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These Monstrous Deeds #3
One Last Time
Travis and Carter have survived the operation, saving thousands of lives and themselves. But what happens now? Do they go their separate ways? Do they try to rebuild a love they once had, reshaping it to fit the men they have become?
One last time.
It becomes a motto.
An excuse.
A lie they cling to.
They’ll just give into their need for each other one last time, then they’ll let go. Then they’ll move on.
One last time.
It's almost laughable to think they’ll be able to stick with the promise.
It's almost terrifying that there's a chance they might.
*** This is book 3 in a 3 book series. This series needs to be read in order and ends in a HAPPY ENDING if you’re willing to stick around! ***
One last time.
It becomes a motto.
An excuse.
A lie they cling to.
They’ll just give into their need for each other one last time, then they’ll let go. Then they’ll move on.
One last time.
It's almost laughable to think they’ll be able to stick with the promise.
It's almost terrifying that there's a chance they might.
*** This is book 3 in a 3 book series. This series needs to be read in order and ends in a HAPPY ENDING if you’re willing to stick around! ***
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 6, 2023
"And then what?"
"And then maybe... we'll find our way back to each other. Maybe you'll choose me. Because that's what I want, Carter. I want to be your choice. I want you to look at me one day and decide that out of all your options, it's me."
with regard to this trilogy, imma say this: books 2 & 3 were good but book 1 made my soul ascend. just emotional at the moment to finally read about these two having their happy ending after everything they went through. really liked how travis was so patient and loving to carter. loved how this final book was this roller coaster of emotions for me. i was happy and then sad then giggling etc etc. looking forward to the spinoffs!
tbr bc i need direction and self-control:
➵ expert by alessandra hazard - 3 stars
➵ take me apart by brea alepou - 5 stars
➵ one last time by t.j. hamel - 4 stars
➵ fifteen minutes of fame by jennifer luxe - ??
➵ turn me on by lauren blakely - ??
July 30, 2024
Still wish this series was 1st person POV not 3rd 😂 I want to cry damn it!!!
I really liked the way this book focused on Carter and Travis repairing their relationship with each other, but also repairing themselves too (to an extent anyway!). I'm glad there was such a focus on trauma and therapy, and the emphasis on the need for good communication to have a healthy relationship was good to see. Their struggles felt believable and I'm glad they didn't just carry on as they were and instead learnt how to be together in a healthy, respectful way.
I do feel a little like Carter and Maison's brotherly relationship is still unresolved - understandably too, because I don't think I could forgive my sibling for putting me in that position - but maybe that resolves in Maison's book? Which I was super happy to hear about actually because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to any of these characters! I want to see everyone healing and moving on with their lives after this massive trauma they've all lived through.
The way Carter is building his independence and figuring out what it is that he wants now that he's free was really enjoyable, and seeing Travis learn how to be better for Carter and their relationship, as well as embracing what he want's for his own life was what finally won me over fully for their relationship. Yes it's unconventional and most would probably say it's way too unhealthy, but it really did feel like they fit together well and they really put in the work to make their relationship better and to both be equals in it.
Although I'm kinda sad to say goodbye to Carter and Travis, I am excited to read Jake and Casey's story, as well as Maison, Nolan and Hunter's, and I really hope the other rescued slaves have books to come soon because I'm too invested in Nolan, Matt and Bryce now and I need to see what happens to them next.
I really liked the way this book focused on Carter and Travis repairing their relationship with each other, but also repairing themselves too (to an extent anyway!). I'm glad there was such a focus on trauma and therapy, and the emphasis on the need for good communication to have a healthy relationship was good to see. Their struggles felt believable and I'm glad they didn't just carry on as they were and instead learnt how to be together in a healthy, respectful way.
I do feel a little like Carter and Maison's brotherly relationship is still unresolved - understandably too, because I don't think I could forgive my sibling for putting me in that position - but maybe that resolves in Maison's book? Which I was super happy to hear about actually because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to any of these characters! I want to see everyone healing and moving on with their lives after this massive trauma they've all lived through.
The way Carter is building his independence and figuring out what it is that he wants now that he's free was really enjoyable, and seeing Travis learn how to be better for Carter and their relationship, as well as embracing what he want's for his own life was what finally won me over fully for their relationship. Yes it's unconventional and most would probably say it's way too unhealthy, but it really did feel like they fit together well and they really put in the work to make their relationship better and to both be equals in it.
Although I'm kinda sad to say goodbye to Carter and Travis, I am excited to read Jake and Casey's story, as well as Maison, Nolan and Hunter's, and I really hope the other rescued slaves have books to come soon because I'm too invested in Nolan, Matt and Bryce now and I need to see what happens to them next.
May 15, 2024
This was a really cute ending to an otherwise pretty traumatic series! I loved the dynamics of healing and them finally getting to be together but I did get kinda bored and started skimming the sex scenes especially bc half the book is just like bdsm which is not my cup of tea. This one was also lower stakes than the others so I was kinda missing the action of it all, but I’m glad they got their HEA bc they were really cute. Not sure if I’ll read anything else by this author any time soon, but this is a series worth checking out if you can handle the triggers!
October 8, 2024
“We won,” Carter whispers to himself, a smile breaking loose on his lips. He kisses the caged bird and settles back to finally fall asleep. We won.
March 3, 2023
I have to admit to being disappointed at this finale. I couldn't reconcile Carter going from kidnapping to horrendous slavery, to being a submissive and becoming part of a BDSM friendship group. The book seemed to have a leg in 2 different genre camps. I was hoping to have more of the Elliot story and feel somewhat ripped off that it was almost a background story when in fact it was so very important to Carter. That Carter and Travis got their HEA was no surprise, but I would like to have seen more of the end of the slavery and less about the BDSM - save that for another series.
July 2, 2024
I devoured this series over four days!
These Monstrous Deeds = 4.5 stars
A Dangerous Game = 5 stars
One Last Time = 4 stars
Overall rating for series = 4.5 stars.
I became so invested in the characters, not just the MCs, Travis/Nathan, and Carter, that I needed to read this to the end!
I will most definitely be reading the other survivor books in the near future.
This series has trademark McNiff/ Hamel themes of sweet & sassy boys with their big strong protectors, control/submission, Doms and Subs, BDSM, consent etc, as well as the overarching themes of the experiences of victim/ survivors of human trafficking, police and private organisations aiming to bring it all down.
This series was dark in its graphic and unapologetic depiction of this world without it being reduced to torture porn.
One Last Time focuses on the aftermath of a major bust of HT sites, and Travis and Carter trying to navigate the change in their dynamic from Master/slave & Sir/sweetheart in the outside world.
This book features a lot of the characters to be in later books, so there was time spent in this book effectively setting that up which was well done.
Just a slight criticism, perhaps the story lacked some depth and realism regarding the MCs PTSD symptoms, focusing more on the "romance" element. Also, the decision for the MCs to move into a D/s, BDSM arrangement so quickly was a "choice" (which maybe needed a bit more explanation 🤔) but hey, it was still an excellent read and I loved it! Sad to say goodbye to these two boys 🥰
These Monstrous Deeds = 4.5 stars
A Dangerous Game = 5 stars
One Last Time = 4 stars
Overall rating for series = 4.5 stars.
I became so invested in the characters, not just the MCs, Travis/Nathan, and Carter, that I needed to read this to the end!
I will most definitely be reading the other survivor books in the near future.
This series has trademark McNiff/ Hamel themes of sweet & sassy boys with their big strong protectors, control/submission, Doms and Subs, BDSM, consent etc, as well as the overarching themes of the experiences of victim/ survivors of human trafficking, police and private organisations aiming to bring it all down.
This series was dark in its graphic and unapologetic depiction of this world without it being reduced to torture porn.
One Last Time focuses on the aftermath of a major bust of HT sites, and Travis and Carter trying to navigate the change in their dynamic from Master/slave & Sir/sweetheart in the outside world.
This book features a lot of the characters to be in later books, so there was time spent in this book effectively setting that up which was well done.
Just a slight criticism, perhaps the story lacked some depth and realism regarding the MCs PTSD symptoms, focusing more on the "romance" element. Also, the decision for the MCs to move into a D/s, BDSM arrangement so quickly was a "choice" (which maybe needed a bit more explanation 🤔) but hey, it was still an excellent read and I loved it! Sad to say goodbye to these two boys 🥰
July 9, 2023
Finding your true self after traumatic events, coming back to the “you” that you once were. Both of our guys are soul searching and finding out if they still like who they are, finding places to improve and discovering ways to be brave and move forward.
Travis makes the noble decision to give Carter time and set him free. My heart hurt for both of these guys that are just not sure if what they want from each other is a healthy situation. There is a cooling off period and I got even more heartsore as Carter REALLY dives into finding his likes and dislikes with his new post-trauma self. I mean REALLY gets into it and shares himself in ways that I thought would remain special to just Travis.
Is this whole series over the top? Sure, but it’s fiction, so it’s allowed to be OTT in order to entertain us. What this book does so well, is take you through a full range of emotions, every single one. We go low, high, sweet, tender, sad, mad, disgusted, disappointed, hopeful, hopeless, heartsore, sexy, grossed out.
Tropes are mob boss, finally got our HEA, hurt/comfort, m/m, undercover operation, trauma and recovery.
Travis makes the noble decision to give Carter time and set him free. My heart hurt for both of these guys that are just not sure if what they want from each other is a healthy situation. There is a cooling off period and I got even more heartsore as Carter REALLY dives into finding his likes and dislikes with his new post-trauma self. I mean REALLY gets into it and shares himself in ways that I thought would remain special to just Travis.
Is this whole series over the top? Sure, but it’s fiction, so it’s allowed to be OTT in order to entertain us. What this book does so well, is take you through a full range of emotions, every single one. We go low, high, sweet, tender, sad, mad, disgusted, disappointed, hopeful, hopeless, heartsore, sexy, grossed out.
Tropes are mob boss, finally got our HEA, hurt/comfort, m/m, undercover operation, trauma and recovery.
May 14, 2024
Myślę, że oczekiwałam czegoś innego niż dostałam. Bardzo dużo brutalności, seksu, wymuszeń w pierwszej części zdecydowanie mnie przerosło, nie byłam na to gotowa. Drugi tom wcale nie był pod tym względem lepszy, jednak Carter znał już prawdę, wiec jakoś łatwiej mi było czytać. Scena z nowym niewolnikiem sprawiła, że miałam ochotę rzucić tą lekturą i nie wracać. Trzecia część podobała mi się najbardziej. wszystko odbywało się za obopólną zgodą, byli wolni i leczyli się z traumy, ucząc się razem żyć.
3,75 za całość, bo uff, czasami naprawdę ciężko mi się to czytało.
3,75 za całość, bo uff, czasami naprawdę ciężko mi się to czytało.
July 29, 2024
The End
𝘿𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮.
I really liked the first half of this book. The struggle of both Travis and Carter to survive and thrive in the aftermath of the completed operation.
The authors attempt at authenticity to human emotion in this situation is what really sells me on these stories. If I’m going to read something this raw I want to experience all of it. And we do run the gamut of emotions through all three books.
I felt like the second half was great for us as the reader to experience but it went on too long. I unfortunately started to get bored. Their segway into D/s wasn’t unbelievable to me, I was actually expecting that. I just didn’t need to experience all of it I guess.
I am anxious to move to the spinoff series, particularly Casey’s story.
𝘿𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮.
I really liked the first half of this book. The struggle of both Travis and Carter to survive and thrive in the aftermath of the completed operation.
The authors attempt at authenticity to human emotion in this situation is what really sells me on these stories. If I’m going to read something this raw I want to experience all of it. And we do run the gamut of emotions through all three books.
I felt like the second half was great for us as the reader to experience but it went on too long. I unfortunately started to get bored. Their segway into D/s wasn’t unbelievable to me, I was actually expecting that. I just didn’t need to experience all of it I guess.
I am anxious to move to the spinoff series, particularly Casey’s story.
April 10, 2023
I saw that going differently, to be honest.
I thought there would be some proper separation between Travis and Carter. Maybe a year or so apart where we see Carter rebuilding his life and working out who he is again as he works through his trauma. But that doesn’t happen.
I couldn’t get past the fact that Carter and Travis never really left their compound life behind. They settled right back into a Dom/sub relationship and it just felt wrong to me.
There were multiple times when it was acknowledged that the other survivors weren’t in the right headspace to begin relationships with the men they’d grown attached to, but we were supposed to believe it was fine for Carter? I don’t know, if just didn’t sit right with me and so I felt iffy about the whole Carter and Travis relationship.
I also couldn’t get past Travis walking around a safe house full of human trafficking survivors who had literally been kidnapped, forced into slavery, and abused by him. Surely the author didn’t believe we’d think his victims would just forgive him and forget because he was undercover? I mean, they had to share a dinner table with him for Christ’s sake - that just seemed so, so, so wrong in my eyes.
The ending was quite rushed - given how much many pages and chapters in the previous books were dedicated to specific scenes, I really thought more chapters would have been given to the search for Elliot and to hunting down the rest of the men who were looking for Carter. Perhaps that will be explored more in the next books?
Aside from those grievances though, I enjoyed the series as a whole. It was hard to read for the most part considering the content, and I can freely admit I cried multiple times, but personally I thought it was well done. It’s a series I don’t think I’ll forget any time soon. I’m looking forward to the rest of the books in the series - I can’t wait to find out what happens with Casey/Jake and Maison/Hunter/Nolan. They deserve their happy endings too.
I thought there would be some proper separation between Travis and Carter. Maybe a year or so apart where we see Carter rebuilding his life and working out who he is again as he works through his trauma. But that doesn’t happen.
I couldn’t get past the fact that Carter and Travis never really left their compound life behind. They settled right back into a Dom/sub relationship and it just felt wrong to me.
There were multiple times when it was acknowledged that the other survivors weren’t in the right headspace to begin relationships with the men they’d grown attached to, but we were supposed to believe it was fine for Carter? I don’t know, if just didn’t sit right with me and so I felt iffy about the whole Carter and Travis relationship.
I also couldn’t get past Travis walking around a safe house full of human trafficking survivors who had literally been kidnapped, forced into slavery, and abused by him. Surely the author didn’t believe we’d think his victims would just forgive him and forget because he was undercover? I mean, they had to share a dinner table with him for Christ’s sake - that just seemed so, so, so wrong in my eyes.
The ending was quite rushed - given how much many pages and chapters in the previous books were dedicated to specific scenes, I really thought more chapters would have been given to the search for Elliot and to hunting down the rest of the men who were looking for Carter. Perhaps that will be explored more in the next books?
Aside from those grievances though, I enjoyed the series as a whole. It was hard to read for the most part considering the content, and I can freely admit I cried multiple times, but personally I thought it was well done. It’s a series I don’t think I’ll forget any time soon. I’m looking forward to the rest of the books in the series - I can’t wait to find out what happens with Casey/Jake and Maison/Hunter/Nolan. They deserve their happy endings too.
October 4, 2023
"We're all victims."
"No, Carter. You're all survivors. The question is, are you ready to face that?"
This book was very different than the first two, which was to be expected. I think it's really unique that the author started this series with such a dark and heavy and detailed traumatizing experience and is now building a series of spin-offs based on healing and incorporating a BDSM community. I'll admit it was a bit of a shock going from that to this. Weird for me, but somehow working for these characters. I'm not going to judge anyone for how they heal, even fictional characters.
I loved this series so much, definitely one of my all time favorites now. Travis and Carter will always own a piece of my heart. I may have cried a little after reading the last page because it was over, and I've only done that with a handful of books, if even that. But I'm very much looking forward to Casey and Jake's story and will be diving right into it!
"No, Carter. You're all survivors. The question is, are you ready to face that?"
This book was very different than the first two, which was to be expected. I think it's really unique that the author started this series with such a dark and heavy and detailed traumatizing experience and is now building a series of spin-offs based on healing and incorporating a BDSM community. I'll admit it was a bit of a shock going from that to this. Weird for me, but somehow working for these characters. I'm not going to judge anyone for how they heal, even fictional characters.
I loved this series so much, definitely one of my all time favorites now. Travis and Carter will always own a piece of my heart. I may have cried a little after reading the last page because it was over, and I've only done that with a handful of books, if even that. But I'm very much looking forward to Casey and Jake's story and will be diving right into it!
July 24, 2023
This was such an interesting conclusion to Carter and Travis's story. There were so many things I felt were done right even if it hurt.
I thought the way therapy was handled for each man was such a good representation of individual experiences and fears. There is no right or wrong way to manage surviving what they all did. There was guilt, fear, anger, depression, grief - so many emotions.
I also love that it wasn't a fix all - we knew that it was going to take years to find peace for these men.
I'm glad the author decided to keep Carter in the apartment, trying to be independent and dating Nathan to see if his feelings were for Travis as well.
I love that Travis loved and respected Carter so much that when Carter decided to do certain things, he didn't shame or guilt him. He understood Carter needed to experience life to see what was right for him physically and emotionally.
This was a messy and tragically sad trilogy with so much emotion and heart. It won't be for everyone, but for those who do decide to take the leap, the ending gives us so much redemption and hope.
I thought the way therapy was handled for each man was such a good representation of individual experiences and fears. There is no right or wrong way to manage surviving what they all did. There was guilt, fear, anger, depression, grief - so many emotions.
I also love that it wasn't a fix all - we knew that it was going to take years to find peace for these men.
I'm glad the author decided to keep Carter in the apartment, trying to be independent and dating Nathan to see if his feelings were for Travis as well.
I love that Travis loved and respected Carter so much that when Carter decided to do certain things, he didn't shame or guilt him. He understood Carter needed to experience life to see what was right for him physically and emotionally.
This was a messy and tragically sad trilogy with so much emotion and heart. It won't be for everyone, but for those who do decide to take the leap, the ending gives us so much redemption and hope.
March 31, 2024
Rating for all 3 books. I did not sleep between these books because I was so immersed in the story and had to get Carter’s happy ending with Travis. It’s hard to not attached to Carter because you basically live his life from time of capture to his happy ending. It does make things repetitive, but it’s purposeful in really getting into his head and mindset. It was heartbreaking at times to read, but every time a bad guy got his due it was so worth those tears! I can’t wait to see the rest of the guys get their happy endings too!
August 9, 2023
3.5⭐
As a whole, I would recommend this series. Book one sucked me in hard and I was obsessed. But this installment left me with issues I just couldn't look past.
Like in what world would you have human trafficking / sex slave survivors staying in a safe house with their original "masters" after they've been rescued? Please. I just can't.
I can't wait for the spin off series. Looking forward to see how all the other characters stories play out.
As a whole, I would recommend this series. Book one sucked me in hard and I was obsessed. But this installment left me with issues I just couldn't look past.
Like in what world would you have human trafficking / sex slave survivors staying in a safe house with their original "masters" after they've been rescued? Please. I just can't.
I can't wait for the spin off series. Looking forward to see how all the other characters stories play out.
June 3, 2024
My least favorite book out of the three for Carter and Travis. It started out strong enough with the healing process, but it was once again too long in some places. Too much focus on the sex.
I was surprised this book had the most editing errors out of all of them. Thought that would get better.
I had been debating reading one of the other couple’s stories but now I’m definitely thinking that’s a no.
I was surprised this book had the most editing errors out of all of them. Thought that would get better.
I had been debating reading one of the other couple’s stories but now I’m definitely thinking that’s a no.
July 17, 2023
4.5⭐️ great ending to an intensely emotional story. I’m so happy Carter and Travis were able to work through their trauma and find their happily ever after. This story will stick with me for a long time.
July 23, 2023
This one will stay with me forever.
I found my one exception to the Dom/ sub kink in this book. It was written so well I was embarrassingly blushing while reading. I also really battled with readers guilt while reading this for so many reasons. I was exhausted.
I found my one exception to the Dom/ sub kink in this book. It was written so well I was embarrassingly blushing while reading. I also really battled with readers guilt while reading this for so many reasons. I was exhausted.
July 11, 2024
Not my favorite really. By the end, I only wanted for it to be over 🥴
April 16, 2024
4 Stars
I ended up loving this series! It was very dark at times (heavy TW) but Travis and Carter were perfect together. I've already started re-reading the series as I don't want to put it down, and will absolutely be picking up the future books about side characters. Jake, Casey, Maison, Hunter - I cannot wait!
I ended up loving this series! It was very dark at times (heavy TW) but Travis and Carter were perfect together. I've already started re-reading the series as I don't want to put it down, and will absolutely be picking up the future books about side characters. Jake, Casey, Maison, Hunter - I cannot wait!
October 22, 2023
I have some mixed feelings about this last book in the trilogy. I want to start pointing out I felt that the other two had a much better writting, which was jarring to me because I was fine with them for that exact reason. Sadly, it's not the same here.
The one big problem on this one, for me, was the development of Carter and Travis' relationship. While I agree that a recovery is not perfect, I still wish their dynamic would have ended up in a different way, other than going down the . There also was a lot of cringey dialogue between them. It got to a point I couldn't take seriously most of what they said to each other. They just don't work the best as a couple for me. I do have to admit that, .
Now, on the positive side, I basically liked everything else. .
The storyline was a nice surprise. I was sure the second half would be about
Another thing, I am excited about the hinted .
Anyway, I was expecting more from the finale. Not a bad one, because it did have some great conversations around very obscure topics, but after some more editing and cutting down certain scenes in favor of Carter alone or focusing on distinct scenarios, I'd have enjoyed this much more. I will be reading Casey's book next, I got attached to him since the beginning so I can't wait to see his side of the story.
The one big problem on this one, for me, was the development of Carter and Travis' relationship. While I agree that a recovery is not perfect, I still wish their dynamic would have ended up in a different way, other than going down the . There also was a lot of cringey dialogue between them. It got to a point I couldn't take seriously most of what they said to each other. They just don't work the best as a couple for me. I do have to admit that, .
Now, on the positive side, I basically liked everything else. .
The storyline was a nice surprise. I was sure the second half would be about
Another thing, I am excited about the hinted .
Anyway, I was expecting more from the finale. Not a bad one, because it did have some great conversations around very obscure topics, but after some more editing and cutting down certain scenes in favor of Carter alone or focusing on distinct scenarios, I'd have enjoyed this much more. I will be reading Casey's book next, I got attached to him since the beginning so I can't wait to see his side of the story.
January 26, 2024
“It scared the fuck out of me, okay? It made me happy and relieved and proud, and it also made me feel fucking sick to my stomach. Is that what you wanted to hear? Seeing the man I love happy and free made me sick. Because I’m a piece of shit and fucked up and a tiny fucking part of me wishes we were back in the compound so he could be mine again.”Least strong of the trio but still good. Travis struggled with feeling as if he was holding Carter back from living his free which, to be fair, isn't that far-fetched since all the fake slave masters are living at the safe house with the slaves. Lol, why? This leads to Carter testing his new freedom with four different men including one dom named Hunter (remember that name). T & C's "healing" journey consists of joining a BDSM community and taking on a D/s dynamic. Um,ok. I guess we saw this coming for awhile but it wasn't the healing story I wanted.
I think even more with this one than the others, you must suspend reality to enjoy because a lot of stuff just doesn't make sense. But whatever. Highlights were definitely seeing the other boys' personalities come through and learning more about Maison & Ace. I am super excited to read upcoming Spin Offs:
Casey/Jake(Benny)Drown in You: A Monstrous Survivors Romance❤ Nolan/Maison/Hunter❤ Ace/Matt
June 22, 2024
Carter • Travis
….
“I want to be your choice. Not because you need me, but because you want me. I want you to look at me one day and decide that out of all your options, it's me."
….
This trilogy is tough. Coming in I knew that it will be but I wondered all the way through if I make it till the end. Yet, the phenomenal story telling and personal need to know if they’ll be OK won in the end, and with that came the need for:
Jake. Casey. Who will be my downfall;
Nolan. Maison. Hunter. I have no idea what to expect;
Ace. Matt. I’m selling my soul for their book.
So fly, fly, fly Carter and Travis. Spread these wings. You don’t need to hurry anymore. You won. Huge, bright and beautiful.
….
Written By Wolves, Becks - Forever & Always
….
“It's almost laughable to think he'll be able to stick with the promise. It's almost terrifying that there's a chance he might.” // “I haven’t forgiven either of you. And I’m starting to think maybe I never will.” // "No, Carter. I don't think I am." // “It’s my body. You don't get a say in what I do with it. No one does. Not ever again." // “Finders, keepers? Really?” // "I don't know how to be something new with you. I don't know what that looks like." // “A blank canvas for Travis to make into a beautiful piece of art.” // “Promise me you’ll come back to me.” // "He's going to move into a cardboard box on your doorstep to keep you safe, you know." // “So. Much. Relief.” // “You from around here?” // “The man beside him is the only thing he needs to keep the darkness at bay these days.” // “Lavender. Tea tree oil. Cinnamon. And the new addition of charcoal.” …
….
….
“I want to be your choice. Not because you need me, but because you want me. I want you to look at me one day and decide that out of all your options, it's me."
….
This trilogy is tough. Coming in I knew that it will be but I wondered all the way through if I make it till the end. Yet, the phenomenal story telling and personal need to know if they’ll be OK won in the end, and with that came the need for:
Jake. Casey. Who will be my downfall;
Nolan. Maison. Hunter. I have no idea what to expect;
Ace. Matt. I’m selling my soul for their book.
So fly, fly, fly Carter and Travis. Spread these wings. You don’t need to hurry anymore. You won. Huge, bright and beautiful.
….
Written By Wolves, Becks - Forever & Always
….
“It's almost laughable to think he'll be able to stick with the promise. It's almost terrifying that there's a chance he might.” // “I haven’t forgiven either of you. And I’m starting to think maybe I never will.” // "No, Carter. I don't think I am." // “It’s my body. You don't get a say in what I do with it. No one does. Not ever again." // “Finders, keepers? Really?” // "I don't know how to be something new with you. I don't know what that looks like." // “A blank canvas for Travis to make into a beautiful piece of art.” // “Promise me you’ll come back to me.” // "He's going to move into a cardboard box on your doorstep to keep you safe, you know." // “So. Much. Relief.” // “You from around here?” // “The man beside him is the only thing he needs to keep the darkness at bay these days.” // “Lavender. Tea tree oil. Cinnamon. And the new addition of charcoal.” …
….
January 30, 2023
This series has been so emotional and One Last Time certainly packs another emotional punch- be sure to have those tissues ready!
I love these characters so much and I love the journey TJ Hamel has taken them on. One Last Time sees Carter and Travis in the aftermath of books 1 and 2, trying to move forward from their trauma - and they both do have trauma. Carter has to come to terms with what happened to him, as well as feeling guilty he didn't suffer as much as other survivors (he did), and Travis has to shed Nathan and try to find his way as a person he hasn't been for a decade, as well as trying to forgive himself for things he did. Is there a future for Carter and Travis together amongst everything?
I'm so sad to say goodbye to Carter and Travis, but am so pleased we'll have more books from characters in this world that I'm very excited about, and I hope we'll see Carter and Travis in those books. I'd love to see some more of Carter and Maison's relationship growing closer again during Maison's book, as that was the only thing really missing here, for me.
A superb end to a fantastic series 👏
I love these characters so much and I love the journey TJ Hamel has taken them on. One Last Time sees Carter and Travis in the aftermath of books 1 and 2, trying to move forward from their trauma - and they both do have trauma. Carter has to come to terms with what happened to him, as well as feeling guilty he didn't suffer as much as other survivors (he did), and Travis has to shed Nathan and try to find his way as a person he hasn't been for a decade, as well as trying to forgive himself for things he did. Is there a future for Carter and Travis together amongst everything?
I'm so sad to say goodbye to Carter and Travis, but am so pleased we'll have more books from characters in this world that I'm very excited about, and I hope we'll see Carter and Travis in those books. I'd love to see some more of Carter and Maison's relationship growing closer again during Maison's book, as that was the only thing really missing here, for me.
A superb end to a fantastic series 👏
January 31, 2023
Of course 5⭐️!
Carter and Travis have to work through who they are outside the compound. As well as who they are as a couple.. and if they can be couple.
It’s high emotion and both Carter and Travis have to go through recovery.. move in from guilt and learn what it means for their sexual relationship to be Sue and sub.. without being triggered or falling into slave mentality.
It’s been such an intense journey for them both. One we’ve been reading from torturous slavery and forced cruelty. To a healthy, loving relationship.
Book 1&2 had TW’s galore. This final instalment brings together a more emotional and romantic read. With that delicious kink we had in book 1&2 but with a gentle and genuine approach. One they still have to negotiate. But holds the key to their relationship success.
So now.. Maison.. I was sooo angry with him. I wasn’t prepared to forgive him….. I reserve judgment still. Let’s see what his story brings to the table…
It’s Jake ( Benny) next and Casey… I absolutely can’t wait to see how these two fall in love. …. And all the other characters we have seen introduced.
Carter and Travis have to work through who they are outside the compound. As well as who they are as a couple.. and if they can be couple.
It’s high emotion and both Carter and Travis have to go through recovery.. move in from guilt and learn what it means for their sexual relationship to be Sue and sub.. without being triggered or falling into slave mentality.
It’s been such an intense journey for them both. One we’ve been reading from torturous slavery and forced cruelty. To a healthy, loving relationship.
Book 1&2 had TW’s galore. This final instalment brings together a more emotional and romantic read. With that delicious kink we had in book 1&2 but with a gentle and genuine approach. One they still have to negotiate. But holds the key to their relationship success.
So now.. Maison.. I was sooo angry with him. I wasn’t prepared to forgive him….. I reserve judgment still. Let’s see what his story brings to the table…
It’s Jake ( Benny) next and Casey… I absolutely can’t wait to see how these two fall in love. …. And all the other characters we have seen introduced.
January 30, 2023
This was a perfect conclusion and everything I could have possibly wanted after the first two books. Nothing was magically fixed in the end and it took a lot of effort for Travis and Carter to make their relationship work as they try and move past the trauma they both faced. And it includes a lot of what most books involving trauma this severe need but often lack: an emphasis on therapy! The pacing was good. It was a nice balance of sweeter moments as they grow their relationship, moments of healing as they try to move forward, and it wrapped up a main portion of the trafficking plot from the first books. The story never felt stale and never dragged on like some trilogies often do. The epilogue was perfectly sweet and was a satisfying conclusion for the storyline of these characters. The author also has a really nice way of weaving in the side characters and their budding relationships in a natural and non-invasive way. It leaves you really wanting the next books in this world but it never got in the way of this story.
March 30, 2023
dnf @61%
I dnf a while back (don't even remember when) that's how long ago it was. Or that's how bored of the book I was that I dnf it, deleted it from my library and forgot it existed.
This is a shame. The 1st book was bomb, and the 2nd was great, but this one?? It was all hurt and comfort, but with a lite version of hurt and barely nothing else. I know the book is supposed to focus on the recovery part of the MCs, but it reads more like a self-help book. There is no tension, no pressure from the outside world, just the MCs in their little bubble, and that's it.
Also, what's up with the random bdsm? It's not because it doesn't make sense for Carter to enjoy it (people cope differently), but suddenly it was all about the bdsm and its workings. I was like, "Wait, what book am I reading?". I naively thought that the bdsm would breathe new life into the book, but nope. It sure as hell did not.
I have no idea if the plot moves in a better way after 61%, but by then, it would be a little too late for me.
I dnf a while back (don't even remember when) that's how long ago it was. Or that's how bored of the book I was that I dnf it, deleted it from my library and forgot it existed.
This is a shame. The 1st book was bomb, and the 2nd was great, but this one?? It was all hurt and comfort, but with a lite version of hurt and barely nothing else. I know the book is supposed to focus on the recovery part of the MCs, but it reads more like a self-help book. There is no tension, no pressure from the outside world, just the MCs in their little bubble, and that's it.
Also, what's up with the random bdsm? It's not because it doesn't make sense for Carter to enjoy it (people cope differently), but suddenly it was all about the bdsm and its workings. I was like, "Wait, what book am I reading?". I naively thought that the bdsm would breathe new life into the book, but nope. It sure as hell did not.
I have no idea if the plot moves in a better way after 61%, but by then, it would be a little too late for me.
June 24, 2023
hm, sama nie wiem, najbardziej mi się podobała część, kiedy Carter i Casey sami zaczęli budować własne życie, stawiać cele, ale to trwało bardzo krótko
sam związek Cartera i Travisa do mnie nie przemawia, efekty ich historii wydają się za małe, wiem, że na ich relacji jak na razie została zbudowana seria, ale mam wrażenie, że o wiele, wiele ciekawsze by było opisanie zmagań i ich wagi, która nie pozwoliłaby im być razem "po wydarzeniach", albo przynajmniej mieli by konkretnie długą przerwę, a nie to co było
jak na razie dostajemy wyidealizowane "miłość przezwycięży wszystko", które potrafi być bardzo nieprawdziwe, szczególnie przy traumach
jakoś nie siedzi mi ich relacja, cały czas na się wrażenie, że coś z nią nie tak prze całą książkę, łącznie z końcem
trochę mnie już męczyli, cieszę się, że kolejne serie będą skupiać się na innych bohaterach, czekam szczególnie na Casey'a i potem Matt'a
i mam wrażenie jakbym czytała książkę z innej grupy - z serii o porwaniach, zrobiła się książka o bdsm, jak główny wątek, a nie elementy + jest to mocno niedorzeczne, że Travis mieszka w jednym budynku z resztą ofiar
mam nadzieje że kolejne dynamiki między parami (i nie tylko), nie będą w odczuciu kopią poprzednich bohaterów
sam związek Cartera i Travisa do mnie nie przemawia, efekty ich historii wydają się za małe, wiem, że na ich relacji jak na razie została zbudowana seria, ale mam wrażenie, że o wiele, wiele ciekawsze by było opisanie zmagań i ich wagi, która nie pozwoliłaby im być razem "po wydarzeniach", albo przynajmniej mieli by konkretnie długą przerwę, a nie to co było
jak na razie dostajemy wyidealizowane "miłość przezwycięży wszystko", które potrafi być bardzo nieprawdziwe, szczególnie przy traumach
jakoś nie siedzi mi ich relacja, cały czas na się wrażenie, że coś z nią nie tak prze całą książkę, łącznie z końcem
trochę mnie już męczyli, cieszę się, że kolejne serie będą skupiać się na innych bohaterach, czekam szczególnie na Casey'a i potem Matt'a
i mam wrażenie jakbym czytała książkę z innej grupy - z serii o porwaniach, zrobiła się książka o bdsm, jak główny wątek, a nie elementy + jest to mocno niedorzeczne, że Travis mieszka w jednym budynku z resztą ofiar
mam nadzieje że kolejne dynamiki między parami (i nie tylko), nie będą w odczuciu kopią poprzednich bohaterów
April 29, 2024
"we won"
YES YOU DID. this was such a good ending for travis and carter. i love how in the epilogue, he confesses to carter that he fantasized about them being out together, waking up, having (consensual) sex, going to class, then repeat, and i just got hit with a sense of fulfillment, idek why. i just felt as if it was finally their time to be together without having the past always catch up to them and ruin everything.
the whole therapy thing was so spot on. i like how they showed the difference between carter and the other boys because everyone shows they grief different, and responds differently to therapy too. im also glad that carter got the damn therapy, bc he sure as hell needed it.
another thing that comes to mind is how he felt as a hypocrite with the other survivors, and that's okay, and he shouldn't feel bad that he had travis there, but he also suffered, and i cried when dr. singh was explaining that it wasn't a competition; they all suffered, and it's okay.
beautiful ending, beautiful story, beautiful trilogy.. now onto benny and casey!!! IM SO EXCITED!
YES YOU DID. this was such a good ending for travis and carter. i love how in the epilogue, he confesses to carter that he fantasized about them being out together, waking up, having (consensual) sex, going to class, then repeat, and i just got hit with a sense of fulfillment, idek why. i just felt as if it was finally their time to be together without having the past always catch up to them and ruin everything.
the whole therapy thing was so spot on. i like how they showed the difference between carter and the other boys because everyone shows they grief different, and responds differently to therapy too. im also glad that carter got the damn therapy, bc he sure as hell needed it.
another thing that comes to mind is how he felt as a hypocrite with the other survivors, and that's okay, and he shouldn't feel bad that he had travis there, but he also suffered, and i cried when dr. singh was explaining that it wasn't a competition; they all suffered, and it's okay.
beautiful ending, beautiful story, beautiful trilogy.. now onto benny and casey!!! IM SO EXCITED!
February 22, 2024
What a fantastic ending to a sweeping series! In this book, we finally get a hard-won HEA. Along the way, there are very realistic challenges for the survivors as they continue to heal from their trauma. Travis and Carter need to know who each of them are individually after all that they have been through. They also have to learn who they are together and if they can have a future that works for both of them. Carter learns that he is interested in some of the aspects of a BDSM life, but coming out of the world of sex trafficking, some of the similarities are triggering. This book has some tense moments and a lot of relationship angst that works itself out wonderfully. I can't wait to read the next spin-off book!
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