The stakes have never been higher, and she’s full of the devil.
Edward Fasbender is my husband.
Together, we brought down powerful men.
Now we have a chance to start over. To be the family neither of us ever had, to leave the past in the past where it belongs. Edward has a choice to make.
It will decide if we fall into the flames–or rise together.
Rising is the fourth and final book in the … together.
Rising is the fourth and final book in the Slay Quartet.
more
Oohhhhh. I feel exhausted and sated and a little bit like I need a cigarette after a good lay. What an emotional rush. I wasn’t sure about the Slay books at first and grumbled about reading them, but I’m so glad I did. So, so glad.
I admire Celia for looking at a goal of what she wants out of life and her relationship with Edward, and then keeping that as a focus, blocking out the world and what others think and focusing on what she wants and how to control her own thoughts and actions. She realizes she can’t control Edward or Hudson and instead focuses on what she wants. I admire her ability to be vulnerable and unguarded. That ability really speaks to Edward more than the defensiveness or games she tried before. She really had to work for what she wanted.
Edward learned perspective and what was important to himself from watching Celia, and I’m so glad they were able to open up to each other. Picturing him with Cleo was swoon-worthy! I have a feeling we aren’t done with the characters in the Fixed world. Fingers crossed!
Heart Stopping, Riveting, Breathtaking ~ Closure
Normally I read the ebook version first, but this time I listened to the audiobook first.
I think this was the best way for me to get closure with the Slay series and the Fixed series. So many small tributaries ran between them, as they should.
During the Slay series I think the issue that had me on the edge always was will Celia give up Hudson to Edward. She never wavered, then there was a moment when I thought she was going to fold and hand over Hudson on a sliver platter and for that moment I slipped back to not liking her, but at the end when I heard the deal and the conversation between Hudson & Edward, I knew that Celia had moved from being a dragon to a phoenix and had Risen as the woman she was always meant to be.
So now I have the closure I needed not just from the Slay series but from the last book of the Fixed series.
It is time to move in a new direction. Closure is good!
This book and the series as a whole is deserving of about 100 stars, but I only have 5 to give. Thank you Laurelin Paige for this crazy ride, it’s been worth every swear word, every tear and every sigh.
Rising was tension filled and dare I say angsty. I enjoyed the conclusion to Celia and Edward’s story. I especially loved the growth they both underwent. Their journey was by no means easy but after all was said and done it was definitely satisfying. It was sexy, funny and at times aggravating but I enjoyed every moment of it. I recommend it.
Copy provided by PR company
The final installment in the series. The series must be read in order.
Fabulous conclusion to the series. I liked seeing Celia become a mom and how that softened her. She has become a likable character with redeeming qualities. Edward grew as well with Celia’s love.
Still sexy and angsty. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing around the outcome. A great well written and plotted steamy story!!
OMG!! Rising was absolutely amazing!
Laurelin Paige is a writing genius! Rising is so much more than what I was expecting. The twists, the passion, the emotions – ugh! A definite #MustRead
I think Edward and Celia may have just become my favorite Laurelin Paige couple!
Laurelin has outdone herself once again with this epic conclusion that just screams perfection. It takes a great author to sell you a story with a heroine you absolutely despised beforehand. Then you get turned around and care for her in ways you couldn’t imagine. And I mean it. I loathed her before these 4 addicting books came out. Her redemption was one of the most surprising moments in all of my book reading history. This book was EVERYTHING. Everything I knew I needed. Everything I never knew I wanted. Laurelin gave me so much. Not only from Edward and Celia, but for Hudson and all the secondary characters too. My heart is full. I couldn’t be happier with how it ended. And dang if that epilogue didn’t get me. Right in the flipping feels! Even with that though, I hope we get more of this world in the future. Whether it’s short little stories or full blown novels, I don’t want to let them go. Not now and certainly not ever. Heck, I’m already itching to do a complete reread from start to finish of all these wonderful characters that have become more than just a story I read once -or 2,3,4,5,6.. whatever- times. I’m so excited for everyone to get their hands on this book. Even if I want to hoard Edward for myself. Whether you’ve tortured yourself -like me- and have been reading them as they’ve come out or if you’ve waited to binge them, you won’t be disappointed. One click as soon as it’s available. Lock yourself away and just enjoy it.
“I was no longer Edward’s little bird. I was a phoenix, and I was rising.”
What is it about Celia and Edward that inspires me to bake bread? I just realised three times reading this series I have made a bloomer. They make me want to punch and spank and bash the wind out of something.
I was firmly and resolutely in the ‘I hate Celia Werner’ camp and did not, no way, want a book about her. But my word, this has been a fabulous series and my change to #teamCelia is tantamount to the fantastic writing skills of Laurelin Paige.
She took a much hated character and dug into what made her a dragon. The more Celia reveals, the more the reader falls for her. In revealing her truths to Edward, the more Celia heals herself until the dragon is slayed and all that remains is a little bird.
And Edward, I hated him too. Total and utter bastard. Lo and behold, he won my heart too. Damn that sexy beast also made my ovaries throb.
“I followed behind him like the moon in the shadow of the sun. On the surface, he may have appeared to have the superior position. But the sun only ruled the day. Everyone knew when the night dawned, the throne belonged to the moon.”
“Your anger blazes like an inferno, but your silence is colder than any winter I’ve known. Personally, I’d rather be warm.”
“I always love you best when you hate me a little bit.”
From beginning to end I was hooked.
This was perfection and everything I could hope for. Celia and Edwards journey was extremly hard but oh so delicious filled with secrets and obstacles that take a big person to overcome, they have been through so much with amazing chemistry and passion and visits from old characters that was super surprising. Hold On Tight because this ending is one heck of a ride.
„You’re the only person who has ever loved me exactly like I am.”
Laurelin ended the Slay Quartet with a bang! The last book in Celia and Edward’s story was everything I could ask for. It cleared up all doubts, answered all the questions and allowed all the missing pieces of puzzle to fill the gaps. Rising is filled with drama and angst, but also sexiness and love. The road main characters have been through was long and bumpy, but they needed to get through it to build a life together.
The change that Celia has gone through since the first book is huge. No wonder it took four books to give her character’s justice. Celia needed this time to re-evaluate her life, come to terms with the past, learn how to trust and take responsibility for her faults. It was also time for me as a reader to see her from a different perspective, not a villain I pegged her for. Discovering the last secrets allowed me to feel compassion for her.
Edward is still a jerk who’s hot and cold, and I love and hate him alternately. However, he is a perfect match for Celia, because with his iron fist he’s able to both protect and tame her. An insight into his past allowed me to understand how he became the man he is today. I was pissed about the mind games he was constantly using, but I also understand that he didn’t do it for his own sick pleasure.
It amazes me how Laurelin has shown that even manipulators have hearts. How they both hid parts of themselves behind an armor, trying to tear it off the other. These two have gone through a lot both in the past and together, and in Rising we see how much they both changed and how strong their love is.
If you’ve read the Fixed series, Rising will let you see some things from a different angle and understand that not everything was black and white and some assumptions were not necessarily accurate. Only now everything clicked into place and I have a full picture and I can honestly say that some things blew my mind. Especially the fact that my feelings for Celia have evolved from pure hatred to admiration.
A powerful story about trust and redemption.
Rising is the fourth book in the Slay Quartet, and it could not have ended any better. When starting this series, I was not sure I wanted to read Celia’s story, she was such a hated character in one of my favorite series that I was content to leave her alone. I have never been so happy to be wrong. Her story needed to be told, it completed not only her journey but Hudson’s as well if you read the Fixed series. I loved seeing her rise to her full potential and power, and I loved having Edward there to guide her. These two have faced so many trials and tribulations, Rising was about attempting to overcome those. I loved the passion, I loved the story, and I can now say I love Celia and Edward.
Laurelin Paige has once again written a can’t put down must read. Rising, the fourth and final book in the Slay Quartet, continues the emotional story of Celia and Edward. These two characters continue their growth both individually and as a power couple.
Written in dual points of view, the Slay Quartet is a roller coaster ride of emotions. From the arrogant and calculating man to a loving and caring husband and father, Edward’s growth is a surprise to himself and others around him. Celia also started their relationship with an agenda. Certain parts of her past still haunted her and yet she remained strong. Edward seemed to make her a much stronger person than she started out to be. She played the game and yet the game ended with Edward.
Laurelin Paige has written a passionate and compelling series. She is a true story teller that pulls her readers in and doesn’t let them go. Rising and the previous books in the Slay Quartet are some of the best books I’ve ever read. I’ve been captivated from the first page and continued to be thought each and every book. Hate to see the series end.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and were not influenced by the author or her promotional team.
NO SPOILERS!
Rising was an excellent conclusion to the Slay Quartet, and I loved how Edward and Celia’s sexy, forbidden, dark, twisted, and entertaining story ended!
Laurelin Paige took me on a wild ride and journey through this entire series, and it was unlike any other. The storyline and characters were fantastic, if not a little scary at times, but I truly enjoyed them from beginning to end, and was very pleased with the outcome. Edward and Celia grew so much as characters and as a couple throughout all four books, and I have to say that Rising was my favorite installment of the entire quartet. It was a bit slow at times, but I thought the author did an excellent job summing every aspect up and she definitely made this reader a happy camper. 🙂
Laurelin Paige is beyond talented, and it has always been a pleasure reading her sexy and addicting love stories. The Slay Quartet, especially Rising, was a MUST READ from this amazing author, and I can’t wait to devour whatever she has in store for the future!
How can one express the multitude of emotions when reading the last book in a series of four?
It’s overwhelming.
This couple has gone through so much growing pain in their relationship. I wanted them to have their happy ending without losing their sharp edge and intense passion. I think they got their epiphany in this final book.
They still challenge each other in so many ways. Beliefs, dominance, secrets, business, intimacy, trust. It’s all a big tangle of feelings and plans that pushes them into couple battles. Dialogues sizzle and desire flares in deeply wanton ways.
l enjoyed all the clashes and wounds. The tender, moving moments as well. They are so much more together now than what they used to be. Still trying to find their foot in an ever changing personal world. And Celia is truly RISING to be the dragon she was meant to be.
With the bomb at the end of the previous book, though, I was ready for cataclismic interactions in the first chapters. However, I felt many paramount issues were almost tiptoed over such as Celia’s news or the resolution of her traumatic past with the family. I wanted direct confrontation but it was dealt with laterally.
I think it was all gathering momentum to start exploding in the second part as the characters face their last ultimatum to their true bond. Feelings and truths soar like an electric storm. Both Celia and Edward pull a chain of lessons about themselves and each other. It is eye-opening and dramatic, but not as heart-wrecking as the other books, and all threads are taken care of with a keen sense of closure. All the darks are tempered with light.
The last events brush on another character’s storyline, Hudson Pierce, who has a very rewarding last scene that helps put everything in perspective. This final book is a true redemption for the villains who also deserve their own healing and happy ending. I sighed with content at the last word.
The connection between Celia and Edward is passionate.She and Edward become the most memorable and amazing couple.The finale to this series was amazing.
When I started reading I couldn’t put it down.Laurelin Paige is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can’t wait for the next book
Be prepared to always sit on the fence during this entire series – until this final book that is. This series is unlike any other I’ve ever read; and, gosh, how Laurelin Paige does it – we’ll never know. This series puts the spotlight on just how talented Mrs. Paige is – this is her jam, her niche. She takes these characters and constantly keeps you on your toes about how it is that you’re supposed to feel about them. Do you hate Celia and her manipulative ways, or do you hate Edward and his frigid tendencies more?
Rising puts all this to rest. These two are the perfect example of making each other raise their game. They bring out the best and worst in each other like no other couple I’ve read. After reading Rising, it’s how you’d want this to end. This series is enthralling, provoking and mind blowing. Seeing glimpses of our favorite Fixed characters is nostalgic, and heartwarming. This series kept me invested. I was always excited to get my hands on the next book. As with any great series, I’ll miss these elaborate characters and anticipation that came along with each book. Laurelin Paige did not disappoint. She does dark and dirty like no other!
I am feeling lost. I am feeling stupidly emotional. I am feeling like a kid who is asked to let go of their favourite blanket. And all these reactions to Slay: Rising by Laurelin Paige will tell you just how deep this story has been in my heart. Edward and Celia’s epic ending with a new beginning of this extraordinary couple has literally SLAYED my heart and soul.
Edward and Celia’s marriage is on shaky ground. Celia refuses to give up the last secret of her old life- Hudson Pierce. And Edwards is refusing to share his truth about being a possible murderer. With a new life coming soon, they have to settle the score for once and all. But can Edward Fassbender rise above his rage and need for vengeance? Can Celia rise from the ashes of her past and become everything Edward needs?
Rising is probably the softest book in the series but it hit me hardest. Nothing much has changed on surface. Edward is still the fascinating bossy uber alpha business tycoon who demands control and needs dominance. Celia is still the fierce and brave woman who won’t be manipulated and can change any game. Yet everything in their dynamics has changed. Because they have fallen in love. And love is enough and bigger than everything. Bigger than Edward’s insecurity, anger, guilt and other issues. Bigger than Celia’s fear and shame about her past. Bigger than their collective stubbornness and mutual hotheadedness. But the process was so messy and chaotic. It took every ounce of my heart’s strength to endure the delicious and heartbreaking trial. The mind games. The explosive collisions. The dirty, filthy and life altering passion. The story is a minefield of intricate twists and unexpected turns. And it all came beautifully together. I couldn’t stop tears because two broken souls deserved every single moment of happiness after all the pain and heartache. Those were tears of overwhelming emotions. The healing and evolution of the characters were so beautifully executed. It was all about the balance. Not too much, not too less and that’s an incredible achievement.
Laurelin Paige’s writing reached a truly remarkable genius level in Slay series. She achieved the unimaginable feat of making me fall in love with two imperfect, twisted and deeply flawed people. The passion. The emotions. The suspense. Absolutely exquisite and extraordinary series till the last word.
Received ARC for honest review
I have been at the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen in the conclusion of Revenge. This book was everything I had hoped it would be and more. I couldn’t wait to know if Edward and Celia had decided. could the two of them work out their differences and come together as one. No partnership is equal and for them it’s been hard he wanted something from her only she could give him but as you have seen in the last three books people can change. I loved the transformation that they both went through in tell each other all their secrets and still choosing each other in the end. for me this series is one of the best that have been written by Ms. Paige and i would read them again and again. they are that good.
A well earned round of applause goes to Laurelin Paige for going with her gut instinct and writing Celia’s story… I wanted to hate Celia for what she had done for being the cold hearted bitch she was in the Fixed series but here she totally redeems herself. She finally gets the life she’s craved no matter how much she has denied it to herself!!
As for Edward Fasbender… OMG! My Ovaries burst several times over. The Edward / Hudson / cigar scene just about sent me into a pile of goo… two great dominant alpha males on the same page. The tension was palpable. Clash of the Titans so to speak. Edward has catapulted into one of my favourite all time characters. He was just what Celia needed to ground her, to complete her story. When I look back at how book one started with these two characters cold and distant to how book four finished off they were completely humanised.
God love Edward and his comment “I feel like I have been F**ked in the arse by my own wife….” So English and so powerful. I need more Edward…
What an amazing conclusion to the Slay Quartet! Rising gave me everything I wanted and more. Edward and Celia may have become my favorite Laurelin’s couple yet (sorry Donovan). In Rising Celia and Edward both have to make some tough choices and compromise in order to get what they each need from the relationship. I adored the way Edward loved Celia. Who wouldn’t want a man who would do literally anything in order to ensure your happiness. While he is still his dominant and rather obnoxious self, we see a softer more compromising side to Edward that I, personally, never expected. Ans daddy Edward is just unbelievably yummy! Celia’s evolution throughout the series comes to a head in Rising and we truly get to see her for who she was meant to be. Edward and Celia together are complicated, fiery, passionate, tender and, most importantly, honest. I could read books filled with just the interactions between these two. I love how they found the balance between the various roles they play in each others lives. The epilogue was truly bitter-sweet for me as I was sad to say goodbye to this couple and I can only hope to see glimpses of them in future books.
Rising is the perfect conclusion to Celia and Edward’s emotional and provocative love story! I loved watching the power games that continue between Edward and Celia but also the love that is growing stronger and more beautiful between them! Their end games have evolved to more about protecting and supporting each other, rather than their own gain. But Edward has lived for retribution for so long, when the last secret is revealed and so much is on the line, will Edward face his most worthy opponent at the risk of losing what he loves most? I loved the direction that Paige took their story, expertly revealing several heartrending details and secrets that put relationships to the test. She also proved that anyone can change, and use their powers for good. She did that so exquisitely with Celia, showing us the compassionate, loyal, and loving woman she has grown to be. Edward also struggled between his needs as a powerful and dominant man with how to make a life with the new tender woman he loves so fiercely. It was so breathtaking to watch them both grow, stumble, and fight for each other so passionately. This story was everything I wanted for them and more. There were several heartbreaking moments that moved me to tears, along with stunning encounters that took my breath away, but it was the swoony moments with Edward that really made me fall in love. It is not needed, but if you have read the Fixed series and Chandler, you will be excited, like I was, to see several events recounted from Celia and Edwards pov. I also love a great epilogue and this has one that really captured my heart. This is such a perfect ending to the Slay Quartet. I absolutely loved every word of this beautiful, passionate, poignant, and sexy, epic love story! Bravo!