War of Roses: Complete Box Set

Loved this series. It’s dark and was exactly what I needed to devour.

XV: War of the Roses book 1
Ellen is a pawn in a vicious game between Robert and now Mischa. She is accustomed to the torment and cruelty of Robert, has grown to expect and crave his darkness. But now, she is captured by someone else, a different darkness, the rules have changed.
This story was so compelling and interesting, it kept my focus and now I am wanting more of this story!
VII: War of the Roses book 2
OMG Lana! That ending was EPIC!
I thought that was going to happen earlier in this book but decided it wouldn’t. What a shocker!
Ellen is such a different character. Sometimes I want to shake her and tell her to smarten up and other times I want to hold her and hug her.
Whereas Mischa, sometimes I want to slap him and the other times I want to smack him. I wish he would give her what they both want.
But that ending, I am still sitting here saying WOW!
1: War of the Roses book 3
Poor Ellen! She is floundering in the sea of the mafiya still and still trying to figure her role in these dominant men who each would like to use her for bartering.
Mischa is remaining true to his role with his Little Rose, as captor and tormentor. And now there is Mouse and little Eli! What connects them all together?
Lana Sky you write stories that grip the reader and throw them into a story of make believe but suddenly it seems very real with the words and descriptions you use to paint the story!

What a ride, how much abuse somebody can take, but at the end love Trumps hate, highly recommend it

This dark psychological story is very dark and emotional Ellen has been kidnapped by Mischa, a misunderstanding but still it happens and Mischa is a very unpredictable and violent guy, he will try to break her down, she is already in her own hell and now she will find the unexpected. The whole story is original, refreshing, the whole series in a box set is a great way to get them, I got the audiobook set narrated by Caitlin Allgood Knight, I really liked her voice, the pacing was well done, and didn’t struggle with it even though it was a very long audiobook.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review

Wow!! This series/boxset is AMAZING It’s dark, brutal, mysterious, full of many twists and turns that really pack that punch!! I read each book individually, so my reviews for each book are below!! This was one of the best series I’ve ever read, and I was very sad to see it end, after book 3!! I highly recommend this boxset!! It was nearly impossible to put down

XV (Fifteen):
Whoa This is another AMAZING book by Lana Sky!! From the very first page, it started with a bang, and was ahead to the finish line for the rest of the book!! It was impossible for me to put down!! Your heart truly breaks for Ellen She is basically tossed aside in favor of her half sister, until she is completely sacrificed, after being mistaken for her half sister. She is taken captive, due to a vicious mafia blood feud. Mischa, whose job it is to “break“ Ellen, is very complex, dark and mysterious Can Ellen see to the heart of this “monster??” This story is dark, brutal, mysterious and fantastic Plus, the surprise ending has a twist that packs a punch!!! I highly recommend this book!!!

VII (Seven):
Please keep your hands inside the rollercoaster, at all times, while you go on this wild ride!!! This is book 2, in the War of the Roses trilogy, and picks up right where book 1 leaves off……And boy does it There are more secrets, you have no idea who to trust, action, brutality, mystery…..I couldn’t quit reading this book After being brutalized by Mischa, Ellen, has to rely on him for protection. It doesn’t come without the price of still being brutalized by Mischa. Mischa is struggling internally with trying to love, and being the “mafia monster” he was trained to be This trilogy just keeps getting better and better!! I highly recommend this book, after reading book 1, and I most DEFINITELY can’t wait for book 3!!!!!!

I (One):
This is the conclusion to the War of Roses Series. It was a fantastic conclusion to a phenomenal series!! I definitely don’t want to give away any spoilers, but just know this series is amazing from beginning to end It definitely didn’t take me long to read the entire series!! It’s so full of mystery, action, betrayal, secrets, lies and twists and turns!! If you’re looking for a dark mafia romance, you’ve definitely found the right series!! I highly recommend this book, after reading books 1 and 2!! I’m sorry to see this series come to an end

Great Series. Dark, twisted, violent, and intense.

XV: (Fifteen) (War of Roses Book 1) Intense, and Dark! 3.5 STARS
So this book is a dark story of Mischa, an intense, cold man. Mischa is out to destroy the Winthrop Family, and Mistakenly takes Ellen. Ellen has already gone through torture in her life, but in captivity Mischa wages mental torture, that Ellen has not been though before. Can Ellen survive he tormentor? This book is full of twist and turns, and the intense emotions suck you in. Must read for any Dark romance lovers.

VII: Seven (War of Roses Book 2) Dark, and Intense!! 4 STARS
This is the second book in the War of Roses series. This book continues the dark story of Mischa, and Ellen. Mischa is a ruthless, intense man, and the mental, and verbal warfare he wages against Ellen are just a part of the twisted relationship these two have. This book is a roller coaster, emotional, steamy, dark, violent, dramatic, mysterious, and a must read for dark romance readers. I can’t wait to read the next book!!

I (One) (War of Roses Book 3) Steamy, and twisted. 4.5 Stars
This is the third book in the War Of Roses series, and the continuation of Mischa and Ellen’s twisted journey. As secrets are revealed, Mischa, and Ellen grow closer, finding solace in each other. This is intense book, with a great story line, and well written characters. This book is dark, violent, suspenseful, steamy, passionate, and Emotional. I highly recommend this series to all Dark romance lover.

Left me breathless. Truly moving and captivating story. – Perfectly perfect!

I read every book from this set separately and I envy you that you can just binge on that trilogy. It’s worth every penny and every minute of the time spend reading it.

XV
I’m speechless… I don’t know where to start with my review, so I will start at the end. In truly master-like style the cliffhanger left me wondering, thinking, conjuring up possible scenarios. Like in the best psychological thriller movies, you watch for the whole time with pounding heart, trembling hands, sometimes you want to close your eyes so no to see those horrible scenes and you think you are closer and closer to solve the mystery… and suddenly… – ‘Bang! THE END!’.
Dirty, raw, almost horrible – but so mesmerizing in the ugliness that I couldn’t stop reading. Perfect psychological study of victim being held captive, of victim suffering from years of physical and psychological abuse. And the beast, the monster just pictured perfectly. All emotions presented on pages are raw, almost animalistic. Two broken souls trying to survive in the cruel world that took from them everything that could bring them joy, happiness, peace and love. In this world there is no place for this kind of feelings. There’s only cruelty, abuse, lies, vengeance, betrayal, anger and searing pain.
The plot flows just in a right pace, full of angst, mystery and suspense. I loved that as a reader I don’t know everything, it added to the mystery and suspense. Made me guess, made me wonder, made me think. All the characters and their qualities presented in the book are thought through perfectly. Reading this book gave me feeling like watching really good movie. Great, fantastic read! Kept me captivated from the first to the last page. Now, I can’t wait to read the next part. I just need to breathe…

VII
Is there anyone to trust in this cruel and twisted world?

Devoured it in one sitting. I couldn’t wait to put my hands on this part and read it. And oh boy! Author doesn’t disappoint. There’s everything dark what I crave in a perfectly written dark romance. The hero is so mysterious and so twisted that it is hard to imagine what are his thoughts and what would be his next move.
Lies, hidden truths, suspense, danger, cruelty and great passion for revenge. His desire to posses Little Rose is almost palpable and this all thanks to the way author weaves the story and builds tension. Don’t start me on the cliffhanger… Phew, this part was extra intense.

I
When started with this series I wouldn’t dream of such a great conclusion. Full of suspense, unpredictable events, made me tremble with anticipation as to what awaits me and characters on the next pages.
In this world you never know who to trust and you need to play the game to outsmart your enemies.
Not always people who present them as allies are what they seem to be. More lies, more deception, enough twisted events and action that bring full range of emotions that made my heart to beat faster while reading this fantastic story. I love how this author is able so easily build such a twisted environment and bring to life characters that develop with the story line, that transform, are strong and resilient. I feel like I need more. Would gladly read another book where Rose and Misha play the main part.

The War of Roses Trilogy was such an incredible and powerful series, with so many twists and secrets.
I felt like i was constantly at the edge of the seat waiting to find out what’s gonna happen next.
Lana created an enthralling dark and mysterious world with equally twisted and damaged characters. All interactions between the two main characters were written perfectly and filled with emotion.
Honestly you can the feel the hate and violence and passion when reading them. The books kept getting better and better the more i read in to them, and the ending was just perfect and i immediately felt like i need to re read this series all over again.

XV Review:

This is a very dark psychological drama that thrills with its deeply emotional look at revenge and family secrets. It reels you in immediately, and demands that you stay vigilant as these strongly written characters go head to head in a century old blood feud.

Ellen is one of the Winthrop daughters, hidden away from most of the world. She is kidnapped by the brutal Mischa, who thinks she’s her sister Briar. And this is where the true fight begins. Mischa is unpredictable and violent…But he underestimates Ellen’s strength. He tried hard to break her down, but fails. She has already been through her own hell, and Mischa can’t penetrate that mindset. Ellen starts to compare the two monsters while trying to understand why it’s all happening.

“Which is worse? To be used slowly and sparingly? Or to be chewed and swallowed alive?”

Ellen starts to find solace in Mischa’s care, no matter how hard it is for her to comprehend it. This fuels a strange obsession between Ellen and Mischa.

“And I wake up knowing what true hell is. It’s not the measured cruelty Robert dished out. It’s not fearful memories or repulsive scars. It’s peace— being able to find it, even for a second, while in the arms of a monster. What a terrible power to lord over someone.”

The story ramps up the tension until it finally pops. And it’s a riveting journey to read about. I do wish there was more reveal during the first half, but the writing is excellent and anxiety inducing…exactly how this author undoubtedly wants. Now my anxiety demands more. Book two is coming soon.

VII Review:

This is a true psychological drama, where the dialogue is what matters the most in the story. We catch up with Ellen and Mischa, and Ellen is dragged even deeper into Mischa’s mafia world. Mischa is an enigma…he keeps Ellen on her toes with information that may or may not be the truth.

I was riveted by the scenes between the two lovers…or are they enemies? It’s not very clear for a while. What is clear is that Mischa has an agenda, and Ellen ‘s role may not be accidental. Perhaps the fact that Mischa kidnapped her instead of her sister was part of the plan? Reading the scenes is like watching a well oiled play on stage. Both Ellen and Mischa are using all they can in their mental warfare.

Ellen starts to discover secrets, and it helps her understand Mischa’s unstable anger. She is slowly leaving her old violent life behind while she falls for Mischa’s softer side. The problem is, can his softer side prevail over his monster side? How does Mischa reconcile his feelings with who Ellen is?

“Your eyes. You look at a man without the foolish hopes and dreams most women do. Or the greed.” He sighs: a harsh sound between a growl and a laugh. “You look at a man…and you tempt him, Rose. You’re naked and open, and you show him what he is back. Like a mirror. And some stupid men, like your husband… They believe that they can change that reflection. All they have to do is make you moan.”

“If he can make you cry, Rose. Scream his name. Whimper.” He speaks each word into me and my eyes flutter, threatening to roll. “Then he can… shape that reflection… He won’t be a monster. Not anymore.”

There’s a lot of violence, but I don’t consider it super dark. It’s a drama that gets in your head and sticks there. Mischa is playing just as many games as he accused Ellen of playing. As the reader, you are kept anxious and wary as you try to discern what is truth and what is lie. It’s a delicious way to engage with unique characters so abused that you truly wonder if they can withstand the war. There’s a lot about these characters that is not clear yet. BuT what is clear is that Ellen and Mischa are obsessed and fascinated with each other. Let’s see where this wild ride ends in book 3.

I Review:

As I mulled over this final book in the War of the Roses series, I couldn’t help but think immediately of a super hero cliche: With great power comes great responsibility. This of course comes from Spiderman, and I can easily apply it here.

As Mischa and Ellen become closer, they become stronger. And the mafiya war intensifies, possibly including those close to home. So who do they trust? They turn to each other, and Mischa finally admits why he’s so angry and distrustful of Ellen.

“He told me about a woman he knew.” He sounds distant, as if he’s relaying some sordid fairytale he hasn’t deciphered yet. “A woman who showed him what love was.” He laughs and I doubt it was a cherished lesson. “He said it was like a rose. Beautiful, but painful . The thorns dig deep. They cut through you, but a part of you still won’t let it go.”“Is that the real reason why you call me Rose?” I ask in a thready whisper. “To mock me?”“To warn myself,” he replies. “I always %&$# knew… You’d cut me into pieces.”“I want to trust you.”

These two damaged people are drawn to each other even through impossible odds. It’s an intensity that’s almost anxiety inducing. They hold onto each other as if helping each breathe. They both seem to have trouble naming what they have is love for a long time.

“War, violence, and death can cause untold pain, but one emotion above all delivers the truest form of agony. It slices you into pieces, but you can’t help but relish every gaping, bleeding wound. I once told Mischa I’d never felt love. But that was a lie. I’ve never stopped feeling it. And now? All I can do is watch its original source, oblivious to the passage of time.”

It’s a cruel, disabling love…suffocating and fierce. It’s all these people understand. But can it actually work this time? Can they love while they wade through the secrets and lies and manipulations? For a long time Mischa was on high alert, lying when he deemed necessary to keep everyone, including Ellen, unbalanced. Trust interrupts the vicious cycle. Ellen discovers that Mischa has multiple sides to himself. It’s as if Mischa decided it’s too exhausting to keep up the angry facade.

Ellen is a ever changing character. She finds out answers and her role in the war. Her opinion starts to matter, and she takes a leap of faith in Mischa. The scenes with Mischa and the kids are beautifully structured. They showed a different side of him, yet keeping to his personality. The ending was satisfying and violent, but it also reminded the reader how the mafiya works: There’s always someone there to take a missing boss’ place. The war doesn’t ever end. You just hope to get out relatively unscathed and finding worth in your life.

I read all three of these books when they were first released individually. Each one blew me away and kept me on the edge of my seat. If you are a fan of dark romance and have not read anything by this author, this is a fantastic place to start. Below are the reviews I left for each book when I originally read them.

XV: Fifteen
XV: Fifteen left me absolutely breathless. It was a dark and brutal story with scenes of unthinkable violence. It was so well written, with many secrets and twists, I couldn’t put it down. It does end in one heck of a cliffhanger and has me anxiously waiting for book two.

Ellen was the ultimate underdog, she had been all her life. From a young age she was hidden away, a dirty little secret, and never measured up to her half-sister. Then she became the wife of an abuser, someone who only wanted candy on his arm and someone he could control and possess. Despite all that, Ellen was a fighter. She was never going to let Mischa win without putting up a fight. My heart broke for her though. She had definitely been conditioned by her husband. Her undying loyalty for him was tough to take.

Mischa had an ax to grind and a hatred of the Winthorp family that stemmed from a terrible injustice over two decades ago. It didn’t matter to him how a person was related to the Winthorps, he just wanted revenge. He did unspeakable things to Ellen. He was cold and relentless. However, there were glimpses that eluded that maybe he was different with Ellen than any of his victims in the past.

Despite the events that took place between these two, you can’t help but wonder where they’re going to end up. Mischa made Ellen feel in a way she never had before. I also got the impression Ellen did the same for Mischa. It will be an interesting and twisted ride, that’s for sure.

VII: Seven
I thought book one left me breathless. It did, but wow, book two took my breath away more than I ever imagined it could. Book two picks up where book one left off so you do need to read them in order.

Ellen and Mischa’s “relationship” is more than messed up. Ellen endures even more trauma in book two, you wonder how she’s managed to stay alive to this point. Mischa is just plain cruel, or is he? He physically and emotionally abuses Ellen. However, we are given glimpses into a man who may care more than he’s comfortable with.

In real life, I’d never root for them to develop an actual relationship, no matter how gentle he can be at times. However, in my fantasy world, I’m cheering for them. The way Mischa takes care of Ellen after her altercation with Nicklaus, and his treatment of the young girl, makes it hard for me to completely hate him. I also get the sense Ellen feels more free to be her true self around him, or at least stand up for herself if nothing else. I also get the impression Mischa wants to be different with Ellen. He’s just struggling with years of molding of his role and how he should act as leader of the mafiya.

The writing, once again, is excellent. I was glued to the story and didn’t want to have to put it down. There were even more secrets revealed, as well as twists and turns. We don’t know who to trust and it seems neither do Ellen or Mischa. I thought book one ended in a heck of a cliffhanger. That was nothing compared to the cliffhanger we are left with in book two. Book three can’t be released fast enough. I have to know what happens next!!

I: One
Just when you think there couldn’t possibly be any more deception, secrets, lies, backstabbing, and betrayal in Ellen/Rose and Mischa’s lives Ms. Sky proves you wrong.

Oh. My. Goodness!! This third book in the War of Roses series pulled me in and wouldn’t let go. I couldn’t put it down. I think I was holding my breath most of the time I was reading. With all that Ellen has had to endure her whole life it’s really amazing she hasn’t given up and just let death claim her before now. That’s what I love about her though. In the two previous books, we saw glimpses of the fighter she is deep down, even if she didn’t believe it about herself. In book three, I love that we get to see Ellen gain her confidence and find her strength.

Mischa has been crueler than cruel when it comes to Ellen. Like her though, in the previous two books, we got to see glimpses of the man behind the wall of paranoia he puts up with Ellen. I love the transformation we get to see of him as a man and as a lover.

Lastly, I love the development of Mouse and how she grows to trust Ellen. This book is supposed to be the last in the trilogy. However, I’m hoping there will be more to Mouse’s story and her future.

There were a few new characters introduced in this book, but I’m not going to give away any spoilers as to who they are. You’ll just have to read this for yourself to find out.

The War of Roses series is not for the faint of heart. There are scenes of unimaginable violence. However, if you enjoy these types of storylines, this series will not disappoint. I highly recommend reading all three books, but you need to read them in order.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of these books. This is my honest review. *