“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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Just….. WOW! I can’t believe what I just read!
If you have read any of Laurelin’s Fixed Series books, you know how horrible Celia Werner is….the lying, conniving and games she plays with people. She has been deserving of being taken down a few pegs, and it looks like she has definitely met her match with Edward Fasbender.
Tall, dark haired, British, with his own dark secrets and an interesting agenda….they appear to be very much alike, as well as a bit different. ONE-CLICK THIS ONE! It is sooooo worth it! I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Wow! So I went into Slay: Rivalry not sure how I was going to like it. I absolutely hated Celia Werner in the Fixed series!!! But, there is one thing I love about a character and that is when a character like Celia is redeemable. Laurelin Paige takes Celia and makes me feel for her. We get a glimpse of what has made her be the person she has been and my heart breaks for her.
Enter Edward Fasbender. Oh good lord is he an alphahole!!! He is so cold and distant. He is definitely a character that I am loving to hate!!! With the way this first ended, I can’t wait to see what Ms. Paige has instore for us!!!!
I finished this book, completely awed, amazed, and itching for more! WOWWW! Laurelin writes the HECK out of a book! Historically, Celia hasn’t been the most likable human. We know she treated Hudson and Alayna poorly. I enjoyed getting inside her head and seeing things from her perspective. I kinda thought Laurelin would change our minds about her. She’s actually someone I started to like. We, the reader, see why she’s acted the way she has. And when the opportunity arises for her to deal with Edward, she’s hesitant, but ultimately, she looks for a challenge and he’s it. Edward is a real alphahole! But I found myself WANTING him right along with Celia. I wasn’t expecting the twists and turns Laurelin sent us down! This book totally consumed me and I didn’t want to come out from their world! I need the next book, yesterday! 🙂 If you’ve enjoyed the Fixed world, DO NOT miss this KILLER read!
This book is writing perfection!
Laurelin Paige has a way with words and those words flow like poetry through the pages.
To say that I am gobsmacked with Slay is an understatement. Laurelin’s ability to take the evil Celia Werner and partner her up with someone more evil in Edward Fasbender is totally genius. These two will keep you on the edge of your seat and eating up the pages.
You go into this book thinking one thing in regards to Celia and the way she is, then at the end you don’t know if you should laugh at her or cry for her. Now Edward on the other hand is a deliciously depraved, arrogant dominant that will have you panting one minute and ready to shoot him down the next. But the man can put a spell on you that’s for sure.
The game is on and I’m dying to see what Laurelin Paige has in store for us in the next book. My recommendation is that you read The Fixed Trilogy and Fixed Forever if you haven’t.
5 1/2 It Slayed Me Stars
Holy crap Batman! This book! There are no words! I absolutely devoured it and now I want, no NEED more!!
This book slayed me! Talk about a book hangover.
A definite MUST READ!
Cecilia lives for messing in people’s lives. She is a narcissist bordering on sociopath. Edward needs Cecilia’s help to break into the American market. He thinks her father will help give him an in. Cecilia agrees with her own plan in mind.
It is a testament to Laurelin Paige’s writing to create two equally unlikable characters that you are still compelled to keep turning the page. When two master manipulators come together not only is the story steamy it is also unpredictable. I can’t wait to see how this is going to end!!
I’ve been waiting for this book, and once again Laurelin Paige makes it worth the wait!
Edward Fasbender is simply delicious, but there’s nothing simple about him. He’s a mystery, one that unfolds piece by piece and does so painstakingly slowly. There will be times when you don’t like him. He’s arrogant, bossy, unbelievably cocky, and kind of a jerk. But he’s intriguing, charming, charismatic, and the pull to him is too much to resist. He’s dominant and challenging and insanely irresistible.
Celia Werner is the woman we love to hate. If you’ve heard of her past, then you know why. I went into this book expecting not to like her, and I’m still not quite sure that I do yet. But I do understand her better, and watching her off-balance with Edward gives you a new perspective. She’s not as unnerved as she’d like to appear.
Book one was a nice way to ease into this twisted tale of power and deception but there was definitely nothing easy about it. It’s a power struggle of epic proportions. There’s never a dull moment and you will ALWAYS be left wanting more. With three more books left in their story, I don’t know what to expect, but I can’t wait to find out.
NO SPOILERS!
I honestly don’t know what to think or how to feel about Slay: Rivalry. My thoughts and feelings are all over the place, and I don’t know how to put them into words, but I’ll try my best.
Slay: Rivalry was filled with intrigue, mystery, and sexiness, and I’ve never read anything quite like it before. I enjoyed the storyline and characters for the most part, and I loved Laurelin Paige’s writing style. Some areas left me confused and frustrated, however, I knew the author had to spread Edward and Celia’s story over four books, so I didn’t expect all of my questions to be answered in book one. Slay: Rivalry was certainly different than I was originally expecting, and not quite what I’ve been used to from Laurelin Paige so far. I know without a doubt Edward and Celia’s story will slay me, in more ways than one, and I’m almost afraid of what might come next. The ending definitely threw me off, but I’m very curious to see how the plot continues in the rest of the Slay Quartet.
Umm wow! Holy crap! That ending left my jaw on the floor! This book is about Celia from the fixed series and as much as I hated her, I was intrigued to see what the author would do with her character in this book. While I still dislike her, I am feeling a little bit of emotion for her as her story unravels. I feel like there are some dark secrets that will come to light and show us why she is the way she is. I like that the author didn’t jump right into trying to make her a good person that we love because she definitely needs some soul searching and growth to become a better person but from this book alone I think she might have a shot at redemption. As for Edward Fasbender, what a jack a**! The back and forth between the two as they try and one up each other is all kinds of messed up and I’m on edge wondering what he will do next! This book is thrilling and suspenseful with a dash of sexiness and I can’t wait to read the next book in this new series!
What just happened at the end? OMG. BEST CLIFFHANGER EVER!!!!!!!!! Celia met her match with Edward. He is just as heartless as her. Both are terrible, but oh so perfectly wicked. And the sexual tension between the two…wow! This is yet another perfect story by Laurelin Paige. You can never go wrong reading anything she writes. She is just that talented. Bring on part two!
I’m going to start this review out very honest… I DID NOT want to read Celia’s story. After meeting her and all the havoc she caused in the Fixed Universe, I just knew there would be no way I could like her. Boy did Laurelin deliver and prove me wrong. It was nice to finally get to see what made Celia tick. Why she has turned out to the woman we all know.
Edward. This man is the definition of an Alpha A**hole. And all though we know this, can’t help but to be drawn to him. You can already tell he’s dark and has hidden secrets. I just can’t wait to find out what they are.
What the actual heck, Laurelin Paige! We can no longer be friends after that ending! Ok.. so we’re not actual friends now… but still! Oh and I’m slightly obsessed with the Devil now too, I hope you’re happy! Sigh. I don’t know what the do with myself now that I’ve devoured this book so quickly. When does number 2 release again? Because I need it right meow. I never thought I’d feel anything but hate toward the Dragon but dang if this book didn’t change that. I have no idea what’s about to go down between now and how they are in Fixed Forever but I’m more than ready to find out! If you haven’t started in this amazing universe yet, then you need to pick up Fixed on you and not stop until this book comes out and all the rest of them when they release. Trust me on this.
Celia grows up with wealthy family. When her father’s rival asks for a meeting, she’s curious but doesn’t get what she expects a job offer. Edward is a smart business man but doesn’t ask permission from anyone. What will she do now that offer us on table? What does he get out of arrangement?
Wow what a story. What an ending. Celia has finally met her match. This one will have you glued to every word and unable to put down. Edward is a cold vicious man; the devil himself. Celia wants to destroy him. He is her father’s rival and she will bring Edward down and show her father what she is capable of. But sometimes things don’t go according to plan. She finally figures out a way to bring him down but a small part of her is actually falling for him. She is turned on and hates him at the same time. He is a man who has to be in charge something that she is not used to. He will not fall for her manipulations. Its his way of the highway. But can he ignore her forever. Will he give in to desire.
Celia is no angel. What she did in the Fixed series I feel she is getting what she deserves. But here I think she has finally met her match. The ending sums it up the best. Cannot wait for book 2.
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.
Celia Werner is an only child. She working as an interior designer.She’s been manipulative often exploiting the weaknesses of others.Then she meet a man named Edward Fasbender. He makes her feel unbalanced. She was closed off and it had been so long since she’d felt anything. Edward excited her. He was a powerful, ruthless, attractive British businessman who owned a multimillion-dollar. He was her father’s main rival and competitor. He was ambitious, calculating and arrogant. He’s a man who takes what he wants.
THIS BOOK IS PROPER OLD SCHOOL READING!!!
I’m so in love with this writing, this story, this everything!!!!
This is the start of a new series for Laurelin & it’s like the books I read years ago when I started getting back into reading = AMAZING!
We all love the Male characters in books the alpha the one who takes the lead, but with Laurelins writing I love the small details you pick up about the woman in her story telling.
She definitely SLAYED this story I am still buzzing about it & I literally cannot wait for October!!!!
5 old school
“He’d established the rules of this dark little game of ours. A game I was more committed to playing than ever. I just couldn’t say anymore if I wanted to play to destroy him or to win him.”
I am seriously speechless after finishing this book. I am not even sure how to form a coherent sentence after finishing this book. It was UTTER PERFECTION. Laurelin Paige ABSOLUTELY slayed me with Slay! This is officially my absolute favorite book to date by her. This story was everything I wanted and SOOOO much more. Once I started reading, I just could NOT stop until I devoured every single word. It was a perfectly spun web of temptation, power and deciet. It made for a emotional ride I wanted to get on over and over again. Every page brought fourth so many different feels. One page left you warm and fuzzy, only to have you fuming and mad the next. I have never felt so conflicted while reading before. The chemistry between Edward and Celia was scorching HOT! It burned through the pages of my kindle. I felt their every emotion as if I was right there with them. They leave you wondering if you should root them on, or strangle them both. After one of the most jaw dropping endings to any story I have read, I am on pins and needles for book two! I NEED SO MUCH MORE!!
“I looked fierce. I looked formidable. There was nothing to worry about, nothing that could bring me down. I was ready. I was a dragon.”
Cecila is one of those heroines I never thought I would end up loving. But I am pleasently surprised to say I truly do. Her character is the same Celia we knew from Fixed, yet entirely different at the same time. She is fierce and strong, yet insecure and weak. I loved she wasn’t affraid to show her vulnerable side. There was actually a few times I found myself genuinely feeling sorry for her. She has absolutely met her match with Edward. Celia may be up to her usual games, however she has finally met her match.
“Edward Fasbender was a man who would ever take demands. He was the kind of man who had to be in charge. The kind of man who would slay me in every way if I let him.”
Edward is one of those Alphas you love to hate! Just when I thought I was going to like him, BOOOM! The ball would drop leaving me to hate him again. Everything about him commanded your attention. Edward was intense, cold, and calculated. Everything about his character was as sinister, as it was tempting. Something about his character had this way of drawing you in. I loved how smart Edwards character was. No matter the circumstance he was always 10 steps ahead. I’ve got a feeling this is one Alpha who is going to slay my soul, while demanding my heart.
“It was as though he’d awoken a beast that had been hibernating inside me, and now that beast’s appetite drove me to take him down.”
*5 STARS*
Was well earned with Slay! This is one of the most explosive starts to a series I have ever read. This book is going straight to the top of my best reads of 2019 list. I can NOT recommend enough reading this book! You will NOT regret it!
You know you are reading a great book when you really don’t want to like the characters yet the authors words manage to make you do a 360 degree turn around. I do have to warn you this book does finish on one heck of a cliffhanger. Celia comes from Hudson’s world but you did not need to have read that series to enjoy Slay: Rivalry in fact you may be better off with no preconceived ideas about this character. I do not want to write a review that’s full of spoilers so I’m going to tell you how book one in the new Slay Quartet made me feel it’s hot, fast paced and captivating and it will leave you wanting more !!
Edward and Celia both want to be in charge, leader of the pack and they will do what ever is needed to win the bet or win the dare and that often means they will go head to head in the battle of wills.
Two alphas who both want to win but who both have vulnerabilities and there are moments in this story where we see the tender side of this couple and that’s what will have you falling for this power mad couple. It’s the secrets they both have that motivates them and it’s the secrets that may break them but we need to wait for book 2 to find who is the ultimate winner…….
This book had me holding my breath, gasping out loud and I couldn’t put it down so please make sure you have time to finish this insane story that will leave you speechless. Laurelin Paige certainly gave us her all in book 1 and I can’t wait to see what direction book 2 will take us.
***ARC Provided by the Author***
First, to be clear, I hate Celia.
It’s a well developed kind of hate, the kind that makes you throw a party at a person’s funeral, laugh at their misfortunes, and keep driving if you seem them on the side of the road next to their broken down vehicle.
So, yeah, in case you missed it as I was subtle, I don’t like her.
When she meets Edward, she’s the Celia we all know and…not love. She’s the manipulator, the one you met before in sn earlier book, but by the middle of the book, oddly, I forgot to hate her. I forgot about all of the things she did in the past, the games, the damage she caused.
And, about halfway through this book, I decided Laurelin Paige is a sorceress. She made me forget that I wasn’t fond of Celia and made me, well, feel for her just a little. I’m not sure I like her yet, but she’s growing on me. I am also not sure we’re supposed to be on her side. I mean, there’s some growth on her part in this book, there are things that make you think “ok, that’s a corner turned” but, by the end of this book, I’m not sure you supposed to like her, or have totally forgiven her for the things she did in the past.
So, if you are like me, trust me, you want to read this book and get to know Celia. Also, if you are like me, you aren’t going to believe this until you read it yourself. I’m actually sitting here a little surprised myself. I read this because it’s Laurelin Paige and I love her words, but I also (100% honest here) went into this one afraid it was going to be the first book by her that I couldn’t connect with.
Nope. It’s amazing. It’s dark. It’s twisty. It’s delicious.
I loved and recommend this title.
***NOTE: This is a standalone quartet. You don’t need to have read the books in which you meet Celia for the first time. You don’t need to know who Hudson is to understand the story…but I recommend it as, for this one, knowing Celia adds a compelling depth to her story.
4.5 Stars!
Celia Werner grew up an only child as a trust fund baby. She’s now a blond bombshell living in New York working as an interior designer. Over the years she’s been manipulative often exploiting the weaknesses of others for sport. Her past made her feel numb and emotionless, and she often wondered if she no longer had a soul. Then she encounters a man named Edward Fasbender, and he stirs something inside her, and makes her feel unbalanced. She was closed off and it had been so long since she’d felt anything. Edward excited her. He was a powerful, ruthless, wickedly attractive British businessman who owned a multimillion-dollar London based company. He was her father’s main competitor and rival. He was ambitious, calculating, arrogant, and irresistible. He’s a man who takes what he wants, and when he approaches her with an intriguing proposition, she can’t resist taking him on, and she secretly makes plans to bring him to his knees.
Edward has set the rules, and Celia is committed to playing the game. She’d always remained detached, separate, and safe with men, but this one rattled her like no other. He was clever and enjoyed riling her up. The energy between them was like a live wire, charged and electric. He was captivating, and hypnotizing. She’d never let anyone have complete control and power over her like this. Suddenly there was this deep need inside her to have this man. She wanted him badly, and was desperate for his touch. He was alluring, and set her on fire with one kiss. Soon she was confused and felt vulnerable. She couldn’t decide anymore if she wanted to destroy him or win him. Could this dangerous, controlling man breach the walls she’d built around her heart?
Slay: Rivalry is book one in the Slay Quartet by Laurelin Paige. It’s sexy, dark, exciting, and addictive. I really enjoyed this book and loved getting Celia’s story. I can’t wait for more of this explosive couple!