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Dirty Universe #7
Wild Rebel
We were supposed to run away after graduation.
When she didn’t show at our meeting place, I got brave and went after her.
It was a mistake.
I left bloodied and bruised.
I had no choice but to walk away.
Years passed.
I traveled, settled halfway around the world,
made enough money that I didn’t have to look back.
But I never got over her.
Then, out of the blue, she calls.
And, what she asks for, the favor that she wants?
I never thought I'd be willing to take a life.
But the truth is, and always has been: I'd do anything for her.
Book one of three in the final trilogy in the Dirty Universe.
This book may contain subjects that are sensitive to some readers. Please visit my website for content warnings. May include spoilers.
When she didn’t show at our meeting place, I got brave and went after her.
It was a mistake.
I left bloodied and bruised.
I had no choice but to walk away.
Years passed.
I traveled, settled halfway around the world,
made enough money that I didn’t have to look back.
But I never got over her.
Then, out of the blue, she calls.
And, what she asks for, the favor that she wants?
I never thought I'd be willing to take a life.
But the truth is, and always has been: I'd do anything for her.
Book one of three in the final trilogy in the Dirty Universe.
This book may contain subjects that are sensitive to some readers. Please visit my website for content warnings. May include spoilers.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2021
1037 people are currently reading
5929 people want to read
About the author
Laurelin Paige
107 books15.8k followersLaurelin Paige is the NYT, WSJ, USA Today Bestselling Author of the international sensation, The Fixed Trilogy. She's also written other popular books in the Fixed Universe as well as the Dirty Universe and has cowritten with both Kayti McGee and Sierra Simone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
March 26, 2021
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author/ Candi Kane PR)
Cade Warren is partner and co-owner of one of the biggest international marketing firms in the world. He's been busy running their Reach location in Tokyo, and had come a long way from his earlier years that were complicated and full of some dark times. These days he avoided looking back, and had his sights set on the future. When he returns to the states for a wedding he is met with a blast from the past. He's contacted by the woman he once loved and thought would be his forever. Promises were made and broken, and there was a time he would have done anything for Jolie. He hadn't seen or heard from her in almost two decades. She disappeared for seventeen years and then thinks she can show up out of the blue and ask him for a favor. After all these years they were strangers, and he owed her nothing. He was no longer the rebellious teen she remembered, and he couldn't allow himself to get lost in her again. It was a matter of self preservation, but one look at her and she made him feel like that out of control eighteen year old boy again. They shared a messy history, but he needed closure. He wanted her but he'd never be able to trust her again. When it's too hard to resist the pull between them, will he risk it all for love or walk away?
-Now as then, when Jolie was in the room, the only person I saw was her.
Wild Rebel (Dirty Wild #1) by Laurelin Paige is the first book in the final trilogy in the Dirty Universe. It's a sexy second chance romance full of angst, emotion, intrigue, and secrets. I loved finally getting more of Cade. He's the alpha bad boy of the bunch that's always been a bit of a mystery. We learn about his forbidden young romance as a teen, and how he still holds a grudge and a broken heart for the one that got away. I can't wait for more of Cade and Jolie's story!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3d6kgeV
(ARC provided by author/ Candi Kane PR)
Cade Warren is partner and co-owner of one of the biggest international marketing firms in the world. He's been busy running their Reach location in Tokyo, and had come a long way from his earlier years that were complicated and full of some dark times. These days he avoided looking back, and had his sights set on the future. When he returns to the states for a wedding he is met with a blast from the past. He's contacted by the woman he once loved and thought would be his forever. Promises were made and broken, and there was a time he would have done anything for Jolie. He hadn't seen or heard from her in almost two decades. She disappeared for seventeen years and then thinks she can show up out of the blue and ask him for a favor. After all these years they were strangers, and he owed her nothing. He was no longer the rebellious teen she remembered, and he couldn't allow himself to get lost in her again. It was a matter of self preservation, but one look at her and she made him feel like that out of control eighteen year old boy again. They shared a messy history, but he needed closure. He wanted her but he'd never be able to trust her again. When it's too hard to resist the pull between them, will he risk it all for love or walk away?
-Now as then, when Jolie was in the room, the only person I saw was her.
Wild Rebel (Dirty Wild #1) by Laurelin Paige is the first book in the final trilogy in the Dirty Universe. It's a sexy second chance romance full of angst, emotion, intrigue, and secrets. I loved finally getting more of Cade. He's the alpha bad boy of the bunch that's always been a bit of a mystery. We learn about his forbidden young romance as a teen, and how he still holds a grudge and a broken heart for the one that got away. I can't wait for more of Cade and Jolie's story!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3d6kgeV
April 7, 2021
It has been a while since I read Miss Paige books. Her other books, I did enjoy it. Her story has this naughty sexy times. So I did not hesitate to pick up Wild Rebel. Sadly, this book fared less than her previous books.
I feel like Miss Paige wrote a good and interesting concept of romance and suspense. Then she shredded her plot into pieces. While I listening to the audiobook, I have to guess what is going on in the story and the relationship between Jolie and Cade. The time frame is back and forth. The pace is fast. And it ends with cliffhanger because... of course... this is duet.
Only toward the end, I glimpse just a bit of silver lining to the whole story. Overall I still enjoy this book OK. I do not hate it even though it takes me longer to understand the plot of the story. Safety: human trafficking, bully.
3 stars
I feel like Miss Paige wrote a good and interesting concept of romance and suspense. Then she shredded her plot into pieces. While I listening to the audiobook, I have to guess what is going on in the story and the relationship between Jolie and Cade. The time frame is back and forth. The pace is fast. And it ends with cliffhanger because... of course... this is duet.
Only toward the end, I glimpse just a bit of silver lining to the whole story. Overall I still enjoy this book OK. I do not hate it even though it takes me longer to understand the plot of the story. Safety: human trafficking, bully.
3 stars
October 31, 2021
DNF 53%
Everything I write down here is solely from what I read in the first 50% of this book.
We learn that they were a couple back in high school where zeroine's father is an abusive, sadist headmaster. Then something happened, they promised to run away together but in the end only zero ran away. So zero thought zeroine betrayed him and moved on or tried to move on.
Years passed, one day zeroine meets zero and ask for his help - to kill her father (for what reason I still don't know).
OKAY ~
First thing first, let's get one thing clear that I'm not a fan of second chance romance because It's rarely done right. So entering this book, I know what I'm going to get - a second chance story and by that I've mentally prepared that they both did not celibate during almost 20 years and I'm OK with that as long as from the moment they meet again, they stop being with OP.
Except that doesn't happen here.
-During separation zero became a gigantic whore. Author did a brilliant job reminding me that throughout "half" of the book, yes thank you very much.
-Zero was rude to zeroine the whole time and she takes all shits he throws her way like a loser. Does author really think being rude makes a man extra hot or what!? And why the need to put women down?
-Zero later flirted with and kissed OW1 in front of zeroine, he then managed to take said OW to his suite to “get over zeroine”.
-As if this woman was not humiliated enough. The next morning, she had no way to pay for her room and guess what?! - Zero happens to be there WITH the OW from previous night. And because he's a nice guy, he offers zeroine to stay in his room.
-A normal human being should scream F*CK NO because who in their right mind would stay in the same room with their exes right?!
But apparently zeroine is desperate so she was like “hell yeahh, I accept your kindness. And ohhhhh, your bed is so comfy—yes bed that you f*cked OW on last night. So may I sleep on it wearing only your T-shirt (yes I don’t need your permission) and panties ? “. Well yeah she did not actually said that but you get what I mean.
Oh right, did I mention zero offered her to stay in his room EXCEPT she has to sleep on a couch. *SWOON SWOON*.
-Just for the sake of showing how hot and desirable zero is. We have an almost-sex-scene where OW2, who zero admitted he had interested in f*cking her before, kissed him and had a hand down his pants just when zeroine walked in on them.
Being a nice person (doormat) that she is, our zeroine offers to sleep outside so they can get on with it.
“I’m the one intruding, it seems.” Jolie smiled, but her tone was bitter, and much as this whole situation sucked, I did like imagining the bitterness had something to do with jealousy.
“I’d planned to sleep out here tonight, so if you’d like to move this to the bedroom… Or I can just grab my things and go in there myself. You won’t even know I’m here.”
Then like a human diarrhea that he is, loose dick zero speaks and acts as if he has intent to f*ck OW2 next time just so he can make h jealous. Asshole.
“Whatever Simone/Donovan’s objective had been, I could use it to my advantage. Let Jolie think she was in the way. Remind her I had every intention of keeping her at a distance. Motivate her to stay away.
If it also made her jealous, even better.
“Sorry, sweetheart,” I said as I opened the door. “I’m trying to be a good roommate. Next time I’m in town, okay?”
“Don’t change your plans because of me,” Jolie called from behind me. “I have earbuds.”
There went the jealous-ex-girlfriend vibe I’d been digging.
Simone trailed a single finger down my chest. “We could have a good time…”
“Go.” I practically pushed her into the hall. “Thank you for coming by. It’s always nice to see you, Simone. Good night.”
The situation is bad but it can always get worse guys. Right after OW no.2 goes away, zeroine gives the asshole a suggestion that she could be “convenience” to him 🤡.
“I was already headed toward the bathroom when Jolie stopped me. “You know, Cade…” She sounded tentative. “I understand you are used to living a certain kind of lifestyle.”
Certain kind of lifestyle? Was she calling me a manwhore? I was intrigued enough to turn around and face her.
“And I realize that having me here is probably getting in the way of that lifestyle.” She paused.
“Go on.”
Hesitantly, she approached me, her cheeks rosy, her lips wet. “If you really need to...you know. I don’t have to be an inconvenience. I’m here. You’re here. There’s no reason I couldn’t help out with...your needs.”
I’m sorry WHAT?
WHAT KIND OF FUCKERY IS THIS???
That, my ladies, is where I completely lost my patience and tapped out to save my sanity.
Let’s just say...even if I kept reading, at this point, I could not give more shit about MCs and their romance (if there’s any to begin with).
I think it's SAFE to say that this book is NOT SAFE to safety-gang.
Everything I write down here is solely from what I read in the first 50% of this book.
We learn that they were a couple back in high school where zeroine's father is an abusive, sadist headmaster. Then something happened, they promised to run away together but in the end only zero ran away. So zero thought zeroine betrayed him and moved on or tried to move on.
Years passed, one day zeroine meets zero and ask for his help - to kill her father (for what reason I still don't know).
OKAY ~
First thing first, let's get one thing clear that I'm not a fan of second chance romance because It's rarely done right. So entering this book, I know what I'm going to get - a second chance story and by that I've mentally prepared that they both did not celibate during almost 20 years and I'm OK with that as long as from the moment they meet again, they stop being with OP.
Except that doesn't happen here.
-During separation zero became a gigantic whore. Author did a brilliant job reminding me that throughout "half" of the book, yes thank you very much.
-Zero was rude to zeroine the whole time and she takes all shits he throws her way like a loser. Does author really think being rude makes a man extra hot or what!? And why the need to put women down?
-Zero later flirted with and kissed OW1 in front of zeroine, he then managed to take said OW to his suite to “get over zeroine”.
-As if this woman was not humiliated enough. The next morning, she had no way to pay for her room and guess what?! - Zero happens to be there WITH the OW from previous night. And because he's a nice guy, he offers zeroine to stay in his room.
-A normal human being should scream F*CK NO because who in their right mind would stay in the same room with their exes right?!
But apparently zeroine is desperate so she was like “hell yeahh, I accept your kindness. And ohhhhh, your bed is so comfy—yes bed that you f*cked OW on last night. So may I sleep on it wearing only your T-shirt (yes I don’t need your permission) and panties ? “. Well yeah she did not actually said that but you get what I mean.
Oh right, did I mention zero offered her to stay in his room EXCEPT she has to sleep on a couch. *SWOON SWOON*.
-Just for the sake of showing how hot and desirable zero is. We have an almost-sex-scene where OW2, who zero admitted he had interested in f*cking her before, kissed him and had a hand down his pants just when zeroine walked in on them.
Being a nice person (doormat) that she is, our zeroine offers to sleep outside so they can get on with it.
“I’m the one intruding, it seems.” Jolie smiled, but her tone was bitter, and much as this whole situation sucked, I did like imagining the bitterness had something to do with jealousy.
“I’d planned to sleep out here tonight, so if you’d like to move this to the bedroom… Or I can just grab my things and go in there myself. You won’t even know I’m here.”
Then like a human diarrhea that he is, loose dick zero speaks and acts as if he has intent to f*ck OW2 next time just so he can make h jealous. Asshole.
“Whatever Simone/Donovan’s objective had been, I could use it to my advantage. Let Jolie think she was in the way. Remind her I had every intention of keeping her at a distance. Motivate her to stay away.
If it also made her jealous, even better.
“Sorry, sweetheart,” I said as I opened the door. “I’m trying to be a good roommate. Next time I’m in town, okay?”
“Don’t change your plans because of me,” Jolie called from behind me. “I have earbuds.”
There went the jealous-ex-girlfriend vibe I’d been digging.
Simone trailed a single finger down my chest. “We could have a good time…”
“Go.” I practically pushed her into the hall. “Thank you for coming by. It’s always nice to see you, Simone. Good night.”
The situation is bad but it can always get worse guys. Right after OW no.2 goes away, zeroine gives the asshole a suggestion that she could be “convenience” to him 🤡.
“I was already headed toward the bathroom when Jolie stopped me. “You know, Cade…” She sounded tentative. “I understand you are used to living a certain kind of lifestyle.”
Certain kind of lifestyle? Was she calling me a manwhore? I was intrigued enough to turn around and face her.
“And I realize that having me here is probably getting in the way of that lifestyle.” She paused.
“Go on.”
Hesitantly, she approached me, her cheeks rosy, her lips wet. “If you really need to...you know. I don’t have to be an inconvenience. I’m here. You’re here. There’s no reason I couldn’t help out with...your needs.”
I’m sorry WHAT?
WHAT KIND OF FUCKERY IS THIS???
That, my ladies, is where I completely lost my patience and tapped out to save my sanity.
Let’s just say...even if I kept reading, at this point, I could not give more shit about MCs and their romance (if there’s any to begin with).
I think it's SAFE to say that this book is NOT SAFE to safety-gang.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2021
The best thing an author can do to drive me crazy and having me begging for more is to make everything so mysterious. You get hints to things that happened in the past that shaped Cade, his feelings for Jolie, and what might or might not have happened that had me scrambling to find out more. In other words, I couldn't put this book down or read fast enough. This first book definitely keeps a reader intrigued to what is about to come.
I won't spoil anything and honestly I don't know enough yet to spoil anything. The last portion of the book does give away a few secrets, so it'll be interesting to see what happens next. Especially after that drop of information in the last chapter that leaves you hanging.
What I can tell you so far is that I love Cade and Jolie. They are messed up and you learn enough to know why. Those reasons are also why you want to root for them. It's almost like a Romeo and Juliet type of situation. I'm hoping they beat the odds, get rid of the bad guy and live to be happily every after.
One thing I will spoil is that you get a lot of Donovan in this first book and it just reinforces how much I love that guy. He's just a unique character and he had me laughing. I'm hoping he keeps playing a big part in the rest of this trilogy.
I won't spoil anything and honestly I don't know enough yet to spoil anything. The last portion of the book does give away a few secrets, so it'll be interesting to see what happens next. Especially after that drop of information in the last chapter that leaves you hanging.
What I can tell you so far is that I love Cade and Jolie. They are messed up and you learn enough to know why. Those reasons are also why you want to root for them. It's almost like a Romeo and Juliet type of situation. I'm hoping they beat the odds, get rid of the bad guy and live to be happily every after.
One thing I will spoil is that you get a lot of Donovan in this first book and it just reinforces how much I love that guy. He's just a unique character and he had me laughing. I'm hoping he keeps playing a big part in the rest of this trilogy.
April 3, 2021
***Audiobook Review***
4 STARS
This was your typical Laurelin Paige, Dirty World Series book.
It had the alpha hero, the suspense, and the twisty, cliffhanger.
The hero and heroine were childhood friends and then lovers, so this is a second chance type romance with all the steam and angst that one comes to expect from this world.
I’ll definitively be picking up the next book in the series.
***great narrating, as always with her books.
4 STARS
This was your typical Laurelin Paige, Dirty World Series book.
It had the alpha hero, the suspense, and the twisty, cliffhanger.
The hero and heroine were childhood friends and then lovers, so this is a second chance type romance with all the steam and angst that one comes to expect from this world.
I’ll definitively be picking up the next book in the series.
***great narrating, as always with her books.
June 22, 2025
Book one of three in the final trilogy in the Dirty Universe.
Stupid me. I didn’t realize this statement meant that one story would be spread across three books, and that books 1 and 2 would be “to be continued.” I’ve really got to learn the lingo to stop this sort of thing from happening.
No matter. I was already feeling that my time was wasted, so the story continues but I won’t.
Fairly decent idea for a second chance romance, but the execution left much to be desired.
First person, single POV, from the MMC’s point of view, which I liked.
Unfortunately I liked little else. The FMC was supremely uninteresting. The MMC was obsessed with her and the feelings he had for her during his teenage years, but his thoughts about that were boringly repetitive. Also, he had spent the seventeen years since he’d last seen her having meaningless sex with other women, so obviously his obsession had limits. In fact, the very day he saw the FMC for the first time in seventeen years, he made a point of leaving her alone in a bar as he left with a blond to go up to his room for more meaningless sex, and was in the process of being groped by another when she walks into a room and sees them. The FMC wants his help with something, but won’t say why. The author drags her convoluted plot out, advertising executives act more like CIA operatives, and the FMC OF COURSE does something stupid so that she’s forced to strip naked in front of a roomful of thugs.
There are some well-written, even clever, paragraphs sprinkled throughout, but they’re lost in a swamp of recycled thoughts and dull plotting. The last page provided a “surprise revelation,” but by that point I didn’t care.
Stupid me. I didn’t realize this statement meant that one story would be spread across three books, and that books 1 and 2 would be “to be continued.” I’ve really got to learn the lingo to stop this sort of thing from happening.
No matter. I was already feeling that my time was wasted, so the story continues but I won’t.
Fairly decent idea for a second chance romance, but the execution left much to be desired.
First person, single POV, from the MMC’s point of view, which I liked.
Unfortunately I liked little else. The FMC was supremely uninteresting. The MMC was obsessed with her and the feelings he had for her during his teenage years, but his thoughts about that were boringly repetitive. Also, he had spent the seventeen years since he’d last seen her having meaningless sex with other women, so obviously his obsession had limits. In fact, the very day he saw the FMC for the first time in seventeen years, he made a point of leaving her alone in a bar as he left with a blond to go up to his room for more meaningless sex, and was in the process of being groped by another when she walks into a room and sees them. The FMC wants his help with something, but won’t say why. The author drags her convoluted plot out, advertising executives act more like CIA operatives, and the FMC OF COURSE does something stupid so that she’s forced to strip naked in front of a roomful of thugs.
There are some well-written, even clever, paragraphs sprinkled throughout, but they’re lost in a swamp of recycled thoughts and dull plotting. The last page provided a “surprise revelation,” but by that point I didn’t care.
March 23, 2021
Achingly delicious and unforgettable, this is vintage Paige!
She saved the best for last in her dirty filthy universe of broken billionaires. Opening with a hot damaged hero pacing a fancy office pining and pissed off over the sexy femme fatale from his past, Wild Rebel is a classic romantic suspense that beats with a dirty filthy sensual heart. The plot, gah! It has heartbreak and forbidden bargains written all over it and I couldn’t look away. The rollercoaster of emotions gnaws at you. The lewd moments, the intimacy in the middle of the longest odds, kept me swiping for more.
Yes it’s hot and the build up to all the filthy things, with just the right amount of whatever we call her well-written languid sultry bits, blew my mind, and the seventeen years between Cade and Jolie is ripe for secrets and double crosses. It’s so good, in that one-of-a-kind hot “HOLY HELL I can’t take it” kind of way.
It’s a paging-turning suspense that sizzles with steamy secrets and buried sins. It’s a thrilling, blisteringly smart romance. In the middle of all of it? Two puppermasters, the deviant savant, Donovan Kincaid (swoon!) and Headmaster Stark, a scary man from Cade and Jolie’s past. I cannot wait for the fireworks.
Cade Warren is a devastating anti-hero and thank god there is more to come because the man is a walking web of secrets with a dark forbidden past. And Jolie is strong yet vulnerable and so not what she seems, she’s Cade’s perfect foil. I don’t trust her, but I want her to win, Grr!
I felt like I was reading a movie, the hair pin curves, my doubts, the thrills, the past the present, everything that happens is so vivid and the story is dark and compelling. I swallowed this whole in one breath. If you’re looking for an ADULT romance, with a complicated story, great action and that edge of your seat moan-worthy riske storytelling that only Paige can deliver, Wild Rebel is a gem. Quit reading and just buy it.
She saved the best for last in her dirty filthy universe of broken billionaires. Opening with a hot damaged hero pacing a fancy office pining and pissed off over the sexy femme fatale from his past, Wild Rebel is a classic romantic suspense that beats with a dirty filthy sensual heart. The plot, gah! It has heartbreak and forbidden bargains written all over it and I couldn’t look away. The rollercoaster of emotions gnaws at you. The lewd moments, the intimacy in the middle of the longest odds, kept me swiping for more.
Yes it’s hot and the build up to all the filthy things, with just the right amount of whatever we call her well-written languid sultry bits, blew my mind, and the seventeen years between Cade and Jolie is ripe for secrets and double crosses. It’s so good, in that one-of-a-kind hot “HOLY HELL I can’t take it” kind of way.
It’s a paging-turning suspense that sizzles with steamy secrets and buried sins. It’s a thrilling, blisteringly smart romance. In the middle of all of it? Two puppermasters, the deviant savant, Donovan Kincaid (swoon!) and Headmaster Stark, a scary man from Cade and Jolie’s past. I cannot wait for the fireworks.
Cade Warren is a devastating anti-hero and thank god there is more to come because the man is a walking web of secrets with a dark forbidden past. And Jolie is strong yet vulnerable and so not what she seems, she’s Cade’s perfect foil. I don’t trust her, but I want her to win, Grr!
I felt like I was reading a movie, the hair pin curves, my doubts, the thrills, the past the present, everything that happens is so vivid and the story is dark and compelling. I swallowed this whole in one breath. If you’re looking for an ADULT romance, with a complicated story, great action and that edge of your seat moan-worthy riske storytelling that only Paige can deliver, Wild Rebel is a gem. Quit reading and just buy it.
March 24, 2021
TAKING A STEP BACK
"Fuck, I was in trouble"
And apparently so am I. A new trilogy set for $17? NO. Believe me, I take no pleasure in saying this because I've been panting for release of this book and the romance between Cade and Jolie. And I'll NEVER say that I don't enjoy her writing style and characters, because I so do and am already into this romance. Laurelin Paige is hands-down one of my all-time fave authors and the Fixed Trilogy remains my second all-time fave trilogy and BBF in Hudson. I’ve read and own every single series since, including the Dirty Universe, so my love of this author and her writing style is rooted.
I'm drawing a line in the sand because the author has joined the ranks of other authors on overpricing. The time has come to step back and reassess the worthiness of the flood of trilogies in general that are coming at us as fast and furious as a freight train on steroids, if such a thing was possible. Honestly, I can’t keep up with the sheer volume and speed of these published ebooks. Most of them aren’t worth the hype or price, and I regret purchasing 90% of them -- though this feeling is not directed at Ms. Paige.
The problem is that this book is only 245 pgs for $5. The next two are $6 each. The entire ebook trilogy is the length of a single book for $17. It’s absurd. These aren't physical books with real pages to cherish and keep on a book shelf. No. They’re stored in the cloud. Ebooks just aren’t worth as much as a result. Author greed in general equates ebooks with the value and worthiness of bound books, but I disagree. I’ll read over-priced sets like this on Overdrive loan (or KU), or wait for a sale, without a price tag that risks being disappointed in yet another regrettable purchase.
My feeling has nothing to do with the story and characters, which I recommend. The issue is price. Books matter to me. When I buy one, it means something, and has to be worth it. Not just a throwaway purchase like a candy bar. No matter how much I like this series, the length and content won’t be worth $17.
I love this author, encourage you all to read the series as I will, but I can’t support the price and that affects my overall rating.
"Fuck, I was in trouble"
And apparently so am I. A new trilogy set for $17? NO. Believe me, I take no pleasure in saying this because I've been panting for release of this book and the romance between Cade and Jolie. And I'll NEVER say that I don't enjoy her writing style and characters, because I so do and am already into this romance. Laurelin Paige is hands-down one of my all-time fave authors and the Fixed Trilogy remains my second all-time fave trilogy and BBF in Hudson. I’ve read and own every single series since, including the Dirty Universe, so my love of this author and her writing style is rooted.
I'm drawing a line in the sand because the author has joined the ranks of other authors on overpricing. The time has come to step back and reassess the worthiness of the flood of trilogies in general that are coming at us as fast and furious as a freight train on steroids, if such a thing was possible. Honestly, I can’t keep up with the sheer volume and speed of these published ebooks. Most of them aren’t worth the hype or price, and I regret purchasing 90% of them -- though this feeling is not directed at Ms. Paige.
The problem is that this book is only 245 pgs for $5. The next two are $6 each. The entire ebook trilogy is the length of a single book for $17. It’s absurd. These aren't physical books with real pages to cherish and keep on a book shelf. No. They’re stored in the cloud. Ebooks just aren’t worth as much as a result. Author greed in general equates ebooks with the value and worthiness of bound books, but I disagree. I’ll read over-priced sets like this on Overdrive loan (or KU), or wait for a sale, without a price tag that risks being disappointed in yet another regrettable purchase.
My feeling has nothing to do with the story and characters, which I recommend. The issue is price. Books matter to me. When I buy one, it means something, and has to be worth it. Not just a throwaway purchase like a candy bar. No matter how much I like this series, the length and content won’t be worth $17.
I love this author, encourage you all to read the series as I will, but I can’t support the price and that affects my overall rating.
February 22, 2022
The final trilogy in the Dirty Universe is here!
Rather, it has been here since last year (lol) but I didn't get a chance to read it until now so ...
I’ve been inside this world many times since it began and as much as I’ve been waiting for Cade’s story, there’s a part of me that’s a little sad to say goodbye to it. :( But such is life so let’s talk about Cade and Jolie.
I am super stoked that Laurelin chose the trope second chance to get thigs right for these two! It fits them perfectly! You know what else she did? She turned my entire concept of Cade on its axis. Whatever you thought you knew about him from snippets in previous books, thing again. Whatever trajectory you thought this journey would take, think again. If you had any thoughts about the who/what/when/where on Jolie, think again.
There is a lot to unpack about these two and this installment does an epic job of keeping the reader on the edge for just about the entire thing! There are secrets running amok, mysteries at every corner and not everything is black-n-white.
This journey starts off as a delicious, sexy, slow burn that I am sure is going to explode in an epic way and I am here for all of it!
I’ve been inside this world many times since it began and as much as I’ve been waiting for Cade’s story, there’s a part of me that’s a little sad to say goodbye to it. :( But such is life so let’s talk about Cade and Jolie.
I am super stoked that Laurelin chose the trope second chance to get thigs right for these two! It fits them perfectly! You know what else she did? She turned my entire concept of Cade on its axis. Whatever you thought you knew about him from snippets in previous books, thing again. Whatever trajectory you thought this journey would take, think again. If you had any thoughts about the who/what/when/where on Jolie, think again.
There is a lot to unpack about these two and this installment does an epic job of keeping the reader on the edge for just about the entire thing! There are secrets running amok, mysteries at every corner and not everything is black-n-white.
This journey starts off as a delicious, sexy, slow burn that I am sure is going to explode in an epic way and I am here for all of it!
September 25, 2021
WILD REBEL is the first instalment in Laurelin Paige’s contemporary, adult DIRTY WILD erotic, romance series, a part of the author’s Dirty Universe. This is thirty-five year old, businessman and ad executive Cade Warren , and grade school teacher Julianna ‘Jolie’ Stark’s story line. WILD REBEL and the Dirty Wild trilogy is the final trilogy in Laurelin Paige’s Dirty Universe which include The Dirty Duet, and Dirty Games Duet. Some of the premise in Wild Rebel crosses over with some of the premise of the aforementioned duets.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspectives (Cade Warren) WILD REBEL follows thirty-five year old businessman and ad executive Cade Warren as he battles between head and heart with the appearance of the woman he once loved years before. Julianna Stark aka Jolie has come to New York to ask Cade Warren for a favor, a favor she knows she doesn’t deserve but a favor she believes Cade may be all too willing to help her unfold. As Cade continues to struggle with his attraction and need for the woman that destroyed his heart, Jolie discovers that Cade’s love will no longer be an issue. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Cade and Jolie, and the potential fall-out as Cade and Jolie must come to terms with what was, what is, and what may never be.
Cade Warren despises our story line heroine for the betrayal she delivered years before but Cade is completely unaware about the truth of what happened, a truth he only knows through his own horrific experiences, and the resulting scars both inside and out. Jolie Stark is desperate for revenge, and the only person she believes would be willing to help is the man whose heart she destroyed. Having both suffered at the hands of a mutual abuser, Jolie is determined to exact vengeance, and in doing so, may reveal a greater truth that neither was aware.
The relationship between Jolie and Cade is one of second chances; a rekindling romance and relationship destroyed by perceived betrayal, broken hearts, secrets and lies. Jolie has never stopped loving our story line hero but a heart once broken never heals as strong as before. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced Donovan Kincaid and Sabrina Lind (Dirty Duet). Donovan Kincaid is one of Cade’s business partners, and the man who begins an investigation into Jolie’s need for vengeance, and the ties to our couple’s past.
WILD REBEL is an impassioned story of power and control; betrayal and vengeance; secrets, lies, abuse and hate that barely touches the surface of what happened years before. The premise is intriguing, through provoking and twisted; the characters re edgy, wounded and real. WILD REBEL ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspectives (Cade Warren) WILD REBEL follows thirty-five year old businessman and ad executive Cade Warren as he battles between head and heart with the appearance of the woman he once loved years before. Julianna Stark aka Jolie has come to New York to ask Cade Warren for a favor, a favor she knows she doesn’t deserve but a favor she believes Cade may be all too willing to help her unfold. As Cade continues to struggle with his attraction and need for the woman that destroyed his heart, Jolie discovers that Cade’s love will no longer be an issue. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Cade and Jolie, and the potential fall-out as Cade and Jolie must come to terms with what was, what is, and what may never be.
Cade Warren despises our story line heroine for the betrayal she delivered years before but Cade is completely unaware about the truth of what happened, a truth he only knows through his own horrific experiences, and the resulting scars both inside and out. Jolie Stark is desperate for revenge, and the only person she believes would be willing to help is the man whose heart she destroyed. Having both suffered at the hands of a mutual abuser, Jolie is determined to exact vengeance, and in doing so, may reveal a greater truth that neither was aware.
The relationship between Jolie and Cade is one of second chances; a rekindling romance and relationship destroyed by perceived betrayal, broken hearts, secrets and lies. Jolie has never stopped loving our story line hero but a heart once broken never heals as strong as before. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced Donovan Kincaid and Sabrina Lind (Dirty Duet). Donovan Kincaid is one of Cade’s business partners, and the man who begins an investigation into Jolie’s need for vengeance, and the ties to our couple’s past.
WILD REBEL is an impassioned story of power and control; betrayal and vengeance; secrets, lies, abuse and hate that barely touches the surface of what happened years before. The premise is intriguing, through provoking and twisted; the characters re edgy, wounded and real. WILD REBEL ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 29, 2021
Amazon / Apple Books / Kobo / Nook / Google Play
Cade is the mysterious bad boy in this crazy world full of damaged billionaires. They're all rather delicious, but Cade is that plus the most mysterious and hardest to get a good bead on. Then his first and only love comes strolling back into his life and turns his routine world upside down. The one who ghosted him 17 years ago, tearing his heart to pieces. And now she's back with a crazy request. Cade's determined at first not to give in, but his pull to her has not dimmed in the almost 2 decades since he's seen her. He can't help but react, not only to her insane demand, but to her, to her body, to her presence. Will he give in and go along with it? Will he forgive her? Will they have a second chance to fulfill the dreams they once had of forever together?
Damn but these two are full of secrets, full of things I want to know, NOW. Unfortunately, the one big secret revealed at the end will have to wait for Wild War to get more about, to get the more I am anxiously awaiting. So I'll just have to be satisfied with what I got in Wild Rebel - intriguing hints of what's to come, crazy, sexy chemistry, and two lovable (but very hard to read) characters, along with Donovan (!) and crew. June cannot come soon enough for this reader!
ARC via Candi Kane PR for an honest review.
Review / Blog Tour: Live Through Books Blog.
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March 25, 2021
It hurts to rate it 1/5 😩 ..but I couldn‘t even finish it.
I used to think Laurelin Paige could not write a bad book if she tried. Yet somehow the vibe was just off.....
Cade and Jolie meet again after 17 (!!) years of radio silence. Cade of course has not gotten over his first and only true love (🙄) but he is hurt, because she left him.
She shows up out of the blue and refuses to answer why now. (Don‘t even get me started on her ridiculous reason to seek him out in the first place.)
There is a lot of talk about their past and their issues with each other but nothing is being resolved because, essentially, Jolie just doesn‘t want to answer, why, after all these years, she just now decided to ask for his help.
Meanwhile, Cade flirts and kisses ⬅️left and right➡️ and ⬆️up and down ⬇️ - yup - in front of Jolie, because she is everywhere ...because he invited her to stay with him 🤦🏻♀️..
I mean, naturally, he still worries about a woman, who appears to have never loved him back.🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Anyways, after this woman (a colleague?) leaves, and seeing as he has unfulfilled needs and Jolie is there (her exact words, not mine!) Jolie decides she wants to help him by offering her body to him. Cade is so hurt and angry that he takes her up on that offer to „enjoy making her feel used“....
and THAT folks is where I stopped reading. I then skipped a few pages to see where the story was going...
But it seemed the story was going nowhere❌, and that‘s when I stopped reading for good and came on here.
Again, I usually really really love Laurelin Paige’s books, but Cade and Jolie just didn‘t have any chemistry whatsoever.
I used to think Laurelin Paige could not write a bad book if she tried. Yet somehow the vibe was just off.....
Cade and Jolie meet again after 17 (!!) years of radio silence. Cade of course has not gotten over his first and only true love (🙄) but he is hurt, because she left him.
She shows up out of the blue and refuses to answer why now. (Don‘t even get me started on her ridiculous reason to seek him out in the first place.)
There is a lot of talk about their past and their issues with each other but nothing is being resolved because, essentially, Jolie just doesn‘t want to answer, why, after all these years, she just now decided to ask for his help.
Meanwhile, Cade flirts and kisses ⬅️left and right➡️ and ⬆️up and down ⬇️ - yup - in front of Jolie, because she is everywhere ...because he invited her to stay with him 🤦🏻♀️..
I mean, naturally, he still worries about a woman, who appears to have never loved him back.🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Anyways, after this woman (a colleague?) leaves, and seeing as he has unfulfilled needs and Jolie is there (her exact words, not mine!) Jolie decides she wants to help him by offering her body to him. Cade is so hurt and angry that he takes her up on that offer to „enjoy making her feel used“....
and THAT folks is where I stopped reading. I then skipped a few pages to see where the story was going...
But it seemed the story was going nowhere❌, and that‘s when I stopped reading for good and came on here.
Again, I usually really really love Laurelin Paige’s books, but Cade and Jolie just didn‘t have any chemistry whatsoever.
March 24, 2021
Cade Warren is the international man of mystery. Our man in Tokyo. I felt like I didn’t know much about him, but I definitely wanted to get to know the mystery man better. Much better.
Cade is back in New York for the wedding of Weston and Elizabeth (I’m still crying into my cornflakes that he’s off the market). His first love Jolie reaches out to him desperate for his help. They haven’t seen each other in 17 years after she let him down spectacularly. He’s not forgotten what she did and he’s most definitely not forgiven what she did.
But what happened? Just like Cade, it’s a mystery.
The book flips back to Jolie and Cade, young and in love at school and the monster that is her father. My mind was whirring with theories. I love it when a book has me hypothesising.
There’s menace and intrigue and mystery to unpick. I absolutely solved one of the mysteries and I think I know another one that’s yet to be revealed but who knows? And my lips are sealed.
The writing has the flair and panache that I expect and hope to get from a Laurelin Paige book. It goes without saying the sexual tension is off the charts. It’s stratospheric.
Give me more!
Cade is back in New York for the wedding of Weston and Elizabeth (I’m still crying into my cornflakes that he’s off the market). His first love Jolie reaches out to him desperate for his help. They haven’t seen each other in 17 years after she let him down spectacularly. He’s not forgotten what she did and he’s most definitely not forgiven what she did.
But what happened? Just like Cade, it’s a mystery.
The book flips back to Jolie and Cade, young and in love at school and the monster that is her father. My mind was whirring with theories. I love it when a book has me hypothesising.
There’s menace and intrigue and mystery to unpick. I absolutely solved one of the mysteries and I think I know another one that’s yet to be revealed but who knows? And my lips are sealed.
The writing has the flair and panache that I expect and hope to get from a Laurelin Paige book. It goes without saying the sexual tension is off the charts. It’s stratospheric.
Give me more!
November 21, 2022
3.5 Stars
Ehhhhhh. This wasn't my favorite.
Ehhhhhh. This wasn't my favorite.
March 23, 2021
Damn, this was different. Firstly, it’s being completely told from the hero’s point of view, which, quite frankly, is a twist in itself, since it’s so incredibly rare. It seemed to make up for Cade Warren being such a huge mystery throughout the other stories in Laurelin Paige’s Dirty Universe, all while making sure the heroine, Julianna aka Jolie, was able to keep her dark secrets, which I’m quite positive will be earth-shattering, close to her chest. It’s unique for the woman, not the man, being the enigma in the romance genre, and while it was a breath of fresh air, I was almost as frustrated about that as I am whenever authors dish out only the female’s POV, haha.
That being said, and even after that BOMB of a secret is dropped in the last paragraph (!) of this instalment, their history still pretty much remains a huge secret. Seriously, I have so many questions swirling in my mind, it’s not even funny, the most prominent being, what caused her to finally buckle and seek Cade’s help with her outrageous request? Why did she leave and betray him in the first place all those years ago (I have a suspicion here which I desperately want to be true)?
This story had me fully invested in the secrecy and danger surrounding Julianna’s reappearance, but most of all I felt for Cade, felt all this inner turmoil, desperate anger and frantic desire residing inside him, fighting to break free, until finally succeeding during this one pivotal, exhilarating scene that had me shivering at its intensity. It’s beautiful, chilling, haunting – all at the same time.
Donovan Kincaid’s involvement in all the events unfolding also bears mentioning. He is the master puppeteer here, helping Jolie achieving her goal, his presence grave and intense, despite him being only a secondary character. It surely was an unexpected delicious treat for a Donovan fan like me.
Resentment and broken hearts, danger and angst, intrigue and suspense, that’s what you get with this first book of the last trilogy in the Dirty Universe centering on Cade Warren, the mysterious alpha bad boy of the bunch. And with that ending … I need the sequel, stat!
That being said, and even after that BOMB of a secret is dropped in the last paragraph (!) of this instalment, their history still pretty much remains a huge secret. Seriously, I have so many questions swirling in my mind, it’s not even funny, the most prominent being, what caused her to finally buckle and seek Cade’s help with her outrageous request? Why did she leave and betray him in the first place all those years ago (I have a suspicion here which I desperately want to be true)?
This story had me fully invested in the secrecy and danger surrounding Julianna’s reappearance, but most of all I felt for Cade, felt all this inner turmoil, desperate anger and frantic desire residing inside him, fighting to break free, until finally succeeding during this one pivotal, exhilarating scene that had me shivering at its intensity. It’s beautiful, chilling, haunting – all at the same time.
Donovan Kincaid’s involvement in all the events unfolding also bears mentioning. He is the master puppeteer here, helping Jolie achieving her goal, his presence grave and intense, despite him being only a secondary character. It surely was an unexpected delicious treat for a Donovan fan like me.
Resentment and broken hearts, danger and angst, intrigue and suspense, that’s what you get with this first book of the last trilogy in the Dirty Universe centering on Cade Warren, the mysterious alpha bad boy of the bunch. And with that ending … I need the sequel, stat!
September 2, 2021
4.5 Stars for Wild Rebel ( Dirty Wild #1)
This is book one in the new trilogy and this is Cade Warren and Julianna (Jolie) Stark’s second chance.
Cade and Jolie have a history that goes back to their high school, Cade fell in love with her at boarding school and they were meant to run away together after graduation but she never showed so when she emails him ten years later asking for a favor, he is intrigued as to what makes her think he is willing to help the girl who stole his heart.
Cade has a love, hate relationship with the woman asking for help, he has never been able to say no to her so will meeting her give this couple another chance or will hearts be broken all over again.
This is an emotional story that really tugged on my heartstrings, it touched me on so many levels, it’s about secrets and lies, it’s raw and gritty and it left me wanting more. I’m excited and can’t wait for the next instalment in this trilogy because I’d book one is anything to go by Ms Paige will have another hit series on her hands.
This is book one in the new trilogy and this is Cade Warren and Julianna (Jolie) Stark’s second chance.
Cade and Jolie have a history that goes back to their high school, Cade fell in love with her at boarding school and they were meant to run away together after graduation but she never showed so when she emails him ten years later asking for a favor, he is intrigued as to what makes her think he is willing to help the girl who stole his heart.
Cade has a love, hate relationship with the woman asking for help, he has never been able to say no to her so will meeting her give this couple another chance or will hearts be broken all over again.
This is an emotional story that really tugged on my heartstrings, it touched me on so many levels, it’s about secrets and lies, it’s raw and gritty and it left me wanting more. I’m excited and can’t wait for the next instalment in this trilogy because I’d book one is anything to go by Ms Paige will have another hit series on her hands.
December 15, 2021
Well, Laurelin Paige did it again! This is an incredible start to this series. Cade and Jolie have a past. A turbulent, emotional past. After 17 years, Jolie reaches out to Cade for help. I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. Just know that this book consumed me in every way possible. I, like a lot of others that read this book, could not put it down. Our beloved Donovan has a big part to this book. I love that. And this story is told in Cade’s POV. Love that, too! This is classic Ms. Paige, mystery and past events that mold the characters, and keep us begging for more. I’m dying for the next book.
March 23, 2021
4.5 Stars
You know, every time I read a new Laurelin Paige book, I feel like that is it - that there is no way she can top all that she just delivered in that story, because what she delivered was absolute perfection. Yet every time I read a newer Laurelin Paige book, she proves me wrong by delivering something better. And with Wild Rebel... Oh my God, where do I even start with how extraordinary it was?!
What Laurelin delivered here in the first book of the final trilogy of the Dirty Universe was something I never thought it would be when this series was first announced. Seriously. I... was speechless, and I was devouring this story with my jaw dropped in shock because there was no way that this daunting, intense, mysterious and suspenseful plot was actually taking place at the same time as Dirty Filthy Rich Love was. I was devouring this story with my eyes wide in disbelief because there was no way this storyline was actually heading down the dark path that I suspected it was. And I was devouring this story with my heart racing in dread because it was heading down that dark path, and I was not ready to see what Laurelin would drop on me next for Cade and Jolie. I wasn't ready for any of it.
And after that cliffhanger of an ending?
I don't think I'm ready for what's to come next from this series.
But screw my fears, because the second Wild War hits my Kindle, I am D E V O U R I N G that novel like there is no tomorrow, BECAUSE I HAVE QUESTIONS! So many questions, and so many theories - a few already proven right, but a lot more still left unanswered - and I need answers for them NOW.
Now as then, when Jolie was in the room, the only person I saw was her.
A second-chance romance with more to it, Wild Rebel starts with Cade Warren having flown from Tokyo to New York to attend the wedding of his friend and fellow co-owner of Reach Inc., Weston King. At least, that's what he wants everyone to believe. In actuality, he's flown halfway across the world to meet up with a woman from his past he never thought he'd see again; a woman he did once try to find, but from my recollection - and even with Donovan's help - he never could.
But Julianna "Jolie" Stark found him, and no matter that seventeen years have gone by since they last saw each other - a time that began in a broken promise, a broken heart, and a broken body for Cade - Jolie needs his help in doing the impossible: she needs his help to kill her father.
Now, if you think I've spoiled this book for you by saying that, trust me when I say that I've barely touched on anything that happens in this story. And if you think you know how this story is going to play out now that you know that, trust me when I say that you know nothing. Laurelin was V E R Y clever with how she wrote Wild Rebel. And she was very sneaky with what little foreshadowing she was willing to give. But if you know where to look, you'll know what path this story is going down. And if you read between her very subtly placed lines, you'll know what's coming next. That's not to say that this read is a predictable one; some aspects of it was as I did manage to guess a few of the bombshells before they were dropped, but I certainly didn't manage to guess them all.
And holy crap, did most of them - especially the one delivered at the very last second of this story that suddenly made a lot of little things throughout this book make sense - blow my fucking mind.
"I always knew you'd end up someone important," she whispered.
I had been someone important. I'd been hers.
And that hadn't been enough for her.
Everything about Wild Rebel blew my mind, and it was such an addictive and stimulating and unique read that from the moment I picked this book up, I could not put it down again whatsoever.
The plot was incredibly gripping and will be on my mind for weeks to come now, and the characters were so different to how I thought they'd be that they quickly became new favourites of mine. Jolie was fierce and strong and courageous and real, and was everything I loved to see in a female lead. She's also a complete mystery to me - one I cannot wait to figure out - and I hope that in the next books to come, we get a glimpse inside her head, and figure out what secrets it is she's keeping. And Cade... Damn, I wasn't ready for how much I'd love him. He was an Alpha male who pissed me off many times in the beginning of this book, but I absolutely loved how vulnerable he was too when it came to Jolie and his feelings for her. I loved being inside his head, and I loved getting a glimpse into his past post-Jolie but pre-Reach Inc., and seeing just how dangerous he once was and still could be.
And I've got to say: Donovan was absolutely hilarious in this book. Oh my God, his bromance with Cade - and yes, it was a bromance - just came out of nowhere! And I could not get enough of seeing this different side to Donovan that I feel like we never really got to see in his duet. It was so precious, and I'm hoping that we get to see more of their friendship together in the next books of this trilogy.
I did feel my enjoyment lag a bit towards the end of the book, which is why I shaved off half a star from my final rating. But that lag only lasted around two chapters before this story picked up for me again and my enjoyment skyrocketed once more. It's one of those reads that is impossible to put down once you've picked it up, and it takes its reader on such a rollercoaster ride of a journey that by the time you reach the very last page, you will want to experience the ride all over again. Wild Rebel was truly phenomenal, and I just know that Laurelin will only deliver something more intense and shocking and better in Wild War. And so if you've enjoyed her Slay Quartet and her Dirty Filthy Rich Duet, then I truly don't think you will be disappointed with what she delivers here in Wild Rebel.
"It feels like I'm underwater with you ... And there's a very good chance that I'm gonna drown. But sink or swim, baby. I'm holding on to you this time for dear life."
TW:
ARC provided by author for honest review
You know, every time I read a new Laurelin Paige book, I feel like that is it - that there is no way she can top all that she just delivered in that story, because what she delivered was absolute perfection. Yet every time I read a newer Laurelin Paige book, she proves me wrong by delivering something better. And with Wild Rebel... Oh my God, where do I even start with how extraordinary it was?!
What Laurelin delivered here in the first book of the final trilogy of the Dirty Universe was something I never thought it would be when this series was first announced. Seriously. I... was speechless, and I was devouring this story with my jaw dropped in shock because there was no way that this daunting, intense, mysterious and suspenseful plot was actually taking place at the same time as Dirty Filthy Rich Love was. I was devouring this story with my eyes wide in disbelief because there was no way this storyline was actually heading down the dark path that I suspected it was. And I was devouring this story with my heart racing in dread because it was heading down that dark path, and I was not ready to see what Laurelin would drop on me next for Cade and Jolie. I wasn't ready for any of it.
And after that cliffhanger of an ending?
I don't think I'm ready for what's to come next from this series.
But screw my fears, because the second Wild War hits my Kindle, I am D E V O U R I N G that novel like there is no tomorrow, BECAUSE I HAVE QUESTIONS! So many questions, and so many theories - a few already proven right, but a lot more still left unanswered - and I need answers for them NOW.
Now as then, when Jolie was in the room, the only person I saw was her.
A second-chance romance with more to it, Wild Rebel starts with Cade Warren having flown from Tokyo to New York to attend the wedding of his friend and fellow co-owner of Reach Inc., Weston King. At least, that's what he wants everyone to believe. In actuality, he's flown halfway across the world to meet up with a woman from his past he never thought he'd see again; a woman he did once try to find, but from my recollection - and even with Donovan's help - he never could.
But Julianna "Jolie" Stark found him, and no matter that seventeen years have gone by since they last saw each other - a time that began in a broken promise, a broken heart, and a broken body for Cade - Jolie needs his help in doing the impossible: she needs his help to kill her father.
Now, if you think I've spoiled this book for you by saying that, trust me when I say that I've barely touched on anything that happens in this story. And if you think you know how this story is going to play out now that you know that, trust me when I say that you know nothing. Laurelin was V E R Y clever with how she wrote Wild Rebel. And she was very sneaky with what little foreshadowing she was willing to give. But if you know where to look, you'll know what path this story is going down. And if you read between her very subtly placed lines, you'll know what's coming next. That's not to say that this read is a predictable one; some aspects of it was as I did manage to guess a few of the bombshells before they were dropped, but I certainly didn't manage to guess them all.
And holy crap, did most of them - especially the one delivered at the very last second of this story that suddenly made a lot of little things throughout this book make sense - blow my fucking mind.
"I always knew you'd end up someone important," she whispered.
I had been someone important. I'd been hers.
And that hadn't been enough for her.
Everything about Wild Rebel blew my mind, and it was such an addictive and stimulating and unique read that from the moment I picked this book up, I could not put it down again whatsoever.
The plot was incredibly gripping and will be on my mind for weeks to come now, and the characters were so different to how I thought they'd be that they quickly became new favourites of mine. Jolie was fierce and strong and courageous and real, and was everything I loved to see in a female lead. She's also a complete mystery to me - one I cannot wait to figure out - and I hope that in the next books to come, we get a glimpse inside her head, and figure out what secrets it is she's keeping. And Cade... Damn, I wasn't ready for how much I'd love him. He was an Alpha male who pissed me off many times in the beginning of this book, but I absolutely loved how vulnerable he was too when it came to Jolie and his feelings for her. I loved being inside his head, and I loved getting a glimpse into his past post-Jolie but pre-Reach Inc., and seeing just how dangerous he once was and still could be.
And I've got to say: Donovan was absolutely hilarious in this book. Oh my God, his bromance with Cade - and yes, it was a bromance - just came out of nowhere! And I could not get enough of seeing this different side to Donovan that I feel like we never really got to see in his duet. It was so precious, and I'm hoping that we get to see more of their friendship together in the next books of this trilogy.
I did feel my enjoyment lag a bit towards the end of the book, which is why I shaved off half a star from my final rating. But that lag only lasted around two chapters before this story picked up for me again and my enjoyment skyrocketed once more. It's one of those reads that is impossible to put down once you've picked it up, and it takes its reader on such a rollercoaster ride of a journey that by the time you reach the very last page, you will want to experience the ride all over again. Wild Rebel was truly phenomenal, and I just know that Laurelin will only deliver something more intense and shocking and better in Wild War. And so if you've enjoyed her Slay Quartet and her Dirty Filthy Rich Duet, then I truly don't think you will be disappointed with what she delivers here in Wild Rebel.
"It feels like I'm underwater with you ... And there's a very good chance that I'm gonna drown. But sink or swim, baby. I'm holding on to you this time for dear life."
TW:
ARC provided by author for honest review
March 16, 2021
Wild Rebel by Laurelin Paige was truly a wild journey. This intense romance was exhilarating and extraordinary in every sense. The billionaire alpha and the fierce heroine coming together in a super sexy and uber angsty romance. But the characters in this story has a distinct edge and satisfying depth in them. And the author has enchanted my heart, ripped it out and I am still bleeding all the feels.
Cade Warren has come a long way from his struggling early life. He is rich, powerful and gorgeous. But when his soulmate from the broken past, Julianna Stark aka Joli reaches out for his help after seventeen years of silence, he realizes he hasn't let go any pain or hatred or bitterness. Because Joli has abandoned him and their love. And now, he is torn apart. Over his feelings. Over Joli's request. The monsters of their past are getting aroused again. Are they ready for it?
I have read each and every book of the Dirty Universe and I seriously cannot get enough of these billionaire bad boys. But this trilogy has started a bit differently. Cade's past is whole lot of dark and twisted. And he is genuinely self made man. This story is told from his POV and the author meticulously dissected all his emotional upheavals and reactions. It was intriguing. Fascinating. I feel this story went far deeper into the characters' psyche than other books of this series. Cade and Joli shared a past that broke them from all sides. And Joli's decision to not run away with him is seen as betrayal and it caused immense heartbreak to Cade and he never really recovered.
And the author expertly portrayed his inner battles over Joli's reappearance. He hate her. He loves her. He doesn't want her. And he craves her. He doesn't want to give her any sense of control but she has his heart in his palms. What a magnificent man with raw real emotions. I was completely immersed in the process as I couldn't wait to see where their journey is going. Joli feels like such an amazing woman with boldness and untamed passion. But through Cade's glasses, I could see her flaws and I wanted to explore and understand everything. The story is complicated with puzzle pieces and trust me, that last page is going to make your world explode. BOOM. Because that was EPIC. The chemistry is sizzling hot and so so delicious. But their angsty, aching, terrifying and perfectly imperfect emotional connection was even more enticing. This story was more like Slay series to me with deep emotional scars and incredible detailing.
Wild Rebel by Laurelin Paige captured the sensual, suspenseful and seductive vibes perfectly while slashing my heart with angst at the same time. I am obsessed!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Cade Warren has come a long way from his struggling early life. He is rich, powerful and gorgeous. But when his soulmate from the broken past, Julianna Stark aka Joli reaches out for his help after seventeen years of silence, he realizes he hasn't let go any pain or hatred or bitterness. Because Joli has abandoned him and their love. And now, he is torn apart. Over his feelings. Over Joli's request. The monsters of their past are getting aroused again. Are they ready for it?
I have read each and every book of the Dirty Universe and I seriously cannot get enough of these billionaire bad boys. But this trilogy has started a bit differently. Cade's past is whole lot of dark and twisted. And he is genuinely self made man. This story is told from his POV and the author meticulously dissected all his emotional upheavals and reactions. It was intriguing. Fascinating. I feel this story went far deeper into the characters' psyche than other books of this series. Cade and Joli shared a past that broke them from all sides. And Joli's decision to not run away with him is seen as betrayal and it caused immense heartbreak to Cade and he never really recovered.
And the author expertly portrayed his inner battles over Joli's reappearance. He hate her. He loves her. He doesn't want her. And he craves her. He doesn't want to give her any sense of control but she has his heart in his palms. What a magnificent man with raw real emotions. I was completely immersed in the process as I couldn't wait to see where their journey is going. Joli feels like such an amazing woman with boldness and untamed passion. But through Cade's glasses, I could see her flaws and I wanted to explore and understand everything. The story is complicated with puzzle pieces and trust me, that last page is going to make your world explode. BOOM. Because that was EPIC. The chemistry is sizzling hot and so so delicious. But their angsty, aching, terrifying and perfectly imperfect emotional connection was even more enticing. This story was more like Slay series to me with deep emotional scars and incredible detailing.
Wild Rebel by Laurelin Paige captured the sensual, suspenseful and seductive vibes perfectly while slashing my heart with angst at the same time. I am obsessed!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
March 26, 2021
4-4.5 stars. Out of all the men in the Dirty universe, I knew Cade’s story would the one to watch out for. Similar to Donovan but more extreme, he doesn’t share a lot about himself and leans a bit on the morally grey side of things. Even better that this book is entirely in his POV to get a feel for his personality and strengths and weaknesses. What’s more of a treat is how much of a role Donovan Kincaid plays in this story. Donovan might as well have a starring presence despite being a secondary character for all of his puppeteering and know-all with his too keen eyes and mind. Those conversations between Cade and Donovan are my favorite parts.
After not a trace of anything for 17 years, Cade gets an email from Julianna Stark, or Jolie, his first and only love from his high school days. When they meet up, she has a very specific and odd request, completing taking Cade (and the reader) by surprise. Cade has a lot of questions and built up resentment since he never got actual closure and now the opportunity is here to turn his back on her in return. He has to decide if he’s punishing her or himself in the process.
Trying to read Jolie through Cade’s eyes is a bit of a challenge. She’s definitely poised and very formidable in terms of sticking to her goals and not giving up without a fight, albeit in a more circuitous route than Cade’s usual linear thinking. Although her feelings are not transparent to Cade, she isn’t totally mysterious but she manages to stay very level and she has a task to focus on which she’s completely serious about. Aside from the bare template of a relationship rekindling and the complications that go with it, the story does have some twists and even takes a bit of a dark turn (the level of which is on par with the Slay series) and kept me guessing. There’s obviously more to Cade and Jolie’s past that needs to be delved into if that ending is any indicator and I’m looking forward to finding out.
After not a trace of anything for 17 years, Cade gets an email from Julianna Stark, or Jolie, his first and only love from his high school days. When they meet up, she has a very specific and odd request, completing taking Cade (and the reader) by surprise. Cade has a lot of questions and built up resentment since he never got actual closure and now the opportunity is here to turn his back on her in return. He has to decide if he’s punishing her or himself in the process.
Trying to read Jolie through Cade’s eyes is a bit of a challenge. She’s definitely poised and very formidable in terms of sticking to her goals and not giving up without a fight, albeit in a more circuitous route than Cade’s usual linear thinking. Although her feelings are not transparent to Cade, she isn’t totally mysterious but she manages to stay very level and she has a task to focus on which she’s completely serious about. Aside from the bare template of a relationship rekindling and the complications that go with it, the story does have some twists and even takes a bit of a dark turn (the level of which is on par with the Slay series) and kept me guessing. There’s obviously more to Cade and Jolie’s past that needs to be delved into if that ending is any indicator and I’m looking forward to finding out.
March 19, 2021
4.5 Star Review of Wild Rebel (Dirty Wild #1) by Laurelin Paige
This is book one of a trilogy and is told from Cade’s point of view, so you know there will be more to come. As I have come to expect from Laurelin Paige this story was well written with characters whose story you cannot help but become invested in. However, be prepared for one heck of an ending, you have been warned.
Where do I start? Cade and Julianna (Jolie) have a complicated history. They were supposed to run away together years ago but she never showed at their agreed meeting place. Now out of the blue, Jolie makes contact with Cade requesting a meeting. Against his better judgement he agrees, after all he could never say no to Jolie. Cade is shocked when they meet and she asks him for help, even more shocking is that he is thinking about helping her.
Cade is in turmoil, he loves Jolie and yet at the same time, he hates her. Which side will win out? This is an emotional story that was confronting and heart breaking at times. It is a story of secrets and lies, a story with numerous layers that was gritty and painful.as so invested that I found myself frustrated when real life got in the way.
I cannot wait for the next book in the trilogy.
This is book one of a trilogy and is told from Cade’s point of view, so you know there will be more to come. As I have come to expect from Laurelin Paige this story was well written with characters whose story you cannot help but become invested in. However, be prepared for one heck of an ending, you have been warned.
Where do I start? Cade and Julianna (Jolie) have a complicated history. They were supposed to run away together years ago but she never showed at their agreed meeting place. Now out of the blue, Jolie makes contact with Cade requesting a meeting. Against his better judgement he agrees, after all he could never say no to Jolie. Cade is shocked when they meet and she asks him for help, even more shocking is that he is thinking about helping her.
Cade is in turmoil, he loves Jolie and yet at the same time, he hates her. Which side will win out? This is an emotional story that was confronting and heart breaking at times. It is a story of secrets and lies, a story with numerous layers that was gritty and painful.as so invested that I found myself frustrated when real life got in the way.
I cannot wait for the next book in the trilogy.
April 7, 2021
Wild Rebel is a trilogy so there are a lot of unanswered questions. Cade and Jolie were childhood friends. They were supposed to run away together after graduation, but Jolie never showed up at their meeting place. Cade went after Jolie but something happened (we don’t know what that was yet). Cade was left no choices but to walk away for good. Almost a couple decades passed, Cade and Jolie moved on with their lives. Cade is a co-owner of a successful advertising company. What he did not expect was his only lover since childhood emailed asking for help. Jolie has a huge surprised request for Cade. Cade is torn between helping Jolie – that part of the job he thought was in the past. Cade also harbors a lot of resentment and he wants closure on why Jolie stood him up without any explanations. Cade to keep Jolie at arm-length to protect his heart but their chemistry was undeniable. This one is slow-burn and angsty romance. Obviously, there is a cliffy ending with many secrets and mystery yet to be revealed. Can’t wait to see what happened next …
#Romantic suspense, #childhoodlovers, #secondchance
#Romantic suspense, #childhoodlovers, #secondchance
March 21, 2021
Ever since the beginning of this series when we met Donovan, Weston, and Sabrina, Cade intrigued me. He's the bad boy of Reach. Mysterious even.
Cade is getting a second chance with his high school sweetheart of sorts, but it's coming with a price. What was interesting was how there were references to part of the plots points for the Slay Quartet. Laurelin always finds ways to throw in little Easter egg references.
Jolie pretty much crashes back into his life after nearly 2 decades of silence. He reasoning is startling. And a bit suspicious.
I love that so many years later, and you can still feel their chemistry, although the book wasn't very sexy. It's more emotional than physical, because they are denying themselves after the past they had. It's interesting to see how he's still carried a torch for her all these years. I do wish there would've been more sexy times though. It would've added to the chemistry.
And there were definitely some haw dropping twists and turns with a crazy cliffhanger.
Cade is getting a second chance with his high school sweetheart of sorts, but it's coming with a price. What was interesting was how there were references to part of the plots points for the Slay Quartet. Laurelin always finds ways to throw in little Easter egg references.
Jolie pretty much crashes back into his life after nearly 2 decades of silence. He reasoning is startling. And a bit suspicious.
I love that so many years later, and you can still feel their chemistry, although the book wasn't very sexy. It's more emotional than physical, because they are denying themselves after the past they had. It's interesting to see how he's still carried a torch for her all these years. I do wish there would've been more sexy times though. It would've added to the chemistry.
And there were definitely some haw dropping twists and turns with a crazy cliffhanger.
March 8, 2021
Cade and Julianna were supposed to run away and spend their lives together seventeen years ago after high school. Instead Julianna doesn't show at their meeting place and breaks Cade's heart. After seventeen years of silence, Julianna sends Cade an email. She needs his help and wants to meet. Cade has never been able to refuse Julianna and agrees to meet with her. However what she wants his help with is something he never expected. This time what she asks of him is a hard no, or is it? Can he kill for Julianna, or is this the one line he isn't willing to cross, even for her.
Wild Rebel is book 1 of three in the Dirty Wild series. This story has all the things we've come to expect in a story by Laurelin Paige. I highly recommend it.
Wild Rebel is book 1 of three in the Dirty Wild series. This story has all the things we've come to expect in a story by Laurelin Paige. I highly recommend it.
March 23, 2021
Oh yes finally we have Cade, we have been waiting for him and Laurelin’s not let us down.
This is the first in the Trilogy and wow what a storyline we have.
You get the sense of how deep Cade and Jolies relationship goes from the off. This is all from Cades POV which is great to get an all male perspective on all the emotions, and there are so many emotions.
Cades been cut deep and he’s got a lot of anger pent up. However when Jolie shows her cards and asks what she needs help with, Cades not prepared.
I can see so many more twists and turns coming at us over the 2 remaining books, the ending of this was a total bomb!
Great to get some more of Donovan, I’m hoping we will get some more of Laurelin Boys too as they’re all mixed in here somewhere.
This is the first in the Trilogy and wow what a storyline we have.
You get the sense of how deep Cade and Jolies relationship goes from the off. This is all from Cades POV which is great to get an all male perspective on all the emotions, and there are so many emotions.
Cades been cut deep and he’s got a lot of anger pent up. However when Jolie shows her cards and asks what she needs help with, Cades not prepared.
I can see so many more twists and turns coming at us over the 2 remaining books, the ending of this was a total bomb!
Great to get some more of Donovan, I’m hoping we will get some more of Laurelin Boys too as they’re all mixed in here somewhere.
March 26, 2021
Anger, mystery, angst, and suspense. This story was a ride. Cade and Julianna will grab your attention and keep you devouring the pages. I can't wait to be part of the wild ride Laurelin Paige is about to takes us on with this trilogy.
March 22, 2021
Utterly swoonworthy! There's something so compelling about the characters that fill the pages of Laurelin Paige's books. I find myself devouring her books in one sitting, and they are all on my re-read shelf. Wild Rebel has definitely been added to that list.
Cade has always been a bit of an enigma when it came to the men of REACH, the business at the heart of Laurelin Paige's Dirty universe. He was a mystery man that always needed a story...and what a story it is! A little less polished than his partners, Cade is the kind of character I love to read. A man with a rough edge he's not afraid to show, but also a man with a heart that can be battered just like everyone else's. A mix of hard and soft that is so intoxicating!
Jolie/Julianna is a shining example of what I love about Ms. Paige's heroines. Unwavering inner strength with a bit of sass and loads of spirit. She's got secrets, for sure, but so does Cade. I cannot wait to see more of her story unfold!
This book has everything I crave--emotional pull between the main couple, sexual tension galore, and a gripping storyline that teases at bigger things to come. Bonus points for the welcome appearance of Donovan Kincaid!
Cade has always been a bit of an enigma when it came to the men of REACH, the business at the heart of Laurelin Paige's Dirty universe. He was a mystery man that always needed a story...and what a story it is! A little less polished than his partners, Cade is the kind of character I love to read. A man with a rough edge he's not afraid to show, but also a man with a heart that can be battered just like everyone else's. A mix of hard and soft that is so intoxicating!
Jolie/Julianna is a shining example of what I love about Ms. Paige's heroines. Unwavering inner strength with a bit of sass and loads of spirit. She's got secrets, for sure, but so does Cade. I cannot wait to see more of her story unfold!
This book has everything I crave--emotional pull between the main couple, sexual tension galore, and a gripping storyline that teases at bigger things to come. Bonus points for the welcome appearance of Donovan Kincaid!
March 15, 2021
When I say I haven’t torn through a book this fast ... I mean it. From page one I was INVESTED, emotionally spiritually, physically I couldn’t put this book down.
Laurelin overwhelms you with emotions in the best possible way. Cade and Jolie have such a deep history and chemistry I no shame was thriving off of it even if it was toxic at parts.
A second chance romance turned forbidden with angst and flashbacks that make you feel to the depths of your bones. The subject topic is not a light one in the slightest, but it’s also not overdrawn.
Cade is the swooniest guy Laurelin has wrote about to date. My heart hurts for his beautifully aching soul. Written entirely in his POV you cannot read this book and not fall in love. I never thought I would enjoy a book specifically in the Hero’s POV only but now I can’t see myself reading anything else.
I might just die without book 2
Laurelin overwhelms you with emotions in the best possible way. Cade and Jolie have such a deep history and chemistry I no shame was thriving off of it even if it was toxic at parts.
A second chance romance turned forbidden with angst and flashbacks that make you feel to the depths of your bones. The subject topic is not a light one in the slightest, but it’s also not overdrawn.
Cade is the swooniest guy Laurelin has wrote about to date. My heart hurts for his beautifully aching soul. Written entirely in his POV you cannot read this book and not fall in love. I never thought I would enjoy a book specifically in the Hero’s POV only but now I can’t see myself reading anything else.
I might just die without book 2
March 16, 2021
Let me just say Whoa, what just happened? As Laurelin Paige always does she dropped a bomb on us and now we are left struggling to take it all in. So now we have Cade Warren the last of the Dirty Men and to me she just might have saved the best for last. (Of course, I think that about them all😍). But Cade has been off in Tokyo running the Reach office but someone has brought him back to the States. A memory from long ago and the one girl he could never forget no matter how hard he tried. But she comes to ask for a favor, she needs him to kill her father? And so the craziness begins...Jolie brings back past memories that have a lot of hurt and pain that comes with them. Will he be able to set aside their differences and help out an old friend or does he turn his back on her the way she did him so many years ago? You are never disappointed with a Laurelin Paige book and this one is no different just be prepared to have your mind blown at the end. Can't wait for Wild War!
March 18, 2021
“𝕀𝕥 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕀’𝕞 𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖’𝕤 𝕒 𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀’𝕞 𝕘𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕒 𝕕𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟. 𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕜 𝕠𝕣 𝕤𝕨𝕚𝕞, 𝕓𝕒𝕓𝕪. 𝕀’𝕞 𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖.”
✨CADE WARREN ladies and gentlemen✨
Whew. Cade is amazing. Just flat out amazing. If anyone knows how to write an alpha male that’s @thereallaurelinpaige
You can’t help but become addicted and I’m addicted to Cade.
Julianna hasn’t seen Cade in 10 years but she needs his help, and what she’s asking for is jaw dropping!
Secrets and suspense around every corner.
Not to mention CADE! His thoughts. His actions. Just him, all of him. 100% fan-freaking-tastic.
I’m a lifer when it comes to @thereallaurelinpaige I love her stories.
This is a must read!
✨CADE WARREN ladies and gentlemen✨
Whew. Cade is amazing. Just flat out amazing. If anyone knows how to write an alpha male that’s @thereallaurelinpaige
You can’t help but become addicted and I’m addicted to Cade.
Julianna hasn’t seen Cade in 10 years but she needs his help, and what she’s asking for is jaw dropping!
Secrets and suspense around every corner.
Not to mention CADE! His thoughts. His actions. Just him, all of him. 100% fan-freaking-tastic.
I’m a lifer when it comes to @thereallaurelinpaige I love her stories.
This is a must read!
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