, long-suffering Aidan and the deeply depressed Kara and found myself cheering for them to find the peace of spirit and mind they each so desperately sought. Most of the characters were introduced in the earlier books of the series and for that reason alone, I highly recommend reading the first four books prior to this one, but the author does a remarkable job of including ample backstory making it possible to read this release as a standalone, which brings me to yet another reason I love this book. We were able to catch up on the lives of our favorite characters from series and that's always a big plus for me. Landon is an exceptionally gifted storyteller and skilled wordsmith who excels at bringing her characters to life in worlds and situations that are easily relatable to the reader. She masterfully combines every single one of these elements to craft an enthralling contemporary romance filled with the perfect combination of drama, heartbreak, angst, attraction, passion, healing, hope, and love. If you're looking for an incredibly moving story about two unhappy, lost souls searching for peace of mind as well as spirit, each reeling from personal tragedy and both desperately trying to find a way to live and love again, then this is the book for you.
Aidan Spencer had given up on life a year ago when he saved the life of his best friend's wife and unborn child, but couldn't save the woman he'd loved for years. He left everything and everyone he's ever cared about when he drove away from his home in Asheville, North Carolina and never looked back. He stopped 300 miles to the south in Charleston, South Carolina for gas and never bothered to leave. In his state of mind, one place was just as good as the other. Anywhere he could escape the painful memories, guilt, and heartbreaking loss surrounding his life, even if only temporarily, was a good place to be, and Charleston seemed the perfect place to drown his sorrow with booze and meaningless sex with every available woman, and there were quite a few. So what were the odds that someone from Asheville would come waltzing into the bar he frequented....and that someone would have to be Kara Jacks, the very beautiful, look-alike cousin of his best friend's wife, the very woman he had saved. Talk about a small world! Who would have guessed the lovely Kara had come to Charleston also seeking peace for her weary mind and body by trying to escape her life in Asheville? Kara had lost her way in life, suffering from severe bouts of depression after recovering from cancer. Everyone told her how lucky she was to have survived breast cancer but she didn't feel lucky, nor fortunate or blessed; she just felt damaged. She attempted to find peace by isolating herself from everyone including the people who loved her, whereas Aidan tried to escape his guilt by numbing his pain with alcohol and meaningless sex... until now. Who would have ever thought these two lost souls, both with wounded spirits, could have so much in common and with just a little effort, together may be able to find the peace they each desperately seek? But can they let go of the past and learn to live and love again? We'll see!
When rating and reviewing a book, there are several questions I always ask. First, did I like this book? I think it's obvious that I not only liked it, I loved it! Second, was there anything I didn't like about the book? Quite honestly, no! Not a thing! Third, would I recommend it? Absolutely, but only for adult readers since it does include some steamy dreamy love scenes. Fourth, will I read this author again? You bet! Just as soon as she releases her next book! And finally, was I entertained? Oh my lawd, yes! Completely and totally entertained! Once I started reading, I couldn't bring myself to stop. I spent a wonderful evening, gripping my e-reader, with tears flowing freely from my eyes as the pages flew as quickly as the hours but by the time I read the last word, I was happy, satisfied and well entertained. Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Title: Aidan
Series: Lucian & Lia (Pierced)
Author: Sydney Landon
Designation: Book 5 of Series, Can be read as a Standalone, Full-length, No Cliffhanger
My Rating: Five Divinely Entertaining Stars*****
Where do I begin? Have you ever read a book that affected you so profoundly, it left you completely speechless? Well, this is one of those stories. I've been a diehard Sydney Landon fan for years and generally order her books sight unseen. It doesn't matter who's on the cover or what the title is; if Sydney Landon writes it, I buy it. She ranks as one of my top five all-time favorite authors in the romance genre and I've never been disappointed with her work. But I admit, after having read the first four releases in this series, and loving them all, my expectations for Aidan's story were even greater than for any of the previous books. I could hardly wait to get it in my hot little hands. In all honesty, I truly believed it impossible for Landon to meet those expectations but I was sorely mistaken. Surprisingly, she not only met them, she completely surpassed them and totally blew me away! I generally order her books months in advance, then anxiously await each release but it's always worth the wait and this time, she has truly outdone herself with Aidan, the fifth and final book of the Pierced: Lucian and Lia Series. This is one of the most emotionally engaging stories I've ever read and that's saying a lot because I've read thousands and thousands of books, too many to even count. It's not often an author manages to engage all five of my senses while reading a story but Landon did exactly that. I could see the characters in my mind and hear the pain in their voices; I could smell the air they breathed and taste the salt of their tears, but more importantly, I could feel their heartache, pain, and despair. I became fully immersed in their world and totally engaged in their lives. By the time I finished the first fourth of the book, I was sniffling and reaching for my box of tissues. And by the time I reached the halfway point, I was sobbing uncontrollably. It was absolutely gut-wrenching. Landon not only tugged on my heartstrings, she broke my heart and ripped it from my chest. But this story was also hopeful, heartwarming and at times, quite humorous. By the time I reached the final page, Landon had miraculously mended my broken heart and healed my weary soul. And that, folks, is entertainment. Personally, I think it's Landon's best work to date. It was imperfectly perfect! But there's so much more I love about this book. Yes, it's exceptionally well-crafted and edited, as is with all Landon's books. The dialogue is intelligent, snappy, sexy, sometimes funny, well executed and flows effortlessly. The narrative is beautifully written in the first-person with multiple perspectives, primarily from the two protagonists: handsome, grief-stricken playboy Aidan Spencer, and beautiful, troubled and very unhappy cancer survivor Kara Jacks. But without a doubt, my favorite component is the extraordinary cast of well-developed, relatable and thoroughly engaging characters who come to life and completely capture your heart. I fell in love with both Aidan and Kara. I felt they were each realistically flawed but perfect together and played off each other brilliantly, not to mention their attraction and sexual chemistry was smokin' hot. The scenes between these two characters sizzled with heat, attraction, passion and emotion. My heart literally ached for the heartbroken, long-suffering Aidan and the deeply depressed Kara and found myself cheering for them to find the peace of spirit and mind they each so desperately sought. Most of the characters were introduced in the earlier books of the series and for that reason alone, I highly recommend reading the first four books prior to this one, but the author does a remarkable job of including ample backstory making it possible to read this release as a standalone, which brings me to yet another reason I love this book. We were able to catch up on the lives of our favorite characters from series and that's always a big plus for me. Landon is an exceptionally gifted storyteller and skilled wordsmith who excels at bringing her characters to life in worlds and situations that are easily relatable to the reader. She masterfully combines every single one of these elements to craft an enthralling contemporary romance filled with the perfect combination of drama, heartbreak, angst, attraction, passion, healing, hope, and love. If you're looking for an incredibly moving story about two unhappy, lost souls searching for peace of mind as well as spirit, each reeling from personal tragedy and both desperately trying to find a way to live and love again, then this is the book for you.
Aidan Spencer had given up on life a year ago when he saved the life of his best friend's wife and unborn child, but couldn't save the woman he'd loved for years. He left everything and everyone he's ever cared about when he drove away from his home in Asheville, North Carolina and never looked back. He stopped 300 miles to the south in Charleston, South Carolina for gas and never bothered to leave. In his state of mind, one place was just as good as the other. Anywhere he could escape the painful memories, guilt, and heartbreaking loss surrounding his life, even if only temporarily, was a good place to be, and Charleston seemed the perfect place to drown his sorrow with booze and meaningless sex with every available woman, and there were quite a few. So what were the odds that someone from Asheville would come waltzing into the bar he frequented....and that someone would have to be Kara Jacks, the very beautiful, look-alike cousin of his best friend's wife, the very woman he had saved. Talk about a small world! Who would have guessed the lovely Kara had come to Charleston also seeking peace for her weary mind and body by trying to escape her life in Asheville? Kara had lost her way in life, suffering from severe bouts of depression after recovering from cancer. Everyone told her how lucky she was to have survived breast cancer but she didn't feel lucky, nor fortunate or blessed; she just felt damaged. She attempted to find peace by isolating herself from everyone including the people who loved her, whereas Aidan tried to escape his guilt by numbing his pain with alcohol and meaningless sex... until now. Who would have ever thought these two lost souls, both with wounded spirits, could have so much in common and with just a little effort, together may be able to find the peace they each desperately seek? But can they let go of the past and learn to live and love again? We'll see!
When rating and reviewing a book, there are several questions I always ask. First, did I like this book? I think it's obvious that I not only liked it, I loved it! Second, was there anything I didn't like about the book? Quite honestly, no! Not a thing! Third, would I recommend it? Absolutely, but only for adult readers since it does include some steamy dreamy love scenes. Fourth, will I read this author again? You bet! Just as soon as she releases her next book! And finally, was I entertained? Oh my lawd, yes! Completely and totally entertained! Once I started reading, I couldn't bring myself to stop. I spent a wonderful evening, gripping my e-reader, with tears flowing freely from my eyes as the pages flew as quickly as the hours but by the time I read the last word, I was happy, satisfied and well entertained. Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
January 31, 2021
Aiden (Book 5 of the Lucian and Lia series)
5 full stars
By Sydney Landon
Most authors characters are picture book perfect. Perfect lives, perfect looks. You know how it is. Sydney Landon main characters, on the other hand, are anything but. In her past books, Lucian was a high functioning drug addict to help deal with his past, Lia was haunted by the cruelty of her stepfather by shutting down, Rose, wow Rose, a cutter to numb her internal pain, and Max lost a partner by tragedy and couldn’t face to loose Rose that way.
Here again, Sydney has given us two main characters, who are suffering from conditions that are so prevalent to many people. All the conditions Sydney chose to laden her characters with, she has done so with respect, and not gloss over the causes or coping mechanisms used.
Aiden Spencer had lived a self imposed exile from friends and family. Faced with the choice of saving the woman he loved since childhood or saving the woman who is pregnant and married to his best friend whom he calls brother. Choices made in the best of circumstances can be hard to live with regardless of the outcome. Choices made in a split second given life and death situations, where no do overs exist, the outcome consumes you.
He meets Kara, the cousin of the woman he saved. She is also in a self imposed exile from her family and loved ones. They hook up but its sex. All emotional baggage pushed aside and hidden. But Aiden needs to return home because of a family emergency. The nature of that emergency is the thing that Kara is running away from.
Aiden has been in the first three books of the Lucian and Lia series. I was so glad that he has his own story, with a HEA.
5 full stars
By Sydney Landon
Most authors characters are picture book perfect. Perfect lives, perfect looks. You know how it is. Sydney Landon main characters, on the other hand, are anything but. In her past books, Lucian was a high functioning drug addict to help deal with his past, Lia was haunted by the cruelty of her stepfather by shutting down, Rose, wow Rose, a cutter to numb her internal pain, and Max lost a partner by tragedy and couldn’t face to loose Rose that way.
Here again, Sydney has given us two main characters, who are suffering from conditions that are so prevalent to many people. All the conditions Sydney chose to laden her characters with, she has done so with respect, and not gloss over the causes or coping mechanisms used.
Aiden Spencer had lived a self imposed exile from friends and family. Faced with the choice of saving the woman he loved since childhood or saving the woman who is pregnant and married to his best friend whom he calls brother. Choices made in the best of circumstances can be hard to live with regardless of the outcome. Choices made in a split second given life and death situations, where no do overs exist, the outcome consumes you.
He meets Kara, the cousin of the woman he saved. She is also in a self imposed exile from her family and loved ones. They hook up but its sex. All emotional baggage pushed aside and hidden. But Aiden needs to return home because of a family emergency. The nature of that emergency is the thing that Kara is running away from.
Aiden has been in the first three books of the Lucian and Lia series. I was so glad that he has his own story, with a HEA.
October 14, 2022
Emotional with moments that have me laughing so hard.....!
This book I have put off reading for ages, purely because I couldn't bring myself to accept that this was it for this series. Aidan is a well developed story and each character has such depth. Aidan has been away for about a year but is called back home by Luc when Luc sees Aidan's mom and realises that she is really quite ill.
Before this though Aidan sees Kara while he is hiding from the world, but what he doesn't know is that she is also hiding. Kara is a breast cancer survivor and trying to figure out the new her, so she takes some time in Charleston to find herself again. She meets Aidan again, and they fall into lust with each other and have a regular routine before he hightails it back home to find out what is wrong with his mom.
Kara only comes home when Aidan's mom passes as she wants to be there for him at the funeral. They reignite their lust only to realise they are actually in love - melt into a puddle....!
Kara still hasn't shared her cancer remission status with Aidan and when someone else takes the chance away from her, it ends badly.
I honestly felt the emotion in this book, the despair when they separated and the humour that is interjected frequently to make light of things. Beautiful ending, hope we have more of this series as I am sad to see it end!!!
This book I have put off reading for ages, purely because I couldn't bring myself to accept that this was it for this series. Aidan is a well developed story and each character has such depth. Aidan has been away for about a year but is called back home by Luc when Luc sees Aidan's mom and realises that she is really quite ill.
Before this though Aidan sees Kara while he is hiding from the world, but what he doesn't know is that she is also hiding. Kara is a breast cancer survivor and trying to figure out the new her, so she takes some time in Charleston to find herself again. She meets Aidan again, and they fall into lust with each other and have a regular routine before he hightails it back home to find out what is wrong with his mom.
Kara only comes home when Aidan's mom passes as she wants to be there for him at the funeral. They reignite their lust only to realise they are actually in love - melt into a puddle....!
Kara still hasn't shared her cancer remission status with Aidan and when someone else takes the chance away from her, it ends badly.
I honestly felt the emotion in this book, the despair when they separated and the humour that is interjected frequently to make light of things. Beautiful ending, hope we have more of this series as I am sad to see it end!!!
September 1, 2023
Disappointing!
Aiden/Aidan is supposedly the love story of Aiden/Aidan and Kara. It was the most disappointing of all the Lucian and Lia series. Is his name Aidan or Aiden? My copy of the e-book had AIDEN on the cover in big, red letters. The chapter headings had Aidan.
That wasn't the most disappointing thing. It was that the erotic sex overwhelmed their love story. I know that this book is an erotic romance, as were the other 4 books that I read. However, in the other books, the love story wasn't overwhelmed by erotic sex. This one was. There was little sensual or loving sex, just lots of practically pornographic sex. Had more time been given to develop their love story, this would have been a better book.
Aidan/Aiden was not the same man we met in the first three books. In those he was the most loving, caring, giving and selfless man. He gave all he had to those he loved. In this book, he was a selfish, bitter, angry sex fiend with no thought of others. Even though he realized that he didn't love Cassie in the last Lucian and Lia book, he still deserted those he loved for a year. We know very little of Kara other than her big secret. That was a shame because there was so much more to her that we didn't get to see.
After this one, I'm afraid the others will be disappointing too.
Aiden/Aidan is supposedly the love story of Aiden/Aidan and Kara. It was the most disappointing of all the Lucian and Lia series. Is his name Aidan or Aiden? My copy of the e-book had AIDEN on the cover in big, red letters. The chapter headings had Aidan.
That wasn't the most disappointing thing. It was that the erotic sex overwhelmed their love story. I know that this book is an erotic romance, as were the other 4 books that I read. However, in the other books, the love story wasn't overwhelmed by erotic sex. This one was. There was little sensual or loving sex, just lots of practically pornographic sex. Had more time been given to develop their love story, this would have been a better book.
Aidan/Aiden was not the same man we met in the first three books. In those he was the most loving, caring, giving and selfless man. He gave all he had to those he loved. In this book, he was a selfish, bitter, angry sex fiend with no thought of others. Even though he realized that he didn't love Cassie in the last Lucian and Lia book, he still deserted those he loved for a year. We know very little of Kara other than her big secret. That was a shame because there was so much more to her that we didn't get to see.
After this one, I'm afraid the others will be disappointing too.
March 13, 2019
Speechless.....
....have you ever read a book that is written so brilliantly that it will bring you to tears? Not a wee sniffle and a 'oh that's heartbreaking' or awful or could make you cry, but we're you actually have tears streaming down your face? This book did that to me! So a major hats of to Sydney because it takes a lot for me to cry!! And also because that was written so perfectly!
We meet Aiden & Kara in Lia & Lucian's books (if you haven't read them then you are sorely missing out! You need the full background to fully 'get' Aiden!)
Anyways, although I cried through this please done think that's all it is, it is so much more! The steamy scenes?...hot! The attraction?...yum! The connection...it's there in bucket loads! The humour between them...perfect!
This was an excellent 5 star read!!!!!
....have you ever read a book that is written so brilliantly that it will bring you to tears? Not a wee sniffle and a 'oh that's heartbreaking' or awful or could make you cry, but we're you actually have tears streaming down your face? This book did that to me! So a major hats of to Sydney because it takes a lot for me to cry!! And also because that was written so perfectly!
We meet Aiden & Kara in Lia & Lucian's books (if you haven't read them then you are sorely missing out! You need the full background to fully 'get' Aiden!)
Anyways, although I cried through this please done think that's all it is, it is so much more! The steamy scenes?...hot! The attraction?...yum! The connection...it's there in bucket loads! The humour between them...perfect!
This was an excellent 5 star read!!!!!
October 24, 2022
Aidan & Kara. Both are running away from their current lives to heal and they just so happen to run into each other and sparks fly. He's getting over the death of Cassie and she's getting over her bout with breast cancer. Kara is spicy and Aidan isn't too shabby his self. Together they have amazing chemistry and I loved every minute of it. He returns home and finds his mother dying of cancer. She comes home for his mother's funeral and they reignite their relationship but she still hasn't told him that she had cancer previously. When he finds out he runs scared, not wanting to love and lose someone else. She finds a lump in the other breast but not wanting to experience the whole treatment again, she refuses to biopsy it. Her uncle goes to Aidan and tells him that she's given up. Not being able to live in a world without her, he puts on his big girl panties and mans up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2023
This series has truly captured my heart. Aiden and Kara, GAWD...Aiden's read without a doubt was the most emotional one for me; maybe in part because it hit a little too close to home, I don't know, but I do know it knocked my knees out from under me and I was done for. The words penned on those pages when Aiden, *SPOILER ALERT, was saying bye to undoubtedly the most important woman in his life...no lie, I'm still crying. It was the most heartbreakingly beautiful moment between a child and parent and was such a pure reminder that life is so very fragile and that forever is not promised. It was brilliant!! As for our little warrior, the ugliest scar is never seen, is it? Again, heartbreakingly beautiful! I am utterly speechless with this duo and with this writing.
October 25, 2016
Aiden left home after the whole Cassie disaster and has been on his own searching for some peace and Kara, is taking some time to herself after she beat cancer. Having met before at Lucian and Lia's wedding, they run into each other in the town they're staying and start having sex every night. Kara's fearless in bed and Aiden can't get enough. After getting some bad news, Aiden finally goes home to tragedy and Kara comes back and supports him through a difficult time. And from there they start their relationship. After everything that they've both been through, they deserved one another and their love was fun, sexy and true.
November 3, 2017
I loved Aidan and Cassie. They were sexy and fun when they were together. I was either fanning myself because they were so hot or laughing out loud due to their banter.
This love story is also full of serious subject matter, dealing with cancer, guilt, and grief, which was beautifully done and very realistic.
I wish the epilogue would have been longer to give us a glimpse into the characters' futures since this seems to be the last book in this series.
This love story is also full of serious subject matter, dealing with cancer, guilt, and grief, which was beautifully done and very realistic.
I wish the epilogue would have been longer to give us a glimpse into the characters' futures since this seems to be the last book in this series.
June 8, 2018
Well after reading books 1-3 I nearly didn’t get this book as I thought it would be him and Cassie.
So glad I continued. With him meeting Kara what a heart felt story. I laughed & cried what an emotional story. Well written and truly a heart felt book.
Hats off to to the author all of this series touched on some rather gritty story lines and she smashed it. Well done Sydney Landon. Will definitely continue reading more by her.
👍🏻😃
So glad I continued. With him meeting Kara what a heart felt story. I laughed & cried what an emotional story. Well written and truly a heart felt book.
Hats off to to the author all of this series touched on some rather gritty story lines and she smashed it. Well done Sydney Landon. Will definitely continue reading more by her.
👍🏻😃
February 12, 2019
Another great addition to the series...
Absolutely loved Aiden and Kara together. Kara was so unexpectedly sassy but equally lovely and was a perfect match for Aiden after all he went through. The story was very interesting and equally heartbreaking at times but also also filled with humour, passion, romance and a little fluff. My only one complaint was that I got sick of hearing about Cassie! After a certain point it was like ok, we get it!!
Absolutely loved Aiden and Kara together. Kara was so unexpectedly sassy but equally lovely and was a perfect match for Aiden after all he went through. The story was very interesting and equally heartbreaking at times but also also filled with humour, passion, romance and a little fluff. My only one complaint was that I got sick of hearing about Cassie! After a certain point it was like ok, we get it!!
November 23, 2018
A good addition to this series!
Tragedy has stricken both of our main characters, Aiden and Kara, in many ways. Having came out stronger with each other they had a wonderful story to tell. I definitely recommend this book but I'd read the others in this series just because characters are connected.
Tragedy has stricken both of our main characters, Aiden and Kara, in many ways. Having came out stronger with each other they had a wonderful story to tell. I definitely recommend this book but I'd read the others in this series just because characters are connected.
March 19, 2018
Great read
For a lot of this book I felt like it was walking a knife edge, you know its got to happen, you can see it coming you just don't know when our how bad the fall out will be. Very emotional story.
For a lot of this book I felt like it was walking a knife edge, you know its got to happen, you can see it coming you just don't know when our how bad the fall out will be. Very emotional story.
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