Bold TricksAuthor: Karina Halle
Series: The Artists Trilogy #3
Published by: Forever
Publication Date: October 15, 2013
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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.
I finished! Oh boy, was I ever eager to jump into Bold Tricks. My mind took me to some pretty dark places when I tried to imagine what was going to happen it this book. It’s the final book in The Artists Trilogy, so I was preparing myself for the worst. I don’t know if it’s warranted or not, but I don’t fully trust Karina. That sounds bad, but it’s actually a damn good thing. She keeps me on my toes, and situations can go bad really fast. The woman is good! I’m not going to get into many details since this is the third book, but I will say that it was a kick-ass ender!
Ah, these characters! I wasn’t much of a Javier fan in the previous books because I saw him more on the cheesy side. I know I’m in the minority on that, but I can’t help it. However, he stepped up his game in this book. Dude is loco! Oh, but he’s the cold and cunning kind of loco, so do not ever underestimate the guy. He definitely turned into a character I loved to hate.
Of course I still love my Ellie and Camden no matter what. I loved how Ellie went through so much, especially in Bold Tricks. She went on quite the effed up journey, but the person she became made it worth it, I think. What can I say about Camden? Who wouldn’t want a guy like that? One who is willing to go to the end of the earth for you no matter the cost. That’s right, everyone!
Bold Tricks was definitely a wild ride and a perfect ending for all of these characters. Seriously, the entire trilogy rocked through and through. If you haven’t read these yet, then shame on you! 😉
Quotes
On one side of me was Camden McQueen, on the other was Javier Bernal. One more light than dark, one more dark than light. Both men had come for me. Both men had loved me. And both of them I had seriously underestimated.
—-
“You are so fucked-up,” Camden muttered, his hand tightening on my back.Javier merely grinned at that, his teeth white in the darkness, taking no offense at all.
—-
“He cupped my face in his hands and my eyes closed at his touch. “My Ellie. My beautiful girl. I will burn for you. I will die for you.”
—-
Fucking Mexican pirate.
The Artist Trilogy
I know, I know, this series is set up to buy the next time I buy books. You have loved it far too much for me to let it pass buy. Happy the ending worked too. So important.
You better read these, Jennifer! 😉
It’s rare to come across a trilogy where every installment rocks; I’m glad to hear that the finale was just as good (if not better) than book 1. I guess it’s time for you to find another series addiction! 😀
This is definitely an all around kick-ass trilogy.
Glad you enjoyed the trilogy so much! I think it’s great when sequels make you see characters in a new light. Isn’t it the best reward when you read to the end of a trilogy and it turns out to be awesome? Great review Christy!
Thanks, Jeann. It’s a great trilogy!
Okay . . . I think I might actually go back and finish this series now. I’m with you–Javier was cornball, so if you say he up-ed his game, I believe you. Great review, Christy!
Yeah, you definitely should finish. You have to see it through!
Yes I know, I really need to start it finally, but seriously. I’ve seen the guy he’s based on and yum. One yum’s not enough buy yum. And I guess it ended the way you wanted it to? 🙂
Lol – Yeah, I didn’t really see any images until after I finished this book. I tried to limit my exposure to anything regarding these books while reading them. I had the 1st book from awhile back and all I really knew was people were gaga over Javier and Camden. Yes, I’m very satisfied with the ending. 😀
*shuffles feet and shakes head* I read book one and own the next ones. Yeah, I so need to read them. I am excited the ended rocked.
Hell yes, you do!
So happy to see you say this had a good ending. It seems like way too often now those third books suck big time and it is so disappointing that I end up not even wanting to start the series.
Nope, the whole trilogy rocks! 🙂
I really need to catch up, I have only read the first one, of which I loved! Great review girl!!!
How could you not need to immediately continue with an ending like that? 😀
I still have my copy of Sins and Needles to read. I really need to catch up.
Sheesh, yeah you do!
Glad you liked it Christy. I still haven’t read this one, because Ellie disappointed me big time in the last one :/
How did she disappoint you? If it’s because of what she did with J, then you really should read the third book.
At first, I was all excited that it was the ARTIST trilogy, but then was disappointed that it was CON artist. LOL Then your review had me rethinking it again. Hm… I do think I should check out this trilogy.
LOL – well, Camden is a tattoo artist and Ellie is an ex-con artist … or trying to get away from it, anyway. That’s too funny, though.
Kyaaaaa, love effed up journey and kick-ass enders!! I’m definitely reading this, all of her work most likely cause there’s this delicous darkness about her stuff that I just love to bits xD
Oh I’m sure you’ll love this trilogy!
I have a few of her books but I want to try her paranormal series first, I heard it’s really good then I can read these next. Pleasure reads!
I want to read her paranormal series too. I already have the first one… I think it’s free on Amazon.
LOL shame on me I haven’t read any but I know they’re good, I heard so many great things about them and I know I need to try book 1! I”m glad you had a wonderful time with the series.
Yes, you need to! 🙂
Oh gah I need to finish this one. I’ve had it on my review shelf for way too long. Total blogger girl fail. Glad to hear it went out with a bang!
Fail, indeed! 😀
I really do want to check these out; they sound so good and I’ve read different reviews that are always positive. Glad you love this one.
Yay Christy!! I’m once again thrilled that you love this one too 🙂
Great review! I totally agree, Javier is “LOCO” LOL
Now I’m kind of excited to read Dirty Angel knowing how this series ended for him.
I seriously need to read Karina Halle’s books ASAP! I have book 1 of her Experiment in Terror series and I think I would start from there. I think I am missing out on some great books and a great author 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed this final book in the series Christy! That doesn’t always happen!
Hell yes, you’re missing out. I plan to read the Terror series next. At least start it.
It’s awesome to see an author wrap up a series perfectly and that you were still surprised by a character stepping up. Great review Christy!!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Thanks, Naomi. You should read these!
I’m glad you enjoyed this and I totally agree with your Cam and Ellie love. I was so addicted to this series! It’s a shame I’m done with it. Awesome review! 🙂
Are you going to read Dirty Angel? And did you see who the second book in that new series is about? I can’t wait.
You know, I’ve never read Karina Halle. But NOW… now I totally want to pick this series up! It sounds really terrific, and I love an author who can keep you on your toes. That cover is amazing, love it!
You have to!!
I have really enjoyed the couple of Karina’s books that I have read, but I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet.
Maybe once I can get my current TBR pile under control I will buy this one and give it a shot. It looks like a great read, and I know Karina is such a talented writer.
Great review Christy!
shame on me I have not read these D: I have book 1 thought!!
Loved, loved, loved this trilogy ! And great review 😉