What do you think?
Rate this book
Choose Me
A life for a life...Not just a threat but a dark promise.But this time, it's not just my life I am fighting for.New York was supposed to be my new start--our new start.Far away from the ghosts that haunt me.However, my newfound peace is shattered when a new evil threatens to rip my new life to shreds as I become the target of a sick and twisted game of obsession and revenge. With James called away to a case in Miami, I am forced to navigate this treacherous path of love, loyalty, and survival alone against an enemy that promises the only way this ends is with life as payment.To save my unborn child, I will do anything, even if that means making an impossible choice that will change my life and the lives of those I love forever.
- GenresDarkThrillerDark Romance
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2023
2 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Emkey
12 books153 followersE. L. Emkey is a mama, wife, and gypsy soul. Her love of reading started when she was only three years old. As she got older, she started sneaking her mom's Harlequin romance novels about Scottish Highlanders and sexy cowboys. Her joy of being a writer is creating characters her readers can relate to and worlds they can disappear in, even for a short while. She loves raising her children and feeding her chickens; her family is her life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 8, 2023
I don’t know how words can do this book justice.. but I will try. James and Ava’s story is action packed from the very beginning. His story, including his broken pieces, is truly amazing. I highly recommend this will definitely pull on your heartstrings.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 4, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Excuse me while I figure out what the heck I am supposed to even say over here!
This book picks up exactly where book 1 left off and it takes you on such an emotional roller coaster ride.
You'll start off riding the happy train until that train crashes and you have to pick your jaw up off the floor. It's one crazy turn of events after another.
Ava...my sweet Ava, I personally just wanted to pick you up and wrap you up in my arms and never let you go. But you know what? You're the strongest person I think I've ever known! To go through what she has and to come out stronger than ever speaks high volumes.
James will take you through the ringer a time or two as well. But his redemption outweighs all the nonsense.
Everett, oh Everett! The sweetest man to ever be a part of Ava's life! He is by her side through thick and thin!
Erika - this book was everything and more and the absolute perfect ending to the duet. It had me in a chokehold the entire time, but it was absolutely beautiful, and I'm obsessed! You truly know how to write a masterpiece, and I'm so proud of you!
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Excuse me while I figure out what the heck I am supposed to even say over here!
This book picks up exactly where book 1 left off and it takes you on such an emotional roller coaster ride.
You'll start off riding the happy train until that train crashes and you have to pick your jaw up off the floor. It's one crazy turn of events after another.
Ava...my sweet Ava, I personally just wanted to pick you up and wrap you up in my arms and never let you go. But you know what? You're the strongest person I think I've ever known! To go through what she has and to come out stronger than ever speaks high volumes.
James will take you through the ringer a time or two as well. But his redemption outweighs all the nonsense.
Everett, oh Everett! The sweetest man to ever be a part of Ava's life! He is by her side through thick and thin!
Erika - this book was everything and more and the absolute perfect ending to the duet. It had me in a chokehold the entire time, but it was absolutely beautiful, and I'm obsessed! You truly know how to write a masterpiece, and I'm so proud of you!
November 6, 2023
Ladies and gentlemen.... I am speechless.
This whole book took me on a huge emotional rollercoaster. The plot/storyline had me on the edge of my sleep throughout.
If you are a fan of criminal minds, you will love this book.
Ava and James have been through a lot and now a new stalker is on the loose. What's worst, James's boss has sent him away on assignment whilst Ava is pregnant with his child and trying to keep herself safe from the stalker.
There are many 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ scenes. Please check the triggers before reading. I enjoyed reading this book and pleased that some scenes are gonna live in my mind rent free.
Btw the last chapter..... Wow ...... 🚿🌶️🔥🌶️🔥
This whole book took me on a huge emotional rollercoaster. The plot/storyline had me on the edge of my sleep throughout.
If you are a fan of criminal minds, you will love this book.
Ava and James have been through a lot and now a new stalker is on the loose. What's worst, James's boss has sent him away on assignment whilst Ava is pregnant with his child and trying to keep herself safe from the stalker.
There are many 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ scenes. Please check the triggers before reading. I enjoyed reading this book and pleased that some scenes are gonna live in my mind rent free.
Btw the last chapter..... Wow ...... 🚿🌶️🔥🌶️🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
OK so this book left off from her first book where Ava and James whom is a FBI agent are together and how it starts out is Ava is pregnant they move to New York because that’s where he’s based out of and she just started getting pictures and stuff in the mail that happened with things in Oregon, which was in the first book. so Ava is freaking out because she thought she left her past and now things are happening and she scared because she’s five months pregnant this book put you on a roller coaster. It messed up my feelings I was getting mad I was getting super super upset, but I highly recommend this book and I’m sad that there’s only two books in the series but this was a fantastic read.
November 18, 2023
Why Choose • Love Triangle • St@lker • Forced Proximity • Emotional • Angst • Spicy • Friends to Lovers.
You have to read Stay With Me before reading Choose Me. This is a continuation of Ava’s story and omg this book was amazing! I read it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down.
5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Very few books have had me pacing while reading and anxious. The twists and turns in this book were great, the drama, and hello the hot spice. It was all amazing!
I don’t want to give a lot away. It’s a story you have to read. I love Ava. Such a strong FMC. Everett and James are swoon worthy. I’m a sucker for over protective possessive men.
𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓃 𝑜𝓃𝑒, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓂𝒶𝒹𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜𝓁𝑒.
This author is amazing. You’ll fall in love with the characters. The plot is great and the spice is hot hot. Definitely recommend. 🧡🖤
𝐼𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝒶𝓉, 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔.
You have to read Stay With Me before reading Choose Me. This is a continuation of Ava’s story and omg this book was amazing! I read it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down.
5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Very few books have had me pacing while reading and anxious. The twists and turns in this book were great, the drama, and hello the hot spice. It was all amazing!
I don’t want to give a lot away. It’s a story you have to read. I love Ava. Such a strong FMC. Everett and James are swoon worthy. I’m a sucker for over protective possessive men.
𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓃 𝑜𝓃𝑒, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓂𝒶𝒹𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜𝓁𝑒.
This author is amazing. You’ll fall in love with the characters. The plot is great and the spice is hot hot. Definitely recommend. 🧡🖤
𝐼𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝒶𝓉, 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔.
November 5, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“He held me up when I couldn’t stand and carried me when I couldn’t walk. Where the darkness in my soul hid, this effervescent light chased away my demons. I never imagined finding someone who loved me so deeply and without expectations.” - Ava
Honestly, it took me a minute to put words together to write this review. EL Emkeys passion for romance is truly universal. It was all gas no brakes from the start and I was here for it!
Choose me is the second book in the Captive hearts series, it is a continuation of Ava & James story, as they’ve moved to New York to start anew only to find out that something dark is lurking in the background and it wants its own pound of flesh.
I can’t even begin to explain the emotional roller coaster you are taken on throughout this story. So much tension, excitement, emotional turmoil and love so much fucking love. It makes you rethink real life and your own standards.
I am so happy Ava,James and Everett got the ending they deserved.
Erika, you are a gem and deserve all the praise, can’t wait for more 🖤
November 5, 2023
This was definitely the best to end a Duet, chef's kisses 👌👌
"Choose Me" is the second book of the Captive Hearts Series and u have to read the first book "Stay with me".
This story made me speechless in a good way and im so happy about how everything turns out. Sure i didn't expect this coming but its definitely the best and perfect ending for James, Ava and of course Everett. Loved the side characters and the 🌶️ was on point🔥🥵. I was hooked up with the storie from the first page because i devoured "Stay with me" and was waiting patiently for "Choose Me". This story has everything, angsty, st@lker, love triangle, Friends-to-Lovers, protective alphas, strong FMC.
E. L. Emkey did not disappoint really loved and enjoyed everything every page of this story/book, i can highly recommend both book. I can't wait to read more from Emkey and thank you again.
*i received an ARC copy of this book and it is what it is i love this duet.
"Choose Me" is the second book of the Captive Hearts Series and u have to read the first book "Stay with me".
This story made me speechless in a good way and im so happy about how everything turns out. Sure i didn't expect this coming but its definitely the best and perfect ending for James, Ava and of course Everett. Loved the side characters and the 🌶️ was on point🔥🥵. I was hooked up with the storie from the first page because i devoured "Stay with me" and was waiting patiently for "Choose Me". This story has everything, angsty, st@lker, love triangle, Friends-to-Lovers, protective alphas, strong FMC.
E. L. Emkey did not disappoint really loved and enjoyed everything every page of this story/book, i can highly recommend both book. I can't wait to read more from Emkey and thank you again.
*i received an ARC copy of this book and it is what it is i love this duet.
November 16, 2023
I’ve been eagerly waiting for this book after reading the first book and it’s safe to say that it didn’t disappoint at all.
It was great to reconnect with Ava & James and see how they were progressing in their relationship. Life was still gifting them challenges and curveballs and it was great to see them having to learn to lean on each other and continue to grow as they dealt with these. I was so excited for Everett to have a bigger presence and role in this book and to see how the relationship between Ava, James & Everett evolved.
This book was one heck of an emotional rollercoaster and made me feel all the emotions possible and I loved every second of it!
It was great to reconnect with Ava & James and see how they were progressing in their relationship. Life was still gifting them challenges and curveballs and it was great to see them having to learn to lean on each other and continue to grow as they dealt with these. I was so excited for Everett to have a bigger presence and role in this book and to see how the relationship between Ava, James & Everett evolved.
This book was one heck of an emotional rollercoaster and made me feel all the emotions possible and I loved every second of it!
November 17, 2023
I love James and all his broken parts!! James and Ava are in for another wild ride that you don’t see coming. The spice level is through the roof with a whole lot of tension that sets you on fire. An emotional rollercoaster is an understatement you were on the edge of your seat the whole time!!Will time and space be the end? Will Ava and James finally get there happily ever after?
February 12, 2024
WHAT. A. FOLLOWUP. TO. A DEBUT. Like, I can’t even gather my thoughts to write a coherent review. What did I read and why can I not stop thinking about Ava and James’ stories. Utterly blown away by E.L and her writing.
October 31, 2024
I liked this book more than the first one.
Seeing Ava and James trying to navigate their relationship and pregnancy with his job of the FBI and another stalker was intense. We can see how they are pushed apart by his job, Ava’s and Everett’s growing feelings and Margaret. Seeing the two of them struggle to be there for the other person and to fight for what they have.
I liked seeing Ava grow stronger after everything with The Skinner. Anytime she felt alone without James, I wanted to give her a hug. I’m glad that she had Everett to watch over her and be there for her. I loved seeing him grow and mature a bit, feel a little more responsible.
Unlike the quick relationship with Ava and James, with Everett, we can see bits and pieces of his and Ava’s relationship changing here and there. Watch them get closer as their feelings expand beyond friendship.
It was a surprise, seeing as how close Ava and James were, that Everett would become an obstacle for them. However, he never pushes himself onto her or tries to take advantage. Instead, he uses his feelings to protect her.
It was nice seeing James become accepting of what Ava has with Everett, and that they were able to open themselves up for a love that is greater than the two of them. I’m happy that Ava is able to have the family she’s always missed and longed for, in James and Everett, their daughters Izzie and Charlie, James’ sister, Amelia, and her boyfriend/James ex SEAL partner, Brock.
Definitely read the TWs but it was a little more tame than book one.
Seeing Ava and James trying to navigate their relationship and pregnancy with his job of the FBI and another stalker was intense. We can see how they are pushed apart by his job, Ava’s and Everett’s growing feelings and Margaret. Seeing the two of them struggle to be there for the other person and to fight for what they have.
I liked seeing Ava grow stronger after everything with The Skinner. Anytime she felt alone without James, I wanted to give her a hug. I’m glad that she had Everett to watch over her and be there for her. I loved seeing him grow and mature a bit, feel a little more responsible.
Unlike the quick relationship with Ava and James, with Everett, we can see bits and pieces of his and Ava’s relationship changing here and there. Watch them get closer as their feelings expand beyond friendship.
It was a surprise, seeing as how close Ava and James were, that Everett would become an obstacle for them. However, he never pushes himself onto her or tries to take advantage. Instead, he uses his feelings to protect her.
It was nice seeing James become accepting of what Ava has with Everett, and that they were able to open themselves up for a love that is greater than the two of them. I’m happy that Ava is able to have the family she’s always missed and longed for, in James and Everett, their daughters Izzie and Charlie, James’ sister, Amelia, and her boyfriend/James ex SEAL partner, Brock.
Definitely read the TWs but it was a little more tame than book one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2024
Okay, WOW!!! That was one hell of an intense, emotional and suspenseful rollercoaster ride that had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
We start off right where book 1 left us and the story takes right off at 100 miles an hour and doesn’t slow down at all. I thought the suspense and twists in book one were going to do me in, but holy crap does book 2 take it up a whole lot.
Sweet but fierce Ava just can’t catch a break when it comes to psychos who have it out for her. But she’s so freaking strong and never stops fighting back with everything she’s got. Ava also has the best men in her life that will do anything and everything to protect her.
There were twists and turns after shocking twists and turns and I know that at times I needed to pull my jaw off of the floor.
And the spice - absolutely perfect and utterly delicious.
This story is incredibly well written, fast paced, emotional, suspenseful, gut-wrenching, danger filled and had me in a chokehold every single minute. I laughed, I cried, and I screamed throughout. Such an incredible story and I absolutely loved it.
“He held me up when I couldn’t stand and carried me when I couldn’t walk. Where the darkness in my soul hid, this effervescent light chased away my demons. I never imagined finding someone who loved me so deeply and without expectations.”- Ava
We start off right where book 1 left us and the story takes right off at 100 miles an hour and doesn’t slow down at all. I thought the suspense and twists in book one were going to do me in, but holy crap does book 2 take it up a whole lot.
Sweet but fierce Ava just can’t catch a break when it comes to psychos who have it out for her. But she’s so freaking strong and never stops fighting back with everything she’s got. Ava also has the best men in her life that will do anything and everything to protect her.
There were twists and turns after shocking twists and turns and I know that at times I needed to pull my jaw off of the floor.
And the spice - absolutely perfect and utterly delicious.
This story is incredibly well written, fast paced, emotional, suspenseful, gut-wrenching, danger filled and had me in a chokehold every single minute. I laughed, I cried, and I screamed throughout. Such an incredible story and I absolutely loved it.
“He held me up when I couldn’t stand and carried me when I couldn’t walk. Where the darkness in my soul hid, this effervescent light chased away my demons. I never imagined finding someone who loved me so deeply and without expectations.”- Ava
November 4, 2023
The gasps I gasped during this book. There was a very specific fine line (not going to spoil it just read it) that was danced on beautifully. I was stressed. I cried. I screamed. I was a sweaty mess (in a hot way and a stress way). This was action packed, tension filled and a delicious dark ride.
Choose Me picked right up where we left off in Stay with Me (thank you for that) and we find out Ava is still being hunted. Is it the guy she wrongly convicted and put away for 10 years? Or is someone carrying out unfinished business for her late stalker/abuser. James and Everett keep Ava safe. But how safe can you be when you're being hunted by a psycho? The twist and turns will have you on the edge of your seat. I read this in one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down. (Ok I had to pause for the epilogues to let myself have a cry (happy and stress) before I could face James and Everett and Ava again.) This had a beautiful ending that will change your brain chemicals.
Thank you to E.L. Emkey for letting me ARC read this and thank you for gracing us with your decadent storytelling and mesmerizing writing. You are as brilliant as you are beautiful. Adore you!!
Choose Me picked right up where we left off in Stay with Me (thank you for that) and we find out Ava is still being hunted. Is it the guy she wrongly convicted and put away for 10 years? Or is someone carrying out unfinished business for her late stalker/abuser. James and Everett keep Ava safe. But how safe can you be when you're being hunted by a psycho? The twist and turns will have you on the edge of your seat. I read this in one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down. (Ok I had to pause for the epilogues to let myself have a cry (happy and stress) before I could face James and Everett and Ava again.) This had a beautiful ending that will change your brain chemicals.
Thank you to E.L. Emkey for letting me ARC read this and thank you for gracing us with your decadent storytelling and mesmerizing writing. You are as brilliant as you are beautiful. Adore you!!
November 14, 2023
“A life for a life… Not just a threat but a dark promise”
RATING : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
This book continues Ava and James’ story if you have not read Stay with me yet then not only have you been missing out 😉 but you will need to read that first in order to understand the storyline!
This book took so many twists and turns.. some that I hadn’t been expecting but that surprised me in the best way. This book picks up right where book one ended and we see a pregnant Ava having to navigate life whilst James is away on a case! Luckily she has Everett to help protect her!
Ava as always is the strong and beautiful woman we know her to be but my god do I want to just wrap this woman up in a hug she always seems to get dealt the rough cards.
James will put you through the emotional rollercoaster the amount of times I just wanted to shake him was unreal 😂 but as like before you will continue to fall for him that little bit more along the way.
And that brings us to the golden retriever pretty boy of the team.. Everett. He is a rock throughout this whole book and is just the sweetest to Ava! His cheeky charm and tenderness was everything 🥹
RATING : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
This book continues Ava and James’ story if you have not read Stay with me yet then not only have you been missing out 😉 but you will need to read that first in order to understand the storyline!
This book took so many twists and turns.. some that I hadn’t been expecting but that surprised me in the best way. This book picks up right where book one ended and we see a pregnant Ava having to navigate life whilst James is away on a case! Luckily she has Everett to help protect her!
Ava as always is the strong and beautiful woman we know her to be but my god do I want to just wrap this woman up in a hug she always seems to get dealt the rough cards.
James will put you through the emotional rollercoaster the amount of times I just wanted to shake him was unreal 😂 but as like before you will continue to fall for him that little bit more along the way.
And that brings us to the golden retriever pretty boy of the team.. Everett. He is a rock throughout this whole book and is just the sweetest to Ava! His cheeky charm and tenderness was everything 🥹
November 16, 2023
“You are my shelter from the storms and my soul mate.”
E.L. Emkey has not disappointed with the second installment of the Captive Hearts series. Choose Me absolutely grasps readers attention with the suspenseful yet romantic and sexy plot. Starting the first chapter exactly where the last epilogue left off was absolutely genius. The story flowed beautifully, was fast-paced, and had intriguing elements that makes readers excited to explore the world the author has created.
The characters go through an insane amount of growth from the first book to the sequel. Ava is such a strong character that proves that love conquers all. She would sacrifice herself to protect those that she loves, which is such a beautiful quality. James has a wonderful redemption arc in this book that is definitely worth reading! Everett is super sweet, protective, and very supportive of Ava. It was super interesting reading some chapters from his perspective.
Relationships are tested. New feelings are developed. A stalker is on the loose. Choose Me by E.L. Emkey definitely has it all. The suspense, romance, and spice were perfectly balanced throughout the book and it was just such a fun read!
E.L. Emkey has not disappointed with the second installment of the Captive Hearts series. Choose Me absolutely grasps readers attention with the suspenseful yet romantic and sexy plot. Starting the first chapter exactly where the last epilogue left off was absolutely genius. The story flowed beautifully, was fast-paced, and had intriguing elements that makes readers excited to explore the world the author has created.
The characters go through an insane amount of growth from the first book to the sequel. Ava is such a strong character that proves that love conquers all. She would sacrifice herself to protect those that she loves, which is such a beautiful quality. James has a wonderful redemption arc in this book that is definitely worth reading! Everett is super sweet, protective, and very supportive of Ava. It was super interesting reading some chapters from his perspective.
Relationships are tested. New feelings are developed. A stalker is on the loose. Choose Me by E.L. Emkey definitely has it all. The suspense, romance, and spice were perfectly balanced throughout the book and it was just such a fun read!
September 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
We pick up right where Book 1, Stay with Me leaves off.
A whole new chapter of life begins for Ava and James, they are expecting and she has moved with him to New York.
If only things could go smoothly. James is in constant hot water for his actions and choices in Oregon. But it was the right call for him and Ava.
Now, the fallout from having the wrong man imprisoned for 10 years comes back to haunt all those involved. James is forced away from Ava and hates every second of it. He wants nothing more to be there for her and their unborn child, but he is bound by duty and MUST take the away assignment. But Ava has a new stalker, one they are trying to find.
Luckily Everett is there to step in and keep an eye on Ava and her on going stalker case. I loved the lighthearted banter and ease of comfort Everett provides Ava. He not there to replace James, but to compliment what Ava and he have.
I was pretty anxious and broken hearted for Ava and James multiple times. I devoured this book and so pleased with how it ended.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
We pick up right where Book 1, Stay with Me leaves off.
A whole new chapter of life begins for Ava and James, they are expecting and she has moved with him to New York.
If only things could go smoothly. James is in constant hot water for his actions and choices in Oregon. But it was the right call for him and Ava.
Now, the fallout from having the wrong man imprisoned for 10 years comes back to haunt all those involved. James is forced away from Ava and hates every second of it. He wants nothing more to be there for her and their unborn child, but he is bound by duty and MUST take the away assignment. But Ava has a new stalker, one they are trying to find.
Luckily Everett is there to step in and keep an eye on Ava and her on going stalker case. I loved the lighthearted banter and ease of comfort Everett provides Ava. He not there to replace James, but to compliment what Ava and he have.
I was pretty anxious and broken hearted for Ava and James multiple times. I devoured this book and so pleased with how it ended.
November 16, 2023
I received an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review. All of the following thoughts, opinions, and comments are my own.
Please check all trigger warning!
Please read Stay With Me by E.L. Emkey (book 1 in the Captive Hearts Series) before starting Choose Me (book 2) as this book picks right back off where book one left us.
Dark romance, why chose, forced proximity, protective hero, love triangle, friends to lover.
This book was good! It draws you in right from the start and doesn’t let go until the very last word. Not even then. You will think about this book long after you close it. E.L. Emkey gave us another intense, emotional, and beautiful story. She has such a way of pulling the reader into these books and putting you right along side Ava, James, and Everett. You live through these books with them. So grab you tissues you’re gonna be in for a ride. Definitely a must read!!
Please check all trigger warning!
Please read Stay With Me by E.L. Emkey (book 1 in the Captive Hearts Series) before starting Choose Me (book 2) as this book picks right back off where book one left us.
Dark romance, why chose, forced proximity, protective hero, love triangle, friends to lover.
This book was good! It draws you in right from the start and doesn’t let go until the very last word. Not even then. You will think about this book long after you close it. E.L. Emkey gave us another intense, emotional, and beautiful story. She has such a way of pulling the reader into these books and putting you right along side Ava, James, and Everett. You live through these books with them. So grab you tissues you’re gonna be in for a ride. Definitely a must read!!
September 22, 2024
This one picks up where the first one left off. You are on the thrilling ride with Ava and James. Thinking that their life is finally going to be peaceful and normal they are preparing for the birth of their baby. But little do they realize fate and evil are not quite done with them yet. Hold on because you are taken on another thrilling, suspenseful, page turning ride. There are twists and turns in this one that you just don't see coming. I would have to say this one is just as good as the first one. But there is one shocking moment in this one you just don't see coming. There are hints but none that will give it away. I absolutely loved reading about Ava and James. These two are fighters no matter what is thrown at them. Ava especially as she goes through so very much and comes out so strong and determined in the end. I absolutely want more from this author. Great ending to a great series.
November 5, 2023
Choose Me picks right back up where Stay With Me ended. Ava receives a threatening “a life for a life”. Unfortunately James has to go away on a case and Ava is left alone with Everett to help keep her safe from the danger lurking.
This book was so suspenseful. Definitely will keep you turning the pages to see how it all ends. And so well written with the characters to the story itself. My heart hurt for all of them and for how Ava just continued to be in danger. I wasn’t expecting that ending but it was beautiful non the less and Ava deserved all the happiness.
Emkey did an amazing job with this book (the Captive Hearts duet) I hope we see more from this amazingly beautiful author. If you are looking for a suspenseful triller with spicy romance this book is for you. Ends on a HEA and told in MPOV.
This book was so suspenseful. Definitely will keep you turning the pages to see how it all ends. And so well written with the characters to the story itself. My heart hurt for all of them and for how Ava just continued to be in danger. I wasn’t expecting that ending but it was beautiful non the less and Ava deserved all the happiness.
Emkey did an amazing job with this book (the Captive Hearts duet) I hope we see more from this amazingly beautiful author. If you are looking for a suspenseful triller with spicy romance this book is for you. Ends on a HEA and told in MPOV.
November 12, 2023
Choose me picks up where the first book leaves off. Ava and Hames continue to find bliss in the calm after the storm… or so they think. Ava is pregnant and has relocated to New York to be with James. Ava begins to receive items in the mail that are very much parallel to what happened in Oregon. Thinking that this was all behind them James and Ava are forced to relieve moments of their past trauma. James is then relocated to Florida for a case in the midst of it all and leaves Ava with his best friend Everett - knowing that he will take care of her. Ava begins to develop feelings of sorts for Everett and Everett seems to have feelings for her. The case in Florida ends up in Ava’s backyard and threatens everything James and Ava have built. Ava is put in a position where she must choose - James or Everett…
I received this as an ARC
November 27, 2023
This book was EVERYTHING you want from a second book in a series. I generally have trouble with getting back into a series after a break and a book leaving off on a cliffhanger. That was NOT the case for this book. Emkey's writing truly captivates you. I felt so attached to the characters and was so happy with every aspect of this book. I won't spoil things, but you don't want to miss this ending!!
Not only does Emkey do a great job keeping my interest she keeps you guessing every step of the way. I love that this book isn't predictable, and Emkey kept me on my toes with my heart racing for many reasons!
Emkey is definitely my go to for a book that has suspense and romance. She blends a perfect mix of both into this book.
I wish I could read this for the first time over and over again. Top read of the year!
Not only does Emkey do a great job keeping my interest she keeps you guessing every step of the way. I love that this book isn't predictable, and Emkey kept me on my toes with my heart racing for many reasons!
Emkey is definitely my go to for a book that has suspense and romance. She blends a perfect mix of both into this book.
I wish I could read this for the first time over and over again. Top read of the year!
September 30, 2024
Okay if you haven’t read the first one you just def pick it up and read it!!
This is book two & it starts off with them going to New York because James is on probation with the fbi because he assaulted his boss LOL (to be fair he had every right too! I still think his boss was a jerk and was taking advantage!)
Anyways she gets a card with a photo of her and it says “a life for a life” (something like that) POOR AVA can’t catch a break now in this book she’s being stalked by another dangerous person!!
Honestly I was like WTHHHHH!!! & then figuring out who it was and then later on their motives and their stories I was like holy fudge this bish is psycho!!
I honestly thought this was going to end badly like another of my fave characters was going to get offed!!
This one had me more on my edge of my seat and literally saying oohhhh shittttt a lot 😅😅
10/10 recommend both books!!
This is book two & it starts off with them going to New York because James is on probation with the fbi because he assaulted his boss LOL (to be fair he had every right too! I still think his boss was a jerk and was taking advantage!)
Anyways she gets a card with a photo of her and it says “a life for a life” (something like that) POOR AVA can’t catch a break now in this book she’s being stalked by another dangerous person!!
Honestly I was like WTHHHHH!!! & then figuring out who it was and then later on their motives and their stories I was like holy fudge this bish is psycho!!
I honestly thought this was going to end badly like another of my fave characters was going to get offed!!
This one had me more on my edge of my seat and literally saying oohhhh shittttt a lot 😅😅
10/10 recommend both books!!
November 9, 2023
MA’AM ms EmKey. This book is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for an incredible conclusion to Ava’s story.
This is book 2 in the Captive hearts duet. This book is raw, real, an emotional roller coaster, heart stopping, heartbreaking and just beautiful.
You did these characters justice. They got the ending they deserved and it was beautiful.
Ava goes through so much in this book from being separated from James, being pregnant, coming off of a traumatic experience and just trying to find her place in the world in a new city.
Ava and James’ relationship dynamic is so real and raw. No relationship is perfect and no couple is perfect. Their trials and tribulations and beautifully written and so relatable.
I absolutely LOVE the way you slowly and very realistically develop Ava and Everett’s relationship. Their chemistry, their love, their bond is absolutely outstandingly written. You can feel Ava’s turmoil with her feelings for Everett.
The heart ache, the trauma, the wild ride this book takes you on is all worth it for the most beautiful, love filled real and raw ending. This story is absolutely perfect and incredible!!
This is book 2 in the Captive hearts duet. This book is raw, real, an emotional roller coaster, heart stopping, heartbreaking and just beautiful.
You did these characters justice. They got the ending they deserved and it was beautiful.
Ava goes through so much in this book from being separated from James, being pregnant, coming off of a traumatic experience and just trying to find her place in the world in a new city.
Ava and James’ relationship dynamic is so real and raw. No relationship is perfect and no couple is perfect. Their trials and tribulations and beautifully written and so relatable.
I absolutely LOVE the way you slowly and very realistically develop Ava and Everett’s relationship. Their chemistry, their love, their bond is absolutely outstandingly written. You can feel Ava’s turmoil with her feelings for Everett.
The heart ache, the trauma, the wild ride this book takes you on is all worth it for the most beautiful, love filled real and raw ending. This story is absolutely perfect and incredible!!
November 30, 2023
Choose Me is a why-choose second installment in a series and picks up immediately where book 1, Stay With Me, ends. Be prepared for lots of action, steamy spice, and a wild ride that will leave you running through emotion after emotion! This book is well written and filled to the brim with excellent world-building, relatable and dimensional characters, and a ton of suspense & plot that will have readers leaning on the edges of their seats.
⚠️HEED TRIGGER WARNINGS as not all content is suitable in this book!⚠️
🔥What to expect:🔥
🧡Why Choose
🖤Dark Romance
🧡Friends to Lovers
🖤Touch her and 💀
🧡Super 🌶🌶🌶🌶
🖤Forced Proximity
🧡Emotional
🖤Possessive/Protective Alpha MMCs
🧡Strong FMC
🖤Suspense
🧡St@lker
🖤Multi-POV
🧡HEA
⚠️HEED TRIGGER WARNINGS as not all content is suitable in this book!⚠️
🔥What to expect:🔥
🧡Why Choose
🖤Dark Romance
🧡Friends to Lovers
🖤Touch her and 💀
🧡Super 🌶🌶🌶🌶
🖤Forced Proximity
🧡Emotional
🖤Possessive/Protective Alpha MMCs
🧡Strong FMC
🖤Suspense
🧡St@lker
🖤Multi-POV
🧡HEA
August 16, 2024
So I really enjoyed this but I felt like I was missing a connection with Everett. Maybe bc we only got one chapter of his POV and it was at the end and it was a conversation with the killer not an interaction with the h. I would have loved a few chapters from his POV to see when exactly he fell in love with the h and just to get more inside his head. Even at the end when they are all officially together we don’t see any alone time with the h and Everett to really see their relationship as a couple. We get told that they all had a talk but we don’t see. Idk I would have liked a few more chapters to see more navigating to how their relationship got to where it got instead of being told about it.
But anyways I did enjoy it and I definitely cried at times. I’m glad they all got their HEA.
But anyways I did enjoy it and I definitely cried at times. I’m glad they all got their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2024
okay this is book 2 of the captive hearts. it picks ip right where stay with me left off (thankfully because i was in SHOCK.)
when i tell yall there was absolutely no way i was putting this book down (well phone because it was an ebook but anyways) until i FINISHED IT.
so we all know that ava had a stalker in book 1 that she escaped well HERE shes got ANOTHER. poot girly cannot catch a break 🥲 it was such a fast paced book but everything was just written to perfection i couldnt get enough of it.
there was even MORE lust. a little twist if you will that had me gasping. jaw dropped hand over mouth gasp. but i love it🙂↕️. the ending was absolutely perfect. im gonna need to go purchase these as a physical trophy now.
rating 5/5⭐️
spice 4/5🌶️
when i tell yall there was absolutely no way i was putting this book down (well phone because it was an ebook but anyways) until i FINISHED IT.
so we all know that ava had a stalker in book 1 that she escaped well HERE shes got ANOTHER. poot girly cannot catch a break 🥲 it was such a fast paced book but everything was just written to perfection i couldnt get enough of it.
there was even MORE lust. a little twist if you will that had me gasping. jaw dropped hand over mouth gasp. but i love it🙂↕️. the ending was absolutely perfect. im gonna need to go purchase these as a physical trophy now.
rating 5/5⭐️
spice 4/5🌶️
September 29, 2024
intense. the right amount of….
Choose Me
The past doesn’t just haunt Ava in her sleep, but continues to in the waking world. Anticipation yet again builds and my nails are peeled down with the amount of need, the amount of needing to know what’s coming next!! I can say E. L. Emkey catches suspense and thriller to perfection with the amount of detail and description to where you will feel as if you are Ava or James. I need to learn to do better reviews without giving anymore more or less away than I should!! Ava and James, but is there another or another’s? Read to find out where E. L. Emkey takes us on this amazing and heart wrenching world of worlds, let’s see if the amazing Phoenix we know is Ava rises again or will she fall and stay fallen?
Choose Me
The past doesn’t just haunt Ava in her sleep, but continues to in the waking world. Anticipation yet again builds and my nails are peeled down with the amount of need, the amount of needing to know what’s coming next!! I can say E. L. Emkey catches suspense and thriller to perfection with the amount of detail and description to where you will feel as if you are Ava or James. I need to learn to do better reviews without giving anymore more or less away than I should!! Ava and James, but is there another or another’s? Read to find out where E. L. Emkey takes us on this amazing and heart wrenching world of worlds, let’s see if the amazing Phoenix we know is Ava rises again or will she fall and stay fallen?
October 19, 2024
Wow….what a duet by the amazing EL Emkey! Escaping a serial killer and starting a new life under a new name and always constantly looking over your shoulder and having panic attacks every time you see a shadow. Erika’s writing is so well done that I felt every thing poor Ava was feeling. Her backstory was brutal and sometimes hard to read but d@mn that woman had been through hell and back.
Then, along comes James, the FBI agent assigned to Ava’s case after more deaths occur near and in Ava’s small town. From here I can’t say much because it will give too much away and I think you need to go in blind with this one but the back and forth and the chemistry! Just wow! Then the ending of both books! Not what I ever saw coming! Truly a great read and it kinda gave me criminal minds mixed with law and order vibes. Great job again Erika!
Then, along comes James, the FBI agent assigned to Ava’s case after more deaths occur near and in Ava’s small town. From here I can’t say much because it will give too much away and I think you need to go in blind with this one but the back and forth and the chemistry! Just wow! Then the ending of both books! Not what I ever saw coming! Truly a great read and it kinda gave me criminal minds mixed with law and order vibes. Great job again Erika!
November 12, 2023
Gah I had missed Ava and James! Their story picked up right where it left off in Stay With Me and I was immediately drawn back in to the drama and the passion!
There were so many twists and turns with James’ case and Ava’s stalker. I was so hung up on trying to figure out the mystery but I was kept guessing the entire book.
And Everett *swoon* 🫠. He wasn’t a top character to me in Stay With Me but boy did he make me change my mind! I mayyyy even love him more the James 🙊. I was so happy to see him get his HEA just as much as I was with James and Ava.
I was so lucky to receive this ARC opportunity and I really enjoyed it! Now, if we can get a book or two with Brock and Amelia 🤞🏻😉.
November 30, 2023
Thankyou again E.L Emkey. Read the TW before you start this. I loved this book. The first book was left on quite a cliffhanger which made me question what I had read. The relationship James and Ava have is just amazing, and continues to blossom during the second book. I felt a little bit of heartache for James, during the story, and then by the end with his friend Everett and both their relationships with Ava made up for it all. Ava remained a strong character throughout the book. Loved the characters, loved the story and loved the ending, such a HEA. I look forward to reading more books you write in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews