Some villains are made. Some villains are born. And some villains aren’t villains at all.
Nate DeLuca was born into a life he didn’t want.Forced to walk a path that was already chosen for him. Grandson to a mob boss, he’s forever torn between his duty, his honor, his legacy, and the truth. But the truth is never simple, and it’s not at all what it seems.
In a world full of secrets, heartache, …
In a world full of secrets, heartache, and betrayals, Nate only has one thing on his mind: redemption.
But with redemption comes destruction.
And that destruction might cost him his heart.
***
Three Lives.
Two Loves.
One ticking time bomb…
Tick tock.
more
This is the 3rd and conclusion of this awesome series, and this series needs to be read in order as it is not a standalone. I loved Nate and Bailey, and in this story all questions are answered. This is a beautifully weaved tale which is intense, action packed, and is dark, raw, gritty, twisted, heartbreaking, with angst, betrayals, redemption, secrets, and love. I was completely captivated throughout this riveting and addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more from this gifted author whose work I highly recommend for all readers. In my opinion this is this author’s best work to date as it is a fantastic masterpiece!!
I loved how this trilogy came full circle and it did it in a way that keeps you wanting more and has you hooked. Throughout it there was so many ups and downs that it was hard to even attempt to figure out what happens next but this book brings it together flawlessly and answers any and all questions I’ve had over the series. Sad to see it end but loved the ending
*5 Stars*
Copy kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This is my favourite book in this trilogy. I really fell for Nate in this one, and I really adore Tiny as well. Things were totally not what I was expecting, and I devoured the book so I could discover what would happen.
I was glad we finally got some closure for everything that had previously happened, as the books didn’t feel connected enough to me as yet. That all changed in this one because of how everything came together.
Don’t really know what to say apart from the fact I really enjoyed this one and it was a great way to end the trilogy.
Wow, what a ride! I feel like I’ve just gotten off of a roller coaster and my stomach is still in knots.
When I started reading the Combative trilogy by Jay McLean, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. This story is addictive. It is all-consuming. It is one of the most intricately-woven stories that I’ve ever read, and I couldn’t get enough.
After reading the second book in this series, I had no idea how this story could possibly have a HEA ending. I just couldn’t see any way that it could happen. I knew that my heart was going to break, and it did break, over and over again. I had so many emotions while reading the conclusion to Bailey and Nate’s story. They both go through so much, and there were so many curveballs thrown into their relationship. I felt actual anxiety while reading this book and I cried so many tears, but by the very last page, I was so pleased with the way that their story unfolded.
Jay McLean has quickly become one of my favorite Authors, but for me, this story proves her true talent as a writer. The way that this trilogy is presented, from the future to the past and then back again, leaves so many questions and surprises. The story takes twists and turns that you don’t see coming and the way that these characters’ lives and storylines are woven together is just absolutely brilliant. This story and ALL of these characters are ones that I will remember. My only wish is that their story could have gone on a little longer, because I truly don’t want to let them go. 5+ stars for Destructive.
Holy cow!!! I just finished this book and I have to say I left speechless. I can’t put into words how amazing this book is. It is everything we have been waiting for!! Never did I see that coming, Jay has a fantastic way of making you want more. But the way she finished this trilogy left me in total aww of her writting!!!
Merged review:
This book is everything you expect and more from Jay!!! It keeps you on your toes and also has you feeling all those feelings that you do when reading an amazing book!!! This is a must read, but would strongly suggest you read the other two books first.
• •
: Destructive
: Jay McLean
: 5/5
OK. So this is it, the last book in the trilogy and… WOW. It was a long wait for this final book in the trilogy. And even though I bought the book as soon as it was out this year, I put off reading it for quite some time, just because I wasn’t sure I was ready for this. I was sure it would give me all the feels and it did. I understand why it took some time to release this book; it is so carefully crafted. The suspense nearly killed me… Let me tell you that this book, this trilogy, really caught me by surprise. I am usually really good at knowing where the story (generally) is going, but not with Jay’s books. If you love the unexpected, this trilogy is a MUST read. As much as I love the main characters, the side characters are just as perfect and lovable. We learn more about the side characters (like Tiny) and even get introduced to some new ones (Ashton), who are just as loveable. I feel like this review doesn’t even do this book justice. I wish I could tell you more, but I don’t want to spoil this journey for you. Definitely go read it though!
My reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
Holy shite on a cracker, this book was INTENSE. It was action packed between all the angst, the mafia setting, the love story, an unconventional bromance (which I absolutely adored!!!) It was dark, gritty, twisted, and unlike anything I’ve read by this author before. Her level of talent blows me away, and this is truly one of the best books that I’ve ever read.
To really understand everything, you need to read the books in order, and there’s not much that I can tell you about this book without spoiling details that you NEED to experience yourself, but just know that once you start, you won’t be able to stop. There are twists upon twists, and moments that had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room, but it was SO AMAZING. This is the kind of book that makes me love reading!!
This will definitely be going on my top reads of 2020!!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!!**
“I’d never had to wonder what it felt like to have a broken heart. I was born with one. Live with one.”
“I walk away, fighting against my craving to be near her. Because my mind knows it as much as my heart does…that I’d rather die a thousand deaths beside her than live a single day without.”
“This,” she whispers, her palm against my heart. “This is loving freely.”
Is it possible to fall madly in love with a fictional character? Because I just did. Nate DeLuca stole my heart and I’m afraid it will take a long time for some fictional character again to replace his position in this romantic heart of mine. Sighs.
Ohmygawd! I’m a mess. An emotional mess. This book ripped my heart, over and over again, from the start right until the ending. My heart is so full of feels, I couldn’t breathe from it. And that twist near the ending? I was beside myself with worry. No. Nuh-uh. I just couldn’t believe for this story to end like that. The author couldn’t possibly do this to me.
Bailey and Nate’s love was doomed right from the beginning. I’ve cried. Boy, did I cry. A love like theirs deserve a happy ending and I don’t know how they’re going to achieve it. I was worried. I need an answer!
To say that I love this series is an understatement.
It’s PERFECTION.
Simply AMAZING.
This book, this series… is EVERYTHING.
Everything that has happened from Combative all the way to the ending of Destructive was beautiful and a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way!
I’ve been left speechless since I finished reading and that’s definitely something Jay is great at doing with her books!
All the crazy theories and questions I had were answered and validated
I couldn’t be happier with how this trilogy ended!
Just WOW!! I’ve binge read the whole three books so not had to wait as long as a lot of the readers to find the answers to all the questions from the first two books, which is an epic bonus for me, not sure if I could have waited 2 yrs to see the end of this. Just an absolutely outstanding epic read, seriously not one to be missed this!!
Nate is one of the best characters I’ve read by Jay and this last book just confirms that, such a wonderfully layered character, not perfect by any means, but he did his best with what he had, I loved him. Bailey is just awesome, such a strong character for getting through everything she has and still being able to pick herself back up.
Tiny was an absolute star in this also, always there for Nate no matter what, such a loyal and caring character.
This third book ties in all the questions, puzzles, plots and twists from both books from different timelines and puts them all together and ties them all up, such a brilliant piece of writing, so much going on, but in the end it was just brilliantly done, it will leave you full of emotions. Such a spectacular trilogy this, angsty and suspenseful, heartbreaking and redeeming, a real triumph and one that will be hard to beat.
The twist in the plot at the end had my heart breaking, I wasn’t sure I wanted to finish the book!! But thank goodness I did, as the ending we got was just perfect.
Not a series to be missed this one, highly recommended.
It has been a long time coming waiting for this 4.5 stars book to release and believe me when I say it was definitely worth the wait. I reread the series before starting the end of the Combative Trilogy and it made the read so much more intense. Holy smokes was my heart torn, confused, and needless to say broken many times over. The author wrote us a trilogy that was not your typical romance; however giving us all the words that she does to make us feel deep within our souls in this twisted world.
From the cliffy that we get from the prior books: Combative (Combative #1) and Redemptive (Combative #2); we are meet with the in-between look from both books into this last one. It will give you a constant mind spin of epic portions with connections and chemistry filled with confusion. Are the relationship between the broken girl all a ruse or is it more? Why save someone who does not want to be live after they life they have been given? Is hope still possible regardless of your background and past? Who is the real villain in the story?
Ugly truths will be revealed. History will be explained. Personal backgrounds will be acknowledge. Throw in a mix of people from different ways of life and the vulnerability of hoping for more and you are met with a story that will not be forgotten. Thank you Jay McLean for giving us Nate Deluca.
This is the third and final book in the Combative series and the previous books do need to be read first.
I feel like I’ve been waiting forever to get the conclusion to this story and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the way this series has ended. I absolutely adored Nate. He is such an awesome character. I’ve struggled at times with Bailey throughout this series but this book gave me all the answers I needed to make me feel like it was okay to really like her.
This is an amazing trilogy. If you’re looking for something that will keep you stuck to your kindle, this is the series to read. Another amazing book from Ms McLean.
4.5 stars!
The Combative Trilogy is complete!! I devoured Combative and Redemptive , so it’s no surprise that I would devour the last book in the trilogy. Destructive is a fantastic mix of mystery, suspense, and romance, and an emotional ending to a must read trilogy.
The characters in the first two books blend together in a fascinating way and it’s impossible not to be addicted to their stories. I adored Madison and Ky from book one, I loved Bailey and Nate from book two, and now they are all together in book three and I am obsessed with each one of them. Their relationships are unique and though I was conflicted at times, I couldn’t put this story down until the very last page was turned!
“I just stand there, staring at the phone, wishing it could somehow teleport me to her or maybe go back in time to the first night…I’d change the paths of our futures and find a way to set her free and keep her safe and still… keep her.”
This book gives us a clearer connection between the characters and there is so much more to the story then I thought after reading the first two books. It’s darker and more shocking than you could have guessed but it’s the perfect conclusion to the trilogy.
I love that the storyline was a total surprise and the mystery and suspense of what was going down was intriguing and exciting. I thought I knew where the story was going but there were twists and turns that left my jaw on the floor. The way everything came together was a shock and I didn’t expect my heart to be pulled in opposite directions.
So much happens to the characters that you don’t know whose side you are on and it’s hard to know who to root for. This story shows us that love isn’t always black and white. It can be complicated and the love in this book is exactly that. It’s not right or wrong. It just is. And as heartbreaking as it can be, it can also be beautifully fulfilling.
I can’t go into too much detail because I don’t want to ruin anything but just know that this book is fantastic. Destructive ties up all the loose ends left by the first two books and I loved how everything played out. It’s an intense and wild ride that was definitely worth the wait! I loved it!
What an amazing ending to this series. It kept me intrigued from the first word of the first book to the last words of the final one. If you want a series that will keep you on your toes and wondering what will happen next you need to pick up these three books ASAP!!!
5 huge stars! This highly anticipated book has been the most asked about book for the past few years and let me say, SO worth the wait! This trilogy blew me away! I want it to be a movie so I can watch it every single day! Kudos to this author for weaving an intriguing tale that will keep your mind reeling long after the last page.
Listen, I’m not even sure what to say! This series will completely own you in every way! The thing is, it’s NOTHING like I was expecting! It hit me so hard emotionally.
Destructive is DEEP on every level. It’s smart, suspenseful, intense, heart wrenching, absorbing, edgy, dark, tragic, and immensly emotionally charged! Holy shit if you really sit and think about this series as a whole, IT WILL BLOW YOUR DAMN MIND!! Each meticulous piece, the phenomenal characters, the plot, the twists!! I started Destructive thinking I knew how I felt and I was 110% wrong because I came out of it with a totally different mind set!
Nate literally gives me heart palpitations, I can’t even think about him and Bailey without getting wrecked, this is absolutely my FAVORITE book of the whole series! Jay has proven again to be an incredibly intelligent, imaginative and clutch author!!
Do you want a beautiful and twisted journey? Well, Destructive by Jay McLean will give you that plus the heart-aching romance. You do not know what is coming with this book and that is what makes it so shocking and incredible. The unexpected has you gasping with pleasure, making it the best book of the trilogy.
It’s hard to describe a book that has so many twists and turns along the way. I don’t want to give much away because this is something you want to experience for yourself. It is a binge-worthy trilogy. I re-read the first two books and I experienced it completely different than the first time. I experienced the characters more deeply. I felt more for Ky, Jackson, Noah, Maddison, and Bailey the second time than I did the first. It was insane! I am still reeling with the emotions this book put me through. Whatever your next read will be, I recommend you read this instead. Destructive is just something you need in your life.
WHOA! What a conclusion! It was everything I needed and so much more than I expected. Jay McLean is a brilliant storyteller that created a world and characters that completely captivated me from the very first book. These books were written so uniquely. Each one unraveling a magnificent part of the storyline; coming together in the end so perfectly. Love, heartbreak, deceit, betrayal… survival. All that and more were weaved into this exquisite tale. Destructive was every bit worth the wait. I highly recommend!
Review by Lys
It’s been almost four years since I read the first two books in this trilogy. The two books that introduced me to the talent of Jay McLean. This trilogy isn’t really like any of Jay’s other books but it still has all of the emotional ups and downs that I’ve come to expect from her books: the punch in the gut, crying my eyes out emotion.
I went into this book wanting a particular ending but took a deep breath and decided to trust the process. The ending is perfect!! I was sobbing tears of joy for these characters that I have had in my head and heart for the past four years, which completely healed the times I was sobbing out of sadness.
This trilogy has a little of everything: heartache, mystery, suspense, and happiness. Four years was well worth the wait for the conclusion.
Book 3 – you MUST read books 1 & 2 first.
Destructive gives us the conclusion to Nate’s story & oh what a freaking conclusion!!
What is right? What is real? What is true?
I gasped out loud, I cried, I raged, I laughed my head off. This was exactly the ending everyone deserved. This story really spans three books and the reader feels like family by the end of this one.
It’s a complicated, romantic suspense that I know I will think about for a long time.