Avoiding Temptation

Avoiding #3

by K.A. Linde

A sexy angsty second chance romance from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde…

Two years after walking out on Jack’s wedding, Lexi is finally in a good place. Her career has taken off. Her relationship is solid. Her life in Atlanta is everything she thought she wanted.

Then Ramsey proposes.

And Jack confides that he and Bekah are getting a divorce.

Lexi begins to question everything she thought she knew about what she wanted.

She has to choose her own path.

That just might mean deciding, once and for all, where her heart truly lies.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Drama, Second Chance

400 pages, Unknown Binding

First published November 30, 2013

About the author

K.A. Linde is the New York Times, USA Today, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wren in the Holly Library. She is prolific in both romance and fantasy and loves the blend of the two.

She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, and son.

Reviews

[Kelli Spear · Rating 2 out of 5]

UPDATE 12/12/13: I finished this last night and, well... after *THAT*, I can't write a spoiler free review. If you don't want to know, don't read anything in the spoiler tag. It's going to be a vent session and will definitely ruin the story for anyone who hasn't finished the book.
This is your final warning!

Okay. I just want to start off by saying that I found this book to be absolutely pointless. The remaining part of the story - basically just Lexi's choice - was so drawn out. There were parts that felt repetitive. Sometimes I'd read a paragraph or sentence and have to make sure I didn't have a faulty copy because I was positive I'd already read those exact words. This trend along with Lexi's annoying back and forth monologue in her head, her wishy-washy behaviors, and flat out bitchiness made it nearly impossible for me to want to read.

Alright. I was Team Ramsey going in. Was he perfect? No. But he LOVES Lexi. He loves her the way she deserves to be loved. He's absolutely adorable, masculine, alpha... just pure yum! So yes, the book starts off on a great note. Lexi's phone rings while she's in bed with the gorgeous Mr. Bridges. As excited as some people will be, I know better. The fact that they are together in the beginning of this book is a bad sign. Because you know that asswipe Jack is coming back into the mix. And Lexi is an absolute dipshit where he's concerned. The phone call is of course the tool and he "needs" her. PUMP THE BRAKES!!! I'm sorry, what?? WHO CARES?!?!?! Okay, somehow in the two years since Jack went against what YOU wanted and married Bekah, you still manage to be friends with him?? Nope. I'm sorry, but absolutely not. The guy is an idiot, plain and simple. I don't care how hot he is. I can hold a grudge like no other. And sometimes you just need to let. It. Go. By "it" I mean "him". Anyway as per usual with Alexa, she has to meet him. Before they do, Ramsey PROPOSES. FREAKING PROPOSES and it's the most beautiful and sweetest thing ever!

They just don't make them like Ramsey Bridges in real life and that's a damn shame.

Oh yeah. So soon after she meets up with Jack. Get ready for a shock --- BEKAH IS DIVORCING HIM! Uh huh. After everything she has done. Weird. It seems fishy. Why would she give him up unless there's a bigger issue? So I figured this would be intriguing! There was a big scheme from day one --- for some reason she always wanted to destroy Jack's life. I needed to find out! (More about this at the end.) Bekah's reasoning for the divorce? Infidelity. I could not be joking. Okay, this bitch really is crazy. Well, Crazy with a capital C. BUT --- she doesn't deserve the blame for all of this mess. Lexi and Jack were adults who couldn't get their shit together for years. So she may have given things a push, but there's no way I can put all the fault on her. After discovering he signed a pre-nup with an infidelity clause, Lexi feels sorry for and wants to help Jack. Get ready for the why... She doesn't believe he did it! Huh? Excuse me? What? Ugh. This is when I knew I was probably going to hate this book.

Before I get back to the story, I've seen people saying they had no idea who she was going to choose until the very end. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I'm not sure who they're trying to kid because I knew very early on what her choice was going to be. I kept hoping that there would be a crazy twist, though, to prove me wrong.

Oh! Did I mention the past and present switches each chapter? Oops. Because I believe the description makes it sound as if John was really a threat. He's not. So don't even THINK he has a chance. Yes, they have sexual chemistry but he's about as relevant in these books as he was in Chyna's novella... To be honest the addition of him to the story was to add more drama and angst. As if dealing with Parker and Jack weren't enough, let's toss this guy in to stir up even more crap. This was another thing that didn't work for me.

There were so many red flags throughout the story. Lexi's constant questioning to herself if she was truly happy was the biggest one. If that wasn't an indicator of which direction things were going, then I don't know what is!! By 11% of the book (after they were engaged) I had decided that I'd be pissed if she ended up with Ramsey. SHE DOESN'T DESERVE HIM. She acts like the world's biggest bitch for the entire book and really proves who she is as a person. Yes, they have all made mistakes in this series, but Lexi is stupid. Absolutely, 100%, without a doubt, STUPID. And even though I don't think she deserved him I also didn't want Ramsey's heart to break.

PAUSE: K.A. Linde asked before the book released what Jack would have to do for girls on Team Ramsey to accept him to get Lexi. (The same was asked of Teams Jack and John.) For me? I didn't really know a specific thing, but I knew it had to be HUGE. EPIC. More than just a verbal apology. It would have to be the grandest of gestures. I'm no writer so it's not for me to determine how a guy redeems himself. I didn't think the guy could.

So things begin progressing, albeit SLOOOOOWWWWWLLLLLYYYYY. The divorce proceedings are all going Bekah's way since her family owns all the best lawyers and judges in Atlanta. Blah blah blah. Lexi and Ramsey are wrapped up in their jobs. Parker is causing trouble. But not really. And this is where I really get pissed off. Because I felt like throwing her and Ramsey together was used as a ploy to cause people to side with Lexi when she was feeling jealous and insecure. It would work *IF*, and I stress the if, Ramsey actually seemed to act on anything with her. HE NEVER DID!! He was dedicated to Lexi. Yes, he made some stupid decisions but nothing that would be enough to make me question his love for her. If anything it affirms everything I believed about him. And made me fall deeper for him. Too bad I knew the poor guy was going to get the shaft. How did I know? She didn't care about wedding planning. She didn't care to look for a dress. She criticized him for making choices for her. Yeah, such a bad guy trying to take the stress of of you and also giving you everything a person could want. Asshole...


I know what people will argue. "But that's not what Lexi wanted. She just wanted simple and the original 'I Don't Give a Shit' Ramsey Bridges." Perhaps that's true. But people change. He did what he did to make her life better. Lexi sure changed! I don't think she felt like the same person throughout this series. She became a selfish twit and it was really hard to like her at this point.

Again there are shifting chapters in the book, but since they mainly focus on John I don't feel the need to really discuss them. There were a few that were centralized around Parker. These were probably designed to lead us to think that Ramsey still loved her. Sorry, but I didn't buy it. There is ONE that is supposed to be mindblowing and shocking. If you've read the "she says it's my baby" teaser then you can figure out what I mean. So what was it? Supposedly Ramsey had sex with one of his former strippers and gotten her pregnant. She claimed the kid (under a year old) was his. This means he'd have cheated on Lexi. I didn't buy this one either. But of course it put doubts into her pea brain. More problems arise and somehow during all this, Jack is being portrayed as the nice guy. It's quite laughable. All of the sudden he's defending Lexi. He's comforting her. Gag me. What Ms. Linde did was switch the mens' personalities. Well, she tried. She tried to make Ramsey a douche bag and it didn't work. She tried to make me fall for Jack, but that didn't work either.

I'm really just trying to hit all the big points. Like I said earlier, a lot of this book feels repetitive. She's constantly doubting her feelings for Ramsey and trying to deny those for Jack. Throwing John in there was absolutely pointless... Finally at Chyna's wedding (yes, she gets married) the shit hits the fan. She sees how Adam and Chyna look at each other standing at the altar and realized she can't see herself like that with Ramsey.



^ That's me throat punching Lexi. Because even though I was trying to hold out hope that she'd realize Ramsey was who she wanted forever, I knew it wasn't going to be. And I suddenly felt like this book was a complete waste of my time.

I'm just gonna sum up the rest briefly. They get home from the wedding and she decides she's going to postpone the wedding. She walks in early one night and finds Parker in Ramsey's office. Fully clothed, he's reading papers and she looks guilty. In yet another SHOCK (sarcasm), Parker DIDN'T have an abortion. It was a miscarriage all along. She leaves him. And where does she go? Yep. To Jack. For 5 days, I believe. They don't have sex but they cuddle and talk. This should have been Jack's epic moment. Actually, I lied. He should've made that move awhile ago. Anyway --- what does this jack ass do to prove his love has always been for her? Basically apologizes and tells her that. And that he wants her. That's it.

Yeahhhhhhhh... NO. But of course Lexi realizes she loves him and always will... blah blah blah. She breaks it off with Ramsey and devastates the best man in her life. God, how my heart broke for him in that moment. And while I agree he deserves someone who's going to love him and only him forever, it doesn't hurt less. It was absolutely painful. And I HATED Lexi more in that moment than any other time in the series. She wasted three years of his life. I was now glad that she was with Jack. Those two idiots deserve each other. This all happens around 78% of the book. I wish I was kidding. The rest of the story is too drawn out and I ended up skimming. Basically I just wanted to find out what Bekah's deal was. The answer was NOTHING. Apparently she's just a psycho who enjoys screwing with peoples' lives. She admitted to getting the miscarriage papers for Parker and setting the stripper thing up to destroy Ramsey and Lexi's relationship... but then this was explained away because there were already issues with the relationship, blah blah blah.


Amazingly everything in divorce court is wrapped up in Jack's favor by... CLARK! He decided to get back at Jack by having an affair with Bekah. So in actuality it was her who broke the clause. He agrees to walk into court with them to scare her into telling the truth. She does. Jack wins. YAY! Who cares. I swear after this I read the words, "God I love this man" 724928961 times. The ending is stupid. I'm just gonna be straightforward and say that. I think it proves these two never grew up. You're being led to believe he's going to propose. Instead he gives her a promise ring. I literally laughed.



Thank god it was over!!

I will say that Ms. Linde can write. It's not the actual writing that's the problem. With the exception of some repetitiveness, it's well-written. BUT --- she did manage to throw her feelings about Lexi's decision in as the voice of Chyna. Something along the lines of "Fuck everyone and do what you want, it's your life." Yes, Chyna has always been outspoken but it was obvious the true meaning. Also, I felt that she had to keep reiterating how much Lexi loved Jack once the choice was made. It was as if she didn't think anyone would believe it so she had to literally put it into words. UGH. I don't care that she picked Jack. Hell, I knew this was going to happen months ago! I just think it should've been written into the story better. Once again jack didn't have to do a single fucking thing to win. He sat back and let things crumble. I take that back. He did insert himself into her life as "a friend" which would never work. But he waited for her to be weak (once again) and took advantage of the situation. In my opinion, he never really fought for her. And I don't believe for one second that he'd have ever divorced Bekah on his own. Which makes that entire scenario even more ridiculous because she wouldn't have done it either. The bitch likes to win. It didn't make sense for her to give him up. I wanted to love this book. Regardless of the outcome, I felt everything was too contrived to get to that final destination. For me, none of it flowed. The flashbacks were awkward and didn't add to the story. And there was far too much sex. I'm no prude, but I don't need all the sex scenes to get to the end. Especially when all were with Ramsey and she wasn't going to end up with him. POINTLESS!!

The only addition I'd like to see from this series is a novella for Ramsey to give him his pov. He deserves his HEA and I'd rather see it with anyone BUT Parker. Because I never lost my love for him, but I felt that things were written into the story to make people switch sides. He'd make a stupid decision and I'd get so angry that I'd want to throw my Kindle. The man deserves better than what he got.


I've left this pre-release review up as it's what netted 101 votes.
Wtf??? How is anyone Team D Bag Jack?!?!?!




When it comes to love triangles, I have ALWAYS chosen the first guy. EVERY SINGLE TIME. Except this series. Jack is a complete dick. He's a POS, scumbag who WILL NEVER CHANGE, especially with Lexi. The guy is too good looking and manipulative. Not to mention HE CANNOT BE FAITHFUL! TO ANYONE!! He will not give Lexi the HEA we all want to see for her and what she deserves. He and Bekah deserve each other. They are both selfish and manipulative. Ramsey makes sense. He's kind, sweet, and willing to do whatever it takes.

Can someone PLEASE try to list things that make Jack worthy and redeemable? Because I'm not seeing it. He had a gf when he met Lexi. He strings her along for years. They cheat on their significant others but he never made things official with her! WHY NOT?? It makes me crazy. Is he out for money? Even if he loves her, it's not enough. You don't treat someone you love the way Jack has treated Lexi. Ugh... and people! His wedding day?!?!?! No. Just no. Unforgivable.

All I know is that Lexi better stick to her guns this time around. Otherwise, someone's gonna owe me a new iPad, Nook... whatever device I'm reading on!!

Go away Jack and Bekah, or I might get stabby!




Update! Avoiding Temptation??? Oh crap!! I'm sure to have major anxiety over this one. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE end well!



Oh boy. After the blurb was released, I got even MORE nervous. Things were bad enough when it was two guys --- and now a THIRD?!?!?! I can't take it. I've read the Jack POV from when he and Lexi first met. It made me remember the days when I liked him, but I'm still Team Ramsey!! Sorry, Jack and fans, but a few sweet moments don't excuse the rest of his f*** ups.

[Akanksha❤ Søren♰]

Andddd... we have a date

Dec 10th!!!!!


Thank you Emily! :)
~~

If Jack the jerk comes in between Ramsey and Alexa, Imma murder someone!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Moreeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I am so happy, curious, excited, scared & I am just going to sit and hope that all ends well for Alexa n nothing goes well for Jack. Bastard. I don't want anything bad to happen for Ramsey, he was always nice! :((
And Bekah can just die, I don't care for her.

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 4 out of 5]

FULL REVIEW POSTED 12/12/13
NOTE: My original review did not save on Goodreads, I became frustrated and here is the finished product.

4.5 STARS
Genre: Contemporary Romance

SPOILERS AHEAD-SPOILERS HERE-SPOILERS THERE-SPOILERS EVERYWHERE




Avoiding Temptation went a little something like this

Jack calls Lexi




Ramsey reacts with a nonchalant..




Ramsey and Lexi are all..




Jack to Lexi




What Bekah recently said to Jack was...




Lexi to Jack about the divorce papers being filed..




Me




Ramsey to Lexi





Lexi




John to Lexi





Lexi is like




Parker to Ramsey, although she never says this to his face...




Bekah to EVERYONE, and she says it to their faces...




I'm like




Lexi upon the divorce news is now like...




Chyna, frustrated with Lex holding back says..




Lexi, is still in a denial faze with regards to Jack..




Chyna is now like...




Lexi finally caves to Jack and is all..






Me = #Team Ramsey So I’m like…





Jack to Lexi




Me




Her choice… Jack




I’m not even going to lie folks Alexa being with Jack





My Thoughts
Am I happy Jack finally stepped up? HELL YES!
Did her choice effect my rating? HELL NO!

I give this entire series 5 STARS!!! It kept me on my toes that's for sure and even though I saw the signs that Ramsey would not be her choice early on... I was still holding out for John, LOL!!!!

No, all jokes aside, this series was exciting, frustrating, sexy, fun, happy, sad and filled with ups and downs. It is a ride I enjoyed to the very end!

FAVE LINES

“He’s the dick you fucked when you went back to New York?” Jack asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Okay, so the story is… Bekah got me tickets to the Sienna Sexton and D-Bags show in Atlanta next weekend.”


'Until she knew, she would treat Bekah like an active volcano waiting to erupt.'

“I understand why you two are together now,” he said, his eyes shifting between Lexi and Ramsey. “You’re equally oblivious.”


“So, is that it? You just like me for the chase then?” she snarled. John chuckled. “Baby, I’ve already fucked you. I won that chase.”




---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Me prior to the books release



I've been waiting for thissssss

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

UPDATE 12/11/13: Review now posted!

Oh boy. Where do I even begin?

Let me start by saying SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS ahead. STOP reading right now if you don't want to know what happens in this book. I do not feel like spoilering out my whole review and I also can't seem to find the f*cks to give to do so....Or...wait a minute....There's one:



That would be the one word review to this book.

But...because I need to purge myself of the rage this series has invoked, I will explore my thoughts more in depth.

Seriously, SPOILER WARNING again. Last chance to turn away.

I made it known I was going to find out the ending of the book first before I decided to read it and if I didn't like the choice I wasn't going to read it at all. Well, in the end, I grudgingly shelled out the $4.99 for this book. I skipped to the end and was gutted.



That quickly turned to infuriated and pissed as hell. I could not understand how it could have realistically gotten to that point. So I'm a masochist and decided to read it to try to understand. I had to force myself to get through several parts as I attempted to work through my annoyance and anger.



Really I just came to this conclusion at the end:



I guess that’s not entirely true. There are actually multiple conclusions I’ve drawn from this book/series:

1. Good guys really do finish last. Ramsey didn’t deserve what was done to him in this book. But I’ll get to that.

2. Cheaters always win. Let’s be honest. Both Jack and Lexi are cheating assholes. In Lexi’s case, she seems to always cheat with Jack. Jack seems to cheat on everyone.

3. It’s okay...encouraged even...to be with a man who treats you like shit. Lexi sends women a great message about self-worth to want a Jackhole like that in her life.

4. I regret ever having read this series.

5. This is the last money I will ever spend on this author’s books. I will never read another book from this author.

I need to rewind a little bit back to the first book in this series. I’ve hated characters in books before, but not often the main characters. I’ve hated Jack since that first book. I will never understand the people who love him. This is the guy who screwed Lexi against a bathroom wall at his birthday party and immediately went back outside to his fiancée. His parting words being "This doesn’t change anything, Lex." And let’s not forget his "This was fucking, Lexi. You should know that. You’re really good at it." What a winner.

Fast forward to the second book. Who could forget when Lexi actually grew a pair and realized how messed up her and Jack’s relationship was. When she kneed him in the groin when he kissed her at his wedding to someone else. When she made it clear that she wanted Jack out of her life. Excerpt from Avoiding Responsibility:

Jack and Bekah no longer concerned her. Whether they ever got married, whether they lived happily ever after, or whether they skinned each other alive did not matter to her and that made her smile.

"You know what? I’m through," Lexi said her smile growing with how true that statement was. "This entire week made me realize that I got over Jack a long, long time ago. I was so lost in the past that I couldn’t see the person I had become. And the person I am now doesn’t need to go to this wedding to get over a guy she never even dated," she said sending a seething glare in Jack’s direction.

Ramsey and Lexi walked out of there together and seemed to be at a good place. At the time I was confident that the third book would be a good opportunity for them to grow even more together.

K.A. Linde either has selective memory and/or the second book of this series was nothing but meaningless filler because what in the hell happened?

In this third book, whatever emotional growth Lexi experienced in the second book went down the drain. She felt like a totally different character in this book and unfortunately I grew to hate her as well.

After seemingly becoming so strong, the moment Jack told her Bekah was divorcing him, her resolve started to weaken. She started to backtrack to being that weak person she was before. I’m sorry, but if the author truly wanted a believable endgame for Jack and Lexi, she would have found a way to do everything in her power to make Jack redeemable. He would have worked his ass off for her. But TWO YEARS had passed since his wedding. And still he never put Lexi first. He wanted her back when his other options failed. He didn’t miraculously discover that Lexi was the love of his life and become proactive about going after what he supposedly wanted with his whole heart. No, just like always, she was second best. He put others before her for years. He chose others over her for years. When he had the opportunity to have Lexi before proposing to Bekah, he chose Bekah. When he had the opportunity to have Lexi before marrying Bekah, he chose Bekah. I’m sorry, but if Bekah hadn’t initiated divorce proceedings, there’s no way Jack would have chosen Lexi. HIS words: "But I tried every day for the past two years with Bekah, and I was still trying up until that day she handed me the papers. Marriage isn’t easy, but I wanted my marriage to work, so I put in the effort."

The truth is, I never actually believed what Lexi and Jack had was true love. It was infatuation, lust, and obsession. Above all, it was dysfunction.

And after becoming newly engaged to Ramsey, she takes off the ring to hide it from Jack when she meets him. Even if I hadn’t already known how the story ended, my stomach would have gotten that sinking feeling because Lexi seemed almost clinical in how she approached her engagement to Ramsey and then started having doubts almost immediately. She had to talk herself into believing she loved Ramsey and that marrying him was the right decision. She showed more emotion when Jack finally found out she was engaged to Ramsey than she did after Ramsey proposed.

I find one of the saddest things of all to be that Ramsey got demoted to a plot device, and the author tried so hard to throw things out there that would make it somehow okay for Lexi to justify her feelings of being tempted by Jack and doubting she wanted to go through with a wedding to Ramsey. In a flashback scene from a year prior to present time, Ramsey tells Lexi that a former employee is bringing up a sexual harassment suit against him. That this woman claimed they had sex and that her one year old son was actually Ramsey’s. This would mean that Ramsey would have cheated on her. Of course, Ramsey assured her it wasn’t true but she doesn’t know what to believe. Instead, she internalizes "Ramsey’s word had never really meant that much." My Lexi hate started to fester more at that point. In the end, it only took a month and a half for paternity results to reveal the woman lied and the case dropped entirely.

In present time, Lexi discovers that a few years back when Jack cheated on her that he never wanted to sleep with the woman at all and originally said no. He was so drunk in the end it happened anyway and he felt soooo awful afterwards that he couldn’t fight for Lexi because he knew he didn’t deserve her. Cue the violins...so that I may shove them up both of their asses.

The scary thing is that for Lexi, finding that out made it better for her. She admits she would have taken him back. Cheating is cheating honey. At the end of the day, he didn’t keep it in his pants. She had what was an almost kiss moment with Jack and he tells her "You shouldn’t be around me anymore. You shouldn’t want to, Lex. Because all I see when I look at you is the woman I love, the woman I want to take home with me, the woman who I’ve spent damn near ten years messing things up with. And you should stay away because I know I’d do it all over again." Oh, you romantic guy you.

The trainwreck continued. More doubts from Lexi about Parker. Then she holds the fact that Ramsey has money and "sold his soul" to work for his father against him. Oh and then Ramsey became the bad guy because he punched John (not even going there) when he tried to kiss Lexi who was trying to push him away. She got mad at HIM.

In a four months ago flashback in a heated argument between Ramsey and Lexi he calls her Parker. Hi random author attempt to make Ramsey look like a jerk to advance Lexi and Jack endgame.

Back in present time, Ramsey is still having to convince and prove his love to Lexi. "I love you. If that means that I marry you in October or I marry you next October or the one after that…it doesn’t matter to me. You matter to me. Marriage is a piece of paper. You’re my lifetime." The only response to that from Lexi? "I know." I want to hug Ramsey at this point. All I want to do to Lexi is strangle her and/or punch her in the face.

So what was the breaking point in this novel? Lexi walks in on Ramsey and Parker after she provides proof that she did in fact have a miscarriage and not an abortion. Obviously the man is going to be shaken. But Lexi just uses it as an opportunity to turn his feelings against him and then walk out on him, internalizing: Relationships were work. They were really hard work, and she had put her fair share into this one. Oh did you now? Did you support Ramsey through all the things he’d been through? Did you trust him and love him even when he bent over backwards to try to prove himself to you? No...you were a selfish bitch who took what you wanted and made HIM do all the work. You used him in one of the worst ways you can use a person. Everything sunk in for me at this point. This was the moment all the lightbulbs flashed over my head. Lexi was a terrible girlfriend. Ramsey was the only one who ever tried to make it work while she sat back for the three years they were together waiting for him to fail. Even manufacturing failures where none existed. Never fully trusting him or giving him a chance. Ramsey wasn't perfect, but Lexi expected him to be. No one can live up to that. She led him on a string for three years like she was holding a pair of scissors actively fraying at the edges just for fun, waiting for her opportunity to cut it entirely. There was NOTHING Ramsey could have done. It saddens me that he wasted three years of his life on someone who used him so completely.

And then what does she do? Runs straight to Jack of course and ignores most of Ramsey’s desperate texts and calls for days. Jack shares his sob story about being scared of love and that’s why he chose everyone except Lexi. Uh huh.

Lexi’s quick to break up with Ramsey after that. It was brutal seeing Ramsey’s pain. Lexi basically telling him that he shouldn’t have tried to change for her. That she wasn’t happy and that even though he’s a great man, he wasn’t the man for her. And as he’s standing there with a tear rolling down his cheek – after repeatedly pleading his case, what’s Lexi’s parting shot? Her fatal blow?

"I’m sorry, Ramsey. I can’t keep this," she said, pulling the diamond ring off her finger. She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and tried to blink back the tears forming in her eyes. "I already have one that belongs to me. It was saved for me before I even knew who you were."



Cold. Hearted. Bitch. My journey to hating this character was now complete. Like a horny teenager, she jumps straight into bed with Jack. Ramsey is barely an afterthought to her, even after she discovered Bekah pretty much manufactured everything that caused her to keep doubting Ramsey – the girl from the sexual harassment suit, the miscarriage paperwork. In the end, Ramsey truly was a good guy.

Ramsey has my heart. In this book, he’s the only character who didn’t piss me off. I’ve always loved him but I felt even more for him in this book. When the author was spending so much time over the past couple of months trying to convince readers to go with her on this journey and to give her a chance so we could see that the ending of this book was exactly what needed to happen, my first reaction was:



But she was right actually. It had to happen. And I’ve come to three important realizations about this "journey" -

1. Lexi and Jack deserve to be together. Two selfish people who will never learn from their mistakes. I’ve read people saying how much these characters have grown and I have to laugh at that. It’s like two kids playing grown-up. They pretend for a little bit until it becomes too difficult and then they go back to being who they were all along. May they live in misery ever after.

2. The Lexi in this book didn’t deserve someone like Ramsey. He deserves so much better. And in my head I’m going to give him the happily ever after he deserves with a woman who truly appreciates who he is. I’ve seen other comments from people wanting Ramsey to have his own book. Pains me to say but, I wouldn’t read it. Unfortunately, I don’t trust the author. I think she created an amazing character (I will give props for that) but sadly not the ability to truly do him justice. Truth be told, I have to wonder if she even likes this character all that much for the way he was treated in this book.

3. So many people say it’s not about what pairing you’re rooting for – Team Jack or Team Ramsey. That it’s about Team Lexi. And you know what? That’s true. This was Lexi’s story. The sad part of it for me is that I’ve discovered I could never be Team Lexi. I was brought to a place of hating her character. I have no respect for her. At the end of the day I did NOT enjoy this series or the places it took me. I thought going into this book I was Team Lexi/Ramsey. I was so so wrong. I'm glad they didn't end up together. Turns out I’m only Team Ramsey. And that’s just fine with me.

Onwards and upwards.

--------

PREVIOUS UPDATE 11/2/13: So I'm officially moving this to a 'maybe' shelf. I know it's the author's biggest pet peeve but after all the teasers I think this is one of those I just can't read until I find out what happens first.

I respect everyone's opinions (though I'm hardcore judging) but for the life of me don't understand how there can even be a Team Jack after everything he did. There were a couple of things that he did that in my eyes are completely irredeemable. I felt Lexi got to a good place at the end of the last book and that the door was firmly closed on any possibility of Jack...but with some of the teasers and comments I've seen, I just don't know.

While the thought of a continuation of the Lexi/Ramsey/Jack triangle turns my stomach in an unpleasant way, the idea of a quadrangle with John in the equation too just gives me a headache. There's such a thing as too much drama.

My fear is that if there's a Lexi/Jack endgame outcome to all of this, I just won't be able to accept it. I don't want to be talked into or urged to accept that because I already know there is absolutely nothing that will make me see Jack in a favorable light or hope Lexi ends up with him. In fact, if that happens, it will be such an emotional step backwards from all the progress and growth Lexi has made over the past couple books (not that she still doesn't have a bit to go) that I fear for the well-being of my Kindle.

So...I will sit back and check reviews after the book is released in December. If I decide not to read it after that, I'll make up my own ending in my head ;)

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in the 'Avoiding' series, 'Avoiding Temptation' provides the answers to all of the questions that I had. At last, I can put my frustrations to rest. Finally, I know how things work out for Lexi.

I don't want to spoil this series for anyone, so I won't say exactly who Lexi ends up with...or if she ends up with anyone at all. However, I will say that if you're a fan of angst that this is one of the most angst-filled series that I've ever encountered. I could not believe the massive amounts of drama that played out over the course of this series.

This book certainly lived up to the reputation of earlier books in the series in that regard. There was never a dull moment. I couldn't get enough of this salacious soap opera. This series is such a guilty pleasure. I know I should be appalled by the characters' actions...but I just can't stop reading!

As glad as I was to finally know how things worked out for Lexi and her string of male admirers, I was sad to see this series come to a close. I loved every minute of this series. It is probably one that I will re-read in the future, because I just can't get enough of these characters.

I don't want to ruin it for anyone, so I'll just say that this is one series that you want to read. If you like forbidden love stories with a TON of angst, look no further. This is the series you've been looking for!

Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ‘I have no clue who’s team I’m on’ stars!



Going into Avoiding Temptation, I was scared. The last book scarred me. I went into this with no team. Much like Lexi, I was undecided. Who is she going to pick? What the hell is going to happen?



This review isn’t going to be like a ‘normal’ review. I can’t review the way I normally do without spoiling too much, so here it goes...

Lexi


Lexi honestly doesn’t want anyone to get hurt. She had what she had with John, she is trying to be a good friend to Jack, and trying to make her relationship with Ramsey work. I truly believe that Lexi always has the best intentions at heart. She isn’t perfect, but she wants to move on and find true happiness. Thats what the story comes down to. Not what we, the readers want, but what Lexi wants. She is going to do what her heart wants and desires. Not what others want or expect her to do.

Ramsey


The second book made me love Ramsey. He is sweet and kind. He truly loves Lexi, tries to treat her right, and is willing to change and do better for her. He’s is the ideal boyfriend. He seems almost perfect at times. But is he perfect for Lexi???

Jack


Jack the jerk. There will always be a part of me that wants Lexi and Jack together. Maybe it’s the first love thing? I don’t know. He had me in the first book. Completely had me. Then in the second book, he demolished my heart. After reading this, have I forgiven Jack. No. Not completely. But I am glad he made some positive changes, and I do like him much more than I did.

John


Then there is my boy, John. If I had to root for anyone, it would be this guy. There is just something about him I like. I think Lexi could use someone new, without the baggage and drama... Plus he’s kind of a jerk too, but in a good way.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


So what does LEXI want? Who does her heart desire? Who will she end up with when it’s all said and done? You must definitely read it to find out! 






Now lets talk about that ending... The million dollar question: Was I happy with who she ended up with? Hmmm.... Well, I wasn’t surprised at all. I expected them be together. I felt like they belonged with one another. So, I suppose I was happy with the ending. What I wasn’t necessarily happy with, how they got to the ending I felt like Jack and Lexi ended up together almost by default. I wanted him to EARN it. To EARN her back the right way. Not Bekah filing for divorce, then all the shit with Ramsey so she’s deciding she can’t be with him blah and blah and blah. NO! I wanted Jack to realize what a mistake it was that he ever married Bekah. To leave her crazy ass and FIGHT for Lexi. To really work at it. It was too damn easy. All Jack put us through during the second book. Yes, I said US. Because I felt it too. - Please don’t read the spoiler unless you want to know who she ends up with. That spoiler is the reason I can’t give this book 5 stars. It’s not about WHO she ended up with, it’s about HOW they got there.

Regardless, I loved the book. This series has been an emotional roller coaster. It’s been a journey for me. As much as it frustrated me, aggravated me, even infuriated me at times, I still loved it. It made me feel. The characters were flawed, but they were real. Some were likable, some weren’t. It was a crazy ride. A part of me is glad it’s over, and a part of me didn’t want it to end. A very memorable series.




P.S.- Copious amounts of tequila was consumed during the reading of this book ;)
PRE-REVIEW:

I'm not sure how I feel about that... Give me a day or two to decide ;)

For now.....




I guess I’m going to bite the bullet. I’m going to finally read this one tonight...



Maybe my questions will be answered...

Will Jack be able to ever make up for everything, and more importantly, can I forgive Jack?



Will she end up with Ramsey? Or will his sketchy side (which I know he has) come out?



Will John come out of nowhere and win her heart? (I hope...)



And most importantly-

How much tequila will I have to drink to get through this book???



Wish me luck!!!

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has Lexi learned nothing from the first two books?

Don’t answer that phone!!



Kyla Linde delivered one hell of a crazy ride!

“Lose Jack and be with Ramsey.
Be with Jack and lose Ramsey.
Be by herself without either of them.
Move back to New York, start a new life, rebound-fuck John all over again.
Run from her past for a future that couldn’t even begin to handle her emotional baggage.”



Right from the first chapter my jaw hit the floor and I wondered where Kyla was taking me and do I really want to go there?



It's no secret that I'm Team Jack win lose or draw...



Overall, this book was shocking, exciting and heart attack inducing and I highly recommend it for fans of the series. I felt that the story was well executed and the writing was fantastic.

“I gave it a shot, Lex. I gave you your space. I let you be happy. That’s what you said you wanted.” He gripped her hand a little harder. “How did that work? Are you happy? Are you happy without me?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“He was perfect, absolutely perfect – except when he wasn’t, except when she saw his flaws, the flaws he never let the rest of the world see.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Walk away from it all.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"People come in and out of your life all the time. They shape and mold you like clay, and then the water washes away the edges."

Fans of John, Ramsey and Jack will be on edge the entire journey because nothing feels settled till the very last page and that's when you can finally exhale.

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whew....Ok...some thoughts. NOT many but just a few.

1. I LOVE this author, I LOVE her writing, and I LOVE the way she builds angst and kills you with it. I LOVE HER WRITING...I DO. SHE KNOWS HOW TO WRITE...SO PLEASE, DO NOT CONFUSE MY FEELINGS OVER THIS BOOK WITH HER TALENT...SHE IS BRILLIANT! EVERY CRITIQUE BELOW IS ON THE PLOT AND CHARACTERS! THAT IS IT. THE AUTHOR ROCKS, HER BOOKS GUT YOU, SHE WRITES LIKE A BAD ASS!!! AND, IF YOU LOVE A LOVE TRIANGLE THAT DESTROYS YOU..YOU WILL LOVE THIS SERIES!

THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND AS YOU READ DOWN ^^^^^^^^^^^^

Okay here are some of my KEY thoughts....

1. This book disappointed me so much that I can't even talk about it without becoming a raging bitch. I'm sorry if I come across MEAN. It's NOT my intention, but I have to say something. ANYTHING. I have to vent this out. I'm emotional. THIS BOOK is emotional and the PLOT fucked me up!

2. Lexi was ...... NO WORDS. She was someone I LOVED, NEVER irritated me, and I UNDERSTOOD in the first two books. I GET HER LOVE FOR JACK...I GET IT, AND I UNDERSTAND HER LOVE FOR RAMSEY....I GET IT! I GET IT....THAT SAID, after this, after reading this....I HATED her. I LOATHED her. I DESPISED her. She turned into an UGLY person...someone that I can't think about.

THIS was the part were I couldn't deal with Lexi... She goes to give Ramsey the ring back and this is what she says? THIS...OMG! THIS WAS LOW, NASTY and UNCALLED for --->> "I already have one that belongs to me. It was saved for me before I even knew who you were." <<------ WTF IS THAT! I can't. Talk about CRUEL. Why don't you just spit on him while you're at it Lex...I mean...GOD.

3. Ramsey...well what can I say????...NO FUCKING WORDS....NONE. NOTHING...I'm just....I DON'T KNOW. He's ALWAYS deserved better than Lexi...this book OPENED my eyes to that

4. Jack.... ***Tries to think of something, anything that would come across nice*** Jack...Jack...Jack...**laughs** I WISH YOU COULD HEAR my thoughts...I can't go there with Jack...I'm sorry...I can't.. That said, this man could have been redeemed...I think he could have! The problem is he has no balls..NONE. He has no backbone. He would have stayed with Bekah FOREVER if she would have had him. PLEASE! ARG


Basically from ALL that up top ^^^^ I can't even review this book nicely...I feel like a piece of shit even writing this because I was a HUGE fan of the series...Jeezzz, I think I still am....BUT I'm disappointed...SO, COMPLETELY, ABSOLUTELY, disappointed.

I feel messed up in the head, heart, and just HURT....I DON'T KNOW WHY. BUT I HURT from this book. This series. I think... damn...IT should have gone differently...I think Lexi landed up with the right person, (I DO, I REALLY DO), but the way it was plotted...well...NO WORDS. Anyway, after this I'm CLOSING my heart off. I refuse to discuss it...I can't even go there. I need to shut my head and heart down from this...it's too much and it breaks me. This sounds CRAZY, but it causes me PAIN. Hahahahaha...INSANE, I know, but it does.

Closing thought's's are this -->> 3 STARS because this author is the ANGST queen and she REIGNS above the rest. Her writing is STELLAR and her characters evoke more emotion than ANYTHING I've ever read. AND, even though, I feel broken, YOU MIGHT LOVE it. She evokes SO much heart out of the reader. She definitely writes against the grain and goes with her heart and characters. I might not love the end, but the ride was EPIC, and I respect that. I REALLY DO. :)

[It's just me Shelly B · Rating 5 out of 5]

"People come in and out of your life all the time. They shape and mold you like clay, and then the water washes away the edges."





All of these characters....Lexi, Jack, Ramsey and John all hold a little piece of my heart. I like them ALL for different reasons and through out this series they have also pissed me off for different reasons. However I have always loved them through everything. Triangles are a tough read sometimes because she can only pick ONE...unless you get lucky with a ménage someone is going to lose! Honestly it may not be the ONE you choose but on the flip side your man MIGHT win!

Now my question is why would you rate it a 1 star just because your MAN didn't win?


We all knew that was a possibility when we started this series so why are we shocked now?


Did Lexi end up with the one I wanted?

I'm not telling because I don't want to spoiler this for anyone. If you like angsty emotional reads this series is for YOU!!!. But go into it knowing that your team may lose:(


I personally like triangles for the BIG emotions they invoke in the reader and I think this series and this book DEFINITELY delivered on that aspect.

With that said, all I can tell you is I truly love this series and this author! My heart went out to both Ramsey and Jack in this book! This series was a great emotional rollercoaster and I LOVED it and I'm soooooo happy I read it!!


Give it a chance people you might like it but remember only ONE will win here and it might not be who you choose.


Is that fair? NO but that is the kind of book this is....bottom line!





I want to add a little...tiny addendum to this....just a tiny addendum.....5/27/2014......

Something made me scroll the reviews for this book tonight and I have no I idea why I did bc it just pissed me off again!!!! Why why why would people read a triangle and then rate it a 1 star bc it didn't turn out their WAY?!?!?!? I mean come ON rate the writing...I mean why in the hell are you still reading it 3 books later....ok so it didn't turn out like you wanted but it kept you interested enough to read 3 damn books!!!! Who gives a shit who came out the victor be glad the series was interesting enough to keep you involved and wanting more!!!!

[Tough Critic Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wanted to soak in a relaxing vodka bath and brush my teeth with Xanax...

I did not go into this book lightly. In fact, I think there was a lot of cursing involved. At some point, even my emotions said, "shit". I just wanted to soak in a relaxing vodka bath and brush my teeth with some Xanax. I wanted somebody to hold me and I hadn't even started the book yet.

Here's where my review gets tricky. My emotions are a tell all.

I can't share too much about the state of my feelings because my emotions will share too much.

What I'm about to write is true no matter which team you're on. I don't care if you're Team Ramsey, Team Jack, Team Lexi coming out and getting it on with Chyna. The ending was perfect.

I'm not necessarily saying it was perfect because she ended up with who I wanted (maybe she did, maybe she didn't). It was perfect because in then end, K.A. Linde let Lexi decide. It wasn't about what the reader wanted, it wasn't even about what the author wanted. It was a decision that was driven by the character. It was Lexi's reality, and it was perfect.

I'm not saying it's not going to shred your emotions. You may feel anger, disappointment. Some of you might even want to judo chop your kindle or punch K.A. Linde in the face, but remember...it's not about us. It's about the characters, and the strong emotions they have caused us to feel. The real emotions. This is their story, not ours.

It takes talent for an author to submerge a reader so far into a story that she can cause emotional pain and hurt through fiction. Fiction that has ultimately become an emotional reality. A reality that collided with my heart from start to finish. So if you are angry, remember, the author made you feel that. You cared enough to be angry, and that speaks volumes!

I'm not rating this book based on what I wanted to happen. I'm rating it based on the amazing way in which it was written. It ended just as strong as it started, and it was perfect.

READ ON!

[R.S. Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm actually afraid to read any future books by K.A Linde. Not sure I can put myself through all this again!
Loved all five books though, even if they did make me temporarily insane.

[Zizz · Rating 3 out of 5]

To say that I am not a happy camper is putting it mildly. I will now hide everything behind spoiler tags to be fair...

Let's put it out there first: I am Team Ramsey. And so this review might be tainted by that fact.

BUT I WILL TRY TO BE AS OBJECTIVE AS POSSIBLE IN MY REVIEW AND REFRAIN FROM PUTTING GIFS AS I ORIGINALLY INTENDED TO.

From the early stages of the book, IMO it was obvious what the desired ending was and that instead of letting the story naturally progress and write itself, it was "forced" into a certain direction. If you are Team Ramsey, you got your HEA with Avoiding Responsibility. The fact that there was going to be a third book should have been a screaming red flag in itself.

It felt as if the last parts of AR was buried to be forgotten to build the case for this story going forward. In AR, Ramsey lied about his past but the present scenario had him working hard to secure his relationship with Lexi. He chose Lexi over Parker - that was clear. He chose Lexi over his family and that was clear when he walked out of that wedding. And he finally relented to work for the family but that was all for his relationship with Lexi and he parted with words that he had full control of his contract.

Well, what a joke that AR ending was. Ramsey was pretty much absent in this book save for times when Lexi doubted him given his working relationship with Parker and the paternity allegations coming from an ex-employee. The promise of Ramsey at the end of AR took a sharp 180 degree turn. Two years later, they eventually got engaged. But he was an absentee fiance working as a slave for the Bridges Corporation alongside Parker. Parker was the ever-present white elephant in the room. The engagement was a joke because for the most part of the book we were made to doubt Ramsey's commitment to Lexi. Not that Lexi was any better. After what Jack had put her through, she keeps getting that "warm feeling" every time she looked into his eyes - even when he was already married. And let's not forget her constant attraction to John - because apparently he reminded her of Jack. No prizes for second guessing to see where this was all headed.

The argument since the very start was Jack and Lexi's "connection". Look, in spite of my favored team, I would have bought it if it was sold to me properly. BUT THE ARGUMENT WAS PRETTY WEAK. Did Jack redeem himself? FUCK NO. After disclaiming every allegation Lexi put forth right before his wedding, he went and got married anyway. And he really was trying to make that marriage work. It was Bekah who pulled away. So two years later, we find Jack finally realizing his mistake. Well of course he would, Bekah served him divorced papers, was draining him out of his livelihood and whatever savings he had. And in the midst of all of this, he realizes he loves Lexi. Whoopdeedoo.

And Lexi, what can I say about her. Different day, different year, same old shit. After everything Jack has put her through, the niggling issue in her mind was trusting Ramsey because of his past lies. And Jack was this great friend who defended her against Bekah. That's just rich. Did we forget that Ramsey walked out on that wedding for her?

The only saving grace here was the fact that Ramsey proved to be a good man - eventually. BUT this did not happen until near the end. Like I said, his presence for the most part was contained within Lexi doubting him. In the end, Ramsey proved that HE LOVED LEXI and Parker was history. That he was committed to this relationship and was willing to do whatever to see it through. And how did Lexi repay him? By breaking up with him and screwing Jack - probably less than an hour later.

Look I get that in a love triangle, there will always be a losing party. But I will echo Bekah's thoughts on this matter: that was downright disgusting. I need a strong antiseptic to wash this vile off my mind. SHE USED RAMSEY TO GET OVER JACK. She was with Ramsey for over 3 years, lived with him and agreed to marry him. This was the guy who helped her pick up the pieces - who was there for her at her lowest point when Jack screwed her over at his birthday party. But at the end of the day, that wasn't enough. She basically just used him for that long. That's just low and puts Lexi right up there in my shitty character list. Ramsey never had a chance. Lexi was Sleeping Beauty waiting all this time for her Prince Charming Jack to come for her. Luckily for her, Bekah just oddly decided she wanted out of that relationship and finally Lexi had Jack on a silver platter.

There was in fact so much people using other people in this final book. John used Parker. Clark used Bekah. Btw, Clark just came out of nowhere - apparently hell-bent on exacting his revenge and this paved the way for Bekah's come-uppance as a last hurrah in the book. That whole bit felt so disjointed to me.

And the biggest user of them all was Jack. He didn't even have to lift a finger. He just needed to be in the lowest point of his life and declare his love for Lexi and his regret of letting her go. That's just rich. Where would he be if Bekah didn't bail on him? And Lexi just bought it like she always did. And this is supposed to be her HEA? He gets his deliverance not by turning his back on anything and finally going after Lexi. He knew all along that she wasn't happy without him. All he had to do was point that out to her and she came running. Same old tired shit.

At the end of the day, I just wished she walked away from it all because this HEA right here is a little hard too swallow. This was actually the best written work out of all the three books in the series. Very well edited and not long-winded like the first two books were. It does induce angst and makes you feel. But at the end of the day, the plausibility factor was weak for me and the HEA leaves such a bitter taste in my mouth considering how Ramsey was discarded and what Jack had to do to win in the end - WHICH WAS BASICALLY NOTHING. It feels that so much credit is owed to Bekah to get this ending. Whatever happened to Lexi who decided to grow a backbone at the end of AR? Where was character growth? And story progression and cohesion?

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay that's it. I'm over this book and these characters. I think this whole series should have been done in two MAYBE three books and no extra side books. This whole relationship with Jack and Lexi was ridiculous. Jack's reasoning's were stupid. He wasn't redeemable, EVER!

This is one unhappy reader. I have a lot to say but will hold back, seeing as there are plenty of other readers who will want to read this book with out it being ruined completely for them if they see my review in the way I would like to state it.



12/2013 Reading the ending first! I don't care what anyone thinks, I need to know before I can start who she walks away with. Lol

[A.L. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of all the Avoiding Series. I might have done a little fist-pump at the end. This girl was happy. Great job in wrapping up an amazing series K.A. Linda!

[Hail]

Team Jack!

Sometimes, a happy ending to a story isn't meant to be happily EVER after. Maybe it's just happy 'for now' - not 'for EVER'. This is my happy ending for Lexi and Jack and this series. And maybe after running off into the sunset and trying out a REAL relationship, things will go horribly wrong and Jack will dog Lexi out YET AGAIN. That's ok. I think Lexi and Jack are meant for eachother. Let's face it: Jack is a player and a dog, but Lexi is no innocent angel herself. As much as I wanted Lexi to dust herself off and grow some self respect, by the end of Avoiding Responsibility I could see she is still not ready for that. So my hope is that these 2 find their way to giving a go at a relationship - for better or worse. Sometimes, a hearts and flowers/choosing the "good guy" ending just isn't what a story needs.

My Jack Howard

[Formerly Known as Spoiler W · Rating 3 out of 5]

These 3 stars are not because of who she stayed with. It's because of HOW she stayed with him.

SPOILERS

I will admit that I went straight to the end and read who Lexi stayed with. I could give a flying fuck what anybody thinks about that. Did it take away the element of surprise? NO. I'm Spoiler Whore. Doesn't bother me the least if I know spoilers or not. I'm not gonna delve into the story. I'm just going to get to my fucking problem on how Lexi ended up with Jack.

Jack and Lexi would never have gotten back together if it wasn't for Bekah wanting a divorce. I don't know how Lexi can become more idiotic to see that's the only way he went back to her. I just DON'T see how he loves Lexi. If you truely absolutely love someone, you would fight for them, you would do what you had to do to be with them and Jack didn't do this except whisper the words Lexi has always wanted to hear. It took someone else with bigger balls to get them together. He is one character that I truely dislike. If the author was to have used another situation(maybe Jack asking Bekah for a divorce) then I wouldn't have much of an issue as I have with this story.

I've always been #TeamRamsey but not for the reason of him being the "winner" for Lexi. Ramsey is and always will be the better man than Jack. PERIOD. I'm not saying he didn't have his faults but he treated Lexi waaaaay better than Jack ever did. As for the way Lexi ended her relationship with Ramsey...Ugh. "I already have one that belongs to me. It was saved for me before I even knew who you were."(This is about the engagement ring)<-----It goes to show that Lexi is a bitch.

I know this is Lexi's journey but I never got the mentality of Lexi with Jack. I guess like goes with like...they're both idiots. They truely deserve each other.

*I hope Ramsey gets his HEA story told but please don't mention Lexi and Jack. They've both done enough damage.*

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"People come in and out of your life all the time. They shape and mold you like clay, and then the water washes away the edges."



An intense, angst-filled journey comes to an end. Throughout this read, my heart was racing and my head was spinning. As a reader, especially when it comes to a love triangle, you have to have faith in the story the author has to tell. In my opinion, regardless of which team you go into this book pulling for, Kyla creates a compelling story that should leave everyone satisfied. There are some crazy intense feelings associated with this series and who should win the girl. Honestly some of you ladies them scare the hell out of me,lol. I just hope we can all appreciate the anxiety-ridden journey. John, Jack, and Ramsey were all important players in Lexie finding her hea - and their are some major swoon worthy moments with each one, I did not envy her predicament.

"You're what I want. You're all I want."

That is all I am going to say, I don't want to spoil anything. Just read it - have faith in the story!

♥Quotes♥
"I don't want it to be easy. I just want it to be right, and the only way it's ever going to be right is with you."

"Whatever you do, it will be the right choice because it's for you, chica. No one can tell you that you made the wrong choice. No one."

"Now, I have decide what I want to do, because I don't think that they're down for a threesome."

"We fit together perfectly," he murmured. "Don't let anyone tell you any different."



Feelings going into this one...at 0%

*Fingers crossed* for Jack and Lexi♥♥

[Mare SLiTsReaD Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

KA Linde- you have superb writing skills, your skills get you a 5 star... your writing skills

The story gets a big FAT ZERO FROM ME

"Cheaters never prosper"
"A leopard doesn't change it's spots"

LEXI- You are the sluttiest idiot I have ever read! I.D.I.O.T

JACK- YOU ARE A L.O.S.E.R... MOMMY DADDY ISSUES~ PLEASE YOU ARE JUST A MALE WHORE

RAMSEY- GOOD GOD, I WAS FOR YOU ALL ALONG... ANOTHER I.D.I.O.T

LEXI & JACK- I VOTE THAT THE 2 OF YOU LIVE IN ETERNAL CHEATER HELL AND LEXI HAS A NEXT MAN'S BABY WHILE SHE IS WITH YOU
YES I SAID IT, ACTUALLY I HOPE SHE HAS RAMSEY'S BABY CAUSE YOU KNOW HOW THESE TYPE OF GIRLS ARE... THE CHASE IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN THE CATCH

RAMSEY- CAUSE I LOVE YOU TO DEATH, I HOPE YOU FIND A GIRL THAT CAN TREAT YOU AS YOU DESERVE- NOT LEXI OR PARKER! MOVE AWAY AND START A NEW LIFE~ AWAY FROM ALL THE TOXIC PEOPLE THAT YOU CURRENTLY HAVE IN YOUR LIFE

IM OVER THIS

MARE~SLITSREAD

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

October 3rd


Ok, so I have been DYING for this book since I finished Avoiding Responsibility last year. The first two books left me ABSOLUTELY wrecked...but I'm kind of peeved about the blurb. Why is Lexi juggling the burgeoning affections of three different men? I don't know about anyone else, but when I finished Avoiding Responsibility, I was absolutely elated that Lexi had actually stuck up for herself and put Jack in his place and then left with Ramsey.

Honestly, Team Ramsey all the way. If she ends up with anyone else, I will be SHATTERED. Especially if it's Jack-Ass. Because he needs help and he is incapable of having a healthy relationship. If he cheats WITH YOU, he will cheat ON YOU. I don't care what he tells Lexi, actions speak louder than words...he is not a good person or a good boyfriend. /THE END/

December 10

Ok, just finished...I will write a proper review after I've had time to stew over this, but I will just say this: I was Team Jack for all of book 1 and even most of book 2, when I finally saw the light and switched to Team Ramsey. After re-reading the entire series, that just solidified to me why Ramsey is the best...with that said, I went into AT with the mentality of "Team anyone but Jack" because I just had this feeling that Ramsey wasn't going to be the HEA and I wanted to prepare myself. After all, there was NO WAY Jack could even be a contender at this point and...

I am really, really upset with that ending. I am upset with the last 25% or so of the book. Not only that, but the way a lot of stuff with Ramsey was handled...and not just because I so desperately wanted them to get their HEA. Ramsey is a good guy. I said that from day 1. He deserves better than Lexi. I cannot be "Team Lexi" because I wanted to punch her multiple times throughout this whole ordeal. I am just really upset right now and can't think right. I will write more on it later, it just saddens me that Lexi and Jack(ass) got their HEA and the one stand up guy (despite his lying and hiding stuff) just gets shoved to the side. After she broke up with Ramsey, I totally checked out of the story. I didn't care about Jack. I wanted to know what happened with Ramsey.

Here we go with the real review. I just cannot get over the end of this book. I feel robbed, cheated and lied to. I was perfectly content with the way AR ended. Lexi finally put Jack(ass) in his place. She was a changed woman. Avoiding Temptation had her going back on all of that. This book taught me that the nice guy really does finish last. Jack was an asshole to Lexi for about 10 years. HE MARRIED ANOTHER GIRL. Not to mention the 5 million other terrible things he did to Lexi over the years.

If that doesn't scream "DOUCHEBAG" I don't know what does.

The problem with Jack this entire book is that he didn't even try to make up for anything or redeem himself. He was going through a low point in his life and he expected Lexi to be there. He told her that he loved her (yea, we haven't heard that before...) and Lexi falls at his feet.

Ramsey changed his life for her, and I get that his lifestyle was one that she didn't want, but what did Jack ever do? What kind of effort did he ever put into his relationship with Lexi? Besides having sex with her and then leaving her for another girl?

Jack is a JACK. ASS. And it pisses me off that he gets the girl without doing anything redeemable.

I don't buy it. I would have been happy with any ending other than this one. I would have been happy if Lexi said "Screw you!" to all guys and left on her own. I would have been happy with another guy in the picture. Anything as long as it wasn't Jack.

But enough about Jack.

On to Ramsey. I don't think I need to name the million reasons why I feel he's a better man (he proved it in every book just by putting Lexi first,) but I am soooooooooooooo upset that we find out that Ramsey was in fact an upstanding gentleman who fiercely loved Lexi, but he was robbed of his happiness. WHY DOES JACK GET TO BE HAPPY? HE DOES NOT DESERVE IT.

The entire time Lexi is second guessing her engagement with Ramsey and all that it really made me want to do was grab her by the shoulders and shake her. She told Ramsey that he was a good guy, just not a good guy for her and the only explanation I got was because of his money/lifestyle????? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

I do not feel that this was an organic ending. I feel that it was forced in this direction from the beginning. Like I said, I was Team Ramsey, but I really would have been okay with any HEA other than Jack because it just didn't feel right. I feel that everything we have been working toward for 2 books was shattered in this one.

There was just too much working against Ramsey in this book and my heart truly breaks for him. I just...can't even get past this. And then Lexi runs off and has sex with Jack as soon as she leaves Ramsey's?

It makes me sick.

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen]

DNF @ 30%

I can't do this.....I'm so ashamed of myself

I can't endure the heartbreak that Ramsey is going to have to go through.

I can't endure the hatred I'm going to feel towards Lexi.

I gave #1 and #2 both 5 stars but I can't wrap my head around this -----

Why stay friends with a guy who has been a major asshole to you?

Why agree to marry another guy when you just aren't "feeling" it?

I wanted Jack but I switched sides to Ramsey.....no no no

I know this book will frustrate me and get my blood pressure boiling....

I had such high hopes - why fucking go back to a guy who married and now he wants you back? When his wife wants a divorce?? Is there no shame?

So I'm gonna proudly announce DEFEAT and step away.

Sorry - it's just me :-(

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 I-can’t-believe-my-Kindle-survived-this-series-stars



This has to be one of the most difficult reviews to write. I am going to try my hardest to avoid giving anything away for those who are either in the midst of reading the final book or those who’ve been waiting to start this series. There has been no question that I am a proud member of Team Jack, but that in no way made me feel like there was only one path for Lexi to find her happily ever after.

Each man offered Lexi a different ending. Each one could have easily been the right choice in the right situation.

K.A. Linde did an absolutely brilliant job creating this story. Imagine creating a heroine that is so unsure as to what she wants, cheats to get stolen moments with the man she craves and then continues to change her mind at every turn. Normally this is the type of heroine we would have hated. But for some reason we absolutely loved her, we felt for her. We looked past her flaws. We even tried to pin the titles of the series on the men in her life. All along it was Lexi who avoided commitment, responsibility and temptation.

The story stayed true to the style of the prior books. Starting off in the present and then flashing back and making its way back to the present. We start a few years into the future after walking away from Jack with Ramsey. And we see what decision Jack made that day, how everyone remained connected. We even get a great moment with Adam and Chyna that was such a highlight to this series.

This series evokes so many emotions in the reader. At times, it has brought out the worst in us but it just showcases the absolute power that K.A. Linde has in her writing ability. You don't walk away from this battle unscathed. You are bloodied and bruised. I knew that no matter how this story ended that I would be able to accept it and understand it, even if I did not get my way. I put my faith in the author completely to get me to see how this needed to end. To let the story play out and to let the characters in her head write their endings.

Emotions were high, no doubt. But for some reason the anxiety that I felt with the first two books was missing. Replaced with a bit of anticipation and excitement to see this through. That is not saying this did not have the big moments and the nerves, it did. It's just that it felt like a calm had washed over me, I wasn't fearful of the ending of the story as I imagined I would be. I think that has a lot to do with being able to just know that it would make sense, that we would not be led to some makeshift ending, that K.A. Linde would make it so this felt right, like there was no other option as to how this ended.

And then we have the boys.

John
A complete out of nowhere, dark horse. His actions with Chyna were appalling, his interactions with Lexi were limited. But yet he was a fixture in her life, her thoughts. He made her heart skip a beat.

Ramsey
The man that entered her life with nothing but lies trailing behind him. A man that changed everything about who he was to be the man for the woman he fell in love with. Ramsey was not perfect, but God knows he tried. Once he realized that he loved Lexi, he never wavered.

Jack
If wrong could be done in a relationship, Jack found a way to do it, effortlessly. He loved Lexi but he also was so afraid of what that love would do to him. He pushed and he ruined her over and over again, but he couldn’t ever fully let her go. Jack tried to be a better man, by force. But it wasn’t until he stopped trying that he really was a better man.

None of these men were perfect.


Slight spoilers – past series revelations…
So many felt like Jack was just this giant asshole. He was not perfect, but when Lexi runs into Stella at the concert and finds out the truth as to what she did that night, and then Jack admits that he never had sex with anyone else. Lexi was the one woman he couldn’t deny himself. He cheated on everyone, but he only cheated on them with Lexi. That doesn’t make it better – but it sure as hell paints him in a much different light.

Slight spoilers – WTF moments that I have to rant about…plot ruining moments… LOOK AWAY.
Parker. Parker. Parker. Holy shit. I can’t believe that after all this time that in that heated moment he fucking said her name. I understand that it was on his mind, but that was a serious fuck up.

Bekah. I was so excited the first time her name came up, Lexi uses the last name Bridges and I was seriously jumping up and down. But then it comes out that he married that bitch. And then she files for divorce. And fucking Clark? I knew he would play into this and he did perfectly. What a fucking asshole, nearly ten years have passed and he wasn’t over Lexi cheating on him with Jack. GET.A.FUCKING.LIFE.


MAJOR FUCKING SPOILER.
Jack. Fuck me sideways. I loved how much he grew in this.

It was the same Jack but with him finally being honest. The attraction was just so undeniable between Lex & Jack. Those softly whispered moments made me fucking giddy. Him telling her that he couldn’t believe that he let her go for Bekah, telling her to leave so he didn’t kiss her. Him being her friend when she needed it. Him loving her, and ultimately putting her happiness first. He always did, he just never saw that he could be the one to make her happy. I FUCKING LOVE JACK HOWARD.

“Please don’t pity me, Lex,” he said so softly she almost didn’t hear him. “Don’t remind me that I gave you up for this.”


“I’m pretty sure the only thing that kept getting in the way of my relationships was your dick,” she said, not able to hold her anger down.
“Oh, come on, Lex, give me some credit. Sometimes my tongue, too.”

[Lady Vigilante (Feifei) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some things you should know about this group





And I'm like





Character breakdown time!!

Jack













Ramsey











JK!!!! I'm Team Jack that's why ;)

Lexi







Wait whose face are we talking about here?



Bekah









John







And the ending





Ok spoiler-lovers this is for you

She ends up with Jack in the most beautiful way so Ramsey lovers SHUT IT!!

Wait!! In all seriousness, I truly think these characters have matured and taken many steps forward (minus the Bitch). IMO, Ramsey did screw up. Maybe in little things, like the wedding planner stuff. Then you have the big things like his work and Parker. I truly did feel sorry for him though. He tried the best he could to be enough for Lexi, but it was never about him. It's selfish to say, but this book, this series is ALL about Lexi. Her journey, her decisions, her life. It doesn't matter if we like her choices or not. What matters is that in the end, she chose the right guy for her. Not us. It just so happens that she chooses the guy I like, so hey, not complaining :)

THE END!!!!!

[Farah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-4ish Stars!

Do you want to read a book that makes you crazy?

*******This review contains major spoilers*****



Well you've pricked the correct series!

Now we all knew Jack married Bekkah bitch at the end if Avoiding Responsibility and Lexi left the wedding and chose Ramsey!



Fast forward two years.......

Lexi is still with Ramsey but now she and Jack are friends??? Sorry what?!



And.......

Ramsey has just proposed to Lexi

And........



Bekkah bitch has asked Jack for a divorce!

Yeah you heard me, so what now?



Jack needs his 'friend' Lexi right now?



I'm sure red flags popping up in your head.

Suddenly Lexi is getting cold feet about her wedding and struggles to even tell Jack, now why is that?



Ohh come on.... We're back to this...




What a cluster fuck between Lexi, Jack, Ramsey, Parker, Bekkah and John.



Lexi is constantly jealous of Ramsey and Parker who are just friends but she's the same with Jack. Why is that?



Who do YOU think Lexi will choose?



It's not rocket science, you know the answer.





Oh and Incase you wondering, bitch Bekkah finally gets what she deserves!!!



Look I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with everyone in this series!
I started off in book one with team Jack which progressed into team Ramsey and now.... I am team NO One! Over all this drama!
Sure glad it's over!

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

TEN++++++++++++ OVER THE FUCKING MOON STARS!!!!!!!
(BR with Melissa❤️❤️❤️)
I'm going to wait at least till the weekend to post a review so as not to spoil it for anyone.

I just want to say I love you Kyla Linde!!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HEALING MY HEART!!!





OK...so here I go and this may be a long one because I FUCKING LOVED this finale to the series!!

I, along with many other women waited well over a year for this book to come out.
This is definitely a story that will definitely make you go through the most unbearable angst you will ever have to endure.
There are three men in this book that lucky Lexi is or has been involved with and will have to ultimately choose who to end up with.
What a lucky bitch that Lexi is!!!

Everyone has their favorite man and they aren't afraid to say what team they're on. And holy hell, will these women fight to the death over a fictional character!!
I've never seen so much drama play out on Facebook EVER!!!







We knew Lexi would have to end up with one man at the end of this book.
Whomever she picked, there were going to be plenty of women who were ECSTATIC, and PLENTY of women HEARTBROKEN.
So heartbroken and pissed off, that they'd rate this book LOW and DARE to even return their ebooks for a refund. (SHAME ON THOSE WOMEN!!)

I was nervous a few weeks leading up to this book release.
I vowed to get shit faced if my guy ended up losing Lexi again!
I vowed to drive 40 miles to Jen's house so that we could cry together!!

I LOVE ALL MY TEAM JACK LADIES!! LOVE YOU HARD!!!





I prayed so hard that Kyla would do right by us ladies.
We suffered through two books of heart break.
We never faltered in our love of all things Jack.
We all had faith in him. That he could turn things around and redeem himself.
So when his POV came out, my hopes were even higher!!
That POV depicted the Jack all of us Jack Packers adored!!




Here's where I am going to give the story away, so now's the time to close out of my review if you haven't read this book yet!!

OMFG HALLELUJAH!!!!! OUR JACK GETS THE GIRL!!!!
I loved this entire book! I loved how Jack changed.
He grew up and this time he was in it for the long haul.
He gave Lexi the space she needed.
Jack went about it the right way and he got her back by building up the friendship that they started out with.
It took two more years but I think they needed this time.
He had to prove to Lexi that without a doubt, he was a changed man and that his feelings were true and would never falter again.
Lexi needed to see the change in him and she needed to come to the realization on her own, that although she loved Ramsey, that he wasn't the man for her.
He had been at one time, but that was no longer true.
He served his purpose.

Oh I'm not dancing on Ramsey's grave!!
NO!!
I really loved Ramsey too and it utterly broke my heart when Lexi broke off the engagement and gave him back the ring.
To read that tears were falling down his cheeks and that she could see his heart breaking, that KILLED me!!
I think he was a great guy, just not THE guy for her.
I only wished that Kyla had written an epilogue, and let us know that he was OK and that he found REAL TRUE LOVE with a GREAT GAL...not Parker!!
Parker irritated me and after that crap with the miscarriage papers, I knew she was not good enough for Ramsey.

I LOVED that FINALLY Bitch Bekah got what was coming to her!!
May she ROT IN HELL! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I'd dance on her grave any day!!!

I don't agree with anyone who said Jack didn't do enough to win Lexi back. I think he went about it the right way.
He did it over a long period of time to prove the changes in him were for good.
In reality that's all we need.
We need to know that that man is genuine. That he is in it for the long haul. That he loves us completely and will be there for us through the good and bad times.
He's not promising that it will always be perfect, but he promises to stick with her till the end and to fight to keep them together.

I would love to see a spin off for Ramsey and maybe even John.
John needs someone to come in and tame his ass!! LOL


So that is why my rating is still a PERFECT TEN!!
I will forever cherish this series.
The only books that have ever made me want to break my iPAD, which is my most valued & treasured possession!! :)

Oh and of course having Kellan and the DBags around in this one helped to make it even more special!!

I will leave off with some of my favorite quotes from this book!
I highlighted so many throughout!!


"To be honest, I've given it up for less. The chase is getting me to commit. While you don't know my past, the first thing you should know is that I avoid commitment at all costs." - Lexi


That Sienna was a lucky bitch if she were fucking the lead singer because he was quite possibly one of the sexiest men on the planet. Lexi was sure she would use a pass with Ramsey to get to Kellan Kyle.

That song always sounded like someone had written it with a specific person in mind. It was so emotional, tugging at her heart and forcing her to feel every powerful, heart-wrenching word.



As his blue eyes found her in the crowd, she knew that there would forever be a pull between them--a magnetic, inexplicable pull. If she kept fighting it, then she would only be putting all of her energy into pushing something away that kept crashing into her life and not focusing on the life she was currently living.



"Lexi, whether or not Stella seduced me and I told her no five million times did not matter to me because I let you down that night. You were right. We were different. And then I slept with her. No matter what happened to get me there...that was still the outcome. I didn't deserve you."




"You shouldn't be around me anymore. You shouldn't want to, Lex. Because all I see when I look at you is the woman I love, the woman I want to take home with me, the woman who I've spent damn near ten years messing things up with. And you should stay away because I know I'd do it all over again."



"I gave it a shot, Lex. I gave you your space. I let you be happy. That's what you said you wanted." He gripped her hand a little harder. "How did that work out? Are you happy? Are you happy without me?"



" Let me try to get this out. I...I had this idea in my head that it would never work out between us. I wanted it. I really fucking wanted it. But I just couldn't see it happening, Lex."



"Well, look, I pushed so hard that I married someone without that passion, without the burning drive, and it's all fucked-up, too, Lex. It didn't matter that my parents loved each other because they let that love die. I never had it with Bekah...I've only had it with you. And I don't want to let it die, Lex. Not ever."




"When you landed on my doorstep last week, you asked me what you should do," he reminded her. "I asked you the same question on my wedding day. You should have told me to walk away. You should have told me to leave her. That's what you should have told me. I think all along it was what I wanted to hear. I made the mistake...and I don't want you to make the same one."



"Seth has always said that you're my girl. Well...I'm your guy. I always have been. I've just been too damn scared to do anything about it. But I'll be damned if I let you slip through my fingers again. I'm yours. You're mine. Just...be mine."



"Nothing is ever easy with us, but that doesn't mean it's not worth fighting for. The best things in life are worth fighting for, and you're the best thing I've ever had in my life."



"I don't want it to be easy. I just want it to be right, and the only way it's ever going to be right is with you."



"I think you're right. Your feelings for people do change with time. You might need someone for one reason, and then when that reason is obsolete, you might not need that person anymore. People come in and out of your life all the time. They shape and mold you like clay, and then water washes away the edges." - Lexi



"I already have one that belongs to me. It was saved for me before I even knew who you were." - Lexi




"My heart belongs to you," she told him. "You took it a long time ago and never gave it back."
"And I'm never going to," he said.



"I don't want to erase those memories. They keep us on the straight and narrow. They remind us where we went wrong and where to go from here. They kept us together,' he said. "You and I, Lex, we'll always be unfinished business."

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ★'s

My Thoughts:

✦ Well, it's been a long wait for me to get to this conclusion, over 1 1/2 years, and I have to say that while I liked how it ended, there were just too many things that bothered me.



✦ I just really do not like the going back and forth from the present to the past. It feels choppy and I find myself going back and forth rereading what happened last.

✦ Jack...while I have to say that I liked his improvements, I didn't like what prompted him. I was happy that he finally got it but I wanted him to fight! And what he said to Bekah about "maybe nine months ago"...seriously?

✦ Ramsey...while I'm not Team Ramsey, I can definitely see the pull. The park? sooo romantic! The problem is...he's trying too hard and I think the reason is that things are not settled with Parker. The "what ifs" killed me...I just couldn't trust him.

✦ John...ugh. I can't even go there. All I can say is don't let the door hit you on your way out! Good riddance! How can he even be related to the wonderful Adam?

✦ Lexi...while I'm glad she finally figured things out, I still think she has a lot of growing up to do. The last thing she said to Ramsey was unforgivable.



✦ Bekah...got what she deserved.

✦ Clark...that was surprising!

✦ Adam and Chyna...stole the show. love them!

✦ Can we talk about all the "ya'lls"? It seemed a bit gratuitous and definitely overkill. There's more to the Southern dialect than that.

✦ Loved the D-bag concert...and of course KELLAN! ~sigh~

✦ Like I said, I'm happy with the way it ended even with the few left turns. An epilogue would've been nice especially to know how a certain someone was doing. :(



Favorite quotes:

❤ “You are and always will be everything I want in my life. You get me through even the cloudiest of days by making the sun shine all around you. I could never in a million years find the right words to let you know how much you mean to me. So, I thought I’d start my explanation with this.” 

❤ “I just thought…it would make you happy. I know I can’t make up for everything, but as long as you’re happy, then that’s all that matters.”

❤ “Losing you was the biggest mistake of my life. I don’t think another person deserves to feel that loss at my expense.”

❤ “Nothing is ever easy with us, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth fighting for. The best things in life are worth fighting for, and you’re the best thing I’ve ever had in my life.”

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

“No matter what we might want, we have to live with our mistake and live with our past”.



Writing this review without spoiling the book is going to be little challenging, but I shall try.

If you’re looking for a book filled with drama, mind games, wild angst, heartache and love triangles than The Avoiding Series delivers precisely that and more.

This story was flawed. If you're expecting a hearts and flowers kind of story nicely wrapped with a bright pink bow, then maybe give this book a miss. I tossed and turned about whose team I was on throughout most of the series. One was a cheater and the other was a liar. Isn't that the same thing really?

If you put both guys aside for a moment and look at the main character Lexi, you'll see that she wasn't emotional stable. She was extremely weak and indecisive which was a reflection of the consequences of her actions.

I just have to mention that scene at 83% - it gutted me! While I agree the ending was fitting for the story, that scene left me in a puddle of emotion. It was painfully honest and emotionally raw. I can't help but feel that, that scene took away some of the glory of the ending. It felt unfair.

Despite not agreeing with how it ended I still really enjoyed reading this book. I think the book was brilliantly done and KA's work is remarkably unique. The fact that she stirred up all these emotions, proves that her book was well done. I just think you need to be a bit thick skinned to accept the ending.

I think it's good to read something out of the norm once in a while but I would still love to see an epilogue for the one that "that got away".





Dialogue: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Story Line: 4/5
Steam: Moderate
Ending: 3.5/5
Recommend? : Yes
Series/Standalone: Book three of a three book series and two Novellas.

• Avoiding Commitment (Avoiding Series #1)
• Avoiding Decisions (Avoiding Series #1.5) — a novella from Jack’s POV and from Ramsey’s POV
•Avoiding Responsibility (Avoiding Series #2)
•Avoiding Intimacy (Avoiding Series) (Avoiding Series novella #2.5 – Chyna’s book)
•Avoiding Temptation (Avoiding Series #3)

Book Rating: *4 Stars*

[Magi]

So excited to this one! I hope Lexi and Jack will get back together! Lexi's soulmate is Jack. Ramsey is a great guy an he deserves an adorable girl but not Lexi.. I mean Lexi was incredible but she's not good for Ramsey.. I knew she love Jack and she'll always be in love with him.. They are meant together.. I hope Jack will come to his senses and marry Lexi.. As for Becca, she's a bitch! She deserves to be alone!! And Ramsey,, he needs to fall in love with a new girl with an incredible personality..

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

(BR with Patty)

*Most of the Jack pics and quotes in my review were posted before I read the book, because I am Team Jack! Not meant as a spoiler of any kind, just showing my Jack love! lol*













I thoroughly enjoyed this series and loved all the angst, drama, love, and variety of smoking hot men! Lexi was one lucky girl to have such quality men fall for her. I really could see her with all three of them. Jack I felt was her soul mate, but I also fell for Ramsey and John. I credit the author's writing for making me care so deeply for all of the men! My heart broke for the man Lexi doesn't choose to be with, & I hope we get a novella for him giving him a HEA. With that said, Lexi followed her heart, went after what she wanted, and got her HEA. I would also enjoy a novella for Lexi and her chosen guy into the future a little. I loved the HEA for Chyna & adored that the D-Bags made an appearance in the story! This was such an emotional, wonderful series, and I look forward to reading more from K.A. Linde! :D





*Favorite quotes*

-"Don't ever forget that I know who you are as much as you know who I am."

-"We fit together perfectly," he murmured. "Don't let anyone tell you different."

-"Nothing is ever easy with us, but that doesn't mean it's not worth fighting for.

-"I don't want it to be easy. I just want it to be right, and the only way it's ever going to be right is with you."

"You're what I want. You're all I want."

[D]

How is it that people are still rooting for Jack? I'm just hoping that Ramsey will be proposing to Lexi in this book...

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will write a review after it has settled a while. My rating will not change though.

ETA review---SPOILERS AHEAD---:










This series had a good ending with Avoiding Responsibilty. Lexi was a strong, independent woman who had self-respect. AT took Lexi back to the weak, needy, selfish woman with no self-respect. Jack did NOTHING to redeem himself. He married Bekah and only wanted Lexi back after Bekah leaves him. He even tells Bekah (in front of Lexi) at the end that he would have worked on his marriage if she were willing. NEWS FLASH LEXI: you are still his 2nd choice. Just like always. What did this book show me? That the good guy finishes last. Ramsey did everything you want in a HEA. He chose her over everyone...changed things for her...showed her he was committed to only her and she was his heart. He put her back together after Jack left her broken. And what did he get? For lexi to end things with him and minutes later jump in bed with douchebag Jack. The one who lied, cheated, chose other people repeatedly over Lexi and broke her only to win in the end. What an absolute joke. Jack and Lexi deserve one another. What they have is based on lies and lust, and they are both selfish, weak, heartless characters. What a disappointment.