I received this book for free from Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Bold Tricks by Karina Halle Series: The Artists Trilogy #3
Published by Forever on October 15th 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary
Source: Grand Central Publishing
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
The Faster They Live, the Harder They Fall . . .
Raised by con artists, Ellie Watt has a lot of crazy childhood memories-but none crazier than being scarred with acid by the demented crime boss Travis Raines. Now Ellie is a full-grown woman who lives for revenge, and Travis is a full-blown drug lord who kills for pleasure. The sadistic bastard has kidnapped her good friend Gus as well as her mother, whom he's been holding as prized possessions in his heavily guarded lair. And Ellie has only one chance in hell of getting them out alive-using two dangerous men who love her to death . . .
One is Camden McQueen, a talented tattoo artist who's made a permanent mark on Ellie's heart. The other is Javier Bernal, her fiery ex-lover who's busted more than a few heads in his time. From the crime-ridden streets of Mexico City to the predatory jungles of Honduras, this unlikely trio forms an uneasy alliance in the deadliest game of all-a gun-blazing battle to the finish that will pit enemy against enemy and lover against lover. And Ellie must choose the right man to trust . . . or die.
*Spoiler free for the series*
Gah this book almost killed me! What an incredible finale! Bold Tricks ends The Artists Trilogy in the most action-packed, emotional way. Some of it is bittersweet, most of it will make you hold your breath in anticipation; I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. *Bows to Karina*
This is the road to the end, and like all endings should be, this one is a page-turner like no other. Intense moment after intense moment, Bold Tricks brings us into a whirlwind of emotion, passion, and disbelief. In other words, it’s a bloodbath! But honestly, what else would you expect from Ellie, Camden, and Javier together on the run? The biggest drug cartel is on the hunt for them, while they’re on the hunt for Travis. The last novel brought us into Mexico and this is where most of this finale is set as well. Much like its predecessor, the Mexican setting – the jungle especially – is absolutely vivid. Everything is described with cinematic beauty from the crowded, all encompassing cities to the hot, insect filled jungle. Not only could I picture it all clearly, but when they were walking in that jungle I literally had jitters from the ominous atmosphere and ever present threats (and the spiders *shudders*). There was a constant eerie factor that followed us through that whole section of the book. As if something was just about to pounce.
When I wasn’t feeling anxious from impending doom it meant we were either meeting that doom or getting hot and heavy with Camden – which admittedly I could never get enough of. The romance is a big part of this series, this book being no exception. It’s where a lot of the emotional baggage comes into play. Ellie and Camden are still fighting demons, trying to mend the wounds they’ve both inflicted on each other (or on themselves). There’s still a lot of character growth – especially on Ellie’s part. This is no doubt due to the numerous revelations that we navigate through during this finale. Ellie is finally made privy to the real intentions of people she once thought she knew. This makes her accept what she has always refused to believe, in a way. The characterization in this book is seriously complex, with our perception of each character constantly being altered. In the end, nobody is who I thought they would become. Some in a good way, others not so much.
When it comes to reviewing the 2nd or 3rd book in a series there’s only so much you can say without spoilers or repeating everything you have already mentioned. So I simply have left to say that anyone who considers themselves a character oriented reader who likes raw, gritty stories with tons of action, an agonizing, passion-filled romance, and brilliantly addictive writing has to – has to – pick this one up, and I assure you it will end up on your favourites shelf!
5 Hot Espressos
Find my review of Sins & Needles (Book 1), here!
Find my review of Shooting Scars (Book 2), here!
Latest posts by Giselle (see all)
- Cover Reveal: Saving Kimi by Brooke Stanton - September 23, 2020
- Fresh Batch (August 25th – 31st) - August 24, 2019
- Fresh Batch (July 28th – August 3rd) - July 27, 2019
- Fresh Batch (July 21st – 27th) - July 20, 2019
Blog design by
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
Woah, sounds like an incredibly raw, gritty and emotional read with a great romance. Glad it ended the series well for you Giselle, nothing better than a great ending to the series.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
A lot of people seem to love this series–not my type of read yet I’m still curious about why pretty much everyone loved this series–because this is really rare.
Lovely review, Giselle! <33
Nick @ Nick's Book Blog
I seriously need to get to this series asap. Everyone in my friends list who has read it has loved it and I trust your reviews very much, so I know I’ll love it too.
At least there’s one trilogy that ended with a bang. I love character oriented stories, so I know I’ll enjoy this one.
Lovley review, Giselle!
Mary @ BookSwarm
I’ve heard SUCH good things about this series — I even have the first book on my Kindle! Now, I just need to find the time to read it. Love that this ended in a FIVE for you!!
Nara
I have to say that I didn’t enjoy the first book THAT much (it was just an okay read for me) but I’m really curious as to how it all ends. You know, who ended up with who and how and such. It’s nice to hear that it did indeed end nicely 🙂
Savannah
Alright, I’m going to have to remedy this situation and read these books. I have heard some great things about it and I’m curious. Awesome review.
Tammy @ Books Bones & Buffy
I MUST start reading this series!! I’ve heard nothing but great things. Your enthusiasm is catching:)
fishgirl182 @ nite lite book reviews
Man this one sounds intense. I still need to read book 2 but glad you liked this one.
kimbacaffeinate
I still need to read book two, but I am excited that this finished strong. Wonderful review Giselle, and I agree Halle is addicting.
Nereyda @Mostly YA Book Obsessed
Loved book one! Need to catch up on the series. Confession: I haven’t read the rest of the books yet because I have a feeling I would be Team Javier. He’s a bad guy, I can’t help myself! I really want to finish reading these though. And her EIT series.
Amy @ Book Loving Mom
Gah!!! I really, really need to read this series!! I have the first one, I just haven’t had the time to get to it. I WILL make time!!!
Candace
I think I bought the first based on your review. I’m glad this one was great as well. I’ll have to try to fit this series in sometime!
Jennifer Bielman
I have always been interested in this series. So happy to hear it ended well. Now I can buy all of them at once.
Bethzaida (bookittyblog)
I need to read this series ASAP!
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
Jeez, I soo need to pick up the second book and catch up. I’m excited to know that is just as amazing as the first one and that Ellie grows a lot too, she’s so great. Glad you enjoyed so much!
Aman
GAH!!! I’m so scared to start this one! I’ve been Team Javier from the first book and even though I know how it’s gonna end in the romance department, I’m just not ready to face it. Lame excuse, but I will get to it soon. I’m so glad that the last book was delivered every bit of action and grusomeness we expected. Wonderful review, Giselle! 🙂