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Lasher Brothers Duet #1
Surviving Zaine
My eyes are sluggish to open, but when they do, fear blazes through my bound limbs.
Zoe awakens in a cold, dark cage with no recollection of how she got there. As she struggles against her restraints, fear and confusion consume her thoughts. Little does she know her captor, Zaine, has been watching her for years, his obsession growing stronger with each passing day. Will she survive Zaine's wicked plans for her? And when her body betrays her, giving in to Zaine's seduction, will she want to leave when freedom is offered?
Zoe awakens in a cold, dark cage with no recollection of how she got there. As she struggles against her restraints, fear and confusion consume her thoughts. Little does she know her captor, Zaine, has been watching her for years, his obsession growing stronger with each passing day. Will she survive Zaine's wicked plans for her? And when her body betrays her, giving in to Zaine's seduction, will she want to leave when freedom is offered?
92 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2024
83 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 12, 2024
This is a short story. It had only 72 pages. And I think it wasn't well done. A little more about the life of the Main Characters before the beginning of the story would have been a good addition. Also it has the my body betrays me. There is also the point, that she went from oh I'm being raped to oh I am addicted to him in a minute. It wasn't really believable. I mainly continued this book because I knew it was short and I needed it for a ABC Challenge. I looked into the second book but again it is a short story but costs as much as a book with the dopple page numbers. and it's not on KU. So I'm skipping it.
July 30, 2025
This book had the spice on almost every page. It is a short novel. It could have had more of a back story on the main characters but it had enough for how short it is. I can't wait to read the next book.
July 3, 2024
This book took me on a rollercoaster ride with only 100 pages. For a short novel it definitely caught me off guard as far as how sucked in I got into the story.
At first I was mad at Zaine because he had no right to kidnap Zoe (which in reality he didn’t, i’m not excusing what he did) BUT just like our FMC after a certain point I understood his motive a bit better.
💜 Zaine is the type of MMC you just can’t help but love. His obsession with Zoe is dark yet at the same time sweet. I was constantly kept on my toes trying to figure out how he would react next.
💜Zoe our FMC is stuck between a rock & a hard place (hehe literally 😅😉). She’s fighting the constant struggle of wanting to flee her captor but at the same time chasing the dark & twisted high he offers her. Mourning her old life while trying to accept the fact that she’s being held captive by a total stranger who oddly enough is the one person on earth who knows her best.
Spice was a solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 !!
The chemistry these two have is *chef’s kiss* 😍 if some day im kidnapped I hope Zaine is the one to take me. I’ll be a good pet, I swear 🥹!!
Y’all know I love my morally grey MMC & I know y’all do too so go be a good pet & read it 😉😘
I can’t say much else without ruining the book for you so i’ll keep my spoilers to myself 😌!
Trigger warnings:
💜 Anxiety
💜 Kidn@pping
💜 Pregnancy
💜 S3lf-harm
💜 Somnophilia
💜 Suicide
💜St@lking
💜 Dub-con
💜 Non-con
💜 Blood
💜 Breeding k!nk
At first I was mad at Zaine because he had no right to kidnap Zoe (which in reality he didn’t, i’m not excusing what he did) BUT just like our FMC after a certain point I understood his motive a bit better.
💜 Zaine is the type of MMC you just can’t help but love. His obsession with Zoe is dark yet at the same time sweet. I was constantly kept on my toes trying to figure out how he would react next.
💜Zoe our FMC is stuck between a rock & a hard place (hehe literally 😅😉). She’s fighting the constant struggle of wanting to flee her captor but at the same time chasing the dark & twisted high he offers her. Mourning her old life while trying to accept the fact that she’s being held captive by a total stranger who oddly enough is the one person on earth who knows her best.
Spice was a solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 !!
The chemistry these two have is *chef’s kiss* 😍 if some day im kidnapped I hope Zaine is the one to take me. I’ll be a good pet, I swear 🥹!!
Y’all know I love my morally grey MMC & I know y’all do too so go be a good pet & read it 😉😘
I can’t say much else without ruining the book for you so i’ll keep my spoilers to myself 😌!
Trigger warnings:
💜 Anxiety
💜 Kidn@pping
💜 Pregnancy
💜 S3lf-harm
💜 Somnophilia
💜 Suicide
💜St@lking
💜 Dub-con
💜 Non-con
💜 Blood
💜 Breeding k!nk
October 19, 2024
This was the first book I read by this author and all I can say was it did not disappoint. For 72 pages it’s packed with lots of spice. I highly enjoyed it
July 31, 2024
• Stalking
• Kidnapping
• Forced O's
• Breeding
• Somno
I went into this one blind and I'm glad I did. It's short but it's fast paced, spice heavy and has a nice little twist to the plot - I enjoyed it!
• Kidnapping
• Forced O's
• Breeding
• Somno
I went into this one blind and I'm glad I did. It's short but it's fast paced, spice heavy and has a nice little twist to the plot - I enjoyed it!
June 10, 2024
"Surviving Zaine" by Mae K. Knight is an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish. Picture this: you wake up groggy, bound, and in a cage, and then walks in your captor, the blue-eyed devil named Zaine. Sounds intense, right? Well, that’s just the beginning of Zoe’s wild journey, and trust me, you won’t be able to put this book down.
Zaine is the kind of character that keeps you hooked. He’s been stalking Zoe for a while, and his obsession with her is both creepy and oddly captivating. What makes this story so gripping is the way Zaine oscillates between being a tormentor and a twisted kind of caregiver. You’ll find yourself weirdly torn, thinking, “Would I want to be kidnapped by Zaine?” His care for Zoe adds a bizarre twist to the typical captor narrative.
Now, Zoe’s dilemma is something else. She’s constantly battling the urge to escape while also feeling a strange pull towards Zaine, who knows her better than anyone else. Their chemistry is sizzling and just too good to miss. The tension between them is electric, making their interactions intense and filled with an edge-of-your-seat kind of thrill.
Mae K. Knight keeps the pace tight and the suspense high. Every chapter leaves you hanging, itching to know what happens next. The plot twists are so unexpected that you’ll find yourself gasping out loud. Plus, Knight’s descriptive writing style makes you feel every bit of Zoe’s fear, confusion, and unexpected attraction to her captor.
Overall, "Surviving Zaine" is a dark, twisted, and utterly addictive read. Mae K. Knight has nailed it with this one, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good, dark romance with a thrilling edge.
Zaine is the kind of character that keeps you hooked. He’s been stalking Zoe for a while, and his obsession with her is both creepy and oddly captivating. What makes this story so gripping is the way Zaine oscillates between being a tormentor and a twisted kind of caregiver. You’ll find yourself weirdly torn, thinking, “Would I want to be kidnapped by Zaine?” His care for Zoe adds a bizarre twist to the typical captor narrative.
Now, Zoe’s dilemma is something else. She’s constantly battling the urge to escape while also feeling a strange pull towards Zaine, who knows her better than anyone else. Their chemistry is sizzling and just too good to miss. The tension between them is electric, making their interactions intense and filled with an edge-of-your-seat kind of thrill.
Mae K. Knight keeps the pace tight and the suspense high. Every chapter leaves you hanging, itching to know what happens next. The plot twists are so unexpected that you’ll find yourself gasping out loud. Plus, Knight’s descriptive writing style makes you feel every bit of Zoe’s fear, confusion, and unexpected attraction to her captor.
Overall, "Surviving Zaine" is a dark, twisted, and utterly addictive read. Mae K. Knight has nailed it with this one, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good, dark romance with a thrilling edge.
July 11, 2024
Love it.
Quick short read that has it all packed in. Overall great start of the series.
I really have nothing else to add except that I think of you like Jessa Kane, but you told yourself "I want something spicier." THIS IS IT.
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 4/5 (taking in consideration that this is only 80-ish pages story)
Quick short read that has it all packed in. Overall great start of the series.
I really have nothing else to add except that I think of you like Jessa Kane, but you told yourself "I want something spicier." THIS IS IT.
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 4/5 (taking in consideration that this is only 80-ish pages story)
June 24, 2024
I really wanted to like this one. The synopsis had me intrigued. But the story kinda fell to the way side. It jumped right on in with smut and left the story by the door. I think revealing how she caught the attention of Zaine could have been revealed earlier. I think a little background in the beginning of the book would have also been better earlier. Because we didn't know anything about any character until 60/70% into the book. I also would have liked this at a dual 1st person pov book, but sadly only 1 chapter that was like a page and a half was his at the very end.
May 30, 2024
Surving Zaine
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book for a short novel was so good.
I was hooked from the start.
Zoe gets kidnapped by Zaine and you get that he has stalked her for quite some time.
Was a very short but in the short time you get to learn about why he is obsessed and stalked and kidnapped her.
I really quite enjoyed it. I can't wait to read more.
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book for a short novel was so good.
I was hooked from the start.
Zoe gets kidnapped by Zaine and you get that he has stalked her for quite some time.
Was a very short but in the short time you get to learn about why he is obsessed and stalked and kidnapped her.
I really quite enjoyed it. I can't wait to read more.
August 3, 2024
✨ Book Review ✨
🖤 Dark Romance
🤍 Kidnapping
🖤 Stalker
🤍 Breeding Kink
🖤 Possessive MMC
Let me just say… The first few pages gripped me in a literal chokehold. Gulping down breaths of air I kept reading and was taken on a rollercoaster. I went from what is he thinking … to Ohhhh he’s doing what now? 🥵🥵 🌶️ 🌶️
Zoe is kidnapped by the gorgeous, powerful and morally grey daddy Zaine. He has been her stalker and is now her captor. His obsessive nature is borderline alarming but his care and adoration for Zoe is endearing. I fought with my emotions for this man through the entirety of the story. I wanted to scream at him and then I wanted to kiss him, much like our FMC Zoe.
He knows everything about her and as much as it shocks Zoe it also softens her heart to him. She fights her internal battle of wanting to flee and get away from the psychotic, possessive and controlling captor of hers, but she can’t help but being drawn to him. He leaves her wanting more again and again and she cannot deny it.
Once she learns the reason behind his obsession she understands how she has been his savior through the hardest times of his life. Thus creating his unyielding love for her and refusal to let her go.
I wont give much more away but for a short read filled with tons of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ it was phenomenal, Maes writing style sucks you in and you can feel what Zoe is feeling. My only regret is that it wasn’t longer because I want to know what happens next. But I hear we get a little more of Zoe and Zaine in the next story of the Lasher brothers where we meet his twin Xavier.
I absolutely loved that there is playlist included at the beginning of the book that pairs with the story. Well done Mae 👏🏻
You know I love me a good Morally grey FMC, now be a good girl and go read this story. It’s available on KU
💜 As always with this being a dark romance, please check your trigger warnings and read responsibly 💜
🖤 Dark Romance
🤍 Kidnapping
🖤 Stalker
🤍 Breeding Kink
🖤 Possessive MMC
Let me just say… The first few pages gripped me in a literal chokehold. Gulping down breaths of air I kept reading and was taken on a rollercoaster. I went from what is he thinking … to Ohhhh he’s doing what now? 🥵🥵 🌶️ 🌶️
Zoe is kidnapped by the gorgeous, powerful and morally grey daddy Zaine. He has been her stalker and is now her captor. His obsessive nature is borderline alarming but his care and adoration for Zoe is endearing. I fought with my emotions for this man through the entirety of the story. I wanted to scream at him and then I wanted to kiss him, much like our FMC Zoe.
He knows everything about her and as much as it shocks Zoe it also softens her heart to him. She fights her internal battle of wanting to flee and get away from the psychotic, possessive and controlling captor of hers, but she can’t help but being drawn to him. He leaves her wanting more again and again and she cannot deny it.
Once she learns the reason behind his obsession she understands how she has been his savior through the hardest times of his life. Thus creating his unyielding love for her and refusal to let her go.
I wont give much more away but for a short read filled with tons of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ it was phenomenal, Maes writing style sucks you in and you can feel what Zoe is feeling. My only regret is that it wasn’t longer because I want to know what happens next. But I hear we get a little more of Zoe and Zaine in the next story of the Lasher brothers where we meet his twin Xavier.
I absolutely loved that there is playlist included at the beginning of the book that pairs with the story. Well done Mae 👏🏻
You know I love me a good Morally grey FMC, now be a good girl and go read this story. It’s available on KU
💜 As always with this being a dark romance, please check your trigger warnings and read responsibly 💜
September 27, 2024
For a debut novella, this is a well-crafted story which manages to bring a great deal of intensity. It certainly takes you through a lot of emotions, from Zoe's arrival in the book to the revelation of the origin of Zaine's obsession with her. Our FMC's conflicted thoughts are clearly portrayed and we get a good insight into the disharmony between body and brain.
I'm really intrigued to find out where the author will take the story for book 2 (Escaping Xavier) and onwards. There's a keen subplot developing which underscores the relationship between Zaine and his brother and also unravels the tension with his mother.
This book has some very dark content including non/dub-con elements; please always remember to check your trigger warnings before proceeding!
(Not sure what happened here but I definitely read this back in May!)
I'm really intrigued to find out where the author will take the story for book 2 (Escaping Xavier) and onwards. There's a keen subplot developing which underscores the relationship between Zaine and his brother and also unravels the tension with his mother.
This book has some very dark content including non/dub-con elements; please always remember to check your trigger warnings before proceeding!
(Not sure what happened here but I definitely read this back in May!)
July 22, 2024
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC! This book was fantastic!
This book was insane! Some of the darkest romance I've ever read to date!
Stolkhome syndrome and non-con were insane in this book. Not what I expected. But I ate it up! I finished it much faster than I expected and I definitely think more people should read it.
If you like dark romance you'll love this book! I loved the care for our girl Zoe. Zaine is insane. He is protective, he is demanding, but above all else, he loves his woman and will do anything for her well-being, including giving her as many orgasms as humanly possible. And she loves it, but sometimes it's hard to admit.
This book, though short, was a ride. So hold on tight and open those pages, you know you want to.
This book was insane! Some of the darkest romance I've ever read to date!
Stolkhome syndrome and non-con were insane in this book. Not what I expected. But I ate it up! I finished it much faster than I expected and I definitely think more people should read it.
If you like dark romance you'll love this book! I loved the care for our girl Zoe. Zaine is insane. He is protective, he is demanding, but above all else, he loves his woman and will do anything for her well-being, including giving her as many orgasms as humanly possible. And she loves it, but sometimes it's hard to admit.
This book, though short, was a ride. So hold on tight and open those pages, you know you want to.
August 4, 2024
When I first read this novella, I was strangely disappointed. Yet, there was this niggling sense that I should take another look. It promised a delicious dark romance and the opening was everything I expected it to be. Then, within 24 hours, Zoe was kissing Zaine back and virtually begging to submit. Expecting much more push and pull, I was left a bit frustrated. So, why did I come back for a second helping? While I couldn’t stop thinking about Zaine and his motivation, it was only when I realized Zoe was just as damaged as him and they never would have connected traditionally that I began to see the light. Does it excuse what Zaine did? Of course not. But that’s the beauty of dark romance!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 13, 2024
Surviving Zaine is a great short dark romance.
18+ I would highly recommend reading the trigger warnings if they may effect you . Also, this book isn't for everyone so don't come in thinking this is a cute romance novel. This book is amazing for the right audience like myself that don't have triggers and who love a good dark romance book. This is the 1st book from this author from my understanding and I can not wait to read her future books!!!
The author did a fantastic job writing this book, I was drawn in from page one, and it's spicy! I would recommend adding to your TBR. It's a short, fast, and easy read so I'm not giving away too many details!
18+ I would highly recommend reading the trigger warnings if they may effect you . Also, this book isn't for everyone so don't come in thinking this is a cute romance novel. This book is amazing for the right audience like myself that don't have triggers and who love a good dark romance book. This is the 1st book from this author from my understanding and I can not wait to read her future books!!!
The author did a fantastic job writing this book, I was drawn in from page one, and it's spicy! I would recommend adding to your TBR. It's a short, fast, and easy read so I'm not giving away too many details!
August 1, 2024
Wow. This is the author's debut? It was so good! I absolutely loved Zaine. He was the perfect MMC to me. What can I say, I like obsessed stalkers. Lol. I do wish there were more chapters with his POV, but I still enjoyed it. I just really love to read the MMC's thoughts. This was short but had a lot in it. Steamy bits galore. I absolutely loved their chemistry. Not even Zoe could fight it. I loved her too. She was sweet, yet depressed. Who could blame her for falling for her dreamy captor? And now I'm off to read his brother's book and I am super excited for it. 😍
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
November 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶.5
Novella
Taboo
Dark Romance
Zoe and Zaine were hot and heavy from the very beginning!! So many things are thrown into this super quick novella read (100 or fewer pages). I felt my head spinning and needing to catch my breath. But I couldn't stop reading, I needed to finish. Mae sucks you into this word so incredibly well.
If you are looking for something a little heavier on the spice to plot ratio, this one is for you.
This book does contain dark subjects that could be triggering to some readers. Please check trigger warnings before continuing. Your mental health matters.
🌶🌶🌶🌶.5
Novella
Taboo
Dark Romance
Zoe and Zaine were hot and heavy from the very beginning!! So many things are thrown into this super quick novella read (100 or fewer pages). I felt my head spinning and needing to catch my breath. But I couldn't stop reading, I needed to finish. Mae sucks you into this word so incredibly well.
If you are looking for something a little heavier on the spice to plot ratio, this one is for you.
This book does contain dark subjects that could be triggering to some readers. Please check trigger warnings before continuing. Your mental health matters.
November 13, 2024
"My eyes are sluggish to open, but when they do, fear blazes through my bound limbs. Waking up inside a cage is the least of my worries when a blue-eyed devil walks in. He's my tormentor and I'm his obsession I tell myself I'll escape, but find myself walking into a larger cage, except this one doesn't have bars. When freedom is offered, will I take it? Or choose to stay with the devil who knows me better than anyone? My guess is as good as Zaine's."
- does have trigger warnings but I also love seeing this in trigger warnings "No book is worth your mental health."
- Yess!!!! "This book is dedicated to Zaine. I have no idea where you came from, but you insisted I finish your story before anyone else. This one is for you and your little mouse. Enjoy, readers."
- omg this book kept me on my toes throughout the whole story .
- I'm super excited to read the next book
- I love Zaine... he is unhinged man, extremely sexy, crazy but he loves hard that is just crazy .
- this will be up in one of my top favourites dark romance
- Zoe had no clue what in the world with her stalker but she can't get enough .
- does have trigger warnings but I also love seeing this in trigger warnings "No book is worth your mental health."
- Yess!!!! "This book is dedicated to Zaine. I have no idea where you came from, but you insisted I finish your story before anyone else. This one is for you and your little mouse. Enjoy, readers."
- omg this book kept me on my toes throughout the whole story .
- I'm super excited to read the next book
- I love Zaine... he is unhinged man, extremely sexy, crazy but he loves hard that is just crazy .
- this will be up in one of my top favourites dark romance
- Zoe had no clue what in the world with her stalker but she can't get enough .
July 31, 2024
I don’t remember if the description of the book says it’s a romance or not but it’s definitely not one of those captive romances. There really isn’t any romance. It’s two broken people coming together in a very unconventional way. The book is really quick so we don’t delve deep into the psyche of the characters.
Zaine is such a great character. He’s not simply some stalking psycho, he has layers and layers and layers…
I enjoyed the book. The spicy scenes were off the charts!! So good! I wish it had been longer but I will definitely read the next one.
Zaine is such a great character. He’s not simply some stalking psycho, he has layers and layers and layers…
I enjoyed the book. The spicy scenes were off the charts!! So good! I wish it had been longer but I will definitely read the next one.
September 12, 2024
What could I possibly say about a 94-page dark romance novella book about a massively unhinged MMC who shmalks, kidnaps, then holds captive the FMC? I can tell a lot because I read it twice. I read it the second time because I just wanted to check on a few details about two characters I may have rushed by that I believe will have a more significant role in the next book. After reading it the second time, I bumped my rating to 5 stars. I better understood Zaine's obsession with Zoe and how he felt connected to her. There are quite a bit of steamy hot scenes with br33ding, s0mn0, ∂ußç0n/ñ0ñç0ñ, Br3@th pl4y and a whole lot more.
October 13, 2024
This novella was so good and truly one of the best ones that I’ve read this year. It was dark, grimly humorous, and wickedly sinful!
While this book was super spicy, I really didn’t feel that it overdid the spice! Everything felt very well placed and flowed perfectly.
This book was an absolute blast and the snippet you get at the very end about Zaine’s brother - Xavier will definitely have your attention!
While this book was super spicy, I really didn’t feel that it overdid the spice! Everything felt very well placed and flowed perfectly.
This book was an absolute blast and the snippet you get at the very end about Zaine’s brother - Xavier will definitely have your attention!
June 17, 2024
Really quick spicy read! This is a taboo dark romance that moves at a quick pace and offers more steam than the plot. This is the perfect book to give you a glimpse into the future works of Mae. There were moments in the book where I was like "I should not find this hot" but isn't that the nature of taboo dark romances? If you're in a slump this is the perfect book to get you out of it.
July 13, 2024
This book was so good it took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. This book is short it’s a novella but it was so good I couldn’t put it down!
Mae K. Knight keeps the pace and suspense high. Every chapter leaves you hanging, itching to know what happens next. The plot twists are so unexpected that you find yourself gasping out loud. The writing style makes you feel every bit of Zoe's fear, confusion, and unexpected attraction to her captor.
I highly recommend this book it was a great read and I can’t wait to read the next book !!
Mae K. Knight keeps the pace and suspense high. Every chapter leaves you hanging, itching to know what happens next. The plot twists are so unexpected that you find yourself gasping out loud. The writing style makes you feel every bit of Zoe's fear, confusion, and unexpected attraction to her captor.
I highly recommend this book it was a great read and I can’t wait to read the next book !!
July 28, 2024
This is a super short read and it sucked me in from the first page! I loved the whole morally gray MMC and understood the Stockholm syndrome as it unfolded. The FMC is so believable and despite my logically wanting her to escape, I really wanted her to stay!! Definitely check the trigger warnings before you read this! Your mental health is more important than this novella. With that said, I loved it!!
September 23, 2024
This was such a good novella. I was sucked in immediately. I hope every darkling gets a chance to read Zoe and Zaines story and loves it as much as I did. As it is a short read I won’t span into detail because I do not want to spoil it. BUT. I did love the chain of events that lead to the end and how everything mapped out. This is a dark morally grey romance so please check the CWs.
July 21, 2024
Pure erotica. The writing style is quite good. However, this is very light on plot. Even though the characters have a fair amount of depth, in my opinion, it seems the backstory is rushed. I'd give it a higher rating if it were longer with a stronger plot. But this writer clearly has talent.
July 26, 2024
Awesome rad from the first page to the last. Detailed interesting story full of twists and turns to keep me glued to the pages. Author did a great job telling these characters story. Addictive, suspenseful five star read!!!
August 2, 2024
This was juicy for a debut novel, I think there is room for more. Felt like a novella. There’s enough talent, spice, plot peeks and more to give so much more content here. Really enjoyed the spice and the ending was a little surprise. I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of this title! Thank you Mae!
December 15, 2024
Could definitely be given a one…but it had an actual plot line that went in some direction
December 30, 2024
Yeah, that was pretty bad.
January 24, 2025
what in the shit did I just read?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews