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.
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Rising is the perfect ending to Celia and Edward’s story! My mind is blown. I’m truly speechless! I am baffled at how Laurelin Paige could take a character, one I have hated for years, and turn her into someone I felt compassion for. By the end of this series, dare I say I actually liked her. What Edward and Celia brought out in one another was something to behold. They loved each other through it all! They were like lighthouses for one another. When the road got dark, the other was there guiding them through the darkness. It was absolutely beautiful!
Slay Four: Rising is the final book in a series I absolutely loved! Celia is a villainess character from the Fixed series, and I didn’t want to like her. I imagined (hoped) karma would find its way to put Celia in her place. She met Edward who matched her in his own level of evil. I wasn’t sure if they hated or loved one another. The entire series is full of twists and learning a little bit more about Celia and Edward’s back stories. In the end, Celia is so worthy to have her own story.
The Slay story may be read as it’s own series. But, it’s much more fun to understand the connection of Celia, Hudson and the other characters from the Fixed series. #laurelinpaige #ichooseyou #Slayseries #CeliaandEdward #thegamecontinued #mastermind
Rising (Slay Quartet #4) is such a fantastic, emotional and angsty conclusion to an epic series. The fact that Laurelin Paige managed to change my mind about Celia Werner Fasbender, one of the most hated villains ever created, completely astounds me. She and Edward (an irresistible sexy devil who I loved to hate) evolved into the most incredible, memorable and amazing couples that I’ve ever read. And their wild, steamy and panty melting sexy times are still lingering in my mind!
Ms. Paige does a flawless job of tying up all the loose ends and giving closure to all the characters from all aspects. Rising truly ended on such a beautiful high note and I definitely recommend reading it as well as the series.
For such a hated character Celia was in the Fixed series, I know it had to be such a challenge to write her story and get us readers to truly embrace her transformation. I can honestly say the author succeeded. It took four books, a lot of drama, and a lot of growth, but this final book has me a believer.
I like that her growth as a character took time. We needed to see her go through all the emotions it would take to truly make a person stop and reevaluate their life. Some things revealed were not easy to stomach. It wasn’t pretty and I hated what Celia suffered. You start to understand why she needed to cope and how it turned negative.
Edward was another surprise. I loved him and hated him. He wasn’t an innocent either. He has dealt with some pretty tough things that shaped who he’d become. At first, I couldn’t imagine him being the right man to heal Celia. Turns out, they needed each other to heal and start new.
When I started this series I expected appearances with Hudson and Alayna. What I wasn’t expecting to see was how much we needed Celia’s story to truly wrap up Hudson and Alayna’s story.
I’m glad I gave Celia a shot. This was quite the journey.
Rising, the last book in the Slay Quartet gave Celia and Edward a justifiable ending and one that suited them perfectly.
If you had asked me before this series came out that I would see Celia as a redeemable character, I would have laughed in your face. Yet here we are, and she has been redeemed and not been defined from her past.
Celia’s story is simply tragic. And although her actions were borderline crazy and dark, you see more layers as to why she did what she did. Not justifying them, but saying there’s more to the story than there is. I mean, if Hudson can change, why not Celia.
I adored seeing Celia grow throughout the series and this last book truly shows that. We see her grow and grow and turn into somebody that we wouldnt have bekieved she could turn into.
Dont get me wrong, shes stull her feisty, no-nonsesne self. Shes just grown up more.
Now, let’s take a look at Edward. I mean, DAMN! I’m a big fan of Edward. Dominant Edward, Daddy Edward, Businessman Edward, Jealous Edward (which is hot AF) He’s multifaceted and suuuper sexy. But there’s a lot of vulnerable Edward in this story and I am simply besotted with him. He’s another character that has grown throughout the series and I absolutely adore him.
This book is a more stripped-down version of these characters. With plenty of drama and angst in there to feed a family twice over. There’s a lot more love in this novel, and there are still plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading.
I simply adored this series and would most definitely recommend it. Celia has definitely redeemed herself in my eyes and Edward is a total FOX! (Which is enough incentives to read this series.) I could bit recommend it enough!
What an incredible series. Laurelin Paige is incredible. She created a character that you totally despise when we first met Celia into one you sympathize with and might I say even grow to like. Through this series you learn why Celia was the way she was. Deep down she was a good person. The things she went through when she was younger were horrible and then to add to it her parents did not believe her nor did they support and comfort her in her time of need. Now she meets Edward and he is another character that Laurelin Paige brilliantly transforms. The first book in the series ends with Edward’s plan to murder Celia in order to get her father’s company. A plan of revenge for a wrongdoing against his father. But now this same man professes his love, that’s right love, for Celia. He even is her protector. His revenge now is against “A” and her uncle. He is determined to find out the identity of “A” but Celia will not give it up. This series will keep you going to the very end. The transformation and understanding of these two characters is extraordinary and beautifully written by this amazing author.
5 Star Review of Slay: Rising (Slay Quartet #4) by Laurelin Paige
If you have not read the first 3 books in this series, STOP and do so now as it must be read in order.
This is the final book in Edward Fasbender and Celia Werner’s quartet and in my opinion, Laurelin Paige has saved the best for last. What a gripping, riveting story I was completely captivated from the first to the last page and couldn’t put it down.
It is an intense, emotional and gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are moments that may challenge you as a reader so you have been warned. The chemistry between Edward and Celia was intense and the writing was strong.
In the conclusion, Edward and Celia both have to look deep inside themselves, come to terms with what they find and determine what they want for their future. This was a roller coaster of a read that is a fast paced story.
I fully admit to tears as I finished this book, it was a journey that has touched me on so many levels and is something I highly recommend to you all. All in all this was a fantastic conclusion to this series and I cannot wait to see what comes next from Ms.Paige.
I mean…. WOW! I don’t love Celia….. but my hatred for her ran so deep that I didn’t even think I would want to read anything in which she might get a HEA! I like her. I am happy with the way this whole situation wrapped up. I really really really LOVE Edward! Talk about swoony! He really gave me the feels in this book! Like gave me ALL the FEELS! I really think that through out this quartet both of them did a lot of growing and changing. To be fair, if you have read Fixed Forever you already had seen some of Celia’s transformation…. but his was way more than I thought it was going to be. UGH! And could they freaking BE any cuter?!?!? By the way they start out you would think I was crazy calling them cute! I give this book all 5 swooning stars! And the entire quartet was on my list of top reads. And now I really feel like I need to just go and binge the whole entire world all over again! (thank goodness for audio!)
Rising the final book in the Slay Quartet was well worth the wait!
A beautiful ending to a riveting and binge-worthy series!
Celia and Edward are complex characters, who’ve overcame life’s challenges and tragedies to not only survive but to flourish with beauty and grace.
Laurelin Paige’s ability to write such hauntingly beautiful romance is why she’s a one click author for me.
I’ll describe this book in one word…FLAWLESS! Laurelin Paige never fails to thrill me with her writing. Rising, the fourth and final book in her Slay Quartet is no exception. She had me from the first page. Her writing manages to deftly bend your thinking so when you finish you are charmed by characters you despised, stunned by plot resolutions, and emotionally drained, yet completely satisfied. Celia and Edward, both stubborn, powerful and loaded down with baggage, seemed like such an unlikely pairing. I adore a powerful Alpha Male with heart, and Edward did not disappoint (Chapter 7>SWOON!…just sayin’.). Celia’s emotions were palpable throughout and left me with an enormous amount of admiration for her strength and abilities. I liked her, alot, and never would I have thought THAT would have happened. Rising is one intense, steamy, breathtaking end to an EPIC series. If this book and series is not on your tbr list, it SHOULD be! Add it, grab it, read it! You will NOT be disappointed. Easily one of my favorite reads of 2020!
What a stunning conclusion to a sensational series!! I was constantly surprised as I turned the pages. We were blessed with jaw dropping scenes and visits from old friends. I felt as if I had read the entire book with my mouth in the shape of an “O”. I laughed, cried, and was in awe of the intense and demanding feelings exhibited by Edward. Celia came into her own in the previous book and I was glad she had maintained her independence and feisty personality. I was impressed with how Laurelin Paige succinctly wove together their lies and secrets, to create the perfect backdrop for love and revenge. We also see the return of Hudson Pierce, and the truth about “The Game” is exposed in all its sordid glory.
Edward needed to give up trying to pry secrets from Celia until he was willing to share with her his own nefarious deeds. He was still a ruthless businessman who was always negotiating the next deal or plotting revenge on an unsuspecting victim. He softened a bit when Cleo was born and I teared up at the scenes when he showered her with love. Celia and Edward’s love for each other was otherworldly and hard to explain. The need they had for each other was all consuming and powerful. They were destined to always be together, and to quote Edward: “Celia was mine for all eternity.”
“No more secrets, no more lies.”
What a truly fantastic series this turned out to be! I have to admit, I was hesitant to read Celia’s story, and I would have missed out on such a fabulous, intense, roller-coaster of emotions, fantastic journey.
The tension is high, and emotions are intense in this final book. I found this one to be extremely emotional, much more so than the rest. There were a lot of pivotal moments, moments that hurt, heartfelt moments, and joyous moments. Laurelin’s writing is raw and filled with passion and she makes you feel every moment.
I was surprised to feel so much for Celia. She really has come such a long way. I’m not sure why it was so easy to forgive Hudson and believe he had changed, yet, it was impossible for me to feel like Celia could find any type of redemption. Yet, as she grows and matures and finds love, she also finds purpose and finds herself. My heart hurt for her. She goes through a lot in this story. The moments with her and Hudson hurt, I wanted them to mend their friendship, to find forgiveness; and I while I wanted Celia to finally be at peace with all the faults of her past and with Hudson, I wanted more than anything for her to finally find peace with herself.
Edward also went through a monumental change, as well as an eye opener. I wanted him to finally find peace as well. As he reflects and questions if he needs revenge and must he always be in control, he begins to realize exactly what he has and needs. His transformation is breathtaking.
Edward and Celia have helped each other grow immensely. Their dynamic is one of such immense love that you can feel it in everything they say and do. Watching them navigate through the ups and downs fills you with warmth. Their relationship has changed and has grown so much. It’s painful at times and beautiful at others. Their connection, the give and take from both of them, their acceptance of each other; the love they have for each other is so immense and knows no bounds.
This is a heartfelt story of redemption, forgiveness, and love. My heart is so full. I loved it!
“You’re the only person who has ever loved me exactly like I am. The only person I’ve ever trusted entirely. That means you’re more capable of hurting me than anyone who has hurt me before, and that’s the most frightening thing I’ve ever imagined.”
Rising was a fabulous conclusion to the Slay Quartet. This was Celia’s book and it was so good. Her evolution from book 1 to now is truly extraordinary. She’s come so far thanks to her husband Edward. These two are the perfect match. They challenge each other and the dynamics between them only gets better every time they face off against one another.
In Rising they both take the final plunge and reveal the last secrets they’ve been hiding. The lead up to those were intense as hell. There’s no denying that they love each other irrevocably and that’s also why tensions fly high when they’re revealed. Those scenes were fantastic cause they want to care for one another so badly and also take charge as well. Especially Edward.
Celia has done a lot of horrible and despicable things in her past. Thanks to Edward she evolves and takes responsibility. Her character development throughout these four books has been flawlessly executed. She started out as a broken and numb woman and look at her now. She now flies high and embraces her faults. She’s a survivor. Such a growth.
Her husband Edward learned a few things as well. He loves fiercely and needs control but he also needs the words. Celia gave those to him.
I was completely immersed from start to finish. Celia and Edward are two powerful forces and they delivered an amazing story and conclusion. The epilogue was spot on.
I’m glad the author took a chance and wrote Celia’s story. It’s not easy when she used to be a hated character but Paige succeeded beautifully. What a couple. What Quartet.
4 Fly Bird Stars
When I heard that Laurelin Paige was giving Celia Werner her own series, I thought it was nuts. Celia Werner! The woman who came ohsoclose to ruining the happiness of Hudson Pierce and Alayna? That Celia Werner?
How little I knew. By the end of the first book (Slay: Rivalry), I not only liked Celia, I cheered for her. I wept for her. I worried for her.
And now, here we are with the last book of the quartet, and I am devastated to say goodbye. Not only do I care about Celia, but I am also obsessed with Edward Fasbender.
The title for this book is purposeful. Edward has to rise from his need for revenge and control. He has to accept that loving someone doesn’t mean they perform on command for you. My favorite moments in this book are when Celia surprises Edward with her behavior. He thinks he knows what to expect from her, yet she defies those assumptions, and she does so from a position of love.
Celia, too, has to rise. She has to stop tying herself to her previous, destructive thoughts and patterns. She needs to see the woman she has become, and she needs to acknowledge that, while Edward was a catalyst, she’s the one who made the changes.
The last few chapters and the epilogue made me emotional. I didn’t want this series to end. I love Edward and Celia together, and I loved seeing Hudson, reconnecting with him, Alayna, Chandler, and Genevieve. As Edward and Celia find their happiness together, you see true growth and development, which makes me quite impressed with Laurelin Paige. To have two characters we saw in a previous series undergo organic, unforced change–it’s remarkable, and I loved reading it.
I’m almost jealous of those of you who get to experience this series for the first time. It’s an absolute favorite of mine.
She did it! She made me love someone that I hated with a passion. Laurelin is a wicked, wicked woman! I love her for it though. Absolutely amazing series. Characters that are intense and deep. A story that is so twisted that I devoured every single word. This book was everything! Every question answered. Every speculation I had was wrong. Exactly the kind of book you need to get lost in. The entire series is that way! Do not miss this!
Ahhh…. part four and the finale is finally here! Just as with the previous three books, there is a lot of energy in this story. Some good and some bad. Lots of tension. Quite intense at times. You will need to read the first three books to follow along with the storyline, as it continues throughout, though each book has one main focal point. Plus, if you don’t, you won’t really understand the characters or their behaviors. This particular book focuses more on the power between Celia and Edward (the Heroine and Hero.) Can the dominate lose some of his control without losing himself? Can the submissive find the strength to take some of the control back. You’ll see Edward in a light you haven’t seen before. This story and these characters are so well written. In case you are unfamiliar, this series is a spin off of sorts from The Fixed Trilogy. There is mention of events that took place in those books (though you do not need to read them.) There is some sexual content. With that and with some of the subject matter included, this is intended for mature readers. The book reads easily and flows smoothly. It was hard to put down. It’s one of those books that you just can’t wait to see how it ends.
This series is PERFECTION! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Edward and Celia’s Story definitely gives closure while having you on the edge of your seat! These two have a heightened tension the entire book, this makes for a perfect story! Where we left off Celia left Edward to stay with her parents in New York. Do we really think putting Edward in the same city as Hudson is the right thing? Definitely not! But the ending that we have all been waiting for is well written and The Last Game is played!
Side note: Edward as a Daddy! “Swooning”
5 Perfect Stars!
Slay Rising is the final installment of a four book series by Laurelin Paige, and what a series this was! I am blown away. In Slay Rising, unanswered questions get answered, the final conflict comes to a head, and Edward makes his choice. Will it be Celia, or is avenging the wrongs done to her by others still his top priority? This book is wonderfully written. This series is one of the best of 2019-2020. Laurelin Paige is a master storyteller that can take a character you hate and make you fall in love with her story. This is one series that ranks high on my list of favorites. One that will stay with me for a long time.
At the beginning of this series, I really wanted to hate Celia for the things she did in the Fixed series, and for a while I did…but as you get into Ruin (book 2), the layers that Celia hides beneath start to peel away and you begin to understand what made her into the person she is/was. This series was an emotional rollercoaster ride, with so many dips and turns, I couldn’t read it fast enough and at the same time, I didn’t want it to end.
As for Edward, I had a love/hate vibe with him from the beginning and that stayed pretty consistent throughout. I had moments of wanting to throw the book because he made me so angry. In the end, though, I was madly in love with both of them and even more in love with Laurelin’s stories. As an author, she really knows how to get you in the feels and suck you in. I’m hooked!!
“My drops of tears I’ll turn to sparks of fire.” – Shakespeare, Queen Katharine, Henry VIII, Act2, Scene 4
“I set fire to the rain”- Adele
“There may be a great fire in our hearts, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke.” Vincent Van Gogh
I prefer my continuing lessons on and ponderings about life wrapped in the lines of a story like a present wrapped in beautiful ribbons. Certainly, I am not alone in this regard. Storytelling is eons old and the foundation of communicating morality and spirituality beginning in one’s early childhood.
While this story culminating in this last book is the flavor of romance I love best, it did that special “thing” to my mind and spirit. It sparked contemplation and meditation; giving me a little bit more insight into myself, others and the world in which I find myself. Yeah…it’s going to be one of “those” kind of reviews.
Through the themes of the overwhelming need for revenge, the possibilities of atonement, and the freedom found in letting go of grievance with the symbolism of fire and smoke, this gifted and polished author teaches us profound, even timely lessons.
Before I offer my thoughts on these, I will tell you the book hits all the high notes of composition and form and meets the expectations of the romance story lover. The “mains” continue to develop and captivate and the plot line moves along smoothly with some surprises that enhance. The plot was also tightly woven so that there was no jumping over plot holes.
The fundamental disagreement between Edward and Celia is Edward’s all-consuming desire to avenge every wrong done to Celia. In an introspective moment he describes himself:
“I’ve been completely consumed with rage and spite, these twin fires that ate everything in their pathway. No matter what I fed them, they continued to burn, burn, burn. Everything was fuel, and there I was, throwing flames at whatever I deemed deserving to be burned down.”
Celia has been broken down and been made new because of Edward and their transforming love. She has crawled through the fire and emerged like the mythical Phoenix. She is looking to the future, yet, Edward is hyper-focused on revenge to the detriment of the “redeeming” love he found with Celia. He is also haunted by his past deeds. Celia is desperate to cling to her secrets to keep Edward safe from his own destruction. With a new life on the way, Edward has to choose between primary focus on his quest for destructive vengeance or laying down his sword of vengeance and becoming the father and husband Celia desires. What will be the consequences of his choice?
Within the framework of this story are reminders of the hollow, destructive force that is revenge. Leaving ashes and smoke rising in its wake…Nothing left to hold onto. The smoke rising, itself, a metaphor for the fleeting nature of time and life.
Haven’t we all recently experienced the damage, destruction, chaos and the sheer nihilism based on a personal philosophy of revenge? Don’t we all waste some of our precious time looking back, if not with vengeance in our heart, but holding a grudge there. Holding onto something which in the end is really nothing?…only wasted time, energy and emotional bandwidth?
How can we expect to move forward when we are caught up in the past, mired in negativity, focused on the fire of vengeance? Nothing but smoke in our future?
The idea of atonement is also introduced into the narrative as Edward begins to engage and confront his ultimate rival. The beauty and grace of atonement is underscored as a theme. Think about how liberating, karma-balancing, purifying the idea of true atonement is not only for the soul of one but also, the good of all. We may not be able to erase our past but we can lift the burden of guilt we carry from the harm we have perpetuated by atoning for this harm. Redemption is made more manifest by atonement. Forgiveness for ourselves and others becomes more possible. True acknowledgement of our flawed nature will allow us to move forward as a person toward peace of mind…peace just being human. Atonement is substantial proof of this acknowledgement.
As you can tell, I had a hard conversation with myself. The ideas seem forthright and deceptively simple, yet so hard to truly manifest in our daily life. We are complicated emotional beings. We are spiritual beings. We are social creatures. We all have needs, wants and desires. All of this adds later upon layer to our motivations behind anything we do, good or bad. Whether we move forward or stay fixed in time.
Using this pallet of complex motivations, our author wrote a moving and brilliant romantic saga. A saga which intertwines with a few others she wrote. While her writing hit me in that place between my head and heart, it was also a wonderful escape into a lover’s world filled with passion, big emotion, heart-stopping desire, and body-tingling sensation. Everything. And I mean everything, a reader of the art desires.
Rivalry (Slay Quartet, #1) by Laurelin Paige Ruin (Slay Quartet, #2) by Laurelin Paige Revenge (Slay Quartet #3) by Laurelin Paige Rising (Slay Quartet, #4) by Laurelin Paige