Laurelin 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. Are you looking for a romantic comedy or something hot and angsty? Here's Laurelin's list of books broken down by trope and reading order. Sign up for Laurelin's newsletter to make sure you know all the latest info on her projects and to get a free book every month from a bestselling author.
Rivalry (Book 1) Ooooh this story is getting good! This is book one of a four book series, and ends with a cliffhanger that will make you gasp! This book starts a little slow. It took me a little while to really get into it, but once that happened it was hard to put down. You'll be making all kinds of predictions as to what will happen. If you have read any of the books in the Fixed or Dirty Universe you will be familiar with the type of characters this author writes so well. Alpha males who have a way of always getting the upper hand with the women in their lives. (For better or worse.) This series does fit in with the Fixed world and you will recognize some of the characters, but you do not need to read those books to follow. This book is more about the build up for the books to follow. Building up the story-line and well as building up the sexual tension. The actual sexual content is minimal, but the heat is still there. You will definitely be left wanting. It is written from her POV entirely. It's easy to read and well written. Due to the nature of the book, I would say it's suitable for mature readers.
Ruin (Book 2) Well, book one ended with a shock, this one ends with more of a question (about the future.) Same great writing. If you've read the Fixed Trilogy you probably hate Celia. Well, in this book you learn more about her past and why she is the way she is (or was.) She starts to grow on you, and you almost feel sorry for her. Edward, for the most part is the same cold alpha as he was in book one, but we get more insight into his thoughts in this book... he's not quite vulnerable, but we get to see a softer side to him. There is some self discovery for the characters. This book is quite intense and a teeny bit on the darker side. It's a combination of suspense and romance (and erotica.) It's a captivating story and beautifully written. Due to the nature of the book, it is suitable for mature readers.
Revenge (Book 3) Another wonderful installment into this series. Now that Edward and Celia have their relationship sorted out, it's time for revenge. Edward has so much invested in his revenge schemes, but are they for himself or for Celia's best. As he grew closer to Celia, his intentions have changed. Oh, he still wants people to pay for the things they have done, but will Celia agree? While their relationship is on a more steady ground than it had been in the past (see previous books,) there is still so much more to learn from one another. These characters are brilliant, smart, strong. The powerful one needs to show some willingness to give and not just take, and the 'weaker' one needs to display their power a little more often, and stand their ground. There are some suspenseful moments. We learn a little more about the characters and their pasts. While this is a sexy read, and the sexual content is spread throughout, it's almost as though it were running in the back ground. Not as often at the forefront of the scene... but the desire and arousal is there along with the intention. It alternates POVs. It's a wonderfully written and plotted story. While it doesn't end in a cliffhanger, per se, it's not the complete story and it does end with a little twist.
Rising (Book 4) Ahhh.... part four and the finale is finally here! Just as with the previous three books, there is a lot of energy in this story. Some good and some bad. Lots of tension. Quite intense at times. You will need to read the first three books to follow along with the storyline, as it continues throughout, though each book has one main focal point. Plus, if you don't, you won't really understand the characters or their behaviors. This particular book focuses more on the power between Celia and Edward (the Heroine and Hero.) Can the dominate lose some of his control without losing himself? Can the submissive find the strength to take some of the control back. You'll see Edward in a light you haven't seen before. This story and these characters are so well written. In case you are unfamiliar, this series is a spin off of sorts from The Fixed Trilogy. There is mention of events that took place in those books (though you do not need to read them.) There is some sexual content. With that and with some of the subject matter included, this is intended for mature readers. The book reads easily and flows smoothly. It was hard to put down. It's one of those books that you just can't wait to see how it ends.
Rivalry: Holy crap! I totally didn’t see that coming! And then leaving us hanging...ugh! Laurelin you have once again written another fantastic book and I am so excited to read the next book in the Slay Saga. This series is about Celia and Edward. Celia is finally over Hudson but is so numb. Then Edward comes into the picture and she is starting to thaw a little. Celia is determined to play another game, but she is starting to feel. Edward is stone cold and is doing everything he can to not feel anything for Celia. But Celia was doing everything possible to get some kind of reaction from Edward. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel reading Celia’s story after her involvement with Hudson. I didn’t like her so much! But I’m beginning to think, maybe she isn’t all that bad. I read this book in less than 24 hours. Hooks you right from the beginning to the very end where your left dangling on that hook. This book will not disappoint you what so ever! It is absolutely amazing!!!!
Ruin: Wow! I am really starting to like Celia. So much of how she is, comes to light in this book. Edward decides he wants to “break her down”. But in the process I feel that she heals. And Edward finds out how much he really is fond of her. We also find out why Edward is the way he is, as well. This is book two in the Slay series and it is an important one. So much information. Also so much feeling. I was angry, appalled, sad, happy and turned on. Now that’s a good book! You definitely need to read book one first. These cannot be read as stand alone’s. Book two continues right where book one ended. I don’t want to give anything more away. All I’ve got to say is...Read It!!!
Revenge: You just love leaving us hanging, don’t you, Laurelin? But that just makes it that more exciting for the next book! Edward and Celia finally have love. And not one sided. They both love each other deeply. Celia has changed a lot since she’s been with Edward. He has broken her down to raise her up into a new kind of woman. She’s no longer the Celia from when she was playing games. Plus we’ve learned a lot more on her childhood. How devastating it was when she was with her uncle. How much of her innocence he took from her. And Edward is going to avenge not only what Ron did to his wife but what Ron also did to his father. This book is pretty much about the revenge on Ron and anyone else that was involved with him. Celia wasn’t sure about it all until she received more information. Then she was all for bringing him down. Edward’s sister, Camilla has even come around where Celia is concerned. Definitely still need to read the series in order, since they all pick right up where the previous one ended. And this one is no different. Plus this book gives us so much back information on Edward, Celia and evening Camilla. I cannot wait for Rising!
Rising: What a great ending to the series. This is book four of Edward and Celia’s life. This book pretty much picks up from where book two ended. They should be read in order. Even though there is still betrayal and secrets in this book, they do all come to light as most do. Edward and Celia are building a life together. One that Edward didn’t plan on having. He never thought he would fall in love with Celia. And Celia never thought that she could have happiness in her life. These two complement each other. He’s the little bit of dark that Celia needs to ground her and she is the light to that darkness. Hudson and Alayna are in this book as well. I love how the Pierce’s world interacts with the Fasbender’s. Celia and Hudson were not nice people in their past, but they have both tried to move on from that. Hudson found Alayna and Celia found Edward. Knowing that they could be loved, changed everything. Children can seem to do that as well. Edward wasn’t so sure if he wanted any any more children, considering he has two grown children. But when their baby is born, he knows he was wrong to think that way. He adores her. When the two secrets that are left between them are reveled, will they recover from them? I am now a Celia fan, I didn’t use to be. But I I think she’ll grow on you as well. This is a must read series.
I loved this series. Lots of angst, love, and excitement. She keeps you on your toes. When you think you figured out what's coming next, she surprises you. Read them in order. It makes it so much better.
I was completely intoxicated by Celia and Edward's emotional and provocative love story! Like many who may have read the Fixed series, I really loathed Celia Werner, and the games she played. Stories that redeem contemptible characters are my favorites, and I couldn't wait to learn more about her. Celia is feeling lost and empty until Edward makes her an astonishing offer. Edward is her father's adversary and she becomes excited to play another game to take Edward down, and earn back some of her father's respect. The problem is that Edward is not like the unsuspecting victims from her past games. He is smart, sexy, and deliciously dominant. I loved watching the power games between Edward and Celia play out over the whole series, with Edward seeming to have the upper hand at times and then the power dynamic switching to Celia. The heart-pounding secrets and revelations, from both their pasts, break my heart, but also helps me to understand them just a little bit more. I loved watching their push/pull relationship grow, and change to a deep love' neither saw coming, and their chemistry is palpable, leaping right off the page! I love the direction Paige takes them, and us, throughout this series. It is dark, and twisty, and completely riveting! Paige has an amazing ability to make us feel and empathize with the many facets to Edward and Celia. It was so breathtaking to watch them both grow, stumble, and fight for each other so passionately. This story was everything I wanted for them and more. There were heartbreaking moments that moved me to tears, along with stunning encounters that took my breath away, but it was the swoony moments with Edward that really made me fall in love. I absolutely loved every word of this beautiful, passionate, poignant, and sexy, epic love story and series! Bravo!
POSSIBLE SMALL SPOILERS I think I'll start this off by reviewing each book as I finish them and then at the end I'll review the book as a whole. For the first book (RIVALRY): honestly I really felt like the first 80% was a little slow. In the beginning I was really confused. I haven't read the Fixed series and I dont necessarily intend to and I don't think i necessarily need to, however I think a lot of things were just kept a little vague. Later I do feel like most things were answered it just took a while to get there. The last quarter of the book is really where it drew me in. Which honestly I was kind of getting a little bit bored just because it seemed like it was dragging out for so long with nothing crazy happening that I was on the fence of whether or not I liked it but I paid a lot of money for this giant book so I had to push through😂 anyways the last quarter of this book was extremely good I love the back-and-forth of her trying to play this game that she's created in her head even though it never seem to exceed the results she wanted. When the book ended with the cliffhanger I mean I am in SHOCK😳 one hell of a way to end a book imo. Laurelin sure knows how to keep you interested. All it took was that final line in the end of the first book that made me go absolutely insane.
Second book (RUIN): The start of this book was not only a shocking follow up to the ending from the last one, but also kinda scary? I can't even imagine going through what he put Celia through. It's pretty dark and not necessarily some thing I would've ever picked out to read if I knew what this book was about. When I read the description of the book before I purchased it I'm now realizing it was extremely vague and did not give any intel as to what it would actually be about. I would say the second book is definitely way more interesting than the first one but on a fucked up kind of level. Usually I like a little bit of screwed up aspects to the story but this is a whole other level of dark, scary, and messed up. The "sessions" they have really give you some intel on why Celia is the way she is. So many heartbreaking and traumatic moments in her life obviously shaped her some type of way and it's very interesting to learn about that. Honestly I really do hate Edward. He honestly just has such a crazy level of insane and darkness that I can't really get over thus far. Even though he can kind of have some breakthrough moments where he seems kind of ok I really cannot get over the fact that he is holding murder over her head on top of holding her hostage. Part of me is wondering if I'm gonna end this series and actually like the story, and or the characters. I almost think it's a little bit too traumatic and dark for me but who knows because clearly I haven't finished it yet. Also the fact that she's been trapped for well over a year at this point is so disgusting to me. And the fact that he told everyone she was insane rubs me the wrong way. I think all of this so far really rubs me the wrong way and I'm not really loving the whole darkness to this. I'm not usually one for dark romance. I like stuff that maybe a little bit screwed up kinda like Laurelin's Brutal Billionaire series but this is just on another level. I think the description does not give near enough insight as to what this could possibly be about but I already paid the money so I gotta finish it😂 after finally finishing the second book, my thoughts are mostly that this is absolutely insane in kind of a bad way haha. I still can't get over how conflicting her feelings are and maybe it's just me but I could never love someone who holds me hostage for a year, threatens murder on me, takes me out on his boat in the middle of the ocean and says "this is where I was going to do it" insinuating that he was gonna murder her there, and on top of all of that, pretty much exploiting her and putting her up for auction but not in a hot sexy way like in the "Highest Bidder" series by Willow Winters and Lauren Landish but in a disgusting way and the fact that she's already so traumatized and he pretty much just uses it against her is just kinda awful. However, in my opinion one of the only good things he did was finally give her a chance to leave and escape. I guess I just don't understand how she can love someone who does so many terrible things to her. There's like a couple random moments where he's maybe not the worst human being ever but they definitely do not outweigh all the terrible things he's done. Anyways, I have a lot of conflicting feelings about this series so far so I guess we'll have to wait and see what I end up thinking as I continue on.
Third book (REVENGE): Okay.... so she got to come home🤷🏻♀️ I mean how much of home is it considering she has spent less of the marriage there rather than being held captive 😂 anyways so far it isn't as traumatizing as the last book so there's some points imo. I'm definitely liking some of these flashbacks into Edward's past ESPECIALLY his story of meeting Marion!!! I was like holy shit this is so crazy I'm loving this. His weird need for un-comfort to be able to get off is slightly off putting and honestly I'm not entirely sure if I'd want to classify him as a sadist or just fucked in the head. Probably both if I'm being honest. Also, it's very interesting to see his session with getting revenge. I'm definitely starting to understand how being with Marion only seemed to fuel that because really the only person that could stop him is himself and he pretty much is like an addict and has no control over those decisions. I definitely think the story starts to get better and maybe a little more to my liking twords the end half of this book. He's starting to act slightly less insane especially after he finally tells the story about why Marion left him. It starts to seem a lot more authentic in a way. I still don't think my mind is completely changed about him, but I feel like the story definitely starts to get better especially when it ends up being a whole year later (although it did feel like a pretty severe jump) and they come up with a real plan for Ron. I also had a feeling that Edward definitely had some involvement with Camilla's ex husband Frank. that didn't necessarily come as a shock to me at all but it was definitely a good factor in the story. During the parts of Ron's party I can say I'm absolutely horrified and disgusted. Everything about it is absolutely disgusting and the things he says are downright some of the worst things ever. If I thought I hated Edward, Ron is an entirely different story. As I've come to the end of this book I think my opinion has brightened up but only slightly. I definitely have felt better now that he's not threatening murder over her and not holding her captive in their lives just seem to improve a decent amount. Obviously there's a whole load of dark shit still happening but it doesn't bother me as much as it did in the last two books. Overall I would say this third book has been the best so far but I still don't think that this series is going to be ranking in the five star region for me. Not the worst I've ever read but definitely not one of my tops
Fourth book (RISING): So far I will say this is somewhat more lighthearted than the previous ones. The characters are definitely starting to grow on me and I'm absolutely not gonna say that this book is not well written. I think the author does a great job displaying the characters emotions, traumas, and really setting the scene for each part. As much as this book is supposed to be considered a romance I almost want to consider it more of a thriller at the same time. There is some spice but I definitely think throughout all of the books it is somewhat lacking. There are obviously some parts that include that, howeverit's definitely not as much as you would think there would be for romance novel. I think out of all the books this one is probably one that has interested me the most. I like that it's seeming to wrap up in a good way and Celia is truly becoming a better person. Edward in someways is trying to become a better person which I also can appreciate, although he definitely still has a lot of work to do. After going through the rest of this last and final book i definitely think it's gotten much better. I still don't think this is a five star book for me, however that's not to say it's badly written. It's extremely well written and Laurelin really did an amazing job really making this story complete. I just think maybe it's a little too dark and thriller-ish for my liking. The ending of this series really felt like a good way to wrap things up and it's really not a bad book, just not necessarily my type of romance I guess. Overall im just glad that everyone in the book seems to have concluded well and they've all been able to move on from the past and be able to be happy.
Now we have the complete series together and it’s a fabulous read.
For those of you that know Celia Werner, like me you probably despise her. If you’ve not read the Fixed series of books, before Slay: Rivalry, I would advise starting at the beginning to get a better sense of the back story. She is the bitch of all bitches. After the revelation in Fixed Forever about where Celia was in the timeline of the series, I was intrigued? Who was this man Edward Fasbender, how had this situation arisen. Well this certainly wasn’t what I’d seen coming. A brilliantly twisted story, evil meets evil. But what’s the back story we’re not aware of from Fixed, we have been fed tidbits of information, allowing assumptions for Celia, Edward not so much. He’s still quite the mystery. However what a bastard he’s turning into, never would I ever thought to be on Celia’s side after knowing what’s she’s capable of. Edward is another level.
this is going to be a war of epic proportions and so feckin good. Laurelin you have certainly done it again with this one. loved it.
Oh Wow this series has been so good. Celia She really was the ultimate bitch. But I’m so happy to eat my words.
With each book Laurelin captivated us, left us hanging on that cliff, thrown a curve ball at us, opened our eyes to some pretty dark shit. Had us comparing Hudson to Edward, I was team Hudson by the way, now I have no friggin clue, I can’t make that kind of decision, haha!!
The final book was everything. It brought so much together from Chandler to Fixed Forever, this was like the final jigsaw puzzle piece we didn’t know was missing. This was a cathartic read and now all is at peace. Until the next one.
Wow. Wasn't this a wild ride. Laurelin Paige wrote one of my favorite books and naturally I had to give this a go - reading Celia's perspective was also a big reason why I wanted try it. The favorite book I mentioned was First Touch, and what intrigued me with it was how much darker the vibe and the relationship was. It wasn't just the "tall, dark and handsome" guy who was domineering, but there was an actual element of danger to the story - at least in the beginning, as it later on turned more complex and deep and, somewhat cute. With the main character being Celia, I had a feeling it would be much darker a story than Hudson and Alayna's, and somewhat darker than First touch. And boy, somewhat darker didn't even begin to describe it. I felt physically ill, terrified for Celia's sake and considered throwing my ipad across the room after the first two books. Never have I been so close to throwing up in a fit of rage. I HATED Edward, the most misogynistic as*h*l*e I've ever encountered. Aaaaand then plot twist. (SPOILER) NEVER. DID. I. EXPECT. what I genuinely thought would be Edward physically abusing Celia until she died would turn into a frigging therapy session. I honestly felt betrayed by the author. Not that it was a bad thing that - If things had turned into violence I would've put the put down. It just felt like the weirdest thing???? ANyhow. Celia and Edward became somewhat cute afterward, and they deserved all the happiness they got. I would've rated it a 4, because I really liked the third and fourth book, but with the way I felt with the first 2... a solid three it is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Readers/listeners should be aware that this series has a PLETHORA of TRIGGERS—particularly for survivors or child SA, domestic violence, non-consensual acts, betrayal, threats of violence, gaslighting, abandonment, abuse in foster care, m*rder, etc. By far, the most graphic content pertains to grooming of a child and SA of children.
Overall, I found the series to be very entertaining and engaging. I had a hard time turning them off & the first book ended on a massive cliffhanger that I did NOT see coming. I *strongly* disliked Celia and honestly had zero respect for her for the bulk of book 1 but it became clear early on enough that she was a victim/survivor of something that molded her into the person she was. Edward, on the other hand, I HATED from early on & just hated & hated him more. Even by the time that I started to want to like him and forgive him he’d do something yet again to make me want to throat punch him! He’s a control freak to the nth degree, is chauvinistic & misogynistic, egotistical, manipulative, has MASSIVE red flags for being controlling well past the point of abuse, and is often hypocritical as hell. I really, really disliked him so much and his behavior made me want to cry. In the end, I did like him and was able to forgive him for some of his behavior, but I really wish that he’d had a bigger arc and more self-reflection and did more to make amends for the hell & abuse he put his wives through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I originally didn’t want to read Celia’s story, like many other readers. But, I love a good series and hate to break up the flow. So, here I was I’m a story that I was certain to only to be half engaged in to have my mind blown. The detail and thoughtfulness to Celia’s story gave her actions context. Although she was still wrong and did horrible things, Slay explained, but didn’t excuse her behavior. Redemption is always a good story, but to have it come from involvement with Edward was over the top, but juicy. He’s got to be the most complex anti-hero I’ve read.
Slay is quite a series, especially up against the Fixed series, which I also loved. I’m a Laurelin Paige reader for life and I’m going full in on reading every book by her.
Took me a bit to get my bearings after reading Laurelin Paige's Slay Series about Celia Werner and Edward Fasbender. What had I just read? WOW! WOW!! WOW!!! I LOVE this story from a brilliant author who can capture you in a single sentence with her powerful words and captivating characters. Ms. Paige has picked the right title here in more ways than one...she will SLAY you with this story and all its twists, turns, intrigue, and juiciness. You won't know what in the world is going to happen next! I was left breathless and wanting more, more, more, too many times to count...somewhat similar at times to our leading lady! HA! Slay, the Complete Series, is another phenomenal offering from this incredibly talented author. Do NOT miss it!
All I can say is wow! This series is not for the faint of heart there is a lot of things this book brings to the surface and I definitely am glad to be reading a cleanser rom com after this. That being said even though it is dark, it brought a lot of healing in the characters who were initially pretty damaged and almost despicable. It was awesome to see the breakthroughs of the characters and the way they chose each other and communicated even through their own insecurities and fears. The only reason I am not giving five stars is because the depth of this book was so deep I had to take breaks to get through it. I definitely wanted to get to the end but it was dark and can definitely be triggering for readers.
While I have loved all the books in the series, I found Celia and Edward’s story to be the most compelling. Celia being such a despicable villain, I thought I would start to read her story but never finish it. Not true! Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. I’d read way I’m to the night regardless of needing to be up in 4 hours for work. I just needed to see how her story ends. It was that good!
This is a must read for anyone loving a good redemption story but loves more how love can change a heart for the better, even one as damaged and hollow as Celia’s heart once was. I hope there are more like this to come!
This means many, many hours if listening to Elena and Shane. Not the worst thing to spend your days 😉
The story itself is kind of a strange thing, in a positive way. It kept me listening and was exciting and interesting, how the relationship between Celia and Edward developed.
The titles of all 4 books say what the mainpoints are in the series and how Celia's and Edward's story goes: Rivalry, Ruin, Revenge & Rising
I didn’t like the beginning but then it started to redeem itself. Then Edward obsession with control, the ex wife, way too much and crazy behavior and not in a good way. I really like the last book except for the kidnapping of Alaina, just thrown in without any explanation. Fixed Trilogy was my favorite so this was a let down in many ways. I just didn’t like the controlling vibe.
Like probably most readers, I couldn’t imagine enjoying a series featuring Celia as much as I disliked her character. However, I am a definite fan of Laurelin Paige and trusted her to offer a series worth reading. It’s been stacked in the TBR portion of my ereader for quite some time and I’m glad I finally got around to reading it. I recommend it highly.
I read the fixed trilogy years ago. Hated Celia so that when the first books came out, I said why do I want to read about her? The final book in slay series grabbed my attention ao I decided to read the whole series. So glad I did! Hated then loved Edward and by the end was in love with them together. You don't need to read the fixed trilogy but highly recommend it to understand this series better. Great wrap up to both stories.
Slay compete series written by Laurelin Paige. This series was a bit difficult for me. I started reading it and realized that I didn’t like either the male lead or the female lead. They were just really unlikeable and I contemplated just stopping and moving on to something else. I’m glad I rode it out so I could reach the conclusion and see everyone get their just desserts. Nice ending to the story.
The main protagonists are not your typical romance leads. They are both very damaged people, who end up helping each other move on from the trauma of their lives. Their story is layered and well told, but dark. The end is redemptive. They both grow and move beyond their starting points. It was hard to put the books down, and I’m glad I finished reading through all 4 books to the end.
I was in desperate need of this after reading the “fixed series” I was so glad Celia got a chance and redemption and also the opportunity to tell her story. Men seem to be given redemption much more easily in this genre. So well don’t to the author for letting a woman have the same opportunity. And omfg did I love Edward ❤️ Was lovely to see Huston, Alayna and Chandler again too. We need more of all of these guys. The spice was very interesting too 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Couldn’t finish the book. Kept me intrigued for a while but just too long. Unlikeable heroine.A weak and desperate one too. Would have made the book more enjoyable if she did not act so desperate all the time. Hero ok. The book had lots of potential but fell flat. Stopped at the end of book 2.
I enjoyed reading this book! These emotional characters were filled with a great amount of depth, their background gave so much more to the development of the storyline which is solid and a consistent page turner. The story flowed easily throughout the pages. A must read!
I didn’t like the beginning but then it started to redeem itself. Then Edward obsession with control, the ex wife, way too much and crazy behavior and not in a good way. I really like the last book except for the kidnapping of Alaina, just thrown in without any explanation. Fixed Trilogy was my favorite so this was a let down in many ways. I just didn’t like the controlling vibe.
I started this reluctantly. It was long and I thought I’d be bored. That I would quickly lose interest and put it down. I was very, very wrong. Celia and Edward are so well drawn that I thought I’d like to know them in real life. The plot is not boring for a minute, and I want to go to their family island ASAP. Well done, Ms Paige!
From start to finish, I gave this three part series a 5 stars and I recommend this to those who aren’t the faint at heart. This book will bring you to the brink and back. Sensitive subject matters and probably triggers. Yet there is hope and a happy ending. The two stars truly shined and the narrators were brilliant. Love those two in other books.
This book is just not for me. It is nothing against the author. I merely prefer books more in the "cozy" genre. Less profanity. Less explicit. I am sure it is a popular book, as the author is obviously skilled, which i learned in yhe few pages i read. Sorry.
I can't believe how long I put off reading these books. Celia's history was devastating and hard to read, but Laurelin's incredible writing made it impossible to stop!
And for those questioning reading Celia's story: obviously she's fascinating, and this story gives her EXACTLY what she deserves. Also, Edward totally makes reading it worth it 😘
This series touched me in ways I never expected. Celia's early life, formative years in fact, brought many things to the forefront for me. Her story is told with love and compassion and Edward, while reprehensible at first, proves to be her saving grace and she, his as well. Beautiful series!
It got better as it went along. Things that seemed unnecessary or tortured early on finally bloomed into something but gosh it took too long to get there. Similarly to Sierra Simone so if you like her - Salt Burn/Honey Kiss series - you will like this.
Having read books 2 and 3 a long time ago ...it was interesting to see the turns that took place in the story of Edward and Celia ...I am just glad this episode of Celia is OVER !! Did not like this women or Edward Fasbender at all .... did not like how she treated Hudson and the hell she put him through...so yes happy end to the story that made up Celia.
Love that a FMC gets to go from villain to redeemed, showing that not everyone who makes bad choices and does bad things, stays a bad person and sometimes there's past trauma or negative influences that have caused damage, when the person themselves doesn't even understand their reasons for the bad actions and yet change for the better can still happen