R.K. Lilley

This was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions that I devoured in one sitting. I was instantly drawn into the dynamic between Turner Thorn and Devereux "Ro" Laurent. From their very first encounter, I could feel the sizzling chemistry and the hilarious clash of personalities. Turner, the self-proclaimed tyrant, finds himself completely captivated by Ro, despite his best efforts to maintain his aloof façade. Reading through Turner's perspective was an uproarious journey, as his internal show more monologue showcased his struggles, desires, and often comical attempts at maintaining control. The banter between Turner and Ro was pure gold, and their push-and-pull interactions kept me hooked throughout. Turner's transformation from an egotistical playboy to a man deeply in love was both heartwarming and entertaining. Lilley's writing style shines through, crafting vibrant characters that leap off the pages with their energy and wit. What truly stood out was the way the story delicately explored Turner's growth, alongside the gradual realization of his feelings for Ro. The moments of vulnerability amidst all the steamy encounters were beautifully depicted. Lilley's return to the romance genre is a triumph, and this book is a must-read for anyone who craves a blend of passionate romance and laugh-out-loud humor.

Merged review:

This was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions that I devoured in one sitting. I was instantly drawn into the dynamic between Turner Thorn and Devereux "Ro" Laurent. From their very first encounter, I could feel the sizzling chemistry and the hilarious clash of personalities. Turner, the self-proclaimed tyrant, finds himself completely captivated by Ro, despite his best efforts to maintain his aloof façade. Reading through Turner's perspective was an uproarious journey, as his internal monologue showcased his struggles, desires, and often comical attempts at maintaining control. The banter between Turner and Ro was pure gold, and their push-and-pull interactions kept me hooked throughout. Turner's transformation from an egotistical playboy to a man deeply in love was both heartwarming and entertaining. Lilley's writing style shines through, crafting vibrant characters that leap off the pages with their energy and wit. What truly stood out was the way the story delicately explored Turner's growth, alongside the gradual realization of his feelings for Ro. The moments of vulnerability amidst all the steamy encounters were beautifully depicted. Lilley's return to the romance genre is a triumph, and this book is a must-read for anyone who craves a blend of passionate romance and laugh-out-loud humor. show less

See that up there? That's FIVE effing stars. That's right, people. FIVE STARS. If you know me, you know that is rare like fine diamonds. You have to steal my breath away to pry 5 stars out of my grubby little hands.

This book earned every last one of those stars and broke my heart along the way. And I don't mean that lightly. I mean I sat here on my couch reading this book thanking the good lord above that I was alone because I was sobbing my heart out. Ugly tears. It was a mess.

I am not show more going to go into all the details of this book, read the synopsis. I will say this: It is beautifully written, heartbreaking, achingly real, and made me want to throw up from the pain of it all. Above all, it was BRILLIANT. Never have I wanted so much for two people to figure their shit out, knowing all along that they were breaking each other. It just gutted me.

I have to say this. Thank GOD there was a teaser for book 3. If there hadn't have been Ms. Lilley may have been getting a bill for a smashed Kindle. ;) I am pretty sure I would have been justified in billing her for it. And any judge that reads this book would agree with me.

What? You haven't read book 1 yet? What the hell? GO NOW!! Then read this one and come back and sit with me on pins and needles until we get the conclusion of Tristan and Danika. We can all be anxiety ridden together! Wheeeeee!! show less

Note: this review applies to all three parts of the trilogy and may contain spoilers.


RK Lilley is definitely one of my best discoveries in 2013, after reading Up in The Air 1-3, I immediately started on Tristan and Danika's story and even bought Lana, another spin off in the Up in The Air setting. LOL. I take it that the trilogy uses the same formula as Shades of Grey which I still haven't read, but honestly, I don't really care. My enjoyment factor was soaring, something I don't take for show more granted and which I find even more impressing, as it applies to all three books of the trilogy.

While reading, I often had to think of the hero of the This Man trilogy by Malpas. I discontinued that novel because the hero was too crazy for my tastes, having the attitude of a stalker and showing me little to no true affection for the heroine. James Cavendish, the hero of Up In The Air, was the complete opposite. Yes, he is very possessive and protective of Bianca, but his every action shows his love and reference for her, his wish to protect Bianca from her father who years ago killed her mother. James is manipulative and domineering, but ultimately, he also is also a gentleman and very generous with his money and affection for the people he cares for.


Bianca is a great heroine. She’s flawed and strong and a true fighter who survived living in the streets. She put a lot of effort into her education, thereby working her way up in life. Despite witnessing her mother’s murder, she tries to move on and to learn how to be happy. I absolutely loved the portrayal of her friendship with Stephan. She and Stephan met on the street when they were still teenagers. They were their sole anchors, giving each other everything that they didn’t get from their respective families. Also, kudos to the author of how James integrates Stephan into his and Bianca’s life. Instinctively realising that Bianca would never be able to be completely happy without him. They are both integral to each other’s well being, having only survived because of their mutual, platonic love.

I imagine that for some readers the BDSM part of the story may be a problem. James's youth was very traumatic and as an outlet to deal with it he turned to BDSM at the age of 18, discovering his penchant for inflicting erotic pain. Bianca is the masochistic counterpart, she uses James’s pain to relieve her past and to grow strong. Personally, I believe that no matter what inclinations I have, be they sexual or not, they don’t just drop down from heaven. There’s a reason why I enjoy inflicting or receiving sexual pain, the same as there is a reason, when someone is, for example, claustrophobic. I liked the way how Lilley combined Bianca and James’s sexual inclination with their past. Both don’t perceive themselves as victims, but they use the sex to grow stronger and to get control of their lives which I find admirable.

I didn’t like the whole paparazzi plot all that much, though it’s integral to the outer conflict of the story. I don’t find being pursued by photographers all that alluring, one reason why I avoid reading Hollywood and musician stories diligently.

All in all I am strongly tempted to immediately start rereading the series, so much did I love it. A- show less

DNF at 16%

I was having second thoughts around 1%, again around 5% I tried, i really tried.

What we have here is a man who got possessive before any relationship. A man who stuffs his tongue down the heroine's throat after she says no to seeing him repeatedly while she's working. A gay best friend (assuming this is because it makes him a "safe" outside person for her to interact with) who outs the virginity of his best friend before any relationship is established Oh heavens, a virgin. A show more best friend who allows the hero to take the heroine to her room while piss drunk.

And then the hero declares he'll be taking her virginity, and she'll only ever be with one man. We're at 16% here.

And then he says she needs birth control while she's drunk and he's escorting her to her hotel room.

And then I'm done. show less