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Sick Boys #3

Natural Born Killers

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Rule No. 3: Never let anyone think they can hurt you and get away with it.

I thought I’d seen and felt the worst of it, but there’s nothing worse than betrayal.

Corina knows who’s behind what happened to me and she may think hiding will keep her safe, but after everything that’s happened, nothing can keep her safe from me and the Sick Boys. She’s a pawn in all of this, but I’ll get that information even if it means I have to cut it out of her - piece by fucking piece.

This little charade is about to end. They thought they could drag me down into the dirt and grind my soul into the dust. What they failed to realize is that there’s nothing left of my soul and I don’t mind getting a little dirty if it means getting my revenge. I may have let her fool me once, but there’s no way in hell I’ll let her fool me twice.

After I’m done with her, I’m going after the big boys.

436 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2021

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About the author

Lucy Smoke

64 books2,069 followers
Lucy Smoke, also known as Lucinda Dark for her fantasy works, has a master’s degree in English and is a self-proclaimed creative chihuahua. She enjoys feeding her wanderlust, cover addiction, as well as her face, and truly hopes people will stop giving her bath bombs as gifts. Bath’s get cold too fast and it’s just not as wonderful as the commercials make it out to be when the tub isn’t a jacuzzi.

When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews
Profile Image for ↬ Ⓛ.
322 reviews474 followers
June 28, 2023
ava complain too much & i hated her even more after this. her mom had all the answers and she decided to kild her, like bitch are you dumb. heroine was overly sensitive and wasnt strategic enough.

ava finally confessing her undying love to Dean while he's (almost) dying, lol <3 and then get this? heroine cant even say, "i love you too" back to her fiancé when he lives.

riley and eva friendship feels force almost. did NOT feel genuine. ava is a loner who likes to act bad & riley is a shady hacker who does her own thang, so both of these bitches didnt know how to make friends and had no friends either, so in da end. lucy smoke decided to paired them up like lab partners with no choice.

also no epilogue from d & a, but da epilogue went to riley instead. smh.
218 reviews7 followers
May 6, 2021
I didn’t expect anything less from this series. Such a brutal, bloody,sexyAF read. This was the conclusion for avalon and dean story. This one was amazing as rest of 2 books .The character has strong development. The suspenseful reveal was not that dramatic as what i had hoped. I love avalon and i know i am going to love rylie. I can’t wait to read their story.
Profile Image for Fre06 Begum.
1,260 reviews209 followers
May 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this series. Whilst sometimes I felt heroine was sometimes a little too abrasive her being strong more than made up for it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shelly.
85 reviews8 followers
May 21, 2021
The conclusion to Dean and Avalon's story.

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this third book as much because:
1. Avalon's character development still remains stagnant
In my review for the earlier books, I mentioned she's a very abrasive person with a lot of pent up rage and takes it out on others via violence. It still remains true. You do see more of her mental struggles with her past traumatic incidents but her vulnerable side is practically non-existent. I hate how she always lashes out on Dean or punches him whenever he tries to get her to open up or help her. She even threw a few tantrums because she's convinced herself that Dean doesn't want her anymore. UM, we didn't come this far in the series to have this doubt pouring in and with how much Dean has done for her, his devotion to her should be obvious.

2. The "psychoness" got turned up 1000%
I did not care for the gruesome details of the torture/murder scenes or the amped up twisted side of Avalon & Dean's romance. I was also put off by Avalon's constant desire to kill to feel better about herself.
Ex. 1: The mutilation of : Uhh, yeahhh this scene was a bit much. What was even more weird was when Avalon and Dean decided to have sex right next to the corpse because they were so turned on.
Ex. 2: Avalon & Dean carved each other's name on their skins. And then had sex in their blood. This was just...no.

3. An entire epilogue gets dedicated to a side character's POV I guess this is to set up Riley's standalone but readers don't get any closure on Dean and Avalon's story.

4. Unanswered questions...
- What happened to Micki or Ace?
- Who was the girl Luc was reminiscing about? What were the horrible things Corina did to the 'others' that Luc was referring to? If the Kincaids are so elite and important, aren't they going to investigate ?
- What the hell was Nicholas doing behind the scenes to
- I'm still confused what motivated Corina to ?!
Profile Image for Alli.
269 reviews19 followers
April 30, 2021
Wow! This book is darker, bloodier, and sexier than the ones before it! Once again, it took me through all the feels. Dean & Avalon's story was certainly given a worthy ending and I look forward to seeing what future books come from this world. Readers: strap on that safety harness and get ready for a ride! Don't say I didn't warn you. Cuz you may think you know what's coming, but I can assure you...you don't.



Profile Image for Lucy Joyeux (Gazikova).
183 reviews54 followers
May 12, 2021
I've got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, hell yes!!!

Exactly what I needed! Lucy just knows what she wants to deliver and she delivers it in the best way imaginable! Dark, twisted, remorseful but make it savage as our girl Avalon!

I can't believe that Avalon and Dean's story ends right here with this book. The journey has been one of the best ones and I just truly hope we will get to see them again in next books.

Their story was special. From enemies-to-lovers they went and remained. Their darkest sins were their armours. They were strong, hot-headed and beautiful together. Also lethal, but who counts, haha.

We got to finally see new friendship to form between Rylie and Avalon and I hope this one will last (although by reading the ending it could go sideways). I can't wait to see how it unfolds.

I was loving the support system throughout this entire series between Avalon, Dean, Abel and Braxton! They are tough and when they love someone they will do anything for them! Sick Boys are a force not to be reckoned with! And if then prepare to die.

The twisted, dark and bloody parts of this book were written in such an amazing way. When I read it it fell as though I'm right there next to Avalon and helping her. The whole book felt either as if I was there with her/them or as if I were Avalon. Amazing experience if I can say that.

We still haven't gotten answers about Micki which I think either she's a very important character or something happened and it involves someone else.

Also Rylie's life ain't as easy as we thought it looked! By the tiny spoiler we get at the end of the book, I'd say we're in for a wild ride!

I must say that the revenge Avalon did was rightful! I don't support revenge as much but in her case it was justified! Not that she's need any justification, haha.

The nightmares? They were the worst! She's such a strong character that it even amazes me! Yes, she probably needs to work on some of her issues, but who doesn't? We all have seen parts of the world we'd rather forget on our own than talk about them and relive them! It ain't as easy as it sounds.

Overall this book was perfection in every sense of the word! Lucy Smoke is official my favourite author! No matter what book she writes, I know that I will buy it without hesitation and devour it! Love, love, lover HER! Thank you for this amazing experience and ride!
Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,579 reviews3,886 followers
January 11, 2024
Even though I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this book... It wasn't as good as book 2.

I think this one was just a teeny tiny bit ott. That said, I still devoured it.

Now that Dean and Avalon's story is finished, I am very curious about the other boys and their story.

So jumping into those right now ..
Profile Image for TheBookPlatypus.
995 reviews203 followers
April 30, 2021
“You and I both know that appearances can be deceiving, baby. So sync your little nails into my skin, punch me, and threaten all you want. None of that will alter any of my decisions when it comes to keeping you safe. “

Dean Carter is the alpha badboy you want in your side. Because if you’re not, it’s pretty terrifying.
In this serious though?! No one is more terrifying than Avalon Manning.
This book is FULL of revenge. Revenge. More revenge. And then pack more revenge on top.
Everyone gets what is coming to them.
Also take note, this book was full of revelations. All the secrets that Dean Carter’s father was keeping?! We find out all of it.
We find out everything that has to do with Avalon‘s past.

But I mean... the alpha/possessive romance?!
Omg. I was swooning so hard for Dean.

“The answer is simple. Avalon is worth everything. She’s worth the moon and the stars. The sun in the sky. She’s worth my death in my afterlife. If she asked for my beating heart right out of my goddamn chest just so she could live another day, I give it to her without a second thought.“

These two together are dynamite. I mean, unstoppable force. There are some really dark and graphic moments in this book when it comes to the revenge on the very people who hurt Avalon and who were a part of the horrific moment that happened to her. If you’re squeamish, read those parts with one eye open.
Lol.

It definitely leaves off with a happily ever after for now. But also an intro to more books possibly that highlight the secondary characters. Which I am really excited about!
Profile Image for Nicole.
453 reviews
July 10, 2021
I was bored-ish.

Avalon has a chance to get info out of her mother and Corina on the big who dunnit and she’s like nope, option number 2 please.

Avalon’s love/trust/obsessive-whateverthisis-all-the-damn-time with Dean covers a lot of the plot. Ever consider using that time for, oh I don’t know… hunting the evil billionaires and using hackers, a fixer, and throwing around some of that unimaginable wealth? Maybe less feelings more doings? (I’m judging you.)

It was pretty obvious it was Abel and Braxton’s dads and we get like nada on that. It’s just like 5 pages worth of weak sauce (action) and it’s over.

And Micki. Now, I’m guessing she’s Luc’s book, because she’s obviously his long lost bestie. But thanks girl, seriously, bless your heart, for leaving us to pick up the pieces.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
275 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2021
The first 2 were much better this one was crazy repetitive when Ava was in her own head and it was all pretty predictable.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
3,592 reviews2,289 followers
April 4, 2022
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

Dean's character grew a lot through these books and this last one really shows it. I loved the vulnerability that he showed to Ava and it was fun that he was the one chasing her even after all this time. The conclusion was pretty good and I think it answered a lot of questions, though it does leave some unanswered but I'm pretty sure we'll find out more about those in the next books. I feel pretty positive that I know what's going on with one of the unanswered questions so I can't wait to find out if I'm right or not. Though, I don't know when we'll finally get the answer since I don't think it will be in the next two books.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,742 reviews1,324 followers
Read
September 28, 2021
I had to dnf this one unfortunately. Read book 1 and 2, and I felt like this series had so much potential to be amazing, but 50% in and I felt like there were no real answers, just more almosts.

Lots of internal dialogue, no real answers to plot points from book 1, little to no real romance(even the dark romance kind)…I just lost interest.
Profile Image for TJ *Book Twins Reviews*.
1,093 reviews2,542 followers
December 10, 2022
Well this escalated quickly. The series got progressively darker after each book, but surprisingly I was able to hang tough. Side note: I can be a bit of a pansy sometimes. lol

Again, the friend group and the way they supported Avalon through thick and thin made this an enjoyable read.

Triggers abound, so be careful.
Profile Image for Christy Bailey.
641 reviews22 followers
August 23, 2021
Wow!!!

I need more like asap! This book, though very dark and twisted was epic! I loved these characters and can't wait to see what happens next with Rylie and Abel. Also what happens with Luc and Brax and even Micki. Hopefully I don't have to wait long!!!
Profile Image for thebookishren.
1,511 reviews118 followers
April 22, 2021



OMFG!!! The conclusion to Dean and Avalon's story was just as dark, bloody, brutal, and sexy AF as I expected it to be. Dean and Avalon are volatile and consumed with darkness. Put them together and EXPLOSIONS, y'all.

From the first page this book never let up. Lies and betrayals were uncovered, vengeance was served, monsters came out to play, and our psycho couple got their VERY hard fought HEA. I knew going into this series it was going to be a whirlwind of emotions. Avalon went through hell over and over and over. She was so strong, so resilient, and while the other books focused on the plot, this one had a heaping dose of emotions thrown in.

I LOVED Dean. That boy was dark, twisted, and crazy about Avalon. His feelings toward her, how he supported her and stood by her side was just swoon-worthy. He embraced her darkness with his own and together they make one of the best couples ever. Add in the friendships with Abel, Braxton, and Rylie and this badass family is unstoppable.

I have some ideas about what's to come with the other Sick Boys. There are still loose ends that need to be tied and I. Can't. Wait. And I'm gonna say it, when all is said and done, I NEED AN EXTENDED EPILOGUE in the future with them all.

And let us not forget those sexy AF covers. They look gorgeous on my shelf.





⭐ 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙨 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩. ⭐
Profile Image for Melliane.
2,056 reviews349 followers
February 25, 2022
Mon avis en Français

My English review

I really liked the first two books and I was very intrigued by the last book about Avalon and Dean. Yes, because the author has written two more books on each of the other two Sick Boys and I am now very curious to read them!

Avalon wants revenge. This desire is stronger than anything and nothing will stop her. Her goal is to find Corina and Ace and make them pay. She also wants to discover the truth about her past that nobody seems to want to reveal to her. Dean’s father knows everything about her and yet, he refuses to tell her anything. Alone, they’ll have to find out what’s going on, as danger closes in and Avalon’s life hangs in the balance.

With the help of the Sick Boys, Avalon may get her way, and hopefully she’ll get away unscathed!

This was a very good volume, a nice conclusion for both of our characters. I enjoyed finding out the truth, finally getting to the bottom of the story, even if I thought it was a bit big and brought up more questions. That aside, I can only recommend you to get into the series.

The last chapter deals with Rylie’s story and I am very curious to know her a little better. She is so mysterious…
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,514 reviews165 followers
May 4, 2021
“My little psycho . My savage queen.”

Wow ! Holy hell what a wicked ride it’s been! This series I’m obsessed with I absolutely love the Sick Boys and Avalon their world is cruel it’s dark it’s bloody but I love the connection and loyalty these characters have towards each other. This was such an amazing ride I still have so many questions and theories that I need answers too ! Can’t wait for more in the Sick Boy World !

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ali.
55 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2021
this series started off really good but I literally had to force myself to finish the last book because a lot of the shit was dragged tf out and it was so long like ew no ty
Profile Image for Megb.
503 reviews9 followers
April 29, 2021
This is the conclusion to Dean and Avalon's story and can not be read as a stand alone.

Dean, where do I even begin with my feelings towards you and the emotions you wring out of me. I love it and hate it all the same, I was on a whirlwind of a ride and couldn't fathom the idea of getting off.

Avalon was completely ruthless and secured her place in the hierarchy in the most epic of ways. She was absolutely merciless and my black heart loved it!

I didn't think Avalon and the Sick Boys could get any more vengeful, but boy was I wrong. This book had me reeling most of the time. I couldn't believe all the turn of events that took place, not sure why I was surprised considering the first two books.

This series has been everything and the author's note at the end had me evil grinning like the freakin' Cheshire cat! I am so thrilled!

I knew there was so much more than meets the eye from the beginning and boy was I proved right, I just never saw how right I was coming... I couldn't believe how it played out and I hated not knowing who to trust, I know Avalon was trusting her gut instincts but I didn't have as much faith in them as I should've. It was a gut wrenching conclusion to their story and it was heartbreaking but it was them. It was perfectly them and exactly what I should've expected.

Lucy killed it with this book, she has an insanely amazing mind that had me shaken to the core and loving every minute of the twisted journey. Well written, even the parts I didn't like, I appreciated it, I understood it and I accepted it even though I wanted things to all be perfect and happy I knew that wasn't how Dean and Avalon's story was going to go.
Profile Image for Keri Loves Books.
1,243 reviews192 followers
April 25, 2021
A dark and twisted saga of revenge. The rich and powerful will find that they are not invincible. A savage girl, of their own making, is going to end their reign. It’s time for change.

Avalon wants revenge. She won’t be satisfied until she bathes in a river of their blood. Every last one of them.

Judgement day has arrived. Her mother. Corina. Everyone who had a hand in the horrors that have been done to her is going to pay. The reaper is coming and she will show no mercy.

Avalon and the Sick Boys have their work cut out for them beyond their thirst for revenge. There is always a puppet master and they need to figure out who is responsible. The secrets are plentiful and the players each have their own agenda. Uncovering the truth will not be easy, but they won’t stop until everyone gets their due.

The author will take you to the dark side and beyond. Avalon does not shy away from getting her hands dirty. The people who hurt her will feel her pain and she’s not holding back. The savage will come out.

Her boys will stand by her side. A family forged from loyalty and love. They are bonded for life now. Her feelings for Dean will overwhelm her at times and she’ll fight them. But they are connected in every way. Loving him is no longer a choice. He’s the air she breathes. Their love may be unconventional, but their devotion is beautiful and unwavering.

The story is emotional and multi-layered. The boys are complex and each has his own story to tell. I absolutely love every character in this series and I hope to get more of Abel, Braxton and Luc. They each deserve a forever love. A romantic suspense that will keep you at the edge and leave you wanting more.
Profile Image for Bookiechick  Reviews.
713 reviews19 followers
April 26, 2021
And so Avalon and deans story concludes!!!
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What a twisted, bloody, amazing ending! Sitting at the edge of my seat the entire way and the closer I got to the end the more the dread settled in. I didn’t want this to end.
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I’m not gonna lie, Avalon did annoy me a couple times but other than that I was fascinated with her growth. It wasn’t your usual growth which fascinated me. And dean was the same. I loved how they grew together and got through their hurdles together yet they stood apart also. The twists in the story made for an exciting read. It was angsty and full of action, albeit twisted action but action nonetheless.
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Fair warning for anyone who has triggers this book deals with rape and flashbacks of torture and rape so please read with caution.
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Incredible word build. You truly get the sense of being in this cutthroat world with the secrets, intrigue, emotional roller coaster and more. Incredibly detailed and written. And a conclusion that was satisfying and teased us for what’s to come in the future with the sick boys. I have loved reading this series and I can’t wait to see what Abel and Braxton bring next!!!
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,311 reviews322 followers
May 29, 2021
Kudos to the author for not letting up on Avalon and keeping her strong, if not, well adjusted. This book gets good and gruesome again and Avalon and Dean pretty much roll around in the blood and gore likes pigs in mud but I couldn't look away.

Where the books falter a bit is in the obtuseness the Sick boys show in not catching on quicker. They keep insisting they aren't kids but frankly, this book shows how little devious experience they have and had them running around in circles trying to figure out obvious red flags for way longer than they should have.

Very much looking forward to Abel and Rylie's book.
Profile Image for Laura Horne.
234 reviews
April 24, 2021
Yes yes yessssss!! The conclusion to Dean & Avalon’s story was EVERYTHING!!! I devoured every single page and word fully and just couldn’t read it quick enough!

I read the first 2 of the Sick Boys series in January and have been (im)patiently waiting for this book ever since. So when I was lucky enough to get an arc I was soooo excited!

The story is so dark and violent and I loved it ALL! Dean and Avalon are seriously fucked up characters but you just love them regardless.

Avalon is the baddest bitch I’ve ever read; she is so tough, strong and sassy and I AM HERE FOR IT.

And Dean.. oh Dean! He is the literal perfect other half for her, their fucked upness compliments each other perfectly and their relationship and love is just goalsssss.

Honestly, this series is SO GOOD. It does have triggers so if you have any and are interested in reading feel free to drop me a DM and I can let you know if you’ll be ok! I couldn’t recommend this series and book any more highly!
Profile Image for E. Molgaard.
Author 13 books42 followers
May 1, 2021
Great End

This book was such a great end to Avalon and Dean story. You finally get answers to most the twists and turns throughout the series. And those twists were worth waiting for. Avalon’s past is so much more interesting than I ever expected. My favorite thing about this book is that Avalon truly becomes a Sick Girl. She fully embraces her dark side and takes revenge on those that have hurt her and are after her. I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble the Sick Boys and Girl along with Rylie get into next. There are so many dark stories to still uncover.
Riley and Abel’s story is next and I can’t wait!
Profile Image for LouLou Fox.
Author 4 books36 followers
May 3, 2021
Oh holey I bow down to you Lucy!!!!!! One of the best series I have read in I can't even remember!!!! I felt my heart in my throat more than a couple times and cringed like no other lol but just wow I loved everything about the sick boys and Avalon and Riley! I just don't know how I'm going to last till October till my next sick boys fix!!! Book 4 is already pre ordered and the count down has begun!
Profile Image for Elizabeth D.
23 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2021
Amazing as always!!

Cant wait for the next book! And the book after that and the book after that. Lol. As much as j love dean and Avalon I can't wait for abel and brax story's! Each book has been very well written and loaded with action and drama that keeps me waiting for th next.
Profile Image for JoLee (Cozy.Sunday.Reads).
660 reviews74 followers
October 25, 2021
Dean and Ava’s tied up story in Natural Born Killers (Sick Boys #3) by Lucy Smoke is dark, angsty, messy and loved it all. Ava is more bada$$ and crazy. I for sure would not want to be the one who ever wrongs her. A nice set up for Rylie’s book who is next. Series must be read in order.

Highly recommend Sick Boys Series
* New Adult
* Dark Romance
* Slow Burn
* Angsty
* Enemies To Lovers
Profile Image for Emma (emjbookshelf).
855 reviews19 followers
April 25, 2021
Rule No. 3: Never let anyone think they can hurt you and get away with it.

Dean & Ava are two of my fave characters, They are both damaged, violent, twisted and completely perfect for each other. This book is darker, more brutal and bloodier and I absolutely loved it. NBK is everything you want to read in a finale about a couple, This story was hot AF.

Avalon finally gets the revenge she has been waiting for and everyone that has crossed her will get what is coming to them. Her revenge is dark, gritty, bloody and I loved how she dished it out herself instead of the boys doing the dirty deed.

Dean is sex on a stick he is a possessive alpha male sand the guys well they also showed their vulnerabilities in this story and they completeyly adore Ava. This is the conclusion to Dean & Avalaon's story and this is the best book out of the three in the Sick Boys series. Cannot wait to read more books in this series and see Brax and Abel get their HEA. Next book in the series is about Rylie and I am hoping she gets her HEA with Abel after all the angst and chemistry between them in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews

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