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“Do you like scary movies?”

Little did I know the mysterious vixen who picked me up in a bar one night would have me starring in my own.

I invited her to a penthouse upstairs…

I did not invite her to make me question my grasp on reality. 

I’m used to being in control. Control of myself, control of my life…control of my dark desires. 

But when that girl runs, the beast inside me comes out to chase her. 

I should be focused on finding my son and getting his butt in the seat I secured for him at Harvard. 

Instead, I’ve got my hands wrapped around the throat of this wild, addictive woman while she screams everything but her safeword. 

For the first time since my wife passed over a decade ago, I’m considering letting go of the promise I made to be the perfect role model for my son and invite Victoria to join my real life in New York when her contract at the resort is up. 

But there’s something about the way she keeps our relationship a secret from everyone around her that gives me pause. 

I know every inch of her curvy, athletic body. I know where she’ll hide when I chase her. I know just how it feels when those glassy green eyes pierce into me as I give into yet another of her scary games. 

But old habits die hard, and I’ve been a lawyer for too long to let this go. 

If one of my clients came to me with this situation…

I’d tell him he doesn’t really know that woman at all. 

★★★★★

What to A billionaire single dad lawyer, scary movie vibes, a headstrong heroine, dueling fitness junkies, ex-boyfriend’s dad, extra spicy bedroom scenes from the first chapter, dreaded secrets, chase/dubcon games, natural disaster, learning to let go and have fun, and a happily ever after, because love always wins.

★★★★★

♥Savage Lover is a sizzlingly hot ex-boyfriend's dad, age-gap, alpha-male romance. This book is for mature readers and features scenes that explore power dynamics and steamy bedroom escapades.

♥This standalone novel is the second in a series of spicy romances that follow the sexy billionaire owners of The White Sands Resort and their forbidden love stories.

324 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2024

108 people are currently reading
312 people want to read

About the author

Lore Townsend

10 books68 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
Profile Image for Dino Queen.
344 reviews96 followers
June 3, 2024
please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: yes
POV: dual 1st person POV
spice: several open-door spicy scenes
TWs: primal play, CNC, natural disaster, death of a spouse (recounted), cheating, ghosting, D/s relationship with no aftercare (book foreword reminds this is fiction and not a how-to for BDSM)
standalone: book 3 of Off-Limits Lovers series, interconnected standalones
final thoughts: this was a fun and spicy read heavily featuring scary movies, fear play, primal play, and CNC.
I liked the MCs and the side characters, there was plenty of spice, and there was enough plot to keep me engaged in the story surrounding their love affair. Characters from the other Off-Limits stories make appearances in this book and it would be helpful to the story to know who they are and their background, however this can be read as a standalone without any plot holes.
Note: The MCs engage in a Dom/sub relationship, but do not follow typical and safe BDSM practices like after care but, as with 99% of fiction, these shouldn’t be scripts to follow at home.

read this book if you love

⛓️ BDSM
🔢 age gap (20 years)
😬 angst
❌ ex boyfriend’s dad
💵 billionaire
🖤 mildly grey/dark romance
🥵 dirty talk
😳 forbidden lovers
🏝️ forced proximity (island)
🤫 hidden secrets
🛏️ “it’s just a fling”
😏 kinky (role play, exhibitionism, dacryphilia, Dom/brat, blindfolds, primal play, CNC)
🔀 opposites attract
🙏 praise
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 great side characters
🛌 roommates
🗡️ revenge
💼 workplace romance
Profile Image for Amanda Wakefield .
147 reviews7 followers
May 29, 2024
I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS SERIES!! I have been a fan since book 1 and it just keeps getting better and better each book.

I'm gonna tell you that I was shooketh. I did not expect straight-laced, control freak Ben to let loose like that but let me tell you I'm not mad about it.

And I mean - I was sold when Victoria's friend, Sally, said "You could f**k his dad". Sally is a girl's girl 🤣

If you like fast burns and age gaps - the Off Limits series is for you 😉 Enjoy!!

Also - the author's note at the end - loved it. Not that she had to explain why she writes age gaps - but like it also helped me put into words EXACTLY WHY I LOVE THEM.
Profile Image for Natalie .
222 reviews14 followers
May 26, 2024
Omg this is the spiciest one yet. I love Ben and Victoria love the age gap, the sex, the character development I loved it all
Profile Image for Farrahlea.
137 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
March 2, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
BEN! OMG, same here! I'm Team Ben all the way! This type isn't really my usual, but I'm SO here for it! The ex-boyfriend dad vibes are giving me life, and honestly, she's way better off with him. The chemistry is CHEF'S KISS ! Like, what even is that level of heat?! I'm obsessed!
Profile Image for Makenna Valdez.
214 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2026
Thank you to Hayling Bookstorm Ltd/Lore Townsend for this ARC opportunity to read before release in exchange for an honest review. 💕

Lying for Keeps was binge worthy right from the very start, with Ben & Victoria’s chemistry being absolutely captivating and on fire. We love all these tropes on their own; age gap x ex boyfriend’s dad x billionaire MMC x forbidden love… but together? Masterpiece.

I would say my rating is closer to 4.5, but I couldn’t commit to the full 5 because some of the 🌶️ scenes felt off to me. Not sure why, there was just a bit of a disconnect for me. But overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and the epilogue was the perfect ending to their story. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Christina.
94 reviews10 followers
May 27, 2024
This was fantastic!!! I didn’t think it could get better after Avery, but Ben… yes please!!! This book had everything I needed. Primal play, ex’s dad 🥵🥵🥵. I love this series so much and it just keeps getting better as the series goes on. Can’t wait for the next book because I have fell in love with all of these characters. I love how this book takes two different people and shows them that they can be the best thing that ever happened to each other, but you have to go for what you want!
Profile Image for Emily-Rose Brlevich .
143 reviews14 followers
June 1, 2024
"Vic, you have changed my life in ways I never thought were possible."

Another 5 start read by Lore Townsend!
I loved the age difference trope, and the spicy scenes were top-notch!
This definitely introduced me to the BDSM genre and I am all for it!
Eagerly awaiting book 4!

"You look perfect. You are perfect."
Profile Image for Mandy (Bestie Book Reviews).
456 reviews168 followers
June 3, 2024
I love a good "ex boyfriend's dad" trope and Lore Townsend did not disappoint! Victoria discovers the guy she has been seeing for the past few months has moved on by discovering a social media post of him and another woman. At the same time, her now ex's dad (Ben) walks into the bar at the resort she is staying at. She goes to give him a piece of her mind about his crappy son but ends up flirting with him. Things escalate very quickly but can you really have a relationship with your ex's dad????
Profile Image for dropitlikeitshotx.
118 reviews10 followers
June 26, 2025
2.5 stars tbh. I live for this trope, but honestly this book may have brought that to an end 😅. I’m surprised by all the really high ratings and not sure if we read the same book? This has a pretty high avg rating. Much higher than “Birthday Girl” and “Praise” which have a similar concept and I felt were more enjoyable. So I was surprised when I came across this and hadn’t heard of it before.

So technically the H’s son never officially dated h. h and the ex weren’t really in a relationship. It was more of a situationship and he was like I’m gonna move to this island, you should come with, since you’re not doing anything. And she was like oh sure. h and the ex are both college dropouts by the way.

Anyways, the story starts off with a jilted h at the beach. Her “ex” of 2 months just randomly ghosted her and went off to Indonesia or something. He posts a picture at the beach with another girl and she’s pissed. H is at the bar and looks sad (apparently he’s been globetrotting, trying to track down his son). Her friend is joking like you should sleep with his dad as revenge and she’s like omg what a great idea. So she walks over there to tell him how much his son sucks. But then H is so charming, h is like I have to get in bed with him 🙂‍↕️.

H is a widower by the way. His wife died when his son was like 6 and I think they’re 23 now. It’s been A LONG time, he doesn’t really do relationships. He just hires women for some BDSM stuff.

Anyhow, h knows who H is and doesn’t say anything about her “ex”. They do the deed and it’s supposed to be a ONS. H doesn’t realize she’s an employee at his hotel because h lies about this when he asks her point blank. h is a Pilates instructor, H and his friends walk into her class the next morning and they meet again. They decide to maybe get to know each other. But then when it comes time to going on a date, H chickens out (this is a recurrent theme, like he’s not ready for a relationship).

So she kind of ends up stalking him to his house and forcing a movie night on him. They fool around some more and she ends up staying with him for a bit. Literally I think in her ex’s room lol, while H sleeps down the hall.

H is desperate to fix his relationship with his son. H’s son dropped out of college and basically has been traveling, he’s begging him to enroll and get his life together. Honestly this H was like sad and just so in the dumps. It was hard to read. Like this is the first time I’ve read this trope and the H was essentially going through a midlife crisis the whole time. He realizes his life sucks. And even though he has fancy lawyer job and money, he isn’t happy. But his dropout son and dropout h are happy? So maybe he should take a page from their book? 🤔

I didn’t like the h, she was like super immature. She’s supposed to be 23. But honestly she came across like 17. She actively lies and tries to manipulate this man the WHOLE time. There’s a bad storm and the other employees live at H’s mansion for a bit, and she’s freaking out the whole time, people will let it slip she dated ex. 🤦‍♀️ H is so confused why she’s so adamant on people not finding out, cause he’s thinking about a real relationship with her lol.

There was a lot of primal play, role play, and BDSM. A couple of the spicy scene were hot ngl. But I just found both main characters to be unlikable and couldn’t connect.

Anyways h, gets busted when ex finally shows up back on the island. Turns out he was off building houses in Indonesia, not partying(?). H basically just ups and leaves, like he just can’t deal Lmaoo. He was gonna ask h to move back to NY with him. The ex just kind of forgives h right away, no big deal she slept with his dad for revenge lol. He couldn’t have cared less lol. Because apparently h has been a good influence and helped H become less uptight 😬.

Ex helps h move to NY. H won’t answer her calls. So she sends in a fake resume to his law office and he thinks it’s funny, so he gives her an interview. They kind of sort out their issues but he doesn’t want a relationship still. He literally goes to her home, they hook up and then he just walks out AGAIN. h and Ex are also besties now, he already thinks of her as stepmom even though H has her blocked lol.😭 H finally has an epiphany that he’s so sad and has been torturing himself after losing his wife to cancer suddenly. I guess he felt he neglected her. H gets with h and he basically has her move in right away. They get engaged in the epilogue.

I didn’t like this because this was less “hot revenge on cheating ex” and more “lost 20 something sleeps with sad middle aged man having a midlife crisis”😐. The chemistry was just lacking between h and H, given she kind of lied and manipulated him for most of the book, it really felt like she was in it for the mansion and payday. I think a major entertainment factor of this trope is “revenge”, so like when the ex shows up and couldn’t be bothered to give a shit, that whole reveal just falls flat lmaoo. A majority of the book also felt like H was lecturing h and ex about being dropouts and viewed them as bums lol. Like that was just not sexy at all and took me out a few times. I persevered and finish to get you this review.

HEA
no cheating between MCs
Role play
BDSM
Primal Play
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ari Loves All The Books.
385 reviews80 followers
May 29, 2024
Let me just rant & rave about Ben & Victoria real quick!!
This was the start of a revenge "I'll date your dad, whose the hot silver fox" but then she ended up falling for him and this book is a whole vibe!! Like can I be a MC in this story ??
Profile Image for Morgan.
251 reviews46 followers
June 7, 2024
Great book

I've loved each of the books in this series.
This one just may be my favorite though.

Ex's dad
Age gap
Workplace
Primal

Such a good (and spicy) combo!
Profile Image for Michaella.
141 reviews15 followers
May 30, 2024
ARC Read: Savage Lover by Lore Townsend
Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 4 🌶️

•Age Gap
•MF
•Ex-Boyfriends Dad
•Billionaire
•Primal Play & CNC
•BDSM
•Forbidden Love

I devoured this book in 5 hours. I loved how dominant Ben is and he is definitely a hot dad. When he meets Victoria aka Vicki he sees a hot young woman he wants to dominate. Vicki knows it’s wrong to not tell Ben she use to date his son but he’s a man that she’s never experienced before and shows he cares. They fall in love but you will have to read to find out what happens.
Profile Image for Just a Little Reading & Reviewing.
380 reviews131 followers
June 3, 2024
Savage Lover is a spicy, angsty erotic romance between business man, Ben and Pilates instructor, Victoria. The spice level is OTT but definitely read trigger warnings as the kink might not be for everyone!

Words that come to mind when I think about this book: Dark. Chaotic. Dangerous. Passionate. Like an island storm, these two collide with a sinful recklessness that both thrills them and scares them in equal measure. And their story is an emotionally addictive mess that will sweep you right along side them as they figure things out.

The OTT level of intensity takes you on a wild up and down ride with plenty of heart wrenching twists and turns. I loved Victoria, she was a little broken when we first meet her but she was such a fighter. And with Ben's special brand of support and care, she grew more and more confident with herself and was finally able to see and appreciate her own strengths and flaws.

Ben was another surprise I wasn't expecting! He was a sweet, affectionate man but had a darker more dominate side that Victoria was able to call to the surface like no one else. It was definitely fun to see him let down his guard and embrace his darkness with Victoria. They gave the word fun a whole new meaning!

Didn't get a full 5 stars because I wanted Ben to pursue Victoria for once. I felt like too many times, Victoria chased Ben after he changed his mind or tried to distance himself from her and he sort of just gave in every time. When he pulled that stunt in New York I was hoping for some hard core groveling or big romantic gesture to win her back but Victoria was just too happy to have him back to really make him work for her forgiveness.

If you like age gap, forbidden romance, ex's dad trope and your spice on the darker side, I can definitely recommend this one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

SPOILER-Y EXTRAS:
Profile Image for Suzana.
718 reviews26 followers
June 8, 2024
🌴 Contemporary
🌴 Romantic suspense
🌴 Dark
🌴 Tropical Paradise
🌴 Billionaire Lawyer x Pilates Instructor
🌴 Age Gap
🌴 Forbidden
🌴 Ex-boyfriends Dad
🌴 A billionaire single Dad lawyer
🌴 A headstrong heroine
🌴 Dueling fitness junkies
🌴 Scary movie vibes
🌴 Extra spicy bedroom scenes from the first chapter
🌴 Dreaded secrets
🌴 Chase/dubcon games
🌴 Natural disaster
🌴 Learning to let go and have fun
🌴 BDSM
🌴 Angst
🌴 Forced proximity
🌴 “it’s just a fling”
🌴 Opposites attract
🌴 Praise
🌴 Roommates
🌴 Revenge
🌴 Workplace romance
🌴 a happily ever after
🌴 Emotional roller-coaster
🌴 Unpredictable twists and turns
🌴 Gripping
🌴 Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development

Savage Lover is the third book in in Off-Limits Lovers series. This series follows the sexy billionaire owners of The White Sands Resort and their forbidden love stories. Savage Lover is a sizzlingly hot ex-boyfriend's dad, age-gap, alpha-male romance that explores power dynamics and steamy bedroom escapades. This book is a thrilling and emotional forbidden age-gap romance that delves into themes of self-discovery and growth. It features complex characters and a captivating storyline with unexpected twists that will tug at your heartstrings. The blend of humor, tension, and romance creates a riveting read that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Overall, it is a sizzling, engaging, and phenomenal book that offers valuable life lessons and a rollercoaster of emotions.

Ben meets a mysterious woman in a bar and becomes entangled in a passionate but tumultuous relationship with her. Despite being used to being in control, he finds himself losing grip on reality and giving in to his dark desires. He is torn between his responsibilities as a father and his intense connection with the woman, Victoria. Despite knowing her intimately, he is hesitant to fully commit due to her secretive nature. Ultimately, he struggles with the decision of whether to invite her into his life or heed his lawyer instincts that warn him he may not truly know her. Ben and Victoria are the main characters in an age-gap romance. Ben is a resort owner who spends most of his time in New York practicing law. Victoria is upset by his son's behavior and decides to confront Ben about his son's actions. However, she senses Ben's sadness and offers him comfort instead. This leads to a night of passion between them, where Ben reveals his dominant side. As their relationship progresses, the story explores their personal growth and the intensity of their relationship, with both characters learning more about themselves through their connection. The chemistry between them is intense, and the taboo aspect of their relationship adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Profile Image for Nikki Dunlap.
34 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 17, 2026
Lying for Keeps by Lore Townsend was such a wild, steamy ride — and I was hooked from the start. This story delivers major dark romance energy with plenty of spice, tension, and emotional growth that kept me turning pages late into the night.

Victoria starts off as someone who tends to lean on others when it comes to big emotional decisions, but watching her slowly step into her own strength was really satisfying. Her journey toward independence added a nice layer of depth to all the heat and drama. And Ben? Total alpha energy. He’s intense, controlling, and definitely struggles with letting go — which made their dynamic both frustrating and addictive in the best way.

The chemistry between these two is off the charts. If you love tropes like ex-boyfriend’s dad, single father, billionaire romance, and primal/chase play, this one absolutely delivers. The darker themes and kink elements give strong 50 Shades vibes but with its own twist, and the story balances the spice with enough emotional weight to keep you invested.

I also loved the slightly eerie/scary movie atmosphere woven through parts of the book — it added a fun edge to the romance. Even when I wanted to shake the characters for their choices, I was still fully rooting for their HEA.

⚠️ Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in.

Merged review:

ARC Review


Lying for Keeps by Lore Townsend was such a wild, steamy ride — and I was hooked from the start. This story delivers major dark romance energy with plenty of spice, tension, and emotional growth that kept me turning pages late into the night.

Victoria starts off as someone who tends to lean on others when it comes to big emotional decisions, but watching her slowly step into her own strength was really satisfying. Her journey toward independence added a nice layer of depth to all the heat and drama. And Ben? Total alpha energy. He’s intense, controlling, and definitely struggles with letting go — which made their dynamic both frustrating and addictive in the best way.

The chemistry between these two is off the charts. If you love tropes like ex-boyfriend’s dad, single father, billionaire romance, and primal/chase play, this one absolutely delivers. The darker themes and kink elements give strong 50 Shades vibes but with its own twist, and the story balances the spice with enough emotional weight to keep you invested.

I also loved the slightly eerie/scary movie atmosphere woven through parts of the book — it added a fun edge to the romance. Even when I wanted to shake the characters for their choices, I was still fully rooting for their HEA.

⚠️ Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Profile Image for Lauren.
68 reviews
February 24, 2026
Lying for Keeps written by Lore Townsend is book three in the Off-Limits Lovers series. it is an interconnected series, but can be read as a standalone. However, I have read the entire series and I cannot get enough of this group of friends. I recommend that you start the series from the very beginning. Thank you to Hayling Bookstorm for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Full disclosure, I am not completely over the second book (Shameless) yet. I also was not the biggest Ben fan in that book, so going into his story I wasn’t holding my breath. I know he is supposed to be like the fatherly figure type, but it seemed more judgmental than caring. I am so glad Ben’s story was told because it was great. I should have known Lore Townsend was going to give us the best!

Ben was completely uptight, rigid, and allowing himself to suffer due to a promise he made to his late wife regarding their son. Victoria was just what Ben needed so he could learn to live again. Victoria is everything Ben has told himself he can’t have. Even though their first interaction was tangled in a lie, it was off the charts! Bossy Ben came out to play. The things that I previously perceived as him being judgmental was really just fear and denial. Ben was lonely and Victoria was the firecracker that lit his world on fire.

You could practically taste the forbidden lust coming off of the pages. In the beginning Victoria seemed so confident going up to him in the bar. It caught Ben’s attention immediately. However, there were parts that felt like she was a stage five clinger. She saw what she wanted and went after him. Ben basically opened the door and said “come on in”. For a man who spent so long denying himself joy, the feelings were almost instantaneous. It was good for him and he needed the push in that direction, but my eyebrows raised when she showed up the way she did. Victoria and Ben just completely clicked and let their barriers down, allowing unfamiliar feelings take root. I was here for all of it!

I really love this story and the series overall. I am a huge fan of Lore Townsend’s writing. This love story was a beautiful read. There was so much growth developed for these characters, Ben especially. It was a true joy to watch Ben find happiness again. I could feel every emotion that was depicted within these pages. I can’t wait for Sam’s book! I will be counting down the days until then.
Profile Image for Susan McWhinney.
679 reviews9 followers
February 26, 2026
Wowsers! What a hot read. An Age gap forbidden Ex's Dad romance with a touch of BDSM thrown in for good measure! . All the tropes you would want in a book. It is sizzling hot as Victoria and Ben find themselves in a relationship that soon developed feelings that neither saw coming.
Victoria, on a dare from her besty Sally, approaches Ben, her ex Ainsley's dad. Cos why not? Right? If Ainsley can treat her like trash what better way to forget her lost lover than find another. And what better way to hurt him like he hurt her? F3ck his Dad. So she does!!
Ben, the grumpy unapproachable Billionaire who has not had a serious relationship since his wife passed away , finds something alluring in Victoria. Yes she is young, probably too young for him, but that does not stop them from seeing each other, repeatedly.
Victoria finds she has a dark side, which pleases Ben as his sexual preferences could be called into question.
Well, it does it for me!! I can tell you all the scenes that play out in the book are beyond hot.
As feelings change for Ben, he is unsure how to approach Victoria.
But for Victoria, she knows there is an expiration date to their relationship. She holds a secret close to her heart. She is dating her ex's father! And when he finds out, then for sure, this romance will end. Just like all her other previous relationships. She fights the feelings but soon realises that she has fallen for the older man! So Hot!
This story has lots of moving parts that keeps you vested in Victoria's predicament. You want it to work out. The dynamic between the two MC's is off the charts hot. Their chemistry interwoven in how they both enjoy a "different" type of sex life.
Of course Victoria needs to keep their relationship on the down low as some of the workers at the resort know of her and Ainsley's past. She knows it is a matter of time before Ben finds out. She thinks she has prepared herself for the inevitable, but when she comes face to face with Ainsley at Ben's house.....everything unravels.
Yep and you need to read this amazing book to find out how, if and when Victoria and Ben can find their way back to each other.
As with all good books this story does end with a HEA, but how they reach it is a mystery!! You NEED to read Lying For Keeps! You won't regret it.
Profile Image for Akku.
595 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 16, 2026
• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.5✨

• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - February 24, 2026

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- ex’s dad
- age gap romance
- forbidden relationship
- consensual power play
- small island drama
- secret relationship
- primal chase vibes
- emotional growth
- he falls hard

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This story follows Victoria, a young woman who gets ghosted by a situationship and makes one reckless decision that changes everything. In a moment of anger and boldness, she ends up spending a night with his father, Ben Adams, a powerful resort owner who is older, dominant, and completely off limits. What starts as revenge slowly turns into something deeper, intense, and emotionally complicated. Secrets build. Feelings grow. And when the truth comes out, everything explodes.
Now let me say this… I was not prepared.
This book is messy in the best way. It is bold. It is risky. It is dramatic. And I loved every second of it.
Victoria is not a weak girl. She makes impulsive choices, yes, but she owns them. Watching her grow from someone who constantly apologizes to someone who demands to be chosen was so satisfying. Her emotional growth felt real and relatable.
Ben is dominant, controlled, and very set in his ways. But underneath that power is grief, fear, and vulnerability. Seeing him slowly lose control emotionally while still trying to hold everything together was chef’s kiss. He did not magically become soft. He simply learned how to love openly.
The forbidden tension was intense from the start. The secrecy, the island gossip, the father-son conflict. Everything felt high stakes. And when the truth came out, the confrontation scenes were dramatic and perfectly chaotic.
What I loved most is that this was not just about spice. It was about choice. About vulnerability. About stepping out of comfort zones. The power dynamic stayed consensual and balanced, and the emotional connection made it even stronger.
This story is bold and not for everyone, but if you love forbidden romance with real emotional depth, this will hit. I devoured it.
Thank you so much hayling bookstorm for the free ARC!
Profile Image for maria.
273 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 23, 2026
Huge thank you to Lore Townsend and Hayling Bookstorm for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was my first novel from Lore Townsend and I am completely obsessed! She made a fan out of me fast and I cannot wait to check out more of her work!!

This was completely unique to anything I have read recently! It had it all from the forbidden aspect, dark themes, top tier spice, tension and banter while also having characters that showed immense growth. Lore completely surprised me with this one and I enjoyed this from page one. The storyline kept my attention and had me on the edge of my seat. I must say, I thought this was perfectly paced.

I went into this basically blind and literally skipped the trigger warnings… and man oh man was it a wild ride doing so!! All I saw was “ex’s dad” and I said “LFG!” Would I suggest going into this blind though? No. Do better than me LOL. I would like to stress that you should check your trigger warnings! Your mental health matters and this was certainly dark at times.

Let me tell you… Ben’s character was everything. He is intense, controlling and extremely dominant but like he’s hot and I’m down bad. I was completely shocked by how much I enjoyed his character because I thought I was going to be indifferent when we first met him.

I was completely engrossed by Victoria’s POV. I just genuinely loved her as a character. I think her growth in this was so well written! I was thoroughly impressed by how Lore wrote her character development. Honestly, it felt empowering. I don’t know how else to explain it??

Victoria and Ben together though?? Explosive! Their connection was otherworldly! Their chemistry was top tier hot. Lore did a phenomenal job writing two vastly different characters and showing us how perfectly compatible they were for each other. I was rooting for their happily ever after the entire book!

Would I suggest this to a friend? Yes!! Would I reread? Yes!! Would I carry on with the series? Yes!! Would I like a trophy? Yes!!
395 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2024
I would like to give this one more than 5 stars, because it deserves it. The story is full of exciting scenes and spicy dialog, and so well written with realistic scenarios and highly engaging characters.

Victoria hasn't had the best luck in love, but she intends to change that. She's allowed herself to be walked all over, and it's time for a change. She just arrived for a new job at The Sands Resort in the tropics as a Pilates instructor. The resort coincidentally is owned by Ben Adams, Ainsley Adams' father. Victoria just found out Ainsley is already seeing a new woman without so much as a polite brush-off for Victoria. She and her friend Sally are In the hotel lounge where she sees Ben. She decides to confront him and charge him with raising a playboy douche of a son. But Ben already knows that, and he's looking rather forlorn himself. She can't confront him after all, and then…..she ends up in Ben's penthouse. She decides to withhold the fact that she already knows Ainsley and finds that his father is a charming rogue who is intelligent and interesting. He challenges Victoria's intellect and incites her libido.

Their relationship grows, but it eventually comes to a screeching halt when Ainsley unexpectedly shows up just when Victoria is about to come clean to Ben. What will Ben think now? Will he give Victoria a chance to explain? Or will he return to New York City and go on like they had never met?

There's a beautiful story here of how a determined young woman teaches a stubborn older man about the power of love and forgiveness.

This is definitely one of those books where you want to have enough time to read it all the way through, because you won't want to put it down. Don't spoil it by skipping to the end because you'll be disappointed if you do. There's so much essential content that you'll miss out on if you do.
Profile Image for Leah Hortin.
1,982 reviews51 followers
June 2, 2024
Oh wow, where do I even start with Savage Lover? This book completely hooked me from the get-go. It's exactly what I look for in a spicy, taboo romance—an ideal mix of plot, character depth, and steamy scenes.

At first glance, I was a bit skeptical. The official synopsis, with its focus on dubcon/chase games, made me wonder if it would really be my thing. But let me tell you, these elements were executed so masterfully that I was thoroughly impressed. Townsend knows how to walk that fine line, making the scenes intense without crossing into uncomfortable territory.

The chemistry between the characters was off the charts. The dynamic between the billionaire single dad lawyer and the mysterious vixen, Victoria, was electric. And let’s talk about the taboo aspect—handled with such finesse! It added an extra layer of intrigue and excitement without feeling forced or over-the-top.

What really surprised me, though, was the depth this book had. It wasn't just about the heat (though there was plenty of that!). Townsend deftly touched on themes like classism, misogyny, and the courage to pursue unconventional dreams. It made the story feel richer and more grounded.

Another thing I loved was the maturity of the characters. There's no silly miscommunication trope here—just adults reacting realistically to complicated situations. It was refreshing to see them handle their issues with honesty and openness.

I devoured Savage Lover in just two days. It’s a captivating read that balances the spice with a meaningful plot, making it a standout in the genre. If you’re into taboo romances with well-developed characters and a storyline that keeps you on your toes, this one’s a must-read.
Profile Image for Amanda  Coffman.
148 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2024
I thought this would be a slow burn like the other books but was I wrong. Lore Townsend came out with spice from the beginning. This is my favorite book out of the series now. Victoria's friend Sally was hilarious encouraging her to hook up with Ben and her reasons behind it. I loved getting to know Ben more as well as learning more about his and Ainsleys relationship. I also like finding out how they got so disconnected from what Ainsley really wanted in his life compared to what Ben was trying to push on him. The banter between Victoria and Ben through the whole story was amazing. I really loved seeing Ben grow out of his daily habits and start to show the old Ben everyone was used to see. Each time Voctoria met someone Ben knew I kept waiting for the pen to drop and for her to get caught. When Ainsley came home I was screaming at my tablet. I was yelling at my tablet for Ben to go into Victoria's room when he heard her crying and couldn't believe he just left. I get why he left but come on Ben really? It was funny that Ainsley and Victoria ended up friends in the end and encouraged her to fight for what she really wanted. When Ainsley showed Victoria Bens text with him and how they changed when he was with Victoria really showed how much Ben started to change having someone in his life that was good for him. Reading about how Ainsley helped Victoria made me change my thoughts about Ainsley. I kinda didn't like him at first thinking he was a player type of guy but by the end you find he's really a nice guy. The resume that ended up on Ben's desk was hilarious and so was the interview. The bonus scene! Do not pass on the bonus scene.
Profile Image for Lani Page Turner.
25 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2024
The way I just devoured this book! I couldn't put it down. It's like my eyes were glued to the "pages." The spice was scrumptious, the banter was delectable, and the character development made my heart full. I love a solid taboo romance that provides you with the perfect mixture of steam and story.
I felt like lessons were learned in this book. These characters had to look within themselves, and they had to grow!
I'm a sucker for an age gap, and this one did not disappoint. Filled with secrets, spice, and a splash of drama.
Ben & Victoria captivated me with their roller coaster of a romance. They both had to make hard decisions and grow up. And if they want their HEA, they have to RUN for it. A control freak that had to figure out how to let go and an indecisive young woman who had to learn how to go and get what she wanted!
This was my first book by Townsend, and it definitely won't be my last. I can't wait to read the other installments in this series. I finished this book in a few hours over two days.
I recommend reading this book if you love:

> age gap
> forbidden lovers
> ex's dad
> praise
> primal
> bdsm

"Sure, I may be in an unconventional, mostly secret relationship with a woman young enough to be my child. Sure, I may exhaust myself almost every night of the week pretending to savage her in some creative new way. But I'm having fun. For possibly the first time ever."
Profile Image for Yaren Kuzey.
44 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2024
REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First things first, thank you Lore, for sharing this ARC with me, trusting me with this review. Second, this book made me giggle so much that my stomach hurt. That's not fair!

The spice was 🌶🌶🌶🌶 and I loved every bit of it. To be honest, the reason for my giggles was all Ben. He's hot and ready but underneath all of that breathtaking beauty, he's cute and probably one of the sweetest men I read about.
His kinks made me smile widely and every time he let Vic challenge him, I died a little bit inside. It was truly funny, cute and overall, SPICEYY!

We are safe to say that Victoria sure is a bratty and god, it was satisfying to see. This woman is both smart and full of personality. I really connected with her through the story.

The story and feelings, however, felt like they moved a little too fast which made me feel confused at times. But then as I read through and continued, it all made sense to me.
One of my favorite parts is definitely when he decides to give his son the space to grow into his own person and that Victoria gives him a self-realization. His growth throughout the story is just so good.

If you like spicy books and getting all the right feelings alongside with the characters (especially chapter 40😈), this one is for you! It can be read as a standalone as this one is Nr. 3 in the series. You won't regret it!

Thank you again, I really enjoyed this book 💛
Profile Image for Susannah.
139 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lying for Keeps – by Lore Townsend

Okay but tell me why I went into this thinking “quick little drama read” and came out emotionally invested, stressed, and fanning myself like it was my full-time job. 😅

This was my first book by Lore Townsend, and honestly? I had a really good time with it.

The setup alone had me hooked — calling out a cheating son and accidentally ending up tangled with his billionaire father? Messy. Petty. Iconic behavior. I support it.

Ben is very much that dominant, sharp, powerful, “touch her and you’re done for” type, and the chemistry between these two was immediate and intense. The tension? Top tier. The cat-and-mouse energy? Chef’s kiss. The island setting? Made everything feel extra dramatic and deliciously escapist.

That said… I’ll be honest — some parts dragged a little for me in the middle. There were moments where the pacing slowed and I found myself wanting the story to move faster. But every time things picked back up, I was right back in it.

Overall though, I really enjoyed the ride. Secrets, power plays, emotional stakes, and plenty of swoony (and steamy) moments kept me turning pages.

Definitely a solid 4-star read, and I’d absolutely pick up another book by this author because the drama + romance combo works.

If you love:
💼 billionaire romance
🔥 forbidden vibes
🌴 tropical settings
💋 tension you can feel
👀 strong heroine with secrets

…add this to your TBR immediately.
Profile Image for Kindle And A Cuppa .
246 reviews30 followers
June 3, 2024
Victoria working on a island resort as a Pilates instructor finds out her latest hookup has found someone new and is jet setting somewhere new via social media. Finding herself at the resort bar she spots his dad and vows to tell him exactly what kind of douche bag his son is. That is until she sees the sadness in Ben’s eyes. Suddenly she’s having a fling with hot older Ben, travelling by helicopter and having the hottest sex of her life. It would be perfect if she had told him exactly who she was and now there is an expiration date to the whole thing.
I absolutely loved Ben, a widowed man that has spent his life in control and trying to give his son the life he thinks he should have. Ben’s growth through this book was great to see and how he relinquished his narrow views to finally allowing himself to live and find love.
Vic grew on me, there were several times I wanted to shake her and tell her to grow up and get over herself but she needed to go through it all to grow up as a person and find out what she really wanted for herself and find her own worth.
The two of them together was an instant attraction and the spice was perfect, they both made each other grow sometimes without realising until they nearly lost it and it was great to read the FMC do some of the grovelling to get her man.
This was my first read by Lore and now I’ve devoured it I will definitely be going through the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Erin Ellison.
225 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 18, 2026
I liked this! This was a light fun read. (Or at least I found it to be light and fun... There are some triggers so check them out) 

 I found the internal dialogue to be quite funny. The reactions both MC's had to things that they said/did were hilarious. 

I enjoyed the premise of the book. Has quite a few tropes that I always enjoy! Always love a billionaire age gap romance filled with the games that they play. The spice and role playing that happened was on point. 

Oddly enough Bens son kind of became one of my favorites 💝 he was just so chill and helpful and his character could of gone a totally different direction. Sometimes I felt he was more mature than his own dad 😂 


I always love a good HEA. I'm glad Victoria and Ben got theirs! As much as I loved the epilogue I wish more was told in-between. I wanted more detail more play by play. the second jump of time kinda startled me and I was like nooo go back. 😂 


This is a strong strong 3 for me. 3.75. will I read this again? Yea probably! Especially when on I'm on a cruise or a beach sipping on a mojito. Do I recommend this? Yes absolutely. 


✔️Ex-boyfriends dad

✔️single father

✔️Fitness junkies

✔️Chase/primal play

✔️Spicy

✔️Tropical billionaire lifestyle

✔️secrets, lies, HEA


Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Alyx Reese.
358 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2024
I like the ex’s dad trope, it’s taboo and fun, but not in a terrible way. Savage Lover does have some darker content, it has scenes that depict bdsm and dnc, some of the kink scenes are not realistic, but this is a work of fiction. Also, in real life, while these scenes may occur, the Dom and sub will have negotiated everything beforehand, and Vic has a safeword throughout. The scenes where they explore their sexuality are intense and intimate, they also show Ben and Victoria’s willingness to be vulnerable with each other in order to make their relationship and dynamic work.

I love Victoria, she’s been repeatedly let down by men but she’s a fighter and doesn’t quit. Still, it is hard for her to trust and be confident in herself. Her relationship with Ben opens up a whole new world for her. As it does for Ben, he already needs and loves control. Being her Dom comes easily, but Vic realizes she needs something more. There is something seriously decadent and dark about primal play that I just love. It heightens the intimacy and sexual tension between Ben and Vic. There are outside forces that cause problems, but in the end they do get their HFN.
Profile Image for Maddy.
78 reviews
Review of advance copy
February 12, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 330
Format: E-book (Arc)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐


I received this arc in exchange for an honest review and I want to thank Hayling Bookstorm Ltd and Lore Townsend for my copy of this arc.

This is the third book in the Off Limits series and follows Ben and Victoria. It is a interconnected standalone series.

Tropes:
Ex's Dad
Age Gap
Billionaire MMC
Forbidden Love
Concealed idenity
Insta-lust
Dual POV



📖 My Review 📖
It took me a little bit to get into the book but I ended up really enjoying it. I thought it was really sweet and cute.
Ben was great and had so much growth from the start of the book. He was so sweet and kind of cute.
I also really liked Victoria, she was perfect for Ben and they are great together.
I loved the ending, it was so sweet and perfect. I wouldn't change a thing about the last half of the book at all. The only reason this book isn't a 5 ⭐ is because it just took me a little bit to connect with the characters, but when I did, I definitely fell in love with them.

Would definitely recommend if you want a cute, sweet contemporary romance.
Profile Image for Inge Mosch.
501 reviews10 followers
February 13, 2026
I’m absolutely obsessed with this series, and I truly think Lying for Keeps is the best book yet! I’ve always been a sucker for age-gap romances, and this series delivers some of the most and beautifully written age-gap love stories I’ve ever read. There’s just something about the dynamic that makes the emotional tension and chemistry even more intense, and this book captured that perfectly.

I loved everything about this story. The tropes were executed so well, and they’re some of my all-time favorites. Watching Ben’s transformation throughout the book was so good. His character growth felt very real. And let’s talk about the spice… WOW. It was next-level good. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts, and the spicy scenes were so steamy. Let’s just say this book definitely had me feeling hot and bothered 🥵.

I absolutely adore Lore’s writing style. From the very first word, I was completely hooked. The storytelling is so captivating, the emotions feel real, and the characters are so easy to connect with. I couldn’t put the book down! Now I’m counting down the days until Sam’s story, I honestly can’t wait for it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
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