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Legendary Rock Stars #5

The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance

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She made a terrible mistake. He still wants her back.

The scorned woman.

For Guinevere DeGrance, loneliness was her crime and an unforgivable mistake led to her begging for redemption. But she isn’t the only guilty party. With the return of a legend comes unanswered questions and a new inquisition - can they survive a reunion or are they lost to one another forever?

The returned hero.

For Arturo King, depression and pain have been his prison and his silence garnered his sentence: the loss of his woman’s heart. But guilt is not hers alone, as his decisions had consequences and he must accept his fate - can he be the man he needs to be to rule the stage again or is all hope gone?

Two broken souls will either heal or burn in the conclusion of the Legendary Rock Stars, a romantic classic retold giving lovers a second chance at their once and future fate.

My once. My future. For music, and love, and Guinevere.

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The Legendary Rock Stars is a series and best enjoyed in order:
The Legend of Arturo King
The Story of Lansing Lotte
The Quest of Perkins Vale
The Truth of Tristan Lyons
The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance

Full-length novels full of rock star hotness, strong heroines, gritty sexiness, and a bit of suspense.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2015

64 people are currently reading
343 people want to read

About the author

L.B. Dunbar

96 books3,309 followers
L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Sterling Falls, Lakeside Cottage, and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.

To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.

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5 stars
134 (53%)
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71 (28%)
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38 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,582 reviews408 followers
September 7, 2015
This book was an amazing addition to the series.
Arturo is back but he is damaged. He cannot play his guitar and he feels half a man. All he wants is Guinevere but after his disappearance she is certain that he does not want her.
Lost and hurt, she tries to stay away but can she?
Arturo needs to make amends, he needs to get to know his son and he needs to get his career back on track. But he needs his woman by his side and he will do anything to get her.
The book was filled with deep emotion. The characters make mistakes, they make bad decisions but they are real and honest. The writing was amazing and this modern twist on King Arthur's story is a true gem. The author does an amazing job in her attempt to modernise the classic tale and her rock stars rock.
Amazing series. Fantastic execution.
5 Stars from me.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,898 reviews160 followers
September 6, 2015
I was so happy to be back in L.B. Dunbar's meticulously crafted rocker world. Throughout all of the other bandmates' stories, readers have been kept apprised of Arturo's sparse interactions with his friends and Guinevere's poor decisions and heartbreaking self torture, but both of those have occurred through other people's perspectives, not their own. In The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance, readers get what they've impatiently been waiting for - the fallout of Guinie's lonely discretion and the reasons behind Arturo's chosen absence. Arturo and Guinie's relationship wasn't a slow burn - it was fast paced and their emotions and their bodies were tangled up in each other right from the start, and for this reason, both are hesitant to completely let go of one another and the passion they share, but they also don't know how to get past the time, secrets, and heartbreak that lies between them. There's no question that they love each other, but sometimes when there are so many other factors going against a relationship, love is not enough, especially when there is a lack of trust and a plethora of anger.

Guinie's emotional torment resonates off of the pages as does Arturo's, but his is more subdued because he doesn't know all that he has lost. When all of the secrets are exposed, both suffer immensely and Dunbar does a fantastic job of showing their distress and proving that it will take time and communication in order to repair what both of them have broken with their bad decisions.

I've hated Ana from the beginning and that is only reinforced in this story, which means L.B. Dunbar created quite the stellar female antagonistI I'm not sure what to think about Morte...there's so much anger within him, which is going to be difficult to be rid of until he gets help and his parents figure out a way to give him the love and care he desperately needs and craves.

The other couples are a big part of The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance; Guinie gets support from an unlikely ally, which makes all of the difference in her decisions. Perkins will always be my favorite and he continues to be a calm presence in the story for everyone around him.

The ending was perfect because there was too much turmoil at the end...too many variables to consider for there to be a complete Happily Ever After. Don't get me wrong, Dunbar does a great job of leaving everyone in a good place, but there's no 5 years later, etc., which is perfect in my view because the band nor Guinie and Arturo truly knows what the future holds.
580 reviews17 followers
October 21, 2016
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Every book LB Dunbar has written in the Legendary Rockstars series has surpasses the one previous. Guinnie's book blows the first four out the water. The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance is an emotionally charged story of love, loss, and perseverance. Bringing the original story-line full circle, Trials brings us back to the two people that started it all; the King and Queen of rock and roll, Arturo & Guinnie.

I need to take you back to Arturo's book for just a moment... The end of the first book int his series left he shattered. I needed more, desperately. I was crushed, angry, devastated, and heartbroken. I was more than ready to read the conclusion of this tale.

Bringing us back to the here and now, I want to shout HALLELUJAH from the rooftops. The strength that Guinnie cultivated throughout Trials is inspiring. The transformation of Arturo is difficult to watch, but at the same time, allows such a deep connection between rock-god and reader that I will forever be indebted to the author.

The inclusion of nods to the original story or King Arthur were lovely. A reminder that the story of the Knights of the Round Table transcends time. This modern retelling is just as glorious as the original.

I will say, one character that I hated gave me enough insight into their pain that I ended up softening to them. A little. Another one, well, that one needs to have a tragic accident.

There were moments, bits of the story, that made me, the reader, want to scream and shake the characters, beg them to hash it all out and spill their ugly secrets. I live for these moments. I crave this connection to characters like a drug and Trials fed my addiction. Each break of my heart was soothed with nurturing, tender moments that restored my faith and sealed my fate as a life-long LB Dunbar fan.
Profile Image for Karen Hrdlicka.
1,350 reviews28 followers
September 4, 2015
Throughout the Legendary Rock Star series, I have fallen in love with each of The Nights, but only briefly with Arturo, since he was obviously smitten with Guinevere. For some reason I did not feel the pull of his heart as strongly as I did with Lansing, Perkins, and Tristan. However, that is no longer the case since I read The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance. This last book in the series truly tore at my heartstrings. Once Arturo is back in the picture the reader learns of all he endures and his losses, some of which he was not aware existed.
While his fans and friends welcome him with open arms, Guinie is torn. The couple fights through many losses and the intrusions of others into their lives and relationship. The relationships within the band are threatened and strengthened. Couples are bound together by love and family, as well as threatened by secrets. Some characters the reader will find even more vile than previously thought, while others will be redeemed.
L.B. Dunbar orchestrates the story with the perfect push and pull between Arturo and Guinevere. The emotions in this book come fast and furious, rising and falling like a well composed piece of music. I have thoroughly loved the entire series and Guinevere's story is the perfect ending to it. If you have not read the Legendary Rock Star series, join The Nights. It's one hell of a tour.
Profile Image for Sheila.
404 reviews76 followers
September 15, 2015
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So the highly anticipated, long awaited conclusion to the Legendary Rock Star series finally is upon us! I have been waiting for Guinie's tale ever since reading the first book of this installment. Giving a review is damn near impossible for fear of ruining it for anyone who hasn't kept up with the series, but I'll do my best. This is not a series of stand alones, you MUST read them in order!

Arturo has been missing since the end of the first book, and we finally find out what happened to him during all that time. I would've liked more detail about everything that occurred to him during his absence, but I also understand that since he didn't share that with any other character in the book, we can't expect him to share it with us either. We were told enough to make me satisfied that we knew the important aspects of his ordeal. I had spent the series defending Arturo's honor in the wake of the Guinie's actions, and while I stand by those opinions still I also came to realize he isn't as perfect as I had once thought he was.

Despite Arturo's mistakes, I still didn't think Guinie suffered nearly enough. I know many readers disagree with this stance, but I'm just being completely honest. The degree of her anger towards Arturo was completely hypocritical and uncalled for in my opinion. I didn't feel she was nearly sorry enough for anything that she had done and instead of her trying to make Arturo pay for his mistakes and grovel his way back to her I truly wish it had been the other way around. The ultimate justice would've been for Arturo to tell her he deserved better and make her suffer alone until she realized the gravity of what she had done.

So you may be asking, why did I still give it 4 stars if I'm complaining so much? Easy- this story stirred up my emotions like few others. I get overly emotional with a lot of books, but this one affected me even more deeply. I was so angry and hurt I had to take several breaks before being able to pick it back up again. Only a genius writer can drag that kind of emotion out of a reader with mere words on a page. Besides that, this wasn't MY story to tell the way I wanted it to be. It was Arturo and Guinie's story, and even though it may not have been the exact journey I had hoped for, the ending was everything I had imagined and more. I may have disagreed about how they got there, but it's the destination that matters most.

This isn't your typical rock star romance, nor is it a rewrite of the legendary Arthurian stories but an ingeniously written original take on both, and an experience you truly need to take on for yourself.
Profile Image for Karen Komarinski.
1,134 reviews15 followers
September 6, 2015
I was given an ARC of The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance, in exchange for an honest review. This is book five in the Legendary Rock Stars series. I just want it to be known I have been a fan of this series since Book ! The Legend of Arturo King and I have been a Fan of L. B. Dunbar since I accidentally found her and the Sensation series. I am so glad that I came across such a talented author and story teller. Back to the book, OMG what a roller coaster ride. I am emotionally spent. I loved every minute of it. I don’t think I ever talked back to the characters in a book like I did with Guinevere DeGrance, i even cracked myself up with yelling at the book. Thank goodness i really don’t have neighbors close by. In the Trials of Guinevere DeGrance we not only find out if her and Arturo find their way back to one another, but it the band of brothers survived this long separation. Be ready for lots of twist and turns for them all.
I’m sad to see this series end for now. Congratulations L.B. for an amazing story, ending and series. If you have not yet read any of the books from the Legendary Rock Star Series get on board now, you will find two of the books on sale for a limited time and The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance comes out on 9/14/2015. This is a mush read series you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Meaghan Royce.
326 reviews12 followers
September 14, 2015
I loved each story in the Legendary Rock Stars series, but this one might be my favorite. We finally get to learn what happened to Arturo King and why he was gone so long. LB Dunbar definitely portrays both characters as realistic and you sympathize with both of them. Both Arturo and Guinevere made mistakes that they regret, but will they be able to finally find a happily ever after? I loved the ending to the series and how each of the couples were resolved at the end.
Profile Image for Sheila.
404 reviews76 followers
September 15, 2015
So the highly anticipated, long awaited conclusion to the Legendary Rock Star series finally is upon us! I have been waiting for Guinie's tale ever since reading the first book of this installment. Giving a review is damn near impossible for fear of ruining it for anyone who hasn't kept up with the series, but I'll do my best. This is not a series of stand alones, you MUST read them in order!

Arturo has been missing since the end of the first book, and we finally find out what happened to him during all that time. I would've liked more detail about everything that occurred to him during his absence, but I also understand that since he didn't share that with any other character in the book, we can't expect him to share it with us either. We were told enough to make me satisfied that we knew the important aspects of his ordeal. I had spent the series defending Arturo's honor in the wake of the Guinie's actions, and while I stand by those opinions still I also came to realize he isn't as perfect as I had once thought he was.

Despite Arturo's mistakes, I still didn't think Guinie suffered nearly enough. I know many readers disagree with this stance, but I'm just being completely honest. The degree of her anger towards Arturo was completely hypocritical and uncalled for in my opinion. I didn't feel she was nearly sorry enough for anything that she had done and instead of her trying to make Arturo pay for his mistakes and grovel his way back to her I truly wish it had been the other way around. The ultimate justice would've been for Arturo to tell her he deserved better and make her suffer alone until she realized the gravity of what she had done.

So you may be asking, why did I still give it 4 stars if I'm complaining so much? Easy- this story stirred up my emotions like few others. I get overly emotional with a lot of books, but this one affected me even more deeply. I was so angry and hurt I had to take several breaks before being able to pick it back up again. Only a genius writer can drag that kind of emotion out of a reader with mere words on a page. Besides that, this wasn't MY story to tell the way I wanted it to be. It was Arturo and Guinie's story, and even though it may not have been the exact journey I had hoped for, the ending was everything I had imagined and more. I may have disagreed about how they got there, but it's the destination that matters most.

This isn't your typical rock star romance, nor is it a rewrite of the legendary Arthurian stories but an ingeniously written original take on both, and an experience you truly need to take on for yourself.
Profile Image for Mariela Bustos.
205 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2015
First of all, like we should doubt this would be a five star read. This author is always on point with her stories. She captivates, intrigues, and blows you away. Whether it's a sweet small town series, or an epic legendary story. I was the kind of reader who ignored rockers and King Arthur like a plague and this writer caught me with both. I loved how she took a modern story and added a twist to it. So, when the end neared and after the journey we travelled with the band I found myself stressing and chewing my fingers of what the conclusion will bring.

But you know the book touched you and stayed with you when you wake up thinking about it and go to work with images of different scenes from the story playing in your mind. This author made Guinevere story feel so real that I felt like I was right there in each scene feeling and dealing with the same torments as Guinevere. We all tend to be quick to judge and fault the person who made an error without listening to both sides. So as the series progressed I was glad to see Guinie get her chance. I admit I was one of the judge people because "hey I am human" but I loved knowing that second chances exist. So give her story the chance to be told and then decided.

I am heartbroken to know the series is over, and I will maybe catch glimpses of these amazing characters in other series. My hearts feels like it's being squeezed and wanting to be freed. Yet at the same time I can finally breathe a sigh in relief knowing that we got to hear her side. So if you haven't picked up this series what are you waiting for? Get to one clicking. I myself can't wait until my niece gets to the age I can buy this series for her. She has followed their stories with me as I told her what was happening. She has gasped in shock, smiled at the good news, and laughed with me as I retold a story that will stay with me for centuries.
Profile Image for Leanna.
176 reviews28 followers
September 9, 2015
Arturo King is back woohoo. Wow this was an Excellent ending to an amazing series. Right from the first chapter this book started off great and action packed. I'm not sure whether I should applaud or cry as I did not want this series to end. Did LB Dunbar torture us in this book with drama, twists, and back and forths YES yes she did. Was it worth the torture? Absolutely! With many needed answers revealed in some very wild and surprising ways this book was a definite MUST READ. It'll make you laugh, scream, and smile proving it is the perfect book.

Arturo King has come back in town but is trying to stay distant from Guinevere and the band.This did not work out very well for him as he was spotted immediately. And to our surprise he has come back quite a bit different physically and mentally. And then he sees Guinevere and immediately puts her in an awkward situation. With deep hurt in her heart and many questions in her mind Guinevere finally speaks to him and sparks go a flying. Can she forgive him for leaving for nine months? Can he trust her or Lansing? And then there is his ex Anna, the sneaky snake in the grass who has only one thing on her mind always, Arturo. Anna needs to be slapped repeatedly for the drama she puts everyone through including her son Morte. I loved getting to know Morte and appreciated his beautiful budding bond with Guinevere. Thank goodness for her in his life as he definitely needed someone who genuinely loved him.

This was so beautifully written making for an emotionally fun and exciting read. Although I truly am sad to see this series come to an end, it was very well done and I feel satisfied with how it ended. I am so excited to have found this author's books and plan on reading her other books also as I love her style.
Profile Image for Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews.
2,182 reviews63 followers
September 14, 2015
Guinevere is the final book in this series. It is the best modern description of Guinevere's trials according to the Arthurian legend set in modern day terms.

Guinevere's love and loyalty toward Arturo are severely tested. She is human and is flawed. She is also very young and still trying to find herself in a world where she does not quite fit in. Guilt and recrimination are the two words to describe her life after Arturo disappeared. With Arturo back, these emotions still rule. She thought Arturo has abandoned her, he was after all, her first lover. Their time together was short but passionate. Time moved at a faster pace around Arthur. It did not take long for the couple to realize they were meant to be together. But once Arturo disappeared after the accident, Guinevere felt abandoned. The trust needed to survive his loss had not been built and she was lost in her desperation.

Written with sensitivity, our author has given us a complex and beautiful story of coming of age. In it, we follow Guinevere's struggle to survive and move on with her life, always seeking to find her rightful place in the world. This world, whether with or without Arturo, is the place where her dreams will flourish - her dreams of attaining her own stardom playing the cello.

As for Arturo, he must come to grips with present life. He must decide to be responsible partner and father among other things. His life has not been a bed of roses, but unfortunately, a lot of his struggles were brought on by his lack of fortitude. He also must decide what is a priority in his life and not be guided by the greed and manipulation of others. He must fight to be truly the King of his kingdom.
Profile Image for Kat Loves.
223 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2015
I have read each book and fallen a little in love with each and every member of The Nights but Arturo stole my heart from the first chapter of his story and he still holds my heart now.

Having read the all the books in this series I was torn as to how I felt about Guinevere. For awhile there I hated her but now I think she has graciously entered my good books again. The love she has for Arturo is deep and strong and it seems that nothing can break their love not Lansing and certainly not Anna, whom i strongly dislike!

Anyway, if you have read any of these books, which I strongly recommend, than you will know that Arturo has a terrible accident and goes missing in the end of the first book. He starts his comeback in the last book, The Truth of Tristan Lyons, but makes his full return in this one (FINALLY).

This book is told from the perspective of both Arturo and Guinevere and fills in a lot of blanks about where Arturo has been and what happened to him and how the have both delta with the past 9 months.

It was an amazing ending that was perfect for this series. We not only got caught up on the other members of the band and where they are all at, but we also got to see exactly how it was for Guinie and what she went through.

Thank you L.B for another amazing story. You are one very talented lady!!
Profile Image for Book-Lover-49.
940 reviews6 followers
September 9, 2015
In this book, we go full circle back to Arturo and Guinevere, were it all started.
This was a bit heart wrenching at a times and emotional with them trying to find their way back and neither sure if they could. I loved that we got glimpses of the other characters and how the story evolved.

I love the take on the Arthurian tales and the use of few medial words were so well placed, here and there but you do not have to be a medieval history fan to enjoy this story at all as it is told in a modern way with a hint of old times and somehow it created a perfect balance. I thought this was expertly done and those word placements had me smiling at how clever they were.


But at a times I wanted to slap them both and just shake some sense into them, but don't mind me and my angry ways, I might just have a bit of BMS (Book Madness Syndrome) and I really wanted to strangle Ana a time or two. Okay, I confess. I pretty much wanted to strangle her the whole entire book and the fact that we share our first names did not escape me either.

But in the end, this book and whole series is about finding true love and in the process also finding yourself and being a better person for it.

I love it!
Profile Image for Sue M. Van.
237 reviews7 followers
September 14, 2015
*Sigh* I'm sorry to see this series end. I will also say that it made me crazy waiting through 4 other books to finally get to the original love affair that was most important to me. Guinie and Arturo successfully held me through these other series books but the story was worth the wait.

All of this author's books are superb in their character development and range of emotions. Without fail the stories bring much happiness to extreme sadness as well. For me, that's an important part of any book. I want to feel the emotions the characters feel and also to picture in my minds eye where they are and what's happening in each scene. L.B. Dunbar is incredible at this in my own opinion.

The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance, like it's predecessors, is no exception to the writing of this author. Character highs, lows, and everything in between. The conclusion of Guinie and Arturo does not disappoint. Excellent conclusion to an epic series. Don't miss it!
Profile Image for Tam Tam.
183 reviews
October 3, 2015
This is the fifth and final installment of the Legendary Rock Star series. This is not a stand alone book. You will want to read the first four books of this series. It makes getting to this point in the story that much sweeter. Since the first book when Arturo and Guinevere first met and fell in love, L. B. has never made us want a happily ever more.

But this story has you wondering if that is possible. You will find out what really happened to Arturo. Can two people who seemed so fated to be together find their happy ending when there is so much pain, lies and secrets between them? Can Arturo forgive Guinevere and Lansing? What role did Ana and Mure Linn play in keeping these two destined lovers apart?

This last book takes you on their journey as it reunites the Nights together. You will be glad you took this ride with them.
341 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2015
I received this book as an ARC for a fair and honest review.
Well...there are no words that can express my thoughts on the ending of this book and series. LB Dunbar created the perfect ending without it being a perfect ending.
We learned what actually happened to Arturo that fateful night he went riding off with Perkins, and what ( and who) kept him away for so long. Guinie is happy to have him home and alive but she is also torn as to what will happen in their future. Arturo wants nothing more than for Guinie to be his "queen" again, but they both have to figure out it this is what they both really want. As you watch them struggle, your heart goes out to them both. If you started reading the Legendary Rock star series, and love it...this final book will blow you away.
Profile Image for Catherine  Wright (Cat's Guilty Pleasure).
2,921 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2015
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The story of Guinevere and Arturo was very emotional. We finally learn what happened to him while he was missing and we see what Guinevere went through. You feel bad for both characters, they have both hurt each other. Can these two get through all the pain and anger to get to their happy ending? This book was beautifully written and I'm sad to see the end to this series. I am also happy we got to see the other characters and see where they are at now. I really loved this book.

Review done by Cat for Cat's Guilty pleasure
Profile Image for Shannon.
860 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2015
After reading all four previous books in this series, I was ready for The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance! What I wasn't ready for was experiencing so many emotions at one time in one book. LB Dunbar captured my heart with her lovable, frustrating, hair pulling characters! I am a toddler teacher by day and I am always saying "use your words" to my class. I found myself yelling at Arturo and Guinie to use their words as well!! I fell in love with The Knights and their loves all over again!!
This is LB's 10th SMASH HIT and is highly recommended!!
Profile Image for Natasha Rowlin.
Author 1 book5 followers
September 14, 2015
I haven’t quite been prepared for how much I loved this series. When I started reading it, it was because book one was generously gifted by a friend, and I was intrigued. I had a loose knowledge of the legend of King Arthur, from whose story this has been drawn, and it was never really my favourite legend for some reason. But I quickly forgot what I knew of that and just became entrenched in this story. As I followed the first four books, I was itching to get my hands on this book, the final book, and find out exactly how everything was going to pan out.

Over the course of the first four books, we’ve met the four male members of the Nights rock group. Arturo, Lansing, Perkins and Tristan have all had their turns in the spotlight and now we’ve come back full circle. Where exactly has Arturo been for the last several months while those in his life have been desperately trying to find him? In the midst of the drama surrounding his disappearance, each of the other boys has managed to find love, but it has hardly been smooth sailing. Now that he’s made his appearance, we find that they all bear the scars, none more than Arturo and the woman he left behind - Guinevere.
There is no shortage of drama in this book. Ana and Morte are still there and causing a lot of it, and the mysterious Mure Linn remains on the fringes.
“Will you ever look at me the same?”

Guinie is a very different person to the girl we met all the way in book one, and I’m glad. After everything she’s been through and the deep emotions that have been swamping her, you would expect it. Arturo is different but at the same time seems to have a hope that she’s ready for him to sweep her up again. Their story here is not sweet and flowery anymore - it’s pretty gritty and emotionally brutal. And I loved it. Not necessarily what one might expect for the ending to a series, but it suited just fine for me.
My thoughts of Guinie have been a bit of a roller coaster during this series, I’ve been so frustrated with her at times, but for me this book was just all about her. She’s far from perfect, but then again they all are. We saw all the Nights and their ladies at times that were hardly their best, but at the end of the day I couldn’t help but love each and every one of them, and Guinie was simply heartbreaking.
Arturo - at times I wanted to wring his neck. He had this vague sense of boyishness which at times could seem endearing but at others just seemed to show that he was unaware of the position that Guinie has been flung into. But then again - Guinie doesn’t need Arturo, or any man to save her. This book wasn’t about her being saved or simply being reunited with him. I’m also glad that the others do not fade into the background. The past months have not only affected our lead hero and heroine, but all of them, and it’s fitting that they’re all back together to deal with the fallout.

In terms of the writing - it flowed really well, was paced well and I basically devoured it in a day. I like how each book has had the alternating POV and it was great to come back to the start - we started and ended with these two.

I’m sad the saga is over, but I look forward to re-reading it at some stage. It’s been awesome to follow the series, and I look forward to checking out LB Dunbar’s other works.
Profile Image for Ashley Jasper.
1,865 reviews25 followers
September 13, 2015
This is the book I've been waiting for since this series started. Throughout the series L.B. Dunbar showcased each of the men in The Nights, Artuo's band, and how life and love shaped them. You should definitely read the series in order to fully grasp the beauty of each of the characters and how their stories are all connected. After all, it was all leading up to this. Guinevere's turn. WOW! To say that this book blew me away in an understatement. The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance had it all. There was drama, laughter, fear, hope, anger, sexiness, music, love and so much more (the list is really endless). The prologue alone had me by the heart.

Going in, I was a bit apprehensive to get Guinie's story. In the earlier books she has come across as needy and a user- two characteristics that I don't necessarily like in a leading lady. But my how my perception of her changed. She has this quiet, calm; an almost shy self confidence about her. She has strength and grace as evidenced in how she handled everything life and Arturo threw at her. And it was a lot. She survived love, loss, more loss and love again. I felt her pain and anguish and I really connected with her in this book. I loved that she made the hard choices and stuck to her guns. She didn't let Arturo or anyone but herself lead her head or heart.

Oh Arturo. If I didn't already adore him, then he surely stole my heart here. He had been through so much with his accident, so much more I learned than we knew about. I admire his courage to get himself right in the head before he went to fix the mess that was created with his time away. And what a mess he found when he got back to the band and Guinie. His fears were very real and true to the situation that he found himself in. It seemed there was no real way up or forward. In a bold move, and one of my favorite parts of the book, Arturo takes a stand that shocked everyone. This was the catalyst that pushed everything forward. Though not all of it was for the better (depending on who you're rooting for).

Of course it wouldn't be a Legendary Rock Stars book without the rest of the band. And they were all there- Perkins, Tristan and Lansing came along for the ride and played some role in the outcome of this story. It was great seeing them all together in their element again; letting the music speak for them when words couldn't. Some other characters from the series also made an appearance showed their true colors as the truth of it all is uncovered. I loved how L.B. Dunbar took the famous tale and made it modern and relevant to today's world. She put her own twist on the characters and their stories and the payoff was magnificent. And how she ended the book was pure genius. While Guinevere and Arturo have their ending, their story is far from over. I love that it is open, I'm hoping that means I'll get to see them again somewhere down the line.
Profile Image for Becca.
687 reviews54 followers
September 15, 2015
With The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance, L.B. Dunbar has written a beautiful and tumultuous conclusion to her Legendary Rock Stars Series. It feels like I’ve been waiting for Guinevere and Arturo to find their way for too long, but the wait was definitely worth it. This story does a great job at not only tying up their story but bringing a sense of contentment to the other couples. L.B. Dunbar kept me on my toes, filling the pages of this book with unexpected twists, uncomfortable truths, and palpable tension. Already sucked in by the return of characters I’d grown to love, The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance held me captive in its own right. I was once again enchanted by L.B. Dunbar’s broken characters and their emotional journeys of redemption.

Arturo certainly had his work cut out for him in this finale. He’d made me feel so many emotions over the course of this series, including frustration, disappointment, and anger. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about his return but I was pleasantly surprised by how easily I forgave him. L.B. Dunbar developed this character carefully, laying his soul bare for the readers to experience his fears, insecurities, and the personal hell he lived through. Guinevere’s transformation was probably my favorite part of this book. L.B. Dunbar has taken this sheltered girl who is battling heartbreak and loss and turns her into a strong woman unafraid to standalone. Guinevere’s determination to follow her own dreams and refusal to put them aside any longer made her a girl after my own heart. I connected with this character effortlessly and reveled in the fantastic job L.B. Dunbar did with Guinevere’s growth throughout the book.

In this book we see The Nights and crew return to Lake Avalon, bringing the series full circle. I loved seeing Guinevere and Arturo revisiting old memories and rekindling feelings, both good and bad. L.B. Dunbar captured all of the emotions associated with Arturo’s homecoming and the pain suffered in his absence perfectly, giving The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance a poignancy that resonates deep. As secrets were revealed and characters were forced to confront uncomfortable truths about their relationships, L.B. Dunbar inspired a sense of acceptance and unconditional love surrounding this series. In this final novel, L.B. gave The Nights and the women who love them a definitive feeling of family that made the trials and triumphs of this book that much sweeter. This bittersweet finale was full of devastating heartache, explosive chemistry, frustrating growing pains, and unconditional love, bringing the Legendary Rock Stars series to a close with the honesty and emotional weight it demanded.
Profile Image for Twinsie Talk Angie J.
1,817 reviews
September 17, 2015
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I received this book from the author for an honest opinion.

I have been waitin’ and waitin’ and waitin’ for this dang book for EVAH and man did it do the heart good and then bad and then good and then bad and then …sigh…good. The “Trials” is a great title for this book. The Trials that Guinee and Arturo go through to finally get to a happy place to then have more things happen to upset their happy balance and then force the couple to again evaluate what they want out of life…..KILLING ME I tell ya. I mean we just want them to come clean about EVERYTHING from him not having her near when he was hurt to her affair with Lansing to him turning to ANA *GRUMBLE* to her loss of their baby. I mean they were just so scared to open up the lines of communication at times.

This book ran me through the wringer. I wanted to smack him for not seeing what a bad person Ana is and for not contacting Guinee. I wanted to punch her in the ovaries for the whole affair and how she finally broke it to Arturo. I remember reading it going “Seriously NOW is the time to spill it all??” What I was amazed at was who became Guinee’s friend and supporter. I never expected her to find a friend in this person but was glad that maybe this might help forgiveness. I never expected Arturo to be the first to admit his feelings. I expected him to hide them from Guinee since he was so afraid of her looking at his disfigurement as not something she can’t handle.

My favorite scene is the “Whomp Whomp Whomp” message…...That is all I can saw without laughing at someone’s reaction!! LOL As much as I HATE Ana, her words to Guinee at the airport were sad and truthful. I actually felt bad for her for about 1 millimeter of a second. I mean she is Ana and she does deserve all she gets. I am actually really sad to see yet another series of LB end. She has become one of my “go to” authors. I love her writing for the creativity. I love her word building. I especially love the emotion she can bring to her stories. They are so full of angst and drama. My tummy is always a mess of butterflies.
Profile Image for Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews).
1,468 reviews27 followers
September 14, 2015
I am a huge fan of L.B. Dunbar, and this book just made me an even bigger fan. I have loved every book she has ever written, but I must say with all honesty, this is by far my favorite!!!!


“Some might say it was Fate: A love that loved in the past and would love again in the future. We’d been down the bumpy road in a past time, and Fate was returning us to each other until we got it right.”


To say that Arturo King and Guinevere had a bumpy road in romance would be an understatement. They fell in love fast, became engaged fast, and lost it all fast!!! Will Guinevere be able to find that love again??? I’m not giving you a synopsis on purpose because I don’t want to spoil this series for anybody! And to say that the title of The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance is appropriate, that would also be an understatement. Guinie has suffered two great losses that some people never recover from, and it’s those trials that allow readers to see below the surface and deep into her heart. After the first book, she fell dramatically from the pedestal Arturo and I had put her on. She became a person I detested, self-centered and selfish…only thinking about herself…or so it appeared. However, as Dunbar slowly peeled away Guinie’s layers, I saw the girl Arturo and I loved, but she was different…stronger and better! Pain and loss have a way of stripping you bare, then putting you back together as an even more beautiful soul. I’m not saying much about her love life…just know it’s one of the most beautiful and magical love stories I have ever had the privilege of reading. It’s a very fitting ending to the series and to the timeless romance that is Guinevere and Arturo. Be prepared to shed tears of sadness and happiness.

L.B. Dunbar has a way of creating magic within the pages of everything she writes! Her books are romances with depth and complex characters who become your friends or your enemies. Her descriptive writing pulls you right into the story so you experience everything the characters do whether it be pain or joy. If you haven’t discovered this amazing and talented writer, what are you waiting for???? Grab one of her books today and enter the wonderful world that is L.B. Dunbar!

***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
Profile Image for EscapeNBooks.
809 reviews
September 16, 2015
“His darkness sang to me."

The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance is book 5 in the Legendary Rock Stars Series by Author L.B. Dunbar. I fell in love with this series several months back, devouring each book and finding more depth to the characters as each new story was introduced. So, it was with mixed emotions that I opened the last book in what has been one of my favorite series of the year.

“His body called to my soul. I longed to be made whole by him."

If you have read the previous books in this series, you are well aware of the events that have brought us to this point in our story. Guinevere and Arturo seemed to be the couple that were a fairytale come true, until one fateful night changed all of that. Many factors plagued our minds as their separate stories seemed to swirl out of control, leaving us to wonder if a happily-ever-after could actually be in their cards.

“My tongue screamed, I remember you: the taste of you, the feel of you."

Beginning with the prologue, it was as if I’d never left these characters. I was enraptured in the world that was Guinie and Arturo King. I was excited and scared at what the possibilities could be. Arturo King, the Chivalrous Lover, was back, and my anxiety level rose as I wondered if he had come to claim his queen, and, if so, who his queen would be.

"My once. My future."

Told in first person points of view, The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance was that of two tortured souls, alone in the dark, trying desperately to find their way back to one another. So many questions and so few answers.

"You are my castle. No one else is allowed to enter.”

It was a tug of war. A fight to be whole and be graced with love. It was the crescendo of five amazing books, and absolutely left the series with a fabulous read filled with wonder and amazement. The words were like a beautiful song that told of love from long ago and transformed it into the world of rockers and lovers, modern and complete. If you haven't read, take a chance. Fall in love with Arturo King.

“I was pulled to him, a slow magnetic force, summoned by his voice."
Profile Image for Shanoff Reads.
431 reviews25 followers
September 14, 2015
**I received and ARC for an honest review.**

Well, I can honestly say that Guinevere redeemed herself in my eyes. There was a time that I was so disappointed in her and maybe even little bit hated he, but this book definitely turned it around. Put things in perspective for me even though I still hate some of the things that happened along the way.

I'm not going to give away the ending but I will say that it could not have ended any better...at least in my opinion. Guinie definitely went through some trials in this book, but I think she came out a stronger and definitely more respectable person. I like that the strength that she showed in book one makes a reappearance in this book. I loved that she eventually realized that she needed to be the one to let go in order for her to move on and forward and to find herself, ←not a spoiler.

In this book I think I am a whole lot mad and a whole lot disappointed with Arturo and it is all because of the choices he made. They not only hurt him but they hurt everyone that he considered family. I hated that all of his family (the bad and Guinie) suffered because he wasn't strong enough to face what happened. I also hated his choices that made things so much more difficult for him and Guinie to try and reconcile.

I can sit here all day and list the things that I loved and hated about this book and the truth of Arturo King, but the fact is I loved the way everything happened. It all falls into place and it all had to happen the way it did for this series to keep me interested. There isn't one thing that I would change that happened along the way because it made each character stronger individually and then it made them stronger for their partners. This was a fantastic end of this series.
Profile Image for Virginia Wine.
Author 14 books77 followers
September 17, 2015
*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (★•**•. ★¸ FIVE STAR REVIEW ★•**•. ★ http://amzn.to/1Oaz4rT

He left, without a word. He was gone, with no immediate plans to come back.
She was alone, heartbroken and looking for comfort. When she found comfort in the arms of another man, no one imagined that her king would return.

But don’t we all know, the king always returns for his queen.

The much anticipated finale in this epic series is finally here. I have to admit, I was hesitant to read this book but I was never a fan of Guinie. I didn’t like how it was so easy for her to move on from the man she supposedly loved. But, this book made me change my feelings for her. We finally get the chance to see how broken Guinie is and the huge impact that Arturo’s disappearance had on her. When we first see her and Arturo together, we are sure that there is no hope for them. Sure the sparks fly but they aren’t full blown fireworks like they are used to.

This was the perfect depiction of two lost souls trying to find their way back home. So many times we think they are taking a huge step forward and they take two giant steps back. In the end we wonder, will Guinie and Arturo have their happily ever after? Or will the King have an empty throne beside him?

Overall, I enjoyed how this story came full circle, not just for Guinie and Arturo, but for the rest of the Nights as well. We can smell another series brewing in the pages and I can’t wait to see what Lady Dunbar has in store for us in the future. A great, fitting ending to an amazingly legendary series.
Profile Image for Yi Le.
385 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2015
This is the fifth and final book in the Legendary Rock Stars series, which is some kind of loose retelling of the legend of King Arthur. This is my favorite book by L.B. Dunbar yet. I absolutely loved the conclusion to Arturo's and Guinie's story!

Guinevere DeGrance fell in love with Arturo King. Their love blossomed so quickly and they were engaged to be married, but tragedy struck. An accident. No body found. People have been seing Arturo, but he hasn't contacted Guinevere at all. She finds him only months later, with scars to prove what he has been through and, by his side, his step-sister with whom he had a child with.

This story was so emotional. My heart broke for Guinie and Arturo. They seemed not to be able to recover their bond at first, but the chemistry was still there. There was always something to break the moment, mainly Arturo's evil step-sister, Ana LeFaye. They didn't know how to return as they were before and their past mistakes kept getting in their way.

I liked how Guinevere acted at the end and how she decided to not depend on Arturo anymore and make him wait for once. She concentrated on herself and was a changed girl when they were finally reunited, but still in love with him.

I have a soft spot for Arturo's son. Morte seemed kind of weird at first, but he is really just a kid with parents who seem to care less about him. He still has to deal with a lot at the end, and I'm kind of hoping the author will write him his own story in the future.

I definitely recommend this series to rock star romance lovers!
Profile Image for Patti.
1,510 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2015
The bittersweet conclusion to the Legendary Rock Stars Series, will Arturo return to Guinie? While the three books in the middle ran pretty much parallel in time, this is where it all comes to an end. I have to say that LB Dunbar’s interpretation of King Arthur has got me loving the legend all over again.

From the beginning, Guinevere is a shy quiet girl that is thrown at Arturo by her father for reasons we will later find out to be ‘good’ for business. They fall madly in love, and then the accident happens. During the time that Arturo is ‘away’, Guinie grows up and grows stronger while watching her so called friends and his bandmates move on with their lives, all while she remains broken and shattered that he is not there.

Upon Arturo’s return, we learn lots of secrets that will put his and Guinie’s relationship to the test. And what a test it is, let’s just say that Ana LeFey plays a huge role in his recovery and this reader was not very happy about that. Will the Band ever go on the tour that was put on hold now that Arturo’s injury is revealed? Will he and Guinie ever get to that happy ever after? LB Dunbar kept me on the edge of my seat ready to throw my Kindle at the wall on more than one occasion. This is a 10 star book for sure. My heart broke and tears fell for so long while reading this book…. Of course you need to read the series in order so you can have an understanding of what is going on, but it is so worth it! PROMISE!!

Profile Image for Ebbie ~Author Groupies.
558 reviews10 followers
September 27, 2015

The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance is the fifth book in the Legendary Rock Stars series. This series gets better with each book. I love this series! I have fallen in love with the characters, the writing, and the unique take on a classic story.

Once again, the characters are well written and easy to connect with. Even the secondary characters have a lot to add to this story and the series. This book brings the story line back to where it all began with Arturo and Guninnie. Arturo is back in this intallment but is damaged both physically and mentally. Guinnie is a bit of a damsel in distress but her actions could possibly cause her a serious issue with Arturo. I feel like I should dislike Guinnie for what she did but I am sympathetic to her situation. Arturo had been gone four months, that’s a long time to not hear from or see the one you love. This story is a great love story about second chances and true love.

This story was an emotional read for me. The characters had me screaming at times and smiling at other times. I was perplexed by some of their choices but that just adds to the realism of the story. I love that Ms Dunbar has taken a classic story and made it modern with the rock star angle. I would recommend this series to anybody who likes a rock star love story. This series has made me a huge fan on this author’s writing and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews186 followers
September 14, 2015
I have been obsessed with this series since the first book. I'm not quite sure how, but every book gets better, if that's even possible. The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance is.....wait for it.....LEGENDARY!!!!!

After Arturo King disappeared, Guinevere was left heartbroken and alone. It led her to make some bad choices, because she felt like he didn't want her anymore. Now a damaged Arturo has returned, and all he wants is Guinevere back. She's angry and can't get over who he was with while healing, so he has his work cut out for him. Plus, she has a pretty big secret of her own. Will their epic love conquer all this time?

First things first, ARTURO IS MINE! Now that I got that out of the way, this story is freakin FANTASTIC! It's filled with deep heartbreaking emotion, as Arturo and Guinevere try to find their way back to each other. They make mistakes that are realistic and honest, so it's an huge emotional ride. L.B. Dunbar's writing style is AMAZING, and the book flows effortlessly. Her original, modern twist on King Arthur's story using rock stars is simply BRILLIANT! The epic storyline kept me gripped from cover to cover, and it was impossible to put down, barring a disaster. I'm so emotionally conflicted, as I needed to Arturo to come back, but sad about it being the conclusion. I could go on and on all day, but I'll end with this, READ THIS BOOK/SERIES ASAP!
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