My story isn’t unique.Isn’t rare.Which is, I guess, what makes it so sad.The story about a girl who falls in love with the wrong man, lured by tender gazes, devoted promises and gentle touches. The gentle touches disappear and she’s held captive with ugly insults and brutal beatings.It’s common, this story. My past.I can’t change the past.I wouldn’t even if I could.The ugliness of my past gave me … could.
The ugliness of my past gave me a future worth living for.
Worth dying for.
It gave me a reason to fight. To escape.
That was my mistake. Thinking girls like me could have a choice.
I wasn’t given many promises in my life that weren’t broken, but chaos is a constant promise, always kept, never broken.
He comes amongst the chaos. Amongst the ugly.
He doesn’t promise a way out. He definitely doesn’t promise peace. But he gives me the opportunity for a different ending to my story.
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“I couldn’t decide whether he actually was a rude asshole or just super mysterious and damaged. The hotness was distracting.”
Another addition to the addictive Greenstone Security series. The author knows exactly how I like my #AlphaAssholes and gives it to me every time…sigh. They’re broken and badass and oh so bossy…sigh.
Warning! This story will raise your blood pressure in more ways than one. You’ll want to embody Rosie and take matters into your own hands one minute and then be ready to toss your panties the next. Either way, it will make you #HOT!
I’ve fallen so hard for so many of these amazing flawed characters. I want to hit them upside their heads sometimes when I see them making bad decisions. But, at the same time, I feel their pain and understand where those choices come from. The ‘Greenstone Family’ is an odd mixture that together is perfect. They always have each other’s backs and their number keeps growing to my delight. “—there was something I was learning about these Greenstone Security men, beyond them being hot as balls, muscly as all hell and more alpha than anything I thought existed in real life. They were decent men. I’d seen enough of that. They treated women with respect. With reverence.”
I can’t give you the deets, but go ahead and make sure you have a protective case for your Kindle in case you throw it against the wall in a rage. The villain in this story is sure to make you feel that way. I’d throw a shovel in my trunk myself and help bury a body if only she wasn’t too kind to want him dead. Imagine how many people it takes to reign in Rosie, ya feel me?
This particular Greenstone member is not who I was expecting to feature in this story, which is totally awesome, because now I can continue fantasizing about another deliciously damaged drop-dead gorgeous badass until the next one releases, not caring if it’s his turn or not. The line forms here…
Sometimes in Chaos comes Peace
Things that make me happy:
1. Coffee/Wine (You will always find one or the other, and sometimes both at the same time, in my hands)
2. Books
3. Magic
4. My tribe of friends, including my amazing son
5. Anne Malcom
Okay to be fair, there are other things too, but I was trying to make a point here. I could go on and on about how amazing this incredible author is but I figured adding her to my top five list would show how extraordinary she is. Part of that reason is this series. Don’t get me wrong, all of her stories are amazing but there is just something so special about this series, in particular, that always changes the template of who I am. She leaves me feeling the effects of her words and these characters even months down the line. There is always a message there that often comes at just the time that I need it and that was definitely the case with this story by way of Elena, Lance, and Nathan.
“Anyone can breathe through any kind of pain. That’s why I told myself. Breathing isn’t hard. It’s just sometimes you have to remind yourself that. As long as you remember, breathing is easy.”
The author again created a female that was individually her own. Elena was vastly different from Rosie, Lucy, and Polly from the previous books but yet there was a commonality between them all. It was that something damaged could in fact still be more than just a survivor. She was strong when she had every right to be weak or fall apart. Her resilience and her devotion to her son was truly what the majority of mothers feel, or I at least hope that they do. Her putting her son, Nathan, above herself was admirable. It was heartfelt. It gave a true definition to the premise of unconditional love. It was relatable to me because I didn’t have that as a child but it didn’t stop me from loving my son how I should have been loved. My years spent in the system taught me to have faith or as I call it “believing in magic” so I understood Elena and her unwitting acceptance of faith and not letting the hardships define her.
Then she created Lance. A man that had demons of his own and was trying to be numb to the notion of ever having this connection to something so similar to something else. A man that didn’t have the faith that Elena had for other reasons. That this encounter with Elena and her sweet son might be more of a taunt than an actual way for the Universe to give back. He was gruff, unfeeling, and kind of a jerk. Yet, he was also protective, and safe, and was named Captain for a reason.
I loved seeing the interactions again with the ladies of Greenstone. These women are truly my spirit sisters. Often times, Rosie is my personal guide of what to do (Or sometimes what not to do, because murder is illegal. While she might not have qualms about doing it because she wouldn’t get caught I, on the other hand, might not be that lucky. Plus I do not look good in orange). Great appearance from the other guys too but the ladies stole the show. Add in the cutest and smartest little boy and this story was another hit from this author. I cannot recommend this story or series enough.
I can’t even begin to explain the pain, angst and pure gut wrenching emotion this book exhibited whilst I was reading it. I was kicking myself because whilst I was busy with reality, I somehow managed to miss this book. But no matter, I have rectified that situation and I’m glad I did. Anne Malcom continues to prove why she is a boss when it comes to these kinds of stories.
I’ve absolutely missed these guys, not just the Greenstone hotties, but the Greenstone ladies. Lance and Elena’s story absolutely wrecked me! No words can ever do it justice. I was literally transported into another world, felt things I’ve never felt and just felt like my soul was aching with pleasure, angst & wholesome-ness. It’s these kinds of books that make me feel alive as a reader.
5 Chaos Stars
Chaos Remains is the fourth installment in the Greenstone Security Series by Anne Malcom. If you haven’t read the Greenstone Security books yet I highly recommend getting on that pronto!
With everything life has thrown at Elena, she is still one positive, light hearted and caring woman and parent. She is a woman that puts her child ahead of everything within her life including eating. She is running from evil and fear and is trying to keep her son safe from all of it. Lance has a past that he tries to keep secret, to not think about it and to make sure no one else find out about it. But is he going to allow his past to dictate his future?
“But pain fades. Even the worst kind. Especially when the worst kind is replaced by the most beautiful miracle in the world.”
Absolutely brilliant, I laughed, I cried, and my heart broke at times for these two. I loved Elena and Lance, their story will stick with you long after you finish the last page.
Anne Malcom never disappoints. Chaos Remains was raw, sexy, full of anxiety, emotions that you can feel from down deep and grabs you by the heart strings and tugs hard. Lance and Elena were perfect. Definite book hangover.
I know this is the 4th book in the Greenstone Security series, but it’s the first for me and I loved it! I enjoyed the characters, their quirks, mannerisms, intensity and love. I really related to Elena, because, I too am a single mom and I loved her strength, keep going attitude, because she had no other choice, but to keep going. Lance scarred me, but I loved watching him evolve. What amazing friends and co-workers they each had! Nathan was the embodiment of resilience! Great storyline! Makes me want to start the series from the beginning!
I quite literally have no words! A book that I wish I could give waaaay more than Five Stars!! I finished this book last night and I needed a breather before I reviewed. I still worry I won’t do this book justice!
This book is everything and more! It took everything and gave it back in spades!
Elena runs to the Greenstone Security guys for help when her son is taken. She makes an immediate impression on Lance and the other guys. Despite what she been through with her ex-husband, she radiates hope, love, and people migrate towards her.
Lance truly believes he is not deserving of light, especially hers and Nathan’s. But the moment Nathan puts his hand in Lance’s and calls him Captain…….well I was in deep!!
Lance, oh my days! That man! He darkness is like a cloak. He gives away very little but Elena sees.him.and I mean SEES him. I cried, I have to say, no shame at all. This man, this book made me feel EVERYTHING!! I have never wanted a HEA for a couple, more!!
I need another lie down in a darkened room!
Blown away
This book really hit home with me I think because I have a 4 year old son. She really hit home what it is to be a mother, no I’m not a single mother but I can only imagine she hit nail perfectly in the aspect. Now Elena is such an unconventional bad ass women who strength amazed me. She is someone I want to be. Now Lance, I didnt think that there would be an alpha male that could compete with Gage for me but I think Lance May have. Cannot wait to see what is in store for Duke. I had high expectations for this book and I my expectations were blown out of the water. Anne has a way of evoking such emotion from her words that you can feel the heart wrenching despair, the hot chemistry and painful love.
Chaos Remains is part of the Greenstone Security Series, but can be read as a standalone and still thoroughly enjoyed. Lance was introduced in the previous books and I have to be honest, I’ve been intrigued from the get go. He’s been a closed book, all dark and broody, leaving us salivating for details. I was so excited to finally read his story. I should have known Ms. Malcom, the master at creating beautifully broken characters wouldn’t hold back any punches with his story. She didn’t. It was brutal and it was amazing.
“Some of the most beautiful things I’ve seen are those that have been broken.”
Seriously gripping story beginning. We meet Elena in the most terrifying moments of her life. I swear I could feel my heart pounding through my chest while Elena was begging for help. As the story evolves we get to know these characters and begin to understand what makes them tick.
Throughout this compelling story I was inspired by Elena’s strength. Elena however, viewed herself as weak and was embarrassed by some of her life decisions. This will be her journey learning to recognize her own strength and understand that accepting help from others isn’t a sign of weakness.
“I didn’t want my safety to be defined by a man. My anything to be defined.”
“There was her standing there, scared of him- he knew that, since everyone was-but still standing up for herself, still determined. After everything that had happened in her life to give her good reason to be afraid to stand up to a man, she did it anyway.” To him.
Lance is the type she should stay away from. After everything she’s been through he’s the exact opposite of what she should be looking for.
“There was something magnetic about him that yanked me in. Something very dangerous.”
“He had a darkness surrounding him and his aura, there was something else too, a strength, a comfort”
But, she can’t stay away. With him she finds an inner strength she didn’t know she had. She soon realizes that he can hurt her far worse than Robert ever did. She has to decide what course the rest of her life will take.
I admired her devotion to her son and her determination to be the best mother possible despite everything she was up against. It meant a lot to end the book with a glimpse of her son’s future.
Another wonderful addition to the Greenstone security series. I loved the characters. Both broken and believing they’re not worthy of having or being beautiful again. We experience their transformation which of course with Anne Malcom, is nothing short of a spectacularly soul wrenching journey.
A great addition to this series. If you’re looking for a slow burn and angst this is the read for you. Be prepared because this storyline will put you through a gamut of emotions.
What can be said about Chaos Remains, book 4 in the Greystone Security Series. This can be easily as a standalone book.
The raw emotions that takes you on a emotional rollacoaster through the lives of so many complex characters that have truly suffered along their paths in life. Lance and Elena’s storyline takes you through so many of life’s heartache and suffering through a abusive marriage to escape with her young son determined to give him a safe upbringing without violence. Life shows us differently. The characters are amazing and so well written. The emotions are at times so realistic that you find yourself torn between hating and understanding the actions of their journey. Highly recommended read.
Another must read byMs Malcom
Loved this book so much. The slow burn really fit well for Elena and Lance. Nathan, her son, I fell in love with that kid. He always had me chuckling. He is adorable! He was a broken man who was stitched back together by an equally broken Elena. She is a kick ass woman who got herself and her son out of a dangerous situation, and raised him right. When her past caught up to them, she turned to Greenstone for help, Lance the first to see her to agree to take her as a client. She fit in with the women of Greenstone, the equally bad ass wives. They accepted her and Nathan as family long before Lance knew what they would do for him or come to mean to him. Definitely a 5 star read.
Elena Phoenix’s life is turned upside down the day her ex-husband, Robert, kidnaps their young son, Nathan, and because of who he and his father are the police will not do a thing. She heads to the offices of Greenstone and begs them to help her find Nathan.
Lance works for Keltan at Greenstone and has his own dark past that he won’t speak about. Yet he seems to be determined to keep Nathan and Elena safe from Robert and his long reach.
As Elena struggles with people trying to do things for her she is determined to move on with her life and provide a safe home for Nathan. But she also knows that Robert is capable of anything but will she trust that Lance can keep her and Nathan safe and take a piece of her heart as well? But is Lance capable of loving Elena?
This series keeps getting better and better and more and more intense with every book. I love that these books tackle so many issues and get your heart going in so many different directions.
I definitely felt a kinship to Elena right away being a single mother who lives paycheck to paycheck and would do anything for my kids. I understood that she couldn’t pay $30 for a bottle of wine and I could never imagine doing so, so I understood why she felt “less” when Lance would pay for things. I loved her dedication to Nathan and also to her job as even though she was a waitress she had so much loyalty to her employers as they helped her through some bad times and were always there for her and had become her family.
Lance was another mysterious male as you could tell he had a huge heart by his actions yet he had so many demons that affected the way he was with others and he had somewhat closed off his heart. It takes a long time and he made some bad choices but when we learn the whole story things begin to fall into place and my heart definitely broke for what he had been through.
I was absolutely shocked at the things that Robert did in this book, (and beforehand) to Elena. I hate men like him and I just couldn’t believe that he continued to do such terrible things because he believed he was powerful enough to do so and had the right connections. The sad part is that this is “normal” in today’s society where people believe that they are above the law because of who they are.
Towards the end I was freaking out with Lance leaving. I was so mad at him after he was able to gain both Elena and Nathan’s trust and then to just walk out like that was horrible. I was so proud of Elena for laying into him and then I was so proud of Lance for finally opening up to her about his own past.
The end was definitely tense but I knew that Lance would be able to get there on time although I was mad that he aimed at the wrong part! I loved everything that Lance told Elena and I did a little dance!
The epilogue was awesome although I am kind of worried that the series is over since the epilogue was set so far in the future!!
Crossing my fingers that Duke gets a book soon!
By Rebecca
I wish I could give this book ten stars! It is truly the best book Anne has ever written in my opinion! I laughed, I cried, my heart broke and then was put back together. Lance and Elena just became my favorite couple!! I can’t even put into words how magnificent this book was!!
I received an ARC for n exchange for an honest review.
10 amazing stars. This author never lets her readers down. Lance and Elana’s story wasn’t easy to read but it was amazing. They both have had horrible experiences and their pasts and found happiness in each other. My heart seriously hurt for Lance. Elena too- her past and story with Robert was tough.
I love that we get Rosie in this book. She seriously is hysterical. Also this is definitely a slow but but when they finally get together the fireworks fly. Amazing read and great addition the the series!!!
Two souls that find one another, that’s the best way to describe this book. There is laughter, tears and anger within the pages. Anne gives such range and beauty to the characters they just pull you right in. Another amazing book by an equally amazing author.
No spoilers of any kind included!
So all I’m going to say about Chaos Remains is I thought it was pure awesomeness and I’m gonna leave it at that because I do not want to give away all the surprises that’s hidden within this story!
Anne Malcom definitely knows how to send her readers on a whirlwind of a roller coaster ride and then leave her readers wanting and needing more at the end of all of her books.
Which is why she’s in my favorite authors list and she’s going to be staying there for many years to come.
So yes I do recommend this book but fair warning make sure you have Kleenex’s, chocolate and a stiff drink on hand because when it comes to all of Madam Malcom’s work you’re gonna need them.
A bit of a slower burn, this book had a lot of push and pull, drama and action. It will rip your heart out and put it back together. Must have tissues.
4.5 stars
I love this series, this is book 4 in the series and my favourite.
Anne has delivered a beautiful slow burn romance that has been written brilliantly. She really gives us a chance to get to know the characters, for them to embed themselves in your heart. You feel everything along with them, it puts you through the ringer but its a worthwhile journey.
Elena is so strong. With everything she has been through she maybe scarred but she still sees the good in people. Lance may live in the darkness but when he meets Elena his world gets brighter. He is one hot broody Alpha male that makes you swoon. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot built in with the slow burn its perfect.