Dark, very dark. Triggers left and right. All sorts of abusive and subhuman situations.

If you can get past that- and allow for typical genre trappings, this is a great read- for exactly what it is.

In the last book of the series Scarred Souls, I met the sweet and dreamy 152 who is the sister of the protagonist of the book 3 Ravage. After, Mistress' death , she was taken back to Georgia to serve as Master's main sexual slave. Her entire life she has been controlled by the drug type B and can not remember many things of her past. And again will be controlled by the Master when she has given to 901, the champion of the pit, but also the most rebellious fighter. 901 as well as strong and bad reveals to be super sweet and has many dreams too, but neither of them managed to live their dreams so easily.

If I had already found Ravage very dark ,this one turned out to be much darker, I do not know if it is because I connected with the couple quite face-on or because it really is more bloody and gloomy. At many times, I had to make strategic stops to breathe, but from the middle when situations begin to move towards the grand finale, the book gained another dynamic. I was stuck to it until the end and without breathing ..... hahahahaha ...and i loved .

It is great the way everything was done with the presence of the other characters and a very beautiful epilogue. Tillie Cole again created an amazing and breathtaking plot alternating views of 901, 152 and Luke.
Special highlight for me was Maya, a chiri servant of 152, a strong girl who was essencial in the plot.
The sex scenes were also very well described, making me fall madly in love with the couple.
Besides finding the best book in the series, I also found the cover more beautiful.
4/5 stars
Kisses, Myl

“Mesmerizing!” “Played out like a movie!” “Tillie Cole outdid herself!” These were among the few thoughts running through my mind as I got to Riot’s end.

There are so many things that I loved about this book…well, the entire series actually. I loved that despite the violence and depravity that all four of these hardened males experienced that they were able to save themselves from the brink of insanity through LOVE.

They are all in their own sense, remarkable and their counterpart females are just as impressive. There was never a doubt about the couples’ pairings. Tillie Cole certainly proved to us repeatedly that each were fated to be together especially in Inessa and Ilya’s case.

“…life had played out as it should. Though tragedy, we were both stronger. And through distance out love was stronger. She was mine. I was hers. Her, the girl, whose soul matched mine. And I, the boy, who was made perfectly for her. Finally home. Happy. At peace.”

Another thing great about this was how the relationships among Ilya, Valentine, Luka and Zaal developed. They weren’t blood-related but their bond was even deeper and profound than that. They all ended up exactly where they deserved to be.

Everything I’ve read so far by Tillie Cole has been outstanding but I must say that the “Scarred Souls Series” is by far my favorite. I definitely couldn’t ask for a better ending in “Riot”, the way she pulled every aspect together in this finale was perfection.

Be still my heart. This book takes you on a wild ride of emotions. There were times when I would have to stop reading and take a break because it would get so intense. Tillie Cole is a master at making you feel like you are experiencing the book right along with the characters.
But beyond all the blood and violence (you may want to take note of that if you're faint of heart) an absolutely beautiful love story is told. Two broken people that become whole together.

901 is the blood pit's champion fighter, his Master wants him to make the fights more competitive but 901 just wants to get the fight over with and be left alone. However the Master wants to force him to fight the way he wants him to.

Number 152 has been brought to be the sex slave to the Master, he has coveted her and waited until she was ready. Keeping her in a a drug induced state that causes her to want to have sex keeps her constantly aroused. Only Master can satisfy her needs. 152 doesn't know where she came from but has faint memories that make her sense she was taken.

When Master sees 901 watching 152 he realizes he finally has something he can use against him. 152 doesn't understand why her Master is giving her to 901, but does his bidding. 901 wants to reject 152 but she manages to burrow her way into his heart. Will this be the way their life will always be or is there hope for something better in the horizon.

This is dark but fantastic. Reminded me of Laurann Dohner's species series a bit. 901 is brutal, he reminded me of a gladiator. I thought the way the story evolved when 152 is introduced to him was fascinating. Has a whole other layer to the story that I did not mention but is is mind blowing. Going back to read from the beginning.

Honestly, this series has been really hard for me to read. It's dark and gritty and at times it made me uncomfortable but the writing is so amazing and the story so heartbreaking but enthralling I just keep coming back for more. This book is incredible and even though it hurt my heart at times, I'm so glad I read it.

I had the unfortunate experience of diving into this book prior to reading the previous books in this series. In this regard, I felt a little lost. I wasn't really sure what was going on. It took me a while to get the gist of the story, but I felt a little overwhelmed with all the characters. Sometimes, it's already tough following two PoVs, while this one had three. I thought this story centers around 152 and 901, but then a new voice, Luka, has his own side-story. Overall though, it was intense and suspenseful. Despite being a little confused, I couldn't stop reading because it was intriguing. I love the world that Tillie Cole created. It has a very Gladiator feel, which has always fascinated me. To have this happen in modern times, it was interesting to see how this world still exists.

I think I'll read the previous books and come back to this review.

4.5 Stars

‘The male with the cruel eyes. The infallible killer. The Pit Bull of the Arziani Empire. Master’s living god among men.’

Wow, what a compelling way to finish this fabulously dark and highly emotional series. It’s been quite the horrific but brilliantly written ride, with each book giving us a new tormented hero and heroine all with a harrowing and tragic past and present. All with the fighting pit at its centre. It’s been a tearful and upsetting journey but a journey that’s been lit up by a beacon of shining bright love.

“Our names are part of our path to freedom.”

In this series finale we hear the voice of 152, the lost sister of Valentin, and 901, the king of the fighting pit. The master’s favourite but for how long? This series has always had a flair for the dramatic and over the top, but it’s worked for us. We’ve been gripped, addicted and invested in every single book and Riot was no different. We loved it.

‘He was the most intimidating male I had ever encountered. And I was trapped in his cell. Completely alone. In the unwelcome company of a killer. And there was absolutely nothing I could do.’

152 – Inessa, the lost one, the beloved sister. She stole our hearts and they bled for her fate. She was a fighter a survivor and her story broke our hearts. She’s the chosen one for Master Arziani, who runs an evil and inhumane empire set to break the human spirit for his own gains and desires. Using her as bait to get final control of 901 who isn’t running the line of commands. This catalyst sparks a series of events that ultimately sets in motion a revolt that could see freedom at the end of a very long imprisonment under an evil reign of punishment.

“You became my heart. He made me want you like I have never wanted anything else. Even my freedom does not compare. If I had to fight every day for the rest of my life here in this pit, I would do it gladly to have you with me.”

901 and 152 are thrown together as part of a concluding plan for Arziani’s final blood lusting glory. However, where the evil intent succeeds the strength of love, protection and human spirit was ultimately underestimated. There’s such a vulnerable almost innocent essence to 901 and 152’s relationship. Considering the gruesome circumstances, this was such a beauty to read because of this. For two people so deeply embedded in the sadistic and brutal side of life there was such a beauty to their characters.

‘901 thought me beautiful. And he told me in Russian. In the language of our hearts. The language of our home.’

What we absolutely loved about Riot was being back with everyone and everything coming full circle, seeing vengeance and redemption. Finding happiness and love. We loved how it played out, how after such a long time being spent in virtual hell with our hero and heroine we saw a culmination of the previous books through Luka, Zaal and Valentin. We loved the final climax and what a fabulous ending to what has been a crazy good suspenseful, dark and passionate series.

‘We had been thrust back into hell. But this time the only way out was to burn it in our wake.’

‘We would maim. We would slaughter. We would kill. Together, we would fucking raze hell.’

Firstly - WOW!!!! What an ending to that series!

SECONDLY - AND THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!!! You must must MUST have read the first three books in the Scarred Souls series first. This is NOT a standalone. I've seen it a lot with this series that people are reading it in the wrong order.

Okay!

Now that's done, let's move on.

I can't believe the series has ended. I'm lost. I have fallen in love with each character as the stories have progressed. I knew RIOT was going to be the last one. I thought I was ready. I mean, the book had been sitting on my kindle for almost a month before I finally read it.

We come into this story at a tense time for our three main men: Luca (Raze), Zaal (Reap), and Valentin (Ravage). All three are still adjusting to their new realities with their women, their soulmates, their responsibilites. But there is still a dark cloud hanging ominously over their heads and none more so than Valentin. His sister is still in danger. She is in grave danger at the hands of the Master.

Doing what it necessary to save her, the men have to re-enter the pits of hell and willingly go back to where their demons still lie very close to the surface.

Inessa - Valentin's sister, or '152' - has been drugged for so much of her young life that she has no idea who she is, where she is, or what her purpose is in this dreary place she's awaken in.

What ensues is a story of survival, of redemption, of true love and selflessness. '901' is the champion. No, sorry, the Champion - such a title needs highlighting. He fights because it is all he knows. He fights for an unknown entity - freedom. He fights to stay alive. To breathe, to be. He is reclusive. He is alone. He prefers it this way after seeing the other champion fighters have monas or women and their visceral reactions to them. He can show no weakness. Master knows if there is a weakness, there is a way to control him. He can not be controlled. Not completely. Not like the other fighters.

It just so happens that Ilya - or '901' - does have a weakness. The Master's High Mona. Inessa!

This story then becomes so much more than survival, about fighting for yourself, about being alone. All of a sudden, hearts beat in synchronicity, souls become tangled and fates collide with the fight of their lives about to happen. Who will come out victorious when all four skilled fighters - all with something to live for, and something to lose - are in the Pit together?

I am continuously awed by Tillie Cole's writing, by her research and her knowledge of this topic. The way her mind works to create unique scenarios and situations for us to read, devour and fall in love with. I can't wait to see what she has next in store for us throughout 2017.

#Review @tillie_cole

QueenZany 5 Star Review
Riot
Tillie Cole

Holy mother Fucker!!
Riot is sheer raw, gritty goodness to the highest power! This earth shattering conclusion will leave you in a complete tailspin! Yelling at the top of your lungs! Heart racing out of control and feeling like it was jumping out of your chest! God maniac, isn't even the right word. To describe my mental state at some points.
WTF??? Yes, that was me asking myself??? Just mind blowing awesomeness! Yet I'm so sad to see the series ends!!! I need more!

I have enjoyed every book in this series. Each one taking us deeper into the dark world of the pit. To find love in this dark world is rare, but I've been pleased to read how love truly does work miracles. The last and final book will have you glued to the pages, Loved it!!!!

I was in a Riot haze, this was the ending I was waiting for. A brilliant and explosive final installment!
Finally we got the rise and shine of 818, 221,194 and 901.

It was about damn time, after all the pain and suffering, psychological effects, the battle for freedom and war against the demons who transforming people into monsters was very close.It's time for war and no one will be spared. They were seeking for blood and revenge. Their goal was to save Valentin’s sister. At any price.

The tension was so well built and drove me insane, I was feeling so much pain, reading about how people could treat another. Such cruelty, without any remorse. I was heartbroken.

901 and 152, had suffered, gone through hell, where their humanity were totally annihilated, being the pawns of one of the sickest man ever, Master. Toying and disposing of anyone like puppets. Sheltered all their lives, the moment they connected, all the feelings that supposed to be shut down, thanks for all the drugs they were taking, collided in a powerful way. The lightness into the darkness. A glimmer of hope for a better world, a place where they could finally be free, even if it was almost unattainable.

901 is a machine, raised to win and to crush his opponents. The thrill of the kill and being the best, the one people should be feared about was primal, carnal. Behind all the tough and rough body, his meeting with 152, awoke feelings that he shouldn’t have. Because having feelings is a weakness that could kill him. Behind all this brutality, roughness, his part of humanity was still there. Buried deeply, filled with anger just waiting to be unleashed.

152 is one of the bravest and strong woman ever. After all she went through, she had still this strength and fire inside, to see something more behind this prison. As master’s favorite, being abused and raped was her life. Constantly and repeatedly. Being used for her body, at her master’s disposal. Reduced to nothing. In spite of everything, when she could easily have sunk into madness but she remained strong, trying to fight fiercely.

I was swept away by 901 and 152’s journey. Watching their love bloomed, overshadowed by this darkness. The only moments where they where could escape their grim reality of pain, suffering and destitution is to be united, together. A few stolen moments in a cell, comforting and soothing each other. Turning into true love. The kind of love that only death would til them part.


Through the hell, the darkness where the worst form of barbarity and cruelty existed, where your soul was destroyed until you couldn't know who you were anymore, the path of freedom and happiness was near.
But before attaining this ultimate goal, you had to face your demons once more.
And when see the wrath of some men determined to destroy the one thing that could threaten their loved ones?? I say hell yes to the riot!

Ive been following this series from the start and each book from the series is amazing. Tillie you have done it again not that expected any different from you . Created another masterpiece loved every second of this book .. had me at the edge of my seat .

Wow! This was a great ending to this series. I read this book right after I read Ravage. But since I read the first two books when they first came out, I had to go back and skim Raze and Reap. All the characters come together in Riot to bring this story to its satisfying conclusion. I will admit that this book was hard to read.......that's why it took me a week to finish. I had to take a break and read something light. Inessa's story is just heartbreaking. And although Valentin's story ended in a HEA in Ravage, it never felt right because his heart was still broken over his sister. I loved Ilya......even though his situation was no better than Inessa's, he still came out strong and in control over his "master". I over how he treated Inessa even reluctantly. I will or give any spoilers but it is a perfect ending to this series. And as much as I loved this series, I do not want Ms. Cole to write another bc the ending was so perfect. I want these characters to have their peace!

Ok so you need to prepare yourself for this book. Get a box of kleenex, then another just in case. This book is gonna make you feel all the feels and then feel them a second time. 901 is the Pit Bull. He doesn't feel fear, he doesn't slow down and he doesn't lose, ever. Until he loses his heart to 152. This was an amazing book that challenges what you think and feel. I'm sad to see the end of this series but this was a very well written book that tied up all the loose ends giving everyone the hard earned HEA they deserve!

i was generously provided and ARC of this book by the author via NetGalley

Title: Riot
Book Series: Scarred Souls #4
Author: Tillie Cole
Genre: Dark Romance
Publication Date: March 7 2017
Cliff Hanger: No

5 Stars

*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+

SYNOPSIS:

BRUTAL. INTENSE. PASSIONATE. THE WORLD OF THE SCARRED SOULS.

They call me 901. I am a monster, a killer, a champion. In the blood pit I am a god. I have no name, no family, and no identity. When master says fight, I fight…until I am the only one left standing. I have one goal, to fight so well that I am freed. I don’t need friends, I don’t need women. They are weaknesses. I am strong.
Until I see her. She is gorgeous and kind and off-limits to me. She was stolen as a child to be the worst type of slave and now master wants her. What he wants, he gets. With a smile, she melts my brutal heart. I have never wanted anything more.
I need to make a choice. Freedom or Love. I cannot choose wrong.

MY THOUGHTS:

Holy crap what a book! I have read book one and two of this series and loved them, so I was excited for this one! I have the third one that I now have to go back and read! Loved Valentin! I love this author’s dark romance reads. Her style of writing is gritty, raw, and at times makes you grip your Kindle so hard you think it will crack. What a ride!

This is a tale of two slaves that have a forbidden love! A warrior champion and a concubine to their Master, who is a sadistic, twisted man. The story is like a modern-day Spartacus of the underground fighting world of the Bratva or Georgian/Russian mafia. The slaves were stolen from their homes or orphanages as children and raised in this Master’s sick world with its own caste system.

This story has triggers for abuse and sexual assault, as the slaves were gravely mistreated. The tender love story that develops throughout the chaos of their lives is amazing. They are fighting for their lives, their love for each other and their freedom. Freedom that they have never known.

The story also includes characters from the previous books and their involvement in the lives and future of 901 and 152. The ending is amazing and it is wrapped up so well, it wasn’t rushed and I felt like the story was truly complete. I am hoping that there will be a spin-off series from this, as the ending made me think it was a possibility! I can only hope!

If you love dark romance, then give this book and this series a try!

ARC kindly provided by the publisher St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for an honest review.

4.25 stars--RIOT is the fourth and final? Installment in Tillie Cole’s adult, contemporary, SCARRED SOULS dark, erotic, romance series focusing on the Russian Mafia, the Georgian Bratva criminal underground, cage fighting, sexual slavery, and the Russian blood pits. This is death match fighter Ilya Konev (aka 901) and Inessa Belrova’s (aka 152) story line. RIOT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Inessa Belrova is the missing sister to Valentin (Ravage #3).

WARNING: RIOT contains scenes of graphic violence and sexual imagery including scenes of rape, murder and torture that may be disturbing for some readers.

Told from three first person points of view (Luka, Ilya and Inessa) RIOT focuses on the struggle to be free. Ilya aka 901 was kidnapped as a child and trained in the death matches for the Arziani Georgian crime mob. As a fighter 901 has never known anything outside of the arena and the cell that has imprisoned him for close to twenty years. Drugged to perform 901 is eventually caged with a young woman known only as number 152, the Master’s High Mona (or consort). When 901 refuses to accept the gift from his Master he soon realizes that to reject 152 could mean the death of the woman that will eventually call to his heart. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between 901 (Ilya) and 152( Inessa), and the struggle to gain freedom from the man who has destroyed too many lives.

The relationship between Ilya and Inessa struggles with the question as to the how and why. Why were they thrown together and for whose benefit will their relationship help. Ilya and Inessa have never known love, comfort or the touch of friendship without the pain or repercussions of torture and abuse. The $ex scenes between Ilya and Inessa are intimate and intense.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including all three of the previous story line couples. We are also introduced to several other slaves and death match fighters-some will not be so lucky to survive, as well as the Arziani Georgian crime lord whose psychotic personality fuels the life and death fights in the arena.

RIOT is a graphically violent story line with scenes of rape, torture, abuse and death. Some of the slaves wish for death on a daily basis, while others struggle to stay alive through the torturous beatings and daily drug injections used for submission and control. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are broken, tragic and dynamic; the romance is fated and traumatic. RIOT is a heartbreaking story of betrayal, loss and pain; rescue, love and revenge. For fans of the Starz Network's SPARTACUS the final showdown is akin to Spartacus and Crixus's take down of the Dominus- Quintus Batiatus.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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