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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Absolutely stunning, emotional and with steamy scenes! I adore Karina's writting and I demand more please!
Such an amazing read. Karina Halle is brilliant and I think this was the best one of this series.
Wow! This was really a beautiful book! Kayla is one of my favorite heroines - she's straight-forward, confident and tells it like it is. Lachlan is damaged - he's had a hard life and made some mistakes. The two of them together = perfection! I can't even find the words to describe the amount of emotions I felt while reading this book - there's so much depth to these characters and I loved both of them. There was some really hot sexy times too! I really loved this book and look forward to reading more by this author!
This was a truly wonderful book. Wow. I don't even know how to express how much I loved it. It was long but ever word seemed completely necessary, no filler. I read most of this book with my heart in my throat because I could see the train wreck about to happen and knew there was no stopping it. Luckily the author pulled out an amazing ending that was completely worthy of this couple. Lachlen's problems didn't magically go away, he had to work hard to get better and I loved that.
I really hope we are reading about his brother next!!
I really hope we are reading about his brother next!!
Kayla Moore is a unique character. She’s brash and bold, and has no issue being known as a woman who sleeps around. You never know what to expect out of her mouth or what she’ll do next. But underneath all of that, she’s hugely wanting of affection, even if she’s told herself that she’s wary of love. Seeing her mother suffer when her dad died has sort of worried her that she’ll be controlled by the effect of love, too. With her self-imposed No Sex vow, she decides to face the world just as herself and not what with what she wants. That is, until Lachlan enters the picture.
Lachlan is big, bearded, tatted, and broody. His Scottish brogue is deep and wild. He’s the quiet and silent type that is always assessing. Lachlan is a lot like the dogs that he tirelessly saves; skittish, wary, and in need of a soft touch. It’s not expected that the loud and flippant Kayla would be that person, but something about Lachlan moves something inside of her. The mere sight of him causes her brain to malfunction, and she wants to crack that nut. She wants to see what’s on the inside of this beautiful, mysterious man. The only issue is getting him to open up.
Kayla and Lachlan together were intense and fiery. Their body’s called out to each other and once they finally gave in to it, it was explosive. Their chemistry was off the charts. I enjoyed Kayla’s character, seeing her sort of take on the baggage of what a male character usually would, and how she grew throughout. But most of all I enjoyed seeing Lachlan slowly open himself up. Seeing her care for him and him just blossom under that warmth was amazing. It’s an intensely long story that really focuses on the journey these two share, and the beautiful love they create. It was great, and I’m sad that it had to end.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest review**
Lachlan is big, bearded, tatted, and broody. His Scottish brogue is deep and wild. He’s the quiet and silent type that is always assessing. Lachlan is a lot like the dogs that he tirelessly saves; skittish, wary, and in need of a soft touch. It’s not expected that the loud and flippant Kayla would be that person, but something about Lachlan moves something inside of her. The mere sight of him causes her brain to malfunction, and she wants to crack that nut. She wants to see what’s on the inside of this beautiful, mysterious man. The only issue is getting him to open up.
Kayla and Lachlan together were intense and fiery. Their body’s called out to each other and once they finally gave in to it, it was explosive. Their chemistry was off the charts. I enjoyed Kayla’s character, seeing her sort of take on the baggage of what a male character usually would, and how she grew throughout. But most of all I enjoyed seeing Lachlan slowly open himself up. Seeing her care for him and him just blossom under that warmth was amazing. It’s an intensely long story that really focuses on the journey these two share, and the beautiful love they create. It was great, and I’m sad that it had to end.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest review**
I should have loved this one. It had a great setup but it fell flat for me. I didn’t like the characters and the story was not good. Super sad face.
I'm doing 4.5 stars because there were a few errors that drove me bonkers- just little things like using the wrong word. Typical for anyone writing, but shouldn't have been over looked by the editors.
ANYWAYS, this book is fucking everything. It's kind of your typical cliché love story until it's not. Oh it's absolutely not. It's so much more.
My first Karina read was Dirty Angels (which I then read the entire series) and it is different from The Play, but insanely good. I was skeptical when going to read this book, because it sounded like it would be a run of the mill, sexy guy, beautiful girl, yada yada story.
It was more. It was scary, and whole, it was heart wrenching, and beautiful. Oh so beautiful. Kayla in and of herself makes this book something special. She's different than your typical female leads, and she strong... But she's weak. It's so neat to watch her grow and learn, to see and feel her experience life and changes that happen to all of us. And to watch her deal with Lachlen. Because he is something she definitely has to deal with.
This romantic read has a dark touch of reality that hurts, because it's so possible. For anyone one of us it's sitting right there. I cried, harder than I've cried at a book in a long time. It was eye opening, and one of those instances you realize you need to be thankful for what you have, and to show that appreciation before it's too late.
ANYWAYS, this book is fucking everything. It's kind of your typical cliché love story until it's not. Oh it's absolutely not. It's so much more.
My first Karina read was Dirty Angels (which I then read the entire series) and it is different from The Play, but insanely good. I was skeptical when going to read this book, because it sounded like it would be a run of the mill, sexy guy, beautiful girl, yada yada story.
It was more. It was scary, and whole, it was heart wrenching, and beautiful. Oh so beautiful. Kayla in and of herself makes this book something special. She's different than your typical female leads, and she strong... But she's weak. It's so neat to watch her grow and learn, to see and feel her experience life and changes that happen to all of us. And to watch her deal with Lachlen. Because he is something she definitely has to deal with.
This romantic read has a dark touch of reality that hurts, because it's so possible. For anyone one of us it's sitting right there. I cried, harder than I've cried at a book in a long time. It was eye opening, and one of those instances you realize you need to be thankful for what you have, and to show that appreciation before it's too late.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Whoa why's this one double the length of the first two? Not complaining, exactly, but goddamn. If this wasn't in the middle of a series, I'd honestly say this should have been a duology. There were certain aspects that felt rushed, and certain other very heavy topics that could have had more time to marinate. Otherwise, this is the best in the series by far.
Trigger Warnings: Child Abuse, Abuse in general, Drug abuse/withdrawal, Poverty, Animal Abuse/Neglect, (mention of) Death (of a parent), Racism/Slurs, Violence.
Reader's Notes:
[Prologue: Oh, my god. Bawling already and we haven't even gotten into the book yet.
Chapter 2: There had better be more substance to this Kayla girl than what we've seen so far in this book/series. As it stands, I don't think she and Lachlan would mesh well together at all in any realistic scenario.
And I swear to God, if this book follows the same pattern as the first two, where the guy fucks up and the woman gets to play the victim, I'm done. You don't get to write a prologue like that and then turn your MMC into the bad guy.
Especially when the FMC's only two defining personality traits thus far are "foul mouthed" and "cock gobbler" (both phrases she's used herself.)
You've just given this man precious baby cinnamon roll status. You'd better not fuck this up Halle.
Chapter 3: This girl talks about her vagina constantly. I already don't care and the fucking hasn't even started yet.
Chapter 5: What's the point of playing rugby? What point does this serve for the interview? Like sure, it's flirty and sexy, but not at all useful for her article.
Chapter 7: I knew that article wouldn't be run with her name on it. How is that not plagarism? Or copyright infringement? Or something?
Chapter 8: I still don't give a damn about Ava.
Chapter : A man who has a soft spot for stray dogs... ugh. Could he be any more perfect?
Chapter 10: You've gotta be fucking kidding me. This poor man! Just rip my fucking heart out why don't you.
I have said it before, and I'll say it again now--I applaud Halle's balls for tackling unpleasant topics. She's certainly not afraid to go into the ugly, brutal world of drugs and abuse and shine a light on the things we as society prefer to keep in the dark. It's this kind of thing that always makes her books somehow more than just smut fests.
Chapter 11: I swear these people are shitty friends to each other. They do more gossiping and rumor spreading and ruining each others' lives than any other friend group I've ever heard of.
Also holy shit that was hot.
Chapter 13: I dunno why, but I really don't like the girl-talk. I don't like that Kayla tells all to Stephanie and Nicola. I think I like her best out of the 3, and I don't want the other two to know anything about Lachlan and her.
And I don't think they're particularly kind to Kayla. They say things that are borderline mean. Like they don't know anything about her and they've supposedly been friends for years. It's a weird relationship, but the more I see them interact, the less I like Stephanie and Nicola. And I didn't really care for either of them in their own books.
Chapter 14: Awww Lachlan and Mom are the bessssst.
Chapter 15: Yeah. I really don't like Stephanie anymore.
Get 'em Kayla. I don't agree with you--but your "friends" are meddlesome shits.
I don't care how 'bad' it can get... I don't care what he does or says or how he acts out--he's stills a precious baby cinnamon roll and can do no wrong. Like I know what's coming. I know he's gonna lose his shit and really do or say something to hurt Kayla. But goddammit, I don't want to care. I really am hoping Halle doesn't make it something unforgivable. Abuse or assault... I dunno if I could come back from that and I really, really like Lachlan so far. Ugh. The anxiety.
Chapter 16: Sorry, but after what he revealed the night before -- the fact that Kayla still pushes Lachlan to join the others at the winery is a bit sick and cruel. There's all the reasons for them to stay to themselves and not hang out with these other fools... But this one is one that's hard to swallow. How did she not feel disgusted with herself by accepting the invitation?
Chapter 17: You'd better fucking go.
Part II: So, this is like a whole second book.
Chapter 20: Brigs is a major asshole. Jesus. What the fuck, where is this coming from? Why would he say this shit in front of everybody?
Chapter 21: Holy fuck at the racial and LGBTQ slurs.
Chapter 24: Brigs is kind of an ahole. I can't believe we're supposed to read a whole book about him after this. Man fuck offffff.
Chapter 25: Honestly, this is like, really heavy for a 3 week old relationship. Kayla's not exactly wrong here.
Chapter 29: "come to bed with me" ... "let me tell you about all the ways I don't want to be around you."
Epilogue: I really don't care that Steph's pregnant. I almost feel sorry for the kid.
Trigger Warnings: Child Abuse, Abuse in general, Drug abuse/withdrawal, Poverty, Animal Abuse/Neglect, (mention of) Death (of a parent), Racism/Slurs, Violence.
Reader's Notes:
[Prologue: Oh, my god. Bawling already and we haven't even gotten into the book yet.
Chapter 2: There had better be more substance to this Kayla girl than what we've seen so far in this book/series. As it stands, I don't think she and Lachlan would mesh well together at all in any realistic scenario.
And I swear to God, if this book follows the same pattern as the first two, where the guy fucks up and the woman gets to play the victim, I'm done. You don't get to write a prologue like that and then turn your MMC into the bad guy.
Especially when the FMC's only two defining personality traits thus far are "foul mouthed" and "cock gobbler" (both phrases she's used herself.)
You've just given this man precious baby cinnamon roll status. You'd better not fuck this up Halle.
Chapter 3: This girl talks about her vagina constantly. I already don't care and the fucking hasn't even started yet.
Chapter 5: What's the point of playing rugby? What point does this serve for the interview? Like sure, it's flirty and sexy, but not at all useful for her article.
Chapter 7: I knew that article wouldn't be run with her name on it. How is that not plagarism? Or copyright infringement? Or something?
Chapter 8: I still don't give a damn about Ava.
Chapter : A man who has a soft spot for stray dogs... ugh. Could he be any more perfect?
Chapter 10: You've gotta be fucking kidding me. This poor man! Just rip my fucking heart out why don't you.
I have said it before, and I'll say it again now--I applaud Halle's balls for tackling unpleasant topics. She's certainly not afraid to go into the ugly, brutal world of drugs and abuse and shine a light on the things we as society prefer to keep in the dark. It's this kind of thing that always makes her books somehow more than just smut fests.
Chapter 11: I swear these people are shitty friends to each other. They do more gossiping and rumor spreading and ruining each others' lives than any other friend group I've ever heard of.
Also holy shit that was hot.
Chapter 13: I dunno why, but I really don't like the girl-talk. I don't like that Kayla tells all to Stephanie and Nicola. I think I like her best out of the 3, and I don't want the other two to know anything about Lachlan and her.
And I don't think they're particularly kind to Kayla. They say things that are borderline mean. Like they don't know anything about her and they've supposedly been friends for years. It's a weird relationship, but the more I see them interact, the less I like Stephanie and Nicola. And I didn't really care for either of them in their own books.
Chapter 14: Awww Lachlan and Mom are the bessssst.
Chapter 15: Yeah. I really don't like Stephanie anymore.
Get 'em Kayla. I don't agree with you--but your "friends" are meddlesome shits.
I don't care how 'bad' it can get... I don't care what he does or says or how he acts out--he's stills a precious baby cinnamon roll and can do no wrong. Like I know what's coming. I know he's gonna lose his shit and really do or say something to hurt Kayla. But goddammit, I don't want to care. I really am hoping Halle doesn't make it something unforgivable. Abuse or assault... I dunno if I could come back from that and I really, really like Lachlan so far. Ugh. The anxiety.
Chapter 16: Sorry, but after what he revealed the night before -- the fact that Kayla still pushes Lachlan to join the others at the winery is a bit sick and cruel. There's all the reasons for them to stay to themselves and not hang out with these other fools... But this one is one that's hard to swallow. How did she not feel disgusted with herself by accepting the invitation?
Chapter 17: You'd better fucking go.
Part II: So, this is like a whole second book.
Chapter 20: Brigs is a major asshole. Jesus. What the fuck, where is this coming from? Why would he say this shit in front of everybody?
Chapter 21: Holy fuck at the racial and LGBTQ slurs.
Chapter 24: Brigs is kind of an ahole. I can't believe we're supposed to read a whole book about him after this. Man fuck offffff.
Chapter 25: Honestly, this is like, really heavy for a 3 week old relationship. Kayla's not exactly wrong here.
Chapter 29: "come to bed with me" ... "let me tell you about all the ways I don't want to be around you."
Epilogue: I really don't care that Steph's pregnant. I almost feel sorry for the kid.