This book hits some deep places. It’ll make you cry and smile and everything in between. It’s dark on some levels, yet no longer enemy/bully behavior we saw in book 1, thankfully. I loved the growth for all the characters, as we all the character crossovers! I would definitely recommend this book! Part One focused on the events that took place at the end of Debts & Diamonds,leading to the showcasing of two different journeys. At it’s core, this is a story of healing and transformation. Characters united by past pain and toxic emotional expression that find a way to overcome not only all of the really bad stuff that has happened to them, but they also and most IMPORTANTLY learn to overcome parts of themselves. The ways in which their trauma has disfigured their hearts and souls. This final story is all about two very crucial rescues that inspire that transformation- one of physical and mortal danger, and the other more a metaphysical and psychological one. And the most magical part of that process it that Cyn is their savior in BOTH. Her strength, her resilience, her resolve are the beating heart and soul of this story. She loves SO big and freely ,and her vulnerable strength and cleverness shines so brightly. But we should have known that Cyn would never give up- she’s always been a battered and bruised character, but never BROKEN. But Bea sure did push the limits with her- and perhaps she does in fact break. And my heart broke with her- tears for the harrowing things she experiences. But Cyn survives like a Phoenix in the ashes, emerging stronger, more clear, and most of all, better loved. The Deana-Dhe- how Bea transformed them from depraved anti-heroes into the most swoony protectors and lovers, I don't even know- but she did, and I am so madly in love with them now. Cyn is a complex character. For someone unable to speak due to trauma, her actions speak louder for her. I love how she was able to help the masks in her journey of healing and love and now she is going through her own journey of healing and love with Deana-dhe.

Nothing made sense in this book. Nothing. It was like they threw everything and the kitchen sink in. Characters from her other books thrown in while adding nothing to plot. What, just so they could say hi? As well as displaying angsty-ness with tensions running high in certain events and situations they were faced with. The showcasing of very distinct personalities between each of the Deana-Dhe had been executed well by Bea.On the one hand you had Cyn trying to survive the terrible ordeal that she finds herself in at the hands of Skull Brotherhood, waiting to be rescued by Deana-Dhe.

We’re the Deana-dhe. Brothers in arms, purveyors of truths and lies, dealers and debts. Legends. We’re also human. We’re men who hate, who hurt, who bleed. We’re men who love.”

Success

Debts and Diamonds” not only highlights the financial struggles faced by individuals but also sheds light on the diamond industry itself. It discusses the impact of the secondary market for diamonds, where individuals sell their jewelry to pawnshops or online platforms, and how this affects the overall value and perception of diamonds. Cyn is absolutely incredible and so strong. I struggled with really liking the guys in the first book cause they did some messed up things to her over the years but to watch them come to terms with their love was absolutely breathtaking. The lengths they will go for her was unreal and I loved every minute of watching each relationship group along side them growing as a group too. And whew those spicy scenes were hot AF. The garden moment with Arden and then the 3 minute challenge in the room next to the guests was sooooo good. IYKYK. So good!! Oh my god, Bea! Standing ovation. It was great to see all characters in one book reunite to save Cyn from the Skull Brotherhood! It's like Bea's own Marvel universe. I almost cried, screaming, YES, the anxiety was there. Plus ANGER. I was on the edge of my seat and jumping around. I had during the first half of the book was just a rollercoaster of emotions. Emphasize the importance of financial literacy and responsible financial management in avoiding debt and making smart financial decisions. Narratively, this story felt night and day to the first in the duet- as book 1 really situated us in the history and past, leaned heavy on the origins and the turbulent intrapersonal issues between Cyn and the Deana-Dhe. The friction, the tension existed primarily between them- they were the antagonists in each other’s stories…until, well, they weren’t. The emotional energy was immersively volatile and desperate, the angst choking. But book 2 takes a different turn- a external antagonist and a heart-wrenching situation divide our quad-ruple (is that a thing?!), but their SOULS are no longer divided. Despite the horrific situation Cyn finds herself, this second book is heart bleedingly romantic- part rescue mission, part the best groveling ever. The Deana-Dhe have to save our girl, but since they do, they have a lot of making up to do for all the years of damage they themselves inflicted- and HOLY MOLY do they deliver some swoony alpha grovel. The first part of this story is all action and tragedy, and the second is richly relationally immersive. The emotional story is full of adrenaline and then just heaviness. SO MUCH HEAVINESS. There’s a horror and melancholy that permeates their progression, but one that morphs and twists into hesitant healing, cathartic trust, and and most of all, hopeful. Bea weaves an unexpectedly diverse emotional tapestry, but oh my it is so fulfilling. My heart felt so swollen with FEELING for these characters that I thought it might stop beating.

However that doesn’t mean it wasn’t without its fault because there was, since there were issues to be had with the book for me.Analyze the financial impact of purchasing diamonds, including the cost and potential debt incurred Honestly that scene seemed more like a fetish, and with the reason given behind it made it worse IMO with trying to justify or make it work. I already loved Cyn from the first book but this cemented her as my favorite heroine ever! She is so brave and selfless. Not overly bold and brash but quite and calm and underestimated by most. She is grace personified and a pure light that couldn't be snuffed out in even the darkest of conditions. She was a quiet and calm character that so often goes unnoticed and I was happy to see that type of personality represented. Furthermore, it is important to note that diamonds do not hold their value as well as other investments. While they may be a girl’s best friend,