When your world, your life and all of your hopes and dreams for the future are ripped out from under you, how do you go on? Death without dying is not only the most painful kind of death, it’s also the most painful kind of life and I don’t know if I’m strong enough to live it. I spend my lonely days and nights trying to make sense of what my life has become. Do I have the strength to move forward … move forward into the light, or should I just let the darkness take me?
I’m Georgia Rae Layton McCarthy and this is the story of me, just me.
I’m no longer a part of an us, it’s just me.
Alone.
By myself.
more
My broken heart slowly but surely got mended when I finished Carnage 2.
There was so much angst and so much CARNAGE while reading both books but OMG I’m kicking myself for waiting so long to read….
I absolutely loved these books and can’t wait to read Marley’s book. I’m sure his book will be One HOT ANGSTY MESS!! Lol
Sorry it took me forever to read these books Lesley Jones..but man I’m so freaking glad I have read them now…they will forever stay in my little HEART!!!
Second chance romances are one of my favourite trope, and this book is falls perfectly in the category. I Love Cameron since book 1, he’s this dominant, alpha but has a loving and caring side especially with George. I know for the fact that losing someone, dealing with the pain is the most crucial feeling that a person could feel. As the old adage says, First love never dies and everyone deserves a second chance of love and I’m glad that George got that.
A Deep and Soulful Story!
I am so glad I went straight on to read the second book in this series. I needed to know happened next in Georgia’s life to hopefully soothe my broken heart.
I wasn’t disappointed. Lesley Jones, for the second time, managed to pull me into the story of these amazing characters so that I felt a big part of their lives yet again.
Cam just oozes sexiness, strength and a fabulous personality. How can you not fall in love with him?
Another fabulous story and I can’t wait to read book 3!
5 total heartbreaking stars!! This book took me from tears to laughs back to tears!! Beautifully Perfect Read!!
This is book two in the “Carnage” series. I am sure you can read as a stand alone but you definitely will not get the feels like I just did.
“Whether side by side or miles apart we are sisters. We may not be connected by hand but we are always connected by heart.”
“…I’m telling you so you understand me, me, Georgia, not Frank’s daughter, not Sean’s wife, the story of me, so you can just try for a minute to understand what my life’s been like.”
The ending of book one was miserable and I was angry. And then the first third of this book was heart breaking! I cried a lot. I hurt. This book was incredible. Yes it hurt but there were beautiful moments, sexy moments, and funny as shit moments.
Georgia still irritates me but maybe a little less now. Cam, I knew he was something special. And all those damn brothers… I love them all.
This book was amazing! I don’t know if any book has ever broke my heart like this one. I physically felt it. I hugged my family. I mourned for Georgia.
Good luck keeping it together while reading this book. But with that said please read it. This emotional ride was worth it in every way.
I had to read a book in between this and the first one. Pretty much more of the same tears and heartache
Yep, this was another all nighter. Couldn’t put it down until there was no more to read. My review of The Story of Us I was ashamed how long it’s taken me to read this. Now, I’m thankful that the series is done and I can dive right into the deep end. How does one bounce back from such a devastating loss, whilst being hounded from all angles. The emotional outpouring, grieving, anger, lust, guilt, envy had me all washed up and tumbling around. Can people really be so cruel…yes they don’t think how their actions or words hurt the famous. When they do it’s done with such a vindictiveness that one hopes to hell that karma comes to bite them on the a$$ one day. Kitten’s sister in laws are awesome, they have an enviable relationship, amazing women. Tonight I think I’ll read Marley…wish me luck.
Emotional! Thank you for mending my shattered heart with book 2! No spoilers however oh George you’re tough as nails girl! I’m Team Maca (I will always be he owns my heart I ) however Cam you handsome sexy man you are my hero! This journey has been hard and I’m so thankful for this story . Beautiful heartbreaking and funny! The banter is perfect I loved Ash and Jimmie! “My stomach doesn’t just back flip , it puts on an Olympic gold medal winning gymnastics floor show” I mean that is how I felt reading this!
I really should have read this book straight after finishing Carnage but I didn’t and I’m now kicking myself. This truly is a wonderful book which continues Georgia’s story following the events which took place in book one.
I loved everything about this book to be honest and for me the author wrote Georgia’s story perfectly. The emotional roller coaster that the character went through, I felt it all too. There were times that I disliked Georgia, but at those times I loved that her family and friends stood up to her and had her back. She had my sympathy though, and I did hope that she would find happiness. Cam I absolutely loved!
This book has it all. You will cry, scream at the characters, smile, laugh and sit on the edge of your seat whilst reading this. The love and support from family members and friends that is shown throughout the book is amazing…. and is just how it should be. A truly wonderful read.
Amazing!!!!
My heart was torn to pieces after the first book. But i went straight into the second one. My heart was still in pieces but could not wait to to read it. To have G to put her life back together after the ending.. it was just amazing.
THE CARNAGE EXPERIENCE
Thinking Out Loud Ed Sheeran on repeat play – check
Big girl panties on and pulled up – check
Still a sobbing shredded mess four days after reading Carnage #1 & #2 – check
So where do I start this review?
Lesley Jones – I Love the Fuck Out of You
That’s where I’ll start.
I’ve spent four days unable to even start trying to put into words how I feel about this book. I am not eloquent enough, humorous enough or clever enough with words to do it justice, but fuck, do I wish I was.
My love of reading has spanned nearly forty years and as an avid reader I have devoured many, many books across different genres with all types of writing styles as my tastes have changed over the years. The list of all-time favourites that I reread to death or the ones that have touched me for whatever reason and stay with me years after is miniscule in comparison to the amount read however, there are many I liked, lots I loved and some that amazed me but Carnage is in that tiny handful that are special beyond words. This crazy talented author has written this story so raw, real, gritty, sad, heartbreakingly crazy beautiful that I am literally shredded after finishing.
I am going to say very little about the story because of spoilers, to experience these books you need to go in blind because you will not see it coming. No way. No how.
I love him, from the instant I set eyes on him when I was just 11 years old I have loved him and nothing will ever change that, he owns me, he owns my heart and he owns my body and no matter how many lies are told, no matter how many people conspire to keep us apart, despite the fame and the distance, we will find a way.
“Georgia Rae, when we made love you used to cry” … He waits for me to sing my bit. I try to swallow down a sob but I just end up singing through it…
“I said I love you like the stars above, I’ll love you till I die”
Carnage is an edgy coming of age love story that breaks all the rules and transcends the decades. Georgia and Sean’s story will stay with you long after you read the final word.
An emotional, smoking hot, gut wrenching read – yeah thanks for that Goodreads, understatement of the century. Four fucking days later and I have the book hangover from hell. I got the “feels” so bad. I cried Ugly Tears when I finished Carnage #1. Sobbed like a crazy woman. Heartbroken and in awe of an author who took that type of chance. Wrote it as it was meant to be, no matter whether that was going to be the popular choice or not.
Since finishing I have stalked Lesley Jones online (sorry I meant researched…) and discovered that initially it was meant as a standalone but, due to popular demand and threats of violence, she did Carnage#2.
This gets difficult because if I put anything about the story of #2 here then I will spoil #1 for you if you haven’t already read it. So I’m only going to quote one tiny sentence that I loved and not disclose any spoilers.
“Life’s fucked, Kitten. It’s cruel and twisted and it does spiteful things to good people. “
And that’s part of why this book touches you so deeply, because life is fucked and sad and crazy and beautiful with sometimes more bad shit than good, with times you can’t seem to claw your way out of but, if you are really lucky friends, family and that special certain someone will carry you through with love, laughter, tears and no bullshit reality checks. Then that fickle bitch Karma sometimes gives you the good surprises and second chances.
The banter, love and affection between characters is funny as fuck especially between two main characters, I adored them together. I also want a brother like Marley and a friend like ‘No Filter’ Ash! As I’m a woman of a certain age I was LMAO at outfits to impress the boyfriend involving stilettos, fishnets and leather – been there, done that, got the t-shirt!
So, as I sit here re-reading this review I’m as unhappy as I knew I would be. Because these books gutted and shredded me in the best, best way and if I had the words you would all be running off to one click them and experience Carnage. But if this means even just one reader discovers them then it was worth me trying.
Lesley Jones has written the most amazing, heartbreakingly beautiful story I have read in many years with such a punch that I will return to these many times over years to come just because I won’t be able to resist, the draw is that strong.
Lesley Jones I Love The Fuck Out Of YOU!!!!!!!!!!
This series is worth so much more than 5 stars
After I was left hanging after I finished book one I jumped straight into this book. I was completely heartbroken. I never saw the ending coming. I had to re-read the last chapter again as I was too busy sobbing my heart out to take in what was happening.
Again this book covers a time span of about a decade and we get to live through the aftermath book one created. I have shed some tears reading this. No book has ever made me cry before… You have been warned. Have your hankies ready!!
The emotions this author pulled out of me were phenomenal. I have never experience such raw emotions and ugly crying from a book before. I felt every single thing the characters were going through from pain, to joy to heartbreak to sorrow and despair. The whole series so far has gripped me and I have read both books in three days. By the time I got to the end it was a bitter sweet finish… I wanted to know, I needed to be put back together again but I did not want the book to come to an end.
This authors story telling is so down to earth and easy to read. Her ability to make me laugh, cry and shout “Oh my god… Noooooo!” is amazing. Lesley Jones has shot into my top 5 authors of books I would read without reading any blurb! This author has a natural talent for story telling!
This is the book that heals you.
Tiger is mine. I don’t care what anyone says. He’s my man.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. It showcases Lesley Jones at her best. Carnage was the first books I read of Lesley’s and I am so glad I did.
Carnage 2 was great, but for me the first Carnage book was absolutely amazing. I am so happy that Georgia finally has her HEA, after all of the hell she went through and I’m glad she did that with Cam. However, I am a Sean lover. I loved him from the very first book and it’s because of him and Georgia that I fell in love with the series. If you read the first book I highly recommend you read this book. It does not need to be read with the first book but it is so worth it to finally see Georgia have her happy ending while her supportive family and friends are with her every step of the way while giving you a few laughs along the way. This series has definitely become of one my favorites.