Book Review ~ Warped Minds

5 Stars | 5 Spice

Book 4 of the Boys Of Briar Hall Series, by Elena Lawson

Warped Minds by Elena Lawson is a jaw-dropping finale to The Boys of Briar Hall series. Packed with brutal twists, raw emotion, and dark romance done right, this book ties every thread into a gut-punch of an ending. Ava Jade proves she's unstoppable, and the boys bring heart, heat, and havoc. If you love morally grey romance with bite, this is the epic conclusion you need.

QUICK REVIEW

Warped Minds is the explosive, emotional finale to The Boys of Briar Hall series by Elena Lawson—and what a way to go out. This book didn’t just stick the landing, it soared. The entire series has been a dark, twisted ride full of secrets, betrayal, brutal romance, and unapologetic heart, and Warped Minds pulled every thread together in the most satisfying (and emotionally devastating) way.

This final book was more than just spice—though trust me, the spice delivered—it was a well-woven story that gave new life to the why-choose trope. These characters weren’t just hot, they were deeply broken, fiercely loyal, and layered in a way that made you feel every high and low with them. There’s action, chaos, gut-wrenching emotion, and some truly laugh-out-loud moments. Dark romance done right.

FULL REVIEW

SPOILERS AHEAD     ~     SPOILERS AHEAD

Writing & Plot:

Elena Lawson had my jaw on the floor with this one. From the first page to the very last, the pacing was intense and relentless. The tension never let up, but it also gave us moments of tenderness, fierce love, and dark, dark beauty. The writing continues to be sharp and emotionally resonant, with dialogue that’s both gritty and clever, and prose that punches you in the chest when you least expect it.

The reveal that Carson (aka Jericho, aka Drake—how many names does one villain need?!) was Diesel’s son? Okay, I kind of guessed it when he started claiming the Saints as his "right," but STILL, the way it was revealed? Chef’s kiss. He was unhinged in the worst way, and a perfect final boss for Ava Jade and her boys to destroy.

When he shot Becca, I genuinely thought we lost her. That scene was gutting. I was bracing myself for a death, and then Grey found a pulse and I screamed, “THANK GOD.” Becca deserves the world, and her survival felt like a win we desperately needed.

Character Development:

Ava Jade, as always, is the fire that keeps this story burning. But this time? She literally set herself on fire to escape. ICONIC. That entire sequence was brutal and brilliant, and when the Saints gave her that standing ovation? My soul cheered. She has earned every ounce of her place in their world.

Corvus jumping off the roof? NO. WORDS. I cried so hard. I really thought Elena Lawson had killed him off, and the way she played that scene?? Evil. Genius. The moment we cut to the hospital and he was in surgery, I swear I breathed for the first time in ten pages. That was CRUEL, Elena.

Rook and Grey continued to evolve beautifully—Rook’s edges getting sharper but more focused, and Grey stepping deeper into his role as protector. Their dynamic with Ava Jade felt even more solid and intimate this time around. Their bond isn’t just about heat anymore (though there’s still plenty of that); it’s built on survival, trust, and love.

And then… Diesel. The man who’s been cold and suspicious toward Ava Jade from the start finally showed a heart. Giving Ava Jade his wife’s jacket at the end? Cue the tears. That moment felt like the closing of a wound that had been open since book one.

The ending to this series was everything I wanted and more. Fierce, emotional, and earned. It didn’t feel rushed or sugar-coated—it felt like survival. Like family. Like the beautiful, warped minds of Briar Hall had finally found peace, together.

If you're craving a dark romance that doesn’t shy away from the gritty, painful parts of love—and delivers characters that will stay in your head and your heart—Warped Minds is the perfect finale to a series that redefined what a why-choose story can be. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.

Thanks for reading ~ Natalie x

And please, feel free to comment below! What did you think of the book? Did you love it? Like it? Hate it? Let's talk!

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