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?
more
Phenomenal! Mind Blown! Emotional Rollercoaster! These are a few words I’d use to describe Release. Dylan as definitely done it again with this book!
From start to finish you will be hooked. Lilly and Harry’s journey is definitely one that you would never expect. There are so many twists and turns and sooo many feels that had my mind blown.
If you have read Rise and Remember you know a bit of Lilly. In Release we really get to know her and what her story is. She’s a smart, strong, independent girl who’s getting a dark secret from everyone that is eating at her to come out.
Harry is a hot, tall, dark and handsome man we all dream of having a fling with on vacation. But he as a broken past and was holding a little secret also.
Can these two come together after lies, pretending and more lies? Can they learn to live and love for real? Can Lilly learnt on love herself again also? For the answer you’ll have to read Release when it comes out.
If their were 10 stars available to give, that still wouldn’t be enough for this book! I’m in love with this story. I have read the entire series, and this book is my absolute favorite!!! Dylan Allen has a way with words that will resonate in your soul, make you FEEL, she is so awe inspiring with her words. They are poetic perfection, so raw, so emotional. This book, no words can do it justice, just #FEELS !
The pain, heartache, loss, and finally LOVE and self worth that Lilly goes through, will break you, put you back together, and make you FEEL!
And Harry,, OMG! SWOON!!!! I am so in love with this book!
This is one of my favorite lines in the book,
~ I bask in the fairytale that is my life. I had to fight for it, we never once let go of each other. This love is my truth. And it has set me free. ~
This Love is the Truth!
Dylan Allen weaves a love story that will put your heart through a marathon of a workout. While reading Release I was immersed in all the feels. I experienced horror, laughter, sorrow, hope, passion, heartbreak, joy, and love! This story deals with difficult/complex issues and emotions in a thoughtful and genuine manner. Even though these issues are an integral part of the book, at its core it is a story of an empowering and enduring love.
Lilly is a mystery to those that “know” her. She is drifting through life trying to deal with her anger and self doubt that resulted from a traumatic event. She guards her emotions and her heart with impenetrable armor, wielding control as a weapon. Harry is a hard working and focused man. He values tradition, family, and truth. He has been burned in a past relationship and isn’t looking for anything complicated. Both Lilly and Harry have internal demons they are trying to extinguish. However, their sorrow is a common cord that somehow connects them.
Lilly and Harry’s meeting is not ideal. It is an awkward encounter that leaves both of them reeling and unsteady. Their is a magnetic pull between them that they try hard to deny. I loved how they would momentarily open for one another and then their heated dislike would return ten fold. It felt visceral and passionate. The sexy times are filled with five alarm blaze level passion that will have you overheating. Then their brief and intoxicating affair ends on tenuous terms.
When Lilly and Harry unexpectedly meet again, they struggle to find their footing. There is undeniable hurt, anger, and confusion separating their hearts and minds. Their road back to each other is fraught with fear, misunderstanding, and outside interference. Throughout it all, their connection is palpable and resilient. They must fight for their love. They fight with themselves, with each other, but most importantly for each other.
Release will take you for a heart-wrenching and exhilarating ride! You won’t want to put this book down. These characters will make you ache and beg and cry and laugh. I finished reading Release and was left in a state of bliss and satisfaction. Dylan Allen…..mind blown!
Dylan Allen – I send you ALL THE STARS!
“Growth is painful, but the aches are worth the beauty that awaits.”
Most beautifully poignant and accurate words ever. I almost never use quotes in my reviews because spoilers make me hostile. This one doesn’t give anything away the blurb doesn’t. I am sharing because it touched me deeply. I feel it applies to life and our individual journey day in and day out. Gives me hope when times are tough or painful.
Release is absolutely incredible! If you’re in doubt, buy this book! Read Dylan Allen. She is amazing! My love for her work grows exponentially with every read. Every word in every impeccably articulated paragraph from cover to cover! PER-FECT-ION!
She couldn’t have created more unique, relatable, dead-on flawlessy flawed characters. Harry & Lilly are both emotionally crippled in a different way. Both have suffered epically debilitating heart break. Both used to throwing up walls to protect themselves. Neither prepared for the fierce pull they feel for each other. Both afraid and fight it. Yet can’t escape the sizzle that sparks every time their paths crossed.
This story – utterly brilliant. Every aspect of this complex plot is skillfully written. We get ALL the feels evoked through funny & witty banter blended effortlessly with sexy, angsty build up. All with a gritty edge to it. Funny, funny, funny comments and conversations. These scenes still pop in my head and make me chuckle a week after finishing the book. Heart stopping twists. Secrets they carry like the weight of the world. Legit pain and hurt. What grows between them though – sighs – just amazing! What starts as a chance run in evolves in to a flirtation. Which quickly heightens to lust. Will they let down their walls and enjoy a little fun? Does it end there?
When life brings these two back together, the chaos that ensues was completely consuming. Both Lilly and Harry’s families play a role in the train wreck of a crescendo. How their journey continues to unfold – although a very bumpy road – was absolutely extraordinary! I believe things happen for a reason and believe with certainty that Harry & Lilly were meant to meet and then be reunited even if under less than ideal circumstances. They were meant to be the one to help the other heal and let go of past hurts.
I love Dylan Allen books and ever since I read the very first book in this series I was always so very eager to get my hands on Lily’s story , in so many ways she was a mystery to me , well I would like to think she was mystery to everyone reading the books in the series because we never really knew much about her , this story holds no punches it literally starts in away that basically drags not even pulls but drags you into the story and very quickly we begin to start unravelling the mystery that is Lily, I felt like I went on a very personal journey with Lily it definately felt alot more intamate and I loved that. However thats not the only thing I loved about this story the romance between Lily and Harry was Everything !!! I loved these two together and no matter what happened ( and so much did happen ) I was rooting for them , I had the biggest grin on my face knowing that they got there happily ever after ending .Release has to be one my favourate books by Dylan Allen , this book had me feeling so many emotions and I just love when books are able to touch you so deeply , I laughed and cried while reading this story and every twist and turn wand even more wrapped up in this story. I cannot wait to get my hands on Dylan Allen’s next book and if you are looking for a sexy , swoonworthy , addiciting story then you MUST! pick up Release as soon as you can.
Honesty is essential. Unless one is willing to lay bare all they are and willing to receive that same gift from another, it is not possible to experience the fullness a loving relationship has to offer. This is the lesson I learned from Reading RELEASE, by Dylan Allen.
From the traumatic opening scene to the tumultuous ending, Lilly Hassan’s journey to love is a battle. Learning to love not only herself, but also a man who immediately captures her attention and captivates her thoughts, in a manner that is not necessarily positive are only two of the challenges she must overcome in order to lead her life on her terms.
The setting of RELEASE in intercontinental, moving from Africa to Great Britain and the Untied States. High-end resorts, beautiful beaches, lush countryside , and bustling big cities are just a few of the places which make this book a must read. The mystery and beauty of these places is quite memorable. As impressive as these places are, the characters are who will inhabit your heart. Lilly, Harry, their families and friends are all recognizable and relatable. The heartaches and victories are ones that we understand and know. The courage they must summon to conquer their fears and demons is the same extraordinary strength ordinary humans must summon to survived and navigate their lives.
Exotic locales and remarkable characters aside, it is the exquisite writing which makes this book outstanding. Dylan Allen’s unique point of view, her noteworthy sense of humor, and her unparalleled commitment to raw honesty, whether painful or comfortable, all coalesce to make this hauntingly gorgeous story exceptional. Ms. Allen’s words set fire to emotions, illuminate the essence of the issue, and leave one completely transformed.
RELEASE is a stunning and satisfying conclusion to the Symbols of Love Series. It only enhances the other two stories in the collection. However, the experience is in no way diminished if it is read on its own. RELEASE merits its own accolades for its incomparable brilliance.
I loved this book. It was an emotional journey. Harry and Lilly are both suffering from tragic events in their lives. Both are very strong. Lilly is especially strong. she’s been through a lot; I felt a connection with her, so many of my own personality traits are similar to Lilly.
This was a five star read for me. Enjoy!
Release is such a beautiful story of growth, forgiveness, and the healing power of love. Dylan Allen has a knack for writing stories that are relevant to the times we are living in currently with grace and compassion. Even though I have never experienced the trials that Lilly, our heroine must face I still felt connected to her in a real and lasting way. I’m also ready to go grab my passport and head to Ghana for some Kele Wele.
Release was an emotional heart-felt story which gripped you from the very first page and had you hooked until the end. This story will have you feeling varying emotions. Heartbreaking, riveting and very much unexpected you will love everything about this novel.
This story had a strong message and its characters were both complex and well-developed. Both dealing with anger and grief from events in their past, Lilly and Harry did not immediately hit it off and their angry banter was amusing. However when they eventually did, the chemistry was intense.
Steamy scenes, family drama, twists and turns, love and lies are just some of what you will find in this story. You will love these characters and at times you will get exasperated with them however through it all you will be rooting for them.
It should be noted that there are trigger scenes in this story. This page-turner was an awesome read and I would highly recommend it.
Rating – 5+
I first fell in love with Dylan Allen’s writing when I read Thicker Than Water. I am once again struck by her ability to tell a beautiful love story that is so relevant and meaningful. It takes true talent to craft a story that makes you think about important issues while simultaneously gutting you, making you laugh out loud and swoon, and leaving you head over heels for the couple you are reading about.
This story is amazing. I literally stayed up all night reading because I couldn’t stand to step away. The highs are high, and the lows are so low, but through it all, the authenticity and sincerity of the story never suffer. I absolutely had to know how things worked out for Harry and Lilly. My heart completely broke for both of them throughout this story. They had a lot to overcome both from their past and with things they are faced with over the course of the story, but they both deserved a happy ending.
Lilly is a fighter. While trying to escape her past, she has given up so much of herself, and no one seems to notice. Guarding her heart has become a way of life. When she has the chance to escape with Harry, she has no intention of it going anywhere, but can one wrong choice change the course of their lives? Can the past really ever be overcome, or will it define Lilly forever? While I was so frustrated with Lilly at times, I was mostly just heartbroken. I understood why she made the choices she did and wanted so badly for her to find a way to overcome all the tragedies to find something better…to find the happiness she deserved.
Harry was fantastic. While Lilly was such an enigma, he refused to give up on solving the puzzle before him. I loved that he didn’t back down from the feelings he had drawing him toward her. He was sweet, sexy, and loved with a ferocity that was all consuming. At times, he made mistakes, but he recognized them and strived to do better in the future. He pushed Lilly, and together they made each other better people.
This story will draw you in and demand your attention. It will break your heart, but it will also show the strength that comes from loving someone and truly allowing that connection to take hold of your heart. It will show you the release that comes from letting go. You will feel as though you are riding a roller coaster with high peaks that lead full force into deep valleys, but you will come away completely satisfied. Dylan Allen, thank you for writing this story and sharing it with us. It was truly mind blowing.
I received an advanced copy of this book with no obligations to or expectations from the author.
Wow. Release grabs your heart from the very first sentence and doesn’t let go.This book is raw, honest, emotional, and uplifting. There are situations that will hurt your heart and rock you to your core, but there are others that will have you laughing out loud (so loud in fact, that you will wake your sleeping spouse!) and smiling like a lovesick fool. Release is book 3 in the Symbols of love series, but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading the previous books though because they are amazing and characters from those books do appear in this one.
Lilly and Harry were such complex characters. There was so much emotional baggage and demons of the past weighing them down. Their struggles were so internal that even their well intentioned families couldn’t see them or their pain. Yes, Lilly and Harry don’t quite have a fairy tale meet cute, but it’s clear from the start that their connection is unparalleled. They challenge and argue with each other, each giving as good as they get. Though some of the exchanges are quite hurtful, they’re also honest and real. I was equally in love with and annoyed by Lilly and Harry at different times in the book. What I appreciate most about Dylan Allen’s books though, is that she allows her characters to be human. They make mistakes. They hurt. They overcome. They forgive. They love.
Lilly and Harry’s story is not an easy one. There is plenty of family drama, twists, and revelations that have you on an emotional roller coaster. It’s more than a love story between 2 characters. It’s also a love story between parent and child, brothers and sisters, and most importantly, of yourself. I have loved each of these sister’s stories so much and cannot recommend this series enough!
ps – I am still DYING from the scene in the car following Louis and Cara’s wedding! Camille was seriously THE BEST comic relief ever!
Dylan Allen delivers another spectacular story with Release. I was so excited for this book because I’ve been dying for Lilly’s story since I read Rise. I was hooked from the very first page down to the last. Lilly and Harry’s story is heart breaking at times, but worth the rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed, cried, and had to fan myself while reading this beautifully written book. Hands down my favorite book by Ms. Allen! I’m so sad that this is the end of such an amazing series but can’t wait to see what Dylan Allen comes up with next.
Holy WOW!!! Those are about the only words I can come up with just about now! This book, Ms. Allen’s Words, these characters are just so amazing!!!! I’m so lucky and glad to have found this amazing author because at the end of the day her words never cease to amaze me!! Now time to try to write a review!
I was hooked from the very beginning and my heart hurt for Lilly from then too. This beautifully broken but amazing girl. She has such a big heart and loves so much even when she doesn’t see it or when she doesn’t think she can. It’s what makes Lilly, Lilly. Her heart, her soul, her ability to be strong, and her independence. It makes her one of the strongest women I have ever read about. (And I just finished a book by another author with a similar story and these two would be the greatest friends! And their guys would too!) But anyways I’ll continue on.
Harry, he’s got a killer accent, knows what he wants, is a sweetie, and everything and more that Lilly needs. They just don’t know it. A chance meeting not once but twice and the adventure of a lifetime. But these two were made for each other. Harry has been there for Lilly in every way that no one in her life has ever been. It makes me tear up thinking about it again. The love and bond these two share is unbreakable. It’s what love is. It’s these two. I learned a lot reading this book, most of all that when you’re meant to be it’ll be. Love has a way of finding you even when you don’t think it does. And even when you think it’s over it’s not. These two are one of the greatest examples of love and my heart is so very full. Harry and Lilly, they will forever hold a spot in my heart. And just my heart!! I know now and forever more that I will always read and live Ms. Allen’s books. Each time they get better and better and the characters get more and more amazing!! <3
I love a book that can take me somewhere new, teach me something, and broaden my horizons. This is only my second book by Dylan Allen but both have done all of these things. I haven’t read the other books in the Symbols of Love series but after reading Lilly and Harry’s story, I need to read them ASAP.
This book hit every emotion possible: devastation, heartbreak, elation, anxiety, and everything in between. At times, it hurt to read but by the end, I was so unbelievably happy to see these characters find their happiness. I loved that this book took me to Ghana, a country I don’t know really anything about but was able to envision the landscape and beauty it has and showed how different other cultures are. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Symbols of Love series!!
Of the three sisters Lillie seemed to be the one that had it all together. She was successful and smart, took care of herself and everyone else around her. She did such a good job at it that no one noticed there was something wrong, they didn’t see her. She was angry. She had so much guilt. She was hurt. Harry was attracted to her right away, but he saw her too. He saw the pain and torment, but it didn’t scare him. He wanted to share it all with her. The tenderness of Harry through all that the two of them went through just kept breaking my heart. He helped her through it all even when she didn’t want him to or tried to shut him out.
I just have to say the feels in this story were so true and so hard that it just tore me up emotionally. The author takes you to a place where Lillie’s darkness lies and slowly brings you back to the light as she heals. It’s an epic love story one where everyone is bruised and somehow involved in the healing and the growth that comes with it. I highly recommend this read.
Emotional, beautiful writing… Lily and Harry did brought the story effortless..
The book was passionate… warm and young.. you dont want to miss this book…
Dylan will bring you with the dream and passion
Release is the third book in the Symbols of Love series and features Lilly and Harry. This story was fabulous thanks to Lilly and Harry. Lilly is a remarkable woman who has carried a secret for five years. This secret has changed her life irrevocably and now she hides herself behind anger and control. Not letting anyone close cause she’s afraid and ashamed. Harry sees right through her facade and never gives up. He pushes and pulls at Lilly’s walls which results in her finally letting him close and inside her heart. A heart which has been closed off and guarded for five years.
Their story was beautiful and emotional. It deals and handles a topic which is very important and current. Lilly and Harry’s love and their fight for each other and themselves were incredible. Release was a wonderful conclusion to the Symbols of Love series.
4 BadAssDirtyBraveStars
Release is the second book I’ve read by Dylan Allen and once again she blew me away. Her stories are meaningful, her characters are diverse and she certainly demonstrated the same in Release. I am so in love with Harry and Lilly!!! Their story has stolen my heart. Release is so beautifully written, it’s filled with angst, passion and so much emotion. Dylan Allen has written another five star plus book and definitely wrote it from her heart and soul.
Release is the story of two broken and damaged souls who find their way to each other. And their relationship is certainly not without difficulty. The time they spend together is filled with highs and lows, good times and bad. Lilly is feisty, brave and courageous. She’s a survivor and I want to be her. Harry is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome. He’s also compassionate, understanding and lovable. Both are survivors and hold dark secrets about their pasts. Their love, strength and acceptance of each other is everything. I couldn’t tear myself away from Release and it’s certainly one of my top favorite books of 2018. It is a MUST read!!!!
There are no words adequate enough to describe how amazing this book is! There were a myriad of emotions that overpowered me from the very first page all the way through until the end! I’m so impressed with the writing of this beautiful story.
Dylan Allen is such an incredible writer and so very talented, as I’m sure that this comes as no surprise to her many fans and followers. When a writer, such as Dylan, has the ability to tell a story in a way that pulls feelings from the very depths of your inner being, you can’t help but to sit up and take notice. This allows readers to connect with the characters on a much deeper level.
There are so many parts that I highlighted throughout the reading of Release that left me absolutely breathless. This is why I was so nervous from the beginning, and had actually put off reading it for as long as I could. I was simply afraid of feeling too much. Being that I was reading an ARC, I figured I had better get brave soon and forge ahead. LOL! I’m so happy I did, because reading about Lilly and Harry left me with no regrets.
Release is sexy and sassy, beautiful and romantic, and so emotionally real, and raw. The touching story that is Lilly and Harry will forever be etched in my mind. . . and my heart.
I adored Release. I really enjoyed reading Lilly & Harry’s story and especially their scenes in Ghana.
I loved how Lilly’s character was written and her story. Every detail was perfect and I just got her. Anything that might have frustrated me while reading, made sense at the end. Her name change, her secrets and fears (hiding and withholding the truth till the end, from everyone even Harry). I got all of it because she could admit some of her choices were wrong. I love the accuracy of how the rape changed her in so many different ways. I especially appreciated the little details. I admire Lilly’s strength and her determination to heal & save herself.
Release is probably the first book that made me shed tears from the very first pages and the first chapter. It helped me heal in a way I didn’t know I needed, a part I thought healed. It became a source of strength and opened my eyes to a few more things. It hit close to home because it is also a similar story to more than a couple of friends and family.
As a journalism student I wrote about this before, did a lot of research and interviewed several rape and sexual harassment victims but nothing resonated the way this book did. This book now has a very special place in my heart and I applaud and thank Dylan Allen for it.
I hope we get more Lilly and Harry in the future but I’m also looking forward to reading more by Dylan Allen.
Dylan Allen is a new to me author, I read Leap first and then Release. I didn’t realize it was the last book of the series but now I’m definitely reading Rise and Remember.