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The Edge of Retaliation #3
Then and Now
The FINAL book in The Edge Of Retaliation series!!
Dear Fate,
Here I am, finally writing to you again.
Things haven’t changed, fate.
Time hasn’t healed anything.
As always, nothing makes sense.
Things aren’t coming together as they should.
Time has changed us very little.
It has only made everything that much more confusing.
Nothing is fixed.
Nobody is happy.
We still live with a dark cloud over our heads.
A cloud you refuse to clear away.
If only you’d explain yourself.
If only you’d tell me why you picked me?
If only you’d tell me why you took Celia?
If only you’d tell me why you chose Tanner?
If only you’d tell me why this web of lies keeps growing bigger?
Why you can’t just let us be?
I have no answers.
I do, however, have so many questions.
Can you answer those for me, fate?
Of course you can’t. You want me to figure this out.
To learn some valuable lesson.
How am I to do that, when you keep changing the rules?
No, fate, rules are not meant to be broken.
They’re there for a reason.
Stop changing reason.
You can’t control everything.
Right...
You can control everything.
You’re making sure I know that.
You’re making sure I know you’re coming for me.
For our final battle.
I’m ready, fate. I’m so ready.
It’s time for my freedom.
The freedom we both know I deserve.
I’ll get my peace.
Just you wait and see.
Dear Fate,
Here I am, finally writing to you again.
Things haven’t changed, fate.
Time hasn’t healed anything.
As always, nothing makes sense.
Things aren’t coming together as they should.
Time has changed us very little.
It has only made everything that much more confusing.
Nothing is fixed.
Nobody is happy.
We still live with a dark cloud over our heads.
A cloud you refuse to clear away.
If only you’d explain yourself.
If only you’d tell me why you picked me?
If only you’d tell me why you took Celia?
If only you’d tell me why you chose Tanner?
If only you’d tell me why this web of lies keeps growing bigger?
Why you can’t just let us be?
I have no answers.
I do, however, have so many questions.
Can you answer those for me, fate?
Of course you can’t. You want me to figure this out.
To learn some valuable lesson.
How am I to do that, when you keep changing the rules?
No, fate, rules are not meant to be broken.
They’re there for a reason.
Stop changing reason.
You can’t control everything.
Right...
You can control everything.
You’re making sure I know that.
You’re making sure I know you’re coming for me.
For our final battle.
I’m ready, fate. I’m so ready.
It’s time for my freedom.
The freedom we both know I deserve.
I’ll get my peace.
Just you wait and see.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2019
164 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Bella Jewel
106 books7,443 followersHeya!! My name is Bella, I'm a new aussie author and I am as crazy as they come. I'm playful, friendly and always up for a chat so stop on by x
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 27, 2019
'THEN AND NOW' is the fifth book in Bella Jewel's 'The Edge of Retaliation' series. And needs to be read in order as it picks up where the second book left off. Spoken in 'Dual POV's'
FINALLY!! The conclusion we've all been waiting for and it was everything I could've hoped for!! Then and Now picks up right where the previous book left off!!
BUT even though we're a step closer to closure and we can finally close the chapter on that fatal accident where it all began, another threat is just around the corner. Ready to take them down.. Ready to make them pay..
OMG how could I not love this! It was all wrapped up perfectly! My heart is full!
I loved this series! From the first book, I was hooked! So many feels! And I love that we were introduced to a new character in this book and more will be coming! I will be ready!
As this series progressed it just got better and better as the story unfolded we connected with all the characters presented to us. I couldn't put it down. Have loved this series from start to finish with all the feels and angst thrown in. This ticked so many boxes, Lies, betrayal, murder, suspense and love.
August 11, 2020
There were a few parts that made me roll my eyes, probably because after the first book I expected a crazy twist to come – but it didn't happen. All in all, if I rate this book on its own, this was an good thriller. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read my full review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read my full review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 28, 2019
I have been on the edge of my seat since the first book and my butt has started to hurt :P My god what a ride this trilogy was. I figured the last book would be a bit more laid back, but boy was I wrong ...
What I loved most about this last book and the reason it is my favorite off all three, is the fact that we get multiple POVs. Not just Callie and Tanner's voice, but Jo and Tatum's as well, who are definitely my favorite couple ;)
This book was filled with delicious angst and tension... I could not put it down. Too bad I can't say much more about the plot because that would spoiler everything and believe me...you want to jump into this one blind.
I highly recommend this series and I look very forward to the spin-off Bella Jewel plans to write about Alarick's MC.
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
April 12, 2021
Final book in the Edge of Retaliation series.
This book is told from Callie and Joanne’s POV and I enjoyed both of their viewpoints.
My major issue with this book was that I felt scenes were shorted. I found that when a pivotal scene arose it only had a few pages (or maybe even just a few paragraphs) devoted to the issue and then we moved on from that issue. The reveal to the parents, the divorce, the idea to pack up and move....all pretty big things that were just handled quickly and without any depth. This was disappointing.
Also, I felt the ending was a bit rushed. Some of it was a little eye rolling and hard to believe. The two year separation, finger in the mail and the introduction of a new character who kind of just took over clearing up the bad guy issues were some of the things that didn’t work for me. Plus the guys showing up with a girlfriend in tow was just cruel (why would they even bring her in he first place??). A few things were left open (what happened to the new boyfriend and was there really no fallout from a couple dead bodies???).
And finally......Chase was a huge part of this trilogy and especially in this final book. However, he had zero scenes getting rescued, healing, taking responsibility. This didn’t bring the story full circle for me.
There was a lot of drama and with the way everyone hurt each other I felt their relationships were toxic. Tanner, Callie, Tatum, Joanne, Ethan.....just too many lies and betrayals for this group to get past what they did to each other.
On the whole, I liked the first two books better. The final one wrapped things up, but I felt it was lacking some depth, there were a few holes, some eye rolling moments and too much betrayal and hurt to recover from.
This book is told from Callie and Joanne’s POV and I enjoyed both of their viewpoints.
My major issue with this book was that I felt scenes were shorted. I found that when a pivotal scene arose it only had a few pages (or maybe even just a few paragraphs) devoted to the issue and then we moved on from that issue. The reveal to the parents, the divorce, the idea to pack up and move....all pretty big things that were just handled quickly and without any depth. This was disappointing.
Also, I felt the ending was a bit rushed. Some of it was a little eye rolling and hard to believe. The two year separation, finger in the mail and the introduction of a new character who kind of just took over clearing up the bad guy issues were some of the things that didn’t work for me. Plus the guys showing up with a girlfriend in tow was just cruel (why would they even bring her in he first place??). A few things were left open (what happened to the new boyfriend and was there really no fallout from a couple dead bodies???).
And finally......Chase was a huge part of this trilogy and especially in this final book. However, he had zero scenes getting rescued, healing, taking responsibility. This didn’t bring the story full circle for me.
There was a lot of drama and with the way everyone hurt each other I felt their relationships were toxic. Tanner, Callie, Tatum, Joanne, Ethan.....just too many lies and betrayals for this group to get past what they did to each other.
On the whole, I liked the first two books better. The final one wrapped things up, but I felt it was lacking some depth, there were a few holes, some eye rolling moments and too much betrayal and hurt to recover from.
April 14, 2021
Mixed feelings
I cannot say too much about this trilogy without spoilers. This was written in Callie and Joanne’s point of view, i would have liked it a lot better with the men included. This is not your typical romance novel and there are a bunch of main characters. The plot dragged on at times and for me it would have been better as a duet. So many lies and deceptions here and so much happens that needs forgiveness and I am not sure how i feel about that! There is a lot going on at times and many questions with answers needed. I don’t think this was wrapped up as well as it could have been. Still it was a good read.
I cannot say too much about this trilogy without spoilers. This was written in Callie and Joanne’s point of view, i would have liked it a lot better with the men included. This is not your typical romance novel and there are a bunch of main characters. The plot dragged on at times and for me it would have been better as a duet. So many lies and deceptions here and so much happens that needs forgiveness and I am not sure how i feel about that! There is a lot going on at times and many questions with answers needed. I don’t think this was wrapped up as well as it could have been. Still it was a good read.
October 25, 2019
* A review copy was provided by the author *
~ 5 Great Finish Stars ~
Wow!!! What an ending!!
This book was more than I could’ve have ever expected. What an amazing finish to this outstanding series.
I totally get why she titled this book this way. After reading the story, the title makes so much sense. I really can’t say a whole lot about this book. Just as I have said with the first 2 books…You NEED to read this series!!!!
This series was filled with suspense, lies, betrayal, love and even some humor. I loved how this story played out. I thought Then & Now was the perfect ending for Tanner and Callie’s story. I also loved how she wrapped up Jo’s story in this book too. This story is told in Dual POV, but not the POV’s you would normally be expecting. I thought the flow and pace of the story was perfect. I devoured this story in less than a day, but that’s because I couldn’t put it down. I was so anxious to read this book, that once I started, I was stopping until I got to the end.
Then & Now starts right where book 2 ended. Any questions that went unanswered in book 2 are answered in this story. I thought Bella Jewel did an amazing job wrapping up this storyline. I even liked that she gave us a new character in this book that will be a new series coming out next year!!! I look forward to reading that series when it comes out.
If you are a fan of a romantic suspense story, then this series is the one to read. I think this is one of my all time favorite series. I know this will make my favorite of 2019 list for sure.
After reading this book, I almost want to go back and re-read the other two books just to enjoy the whole series in one sitting. So as you can guess this is NOT a standalone novel. You HAVE to read the first 2 books before starting this one.
Really I can’t say enough great stuff about this trilogy. It is one you definitely want to read!! I know this review really doesn’t do this book/series justice, but take my word for it, you will love this story!!!
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~ 5 Great Finish Stars ~
Wow!!! What an ending!!
This book was more than I could’ve have ever expected. What an amazing finish to this outstanding series.
I totally get why she titled this book this way. After reading the story, the title makes so much sense. I really can’t say a whole lot about this book. Just as I have said with the first 2 books…You NEED to read this series!!!!
This series was filled with suspense, lies, betrayal, love and even some humor. I loved how this story played out. I thought Then & Now was the perfect ending for Tanner and Callie’s story. I also loved how she wrapped up Jo’s story in this book too. This story is told in Dual POV, but not the POV’s you would normally be expecting. I thought the flow and pace of the story was perfect. I devoured this story in less than a day, but that’s because I couldn’t put it down. I was so anxious to read this book, that once I started, I was stopping until I got to the end.
Then & Now starts right where book 2 ended. Any questions that went unanswered in book 2 are answered in this story. I thought Bella Jewel did an amazing job wrapping up this storyline. I even liked that she gave us a new character in this book that will be a new series coming out next year!!! I look forward to reading that series when it comes out.
If you are a fan of a romantic suspense story, then this series is the one to read. I think this is one of my all time favorite series. I know this will make my favorite of 2019 list for sure.
After reading this book, I almost want to go back and re-read the other two books just to enjoy the whole series in one sitting. So as you can guess this is NOT a standalone novel. You HAVE to read the first 2 books before starting this one.
Really I can’t say enough great stuff about this trilogy. It is one you definitely want to read!! I know this review really doesn’t do this book/series justice, but take my word for it, you will love this story!!!
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November 18, 2019
Wow!! What an amazing trilogy! It has been a very exciting journey. I'm sad it has ended💔. In this book, Callie and Tanner's search for revenge continues. And some extra surprises 😁😁.
Please, you need to read this books. Actually, any Bella Jewel's would be ideal. But this story will fascinate you.
Please, you need to read this books. Actually, any Bella Jewel's would be ideal. But this story will fascinate you.
June 2, 2020
Loved this series...
November 3, 2019
Then and Now moves directly on with the story where Callie has been shot and Tatum, Jo and Chase have been taken. The intensity of the situation is just as fierce as it was at the end of Book Two! If I could I would give this 5+ stars!
That darn Chris makes me see red with anger- so, so angry. But then again you experience every emotion in this story and deeply. When you feel happy you are truly elated, when scared you are frightened beyond belief, when worried you could chew your nails down, when upset you feel your stomach bottom out and when excited you’re heart rate speeds up. Such is the incredible talent of this author that you become totally embedded in the story and the characters.
It felt like an old friend week being back with these terrific characters who show they are human and are capable of making errors in judgement. As a bonus, we meet a new character who is hot and exciting too.
Action plus abounds in this book and keeps you on your toes. There are twists and turns that make this story so exciting but the core of the story stays the same as does the wonderful quality of the writing. I can not express how much I loved this book and this series, it engages you right from the beginning and you stay entranced the whole way to the end.
Reviewed by Robyn
That darn Chris makes me see red with anger- so, so angry. But then again you experience every emotion in this story and deeply. When you feel happy you are truly elated, when scared you are frightened beyond belief, when worried you could chew your nails down, when upset you feel your stomach bottom out and when excited you’re heart rate speeds up. Such is the incredible talent of this author that you become totally embedded in the story and the characters.
It felt like an old friend week being back with these terrific characters who show they are human and are capable of making errors in judgement. As a bonus, we meet a new character who is hot and exciting too.
Action plus abounds in this book and keeps you on your toes. There are twists and turns that make this story so exciting but the core of the story stays the same as does the wonderful quality of the writing. I can not express how much I loved this book and this series, it engages you right from the beginning and you stay entranced the whole way to the end.
Reviewed by Robyn
October 28, 2019
We’ve finally reached the conclusion of this riveting trilogy, The Edge of Retaliation series by Bella Jewel. The previous books 1 & 2 must be read first.
The story is tense, very suspenseful, full of twists and the emotions will bring tears to your eyes. The whole tale is a gripping story, and the mélange of characters was electrifying and full of tension, making the story very unpredictable.
I’d grown to love all the characters and was sad to see them go. The conclusion was masterfully done and that is all I will say, well done Ms. Jewel.
A definite must read, I highly recommend this book it!
The story is tense, very suspenseful, full of twists and the emotions will bring tears to your eyes. The whole tale is a gripping story, and the mélange of characters was electrifying and full of tension, making the story very unpredictable.
I’d grown to love all the characters and was sad to see them go. The conclusion was masterfully done and that is all I will say, well done Ms. Jewel.
A definite must read, I highly recommend this book it!
October 29, 2019
4 stars
It was great to get the final installment to this series and to be able to have the story wrapped up, all twists and turns explained.
It was great to get the final installment to this series and to be able to have the story wrapped up, all twists and turns explained.
February 5, 2021
this series is unreal what continues to happen in callie and jo's lives they move out from where all the tragedy started...tanner tatum and ethan doing all kinds of crazy stuff to girls making them hate them when really they love these guys...callie can't take it anymore and tells jo she is leaving and started new...jo is her best friend and decides to finally leave her husband and start over...he gives her a sum of money and she starts a new life..gets a job at tatoo shop and guess who owns it.....alarick the mc president...who helps girls and their guys to get rid of the low life that raped celia years ago...tanner tatum and ethan come to get this over with once and for all when they go off with club to find this rotten druggie....the guy they want gone goes after girls who were left alone...callie hides in a closet he beats jo up callie sneaks out with her gun and shoots him....tanner and tatum come back because they realize they have been set up....all these bad stuff finally over....of course the mc cleans up everything and no one knows she did it...the story is a "keep you on edge of your chair" the ending is the best ever but will not clue you in...so you will hae to read...one hell of a story for sure loved it
May 21, 2020
Wow, I'm not sure what to say about this series except that it's a must-read. The ending was perfect and my heart still just aches for these characters. Bella is an amazing storyteller she makes you feel like you are part of the story and you can't help but feel for everything they are going through. You want to laugh and cry right along with them. When the characters come back together in this book I wanted to cry for everything they were going through. Truly such an amazing series and makes you really look at how just one little thing can change your whole world.
January 17, 2020
I felt that all the excitement was in the first two books. Chase makes none of his own ways to provide comfort of an explanation to the family. There is much more violence. Tanner has let walls down but his mom feels that it will be brought up at another time in there lives. Tatum and No are seen by Patrick, since he is a power hungry jerk he alerts the media. Now No is under scrutiny. In the end, the past gets left behind and then all choose to move on into a future together.
February 24, 2020
After all the they’ve been through, Callie and Jo decide they can’t take it anymore. They cut and run without telling the men. Living in California, they feel they have moved on.... until the past- and that drug dealer has finally found them.
Which means enter Tanner and Tatum- and they are not happy Callie and Jo left without telling or keeping in contact.
I liked this one better than number 2. I’m glad for a happy ending. I also look forward to reading the new MC series!
Which means enter Tanner and Tatum- and they are not happy Callie and Jo left without telling or keeping in contact.
I liked this one better than number 2. I’m glad for a happy ending. I also look forward to reading the new MC series!
January 20, 2020
Heartbreakingly Beautiful Read!!
Hot damn!! What a wild ride we've been on with these characters! I loved Callie and Tanner! Their story was definatly a hard one. 💔
I loved Tatum and Jo! I loved Ethan! I just loved them all so hard!!
If you haven't read this series, you're definitely missing out!!
Hot damn!! What a wild ride we've been on with these characters! I loved Callie and Tanner! Their story was definatly a hard one. 💔
I loved Tatum and Jo! I loved Ethan! I just loved them all so hard!!
If you haven't read this series, you're definitely missing out!!
January 8, 2021
Holy hell!
I started book one a day and a half ago. I have hardly slept cause i had to finish this story!!! This series hooks you from the first chapter of the first book. I absolutely love how each book continues right where the last left off. This book at first you Want to scream but then you end in tears. Seriously hands down one of the best series!!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
I started book one a day and a half ago. I have hardly slept cause i had to finish this story!!! This series hooks you from the first chapter of the first book. I absolutely love how each book continues right where the last left off. This book at first you Want to scream but then you end in tears. Seriously hands down one of the best series!!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
March 22, 2020
Awesome
I waited until I finished all three books to leave a review. What a rollercoaster ride. So many turns and unexpected twists. Kept me on "Edge" the entire three books. Great!!!!
I waited until I finished all three books to leave a review. What a rollercoaster ride. So many turns and unexpected twists. Kept me on "Edge" the entire three books. Great!!!!
March 29, 2020
🤯🤯🤯
This book was absolutely perfect for the last one in this series, it’s pack full of action and hot alpha males 🥵🥵 I read this within 2 hours as I was sucked in from book 1 an absolute must read series
This book was absolutely perfect for the last one in this series, it’s pack full of action and hot alpha males 🥵🥵 I read this within 2 hours as I was sucked in from book 1 an absolute must read series
May 12, 2020
It was a good finale but I just can't get over how selfish and immature Callie is, like I know she was been through a lot but that doesn't excuse her for everything and she drags Jo into everything too, like you can't do that
July 15, 2020
Great story
This was a great completion to the series. I expected something dramatic in the end, but Bella Jewel surpassed my expectations. The reunion was expected, but not how the drama ended. Definitely worth reading.
This was a great completion to the series. I expected something dramatic in the end, but Bella Jewel surpassed my expectations. The reunion was expected, but not how the drama ended. Definitely worth reading.
December 5, 2021
Omg...I can't even imagine how the h felt doing what she had to 😢 gutted. This was a great conclusion to the series. Loved the realistic conflict between the characters and how the h takes matters into her own hands rather than waiting to be "saved". ❤
February 12, 2020
Love it
I loved all three books! I hope you will continue on with more!! Please continue so I can read about jo, Celia baby growing up
I loved all three books! I hope you will continue on with more!! Please continue so I can read about jo, Celia baby growing up
April 7, 2020
4.5 stars
April 18, 2020
Awesome series
This series kept me up late for a couple nights! It’s got the push and pull I love in books plus lots of steamy scenes. Great read!!
This series kept me up late for a couple nights! It’s got the push and pull I love in books plus lots of steamy scenes. Great read!!
April 19, 2020
This series is amazing!!! I could not put it down! A great read that will keep you thinking about for days to come!! Love!!
September 29, 2020
4.5 ⭐
Could be a bit shorter. Some parts were repetitive. Overall a great series.
Could be a bit shorter. Some parts were repetitive. Overall a great series.
November 26, 2019
Breath holding story
This third and last book is full of action! It's Fast-paced, suspenseful, hot, and heartwarming! The plot was intricate with lots of moving pieces, but we'll thought out! A great read!!!
This third and last book is full of action! It's Fast-paced, suspenseful, hot, and heartwarming! The plot was intricate with lots of moving pieces, but we'll thought out! A great read!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews