Ratings5
Average rating4
I'd really like to pretend that this book is the end of the Arden St. Ives series. At its conclusion, Caspian breaks up with Arden, and yes he's devastated. But he has a new job he is excited about and a new home with Caspian's sister Ellery. And, as he reminds himself, he is loved. That's not a bad place to stop. In my mind, he recovers from his heartbreak, meets a new person who isn't a selfish jerk, and THEN he gets his HEA. Not with Caspian. Who needs a third book?Ah, who am I kidding? Arden is ruined for anyone but Caspian, and thankfully I finished this book 3 days before [b:How to Belong with a Billionaire 31933327 How to Belong with a Billionaire (Arden St. Ives #3) Alexis Hall https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556285387l/31933327.SY75.jpg 52588159] is being released so I don't have to wait too long for what I pray is an epic grovel. I still hate Caspian and think Arden can do much better, but I absolutely adore Arden forever and if Caspian is who he wants, that's who he should get. I will say that I actually liked this book more than the series opener, [b:How to Bang a Billionaire 31423483 How to Bang a Billionaire (Arden St. Ives, #1) Alexis Hall https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1488428154l/31423483.SY75.jpg 52115149]. The stakes feel much higher as Arden falls more deeply in love with Caspian, and he's both funnier, sweeter, and well, Ardy-ish. Given the book's title, I knew that things wouldn't end well, and my heart ached for Arden even when things were looking up for him and Caspian. Considering his childhood, it's amazing that Arden is as well adjusted as he is, and I appreciate the message that Hall is trying to convey through Arden that kink isn't necessarily wrong, it's just kink. He is re-writing 50 Shades of Gray in a way that doesn't pass judgement on the D/s relationship. Caspian does need to change, but it's emotionally, not sexually. I'm not sure why I'm reviewing this book; it isn't going to change any prospective reader's behavior. If you haven't read Bang yet, you need to start there, and if you have, there's no way you won't read How to Blow It with a Billionaire. You may like Caspian a whole lot more than I do, or you may find him even less redeemable, but you can't deny that Alexis Hall is on top of his game.