Lost Duet, 1
I have only been good at one thing—being a criminal. So I've learned to embrace my strengths: money, power, dealing, and women. All four things have made me who I am today, a man that is both respected and feared. In my eyes, my life is everything I have ever wanted and more.
Until she walked into my life.
Emory has changed everything. She has changed me. She was just another employee of mine until she asked for my help. She is the one that opened the door, and now that the door is open I can’t let it close. There is something about her that draws me in and makes me question everything. She is trusting me to keep her safe from her ex, but honestly, it is me that she will need protection from. My desire for her is growing and soon I won’t be able to hold back.
Be Warned: bondage, forced seduction
Excerpt:
Love, is a strong word, and before her, I would never use it. But I believe in it now. Instant love is not just in the movies anymore, it is right here in this moment. She isn’t ready, though, to hear that I am now obsessed and completely in love with her.
She isn’t ready to know just how far I am willing to go to keep her. I will go at her pace, she is used to men taking from her and forcing her. I will never do that. I will show her with my actions what my feelings are.
If this is what a relationship is? I never want it to fucking stop.
“I like the sound of it, though,” she whispers.
“Me too,” I state, not needing to think about my answer.
She stays silent for a moment, searching my eyes, making my heart beat even more. I am normally not like this, and I know with her I shouldn’t be like this, but I can’t help it. There is something about her that makes me question everything.
I lean in and gently kiss her forehead, another gesture new to me, but with her, it feels right. We are moving so fucking fast, I am getting whiplash, but I have never done things slowly, and it seems so far she is enjoying the ride. So why stop?
“What happens tomorrow?” she finally asks. I pull back and then gently place my forehead against hers, taking a deep breath.
I know we have to think about tomorrow. I know we can’t run away, but I wish we could. Everything feels perfect right now, and tomorrow that might change. Tomorrow is uncertain, and it makes me nervous. “We go to work, and we wait,” I whisper.
“He will be there,” she whispers back. The fear is now back in her voice, making my blood boil. I am getting sick and tired of this ex, and I don’t know how long I can hold out before I fucking break. And when I break, I will fucking break him.
“I know.” I pull back and rest the back of my head on the bed frame. She looks up at me. Her eyes are filled with desire and worry, a mix I wish wasn’t there. I know the worry will stay until everything with Jesse goes away, and I plan on making him go away sooner rather than later. Again for selfish fucking reasons. Thinking of him touching her, taking her from me, brings to the surface a level of rage I have never felt.
I watch her close her eyes and take a deep breath. I tighten my arm around her as she opens her eyes. “I’m afraid of him,” she whispers.
“He won’t touch you, and if he tries, I will fucking break him,” I state through gritted teeth. I am not normally possessive and controlling over a woman, but Emory is bringing forth many things I thought were long gone—things I never thought were possible for me to feel.
She allows a small smile to form across her lips. “I believe you.”
“Welcome to my world, my Fallen Angel,” I say in an amused voice.
She doesn’t respond as I lean back down and connect my lips to hers. I have no idea what we are doing or what I am doing, but I do know now that I have had her, I can’t let her go. I want her, and if that means bringing her into my world of drugs and crime, then so be it. She will be a queen.
I will give her everything she has ever wanted and more. She will know a life she should have had all along, and I will do the one thing I promised myself I would never do. I will fall in love with her, and she will have all of me.
Am I moving fast? Yes.
Will the world agree with what we are doing? No.
Is she forbidden? Someone I shouldn’t touch? Absolutely.
But I don’t fucking care. I have always prided myself on breaking the rules, and that won’t change now.
Oh my god you need to be prepared when you read this book. Trust me when I say it’s beyond heartbreaking in places. I love the way the book is written, it’s the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m pretty sure I’m hooked. Emory is so incredibly strong after everything Jesse did to her. I love Shawn and I’m very excited for book 2 and Ethan’s story. If it’s anything like this book I will need wine, chocolate and tissues!
This is an entertaining dark suspenseful romance book that holds your attention captive from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing and dramatic as the elements unfold. The characters have steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.
Shawn and Emory. He thought he had it all until her. She works for him and needs his help. Now that she has crossed that line hes not letting her go. Shes running from an abusive ex and is staying at a shelter for the abused which he runs. Her ex is in jail about to be released and he traumatized her in such a way that the court was appalled. He is an intense dark possessive alpha male that will stop at nothing to protect her. WOW what a fierce ride.
Shawn might not be the ideal hero but his questionable skills and sharp mind made him Emory's best ally in surviving her abusive ex. I liked that he was all hands on deck with her, going above and beyond to keep her safe and to give her a real chance at living. Their story was darker than I expected as Sasha is a new to me author, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of it.
Lost in me was Shawn and Emory’s story. This was a new author, for me. I thought it was an intriguing and exciting read. I got a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving my review.
This is a dark novel that kept me hooked on the story of Shawn and Emory from the beginning. Shawn and Emory work together after she turned to his abuse survivors center for herself a while back and that changed after a while when she joined. It is not an easy task for them as they have to deal with many twists and turns that they navigate together. And then we have not even talked about Emory's ex who does everything he can to get her back and does everything he can to disrupt their future together and to eliminate him. Both are actually not good men but Shawn is a lot better than her ex and he does everything he can to ensure their future together and keep her safe. A great story with enough tension and drama and enough romance and dark moments and steam.
Lost In Me is a crazy, tense, and spicy, dark romance. Emory is running from a psychotic, abusive ex and finds herself at a shelter for abuse victims. The shelter is run by Shawn, our MMC who soon becomes her boss and so much more. Shawn is not a good guy by any means, but Emory's ex is a monster and when he decides to try to return to Emory's life Shawn will stop at nothing to protect her. This was an intense, wild ride and I loved every minute of it. This book features some VERY dark themes and is not suitable for all audiences. Your mental health matters, be sure to check the triggers!
Wow edge of your seat book. That's written well and keeps you reading for a little longer to find out what happens next. I don't want to spoil it for anyone but if u like a mystery and romance all tied into one u will love thi book.
This is Emory and Shawn's story. Since Emory's ex has been in prison she has had some aprieve. Now he is out and she is scared. She has worked for Shawn for years and they have held their feelings for each other, but what will happen when her ex shows up? Shawn isn't an all inocent person, but what will he do to protect her?
Oh my goodness! This is such a good story but very intense, dark, tragic, a roller coaster ride of emotions and with triggers. The story is about Emory and Shawn. I love these two characters! They are so perfect for each other and they needed each other in so many ways. My heart bleeds out for everything Emory has gone through and goes through in this story. Very emotional and tragic story about a women who has lived through hell. She thinks she is a ghost that nobody sees; Shawn sees her. Shawn has his own tragic background and witnessed what his mother went through. He started a center for abused women, where he meets his "Angel". They stare at each other but neither makes a move for more. When her past comes to find her Shawn will do anything to keep her safe. Such a good story with a wonderful ending!!! I will say parts of it where hard to read through but the writer does a good job with the topics. The story deals with violence, abuse, rape, torture and more.
Emory has been through something so awful at the hands of her ex it even traumatized the judge that oversaw her case. Her ex has been in prison but will be out soon and this has Emory on edge. Shawn is a man with a good heart but he’s not a good man by society standards. When her ex shows up and throws Emory’s life into chaos Shawn is her savior. They have been attracted to each other but have never acted on their feelings. Shawn is sure she’s his everything and will never stop protecting her or proving she’s worthy of love. Her ex is a psychopath and is so awful. Shawn and Emory are perfect for each other and stronger together. I love this dark romance that is so full of love and hope. Shawn is the perfect antihero and so is their HEA
She was never really living her life, until she met Shawn. Em and Shawn had a connection but were both just keeping their distances. Shawn was living the life he thought he deserved after everything he did to get to his place in the world. Em was only living a ghost of her true self, thanks to her scary ex. When that ex comes back into the picture everything changes. She and Shawn cross the line and they have no intention of turning back. The things Em goes thru because of her ex is beyond scary. I love the look into their future and look forward to reading more about it. I can't wait to read more about Ethan and Jen.
This is the first book in the Lost Duet series. I found this dark romance to be a very enjoyable read. Shawn and Emory are great characters and I was hooked from the start. I didn't want to put the book down. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
This book was amazing. I had not read but a few titles by this author, and this has made me a believer and the author, a new favorite of mine. I do highly recommend this story.
Lost in Me is a compelling story of resilience and rediscovery. Emory’s journey of overcoming her past is written with a lot of heart, and Shawn is an intriguing, complex character who brings a mix of intensity and tenderness. The romance builds nicely, and the suspense adds an extra layer to keep things interesting. Some parts felt a little rushed, but imo, it’s a captivating read that’ll keep you hooked. Definitely recommend it for fans of darker romance!
Lost in Me is the first book in the Lost Duet. The storyline is gritty and takes us through the very harsh realities of domestic violence and stalkers. The characters are believable and unapologetic in all that they do. You will want Emory and Shawn to have their happily ever after, especially as they literally have to fight for their lives to get there. Despite some downright triggering moments in the story, I could not put this book down. I look forward to reading the next book in the duet, Lost in Her.
Holy Hotness!!!!!! Needed a cold shower after reading this one. detailed, intense, amazing story that kept me glued to the pages. Multi layered relatable characters. Definitely enjoyed reading this book.
Couldn’t put the book down when I started reading it. It is fast paced but it doesn’t eliminate from their characters. Sometimes you need a monster to deal with your boogeyman.
I absolutely can not say enough good things about this story. Shawn and Emory have worked together but also have both been interested in each other for quite awhile. Emory's crazy ex has served a prison sentence for what ALL he did to her and then comes after her to continue where he left off. Very good storyline and flow to story. Can't wait for book 2.
This was my first time reading material written by this author and I was pleasantly impressed by the characters they grabbed and held my interest with their connection and interaction
This dark romance was well written. Storyline drew me in from the first line. After being physically and emotionally abused by Jesse, Emory has moved on. Moving far from home, she has started working, helping those who have been in similar or worse situations. She still looks over her shoulder, but has come to understand her trauma. Going to great extents in her daily life to not create patterns. The director of the center, Shawn, just so happens to be in other nefarious dealings. But to the women who have been hurt, he has warm spot for. Especially Emory! And Shawn is probably the only man she trusts. When Emory’s life comes crashing down one day, Shawn is there for her. I found it interesting to have Jesse’s POV, his unhinged thoughts of how he views the situation. Great addition to this story.
Shawn isn’t the most standup citizen, but he owns a center for abuse victims. After coming in to help herself, Emory is now an employee there. It doesn’t take long for her past ex to find and torment her. Together, Shawn and Emory navigate what has already happened and what lay ahead of them. Emory’s ex is psychotic and delusional. He wants to pick up where the two of them left off and it is the farthest thing from a good place. Shawn is not a good guy and his love for Emory is unwavering. There is nothing he won’t do to ensure their future together, which is a very good thing considering the dark and disturbing obstacles they face. I got sucked in right from the start and the ride never let up. Soft and dark moments take turns so you aren’t stuck in a certain mood for too long, leading you to turn page after page to find out where you will be taken next.
This was a fun romance by a new-to-me author. Maybe fun isn't quite the right word because there are lots of TWs to be aware of when diving in. Read safe! Shawn may have been a criminal but he sure was sweet with Emory. She's turned into a shy and scared gal, due to her wretched ex, but Shawn wants her to see how strong she really is. He certainly made sure she was safe. Expect to feel all the feels as they work their way to a wonderful HEA. Good fun!
I really liked this book. The Shawn and Emory were romantic! ? I liked how this author included the abusive husband’s pov. It added another layer to the story and added to the suspense.
⚠️ Please, please check your trigger warnings before diving into this book. ⚠️ This book had me hooked from the beginning, it does explain a lot of hard topics, especially if you have been through them in your own personal life. We follow Emory and her journey after a DV relationship. Shawn is a protector, a little bit scary and intimidating but a protector. He has had his eyes set on Emory since her first day, and after an encounter with her ex, this may finally be the time.
I liked this story, got me hooked straight away. The characters are great, and was good to have some of the story told from Jesse point of view. I did get halfway through and wonder where it was going then started the next chapter and it got interesting. This book does deal with difficult themes so read the triggers.
Emory has escaped a very bad situation to find her past cathing up with her. Shawn(my new bad boy hero crush) knows exactly how to save Emory. The suspenseful ending made it easy and enjoyable reading until the end.
Please read TRIGGERS before reading. Shawn is a one bad criminal and Emory is a shy and scared person. Emory ex Jesse has made her feel this way. Shawn sees a beautiful strong person. They both fall for each other which Shawn is sweet with her. Jesse is the worst kind of Monster. This story made me mad, cry,happy, intense. It's a dark romance. I loved it. I can't wait to read Ethan s story.
Oh my lord absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters that had me wanting more, more, more. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for book 2!!!
