Review: Fitting end to a heart-pounding series!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 23, 2014
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.The timeline for this installment of the Layers trilogy begins shortly before the end of the first book, Layers Peeled. There is quite a bit of jumping back and forth between the past and the present, and it is definitely important to point out that it is imperative you read the first two books before reading this one, these are not standalones in any sense.This time around we get a deeper look into Kendra’s story and how her relationship with Julian and Tristan came about. They have all known each other since they were teens, but it just so happens that they met when the Cross brothers had been assigned to protect Kendra. When the unthinkable happens, Kendra’s life changes and soon layer upon layer of lies bury her past. It is in her pursuit of getting well, both physically and mentally, that she begins to have flashbacks of a life she left behind. Kendra feels pursuing a relationship with Julian will be the key to her ongoing success, however Julian feels the guilt of keeping the lies of Kendra’s past over the past decade. Can Julian find a way to come clean to Kendra, without the possibility of losing her? Is she really as safe as they think she is?While Julian and Kendra are the main focus of the story, we also get insight into Kendra and Tristan’s history, and why the ill feelings remained after the two had broken up. Ms. Silks gives us a deeper look into just how entwined Kendra’s life is with that of the Cross family.Layers Off is hands-down the best of the three full-length novels in the trilogy. Originally I wasn’t that interested in reading Kendra’s story as the previous novels had her coming across as a little vapid and spoiled. What Ms. Silks has managed to do with her character though sent me into a 180 tailspin, leaving me with nothing but admiration and empathy towards her. Despite all of the difficulties she was given, starting in her teenage years, Kendra emerged stronger and more compassionate.Layers Off was a fitting tribute to wrap up the Layers trilogy. Ms. Silks has regained the spark that was readily apparent in the first book, but sorely lacking in the second. While it was a little hard to get into at first, namely because of several timeline shifts to explain Kendra’s history, the book ended up being a five star read. The edge of your seat action and heat made it hard to put down once I’d really gotten into it. I’m sad that this is the end of the trilogy, especially when it seems that there is still so much of Kendra and Julian’s story left tell. Seeing how their future together plays out would definitely make for more steamy reading! I’ll definitely be around to see what Ms. Silks surprises us with next!