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Four Crows
An alternative cover edition for this ISBN can be found here.
“You’ll have to forgive me, Darlin’, for all the unforgiveable things I’m about to do…”
Loyalty is never easy – especially when you’re forced to choose between family and the man you would do anything to possess…
Born into a world that no child should endure, Magpie “Maggie” Crow is doted on by her loving father and over protective brothers. As much as she loves them, she fears them, especially when she learns secrets they've kept hidden.
Elliot McLaughlin joined the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school to provide for his wife and son. He’d never intended to become a father so young, but was willing to do what it took to give his family everything they needed.
After Elliot’s family goes missing, he returns from war to an empty home. Obsessed with discovering who took his family, he investigates their disappearance and plots his revenge.
Passion brings Maggie and Elliot together. Obsession pushes them apart. As a bitter battle begins between Elliot and the Crows, Maggie’s heart hangs in the balance.
**Disclaimer: This book is intended for audiences 18 years of age or older. The subject matter of this book discusses sensitive topics that may be a trigger for some readers.**
“You’ll have to forgive me, Darlin’, for all the unforgiveable things I’m about to do…”
Loyalty is never easy – especially when you’re forced to choose between family and the man you would do anything to possess…
Born into a world that no child should endure, Magpie “Maggie” Crow is doted on by her loving father and over protective brothers. As much as she loves them, she fears them, especially when she learns secrets they've kept hidden.
Elliot McLaughlin joined the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school to provide for his wife and son. He’d never intended to become a father so young, but was willing to do what it took to give his family everything they needed.
After Elliot’s family goes missing, he returns from war to an empty home. Obsessed with discovering who took his family, he investigates their disappearance and plots his revenge.
Passion brings Maggie and Elliot together. Obsession pushes them apart. As a bitter battle begins between Elliot and the Crows, Maggie’s heart hangs in the balance.
**Disclaimer: This book is intended for audiences 18 years of age or older. The subject matter of this book discusses sensitive topics that may be a trigger for some readers.**
323 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2017
71 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read
About the author
Lily White
35 books2,677 followersLily White is a bestselling author who likes to dabble on the dark side of romance. She is most known for her Masters Series, Target This, Wishing Well, and The Five.
When she isn’t writing as Lily White you can find other books by her under M.S. Willis where she has penned the Control Series, the Estate Series, and Because of Ellison (contemporary romance).
Lily enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.
When she isn’t writing as Lily White you can find other books by her under M.S. Willis where she has penned the Control Series, the Estate Series, and Because of Ellison (contemporary romance).
Lily enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
March 9, 2017
5 Stars!!
"And you'll just have to forgive me, Darlin', for all the messed up things I'm about to do"
Lily White never ceases to amaze me with her dark and twisted mind. Never! She always leaves me with my mouth hanging open and she always keeps me at the edge of my seat with her evocative writing and captivating tales. I was immersed in this story from the very beginning, devouring every word, every chapter like crazy. 'Four Crows' is a story about revenge, about learning to move on, finding who you are and finding love. It’s a story that evoked many emotions in me and, honestly, I couldn’t put it down for one minute. The chilling plot, the forbidden aspect of the story, the secrets and betrayals made this story a unique read which I enjoyed very much.
“I had nothing left to lose, which made me the most dangerous type of man.”
Elliot’s life changed irrevocably fourteen years ago, when he lost his heart, soul, happiness and the only reason to live. Elliot married his high school sweetheart when they found out she was expecting, but he left them when he decided to serve his country. During his first deployment, he found out that they were gone, that they were missing. Something tragic happened to them. The agony of not knowing what really happened with them destroyed Elliot over the years. If his family and his wife’s family accepted the reality, that they were gone, Elliot became focused to find out the truth, no matter what. All he feels now is anger, rage and sorrow and is determined to do anything to find out who is responsible for the biggest tragedy of his life. He will find them and he will kill them, without fear or remorse.
“I would use her. I would betray her. I would split her apart when I destroyed everything she'd ever known. ”
Maggie is an eighteen year old girl who all her life has been secluded from...the real life. She was raised by her strict father and her two over-protective brothers, learning early in her life how to keep her mouth shut, how to be “loyal”. She was just a child when she found out about her family secrets, but circumstances “forced” her to be obedient.
Elliot starts to plot his revenge and decides that the one who will help him find out the truth about his family is Maggie Crow. Elliot doesn’t have any problem with using Maggie, until he meets her and gets to know her.
What comes next is a series of events that will change Elliot and Maggie completely. What should you expect while reading their story? Expect secrets, betrayal, more secrets, violence and some very gut-wrenching moments.
“We were two people on opposite sides of a line that had no way of intermingling.”
Wow! This one turned out to be so much better that I had expected. Lily outdid herself with this addictive erotic thriller. 'Four Crows' is somber, gritty, filled with violence, suspense and action. Lily delivers an enthralling read filled with many heart pounding, nail biting, and anxiety inducing moments. The writing is fantastic and engaging, the plot is intricate, with dynamic, smart twists. The story-line is utterly addictive and managed to keep me at the edge of my seat until the very last page.
Elliot and Maggie’s story is well paced, intriguing and very emotional at times. The tension and the emotional turmoil is off the charts. The author did such a fantastic job with these two aspects of the story.
Both Elliot and Maggie are well portrayed and flawed. My heart broke for Elliot. He is such a lost soul. The way the author describes his emotional state is simply wonderful, you can't help but feel his anguish. His mixed feelings towards Maggie were also well portrayed and I totally understood his reluctance to accept his attraction towards her.
Maggie is a heroine I didn’t particularly like. She is naïve and vulnerable, a victim...in some way. In the beginning she is pretty likable, but, as the story progresses, some of her choices couldn't help but frustrate me. She really irritated me at some point in the story. I would have preferred for her to stand up for what is morally right, but in some way, I understand why the author chose for her not to.
“If ever two souls had been fused together through violence, despair and pain, it was Elliot and I.”
Elliot and Maggie’s relationship is forbidden-ish and unconventional and is fantastically developed. It's complicated, to say the least, and the enemies to lovers aspect is satisfyingly done.
All in all, 'Four Crows' is an addictive, well-crafted story, full of twists and interesting revelations. If you are looking for an original story, with a well-developed plot and two flawed, engaging main characters, pick this one up.
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February 25, 2020
It's artsy and very pleasing to the eye. As well as being a good representation of the story. Both in the visual representation as well as the overall mood it gives off. 
So where in the world do I begin with this review? Why have I never read anything by this author before? This is a serious oversight that I will be correcting in the very near future. This book was HEARTBREAKING. This book was COMPLEX. This book was VIOLENT. This book made me CRY. This book made me ANGRY. This book RIPPED ME TO PIECES. This book put me BACK TOGETHER AGAIN. This book was POWERFUL. This book was INSPIRATIONAL. This book made me SMILE. This book gave me HOPE.
On top of ALL that this book was fantastically written. It was well paced. The characters were multilayered and complex. Both Maggie and Elliot tore my heart to pieces, but they also made me SO angry at times with their actions that I wanted to shake sense into them. The Crow brothers were nothing but pure evil but damn if this author did not make me feel sorry for the father. Moreover, let me just tell you I DID NOT like feeling sorry for that murdering rapist. However, his love for Maggie and hers for him…well, like I said, the author managed to get me to FEEL for him. So really that is what made this book so amazing.
This was not an easy read. It was GUTWRENCHING in places. It was very violent and disgusting, but twisting through all that heartbreak and evil was a thread of hope. Two broken people who are finding each other and healing together. What more can I say? Two HUGE thumbs up from yours truly.
February 23, 2017
Genre: Dark/Romantic Thriller
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Elliot McLoughlin was a young soldier working hard to support his family. But when he came home, it was to an empty one. For years he was obsessed with finding out what happened to his wife and son. Finally he had a breakthrough and was ready for revenge no matter what or who in his path.
Maggie Crow was born and raised sheltered by her family. As a young girl, she was taught the value of secrecy and loyalty. As she grew up, she understood how important it was considering what her family dabbled in. When she finally had a chance to change her future, she must decide what she valued the most.
I have to say the cover is stunning. It lured me in with its dark, ominous vibe, and that perfectly reflected how the story is.
Elliot was dealt a bad card in life. When he lost his family, he lost a purpose in life except for his revenge and blind hatred to those responsible. I could definitely feel his pain and anger towards the Crows.
Maggie was thrown into a difficult position. As much as I didn't agree with many of her decisions, I did understand where she's coming from. The "values" instilled in her shaped her mentality and it was interesting to see how she rationalized her actions.
The story flowed well and the suspense element kept the pace consistent. I like the how the setting, the small town mentality and how the element of fear and manipulation played a big part in the direction of the story. One thing though, towards the end of the book, there was a revelation that wasn't significant to the story. I thought it could have been played more and would actually make an impact.
Four Crows weaved the tale of revenge and loyalty while blurring the lines between right and wrong. It would appeal to fans of dark thriller
ᛞ ♛ ᛞ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . ᛞ ♛ ᛞ
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Elliot McLoughlin was a young soldier working hard to support his family. But when he came home, it was to an empty one. For years he was obsessed with finding out what happened to his wife and son. Finally he had a breakthrough and was ready for revenge no matter what or who in his path.
Maggie Crow was born and raised sheltered by her family. As a young girl, she was taught the value of secrecy and loyalty. As she grew up, she understood how important it was considering what her family dabbled in. When she finally had a chance to change her future, she must decide what she valued the most.
I have to say the cover is stunning. It lured me in with its dark, ominous vibe, and that perfectly reflected how the story is.
I would use her. I would betray her. I would split her apart when I destroyed everything she'd ever known.
Elliot was dealt a bad card in life. When he lost his family, he lost a purpose in life except for his revenge and blind hatred to those responsible. I could definitely feel his pain and anger towards the Crows.
What I lived was more like a cage, the lock of which had been welded together so that no hope existed for escape.
Maggie was thrown into a difficult position. As much as I didn't agree with many of her decisions, I did understand where she's coming from. The "values" instilled in her shaped her mentality and it was interesting to see how she rationalized her actions.
The story flowed well and the suspense element kept the pace consistent. I like the how the setting, the small town mentality and how the element of fear and manipulation played a big part in the direction of the story. One thing though, towards the end of the book, there was a revelation that wasn't significant to the story. I thought it could have been played more and would actually make an impact.
We were two people on opposite sides of a line that had no way of intermingling.
Four Crows weaved the tale of revenge and loyalty while blurring the lines between right and wrong. It would appeal to fans of dark thriller
ᛞ ♛ ᛞ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . ᛞ ♛ ᛞ
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 27, 2017
3.5* lost on you STARS!
Review @ Midnight Romance
Lily White always be my one-click author. I will never doubt her dark and twisted mind to create a captivating story. However, I'm so conflicted with Four Crows and half enjoyed it. Somehow when I read this story, I felt like watching a 1980-ish crime movie. It was good enough to keep me on my toes.
It all started from Elliot McLaughlin who wants to get revenge for his family. He left his wife and child to serve the country but when he got home, they were gone. Guilt ate him alive and Elliot swore the Crow family will get what they deserved. Maggie Crow always live in the bubble of her father's protection along with her two older brothers. There is no rainbow and unicorn wait for her. Only blood. Curious Maggie love to explore until she met the man her father always warn her about.
First, the chemistry between main characters, Maggie and Elliot. I loved the forbidden element between them. How crazy for Elliot to flirt with a girl who's half of his age? Yum! It was super awkward at first. Like he's really uncomfortable but Maggie couldn't deny her attraction for him. I bet he's the only decent man she ever met in her whole life. I wouldn't lie that I'm really fascinating with their chemistry through half of story. The rest of their 'love' didn't really held my interest until the end. Something just didn't click for me.
Second, Elliot turns into Rambo-mode to start a war with the Crow. He prepared everything but his almost flawless plan got screwed by Maggie herself. Blood is thicker than water, eh? I was like WTF with Maggie's action. After all the shit her family done? It was so wrong in many levels. Also Elliot didn't has the balls to 'finish' what he started. He prolong their 'death' with so many question but in the end, there is no answer. So frustrating.
Third and the final, it was unbelievable with how naive is Maggie. Yes, it's scary especially now she's with a man on mission. Everything became clear in the end. The missing puzzle about Elliot's family revealed. Together, Maggie and Elliot finished what they left behind. It was horrific with Maggie's family played with other people's life. Sick and disgusting still couldn't cover my reactions towards them.
Lily White really did freaking-tastic job with this story. Well-written and nicely flowed. Promising plot with predictable ending. Elliot as the tortured anti-hero really did heroic job in the end. He's been through a lot and Maggie is a survivor. It was no surprise how they managed to be in love and ended up together. There are some amazingly intimate sex scenes which is good enough.
Overall, Four Crows managed to amaze me with a roller-coaster ride of emotions. I liked it enough with the thrills and suspense from the actions. For me, the dark elements in the book shown through the tragedy itself & age-difference as taboo.
✦ Please visit @Midnight Romance for more reviews! ✦
Review @ Midnight Romance
Lily White always be my one-click author. I will never doubt her dark and twisted mind to create a captivating story. However, I'm so conflicted with Four Crows and half enjoyed it. Somehow when I read this story, I felt like watching a 1980-ish crime movie. It was good enough to keep me on my toes.
I had nothing left to lose, which made me the most dangerous type of man. I lacked fear. I lacked morality. I lacked every decent thing inside myself that made me care about consequences. Nothing mattered. And because of that, it made me the perfect predator too.
It all started from Elliot McLaughlin who wants to get revenge for his family. He left his wife and child to serve the country but when he got home, they were gone. Guilt ate him alive and Elliot swore the Crow family will get what they deserved. Maggie Crow always live in the bubble of her father's protection along with her two older brothers. There is no rainbow and unicorn wait for her. Only blood. Curious Maggie love to explore until she met the man her father always warn her about.
First, the chemistry between main characters, Maggie and Elliot. I loved the forbidden element between them. How crazy for Elliot to flirt with a girl who's half of his age? Yum! It was super awkward at first. Like he's really uncomfortable but Maggie couldn't deny her attraction for him. I bet he's the only decent man she ever met in her whole life. I wouldn't lie that I'm really fascinating with their chemistry through half of story. The rest of their 'love' didn't really held my interest until the end. Something just didn't click for me.
I would use her. I would betray her. I would split her apart when I destroyed everything she'd ever known. And when I was done, I'd walk away from her, attaching the memory of overwhelming loss to the memory of the first time a man showed her love.
Second, Elliot turns into Rambo-mode to start a war with the Crow. He prepared everything but his almost flawless plan got screwed by Maggie herself. Blood is thicker than water, eh? I was like WTF with Maggie's action. After all the shit her family done? It was so wrong in many levels. Also Elliot didn't has the balls to 'finish' what he started. He prolong their 'death' with so many question but in the end, there is no answer. So frustrating.
Third and the final, it was unbelievable with how naive is Maggie. Yes, it's scary especially now she's with a man on mission. Everything became clear in the end. The missing puzzle about Elliot's family revealed. Together, Maggie and Elliot finished what they left behind. It was horrific with Maggie's family played with other people's life. Sick and disgusting still couldn't cover my reactions towards them.
Lily White really did freaking-tastic job with this story. Well-written and nicely flowed. Promising plot with predictable ending. Elliot as the tortured anti-hero really did heroic job in the end. He's been through a lot and Maggie is a survivor. It was no surprise how they managed to be in love and ended up together. There are some amazingly intimate sex scenes which is good enough.
“I’d never ask you to kill for me.”
“You wouldn’t have to. And if your life was on the line, you couldn’t stop me either. I’m a possessive, protective, man, Maggie. What’s mine is mine and I will fight to the death if need be to keep it that way.”.
Overall, Four Crows managed to amaze me with a roller-coaster ride of emotions. I liked it enough with the thrills and suspense from the actions. For me, the dark elements in the book shown through the tragedy itself & age-difference as taboo.
We were two people on opposite sides of a line that had no way of intermingling. Victim versus monster. Good versus evil. A man desperate to reveal truth versus a woman who knew that truth but had chosen to remain silent.
✦ Please visit @Midnight Romance for more reviews! ✦
April 6, 2017
Wow this author can write!! This was sooooo freaking easy to get into, hard to put down..The only reason why this is getting 4 stars and not 5 is that in some parts it glossed over what could've made for a dark, gritty, thrilling read which is what I was craving and know that is what this author normally delivers, though there was enough parts to keep me invested right up till the end. I just craved more darkness but still loved this.
Passion brings Maggie & Elliot together, Obsession pushes them apart
FOUR CROWS Elliott and Katelyn were young childhood sweethearts, learning they were having a child whom they named Michael gave Elliot cause to join the military after he’d left high school. At the time when he’d joined the United States hadn’t been involved in any battles, but that changed after an attack was launched in New York and he was deployed. After doing his stint fighting for his country and arriving home he’d come home to an empty house.
Fourteen gruelling years go by with no clues he knew deep down that something tragic would’ve happened to them. For years he was obsessed with uncovering the truth of their disappearance. The not knowing what happened to them slowly started eating away at him.
Piece by piece.
The road to destruction leads Elliot to the Crows front door
The Crows had destroyed everything good an pure in me, and I’d promised the phantom memories of my wife and son that I’d return the favour.
He was a man on a destructive mission to bring down the Crows one by one I want them crushed until there's nothing left of them. I want them buried beneath the dirt and I want them erased and forgotten. And the weakest link he could think of by taking the family down one by one was through Maggie.
He wanted revenge.. He wanted retribution.. He wanted blood..
What he didn't count on was the feelings he started getting for Maggie.
I would highly recommend this for newbie's stepping into the dark genre, for ones that have already stepped into the darkness this may be a little tame for you as it was for me, but still gritty enough to keep you entertained.
March 2, 2017
4.5★★★★Stars
Genre: Dark/Romantic Thriller
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Dual
Elliot McLoughlin met his soulmate at a very young age and they had a baby boy. He became a soldier in order to support his family financially. At his return he finds out his family was abducted. He promised himself he would do anything to find out what happened to them. When he finally did, he now had a new promise to avenge their death and make whoever took them pay. Elliot no longer felt like he belongs he lived fourteen years with one goal and his heart was empty.
Maggie Crow was young and naïve. She grew up in a family of twisted killers however; she cared for them well mainly her father who in her eyes loved her and only did the things he did to protect her. She learned from young age to keep secrets and be loyal to her love ones; even though deep down she knew the things she's witnessed were not normal but she blocked them out of her head to survive.
This story was very interesting. It was intense and it kept me on the edge wanting more, I needed answers and I had to know how it ended. I feel conflicted I understand Maggie but some things I can't forgive. I also understand Elliot and his hunger for revenge in fact I loved him for it. This book had so much emotion and there were so many disturbing scenes that I honestly loved. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. Personally I feel this book is not for everyone; readers who like dark books and do not mind the dark side would really enjoy this book. This was my very first book by this author and I can tell you it most definitely would not be the last.
★★★This was a F(BR) with shhluts CC & War★★★
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Genre: Dark/Romantic Thriller
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Dual
"Through her eyes I saw myself more clearly. And through her heart I'd learned to live again."
Elliot McLoughlin met his soulmate at a very young age and they had a baby boy. He became a soldier in order to support his family financially. At his return he finds out his family was abducted. He promised himself he would do anything to find out what happened to them. When he finally did, he now had a new promise to avenge their death and make whoever took them pay. Elliot no longer felt like he belongs he lived fourteen years with one goal and his heart was empty.
"I was prepared to rain down Hell's fire on the men who were still within my sight."
Maggie Crow was young and naïve. She grew up in a family of twisted killers however; she cared for them well mainly her father who in her eyes loved her and only did the things he did to protect her. She learned from young age to keep secrets and be loyal to her love ones; even though deep down she knew the things she's witnessed were not normal but she blocked them out of her head to survive.
This story was very interesting. It was intense and it kept me on the edge wanting more, I needed answers and I had to know how it ended. I feel conflicted I understand Maggie but some things I can't forgive. I also understand Elliot and his hunger for revenge in fact I loved him for it. This book had so much emotion and there were so many disturbing scenes that I honestly loved. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. Personally I feel this book is not for everyone; readers who like dark books and do not mind the dark side would really enjoy this book. This was my very first book by this author and I can tell you it most definitely would not be the last.
"We were two people who'd endured evil, one for a lifetime and the other for a handful of years."
★★★This was a F(BR) with shhluts CC & War★★★
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 23, 2017
3.5 stars
Elliott's obsession and determination to find out what happened to his missing wife and son leads him down a fiery warpath of revenge. They disappeared years ago while he was serving in the Marine Corps, and while he searched endlessly for all traces of them after being released, there wasn't any concrete evidence or helpful hints from the police to guide him. So Elliott takes matters into his own hands. Along the way, he's deceitful, cunning, and justice-driven in order to get the answers to the questions that have plagued him for fourteen years.
I loved the vigilante aspect of this book! This was a story about revenge, yes, but also first loves and compassion as the two main characters struggled to live their lives while enduring so much loss. I enjoyed the last thirty percent of this book most and found the epilogue to be satisfying. This is the second book that I've read from this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Elliott's obsession and determination to find out what happened to his missing wife and son leads him down a fiery warpath of revenge. They disappeared years ago while he was serving in the Marine Corps, and while he searched endlessly for all traces of them after being released, there wasn't any concrete evidence or helpful hints from the police to guide him. So Elliott takes matters into his own hands. Along the way, he's deceitful, cunning, and justice-driven in order to get the answers to the questions that have plagued him for fourteen years.
I loved the vigilante aspect of this book! This was a story about revenge, yes, but also first loves and compassion as the two main characters struggled to live their lives while enduring so much loss. I enjoyed the last thirty percent of this book most and found the epilogue to be satisfying. This is the second book that I've read from this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2017
4.25 Stars!
Maggie Crow was raised by her stern father and two older brothers in an isolated small town. Knowing from a young age that her childhood was abnormal, she obeyed and learned to lie in order to protect her family despite the horrors that surrounded her. At 18 years of age, she is about to learn what her father has planned but fate is about to deal her a different hand.
Elliot McLoughlin married his childhood sweetheart and started a family at a young age; however, tragedy struck which led Elliot down a dark path where he couldn't recover from the loss. Fourteen years later, Elliot’s heart is still full of vengeance and he’s determined to find who is responsible for his pain. With a plan, he’s ready to act despite the possibility of collateral damage.
As Elliot begins to execute his plan, he befriends Maggie and their union leads to complications, passion and further deception. Not revealing his suspicions or motivations, Maggie’s naivety adds to Elliot’s dilemma but he isn’t willing to modify his end game. While Maggie is trying to hide her own secrets, she can’t help to feel safe with Elliot.
With more at stake, truths surface one by one and Elliot and Maggie are tested in different ways. Seeing Maggie struggle with her loyalties and the knowledge she resisted for so long is compelling and leads to a range of emotions. For Elliot, his grief is monumental and as he gets closer to those responsible, the level of risk is ever increasing as his will is put to the test.
From the beginning, the tensions are high due to the heinous acts committed and the desperation felt for Elliot’s vengeance. Adding to the conflict are the emotions that build between Elliot and Maggie. While their relationship is unconventional in one aspect, it also makes sense as these two lost souls find strength in each other thereby creating an intense journey.
For me, it felt natural to empathize with the depth of Elliot’s pain and the lengths he would take to find peace. It was also interesting to read how far Elliot was willing to go – emotionally and physically – to achieve his end goal. In contrast, it was harder to understand Maggie’s decisions but her vulnerabilities and inner strength ultimately led her to the right place.
In Four Crows, Lily White successfully creates a narrative steeped in tension, evil, fear, loss and redemption. Expect to feel angry, sad, helpless, empowered and hopeful. I recommend to those who enjoy their books with a dose of darkness about the human condition!
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda!!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Maggie Crow was raised by her stern father and two older brothers in an isolated small town. Knowing from a young age that her childhood was abnormal, she obeyed and learned to lie in order to protect her family despite the horrors that surrounded her. At 18 years of age, she is about to learn what her father has planned but fate is about to deal her a different hand.
“When all you have is the worst of the lot, the worst becomes your normal because it’s all you’ve ever known.”
Elliot McLoughlin married his childhood sweetheart and started a family at a young age; however, tragedy struck which led Elliot down a dark path where he couldn't recover from the loss. Fourteen years later, Elliot’s heart is still full of vengeance and he’s determined to find who is responsible for his pain. With a plan, he’s ready to act despite the possibility of collateral damage.
“Put in the simplest terms, I was damaged. I was broken. I had nothing left to lose, which made me the most dangerous type of man.”
As Elliot begins to execute his plan, he befriends Maggie and their union leads to complications, passion and further deception. Not revealing his suspicions or motivations, Maggie’s naivety adds to Elliot’s dilemma but he isn’t willing to modify his end game. While Maggie is trying to hide her own secrets, she can’t help to feel safe with Elliot.
“I liked to think I’d given her three things her family never could: I’d given her freedom. I’d given her choice. And I’d given her hope.”
With more at stake, truths surface one by one and Elliot and Maggie are tested in different ways. Seeing Maggie struggle with her loyalties and the knowledge she resisted for so long is compelling and leads to a range of emotions. For Elliot, his grief is monumental and as he gets closer to those responsible, the level of risk is ever increasing as his will is put to the test.
“If ever two souls had been fused together through violence, despair and pain, it was Elliot and I.”
From the beginning, the tensions are high due to the heinous acts committed and the desperation felt for Elliot’s vengeance. Adding to the conflict are the emotions that build between Elliot and Maggie. While their relationship is unconventional in one aspect, it also makes sense as these two lost souls find strength in each other thereby creating an intense journey.
For me, it felt natural to empathize with the depth of Elliot’s pain and the lengths he would take to find peace. It was also interesting to read how far Elliot was willing to go – emotionally and physically – to achieve his end goal. In contrast, it was harder to understand Maggie’s decisions but her vulnerabilities and inner strength ultimately led her to the right place.
In Four Crows, Lily White successfully creates a narrative steeped in tension, evil, fear, loss and redemption. Expect to feel angry, sad, helpless, empowered and hopeful. I recommend to those who enjoy their books with a dose of darkness about the human condition!
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda!!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 5, 2017
4.25 Stars
First of all, that cover is so amazing! Second, this book is really wonderful. The story starts with a letter and only with that letter I realized that I will love this book!
Maggie is eighteen-year-old. She has sheltered and guarded life that her father and brothers forced on her. when she was eleven-year-old, she found out what her father and brothers do.
"It’s the nature of life, Maggie Pie. Kill or be killed. Us against them. A man’s gotta have the ability to feed his family, and those women bring in good money."
Fourteen years ago, Elliot’s wife and son disappeared. After these years his revenge became his obsession. When they disappeared, he was in a foreign country fighting. So he feels guilty for not being home. He thinks if he was home, he could protect them. And in these fourteen years, he is more determined every day to find who took his family.
"I’ve lost my confidence, my strength, and my common sense, you were all those things, and now that you’re gone, I’m wandering lost."
In the process of searching for his family, he finds a family that is suspicious. So he decided to seduce daughter of this family. When he meets with Maggie, he needs her to trust him, to want him so he has a chance at getting close to her family.
I really enjoyed this book especially when I read about Elliot’s feeling about his son when he finds his pictures, albeit bruised and broken. Oh God, at that moment I just wanted to cry both for Elliot and his son! And this caused my dislike for Maggie! Why she lived with her family! She knew what they do! Why she didn’t fight with them or left them and, I don’t know, went to cops!! Why she defended her father and didn’t let Elliot kill him when he had a chance!! He must be punished for his sins! He was guilty!
I liked Elliot so much. I liked that with his feelings for Maggie he was still thinking of revenge and he was tough with her. if it wasn’t for Maggie’s character I gave this book 5 stars!!
First of all, that cover is so amazing! Second, this book is really wonderful. The story starts with a letter and only with that letter I realized that I will love this book!
Maggie is eighteen-year-old. She has sheltered and guarded life that her father and brothers forced on her. when she was eleven-year-old, she found out what her father and brothers do.
"It’s the nature of life, Maggie Pie. Kill or be killed. Us against them. A man’s gotta have the ability to feed his family, and those women bring in good money."
Fourteen years ago, Elliot’s wife and son disappeared. After these years his revenge became his obsession. When they disappeared, he was in a foreign country fighting. So he feels guilty for not being home. He thinks if he was home, he could protect them. And in these fourteen years, he is more determined every day to find who took his family.
"I’ve lost my confidence, my strength, and my common sense, you were all those things, and now that you’re gone, I’m wandering lost."
In the process of searching for his family, he finds a family that is suspicious. So he decided to seduce daughter of this family. When he meets with Maggie, he needs her to trust him, to want him so he has a chance at getting close to her family.
I really enjoyed this book especially when I read about Elliot’s feeling about his son when he finds his pictures, albeit bruised and broken. Oh God, at that moment I just wanted to cry both for Elliot and his son! And this caused my dislike for Maggie! Why she lived with her family! She knew what they do! Why she didn’t fight with them or left them and, I don’t know, went to cops!! Why she defended her father and didn’t let Elliot kill him when he had a chance!! He must be punished for his sins! He was guilty!
I liked Elliot so much. I liked that with his feelings for Maggie he was still thinking of revenge and he was tough with her. if it wasn’t for Maggie’s character I gave this book 5 stars!!
February 10, 2020
We were two people on opposite sides of a line that had no way of intermingling. Victim versus monster. Good versus evil. A man desperate to reveal truth versus a woman who knew that truth but had chosen to remain silent.
Elliot McLoughlin, 34 years old, his life changed fourteen years ago in most horrible manner, when he lost his reasons of living. He’d fallen in love at the age of thirteen, had a child at fifteen, and enlisted in the military at eighteen just to support the family I had when I was too young to take care of it. During his deployment, Elliot found out that his family was gone It was during my first tour that Katelyn and Michael went missing. As soon as I received word of their disappearance, I'd lost my mind. The military discharged me a few months later because I was a danger to myself and any soldier who fought beside me.
Not being able to cope with the not knowing what actually happened with his family has made Elliot a damaged, broken man making him more than determined to find out the truth and hold the ones responsible, hunting them down, killing them, without any sense of compassion.
Every day has me inching closer to the line that separates a good man from the monster I’m becoming. And you’ll just have to forgive me, Darlin’, for all the messed up and unforgivable things I’m about to do.
Maggie Crow, 18 years, has had a quite unusual and unorthodox upbringing. At the age of four she knows that the things happening at her father and two brothers parties are not normal but she was taught that it’s best not to asked what goes on behind those closed doors, best to let the music drown out the screams. I ignored the loud music they always played when there was company. With loud guitars and pounding drums, the music was sometimes happy and a lot of times mad.
When Maggie starts to understand what her family does she felt utterly powerless to change anything.
She was one of them, through and through. A Crow by birth – and now, a Crow by choice.
When Elliot meets Maggie through a trick, it doesn't take her too long to figure out who he is. But what she does not realize is that he already knows who she is and what her family did all those years ago to his wife and son. Lies, fear and vengeance bring Elliot and Maggie together. Maggie, looking to escape the horrors of her life and Elliot looking for answers he craved and needed to move on. But what neither of them ever expected to find was a need for each other.
“Through her eyes I saw myself more clearly. And through her heart I’d learned to live again.”
Reading the blurb made me instantly curious and, as anticipated, it was a heart wrenching and gripping read. Lilly White did an amazing job conveying Elliot’s pain.
Four Crows is dark, it is full of horror, tragedies and despair and told in alternating POV's. This book touches subjects that I found very disturbing and made my skin crawl, but nonetheless, it is an enthralling story. One that I highly recommend.
July 12, 2019
This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The prologue starting with sinister regards. Love for a father who is a psychological killer is what has me stuck throughout the whole story. Miss White didn't stop dropping taboo, age-gap, abuse and what-not dark words which I'm not able to put.
Summarising the story in short:
1) 3 egregious Crows.
2) A young mother and her son getting trapped among sinister atrocities.
3) A young father devasted for his loss and hungry for revenge.
4) A young sheltered girl entangled for the love of a nefarious father.
Finally,
"The sins of the father don't lie on the shoulders of his daughter. It's the sons that bear the weight."
It's the father/daughter relationship that breaks my heart.
Summarising the story in short:
1) 3 egregious Crows.
2) A young mother and her son getting trapped among sinister atrocities.
3) A young father devasted for his loss and hungry for revenge.
4) A young sheltered girl entangled for the love of a nefarious father.
Finally,
"The sins of the father don't lie on the shoulders of his daughter. It's the sons that bear the weight."
It's the father/daughter relationship that breaks my heart.
January 13, 2022
I stopped reading this at around 23.19. I got to 80% plus and Ellot’s revelation turned my stomach.
Lily White needs to issue a much clearer warning on this book and NOT just issue a warning that skims over that there could be triggers etc.
The triggers in this book are horrific and need to be made clearer. I am still trying to process what I read but I am unable to read any further.
*****so a MAJOR WARNING/SPOILER from me******
around 80% of this book Elliott finds out what happens to his 4-year-old son and it turned my gut. Lily White leaves very little to your imagination to what happened to his son. This book not only pushed my comfort level when I realized what the subject matter was so far in, but It also made me weep. This author is known for her dark storylines and I knew there was a warning but that warning doesn't prepare you for what you are going to read.
If I had known upfront what the subject matter was going to be around 80% I would have left this well alone. Despite powerful writing the plot turned my stomach.
As for Maggie. The "happy" ending she got she didn't deserve not when she knew what was going on and she simply turned a blind eye to what her father and brothers were doing.
Its hard to give a book a rating when there are serious issues without a much needed Trigger Warning.
Note to Author: You need to put WHAT the trigger is upfront. I want a warning about anything to do with child abuse before I read about it! Please!!
Lily White needs to issue a much clearer warning on this book and NOT just issue a warning that skims over that there could be triggers etc.
The triggers in this book are horrific and need to be made clearer. I am still trying to process what I read but I am unable to read any further.
*****so a MAJOR WARNING/SPOILER from me******
around 80% of this book Elliott finds out what happens to his 4-year-old son and it turned my gut. Lily White leaves very little to your imagination to what happened to his son. This book not only pushed my comfort level when I realized what the subject matter was so far in, but It also made me weep. This author is known for her dark storylines and I knew there was a warning but that warning doesn't prepare you for what you are going to read.
If I had known upfront what the subject matter was going to be around 80% I would have left this well alone. Despite powerful writing the plot turned my stomach.
As for Maggie. The "happy" ending she got she didn't deserve not when she knew what was going on and she simply turned a blind eye to what her father and brothers were doing.
Its hard to give a book a rating when there are serious issues without a much needed Trigger Warning.
Note to Author: You need to put WHAT the trigger is upfront. I want a warning about anything to do with child abuse before I read about it! Please!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2017
Never say never. I said I would never read another taboo story. The cheesy teacher/student, step-daddy or brother, cousin, daddy best friend, trendy, over played, over-exposed, exploited corniness ......uggghhhh! Enough already! Then White comes in like a thief in the night proudly taunting this taboo and emotional perfection! The age taboo isn't an issue in this story. There are sooooo many "wtf" in this story, the age difference is merely a blip on the radar!
The one consistent thing with White"s writing is she will challenge you emotionally and mentally. I can honestly say White NAILED the emotional flogging in Four Crows. I had to dig deep in my psyche to search for ONE redeeming quality in the heroine! I'm so relieved White created this character in a fashion where I feel ZERO GUILT for not liking her conniving ass! She is as culpable as anyone else! Wait. What do I mean? Read the story.....
Omg! Elliott! My heart breaks for this guy! His pain is so heartfelt, so realistic, I could only release the anxiety through tears. I've read a ton of stories and the hero has suffered but good gravy, Elliott's pain is on another level! I walked away several times because I could not find fault with his actions. I found myself questioning my views of right and wrong. I'm sure that's White plan, btw.
As a standalone, Four Crows is perfection! Kudos to White for not dragging the story out over a series of releases ending in frustrating cliffhangers.
Clearly this is an emotional read at least for me. Please consider other reviews if you're on the fence regarding purchase. White is a genius at mind play and naturally my instincts are screwed to tarnation and back!
Five stars!
The one consistent thing with White"s writing is she will challenge you emotionally and mentally. I can honestly say White NAILED the emotional flogging in Four Crows. I had to dig deep in my psyche to search for ONE redeeming quality in the heroine! I'm so relieved White created this character in a fashion where I feel ZERO GUILT for not liking her conniving ass! She is as culpable as anyone else! Wait. What do I mean? Read the story.....
Omg! Elliott! My heart breaks for this guy! His pain is so heartfelt, so realistic, I could only release the anxiety through tears. I've read a ton of stories and the hero has suffered but good gravy, Elliott's pain is on another level! I walked away several times because I could not find fault with his actions. I found myself questioning my views of right and wrong. I'm sure that's White plan, btw.
As a standalone, Four Crows is perfection! Kudos to White for not dragging the story out over a series of releases ending in frustrating cliffhangers.
Clearly this is an emotional read at least for me. Please consider other reviews if you're on the fence regarding purchase. White is a genius at mind play and naturally my instincts are screwed to tarnation and back!
Five stars!
April 18, 2018
Complicated was too simple a word for the position in which I found myself. Dangerous was more like it… or disastrous.
And that about sums up the story. There's a Sense of Dread that runs central in the story. Maggie is the Fourth Crow in the Family of Four Crows. As black and as ominous as the real crows, the Crows move from town to town just before a storm, but they leave a trail of destruction in their wake. Only their's are silent, the crime scenes wiped clean, footprints burnt to the ground and no clues left behind that could incriminate them.
But there are indelible marks on Maggie's life. She lives under the constant threat of evil, sick brothers-Brody & Finn. They're predators hiding in the shadowed sidelines, standing outside her doors in the inky darkness. Just waiting for Jonah Crow to die and leave Maggie unprotected, so they could inevitably step in...
And then there's a parallel story of Elliott McLoughlin. He's a man destroyed. And with nothing to loose any more, he's a dangerous hunter and tracker of his family's murderers. You see , while Elliott was off fighting for his country, somebody had robbed him off his beautiful wife , Katie and a young son , Michael. His heart died the same day.
I was damaged. I was broken. I had nothing left to lose, which made me the most dangerous type of man. I lacked fear. I lacked morality. I lacked every decent thing inside myself that made me care about consequences. Nothing mattered. And because of that, it made me the perfect predator too.The pain is unbearable. It’s never ending. And over the years that I’ve endured the agony, it’s developed into something far darker, far more deadly, than anything I knew could exist inside me.
He's just a walking-talking , empty shell of a man , left breathing because his enemies breathe...still.
And one man's pain leads to another person's agony.
Elliott meets Maggie and a tiny shred of human decency tries to rear it's head, which Elliott quashes with all his might. His mission of life needs no interruptions by any distraction or sympathy of any kind
I’m a rabid dog off his leash, a hungry tiger uncaged, a feral wolf that’s been injured and abused, only to be set free. Without you to hold the leash, I’ve become focused and intent on destroying everything in my path.
Maggie despises and is terrified of her brothers but she totally loves her father. He's loved her and nurtured her into this beautiful young girl, shielded her from all evils, spent time with her laughing and playing and hugging and smiling.
For as evil as Jonah was , he still cherished me, his only daughter.I loved him. More than anything I'd known in life, I loved my father. He wasn't the nicest man to most of the people who’d known him. He wasn't the best example of what a father should be. But he had been my world for so long, I was afraid to find out what life would be without him. When all you have is the worst of the lot, the worst becomes your normal because it's all you've ever known.
The coupling of Maggie-Elliott is a complicated relationship, yet very simple to understand. They are each other lean-to's. They have a common vein of empathy in them , so no need for words or explanantions. They are very familiar with the pain each has endured at the hands of the Crows.
I’ve shuddered through the entire story. The Goosebumps factor climbed a high 100 !
The plot is chilling in anticipation and equally horrendous in execution. The methods lily conjures up to expose the heinousness of diseased inhumanity , boggles my mind.
I'm scared to draw any resemblance to anything living or dead, coincidental or unintentional. The references to certain barbarisms in the book make my hair stand on end. They’re DEFINITELY TRIGGERS for sensitive readers.
As usual I can't escape the brilliant writing in shocking cruel story.
Read at your own risk, because you'll definitely have vigorous heart pounding palpitations, a bad case of cursingitis (I totally made that up . Cursing loudly) and may end up crying at a scene or two.
I just wonder though - her writing and us reading such stories, does it make us cynical at times?
I thought that there was more internal monologue towards the end but that actually went well with the darkness of the oncoming war of sorts, and carried the mood of the story. Light bantering or mindless chatter would have diluted the dark, intense mood of the story and Lily is very adept at not letting go of the characteristics and settings of the story , in the sense that her characters remain purest form of evil and venomous . The villains a rarely show compassion and don't spout useless repentant speeches, nor do they turnabout on a dime to seek redemption
No, she's unapologetic about her work and though her stories are clearly defined and sat ensconced in Dark black side ( no shade of grey here!) We accept it whole heartedly because she delivers what she promises !
5"Raven's claws" stars
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And that about sums up the story. There's a Sense of Dread that runs central in the story. Maggie is the Fourth Crow in the Family of Four Crows. As black and as ominous as the real crows, the Crows move from town to town just before a storm, but they leave a trail of destruction in their wake. Only their's are silent, the crime scenes wiped clean, footprints burnt to the ground and no clues left behind that could incriminate them.
But there are indelible marks on Maggie's life. She lives under the constant threat of evil, sick brothers-Brody & Finn. They're predators hiding in the shadowed sidelines, standing outside her doors in the inky darkness. Just waiting for Jonah Crow to die and leave Maggie unprotected, so they could inevitably step in...
And then there's a parallel story of Elliott McLoughlin. He's a man destroyed. And with nothing to loose any more, he's a dangerous hunter and tracker of his family's murderers. You see , while Elliott was off fighting for his country, somebody had robbed him off his beautiful wife , Katie and a young son , Michael. His heart died the same day.
I was damaged. I was broken. I had nothing left to lose, which made me the most dangerous type of man. I lacked fear. I lacked morality. I lacked every decent thing inside myself that made me care about consequences. Nothing mattered. And because of that, it made me the perfect predator too.The pain is unbearable. It’s never ending. And over the years that I’ve endured the agony, it’s developed into something far darker, far more deadly, than anything I knew could exist inside me.
He's just a walking-talking , empty shell of a man , left breathing because his enemies breathe...still.
And one man's pain leads to another person's agony.
Elliott meets Maggie and a tiny shred of human decency tries to rear it's head, which Elliott quashes with all his might. His mission of life needs no interruptions by any distraction or sympathy of any kind
I’m a rabid dog off his leash, a hungry tiger uncaged, a feral wolf that’s been injured and abused, only to be set free. Without you to hold the leash, I’ve become focused and intent on destroying everything in my path.
Maggie despises and is terrified of her brothers but she totally loves her father. He's loved her and nurtured her into this beautiful young girl, shielded her from all evils, spent time with her laughing and playing and hugging and smiling.
For as evil as Jonah was , he still cherished me, his only daughter.I loved him. More than anything I'd known in life, I loved my father. He wasn't the nicest man to most of the people who’d known him. He wasn't the best example of what a father should be. But he had been my world for so long, I was afraid to find out what life would be without him. When all you have is the worst of the lot, the worst becomes your normal because it's all you've ever known.
The coupling of Maggie-Elliott is a complicated relationship, yet very simple to understand. They are each other lean-to's. They have a common vein of empathy in them , so no need for words or explanantions. They are very familiar with the pain each has endured at the hands of the Crows.
I’ve shuddered through the entire story. The Goosebumps factor climbed a high 100 !
The plot is chilling in anticipation and equally horrendous in execution. The methods lily conjures up to expose the heinousness of diseased inhumanity , boggles my mind.
I'm scared to draw any resemblance to anything living or dead, coincidental or unintentional. The references to certain barbarisms in the book make my hair stand on end. They’re DEFINITELY TRIGGERS for sensitive readers.
As usual I can't escape the brilliant writing in shocking cruel story.
Read at your own risk, because you'll definitely have vigorous heart pounding palpitations, a bad case of cursingitis (I totally made that up . Cursing loudly) and may end up crying at a scene or two.
I just wonder though - her writing and us reading such stories, does it make us cynical at times?
I thought that there was more internal monologue towards the end but that actually went well with the darkness of the oncoming war of sorts, and carried the mood of the story. Light bantering or mindless chatter would have diluted the dark, intense mood of the story and Lily is very adept at not letting go of the characteristics and settings of the story , in the sense that her characters remain purest form of evil and venomous . The villains a rarely show compassion and don't spout useless repentant speeches, nor do they turnabout on a dime to seek redemption
No, she's unapologetic about her work and though her stories are clearly defined and sat ensconced in Dark black side ( no shade of grey here!) We accept it whole heartedly because she delivers what she promises !
5"Raven's claws" stars
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March 10, 2017
4.5 STARS
Oh man, this was soooo dark.
Dark, disturbing, horrible and upsetting. But also gripping, edge of your seat, break your heart good.
I loved the two leads, totally brave and kick ass. Excellent writing and the story kept me hooked.
Be warned, not for the faint hearted, subjects such as
Oh man, this was soooo dark.
Dark, disturbing, horrible and upsetting. But also gripping, edge of your seat, break your heart good.
I loved the two leads, totally brave and kick ass. Excellent writing and the story kept me hooked.
Be warned, not for the faint hearted, subjects such as
March 3, 2017
Wow! Lily White has an amazing talent of transporting me into her stories with the characters and imagery she weaves with her words. Four Crows was no exception.
This story follows Elliott, a man driven by anger and rage and consumed with seeking revenge for having his family taken from him. His obsession gives him focus and he's willing to do whatever it takes and use whomever he has to for his end goal.
Unfortunately, Maggie is someone that can help his plan. She's a Crow and he's willing to use her to get to the real ones responsible.
As he gets to know Maggie he learns there's more to her than the family she grew up in and he's torn between protecting her and pursuing his vengeance. All the while Maggie is torn between her growing affections for the man that has awakened the woman in her and the father that has been the only one to show her love.
This story was thrilling and had me in its grasp from start to finish. All the heartbreaking emotions, anger, sadness and loss...it was all so real. This was an amazing read.
This story follows Elliott, a man driven by anger and rage and consumed with seeking revenge for having his family taken from him. His obsession gives him focus and he's willing to do whatever it takes and use whomever he has to for his end goal.
Unfortunately, Maggie is someone that can help his plan. She's a Crow and he's willing to use her to get to the real ones responsible.
As he gets to know Maggie he learns there's more to her than the family she grew up in and he's torn between protecting her and pursuing his vengeance. All the while Maggie is torn between her growing affections for the man that has awakened the woman in her and the father that has been the only one to show her love.
This story was thrilling and had me in its grasp from start to finish. All the heartbreaking emotions, anger, sadness and loss...it was all so real. This was an amazing read.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
She was nothing more than the key to my revenge, the weak link that would allow me access to the men I blamed for everything that had gone wrong in my life.
This girl had strength in her spirit -strength and the damn misfortune of being a Crow.
Unfortunately for Maggie, my need for vengeance was stronger than the duty I felt to protect her heart.
My father’s voice roared behind me, but I was frozen in place, unable to make a move towards the man who raised me or the one who now had me locked in his stare.
I was a woman torn between the loyalty for family and the reckless love I held for a man I never should have known.
It broke my heart to realize Maggie had no clue about the type of person she was. Naked bravery wrapped up in a pretty package, she was a bird that had its wings clipped since the moment its captors realized it could fly.
March 18, 2017
That was quite the read. I haven't read a "dark" book in a long while. But I am so glad that I picked this one up to get me out of my reading funk. It was the kind of book that I kept telling myself I should not be reading but also one that I couldn't put down. There were things done in this book, actions taken, that I don't agree with whatsoever. But there was a rhyme and reason as to why Maggie and Elliott did the things they did.
This is my second read by Lily White. I read one of her earlier books a few years ago and I'm still thinking about it. Her writing is solid and I can't wait to read more from her.
If you are a fan of darker reads, then I definitely think this is one you need to check out. Many darker themed books these days take things a bit too far and frankly are a bit icky. Somehow Lily White manages to toe the line but her execution is flawless.
This is my second read by Lily White. I read one of her earlier books a few years ago and I'm still thinking about it. Her writing is solid and I can't wait to read more from her.
If you are a fan of darker reads, then I definitely think this is one you need to check out. Many darker themed books these days take things a bit too far and frankly are a bit icky. Somehow Lily White manages to toe the line but her execution is flawless.
February 18, 2017
4.5 Thrilling Stars
Revenge-to avenge (oneself or another) usually by retaliating in kind or degree…And that my friends is what Elliott strives to accomplish. Returning early from serving time in the military, Elliot is faced with a missing wife and child. No longer any good serving his country to provide for his wife and child, he was discharged. Now we follow him as he seeks to make and and all suffer for what has happened to his family. After 14 years, has a clue finally become a reality in finding out who did this to his family?
At 4 yrs. old, a picture Maggie drew, would pave the road for how her live would go on… Red rain…Rubies…. They Sparkle… Now at 18, Maggie is at a crossroad. Living the life always moving, never having any friends that stayed for long, never going to school just her Dad and two brothers. A Dad that truly loves her and will do whatever to protect his baby girl. Brothers who would do anything to damage their sister. This is what makes up the Crow Family. Or, turning around now and putting trust into this stranger she just met. One who has managed to bring out new and different feelings. Feelings that Maggie has never felt.
Family is a strong word. One that means the world to both Elliot and Maggie. Are they willing to step over the line to help each other overcome what has happened in their family life? What these two have been through are horrible events that span across the entire rainbow of unhappiness. This is an emotional read and pretty detailed in some of the events that if you have Triggers, please be forewarned.
It’s a great page-turner that I enjoyed reading.
Revenge-to avenge (oneself or another) usually by retaliating in kind or degree…And that my friends is what Elliott strives to accomplish. Returning early from serving time in the military, Elliot is faced with a missing wife and child. No longer any good serving his country to provide for his wife and child, he was discharged. Now we follow him as he seeks to make and and all suffer for what has happened to his family. After 14 years, has a clue finally become a reality in finding out who did this to his family?
At 4 yrs. old, a picture Maggie drew, would pave the road for how her live would go on… Red rain…Rubies…. They Sparkle… Now at 18, Maggie is at a crossroad. Living the life always moving, never having any friends that stayed for long, never going to school just her Dad and two brothers. A Dad that truly loves her and will do whatever to protect his baby girl. Brothers who would do anything to damage their sister. This is what makes up the Crow Family. Or, turning around now and putting trust into this stranger she just met. One who has managed to bring out new and different feelings. Feelings that Maggie has never felt.
Family is a strong word. One that means the world to both Elliot and Maggie. Are they willing to step over the line to help each other overcome what has happened in their family life? What these two have been through are horrible events that span across the entire rainbow of unhappiness. This is an emotional read and pretty detailed in some of the events that if you have Triggers, please be forewarned.
It’s a great page-turner that I enjoyed reading.
March 8, 2017
Women were meant to be respected. They were meant to be treated with care and protected against the injustices of the world, but I guessed that meant nothing to the thieves in the night- the monsters that fed on the fragilities and vulnerabilities of those who they considered weaker than themselves.
A young mother and child torn from the man who swore to protect them.
A soldier devastated not only after the atrocities of war.
A young girl with her innocence in precarious balance.
And a family of 3 men who would one day pay for their sins.
W.O.W. I’ve read Lily White in the past but that couldn’t prepare me for just how amazing this story was. I’m almost at a loss of words writing this review. Four Crows had every element a dark romance/thriller reader could dream of. Mystery, passion, violence, and a few major twists to keep the action at a steady pace throughout the book.
I'm a rabid dog off his leash, a hungry tiger uncaged, a feral wolf that's been injured and abused, only to be set free.
Elliott spent the last 14 years chasing the people responsible for stealing his wife and child away from him. After the police declaring the disappearances a cold case and many, many long nights, Elliott finally believes he may have found the individuals responsible. He sees an easy in- seduce the young daughter of the male ringleader of the trio of terror. Little does he know Maggie, the daughter, has a hidden strength she may tap into at any time. After all, blood IS thicker than water.
The sings of the father don't lie on the shoulders of his daughter. It's the sons that bear the weight.
Maggie has spent her life sheltered yet witnessed the atrocities committed by the men in her family. She dreams of freedom and to have a choice in her life. A choice to run, a choice to stay, just a choice period. When a stranger comes into her orbit she believes for once she may have a choice for her future, but any decision comes with consequences.
The dynamic between Maggie and Elliott was palpable and could be felt throughout reading. They were perfect prisms of light and darkness to each other. At about 40% I already had such a book hangover and a lot of the action was just starting to get good. The two characters were so dimensional and “real” my emotions were at an all-time high reading this.
I also enjoyed the author’s writing style where the atrocities surrounding Elliott’s family were left somewhat ambiguous yet also discovered throughout the course of the novel. There were no flashbacks in time to EXACTLY what happened to them but Elliott did finally learn the truth in a way an outsider can learn. It made the book all more real and even unsettling as well.
Overall, this book was gold. I can’t recommend it enough to readers across various genres- romance, thriller, mystery, horror- there is something in this story for everyone. xx
My theme song for the book: *Unapologetic by Halestorm*
*Received an arc in exchange for an honest review*
A young mother and child torn from the man who swore to protect them.
A soldier devastated not only after the atrocities of war.
A young girl with her innocence in precarious balance.
And a family of 3 men who would one day pay for their sins.
W.O.W. I’ve read Lily White in the past but that couldn’t prepare me for just how amazing this story was. I’m almost at a loss of words writing this review. Four Crows had every element a dark romance/thriller reader could dream of. Mystery, passion, violence, and a few major twists to keep the action at a steady pace throughout the book.
I'm a rabid dog off his leash, a hungry tiger uncaged, a feral wolf that's been injured and abused, only to be set free.
Elliott spent the last 14 years chasing the people responsible for stealing his wife and child away from him. After the police declaring the disappearances a cold case and many, many long nights, Elliott finally believes he may have found the individuals responsible. He sees an easy in- seduce the young daughter of the male ringleader of the trio of terror. Little does he know Maggie, the daughter, has a hidden strength she may tap into at any time. After all, blood IS thicker than water.
The sings of the father don't lie on the shoulders of his daughter. It's the sons that bear the weight.
Maggie has spent her life sheltered yet witnessed the atrocities committed by the men in her family. She dreams of freedom and to have a choice in her life. A choice to run, a choice to stay, just a choice period. When a stranger comes into her orbit she believes for once she may have a choice for her future, but any decision comes with consequences.
The dynamic between Maggie and Elliott was palpable and could be felt throughout reading. They were perfect prisms of light and darkness to each other. At about 40% I already had such a book hangover and a lot of the action was just starting to get good. The two characters were so dimensional and “real” my emotions were at an all-time high reading this.
I also enjoyed the author’s writing style where the atrocities surrounding Elliott’s family were left somewhat ambiguous yet also discovered throughout the course of the novel. There were no flashbacks in time to EXACTLY what happened to them but Elliott did finally learn the truth in a way an outsider can learn. It made the book all more real and even unsettling as well.
Overall, this book was gold. I can’t recommend it enough to readers across various genres- romance, thriller, mystery, horror- there is something in this story for everyone. xx
My theme song for the book: *Unapologetic by Halestorm*
*Received an arc in exchange for an honest review*
February 26, 2017
With equal amounts of anticipation and anxiety I popped my Lily White cherry with Four Crows and read a book by this author for the first time. I was so excited by the teasers and the excerpts but equally anxious as I just wasn't sure what Ms. White had in store for us. Was I excited? You betcha! But was I terrified? Oh, hell yeah. This author has an impressive reputation of writing very dark books. But my final impression after reading Four Crows? One word: Mindblowing. Good God. What took me so long?! This was such an amazing yet equally heartbreaking work of art that highlighted the haunting struggle between wanting to live and living for vengeance and hate.
Elliot Mclaughlin and Magpie "Maggie" Crow are brought together after tragedy has taken his family fourteen years ago. Still deeply grieving and consumed with the disappearance of his wife and child, Elliot is on a mission to discover what happened to them and plots his revenge. Through his personal investigation, he comes across the Crow family and deliberately sets out to meet Maggie. Unwilling to leave her alone, even though she is innocent and he is drawn to her, he strives to do what he feels he must in order to discover the truth and get his revenge.
Ms. White has an uncanny ability to transport you into the book through her vivid descriptions and heart-stopping prose. I felt like I was right there besides Elliot and Maggie the whole time. Furthermore after reading, I can't help but be sympathetic towards Elliot and all that he lost, but I personally wanted to wrap my arms around Maggie to shield her from Elliot's mindgames as well as the horrid and grotesque behavior of the Crows. All in all, I was consumed with the story and can not wait for my next Lily White Book! Bravo!! 4 stars!
Elliot Mclaughlin and Magpie "Maggie" Crow are brought together after tragedy has taken his family fourteen years ago. Still deeply grieving and consumed with the disappearance of his wife and child, Elliot is on a mission to discover what happened to them and plots his revenge. Through his personal investigation, he comes across the Crow family and deliberately sets out to meet Maggie. Unwilling to leave her alone, even though she is innocent and he is drawn to her, he strives to do what he feels he must in order to discover the truth and get his revenge.
Ms. White has an uncanny ability to transport you into the book through her vivid descriptions and heart-stopping prose. I felt like I was right there besides Elliot and Maggie the whole time. Furthermore after reading, I can't help but be sympathetic towards Elliot and all that he lost, but I personally wanted to wrap my arms around Maggie to shield her from Elliot's mindgames as well as the horrid and grotesque behavior of the Crows. All in all, I was consumed with the story and can not wait for my next Lily White Book! Bravo!! 4 stars!
February 27, 2017
Absolutely BLOWN AWAY!! I had very high expectations going in and I wasn't disappointed. This book has so many twists and turns.....so many different emotions. A story of love, loss, murder, revenge and healing. Elliot would do anything to find out who took his family from him while he was off serving his country. And unfortunately for Maggie, that includes using and deceiving her, and destroying everything she knows and loves. What he doesn't plan on is her helping to heal his heart and in the process saving his life as well as hers.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this review voluntarily
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this review voluntarily
November 23, 2024
Whew. This book challenged me.. and not in the way I usually expect to be challenged by Lily White. Four Crows is a romantic thriller that takes place in an unnamed rural small town in what I am assuming is somewhere in the southern states. It follows Elliot McLoughlan, a 34-year-old veteran searching for answers and revenge following the tragic abduction of his wife and son fourteen years prior. His investigative efforts lead to the Crow family, and his way in — the weakest link — is none other than 18-year-old Maggie Crow.
That's it. That's the quote.
In true Lily White fashion, this book is unique, captivating and incredibly dark, exploring some of the most evil shadowed corners of humanity. Please read with caution.. the darkness that unravels in this story might be hard to stomach for some readers.
What challenged me the most was Maggie Crow! I generally love flawed characters, especially when I can see them grow... and it takes A LOT for me to be frustrated with a character. But I struggled to understand and accept Maggie's complacency within her circumstances, as well as love she had for her father. I think if there had been more chapters showcasing her father's acts of love for her or more development of his character, I might have had an easier time wrapping my head around it. I had to continually remind myself that she had been raised in isolation with no real education, and perhaps had no real grasp on what is normal, acceptable or ethical.
Having said that, I'm glad I stuck with the book because Maggie does grow. Elliot is the first decent man she's ever met in all her 18 years, and through getting to know him she is able to reflect on her own life and her choices. Her connection to him is a painful thing for her to acknowledge, and though it takes her awhile, she eventually stares it right in the face.
I loved Elliot's character! His backstory is tragic and his quest for vengeance is absolutely warranted. My heart ached for him and I wanted nothing more than for him to find peace.
While this story starts off with a slower pace, the second half is a wild, dark (and gory) ride and I couldn't put it down. This read is suspenseful, emotional and memorable. It definitely sunk its claws into me because I can't stop thinking about it.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy dark AF, trauma-heavy storylines, romantic thrillers, age-gap romance, character-driven romance, revenge plots, and those who don't mind gore and characters that are flawed beyond belief.
What kind of sick-minded, hillbilly, woman-beating family did this girl have?
That's it. That's the quote.
In true Lily White fashion, this book is unique, captivating and incredibly dark, exploring some of the most evil shadowed corners of humanity. Please read with caution.. the darkness that unravels in this story might be hard to stomach for some readers.
What challenged me the most was Maggie Crow! I generally love flawed characters, especially when I can see them grow... and it takes A LOT for me to be frustrated with a character. But I struggled to understand and accept Maggie's complacency within her circumstances, as well as love she had for her father. I think if there had been more chapters showcasing her father's acts of love for her or more development of his character, I might have had an easier time wrapping my head around it. I had to continually remind myself that she had been raised in isolation with no real education, and perhaps had no real grasp on what is normal, acceptable or ethical.
Having said that, I'm glad I stuck with the book because Maggie does grow. Elliot is the first decent man she's ever met in all her 18 years, and through getting to know him she is able to reflect on her own life and her choices. Her connection to him is a painful thing for her to acknowledge, and though it takes her awhile, she eventually stares it right in the face.
I loved Elliot's character! His backstory is tragic and his quest for vengeance is absolutely warranted. My heart ached for him and I wanted nothing more than for him to find peace.
While this story starts off with a slower pace, the second half is a wild, dark (and gory) ride and I couldn't put it down. This read is suspenseful, emotional and memorable. It definitely sunk its claws into me because I can't stop thinking about it.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy dark AF, trauma-heavy storylines, romantic thrillers, age-gap romance, character-driven romance, revenge plots, and those who don't mind gore and characters that are flawed beyond belief.
April 11, 2017
Holy bajesus! I've read my share of Lily books and I have to admit that even "I" didn't see that one coming. Dark? Yep. But it's hard to explain this dark. Where we've dealt with mind-f's and even physical darkness, this one hits on a whole-notha-level!
WARNING!!! Triggers? Don't. Just don't. But if you're still feeling up to the challenge, don't say that I and others didn't warn you. I mean, geez, Lily herself warns you...
Year after losing his sweetheart and son, Elliot hasn't forgotten, nor healed in any way. Out for "justice", he's more determined than ever to get the answers that haunt him. Vigilante at it's finest. He knows what he wants and WILL get it, by ANY MEANS NECESSARY.
Maggie is young, so young and naive. She's been living in her own kind of fear and it's not until she meets Elliot that her eyes start to open. The connection she feels toward Elliot is an interesting one though. I couldn't quite wrap my hands around it at first, but then it all made sense, Lily White style.
This is....WOW! Dark is dark people. Don't dive in unless you're absolutely sure you can handle some of the ish you're about to read. Oh, and for crying out loud...it's for entertainment purposes.
Lily has done it again folks. And now I'm craving more!!!!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
WARNING!!! Triggers? Don't. Just don't. But if you're still feeling up to the challenge, don't say that I and others didn't warn you. I mean, geez, Lily herself warns you...
Year after losing his sweetheart and son, Elliot hasn't forgotten, nor healed in any way. Out for "justice", he's more determined than ever to get the answers that haunt him. Vigilante at it's finest. He knows what he wants and WILL get it, by ANY MEANS NECESSARY.
Maggie is young, so young and naive. She's been living in her own kind of fear and it's not until she meets Elliot that her eyes start to open. The connection she feels toward Elliot is an interesting one though. I couldn't quite wrap my hands around it at first, but then it all made sense, Lily White style.
This is....WOW! Dark is dark people. Don't dive in unless you're absolutely sure you can handle some of the ish you're about to read. Oh, and for crying out loud...it's for entertainment purposes.
Lily has done it again folks. And now I'm craving more!!!!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 5, 2017
If you like dark you will love this book. Both main characters are very well developed, a strong story with the element of deprebity that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Even better there is a happy ending.
Please head the trigger warnings.
Human trafficking
Very bloody
Fire
Age gap
Please head the trigger warnings.
Human trafficking
Very bloody
Fire
Age gap
February 19, 2017
Maggie has been sheltered all her life....she hears them screaming...but that is normal when they don't do what daddy says.
"Why is she screaming like that?" " They're just having fun, I guess. Grown ups are so weird," I answered. "You don't have to be scared. As long as your mommy gets enough sleep tonight, she'll wake up in time to go to the farm with us tomorrow."
Holy Shit Ya'll!!!! This book is Cray...Cray!!!! And why would I think anything different cuz if you have read anything from Lily White in the past...ummmm you definitely know what I am talking about!!! Sooo if you love dark books or you are new to dark books....ohhh this one is sooo good!!! Four Crows is a romantic thriller!!! And it was fan-damn-tastic!!!
Maggie Crow has a secret from her family...A Man...Elliot McLaughlin
Elliot's family has been missing for 14 years and he feels Maggie knows what happened to them. He befriends her to find out what happened all those years ago.
"The Crows-as they were called by the town-lived off their land mostly, rarely coming into town to purchase tools, sparse food, clothing and other odds and ends."
I have to say that sometimes while reading this book, I felt like I was going to hear banjos playing and felt like I was being thrown into a scene of Deliverance. lol Creeppyyyy...This book will sooo keep you up late at night and up early in the morning to find out what is happening next. Such a page turner!! I could not get enough, I wanted everything to stop until I had read the last page. lol
I gave this book 5 iScream Books Stars!! Gooo my dark book readers and one click ASAP...you will not be disappointed!!!
"Why is she screaming like that?" " They're just having fun, I guess. Grown ups are so weird," I answered. "You don't have to be scared. As long as your mommy gets enough sleep tonight, she'll wake up in time to go to the farm with us tomorrow."
Holy Shit Ya'll!!!! This book is Cray...Cray!!!! And why would I think anything different cuz if you have read anything from Lily White in the past...ummmm you definitely know what I am talking about!!! Sooo if you love dark books or you are new to dark books....ohhh this one is sooo good!!! Four Crows is a romantic thriller!!! And it was fan-damn-tastic!!!
Maggie Crow has a secret from her family...A Man...Elliot McLaughlin
Elliot's family has been missing for 14 years and he feels Maggie knows what happened to them. He befriends her to find out what happened all those years ago.
"The Crows-as they were called by the town-lived off their land mostly, rarely coming into town to purchase tools, sparse food, clothing and other odds and ends."
I have to say that sometimes while reading this book, I felt like I was going to hear banjos playing and felt like I was being thrown into a scene of Deliverance. lol Creeppyyyy...This book will sooo keep you up late at night and up early in the morning to find out what is happening next. Such a page turner!! I could not get enough, I wanted everything to stop until I had read the last page. lol
I gave this book 5 iScream Books Stars!! Gooo my dark book readers and one click ASAP...you will not be disappointed!!!
February 18, 2017
Rated 3.5 Stars
I'm very conflicted on Four Crows on one hand I liked even loved certain parts of it and on the other hand there were parts of it that I didn't necessarily care for or enjoy and no it's not the dark parts. Truth be told I didn't really think it was dark. My issues with this book stemmed from the characters.
Elliott is supposed to be a tortured hero but it felt to me like more unnecessary angst than anything. Where Maggie is concerned I did not like the choices she made, I felt they were stupid and yes I get that she was naive and her decisions could but chalked up to Stockholm Syndrome where her family is concerned but it still irritated me.
Another issue I had with the book was logistical things, for instance the locking of a character into the back of a van (pickup) the back doors were jammed from the outside so the character couldn't get out but that same thing wasn't done to the front doors yet the character couldn't get out. While reading this all I could think was why couldn't the character just climb into the front seat and unlock the door which of course distracted me, brought me out of the story and took away from my overall enjoyment. This wasn't the only logistical thing that had my brain going off on a tangent.
However, I loved the tabooish element to the story as well as the enemies to lovers aspect. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
ARC provided by author/PR firm in exchange for a honest review
I'm very conflicted on Four Crows on one hand I liked even loved certain parts of it and on the other hand there were parts of it that I didn't necessarily care for or enjoy and no it's not the dark parts. Truth be told I didn't really think it was dark. My issues with this book stemmed from the characters.
Elliott is supposed to be a tortured hero but it felt to me like more unnecessary angst than anything. Where Maggie is concerned I did not like the choices she made, I felt they were stupid and yes I get that she was naive and her decisions could but chalked up to Stockholm Syndrome where her family is concerned but it still irritated me.
Another issue I had with the book was logistical things, for instance the locking of a character into the back of a van (pickup) the back doors were jammed from the outside so the character couldn't get out but that same thing wasn't done to the front doors yet the character couldn't get out. While reading this all I could think was why couldn't the character just climb into the front seat and unlock the door which of course distracted me, brought me out of the story and took away from my overall enjoyment. This wasn't the only logistical thing that had my brain going off on a tangent.
However, I loved the tabooish element to the story as well as the enemies to lovers aspect. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
ARC provided by author/PR firm in exchange for a honest review
June 23, 2020
I was really into this book right up until Elliot was getting his revenge, and Maggie picked sides...the wrong side. I just couldn't get my head around that. Elliot was my favourite part, he carried the whole story. Unfortunately Maggie dragged the story down. But that's only my opinion, it just didn't work for me. But I will check out the authors other work.
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April 21, 2017Rating and review pending
March 1, 2017
Title: Four Crows
Author: Lily White
Series: standalone
Genre: suspense
Themes: revenge, widowed
Heat: 2/5
Rating: 5/5
What a mindblowing read. I've been in a bit of a book funk recently and this is the one thing that's managed to focus my attention and draw me out, with its dark, gritty suspense and debilitating emotional impact. This was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, with White actually accomplishing the feat of allowing the reader to feel sympathy for the most vile of characters, and never shying away from the horrors other authors would likely gloss over.
From start to finish, I felt Elliott and Maggie's pain, their desire to free themselves from it, in different ways. The abuse, the sickening things that happened - all of it made me feel so emotionally invested in these two and the path of revenge that I actually felt a grim, sick, cathartic satisfaction when it ended and my pulse rate could return itself to normal. Nothing was missing here, and man did the emotional pain in these pages pay off at the end.
White's writing itself has improved immensely over the past few years, being now almost poetic in its lyricism. The words really sink into the brain, rolling across the tongue like a thing of wonder, with harrowing descriptions of pain and loss being a sickening punch to the gut.
This was hard-hitting, often disturbing, always incredible. A firm favourite of 2017.
Author: Lily White
Series: standalone
Genre: suspense
Themes: revenge, widowed
Heat: 2/5
Rating: 5/5
What a mindblowing read. I've been in a bit of a book funk recently and this is the one thing that's managed to focus my attention and draw me out, with its dark, gritty suspense and debilitating emotional impact. This was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, with White actually accomplishing the feat of allowing the reader to feel sympathy for the most vile of characters, and never shying away from the horrors other authors would likely gloss over.
From start to finish, I felt Elliott and Maggie's pain, their desire to free themselves from it, in different ways. The abuse, the sickening things that happened - all of it made me feel so emotionally invested in these two and the path of revenge that I actually felt a grim, sick, cathartic satisfaction when it ended and my pulse rate could return itself to normal. Nothing was missing here, and man did the emotional pain in these pages pay off at the end.
White's writing itself has improved immensely over the past few years, being now almost poetic in its lyricism. The words really sink into the brain, rolling across the tongue like a thing of wonder, with harrowing descriptions of pain and loss being a sickening punch to the gut.
This was hard-hitting, often disturbing, always incredible. A firm favourite of 2017.
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