Synopsis
Rook is chasing her dream—film school and a chance at a life beyond the one she ran from six months ago. But before she can become the girl she wants to be, she must deal with the girl she left behind.
Ronin is also chasing his dream—a family of his own and a life away from erotic modeling. And he too, has a past he’s trying to forget. A past that makes Rook question everything about their life together.
Lies, secrets, and shocking truths will rock the foundation Rook and Ronin have built. Can they put the past behind them and move forward together? Or is this just another too good to be true relationship that will crash and burn in the end?
Reading Order:
At the conclusion of Manic we find Rook completing the STURGIS contract and wrapping up the summer having learned many things about herself and her relationship with Ronin. Their trials aren't over, however, because both Rook and Ronin have pasts and there are even more things that they must divulge to each other before they can move on.
Though no longer modeling, Rook is working for Spencer on his new television show - a much less glamorous and lucrative gig as receptionist slash parts delivery girl. Not only that, but she's trying her hand at college, not that it's boosting her confidence any as she's remarkably bad at it.
Rooks journey of self discovery and coming to terms with her dark years with Jon continues. Believe it or not there are still more atrocities to be learned from her time with him. Things that could possibly affect her relationship with Ronin.
Similarly, the team, Ronin, Ford, and Spencer also haven't told Rook everything about their nefarious partnership. Spencer - the muscle, Ford - the brains, and Ronin - the face, have their own secrets.
When these secrets catch up to our favorite couple, will their love be strong enough?
I read this series in rapid succession in preparation for the conclusion. I'm surprised that I was able to stay hooked on the same characters for so long, which is a testament to the author's ability to construct a unique and believable plot.
What's most interesting about this series, as I've said before, is it's truly unique premise. I know that Kendall Ryan is writing about the modeling world, but aside from that I've literally never read anything like this. Even though the modeling aspect isn't as in the forefront as in the previous two books, it was still an interesting backdrop.
The only thing that detracted from the story for me was almost how easy it's been for Rook and Ronin. I never really feared for their relationship, even though Rook has doubts. I can't really put my finger on it. Maybe because I feel like he and Rook found each other so quickly and she always defers to him. He almost strikes me as a manipulator and I don't really trust whether or not he's being honest with her - even now. He just seems too good to be true and I always like the bad boys which was probably why I was so drawn to Ford and doubtful of Ronin.
Aside from being concerned about Rooks welfare - really? how is she mentally sound right now, I love Rook. She's probably one of my favorite female characters ever. In spite of her weaknesses, she's a really strong women and is very real.
The little BDSM was thrown in there in such a new / slight way that I actually wasn't annoyed with it. So many authors are doing this now and unless it feels authentic I get annoyed real easily. So I'm pretty grateful the subject was glossed over and not over emphasized.
I truly enjoyed this conclusion to Rook and Ronin's story. Mostly for the fact that it didn't end conventionally and the author didn't force them to do things that would be completely out of character. If you're looking for something unique, well written and definitely with it's fair share of steam, this is a series you want to get!
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 - R.L. Mathewson)
