Missed Connection

by Michael Laimo, Cole Eubanks (Narrator), Branden Davis-Butler (Narrator)

New York City Fashion Executive Peter Delmonico has had a rough life. Physically abused by his father as a child, and mentally abused by his wife as an adult, he sees no choice but to let his inner demons guide him through life. Obsessed with photography for as long as he can remember, he takes a detour one afternoon into NYC’s Bryant Park, where he snaps a photo of a beautiful woman who bumps into him, and then kisses him, only to vanish into the crowd as mysteriously as she appeared. Determined to bring true love into his life, Peter sets out on a journey throughout Manhattan to find her, his only real lead the photo he took of her in his camera.

Missed Connection is an intense erotic thriller filled with twists and turns, a raunchy, funny, sexy, satirical, and somewhat diabolical look at life in Manhattan through the eyes of a damaged man who only wants to love, and be loved.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller

Audible Audio

Published March 11, 2025

About the author

MY NEW NOVEL, THE EROTIC THRILLER MISSED CONNECTION, IS NOW AVAILABLE!

Michael Laimo's novels include the erotic thriller MISSED CONNECTION, as well as the horror novels DEEP IN THE DARKNESS, RETURN TO DARKNESS, THE DEMONOLOGIST, SLEEPWALKER, FIRES RISING, ATMOSPHERE, and DEAD SOULS.

ATMOSPHERE & DEEP IN THE DARKNESS were nominated for a Bram Stoker Award.

DEAD SOULS & DEEP IN THE DARKNESS have been made into feature-length films.

His short fiction has found its way into the pages of A WALK ON THE DARKSIDE, LOST ON THE DARKSIDE, HOT BLOOD XII: STRANGE BEDFELLOWS, SURREAL MAGAZINE, INHUMAN MAGAZINE, LI PULSE MAGAZINE, plus many more anthologies and magazines. He has four short story collections, including the acclaimed DARK RIDE, from Borderlands Press.

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Reviews

[Ericka · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was… strange! It did capture my attention but I wasn’t completely enthralled by it. It felt a bit… unrealistic to me and the character frustrated me more than anything else. The ending twist did not shock me and I totally saw it coming and found the end to be fairly disappointing because of it.

[MikeLikesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

WTF!! The twists and turns in this book had my head spinning! This erotic thriller starts out following Peter who is in an unhappy marriage but stays for the sake of his young daughter. He, by chance, meets a young beautiful woman who gives him a kiss and disappears. Now he is obsessed with her and wants her. He starts thinking with his pecker and is on the hunt. He finds her again on a site called Missed Connection. This takes him down a path that even he couldn’t imagine.

This book was exceptionally entertaining. I liked how Peter has conversations with an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other throughout the book. The devil wins. The story is fast paced, gritty, erotic and full of murder. There are family secrets that resurface. The ending is very haunting. It will be stuck in my brain for a long long time. If you like a suspenseful thriller sprinkled with spice, you will enjoy this book. I know I did.

I want to thank the author, Michael Laimo, for a copy of his ebook. This review is my own and voluntarily given.

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

More twists and turns than a corn maze!!! This was a psychological thriller with some spice and a shocker at the end!!!! Nothing is as it seems and pretty much everyone is guilty of something!!! Missed Connections get everything right in a story where everyone is doing something wrong!!

[Portia Neumiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book! The twists and turns make you feel like you're on a roller coaster. If youre looking for an amazing book to add to your tbr/read next, this is the one you want ❤️

[Ashley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride! *Missed Connection* took me on a journey full of twists and turns that completely blew many popular thrillers out of the water. I absolutely loved how Peter, the main character, has these internal POVs of multiple ‘characters’ like his devil and angel, plus a POV of six-seven-eight. As the reader, you really get to delve into those voices, and it’s incredible how you start to understand them more and more throughout the book. And that last chapter? OMG!! My jaw was literally on the floor. The way it ends has me screaming for book 2! This is definitely a book I’ll be rereading—especially when the audiobook drops. If you’re into thrillers, don’t sleep on this one!

[Norma Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so underrated! I absolutely loved it. It had me gripping the book and literally thinking “wtf” the whole time. Especially that ending. I didn’t see that coming at all.

I definitely cannot wait for a second book.

The MMC is such a complex character. Battling it out with the angel and devil on his shoulders. Little by little discovering the “now” version of himself after some of the wildest events unfold in his life.

I need to know what happens to his daughter…….

Note about the Author: many have turned a blind eye towards Author Michael Laimo’s entrance into the Erotic Thriller genre. But I believe this book proves that he’s doing exactly what he should be. This was an intense, edge of your seat read.

Highly suggest this read!

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys I don't even know where to begin, this book was amazingly well written. The author really knew what he was doing, I didn't see a lot of the twists and turns coming. I've told him it's better than the housemaid books and mean it. This is definitely going up on my favorites. The story follows a man trying to save his marriage and family but so many things go wrong. So many people end up unalive. So many crazy things happen in this book, I can't tell you enough if you need to question life, read this book.

[Jamie Otanez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider myself to be great at predicting things but man ol man, this felt like the rug was swept right from under me. The twist and turns of this book 😳- the ending OMG! I hope there’s a part 2 because I want to know moreeeeee. Glad I read it on spooky month of October. And to think, I came across the authors live one day and was hooked from his description. 👏🏽

[Ana · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had lost of potential but after the halfway mark it went downhill. The main character, Peter, made stupid decisions one after another. I just wanted to throw the book at the wall. He cared so much about Rachel but didn't even take her at the end? That's crazy to me. Also, Peter was overall misogynistic and him wanting to lean into the devil-ish thoughts was weird when he wasn't like that in the beginning? So much to say about this book. Not what I thought it was going to be. Very dissapointed. Wish I could've DNF'ed at like 70% but unfortunately was reading it for a book club. Writing needs help. This is not literature just words on paper.

[Hails · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly loved this book and I liked how it keeps me wanting to read more and made me think over and over about what was going to happen and how things were going to turn out. I have never read a book by this author but I’m honestly so excited to check out more books but him. I would give this book higher than five if I were able to!

[Roma Scroggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very twisted thriller. You think you have it figured out and then you are like wow nope I don’t. Best thriller read thus far. I recommend this to anyone who likes Steven King or Steve Cavanagh thriller books. This is book is going to be big.

[Alyson Furst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down. Fun, fast book I’m excited for the audio book!

[Ariel]

I don’t like rating indie books poorly, but Fable will not let me do no rating. To this book’s credit, it was not as bad as I was expecting. The overall idea for this book I did like. There were structural decisions that ruined the book for me. For example, the first twist was too early. There was also plot holes and lack of closure. For example, we don’t get a full picture about the abuse, the current relation with the MMC and his father, other relatives mentioned that played a role in how the MMC acted, or anything on the most of bodies. Speaking of how the MMC acted, I did not find it believable and found his obsession and sexual thoughts at inappropriate times repulsive. Then, worst of all, the author committed the cardinal sin of killing a dog. It was not necessary for the plot and ruined the entire book to the point that I’m being generous with the 2.5 star rating because I did like the concept of this book just not the execution

[Rebecca Etherton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, my heart is beating right out of my chest. 🤯 To say I couldn't put it down is an understatement. I haven't read anything like it and now I need book II.

[Micah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy, pumpkin eater has TRAUMA!
I definitely did not see the last few twists coming. Especially that final one; it surprised me for sure!! A fast paced read with many twists and turns.

[Brittani · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re not a fan of dark humor, you’ll never understand this. Let me just say the book had me in a chokehold, I never wanted to put it down but I had to. And there was so much going on that reading it a chapter or 5 at a time (short chapters), and putting it down was necessary. I really got like Fight Club type vibes from this book. (Now I will say I’ve never read fight club but have seen the movie). Just the type of book to have you saying “what the…” numerous times. So good. About half way through this book I did read some reviews just to see what people were saying, only because I was having a hard time picturing what I thought Nick looked like. I’ve seen reviews saying they didn’t like the characters, or one thing or another. I can’t relate to any of the characters but if you didn’t like them.. not sure this genre is for you. I never would have guessed the book would have ended the way it did. Truly worth the read. This genre isn’t for everyone so my 5 could be your 3, and that’s okay. But the book is written beautifully.

[Samantha Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know where to even start with this book…

The protagonist is unlikeable but has a sliver of redeemable qualities in his love for his daughter. His wife is insufferable, which helps you gain enough sympathy for you to accept his infatuation with his mysterious park kiss.

Without spoiling anything, I will say, this book was a rollercoaster. It took me from “okay… I see where this is going” to “what the actual f*** are you doing” to finally, “ah I get it…. It makes sense that you make awful choices”. Like there were so many times that I just wanted to throw this book because Peter was acting so narcissistically and irrationally.

I will say as someone who has read many more smut than plot books, I was a bit disappointed that this was billed as an “Erotic Thriller” there was one true scene, and the rest I’d say would be OK for a Rated-R movie. For something billed as “Erotic” I’d expect it to be more on the NC-17 level. Maybe I’m jaded though.

For my first read from Michael Laimo, it definitely makes me want to read more!

[Bionic Beanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. Putting this book down, was like prying it from my cold, dead broken fingers. From start to finish, I said more times than I can count. Wait what did I just read? Or did that really just happen? The character development was beautifully written and very easy to follow. I am looking forward to the other books from Michael Laimo, getting lost in his words is very easy. Now, why are you still reading this review and not reading MISSED CONNECTION !!! Oh, little word of advice…keep your head up, be careful not to run into anyone…😳💜🤌🏼

[Lauren Krsulic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book through the author on tiktok and was really impressed by his passion behind it so I knew I had to read it. If I had the time, I would have read it all in one sitting. It drew me in from the beginning which doesn’t happen often, and the twists were so unexpected and insane- I love how there were multiple twists throughout the book vs one big one at the end. Sure, some of it was a bit far fetched and the main character had me rolling my eyes at times, but that’s what made it so suspenseful and fun. I found my heart literally dropping into my stomach at some points, nervous and excited to know what was next. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Cassandra Saico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in absolute udder awe. The amount of times I’ve said oh my gosh is insane. This book was pretty much unpredictable to me and very much gave me anxiety. It was also very fast paced which made it extremely hard to put down. If I could give “missed connection” more than 5 stars I would. Oh and spice? I give it a nice 2.5/3 out of 5!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expect the unexpected. this book takes you back in time to the main character/narrators messed up childhood. In the end he finds out he’s simply turning into his father – he did not know the extent, however. The book keeps you guessing until the very last chapter. Really enjoyed this book.

[Aly H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael is the best male author I’ve read to date. He kept me guessing at all corners of this book. His skill to keep the reader captivated is unmatched. This is a book I will reread several times, and come up with new conclusions every read through. LOVE THISSS!!!!!!!

[Kerril Lanum · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just keep me turning those pages! I finished this book in one day! The twists and turns that kept me guessing made it great and the laughs sprinkled into it made it even more enjoyable. Just when I thought I had it figured out another surprise was thrown at me making me want to point…. And click to the next page! ;)

[Kennedy Keown · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 4th book for my 1st (of 2) traveling book groups. This one was a struggleeeeeee to read and took me way too long to finish. This is obviously written by man and caters to a male audience. I did not like nor vibe with a single character - they’re all trash human beings and deserve way worse than what they got. This is classified as “erotic thriller” but I disagree. I’ve read a LOT of erotica and erotic thrillers in my life and this doesn’t even touch the surface of that genre. Does it have intimate scenes? Sure. But nothing like erotica actually is. Honestly, the only reason this got 3 stars from me was because the last 4th of the book had some twists the shook me a second and was chaotic as hell. It’s a good hate read, I guess. Not my cup of tea - glad to cross it off my list.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD! I 100% recommend. I just wanna saw WOW! I just couldn’t believe all the plot twists. I just couldn’t put it down. I wanted to throw my book in a good way. The ended just WOW. I can’t wait for the next book

[Cristina Hardeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Definitely a page turner

[Sabrina Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this fast pace book! Love the “internal” monologue happening throughout the book. Love the twists, you definitely stay on the edge of your seat! Started a little slow, but worth it in the end. Great story 📖

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book.
So many books try to be witty and funny and they fall flat. This is the first book I’ve read that put a smile on my face and the occasional audible chuckle.
I heard it described as a “wild ride” and that couldn’t have been more true. This book was unhinged in the best ways possible and I loved every second of it.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally WTF'd my way through this book.

[Whitney Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on my toes the whole way through it. I found Michael (the Author) on TikTok, decided to buy it on my kindle I finished it less than 5 hours. I couldn’t put it down until I was finished. If I could rate this more than ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I would.

Great book Michael. Can’t wait for the 2nd one!