I loved this one sooo much more than the 1st. I skimmed book 2 and got to this one because I could not wait to hear Flame's story. And what a sick, twisted, horrific story it was. His story really pulls at the heart strings. It's so profoundly sad, especially considering how it still affected him so much. But Maddie and him coming together was just so perfect and beautiful. Their intimacy was so much deeper because you knew they were both so nervous and afraid, yet they were willing to try to overcome their pasts to be with one another. Maddie was Flame's anchor and he was her safety. There's not as much action between the Hangmen and the Order in this book, but I honestly don't think Flame could've handled what went on in the previous 2 books happening to Maddie anyway. The meeting between Flame and his tormentor was so satisfying. Call me sadistic, but I loved it. Great story all around.