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Camassia Cove Universe #3
Path of Destruction
The first time Adeline Ivey danced into my life, high on ecstasy instead of life, was at the party before the kickoff of our seventh tour. I spotted her out on the lawn, a gorgeous girl spinning around in circles with her arms wide and a big smile directed at the Los Angeles sky.
We shared an insane summer on the road, surrounded by sex, drugs, and rock n' roll—a combination that could only end in disaster.
That was ten years ago. The world has forgotten Lincoln Hayes, rock god and guitarist in Path of Destruction. As the date of my parole hearing approaches, I'm nothing but a number in the system of the Michigan Department of Corrections. And as much as I want to forget the events of that summer and move on, the girl I can't get out of my head is trying to make an encore appearance in my life.
We shared an insane summer on the road, surrounded by sex, drugs, and rock n' roll—a combination that could only end in disaster.
That was ten years ago. The world has forgotten Lincoln Hayes, rock god and guitarist in Path of Destruction. As the date of my parole hearing approaches, I'm nothing but a number in the system of the Michigan Department of Corrections. And as much as I want to forget the events of that summer and move on, the girl I can't get out of my head is trying to make an encore appearance in my life.
341 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2017
176 people are currently reading
1172 people want to read
About the author
Cara Dee
97 books4,083 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
April 13, 2020
Third time through and I still love the fuck out of this book and series. It feels like going home.
----------Original Review 27 June 2017 ------------
4.5 Stars
I am happy to say, I enjoyed Path of Destruction a lot more than I thought I would. I love Cara Dee's writing, but I read very little M/F these days, so I'll freely admit that I only read this to get background on some of the characters from Uncomplicated Choices, namely Lincoln. I didn't expect to get to completely sucked into the story, but I totally did. It's told in both Ade's and Lincoln's POV and in part 1, we go back and forth in time from 2007/8 and flashing back to 1998, before Lincoln went to prison. Part 2 is completely in the present (well, "present" in this story is 2008 and 2009).
As I mentioned, I initially wanted to read Path of Destruction just to fill in some blanks after reading Uncomplicated Choices and to see how much this story added to that one. Well, after reading Path of Destruction I can say that while it is certainly not necessary to read this book before Uncomplicated Choices, it does add to the depth of some of the secondary characters that we meet in Uncomplicated Choices, and even a little bit where Casey is concerned. But I've got to say that Casey is a very different man by the time we meet him in Uncomplicated Choices. Several years have passed and he's gotten an education, gotten his life together and is raising a daughter. In Path of Destruction he is a scared kid. Full stop.
So, if you skipped Path of Destruction because, like me, you pretty much only read M/M, but you are curious about Lincoln after reading Uncomplicated Choices, and you're open to reading M/F, I'd encourage you to give Path of Destruction a shot. If the secondary characters in Uncomplicated Choices didn't interest you much, then you won't get much out of this one, so rest easy in your decision to skip it.
Path of Destruction tells the story of how Lincoln Hayes meets and falls for Adeline Ivey and how both of those events brought about his downfall. That's not to say it was all her fault, though. Lincoln made his own bad choices. I'm not going to spoil it and tell you what I learned about Lincoln and what happened, but the whole situation was pretty screwed up, from beginning to end. Lincoln and Adeline were toxic for each other back then. A complete train wreck.
Lincoln is a man who has been in prison for a decade. He's not just locked up, he's closed off. The only person from the outside he even allowed to visit him was his dad, Keith. And that's only a few times a year. Shutting down is the only thing that kept Lincoln sane for those ten years. During his last two, his cell mate was a kid named Casey, who was 19 or 20 when he got sent up. Lincoln looked out for him and even with Lincoln allowing himself that small amount of humanity, he was not at all prepared for life to continue, and he would scarcely even allow himself to think about "after".
Ade has struggled, too, since Lincoln's trial. She was self-destructive before Lincoln got sent to prison, and she doubled down after that. It's only through a friend she made while touring with the band, Morgan, that Ade was able to pull her life together and get some help. But she has so many struggles and has responsibilities that I shudder to even contemplate.
In Path of Destruction, through the eyes of memory and flashbacks, I got to know, not just Lincoln and Ade, but Madigan, Morgan and Jesse & Abel, some of whom we hear more about, in Uncomplicated Choices. The only one we meet in Uncomplicated Choices, though, is Madigan. And, of course, Casey, but as I mentioned, he's come a long way by the time he gets his book.
While I know that Path of Destruction isn't going to be for my close friends here, because it is M/F, I'm glad I read it. It's angsty as fuck and it pulverized my poor heart before restoring it (covered in band-aids and duct tape). Part 1 was especially hard to read, watching Ade and Lincoln self destruct with drugs and then later, even worse choices. It does give another layer of depth to what I learned about the folks I met in Uncomplicated Choices, but as I mentioned previously, now that I've read this one, I can definitely say you don't need to read it before reading Uncomplicated Choices. My entire read through of this series, this time, was specifically to see how well the books really stood on their own. And they do pretty damn well, actually.
----------Original Review 27 June 2017 ------------
4.5 Stars
I am happy to say, I enjoyed Path of Destruction a lot more than I thought I would. I love Cara Dee's writing, but I read very little M/F these days, so I'll freely admit that I only read this to get background on some of the characters from Uncomplicated Choices, namely Lincoln. I didn't expect to get to completely sucked into the story, but I totally did. It's told in both Ade's and Lincoln's POV and in part 1, we go back and forth in time from 2007/8 and flashing back to 1998, before Lincoln went to prison. Part 2 is completely in the present (well, "present" in this story is 2008 and 2009).
As I mentioned, I initially wanted to read Path of Destruction just to fill in some blanks after reading Uncomplicated Choices and to see how much this story added to that one. Well, after reading Path of Destruction I can say that while it is certainly not necessary to read this book before Uncomplicated Choices, it does add to the depth of some of the secondary characters that we meet in Uncomplicated Choices, and even a little bit where Casey is concerned. But I've got to say that Casey is a very different man by the time we meet him in Uncomplicated Choices. Several years have passed and he's gotten an education, gotten his life together and is raising a daughter. In Path of Destruction he is a scared kid. Full stop.
So, if you skipped Path of Destruction because, like me, you pretty much only read M/M, but you are curious about Lincoln after reading Uncomplicated Choices, and you're open to reading M/F, I'd encourage you to give Path of Destruction a shot. If the secondary characters in Uncomplicated Choices didn't interest you much, then you won't get much out of this one, so rest easy in your decision to skip it.
Path of Destruction tells the story of how Lincoln Hayes meets and falls for Adeline Ivey and how both of those events brought about his downfall. That's not to say it was all her fault, though. Lincoln made his own bad choices. I'm not going to spoil it and tell you what I learned about Lincoln and what happened, but the whole situation was pretty screwed up, from beginning to end. Lincoln and Adeline were toxic for each other back then. A complete train wreck.
Lincoln is a man who has been in prison for a decade. He's not just locked up, he's closed off. The only person from the outside he even allowed to visit him was his dad, Keith. And that's only a few times a year. Shutting down is the only thing that kept Lincoln sane for those ten years. During his last two, his cell mate was a kid named Casey, who was 19 or 20 when he got sent up. Lincoln looked out for him and even with Lincoln allowing himself that small amount of humanity, he was not at all prepared for life to continue, and he would scarcely even allow himself to think about "after".
Ade has struggled, too, since Lincoln's trial. She was self-destructive before Lincoln got sent to prison, and she doubled down after that. It's only through a friend she made while touring with the band, Morgan, that Ade was able to pull her life together and get some help. But she has so many struggles and has responsibilities that I shudder to even contemplate.
In Path of Destruction, through the eyes of memory and flashbacks, I got to know, not just Lincoln and Ade, but Madigan, Morgan and Jesse & Abel, some of whom we hear more about, in Uncomplicated Choices. The only one we meet in Uncomplicated Choices, though, is Madigan. And, of course, Casey, but as I mentioned, he's come a long way by the time he gets his book.
While I know that Path of Destruction isn't going to be for my close friends here, because it is M/F, I'm glad I read it. It's angsty as fuck and it pulverized my poor heart before restoring it (covered in band-aids and duct tape). Part 1 was especially hard to read, watching Ade and Lincoln self destruct with drugs and then later, even worse choices. It does give another layer of depth to what I learned about the folks I met in Uncomplicated Choices, but as I mentioned previously, now that I've read this one, I can definitely say you don't need to read it before reading Uncomplicated Choices. My entire read through of this series, this time, was specifically to see how well the books really stood on their own. And they do pretty damn well, actually.
May 8, 2019
I'm not a fan of flashbacks, at all, so it says something about just how bloody brilliant this author is that this book was done in flashback for a good portion of it and I still enjoyed it. It didn't rock my work like some of the others have in the series, and not because it's MF but I think because of the angst created by having to pick my way through the flashbacks. I was exhausted at the end of it.
I loved Lincoln from the get go, Adeline took a while to win me over and this was purely down to the fantastic character growth throughout the book.
I loved Lincoln from the get go, Adeline took a while to win me over and this was purely down to the fantastic character growth throughout the book.
March 25, 2023
I initially skipped all the MF books in this series, but then I decided to give this one a go. And I loved it. Lincoln and Ade were toxic as fuck and hot as fuck in their youth. 10 years later, they got their HEA.
10 years in jail is a long time. And it wasn’t sugar coated.
I also loved getting to see Casey as Kid. Getting a backstory on his relationship with Linc.
And I especially loved seeing Abel as a kid. And Madigan. I’m going to reread Power Play with this new perspective. 😳🥰
Overall, great background story into the Camassia Cove world. It dragged a little here and there and would have probably been better 100 pages shorter.
3.5 ⭐️
10 years in jail is a long time. And it wasn’t sugar coated.
I also loved getting to see Casey as Kid. Getting a backstory on his relationship with Linc.
And I especially loved seeing Abel as a kid. And Madigan. I’m going to reread Power Play with this new perspective. 😳🥰
Overall, great background story into the Camassia Cove world. It dragged a little here and there and would have probably been better 100 pages shorter.
3.5 ⭐️
May 5, 2019
Still basking in the rush I got while reading If We Could Go Back, so I have a craving for the Camassia universe :-).
All books in this series can be read as a standalone : some MCs in one book appear or not in other books, the main link being the town of Camassia. That said, I’m glad I read "Path of Destruction" as it’s kind of the starting point of this universe and feature for the first time many characters who will then have their own story that I enjoyed a lot (Casey and Ellis in Uncomplicated Choices, Abel and Madigan in Power Play, Ellis making a small appearance in If We Could Go Back,…).
This one was not my favorite. Not because it’s MF (on the contrary : no “weak damsel” alternating between "I shouldn’t" and "I can't help it", LOL !!) but because :
* The first half spans over 10 years and it was dragging so much for me I had a hard time figuring out Adeline and Adeline/Lincoln's relationship.
* The second half on the other hand when Lincoln and Adeline are “reunited” : a second chance in a few weeks…that was fast.
I was not a fan of the pacing here : didn’t work for me.
But the angst in this book : sweet Lord…kuddos to Cara Dee. Lincoln, Casey (Lincoln's cellmate) and many side characters (such as Keith, Lincoln's father, Morgan, Abel and Jesse) stole the romance show. If not for this pacing, it would have been 5 stars. It's only 3.5 stars but an engaging read though : the angst was riveting and I went through this read in a couple of days only.
And now, going straight to Uncomplicated Choices : a great re-read in perspective !!
All books in this series can be read as a standalone : some MCs in one book appear or not in other books, the main link being the town of Camassia. That said, I’m glad I read "Path of Destruction" as it’s kind of the starting point of this universe and feature for the first time many characters who will then have their own story that I enjoyed a lot (Casey and Ellis in Uncomplicated Choices, Abel and Madigan in Power Play, Ellis making a small appearance in If We Could Go Back,…).
This one was not my favorite. Not because it’s MF (on the contrary : no “weak damsel” alternating between "I shouldn’t" and "I can't help it", LOL !!) but because :
* The first half spans over 10 years and it was dragging so much for me I had a hard time figuring out Adeline and Adeline/Lincoln's relationship.
* The second half on the other hand when Lincoln and Adeline are “reunited” : a second chance in a few weeks…that was fast.
I was not a fan of the pacing here : didn’t work for me.
But the angst in this book : sweet Lord…kuddos to Cara Dee. Lincoln, Casey (Lincoln's cellmate) and many side characters (such as Keith, Lincoln's father, Morgan, Abel and Jesse) stole the romance show. If not for this pacing, it would have been 5 stars. It's only 3.5 stars but an engaging read though : the angst was riveting and I went through this read in a couple of days only.
And now, going straight to Uncomplicated Choices : a great re-read in perspective !!
August 27, 2020
*3.5 stars*
I enjoyed it but I didn't love it. The first half was too much drugs and rock and roll for my tastes and the second half had much less angst than I expected. Mostly I'm happy I read it because I get such a better grasp on the other people's stories now, like Casey and Madigan/Abel.
I enjoyed it but I didn't love it. The first half was too much drugs and rock and roll for my tastes and the second half had much less angst than I expected. Mostly I'm happy I read it because I get such a better grasp on the other people's stories now, like Casey and Madigan/Abel.
June 21, 2020
This was painful to read. Painful as in watching two people love each other in the wrong ways, trying to be there for each other while battling their own demons. I savored and thoroughly enjoyed. Wow. What a ride.
April 18, 2017
So this book is broken in two parts. Part I is a combination of flashbacks and the present. I’m not a fan of stories with flashbacks, and in my opinion, the flashbacks in part I were excessive.
Part II is the present. I loved both the H and h and the way they are with one another but there wasn’t enough focus on the relationship building. Yeah they had a past that I got a glimpse of through all those flashbacks, but it was toxic and lasted only 3 months. I wasn’t feeling them as a couple until almost the end. Nine years later, they reconnect but it’s not just about them. Now there are a bunch of secondary characters, and they are always present. They weren’t annoying, I actually really liked them, but I was hoping for more couple time between the MCs. The story as a whole is an interesting one but romance takes a back seat during most of it.
I was so ready to rate this book 3 stars, but in true Cara Dee fashion, the epilogues (yeah we get two..woot!) are so freaking awesome! I just had to add another star to my rating. I’m so glad to know that there will be other stories for the secondary characters that were part of this story. I’m hoping that also means there will be more of Adeline and Lincoln.
Part II is the present. I loved both the H and h and the way they are with one another but there wasn’t enough focus on the relationship building. Yeah they had a past that I got a glimpse of through all those flashbacks, but it was toxic and lasted only 3 months. I wasn’t feeling them as a couple until almost the end. Nine years later, they reconnect but it’s not just about them. Now there are a bunch of secondary characters, and they are always present. They weren’t annoying, I actually really liked them, but I was hoping for more couple time between the MCs. The story as a whole is an interesting one but romance takes a back seat during most of it.
I was so ready to rate this book 3 stars, but in true Cara Dee fashion, the epilogues (yeah we get two..woot!) are so freaking awesome! I just had to add another star to my rating. I’m so glad to know that there will be other stories for the secondary characters that were part of this story. I’m hoping that also means there will be more of Adeline and Lincoln.
March 17, 2017
Cara Dee writes like no other. She knows how to get her characters wrap themselves around your heart and once they do, they never let you go. This book was no different.
Lincoln is a famous rock star. Adelaide is a "groupie" with a lot of baggage or is she? These two intricate characters start a relationship that only leads them down a Path of Destruction. Perfect title for this perfect love story.
Adelaide slowly opens up about her tragic past and this past leaves Lincoln no choice but to act. His actions lead to a long separation from Ade.
After a great deal of time passes these two are reunited. Both have grown and matured and their second chance is so beautiful.
Loved this so much and I cannot wait for more words from Cara.
Lincoln is a famous rock star. Adelaide is a "groupie" with a lot of baggage or is she? These two intricate characters start a relationship that only leads them down a Path of Destruction. Perfect title for this perfect love story.
Adelaide slowly opens up about her tragic past and this past leaves Lincoln no choice but to act. His actions lead to a long separation from Ade.
After a great deal of time passes these two are reunited. Both have grown and matured and their second chance is so beautiful.
Loved this so much and I cannot wait for more words from Cara.
August 31, 2019
**4.5 stars**
Wow, who would have thought? I have not read the books in this series in order but after reading Abel and Madigan's story, I just had to read about Lincoln and his tiny dancer. And guess what? This turned out to be my favourite book in the whole series, very close to Abel and Mad's story. Double in length as the others, with so much angst, and scorching steam, this book managed to keep me reading non-stop. I absolutely loved the character growth and the plot. I haven't read MF in quite some time but this makes me want to peruse Cara Dee's back catalogue and see what gems I might be able to find.
Recommend!
Wow, who would have thought? I have not read the books in this series in order but after reading Abel and Madigan's story, I just had to read about Lincoln and his tiny dancer. And guess what? This turned out to be my favourite book in the whole series, very close to Abel and Mad's story. Double in length as the others, with so much angst, and scorching steam, this book managed to keep me reading non-stop. I absolutely loved the character growth and the plot. I haven't read MF in quite some time but this makes me want to peruse Cara Dee's back catalogue and see what gems I might be able to find.
Recommend!
April 14, 2018
3.5 stars
January 15, 2023
This book has been on my TBR for forever! I finally read Adeline and Lincoln’s story. After reading so many Camassia Cove books, I finally see where they fit in. Seeing Abel as a kid was super interesting. Especially knowing his and Madigan’s story.
Adeline has a very tragic backstory that definitely warranted a TW. I’ll put those all at the end of my review. Lincoln was a savior and a crutch for her. Their meet cute was not what I was expecting.
The secondary character game is strong in this book. Morgan was not what I was expecting nor his ending.
The flashback format normally annoys me but it worked in this case. Lincoln is in prison for a lot of this book and it was necessary for how the story unfolded. His crime was necessary too.
While their relationship was seriously toxic at times, they really did love one another. The things they both go through was tough to read at times.
Since I’ve read these books all out of order, I knew what Adeline ended up doing for her life’s work. It’s good to know she uses her past to make things better for other people.
Lincoln is her rock star and she’s his tiny dancer.
TWs: rape, sexual abuse of a minor, drugs, violence and suicidal ideation
Adeline has a very tragic backstory that definitely warranted a TW. I’ll put those all at the end of my review. Lincoln was a savior and a crutch for her. Their meet cute was not what I was expecting.
The secondary character game is strong in this book. Morgan was not what I was expecting nor his ending.
The flashback format normally annoys me but it worked in this case. Lincoln is in prison for a lot of this book and it was necessary for how the story unfolded. His crime was necessary too.
While their relationship was seriously toxic at times, they really did love one another. The things they both go through was tough to read at times.
Since I’ve read these books all out of order, I knew what Adeline ended up doing for her life’s work. It’s good to know she uses her past to make things better for other people.
Lincoln is her rock star and she’s his tiny dancer.
TWs: rape, sexual abuse of a minor, drugs, violence and suicidal ideation
July 19, 2022
3.5*
Having read and loved several of the books in the series as stand-alones, I decided to embark on an exploration of all the books this year. This was not my favourite book by Cara Dee so far, but a good place to enter the Camassia Cove Universe (CCU) from the beginning. The events in this book are referenced elsewhere in the series, and I found it helpful; however, I am not sure it will pull first-time readers into the series.
Luckily, her detailed website has lots of extras and freebies to make sense of all the characters and locations. I also discovered three options for reading order and chose the as Cara prefers to read them list because I am familiar with this and her other related books. And I love a little peek into a favorite author's brain.
Having read and loved several of the books in the series as stand-alones, I decided to embark on an exploration of all the books this year. This was not my favourite book by Cara Dee so far, but a good place to enter the Camassia Cove Universe (CCU) from the beginning. The events in this book are referenced elsewhere in the series, and I found it helpful; however, I am not sure it will pull first-time readers into the series.
Luckily, her detailed website has lots of extras and freebies to make sense of all the characters and locations. I also discovered three options for reading order and chose the as Cara prefers to read them list because I am familiar with this and her other related books. And I love a little peek into a favorite author's brain.
October 27, 2017
I’m very happy to say I enjoyed The Path of Destruction. Not only was it a sad story but an absolutely beautiful one too!
Ade and Lincoln’s relationship is anything but easy. They’re dealt with a whole bunch of shit that one couple should never have to go through. Abuse, death, drugs, alcohol, love, sex and murder, it’s all thrown into this story and makes it the greatest storyline. It leaves you wondering what’s going to happen next and when things are going to get better for the couple you’re rooting for from the beginning.
I loved each characters that appears in this story, Ade is feisty and a little bad ass, Lincoln is closed off at times but loves fiercely. Jesse is protective and loved hard, Abel is adorable and I just wanna squish him, Madigan is just fun to read about, Kid he’s such a young and adorable lad that makes you feel for him and even Lincoln’s pop, he’s such a sweetheart. They were all such a perfect edition to this book.
I’ve enjoyed reading this one and I’d love to read the other characters stories.
Ade and Lincoln’s relationship is anything but easy. They’re dealt with a whole bunch of shit that one couple should never have to go through. Abuse, death, drugs, alcohol, love, sex and murder, it’s all thrown into this story and makes it the greatest storyline. It leaves you wondering what’s going to happen next and when things are going to get better for the couple you’re rooting for from the beginning.
I loved each characters that appears in this story, Ade is feisty and a little bad ass, Lincoln is closed off at times but loves fiercely. Jesse is protective and loved hard, Abel is adorable and I just wanna squish him, Madigan is just fun to read about, Kid he’s such a young and adorable lad that makes you feel for him and even Lincoln’s pop, he’s such a sweetheart. They were all such a perfect edition to this book.
I’ve enjoyed reading this one and I’d love to read the other characters stories.
Want to read
April 29, 20194/29/19 Currently FREE via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VVKL2HS/...
September 12, 2021
**2.5** The first half of this book is told in alternating timelines between different POV’s. You really have to pay attention to the dates at the top of each chapter. The novel switches between Lincoln in prison (we don’t know what for) and Adeline in a home with two boys who call her mom.
This book also deals with some very dark and heavy topics. I’ll spoiler tag them just in case you want to go in blind.
Before starting this book, I had read some positive reviews and I LOVE Cara Dee’s writing, so it was a no-brainer to hop right into the story. The title should have been my first warning. Path of Destruction is right. There was an air of frantic desperation when Adeline meets Lincoln. He’s in a band and she wants to travel with him. In her own words...
I wish there had been some spoilers about the relationship Lincoln has in prison. It completely ruined the love story in the second half. I’ll write it down here with spoiler tags. This permeated the ENTIRE feeling of the last half of the book. I understand prison life isn’t necessarily like real life, but Lincoln should have made different choices.
I think this story was simply a deep dive into two people who made achingly bad decisions while also being good people. It's raw, real, dysfunctional, and heavy.
I had to force myself to keep reading, and in the end, I wish I had just set it aside.
This book also deals with some very dark and heavy topics. I’ll spoiler tag them just in case you want to go in blind.
Before starting this book, I had read some positive reviews and I LOVE Cara Dee’s writing, so it was a no-brainer to hop right into the story. The title should have been my first warning. Path of Destruction is right. There was an air of frantic desperation when Adeline meets Lincoln. He’s in a band and she wants to travel with him. In her own words...
It was my purpose, to spread my legs for him and look like good little slut on his arm.Adeline is mentally broken by something that happened as a teen and desperately wants to feel nothing. There was lots of coke snorting, pill popping, binge drinking, soulless sex, and an overwhelming feeling of depression and doom that oozed through these sections of this book. Ade clings to Lincoln in complete dysfunction as he supplies her with drugs.
"Jesus fucking Christ, you're a mess girl. Tell me what you need."They have explosive, incredibly hot sex all the time. (he has an elephant trunk and she's tiny) You can feel Lincoln getting attached to her. He wants to save her, protect her, find out why she has to be constantly high. I felt for both these characters, I really did.
"Coke," I rasped. "Or E. Or anything." I'd take it all. Valium, Xanax, Prozac, oxys, acid...I guess I wasn't ashamed anymore. Beyond caring.
I wish there had been some spoilers about the relationship Lincoln has in prison. It completely ruined the love story in the second half. I’ll write it down here with spoiler tags. This permeated the ENTIRE feeling of the last half of the book. I understand prison life isn’t necessarily like real life, but Lincoln should have made different choices.
I think this story was simply a deep dive into two people who made achingly bad decisions while also being good people. It's raw, real, dysfunctional, and heavy.
I had to force myself to keep reading, and in the end, I wish I had just set it aside.
June 2, 2018
It’s now a few days since I’ve completed the book and I still can’t decide whether or not I’ve enjoyed the read! I had to push myself to keep going through the first part, but it got easier at part 2.
There were a lot of flashbacks to the past as the story unfolded in part one. I’m not really a fan of a story jumping about in this way, but it seemed to work for this book. This is an interesting read in terms of the reactions it inspires in the reader, when trying to imagine being in the place of the main characters.
I didn’t develop any real attachment to the characters in this story, unfortunately. I understood why they made their choices, but I didn’t feel invested in the outcome. The issues handled in the story were very well presented and handled extremely sensitively. It did make me think about the situations the characters faced and the thoughts and emotions that they were experiencing.
Overall I’m pleased that I’ve read the book and experienced the story. I did feel that the ending was a bit disjointed and not enough attention was given to a few things that had been built up throughout the story. The reason may be because of spoilers for other books by this author, but it made this book seem a bit rushed towards the end.
There were a lot of flashbacks to the past as the story unfolded in part one. I’m not really a fan of a story jumping about in this way, but it seemed to work for this book. This is an interesting read in terms of the reactions it inspires in the reader, when trying to imagine being in the place of the main characters.
I didn’t develop any real attachment to the characters in this story, unfortunately. I understood why they made their choices, but I didn’t feel invested in the outcome. The issues handled in the story were very well presented and handled extremely sensitively. It did make me think about the situations the characters faced and the thoughts and emotions that they were experiencing.
Overall I’m pleased that I’ve read the book and experienced the story. I did feel that the ending was a bit disjointed and not enough attention was given to a few things that had been built up throughout the story. The reason may be because of spoilers for other books by this author, but it made this book seem a bit rushed towards the end.
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October 19, 2021
Since I read the Power Play before starting this series, I already knew that Abel's parents, Adeline and Lincoln, would eventually be together. But I had no idea how Ade, Morgan's just-friend, became the mother of Abel and Jesse, and how Lincoln marry in to this family.
Thanks to this book, we have more than filled in the gaps.
It was too painful to read the story of Ade and Lincoln and at the same time it was so nice to witness how they turned into something beautiful despite everything they've been through.
Also this book has it all. Drugs, alcohol, addiction, sex, love, abuse, death, family, friends... Everything.
It was also great to witness Abel's childhood (he was so cute by the way), Jesse's protectiveness over his borther and "mom" and also his fathers memory, how Madigan was related to this family at that time and Lincoln's friendship with Casey a.k.a. Kid.
Consequently, this one is far the best book in the series by now for me.
PS: I already met Casey and Ellis in Power Play, but after reading Casey's history, I'm even more curious about the story of the two!
Thanks to this book, we have more than filled in the gaps.
It was too painful to read the story of Ade and Lincoln and at the same time it was so nice to witness how they turned into something beautiful despite everything they've been through.
Also this book has it all. Drugs, alcohol, addiction, sex, love, abuse, death, family, friends... Everything.
It was also great to witness Abel's childhood (he was so cute by the way), Jesse's protectiveness over his borther and "mom" and also his fathers memory, how Madigan was related to this family at that time and Lincoln's friendship with Casey a.k.a. Kid.
Consequently, this one is far the best book in the series by now for me.
PS: I already met Casey and Ellis in Power Play, but after reading Casey's history, I'm even more curious about the story of the two!
July 28, 2023
Oh boy. This book was everything!!
June 30, 2024
Was only intending to read the mm books in the series but I read book 7 or 8 ages ago and now I’m glad I read this one because it gave so much context.
The first half went on a bit too long for me pace wise. I felt like some substantial parts of that could have been cut and you wouldn’t have lost any of the story.
Ade and Lincoln were super toxic and I loved it. I devoured the second half, it was perfect. Highly questionable morals throughout but I’m ngl, I loved that lol.
Also, Casey 🥹🩵 I need his HEA like immediately.
The first half went on a bit too long for me pace wise. I felt like some substantial parts of that could have been cut and you wouldn’t have lost any of the story.
Ade and Lincoln were super toxic and I loved it. I devoured the second half, it was perfect. Highly questionable morals throughout but I’m ngl, I loved that lol.
Also, Casey 🥹🩵 I need his HEA like immediately.
February 19, 2018
5 Stars
I think this may be my favourite of the series so far. At first I wasn’t sure how it would go as the first part of the book jumps from past to present frequently and I’m NOT a flashback fan. However I think this was done really well and there was just enough of the past to slowly drip feed you the whole story. In the past there was a lot of partying and drug taking so I’m glad we didn’t stay there for long periods.
I loved Lincoln in both the past and present I totally fell in love with him, he really did try his best to protect Adeline. As for Adeline I liked her much more in the present she was strong, independent and fiercely protective of those she loved. Whereas in the past she was just a young girl (only 18) and although she was street wise at times she also came over as naive and used drugs to run from her past (can't say I blame her for that mind). I don’t want to say much more as this would give away the story.
I really hope to see more from Lincoln and Adeline further in the series and I can’t wait to get to Casey’s book ♥
I think this may be my favourite of the series so far. At first I wasn’t sure how it would go as the first part of the book jumps from past to present frequently and I’m NOT a flashback fan. However I think this was done really well and there was just enough of the past to slowly drip feed you the whole story. In the past there was a lot of partying and drug taking so I’m glad we didn’t stay there for long periods.
I loved Lincoln in both the past and present I totally fell in love with him, he really did try his best to protect Adeline. As for Adeline I liked her much more in the present she was strong, independent and fiercely protective of those she loved. Whereas in the past she was just a young girl (only 18) and although she was street wise at times she also came over as naive and used drugs to run from her past (can't say I blame her for that mind). I don’t want to say much more as this would give away the story.
I really hope to see more from Lincoln and Adeline further in the series and I can’t wait to get to Casey’s book ♥
March 11, 2021
My first MF after many months of reading MM and it doesn’t let me down...Intense is an understatement for how Lincoln and Adeline’s story begins but it paved the way for how they develop as characters. It was a journey into their lives and it was arresting. The path that led to each other was full of revelations and with the help of memorable side, characters made it all worthwhile. I was genuinely happy for them and can't keep smiling when I reached the last few pages.
Also, is it weird I was hungry for some MM even as I was reading this and can't stop thinking about Madigan & Abel’s story or Casey & Ellis’s story (as they’re some of the side characters mentioned) and how soon I’d get to read their books?🤔
Anyway next is another MF, Isla and Jack’s story, which was mentioned in Home, so my interest is piqued. Reading on...
Also, is it weird I was hungry for some MM even as I was reading this and can't stop thinking about Madigan & Abel’s story or Casey & Ellis’s story (as they’re some of the side characters mentioned) and how soon I’d get to read their books?🤔
Anyway next is another MF, Isla and Jack’s story, which was mentioned in Home, so my interest is piqued. Reading on...
January 5, 2021
I was sure this would be at least 4, if not 5, stars for me. Goddammit I was so sure....But somewhere along the road it just went downhill. The second part (after prison) of the book is in completely different pace, which is somehow expected, but I just couldn't connect to it, my interest was dying, they were killing it with their tedious behavior. Loved the first part (during prison) and the history, kinda needed that type OTT drama, and would loved if it was kinda spaced through the whole story so you don't feel like the second part is dragging.
Would have rated it 2 stars in the end, but that first part... f* me but I loved it a lot. So in conclusion I am giving it 3 stars.
Would have rated it 2 stars in the end, but that first part... f* me but I loved it a lot. So in conclusion I am giving it 3 stars.
June 3, 2018
SO DIFFERENT!
I didn't expect to love this book after reading a few reviews but, again, we are all different and have our own opinions.
So very many topics are covered in this book. It is not just a typical rock star story. In fact, there is not a lot of rock star related story in the book. But life in prison after having rock star status is. It is a very emotionally charged story and the journey to happiness, for all of these awesome characters, is long and painful. Not one of them get there easily.
I recommend this story and hope you love it too!
I didn't expect to love this book after reading a few reviews but, again, we are all different and have our own opinions.
So very many topics are covered in this book. It is not just a typical rock star story. In fact, there is not a lot of rock star related story in the book. But life in prison after having rock star status is. It is a very emotionally charged story and the journey to happiness, for all of these awesome characters, is long and painful. Not one of them get there easily.
I recommend this story and hope you love it too!
February 3, 2018
4.5 'I really enjoyed this book. There was enough little tastes of man love in here, a nice little hot threesome and Lincoln's relationship with Casey was adorable, so it made the fact that this is a MF book between Lincoln and Adeline much more palatable and enjoyable. As always amazing writing. So looking foward to Kid finding his HEA' stars.
August 25, 2017
4.5 stars
I'm addicted to Cara Dee and this series now!
I'm addicted to Cara Dee and this series now!
March 16, 2017
I've read most of Cara's books and I've loved all that I've read. But this one is by far my favorite to date. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Loved it so much! I was sad for it to be over.
August 26, 2019
3,75/5
Dans ce roman, nous allons suivre l'histoire de Lincoln et Adeline. A la bse, je n'avais pas prévu de lire les romans MF qui composent cette série, mais plus on en lit, et plus on veut découvrir chaque personnage ! Il était donc évident que je finisse par lire tous les tomes...
Ce roman est construit de manière particulière car Cara Dee va alterner présent et passé, ainsi que les points de vue des deux personnages principaux.
Nous assistons donc à la rencontre de Lincoln et Adeline... Une période Sex rock'n'roll, et alcool et drogues... Puis, plus tard dans le temps, nous suivons l'incarcération de Lincoln, période que j'ai particulièrement appréciée !
Difficile de parler du roman sans trop en dire. Ce n'est pas une lecture de tout repos car il y a de nombreux passages difficiles, pour ma part. Nous avons les deux facettes de chaque personnage... Une Adeline jeune, insouciante mais blessée mais aussi une Adeline maman de deux garçons et responsable. Je savais qu'Adeline avait subi des choses par joyeuses dans le passé et nous connaissons ici quelques détails.
Un Lincoln,la rock star adulée par de nombreux fans, qui enchaîne les tournées et qui se prend d'affection pour une petite jeune. Et un Lincoln plus posé, qui a malgré lui évolué dans ses années de prison.
Difficile de voir que tant d'années leur ont été arrachées... et que malgré cela, on sait que le lien très fort qui les unit est toujours là.
J'ai aimé revoir Abel et Jesse jeunes, avec leur nouvelle maman. Les voir ensuite avec Lincoln.
Nous retrouvons d'autres personnages, en particulier Madigan, jeune et un peu moins jeune. Mais aussi Kid, qui n'est autre que Casey ! J'ai tellement aimé voir l'affection que Lincoln lui porte...
Une lecture que j'ai trouvé assez difficile, même si de nombreux passages m'ont fait sourire... Un tome qui aurait pu être plus conséquent d'ailleurs, j'aurais aimé voir certains points plus développés.
Dans ce roman, nous allons suivre l'histoire de Lincoln et Adeline. A la bse, je n'avais pas prévu de lire les romans MF qui composent cette série, mais plus on en lit, et plus on veut découvrir chaque personnage ! Il était donc évident que je finisse par lire tous les tomes...
Ce roman est construit de manière particulière car Cara Dee va alterner présent et passé, ainsi que les points de vue des deux personnages principaux.
Nous assistons donc à la rencontre de Lincoln et Adeline... Une période Sex rock'n'roll, et alcool et drogues... Puis, plus tard dans le temps, nous suivons l'incarcération de Lincoln, période que j'ai particulièrement appréciée !
Difficile de parler du roman sans trop en dire. Ce n'est pas une lecture de tout repos car il y a de nombreux passages difficiles, pour ma part. Nous avons les deux facettes de chaque personnage... Une Adeline jeune, insouciante mais blessée mais aussi une Adeline maman de deux garçons et responsable. Je savais qu'Adeline avait subi des choses par joyeuses dans le passé et nous connaissons ici quelques détails.
Un Lincoln,la rock star adulée par de nombreux fans, qui enchaîne les tournées et qui se prend d'affection pour une petite jeune. Et un Lincoln plus posé, qui a malgré lui évolué dans ses années de prison.
Difficile de voir que tant d'années leur ont été arrachées... et que malgré cela, on sait que le lien très fort qui les unit est toujours là.
J'ai aimé revoir Abel et Jesse jeunes, avec leur nouvelle maman. Les voir ensuite avec Lincoln.
Nous retrouvons d'autres personnages, en particulier Madigan, jeune et un peu moins jeune. Mais aussi Kid, qui n'est autre que Casey ! J'ai tellement aimé voir l'affection que Lincoln lui porte...
Une lecture que j'ai trouvé assez difficile, même si de nombreux passages m'ont fait sourire... Un tome qui aurait pu être plus conséquent d'ailleurs, j'aurais aimé voir certains points plus développés.
September 13, 2020
Cara Dee does messy romance so well.
I decided read Lincoln and Adeline’s story because they intrigued me as side characters in the other books. I knew it would be gritty and it certainly was.
Both Lincoln and Adeline have experience their fair share of trauma together and apart, from addiction to violence and incarceration. We start at the beginning, watching them fall apart. Then slowly, they start to pick their pieces back up again and heal, individually and as a couple.
The initial nonlinear narative really worked to keep me hooked. This was a great second chance romance, the yearning and the building tension just got me. Especially Adeline’s story made my heart ache and I found myself so proud of her as the story progressed. Lincoln started pretty rough around the edges, understandably so, but I think once he let himself hope and try, he grew a lot too. You could see that their second time was the best time for them to come together.
I enjoyed this a lot, especially so because it gave me the backstories of Abel and Madigan (Power Play), and Casey (Uncomplicated Choices).
December 20, 2017
This is a Rock story like no other and that is solely based on the brilliant writing of Cara Dee. The book is split into two parts and the first part is all about the Sex & Drugs part of rock and roll, but again, it's not your cookie cutter bad boy rock book, it is soo much more. The second part is all about coming to terms with doing bad things for the right reasons but what are the consequences ? I will not be able to do this story justice by this review and I do not want to give anything away I will say that I can count on one hand how many books in the hundreds I have read had me crying over secondary characters, holding my breath on what may happen next and riveted to where I bought 4 more books by this Author. If you want different, give this a try.
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