When the going gets tough, the tough go on vacation.And in paradise, I don’t have a past. My secrets don’t haunt me. And I can have anything I want.And what I want is to be left alone. From the moment I meet him, Harry refuses to let me.The handsome, rich, British businessman is arrogant and demanding.So, it’s inconvenient that sparks fly every time our eyes meet.It’s a nuisance that when I look … meet.
It’s a nuisance that when I look away, I miss the sight of him.
Indulging in an affair wasn’t part of my plan.
But fate isn’t a mistress to my whims.
I vowed to guard my heart.
But my love isn’t a slave to my conviction.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t resist the magnetic pull that sends us crashing into each other.
What starts as a strike of lightning on a moonlit beach ignites a fire between us that will span continents.
He wants all of me…or none of me
I’ll need the courage of the gods to tell him the truth,
Because there are things I swore on my life to never reveal.
They say the truth will set you free,
But what if it destroys you first?
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I don’t think I could’ve come up with a better way to end the Symbols of Love series. Even though each of these three amazing books can be read as a stand alone you don’t get the full effect of this amazing family until you’ve read all three.
Lily is the typical middle child: independent, social, peace maker, generous, flexible, secretive, etc… but like any human she still feels pain. Though she is strong and independent Lily finds herself needing her family more then ever but they don’t see the pain she is holding. Lily decides to stay away, hoping that one day her family will realize just how much she’s hurting. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Harry.
When these two first meet their time together is anything but enjoyable but there is something that keeps pulling them back together. No matter what happens fate keeps throwing them back into each others lives. Can Lilly let go of the pain, anger and fear that she holds inside? Can she let it all go and become the woman she deserves to be?
I have never read a book where I had all the feels for each one of the main characters. At times I felt like I was loosing my mind because I was so back and forth. Lily is one amazing woman because she has faced the unthinkable yet she has found a way to survive. Some may say she wasn’t truly living but she never gave up. She pushed through and continued on and when she was at her weakest she still rose to lend her shoulder when she could for her family. She met Harry at a time when she needed him the most because he saw her truth and challenged her to face it.
Dylan Allen has done it yet again. All her books capture you with their own unique stories that draw you in from the very first page. The same can be said for Release. This book had my emotions running wild and my heart beating in anticipation. I devoured each page like an addict and I couldn’t get enough of Lily and Harry. Its clear to see the author put her heart into this book.
This book had in me in tears from the first page. Dylan Allen’s ability to stir the emotions of her characters into her readers is no easy feat. I felt that I had a lot in common with Lily and it gave that feeling that I was not alone. All the pain Lily kept locked up from her past had my heart bleeding for her. I understood her need for her family to see the pain she was in, but not able to speak the words. This had me so invested in Lily’s happiness and the healing she needed and deserved. I spent much of this book in tears because I never could have anticipated a more amazing character than Lily. But more than the pain, there was also hope, laughter, and happiness. Lily is so damn strong and I love that she never let the things she went through make her weak or give up, and on top of that she was always there when her family needed her being. the one to hold everything together. Although she was so hesitant to fall in love, Harry was exactly what she needed.
I love Harry. He could not have been more perfect. I loved his blunt honesty and go getter attitude. This made it easy for him to get Lily to let down her defensive wall protecting her heart. It was the most beautiful thing ever seeing them both open up to one another. And damn it all to hell if it isn’t make me all choked up as I write this.
This love spans continents , jumps off the pages and straight into the readers heart. I could not have asked for a more beautiful ending to a absolutely amazing series. I thought it couldn’t get any better than Thicker Than Water, but Lily and Harry have permanently imprinted themselves into my heart. This is the type of book that stays with you long after reading it. It draws out your emotions and will have your face wet with tears before you ever realized you were even crying to begin with. I thank the author for telling this hard and emotional story, but as painful as it was, it was the most beautiful book I’ve ever read.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Will definitely be reading more by her.
Although I had a hard time getting into this book at first, I really enjoyed this story.
Lilly and Harry were great together. Lilly has a troubled past that she has kept hidden from everyone. When things come to light will Harry be able to forgive? Will her past be too much for him to handle? Harry has secrets as well. Will she be able to handle his? Can two broken people come together to make it all work?
Great story! Look forward to more!
I loved this book so much!! It grabbed my attention from chapter 1 and I had a really hard time putting it down. I completely adored Lilly and Harry!! I enjoyed the love/hate relationship that they had at the start which turned into a scorching hot fire. It was also a bit of an emotional story that tugged at my heartstrings.
When two persons are mean to be, nothing and nobody can separate them. Lilly and Harry are a great example of this.
Their first encounter was a little inconvenient, not the way it should start a sweet love story. The second one, they let the other meet someone who wasn’t them, and that’s how they start, at least for Lilly’s side. She hides from everyone, she only let people meet her in her own terms and that’s not who she really is or want to be.
Harry is this well educated man, that a first sight could seems rude, but when he really cares, he is the most comprehensive man. He sees in Lilly something different from the women he has known. He is willing to do everything to know her better.
“This is what happens when souls that are mean for each other collide. They create something new. Something that no one has ever had before.”
Both, Lilly and Harry need to face secrets that can ruin them both, from the beginning, they haven’t been sincere with each other, they still don’t learn from the past mistakes, but they have only one more chance to change this and make everything better, because something like they have, doesn’t come often in life.
It was really satisfying seen them trying to be best for them and for the other, trying to forgive the other but mainly trying to forgive their own mistakes from the past and present.
This story was sweet, with an Inside meaning in the story and loved how certain topics were delivered. It’s a standalone but we get to know more about past characters.
Release was such a great read. This book had me in my emotions from the very beginning and what an emotional journey this story was. The storyline was a great one as were the characters. I loved everything about Harry’s character. He was funny, sexy, understanding, determined and had so much patience when it came to Lilly. Lilly was a character that went through a lot and as hurt as she was, she was also strong. I loved the back and forth banter between her and Harry. I also enjoyed her cousin Porsha (Bambi), she was a fun one. I had a few laugh out loud moments, especially the part with Aiden in the car. I enjoyed this story a lot. It was a great romance read that was sweet, sexy and had laugh out loud moments, but one that also had pain, devastation, and loss but through it all was hope for better things and a love worth everything. It is definitely a recommended read. However, Beware because this book does include rape.
Emotional mess after this.
God where do I start. I thought the first and second books in this series were emotional but they are nothing compared to this book. Don’t get me wrong the first 2 books are amazing but this book was brilliant. I alway thought Lilly was the more quiet sister but this book explains everything that this poor girl/woman has been through. My heart broke so much for Lilly in this book from the start to the end I just wanted to hug her. She is so strong and doesn’t realise that she is. After what happened she see herself has this weak ugly woman. When she is the most beautiful caring and strong woman. Everyone sees this but she has drummed it into her head and pushed that person she used to be deep down inside her. She can’t be that person anymore no matter who hard she try to come back.
Harry now this guy is just had messed up as Lilly in a way. He has been through some tough crazy times and is still dealing with them. He isn’t very open to talk about his feelings and after what went down with his ex it’s just something that he doesn’t like to talk about. But the experience did make him a tough guy and there is certain things he just won’t put up with. Harry comes from a very rush prestige family his father is an Earl and he is next in line. With the title hanging over him woman think that he’s a catch the money and the title is just what they want. It doesn’t even matter if Harry just wants a bed partner these woman will put up with that. Harry doesn’t want this he want a woman to be honest and luv him for who he is not for his title and money.
Things between Lilly and Harry weren’t easy and it was like that a lot through this story. There was so much to be told that it just didn’t make a relationship easy. Lilly’s past stop her from having Harry and being happy. He was the first guy to ever make her feel the way she should but she couldn’t tell him the truth. She didn’t want to tell cause she knew she would lose him. But she ended up losing him in a way with how she dealt with things. Though Harry with be so angry with Lilly he found it hard to get her out of head. He had never felt like this with anyone else. Lilly made him feel for the first time ever and he didn’t care what happened between them he would fight the anger and forgive her he just need Lilly.
I would highly recommend this book it just amazing. The story is just pure anguish throughout the whole thing. I’m sore out after this book. Lilly God that character has had my feeling so many emotions I was goin crazy by the end. Harry I pretty much the same but Lilly I just want to mammy her she needed so much luv and I wanted her to be happy and Harry was the man. This author really know how to bring emotions into a story. Every book I’ve read from her as been so so good. She has become one of my favourite authors over the last 6 months. I just can’t get enough of her books. I’m said that this series is over its been emotional but great at the same time the Hassan sister are brilliant. If you haven’t read this series or this author get to it you won’t regret it.
I was lucky enough to read an advance complimentary copy of Release but it’s taken me a while to write this review as I’ve struggled to put into words what this 5 star book left me feeling. This has to be my favourite book of the Symbols of Love series by Dylan Allen and I was left with so many different emotions.
This book touches on sensitive subjects and we’re thrown right into the story with the prologue. I knew right away that this was going to be a powerful story and I was immediately addicted. I couldn’t put Release down and frantically turned the pages to see if Lilly would finally open up and let others support her like she so clearly needed. Lilly was incredibly strong and I admired her for it but I feel she was surviving rather than living until she met Harry who ignited something inside of her. I think she finally realised that it was time for her to let those closest to her be the strong ones for a change.
This book takes us to not one but two different locations and I can’t decide which I love more. We get to visit Ghana, which feels exotic and the perfect place to start a love affair. Then we get to visit England, which feels almost regal with mentions of castles and Earls. Both are perfect for Harry and Lilly’s journey and really set the tone for each part of their story.
I don’t re-read many books or series but this is definitely one I’d happily read again and again along with the first two books of the series, Rise and Remember. If you haven’t yet read Release, then I recommend you download it and prepare yourself for an emotional roller-coaster ride with characters you’ll fall in love with. You won’t be disappointed!
Grab your tissues now! You are going to need them!
Release was one of the best and soul-filling book that I have ever read. At this point, I’ve read it 4 times. Dylan Allen has touched a place in my heart with Lilly’s story. As it is, I’ve been writing my review for nearly 3 months now and every time I start, I write a few sentences just to stop again. No matter what I write here… there is no way for me to eloquently write what Allen’s words have done to my heart, to my soul, and the way I think of my life and what all I have been through. Allen has written a story that is going to resonate within too many hearts. It’s a story that is so close to so many people’s truth that it broke me a bit.
The language and imagery used throughout Release is so vivid, so full that you can see the beach, feel the sand, and smell the ocean. Allen created a scene in my head with her chapters. I can see and feel the current between Harry and Lilly, the pull, even though they both want to dislike each other at several points in the beginning. I know it will change and I already feel the tension, the suspense leading up to their combustible release.
The first intimate scene was insanely hot!!! Like I can’t even tell you how happy my husband was after that scene!! Their dirty talking intimacy was perfect for what was between them. Harry and Lilly deserve this intense, this strong, this bigger then them relationship. They’ve both been through so much that having a home in each other’s arms is what gives them the strength they need to live.
Harry is one of the most amazing book boyfriends ever. Good Lord he’s so flipping sweet and thoughtful! I just adore how well he takes care of Lilly after just barely a week together. He’s a total gentleman! The build-up of Lilly and Harry meeting up is killing me! Having them keep referencing Harry makes me giggle profusely. I can feel the tension building up for them to reconnect again after she just left without a proper goodbye.
Even though we have closure on the dad/family problem, I was so happy that we were able to see everyone again! It feels like your meeting with long lost friends. My heart breaks for Lilly and how she’s distances herself from her family. It’s a situation that I can completely relate too.
Oh my lanta!!! I can’t even handle you, Dylan Allen!!! That car ride has to be the funniest thing I’ve read in a long time!! Really?!? I know this road like a house on fire!?!? Bahaha!!! Where do you come up with this? lol I just, I just can’t!! You’ve killed me!
Allen took me on a roller coaster ride. Ugh, that father and daughter dance broke me. I literally have tears pouring down my face. You’ve broke my heart 🙁 I laughed throughout this book. I cried throughout this story… no crying isn’t a strong enough word… I sobbed throughout, absolutely sobbed. I wish I had the words to tell you all the effect this book had on me. I can’t recommend Release Enough. Read it. Love it. Be consumed by the words.…
#TopBookOf2018 #MyHeart
Release is the story of Lilly and Harry. If you have read Rise and Remember by Dylan Allen you have been introduced to the strong, glue that holds the family together, Lilly. Lilly has secrets that haunt her everyday and her every action. On a trip to Ghana she meets the sexy, arrogant, asshole Harry. Harry is in Ghana for business from England where is holds a tile, land and a secret of his own. Lilly decides to leave her demons behind for a short time and give Harry a go…in the sack…numerous times.
“My cry is so loud, I’m sure it splits the sky open that the pleasure washing over me is actually showers of hot stars. Every single pore on my skin reveals in the purest pleasure I have ever felt in my life.”
Their times comes to an end and Harry is left with a fake name and a broken spirit. But fate has a different plan and steps in to deliver the the ultimate gift, a reunion. Can Harry survive seeing Lilly again and learning of her demons? Can Lilly trust Harry with her secrets that could shatter her family once again?
“I couldn’t pretend anymore. And really, that’s all we do when we lie and hide.”
Heartache, heartbreak, struggles, secrets, and love will force this couple to choose a life they never expected.
“She hadn’t planned on telling anyone. Ever. She felt entitled to keep it to herself.”
This is the final book of the Symbols series.
First book we met Addie the youngest sister. Book 2 we meet Milly the oldest sister. Now it’s Lilly’s turn (the middle daughter).
Lilly’s story starts December 2010 (about 10 yrs after her father leaves). It’s a heart breaking chapter. HEART.BREAKING. This event, I feel, shapes Lilly more so than her father leaving.
We jump ahead 5 yrs and meet Harry. I will say, right off the bat I fell in love with Harry. I wanted more of his POV’s but knew that this was more Lilly’s story than his.
Lilly is in a spiral but wants to stop. She wants to, but she doesn’t know how. Harry is so drawn to her (at times I was all ‘dude! Give.UP!’). It’s a completely very slow burn. I kept feeling like the book was running out of pages for it all to come back together. But come back together it does.
You get to see Addie & Milly multiple times. You get to see the family dynamic you knew there was but was allusive in book 1 & 2. You get to see Dad interact with his daughters.
I was happy about the HEA, but like always I want more. Maybe some fun holiday novellas showing everyone together.
This is a great story of self discovery. Lily has suffered a terrible ordeal. She needs to find herself again. In the mean time she keeps herself hidden. When she meets Harry it is at just the right time and he is just the right amount of pushy to get her out of her darkness. Their love affair is so back and forth that on a couple occasions I did start to get a little annoyed. I am all for a good “will they, wont they?” story, but I really felt like there was a bit too much of that. It is a beautiful story of a woman fighting her way back to herself! And while I did get annoyed with some of the things that happened, it all lead to a place that I was glad to see them get to. Harry and Lily are absolutely a fantastic couple and I am glad that they did not completely give up on each other!
4.5 stars
“I want to know what put that sadness there. I want to tell her the source of my own pain.”
Release is the third and final book in the Symbols of Love series by the awesome Dylan Allen. I have read every book this author has released and been a fan from the start. I had been looking forward to Lilly and Harry’s story, after being introduced to them in the previous books. First I want to mention that the prologue was very intense and raw, and the author did an incredible job in giving the reader a very realistic view of the situation. It had me feeling so many emotions and I felt like I was present in that scene. It definitely wasn’t easy to read but it gave me a very clear view into Lilly’s personality.
“I will never experience anything as magnificent as the way he has adored me. It’s like the sun shining on the darkest parts of my insides, disinfecting and cleansing. But, there are some stains that nothing can remove. And the one on my soul is one of those.”
Harry was very honest and said what was on his mind. I loved that a lot about him, and his personality resulted in Lilly coming out of her shell. She brought down her defensive walls and let Harry get to know her a bit, even though what they had was just a holiday fling (or so they thought). Harry was more open then Lilly, but seeing what she gone through in the past it was very understandable. There was a lot going on in this book, and I didn’t completely agree with the way both of them handles certain situations. But on the other side this did result in them growing as individuals and getting their life back on track.
“When you kiss me, it’s like a shot of sunshine. Straight to my center.”
There were also a couple of twists which added another layer to the story, which I liked. I loved that all the previous characters made appearances in this book, and I enjoyed seeing what they were up to. The setting of the story was great. The first part was mainly set in Ghana and the second in the United Kingdom. The author did a phenomenal job in telling Lilly and Harry’s story and gave them a well-deserved HEA. I had a hard time keeping my tears contained a couple of times, so I just let them flow. I am sad this series is done, but Release was definitely a great way to end it. However, I want Harry’s twin Freya to get her own story. Release can be read as a stand-alone, but I think you would enjoy it more if you read the previous books. I can’t wait to see what Dylan has in story for us next.
Release is by far my favorite book in the Symbols of Love Series……and probably my favorite book from the author. Such an incredible story that truly captivated me from the start. There was just something that I connected with in these words and these characters that I know that I won’t ever forget. Lilly & Harry definitely stole my heart, and I adored them more than I can really say.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.* As many say, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” This IS Lilly’s and Harry’s story. On a journey to find her way out of her own hell, Lilly falls into what is a constant battle to save her own sanity, joy, and happiness. Release is Dylan Allen’s third and final installment in the Symbols of Love series; and she has topped it off in the most exquisite of ways. This story touched all corners, crevasses, peaks and valleys of my being. It exposed the most raw state of what it means to be vulnerable in a world that is so close knit. It demonstrated how coming from a loving family can’t always be the salve that makes your world right. In fact, in Lilly’s case, it meant that resentment grew stronger for years, and pain festered with no release in sight. Dylan’s words captured her perpetual agony in a way that left me with a heart wrenching ache that was palpable for days.
I loved the tension that existed between Lilly and Harry throughout the majority of this story. As I turned the pages, I learned to crave it. The angst, the push-pull was intoxicating and provided for the most sensual of meetings between the two. Harry was the consummate dirty, grimy and most passionate lover. There wasn’t one encounter that didn’t leave me (unknowingly) holding my breath, already looking forward to the next one.
Dylan Allen touches on a contentious subject that many steer away from. Writing from the heart, her words are strong, eloquent, and impassioned. She uses Lilly’s voice to express not only the constant turmoil of this situation; but to validate the fact that everyone’s journey is their own. And Lilly’s is unique, containing twists and turns that left me stunned.
Release IS Dylan Allen! For me, reading each Hassan sister’s story was a complete joy; but reading Lilly’s was, in many respects, eye-opening and life altering. Baring all of Lilly’s flaws and complexities, drew me in. I became invested to the point that her story shined light on my own. I valued and held precious her own process to get to a point where she became happy and healthy.
While reading all the books in this series is not necessary; or is reading them in order, you’d be doing yourself a HUGE disservice. Meeting each sister is a must and truly, skipping any of these books should be outlawed. Dylan Allen has done her readers proud, and has managed to amaze me even more than before. Release, without a doubt is the perfect cherry on top!