The Gold Crown

Golden Crown #3

by Rue Volley

Beth and Ryan find themselves at a crossroads. They can either part and try to find happiness or stay and accept their fate. After the tragedy they endured in their own home Beth is still trying her best to explore a love she cannot quite accept with Mani. His patience with her is nothing short of miraculous as she battles to make him more than just a carnal pleasure.
Ryan is fighting his own demons, which have expanded from not only sexual but self destructive. All the while new enemies have risen up from the grave and are more than willing to try to consume them all.

Redemption can be found, even in hell, if that is where you happen to be.

Genres: Dark, Suspense, Ebooks

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2013

About the author

Rue Volley, who also writes as Elle Lee Hicks, lives in the Midwest in an old Victorian house with her husband and a spoiled Pug, crafting immersive, character-driven stories. She loves curling up in her favorite hoodie on rainy days with a great whodunit and collecting book trophies. Rue is a dedicated mood reader and never leaves the house without her Kindle Oasis, an iced coffee, and a list of books to buy.

Reviews

[Irayda Moran (Quezada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I have been emotionally invested in these characters is an understatement.. I love the Bittermends. Beth, love this lady & what a B**ch. I felt her pain, her love everything.. If you have yet to start this series don't wait any longer.. Amazing ride.. The perfect combination of love, secrets & betrayals.
I kept saying WTF & or OMG.. I hate that it ended.. No go grab your copies. Happy Reading!

[W.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an e-ARC copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review. OMG! Thank You Rue! I also bought a copy to support the author.

Warning: This read is intended for those 18+ Only

OMG! If you haven't read the first two installments of this short story series you are missing an amazing read. It starts with The Bitter End #1, continues with The Twin Dragons #2, and concludes with this third and final installment.

This installment is spellbinding, intriquing, and full of twisted turns that kept me guessing what was going to happen next... of course... I was completely thrown for a loop as the scenes played out... I woke up thinking about this read, to me that is a sign of a great story.

I do not believe in spoilers nor do I use them as they can ruin a book for many a reader, myself included. So all I will say is this... If you are looking for a read that is full of HOT and NAUGHT then this it, chock full of mystery, suspense, lust, betrayal, and it will melt your e-reader.

One of my favorite series written by Rue Volley...

5 out of 5 Hearts
Lovetiggi's Book Reviews

[Jacquie Talento · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this story will blow your mind!!! If you have not read The Bitter End and The Twin Dragons, read those first before diving into this story. Everything will make better sense if you do.
This masterpiece that Ms. Volley has written will leave you on the edge of your seat, not able to put this book down till the very last word on the last page. There is no ‘one word’ to describe how amazingly written this entire series has been. Being as it may, every great series has to have that phenomenal ending and this one does exactly that.
Refusing to give any part of this story away, I will leave you with the main question. In all the sorrow and bitterness Beth has experienced in her life, will she finally have the peace and possible happiness she so desired in the bitter end?

[Elizabeth Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an Insane, Intriguing and Sexy Ride! Loved every second of it! First off, just a reminder this book is definitely for the 18+ crowd, sex, violence, and more sex and it was HOT! So be sure not to be reading this one at work, it will melt your desktop, kindle etc... Now I'm going to try to do this without giving spoilers, but I don't know that I will succeed... so if you haven't read the first two books (And I don't know why you wouldn't because they were awesome) Then you definitely don't want to read the rest of this review, so stop now :D

Okay, So book two left off with an Insane Cas attempting to kill everyone and book 3 jumps right in where it left off! So great to see where Ms. Volley went with this! Every time I thought I had something figured out, she through me for a loop! The twists and turns of the story and crazy dysfunctional relationships make this an amazing roller coaster ride! I loved every second of it and I so didn't want it to end! I absolutely loved Beth and when she was with Mani I thought just for a moment that life might just be all right for her in the end... but she is a Bittermend afterall, and I just love that about her! And the Ryan/Malcolm scenes! Oh my gosh! Crazy!!! I never saw that coming! And Molly, oh lord! I would go one, but I really really don't want to spoil anything, so read this series, it's awesome and twisted and hot! You'll love it! Great Job Ms. Volley!

[Pyxi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for: The Gold Crown (Final book in the Golden Crown trilogy) by Rue Volley
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Shanna Roberson

Let me first say, wow. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, she throws one hell of a curveball and then another and another… you get the picture. This entire trilogy is one hell of a mind bender and the more I learnt about this family I love to hate, the more I became addicted to the sheer amount of madness and cruelty that makes up this incredibly screwed up family.

I normally like to sum up the story briefly but with The Gold Crown, I don’t want to spoil the complete downward spiral that Rue Volley has masterfully unfolded. There is a lot of ‘Ah-ha’ moments followed up with a few ‘No f*ing ways’. Here is a little spoiler so if you haven't read the first two books, just ignore this next part. And if you haven't read the first two books...what the heck are you waiting for?!

The Gold Crown starts us back at the end of The Twin Dragons. With the aftermath of that hellish breakdown of Cas and the death of Zane. The complete crescendo of Cas discovering his true heritage and the betrayal he felt at the hands of his parents and his brother. With Ryan and Beth dealing with the psychotic break in vastly different ways, will the Bittermend curse be the unavoidable future for Beth and Ryan? Will Beth finally get that HEA that she feels she doesn’t deserve but craves anyways?

Trust me when I say this…you may think you figured it all out but you are dead wrong. Just wow, Rue Volley. This trilogy is unlike anything I have ever read and it is easily one of my favorite love/hate erotica series. It is just a whirlwind of jaw dropping secrets and half-truths; enough to make your head spin but you just can’t put it down. With this trilogy, I think it is official. I am a Rue-addict and I am not ashamed. Keep them coming, Rue Volley. If you write it, I will devour it in one bite!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

*******INSERT THE F WORD HERE*******
Nooooo this can’t be the last book but sadly it is and it’s everything and more I could off asked for.
I’m going to miss Beth and the love she has for the twins I’m going to miss Ryan and his bed hopping ways I’m going to miss both sets of Twins and the darkness that lies in them all.
In case you can’t tell I have loved this series from the beginning and was so excited for this book and it just a WOW book simple as.
I didn’t find this one as dark as the other two and that’s because everything comes together in this book the secrets the lies the betrayal and oh the games people play.
The one thing I loved about this book is Beth trying to move on and find love again with Mani and that she and Ryan finally find some sort of peace with each other in the only way they both know how.
I didn’t see the Ryan and Malcolm situation coming so that was a big surprise for me and I loved it.
And oh Molly Molly what a vindictive bitch you are no wonder we see an evil side to Zoey like Mother like Daughter I say.
I loved the August, Zoey and Jami storyline just proves when people play there little games it can cause a string of events to happen.
I’m going to be honest I say I was hoping for a happy ending and yes we get a glimpse of one but come on this is Ryan and Beth Cas and August we are talking about and Rue ended it with a bang.
If you love your characters F**ked up in every sense of the word and you like your books dark and edgy then I highly recommend this series. It will blow your mind.

[Erotica Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** EROTICA BOOK CLUB REVIEW ****

THE GOLD CROWN (Golden crown #3)

By Rue Volley

Release date: 7 September 13

This picks up after the dramatic ending in the last book (The Twin Dragons) I can't say too much because I will spoil it for others so I will just jump straight to the part where I tell you how much I love it.

WOW...

This is a fantastic final instalment for The Golden Crown series and Rue has certainly left the best till last.
The book didn't disappoint with the hot sex scenes and the messed up minds of the characters. This one isn't quite as dark as the other 2 books in the series.

I really could not put this down I was gripped from the very start and it held me in right to the very end. I am a little sad that this is the end of this series I have grown to love the characters but understand that all good things must come to an end.


I would also like to thank Rue for giving me the chance to read and review all this series, these books have certainly opened my mind to reading books that were out of my comfort zone.

What else can I say but I LOVED it....

I received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review

5 stars for Amazon and 5 stars for Goodreads

~Jane~

[Kim McNiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, just 100% awesome. I just finished reading The Golden Crown, the final book of this series and I was crying like a baby. I started off with The Bitter End, on to The Twin Dragon and finally now The Gold Crown. As I journeyed with these characters, I fell in love with them. They are so full of emotions there's no way you can't get addicted to them. I am not even going to give a hint of what happened because that would ruin it for you, but if you want non stop action, love, lust, betrayal, and mystery, then this is the series for you. Totally impressed with Author Rue Volley. Thank you for allowing me to take this journey with your characters.

[Jane Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** EROTICA BOOK CLUB REVIEW ****

THE GOLD CROWN (Golden crown #3)

By Rue Volley

Release date: 7 September 13

This picks up after the dramatic ending in the last book (The Twin Dragons) I can't say too much because I will spoil it for others so I will just jump straight to the part where I tell you how much I love it.

WOW...

This is a fantastic final instalment for The Golden Crown series and Rue has certainly left the best till last.
The book didn't disappoint with the hot sex scenes and the messed up minds of the characters. This one isn't quite as dark as the other 2 books in the series.

I really could not put this down I was gripped from the very start and it held me in right to the very end. I am a little sad that this is the end of this series I have grown to love the characters but understand that all good things must come to an end.


I would also like to thank Rue for giving me the chance to read and review all this series, these books have certainly opened my mind to reading books that were out of my comfort zone.

What else can I say but I LOVED it....

I received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review

5 stars for Amazon and 5 stars for Goodreads

~Jane~

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an e-ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review. WOW....I am speechless. I can sum this book up in 3 words; mysterious, sexy, and shocking!! I really enjoyed this amazing book from beginning to end. I was completely addicted and entranced by the art form of this phenomenal author's writing and I was intrigued by the twist and turns along the way, never guessing things would turn out as they did in the end. The author has done a superb job of keeping me pondering and guessing about the turn of events, even as I write this review. This trilogy is by far my favorite one that this author has written. This is a RECOMMENDED READ for Adults ONLY that will capture your heat, soul, and libido all in one swoop. It's extremely fast paced and tantalizingly addictive and worth ever penny!! Thank you, Rue Volley, for this amazing and unforgettable story that rocked my world and soared my imagination to a whole new level!!

**CAUTION: READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED**

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow! This is 100% pure awesomeness!

I am not sure there are words to describe this book or The Gold Crown series. I am always sad when a favorite series comes to an end, and this is no different.

The Gold Crown picks up where Twin Dragons left off. If you haven't read The Bitter End or Twin Dragons, you need to!! I loved these characters from the beginning, in my opinion, there is no way not to fall in love with these people. One really can't get into too much detail here without giving anything away..but let me say this... if you are looking for ultimate betrayal, sacrifice, revenge, love, hatred & lust, then you need to read this series.

[Brandy Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally thrown by the ending of this book/series (But it was in a good way!) and must give Ms. Volley kudos. Her twisted story of love, lies, sex, and murder will keep its readers on the edge of their seats and no matter what you think will happen...a curve will come your way. Beth is the bitch you love to hate, Ryan is the sexy beast you want to slap, and their warped love/hate relationship is like no other. It was bittersweet to see the series end because of how the characters pull you in, but it had a spectacular ending and I couldn't have asked for one better. :)

[Hooked On Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gold Crown is the third and final book in the chilling Golden Crown trilogy. This book starts as it means to go on, it's cold and creepy and sinister and a little twisted and it makes for a brilliant read. The trilogy as a whole is turning out to be this way and it seems to get darker and more sinister as it goes and book three doesn't disappoint. The trilogy is written completely from Beth's point of view and I think that adds to the sinister nature of the series, as if she knows whats happening with her family even if she isn't directly involved in everything she is telling the reader. This book plays heavily on the mind games going on throughout the series but they all come to a head in the final installment of the trilogy all the loose ends get tied up excellently, the mind games are the basis of most of the relationships within this trilogy and it appears to be how these characters exist together instead of with actual compassion for one and other. Secrets are revealed and bonds formed and others broken, I found the whole thing was heartbreaking and a brilliant way to finish off the trilogy. Excellent 4.5 stars!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate this is the last book in the series. I am going to miss Beth's and Ryan's dysfunctional relationship. The darkness that hides away in Beth's head. Ryan in is very active sex drive. I think he would f**k the wall if he could. This story held so much deceit and so much tragedy. Poor Cas, he was really mess up. August struggling with his decision to find men attractive in the sexual sense. Omg...Poor Zoey...I thought she was so sweet, but woah, she had some darkness in her also. The end disappointed me. I had hope. But I can't tell you why, you just have to read to find out! Even though the ending did not turn out the way I wanted it, that's what made the ending perfect. There are no predicting what will happen. If you have a direction of how you want the story to go, GET IT OUT OF YOUR HEAD, because it won't be what you expect!!! Rue went far upon her imagination. I was shocked at how some of the scenes played out. This is an Amazing series. If you pass this book over and decide not to add to your collection, You're the crazy one!! I recommend!!

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

some weird ass chit here..like how did that all end just
now? okay we find out Beth's dad fathered Zane and Zoey via Molly
who was abducted as a child by Ryan's dad, who Ryan later shot and killed
then Malcolm appears who is Molly's brother.
Zoey and August name the baby girl Miko..do we know if the dad is
August?

[Tomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gold Crown by Rue Volley is a gripping and intense conclusion to the Golden Crown trilogy that gives readers a rollercoaster of emotions, twists, and unexpected revelations. Picking up immediately after the dramatic events of the previous book, it continues the story of Beth and Ryan as they face a crossroads between trying to find happiness separately or accepting a complicated fate together.

Rue Volley delivers complex, multi-dimensional characters struggling with dark pasts, personal demons, and tangled relationships that keep the tension high throughout. The novel balances raw emotion, suspense, and steamy scenes, making for a story that is both addicting and challenging. The layered plot features honestly flawed characters who are navigating love, betrayal, and revenge in a world where redemption is uncertain.

While this installment isn’t quite as dark as its predecessors, it maintains the series' signature intensity and emotional depth. The ending is powerful, wrapping up the main storylines while leaving lingering questions that linger long after the last page is turned. This is a must-read for fans of dark, edgy romance with a twist of mystery and intrigue.

[Barbara Salard · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 GOLDEN STARS***

The Gold Crown is sadly the 3rd and final installment in the dark erotic Gold Crown Series. This book was intense and dark to the very end. It has lust, greed, murder, betrayal, jealousy, deception, tragedy,lies, sex and will warp your mind!!! It is an amazing and addictive read! Rue Volley saved the best for last. This review has spoilers from the second book The Twin Dragons.

This book takes place right after Cas goes on a murderous rampage after discovering who the skull belonged to. He attempts to murder his entire family. He does succeed in killing his lover Zane in a fit of jealousy after finding out that Zane and August had been secretly having an affair. He is shot by August and then committed to a mental institution.

Beth is trying to find the courage to move on from Ryan and be with Mani, a man that she has fallen in love with. Beth still feels some sort of obligation to stay with Ryan because of the twins, even if it is truely over for them. Ryan is still not willing to let her go but keeping her is only proving to be a game to him. He can have any woman he wants and they never tell him no. Beth is the only woman who has ever challenged him.

"I will not be home tonight, find company," I said as the door opened up and I stepped out as he leaned to look at me.

"You are joking," he said as he smiled and I grinned at him as I closed the door and walked away. I glanced back as the car pulled off and I let Ryan feel as I had for so many years, alone and wanting something he cannot have again....

There are more twist and turns in this book as you meet some new crazy characters to add to the Bittermend's dysfuntional family. Molly was one crazy psycho bitch. She was right up there with the likes of Miko's craziness. I think her and Ryan deserved each other because they were both evil snakes. The storyline between August, Zoey and her cousin Jami was very intresting to read. Zoey proves that she is just as crazy as her evil mother. The outcome of their manipulation, and deceit was tragic. The revelation of Ryan's partner in crime was shocking.

I was hoping that Ryan would see the light and finally have a heart and change for the good. Ryan is the biggest man-whore I have ever had the pleaure reading about. If there is ever an award given out for BEST BOOK MAN-WHORE he would win. Hands down!! There will never be another one quite like him and that is why I loved reading about his sexcapades so much. He is truely one character you will love to hate and maybe almost pity him a little. If you are expecting a HEA there is one although I can't say it is the one you wish for. You will think you have the story figured out and then here goes another twist. I will say I found it very intriguing to discover who finally does end up with the Gold Crown!!! Not what I expected!!! Awesome ending.Loved this series and I will definately be reading more Rue Volley books in the future.


I loved reading this entire dark series. There were times I had to stop reading for a second and try to wrap my mind around the story and the characters. Plenty of WTF moments. Each book gets darker and more intriguing. The suspense will have you on the edge of your seat until the very bitter end.

[H.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all you readers wondering whether or not you should read this series—
My answer is ABSOLUTELY.

The Gold Crown (Book 3: The Golden Crown Series)
As expected of any finale, this book brought the stories, the truths and the lies of Beth, Ryan, Cas and August to their inevitable climax. With a plethora of intrigues and plots, a new love interest (that fundamentally saves Beth), and even more disturbing twists and truths – this book tops them all off nicely.
You can’t help feel devastated by the characters’ choices throughout the tale. You hope for redemption and some kind of resolution for Beth and Ryan, despite knowing it would never be deserved – after all, what Ryan has done is beyond all realms of forgiveness or understanding. Then just as you are beginning to accept these new outcomes, Rue swipes your feet from underneath you and leaves you reeling on your ass!
I have had a book hangover before but never have I been so wrung out that I have had a book breakdown… my little heart will never be the same again…
 
Rue gives us characters who are so poisonous they are barely redeemable and yet you long for a happier existence for them; you ache to see a happy ending (it is an ache that stays long after you read the last word and turn the last page).
I plan to reread them but won’t even dare to do so until I feel strong enough to be broken all over again.

Amazing to find three little books with such a huge impact!

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well it's finally over. My mind can now get back to its regularly scheduled programming. I'm not sure if the ending provided anyone with relief but I was left dissatisfied.

Beth was finally on the brink of normalcy with Mani.

Ryan was... Ryan lol

August was one confused boy. The way I see it, he was bi. What the heck was the big deal about that? Ryan himself was bi and no one seemed to take exception to it. It was repeatedly mentioned that his preference wouldn't be accepted. Ummmm... LGBT tolerance is at an all time high in western civilization. Am I missing something here?

Zoey was absolutely nuts and delusional. Jami really didn't help the situation. He was manipulative and calculating.

The only person other than Mani that I had warm feelings for was Cas. This poor tortured and fractured boy. The way he ends this book was just sad. I hoped he would get some real help and be able to heal from the many layers of betrayal he endured. Then I remember that this isn't one of those stories.

[Cindy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing final book! So many of the little secrets now come out into the light! Of course, that leaves even more questions and feelings of betrayal!

Cas is institutionalized after his homicidal rampage and is almost comatose. He never speaks. August is feeling guilty because he knows Zane's death is partially his fault. He knew Cas loved Zane and stole him. Zoey does not know August and Zane were an item and thinks she is his love.

Molly, the mother, we find is not a recluse. In fact she has been seeing Ryan for years. Beth just wants peace with Mani. But all the lies and betrayals keep everyone's plans for the future in an uproar.

Though not as dark as the first two books, the bitterness and need for revenge of the characters is still present and accounted for in this book.

Nice finish.

[Jeannette Joyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a finally! Rue took this story to a whole new level!! My heart is still racing! I will have to say this one was by far the most exciting in the series! Everything is coming apart at the seams as Beth tries to grasp what little happiness that she can find while tragedy strikes again. New character are revealed and parts of the puzzle start to fit together as new secrets are discovered. As these secrets come to light the stakes increase along with the risk that could exposing sinister deeds of long ago. One might go through extraordinary lengths to keep it buried no matter what the cost.....
All this causes a tailspin of heated emotions, sexual interludes that has no boundaries, and devious act of revenge....
This is a must have series!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theres not too much I can say about this book without spoilers, other than I loved it, it definitely did not disappoint at all. It was a great ending to the trilogy and as much as I would have been happy to read more of the characters it did feel like a natural ending point. It wasn't as dark as the other two books though it certainly wasn't lighthearted. You could see the growth and change overall in all the characters as the book progressed, they're all still as twisted as ever but in some ways seem to have accepted their paths a bit better. The book once again grips hold and does not let go. There are many secrets revealed within this book but at the same time, there are man things that are left for you to speculate upon. An explosive ending to an awesome series.

[TreLyn Cecile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good books. They have everything from murder to steamy, hot sex, to tragedy. Loved them. One you def won't stop reading. Just make sure you have a tissue handy for the last one. You'll need it!

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a conclusion. Holy....yeah.

[Elida · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5***

[Cindy Suttles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless!

[Nicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series. This is one of those books you would not be able to put down. Rue Volley is an amazing writer. Thanks for the roller-coaster ride.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa.......

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of time. Poor character development, plot quick and not thoroughly developed. The ideas were amazing the author could of executed much better!

[Julie Post · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow....just wow....