Smoke is the fourth book in the Virtues and Lies series by Alexandra Silva. It is also the first part of Freddie and Georgina's story. You'll have to stay tuned for Flame which is the conclusion of their story, and it releases later this month.
From the few, spoiler free, comments that I've read on Goodreads, it does sound like you should read Virtue and Lies IN ORDER. However, I didn't do that. I KNOW, I KNOW! I'm jumping into the series by reading Smoke first, but I am going to go back and read from the beginning. I am. I just promised to have this review out by today, and my schedule didn't allow me to read the first three books prior. So don't do what I did. I don't know if I will write individual reviews for Burn, Scorch, and Blaze here on my blog, or if they will just be on Goodreads. But I should have that figured out soon.
Let me just say, this is a DARK romance with mafia vibes. But it isn't a mafia romance book. Does that make sense?
ANYWAYS...In this book we have Freddie who has been searching high and low for Lucy. While he never specifically says it, she is the woman he loves, and he feels guilty that she is missing. Had he just been on time, maybe she wouldn't have been taken. Fast forward 8 years. Freddie is in a relationship with Georgina. She loves him, but he will never say it back. That's beside the point. One day, out of the blue, Lucy shows up at Freddie's house. She is looking rough, and he takes her to the hospital. Now it's time to try and get some answers as to where she's been, and who took her. Lucy is being tight lipped about it all. Then there is Georgina, the extremely talented ballerina who is hopelessly in love with Freddie. Georgina is also accustomed the world that Freddie is a part of. So she doesn't question things. When a bouquet of flowers is delivered to Georgina, Freddie and company go on high alert. This bouquet has a specific meaning, and someone is coming for her.
As I said above, I stepped into the series not having read the previous three. Honestly I think that's why I struggled a bit while reading. I didn't have the full picture. I didn't know the background of the characters or the group they are up against. So that definitely did not play into my favor. I also think I struggled because I just wasn't in the mood for a dark romance. Yet I did not let those things sway my rating. I still feel that Smoke deserves 4 stars. Now that rating may change once I go back and read Burn, Scorch, and Blaze. Time will tell.
As I read Smoke, my curiosity was definitely piqued. The fact that there is this element of mystery (where was Lucy, who is coming after Georgina) definitely had me wanting to read more. I'm also really curious about the relationship between Freddie and Georgina. Then the fact that the book ends in a cliffhanger? Well geez Louise, just hook me in why don't ya. I need to know what happens next! Thankfully Flame is coming in a couple weeks so I can find out. I'm seriously hoping that Georgina and Freddie get their HEA. Also, what is going to happen with Lucy? Will the villain be defeated or will they escape? I NEED TO KNOW!
It is my goal to have Burn, Scorch, and Blaze read before Flame comes out. Wish me luck on that. I am hoping there might be a little leeway in my schedule to allow three additional books to be read.
If dark British romances are your thing, then definitely go check out the Virtues and Lies series by Alexandra Silva. Just be sure to start from the beginning. You know, that thing I didn't do.
Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura
