Love Set Free

by Shae Michaels

I, Phoenix Oliver Wilding…have been kidnapped.

Phoenix
It’s always been a hypothetical, lurking in the back of my mind. Growing up as the only child of parents with stupid levels of money meant being kidnapped is always a possibility. But I never actually feared it. At least, not until I wake up locked in a cage.
At first, he’s just a voice—a fellow victim of a dastardly plot. Jackson becomes my comfort, my sanity, the thing fueling my determination to gain my freedom and return to my life. And when I do get free, I’m taking him with me. This man, that I haven’t even seen, is mine.

Jackson
Desperation and stupidity are perhaps the only abundant things in my life. But I never could’ve imagined that they’d lead me here, blindfolded and trapped in a cage.
His voice is a welcome companion in the darkness. With questions and teasing whispers, he draws me in, closing the distance between us in a way our physical reality won’t allow us. I don’t know when fellowship turns to more—to want, to need. Something I’ve never felt for another man. But I’m not about to give it up, give him up. No matter what.

Love Set Free is a darker, MM romance with themes of kidnapping, bonding through trauma, and codependency. It does contain on-page violence and death (not of a main character).

Genres: M M Romance

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2024

About the author

Shae lives in Wisconsin with her family and a cat named Stanley who tolerates them. She enjoys reading, watching ice hockey, and listening to music.

Her books are often sweet, frequently steamy, and full of perfectly imperfect men who somehow manage to bumble their way to a Happily Ever After.

Reviews

[Rach · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book so, so much. The premise sounded amazing and I was like “yes! we’re gonna dive into the psyche of, not one but, two captives and their lives/trauma post captivity.” Not… quite what happened.

I had really really strong emotions when it came to Jackson and Phoenix’s story. I’m also still trying to figure out if it could be considered Stockholm syndrome? Logic says yes, because of reasons that are apparent if you read the book, but my brain says no because of Jackson’s situation.

Love Set Free started out quite strong, throwing us right into the action, and I thought the way the characters personalities shone through in spite of their situations was great. I reallu liked the bond they formed after Phoenix’s initial distrust of Jackson - it felt real and you really get an understanding of how two people could feel so strongly for one another in such a stressful, if short, period of time.

I loved the crime of the kidnapping and the details of the captivity, however the escape fell really flat for me.
One minute they had no chance of escape, the next they’re in the consulate, and then next (without even a phone call) his parents are showing up? I wish wish wish those scenes had been expanded on. The running for help, the call home… I just needed more. I’d been on that journey with Jackson and Phoenix, then all of a sudden I was left behind.

The bounce-back post kidnapping also really threw me. It was like nothing at all had happened to Phoenix, or Jackson really. And although there was a twist that sort of but not really explained Jackson’s behaviour, I still felt like the trauma was completely glossed over. Which was really unfortunate because it’s such a sensitive topic and it deserved more respect.

And the ending?? What on earth was that ending?????? I wasn’t expecting that at all and now I’m sort of expecting a killer couple soon-off.

So yeah, it’s 3 starts from me. Would have been a 4.5 if not for the above mentioned reasons.

[Julia Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was very interesting and I kept trying to puzzle things out starting from the crumbs Jackson kept giving us. I would not be surprised if we would get another book with this couple so that we can shed more light on Jackson's motives, mindset and personality. There were some things that Jackson said at the end that make me think of unfinished business.
The book is on the darker side with the kidnapping and captivity and everything that comes with, but even as squeamish as I can be I could read it with no problems.
Jackson and Phoenix could not see each other for a portion of the book, but I felt like that made the feelings between them even more stronger. I felt like the whole captivity portion of the book was written really well and it was believable. So was the way they got out. I feel like we got to know Phoenix pretty well throughout the book, unlike Jackson where I feel like there are still some unknows. I really enjoyed how fron the start Phoenix tried to be a calming presence for Jackson, who would keep him safe and take care of him. I enjoyed Jackson's neediness with Phoenix and his proximity. It was interesting to watch his sexual awakening and that he was just turned on by Phoenix, no labels needed. Jackson felt very touch and love starved to me, so his actions felt in accordance with that. But still, something about Jackson gives me pause. I know he would do anything to keep Phoenix and their life together safe, and maybe that's it.
I'm glad there was talk of mental health and what they could do to deal with the trauma of beind kidnapped and held captive.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read something darker, grittier and not that sweet but with an HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You can beg, you can run...but you'll always be mine. I won't let you go."

Whoa. Honey. That was wild. If you picked up this book thinking it was going to be anything like this authors fluffy Pine Ridge series, I would think again. This is not fluffy. I wouldn't say its mega dark, there is no noncon, but this definitely is not a light book. The story progresses sort of like a thriller. It had me constantly changing my guesses as to what was going on. Who knows more than they are saying and what exactly is each character's involvement? These questions pertain to not only the kidnappers, but the MCs as well.

Despite all the lies and half-truths that are told, one thing I know for certain is that Pheonix and Jackson formed an unbreakable bond during their time in captivity. They can never go back to their previous lives the way they were. Hell, Jackson has trouble just being in a different room from Pheonix after all they went through. Trauma hits everyone different and I absolutely agree that these two men could benefit from some intense therapy.

"And he's mine. I see him - all of him - and my eyes, my heart, my mind, my soul claim him as mine."

This book is a romance, so I will state the obvious and tell you this book ends with our MCs together. However, I will advise you if you finish this book totally happy and satisfied that you should refrain from reading the authors note. Shae was a bit of a sneaky sneak and now I am left with my brain going in a million different directions. Love Set Free is a standalone romance. Nevertheless, I don't know if this author is truly done torturing our previous captives AND readers just yet.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kidnapping aspect had me sold straight away, moving into crime and kidnapping books and loving them all.

Phoenix is a wealthy man, and this makes him a desirable target. After getting kidnapped in Rio, he is placed in a cage in a rundown house. But he is not alone, just out of sight is another man, stuck in another cage. His only lifeline to sanity. He will get out of this, and he will make sure Jackson is with him when he leaves. Even though he has never set eyes on the man, he is his in every way.

So, I had my theories starting this of course, some I was right about, some I wasn’t and that made it a very good read. Besides a deep connection blossoming between Phoenix and Jackson, there was a lot of intrigue surrounding the abduction. It had me on the edge of my seat.

The only thing I felt was the open-ended part with Jackson, it says the book will be a standalone but there could be more… And if there could be more than I want more!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Tashyka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was immediately captivated by the kidnapping element and went on to devour books about crime and kidnapping. The fact that Phoenix is affluent makes him an attractive target. He is taken in Rio and then locked up in a dilapidated house. However, there is another man confined in another cage, hidden from view. Saving his sanity was his sole option. Eventually, he'll find a way out of here, and he'll take Jackson with him. The man is his in every sense, even though he has never laid eyes on him. Thus, I came into this with my own theories, some of which turned out to be correct and others of which proved to be incorrect; either way, it was an enjoyable read. In addition to the growing romance between Phoenix and Jackson, the kidnapping itself was shrouded in mystery. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. It states the book will be a standalone, but there may be more to come with Jackson, which is the only portion that left me feeling unsatisfied.

I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katriana]

(3?5 rounded up to a 4.) Phoenix and Jackson's story is one that leaves me a bit confused. Their journey is dark and gritty. They were both kidnapped, and during their time together they got to know one another a little bit. Once they escaped, they ended up having a very codependent relationship... Jackson wouldn't let Phoenix out of his sight, and on top of that he kept denying that he felt anything but care towards Phoenix.

There was a lot of focus on steamy times after they escaped, which I didn't love. I wish there was more focus on these two men actually fully getting to know one another better. And, Jackson has a secret about what led to him being in a cage with Phoenix... But it never got brought back up, or discussed with Phoenix. It just left me confused as to why it was even brought up in the first place if it wasn't going to be discussed at all.

Overall a decent story. I liked the premise, I could see where Shae was going and what they were trying to do.

[Kylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dnf at 71%

I dont like jackson I'm having a hard getting into the romance I really like phoenix but he just seems kind of naive like Jackson mentioned one of the kidnappers by name and phoenix didn't pick that up as being sus even though he was so wary about the exact thing that happened happening
And when the female kidnapper came in ranting she literally said that Jackson was there as part of a plan which phoenix again didn't pick up on it and neither of them acted like they heard it.
So I'm having such a hard time liking Jackson because he is actively deceiving phoenix and has no plans to tell him.
Where I'm at at 71% Jackson isn't physically aroused by phoenix but keeps telling him not to stop. It just feels icky to me like phoenix can help himself and I feel like Jackson is just getting high on the attention and not that he actually interested in phoenix that way

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Kidnapping you say. Yes, please. I love a darker romance.

Part of the fun of the story is guessing what’s going on and what’s coming next. Two men trapped and caged. Unable to see each other. Really what’s a little trauma bonding to bring two people together?

It’s a super interesting concept for a story. Twisted and fascinating and truly deep connection is created between Jackson and Phoenix.

There’s speculation this may not end up being a standalone after all. I guess we must all wait to be surprised.

[FHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming from a wealthy background, Phoenix is naturally a target and being such he finds himself kidnapped and caged.
His kidnapping leads him to meeting fellow captive, Jackson and as they bond through their mutual captivity and adversity they become each other’s lifeline.
When freedom sees them becoming more than just each other’s solace, they have to learn to navigate the new relationship they have formed.

A dark, gritty read that had a few plot holes for me but overall this was an engaging read. 3.5 stars rounded off to 4.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phoenix is rich, so therefore he is a target for being kidnapped. When he and Jackson form an unconventional trauma bond due to both being held in captivity, things seem to be crazy and escalate with their kidnappers. After escaping, these two wouldn't be separated from each other and had some major spicy moments.

This was a definite darker book from this author versus the other books I've read from them, but overall the storyline was decent.

I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it!

I enjoyed Love Set Free by Shae Michaels. I liked Phoenix and Jackson’s story. It was dark, it was gritty, and it kept me guessing what was going to happen next. They have a very codependent relationship after what they went through. I do have to wonder just what Phoenix would do if he found out Jackson's secret. Would he still love him or not? I would read another book about this couple.

I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

This book had potential but I think things got a little confused as to what type of story it was trying to be.
Jackson’s secret was meaningless as it was mentioned but nothing came of it and the epilogue took things in a somewhat different direction which didn’t really gel with the rest of the book - it could have if other details had been developed more but as it is I just didn’t feel it.

[TUKricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still trying to figure out the effect this book has had. It's a strange walk through a foggy forest with no light to assist from tripping. When you think your just following along all the sudden you catch a rouge root and fall flat on your face from something you weren't expecting.

This is the second book from Micheal's that I've read and this one could not be any more different.

Your in for a weird and wild ride with this one. Just wait...

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix wakes up kidnapped with Jackson near him, also kidnapped. Both men become attached through the circumstances, forming a bond and needing to be together no matter what. Through a twist, Jackson is not who he appears and Phoenix also has his hidden acceptances. It's a romance with a shot of obsession and need and aberration cleverly inserted. I received a copy of this book through BookSprout and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Definitely very different and darker than other books I've read by this author, but really well thought out. There were some very unexpected and original plot twists that took this far beyond a shared kidnapping trauma. Jackson's trauma caused bond with Phoenix developing into a physical and emotional relationship was intense.

[Kimberly Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This book is unlike anything I have read by this author. I'm not sure I can formulate the words to do this book justice. All I can say is that it is absolutely worth reading. I refuse to let anything slip that could spoil the plot, just that it is one of the best books I've read this year.

[Jeremiah Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. Jackson and Phoenix really pulled me in. It’s a Little darker than I’m used to reading but their story really grabbed my attention. I highly recommend checking it out!!

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Shae Michaels and so different from what I'm used to reading by them, I could not put it down. This is a dark book about Phoenix and Jackson, who come to depend on each other in very hard conditions.

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trauma, codependency, ambiguous morality, ambiguous sexuality… what’s not to love about this book?? It was great.

[Amanda Engqvist · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the????

That is my only thought.

He didn’t even tell him in the end?!!

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one may be darker than I'm used to from Shae Michaels but it was still very good to read. I devoured Phoenix and Jackson's story in no time.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 57%. Disliked Jackson.