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The Harlequin Crew #4
Paradise Lagoon
I made my choice. I took the hard way out. Now all of our fates are riding on the dice I’m about to throw and luck never was on our side.
I was whole once, with my boys in this slice of paradise we’d carved out for ourselves, but in the time that we were parted we grew up. Grew apart. And as much as I might have yearned to reclaim that girl with the sand between her toes and the sun on her cheeks, it’s time I admit that I spent too long in the shadows to ever truly be her again.
My heart may be breaking for the men I left behind, but I know that I can make that pain count for something, because I’m no fool believing the pretty promises of a mad man.
No. I’m the assassin he just opened his fortress to. And now that I’m inside, I intend to repay him for every moment of suffering he has inflicted upon me and my boys.
Shawn Mackenzie thought he killed me once upon a time. Now this dead girl is back to return the favour.
I was whole once, with my boys in this slice of paradise we’d carved out for ourselves, but in the time that we were parted we grew up. Grew apart. And as much as I might have yearned to reclaim that girl with the sand between her toes and the sun on her cheeks, it’s time I admit that I spent too long in the shadows to ever truly be her again.
My heart may be breaking for the men I left behind, but I know that I can make that pain count for something, because I’m no fool believing the pretty promises of a mad man.
No. I’m the assassin he just opened his fortress to. And now that I’m inside, I intend to repay him for every moment of suffering he has inflicted upon me and my boys.
Shawn Mackenzie thought he killed me once upon a time. Now this dead girl is back to return the favour.
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First published October 18, 2021
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About the author
Caroline Peckham
125 books29.9k followersI'm a #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Zodiac Academy series. I write all things dark romance, from fantasy to contemporary, high school bully to mafia, there's bound to be a book for you!
Me and my sister Susanne Valenti now write books together and we've built the most amazing, fun, crazy reader group on Facebook which we would LOVE you to join. Be the first to get teasers of upcoming books, plus interact with us daily, asks us questions, make friends with other book junkies and find your reader home.
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For all business inquiries please contact us at>>
mail@kingshollow.co.uk
For more information, special editions, signed books and more, check out my website here >>
www.kingshollow.co.uk
Me and my sister Susanne Valenti now write books together and we've built the most amazing, fun, crazy reader group on Facebook which we would LOVE you to join. Be the first to get teasers of upcoming books, plus interact with us daily, asks us questions, make friends with other book junkies and find your reader home.
Join here >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/19697...
Sign up to our newsletter here >>
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
For all business inquiries please contact us at>>
mail@kingshollow.co.uk
For more information, special editions, signed books and more, check out my website here >>
www.kingshollow.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 775 reviews
October 19, 2021
The past two books have been filled with an extreme amount of filler content. At least 50% of this book could have been cut. Again the flashbacks, why? I've seen comments about the amount of character growth this book had, considering the previous books lack of character growth, it wasn't too hard to have a small amount here. This series really has a great premise but is really falling flat.
February 20, 2023
4/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
That ending was something else. I can't cope. That cliffhanger was INSANE. I FEEL LIKE MY HEART HAS BEEN RIPPED RIGHT OUTTA MY CHEST.
Man, oh man. Paradise Lagoon definitely gave me some whiplash. I AM NOT OKAY. This story picks up right where Carnival Hill ended. The character growth in this book is absolutely amazing. The plot twists keep getting twistier (is that a word) and I fall more in love with each character in every chapter. I'm glad that her relationship with the boys is getting better and better. The spice was perfection! Squid emoji!
Shawn is like a cockroach that just wont die and he so needs too. A very bloody one too.
This book could have been a 5 stars but it was about 200 pages too long. She has way too much filler that just isn’t necessary.
Quotes:
“I hope it tasted sweet when you pulled that trigger, beautiful. I hope you got what you came for.”
“You two are like the sun and the moon, when you work together there’s harmony, but if you go against one another it’s total chaos.”
“You two are like the sun and the moon, when you work together there’s harmony, but if you go against one another it’s total chaos.”
“Land whore!” Brooklyn cried from up top. “It’s land ho,” Mateo corrected her. “Right, I knew the land was a slut, I just couldn’t remember which type,” she said with a giggle.
"I think we just formed a reverse harem. I'm officially living a fantasy lifestyle."
3/5 🌶️
That ending was something else. I can't cope. That cliffhanger was INSANE. I FEEL LIKE MY HEART HAS BEEN RIPPED RIGHT OUTTA MY CHEST.
Man, oh man. Paradise Lagoon definitely gave me some whiplash. I AM NOT OKAY. This story picks up right where Carnival Hill ended. The character growth in this book is absolutely amazing. The plot twists keep getting twistier (is that a word) and I fall more in love with each character in every chapter. I'm glad that her relationship with the boys is getting better and better. The spice was perfection! Squid emoji!
Shawn is like a cockroach that just wont die and he so needs too. A very bloody one too.
This book could have been a 5 stars but it was about 200 pages too long. She has way too much filler that just isn’t necessary.
Quotes:
“I hope it tasted sweet when you pulled that trigger, beautiful. I hope you got what you came for.”
“You two are like the sun and the moon, when you work together there’s harmony, but if you go against one another it’s total chaos.”
“You two are like the sun and the moon, when you work together there’s harmony, but if you go against one another it’s total chaos.”
“Land whore!” Brooklyn cried from up top. “It’s land ho,” Mateo corrected her. “Right, I knew the land was a slut, I just couldn’t remember which type,” she said with a giggle.
"I think we just formed a reverse harem. I'm officially living a fantasy lifestyle."
October 18, 2023
What?
WHAAAAAAAAAAT???
I’m flabbergasted.
How do these cliffhangers keep getting worse and worse and WORSE???
These books are amazing. That’s all I can fathom right now because holy fuck.
I’m… I’ve forgotten how to form coherent sentences.
WHAAAAAAAAAAT???
I’m flabbergasted.
How do these cliffhangers keep getting worse and worse and WORSE???
These books are amazing. That’s all I can fathom right now because holy fuck.
I’m… I’ve forgotten how to form coherent sentences.
June 1, 2022
That cliffhanger was actually INSANE
April 16, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance, NA
Tropes: RH, revenge quest, childhood friends, enemies to lovers, gang wars, found family
Series: The Harlequin Crew #4
Cliffhanger: Yes
Trigger Warnings: death, violence, torture
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Spice: 5/5 🌶
“There’s nothing trashy about you, pretty girl,” JJ objected.
“Yes there is,” I disagreed. “I’m the perfect combination of trash and sass which means I don’t give a fuck if anyone doesn’t like it.”
I think this book was my favorite so far. The characters have gone through a lot, they have developed and have formed amazing bonds, we have cameos from characters from Kings of Quarantine and from Society of Psychos and a lot of love declarations. So I'm utterly in love and scared to start the last book and say goodbye to these characters.
》》The Plot《《
“You’re the master of your own fate. If you try and control the world long enough, it’ll eventually break free and bite you in the ass."
With Rogue sacrificing herself and going back to Shawn, letting the boys think she never loved them, Fox hurt by JJ's betrayal, Luther shot and everyone being rather hurt, angry or literally on the verge of death, the last ending was pretty much a disaster. So this book had a lot of pieces to gather and put back togheter. It was very character-oriented, healing a lot of relationships, divulging truths about family connections and giving us a lot of love declarations.
》》Characters and Relationships《《
“So what’s the deal, beautiful? Are you fucking Chase now?”
“It was a one time thing,” Chase offered.
“Yeah right,” I growled under my breath. If I was being honest, I didn’t really care that he’d had sex with her. The guy needed her as much as we all did, maybe even a little more. And I was quietly glad they’d sorted their shit out at last. “So what are we? Some sort of foursome?”
“Let’s try being a family,” Chase said, hope filling his expression.
“I’d really like that,” Rogue sighed.
“Sounds good to me.” JJ said.
As I said, this book is very character-oriented, with relationships being formed, re-formed, better defined or simply blooming. The situatioship is moving from Maverick-Rogue-JJ into reverse harem territory, with Chase joining the frame and some lost family members show up.
🌈🧑🏻Rogue and Chase
“While I was gone, I made a playlist on my phone. Shit that reminded me of the past, but some of the present too, the good, the bad, and all the pain in between. They’re about us, little one. And maybe it’s dumb, but I thought I could give you a song whenever I say I love you to show you that those words represent a lifetime of us, a million memories made in Sunset Cove together.”
They. Are. Adorable. I've waited three books for this, but it was worth it. They had such an amazing character development. It hurts to see Chase being so full of doubts about himself, but I love how Rogue and JJ constantly work on reminding him how important he is.
“What do you reckon, Ace? Brunette or rainbow or something else?”
“It doesn’t matter to me,” Chase answered, smoke pluming from between his lips. “All I see when I look at you is colour anyway. You’re like the sunset that never ends.”
And they were really romantic too. Chase comforting her, giving her songs every time he means to say "I love you" and even his letter to her, it was really romantic.
🌈🧑🏽Rogue and JJ
“You once told me that loving me was like trying to keep hold of sand while the tide tried to claim it back from you,” I said, looking up at JJ as he continued to caress the ink I’d gotten for him. “And I wanted you to know that you don’t have to work to keep it anymore because nothing can steal it away. It’s as permanent as the ink on my skin and as endless as the tide which tried to steal it from you.”
Awww, they were my favorite duo for a very long time. And they are definitely the sweetest duo too. They are my comfort couple.
"But this is the truth. You make my heart race and my fingers tremble. You make me smile when I thought I never could again. You make my pulse race and my words come out all jumbled and I might have called you a lovesick boy, but I have always just been a lovesick girl when it comes to you."
I'm happy that, after this book, I'm sure JJ won't have any more doubts about Rogue’s feelings for him. Plus, I loved how he was the first one to understand the idea of the reverse harem (I'm sure his Dark Fae series has helped there).
🌈🧑🏻💼Rogue and Maverick
"No matter how far we’ve been from each other or how long I go between each time I lay my eyes on you, I still carry you with me right here in my chest. You’re the good in me, Rogue. You’re the only good I got left.”
I've said it before and I'll say it again: these two have definitely helped each other a lot. I think they accept everything about the other and blend all the negative emotions into healing, only through each other and their love.
“Say it again,” I growled, holding his dark gaze and as my chest rose and fell heavily.
“You’re our girl. And you own me in every way that a man can be owned. So show me you own me, Rogue. Remind me why I worship you.”
Maverick is soft for her and lets her in because I think he feels how much she actually helps him pick up the broken pieces, which is exactly what he does for her in return. Plus, they have killer chemistry.
🌈🧑🏼Rogue and Fox
"Fox, you're everything to me. For so many years I was out there just existing, pining for the feeling of your hand in mine, your arms around me, the security I always felt in your presence. Being without you was like going without the sun - I learned to survive in the dark, learned to find a way through, but I never felt truly warm, never felt awake the way I do when I'm here with you. I love you, Fox," I repeated and his throat bobbed as he took in those words. "But I love them too."
Fox has been honest about his feelings from the very beginning, so I'm honestly sad for him being the only one not getting the girl. But his tunnel vision is really holding him back.
“But I don’t trust myself with you. I fear one day my want for you will blacken anything good that once lived between us, and I don’t want you to remember me as the villain in our story. I think if we leave it now, there’s still enough good left in the past for you not to always cringe when you think of me.”
“You’re such an idiot, Fox Harlequin. I don’t cringe when I think of you, I ache. And I’m gonna keep aching as long as you stay away from me because you’re my best friend and I need you in my life. I’ve made shitty mistakes and hurt you too, but I want to show you how sorry I am, and I can’t do that if you shut me out. Please Fox.”
Their interaction is still sweet, it's fascinating to watch the two of them play friends and it's infuriating at the same time too. But they'll get where they're supposed to be in the end, I'm certain of it.
🧑🏻💼🧑🏽Maverick and JJ
“Find something good to ground you, JJ,” Maverick commanded. “That’s what you’re best at. So fucking find whatever it is you need to stay here.”
“What did you find?”
“What?” he growled.
“Last night, you found something to ground you. What was it?” I demanded
“Nothin’,” he muttered.
“Rick,” I hissed, trying to pull away, but his hand remained locked on my jaw.
“You, you asshole,” he snapped.
Ohhhhhh, yeah! They were bonding so well, and being there for each other, supporting each other. Right now, the two of them might just be the closest out of all the guys. And they've "adopted" Chase super quickly too, so I was definitely all for their bromance.
🧑🏻💼🧑🏼Maverick and Fox
“For the love of fuck, do not repeat what I’m about to say to anyone, you understand, douchebag?” I demanded and he nodded, seeming confused. “You’re my brother. And yes, I have fucking hated your guts for a very long time, but I’ve also missed you every day on that godforsaken island. Your value to me is more than I can put into words, because it’s our whole fucking childhood, it’s every night in this house we spent together, it’s playing video games ‘til four am and laughing like idiots at our stupid little inside jokes. And okay, maybe there’s a thousand miles of mistakes between us, and yeah, maybe I shot at you. But I shot wide on purpose, Foxy, I’d never really put a bullet in you. At least not one that’d put you in the ground.”
Four books later, they have finally stopped being murderous and can start rebuilding their relationship back, piece by piece. It's kind of funny how Maverick ended up closer to JJ, Chase and Rogue than Fox is, but, well, twists and turns are always served perfectly by the Twisted Sisters.
🧑🏼🧑🏽Fox and JJ
“There is nothing left of us,” I talked over him, but he barrelled on, raising his voice.
“I know I shouldn’t have lied to you and I’m sorry for that, but you never had a right to tell me I couldn’t love her. You never had the right to demand anything of me when it came to her. It wasn’t Harlequin business.
They've hit a rough patch, but the fact that they have been best friends for such a long time must count for something. Even if it's not like before, they are slowly working things out and I'm definitely waiting to see them in full bromance again.
🧑🏼💼🌹Luther and Carmen
"I thought you asked me here to return your ledger?" I asked her in a low voice. "If you wanted me to fuck you then you should have just said. It would have saved my kids a lot of effort in retrieving the thing."
Carmen laughed, tipping her head back and walking away from me. "If I wanted to fuck you, Mr Harlequin, I would have done it already. But men like you are so often a disappointment in the bedroom - so much testosterone and bravado is often a compensation for a tiny cock after all. And even if that isn't true in your case, I don't fuck men who think of themselves as kings. You're all far too interested in self-gratification to know how to please a woman like me."
OK, is it wrong that I'm soooooo looking forward to what book 5 holds for these two? There's something here, I just know it. It has to be. And I'm shipping them with all my fangirl power.
》》Favorite Scenes《《
🧑🏽🧑🏻💼JJ choosing to stay with Maverick
🌈Miss Mable's advice from Rogue’s memories
"Enjoy it while you're young, child. Before you know it, you'll be an old woman like me and you can trust me when I say, the things you look back on and regret are always the things you didn't do. Not the ones you did. So be wild, be free, live fast and love hard. Or at least have another glass of lemonade while you decide which one of them you'll be kissing first."
🧑🏻💼🧑🏽🧑🏼Maverick and JJ going to Fox, at the hospital where Luther was
🌹Carmen showing up to check on Luther
🧑🏼💼🧑🏼Luther telling Fox what happened with Rogue
“Shawn shot me,” he growled.
“And Rogue,” I said, her name holding so much weight I could barely push it off of my tongue.
He shook his head. “No, she didn’t.”
My thoughts jarred. “She…didn’t?”
🌈🤖The memory of how Rogue met Shawn
🤖🌹Shawn's visit to Carmen
🌹🌈Carmen's words to Rogue
"I see you, rainbow child, hiding beneath the hurt and shame of what you've survived. I see you. And I don't think it's time for your flame to gutter out. Hold on to that fire in your heart," she hissed. "And use it to burn everyone who tries to put it out. "We learn to recognise our own, don't we? The forgotten, broken girls. But we are so much more than that. Embrace it. Own it. Become who you were born to be. Life is too short to spend it accepting your place in the gutter when there are stars just waiting for you to rise up and claim them. And I swear, when you ascend, there will be no man on this earth powerful enough to pull you from the throne you build for yourself."
🧑🏻🧑🏽Chase calling JJ
🧑🏻Chase being the only one who realized Rogue’s message was a lie
“Oh my god, this is our problem, isn’t it?” he said in realisation. “All of us think we’re so fucking worthless that we’d rather swallow a lie that proves that than acknowledge that maybe Rogue fucking Easton actually still loves us.”
🌹🧑🏼🧑🏼💼Carmen coming to save Fox and Luther
🧑🏼🧑🏼💼🧯Fox and Luther meeting Brooklyn
“This is Mateo,” the girl introduced him as we clambered aboard the boat. “And I’m Brooklyn with a B.”
“What else would you spell it with?” I asked in confusion.
“A silent H, obviously.”
💌Chase's letter to Rogue
🤖Shawn finding Dark Fae in Fox’s drawer
🧑🏻💼🤖Maverick’s call to Shawn
🧑🏽🧑🏻JJ telling Chase all about his man-eating starfish
🤝🏻The exchange of prisoners
⭐Tatum's house
🧑🏻🌈Chase and Rogue
🧑🏻🌈Chase comforting Rogue
❤The love confession
"That I love you, Rogue Easton. I've been so irrevocably and helplessly in love with you for so long that I let it twist me up inside. I let it turn me cruel and jaded and so fucking angry because I always knew I wasn't good enough for you.”
🧯Brooklyn telling the Harry Potter- Lord of the Rings- Fast and Furious - Fight Club story
🧑🏼Fox eating the drugged cookies
“Um, sorry to bother you Mr Man Junior, but I think you ate my dog’s angry horse medicine.” Brooklyn appeared out on the balcony and I caught her hand, making her spin with me.
“Daaad,” I said through a wide smile, face planting his chest before he righted me, a frown on his face that said he was going to go full father on me.
“You need to throw up,” he said anxiously.
I batted him away. “No, I have rainbows to catch,” I growled.
🧑🏽🧑🏻💼JJ and Maverick inspecting Rogue
🧑🏻🧑🏻💼Chase and Maverick having a talk
🧑🏽JJ initiating the "us"
“It’s just us, right? There’s no fragments, no jagged edges. There’s you, me, Maverick, Chase…and Fox.”
⭐The truth or dare game
🦑Saint coming home
🦑🧑🏻💼Kyan and Maverick bonding
“You want me to beat your ass again, big man?”
“I think we both know that’s not what happened.” Kyan grinned and Maverick grinned back. Dudes were bro bonding if ever I saw it.
🦑Kyan asking them to fly the Squid balloon
🧑🏻Chase not knowing what the Squid represents
“What’s with you guys and squids?” I asked
“Its meaning is important to our family,” he answered with a shrug.
“Which is...?” Chase asked.
“How can you not know that?” Rogue asked him. “What are you, like eighty?”
🧑🏽🌈🧑🏻JJ taking a picture of Rogue and Chase
🐶🌈Mutt and Rogue reunion
🧑🏼🌈Fox and Rogue
🧑🏻🧑🏽🧑🏻💼Chase, JJ and Maverick eavesdropping
🧑🏼💼🌈Luther discussing with Rogue
🧑🏻💼🧑🏼Maverick having a chat with Fox
🧑🏼💼Luther making his hair before answering Carmen's call
🌹🌈Carmen being friendly with Rogue
🧑🏼💼🧑🏼🧑🏻💼Luther telling the truth to Fox and Maverick
🛶The boat expedition
🧑🏼💼🧑🏻💼Luther telling Maverick he loves him
🧑🏻💼🌹Luther's visit at Carmen's
🧑🏼🧑🏻Fox and Chase talking about Rogue
“It’s like she’s splitting herself between all of you. But I want all of her, Ace. I’d never be satisfied with a piece of her soul because I need to capture every inch of it. I need to know she’s mine right down to the sand in her hair and the scent of the sea on her flesh. If she’s not mine in every way, then I can’t have her. It’s all or nothing with me, it always has been, always will be. So it’s nothing, because she’s made her choice and I really hope you all make her happy, I do, but I can’t stay in this town and watch you become a family together, because I’ll die, Ace. Inside, I will fucking die.”
🌈🧑🏼Rogue talking to Fox
👵🏻Saving Miss Mable
🧑🏻💼🌈🧑🏼💼Maverick admitting his feelings for Rogue in front of Luther
"I taught you better than that. You should know not to lose your head over a woman."
"It's a bit late for that," Maverick responded. "Because I lost my head, my heart, my entire fucking being to that particular woman a long damn time ago. And you'd do well not to forget it."
🧑🏻💼Maverick staying at the Harlequin House
"Rogue has your old room," Fox said. "So I dunno if you wanna-"
"Rogue's room, my room, makes no fucking difference to me. I'll be sleeping where she is either way," Maverick interrupted and Fox's jaw ticked, but he just nodded like he'd been expecting that anyway.
🧑🏽JJ and the massage
🧑🏻💼🌈Maverick telling Rogue about his heritage
"That man wasn't a father to you. He's nothing but ash and bone. Fucking nothing."
"So what does that make me if I came from nothing?"
"Mine."
🧑🏼🧑🏽Fox and JJ talking a bit about their issues
🧑🏽JJ’s father showing up
🧑🏽JJ’s new dream
"Hell yes. I have a new dream. One day, I’m gonna get Chase Cohen on stage stripping like a pro."
🧑🏽🌈🧑🏻JJ, Rogue and Chase crossing a line
🌈👩🏼Rogue and Tatum having a girl's day
🃏The tattoos
❤The love declaration
"I've been in love with all of you since before I understood the meaning of the word," I said as I looked between three of the men my boys had grown into. "And I could no sooner pick between you than pick between the stars in the sky. You already have my heart and I've given each of you my body too. So if you're asking me what I want then it's more of that. All of that. All of you. Together."
☀️More heritage truths coming to light
💎The diamonds
》》Conclusion《《
"First one to find it gets his dick sucked," Rick challenged.
"I didn't agree to that," I replied, cocking a brow at him and he laughed.
"I know. I'm nominating Johnny James - he's gotta be fucking good if he was charging for it."
Another brutal cliffhanger? Of course. Am I going to devour the next book? Clearly. I loved the characters, I loved the cameos from Brooklyn and Tatum, I loved the reverse harem being formed, I loved Luther and Carmen and I just loved everything. I'm a bit sad for Fox, but he'll come around, I'm sure. Even Saint Memphis did, so Fox Harlequin will have to learn to do that too.
"Shit," JJ said as Rick shifted to get more comfortable on his other side and I just stayed where I was, utterly fucking spent and buzzing with pleasure. "I think we just formed a reverse harem. I'm officially living a fantasy lifestyle."
Tropes: RH, revenge quest, childhood friends, enemies to lovers, gang wars, found family
Series: The Harlequin Crew #4
Cliffhanger: Yes
Trigger Warnings: death, violence, torture
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Spice: 5/5 🌶
“There’s nothing trashy about you, pretty girl,” JJ objected.
“Yes there is,” I disagreed. “I’m the perfect combination of trash and sass which means I don’t give a fuck if anyone doesn’t like it.”
I think this book was my favorite so far. The characters have gone through a lot, they have developed and have formed amazing bonds, we have cameos from characters from Kings of Quarantine and from Society of Psychos and a lot of love declarations. So I'm utterly in love and scared to start the last book and say goodbye to these characters.
》》The Plot《《
“You’re the master of your own fate. If you try and control the world long enough, it’ll eventually break free and bite you in the ass."
With Rogue sacrificing herself and going back to Shawn, letting the boys think she never loved them, Fox hurt by JJ's betrayal, Luther shot and everyone being rather hurt, angry or literally on the verge of death, the last ending was pretty much a disaster. So this book had a lot of pieces to gather and put back togheter. It was very character-oriented, healing a lot of relationships, divulging truths about family connections and giving us a lot of love declarations.
》》Characters and Relationships《《
“So what’s the deal, beautiful? Are you fucking Chase now?”
“It was a one time thing,” Chase offered.
“Yeah right,” I growled under my breath. If I was being honest, I didn’t really care that he’d had sex with her. The guy needed her as much as we all did, maybe even a little more. And I was quietly glad they’d sorted their shit out at last. “So what are we? Some sort of foursome?”
“Let’s try being a family,” Chase said, hope filling his expression.
“I’d really like that,” Rogue sighed.
“Sounds good to me.” JJ said.
As I said, this book is very character-oriented, with relationships being formed, re-formed, better defined or simply blooming. The situatioship is moving from Maverick-Rogue-JJ into reverse harem territory, with Chase joining the frame and some lost family members show up.
🌈🧑🏻Rogue and Chase
“While I was gone, I made a playlist on my phone. Shit that reminded me of the past, but some of the present too, the good, the bad, and all the pain in between. They’re about us, little one. And maybe it’s dumb, but I thought I could give you a song whenever I say I love you to show you that those words represent a lifetime of us, a million memories made in Sunset Cove together.”
They. Are. Adorable. I've waited three books for this, but it was worth it. They had such an amazing character development. It hurts to see Chase being so full of doubts about himself, but I love how Rogue and JJ constantly work on reminding him how important he is.
“What do you reckon, Ace? Brunette or rainbow or something else?”
“It doesn’t matter to me,” Chase answered, smoke pluming from between his lips. “All I see when I look at you is colour anyway. You’re like the sunset that never ends.”
And they were really romantic too. Chase comforting her, giving her songs every time he means to say "I love you" and even his letter to her, it was really romantic.
🌈🧑🏽Rogue and JJ
“You once told me that loving me was like trying to keep hold of sand while the tide tried to claim it back from you,” I said, looking up at JJ as he continued to caress the ink I’d gotten for him. “And I wanted you to know that you don’t have to work to keep it anymore because nothing can steal it away. It’s as permanent as the ink on my skin and as endless as the tide which tried to steal it from you.”
Awww, they were my favorite duo for a very long time. And they are definitely the sweetest duo too. They are my comfort couple.
"But this is the truth. You make my heart race and my fingers tremble. You make me smile when I thought I never could again. You make my pulse race and my words come out all jumbled and I might have called you a lovesick boy, but I have always just been a lovesick girl when it comes to you."
I'm happy that, after this book, I'm sure JJ won't have any more doubts about Rogue’s feelings for him. Plus, I loved how he was the first one to understand the idea of the reverse harem (I'm sure his Dark Fae series has helped there).
🌈🧑🏻💼Rogue and Maverick
"No matter how far we’ve been from each other or how long I go between each time I lay my eyes on you, I still carry you with me right here in my chest. You’re the good in me, Rogue. You’re the only good I got left.”
I've said it before and I'll say it again: these two have definitely helped each other a lot. I think they accept everything about the other and blend all the negative emotions into healing, only through each other and their love.
“Say it again,” I growled, holding his dark gaze and as my chest rose and fell heavily.
“You’re our girl. And you own me in every way that a man can be owned. So show me you own me, Rogue. Remind me why I worship you.”
Maverick is soft for her and lets her in because I think he feels how much she actually helps him pick up the broken pieces, which is exactly what he does for her in return. Plus, they have killer chemistry.
🌈🧑🏼Rogue and Fox
"Fox, you're everything to me. For so many years I was out there just existing, pining for the feeling of your hand in mine, your arms around me, the security I always felt in your presence. Being without you was like going without the sun - I learned to survive in the dark, learned to find a way through, but I never felt truly warm, never felt awake the way I do when I'm here with you. I love you, Fox," I repeated and his throat bobbed as he took in those words. "But I love them too."
Fox has been honest about his feelings from the very beginning, so I'm honestly sad for him being the only one not getting the girl. But his tunnel vision is really holding him back.
“But I don’t trust myself with you. I fear one day my want for you will blacken anything good that once lived between us, and I don’t want you to remember me as the villain in our story. I think if we leave it now, there’s still enough good left in the past for you not to always cringe when you think of me.”
“You’re such an idiot, Fox Harlequin. I don’t cringe when I think of you, I ache. And I’m gonna keep aching as long as you stay away from me because you’re my best friend and I need you in my life. I’ve made shitty mistakes and hurt you too, but I want to show you how sorry I am, and I can’t do that if you shut me out. Please Fox.”
Their interaction is still sweet, it's fascinating to watch the two of them play friends and it's infuriating at the same time too. But they'll get where they're supposed to be in the end, I'm certain of it.
🧑🏻💼🧑🏽Maverick and JJ
“Find something good to ground you, JJ,” Maverick commanded. “That’s what you’re best at. So fucking find whatever it is you need to stay here.”
“What did you find?”
“What?” he growled.
“Last night, you found something to ground you. What was it?” I demanded
“Nothin’,” he muttered.
“Rick,” I hissed, trying to pull away, but his hand remained locked on my jaw.
“You, you asshole,” he snapped.
Ohhhhhh, yeah! They were bonding so well, and being there for each other, supporting each other. Right now, the two of them might just be the closest out of all the guys. And they've "adopted" Chase super quickly too, so I was definitely all for their bromance.
🧑🏻💼🧑🏼Maverick and Fox
“For the love of fuck, do not repeat what I’m about to say to anyone, you understand, douchebag?” I demanded and he nodded, seeming confused. “You’re my brother. And yes, I have fucking hated your guts for a very long time, but I’ve also missed you every day on that godforsaken island. Your value to me is more than I can put into words, because it’s our whole fucking childhood, it’s every night in this house we spent together, it’s playing video games ‘til four am and laughing like idiots at our stupid little inside jokes. And okay, maybe there’s a thousand miles of mistakes between us, and yeah, maybe I shot at you. But I shot wide on purpose, Foxy, I’d never really put a bullet in you. At least not one that’d put you in the ground.”
Four books later, they have finally stopped being murderous and can start rebuilding their relationship back, piece by piece. It's kind of funny how Maverick ended up closer to JJ, Chase and Rogue than Fox is, but, well, twists and turns are always served perfectly by the Twisted Sisters.
🧑🏼🧑🏽Fox and JJ
“There is nothing left of us,” I talked over him, but he barrelled on, raising his voice.
“I know I shouldn’t have lied to you and I’m sorry for that, but you never had a right to tell me I couldn’t love her. You never had the right to demand anything of me when it came to her. It wasn’t Harlequin business.
They've hit a rough patch, but the fact that they have been best friends for such a long time must count for something. Even if it's not like before, they are slowly working things out and I'm definitely waiting to see them in full bromance again.
🧑🏼💼🌹Luther and Carmen
"I thought you asked me here to return your ledger?" I asked her in a low voice. "If you wanted me to fuck you then you should have just said. It would have saved my kids a lot of effort in retrieving the thing."
Carmen laughed, tipping her head back and walking away from me. "If I wanted to fuck you, Mr Harlequin, I would have done it already. But men like you are so often a disappointment in the bedroom - so much testosterone and bravado is often a compensation for a tiny cock after all. And even if that isn't true in your case, I don't fuck men who think of themselves as kings. You're all far too interested in self-gratification to know how to please a woman like me."
OK, is it wrong that I'm soooooo looking forward to what book 5 holds for these two? There's something here, I just know it. It has to be. And I'm shipping them with all my fangirl power.
》》Favorite Scenes《《
🧑🏽🧑🏻💼JJ choosing to stay with Maverick
🌈Miss Mable's advice from Rogue’s memories
"Enjoy it while you're young, child. Before you know it, you'll be an old woman like me and you can trust me when I say, the things you look back on and regret are always the things you didn't do. Not the ones you did. So be wild, be free, live fast and love hard. Or at least have another glass of lemonade while you decide which one of them you'll be kissing first."
🧑🏻💼🧑🏽🧑🏼Maverick and JJ going to Fox, at the hospital where Luther was
🌹Carmen showing up to check on Luther
🧑🏼💼🧑🏼Luther telling Fox what happened with Rogue
“Shawn shot me,” he growled.
“And Rogue,” I said, her name holding so much weight I could barely push it off of my tongue.
He shook his head. “No, she didn’t.”
My thoughts jarred. “She…didn’t?”
🌈🤖The memory of how Rogue met Shawn
🤖🌹Shawn's visit to Carmen
🌹🌈Carmen's words to Rogue
"I see you, rainbow child, hiding beneath the hurt and shame of what you've survived. I see you. And I don't think it's time for your flame to gutter out. Hold on to that fire in your heart," she hissed. "And use it to burn everyone who tries to put it out. "We learn to recognise our own, don't we? The forgotten, broken girls. But we are so much more than that. Embrace it. Own it. Become who you were born to be. Life is too short to spend it accepting your place in the gutter when there are stars just waiting for you to rise up and claim them. And I swear, when you ascend, there will be no man on this earth powerful enough to pull you from the throne you build for yourself."
🧑🏻🧑🏽Chase calling JJ
🧑🏻Chase being the only one who realized Rogue’s message was a lie
“Oh my god, this is our problem, isn’t it?” he said in realisation. “All of us think we’re so fucking worthless that we’d rather swallow a lie that proves that than acknowledge that maybe Rogue fucking Easton actually still loves us.”
🌹🧑🏼🧑🏼💼Carmen coming to save Fox and Luther
🧑🏼🧑🏼💼🧯Fox and Luther meeting Brooklyn
“This is Mateo,” the girl introduced him as we clambered aboard the boat. “And I’m Brooklyn with a B.”
“What else would you spell it with?” I asked in confusion.
“A silent H, obviously.”
💌Chase's letter to Rogue
🤖Shawn finding Dark Fae in Fox’s drawer
🧑🏻💼🤖Maverick’s call to Shawn
🧑🏽🧑🏻JJ telling Chase all about his man-eating starfish
🤝🏻The exchange of prisoners
⭐Tatum's house
🧑🏻🌈Chase and Rogue
🧑🏻🌈Chase comforting Rogue
❤The love confession
"That I love you, Rogue Easton. I've been so irrevocably and helplessly in love with you for so long that I let it twist me up inside. I let it turn me cruel and jaded and so fucking angry because I always knew I wasn't good enough for you.”
🧯Brooklyn telling the Harry Potter- Lord of the Rings- Fast and Furious - Fight Club story
🧑🏼Fox eating the drugged cookies
“Um, sorry to bother you Mr Man Junior, but I think you ate my dog’s angry horse medicine.” Brooklyn appeared out on the balcony and I caught her hand, making her spin with me.
“Daaad,” I said through a wide smile, face planting his chest before he righted me, a frown on his face that said he was going to go full father on me.
“You need to throw up,” he said anxiously.
I batted him away. “No, I have rainbows to catch,” I growled.
🧑🏽🧑🏻💼JJ and Maverick inspecting Rogue
🧑🏻🧑🏻💼Chase and Maverick having a talk
🧑🏽JJ initiating the "us"
“It’s just us, right? There’s no fragments, no jagged edges. There’s you, me, Maverick, Chase…and Fox.”
⭐The truth or dare game
🦑Saint coming home
🦑🧑🏻💼Kyan and Maverick bonding
“You want me to beat your ass again, big man?”
“I think we both know that’s not what happened.” Kyan grinned and Maverick grinned back. Dudes were bro bonding if ever I saw it.
🦑Kyan asking them to fly the Squid balloon
🧑🏻Chase not knowing what the Squid represents
“What’s with you guys and squids?” I asked
“Its meaning is important to our family,” he answered with a shrug.
“Which is...?” Chase asked.
“How can you not know that?” Rogue asked him. “What are you, like eighty?”
🧑🏽🌈🧑🏻JJ taking a picture of Rogue and Chase
🐶🌈Mutt and Rogue reunion
🧑🏼🌈Fox and Rogue
🧑🏻🧑🏽🧑🏻💼Chase, JJ and Maverick eavesdropping
🧑🏼💼🌈Luther discussing with Rogue
🧑🏻💼🧑🏼Maverick having a chat with Fox
🧑🏼💼Luther making his hair before answering Carmen's call
🌹🌈Carmen being friendly with Rogue
🧑🏼💼🧑🏼🧑🏻💼Luther telling the truth to Fox and Maverick
🛶The boat expedition
🧑🏼💼🧑🏻💼Luther telling Maverick he loves him
🧑🏻💼🌹Luther's visit at Carmen's
🧑🏼🧑🏻Fox and Chase talking about Rogue
“It’s like she’s splitting herself between all of you. But I want all of her, Ace. I’d never be satisfied with a piece of her soul because I need to capture every inch of it. I need to know she’s mine right down to the sand in her hair and the scent of the sea on her flesh. If she’s not mine in every way, then I can’t have her. It’s all or nothing with me, it always has been, always will be. So it’s nothing, because she’s made her choice and I really hope you all make her happy, I do, but I can’t stay in this town and watch you become a family together, because I’ll die, Ace. Inside, I will fucking die.”
🌈🧑🏼Rogue talking to Fox
👵🏻Saving Miss Mable
🧑🏻💼🌈🧑🏼💼Maverick admitting his feelings for Rogue in front of Luther
"I taught you better than that. You should know not to lose your head over a woman."
"It's a bit late for that," Maverick responded. "Because I lost my head, my heart, my entire fucking being to that particular woman a long damn time ago. And you'd do well not to forget it."
🧑🏻💼Maverick staying at the Harlequin House
"Rogue has your old room," Fox said. "So I dunno if you wanna-"
"Rogue's room, my room, makes no fucking difference to me. I'll be sleeping where she is either way," Maverick interrupted and Fox's jaw ticked, but he just nodded like he'd been expecting that anyway.
🧑🏽JJ and the massage
🧑🏻💼🌈Maverick telling Rogue about his heritage
"That man wasn't a father to you. He's nothing but ash and bone. Fucking nothing."
"So what does that make me if I came from nothing?"
"Mine."
🧑🏼🧑🏽Fox and JJ talking a bit about their issues
🧑🏽JJ’s father showing up
🧑🏽JJ’s new dream
"Hell yes. I have a new dream. One day, I’m gonna get Chase Cohen on stage stripping like a pro."
🧑🏽🌈🧑🏻JJ, Rogue and Chase crossing a line
🌈👩🏼Rogue and Tatum having a girl's day
🃏The tattoos
❤The love declaration
"I've been in love with all of you since before I understood the meaning of the word," I said as I looked between three of the men my boys had grown into. "And I could no sooner pick between you than pick between the stars in the sky. You already have my heart and I've given each of you my body too. So if you're asking me what I want then it's more of that. All of that. All of you. Together."
☀️More heritage truths coming to light
💎The diamonds
》》Conclusion《《
"First one to find it gets his dick sucked," Rick challenged.
"I didn't agree to that," I replied, cocking a brow at him and he laughed.
"I know. I'm nominating Johnny James - he's gotta be fucking good if he was charging for it."
Another brutal cliffhanger? Of course. Am I going to devour the next book? Clearly. I loved the characters, I loved the cameos from Brooklyn and Tatum, I loved the reverse harem being formed, I loved Luther and Carmen and I just loved everything. I'm a bit sad for Fox, but he'll come around, I'm sure. Even Saint Memphis did, so Fox Harlequin will have to learn to do that too.
"Shit," JJ said as Rick shifted to get more comfortable on his other side and I just stayed where I was, utterly fucking spent and buzzing with pleasure. "I think we just formed a reverse harem. I'm officially living a fantasy lifestyle."
October 12, 2021
I am constantly blown away by C&S. This series just continues to slay me. There is something to say about the level of plot and detail the sisters go into that amazes me.
This book picks up right where book 3 left off, with the betrayal the boys feel at the hands of Rogue sacrificing herself to Shawn. It takes them a bit, but when they realize things aren't as they seems, saving Rogue is the only mission in that moment.
We finally, without going into anything spoiler-y, get to see the crew getting closer and acting like a 'family'. Its taken 4 books, but I think a lot of people forget the gang has 10 years of history to unpack and that doesn't happen over night. So a good chunk of this book is the group re-connecting, which I personally love.
Oh and of course we see Tatum and some of her guys from KOQ again, but we also see the harem from Death Club, which was a blast. The cameos are always a really awesome touch.
This book has everything that I've come to know and love with a C&S book, incredible plot and action, the best banter and dialogue and at the core... Found family. The one thing that really disappointed me with this book was the lack of spice. This far into the series, it should have been way more packed with spicy scenes. But I have high hopes with the spice for the last book so we shall see.
This continues to be my favorite RH and I am so excited to see where the sisters take the last book!
This book picks up right where book 3 left off, with the betrayal the boys feel at the hands of Rogue sacrificing herself to Shawn. It takes them a bit, but when they realize things aren't as they seems, saving Rogue is the only mission in that moment.
We finally, without going into anything spoiler-y, get to see the crew getting closer and acting like a 'family'. Its taken 4 books, but I think a lot of people forget the gang has 10 years of history to unpack and that doesn't happen over night. So a good chunk of this book is the group re-connecting, which I personally love.
Oh and of course we see Tatum and some of her guys from KOQ again, but we also see the harem from Death Club, which was a blast. The cameos are always a really awesome touch.
This book has everything that I've come to know and love with a C&S book, incredible plot and action, the best banter and dialogue and at the core... Found family. The one thing that really disappointed me with this book was the lack of spice. This far into the series, it should have been way more packed with spicy scenes. But I have high hopes with the spice for the last book so we shall see.
This continues to be my favorite RH and I am so excited to see where the sisters take the last book!
October 20, 2021
“I want him to see the powerful creature he couldn’t break.”
I really hoped this was the last book in this drawn out saga, but it was not and I am left disappointed. I enjoyed the evolution of Rick and… that’s about it. Im glad Rogue was put back in her place and she promised not to sacrifice herself again, because it’s dumb and never works, but I don’t have much hope for her actually keeping her word. I was so annoyed at how nonchalant they were when Shawn was at large. Seriously?! I can’t believe they let Shawn do all he did, because I firmly believe they allow Shawn to do his crap. The tired argument of Fox not being enough and being a martyr because he can’t share Rogue with his best friends was so drawn out and obnoxious. I don’t see a good way for him to come around… unless he has a near death experience (wink wink) and learns to value things in life. Sigh. Oh well. I just need to get the 5 of them together and then I can give up on this prolonged whine fest of a story.
I really hoped this was the last book in this drawn out saga, but it was not and I am left disappointed. I enjoyed the evolution of Rick and… that’s about it. Im glad Rogue was put back in her place and she promised not to sacrifice herself again, because it’s dumb and never works, but I don’t have much hope for her actually keeping her word. I was so annoyed at how nonchalant they were when Shawn was at large. Seriously?! I can’t believe they let Shawn do all he did, because I firmly believe they allow Shawn to do his crap. The tired argument of Fox not being enough and being a martyr because he can’t share Rogue with his best friends was so drawn out and obnoxious. I don’t see a good way for him to come around… unless he has a near death experience (wink wink) and learns to value things in life. Sigh. Oh well. I just need to get the 5 of them together and then I can give up on this prolonged whine fest of a story.
July 30, 2023
This one was a hard one to rate because about 250-300 pages of this book deserved five stars.
However, that remaining ~400 pages was just bloated filler that didn’t add anything to the story. The chapters in Shawn and Luther’s POV, especially when it was just their inner monologue, really didn’t help the story and completely could have been cut out.
And it felt like the first 1/3 of the novel was only there to work in characters from other books. We already had an extensive crossover with the Everlake Prep crowd; looping in the folks from Society of Psychos just felt self-indulgent since it didn’t add anything to the story.
These novels feel like a suitcase crammed with way too many clothes, where the zipper is straining against its stitches and the sides are bulging. And just like when you panic overpack before going on vacation, you find you only actually use about 1/3 of what you brought, and you could have made it easier on everyone if you had been a bit more organized and edited down your choices.
I loved seeing Rogue and the guys finally start to figure out how to move forward together, and I love that there is more to this than just the romance. But it’s hard to keep slogging through these just for the few great scenes and sections.
However, that remaining ~400 pages was just bloated filler that didn’t add anything to the story. The chapters in Shawn and Luther’s POV, especially when it was just their inner monologue, really didn’t help the story and completely could have been cut out.
And it felt like the first 1/3 of the novel was only there to work in characters from other books. We already had an extensive crossover with the Everlake Prep crowd; looping in the folks from Society of Psychos just felt self-indulgent since it didn’t add anything to the story.
These novels feel like a suitcase crammed with way too many clothes, where the zipper is straining against its stitches and the sides are bulging. And just like when you panic overpack before going on vacation, you find you only actually use about 1/3 of what you brought, and you could have made it easier on everyone if you had been a bit more organized and edited down your choices.
I loved seeing Rogue and the guys finally start to figure out how to move forward together, and I love that there is more to this than just the romance. But it’s hard to keep slogging through these just for the few great scenes and sections.
October 20, 2021
I FEEL LIKE MY HEART HAS BEEN RIPPED RIGHT OUTTA MY CHEST AND THEN YOU BOTH JUST STOMPED ON IT WHILE WEARING COWBOY BOOTS!!!!
I AM NOT OKAY
Rant over time to get into the review now 🤣
This story picks up right where Carnival Hill ended. The character growth in this book is absolutely amazing. The plot twists keep getting twistier and I fall more in love with each character in every chapter.
I’ve read every book by these authors and this is their darkest book to date.
If you haven’t started this series I strongly urge you to start The Harlequin Crew immediately!
✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥
I AM NOT OKAY
Rant over time to get into the review now 🤣
This story picks up right where Carnival Hill ended. The character growth in this book is absolutely amazing. The plot twists keep getting twistier and I fall more in love with each character in every chapter.
I’ve read every book by these authors and this is their darkest book to date.
If you haven’t started this series I strongly urge you to start The Harlequin Crew immediately!
✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥
October 19, 2021
Unpopular opinion but this series is dragging a bit for me. I’m 20% in to a VERY long book. I hate to not finish a book / series but I’m not sure I can keep reading as there is so much ‘filler’ and not much really going on.
I originally thought this was a 4 series but it’s now a 5 part and just seems to keep going onnnnnn.
I originally thought this was a 4 series but it’s now a 5 part and just seems to keep going onnnnnn.
September 17, 2022
This was seriously amazing I was transfixed and it was a rollercoaster of epic-ness that I didn’t want to end and my god the cliffhanger was bloody brutal that’s for sure I think it’s the worst yet my heart was threatening to burst from my chest I was that worked up. This begins where we left off previously with the boys destroyed and believing the worst of Rogue. The cracks have definitely set in and poor Fox seems to be the worst off. It’s only Chase that instantly realises that something is off knowing instinctively what Rogue has done.
This fourth instalment sees ties start to strengthen and reform and the group start to mend and grow closer and reconnect in all the correct ways. It’s just Fox now that needs to get with the program and Rogue wants nothing more than to have all of her boys back together as one family.
There is lots going on here, especially in regards to Shawn and the war that is occurring in Sunset cove. He’s determined to come out on top and he will stoop to any level to make sure he achieves his objective.
I definitely adored the inclusion of Tatum and her boys it was fabulous getting glimpses into their lives again, especially Saint who I have a major soft spot for he’s a definite one-off.
We also got to reconnect with Brooklyn with a B and Mateo which was also bloody hilarious I definitely appreciated their inclusion in this as well.
This was bloody and brutal and didn’t pull its punches and the heat was most definitely dialled up here to a scorching Intensity. I’m now so excited to discover how everything manages to resolve in the final book. This series has been such a journey and I’ll be sad when it finally comes to a close.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
July 9, 2022
Man, oh man. Paradise Lagoon definitely gave me some whiplash. I'm so sick and tired of Shawn winning or being ahead of them. Ugh. It's slowly killing me inside and I hope things change in the next book. If not, I will be super pissed off and will rip all my hair off.
Other than that, I'm glad that her relationship with the boys is getting better and better. Not a huge fan of Fox having that stick shoved up his asshole though. Somebody get this guy an ER room booked stat so they can surgically remove it. If he doesn't stop acting like a little twatwaffle soon, I will rip that stick out of him and slap him so hard with it. At least until he wishes he wasn't such a little twatwaffle.
Also, can I state that Luther the guy I HATED for most of this series is growing on me. Like I like the guy way more than his actual son. Who is, and I say this nicely, a huge twatwaffle. I can't wait for him to realize how horrible he is and grovels like he definitely should.
Oh, and can we get more Carmen too? I absolutely love the black widow and wouldn't mind her hooking up with Luther one bit. Also, if Shawn doesn't stop threatening Mutt we will have problems. I mean, we already had them but if he kills a dog then we definitely have bigger ones. Unforgivable and I will riot.
In the end, I'm just hoping for some happiness in the next book because I will scream if I don't get a certain someone's death. A very bloody one too. Looking at you Shawnyboy.
Other than that, I'm glad that her relationship with the boys is getting better and better. Not a huge fan of Fox having that stick shoved up his asshole though. Somebody get this guy an ER room booked stat so they can surgically remove it. If he doesn't stop acting like a little twatwaffle soon, I will rip that stick out of him and slap him so hard with it. At least until he wishes he wasn't such a little twatwaffle.
Also, can I state that Luther the guy I HATED for most of this series is growing on me. Like I like the guy way more than his actual son. Who is, and I say this nicely, a huge twatwaffle. I can't wait for him to realize how horrible he is and grovels like he definitely should.
Oh, and can we get more Carmen too? I absolutely love the black widow and wouldn't mind her hooking up with Luther one bit. Also, if Shawn doesn't stop threatening Mutt we will have problems. I mean, we already had them but if he kills a dog then we definitely have bigger ones. Unforgivable and I will riot.
In the end, I'm just hoping for some happiness in the next book because I will scream if I don't get a certain someone's death. A very bloody one too. Looking at you Shawnyboy.
April 13, 2023
That was repetitive. This beast clocked in at well over 600 pages, and I guaran-damn-tee you they could have cut it 50% if they’d bothered editing it for repetitious content. I’m making it a word: repetitious!
Not kidding- I nearly DNF’d around the 60% mark or so because of it. I decided to skim over those pages instead.
Not kidding- I nearly DNF’d around the 60% mark or so because of it. I decided to skim over those pages instead.
December 19, 2021
Started off strong then became predictable towards the end. I have no interest in continuing with the series, at this point I feel whatever comes next would be unrealistic. It was a fun read while it lasted.
October 19, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 5/5 Stars
POV : Multiple
Cliffhanger : Yes
Hero : Fox , Chase , JJ , Maverick
Heroine : Rogue
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 6/10
Heat Rating : 7/10
Triggers Involved : Past Trauma , Kidnapping (Assault)
Plot Summary :
For Maverick, JJ, Fox and Chase , nothing will ever be the same. The one girl they had given their soul too used them. She broke then in ways no one ever could. And now their whole tribe was destroyed.
Fox knows how it feels to be betrayed by the ones he considered friends. And now the one girl who was holding them all is gone. She is gone and all she left in her wake is utter chaos. Mess doesn't even begin to describe their situation.
Rogue gave up everything for the boys she loved. She surrendered herself in order to save them all from the terror of being destroyed. Her initial game was to destroy them like the way they broke her but now she can't let them get hurt because in her heart they will always be her boys and she will always protect them. But her plans are not that easy. Shawn won't rest until he has destroyed them all and she knows that he will take something from them all that none of them can get back again.
Overall Opinion :
OMG. Like if you ever thought that the cliffhanger of the last book was crazy, wait till you read this one. It's downright chaos!
Rogue and her boys have a take which will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very last page. Fox made me a bit crazy but I love him too and I hope that he gets his shit together. I have never hated a villain as much as I hate Fucking Shawn and I hope that man dies a brutal death. The things he has done are too much for me to comprehend and now I can't even begin to describe the ways I would like to torture him.
This whole book was so amazing that it was definitely my favorite one in this series so far. One look at the ending and I know that the next book will be much crazier than we can all expect! Definitely recommending this one to all the Dark RH romance loving people out there! Trust me, you'll love Rogue and her crazy men!
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May 14, 2025
Paradise lagoon picks up pretty much immediately where the last book left off.
Rogue lied to her men in a video and said that she was using them and was actually in love with Shawn. The ones who saw it JJ, Fox and Maverick believe this so they are heartbroken but they are still as in love with Rogue as they were before.
Fox finds out that his father Luther is in intensive care after being shot by Sean so he rushes to his side despite his complicated feelings towards him. Meanwhile Rogue is back with Shawn her psychotic ex-boyfriend who she is planning to murder. She tries to kill him a few times but she is unsuccessful.
During this time Luther wakes up and begins to recover from his gunshot wound.
JJ and Maverick begin looking for Chase and he eventually tells them where he is so they meet up with him. They show him the video but Chase knows immediately that Rogue was lying and the others eventually realize that.
Fox and Luther end up having to run away when they are alerted to the fact that Shawn was going to ambush them.
They meet Brooklyn and Matteo from the dead man walking duet who take them to Maverick's home, Dead man's isle.
Meanwhile Chase, JJ and Maverick manage to get Rogue back by kidnapping Shawn's mother in exchange for Rogue and they spend quality time together before they head to Dead man's isle and reunite with Fox and Luther.
My thoughts
This started off slow but it got really good when Rogue was back with most of the guys.
It had some really sweet moments.
However I was not in any way prepared for that cliffhanger. It was the worst one I have read in my life and I have read a lot of cliffhangers so that says a lot. Fox had so much character development for that to happen 😭 😭.
I went through so many emotions with this one book.
Rogue lied to her men in a video and said that she was using them and was actually in love with Shawn. The ones who saw it JJ, Fox and Maverick believe this so they are heartbroken but they are still as in love with Rogue as they were before.
Fox finds out that his father Luther is in intensive care after being shot by Sean so he rushes to his side despite his complicated feelings towards him. Meanwhile Rogue is back with Shawn her psychotic ex-boyfriend who she is planning to murder. She tries to kill him a few times but she is unsuccessful.
During this time Luther wakes up and begins to recover from his gunshot wound.
JJ and Maverick begin looking for Chase and he eventually tells them where he is so they meet up with him. They show him the video but Chase knows immediately that Rogue was lying and the others eventually realize that.
Fox and Luther end up having to run away when they are alerted to the fact that Shawn was going to ambush them.
They meet Brooklyn and Matteo from the dead man walking duet who take them to Maverick's home, Dead man's isle.
Meanwhile Chase, JJ and Maverick manage to get Rogue back by kidnapping Shawn's mother in exchange for Rogue and they spend quality time together before they head to Dead man's isle and reunite with Fox and Luther.
My thoughts
This started off slow but it got really good when Rogue was back with most of the guys.
It had some really sweet moments.
However I was not in any way prepared for that cliffhanger. It was the worst one I have read in my life and I have read a lot of cliffhangers so that says a lot. Fox had so much character development for that to happen 😭 😭.
I went through so many emotions with this one book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2021
Things are getting even crazier in the Cove and while the sun may be shining, the bodies are piling up. I’ve been dying since the last book and have been going crazy waiting for this one. My friend had to force me to put it down while out apartment hunting. My emotions were at an all-time high reading this. So many feelings happening at once I wasn’t sure my poor heart could handle it.
The story picks up after that heart-wrenching cliffhanger in the last book. Right away there is so much happening. Rogue is gone and the guys all think she betrayed them. We get to see more of the guy’s emotions and how they were feeling after everything that has happened in the past and present. We get a good amount of rekindling this book. Old relationships get rebuilt and you can see the love shine through. I think I fall in love with Rogue more every book. She is such a strong person, but also so vulnerable due to her past. I’m happy about all the opening up that happened between her and the guys. Of course, this book wasn’t all happy times. There is a lot of doubts, insecurities, and pain. Throw in the drama with Shawn and the Cartel and you are booking yourself a manic therapy session. I’m not kidding when I say this book is extreme. The violence, the twists, and the steam are off the charts. There are some secrets we find out and new information that I’m sure will play an important part in the next book.
Tatum and Saint make an appearance which is always a highlight but I’m overjoyed that my favorite character Brooklyn made an appearance. I truly love her and Fox’s interaction. Had me laughing so loud I’m sure people thought I was crazy. Of course, it wouldn’t be an evil duo’s book without an ending that leaves you feeling like you’ve been smacked in the face with a heavy-weighted ball. I always prepare myself for the worst, but somehow these girls are able to come up with such evil that I can’t even imagine it. Now I’ll be sitting in pain until the next one, but it’s worth it because my boy Jake finally got his beloved jellybeans! Though he needs a new bag or two after what happened to them. *evil side eye*
The story picks up after that heart-wrenching cliffhanger in the last book. Right away there is so much happening. Rogue is gone and the guys all think she betrayed them. We get to see more of the guy’s emotions and how they were feeling after everything that has happened in the past and present. We get a good amount of rekindling this book. Old relationships get rebuilt and you can see the love shine through. I think I fall in love with Rogue more every book. She is such a strong person, but also so vulnerable due to her past. I’m happy about all the opening up that happened between her and the guys. Of course, this book wasn’t all happy times. There is a lot of doubts, insecurities, and pain. Throw in the drama with Shawn and the Cartel and you are booking yourself a manic therapy session. I’m not kidding when I say this book is extreme. The violence, the twists, and the steam are off the charts. There are some secrets we find out and new information that I’m sure will play an important part in the next book.
Tatum and Saint make an appearance which is always a highlight but I’m overjoyed that my favorite character Brooklyn made an appearance. I truly love her and Fox’s interaction. Had me laughing so loud I’m sure people thought I was crazy. Of course, it wouldn’t be an evil duo’s book without an ending that leaves you feeling like you’ve been smacked in the face with a heavy-weighted ball. I always prepare myself for the worst, but somehow these girls are able to come up with such evil that I can’t even imagine it. Now I’ll be sitting in pain until the next one, but it’s worth it because my boy Jake finally got his beloved jellybeans! Though he needs a new bag or two after what happened to them. *evil side eye*
October 17, 2021
Star Rating 5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice Rating 5/5 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
⚠️ Possible Spoilers Ahead ⚠️
I’ve been waiting for this one to drop on my lap.
I want to apologize to the car pick up line at school for my delay in pulling forward due to me being so engrossed in this book I though if I stopped reading I was legit going to expire.
This one had me hooked!
First off Rogue. Baby. Marry me. She is a badace girl with a backbone of steel! No matter the situation she’s placed in the girl is a SURVIVOR.
The guys are still fighting and finding their way too. You see a lot of good character arcs here that are leading up to an explosive finale that’s sure to rock my socks off.
Also, the smexual tension these authors have created between a certain two characters are just *chefs kiss* perfect and has me on edge.
Now that ending.
Here lies Cat,
She enjoyed reading and food. A simpleton really. But the authors had to end her life with the cliffhanger they dropped and Cats heart couldn’t hand it.
I will forever be a sobbing emotional tormented mess until I get my hands on the last book in this series.
Spice Rating 5/5 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
⚠️ Possible Spoilers Ahead ⚠️
I’ve been waiting for this one to drop on my lap.
I want to apologize to the car pick up line at school for my delay in pulling forward due to me being so engrossed in this book I though if I stopped reading I was legit going to expire.
This one had me hooked!
First off Rogue. Baby. Marry me. She is a badace girl with a backbone of steel! No matter the situation she’s placed in the girl is a SURVIVOR.
The guys are still fighting and finding their way too. You see a lot of good character arcs here that are leading up to an explosive finale that’s sure to rock my socks off.
Also, the smexual tension these authors have created between a certain two characters are just *chefs kiss* perfect and has me on edge.
Now that ending.
Here lies Cat,
She enjoyed reading and food. A simpleton really. But the authors had to end her life with the cliffhanger they dropped and Cats heart couldn’t hand it.
I will forever be a sobbing emotional tormented mess until I get my hands on the last book in this series.
October 23, 2021
Even better than the last!
Somehow, someway, this sister author duo keeps pulling out all of the stops and topping themselves! Before I even get into the review I need a moment of silence for that epic cliffhanger, gah! Never fails to keep us on the hook!
So many things happen in this one and thankfully it doesn't take nearly as long as I thought it would for the guys to come to their senses regarding Rogue although there is still one slippery badger holding on on being in the harem. Even without Badger partaking in certain activities, let me tell you this is one hot & heavily loaded steamfest 🥵🥵 Hopefully Badger changes soon, but will it be soon enough with the most annoying "this guy needs to die" villian still playing his cards around Sunset Cove? Shawn plays his own role to the beat of his own drum while taking a sick sense of pleasure in trying to stay one step ahead of of little Harlequin Crew. Mutt and the crew are pretty smart, but are they smart enough to figure their way out of one last trap set by the douchnozzle Shawn?
Somehow, someway, this sister author duo keeps pulling out all of the stops and topping themselves! Before I even get into the review I need a moment of silence for that epic cliffhanger, gah! Never fails to keep us on the hook!
So many things happen in this one and thankfully it doesn't take nearly as long as I thought it would for the guys to come to their senses regarding Rogue although there is still one slippery badger holding on on being in the harem. Even without Badger partaking in certain activities, let me tell you this is one hot & heavily loaded steamfest 🥵🥵 Hopefully Badger changes soon, but will it be soon enough with the most annoying "this guy needs to die" villian still playing his cards around Sunset Cove? Shawn plays his own role to the beat of his own drum while taking a sick sense of pleasure in trying to stay one step ahead of of little Harlequin Crew. Mutt and the crew are pretty smart, but are they smart enough to figure their way out of one last trap set by the douchnozzle Shawn?
October 13, 2021
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This series never fails to disappoint me. This book was amazing for answering questions and all the characters coming together more. Even more obsessed with maverick which I didn’t think was possible, they all grew on me even more this book.
I cannot wait for the final book and hopefully 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽 see everything come together with a HEA but I’m also so sad to see the end of this series 🥺🥺
That ending has me slightly terrified like what. Does an ending ever make you think ‘erm how do they actually get back from this?’ Yep that was this ending 🙃
This series never fails to disappoint me. This book was amazing for answering questions and all the characters coming together more. Even more obsessed with maverick which I didn’t think was possible, they all grew on me even more this book.
I cannot wait for the final book and hopefully 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽 see everything come together with a HEA but I’m also so sad to see the end of this series 🥺🥺
That ending has me slightly terrified like what. Does an ending ever make you think ‘erm how do they actually get back from this?’ Yep that was this ending 🙃
November 3, 2021
This book was ok.
I liked this book but I didn't love it. Maybe because I feel like this story needs to end. There is not a lot of changes between the two last books. The plot and the characters are mostly the same. The MCs battle between killing Shawn Mackenzie and rebuilding their family. The arguments between the characters are usually the same and I kind want to slap them at the end.
Let's be honest, Book 3 and 4 could have been mixed together. The story needs to move forward.
I really like Rogue's story but I hope book 5 will be different from the other 2.
I liked this book but I didn't love it. Maybe because I feel like this story needs to end. There is not a lot of changes between the two last books. The plot and the characters are mostly the same. The MCs battle between killing Shawn Mackenzie and rebuilding their family. The arguments between the characters are usually the same and I kind want to slap them at the end.
Let's be honest, Book 3 and 4 could have been mixed together. The story needs to move forward.
I really like Rogue's story but I hope book 5 will be different from the other 2.
October 20, 2021
This was a good one from the sisters!
I saw what was going to happen from the moment they brought up the diamonds, so it was a little predictable. Of course it hung on a cliffhanger, but I don’t think they ever finish without one that’s monumental. For some bad ass gangsters they aren’t very bad ass or gangster anymore. I still give it 5 stars, since I love the writing style.
I saw what was going to happen from the moment they brought up the diamonds, so it was a little predictable. Of course it hung on a cliffhanger, but I don’t think they ever finish without one that’s monumental. For some bad ass gangsters they aren’t very bad ass or gangster anymore. I still give it 5 stars, since I love the writing style.
July 10, 2022
The only word that could accurately describe my reading experience for this beast of a book would be a rollercoaster. After the ending of Carnival Hill and for a decent portion of the story, my heart remained broken but eventually began putting itself back together piece by piece but there were also times where I was laughing so hard that I was crying! The humor that was sprinkled in throughout helped to alleviate some of the heaviness that was an ever-present theme in this book. I can easily say that this is one of if not the sisters' darkest book to date but it was written so well. These characters are the definition of broken and traumatized, each of them battling their own demons and to me the focus of the book was on the rebuilding of their trust and love for each other. Again, it was written so well and I feel like while the character and relationship growth was on the slower side, it wouldn't have felt as realistic as it did had it been rushed. And while some could argue that this had a lot of filler, I think it was completely necessary in order for these characters to get the time they needed to really focus on themselves and fixing their family and I absolutely loved watching them all grow together! ❤️
There were so many individual scenes and overall themes that I loved about this book, obviously the character growth was a huge one! Others included the freaking HILARIOUS cameos from other United States of Anarchy characters, I had to put the book down for a minute when I was reading the scene where Saint came home because I was dying of laughter at his meltdown! 🤣 I'm also a huge fan of banter in my stories so seeing the banter in here go from sharp barbs to affectionate teasing similar to what we saw back in the prequel novella had my heart starting to stitch back together again with the hope that things would be able to work out. Then the terrible two had to go and ruin it! I knew the cliff would be bad, it was one of the reasons I decided to hold off on reading this until the final book was out so I was prepared but man did it still pack a punch. I have my suspicions of how things are gonna be resolved but I also don't have very high hopes because let's be honest, things are REALLY bad right now. 😅 There's only one way to find out how everything ends and I'm both excited to see these characters finally get their HEA and terrified to see what it's gonna take to get them there!
There were so many individual scenes and overall themes that I loved about this book, obviously the character growth was a huge one! Others included the freaking HILARIOUS cameos from other United States of Anarchy characters, I had to put the book down for a minute when I was reading the scene where Saint came home because I was dying of laughter at his meltdown! 🤣 I'm also a huge fan of banter in my stories so seeing the banter in here go from sharp barbs to affectionate teasing similar to what we saw back in the prequel novella had my heart starting to stitch back together again with the hope that things would be able to work out. Then the terrible two had to go and ruin it! I knew the cliff would be bad, it was one of the reasons I decided to hold off on reading this until the final book was out so I was prepared but man did it still pack a punch. I have my suspicions of how things are gonna be resolved but I also don't have very high hopes because let's be honest, things are REALLY bad right now. 😅 There's only one way to find out how everything ends and I'm both excited to see these characters finally get their HEA and terrified to see what it's gonna take to get them there!
July 3, 2022
At this point I should really be used to these cliffhangers but somehow everytime I’m thrown for a loop. This time around though I gotta admit I’m pissed and quite a bit tired. I’m tired of “fucking Shawn” always winning and being one step ahead. I couldn’t be happier there’s only one book left in the series. I’m sick of the same story basically being repeated through each book with only a little bit of character evolution or plot development. I’m such a glutton for punishment though because of fucking course I’m jumping into the next book asap.
The story picks up right on the cliffs edge with Rogue in Shawn’s grasp. Sadly for her she did a too good job of breaking her boys to the point they truly believe she wants him rather than them. Though I will say for Shawn, her time as a captive was rather tame given what he did to poor Chase. Then again he’s all about mind games and at this point he’s got them all pegged. I’m also just peeved that Rogue so casually used brown box dye on her glorious rainbow hair that not only took hours but cost so much money I don’t even want to know. The teenage rebellion needs to end lol. Given that I definitely think Rogue and even all the guys ticked me off at least once during this book. Most of them seemed so far off from the bad gangsters they’re supposed to be I entirely forgot that side of the story. They sure don’t really operate as a gang and only occasionally are other members even mentioned like when following Rogue or protecting the mansion. Makes them appear a little weak as Shawn’s always showing up en masse. Hopefully they can get their act together and once and for all kill Shawn. Besides thatI’m hoping the stick has fallen from Fox’s ass and he can accept them all being a harem rather than wanting Rogue all to himself. If he wasn’t so close to the guys I’d understand but he’s just being a baby and hurting them and himself by denying what he wants. I just need a HEA for everyone including Mutt once and for all.
Side note: Up till now I’ve listened to the audio versions of the books and I have to say they are done extremely well and I’m really going to miss the narration in the final book because there is no way I have the patience to wait any longer 😎
The story picks up right on the cliffs edge with Rogue in Shawn’s grasp. Sadly for her she did a too good job of breaking her boys to the point they truly believe she wants him rather than them. Though I will say for Shawn, her time as a captive was rather tame given what he did to poor Chase. Then again he’s all about mind games and at this point he’s got them all pegged. I’m also just peeved that Rogue so casually used brown box dye on her glorious rainbow hair that not only took hours but cost so much money I don’t even want to know. The teenage rebellion needs to end lol. Given that I definitely think Rogue and even all the guys ticked me off at least once during this book. Most of them seemed so far off from the bad gangsters they’re supposed to be I entirely forgot that side of the story. They sure don’t really operate as a gang and only occasionally are other members even mentioned like when following Rogue or protecting the mansion. Makes them appear a little weak as Shawn’s always showing up en masse. Hopefully they can get their act together and once and for all kill Shawn. Besides thatI’m hoping the stick has fallen from Fox’s ass and he can accept them all being a harem rather than wanting Rogue all to himself. If he wasn’t so close to the guys I’d understand but he’s just being a baby and hurting them and himself by denying what he wants. I just need a HEA for everyone including Mutt once and for all.
Side note: Up till now I’ve listened to the audio versions of the books and I have to say they are done extremely well and I’m really going to miss the narration in the final book because there is no way I have the patience to wait any longer 😎
October 21, 2021
Nope, I’m done! Ok maybe not done, done but definitely done for now… until the final book. Please give me the final boom 😩🥺
I am already on a book hangover and I just finished it.
This book starts up after the 3rd book where Rogue returns to Fucking Shawn to try and save her boys. Fox, Rick and Jj believe at first that she betrays them then change their tune when Chase comes back and is able to change their mind. They are able to get her back and from their they work on their relationship between the 5 of them. Learning to trust each other again and find their place in their new family dynamic. The plot like always is amazing and the cliff hanger is a MOTHERFUCKER! I will be “hanging” (get it? 😉) out just waiting for the next one with baited breath.
The Spice is chiefs kiss! Susanne and Caroline did not disappoint. Breathe play? Yes please! A little MMF? Hell yes! Rough and Dirty? Duh! BUT THEY REALLY BROUGHT OUT THE BIG GUNS WITH THE KNIFE PLAY! Lord give me all the strength! So FUCKING hot!
This series has one 4 out 5 books out so if you aren’t into cliffhangers I’d wait for the final one. If you can hang (I had to lol) with the cliffies then this RH is totally worth it.
PLEASE CHECK TRIGGERS.
I am already on a book hangover and I just finished it.
This book starts up after the 3rd book where Rogue returns to Fucking Shawn to try and save her boys. Fox, Rick and Jj believe at first that she betrays them then change their tune when Chase comes back and is able to change their mind. They are able to get her back and from their they work on their relationship between the 5 of them. Learning to trust each other again and find their place in their new family dynamic. The plot like always is amazing and the cliff hanger is a MOTHERFUCKER! I will be “hanging” (get it? 😉) out just waiting for the next one with baited breath.
The Spice is chiefs kiss! Susanne and Caroline did not disappoint. Breathe play? Yes please! A little MMF? Hell yes! Rough and Dirty? Duh! BUT THEY REALLY BROUGHT OUT THE BIG GUNS WITH THE KNIFE PLAY! Lord give me all the strength! So FUCKING hot!
This series has one 4 out 5 books out so if you aren’t into cliffhangers I’d wait for the final one. If you can hang (I had to lol) with the cliffies then this RH is totally worth it.
PLEASE CHECK TRIGGERS.
October 15, 2021
This one took me through ALL my feelings. It gives off major emotions of things having come full circle in a lot of ways. Rogue going solo in an effort to save her guys was the best and worst thing that could have happened. Now everyone is dealing with the fallout. It has to get worse before it gets better. We all know this duo likes to give us the bitter along with the sweet. While there are LOADS of sweet and steamy moments, there is buckets of drama too. I was there for it, and now I can’t wait for the final book in the series. Maybe this little found family can reclaim the people they once were and leave the drama behind once and for all.
October 15, 2021
Destroyed! The sisters live off our pain, that’s the only reason I can think that these cliffhangers keep getting worse.
There was a lot of angst, lots of pain, and even lots of growth. I adore my rainbow haired princess, really hoping before the end of this series she’s queen of Sunset Cove. Rick is still my favorite, his darkness still speaks to my soul. And I still want to kidnap Chase to keep him safe, from the sisters.
My favorite thing about this series are the Easter eggs. Seeing Tatum and now Brooklyn in this series. I love LOVE that addition.
Anxiously waiting for the finale and trust C&S to bring them their HEA. Gallow Bridges is going to Slay!
There was a lot of angst, lots of pain, and even lots of growth. I adore my rainbow haired princess, really hoping before the end of this series she’s queen of Sunset Cove. Rick is still my favorite, his darkness still speaks to my soul. And I still want to kidnap Chase to keep him safe, from the sisters.
My favorite thing about this series are the Easter eggs. Seeing Tatum and now Brooklyn in this series. I love LOVE that addition.
Anxiously waiting for the finale and trust C&S to bring them their HEA. Gallow Bridges is going to Slay!
July 29, 2023
WHAT THE FUCK!! What the actual fuck!! Literally everyone’s life is in danger!! Even MUTT!! And then, (excuse my language) Shawn’s bitch ass is still alive and he will not die. And he keeps popping up everywhere. Just when everyone is at peace and happy, Shawn shows up. AND THEN, Fox and Rogue still haven’t slept together?!?! Like we had some nice foursomes, but we NEED the fivesome. And then, we had MORE secrets revealed!! Like the things we’ve learned, it better fucking help them in some way without any death. We just need ONE MORE BOOK!! This is too much. I swear no one significant better not die. Like what the heck!! Everything was finally coming together. Everyone reunited, it was still wonky in places, but it was almost like they were all a happy family again. UGH. These people better have the best HEA ever.
Favorite quotes/scenes:
“Bullshit, I’m not giving her to some random racoon. We’ll bring her home to Sparkle.“I’m not training up a man-eating starfish for nothing.”(JJ)
“Jesus, you’ve still got that thing?”(Chase)
“That thing is called Sparkle and he’s a part of the family. He’s basically your older brother, Ace.” (JJ)
“There’s no length I wouldn’t go to, little one. I’ll be his worst nightmare brought to life, and you’ll be the queen who rules me.” (Chase)
“And then! This woman with crazy hair was all like, “Your sister has to go to the Hunger Games,” and Harry Potter was like, “that’s not my sister, that’s Barty Crouch Junior!” (Brooklyn with a B)
"Being without you was like going without the sun-I learned to survive in the dark, learned to find a way through, but I never felt truly warm, never felt awake the way I do when I'm here with you." (Rogue to Fox)
"I just want you, baby. I want every dark and depraved piece of your soul alongside the light and the beautiful pieces too.” (Fox)
"But this is the truth. You make my heart race and my fingers tremble. You make me smile when I thought I never could again. You make my pulse race and my words come out all jumbled and I might have called you a lovesick boy, but I have always just been a lovesick girl when it comes to you." (Rogue to JJ)
“And that’s what I desire most about you, because I’ve been obsessed with that fucking girl for my whole life and no matter how far we’ve been from each other or how long I go between each time I lay my eyes on you, I still carry you with me right here in my chest. You’re the good in me, Rogue. You’re the only good I got left.” (Maverick)
“All I see when I look at you is color anyway. You’re like the sunset that never ends.” (Chase to Rogue)
“I loved this girl so fiercely, it was written into the essence of my flesh.” (JJ)
“I'd been in love with all of them for as long as I could remember and doing this with them, being with them all like this felt as natural as fucking breathing. This was what we'd all be born for. Me and them. All in.” (Rogue)
Favorite quotes/scenes:
“Bullshit, I’m not giving her to some random racoon. We’ll bring her home to Sparkle.“I’m not training up a man-eating starfish for nothing.”(JJ)
“Jesus, you’ve still got that thing?”(Chase)
“That thing is called Sparkle and he’s a part of the family. He’s basically your older brother, Ace.” (JJ)
“There’s no length I wouldn’t go to, little one. I’ll be his worst nightmare brought to life, and you’ll be the queen who rules me.” (Chase)
“And then! This woman with crazy hair was all like, “Your sister has to go to the Hunger Games,” and Harry Potter was like, “that’s not my sister, that’s Barty Crouch Junior!” (Brooklyn with a B)
"Being without you was like going without the sun-I learned to survive in the dark, learned to find a way through, but I never felt truly warm, never felt awake the way I do when I'm here with you." (Rogue to Fox)
"I just want you, baby. I want every dark and depraved piece of your soul alongside the light and the beautiful pieces too.” (Fox)
"But this is the truth. You make my heart race and my fingers tremble. You make me smile when I thought I never could again. You make my pulse race and my words come out all jumbled and I might have called you a lovesick boy, but I have always just been a lovesick girl when it comes to you." (Rogue to JJ)
“And that’s what I desire most about you, because I’ve been obsessed with that fucking girl for my whole life and no matter how far we’ve been from each other or how long I go between each time I lay my eyes on you, I still carry you with me right here in my chest. You’re the good in me, Rogue. You’re the only good I got left.” (Maverick)
“All I see when I look at you is color anyway. You’re like the sunset that never ends.” (Chase to Rogue)
“I loved this girl so fiercely, it was written into the essence of my flesh.” (JJ)
“I'd been in love with all of them for as long as I could remember and doing this with them, being with them all like this felt as natural as fucking breathing. This was what we'd all be born for. Me and them. All in.” (Rogue)
October 27, 2021
*** 3.5 STARS ***
Paradise Lagoon made me feel so many different emotions and some parts were quite intense. There are some great scenes, lots of character and relationship development and some great crossovers from other series.
Unfortunately, I have to admit that it dragged in some parts and for such a long book, there was very little action or plot development. As there are so many gangs involved, I was expecting more action. I can’t say exactly what it was, but I didn’t enjoy the pace and the way the book was structured as much as I enjoyed the previous books. Some parts I considered important were sorted quickly and others with less importance had more focus and it didn’t help the story.
I love the main characters but...is it wrong to say that I am more interested in Carmen and Luther? I want to know more about that woman and what she has done in her life.
Be ready for the brutal cliffhanger! I am looking forward to the final book and I really hope the characters improve in their decision making… Shawn has really outsmarted them so far! Also, I am crossing my fingers for more action!
Paradise Lagoon made me feel so many different emotions and some parts were quite intense. There are some great scenes, lots of character and relationship development and some great crossovers from other series.
Unfortunately, I have to admit that it dragged in some parts and for such a long book, there was very little action or plot development. As there are so many gangs involved, I was expecting more action. I can’t say exactly what it was, but I didn’t enjoy the pace and the way the book was structured as much as I enjoyed the previous books. Some parts I considered important were sorted quickly and others with less importance had more focus and it didn’t help the story.
I love the main characters but...is it wrong to say that I am more interested in Carmen and Luther? I want to know more about that woman and what she has done in her life.
Be ready for the brutal cliffhanger! I am looking forward to the final book and I really hope the characters improve in their decision making… Shawn has really outsmarted them so far! Also, I am crossing my fingers for more action!
October 21, 2021
I’m too invested to give up now.
I skipped a lot of it and didn’t miss out on much. But I’m too invested in this series to quit now. I’ll get the last one. And let’s hope it’s the last one because this book was a lot of filler. I mean great for really getting down to the bones of thier friendships reforming. But some of it was just boring as sin.
That said I’m still going to get the next book because I need to know they kill Shaun.
I skipped a lot of it and didn’t miss out on much. But I’m too invested in this series to quit now. I’ll get the last one. And let’s hope it’s the last one because this book was a lot of filler. I mean great for really getting down to the bones of thier friendships reforming. But some of it was just boring as sin.
That said I’m still going to get the next book because I need to know they kill Shaun.
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