Strength in Release

Charistown #5

by Lisa N. Paul

She’s seen it all. Faced it all. Survived it all.

Lyla Dalton lives among laughter, happiness, love… yet she’s locked in the darkness of her past.

With the demons of her past shoved in boxes in her basement, she can’t open her life let alone her heart.

He’s had it all. Lost it all. Gave his all.

Sebastian Gage learned the hard way that people aren’t always who they seem. Neither are their apologies.

For more than fifteen years, he has focused on his business and kept his sex life no strings attached. Then he saw her, the woman who stole his attention one sassy smirk at a time. The woman who would teach him once again that people aren’t always what they seem—sometimes, they’re better.

Danny’s on Main is a neighborhood bar where strangers become friends, friends become family, and some family becomes… salvation. A place where you learn in order to grab hold of the future, you’ve got to let go of the past. It may take courage to move forward but you’ll find…

Strength in Release

Genres: Romance

Unknown Binding

Published March 1, 2017

About the author

I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend,a reader, a writer, and a self proclaimed comedian. (Just not always in that order.)

I have loved reading ever since I was a little girl, in fact one of the first series I remember falling in love with was the Sweet Valley High series by Francine Pascal. Those books started my obsession with series/related books.

Writing has always been a passion of mine and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to put on paper the stories I've dreamed up in my head.

I can't wait for you to meet my "friends" in the Charistown series as well as in my other books. I have fallen in love with each and everyone of them and I think you will too.

Some fun facts about me....If I could only have one food for the rest of my life - it would be french fries! I love them! I also love Godiva Raspberry Truffles. Ok, enough about me.

I hope to hear from you soon,
Lisa

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sweet, beautiful, sexy and heart-breaking. I felt Lyla's pain and fear right along with her, and I cheered for her when she found her Strength in Release with the equally broken, but determined and devoted Sebastian Gage, who is now at the top of my favorite book boyfriend list. This was my first Charistown series book by Lisa N. Paul, but it definitely won't be my last. I adored every member of Lyla's "family" and I can't wait to go back and read their stories.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book higher than a 5 star rating I would
It was completely amazing. It blew me away. It broke me, and put me together again with so much love for these two, not to mention everyone else in the series ....
I have waited a long time for this book. This is one of my favorite series, and without even thinking about it, I had done a re-read of the others just before I read this ... not even realizing it was releasing soon. Then low and behold, I found out the final installment was being released shortly ... Imaging how thrilled I was ?
Then when I was given the honor of being one of the first to get to read it ?? OMG Can you say happy happy girl ??
We were definitely set up right from book 1 on this couple but even so, I was shocked beyond belief at what actually had happened in their pasts. The author gave good on their pasts and wrapped up their present and future with tears, and grace and smiles and so much love in my heart for them.
This was a story line that was very well thought out and executed, and not just run around with a bunch of assumptions. I have to say I am very very happy with the dark that came from this. Not what happened to someone, but the execution and how it made me feel. I'm not a crier, but I cried my eyes out and was really hurting for a time while reading ... I wanted to throw my kindle then jump into it and kick some butts ....
Sebastian Gage is a sexy as hell, alpha god of a man that you can't help but fall in love with. This author has a way of making you fall harder as you go on from hero 1 through the line to this final hero .... The way Sebastian handled his woman ..... OH YEAH ....you can handle me that way any day of the week you sexy mountain of a man.
Lyla .... she really is a great character and to be honest, she didn't do much for me in the other books and I cant say why because I don't want to give anything away .... but now that I have read her story and I can understand her and what she has been through .... I can honestly say I grew to love and respect her as a woman, and friend to her family (not always by blood)
This author did an amazing job with this book and it was totally worth the wait.
This is a series I will always re-read when I'm lost and don't know what to read, and every time I re-read it I enjoy it more.
I highly recommend this book and this series

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyla Dalton and Sebastian Gage...they have circled around each other for years with Gage waiting for his chance to break down her walls and claim her for his own.

Lyla seems strong, sassy, independent, and is smart. But underneath the tough facade she feels damaged, broken, and like she is too much trouble. Her past scarred her and keeps haunting her. And she is worried it may now touch her dear friends that she considers family. They are just finding out more about her after an event that scared her even more. She has a career she kept hidden where she has to admit that love exists and is always full of advice for her friends, but she does not really believe it is possible for her. She is all about control, and getting a release when needed but never getting attached to men.

Her friends don't know all her secrets, but they won't let her run. She is good at hiding, deflecting, and trying to deal with things alone. But her friends are persistent and Gage is beginning to get more impatient.

But Lyla is a woman that takes finessing. She needs control. She does not respond well with someone coming on too strong or giving her too much space either. She needs people to prove their sincerity and loyalty. It takes a long time to earn her trust, and even then it can be conditional. She can isolate herself, shut people out, and push them away. But deep down she is terrified of rejection or being. hurt.

I adored Sebastian Gage. He is a great combo of burly, outspoken alpha mixed with tender, attentive, intuitive and protective man. He understands she has pain even when she does not share it, and he is not going to be scared away. He has his own trust issues, past pain, and life dramas. He is used to not getting attached to people either and also adopted the f___ and release policy. But he knew that was never going to be an option with him and Lyla.

But these two definitely have some issues to wade through and drama to deal with. Sebastian is more confident that he can make this work. But Lyla has a lot to learn about trust, leaning on people, letting go of her past, and finding strength in release. He is determined to help guide her, and finally claim what he has been wanting all along...her heart, trust, and her body. But Lyla never makes things easy. It is a slow burn full of sexual tension and resistance. They have such intense personalities and a connection.

I love this series. The writing flows so well, the characters have so much depth, and the stories all have unique story lines and emotional hooks. This group has become a family that they created themselves. I love their camaraderie, care, and support they show each other--Janie, Max, Danny, Julie, Kyle, Cate, Ryan, Ashley, and Elliot along with Sebastian and Lyla are the heart and soul of these books. Their personalities, feelings, and dynamics fuel the stories and have made me become invested and attached. Sure there is drama, angst, miscommunication, hurt, but there is also so much love and acceptance surrounding them.

Thank you Lisa N. Paul for taking the time and having the patience to give Sebastian and Lyla the story they deserved. I have been waiting for their book for years, and I was not disappointed. It kept me captivated and I completely loved it even when it frustrated or hurt me. This was not always easy to read due to some of the subject matter. But it was emotional, passionate, heartfelt, and there was enough humor and happiness to balance it out. And like each of the books in this series, it is not only a beautiful love story, but also a story about survival, sacrifice, friendship, and empowerment. These people all needed anchors, purpose, hope, unconditional love, and more importantly a true home. And they found it together in Charistown and it all started on a Thursday night at Danny's On Main several years ago...

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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[Ilsa Madden-Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hot. Emotional. Intense. Strength in Release is my favorite book by Lisa N. Paul and one of the best books of the year." WSJ Best selling author, Ilsa Madden-Mills

Lyla and Gage...they are quite the combustible pair and I gobbled up every single word. I loved EVERYTHING. The granny, the fun times at the bar, and the jokes between the characters.

I love how the book opens...CLASSIC LYLA...and I love the fellowship and the sense of family that Paul uses as she shows us what's happening in Charistown.

Definitely one of my top books of the year!!!!

FIVE HOT STARS!!!!!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don't know how to write this review. See, Strength in Release is the end of an era . . . the final book in the Charistown series. Each of these books has left a mark on me, and I'm sad to say goodbye to characters who feel more like friends. And that is exactly what Lisa Paul does. In the vein of Kristen Ashley, Lisa writes real characters with real issues and personalities . . . the type of characters you want to sit down with and have a drink or two, or crash their Sunday family dinners.

SiR gives us Lyla and Sebastian's story, and by far, this is my favorite of the series. I've been dying for this couple's story since the beginning, and Lisa more than delivered a beautifully woven tale.

Something about Lyla drew me in during Thursday Nights, and throughout the series, that je ne sais quoi continued to lure me closer. Her fears, her demons if you will, are hidden behind a heavily lacquered, shiny facade, and only those closest to her know something is brewing deep inside her. She's brash and cavalier, but also the kindest, most self-sacrificing person. Though she throws off the 'loner' vibe, people naturally flock to her strength and wisdom. Her advice is both respected and sought after, and the men in her life often seek her answers to their troubles, raspberry truffles in hand.

Sebastian Gage is the perfect balance to Lyla. Though not a pushover by any means, his patience and perseverance with the wounded Lyla, despite his inner urges, is exactly the balance his friend Lyla needs. More than once, something Gage said or did made me laugh out loud.

Thank you, Lisa, for giving my Lyla what she so deserved!

[Get Your Book On · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this story so freaking much!!!!

Betrayal. Survival. Trust. Patience. Friends. Family. Love. Soulmates. These are just a few of the words that swirled through my mind as I read this amazing story by Lisa N. Paul.

As a teen, the only family Lyla Dalton has is taken away from her. She's then betrayed by the one person who should love and protect her, but didn't. Leaving her broken and alone.

Despite the horrible things that have occurred in her life, she gradually finds another family. Not of blood, but of heart. And she will do anything in her power to protect them even if it includes leaving them.

Thankfully, Sebastian Gage is done waiting. He's had his sight set on her for awhile, but he knows she's a flight risk. His patience and gentle nature with her was so damn beautiful. This gentle giant, who has had his fair share of bad luck when it comes to trusting people is determined to show her how good they can be together. This brute of a man has so much love to give, not only to Lyla, but the interactions with his Grandma made me adore him.

Lyla's past is ugly, but the love and support she receives not only from Gage, but from the whole Charistown crew is nothing short of beautiful.

LOVE conquers all!

Yet another book that you should add to your must read list for 2017.

[Jessica Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I am blown away. I have never read a book by this Author , I am hooked. I had no clue what magic was inside. I am kinda sad that this is the fourth or fifth book in this series , I have missed out, but no fear I have already bought the first two. Lyla is a warrior, she is always a little bit bitchy ( I love that about her) she has trust issues and hides her past from her friends who are really her family. Sebastian has had a thing for Lyla but refuses to be with her until she can trust him, so they become friends and hang out. Then Lyla's dad is up for parole and she hides and isolates herself like always, but her family isn't taking it no more, Sebastian is going to be her rock and help her release all this hurt and damage that she has held on for years.
I loved this book, I loved Lyla, l loved Sebastian, I felt gutted at one point this fierce woman brought me to my knees. The friends that are family gah, so much emotions, you will absolutely fall in love with all these amazing characters.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s finally HERE! The story I’ve been waiting for since the beginning of Lisa N. Paul’s Charistown series. The one that’s been steadily brewing on the outskirts of all the other couples’ stories. The one that couldn’t be told too early because the characters nor the readers were ready to deal with the devastating past…the walls were too high and too impenetrable and it would have been impossible to get to the heart and truth of the story.

But as the Charistown series continued and more chaos and devastation occurred and had to be worked through, the timing started to move in a way that readied readers and Lyla herself to deal with her past…to hear the details of what happened to her all those years ago and find a way to move beyond that time and those events and finally stop hiding and truly start living.

Since first meeting Lyla Dalton and Gage Sebastian in the previous books in the series and witnessing them circle each other since they first set eyes on one another, I knew the undeniable chemistry between them would become too much for them not to act on, but even when they did take a step or two toward testing out their connection, nothing ever really developed because there was still work to be done…memories and people to confront before they could give all that they are to who they truly wanted - each other.

What’s important for readers to understand is that Lyla and Gage can’t instantly become a couple; there’s no instant gratification in this story because that wouldn’t fit with what readers already know about them and who they are at their core. There’s a lot of baggage to deal with on both sides and control is so very important to each of them, so when they don’t have it, it threatens to break them and that idea is clearly illustrated throughout the course of the story when Lyla closes herself off from the rest of her family and makes illogical decisions that threaten to do more harm than good.

Lyla and Sebastian’s story is darker than any of the other stories in the series, but there’s a reason for that…what Lyla is dealing with is a heavy burden and the scars it has left her with are ones that won’t seem to heal, which makes it a very emotional read - one that is grueling, painful, and heartbreaking, but in the midst of all of the darkness and heartache, there’s a beautiful love story, not just between Lyla and Sebastian, but also between a group of people who have come to mean everything to each other, proving that regardless of how many times she pushes them away or tries to flee, they aren’t going anywhere.

What I love most about Strength in Release is the love, passion, and sensual feelings involved in Lyla and Sebastian’s growing relationship with only minimal sexual interaction, which proves that the affection between them is way beyond a base level. They see one another for who they are, which is exactly what they need to do in order to make it through the revelations that occur in the story and how those experiences have shaped them into who they are now.

Lyla and Gage’s story is my absolute favorite of the series and that's saying something since I loved them all! But there’s just something special about these two characters and all they have been through. They are both strong, resilient, and tenacious, and they have to be in order to not crumble with all that has happened to them.

Timing is everything, and Lisa N. Paul proved that it was the right time for Lyla and Gage to stop circling each other and finally give into what has always been there between them, and the way Paul crafts what has been a long time in the making flawlessly portrays just how right they are for one another and just how good freeing oneself from the past and grabbing hold of the present can be.

I knew Lyla and Gage’s story would blow me away and it so did. It was beyond perfect because it didn’t sugarcoat anything…Paul laid both Lyla and Gage bare and allowed them to take the control they needed in order to repair the damage of their pasts and penetrate as well as destroy the walls that have kept them apart for the last few years, no longer making Gage an outsider or simply an observer but allowing him to fully participate in healing the woman that he claimed the first time he saw her.

5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

[A.D. Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strength in Release was nothing I expected, but I loved every word of it. First, I will say I haven't read the rest of the series, but I didn't feel lost at all. The connection I felt to the characters was real and carried me throughout the book.

The unmistakable attraction between Lyla and Sebastian (Gage) leaped off the pages and pulled me into their world. The twists and turns Lisa took me through had me turning the pages as quickly as I could. There were sweet parts, there were heartbreaking parts, there were hard-to-read parts that weren't out of place or unnecessary--they made the characters whole, relatable, and part of my heart.

Gage is the perfect book boyfriend. I reluctantly share him with the world only because of his personality, because of his heart, because of the perfection of this book in how two imperfect people make a perfect connection.

[Linda Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa N. Paul is a new author for me and this first book that I have read by her floored me. Lyla has lost everything in her life and after a series of events since she was a little girl have led her to trust no one not even Janie her best friend knows all of them. Sebastian Gage has always seen Lyla he has seen all of her emotions and how hard she tries to hide them. Sebastian knows he had got to move very slowly with Lyla so he can gain her trust but Sebastian has a few issues of his own. Lyla is known for a love them and leave them attitude when dating as does Sebastian but Sebastian doesn't want that with Lyla. Lyla is a tough cookie who tries so hard to let people in but it's so hard for her. I loved this story because the author made you understand how Lyla got to be that way and why Sebastian is the way he is. I requested this book for free and I have chosen to review it

[Tonya Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a long time coming , but rest assured it is well worth it. Lyla is a strong, brave and courageous woman who feels like she's been broken and can never be healed but the love of a great big beast of a man will draw her into the light and towards healing.
Lisa touches on a subject that most would sweep under the rug in this wonderful piece of literary work. The story was written so we could all feel Lyla's pain and could see her monsters in the closet. But through the story the family dynamic shines brighter than the pain. Sebastian's love and devotion is greater than the monster.

[Dawn Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is patient and kind. It is also sexy, emotional, supportive, persistent, strong, and transforming.

I have been waiting for Lyla and Gage's story since I read Thursday Nights. I have enjoyed each of the Charistown books, but this story is more than I could have anticipated. These characters are flawed, complex, and heartbreakingly​ beautiful. Their journey to love is not a sprint. Though Lyla is reluctant and even unaware, she enters this marathon with Sebastian who's endurance pushes her onward. The path is filled with obstacles both internal and external, but it isn't impassable. This book gave me all the feels and was well worth the wait. By far, one of my best reads of 2017!

[Francine Caleca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about a broken girl finding her knight in shining armor. Faced with a heinous past and a future filled with looking over her shoulder, Lyla fights against everything inside her that says Sebastian is her soulmate. Her stubbornness is no match for his patience. Once he finally breaks her walls down, they get their HEA. Read voluntarily as an ARC.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to live in Charistown. I want to hang out at Danny's on Main. The thing I love the most about the Charistown series is how close the characters all are, how they're so much more than friends, they're family, and always have each other's backs, and nowhere is that more apparent than in this book! Lyla's shocking and horrifying past comes to light and I was hurt, devastated and scared for her. Sebastian Gage is so incredibly swoon-worthy, the perfect man for Lyla...she just needs to get on board with it! There were parts of the book that I had to remind myself to breath through tears and heartache...no emotion was left untouched.

[Tish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start by saying that I love discovering new authors!! I'm going to need to go back and read the other books in this series now. This was a very sweet emotional rollercoaster ride!! Lyla and Sebastian's attraction is so intense you can almost feel it radiating from the pages. This book really does have something for just about everybody. A page turner from start to finish!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this review voluntarily

[FunUndertheCovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing I love the most about the Charistown series is how close the characters all are, how they're so much more than friends, they're family, and always have each other's backs, and nowhere is that more apparent than in this book! Lyla's shocking and horrifying past comes to light and I was hurt, devastated and scared for her. Sebastian Gage is so incredibly swoon-worthy, the perfect man for Lyla...she just needs to get on board with it! There were parts of the book that I had to remind myself to breath through tears and heartache...no emotion was left untouched.

[Rachael Fick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING! Ms. Paul definitely saved the best for last. But be forewarned, you'll need plenty of Kleenex handy!

Full review to come.

[Jillian Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strength in Release is the last book in the Charistown Series by author Lisa N. Paul, and while unfortunately this is the first book in the series I have read, I really enjoyed it.

I loved loved loved the two main characters in this book. I loved their equally damaged pasts and where that has lead them to today. How it has shaped the people they are. I loved that they were each the perfect person to break down each others walls and melt their defenses. I loved the push and pull and the struggle they have to get to their ending. I also loved the sexual tension that was evident from the very first page. Sebastian Gage is damn sexy with his brooding, alpha personality. He's a man of few words but when he uses those words I was a goner. He totally lands on my list of book boyfriends I adore. I also loved Lyla and her fierce loyalty to a group of friend who have all become the only family she's ever known and been able to trust and hold close. Together these two are off that charts hot and off the charts emotional. With ups and downs and a ton of heat, I loved every page of this book. I will certainly be going back and starting the series form the very beginning after reading this story!

Thank you, Lisa, for an amazing read!

[Ivette Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to put into words what this book was because Lyla is a strong and meaningful character since Thursday Night's book and no wonder her story needed to be the way it was.
I couldn't have asked for a better story from the author, she's always known how to crush the reader's heart and put it back together even though it will never be the same.
A strong story for a strong character and an even stronger Bastian

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! What a heartbreaking, emotional, yet beautiful book! I’m almost beyond words….On the outside, Lyla seems to have her life all together. She’s beautiful, independent, and a successful writer. If you really look past that, there is a pain and darkness inside that she dictates every aspect of her life. She has a wonderful group of friends, but she doesn’t believe HEA is in the cards for her. Sebastian or Gage as most of his friends call him, has been in love with her from the very moment he saw her. He knew she was already his and he was hers even if she didn’t yet. They have run around in the same crowd for years, and Lyla has always felt a pull toward him. But, she doesn’t do relationships. Gage will do whatever he has to win her heart, but a possible danger lurks in the shadows that may threaten her before he even gets a chance to prove himself to her.

I loved the story, but the characters were HUGE in making the book so good! Gage and Lyla are both damaged, but in very different ways. OMG…Lyla….this woman is amazing. She endured things that nightmares are made of and at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect her. Thankfully, she had people around her to help her heal somewhat. She hasn’t been able to fully let go of her past and trust anyone completely, but Gage makes her want to. Through her suffering, she has become a strong woman who doesn’t realize how much strength she gives to her friends.

Gage, oh Gage, I think he must be the perfect man. Gorgeous, sexy, strong, but it’s his heart that is his most special quality. He is so patient with Lyla, yet he doesn’t put up with her moodiness or her attempts to push him away. By taking things slow with her, he might just manage to finally bring her defenses down and help her heal completely. I adored his relationship with his grandmother. As I learned more about her, I saw where Gage got all of his wonderful qualities from.

Some parts of the book were difficult to read. Paul does a phenomenal job of dealing with it. In fact, she shows her readers that even though people may go through horrible times, there is a chance of healing, through the love of friends and family. And…there is strength in releasing your past.

***Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***

[Letty (Cover to Cover Book Blog Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Charistown series that I read, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. And what I mean by that is the fact that the book and characters are so well written, their stories come out and grab you, taking you in and giving you the chance to live with them. There was enough suspense to make you want to go back and read the rest of the series just so you can get more of the characters, but not because you feel like you’re missing something to make sense. (Geez, do I even make sense?)

Lyla and Sebastian (Gage)…this couple had chemistry to spare. Their stories are heartbreaking, each living a hell that they’re desperately trying to get out of, yet somehow afraid to take that step. Lyla broke my heart. She’s been living an empty life because her past doesn’t give her the pleasure of trusting anyone.

Sebastian has wanted her for so long, yet he will not play by her rules. He will not take her until he knows she trusts him and that situation just makes her want him more. It was entertaining to see the cat and mouse game play out.

I fell in love with the characters and definitely want to know more, so I’ll make sure to pick up the rest of the series. I laughed with their antics, their banter when all the friends got together. I cried when I read about Lyla’s past, and I swooned each time Sebastian came onto the scene. This was definitely a book worth reading.

[Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Heartbreaking But Glued Back Together Again Stars

While this is book five in this series, I at no time felt like I was missing anything from the previous books and I connected with Lyla immediately. I knew there was so much to her story, but when we find out what she's been hiding...and the strength it's taken for her to carry on, I was a blubbering mess.

Then there's Sebastian and oh my what a messed up life he's had. To have a mother treat her son like Carla treated him, it's no wonder he's the way he is...thank goodness for Florence...I LOVED her!!! This book evoked so many turbulent emotions in me with every page I read.

My anger at what both of them have had to endure and the secrets and lies that were told both by them and to them had my heart weeping. The fact that finally after all this time, they're going to face what is obviously a pull that can no longer be denied for the long term and find a happiness neither of them ever thought they would find let alone deserve started to put my heart back together again.

Ms. Paul has a way with her words that while she's chopping your heart into tiny little pieces you just know that while you're suffering right along with the characters, there will be so much love and happiness at the end because there has to be...no two people can endure what they've overcome and not find the beauty and love of a life with the person that is truly your soul mate.

Now that I've read this book, I'm quickly going to purchase the first four books so I can get the entire history of this amazing group of people and will most definitely be reading this book again and I'm sure will have an even greater appreciation for the strength in release both Lyla and Sebastian have found.

[Bev Sten · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Charistown series is one of the best I have read. Lisa N. Paul has a way of inserting some profound dialogue that always has me highlighting my kindle. Strength in Release is no different. I've been waiting for the mysterious Lyla's book for a long time. As excited as I was to read it I was also sad that the series was coming to an end. Although there are two characters left in the book that could get their own stories... AHEM. Lyla and Gage's story was true love. It was a love so strong that nothing would deter either as much as Lyla did/didn't. The characters were so real and believable. The nasty people were really nasty so much so I found myself holding my breath and crying along with the character in pain. When Lyla finally figures out that she has the Danny's Main people as a true family the burden of her secrets, when shared, help ease the pain and fear. A truly awesome story of love, hate, fear, dread and the meaning of true happiness. I can't tell you how much I loved it.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will not lie. I had a difficult time getting into this book. I re read the first four chapters three times before figuring out what was going on. The book started out slow for me and was a very confusing beginning, but then takes a turn and that's where I loved it! This was my first book by Lisa Paul and I can't wait to read more. From about that 10% mark she pulled me into the story from there and didn't disappoint. Her characters are well developed and packed full of many traits and emotions.

In this book we follow Lyla and Gage. She's hiding both figuratively and literally from her past. She wants to flee but anchored down by her friends and their support. Her past is dark and she wants to run away from it to keep everyone around her safe, as well as herself. She doesn't of course and that's the premise of the story. There were a lot of characters added in here that are from this series. This was my first of the series so they were all new to me. Then there is Gage! Our strong, focused alpha male that has been waiting for his chance with Lyla. These two really are great together and once she realizes it could be, things spark from there! With pasts that they both want to keep there, they are tested and have to overcome things they never wanted to revisit. This book is emotional, fun and full of growth for both of our main two! Great job!

*I received and ARC copy of this title at my request and am providing this voluntary review*

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for an honest review. This is book 4 in the series. I normally am very OCD about reading everything in order, but I didn't with this series. I don't think I missed anything by not reading books 1-3 first, but I will probably go back and read them. I am the type of reader that likes to know all the background leading up to each story.
This book had me on such a roller coaster ride! Gage and Lyla's story is so strong, powerful, dramatic, tense, loving and so much more. Lisa does such a great job with this story. This is my first book of hers, and I absolutely loved it.
Both characters are broken but perfect in that they are strong in their own ways and provide such an amazing storyline. This story grips you through every twist and surprises you at every turn. I love how the author shows the importance of trust in a relationship and not just love. Gage is the man that every girl could ever want. Lyla doesn't do relationships. Their push and pull with each other is so powerful, it's truly what makes the story.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY! Lyla's story. I've been invested in this series since the beginning.... I love that all the books are connected but also can be read as stand-a-lone reads. Seriously if you haven't met the characters of Charistown, you should get on it right away. Lyla has always been my favorite... I probably relate to her the most. Bc she has a genuine soul to her... She's been through hell and back but still puts others before herself. Shes fiesty, wrecked, and knows exactly who she is.... Finally her story comes to light.... This book had me an emotional wreck from start to finish. This is one of those reads that will devastate you afterwards and reading anything else is just not an options. Of course there a dark, handsome, rough around the edges man thata involved as well. I highly recommend this whole series.... Im officially devastated that this was the last book.

[Crystal Spieker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strength in Release is the final book in the Charistown series. Each book in the series is a standalone and this is the first book in the series I've read. So, take it from me, start with book 1. While I never felt lost in this book from not reading the others first, I felt I would have had a deeper connection to some of the other characters and their stories and how they contributed to Lyla and Gage's story. Reading this one first did not stop me from feeling a deep deep connection with both Lyla and Gage. I absolutely loved how the book was written in third person pov, giving us so much more of the story, especially when it came to memories and the past. The way this was written I didn't just feel like I was right there, I felt like I was each character going through each emotion, each moment. To read a book where I can connect so vividly with both the man and the woman is so rare, and really made this one stand out to me. This is my first read by Lisa Paul, and I'm so glad I found her, I can't wait to go back and start this series from the beginning! I absolutely fell in love with Lyla and Gage! Felt their pain, cried with them, laughed with them. I loved the slow burn of their relationship. Hard to say this was a great end, as it was the beginning for me, but it was great! Better than great!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time in reading this author and silly me at first thought I had read something of hers before but realize would remember these mad writing skills. I also noticed I managed to get into a series but this doesn't leave you hanging. This centers around Lyla and Sebastian whom have such a explosive desire for each other but each have their struggles. You also have a place that has quite the character in itself the bar does. This is also not your average read wither especially since this author kinda kidnaps you pulling you into her world with these people to pulling on your emotions so you too feel every joy, tear along with many other ones. The slow torture of excellent reading that sears you inch by inch created by these two that by the time you have come to the end you know you also were given a piece of the author.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Lisa N. Paul and after finishing this story, it will not be the last book I read by her.

Lyla Dalton had quite the childhood. She's suffered so much grief and if that wasn't enough she also endured a good deal of abuse by her father.

Sebastian Gage has had his eye on Lyla Dalton for a while and he wants her as his own. However, he knows he needs to take it slow (heck he has been watching her from a distance for years waiting to make a move) with her. He feels as though it's finally time to make his move...to make her his.

Lyla wants control of men in her life that visit her bedroom and when Gage isn't willing to give her that control will he leave and never come back? Can she work through her past tragedies and move on?

A lot of emotions for me in this book. I felt so bad for what Lyla went through as a child, that emotionally has carried over into adulthood. Gage was such a great book boyfriend for me! He was hot and perfect!! This story all came together all tied up in a nice neat little package!! The author did a great job of making me feel like I was part of the story! I wanted to read it fast, but wanted to take it slow because I didn't want it to end!

[Melody Grabeel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyla Dalton is surrounded by people who love her and haunted by the tragedies of her past. She is surviving the only way she knows and isn't ready to change any of that. She has her rules and finds herself drowning in them.



Sebastian Gage has watched her from afar. He knows she's the one for him and now he needs to convince her. He sees her pain and her fears and knows he has to proceed slowly to win her. His life has been a series of complications but they've never held him back.



I was immediately drawn into the book and held captive by it until the end. Lyla is a strong person when it comes to those she loves but has lost her inner strength along the way. Gage is headstrong and fearless in his perseverance of his woman. The journey this book took me on as a reader is unlike most of the books I've read.



This is the first book I've read by this author and before I finished it, I grabbed the first book in this series. I wasn't ready to leave the world she's created and wanted to learn more about the other characters. I will definitely recommend this book to my friends.