The Hell Night Series continues with Judge’s story!Fierce, loyal, controlled. Three things Judge became at a young age.Enduring unimaginable horrors no child should, he swore no person would dictate his or his brother’s lives again.Revenge fueled him, setting a path destined from the moment he and his brothers escaped their hell. Nothing would stop him from destroying the ones who’d wronged him, … destroying the ones who’d wronged him, even if that meant giving up the only woman to ever make him feel more than the heat of vengeance.
He let Ellie go, threw her away, never knowing the consequences of his actions.
Twelve years later, she reappears in his life, and she has some hellacious secrets of her own. Ones that knock Judge on his ass and threaten his ironclad control.
His life quickly changes course. Priorities are shifted and sacrifices are made. Judge has a decision to make. Will he give up his incessant need for retribution? Or will he sacrifice something he never dreamed he could have, but desperately wants.
Or is it possible to have both?
DISCLAIMER: Intended for readers 18 years and older due to mature content, abusive situations, and harsh language. May contain triggers for some readers. Please read with caution.
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This is the third book in the series, and for anything to make sense the previous two books should be read beforehand. Years ago Judge let the love of his life go, sacrificing that relationship so that he would be able to exact his revenge for what had been done to him and his brothers in their childhood. He knew he couldn’t bring her into a life that she would more than likely not approve of, so he broke things off. When Ellie shows up at his office in need of his help, those feelings come back for Judge but will Ellie be accepting of the life that he lives?
This series just keeps getting better and better. Once again there is a trigger warning as this deals with some really deep stuff. I was so excited for Judge’s book, I couldn’t wait to see how his situation would be handled. The twists and turns this story took us on was amazing! Drama, violence, naughty bits that were on fire, the twist at the very end. I can’t wait for Emo’s book!! I give this 5 stars.
Judge Beckett knows what Trouble went through in book one of this series. This is why I think these books need to be read in order. At the very least, you need to start with Trouble In Hell because it sets you up for what follows.
One thing different from the first book is we don’t get two Prologues. That made me very curious as to what the author had in store for her readers this time. It didn’t take me long to realize that this book was just as addicting as the first. She will give you a warning at the beginning of this book and it’s one that I have to agree with.
What each of her men has been through isn’t something you would expect but with some of the things popping up in the news it’s something that you can picture happening. You’ll be glad that it’s a work of fiction because no one should have to have the type of childhood that they had. But it will make you realize that you just don’t know what someone has had to endure just by looking at them. Some of us are very good at hiding behind a mask that others cannot see beyond.
One surprise was the addition of Ellie and her daughter. That’s something our author is good at – keeping her readers on their toes. It also shows how creative she is because after meeting Judge in book one I never would have seen this coming. But you’ll learn quickly that this author doesn’t do the expected. The author then leaves me with one last surprise and hanging on a ledge. It leaves me finally getting ready for the character I’ve been waiting for and what a great birthday present.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Judge Becket is the judge in Malus and looks to keep everyone safe by following a tough set of law and along with his brothers doling out their own justice.
Ellie Carter is desperate to for help to pay for her daughter’s mounting medical costs in looking for a kidney donor. She once believed that Judge was the man for her but when he threw her out and she was subsequently attacked she never came back nor let him know about their daughter, Maisy.
When Judge learns about Maisy will he be willing to help her out and will he be willing to let Ellie go again? But with secrets in Malus is Judge going to tell her the truth?
This is another great book in the series and like the others it is haunting and definitely has some subjects that not everyone will be able to read about.
Judge was interesting as we knew from previous books that he had been involved with four women and he was attached to them but not in love with any of them. He was extremely invested in the well being of all the citizens of Malus and I really did appreciate what he and his brothers did to keep everyone safe. Yet you knew deep down that there had to be a reason that Judge was afraid to love and in this book we finally met her!
Ellie was a strong woman but was in a huge fight to keep Maisy healthy and she knew she was desperate enough to need help from Judge. I was shocked at what happened to her after she left Judge’s place and I knew why she felt that she couldn’t return to him and why she kept Maisy a secret. Yet Ellie also knew she had never gotten over Judge and I think that was another reason why she was afraid to return.
I loved Maisy and her relationship with Emo was so good!! Their scenes truly made me smile and she was able to get through to him in a way nobody else had so far. Maisy was also such a great girl and so accepting of everything and loved meeting her new expanded family!!
There was so much chemistry between Ellie and Judge and you knew that you wanted things to work out between them. There were a few things that happened that made me wonder how she was going to deal with secrets that were revealed but she truly handled everything well.
I was totally shocked at one of the twists in the books to a certain degree but in another way I knew it was coming. Something seemed off to me about one individual but I was taken by surprise for the reasons behind it all.
I was glad Judge got some justice at the end of the book!
The end of the book left me in a complete jaw dropping moment and I need the next book now!! – By Rebecca
Let me just start by saying I think this is one of my favorite series ever, and definitely my most anticipated series. With each book, I devour it and then I’m in dire need of the next one.
Alex Grayson has done a phenomenal job of creating a set of the most complex set of characters who are so flawed and yet heroic at the same time. And she has created such an elaborate history with so much trauma and complexity, that unraveling everything keeps you on your toes and begging for more.
Judge of Hell was certainly no exception. Just when I thought things might be starting to even out, BAM, more twists and turns and jaw dropping moments. I enjoyed all of the main characters of Judge’s book, but what came through more for me was Emo and now I am dying to know more and see how Emo’s story is going to play out in the final book of the series. This was a definite wild and crazy but very engaging ride!!!
WARNING: If you have NOT read the other two books in the series then proceed with caution because my review will contain spoilers from the first two books. There are also triggers, sexual abuse, and assault so if that is a problem for you, please heed the warning.
Judge of Hell is book #3 in the Hell Night Series and picks up from where Bitter Sweet Hell left off, which I’m really happy about I hate when series backtrack. Judge’s story is told from dual POV and even though Judge of Hell ends with a completely happy ending for Ellie and Judge, we still have a MASSIVE cliffhanger that is the lead up to Emo’s story!
Judge of Hell is Ellie and Judge’s story.
Judge along with his brothers (who are not his blood brothers but as close to brothers as they could ever be) went through unimaginable trauma when they were kids. But now they are all grown up and have taken back the town that was once their own personal Hell. What was once Sweet Haven and anything but is now called Malus and Judge along with his brothers Trouble, JW, & Emo, run the town while doling out the type of justice they feel is deserved, protecting the innocents and ridding the world of the evil doers.
“Each person we take out deserves nothing less. They prey upon the weak and destroy lives. They break into homes, rape and beat innocent people. They kidnap them and hold them, hostage, inflicting permanent damage to their minds and bodies. . .”
Then one day in walks a face he never thought he’d see again. Ellie, his last serious girlfriend, the girl he thought he was going to marry, the only girl he’s ever given his heart to, walks into his office… and she’s not alone.
Twelve years ago Judge made the decision to let Ellie go. He knew the life that he and his brothers planned to lead wasn’t for her. So instead of explaining anything to her, he broke it off and treated her absolutely awful. Unbeknownst to him, after he did what he did something really, really bad happened to Ellie that same night.
“We weren’t together that long, but from the moment I saw him, I thought he was the one. I fell in love with him hard and fast, pictured a future with him. I thought he felt the same.”
But, after all these years Ellie needs him. She doesn’t have anyone else to turn to and she will do whatever she has to do, including asking for help from the one man who broke her all those years ago.
“Ellie wasn’t the only one emotionally hurt the night I broke things off. It damn near destroyed me. Now that she’s back in my life, there’s not a damn thing that’ll keep me from having her again. And keeping her forever this time.”
But low and behold, while Ellie and Judge are getting reacquainted, someone starts hurting the citizens of Malus. Judge and his brothers are determined to find who it is but when the threat reaches a little too close to home… someone is bound to get hurt.
Will Judge help Ellie? Who does Ellie bring with her? Who is hurting the citizens of Malus?
You’ll have to read Judge Of Hell to find out!
Ahh, this series you guys!
I can not get enough of these guys! I could not wait for Judge’s story and now we FINALLY have it! Let me just say that even though this was FAR from what I expected Judge’s story to be and even though I was pretty let down when I realized it was not going to be what I expected, it was still an amazing read.
I’ve always been intrigued by Judge. He’s such an alpha male and with him being the eldest of the brothers it was like he’s always been the older protective big brother of them and the rest of the citizens of Malus.
So, of course, anyone who has read the first two books in the series knows that Judge has had his harem of ladies, just kidding it wasn’t a harem. They all had their own houses and it was 4 ladies… until poor Jenny was murdered.
SO, when I realized that NEITHER of these ladies was going to be the one who got the guy I was a little upset that a whole other heroine was on the scene.
BUT my disappointment didn’t last long and because of Ellie showing up I feel like we got a whole new look at Judge- well I did anyway. With the other girls he was caring but he was still closed off, especially to love. That’s not the case when he’s with Ellie and now we get to see the sweet and totally swoon-worthy man that he really is.
Plus, who doesn’t love a good second chance romance?
“I know you still feel it, Ellie. I know I still make your heart pound and your breath hitch. I bet you have butterflies in your belly and shivers racing down your back. You feel the chemistry between us. The same electric pull that was there all those years ago. The same desire that swept through us anytime we were together. Even when we weren’t, all it took was one thought and it consumed us.” I trail a path of kisses up to her jaw and across her cheek. At the corner of her mouth, her lips parted as she pants, I pull back just far enough so I can see her gorgeous eyes. “I know you still feel it, because I still feel it too. It’s not going anywhere, no matter how much you fight it.”
I know some will be upset because Ellie hadn’t been with any other men since Judge but there was a reason she wasn’t. It wasn’t like she was just still hung up on him and THAT’S why she didn’t, she had a very good reason not to want to be with anyone, TWO very good reasons actually…
I gave Judge of Hell 4 stars because even though I enjoyed the book it still bothered me that we didn’t get what we all had been lead to believe Judge’s story was going to be. Plus, by the end of the book Ellie and the other 3 ladies that Judge used to be with are hanging out and friendly… I mean I understand that it’s a small town and all that but still after Ellie’s reaction when finding out that Judge had been with them, just seemed pretty far fetched that she would just be totally cool with it now.
Plus I guess after reading the connection that he shared with Jenny it was really hard for me to get just forget all about her and connect with Ellie and Judge being together. Until she was murdered I always thought that Judge’s story would be about him and Jenny.
So let me tell you, that ending?!?! OMG, OMG, OMG!
Like I said Judge and Ellie’s story is just coming to an end when BOOM surprise cliffhanger that is also the lead up to Emo’s story! I always, always hoped that it would turn out like that and I’m very, very interested to see how the author explains what happened and why… God poor Emo, I really hope he FINALLY gets at least some peace of mind.
If you like a little murder and suspense along with your second chance romance then Judge of Hell is the book for you! I would recommend reading the series in order though, I would have been pretty lost if I hadn’t!
If you haven’t started this series yet then what are you waiting for? Trust me you will NOT regret it!
“This woman is my life. She’s mine to protect, mine to cherish, and mine to worship. I plan on doing that until I take my last breath.”
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
This is the third book in this phenomenal series and is Judge and Ellie’s story. As with the previous novels, be aware there are triggers! Judge has an unconventional relationship with several women, but when Ellie comes back to town asking for help, this sets the cat amongst the pidgins so to speak. This is a well written story which is raw, gritty, dark, emotional, and with revenge, twists and secrets. I was totally hooked and intrigued throughout, and look forward to reading more in this series. I highly recommend this talented authors work for all lovers of the unexpected.
I am loving this series so much!
Judge and Ellie are perfect. She’s all of his mistresses rolled into one and I love how she has come in and messed up his perfectly controlled life!
Maisy has managed to do the impossible and made emo inch away from his dark hole. Not by much but it’s progress!
I have missed Jenny in this book, she would have adored all of the newest developments in judges life!
I am now dying for Emo’s book. Im so excited to see what transpires with all that.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
Decadently dark, just fabulously and savagely addictive 5 MINDFUCKING STARS!!
‘Judge Of Hell’ is the third book in Alex Grayson ‘Hell Night Series. It can not be read as a standalone.
Absolutely captivating. It’s a very dark, rich story, and the character development is outstanding.
It is no secret that Alex Grayson is one of my all-time favorite authors This book was so deliciously f-cked-up.
Is a deliciously dark book with so many twists and turn that you have no idea what is coming next. To say Judge of Hell is a dark romance is a bit of an understatement. I was intrigued, and completely captivated while reading.
This book consumed me. Its so unique. Trust me this is a book you want to go in blind. It really took hold and invaded my whole world in one sitting, at times difficult to digest, but un-put-down-able just the same!!
I absolutely love Alex! Everything she writes is golden! Once again, Alex proved herself to be a true storyteller, inticating a web of carefully woven lines filled with action, mystery, suspense and hawt carnal affection between the characters.
I’m a complete masochist when it comes to Alex Grayson words, but this was on a whole other level, and I just want more, more, and MORE! This series gets better with each book! I have to say, this one was intense. It was so dark and painful and angsty. So much torment in this! I could NOT stop reading it!!! At times I really hated reading some of the things that happened, but the story was so addictive and intense that I couldn’t help but love it
It’s one of those books that you won’t want to put down. All I wanted for these two is to find the love and happiness they both deserved, This is a romance based on secrets and half truths. It’s a romance that centers on revenge and hate.
It ruined me!! Right from the first page I was like “what the hell did I get myself into?” I couldn’t even put it down! It was emotional and friggin twisted as hell! I can only recommend this book to lovers of Dark.
I immensely enjoyed this book I can’t wait to read the Key to Hell.
I can not deal with how amazing this series of books is! Judge of Hell is the third book in this series and they just keep getting better. The characters have totally stolen my heart. The plot of each book is totally unique and is seamlessly tied to each previous book. This is the first series of books I’ve read by Alex Graysom and I will definitely be reading more!
Holy Hell! I absolutely loved this book, it’s the third book in Alex Grayson’s Hell Night series and does not disappoint. Each and every character in these books have had horrendous things happen to them. The four brothers lived through years of abuse that is just unimaginable. Their tragic childhood shaped the rest of their lives for the better and for the worst.
Judge is a firm believer that his bloodline is tainted and should end with him. His parents willingly, and happily participated in Hell Night. His dark past and unresolved issues from the past keep him from loving anyone. The town of Malus holds too many secrets, and too much hurt to allow for love.
Ellie a single mother who blamed Judge for the horrible thing that happen to her. Ellie comes back into the picture with he daughter Maisey when Maisey gets sick and has a rare blood type. And guess who has the same one, that’s right Judge. The man who never wanted kids, as a matter of fact they are a hard limit for him.
The animosity between Judge and Ellie in the beginning is high and very intense. Judge is mad Ellie never told him he had a daughter Ellie mad he’s mad. The night Judge kicked her out of his life and apartment she was beaten and almost killed. Her feels of hostility towards him are understandable as anyone would have felt like that.
Judges secrets are not as simple as Ellie’s and his struggle with telling her is hard. In Malus Texas things are done differently and no one outside of the town knows. Everyone that lives in the town has a past, a bad past. The town has a horrific history, that caused them to change the name.
Judge of Hell is full of angst, and is an emotional roller coaster and is not a book for everyone. The flashbacks are intense and absolutely heartbreaking but necessary to understand the way the four guys are the way they are. Alex delivers a book that makes you ache for each and every person in the story. Every character has a purpose, and adds to the depth of the book or the next. Alex setup book four perfectly in Judge of Hell and I cannot wait to see what she has instore for Emo and Rella (Daisy).
Judge of Hell is exactly what you would expect from an Alex Grayson book. Her words are flawless and always leave me needing more. I have never met an Alex Grayson book I didn’t love. The Hell Night series is one of my favorites for sure.
Holy crap this series is amazing! Alex weaves a twisted tale of love and hate, sins and redemption. Malus is a small town with a huge secret. Sins of the past are always dealt with in one form or fashion. The is Judge’s story and it is absolutely amazing!! Our pasts dictate our future…right? For Judge, one secret held will change his whole life. Can he learn to trust and love? Loved this story!
4.75 stars
This is the third book in the series and again it is not a standalone. I would HIGHLY caution those with triggers to read the description with extreme care before purchasing. This is Judge’s story. He is an interesting character who lives a somewhat unconventional life with a few women and is a commitment-phobe. However, all that changes once a woman from his past returns to shake things up with a huge surprise. The author does a tremendous job spinning this twisted web and just when you think it cannot get any more warped, it can and does. Can Judge get a second chance at love with the woman from his past? This is one dark, emotional read that leaves the reader chomping at the bit for the next installment in the series which may just be the darkest of them all.
I volunteered to read a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Judge of hell is book 3 in the hell night series and each book getting better.
Judge is a boss in his town and rules it with his brother. He lives a life that he thinks is the best for him but when a blast from his past shows up in his town he has to think about the future and life’s of others.
Ellie has been forced to ask for help. Traveling to judges town is a risk but must be done. When truths come out and secret are learned ellie and judge must look at the future and what they want. This book is a must read and the series is my favorite
I was really looking forward to Judge’s book especially after the way the previous book ended, but alas it was just meh for me. The first two of the series or action packed, page turners and whilst this one had it’s fair share of action I feel that it was anti-climatic. I am glad that I read his book because it put more of the pieces together for what him and his brothers did to survive. That’s where Ellie comes in and Judge broke her heart. She shows back up numerous years later with news for him it rocks his world. He must re-evaluate everything he thought his life was about. Will he put the love for his town and brothers above everyone or let the woman who he push the way back in? With the ending of this book I am extremely, extremely looking forward to Key to Hell!!
I’m so excited for getting Judge’s book. He is one of the brothers that got me curious from the first book and I couldn’t wait to read his story. Never in my thoughts, I could anticipated this awesome book. The author gave me so many things in this book and I’m so grateful!!!
Judge came out as reserved in the previous books. He’s the one watching over all of them; he used to do it even back when Malus was Sweet Haven. He’s strict about the rules and doesn’t like strangers coming to Malus. I was wondering who his love interest would be and let me tell you that Ellie is perfect!!
Ellie and Judge were together 12 years ago but after he broke her heart, he didn’t see her again. Now Ellie is in Malus with a big surprise that changes everything. Since I don’t want to give much away, I’ll only say that the plot and story is amazing! We get to see a different side to Judge, find out more of his past. There’s also mystery in this book, since there is a killer on the loose!
The book ends in a cliffhanger that I can’t help but constantly think about even after finishing the book. Emo’s book is next and after how we are left I can’t wait to get my hands on it! This is another great addition to the “Hell Night” series and I’m already wanting more!!
My love for this series just grows with every book.
This series is very complex, you have to know all the back history surrounding the town of Malus and the horrific atrocities that occurred to really understand the characters and the choices they make. So you must read from the beginning.
This is Judges book, now I love Judge he’s a protector he’s fiercely loyal to the residents of Malus and keeps tight control in the town to ensure the safety of everyone who lives there.
Judge had one love in his life, Ellie. However Judge let her go for reasons he couldn’t explain to her then, he thought he was protecting her.
Years later Ellie turns up in Malus with a secret of her own, one that will change everything.
This story ripped my heart out, I love Ellie. I understand why Judge did what he did back then. I even accept his personal life choices since then, however I still wanted to kick his ass for being an idiot.
I feel every emotion when I read these books, they are very raw at times, deeply disturbing powerful reads. The world this Author has created has been done to have maximum impact and hit you where it hurts. These are books made to pack a punch, yes there’s brutality and violence the world’s a cruel place. But there’s also the friendships, loyalty, love and unbreakable bonds that form when you’ve gone through Hell.
I absolutely loved Judge and Ellie they just work and you can’t mistake their connection. They’re perfect for each other.
Throughout the series Emo has held my heart, I know before Key to Hell even releases that book will slay me wide open. I’m not ready to read it but I have to know all the ugly of this tortured soul that haunts my dreams.
I just hope Emo finally finds the peace and happiness he deserves.
Give me The Key To Hell.
Judge of Hell is the 3rd book in the Hell Night Series and wow does it keep getting better!!!
This book was a fast paced, twisted, and emotional read. I would recommend reading these books in order to get the full effect of the series and the characters.
Judge and Ellie get a second chance at love, however can they make up for all that happened in the past? Judge is not like all other male characters I have read about and is in a relationship with 3 women because they each give him something he needs. I really didn’t think he would be able to settle for just one person and Alex was able to prove me wrong and d**n she did it in a way that was amazing.
Ellie is everything….I really don’t want to give much away so I will leave it at that.
I can’t wait to read the next book because with that ending……
I went into Judge of Hell not entirely sure that Alex Grayson was going to be able to pull this one off, don’t hate me! The reason that I say that is because we have been set up to understand certain things about Judge and from reading the synopsis I knew that the life he had been leading was about to be turned on it’s head. Now yes, we are talking about a contemporary romance, someone’s life always gets turned on it’s head but that was a little different in my opinion because not only was he shaken up and his life changed forever with the introduction of his romantic heroine, but what worried me was he was changing from a certain lifestyle to another one and that can be hard to make believable I have found in the past. What I am thrilled to say is that Alex does it well. Yes, life changes for Judge and those he has held close but Alex makes these changes with grace and understanding for all the feelings that happen in this book. I know that may not make complete sense to you but I don’t want to spoil anything if you have not read this series yet, if you have then you know exactly what I am talking about and I have to tell you that my favorite thing about the ‘shake up’ is that while it feels almost too easy for some it clearly is not, especially for the heroine. I liked that she just didn’t say ‘okay’ and go with it, but instead says ‘I understand, it does not change my feelings or opinion, but I need time’! That right there was what makes every change perfect in my opinion.
On another note, ha. These books are hard reads, I am not going to lie to you. The things that these heroes and some of the towns people have gone though is heart wrenching. There are moments in these books that I read while silently weeping and seething. I wouldn’t say that these books are ‘true dark’ reads, but the history that we get is and it is unfathomable, (“with out fathom” -MegaMind) if it doesn’t make you angry and need a tissue…well I just don’t know what to say. I can’t even begin to imagine Alex Grayson’s browser history, lol.
I loved that Judge’s story is truly one that comes from the past. Ellie and Judge have a past, one that will make you swoon but also break your heart. There is so much love but also hurt between the two of them it feels like perhaps it is a canyon they will not be able to cross, but they have a connection that even time and pain can not ultimately break and both have to (and do) give so that they can come together ad meet in the middle. Ellie, the heroine is amazing. I adored her or her strength, for knowing her own mind and for not allowing Judge to sway her easily. She doesn’t fall into his lap, she stands her ground, making her self the perfect match for the Judge of Malus. We knew that he was not going to need an ‘easy’ heroine by his side, he needed someone who would stand up to him, who would make him look at himself more deeply, who can shoulder the weight that he places on himself and help him carry the load. I loved his past relationships but this was not something we see in those, Ellie is his match and we get that from her straight up from the beginning!
These books are always hard for me to review because I don’t want to give anything away and honestly what do you say about the darker parts of the book except that they hurt your heart. It is absolutely lovely to watch as these men rebuild themselves once again and find the happiness that has been denied them for so long. Finally ‘you guys’ the FREAKING ENDING! I don’t have enough words for what we got in the last few sentences of Judges book. I have always known that Emo’s book was going to be the hardest of all to read but now…….
~ HAPPY READING ~
Judge of Hell … our love of Judge is finally here! He may be the toughest shell to crack out of the bunch, but we now know his reasons. His heart was shattered many years ago and it has taken so long to heal. Even more, when we learn of his life altering news, it couldn’t be better. It sends Judge on a path that he never wants to come back from. What no one can figure out however, is who is causing so much chaos in the town of Malus. Ever since Ellie came back into Judge’s life, there has been nothing but death, strange findings and abuse. Who could be behind the craziness happening in their small town? Why would anyone do the acts that they are? One thing is for sure .. Judge and his brothers will get down to the bottom of it and make sure that Malus is once again, safe and crime free.
This whole Hell Night series is just exceptional. Alex Grayson is an author that I will follow for years to come. I absolutely can NOT wait for Emos’s story … Key to Hell!!
Well blow me. Just when thought this series couldn’t get better this awesome author had to go and prove me wrong.
Judge has intrigued me from the very first book. I couldn’t wait to find out the story behind him and his women. Always wondering if he would finally settle down with just one. Enter the curve ball from left field, a woman from the past with an almighty secret to share.
One set of secrets is enough for any reader, but two sets that will blow your socks off is epic. My heart broke for Judge & Ellie. All the time lost you can never get back, but it helps lay the ground for such a strong future.
This author never fails at sucking me right into whatever story she writes and making me feel everything all at once. I’m in 2 minds about what comes next. I can’t wait for Emo’s story, but I don’t want it to end.