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Jay McLean
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Combative (Combative Trilogy Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Jay McLean (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 836 ratings
We all play victims to our pasts, to the choices we make and the lives we create.
They define who we are.
And sometimes if we’re lucky enough, the past stays where it belongs: in the past.
Kyler Parker is not one of the lucky ones.
He has never been.
Abused and neglected until he was sixteen, Kyler needed an out. A way to escape. And he found it in the most unlikely friendship.
But at seventeen, tragedy struck, and he made himself disappear.
Now, at twenty-four, Kyler’s past is knocking on his door, offering a deal he has no choice but to take… a deal that will help bring justice—not just for him, but for his brothers.

The problem?
He’s distracted by the girl across the hall.
Madison comes with her own past, her own secrets... and her own deal.

And those deals?
They’re ticking time bombs.
Ones they didn’t know existed.

Tick.
Tock.
Read more
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Combative Trilogy
  2. Print length
    238 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 16, 2015
  6. File size
    2.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Combative was a great read for me. It's got mystery, romance, steam and even a few laugh out loud moments. I love McLean's writing style. It's fun, fresh and makes it easy to get lost in the story. Christy - Goodreads Top ReviewerJay McLean has once again proven how talented, diverse and amazing she is by delivering this intense, suspenseful and heart-stopping read! Sam - Goodreads Reviewer Jay McLean took a HUGE step out of her normal writing zone and fucking nailed it. The love, the mystery, the lies, and the web that weaves all of it together....it was consuming, beautiful, and heart-wrenching all at once. Cassie - Goodreads ReviewerThis is a great read full of hope, discovery, redemption, guilt, reconnections, and more than a little danger. So addictive. I'm ready for another. Beth - Goodreads Reviewer.This book had me hooked from the first page! It is so different than any other Jay McLean book so good, mysterious, hot! I can't get it out of my head! I've dreamed and breathed, and thought about nothing by Combative since I've finished it! Amber Book It Blog

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00XT1HTEW
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 16, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 238 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Combative Trilogy
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 836 ratings

About the author

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Jay McLean

Jay McLean

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Jay McLean is an international best-selling author and full-time reader, writer of New Adult and Young Adult romance, and skilled procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her three boys, investing way too much time on True Crime Documentaries and binge-watching reality TV.

She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.

Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.

For publishing rights (Foreign & Domestic) Film or television, please contact Roxanne at SBR Media

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
836 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers love the book's suspenseful story with its twists and turns, and find it an all-consuming read that evokes a range of emotions. The characters are well-developed, and customers praise the writing quality, with one describing it as a beautifully written love story. They appreciate the book's combativeness and consider it a unique piece of art.

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Suspenseful storyReadabilityCharacter developmentEmotion levelWriting qualityPacingCombativenessBeauty
51 customers mention "Suspenseful story"44 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story of the book, praising its twists and turns, mystery, and intrigue, with one customer noting it takes place in the present time.

"...It is a story with drugs, the mafia, fighting and so much more. I can’t really say too much about the story, because I do not want to spoil anything...." Read more

"...increasingly dangerous by the day and then this story ends on a very big cliffhanger! A great beginning to what is sure to be a thrilling trilogy :)" Read more

"...From beginning to end, this story had purpose and meaning. It taught love and loss. Taking nothing for granted because it may not be there tomorrow...." Read more

"...This is a new adult, romance, it has abuse, it has just an amazing story. If you like this author you will love this story." Read more

40 customers mention "Readability"40 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as amazing and interesting, with one customer noting it's a great way to hook readers.

"...This book, the suspense, the mystery, it was what kept me reading. It is a story with drugs, the mafia, fighting and so much more...." Read more

"...the unread books on my kindle, this one caught my eye and kept me turning the pages once I started!..." Read more

"...These two are so beautifully broken and absolutely heart stoppingly amazing to read. They encompass so much love in just being near one another...." Read more

"...It was a good way to hook readers, but I kind of wish we’d gotten more answers or something...." Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"16 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting they could feel the emotions of the characters.

"...I could feel the emotions of the characters. Even when there weren't words exactly explaining what someone was feeling...." Read more

"...With writing that is the tits, character development that you search far and wide for but never seem to be able to find and a plot that keeps you on..." Read more

"...Overall, I liked both characters. I liked that the book is mostly from Kyle's POV. You get to know Kyle pretty well...." Read more

"...Omfg, holy cliffhanger!!! The characters were really well written but honestly I expect nothing less from a Jay McLean book...." Read more

12 customers mention "Emotion level"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, noting it evokes a range of feelings and is full of deep, profound love.

"...Your books have to touch hearts. And you are doing just that. So keep on going! UPDATED REVIEW 2020: • 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 •..." Read more

"...From beginning to end, this story had purpose and meaning. It taught love and loss. Taking nothing for granted because it may not be there tomorrow...." Read more

"...So she gives you a whole new world in this book, but she also gives you the Jay Moments...." Read more

"...series, so of course Jay McLean was going to reel you in with passion, love, suspenseful wtf moments. Did I mention lots of love moments?..." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as amazingly written with special words, and one customer specifically mentions it as a beautiful love story.

"...It stands above all the others out there. With writing that is the tits, character development that you search far and wide for but never seem to be..." Read more

"I am a huge fan of this authors writing style. She is truly an amazing writer. Every story she writes is just so good...." Read more

"...It is a known happiness that you know is gonna be written well, angsty, full of deep/profound love that is all consuming...." Read more

"...I absolutely LOVED it! Jay's writing will suck you in and keep you glued to the very last page of the very last book. Just go ahead and buy all 3...." Read more

11 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive3 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book engaging and all-consuming, with one customer noting it has a nice flow, while another describes the protagonist as a tough guy.

"...These two are so beautifully broken and absolutely heart stoppingly amazing to read. They encompass so much love in just being near one another...." Read more

"...gonna be written well, angsty, full of deep/profound love that is all consuming...." Read more

"...The story is dark, gritty, and full of suspense and mystery...." Read more

"...I was starting to get a grasp on the story and the characters, the story ended...." Read more

8 customers mention "Combativeness"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's combativeness engaging, with one customer noting the surprising ending.

"...It is a story with drugs, the mafia, fighting and so much more. I can’t really say too much about the story, because I do not want to spoil anything...." Read more

"...COMBATIVE is one of a kind. It stands above all the others out there...." Read more

"...The ending of Combative is surprising & shocking which will leave you thinking 'WTF JUST HAPPENED', wishing you could keep reading!..." Read more

"I love everything Jay writes and Combative didn't disappoint...." Read more

6 customers mention "Beauty"6 positive0 negative

Customers describe the book as a unique piece of art.

"...Nothing and everything at the same time. This book is just another piece of art. Jay is the artist. And her books are the masterpieces...." Read more

"...A beautiful, shy, girl who almost seems out of place in the world. Her vulnerability and naivety has Ky feeling very protective of her...." Read more

"...Maddy and Ky's love is so intense,all consuming and beautiful...." Read more

"This book is so unique. It's heart pumping, breath stopping, tummy fluttering amazingness! The plot line is nothing I have ever read before...." Read more

all the stars!!
5 out of 5 stars
all the stars!!
A beautifully written love story full of mystery,sweetness,and angst.Combative was like an intense puzzle with all the pieces slowly starting to fit together.Maddy and Ky's love is so intense,all consuming and beautiful.That ending too!Gah talk about a cliffhanger!!I can't wait to dive into book 2!I highly recommend this to anyone who loves awesomeness and aren't aliens who don't like reading amazing books lol
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Justmyfantasyworld
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another unique piece of art
    Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Jay. Publishing this book yesterday came as a big suprise. And it was one of the best suprises I have had in a while. I haven't been writing reviews for a while and this won't be a typical book review. I'm not gonna say much about the book. I just want to talk about what makes me wanting to read and the books Jay McLean writes.
    What to expect when reading one of Jay McLean books...? Nothing and everything at the same time. This book is just another piece of art. Jay is the artist. And her books are the masterpieces. I think that's the best way to describe her books and her writing. Every book she writes is unique. Every book is just another piece of art. And not everyone understands every piece of art or the story behind it. So far I have loved every work of art that Jay has made. And I explicitly want to tell the people who didn't like one of her books to just try another one. Cuz every book is sooo different. And you can't compare them. This is also why Jay is a true artist. And she's an artist of which you should judge every piece seperatly. This book was full of mysteries and plot twists I didn't see coming. Or when I did, it wasn't completely going the way I thought it would. There was romance. There was just a bit of everything and it made a beautiful story. I could feel the emotions of the characters. Even when there weren't words exactly explaining what someone was feeling. The use of words did just that. I wasn't reading the book. I was experiencing it. However... What has me going wild is that this story has not ended yet. And I can't wait for seeing how the rest of the story goes. Jay, please don't ever stop writing. Don't ever stop being an artist. Just another word of advice: just keep on stealing and touching the hearts of people. Because, your books don't have to rule the world. Your books have to touch hearts. And you are doing just that. So keep on going!

    UPDATED REVIEW 2020:

    • 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 •

    𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Combative
    𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jay McLean
    𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

    In this first book in the trilogy we get to know Madison and Kyler. Two people with their own struggles and past. They form a friendship which slowly blossoms into an unlikely love. The side characters are just as perfect as in any other Jay McLean book. Even though they are not part of the main story at all (or at least at this stage), they are crafted just as carefully as the main characters. Which I LOVE, because it makes everything feel so much more realistic. This book, the suspense, the mystery, it was what kept me reading. It is a story with drugs, the mafia, fighting and so much more. I can’t really say too much about the story, because I do not want to spoil anything. ANYWAY the cliffhanger nearly killed me, it left me with even more questions than answers I have gotten throughout the whole book. Another must read from Jay McLean!
    16 people found this helpful
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  • Jo Fergus
    4.0 out of 5 stars A great beginning to what is sure to be a thrilling trilogy :)
    Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    After having a dig around the unread books on my kindle, this one caught my eye and kept me turning the pages once I started!

    Kyler has recently left the military, after six years of service, he joined the day he turned 18 years old. He has moved into an apartment and is trying to figure out what to do next when he gets himself into a spot of bother, bringing him face to face with his foster brother, Jackson. A local policeman.

    It’s been a while since these two saw each other and there is a big back story to how they became brothers. It would be fair to say that both of them have very sad pasts but Kyler’s is on another level. When Jax makes Kyler an offer that will get him off the charges hook and also seek revenge for someone important to him, it becomes his sole focus.

    However, his focus soon wavers when he meets Madison, his new neighbour. A beautiful, shy, girl who almost seems out of place in the world. Her vulnerability and naivety has Ky feeling very protective of her. She is quite skitterish and he has no idea what her story is but he wants to know more.

    A friendship blossoms between them and the attraction also builds to a point that they can no longer ignore and they give in to the lust that had been simmering in the background. Ky finds himself opening up to Maddy but she seems reluctant to share much about herself with him.

    Kyler’s promise to Jax is becoming increasingly dangerous by the day and then this story ends on a very big cliffhanger! A great beginning to what is sure to be a thrilling trilogy :)
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amy E. Callahan
    5.0 out of 5 stars BEST QUOTE EVER
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    “Don’t live in the past, Kyler, dream about the future”….BEST QUOTE EVER! HO-LEE-CRAP this book has blown my mind in more ways than one. Jay never, ever, ceases to amaze me with her writing. She pushes herself and the envelope with every book that she publishes and I am more and more impressed. This book had me absolutely speechless after I finished that last page and craving more.

    Ky and Jackson…brothers from another mother but bond thicker than blood all the way. Saving each other was their only goal and it wasn’t an option, it was the truth. “It’s not a problem, Ky. You’re my brother. You saved me. Maybe now you can let me save you?” This brotherly bond was so strong and meaningful. It was tested so many times over the years but it was always a compass that pointed them back to each other. No matter the miles between them, they always had each other’s back.

    “It’s everything we do in between, the actual living, that creates who we are.” 100% felt every bit of the existing between Ky and Madison. The instant spark or interest that consumed their every minute. The tolerance for the things that cannot be said out loud. Patience for the quiet moments where nothing needs to be said that isn’t completely understood. Touches that heal, pleading eyes that beg forgiveness and entrance. Hands that hold and protect hearts, minds and bodies. These two are so beautifully broken and absolutely heart stoppingly amazing to read. They encompass so much love in just being near one another. I just felt so complete feeling their story unfold page by page.

    “It’s a sense of hope, and reason, and promise.” That is why I read jay’s books. Not for gritty or sultry sexy times, but to feel characters completely. She has a way of bringing characters to life and making me a part of her story. From beginning to end, this story had purpose and meaning. It taught love and loss. Taking nothing for granted because it may not be there tomorrow. But most of all, I took living for sheer and complete existence. Live for yourself, live for your loves and live to experience life. Make magic from nothing because it can be done. Defy all odds and be surprised at the outcome. The characters in this story have all dared to defy. Read, fall into and allow this book to consume you.

    100% 5 star read all the way. “Undeniably, unequivocally, real” in very sense of the words.
    11 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Sam_Shem
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Five Star Read By Jay McLean!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    There are not enough words in the world to describe my love for this author! She writes it, I read it! But what had me most intrigued about this particular book, is that it is completely different to anything Jay McLean has written before.
    This novel grips you, packs a punch and delivers one hell of story!
    The crime behind this storyline is not your ordinary bad guy meets good girl followed by rainbows and unicorns! The characters are full of mystery, and each page keeps you gripped and needing to know more!
    As the story progresses you find yourself trying to predict what is going to happen, but what actually happens will BLOW YOUR MIND!
    Jay McLean has once again proven how talented, diverse and amazing she is by delivering this intense, suspenseful and heart stopping read!
    The characters, plot and writing will keep you hooked from beginning to end!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not a fighters book!
    Reviewed in Germany on May 21, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    ~**~ 4.5 Best-Kind-Of-Different Stars ~**~

    First things first: I absolutely L-O-V-E this book! It's something different than all the other works I read by Jay McLean until now. But it's an unbelievable good different.

    What I loved most about this book is the relationship between Kyler and Jaxon! These two aren't brothers by blood. They are so much more than that.

    I love it that in Jays books family are a big part of the story and this one is no exception. Usually I'm not a fan of male POVs OR flashbacks but Jay McLean made me fell in love with both of them in this book. The flashbacks were amazing and full with emotions and made me fall in love with Kyler and Jaxon and their relationship. And about the male POV....I didn't even realized that it was mostly written in a male POV...it was just that GOOD!

    Combative is full of mysteries and one of the biggest mystery is Maddie/Madison the female MC. I think it could be difficult for people to connect with her. Maybe some people will think of her as annoying sometimes because she is kind of weird. There is a quote in this book that describes her perfectly for me...Maddie is imperfectly perfect.She didn't annoy me one second!

    I have to take away 0.5 stars because I had a hard time getting into the book at the beginning but as soon as Maddy appeared I was into it

    The end will leave you breathless and speechless...and with questions. And you'll just think: „WHAT THE HELL? HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!“
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  • ange
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
    Reviewed in Australia on May 25, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I dont often leave reviews and never give five stars but I love this author and she has written the strt of a fantastic storyline. There is a cliffy and the book is short, we've only been given one POV for a third or a quarter of the storyline so hopefully Jay doesnt leave us hanging too long for the next installment. Dont let the short length put you of it is well worth the price fr the quality of the writing. Loved it !
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  • Patricia Turque
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant! Jay McLean is amazing!
    Reviewed in Brazil on February 27, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Kyler Parker is a great guy that had a terrible past. After coming back from Afghanistan, he ends up in a bar fight that puts him face to face with Detective Jackson Davis, his best friend and brother.
    Jax is workin on a case (underground fighting organization) and needs Ky's help. They make a deal: Ky will have to become a fighter and get close to Nate DeLuca.

    One day, after his training session, he goes back to his apartment and meets Madison (at the mailboxes!). She's his new neighbor. Ky gets very interested in Maddy and they start a friendship. They begin to spend time together.
    Ky finds himself falling for her.

    ''To anyone else, she might seem a little crazy. To me, she's kind of breathtaking. Literally.``

    Maddy also had a harsh past, but she doesn't share much. She is sweet, quirky, innocent, but full of secrets.

    ''I'm scared of feeling too much... of wanting too much.``

    The relationship between Ky and Jax is one of my favorite things in this book. They're not blood related. Ky went to live with Jax's family to scape from his piece of s*** father. Christine (Jax's mom) sees him as her son. She is a badass character who knows how to handle a shotgun!

    Combative has suspense, mystery (who the hell is Sara?), romance and laugh out loud moments (thanks to Dr Aroma, Ky's anger management therapist). It's the kind of book that you can't put down. I was lost in the story and then... Chapter 26! OMG! WTF?!?!?! I did not see that coming!

    Now I can't wait to read Redemptive!
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  • DonnaC
    4.0 out of 5 stars Suspense and intrigue and a lot of questions
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Combative (Combative, #1) by Jay McLean
    4 stars!!

    "Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering." - Nicole Krauss, The History of Love

    Well, well, well, this was a surprise from Jay McLean. I downloaded this book totally blind, I had not even read the blurb and had stayed away as usual from reviews and spoilers. I love going into a book blind, I love knowing absolutely nothing and I am glad I did with this one because it all added to the mystery that surrounds the characters in this book. Throughout reading and especially while the mystery itself was beginning to present itself I found myself reading between the lines, making up my own versions of who these characters were and I was forever questioning…who is good? Who is bad? I also did not realise that this was not a standalone so beware that this story is not complete and you will have loads of unanswered questions at the end.

    Kyler was a troubled character and his outlet for his anger was fighting, but the trouble with fighting is that it often lands you in trouble and trouble is what Kyler finds himself in at the beginning of this book. After a bar fight Kyler is looking at jail time and that is one place that he doesn’t want to end up so his friend/ “brother” Jax hands him a lifeline…he has to see a shrink and he has to go undercover.

    “And it finally happened.
    I broke.
    And I cried seventeen years worth of tears.
    And it didn’t effing help.
    Not even a little bit.
    Not even at all.”

    Kyler has just returned from four tours of duty and has obviously seen some bad stuff while in action. But his life has been full of bad stuff and as this book flips from past to present the extent of his past his brought to the forefront, no wonder he is struggling. Kyler was taken in by Jax’s family, hence why these two are more like brothers than best friends and also why Kyler finds himself agreeing to Jax’s demands.

    “We spent the entire night playing Halo until the sun started to come up. In that room, in that one night, we became the most unlikely of friends. Not because he was some kid trying to save me, or because I was the kid that needed saving…or the other way around. We became friends because in between the few words spoken, the few laughs we shared, and the few times we lost control of those laughs, we saw each other for what we were; just boys that like to laugh and shoot the s**t out of our enemies in an overdramatic video game. I named his character Captain Victory. He laughed and named mine Captain Combative.”

    Nate de Luca fronts a fighting ring, but underneath Jax is certain he is into other illegal activities, namely drugs. Drugs have been front and centre in both Jax and Kyler’s past and it is this that lures these two into capturing the men behind the dealing. The idea is for Kyler to join the fighting circuit and infiltrate Nate de Luca that way, trying to unearth the man behind the façade. This obviously has repercussions if it goes wrong, Nate de Luca is not a man to be crossed.

    Kyler meets his new neighbour at the mail box where she is frantically rummaging around looking for something (I would love to know what she is waiting for, especially as she spent so much time there! This is just one of many questions I still have). From here a friendship blossoms, but does Kyler need the distraction?

    I loved the slow burn with this relationship, friends first and then pushing towards blurring the lines. Both of these two have their secrets and Madison is one intriguing and secretive person. Slowly but surely Kyler opens up to Madison but Madison seems intent on keeping her cards close to her chest. While she comes across as an extremely timid and vulnerable character, there was something about her that sent warning bells ringing in my head.

    “And I’m so afraid of everything this kiss makes me feel. Because it is more than just a kiss. It’s a sense of hope, and reason, and promise.”

    This book is not the typical Jay McLean read and I know that she was hesitant to even publish it, but she needn’t have worried as she nailed this new genre. The mystery and suspense surrounding the characters draws you into the plot while your romantic side is satiated by the blossoming romance between Madison and Kyler. You have that perfect balance of intrigue and passion.

    “People do crazy things when they feel like the clock is ticking too fast, or too slow, or not ticking at all.”

    Another thing that I loved about this book was the underlying message with regards to family. Family always plays a huge part in Jay McLean’s books and this one is no different. How Jax and Kyler became brothers was beautiful despite being so tragic. Christine, Jax’s mum was a fantastic character and I loved her dearly. The whole family pulls together when needed and are always there for each other whether you feel you deserve it or not.

    “To the edge of destruction.”

    Overall this was one intriguing read; while I still have loads of unanswered questions I cannot help but turn this story around in my head. I have so many theories and conspiracies that my brain is truly frazzled and that is testament to Jay McLean’s writing because she has elicited this reaction. A book that you cannot stop thinking about is a book that has been written well. I cannot wait for book 2, I need to know what the hell is going on, who is good, who is bad, how are these people all connected as it seems nothing in this book is black and white, everything is grey. Well done Jay McLean, I have no idea why you were worried; you should give yourself a huge pat on the back.
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