kayla_llbr 's review for:

Bold Tricks by Karina Halle

5.0

---

*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

These violent delights have violent ends

And in their triumph die, like fire and powder...

-Romeo and Juliet

What a thrilling conclusion to such a take-no-prisoners series. Bold Tricks takes place immediately following the stunning ending to Shooting Scars without a moments pause. There is danger. Sex. Love. And best of all, resolution to the nagging question of who will Ellie choose

On one side of me was Camden McQueen, on the other was Javier Bernal. One more light than dark. One more dark than light. Both men had come for me, both men had loved me, and both of them I had underestimated.

Ellie, has once again, found herself between a rock (Camden) and a hard place (Javier); cue music.

Between car chases, gun battles, and plenty of pissing contests


there were moments of intense emotion and clarity

But when you’re told over and over again about how immoral you are, how bad, how wicked, how unlikable how terrible you are, it’s hard to hear anyone say any different. I felt like a fraud being good just as I felt like a fraud being bad.

and what was the focus of this torrid love story instead becomes a study of the human condition through the eyes of Ellie Watt.

The growth of her character over the events that took place in On Every Street to now are worth the journey. There is a duality to her character: unbreakable yet fragile, right but SO wrong. For so long I was Team Javier (aka Team BatShitCrazy) and I still am, but I am Team Ellie all the way. Her narration and inner monologue throughout this series is heartbreaking.

....and Camden McQueen. Well, I wasn't always his biggest fan. It's hard to compete with this:

but there is something so endearing about his love and loyalty for Ellie

I don't want to love you, Ellie, but I do love you. I cant stop myself.

But that doesn't mean you Team Camden people should count Javier out, because he might just surprise you...

Oh angel, you forget. You're the only one who gave me a soul. If I don't have one anymore, it's not my fault.

These characters are not innocent. They've each played a role as villain. But there is a humanity underlying between all of them (Javier too!) that leaves you second guessing, holding your breath, and praying for resolution.

If you're looking for a series that sets the bar for other books in terms of character depth, emotion and plot,THIS, is the one.

5 stars*