“This book is mean and kinky, desperate and romantic…I was consumed.” – KC Caron, Goodreads ReviewerEdward Fasbender is a devil. He’s my father’s biggest rival. He takes what he wants, and he bows to no one. And now Edward Fasbender wants me.I didn’t expect to want him back. Having him is not in the cards, not when a union with him would destroy my father. But that doesn’t mean I can’t play … doesn’t mean I can’t play with him a bit.
Except, I’ve never played against such a ruthless opponent. Edward is cold and vicious, and my blood has never run hotter. They say you should choose the devil you know, but I’ve always preferred long odds.
Even if it’ll get me slain.
“Oh my. I was hooked. You won’t be able to put this down!” – Aleatha Romig, NYT Bestselling Author
Rivalry is book one in New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Laurelin Paige, dark and edgy Slay series.
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What the ever loving ….. deep sigh …. so THAT happened. At the end. THE VERY END. THE LAST SENTENCE. *blinktyblinkblink*
Okay, like I knew something would obviously occur you know … like some sort of pause or even a twist of some sort but this is SO MUCH MORE!!
I don’t know what to do with myself right now … #sendhelp (seriously)
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Alright … I should probably say a bit more about the story so you guys don’t think I’m crazy LOL Well, I actually only want to talk about Celia …. I’ll be a monkey’s Uncle, Celia grew on me and I think I like her. I may even love her !!
Some of you coming into this story as new to Laurelin’s worlds, don’t really need to read this part but to those that have read the Fixed world and especially Hudson, I know you feel me LOL To say she left a bad taste in my mouth the last time I read her name is an understatement! But we really didn’t know her past the superficial level … and we begin to now. And I’m intrigued. Not only at the unfolding of the characters, but also of the plot. I have zero idea where this story is going LOL honestly, none, but I like it!
So now I wait …………..
I’ve highly anticipated Celia Werner story from her first appearance in The Fixed Trilogy and it was definitely worth the wait, it literally blew my mind. Personally I’m not sure who was the actual devil in this book.
Book 2 is to far away.
Celia is as evil as ever but it’s a good possibility that she met her match in Edward Fasbender,
her father’s arch nemesis from England.
Celia goes to a meeting that wasn’t what she thought it was going to be, and the story unfolds.
Laurelin Paige has been one of my favourite authors for many years. I’m always guaranteed a brilliant read filled with everything you’ll ever need. If this is your first read you should really check out her other epic series.
Oh my. I was hooked. You won’t be able to put this down!
Edward Fasbender was the DEVIL!! Incredible what power and money can do to a person’s ego!! This book brings Celia Werner back but now she’s finally met her match! I loved their blistering chemistry that sizzled between them. Each trying to fight off the feelings that were brewing. I was constantly wondering where this story was going, which kept me turning pages well into the night. Laurelin always creates a male lead that’s unforgettable in every way. Alpha, strong, rich, hotter than hell with a temper and glare that can paralyze you. Celia is still up to her games, scheming her way through life, using her beauty to get her way…sometimes. I think she’s met her match in Edward and I WANT MORE!!! I can’t wait for it to continue!!!
Wowzers. What an Amazing book. At first I was hesitant to really go into reading this book, because of course it’s about blip Celia. But I was hooked. I really enjoyed reading this book from to finish. Edward and Celia… OhMGee. They are just perfect for each other. But because I tend to go on and on, I sometimes spill the beans. So therefore if you are a Laurelin fan and You have read the Fixed series. Then you will love this one as well. Get it. Read it. It’s a must!!!!!
This is Celia story, what can I say I have read and of course feel in love with Hudson and Alayna story. We I heard there was going to be a story about Celia I was skeptical since I really hated Celia . But in this book she has had some redeeming qualities to her and have had some insight on how she really is compared to who she tries to portray to be.
In the first book we meet the Handsome and hard ball man Edward, who is interested in marrying Celia just for looks and not because he has feelings for her. He’s cold and calculating just like her I feel she made her match.
Gah Laurelin, somehow makes you get so involved in her stories you feel your in the story and want to can’t wait to see what happens in the story. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to get more info on Celia’s story. I hope we get a glimpse of Hudson’s in this book!!! 5 star review
OOOHH M G!!
Celia Werner, enemy #1, cold hearted, manipulator, destroyer of lives, selfish, self centered.. can you tell she isn’t a woman i like a lot!! I do know that i wanted her to meet a man that would put her in her place !!!
Edward Fasbender, Deliciously hot, Dangerous, Ruthless, Domineering, Controlling and hated Rival to Celia’s fathers Media Company.
Edward Fasbender approaches Celia with a proposal, and i can honestly say, the battle begins!!! Both these characters are alpha to the utmost, both are holding their own lies and secrets, both will not give one single inch to the other and both have their own agenda’s. I’m not sure both of them will survive this war, let alone myself !!!!
I was so freaking hooked, I loved Edward, but as i got more into this book i was literally holding my breath !! ON EDGE MUCH!! yes it had me totally on edge the whole time, their plots and twists, getting into Celia’s mind didn’t make me like her, but it sure give me food for thought and i found myself kind of leaning towards her. But with Edward i truly think she has more than met her match!! Their push pull and the one upmanship, left me reeling!! Laurelin Paige has definitely Slayed me with this book, the writing, the tension, the sexual chemisty is explosive from beginning to end !! I can’t wait to discover more, I need to discover more, I CRAVE IT !!!!!
Can’t wait for book 3 too come out very twisted.
Rivalry (Slay Book 1)
Laurelin Paige has taken over my brain!
Is Celia really the master game player I always thought she was?
Has she met her match when it comes to playing against Edward Fasbender?
Someone is going to lose and although I have never ever been on team Celia, I am rethinking whose team I want to cheer for right now…..just when I thought it was Edward, I totally changed my mind and am moving quickly on to Team Celia, because even after seeing some of what she has done, I’m thinking even Celia doesn’t deserve to dance with the devil!
Slay: Rivalry by Laurelin Paige is an absolutely enthralling beginning to the Slay Quartet. Not to mention that it is exciting, intense, sinful, panty-melting sexiness!
Celia is a manipulator. She plays games with people and their lives with the hope of making herself feel something. She can be cruel and hurtful but she is also repressing a lot of pain. She is living off her beauty and her dad’s dollar.
For a woman who always has control, she is shocked when Edward Fasbender wrests all control from her and sets her off balance. The tables turn on her immediately starting in Chapter one and had me wondering WTH?
I was enthralled by their rapport. Each of them is used to having power but, in their “relationship”, only one can be dominant. They are two very powerful, secretive and conniving players that come together and clash. The way Celia pushed his buttons is perfection. I enjoyed every moment. I also loved seeing Edward give her a taste or her own medicine. Throughout all of their interactions, you can feel the crackling tension between them. GAH! I’ve never felt anything like it!’’
Who will win? Who will lose? It all had me so very keen to know what happened next.
Celia’s character may turn some readers off. She is definitely a character you will LOVE to HATE! She is conniving and malicious but this is what made her so intriguing to me. What made her become like this? Is there redemption and love for someone like her?
I do have to say that the first half of the book is a slow burn and that the interactions between Celia and Edward are few and far between. With that being said, it gave me time to know Celia and her motives a little more intimately. To also understand the intricacies of how her mind works.
I would have loved a little peak into Edward’s psyche. I am desperate to know just what he is thinking and what his motivations are.
This book was absolutely riveting and thrilling. The end had me wondering WTH?!? A cliff-hanger like that has left me stunned and more desperate that I can ever remember being to continue a series.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and she just made herself a devout fan!
Like a dark, edgy, depraved read? Characters that are flawed? Then, what are you waiting for? Get your copy STAT!
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Celia Werner: game player, master manipulator, royal bi*ch. Yes, she’s all those things, so I wasn’t sure how Laurelin Paige could make her a heroine, but she did, and she did so brilliantly. It’s truly masterful storytelling. Celia’s all those things, and I still grew to like her in a way I thought would be impossible.
Slay is an incredible thrill ride of a story. Celia hasn’t stopped playing her games, but she’s met her match in Edward…more than met her match. He’s a mature, and devastatingly attractive, businessman who has a proposal for Celia. My lord, nothing prepared me (or Celia!) for Edward! Forceful, enigmatic, controlled, and a temptation for Celia that she can’t resist.
I’ll say it again, this book is incredible. Slay is a one sitting, nail biting, heat generating masterpiece, with an ending that left me gasping. It’s the mother of all cliffhangers, but also the perfect ending. Book two can’t get her soon enough (and lucky for her readers, Laurelin Paige doesn’t keep us waiting long!)
Yassssssss!! But let me just say that when I realized who this book was about I was like “oh hell nawwww.” But then, of course, I devoured this freakin’ book. Super angsty, so much tension it’s not even funny, and so damn hot I nearly melted.
That ending…JESUS! I knew in true Laurelin fashion there would be a cliffy, but that one I didn’t see coming. I literally said “ahhh shit, here we go” turned the page and it was THE END! Seriously!!!! I’m reeling right now because this book was brilliant.
Waiting on book two is going to be painful. I’ll have to reread this one just to make sure I didn’t miss anything in preparation. That will be no hardship at all since it was complete and utter perfection! MUST READ!!!!!
5 Star Review of Slay: Rivalry (Slay Quartet #1) by Laurelin Paige
I have only read a few books from Laurelin Paige but I have to say that this one was on another level. Be warned this ends in one heck of a cliffhanger.
This is a fast paced story that will draw you in and shock you. Not having read the Fixed series I had no pre conceived notions or experience of Celia who apparently had a complicated relationship with Hudson Pierce. Is it necessary to have read that series prior to reading this book? Honestly, I have no idea
but I am going to read them as soon as I can.
Edward Fasbender and Celia Werner both know how to manipulate people and circumstances to suit themselves, they know the game, they play to win and take no prisoners.
When Edward makes a business/wedding proposal to Celia, who knows which one will come out on top, after all they are both used to winning? Has Celia finally met her match in arrogant alpha Edward?
This is probably one of the first books I have read where I wasn’t drawn to either characters initially. There were numerous times whilst reading that I wanted to smack Edward, he was such an arrogant jerk. Is there more to Edward than the cold man he appears to be? Is Celia the hardened woman she appears to be?
The chemistry between Edward and Celia was intense. I loved how Laurelin Paige drew us in and kept us guessing. I felt like a detective trying to follow the clues and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Laurelin Paige ‘slayed’ me with the first book in the Slay Quartet.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Celia since I wasn’t a fan of her in the Fixed Trilogy..but…I’m hooked.
I like see Celia meet her match. Edward is a walking contradiction that I can’t get enough of.
Their chemistry is explosive. I can not wait to see how this series plays out.
Laurelin Paige is a one click author for me..grab this book and you’ll see why.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Angst~ 5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5 – cliffhanger
Book Cover~ Simplistic and elegant
Series~ Slay Quartet
Source~ Kindle eBook – ARC for honest review
Would I read more from the author? Hell Yes
Would I recommend this book? Hell Yes
For those of you that know Celia Werner, like me you probably despise her. If you’ve not read the Fixed series of books, before Slay: Rivalry, I would advise starting at the beginning to get a better sense of the back story. She is the bitch of all bitches. After the revelation in Fixed Forever about where Celia was in the timeline of the series, I was intrigued? Who was this man Edward Fasbender, how had this situation arisen. Well this certainly wasn’t what I’d seen coming. A brilliantly twisted story, evil meets evil. But what’s the back story we’re not aware of from Fixed, we have seen fed tidbits of information, allowing assumptions for Celia, Edward not so much. He’s still quite the mystery. However what a bastard he’s turning into, never would I ever thought to be on Celia’s side after knowing what’s she’s capable of. Edward is another level, this is the first of 4 books and leaves us on a total cliffhanger, and wanting so much more. I can’t wait for Ruin to arrive, this is going to be a war of epic proportions and so feckin good.
4.9 Stars
Celia. We all remember her from the The Fixed Trilogy.
And we are all now thinking … why the eff would I ever read a book about her? Or even a whole four-book series!??? She was the most horrible b*tch ever in Hudson’s stories!
Yes, I thought that. But I also knew that something – other than Hudson and their games – must have made her like that. And I wanted to find out what it was. Plus I soooo wanted to read more about sexy brit billionaire Edward. The man who is going to ‘tame’ the Celia!
And I really liked the story! I realllly did!
We have this sad-melancholy-depressed mood throughout the story. Celia knows she is the way she is. We get glimpses of what happened when she was a kid.
She used to love being like that with Hudson and with all their psycho games and stuff. And even now she still thinks she is like that – wants to be like that. Not feeling anything, not caring about anybody … But meeting Edward changed her. Of course she’s still playing her games to try to hurt him for making her feel so ‘weird’, but he’s not making it easy on poor Celia. She’s finally met the one guy who might be able to handle her – and more ….
She’s so effing attracted to Edward. It’s adorable to watch her try to fight against everything he says and does! And it’s adorable to see glimpses of a ‘normal’ person inside the Celia we all know. A person with feelings, dreams, hopes. But she doesn’t think she can be like that. She’s too busy trying to play her games to think about what her life could be like if she’d only let herself be that nice person that’s somewhere inside her.
I loved reading this book. I was kinda expecting to hate it a bit – because Celia was just such a horrible character in the previous books … but I didn’t hate it.
Ok – I could do without the über-kinky stuff – the pain and humiliation. But that’s just my personal taste. It really fits with the story and with those two people.
The story was exciting. Sad. Heartbreaking. Sexy. Erotic. Kinky. Funny. Frustrating. Sweet. Mysterious. And we get a nice little WTF Cliffy!
I can’t wait to read the next books – even though I’m not really sure why there have to be four books!!!!??? I’m not really a fan of book series. Only when all books are already out! BUT, I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the 2nd one – I’m really bad remembering things with my booksalzheimers!
SLAY ONE: RIVALRY was a fascinating start to this new quartet! I can’t wait to see where Celia and Edward will take us in the next books! Hurry to your nearest amazon asap – Edward will be sold out in no time!!!
Celia Werner, the woman who used to play with Hudson, the woman who messed with his woman Alayna, and the woman who loves to play The Game with other peoples lives. Edward Fasbender has plans for her, and Celia has finally met her match. Laurelin Paige has taken Celia, the woman we love to hate, and given us a killer story. She “Slayed” it. The storyline is genius!
Oh my! This is the way to start a new series. All kinds of kinky goodness between Celia and Edward. He is the ultimate alpha but Celia is no wilting flower and she has played her own games but is she up to playing his? We shall see…
This enemies to lovers tale is a very rich, well crafted story. The author delved into the psyche of two misfits.
No one left a worse taste in the mouth than Celia Werner. The hurtful games she played on people ruined their lives. She had no remorse.
When Celia met Edward Fassbender, she planned to ruin his life—until he turned the tables on her and gave her for a taste of Fassbender justice. Edward had marked Celia for certain death if she didn’t share the family secrets. Edward is vengeful. Celia was the only person he could get to punish for the sins committed by her family.
Rivalry is the first of four books in the Slay series, featuring captivating characters you either love or hate, but you can’t look away. Edward was compelling, and the chemistry with Celia was twisted and thoroughly entertaining. They were perfectly, wickedly matched. Rivalry is a dark, sexy, twisted, and desperately romantic story. The cliff hanger at the end compels you into reading the next book, so don’t start book one unless you are all in.