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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Blown away!
Wow, this is only my third book by Karina that I have read and I love her to pieces. I have to say I was favoring Bram but lach is my favorite for sure with Bram closely behind him. I can't wait to read more from karina.
Wow, this is only my third book by Karina that I have read and I love her to pieces. I have to say I was favoring Bram but lach is my favorite for sure with Bram closely behind him. I can't wait to read more from karina.
I was really anticipating this book. The last couple of books of Karina's that I read were some really good books. I counted down the days waiting for this one. Although, I liked this book, I didn't love it. It wasn't the whirlwind I had hoped. It was GOOD. And many others are loving it. This just may not have been the book for me.
Both Kayla and Lachlan are characters that you fall for from the start. They are chasing their own demons and their paths cross through mutual friends. It's hard not to get swept up in their lives and their attraction to one another.
I usually love a slow building story. I don't like when things click right off the bat. This, is a slower building story. The circumstances of these characters force it to be slower. However, once it happens, it happens. I had a hard time with that. I almost got whiplash from the slow movement right into the nitty gritty. The transformation itself happened too fast for me.
Who doesn't fall for a story where the main characters both have so much inner turmoil and find solace in each other, meanwhile fighting to not have too much of a connection? This is usually a recipe for one heck of a ride. This one is really no different. I think my main drawback with this story was it was too long. Their story just kept going and going. I eventually lost interest in the story.
Overall, this is a good book. I know many of you will absolutely love it. Karina is a wonderful writer and always seems to hit it home for those who read her books. Don't let my pessimism shy you away from giving this book a chance.
Both Kayla and Lachlan are characters that you fall for from the start. They are chasing their own demons and their paths cross through mutual friends. It's hard not to get swept up in their lives and their attraction to one another.
I usually love a slow building story. I don't like when things click right off the bat. This, is a slower building story. The circumstances of these characters force it to be slower. However, once it happens, it happens. I had a hard time with that. I almost got whiplash from the slow movement right into the nitty gritty. The transformation itself happened too fast for me.
Who doesn't fall for a story where the main characters both have so much inner turmoil and find solace in each other, meanwhile fighting to not have too much of a connection? This is usually a recipe for one heck of a ride. This one is really no different. I think my main drawback with this story was it was too long. Their story just kept going and going. I eventually lost interest in the story.
Overall, this is a good book. I know many of you will absolutely love it. Karina is a wonderful writer and always seems to hit it home for those who read her books. Don't let my pessimism shy you away from giving this book a chance.
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review.
Lachlan's personal story is often painful to read. His past has left him with memories that have clearly traumatized him to varying degrees. It's difficult for him to share parts of himself with those around him, even with those who are closest to him. With Kayla, he's able to feel loved and accepted, but then with as many demons as he's got, sometimes it can be too much for someone else to bear, especially since Lachlan continues to struggle with them on a regular basis. He's such a deep but tortured character, one that you can't help but empathize with. When you least expect it, he sabotages himself and the relationships he has with other people, and it becomes evident that he needs serious help but has to choose to do it for himself.
Among the three inter-connected books, The Play carries the most serious tone to its story and main characters. Aside from Lachlan's struggles with addiction and abuse, Kayla also has her own issues that she needs to face late in the story and your heart breaks for the decisions she has to make. Just when you think these two are at that point where they're at their happily-ever-after, fate intervenes and they're tested time and again. I enjoyed The Pact and was entertained by The Offer, but there was something hauntingly beautiful and touching about The Play, and it may not have the horror of the Experiment in Terror series that I adore or the suspense and action of the Artists books, but The Play is one special five-starred read. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review.
Lachlan's personal story is often painful to read. His past has left him with memories that have clearly traumatized him to varying degrees. It's difficult for him to share parts of himself with those around him, even with those who are closest to him. With Kayla, he's able to feel loved and accepted, but then with as many demons as he's got, sometimes it can be too much for someone else to bear, especially since Lachlan continues to struggle with them on a regular basis. He's such a deep but tortured character, one that you can't help but empathize with. When you least expect it, he sabotages himself and the relationships he has with other people, and it becomes evident that he needs serious help but has to choose to do it for himself.
Among the three inter-connected books, The Play carries the most serious tone to its story and main characters. Aside from Lachlan's struggles with addiction and abuse, Kayla also has her own issues that she needs to face late in the story and your heart breaks for the decisions she has to make. Just when you think these two are at that point where they're at their happily-ever-after, fate intervenes and they're tested time and again. I enjoyed The Pact and was entertained by The Offer, but there was something hauntingly beautiful and touching about The Play, and it may not have the horror of the Experiment in Terror series that I adore or the suspense and action of the Artists books, but The Play is one special five-starred read. ♥
One of the most emotional and heartbreakingly beautiful books I’ve read this year. I couldn’t have loved it more!
Anyone that follows my reviews, even half the time, knows what an huge Karina Halle fan I am. I live to read her books and feel she is one of the most diverse and underrated authors in the romance genre. Lachlan appears briefly in The Offer, but you don’t have to read it in order to enjoy The Play. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read about another McGregor man, but right away, it becomes obvious he is quite different from his two cousins. Lachlan is definitely more brooding and darker; he doesn’t earn his nickname “The Beast” without reason. I have adored Kayla since The Pact, and couldn’t wait to explore all the layers underneath the good time and hilarious persona. With their personalities, I just knew this was going to be quite the explosion. The angst is off the charts and some of the sexiest scenes don’t even involve a kiss. He simply calls Kayla “Love” and it is one the best pet names, ever. I was constantly melting with his quite and unassuming sexiness.
~ “I thought I was going to go over the edge.”
~ “I would have gone right with you…”
While Lachlan and Kayla’s relationship moves at a fast pace, it was perfect and believable for these two. It is also not without intensity and tribulations. Lachlan is hiding so much hurt and deep wounds underneath his tough exterior. My heart ached for him constantly. It is easy to see why he is so drawn to abused and discarded animals. The interactions he has with them are some of my favorites from the book. Karina does an excellent job of incorporating a serious and heartbreaking issue into the storyline. As a “mom” to two rescue Boxers, this book is even more personal than usual.
“I know what’s it like to be cast aside, to feel unwanted, to believe you have no one to fight for you. I’ve been there.”
While I will not spoil any details, the book is my worst ugly cry of 2015 thus far. You will simply have to read it to find out why. Despite the tears, I absolutely loved it! Karina has some of her most intense and heartbreaking scenes in the second half of this book. Rest assured though, I was smiling at the end. It was awesome seeing Stephanie/Linden and Bram/Nicola so happy and in love. I am not certain there will be another book from this group, but Brigs definitely needs a story. I’ll be waiting patiently for whatever she writes next.
Anyone that follows my reviews, even half the time, knows what an huge Karina Halle fan I am. I live to read her books and feel she is one of the most diverse and underrated authors in the romance genre. Lachlan appears briefly in The Offer, but you don’t have to read it in order to enjoy The Play. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read about another McGregor man, but right away, it becomes obvious he is quite different from his two cousins. Lachlan is definitely more brooding and darker; he doesn’t earn his nickname “The Beast” without reason. I have adored Kayla since The Pact, and couldn’t wait to explore all the layers underneath the good time and hilarious persona. With their personalities, I just knew this was going to be quite the explosion. The angst is off the charts and some of the sexiest scenes don’t even involve a kiss. He simply calls Kayla “Love” and it is one the best pet names, ever. I was constantly melting with his quite and unassuming sexiness.
~ “I thought I was going to go over the edge.”
~ “I would have gone right with you…”
While Lachlan and Kayla’s relationship moves at a fast pace, it was perfect and believable for these two. It is also not without intensity and tribulations. Lachlan is hiding so much hurt and deep wounds underneath his tough exterior. My heart ached for him constantly. It is easy to see why he is so drawn to abused and discarded animals. The interactions he has with them are some of my favorites from the book. Karina does an excellent job of incorporating a serious and heartbreaking issue into the storyline. As a “mom” to two rescue Boxers, this book is even more personal than usual.
“I know what’s it like to be cast aside, to feel unwanted, to believe you have no one to fight for you. I’ve been there.”
While I will not spoil any details, the book is my worst ugly cry of 2015 thus far. You will simply have to read it to find out why. Despite the tears, I absolutely loved it! Karina has some of her most intense and heartbreaking scenes in the second half of this book. Rest assured though, I was smiling at the end. It was awesome seeing Stephanie/Linden and Bram/Nicola so happy and in love. I am not certain there will be another book from this group, but Brigs definitely needs a story. I’ll be waiting patiently for whatever she writes next.
Sex-driven drivel. Kayla was such a crude and filter-less bitch at the start of the novel. The book was an interesting read, but it tended to drag on a bit. I cut down the length of the book by about probably 33% by skipping the explicit sex scenes.
First Bravo Ms. Halle on your donation to animal rescue !
I liked it, I didn't like it.
I loved the big strong beast of a man that was willing to get down on hid knees with abused dogs and offer them love and hope. I adored his strength and his hidden weaknesses that slowly undid him. He was broken and it came across very believable and heart wrenching. I liked him, I wanted him to finish strong. I could cheer for him.
Kayla was an interesting character. She was strong, independent and yet not taking that extra move. Why ? I'm not sure it wasn't made clear to me why exactly she was stuck. She made so many bold moves her career choices seemed out of character.
The two of them had one hot steamy sexual adventure, that held nothing back. Their relationship for the first half was exciting and invigorating. The complete love for the dogs was beautiful. The first grabbed me more than the second which had a much darker grittier feeling.
I struggle with this authors style. Her characters are very blunt, curt and extreme in their language and physical behaviors. I am uncomfortable with it. I purchased this because I wanted to support her charity drive and read about a rugby player. It was very sexually driven, very physical, and wasn't afraid to push.This was just not my taste in reading material.
I liked it, I didn't like it.
I loved the big strong beast of a man that was willing to get down on hid knees with abused dogs and offer them love and hope. I adored his strength and his hidden weaknesses that slowly undid him. He was broken and it came across very believable and heart wrenching. I liked him, I wanted him to finish strong. I could cheer for him.
Kayla was an interesting character. She was strong, independent and yet not taking that extra move. Why ? I'm not sure it wasn't made clear to me why exactly she was stuck. She made so many bold moves her career choices seemed out of character.
The two of them had one hot steamy sexual adventure, that held nothing back. Their relationship for the first half was exciting and invigorating. The complete love for the dogs was beautiful. The first grabbed me more than the second which had a much darker grittier feeling.
I struggle with this authors style. Her characters are very blunt, curt and extreme in their language and physical behaviors. I am uncomfortable with it. I purchased this because I wanted to support her charity drive and read about a rugby player. It was very sexually driven, very physical, and wasn't afraid to push.This was just not my taste in reading material.
Everytime I finish a book by Karina, I am just left in awe. Each book is instantly my new favorite. This one is no exception. But be prepared though, this book is intense. The Play is a standalone in a series of standalones. So you do not need to read the first two books to understand this one.
I read The Pact a few months ago and I was so team Linden. Then I read The Offer and I was like "Linden who?" Bram was in fact the man. But now, now I have met Lachlan, and he completely knocked both guys out of the water. Karina definitely put her heart and soul in the novel and it shows through with each and every word she wrote.
From the very beginning, she had me bawling my eyes out, tugging on my heart strings. If an author can pull that kind of emotion out of a reader within the first few pages, then you know the book is bound to be a winner.
Kayla might just be my new favorite heroine. She is strong, hilarious, compassionate. But Lachlan, (whose muse is Tom Hardy, I mean come on!!) may seem tough as nails on the outside, but he has a heart of gold that just wants to shine through. Their love is epic. That is the only way to describe it. From the first moment they meet, you can just feel the connection between the two.
"Oh love," he says, raspy sucking in his breath. "Don't ruin me just yet."
"...I want, more than anything, to undo this man and leave him the way he's leaving me, like a string pulled and a top spinning, over and over again, waiting for the fall."
Now you can't have an epic romance with out the epic sex to go with it. Oh boy. This book was on fire. And it had everything in it. I won't go into details, but just know, you will need a fan to cool you off after reading any of them!
I really enjoyed how completely opposite Kayla and Lachlan are. Thinking back on it, they really are. Kayla is so loud, outspoken and independent. A fighter. She fought for what she wanted and didn't give up. Lachlan in the beginning was so quiet. The brooding type. But we didn't fully understand why he was that way, until of course we get into his past and it was completely heartbreaking. Even knowing that at some point there would be, it still gutted me.
"And who am I?" I ask soflty, heart pleading. "Who am I to you?" She turns her face to me, skin lit up by the pale dashboard lights. "You're Lachlan McGregor. And you're mine."
(I had so many highlights that I want to share but I don't think I can fill my review up with all of them!)
One of the best things about this book is that Karina is donating $1 from all preorders and release week proceeds to various animal charities. Why you might ask? Well that is a big part of the book. Lachlan early on in the story shows us his heart when he saves two stray dogs. One of which is injured. Come to find out, in Edinburgh he has his own shelter called Ruff Love where his life besides rugby is tending to them. Major swoon. Seeing Lachlan with the animals totally made my heart melt. Just wait until you meet Lionel and Emily. And Jo. Heck all of them!
All in all, this book is great. This book is fantastic. This book is epic. Read it. Devour it. Love it.
I read The Pact a few months ago and I was so team Linden. Then I read The Offer and I was like "Linden who?" Bram was in fact the man. But now, now I have met Lachlan, and he completely knocked both guys out of the water. Karina definitely put her heart and soul in the novel and it shows through with each and every word she wrote.
From the very beginning, she had me bawling my eyes out, tugging on my heart strings. If an author can pull that kind of emotion out of a reader within the first few pages, then you know the book is bound to be a winner.
Kayla might just be my new favorite heroine. She is strong, hilarious, compassionate. But Lachlan, (whose muse is Tom Hardy, I mean come on!!) may seem tough as nails on the outside, but he has a heart of gold that just wants to shine through. Their love is epic. That is the only way to describe it. From the first moment they meet, you can just feel the connection between the two.
"Oh love," he says, raspy sucking in his breath. "Don't ruin me just yet."
"...I want, more than anything, to undo this man and leave him the way he's leaving me, like a string pulled and a top spinning, over and over again, waiting for the fall."
Now you can't have an epic romance with out the epic sex to go with it. Oh boy. This book was on fire. And it had everything in it. I won't go into details, but just know, you will need a fan to cool you off after reading any of them!
I really enjoyed how completely opposite Kayla and Lachlan are. Thinking back on it, they really are. Kayla is so loud, outspoken and independent. A fighter. She fought for what she wanted and didn't give up. Lachlan in the beginning was so quiet. The brooding type. But we didn't fully understand why he was that way, until of course we get into his past and it was completely heartbreaking. Even knowing that at some point there would be
Spoiler
HEA"And who am I?" I ask soflty, heart pleading. "Who am I to you?" She turns her face to me, skin lit up by the pale dashboard lights. "You're Lachlan McGregor. And you're mine."
(I had so many highlights that I want to share but I don't think I can fill my review up with all of them!)
One of the best things about this book is that Karina is donating $1 from all preorders and release week proceeds to various animal charities. Why you might ask? Well that is a big part of the book. Lachlan early on in the story shows us his heart when he saves two stray dogs. One of which is injured. Come to find out, in Edinburgh he has his own shelter called Ruff Love where his life besides rugby is tending to them. Major swoon. Seeing Lachlan with the animals totally made my heart melt. Just wait until you meet Lionel and Emily. And Jo. Heck all of them!
All in all, this book is great. This book is fantastic. This book is epic. Read it. Devour it. Love it.