“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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Laurelin is my most favorite writer. Why? Celia. She was an awful character in the Fixed Trilogy Series. I hated her! This book, Slay, made me actually feel for her. I didn’t want to stop reading, the twisty turns, the feels, that ending. Laurelin, you will always be my favorite writer!
Slay by Laurelin Paige has slayed me. I don’t know how to feel right now. This book left me speechless and wanting the next book TODAY. I hated Celia in the Fixed Trilogy but Laurelin Paige has somehow managed to make her redeemable. Slay is a must read but prepare to have your mind blown.
Hot Five stars review
Since I’ve heard that Laurelin Page working on Celia Werner story, I was impatiently awaiting for it. I love every book from this author and she has never disappointed me with any. I was so curious how she will lead the plot with heroine which I literally hated from Fixed series. I thought I was ready for this story but OMG I was definitely not. This book shocked me, penetrated into my core and moved my emotions so deep that I’m trying to collect my thoughts afterwards.
Slay: Rivalry is first book in Slay Quartet series. It is hot steamy suspense romance with big age gap and angst between main heroes. The plot started a little bit slowly but it’s necessary to truly get to known complex character as Celia Werner is. I was glad that author written Slay from her POV. I could finally learn her thoughts and feelings and almost forgave her a little bit for her evil past and games she was playing but my emotions toward her stayed mixed. Don’t get me wrong, she was very strong and assertive heroine but sometimes in this story I felt pity for her and also didn’t understand her actions but I knew that everything she was doing has a purpose She was beautiful, wealthy woman, confident and independent but she was lost in her world and didn’t know what she really wanted at this point of her life.
When she met Edward I thought she met her equal. His attitude screamed power, wealth and dominance. He was also very handsome Alfa male, arrogant and distant but as I got deeper into the story I witnessed his other side. He has little kinky secret which made Edward more attractive and thrilling.
He offered her a proposal which would change her life forever, but is she going to take it?
Is it going to be her greatest or the final GAME? Or maybe it’s going to be something unexpected?
This story is pure sensation, it’s next best of the best from Laurelin Page. You don’t have to read the whole Fixed story to get this one. It’s a fantastic new plot which will blow your mind and knock you out off your feet.
The end of book#1 leave you with huge cliffhanger and hangover and I have no clue what’s coming. I’m addicted to the plot and don’t know how I will survived until the next part.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I was extremely happy that Celia Warner finally got her book. Celia always loved to play a good game, but now her final game how will that end? Edward is the one who makes a proposal to Celia, to get married, no sex, separate rooms, pretty much what you would expect from a marriage from the 40’s or earlier.. But Celia has her own plans for her soon to be husband, a one final game, a game I hope she wins. Slay is full of surprises and the ending will shock you to your core. I can not wait for the next book. Its like the old saying if you really love someone, you can’t stay away.
I still don’t like Celia, which is the only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars. Even though the book is from her viewpoint, I don’t trust her so I didn’t know if things were actually happening the way she claimed, which is it’s own kind of messed up! Lol I think Edward is perfect for her and the lack of knowledge about him is driving me crazy. And that ending…
Finally gaining insight into the character I once despised in some of Paige’s earlier works; Celia Werner quickly goes from queen of ruthlessness to pawn in one man’s eyes.
Edward Fasbender is ambitious, arrogant, and confident — a man who never meets a challenge that he cannot conquer. It is with these qualities, that Edward’s ruthlessness and cunning ways still manage to weave Celia into a position that this reader found shocking.
His maniacal ways will leave the reader reeling with a twisty cliffhanger that slowly and deliciously unfolds…
This was a magnificent story rivaling some of Paige’s own best work. Giving a character I once despised from previous glimpses, a strong foundation and backstory, a story so gripping that I was hooked from beginning to the very end, because there was finally so much more to Celia than meets the eye.
I am holding my breath as I await the next installment of this intoxicating read.
As Always, Happy Reading!
“5/5 Beaming Brains!” – Lit-Up My Mind
This is going to be a fantastic series! These two characters you love to hate them both… but love to love them both… you feel very torn between this two individuals that are fighting their way to what they want! It’s going to be interesting to see who wins! Don’t miss out on this first book to what will be an awesome… I told you so series! LOVE Ms Paige’s writing!
After playing “the game” for several years with Hudson Pierce, Celia Werner is about to play the biggest one with Edward Fasbender. But achieving the goal is harder than she ever thought.
Edward has come to Celia asking her to marry him. The daughter to his media rival. But if he can acquire his daughter he can go after her father’s business.
Celia has not been a woman who gives up control, but something about Edward makes her want to until she wants to crush him in her game.
I’ve just finished this masterpiece, and I seriously don’t know how I am going to wait for the second book. Slay, as the title’s name states, slew me.
If there is one book to read this year, it’s this bad boy. Everything you thought you knew about Celia Werner just got blown to pieces. There is more, and it is heartbreaking to one point and exciting to another!
The blurb for Slay intrigued me, so I needed to give it a try. having met Celia in the Fixed series, her character intrigued me as much as I hated her. So reading this story, especially with the blurb at hand, I really did go in blind, and I FREAKING LOVED IT!
This book is powerful, intense, really intense. It is full of angst, and sexual angst and depravity. Never had I thought I would be on Ms Werner’s side, but here I am! She’s not perfect, of course, but you get to see her vulnerabilities, and in small doses why she is the way she is. It’s no excuse for her past, but history has played with her head a lot and her relationship with Edward was interesting and exciting.
Edward is a complicated character with the taste for darkness. He craves it and was such an interesting character to read. I wanted to get into his mind and see what makes him tick. His head seemed to hold everything but he let nothing slide. I have to say, as much as his character intrigued me, I hold a little hate towards him. His character came across as misogynistic, arrogant, and very dark and hateful towards certain things in the world, but he is a character you love to hate, and that is certainly the case for me. Even through all of his darkness, is something made him this way, more than what we just know from the book. I believe we have just touched the tip of the iceberg on the enigma that is Edward Fasbender.
This book explores a lot of things that would be considered sensitive. It has a dark energy to it that pulls you in and makes you keep reading. You’re intrigued by the characters and their actions. You want to get to know what’s in their head, but you’re scared of the outcome. That is what you get with Celia and Edward (especially Edward), but this book holds you hostage until the very last page.
I cannot remember the last time I sat down and read a book in one sitting, it has been a while, and I am not ashamed to say that this book brought back the butterflies of excitement in my tummy that I may have lost a long while ago. This book is exciting. It is edgy. It is addictive and dark and will definitely mess with your head as much as the characters. If there is one thing I would have to say, it’s this: read this book, it will mess your head but will grip you to the very end. I would highly recommend it. HIGHLY.
This book was Fan- flipping-tastic!! I LOVED IT!!!! To say that SLAY was a hot, SEXY, passionate and totally addictive read is an understatement.
It was very, very steamy and hot!
Edward Fasbenderis a smugly arrogant, successful businessman, who knows exactly what he wants, and takes it
Célia… well where do I start?
Contrary to the popular opinions, I did not hate her. I found her character fascinating and she is an alpha kick-ass woman who would do WHATEVER IT TAKES.
It is actually quite simple: together they are absolute dynamite! And gosh, we feel it!
The writing is excellent and the story and characters are the stars of the show.
They are completely engrossing. Everything about their relationship is so incredibly intense – the good, the bad, the sex, the drama. It’s full on, all the way!
NOW… this cliffhanger …. SPEECHLESS… HOLY MOLY…. WHAT THE FECK JUST HAPPENED??
Slay One:Rivalry is book one in this intense, dark story of manipulation. This is Celia Werner’s story. We’ve met and disliked Celia in Fixed Trilogy. Honestly I was surprised that we were getting her story, but as it turns out this surprise was so far the best of 2019.
Celia is not the typical heroine, she’s vindictive, manipulative and dangerous. She lacks emotions. Until she decides to play a dangerous game on Edward Fasbender, her father’s business rival. She slowly moves from empty, nothingness to feeling again. However, Edward has his own dark plans for Celia.
I found the story intriguing and I loved the dark aspects of the characters. This is my new obsession! I can’t wait for the next book. Bring it on! 5 Stars
I have always loved Celia she was a beautifully evil manipulating character in the fixed trilogy she owned who she was and make no apologies for it when I found out this author was not only continuing this serious but making Celia the focal point of her own story I had to read this and I’m so so happy I have laurelin Paige did not disappoint she kept Celia exactly the way she was but gave her a Twist of kindness that made her more relatable Edward on the other hand is such a cold and vengeful jerk that it actually makes Celia seem softer but still strong I hate having to wait to see how these two get along but I’m so on board with this series I’ll be rereading and patiently waiting for book two
I really wasn’t sure what to think when Laurelin announced that this series was going to be about Celia Werner. If you are a fixed fan then you will remember her, and most likely not like her. I decided to go into this with an open mind and am really glad that I did.
In this first book in the quartet, we really start to learn more about Celia and see her meet her match in Edward. He is very domineering, cold, and always gets what he wants. I am really interested to see how things play out through the quartet and am very interested in learning more about Edward.
This really was a great beginning to the series and it hooked me immediately. I don’t know how I am going to wait for the next book!
Wow! I’m completely slayed!
Laurelin Paige knows how to deliver an angsty, sexy, twisted read that keeps your attention wrapt and turning the pages as quickly as possible! I am keeping this review brief because I don’t want to ruin it for you. What you need to know: Edward Fasbender is an ALPHAHOLE! He is British, powerful, sexy, vicious, and delicious! He’s got an agenda and Celia is on it. Celia Werner is no shrinking flower. She is determined, strong, sexy., and she is alpha too. What happens when the two of them are determined to one-up & ruin each other? Who will come out on top? This is a rivalry for the books. Their attraction is insane and the push and pull is enthralling. I was totally hooked and the ending has me dying for more! Thank you LP for delivering yet another fantastic read! I can’t wait to see where their story goes next!
***ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Wow! Laurelin Paige is on Fire!
Slay: Rivalry is going to bring you to your knees and keep you there because this book ends in a hell of a cliffhanger!
Edward and Celia are both playing games. They are each keeping and protecting their secrets and it has already been a bumpy ride as each of them tries to manipulate the other. It is a power struggle and Edward thinks he has everything figured out and holds all the cards but he may have just found his ultimate match in Celia. We will now have to wait for the next book to find out how this all plays out!
If you have read The Fixed series than you have met Celia and will have a better understanding of The Game she played but reading that series is not necessary to reading this one. I didn’t like her then but this time around I am in her corner as we see her story unfold.
Slay is the perfect title for this story, as that’s how I felt when I finished- in one sitting.
I told this author a long time ago that I would be impressed if she could make me have any sort of positive feelings for Celia. After the first in the quartet, I feel like we could get there. At this point, I am curious for sure. Although the chemistry between Celia and Edward is intense, I think it’s going to take a lot more from Ms. Paige to make me like him. She usually writes interesting Heroes, but Edward is a little tougher for me.
I am on pins and needles to see how this turns out. Well done.
OMG, this book! We finally get Celia’s book from the Fixed Trilogy. The ending to this book I never saw coming. This was an all consuming sexy page turner.
Celeia meets Edward and enters into a dangerous arrangement. These two alphas going head to head can only turn up the steam and pull you into their world. I don’t want to give anything away so you will have to grab your copy. I need the next book asap!
Celia definitely wasn’t at the top of my list of favorites. She was in the Fixed Trilogy and let’s just say she wasn’t a nice person. She has definitely met her match with Edward. It’s a fine line that Celia is walking with the games that she plays and it’s intriguing to see where Laurelin plans to take her story. I love the way Laurelin can take a hated character and make you like them…well almost. Can’t wait for the next book!
Mind Blown. Emotions shaken. Ruined. Wrecked. Destroyed. Led through a beautiful mine field. Everything exploding. My mind. My heart. My soul. My body self destructing. Why? Because of Slay: Rivalry. Slay: Rivalry effing slayed me. Totally wrecked every single part of me till I was nothing. Shock all the cells in my body. Gave me chills. Made me one excited and hyper bunny. Yes, bunny. No, I am not crazy. But hell, this book made me lose my mind a bunch of times. Imagine, almost breaking your kindle. Your precious baby. Imagine, hitting your pillow a bunch of times. Imagine, screaming NO a bunch of times. Yeah, let’s face it, Slay: Rivalry made me a lunatic. That’s the magic of Laurelin Paige’s book. Her characters, her writing, her words make you lose every part of you. Makes you surrender. Makes you question what you reading a lot. I freaking adore Laurelin Paige. Let me tell you, Slay: Rivalry absolutely 100% SPARKLED.
What the hell did I read? I am still in shock. Wow, Laurelin Paige,you have ripped me apart. Slay: Rivalry is the stunning and engrossing first book in the Slay Trilogy with engaging characters and a captivating storyline. Slay: Rivalry’s story is out of this world. It is crazy. It is a whirlwind. It is blistering. It is a gust of wind straight to my heart. The story echoed in my soul. The story thrilled me. I am so amazed. I am mesmerized. I am broken. I am a mess. I am tongue tied. Slay: Rivalry is one darkly sensation. Risque. Seductively haunting. Dangerous. Slay: Rivalry is a dark erotic with an unforgettable and nail biting storyline that offers one hell of an exhilarating ride. Gosh, Laurelin Paige, you plunge into the deep end with an erotically pleasing book with an edge. Secrets, Lies and Games packed in a deeply pulse hitting brilliance. Slay: Rivalry definitely deserves to be on my 2019 best book list.
There is always a saying about a villain. Sometimes villains need their own story to understand them. I hated Celia. I resented her who she was. Ever since she was introduced in the Fixed Series, she has been a thorn on my side. Laurelin Paige changed that. Here in Slay: Rivalry, I got to understand her a lot. She has insecurities. She has a painful past. She is challenging. She is kinda kickass in her own way. I am so excited to get for Laurelin Paige to unravel all her layers. Hello Edward Fasbender. Goodbye Hudson Pierce. Wow, Edward is intimidating, He is cruel. He is domineering. He is an enigma wrapped in an expensive suit.
Slay: Rivalry seriously broke me. I need Ruin right now. How am I going to survive till October?
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Well well the bitch we all hated from the Fixed series is back. Celiac Werner who could forget the manipulator in chief. Edward is mysterious dangerous and oh so sexy. When he offers her a deal, it’s like watching a spider toying with a fly and for once she’s the fly.
When you dislike a character intensely and an author makes you rethink your feelings that’s pure writing skill. Now don’t get me wrong we’re not going to be besties but I can’t help but feel a little sympathy for her. This is a battle of wills and there can only be one winner. And that ending just made me wonder what the endgame is?
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood