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Series Review: Slay by Laurelin Paige

Series Review: Slay by Laurelin Paige

Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

Synopsis for Slay: Rivalry (from Goodreads):
Edward Fasbender is a devil.

He’s my father’s business rival, a powerful, vicious man who takes what he wants and bows to no one. I only took the meeting because I was curious. I thought he was going to offer me a job.

But that’s not what he’s after at all. His proposal is much more intriguing, and I see an opportunity. An opportunity to turn the tables and bring down the devil.

I’ve gotten in trouble playing these games before. I know when the risk is too great, when the stakes are too high. I know how to be cold and strong-willed and destructive. I know how to withstand dominant men with arrogant charm and rugged features.

Yet I can’t resist taking on Edward.

And I can’t resist the pull he has on me.

Soon I’m not so sure which side of the battle I’m standing on–if I’m the warrior meant to slay,

Or the one who will be slain.

breakdown

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Author
Series: Slay Quartet

This is a standalone spin-off of the Fixed Series  (Suggested Reading Order here)

Author: Laurelin Paige
# of Books: 4 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Drama
Heat Rating: Hot (BDSM: high | Kink: mild)
Point of View: First Person, Single (#1); Alternating (#2-#4)
Publication Date: June 4, 2019 – May 12, 2020
Source & Format: Candi Kane PR–eARC (#1); Own–Kobo (#2-#4)

Add: Goodreads | Buy: Amazon

Copy provided only for book #1, Rivalry

thoughts

**This post was originally published as a Blog Tour Stop review of the first book of the series. It has now been updated to include the newest publications in the series.**

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I’m a HUGE Laurelin Paige fan. She writes one of my all time favourite contemporary romance series, Fixed. That’s the series I recommend to everyone who wants a delicious contemporary romance read with a hint of drama.

I’ve been dying for more insight into Celia as a character since the moment we met her in the Fixed Series. She’s fascinating as a character and her storyline later in the series is definitely intriguing. So I was eager to dive in to this.

The Plot:

The beautiful thing about all the spin-offs that Paige writes is that you don’t need to read the previous series to get what is happening. Yes, it helps to know what the allusions mean but you can definitely get by without knowing the full details. But each characters’ story is isolated to their own novels.

As some who has read all the previous novels, it was neat to see how this story fits in with the timelines and put some of the pieces together. And even though I somewhat know what happens with their story, Laurelin Paige is still able to deliver this air of the anticipation. After all, I may know some of the outcome of their relationship, but the journey itself is completely unknown!

And what a journey it is! This book had me hooked from the start! I loved this game of cat and mouse between Edward and Celia. Add to that their explosive chemistry and you’re in for a ride.

The Characters:

As I said before, Celia is one of those characters that I’ve been dying to know more about ever since she was introduced. I was so excited when it was announced she was getting her own series.

There’s just something about getting into a character’s head after only seeing them through the filter of other characters. To get her inner monologue now helps me understand her motivations and actions in a completely new way.

As for Edward—it’s funny but I always pictured him as this really old man from the first series. Probably because he is rivals with Celia’s dad. But oh boy! I’ve seen him in a completely new light and me-likey! He’s everything I want in a darker alpha lead. He’s got this air of mystery and authority but he has these moments of vulnerability that charm me every time.

The Romance:

The tension is palpable between these two! I love enemies to lovers stories because the rivalry just amps every thing up, including the romance.

My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:

Is the sequel here yet? I’m feeling a little book-hangover here…

updates

–July 15, 2021– Books #2-4: Ruin | Revenge | Rising

I binged the rest of this series in one week! I LOVED this so much!

This series goes down a road I didn’t expect; one that had its tougher moments to read but I’m so glad I stuck with it. All these books were A-Grade good. Just a masterclass on how to weave together drama and romance.

We get Edward’s POV in the other three books and I really enjoyed that. He is such a great character. An alpha male but still has that vulnerability to him that sucks you right in.

I love a good redemption story and it isn’t everyday we see a “bad girl” get one. Celia has always been an intriguing character so getting to know her better with her own series has been fabulous. I’m so glad that Laurelin Paige stuck to her gut and gave us this incredible series!

My Rating: 5/5

Rivalry 5/5 | Ruin 5/5 | Revenge 5/5 | Rising 5/5

overall
New and returning fans will love this new, darker romance from Laurelin Paige. It has the right amount of angst, romance and drama to keep you hooked!

Read if You Like: Darker Contemporary Romances, arranged romances
Avoid if You: dislike anti-heroes

similarreads

Laurelin Paige

With over 1 million books sold, Laurelin Paige is the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Fixed Trilogy. She’s a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Game of Thrones and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Add: Goodreads | Buy: Amazon

Book Tour Organized by:

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Blog Tour: More (Ryder Brothers #3) by J D Hawkins

Synopsis for More (from Goodreads):

It starts with a bang.

As in me and Hadley, the maid of honor, during my brother’s wedding reception.
Sure, it was amazing, but I’m a one-and-done kind of guy.
After spending years of my life getting screwed over by managers and agents with the Ryder Brothers, I no longer like to commit.

I don’t even play music anymore.
The secret that I haven’t told anyone- is that I can’t.

A chance to raise money for my best friend’s nonprofit to help child stars means it’s time to deal with my block.
Hiring Hadley seems like the obvious solution.
She wants inside my head (not happening). I want to bang her again (she says she can’t sleep with clients).

Between my baggage and her professionalism, can my problem even be fixed?
Or will we both end up just wanting more?

Other books in the series:
book3

breakdown

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Contemporary Series 2018
Series: Ryder Brothers
Author: Kayti McGee
# of Books: 3 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Connected
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Celebrity
Heat Rating: Toasty
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: October 10, 2018 – December 2018
Source & Format: Candi Kane PR–eARC

Add: Goodreads | Buy: Amazon

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I’ve really enjoyed the last two novels in the series but I had a special curiosity for Jonas’ story. He’s been such an enigma throughout the series that I couldn’t wait to learn more about him and how he ends up with a character we met in the first novel, Hadley.

What I Liked:

–Very Character Driven Story–

While there are plenty of steamy moments between these two, there wasn’t only those moments. Both our leads have their flaws and seem to be in ruts when it comes to their lives. So it was great to see both of them work on their individual selves throughout the novel and grow. These two talk a lot and about a variety of things so I felt like a had a great grasp on who they are as people and why they’ve been holding back in their lives.

–Slightly Forbidden Romance–

This is a little twofold in some ways. First, it’s the fact that Hadley is  BFFS with Jonas’ brother’s wife and they hook up for the first time at the wedding…and don’t want anyone to know.

But then comes the working element of their relationship where Jonas becomes her client. I really liked how this added to their relationship, taking it to that next level of development. It was a great plot device and one that really enhanced the story the more you read.

What I Didn’t Like:

–Missing a Little Je Ne Sais Quoi

I don’t know how to describe what was missing from this book for me (ie why it isn’t a 5 star read).

I had worried that the nature of their relationship (life coach and client) would lead down a very unhealthy one but that wasn’t the case at all (I was really impressed by how that all unfolded and was dealt with). So that wasn’t it.

I think it might have been the pacing a bit? It just seemed a little off in places when I think back about the novel as a whole.

My Rating: 4/5

Close 5/5 | Want 4/5 | More 4/5

overall

A great way to wrap up this fabulous series!

Read if You Like: contemporary romances, celebrities
Avoid if You: don’t enjoy character driven stories

similarreads

 


J D Hawkins

JD Hawkins writes erotic romance with modern-classic alpha males and strong, independent women. He currently lives with his wife in Austin, TX. He loves to travel and has lived in many places, including LA, New York City, India and Thailand. When he isn’t writing, JD enjoys surfing, training in Mixed Martial Arts, reading and taking naps. He once dreamed of becoming a ballerina. He’s always loved making up stories, especially ones inspired by real life.

Author Links: Facebook | Readers Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Twitter

Add: Goodreads | Buy: Amazon

Book Tour Organised by:

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Blog Tour: Want (Ryder Brothers #2) by Kayti McGee

Synopsis for Want (from Goodreads):

Welcome to Hollywood, where wet dreams come true.

I fell for Marlee the second I met her- gorgeous smile, unimpressed by my stardom… bendy.

Not even remotely interested in me.

Of course the girl of my dreams has to be engaged to her hometown high-school sweetheart. Nothing’s ever easy, right?

Until they break up.
And she moves in with me.
The only person who can help her practice for her next role is me.

Because Marlee isn’t just new to Hollywood.

She’s a virgin.

Other books in the series:
book3

breakdown

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Contemporary Series 2018
Series: Ryder Brothers
Author: Kayti McGee
# of Books: 3 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Connected
Complete?: No, More, to be published in December 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Celebrity
Heat Rating: Hot
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: October 10, 2018 – ongoing
Source & Format: Candi Kane PR–eARC

Add: Goodreads | Buy: Amazon

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

After such a strong start in this series, I couldn’t wait to get Jake’s story! I love it when our hero is hopelessly in love with the heroine…but she doesn’t really know it yet. There’s just something about the tension it brings that sucks me in.

What I Liked:

–The Friends to More Relationship–

I loved that these two had already established a friendship before the book started. They are great friends who support each other and just have a really solid relationship. And that translates well in the first few chapters of the book. I was able to see their great connection–not simply be told it existed–and that set up a great foundation for the rest of the story; especially when the romance begins to develop.

–Jake Will Make You Swoon–

Jake is everything you want in a romance hero. He’s sweet (seriously, he says the nicest things about Marlee), confident but not overbearing and ridiculously sexy as a result. By the end of the first chapter, he had completely won over. It doesn’t hurt that he is hopelessly in love with Marlee either–there is just something so attractive about that!

What I Didn’t Like:

–Marlee’s Reason for Getting Jake’s Help With Romance–

I don’t want to give too much away but I think it’s fairly obvious early on what type of situation Marlee finds herself in and why she needs Jake’s help. Regardless, I just wish the ramifications of her situation was elaborated on a little more; especially in the current climate we are in socially. Marlee gives a somewhat valid reason for her decision but it just gave me a bad taste in my mouth and one that stayed throughout the novel.

My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:

I cannot wait to get the last story! Jonas has been such an enigma that I’m super excited to learn more about him!

My Rating: 4/5

Close 5/5 | Want 4/5 | More TBR

overall

Simply put, this is just another really great contemporary romance novel–this series is fantastic!

Read if You Like: contemporary romances, celebrities
Avoid if You: dislike sexy times

similarreads

 


Kayti McGee

Livin’ deliciously in beautiful Kansas City Missouri, where everyone else loves the Royals as much as I do. I like wine and murder shows and mountains and art.

I’m represented by Rebecca Friedman at Friedman Literary because I am a lucky, lucky girl. Call her if you want me to do Iron Chef, otherwise just hit me up on FB at http://www.facebook.com/kaytimcgeeauthor on Insta @KaytiMcGeeWrites, and stay sexy.

Author Links: Facebook | Readers Group | Bookbub | AmazonGoodreads | Instagram

Add: Goodreads | Buy: Amazon

Book Tour Organised by:

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Series Review: Ryder Brothers by Laurelin Paige, Katie McGee & JD Hawkins

Synopsis for Close (from Goodreads):
Everyone wants to get close to a rock star.

The bright lights.
The music.
Those talented fingers strumming… a guitar.
Everyone wants to bang a rock star.

So why do I keep running from the one who wants me?

I’m America’s Sweetheart.
I have a reputation.
He’s a boy-band icon turned rock god.
I’m vanilla.
He’s every flavor of bad.
And he’s much, much too young for me.

If I end up in Nick Ryder’s bed, my career and I will both be screwed.

…but that’s only if I’m caught.

Other books in the series:
book3

breakdown

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Author
Series: Ryder Brothers
Author: Laurelin Paige, Kayti McGee, JD Hawkins
# of Books: 3 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Connected
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Celebrity
Heat Rating: Hot
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: October 10, 2018 – December 22, 2018
Source & Format: Candi Kane PR–eARC

Add: Goodreads | Buy: Amazon

thoughts

**This post was originally published as a Blog Tour Stop review of the first book of the series. It has now been updated to include the newest publications in the series.**

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I’m a huge Laurelin Paige fan. She writes fantastic contemporary romances and I always have a great time reading her novels. So I was SUPER DUPER excited about the concept of this novel (and subsequent series). I love musician romances and I’m a sucker for stories involving the rich and the famous so this was right up my alley.

The Plot:

It just has the right amount of everything. The romance is passionate yet well developed; the characters are charming and layered; and there is just the right amount of drama to make this entire story plausible. The lack of over-dramatics is what really made this book a winner for me. There is plenty of drama to be had but I felt like everything did a really great job circling back to this sweet and heated romance.

The Characters:

I really liked both of our leads. If you’ve read One More Time by Laurelin Paige, you might remember Natalia so I was excited to get a deeper understanding of her character. She’s a sweet woman who feels a little trapped in her famous persona. She’s struggling with who she is as a person and who the world views her as and I found that dynamic to be interesting to watch.

And Nick is an absolute sweetheart! He’s confident and charming. I like what he brings out in Natalia and vice versa.

The Romance:

Another thing I loved was the relationship between Natalia and Nick. They actually talked to each other! They make a fabulous pair together and I definitely saw why they worked in every way. There is nothing I enjoy more in a romance than two people who are oblivious to the obvious feelings between them so the tension is great throughout. Plus, there is plenty of steam in between those great character moments to pack in the heat.

My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:

Gah! I can’t wait to learn more about Nick’s brothers!

updates

–November 9, 2018– Book #2: Want

I loved that these two had already established a friendship before the book started. They are great friends who support each other and just have a really solid relationship. And that translates well in the first few chapters of the book. I was able to see their great connection–not simply be told it existed–and that set up a great foundation for the rest of the story; especially when the romance begins to develop.

I don’t want to give too much away but I think it’s fairly obvious early on what type of situation Marlee finds herself in and why she needs Jake’s help. Regardless, I just wish the ramifications of her situation was elaborated on a little more; especially in the current climate we are in socially. Marlee gives a somewhat valid reason for her decision but it just gave me a bad taste in my mouth and one that stayed throughout the novel.

Full review found here!

–January 6, 2019– Book #3: More

While there are plenty of steamy moments between these two, there wasn’t only those moments. Both our leads have their flaws and seem to be in ruts when it comes to their lives. So it was great to see both of them work on their individual selves throughout the novel and grow. These two talk a lot and about a variety of things so I felt like a had a great grasp on who they are as people and why they’ve been holding back in their lives.

I don’t know how to describe what was missing from this book for me (ie why it isn’t a 5 star read). Perhaps it was the pacing? Something was just not there for me but I can’t place what that was exactly.

Full review found here!

 

My Rating: 5/5

Close 5/5 | Want 4/5 | More 4/5

overall
Simply put, this is just a really great contemporary romance series.

Read if You Like: contemporary romances, celebrities
Avoid if You: dislike sexy times

similarreads

 

Read an Excerpt Here!

 

Laurelin Paige

With over 1 million books sold, Laurelin Paige is the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Fixed Trilogy. She’s a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Game of Thrones and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio.

Author Links:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 


Kayti McGee

Livin’ deliciously in beautiful Kansas City Missouri, where everyone else loves the Royals as much as I do. I like wine and murder shows and mountains and art.

I’m represented by Rebecca Friedman at Friedman Literary because I am a lucky, lucky girl. Call her if you want me to do Iron Chef, otherwise just hit me up on FB at http://www.facebook.com/kaytimcgeeauthor on Insta @KaytiMcGeeWrites, and stay sexy.

Author Links: Facebook | Readers Group | Bookbub | AmazonGoodreads | Instagram

 


J D Hawkins

JD Hawkins writes erotic romance with modern-classic alpha males and strong, independent women. He currently lives with his wife in Austin, TX. He loves to travel and has lived in many places, including LA, New York City, India and Thailand. When he isn’t writing, JD enjoys surfing, training in Mixed Martial Arts, reading and taking naps. He once dreamed of becoming a ballerina. He’s always loved making up stories, especially ones inspired by real life.

Author Links: Facebook | Readers Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Twitter

Add: Goodreads | Buy: Amazon

Book Tour Organised by:

connect Twitter GoodReads Riffle Bloglovin' Google Plus Amazon.ca Reviews RSS Email

catchphrase

Disclaimer | Request a Review | Contact

Blog Tour: One More Time by Laurelin Paige

Synopsis for One More Time (from Goodreads):

I would have been stupid to turn the opportunity down.
A feature film starring the hottest man in Hollywood—and me.
It wasn’t just the chance of a lifetime; it was the first time I’d landed the leading role.
But Tanner James isn’t just any actor, aka “Sex God”.
He’s the man who took my virginity then shattered my dreams.

If I can use this part to launch a new career, it will be worth it.
If I can stop myself from falling back into bed with Tanner, it will be a miracle.
And my heart?
There’s no way he’s taking that from me.
He’s always been the one who owned it.

Other books in the series:
book3

breakdown

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Author
Series: Hollywood Heat (aka Lights, Camera)
Author: Laurelin Paige
# of Books: 3 (Sex Symbol, Star Struck, One More Time)
Book Order: Connected Standalones
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Second Chance
Heat Rating: Hot
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: May 2, 2018
Source & Format: Candi Kane PR–eARC

Add: Goodreads | Buy: Amazon / Audible

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I’m a HUGE Laurelin Paige fan. I love everything she does and she writes some of my favourite contemporary romances.

I’ve been dying to get my hands on One More Time since Laurelin announced it in her Author Newsletter months ago. I just adored the concept. I think we all have those Hollywood couples that we love that are no longer together and I couldn’t wait to see that reunion happen!

The Plot:

There is nothing better than watching two people fall inevitably back in love with each other. These two had lots of tension and unresolved issues between them so I enjoyed watching that all come to light. I also loved the suspense of trying to figure out what exactly happened between them two years ago; though I thought it was going to be juicier.

The Characters:

As always, Paige does a great job of shaping these characters and growing them as the story progresses. They both have their flaws and I like that in my characters.

The biggest problem these two deal with is miscommunication, which can be frustrating for a reader because you know what the issues are even though the characters aren’t telling each other. But I never got overly frustrated with these two because I understood their motivations for holding back.

The Romance:

These two have explosive chemistry from the minute they reunite. What I love about Laurelin Paige’s romances is that she writes great partners. She has this great ability to create romantic leads that compliment each other; who bring out the best in each other without sacrificing their individuality in the process.

For me personally, I always like some flashbacks to the past to help me see why my leads deserve a second chance at love. But we get enough tidbits about their past that I could see why these two were never able to forget their first loves.

My Rating: 4/5

Sex Symbol 4/5 | Star Struck TBR | One More Time 4/5

overall
This is perfect for fans of second chances romances and those who love stories set in Hollywood!

Read if You Like: great sexual chemistry, solid characters, second chance romance
Avoid if You: dislike Hollywood drama

similarreads

Laurelin Paige

With over 1 million books sold, Laurelin Paige is the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Fixed Trilogy. She’s a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Game of Thrones and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio.

Author Links:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

Add: Goodreads | Buy: Amazon / Audible

Book Tour Organised by:

connect TwitterGoodReadsRiffleBloglovin'Google PlusAmazon.ca Reviews RSSEmail

catchphrase

Disclaimer | Request a Review | Contact