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4.24 AVERAGE

dark slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I read and loved Elena Lawson’s Boys of Briar Hall series, so after seeing some great reviews from my Goodreads friends and the author’s posted teasers on Instagram, I have been really excited to read this book. I’m so glad the story did not disappoint!

“Maybe gray is my favorite color.” 

Holy fuck… this book was insane. The morally gray (well they may be pitch black) guys, the FMC, the twists, the turns, the violence, the adorable dog, the chaos… it had EVERYTHING in it that I loved. Right from the minute that I started listening to this book, I was hooked and didn’t want to stop listening. I think all the narrators fit their characters pretty well. Loved the emotion that the female narrator had. 

After escaping from an evil ex, Aurora, the FMC, finds herself living with 3 hardened criminals who all have a tragic background. Seven, Elijah, Atticus. Each one pulls you into them in a different way. Seven, though, he was my absolute favorite. I just wanted to give him a big hug because it’s definitely not something he’s had too many of. Elijah was super sweet and probably needs a hug, too. However, Atticus… he can go eff himself. ‘Cause like the garbage he put Aurora through was ridiculous. I’m not even sure I like Aurora with him – I think she’d be content to just be with Seven and Eli. 

“There’s still dirt on his cheek. The blood of my enemy splattered along the triple seven tattoo on his neck. And fuck if he isn’t the most beautiful monster I’ve ever seen.” 

These guys did some crazy stuff to protect Aurora and I loved that. They truly showed their dark side to her and let her know that they’d do whatever it takes to make sure she’s protected, safe, and… happy. They all got themselves into some wild situations and it was truly entertaining and at times it had me on the edge of my seat. 

That ending, though! Like what?! We’re left on a cliffhanger and I need MORE, like yesterday. This story has struck with me and I find myself thinking about it often. White Rose Painted Red hurt like crazy, but I fear the 2nd book will hurt even worse. 

"Who hurt you"
-Right out the gate we got the who hurt you!

This book begins with intrigue and action and that doesn't stop one time in this book. The pacing is perfect to keep your attention. The MFC, Aurora and her dog (Ellie) are so endearing. She is brave, courageous, sexy, and clearly needs someone to care about her. The MMCs Elijah, Seven, and Atticus are just as all book boyfriends should be- they have the body, the protect her at all cost mentality, and the MOVES if you know what I mean. Besides their personal relationships there is criminal intrigue and revenge on the menu. This book is plot driven and the spice is S P I C Y. This book has a long list of trigger warnings. I'm already waiting for book 2!!

Elijah - tortured artist with a tragic past.
Seven - Golden retriever who is a mess and will protect them at any cost
Atticus - Control freak mastermind
Aurora - She's a badass who just wants to belong somewhere. When she finds that place, everyone better watch out.

"But I'm finding myself hoping that my broken pieces somehow fit with theirs."


Thank you to Blake & Elena Lawson for sending me the ARC. All opinions are my own.
dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

What a Beautiful ride!!! Everything about this book was special. The characters, the plot, the twist and turns it takes. Even the cliffhanger left me spiraling.

This book has a cathartic feel to it and Aurora was easy for me to connect to. She feels helpless at first but slowly grows into a woman finding her strength and power.

Seven is like a Murderous teddy bear but only for Aurora. Eli is like a warm blanket on a rainy day. Atticus… well I don’t have much to say for him yet but he better grovel good in the next book. Speaking of which, book 2 can’t come quick enough!!
adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
dark emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
challenging dark emotional funny hopeful slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Really good, a few cheesy part