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The Gilroy Clan #5

Destroying Declan

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Declan Gilroy is an assh*le.
Eight years ago, he pushed his way into my life and made himself at home.
Made me believe he was different.
Made me love him.
And then he destroyed me.
Left me.
Broke my heart.
And I’ll never forgive him for it.
Never.
I’ve spent the last eight years watching him move on. Live his life like what he did to me meant nothing.
Like I meant nothing.
He might not love me anymore, but he still wants me.
That much I’m sure of.
I can see it in the way he looks at me.
Feel it in the way he kisses me.
I’ve waited eight long years to get even but it’s finally here.
The chance to make him hurt.
To destroy him.
And I’m going to take it.
Even if it destroys me, all over again.

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2018

814 people are currently reading
652 people want to read

About the author

Megyn Ward

70 books524 followers
USA Today best-selling author Megyn Ward lives on coffee, chocolate and more than the occasional glass of red wine. When she's not spending time with the hot, dirty-talking Alphas and the strong, capable women who love them who live in her head, she's busy chasing chickens (and kids), hanging laundry and burning dinner. Either way, she is almost always in the company of her eight dogs, her truest and most faithful companions, and her almost as faithful husband, Joe.
Megyn is also the author of the award-winning Sabrina Vaughn thriller series, written under the name Maegan Beaumont.

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5 stars
1,398 (56%)
4 stars
753 (30%)
3 stars
246 (10%)
2 stars
50 (2%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Carla .
1,669 reviews531 followers
October 2, 2022
4,5. This book took my breath away! I loved this story!
It’s worth the reading.
Profile Image for Valentine.
300 reviews66 followers
November 3, 2018
I am so mad right now, I have to apologize in advance for my English because when I am this mad I can't write straight.

First thing first: maybe I am way too suspicious but nearly all the reviews with 5 stars sounds all the same.
"Loved it, couldn't put it down, can't wait for the next book".
How creative!

Second: it's a cliffhanger, I repeat this, IT'S A FUCKING CLIFFHANGER.
Believe me when I say that 100 pages top would have been enough.

Third: time lapse is always giving me headache. I hate that. Not my cuppa. I don't give a fuck what happened in the past if by the end of the first chapter H and h are hating each other for years.

Enough with numbers, let's go back to the story itself: Declan and Tess (or Tesla) knew each other for years, he is an asshole she is a virgin (shocking I know).
Is not that clear what happened between those two idiots because as I already said it's a fucking cliffhanger, but I guess Declan left her after a while (because he is not good for her blah blah blah) and Tess was pregnant ( but shocking again he didn't know that) and she lost the baby.
They both dated different people during the 9 years they spent apart (btw seeing each other often due to friends in common).
In 2018 (which is in theory the year we are supposed to read about) Tess is single and still in love with Declan, and Declan is engaged with Jessica for the past 2 years (but obviously still in love with Tess).
THAT'S NOT ROMANTIC.

"Wentworth dumped me after a few months and a year later, Declan put a ring on it and Jessica’s been flashing it in my face ever since, while I pretend that marrying her isn’t the worst form of betrayal. That I don’t give a shit when in reality, every time I see them together, I have to talk myself out of walking into traffic"

I really don't know if I hate more Tess or Declan, I can't decide. They are both childish, idiots, dumb.
WHY DON'T YOU FUCKING TALK?????

Here a few sentences of dumb and dumber:

"I need to stay away from Tess. Too bad I can’t."

"The selfish dick part of me who takes what he wants and doesn’t give a shit who gets hurt in the process. That guy wants Tess to love him. He wants to tell Jessica to get the fuck out of his car. He wants to go find Tess. Keep her. Fucking kidnap her if he has to."

"Tess has a date. A goddamned, motherfucking date."

YEP, HE IS STILL ENGAGED TO JESSICA

"I hate him. So, if you hate him, why do you get all warm and achy whenever you think about him? Because I’m stupid."

BINGO!

And last but not least the most amazing dialogue between Declan and Jessica:

"So, you admit it, you are still in love with that dirty little slut.”
“Number one—you ever call her that again, you’re going to regret it. Number two—Tess wasn’t the one letting Ephraim Viaga work her like a goddamned sock puppet in a public elevator that was you—and while we’re being honest, let me be clear—I sincerely don’t give a shit.”
“What?”
“I don’t care who you fuck,”
“Because you’re still in love with Tess.”
“My feelings for Tess are irrelevant, I don’t care who you fuck because I’m not in love with you.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“Yes, I do, Now, get out of my truck.”
“Where are you going? Are we still getting married?"
"Yes"

Best thing about this book? It's kindle unlimited.

Enjoy.
I didn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
April 16, 2020
🎁 Books 5 & 6 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (4/16/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Danielle.
113 reviews
January 3, 2024
Man these Gilroy men are unhinged! lol

This was the same as the other books in the series. Going along the story path like the others and leaving you on a note that means you have to read the next book to get the rest of the story - so ends on a cliffhanger. (This is true with "every other" book in series (as in skipping books) - they are all in pairs).

So yea... Declan is also unhinged, but the difference between him, Connor, and Patrick is that he’s always been that way. In terms of romantic connection between the characters, this one is the least convincing because it’s hardly believable that Declan was likable - shown by Tess's consistent referral to him as a “festering asshole.” They make the least amount of sense too. Which was disappointing (ish) because they really build up the tension and implied "history" with Tess & Declan in the previous 4 books, so I expected so much more.
Yet, I want to finish their story so on to the next I go...
Profile Image for Monika.
45 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2018
I was looking forward to this new addition to the Gilroy Clan series. The first four books in the series made me laugh, as I loved the sass of the characters. Reading Declan and Tess’s story made me utterly sad. I have been rooting for team Tess and Declan from the start. That’s why it is so heart breaking to see how they hurt and even more so as it is utterly unnecessary. If only they would clear the air instead of festering over the love lost. They both have strength and courage to face any kind of brutal truth so why not face the music? I really hope the realization will come in the next book and the walls will crumble.
Profile Image for Erin Moya.
Author 24 books192 followers
September 29, 2022
Tesla is a spitfire

Just when I think this series can't get any better, I read this. I LOVE this story so damn much. I adore Tesla and I hope Declan gets his redemption arc.
Profile Image for Willow.
25 reviews
October 16, 2024
Declan and Tessas story I've been excited for since book one. It did not disappoint. So emotional but so good!
Profile Image for TL Bradshaw.
391 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2024
Getting Tesla and Declans backstory...

Another toxic relationship.... if these were my real friends, I'd tell them to get together or get away. But these two can't do either. They both feel the same way, but they don't talk they argue, fight, and hook up.
At least the story is better and coincides with book 2 or 3 better.
How will this end.... 🤔
7 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2018
What am I supposed to do now????

Like *ALL* of Megyn's books, this left me torn open and bleeding; mad and heartbroken; there are SO MANY FEELS right now!!!!!!!!

Megyn sucks you in from the the very 1st page & the rest of the world stops as you get further into the story. I feel like I held my breath the ENTIRE time I was reading this book.

Did I mention I read it in one day? That no matter how many times I put it down and tried to have a productive Saturday, that I couldn't stay away?!?!?!?! My children have turned feral and the house has exploded, the dogs are probably standing on the counter tops helping themselves to snacks from the cupboards, meanwhile the cat and I are in bed reading, because I CANNOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!!!!!

I want to hug Tess. And *SLAP* Dec. How are these people not real????? I thought the previous books in the series had me tied in knots- then this author comes out with THIS BOOK & I'm done for.

So good. This book. This series. This author - SO GOOD.

My life may be ruined because how will I ever go back to the real world when my heart is wrapped up in Dec & Tess??? How will I interact with other humans knowing they have NO IDEA the emotional rollercoaster I just went on???? Yup. My life is totally over.

But I'm okay with that.

This book was worth it.

Now stop reading my review and read this book. Do it. There is no stopping 'all the feels' that are in store for you. Just jump & enjoy the free fall.
Profile Image for Jackie.
1,628 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2020
Loved!!

I love this author. She just has a way of sucking you in and making you not even realize you have been glued to a screen or book for hours and read through multiple books just to find the HEA. I love that the Gilroy clan series has complex characters who need to work at their relationships.
I just wish that Tess and Declan would just air everything out. Because I feel like that would solve half of their problems. For some reason despite it not coming up yet in this book I have a feeling that for Declan, someone who is obviously head over heels in love with Tess, go and break her heart was to protect her. Maybe from those shit-head people he was boosting cars for back in the day or maybe from himself because he has this complex about not being good enough. I love all the interconnected relationships you see grow and evolve throughout the series and the different angles from each persons perspective.
Profile Image for Carol ann hughes.
272 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2022
Destroying Declan

I am 100% completely and utterly hooked with this full series but these 2 I need all the details.... Tesla and Declans story started way back in book 1 and the suspens has been building and building and I am 100% here for it.

I know at this point Declan is supposed to be the bad guy still.but my word my heart is breaking for him!!! He might seem like he has it all but he is miserable and hell bent on punishing himself. Tess can try and hide as much as she wants but until she tells him everything that happened she is never going to get by what they had.

This full group have so many unresolved issues all starting in childhood and I'm sure that most of the parents did what they could but it really does show what happens in childhood doesn't really leave you unless you deal with it properly.

Can't wait for book 6 outstanding writing from Megyn Ward absolutely outstanding.
Profile Image for Carla.
654 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2018
I have waited 4 books to get to Declan and Tess. It breaks my heart what these two have been through. Misunderstanding and age I believe played a big part in the first of their story but now it is not being able to let go of the past and the current mistake he is making because he thinks he deserves it.

I can't wait to see these two work it out and move on together. I (hopefully) can't wait to see someone give Jessica the beat down she needs again.

The parents say they don't want to have their things between Connor and Declan but to me they are playing favorites between Patrick and Connor. Declan has a right to be hurt. He is grown, is a partner in a business and seems to have straightened up from his youth. Jessica needs to be dealt though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
289 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2018
Something in the water

After reading each of the books in this series so far, I wonder why each of the characters don't think there worth finding love. But yet each of them Patrick, Cari, Conner, Henley, Declan, Telsa are funny and charming in their own way. I haven't stopped reading about them in three days. Now I will wait until the next book comes out to close another chapter on this series until the next one starts. I truly loved each story the way they fought themselves then gave there hearts to their true loves. Megan has captured each one of her characters and dug in deep in there souls to prove they were worth love!
Profile Image for Sharon.
425 reviews5 followers
September 14, 2021
Just when I think my heart can’t take anymore….

This heart wrenching saga between Declan and Tess has all the feels going on.You can’t help but feel the heartache that both characters battle with on a daily basis for the past nine years since their break up. The two of them have to work out their differences in order to make this work, but what about Jessica, the little cheating wench, will Declan finally accept that he is worthy of Tess’s love? I hope so! On to the next, Taming Tesla.
Profile Image for Anna.
1,027 reviews49 followers
March 10, 2019
Arrggh! What a cliffhanger! Still loved it

I should know better than to read a duet when I know the conclusion won't be until January!! Tess, the firebrand mechanic, who is always mad at Declan, the man who broke her heart. Declan, the Gilroy who's always moody. His story has been unveiling throughout everyone else's. In this book, we learn why he thinks he deserves to be miserable. How are he and Tess ever going to find their HEA?
Profile Image for Rachel Rhymer.
1 review
September 11, 2021
This series is amazing and gut wrenching at the same time.

I am absolutely in love with this series and the characters in them. Megyn Ward has away of making everyone of the characters deep and raw. One minute you’re crying because you are so deep in the story that you are invested in the outcome and the next minute you’re laughing at some smart ass comment being made. This series is a must read.
57 reviews
July 2, 2022
Angst

Lots and lots of angst. This one was the hardest to read because both characters are so stubborn and struggle so badly to communicate with each other. There are couples that are like this, but I struggle identifying with theses characters. There’s so much back and forth that all you keep on asking is what happened to these too? Like the details and it’s not answered in this book.
Profile Image for Bookfairy21.
437 reviews5 followers
October 5, 2022
So where do I start. Something always bugged me about Declan and I knew there was a hidden somethin’somethin between him and Tesla. She is the party girl and the best friend of his brother Conner who is sure as hell guna stop Declan getting anywhere near her as something from thei past caused such heartbreak that he won’t see his best friend destroyed again. But will Declan marry his unwanted Fiancée? Will Tesla actually stand by and let her one get away?
Profile Image for Megan.
525 reviews42 followers
May 23, 2023
Well I’m 60% of the way through the book and I’m still waiting for Tess’s apparent plan for revenge that the blurb talks about. So far not even a hint.

If I hadn’t read the two previous duets l, I’d have no clue what was going on right now.

I’m finishing this duet purely because I’m stubborn and the author is great at sex scenes. So far I’m not convinced I even want to read the last one because author has given me no reason to care about Ryan or Grace yet.
Profile Image for Brenda Campbell.
99 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2023
This is the duo I've been most excited about. I know Connor is wildly popular, but Declan just does it for me. And Tesla is my favorite character amongst all the cast of the Gilroys. Declan is as awful & frustrating as he is hot. Makes you want to reach into the pages and help him remove his head from his ass. Or a chapter later wanting to push it deeper. Tes deserves for all her dreams to come true and to be cherished. Now that Declan has been destroyed, I'm a permanent cheerleader for Tesla.
8 reviews
October 28, 2018
Have been waiting for this book for months and was so excited to get my hands on it! It didn’t disappoint. I have loved Tess and Declan from the moment they were introduced. I loved reading the back story for these two and getting to understand and see how they are such an amazing, perfect fit for one another. I loved seeing the softer side to Declan and how he would do absolutely anything for Tess.
I cannot wait to read the next book and hope that they get their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,203 reviews39 followers
October 27, 2018
I have been dying to get Declan and Tess. I absolutely love these two and I'm rooting for them. There is so much between them it hurts to read what they go through. She is hurting and he is hurting but neither one can get over the past. Gripping so well written. I freaking loved this one. Can't wait to see what happens. My favorite couple.
744 reviews
December 26, 2018
Declan and Tess’ turn. Quite a heartbreaking read. We have yet to learn what happened between the pair as to why they broke up years earlier. They both still love each other. Tess won’t believe a word Declan says as he’s a proven liar. I can’t wait for book 6. I love this ongoing saga of the Gilroy Clan.
Profile Image for Tina Wallace.
335 reviews
March 3, 2019
OMG

I thought Declan and Tess were a hot mess of angst and torture in the other books but damn was I wrong. Their story is about as gut wrenching and sad as you could get and it isn’t even finished yet. I need the next one. I need to know how it ends, what happens with them, what Declan does with Jess, does Tess tell him about the baby! Damn it I need the conclusion!
Profile Image for Lonnie.
668 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2019
Omg inhate that I love

This series. The cliff hangers are killing me....but god these characters draw you in. You sit here rushing through the book because you have to know what happens with these remarkable characters. I want these 2 to get happily ever after because after all they've been through the last 9 years they kinda deserve it.
Profile Image for MV.
399 reviews
January 19, 2020
Oh Declan

This book literally showed how broken Declan is and why he’s the way he is. I’ve never felt more sorry for him. I sort of disliked him in the other books, especially his fiancé. But in this book, it showed a whole other side of him. Can’t wait to find out what happens to him & Tess ♥️
Profile Image for Tranese.
1,791 reviews7 followers
June 26, 2020
Destroying Declan

I've been waiting on Declan and Tessa story since "Pushing Patrick" and I do not know who I'm more angrier at. I do feel sorry for Declan because it just seems like NOBODY wants him around in their lives, not even his parents. Tessa because she is still not over Declan
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

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