Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Maura Quinn #3

Escape the Reaper

Rate this book
The reaper is knocking at my door.
I wonder if he received my invitation.
Why else would I have walked into that hospital room?
I knew it was a trap.
I just didn’t care.
That’s the thing about revenge: It’s all-consuming.
My only regret is that Louie was shot.
Is he alive?
Is he dead?
I’m afraid I’ll never find out.
I feel death’s hand on my shoulder.
I won’t go out without a fight.
I’ll make sure I take all my enemies with me when I descend to hell.

*** Warning: This is a MFM menage romance. Maura Quinn's story is a dark twisted tale with violence, graphic killing, foul language, and sexual content. Some parts may be triggering. ***

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2023

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Ashley N. Rostek

8 books2,522 followers
Ashley N. Rostek is a wife and mother by day and a writer by night. She survives on coffee, loves collecting offensive coffee mugs, and is an unashamed bibliophile.

To Ashley, there isn’t a better pastime than letting your mind escape in a good book. Her favorite genre is romance and has the overflowing bookshelf to prove it. She is a lover of love. Be it a sweet YA or a dark and lusty novel, she must read it!

Ashley’s passion is writing. She picked up the pen at seventeen and hasn’t put it down. Her debut novel is Embrace the Darkness, the first book in the Maura Quinn series.

For updates and sneak peeks on her upcoming projects, follow her on social media. Links below.

https://www.facebook.com/ashleynrostek/
https://www.instagram.com/ashleynrostek/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,332 (57%)
4 stars
728 (31%)
3 stars
230 (9%)
2 stars
29 (1%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
Profile Image for KM.
62 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2022
Is this book ever coming out? It feels like the author dropped this series which is a shame since it’s the best one!
Profile Image for G.
493 reviews177 followers
September 14, 2023
Wow. RTC

It feels soo bitter sweet to finish the last book. While I love seeing Maura get her HEA I never want this series to end. * I hope we get a spin off or future novellas set in this world*
If you follow my reviews you would know I am a MASSIVE fan of Ashley N Rostek. I remember when I read the first book when it came out. I was obsessed!! Anyways....
I highly recommend you read this series. It has everything you can dream of. Romance. Drama. Action. Mystery. The whole works.
Each character is complex in nature making it impossible to not fall in love with every single one. I can not stress how much you are missing out not reading this series.
Profile Image for rosa.
441 reviews
September 8, 2023
Ahhh… I DNF’d at 22 per cent.
Unfortunately, this book has only reminded me why I sometimes struggle with gang, mob and mafia books - the misogyny is always so real, and usually, I can get through it when there’s a redeemable FMC, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Yes, Maura is a very entertaining character. She’s cunning and skilled, intelligent and a very capable mob boss. But she’s also a massive hypocrite. She’s trying to be accepted and taken seriously as a woman. She is fighting not to be belittled or underestimated based on her gender. She’s "supposedly" this badass feminist, yet she doesn’t have a single female friend. For her entire life, she failed to make even just one good female friend.

I thought we were getting somewhere in book two with her cousin Brenna, but the relationship lacks any depth, and it’s clear that the author is just preparing her for a spin-off series.

I can pretend that mob life has prevented Maura from finding meaningful female friendships. Still, with every woman she comes into contact with, she either hates, ignores, uses or kills, including Amelia, who Maura essentially bullies into committing suicide. This girl had just given birth to a baby, was forcibly taken from the hospital and raped, and Maura did nothing to help her. She berates her until, eventually, Amelia decides to slit her wrists, ending it all. So, of course, Maura takes her baby.

This was the point where I’d had enough. I’m not on board with this storyline.
Profile Image for Tanja.
299 reviews23 followers
June 18, 2023
I'm a bit torn about how I feel after reading this. On the one hand, I respect it when the author doesn't drag the story and writes sequel after sequel in the neverending series, the trilogy can be sufficient for the story to be told and wrapped up if the author knows what they are doing. But on the other hand, I can't believe this story is over. I wasn't paying attention to the percentage of the book I read, and I was honestly surprised when I saw the words The End.
Something is missing, though I can't quite put my finger on what. The story was action-packed, all the loose ends were tied, and all of the character's stories wrapped up nicely, and jet something is missing.
It's probably just me not wanting Moira's story to be finished. I haven't read about such a strong and fierce female character that was so likable and smart without being colored with the feminism most authors project through their characters. Now I can say with certainty she is absolutely my favorite FMC, and I was not ready to let her and her story go. I'm in awe of Rostek for writing this amazing series. Deep bow, well done!
Profile Image for Danielle.
160 reviews26 followers
June 1, 2023
4.5 stars

This book. Wow. Let’s just say Escape the Reaper by Ashley N. Rostek was an emotional ride. There is SO much pain to wade through in this final installment of the Maura Quinn series and there were moments that had me struggling with my own tears because I felt like I was part of Maura’s pain. The incredible writing made it difficult not to experience the trauma and agony alongside Maura and I loved how connected this book made me feel to the characters. The characters are so real and so relatable, flawed and yet beautiful in their own ways and I just can’t get enough of them. They truly make these books great.

I was also all about Maura’s revenge period. I swear this woman gets more badass with each book and I’m here for it. It’s something that has truly made me admire her from the beginning of the series. She’s a woman that does not need to be rescued, and in fact, adamantly refuses to be as she insists on doing everything herself. Of course, this can be a flaw because she struggles to accept help, but her strength is what truly astounds me in the best way. But Maura takes her anger into her own hands in this end to her story. She proves what a badass she has become throughout the course of the series and does everything she can to get her revenge and it’s very hard not to cheer her on.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the odd Jamie and Louie chapters throughout the novel. There weren’t a huge number, but it was still a nice little taste of these two characters with some insight into their thoughts and feelings that I really enjoyed. I’m a sucker for multiple POVs in alternating chapters, especially when it involves the love interest (or interests) so this was such an enjoyable part of the final book in this series. Especially when there was so much angst going on between the characters throughout the course of it. It gave insight into everyone’s experiences and let you see things from each differing perspective rather than only getting one side of the story and therefore being biased by that persons views.

Furthermore, It. Was. Action. Packed. I swear once this book started it was just one thing happening after another. There was no time to slow down, and therefore it was nearly impossible to put Escape the Reaper down because there was no break in the events taking place that made it easy to step away from this book. I just needed to see what was going to happen, and there were so many tense moments that the idea of stopping was too anxiety inducing to contemplate. It meant when I did I was left thinking about what would happen next and counting down until I could pick it back up again.

Finishing this book was bittersweet. I loved every minute of it, but was a little sad to see the end to the story of these characters as I’ve felt so connected to them throughout. I sincerely hope Ashley N. Rostek will return to this world in future, if not the same main characters, because I truly miss these books already. To sum it up, the finish to the Maura Quinn series was fully worth the wait and fans are going to love this latest, and last installment. If you haven’t started it yet, go read these books now, you won’t regret it!
Profile Image for My_Strange_Reading.
575 reviews91 followers
February 22, 2024
I’m just going to write one review for this series because I feel the same way about all 3 books.

Maura is the heir to a mafia kingdom but left the life 6 years ago to try and be “normal”. Things happen and she returns to the life and becomes a bad ass boss lady that everyone loves to hate. Along the way, her two childhood best friends profess their love and they build an unconventional relationship.

This series was not super great, but it was compelling enough for me to finish it. I found Maura quite annoying, and I feel like the author would have benefited from an editor asking her what the MC’s real motivation is because that lack of clarity seems to allow for large plot holes and character confusion.

If you like a mafia book with a kick ass Queen, you will probably enjoy this series, but please note the content and trigger warnings. There is a HEA.

content/TW: rape, abuse, graphic violence, pregnancy loss, whipping, MMF relationship
Profile Image for Felicia.
1,799 reviews95 followers
June 1, 2023
Escape the Reaper by Ashley N. Rostek is a romantic suspense. This is the third and final book in The Maura Quinn Series.

I absolutely love Ashley's books. She did a great job wrapping up the series. I don't want to give any spoilers away. So, I will just say that I loved that we got Maura, Louie, and Jamie's points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

I was so excited when she announced that she will be doing more books set in this world. I can't wait for them to be announced.

I would highly recommend this series if you like dark romances, menage romances, romantic suspense, or mafia romances.
Profile Image for Michelle Ann.
526 reviews22 followers
May 30, 2023
Omg i cannot believe this is the end. The HEA for Maura, Jamie and Louie was a very hard fought and uphill battle. It was definitely a struggle for these 3 but it’s here. So much was happening, the alliance with Nicoli, the power struggle for Maura as she flits between mafia Princess and mafia boss. The trust between Jamie and Maura seemed difficult and it was hard to imagine Jamie without Maura and vice versa. But we know they’re it for each other.

And who here is looking at the chemistry between Dario, Brenna and Nicoli? I’d love to see a story on this.
Profile Image for Tanya Courtney.
398 reviews9 followers
June 1, 2023
Who wants to see a Brenna, Nicole and Dario book, put your hands up. I'm not usually a fan of age gap romance but the set up in this book has me wondering about all the things.

What can I say Maura kicks butt she has ever since book one but my gosh she's had a lot of trauma to overcome. We only really got a glimpse of her emotional dark times and how she felt but it was all done with realism and careful thought.

I remember being so angry at Jamie in book two lucky for him with the time lapse for book three, I kinda mostly forgot why. So I wasn't too upset with Maura for forgiving him and them all moving forward.

But Dean and Asher are still my faves and I could always do with more of them.

I would also love a Stefan and Brody novella, loved Aiden thrown in there for a glimpse at a back story. Make all the books happen Ashley Rostek this is such a character rich universe I don't want to leave it.

As satisfying HFN conclusion to Maura's storyline, I could go on and beg for more Roarke too...
Profile Image for Shelby Lee.
9 reviews
June 22, 2023
Ugh WHY IS IT OVER 😤 I loved how witty and unapologetic Maura was. Her character progression was beautiful and I hope Breanna gets her own story! All the unanswered questions were wrapped up in a pretty bow - I only wish we had a good epilogue into Maura’s and her little fams future.
Profile Image for Tayla ✨ taylaslibrary ✨.
210 reviews11 followers
June 19, 2023
4.5⭐️

Maura Quinn is without a doubt, one of my favourite mafia series. I’ve loved Maura from book 1 and I’m still obsessed.
This was such a good ending to Maura, Jamie and Louie’s story. It was drama and action filled as well as having real heartfelt moments as Maura tries to deal with everything that’s happened.
I love every single character in this series, the side characters and the found family is everything.
Maura’s strength and resilience, the patience and acceptance that Jamie and Louie have with her and the revenge she finally gets, made this the perfect ending.

Bring on Brenna’s story because I can tell I’m going to love her just as much.
Profile Image for Meg Elle.
435 reviews21 followers
June 2, 2023
Perfect conclusion to the Maura Quinn series. The last line I think was just so perfect I won't spoil it. This story was many things, a mafia story of a strong yet at times vulnerable woman trying to come to terms with the two sides of herself (which is very relatable) A story of a Father and daughter relationship, a dark romance, MFM story. One where relationships were put to the test. Story that explores loss and how partners deal with loss. Being vulnerable, trusting, letting people in, childhood crushes and bonds, changing relationship dynamics. I could go on and on. There series does a Great job of exploring these things and different types of relationships realistic relatable way even though it's through this big mafia setting and storyline. And I think those are the best types of books that can take these extraordinary circumstances but also make them very relatable and grounded at the same time.

The relationship between Maura and Jamie was fire. From their chemistry and banter to when it came to working through the serious stuff also fire. And Louie and Maura having a lighter relationship, one where it seemed like it was forbidden because of best friends but that worked out for them.

There are just so many different layers and facets to this book. You've got a great plot, mafia, cop drama, you name it. Fantastic relationships from romantic, best friendships, workplace, family and of course, I mentioned before the father-daughter relationship that was explored so so well.

I can't tell you how many lines I highlighted from this book that I just loved. The wiring puts you into the scene and into the characters heads. I loved that this book was multiple POV. Previously it had been Maura POV with novella from guys POV book 2.5. But books has multiple POV.

Ashley does such a great job of writing strong female characters that also are vulnerable and go through a lot. In this character is really working if out. And isn't that all of us, aren't we all multifaceted people? I love well-rounded characters. And I really enjoy reading Maura's journey. And I really appreciate a topic that many women go through being explored.

I have so many compliments for this series and this book. I truly love it and highly recommend it. If you have read Ashley's WITSEC series You will definitely love this as well. I'm excited to get more stories from characters in this world. And basically read anything from Ashley writes.
Profile Image for Murphy.
717 reviews
May 27, 2023
The conclusion!

Maura Quinn is a definite favorite of mine. From the moment I read those pages from book 1, I was a goner. Book three is nothing different. With the first few chapters, the author sets the tone for an intense read. Continuing on from the tragedy in the previous books, Maura knew her where she was headed. Stuck in the darkness, unable to escape her sorrow - her only mission is revenge.

After her mission with the Aryans is completed, she still needs to find the mole. Only now, four months have come and gone. Will she get the respect she deserves from the others. When she finds out who the culprit really is - will it change her standing on being the heir?

Their was literally so much going on! I cant even fully explain without giving it all away. The author did a fantastic job at tying up all of the loose ends we found ourselves with from the previous books and blending it altogether to make a great story. I especially loved how she focused on little Brenna so much. I hope we end up getting a series about her! I will definitely be here for that.

When the ending came, I honestly felt like it came up way too fast. I know this is the end for Maura, but I cant help but feel like we aren't done. Hopefully, if we do get that series for Brenna, we will get more of Maura and her men. This one wasn't as steamy as I wanted, but I think their was just so much to write about and finish up, their probably wasn't space. I will forever love this series and look forward to more amazing storytelling.

*Overall 4.5/5
*Heat? 3/5
*Med Burn
*MFM Romance
*Multiple first person POV
*Ends on HFN
Profile Image for Vea.
316 reviews10 followers
June 14, 2023
Oh my heart, it hurt reading this book. I think I experienced this series on a whole other level because I got to read these books back to back without breaks in between. It’s been one wild ride, and I’m sensing a major book hangover now that it’s over.

Maura girl! Wow, I mean badass doesn’t really cover it. She’s in a league of her own. But not just her though, the male characters in these books are phenomenal. I can’t even pick a favorite honestly because they all bring something essential to the story, especially when you read everyone’s POV. But I swear nothing makes me happier than some major revenge plot. I feel like talking about the plot is almost impossible, it all ties in with the other books and just know that it’s a non-stop role coaster of emotions. So many things come together that I even almost forgot about because there’s just a lot happening. But it was perfectly paced in my opinion, and cannot wait to see what else Ashley does with this world next! 5⭐️
Profile Image for MK.
84 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2023
A great conclusion to Maura’s story. The pain that this character experiences left me gutted. Maura is so flawed and relatable I feel in love with her in the first book and that carried over into this book too. Escape the Reaper picks right up in the action of where the previous book left off.

In this book Maura is battling herself a lot, so lost in her pain and darkness. She pushes so hard to be the strongest person in the room because she knows that her name will only get her so far and being a woman people are ready to doubt her and her abilities, and that takes a toll on her.

The author does a amazing job at giving us closure in this final book and I could not be happier with that. We also see more of Brenna’s character so I am looking forward to seeing what future books come from her.

The heat in this one was a bit tame but given the place we’re at in the series it didn’t take away from the quality of the story.

If you loved book 1 & 2 you absolutely HAVE to read book 3!!

Profile Image for Zoe-Amelia Harris.
483 reviews14 followers
May 24, 2023
Maura is and will forever remain one of my favourite FMCs EVER!!!

Maura hasn't had it easy by any means, but she handles every hurdle like a goddamn boss and that's why we love her so much! She really does have a mind like a samurai sword, quick on her feet and smart as a whip!

Jamie and Louie, I wasn't sure whether you were ever going to be able to pull Maura back after the last book, but you did, in the most beautiful ways 🥺 the two people she could truly depend upon, and feel safe enough around to let herself fall apart knowing they'll catch the pieces and put her back together again

Also Brenna, can we just take a moment to appreciate how well Maura has rubbed off on her 😍

And Nicky, I have always had a soft spot for him 🥰🥰 Dario can get it too 😏

I had no nails left after reading this masterpiece, but it was so worth it to be on Maura's adventures with her!

I was so sad when this finished! But I have a feeling we haven't seen the end of these characters yet!

Ashley, as always, you have outdone yourself 🖤
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
1,471 reviews47 followers
May 30, 2023
Escape the Reaper by Ashley N. Rostek was an intense, and emotional ride. This series was my first time reading anything by this author, and I enjoyed it. I loved Maura’s character development throughout the books. One thing I really liked about this book was getting POV’s from Jaime and Louie.
This was an addicting read, from start to finish it was a nonstop action, suspense, nail biting, edge of your seat ride! This was the perfect conclusion to Maura and her guys story. I am curious about Brenna though and would love for her story.
Profile Image for Jennifer Elizabeth.
99 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2023
I have loved this series from the beginning! Ashley has this way of writing that sucks you into the story and you can’t stop until it is finished! The twists and turns in this series were crazy. And this book had so many. I was yelling and crying and screaming through the whole thing. I love Maura she is one of my favourite FMC’s ever! She is such a strong women. But you also see her struggles and how she works through them and comes out even tougher! She will take anyone out. She love��s fiercely! This series is absolutely amazing! Please please read it!
Profile Image for Adrianna Lamm.
653 reviews11 followers
June 5, 2023
I have been in dying inside waiting to see what happened to Maura after the Cliffhanger at the end of the pain. Maura has always been a kick-ass and handles things. Her relationship with Jamie and Louie has been my favorite dynamic. I'm glad things worked out. I loved the conclusion of Nava's story. Would love to read Brenna's story with her dynamic with certain male characters. Ashley N. Rostek is an auto buy for me.
Profile Image for Shauna.
247 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2023
♾️/⭐️

Hard to believe this series is finished. My emotions are all over the place. Maura is just the definition of Boss B*tch. After everything she’s been through and still coming out on top is just 👏🏻👏🏻

Can not believe I managed to snag an arc spot for this one. Like Ashley is one of my OG indie authors that I have followed since close to the beginning. If you haven’t read this series (Maura Quinn) or her Save Me series you are really missing something special.
Profile Image for Maddie Geurtze.
9 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this whole series! Characters were great, plot was entertaining and so much drama. I felt like they never got a break which was a little overwhelming for me personally. I do with we got a little more of the relationship aspect with both Jamie and Louie with Maura. Overall I’ve had a great three days reading their story!
Profile Image for Cortney Paege.
167 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2023
i LOVED every second of this. Plot was WILD and kept me on my seat the entire time and I LOVE these characters. I cannot wait for this spinoff bc I need more of these characters and this world. It’s the definition of bad ass females and I LOVE it.

My biggest cons with this one were that it is a MFM series but we didn’t get a full MFM scene 😩😩 also this is a good 100 pages shorter than the other two so some things did feel a bit rushed. It also seemed like this story was more about setting up for the spin off then our OG characters.

But overall, a good ending to a great series 🫶🏻
Profile Image for wilder.
226 reviews
June 2, 2023
nothing like when the last book of a series u read a year or two ago comes out and so u read it for shits and giggles but forget who the characters are and are so confused when everyone is being murdered but then u remember it’s a mafia murder book and naturally the murdering makes sense
Profile Image for Amanda Scheffe.
199 reviews6 followers
June 2, 2023
“She could be crazy, but it was calculated crazy.”

I’m so sad this series is over. What an emotional rollercoaster. I love Maura so much.
Will come back maybe for a more thought out review
Profile Image for Breanne Harty.
48 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2024
This author is my current fav, wow wow wow.
I haven’t ruined my sleep schedule over a book/series in a very long time but god was I addicted to this one.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,284 reviews12 followers
May 31, 2023
Absolutely epic conclusion to everything Maura Quinn!! There were so many soul shattering emotional moments that I found myself feeling every bit very deep. The emotional and mental healing that Maura, Jameson and Louie go through is nothing short of incredible. And since we’re taking about healing let’s not forget about Stefan and Maura’s relationship. I was pretty much white knuckling my kindle through the whole story with the amount of chaos that ensues. I really would love to see if anything progresses with Brenna, Nicoli and Dario!!
2,068 reviews17 followers
June 1, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It's been a while so I did a series re-read prior to jumping into this. I forgot how much I adore Maura Quinn! She is one of the best heroines in all her dramatic, BA glory. She makes me laugh and makes my heart hurt for her. All the other characters are fantastic as well as the action packed and suspense filled storyline. Absolutely fabulous series.
Profile Image for Melanie (words.aremagic).
643 reviews13 followers
June 5, 2023
Great ending to the Maura Quinn trilogy and a great set up to a spin off series I think. 😉

This series has tons of action and mobster madness happening throughout. Maura is a completely crazy and terrifying protagonist who you can’t help but admire. I am excited to see what Ashley N. Rostek writes next!
Profile Image for Brandy Seip.
143 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2023
Wow.....what an insane conclussion!!! This had some amazing twists and turns! Do not sleep on this series, absolutely a MUST read for any Mafia lover!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.