“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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Fan-freaking-tastic!
Oh My God! I never ever saw that coming. I hated, yes hated Celia in the Fixed series like most and this isn’t a fall in love with Celia book, oh no. We are on are way to see why she is the way she is though and what a bumpy ride it is.
This is her and Edwards story and let me say I freaking love him! Yes love! I can not wait for book two and this ending I am totally shocked. I’m so excited!
*Review by Michelle
Fan-freaking-tastic!
Oh My God! I never ever saw that coming. I hated, yes hated Celia in the Fixed series like most and this isn’t a fall in love with Celia book, oh no. We are on are way to see why she is the way she is though and what a bumpy ride it is.
This is her and Edwards story and let me say I freaking love him! Yes love! I can not wait for book two and this ending I am totally shocked. I’m so excited!
This book slayed me! 5 stars
The prologue intrigued me then by the end of the first chapter I gasped, and I was off to the races! Celia was captivated by Edward, and so was I. We learn Celia is numb and purports to feel nothing, but I loved how Edward unraveled her. The tension, rivalry and push/pull between them was enthralling. This is a definitely a page-turner, and I can’t wait to read the next book after I gasped again at the last sentence of this book! I received a copy of this ebook from Candi Kane PR for my honest review.
I don’t know where to begin.
The End. The shock. The what just happened moment. The end of this book was amazing, because it shocked me, made me want more, and because it was the perfect way to illustrate the evil that is Edward Fasbender.
What made the end work for me was that the whole book was a head game, taking us deep into the mind of Celia as she encounters Edward. It’s more than a little amusing that Celia who is all about the head game, would be the creation of an author who takes us on a head game special. The storyline unfolds carefully, every scene and character along the way given a rich analysis through the cold, calculating and shrewd mind of Celia Werner. It’s the perfect pacing, especially if you like reads that unfold gradually, where the characters are all rich and vibrant, but the POV story leads are especially powerful.
This is Laurelin Paige’s domain. She knows a complex character, how to make them come alive through the pages of her books. This one is no exception. I can’t imagine the HEA from here, I can barely believe the ending, and now I’m left hanging. I love it.
It probably helps to have read the Fixed series before starting on this, since we met Celia there first. But, lucky you, that will give you less time to wait for Slay: Ruin. I’m having to set my countdown clock.
What a spectacular and stunning start to Edward and Celia’s story, I love it already! Like many who have read the Fixed series, I really loathed Celia Werner and the games she played. Stories that redeem contemptible characters are my favorites, and I couldn’t wait to learn more about her. Celia is feeling lost and empty until Edward makes her an astonishing offer. Edward is her father’s adversary and she becomes excited to play another game to take Edward down, and earn back some of her father’s respect. The problem is that Edward is not like the unsuspecting victims from her past games. He is smart, sexy, and deliciously dominant. The more she fine tunes her plans, the more intrigued she becomes with this arrogant man who awakens feelings she never knew she had. Edward is determined to keep her at a distance, but the manipulative, sexy woman isn’t as easy to control as he once thought. This strategic, gripping game they play had me totally engaged from start to finish. We get a glimpse into what may have molded Celia into the person we loved to hate. The things we see and the people we meet from her life, has my mind reeling with theories and my heart maybe softening toward her just a bit. Edward exudes sexy confidence and power. He treats Celia with callous indifference, but there are moments that make me swoon, and fall in love with him! This first book in the Slay Quartet has teased and completely seduced me with promises of more heart-pounding revelations, unanswered questions, and steamy, kinky passion! With so much on the line, including their hearts, I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
I thought for sure this would be the first book that I just couldn’t get through by this amazing author. But then again this is Laurelin Paige and she is a genius in how she creates a masterpiece of intrigue and illusion and you forget that you have hated the heroine for years. Celia Werner had no redeeming qualities she was just awful. And now, now I want to throw my Kindle and smash it and pick it up and smash it again. I feel so many things for Celia but mostly I don’t hate her anymore. I think I understand her a little, it’s like peaking under a blanket and seeing the real person. Oh don’t think that Celia has a complete turn around, she is out to play her best game ever with the arrogant, alpha billionaire Edward Fasbender.
“Yet I can’t resist taking on Edward. And I can’t resist the pull he has on me. Soon I’m not so sure which side of the battle I’m standing on–if I’m the warrior meant to slay, Or the one who will be slain.”
Celia seems to have met her match. The thing is I can’t tell if I hate Edward or I secretly love him. I do know that this book is filled with sparkling gems of information that keeps building to keep you guessing and to have some understanding of both of these allusive and enigmatic people. I can’t wait for the rest of this series!!!!
I was not sure how I would respond to Celia’s story. You know, that Celia from the Fixed series. But I went in with an open mind and wow, just wow. Slay: Rivalry by Laurelin Paige was so much more than I ever imagined. Celia is not perfect and she is the woman she has always been, but we begin to see inside her head and it opens so much about her. When she is summoned by Edward Fasbender, she was not sure what to expect.
Edward is not a likable man, but he has plans for Celia. At this point I am not sure how redeemable he is, but he was also captivating and determined. Celia is a woman who is used to commanding those around her and keeping them at arm’s length. Their chemistry is combustible, but both knew the other could be very dangerous.
What a story you weave Laurelin Paige! Slay: Rivalry was so many things. It was full of surprises and twists and I could not stop reading. Excited to see what’s to come in the following books in the quartet.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Fair warning – your jaw will hit the floor when you reach the end. The whole time I was reading I was trying to guess what Edward’s motives were. I did not expect what I learned.
For fans of the Hudson & Alana story, you’ll remember Celia Warner. She was the conniving witch that tried to get in the way of their happily ever after. In Slay, she gets her comeuppance. But now seeing through her eyes, I can see where she’s coming from. What drives her and I started to feel bad for her. It’s apparent she’s had a trauma and that’s her reasoning behind using The Game she learned from Hudson to go through life. For her it’s fun and her only source of any kind of feeling.
But the appearance of Edward Fasbender throws her off kilter and now her body is feeling all sorts of things and she doesn’t know what to do. Now there’s a man she begins to desire; whether it’s The Game or real, she can’t even say for sure but she’s not numb anymore and he’s driving her wild with every rejection. All her life she’s been dismissed by the men in her life that were supposed to care for her but being dismissed by Edward stings more than any other dismissal. My heart ached for Celia. And now? I don’t even know what to think of Edward. I’m still trying to make heads or tails of my feelings for that man. He’s sexy and all, but he’s also domineering and controlling and had an air of superiority that made me cringe so many times.
I have a feeling you’re going to be as hooked as I was and left wanting more. October needs to get here QUICK…for my own sanity’s sake.
So, I have a list of books that blew my mind and these books are on pedestals, because they are so good they stick with me for life. I have 1 from my childhood, and 3 from within the last 8 years….Slay has now replaced 1 of those 3. It absolutely took my breath away with how much I loved it. I was not a Celia fan, she’s a character I LOVED to HATE!!!! I never in my wildest book imagination, thought I would like this character or root for her!!! This is how I know Laurelin is an incredible writer. I mean, truly, if you go into a book knowing you loathe the main character and come out loving her….the writing has to be amazing!! Slay is incredible. It’s hot, it’s fast paced, it’s twisted, it’s angsty and it is a book I will read again and again and still end find myself saying “Nuh Uh”. 10 Stars!!!
I really wanted to hate Celia, i didn’t like her to much in the fixed trilogy but i think i understand her a little better now. you will meet Edward Fasbender what a arrogant man but he has opened up a world to find out which person will win. for me this is another book i couldn’t put down and i can’t wait for the next book. the chemistry between Edward and Celia is off the charts, with the two playing game and to see who is going to win i can’t wait.
What did I just read?! I am still holding my breath after this book!! Somebody please come pick my jaw up off the floor because I am in awe!
Get ready for a slow-burn sexy af sorry between Celia and Edward. Slay: Rivalry is full of angst, darkness, pleasure, pain, and a whole lot of sexiness.
I have always been a fan of Laurelin’s work, but this book took the cake!! It’s such a consuming book that leaves you wanting, no.. NEEDING more. I still can’t comprehend that ending. The final sentence of the book knocked me off my feet!!
I can not wait for the the next book in this series! I already added to my TBR and I am impatiently waiting to see what happens next!
This book deserves allllllll the stars!! If there was ever a time that I could rate a book higher than 5 stars, Slay: Rivalry would be the book to take it.
What the *bleepity bleep*….because HOLY *bleep*….
I was very hesitant on how I’d feel about this book, knowing what I know and how I feel about the she-devil Celia. I mean, really…the majority of us KNOW how we feel about her, and calling her a she-devil is putting it mildly. But my twisted and perverse mind was also really excited to be introduced to Edward, the man who slayed the dragon.
We first met Edward in Fixed Forever, and if you’ve read that book, then you know the overall outcome of the entire Slay series. But what we don’t know is his story…their story. Until now…
Slay: Rivalry is ruthless and mysterious, just like Edward himself. And in true Laurelin Paige style, the story line is mesmerizing, intriguing and undoubtedly seductive. Paige gives us an in-depth, behind-the-scenes exclusive into the mind of Celia Werner. Heartless, emotionless, and devious, it literally pains be to even type her name. But upon learning more about her and looking past her one-dimensional attributes, you begin to actually feel more towards Celia other than animosity. And it seems she has found her match in Edward……or has she?
You feel excitement when reading this book. It’s sexy, erotic, and beyond unconventional. But it’s also a little sad and dispiriting. You also get one mind-f*ck of a cliffhanger. So hold onto your knickers, you’re in for one hell of a treat. *wink*
Wow, this dark and edgy romance BLEW…MY…MIND—a 5+ star if I could! I wasn’t expecting the ending this story just took; it has quite an unexpected surprise that is jaw-dropping good! This is an awesome book, one you NEED to READ—you won’t regret it! Have you ever seen a devil/monster in disguise? Well, meet Edward Fasbender who is British, very handsome, sexy, billionaire media mogul, arrogant, ruthless, has dark desires, a penchant for BDSM, and who always gets what he wants—now he wants Celia and her father’s media business. Edward has no quarrel with such faint praise as he has forever shunned anything remotely resembling love again. Indeed, the damning words merely serve to enhance his haughty façade. Celia Werner is an astute wealthy heiress who can be cold and heartless, and she has not found love because of ‘The Games’ she plays by blackmailing men to get what she wants from them until she meets her match—someone who is better at playing games—Edward Fasbender, the devil. Edward Fasbender. Edward is her father’s business rival, and he decides to make a proposal to Celia. Why? If Celia accepts Edward’s proposal, will she try to incorporate ‘The Game’ on Edward? What will happen if her father finds out that she might accept a proposal from his business rival? All hell breaks loose! This book is letting you know what to expect later, but it is sure to be a hot as hell, sexy, intriguing and twisted dark romance!! There are several twists and turns within the story that makes it interesting. The storyline is fluid, and the characters are extremely well developed. Laurelin Paige, you did it by constructing a deliciously duplicitous edgy romance that is stupendous and will lure you into the wee hours and beyond that you will not be able to put this book down. I highly recommend this book!!
Oh holy hell, what did I just read!?! I truly have no words! Someone needs to help me pick my jaw up off the floor. Laurelin Paige you have truly upped your game. I find myself reading Slay and rooting for Celia Werner. CELIA WERNER! How in the heck did you pull that off? And Edward…holy hotness! He is as cruel as they come, but for whatever reason, I find him irresistible!
I’m salivating for book two! I need it like yesterday!
Finally, someone who can beat Celia at her own game. As readers of the Fixed trilogy, it’s easy to hate Celia. I wasn’t sure what to expect but, of course, LP delivers!! 100% recommend reading Celia’s story. I can’t wait for more!!
If you’ve read the Fixed trilogy by the fabulous Laurelin Paige, then you will remember what sick, twisted creature Celia Warner is. I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t sure I wanted her story in Slayed, she was not a good person, and I didn’t care what her outcome/story was. Ms. Paige has changed my mind with her twisted storyline though. I’m still not sure who to root for, but I know I am enamored by Celia and Edward. I can’t tell who will win, just that they are both playing a dangerous game, and they’ve met their match. I’m happy that Ms. Paige didn’t completely turn around who Celia is deep down, she just found a worthy opponent. I’m excited to see where this fascinating story will go, and I’m sure to enjoy the rollercoaster of a ride to get to the end!
This is perfection and the heat level is off the charts hot and consuming as we step into Celia’s world of games and oh boy has she met her match and so much more maybe more then she can handle god what was she thinking going up against the devil himself Edward who is ruthless and so dangerous with a black heart you do not what to double cross but by god he is the perfect alpha hole and I loved him I cant get enough as these two go head to head and its intense and their will be only one winner its almost sinister and I hope Celia will bring him to his knees if anyone can I think she can do it but its not going to be easy. The writing is beyond perfect and the characters are so alive they just jump off the page and demand your attention not one dull moment in this story and I loved it.
Holy crap! I totally didn’t see that coming! And then leaving us hanging…ugh! Laurelin you have once again written another fantastic book and I am so excited to read the next book in the Slay Saga. This series is about Celia and Edward. Celia is finally over Hudson but is so numb. Then Edward comes into the picture and she is starting to thaw a little. Celia is determined to play another game, but she is starting to feel. Edward is stone cold and is doing everything he can to not feel anything for Celia. But Celia was doing everything possible to get some kind of reaction from Edward. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel reading Celia’s story after her involvement with Hudson. I didn’t like her so much! But I’m beginning to think, maybe she isn’t all that bad. I read this book in less than 24 hours. Hooks you right from the beginning to the very end where your left dangling on that hook. This book will not disappoint you what so ever! It is absolutely amazing!!!!
Did the top player finally met her match?
I was very skeptical when I learned that Laurelin Paige would write Celia Werner’s story. Let’s admit honestly- not many people who have read Fixed Trilogy can say that they liked her character. I literally told my friends that Laurelin would have to make a miracle, so I’d warm up to Celia. And I think we have a miracle in creating… because I did.
Laurelin showed precisely what drives Celia and why she is what she is. In addition, she left us in a small suspension, because it seems that our heroine hides a secret that affected her personality. Nothing is what it seems and that’s why I don’t hate Celia any more like I used to. I even began to sympathize with her, because it seems that the new game she took on will not have the finale she predicted. And all this thanks to Edward Fasbender- a British multimillionaire, who’s her father’s rival and made her quite an interesting proposal… Everything indicates that this influential and calculating man will be her downfall. However, you can be sure that Celia Werner will not give up without a fight. After all, she’s still the same scheming and determined woman we got to know.
I’m completely addicted to this story. The storyline pulled me in so deep that I couldn’t snap out after the end of this read. The battle of personalities in Slay is so fierce that it leaves really impressed and the strength of Celia and Edward’s characters is so powerful that you feel like you’re taking part in the actual battle. Both of them have their own reasons why they got involved in this arrangement and I can’t wait to find out on which side the scales would tip. Their interactions are charged with an incredible sexual tension and it grows with every turned page and I’ve waited with bated breath for it to finally find an outlet. And believe me, it wasn’t simple sparks. It was a real detonation of the atomic bomb! Unrestrained lust was pouring off the pages! But regardless of their passion and desires, their relationship remains a transaction. But will they both benefit from it?
Big applause for Laurelin Paige! This author once again made me addicted to her words and I’m looking forward to continuation of this story. Slay: Rivalry was a completely captivating read that kept me in suspense and I crave more. MUST READ!
I couldn’t wait for this book. I wanted to know what made Celia become that way. This book blew my mind. I absolutely loved it. Edward blew my mind as well. Edward and Celia kept me on my toes in this book. I am still trying to figure out that ending. I need the second book right now! I highly recommend this book. Edward was not nice in this book. I didn’t see that coming since in the Fixed Trilogy is was nice and pleasant. When reading about Celia in the fixed trilogy she was downright nasty. In this book you see her start to have feelings and then it backlashes when it came to Edward and what he wanted only. He did exactly what she use to do to other people. It was kind of payback in a way. I do have to say I did like her in this book. I hope she gives Edward a run for his money! This book has me speechless its that good.