I finished this book in one sitting, so that is a sign that the Tillie Cole must be doing something right. That being said, I feel that the amount of rape and brutality in this book was too frequent for me to recommend to my readers or people I know. Perhaps the previous books might be less violent? Although perhaps not, given the hints I saw in this book of the other stories. I would definitely want to read more by this author, but I have a low tolerance for rape in books. While I knew it would be dark given the description, I was still unprepared for the graphic rape scenes. It was really disturbing to me.

I have read Tillie's books before, but this was my first in this series...and now I want to go back and read the others. It was dark...brutal and graphic...but it worked. Even though I hadn't read the others in the series, I was quickly emerged in the world Cole had created and I was rooting for 901 and 152 from the start. The story was predictable, but still satisfying in so many ways. The hardships the Hero and heroine went through making their love all the more satisfying.

When your identity is stolen, your memory erased and you are raised as an animal, taught to kill or be killed, inside there is a heart, a longing for companionship and for one special person and for love.

Number 901 was a killer, brutal, cold and fierce. His job day after day when released from his sell was to entertain the masses through death matches and he never lost. His “master” was a twisted soul who enjoyed the blood, the money and the power he felt lording over the best fighters every made, never mind they were drugged within an inch of their lives. For 901, to make a friend was to lose his edge, what if he had to fight them to the death?

When the Master wanted a sex slave, he took the best of the best in his stable of “monas.” She, too is drugged to crave the debauchery of this sadistic monster. Number 152 was beautiful, tortured and forced to do the master’s bidding. She also is someone’s sister, just like every other sex slave held prisoner since they were children. Now she would become a weapon of torture for the master’s bidding as he offers her to the Blood Pit’s champion, 901. He rejects her at first until her painful moans from the drug induced sexual frenzy weaken his resolve, because if he doesn’t fill her needs, she will die. What either expected was to fall in love, to truly want someone, need them. The only thing that could make things perfect would be freedom and the death of the master.

RIOT by Tillie Cole is dark, disturbing and filled with the gore of hand to hand combat, as well as the havoc it wreaks on the human mind. The only light in the world of an underground fighter is if they find love and even that can be used against them. Discover a stark world where the only thing one man has left is his pride and the fledgling honor he keeps hidden. Find the beauty of love in the ugliest of places and discover what power lies within those four letters as the final battle is waged and death stalks those who fight to survive.

I received an ARC edition from St Martin's Griffin in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Scarred Souls - Book 4
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (March 7, 2017)
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 304 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

This novel sucked me in from the first page to the last. I loved it. I love the way this author can draw you in and I literally did not want to put it down to see what was going to happen next.. I loved the other novels in this series, and this novel did not disappoint. There were times when I was reading that my heart was in my throat but I could not stop reading to see what was going to happen. I loved the relationship between the hero and heroine. There was a pureness to their love despite what kind of lives they were force to live. I loved the story and I loved the characters. I can't wait to see what is coming next from this author, her novels just keep getting better.

Oh wow. Riot is truly a fitting, brutal, violent, but oh so good end to this Scarred Souls series from Tillie Cole.

When the group find out just where Valentin’s sister has been taken, they start working on a plan to get her back. Meanwhile, 152/Inessa is just trying to survive her new hell. 901, the Blood Pit’s reigning champion fighter will not obey the Master, that is until Master finds a way to make him submit and bend to his master’s will… 152.

I cannot say anything else about this plot or it will totally spoiler it. But it is brutal. It is bloody. It is actually kinda sweet in places, but overall it is just plain good. It really got the nerves going, dragging me in from the start, my nails are now non existent, lol. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and Riot gets 5 stars from me.

Riot was a brutal story of love and strength. It really drew me in emotionally.. It was part of a series, so it took me a minute to put it all together, but I'm so glad I did. Tillie Cole is a great writer.

WOW!!! Like really freaking WOW!!! I can't even.... Ms. Tillie Cole just freaking nailed it again!!!!!
Riot is the fourth and final book in the Scarred Souls series.. **sobs** This series is one of my favorite and the only Tillie Cole books I've ever read. Riot is can be read as a standalone but it would be great if you read the first 3 books in the series before starting this because the characters from the previous books will be here.
Anyway, this book is 901 and 152's story. 152 is groomed to become a Mona while 901 is the champion of the pit. Without giving away too much, you can read what the story all about on goodreads or amazon synopsis. So, on what I thought ob this book, this book gave me CHILLS and made me freaking emotional. I really loved it from the start up to the last. This book is full of suspense, romance and action! You really must read this book!

Note: This book is a bit gory (heck, the whole series is kind of gory) so if you are not a fan f such books, I advice you to walk away from this.

Be still my bleeding freaking heart.


Now I'll be honest I haven't yet read this series from tillie though I have read others from her. I was saving this series for a rainy day, I honestly didn't expect to get this ARC so colour me surprised when I did. However, I wouldn't change anything. I know I have much to catch up on and believe me I will be on this series for the next few days like a mad women. But it just shows how absolutely fantastic an author she is because although I haven't read the previous books I had no problems following this one. This story was seemless from start to finish so I can only imagine how brilliant the rest are.

152 was nothing short of fantastic. Not once throughout the whole story did I feel annoyed or aggravated by her. Her character held strong through continuously growing. She had no memory of her past life except little fragments of memories that appeared but she couldn't quite make sense of. It was nice because it made everything more suspenseful, and every emotion seemed heightened. Her strength and courage throughout was admirable and she never lost her sense of kindness staying true to whom she was even in such despair dealing with unimaginable horrors. She was honourable throughout and definitely one of the best heroines I have ever read.

901 is a man made of the most unimaginable horrors known. He knows nothing but solitude. He made it so he was unbeatable, untouchable and unstoppable. He is a force to be reckoned and his master knew it. For years he kept himself away from anything other than the pit so he had no weaknesses. His attraction to 152 was instantaneous, he knew he should stay away but when forced into having no other choice but to help her he sealed his fate for ever and finally had the biggest weakness possible. It's was wonderful how tillie wrote him so perfect. She didn't hide whom he was but instead build on the foundation of him. He wasn't a soft man however 152 brought out a side of him that made him be gentle with her, kind and sweet. His character growth was truly beautiful without loosing whom he was and what he started of like just subtle improvements and fine tweaks.

Wow together they truly were two broken pieces that made a whole. Their. chemistry wasn't what I'd call smoking because it wasn't the right fit for that however it was sweet and gentle slowly simmering but no less believable. I loved that together they healed, they learned to love and they grew both individually as much as they did as a couple.

The story itself is fantastic. The plot it's striking and pulls you in immediately regardless of not reading the previous stories I had zero trouble keeping up. It flows seamlessly from start to finish keeping you engaged always making you wonder what's next and leaving you pine for more. It takes you through a crap ton of emotions leaving you feeling slightly Pete tong by the end but no less in love with this perfectly fucked up story.

It has so much violence and so much sorrow yet amongst the madness is a finely tuned love story that blossoms. I credit tillie for the impossible really because it's only her that can make such books turn into a beautifully sad story with a HEA that doesn't seem so far unfetched.

A little side note for Maya the chiri who stole my heart with her bravery and honour throughout. She for me was the real champ though this story even though it wasn't about her and I really do hope to hear her story.

All in all I'd 100% recommend this story. I absolutely loved it and have fallen more in love with this author for writing something so fucking brilliant.

I'm not trying to spoil it for anyone because it truly needs to be read with fresh eyes to appreciate it.

Also the ending had me blubbering like a bitch. What a beautiful end to a great story. Now I shall go read the rest in order.

I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sadly, Riot is the last book in the Scarred Souls series, and we leave the evil Master and the tortured souls in the Blood Pit with a bang.
152 has become Master's obsession, he wants to possess her in all ways. 901 is his undefeated champion, but he is not fully under his control yet so Master gifts him 152 to gain his compliance. But his plans back fire, at first 901 doesn't want anyone becoming his weakness, but soon 901 and 152 start to develop feelings for each other.
And freedom becomes a dream they both covet dearly.
The Blood Pit is a terrible place and horrendous things happen there.
The story is dark and gritty, and full of heartbreaking emotions (yep! I cried) wow! what a story.
A great conclusion, I highly recommend it!

This was amazing.. the story was awesome.. it was sexy.. the characters were amazing.. overall it was alot of fun to read and im really glad i got to review it

Riot by Tillie Cole is the fourth and final book in the Scarred Souls Series and I highly recommend reading them in order but can be read as a stand-alone. Reading in order just helps the story and ending mean so much more. This author can take you to some really dark places and grip your heart in a powerful way. This book can be quite brutal and then achingly beautiful. If you love a really dark romance full of suspense, I highly recommend this book.

Received ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review.

My mind is blown from this book, I have a major book hangover... This was a bite your nails, edge of your seat, kleenex box next to you book. Riot is the 4th book in the Scarred Sours series and is the final book. I wish this series wasn't coming to an end because I loved it, but what a way to go... This book tied all the loose ends up in a near little package so to speak. Riot is best read in order after the first three books. If you want updates on your favorite characters from the previous three books, don't worry you will get them!!!!

901/Ilya is the Blood Pit champion, 152/Inessa is the High Mona for the Master and is Valentin's sister. 901 won't obey, has no weaknesses and Master Arziani is determined to find one, when he catches 901 staring at 152. To break 901 he sends him 152.

The storyline flowed well and the book really put you right there in the story. I struggled to put the book down, and it was only because I had no choice and it was always in the middle of a major event. I shirked all my responsibilities because I couldn't put this book down. The characters felt real, and the heartbreak and devastation in the story was palpable. I loved the first three books, and thought it would be really hard to top them, but this one rivaled if not topped them. I loved seeing the updates on all the other couples, and the glimpse into life after. Definite 5 star read for me hands down!!!

Well this final instalment certainly went the extra mile with both our leads having been kidnapped, drugged and used abysmally since childhood . 152 ( Inessa ) is the sister of 194 ( Valentin ) from the previous book Ravage and until recently had been at the whims of Mistress Arziani but as this book begins 152 is the slave of Master and he's elevated her to his very own High Mona which trust me is not something to choose or indeed desire!
901 , champion of the blood pit and a real pain in Masters backside! Yet Master is determined to find a weakness in 901 and exploit it because after all slaves are meant to be subservient . Master throws 152 and 901 together under impossible circumstances but it's not all smooth sailing. 901 knows full well what's Masters game is and pushes away 152 but beneath his cold exterior is a man with heart and soul and perhaps he understands 152 more than he thinks?
Wow a worthy final story that ties up so many loose ends. It's impossible to imagine how 152 survives the appalling life she's been subjected to but as the drugs wear off she slowly claws back more of her sense of self and worth. The romance felt a little bit like two survivors finding each other but doesn't suffer for it, just kind of feels like kindred spirits needing each other. I loved seeing characters from previous stories appear here but best of all the ending just felt right.
I won't lie these books are heavy on physical interactions and yet strangely I didn't find this book sexy. Compelling and thought provoking , harsh and even cruel but not for this reader erotic. The author gives us damaged, tortured characters that frequently have me holding my breath at the sheer degree of degradation they go through. Yet as they somehow hold on to hope and save themselves it's knowing they not only survive but go on to flourish with love in their lives that has kept me gripped from the start. Not fluffy , happy, stories but dark, twisted ones that bring enemies together to form allies they never could have imagined.
This voluntary review is of an advance reader copy that was provided for me and these comments are my honest opinion

Best book I've read so far this year, hands down. I love this series and what Tillie Cole does with these trained fighters and assassins. I'm amazed at how ruthless they can be, yet are so tender that they tug at the heart strings. There's an innocence among the characters despite the violence which only connects us to them. Ilya and Inessa might be my favorite couple so far, but I can't decide, I love them all so much. And Maya...sweet, sweet Maya was such an addition to this story. Watching Ilya and Inessa fall in love had my fingers flying as they turned the pages. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Tillie Cole is the queen of combining the darkness and the light so that what's left is love.

This is the first book I've read in the series and I enjoyed it and the characters a lot. I look forward to reading more books from this author. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. I had no problems following the story even though I hadn't read the previous books.

The final installment of the amazing Scarred Souls series took my breath away meaning that the author once again created magic with an emotional, intense, suspenseful and full of twists story!

One thing for sure is.... that lots of blood it's going to be spilled..

To be honest I'm really sad to see the series come to an end but well what they say? all the wonderful things come to an end when the time is right and in this particular series it was (either way I'm sad sad, i took it heavily when i read the last page...it's not a secret that I'm in love with all the books in the series)!!

As you know from the previous book it ended with a big cliff about Valentine's sister, so yeah you got it right that's her story and 901's who believe me you are going to love from the first pages.. at least i did!! I won't say much about the plot, i don't wanna spoil anything it's better if you read it with no further info.. cause the author created some good twists and wow scenes and you have to be surprised!!

The plot develops steadily keeping the suspense and once again i was feeling everything the characters were living inside the story. 901 and 152 will warm your heart and you will be filled with sweet/sad, innocent and passionate emotions.

In addition i was pretty excited to read all the characters from the previous books were part of the epic conclusion. I definitely recommend the series and I'm looking forward to see what else the author has in store for us!!

An absolutely explosively good end to the series, it's left me wanting more even though I feel like their stories are complete!! Full review here http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/2017/01/book-of-month-riot-by-tillie-cole.html

5 Stars......LOVE this series and I think this book maybe my favorite!!

No, I take that back.....Reap is my favorite. Riot comes in second.

901/Ilya and 152/Inessa.....OMG you HAVE to FEEL for these two. You have NO HEART if you don't!

This book has the romance element, plenty of action, death & destruction, riot & uprising! Let's not forget about the hot Bratva's men and their women.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the ending of this book - best one for this kind of series. PERFECT!!