What do you think?
Rate this book
Endgame #2
Rook
I lived through a nightmare no woman should have to endure.
Drugged. Sold. Used.
He rescued me, as I knew he would, but he could only save my body.
My soul is already spoken for.
He says it’s not too late. That nothing will come between us again.
But the past refuses to let me go.
I can’t trust him with what I’ve been through…what I’ve done.
There was a time for us, but it’s passed.
I have to protect myself from him as much as I do from my enemies.
Because if he finds out what I’ve become…
He’ll leave me for dead.
This is a dark romance/romantic suspense that contains themes that may not be appropriate for all readers, including sexual assault
Drugged. Sold. Used.
He rescued me, as I knew he would, but he could only save my body.
My soul is already spoken for.
He says it’s not too late. That nothing will come between us again.
But the past refuses to let me go.
I can’t trust him with what I’ve been through…what I’ve done.
There was a time for us, but it’s passed.
I have to protect myself from him as much as I do from my enemies.
Because if he finds out what I’ve become…
He’ll leave me for dead.
This is a dark romance/romantic suspense that contains themes that may not be appropriate for all readers, including sexual assault
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2019
8 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Riley Ashby
13 books83 followersRiley Ashby lives in the American Midwest. She eats entirely too much tofu and owns just the right number of cats. She enjoys reading and writing anything romantic, be it dark and suspenseful or light and fluffy - always with a Happily Ever After.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 19, 2020
I'm torn about this book, I did enjoy it but there was something I couldn't quite put my finger on that kept me from loving it. A compelling and sweet story about a woman overcoming the worst the world could get out to her and move on and love and I just couldn't fully get into the story. The first book didn't really move me either but the series is still sweet and evenly paced and the characters are likable to the point that I do want to read the rest.
It was a good read, short and sweet and hot where it needed to be.
It was a good read, short and sweet and hot where it needed to be.
May 8, 2020
This book was so sad and incredible sweet .
I loved their relationship as kids, i loved their love for each others as friends first and after as lovers.
I was so sad that she had to be trough that :'( i wished she was saved before the worst happen...and knowing she was also a virgin , broke my heart, especially knowing she wanted him to be her first, damn itttt......this was so hard , also i'm truly happy she chose to do "that" after she was saved...
Now even with all of that, i really enjoyed this book,sad but good.
I loved their relationship as kids, i loved their love for each others as friends first and after as lovers.
I was so sad that she had to be trough that :'( i wished she was saved before the worst happen...and knowing she was also a virgin , broke my heart, especially knowing she wanted him to be her first, damn itttt......this was so hard , also i'm truly happy she chose to do "that" after she was saved...
Now even with all of that, i really enjoyed this book,sad but good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
September 22, 2019Enough with the uneven playing field already! I am so over this bullshit...it detracts from the actual storyline and I end up deleting it off my kindle.
May 11, 2019
OMG!!!!! Rook picks up where King left off. Rook is an emotional, dark read that will break your heart from beginning to end. Well done Riley Ashby, you have done an exceptional job telling this story about Vail, a young woman who's life has been physically and mentally shattered by a sadistic turn of events. When Vail is rescued by her brother and Castel from Chase Reilly who was running a network of human trafficking rings her agony just begins to unfold. With her family's help as well as Castel the man she has always loved, you are taken on this journey as they are faced with a challenge to break down Vail's barriers inorder for her to have the life she had before and heal.
Vail is emotionally broken by the abuse she has had to endure, her nightmares have her up all night and she can't stand human touch. Castel has always loved Vail since they were young as he always protected her and King and can't stand that she is pushing him away. The problem these two are facing is that they never acted on the desire they kept hidden all these years, but now things take a turn. Castel is determined to help Vail overcome the horror she has faced when kidnapped as he finally admits his undying love he has kept hidden all these years. Will his love be enough for her to become sound and healthy even though she keeps pushing him away and won't speak to him? Vail is broken-hearted as she does not want Castel to know the secrets she is hiding, she is damaged and feels defiled by things she was made to do. Can Castel's love for Vail be enough to show her she is worthy of being loved and that none of the horrors that occured is her fault? Vail is now faced with a difficult decision, one that will prove beyond a doubt that she is strong enough to alleviate all the pain and grief as she finally admits to herself that through love she can conquer all of her demons and start a new life. This book is a must read that will have you on edge from the first chapter. I voluntairly reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Vail is emotionally broken by the abuse she has had to endure, her nightmares have her up all night and she can't stand human touch. Castel has always loved Vail since they were young as he always protected her and King and can't stand that she is pushing him away. The problem these two are facing is that they never acted on the desire they kept hidden all these years, but now things take a turn. Castel is determined to help Vail overcome the horror she has faced when kidnapped as he finally admits his undying love he has kept hidden all these years. Will his love be enough for her to become sound and healthy even though she keeps pushing him away and won't speak to him? Vail is broken-hearted as she does not want Castel to know the secrets she is hiding, she is damaged and feels defiled by things she was made to do. Can Castel's love for Vail be enough to show her she is worthy of being loved and that none of the horrors that occured is her fault? Vail is now faced with a difficult decision, one that will prove beyond a doubt that she is strong enough to alleviate all the pain and grief as she finally admits to herself that through love she can conquer all of her demons and start a new life. This book is a must read that will have you on edge from the first chapter. I voluntairly reviewed an advance copy of this book.
June 20, 2019
This story continues from the end of 'King.' Vail had been kidnapped months ago by a slavery ring, and rescued by Castel and her brother's dogged determination to do anything to rescue her.
Vail's brother and Castel took her in at fourteen, hiding her in their dorms to keep her safe. Castel always made her feel safe and even after all these years, he is the only one that helps keep her nightmares away. This foundation of trust, helps her tremendously to heal.
These two have loved each other for years but let outside forces keep them apart. As Vail goes through the difficult process of recovering from being raped and beaten and all the emotional trauma, she also tries to push Castel away. Castel received his wake up call with Vail and decides he will never let her go again. He shows amazing strength and insightfulness managing all the extremes that Vail goes through, even when he slips he returns to her.
Ashby brings us into Vail and Castel's world, making us feel all the good, bad and horrible and brings us out the other side to recovery, hope and love. This isn't a pretty story but it will grab you and won't let you go until the last page. I am very thankful I was given an advanced reader copy to review, it was a true pleasure to read.
I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.
Vail's brother and Castel took her in at fourteen, hiding her in their dorms to keep her safe. Castel always made her feel safe and even after all these years, he is the only one that helps keep her nightmares away. This foundation of trust, helps her tremendously to heal.
These two have loved each other for years but let outside forces keep them apart. As Vail goes through the difficult process of recovering from being raped and beaten and all the emotional trauma, she also tries to push Castel away. Castel received his wake up call with Vail and decides he will never let her go again. He shows amazing strength and insightfulness managing all the extremes that Vail goes through, even when he slips he returns to her.
Ashby brings us into Vail and Castel's world, making us feel all the good, bad and horrible and brings us out the other side to recovery, hope and love. This isn't a pretty story but it will grab you and won't let you go until the last page. I am very thankful I was given an advanced reader copy to review, it was a true pleasure to read.
I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2019
Never give up because third time’s the charm
Rook (Endgame Series Book 2) by Riley Ashby is a well written romance. Deeply emotional, this book reprises many characters and introduces us to the missing Vail from Book 1 and focuses mainly on her recovery. Vail is a very strong woman dealing with a traumatic blow and extreme circumstances as a result of her captivity and torture. I truly admired this character. Castel is a rock, and strong, alpha protector. Although he falters at times, he solidly believes that together, he and Vail can build their forever together. Despite the many setbacks, Castel’s determination is Vail’s saving grace and provides her with extra strength to heal.
The plot and sub plot are well executed throughout the book, Vail’s experiences during recovery as well as the sometimes injustice of the justice system. Both create tension and suspense in addition to the anticipation of the development of Vail and Castel’s relationship. These two have been pushing each other away for too long, thinking they knew what was best for the other without talking about it - a recipe for disaster.
Overall a very well written book that explores the emotional depths of traumatic recovery, the perseverance of a long-lasting love and the HEA Vail and Castel have waited 10 long years for.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Rook (Endgame Series Book 2) by Riley Ashby is a well written romance. Deeply emotional, this book reprises many characters and introduces us to the missing Vail from Book 1 and focuses mainly on her recovery. Vail is a very strong woman dealing with a traumatic blow and extreme circumstances as a result of her captivity and torture. I truly admired this character. Castel is a rock, and strong, alpha protector. Although he falters at times, he solidly believes that together, he and Vail can build their forever together. Despite the many setbacks, Castel’s determination is Vail’s saving grace and provides her with extra strength to heal.
The plot and sub plot are well executed throughout the book, Vail’s experiences during recovery as well as the sometimes injustice of the justice system. Both create tension and suspense in addition to the anticipation of the development of Vail and Castel’s relationship. These two have been pushing each other away for too long, thinking they knew what was best for the other without talking about it - a recipe for disaster.
Overall a very well written book that explores the emotional depths of traumatic recovery, the perseverance of a long-lasting love and the HEA Vail and Castel have waited 10 long years for.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
October 8, 2019
Vail was kidnapped when she was fifteen years old and had spent ten years of her life as the captive of a violent sex trafficker. She was used as a sex slave as well as physically, emotionally, and mentally abused. Her brother, and his best friend Castel (Cas), have finally freed her, but the man who is in jail for her abuse hasn't finished torturing her.
These characters are absolutely believable, Ellery and Cas will do anything necessary to save the woman they both love, and Vail will show her strength and will to live. Even though her ordeal lasted so long she still had a little hope that she would be rescued by her brother and the man she has loved for a long time.
I thought this book was well written, and a plausible narrative of the damage done to a young woman at the hands of an evil man that abused her, and her emotional/mental battle to reclaim her life. I also thought this was a fantastic book, but will warn other readers that there are a lot of descriptions of the physical and sexual abuse against a young woman that could trigger some readers.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
These characters are absolutely believable, Ellery and Cas will do anything necessary to save the woman they both love, and Vail will show her strength and will to live. Even though her ordeal lasted so long she still had a little hope that she would be rescued by her brother and the man she has loved for a long time.
I thought this book was well written, and a plausible narrative of the damage done to a young woman at the hands of an evil man that abused her, and her emotional/mental battle to reclaim her life. I also thought this was a fantastic book, but will warn other readers that there are a lot of descriptions of the physical and sexual abuse against a young woman that could trigger some readers.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
October 24, 2019
As the story opens, Vail has been rescued from a sexual slavery ring and is back home with her family. She survived weeks of sexual violence and brutality at the hands of her kidnappers until her brother Ellery and Castel, the man she loves, were able to rescue her, but her nightmare is far from over. The unbelievable hell that Vail endured is heartbreaking. How do you come back from something like that? Castel's love for Vail is breathtaking. You just know he would die for her. Castel is the one person who makes her feel safe but he also let her down in the past. Can he make her believe that things will be different now? Will the scars she carries inside ever heal? This riveting story had me from page one. I would definitely read the first book of the series, King, before reading Rook. Not only is it a flat out awesome read but it's where Vail's story actually begins. I love the first two books of the series and I can't wait for number three.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
May 21, 2019
I received this as an ARC. I loved that it gave plenty of backstory to help with what is happening with the present. Castel and Vail had a history that follows the lines of unfulfilled love. With Vail being rescued and learning to deal with life after her rape and captivity. Castle finally manning up after losing Vail but could it be too late for their love? I haven't read the first book but it's not truly necessary but it could possibly help with even more back story. Vail spent loys of time pushing Castle away but longing for him at the same time. Castle after realizing he needs Veil he does everything he could to win her back intonhis life.
August 20, 2019
I received the first book in the series as an ARC, and loved it so much I purchased this book. I'm not disappointed that I did. Vail has been kidnapped into a sex slave ring. She is finally rescued after months of horrifying abuse. Castel has been her brothers and her best friend for over ten years, and in all that time Vail has been madly in love with him. Castel has feelings for her as well, but never acted on them. He almost went crazy trying to rescue Vail. When they both have to deal with the aftermath of Vail's abduction, it almost rips them apart. Can Vail open her heart enough to trust Castel? Such a great story, and I'll definitely will buy the next book!
Read
September 10, 2019Cas and Vail went through so many trials and tribulations just to be together and in the end it is so incredibly worth it! Love on so many levels and the way Vail reacts to all that happened to her is so surreal... it’s the very reaction rape victims have. I would know... it takes a different kind of strength to overcome rape and abuse and Riley takes it all in stride and allows you to become part of the story. You feel every touch, every tremor, every nightmare... Every unwanted touch on your skin. Amazingly written BRAVO!!
October 8, 2019
This is another great book by Ashby! Such an emotional roller coaster. Just a warning to those who have yet to heal from abuse this has triggers. It also talks on abortion and death.
It’s gripping details about things no one should endure gives this author an edge. I enjoyed learning and hearing a story that thousands have had to go through. The ending was perfect honestly.
I also really liked that the couple from King are in it so you se a glimpse of their future as well.
I received a copy of this for an honest review!
It’s gripping details about things no one should endure gives this author an edge. I enjoyed learning and hearing a story that thousands have had to go through. The ending was perfect honestly.
I also really liked that the couple from King are in it so you se a glimpse of their future as well.
I received a copy of this for an honest review!
December 26, 2019
Heartbreaking and Breathtaking
I liked the first book, King, but I LOVED Rook!
*This is the second book and King should be read first.*
Castel and Vail have been through so much. Their path to a HEA is far from easy but so heartbreaking, yet beautiful in its own way. Cas was perfection! This book tore me up!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I liked the first book, King, but I LOVED Rook!
*This is the second book and King should be read first.*
Castel and Vail have been through so much. Their path to a HEA is far from easy but so heartbreaking, yet beautiful in its own way. Cas was perfection! This book tore me up!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
July 4, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. It continues where King left off and loved Castel and Vail's back story and it's full of moments that will pull at your heartstrings. Can't wait for book
October 21, 2019
I enjoyed Castel & Vail's story. Good characters. This was an emotional read for me. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 20, 2021
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, I devoured it in less than 24 hours. This book was no different. Brilliant!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews