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The Unchained #3
Never Lost
In a dystopian 2025, the world runs on slave labor. We— that is, I and the nameless, gifted young man in chains I fell for right under Daddy’s nose — always knew we were on borrowed time. Now, we’ve been ripped apart, the enemies who took his sister are closing in, and new and old friends are in peril. It’s not just our secrets at stake anymore. The world has figured out that the two of us together are too dangerous to live. But our forbidden love started over a chemistry book. So maybe it’s time to figure out the formula to burn that world to the ground.
The third book in The Unchained dark dystopian forbidden romance series will see the main characters finally get their happily ever after. Books 1 and 2, Never Broken and Never Bound, must be read first!
The third book in The Unchained dark dystopian forbidden romance series will see the main characters finally get their happily ever after. Books 1 and 2, Never Broken and Never Bound, must be read first!
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2025
19 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Everly Claire
4 books140 followersEverly Claire is living the dream as a full-time writer with her partner and two cats on a palm-fringed, white-sand beach on a Caribbean island (really, you should try it!) When she’s not writing, she spends her time on a boat or on a beach (always with a fruity cocktail in hand), getting nerdy (and winning big!) at trivia night, and/or dreaming up more hot scenarios and dark twists involving protective, wounded, clever boys with a bad habit of getting chained up — the ones you aren’t allowed to touch but that we all know you will, anyway.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
August 15, 2025
I have sat through three books of this author just completely torturing these characters. This book is soaked in trauma. And it has devastated me in so many ways. It tells the harrowing story of a slave and a rich girl, two people from completely opposite worlds, thrown together.
The world is dark, oppressive, and brutal. A place where hope is a dangerous thing. The main characters suffer endlessly, and the author doesn't shy away from showing the ugliest parts of power, control, and human cruelty. The FMC and MMC (this poor “boy”) go through so much abuse and trauma, I found myself saying enough already. And yet... I couldn’t stop reading.
What made it even more heartbreaking was how rare and fleeting their moments together were. They fought so hard. For each other. For their sanity. For just a scrap of freedom. Yet time was never on their side. When they were together, it felt like holding your breath underwater: precious, fragile, and gone too soon. While these characters spend hardly any time together, they seem to know each other so well. And their fierce love and loyalty to each other is the underlying theme throughout the series.
Despite the anguish, I couldn't put it down. I hated how much they suffered but I loved how real and resilient they were.
If you're looking for a light, feel-good romance, this is not it. But if you want something that will wreck you, move you, and stay with you long after the final page, this book delivers. It’s painful, powerful, and, somehow, still beautiful.
The world is dark, oppressive, and brutal. A place where hope is a dangerous thing. The main characters suffer endlessly, and the author doesn't shy away from showing the ugliest parts of power, control, and human cruelty. The FMC and MMC (this poor “boy”) go through so much abuse and trauma, I found myself saying enough already. And yet... I couldn’t stop reading.
What made it even more heartbreaking was how rare and fleeting their moments together were. They fought so hard. For each other. For their sanity. For just a scrap of freedom. Yet time was never on their side. When they were together, it felt like holding your breath underwater: precious, fragile, and gone too soon. While these characters spend hardly any time together, they seem to know each other so well. And their fierce love and loyalty to each other is the underlying theme throughout the series.
Despite the anguish, I couldn't put it down. I hated how much they suffered but I loved how real and resilient they were.
If you're looking for a light, feel-good romance, this is not it. But if you want something that will wreck you, move you, and stay with you long after the final page, this book delivers. It’s painful, powerful, and, somehow, still beautiful.
August 1, 2025
I was really excited to receive this ARC and finally see how The Unchained series ends. After finishing it? MIND. BLOWN.
This final book is much darker than the first two, so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading the trigger and content warnings before diving in.
The story takes you on a journey as you follow Lou and the MMC fighting to end slavery—and to find their way back to each other. It’s brutal, dark, and twisted, and it dragged me through so many emotions. I felt frustrated, anxious, hopeless… yet somehow hopeful? Despite the hell they go through, I loved watching them fight for a love that was never meant to exist in their world.
Lou is the real hero of this book. The girl who once seemed naive to how cruel and heartless her world is has grown into someone incredibly brave—all for the boy who once saved her. No matter what was thrown at her, no matter how vicious or devastating, she never gave up hope of finding him again or believing they could have a future together.
This was a wild way to end the series, with so many plot twists and secrets unveiled. It was a roller coaster—but one I’m so glad I was on. I’m really happy with how The Unchained trilogy wrapped up.
This final book is much darker than the first two, so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading the trigger and content warnings before diving in.
The story takes you on a journey as you follow Lou and the MMC fighting to end slavery—and to find their way back to each other. It’s brutal, dark, and twisted, and it dragged me through so many emotions. I felt frustrated, anxious, hopeless… yet somehow hopeful? Despite the hell they go through, I loved watching them fight for a love that was never meant to exist in their world.
Lou is the real hero of this book. The girl who once seemed naive to how cruel and heartless her world is has grown into someone incredibly brave—all for the boy who once saved her. No matter what was thrown at her, no matter how vicious or devastating, she never gave up hope of finding him again or believing they could have a future together.
This was a wild way to end the series, with so many plot twists and secrets unveiled. It was a roller coaster—but one I’m so glad I was on. I’m really happy with how The Unchained trilogy wrapped up.
August 13, 2025
Such a good ending to this series where we find out a lot of truths and a lot of resolutions. Story did feel at time stretched where it didn't need to be but overall the story was great.
Not a lot of spice more focused on the rescuing and the trying to figure out things. A lot of twists and turns and maybe the potential for more in the future. We finally learn His name!
I liked the little tie in with another book set in the same world at the end.
Not a lot of spice more focused on the rescuing and the trying to figure out things. A lot of twists and turns and maybe the potential for more in the future. We finally learn His name!
I liked the little tie in with another book set in the same world at the end.
July 30, 2025
Each book in The Unchained series has got progressively darker as the story has developed deeper, then throw in the hilarious banter and my heart was on one hell of an emotional roller-coaster.
So much happens in this fast-paced book that sucked me in instantly and kept me gripped and on the edge of my seat all the way through.
The characters and plot were written so perfectly that I went through so many emotions while reading.
I absolutely love this book and the perfect ending to an intense series was well worth the wait. I cannot wait for more of Everly's work.
So much happens in this fast-paced book that sucked me in instantly and kept me gripped and on the edge of my seat all the way through.
The characters and plot were written so perfectly that I went through so many emotions while reading.
I absolutely love this book and the perfect ending to an intense series was well worth the wait. I cannot wait for more of Everly's work.
August 30, 2025
I don’t know how many words and in what language to describe how much I loved this series.
The Unchained series is set in a dystopian world that runs on sl@ve labor, of which Never Lost is the third and final book. The protagonists are a nameless, gifted young man and Louisa, the daughter of the man who owns him. While he tutors her in chemistry whilst simultaneously trying to find out what happened to his sister, the two grow close despite the dangers their union poses to them both.
This series if forbidden romance at its finest—it is the triumph of this trope. The relationship between the main characters is still able to remain sweet despite the darkness of the dystopian society in which they live in. And Never Lost is perhaps the book that shows the darkest parts of this world without holding back. When I tell you there were moments that had DEVASTATED me…
Never Lost was the epic, perfect conclusion to this series. While it doesn’t solve the problems of the society—like they say in the book too, the society might not even be changed in their lifetime—we do see the seeds of change begin to bloom. And after all the perils and the trauma, our beloved Louisa and her boy (who finally has a name in this book and I loved how this came about but I will not spoil!) do get their much needed and deserved and fought for happy ending. It filled me with so much joy I was smiling and my sight were suspiciously blurry as I read.
I cannot wait to read more from this world, as there are several little threads that hint at more things to come with other characters. I’m so excited!
Here are tropes & vibes for book 3 and the series as a whole:
🖤 dark dystopian forbidden romance ⛓️ forced proximity (her dad owns him!) 🔥 a burn so slow it hurts ❤️🔥 secrets, reveals, twists, and schemes 🖤 he’s not allowed to touch her—but he’d burn the world if someone else tried
💕 soft girl × dangerous ensl@ved genius
👑 pawn to king (him)
🕊️ soft to stabby (her)
🗝️ subtle rule-breaking to open rebellion
Thank you to the author for gifting me an e-copy. (I bought the paperback myself because I love the series and need it on my shelves!) Opinions are my own.
The Unchained series is set in a dystopian world that runs on sl@ve labor, of which Never Lost is the third and final book. The protagonists are a nameless, gifted young man and Louisa, the daughter of the man who owns him. While he tutors her in chemistry whilst simultaneously trying to find out what happened to his sister, the two grow close despite the dangers their union poses to them both.
This series if forbidden romance at its finest—it is the triumph of this trope. The relationship between the main characters is still able to remain sweet despite the darkness of the dystopian society in which they live in. And Never Lost is perhaps the book that shows the darkest parts of this world without holding back. When I tell you there were moments that had DEVASTATED me…
Never Lost was the epic, perfect conclusion to this series. While it doesn’t solve the problems of the society—like they say in the book too, the society might not even be changed in their lifetime—we do see the seeds of change begin to bloom. And after all the perils and the trauma, our beloved Louisa and her boy (who finally has a name in this book and I loved how this came about but I will not spoil!) do get their much needed and deserved and fought for happy ending. It filled me with so much joy I was smiling and my sight were suspiciously blurry as I read.
I cannot wait to read more from this world, as there are several little threads that hint at more things to come with other characters. I’m so excited!
Here are tropes & vibes for book 3 and the series as a whole:
🖤 dark dystopian forbidden romance ⛓️ forced proximity (her dad owns him!) 🔥 a burn so slow it hurts ❤️🔥 secrets, reveals, twists, and schemes 🖤 he’s not allowed to touch her—but he’d burn the world if someone else tried
💕 soft girl × dangerous ensl@ved genius
👑 pawn to king (him)
🕊️ soft to stabby (her)
🗝️ subtle rule-breaking to open rebellion
Thank you to the author for gifting me an e-copy. (I bought the paperback myself because I love the series and need it on my shelves!) Opinions are my own.
September 1, 2025
3.75 stars rounded up. It’s been an intense, turbulent journey towards love, and simply being allowed to be together, for Lou and ‘Him’. This third instalment did not disappoint. There were a few moments where the description or inner monologue went a little long, but otherwise this was fast-paced, with plenty of action and intrigue (only a tiny bit of spice, yet that seemed appropriate, given what was going on) to keep things interesting. I really liked the strength of the social justice message throughout the series - that there are no quick, easy fixes but each seemingly little decision to act for change is worthwhile.
“We don’t get to fix everything, Louisa. We want to. We try. We almost always fail. But that doesn’t mean what we do doesn’t matter. A single act. A single feeling. A choice. You never know what it might become, years from now, in someone else’s hands.”
Only a few basic errors spotted.
Note: contains SA and torture.
“We don’t get to fix everything, Louisa. We want to. We try. We almost always fail. But that doesn’t mean what we do doesn’t matter. A single act. A single feeling. A choice. You never know what it might become, years from now, in someone else’s hands.”
Only a few basic errors spotted.
Note: contains SA and torture.
July 30, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this to review, and I was very excited to get my greedy hands on it early, as I have been eagerly awaiting this final chapter!
This book really drags you through it, and it feels like there will truly be no end to the suffering of our poor characters. Everly really does know how to emotionally edge an audience. I felt agonized and frustrated and hopeless for our MC's, and I could not put this book down.
I did feel that the formatting and sentence structure could, at times, lack some clarity and found myself having to reread sentences to try to understand what was intended. I'm not sure if that was to build suspense and uncertainty, if it was because I should have re read the first two books right before reading this one, if it was my own brain fog, or simply some wonky structuring. I found that it made the writing style feel a bit different to me than the first two books, which made me feel a little unsettled at times.
However, I am happy with the conclusion of the trilogy, and I did devour this novel. I highly look forward to any future scenes or novels set in this universe should they come to pass! I truly enjoyed this trilogy (and Riven) and Everly's universe she created with this story, and I am very eager to read more of her work as she publishes it.
This book really drags you through it, and it feels like there will truly be no end to the suffering of our poor characters. Everly really does know how to emotionally edge an audience. I felt agonized and frustrated and hopeless for our MC's, and I could not put this book down.
I did feel that the formatting and sentence structure could, at times, lack some clarity and found myself having to reread sentences to try to understand what was intended. I'm not sure if that was to build suspense and uncertainty, if it was because I should have re read the first two books right before reading this one, if it was my own brain fog, or simply some wonky structuring. I found that it made the writing style feel a bit different to me than the first two books, which made me feel a little unsettled at times.
However, I am happy with the conclusion of the trilogy, and I did devour this novel. I highly look forward to any future scenes or novels set in this universe should they come to pass! I truly enjoyed this trilogy (and Riven) and Everly's universe she created with this story, and I am very eager to read more of her work as she publishes it.
August 3, 2025
A heart wrenching story. So much suffering and strife. Check your trigger warnings as this one is definitely the darkest of the trilogy. Everything these characters had to endure and overcome was raw and painful and yet they still held on to hope. This was a tortuous emotional roller coaster that pulled at my heartstrings but was so worth it in the end. This trilogy had me in an absolute chokehold. I loved the depth of these characters and the way their story unfolded.
August 29, 2025
Loved this book and this series. It was so good to finally get an ending. Louisa and her boy go through a lot...they go through even more still in this book. This book was darker in my opinion than the other two. Certain parts had me in a chokehold, feeling like my own throat was closing in on me.
August 10, 2025
⛓️💥ARC review⛓️💥
Never lost by @everlyclaireauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Oh em geeee !!! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I did not know what to expect and all o wanted to go was jump into the book and reunite these two. They have been through so much but they finally get their HEA. I hope you never stop writing. I will read anything written by you. Cannot wait for the epilogue 💥
Never lost by @everlyclaireauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Oh em geeee !!! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I did not know what to expect and all o wanted to go was jump into the book and reunite these two. They have been through so much but they finally get their HEA. I hope you never stop writing. I will read anything written by you. Cannot wait for the epilogue 💥
August 14, 2025
Never Lost was gut wrenching and stressful and everything I would expect in this final book of the trilogy. Lou and [REDACTED] go through so much in this one alone. Like holy crap! They suffer endlessly but fight just as fiercely for each other. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and I had to keep devouring page after page to find out what happened next. Overall the story was painful, unforgettable yet absolutely beautiful. 5 stars!
July 30, 2025
This book wrecked me. In the best, rawest way possible.
Never Lost is the brutal, beautiful culmination of a love that was never meant to survive—but refused to die. From stolen chemistry books to shattered worlds, this story has been a slow burn through barbed wire, and I sobbed my way through every single page.
In a dystopian 2025 where the world runs on chains and silence, these two characters—this unnamed boy and the girl who dared to love him—finally fight back with everything they have. But survival isn’t guaranteed, and the system knows just how dangerous their bond is. This isn’t just about forbidden love anymore. It’s rebellion. It’s reckoning.
💬 “The world has figured out that the two of us together are too dangerous to live.”
I mean…chills. Every. Time.
I love how raw and real this book is. Everly hits the hard spots and doesn’t blink. She doesn’t soften the world—she exposes it. And in doing so, she gives us a story that hurts—but also heals. I cried. A lot. Not because it was cruel, but because it was true. And powerful. And freeing.
Please check content warnings—this book contains hard, direct triggers, and it doesn’t pull punches. But it’s also one of the most emotionally gripping, well-crafted dystopian romances I’ve ever read. The pain is real. The payoff? Even more so.
This series has carved a permanent place in my heart—and Never Lost is its stunning, soul-splitting, desperately earned finale.
Never Lost is the brutal, beautiful culmination of a love that was never meant to survive—but refused to die. From stolen chemistry books to shattered worlds, this story has been a slow burn through barbed wire, and I sobbed my way through every single page.
In a dystopian 2025 where the world runs on chains and silence, these two characters—this unnamed boy and the girl who dared to love him—finally fight back with everything they have. But survival isn’t guaranteed, and the system knows just how dangerous their bond is. This isn’t just about forbidden love anymore. It’s rebellion. It’s reckoning.
💬 “The world has figured out that the two of us together are too dangerous to live.”
I mean…chills. Every. Time.
I love how raw and real this book is. Everly hits the hard spots and doesn’t blink. She doesn’t soften the world—she exposes it. And in doing so, she gives us a story that hurts—but also heals. I cried. A lot. Not because it was cruel, but because it was true. And powerful. And freeing.
Please check content warnings—this book contains hard, direct triggers, and it doesn’t pull punches. But it’s also one of the most emotionally gripping, well-crafted dystopian romances I’ve ever read. The pain is real. The payoff? Even more so.
This series has carved a permanent place in my heart—and Never Lost is its stunning, soul-splitting, desperately earned finale.
August 9, 2025
The ending of this amazing dystopian trilogy did NOT disappoint. Not even a little bit.
Check your triggers, though, as the dark themes in this series really hit in this last book.
This is one of my all-time favorite ever dystopian series, and I will never get over it. Highly recommend. It changed my brain chemistry, I swear.
The found family here and themes of breaking away from the 'norm' to fight for a brighter future is phenomenal.
Seeing everyone's story come to light and find resolution was heartwarming, and this series has side characters you actually care about immensely.
Seeing Lou and HIM finally get their happily ever after didn't come easy, which made the ending even more sweet. Everly really knows how to break your heart before mending it flawlessly.
Check your triggers, though, as the dark themes in this series really hit in this last book.
This is one of my all-time favorite ever dystopian series, and I will never get over it. Highly recommend. It changed my brain chemistry, I swear.
The found family here and themes of breaking away from the 'norm' to fight for a brighter future is phenomenal.
Seeing everyone's story come to light and find resolution was heartwarming, and this series has side characters you actually care about immensely.
Seeing Lou and HIM finally get their happily ever after didn't come easy, which made the ending even more sweet. Everly really knows how to break your heart before mending it flawlessly.
August 18, 2025
“It was you, Lou. You changed everything. For all of us.”
The third installment of The Unchained series, "Never Lost," is a compelling and intensely emotional conclusion that connects love, rebellion, and perseverance in the face of insurmountable adversity.
This book chronicles the forbidden romance between Louisa, the master's privileged daughter, and 773496S6, a talented young man in chains, set in a terrifying dystopian 2025 where the world is based on slave labor. A rebellion powerful enough to threaten the very foundations of a broken world is sparked by their love, which started innocently over a chemistry book. However, in such a harsh world, love is never secure. The characters must make difficult decisions while being torn apart by adversaries, pursued because they are "too dangerous to live," and confronted with danger and treachery everywhere.
The most notable aspect of this book is Everly Claire's skill at striking a balance between emotional depth and raw intensity. The worldbuilding depicts the oppressive, chaotic atmosphere of a society founded on cruelty, and the love story is equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful. The writing maintains an intimate focus on the two main characters, whose bond feels both fragile and unbreakable, even though the stakes are higher than ever.
"Never Lost," the trilogy's last book, gives readers the happily ever after they've been waiting for, but not before a journey full of danger, sacrifice, and fire. It's a tale of defiance, love that persists in a world that seeks to destroy it, and perseverance even in the most hopeless circumstances. I also fell in love with some of the supporting characters who stood by the slave who merely wanted to fight for his love, in addition to wanting to abolish this heinous system of slavery.
It is an unputdownable, poignant, and ultimately satisfying conclusion for dystopian forbidden romance fans. You should, however, begin with Never Broken and Never Bound if you're new to the series; you'll want to go through every stage of this incredible journey.
The third installment of The Unchained series, "Never Lost," is a compelling and intensely emotional conclusion that connects love, rebellion, and perseverance in the face of insurmountable adversity.
This book chronicles the forbidden romance between Louisa, the master's privileged daughter, and 773496S6, a talented young man in chains, set in a terrifying dystopian 2025 where the world is based on slave labor. A rebellion powerful enough to threaten the very foundations of a broken world is sparked by their love, which started innocently over a chemistry book. However, in such a harsh world, love is never secure. The characters must make difficult decisions while being torn apart by adversaries, pursued because they are "too dangerous to live," and confronted with danger and treachery everywhere.
The most notable aspect of this book is Everly Claire's skill at striking a balance between emotional depth and raw intensity. The worldbuilding depicts the oppressive, chaotic atmosphere of a society founded on cruelty, and the love story is equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful. The writing maintains an intimate focus on the two main characters, whose bond feels both fragile and unbreakable, even though the stakes are higher than ever.
"Never Lost," the trilogy's last book, gives readers the happily ever after they've been waiting for, but not before a journey full of danger, sacrifice, and fire. It's a tale of defiance, love that persists in a world that seeks to destroy it, and perseverance even in the most hopeless circumstances. I also fell in love with some of the supporting characters who stood by the slave who merely wanted to fight for his love, in addition to wanting to abolish this heinous system of slavery.
It is an unputdownable, poignant, and ultimately satisfying conclusion for dystopian forbidden romance fans. You should, however, begin with Never Broken and Never Bound if you're new to the series; you'll want to go through every stage of this incredible journey.
August 18, 2025
This was the final installment in the Unchained Trilogy and it was absolutely packed full of unbreakable love and heaping with dark twisted triggers.
Never Lost felt like it was absolutely saturated with trauma, violence and heinous acts. It was so dark in comparison to the other 2 books that to me, it almost felt disjointed from the rest of the series. I attempted to go back to recheck the trigger warnings and I just don't feel like enough emphasis was given on just how many triggers (and how in detail) these scenes would be for book 3. Compared to what I got in the first 2 books I was honestly caught off guard by just how dark this book got. There was one scene in particular where there was, what I would consider, an experience between the 2 MCs that verged on being non-consent and I don't feel like their was enough follow up or reconciliation for it.
There is another scene later in the book that is a rape scene between an MC and another character that I feel was also not handled with enough recognition or afterthought. There was so much violence in this novel compared to the rest of the trilogy that it began to lose its shock value and became almost emotionally and mentally taxing to the point that it became hard to get through the last bit of the novel.
I appreciated the growth of the FMC, Louisa and her growth in strength, understanding, empathy and the drive to do what's right was very inspiring. Her character has an incredible character arc across the series. The last several chapters were really interesting and I liked getting to experience some characters mentioned briefly earlier on in the series. The last chapter was super heartwarming and had great emphasis on the work never being done but the importance of progress being paramount in a better future. However I think an epilogue would have been very helpful in wrapping up the Louisa's and [Redacted] story in the aftermath of such tortuous events.
Never Lost felt like it was absolutely saturated with trauma, violence and heinous acts. It was so dark in comparison to the other 2 books that to me, it almost felt disjointed from the rest of the series. I attempted to go back to recheck the trigger warnings and I just don't feel like enough emphasis was given on just how many triggers (and how in detail) these scenes would be for book 3. Compared to what I got in the first 2 books I was honestly caught off guard by just how dark this book got. There was one scene in particular where there was, what I would consider, an experience between the 2 MCs that verged on being non-consent and I don't feel like their was enough follow up or reconciliation for it.
There is another scene later in the book that is a rape scene between an MC and another character that I feel was also not handled with enough recognition or afterthought. There was so much violence in this novel compared to the rest of the trilogy that it began to lose its shock value and became almost emotionally and mentally taxing to the point that it became hard to get through the last bit of the novel.
I appreciated the growth of the FMC, Louisa and her growth in strength, understanding, empathy and the drive to do what's right was very inspiring. Her character has an incredible character arc across the series. The last several chapters were really interesting and I liked getting to experience some characters mentioned briefly earlier on in the series. The last chapter was super heartwarming and had great emphasis on the work never being done but the importance of progress being paramount in a better future. However I think an epilogue would have been very helpful in wrapping up the Louisa's and [Redacted] story in the aftermath of such tortuous events.
August 19, 2025
The final book in the Unchained series is here! Will Louisa and her boy finally get the ending their looking for? Can society be changed because two young people want it to be so that they can be together? Find out what happens in Never Lost.
Never Lost picks up where book two left off. Louisa has found Maeve, but where are the professor and her lady?? Did something happen to them? With him being gone, Louisa has no idea where to even look for him or how to contact him. It all seems like things are going wrong. Well, things will get worse before they get better, but let’s table that for a minute. LOL!
The drama builds and ebbs throughout Never Lost. Louisa and him are on different paths throughout the majority of the story. They cross paths here and there, but chaos erupts when they do and it leads to misunderstandings, loss, and heartbreak. You begin to wonder...will there be a happy future for them at any time? Well, you’ll have to really delve deep into the story and hang in there to the end to find out.
A negative for us about this story is that it feels overly drawn out. There was a lot of detail and back and forth that went into a lot detail that dragged the pace of the storyline down. We wanted more focus on keeping the pacing up, and showcasing more of the dystopian element of the story. For us, some things could have been cut out and swapped with other more engaging elements and the story really would have flourished.
The ending is okay, but there isn’t that big ending that readers would typically be looking for. It’s not an HEA for the characters, but due to the overall societal climate they still live in...it makes sense. Just ends up feeling lackluster. We enjoyed the journey overall, but the series feels like it tapers off after awhile.
Never Lost picks up where book two left off. Louisa has found Maeve, but where are the professor and her lady?? Did something happen to them? With him being gone, Louisa has no idea where to even look for him or how to contact him. It all seems like things are going wrong. Well, things will get worse before they get better, but let’s table that for a minute. LOL!
The drama builds and ebbs throughout Never Lost. Louisa and him are on different paths throughout the majority of the story. They cross paths here and there, but chaos erupts when they do and it leads to misunderstandings, loss, and heartbreak. You begin to wonder...will there be a happy future for them at any time? Well, you’ll have to really delve deep into the story and hang in there to the end to find out.
A negative for us about this story is that it feels overly drawn out. There was a lot of detail and back and forth that went into a lot detail that dragged the pace of the storyline down. We wanted more focus on keeping the pacing up, and showcasing more of the dystopian element of the story. For us, some things could have been cut out and swapped with other more engaging elements and the story really would have flourished.
The ending is okay, but there isn’t that big ending that readers would typically be looking for. It’s not an HEA for the characters, but due to the overall societal climate they still live in...it makes sense. Just ends up feeling lackluster. We enjoyed the journey overall, but the series feels like it tapers off after awhile.
August 14, 2025
Never Lost is the third and final book surrounding Lou and [Redacted]. I really appreciated that the beginning of the book had a recap so I could instantly dive in without having to go back to check my notes and make sure I wasn't forgetting anything big that happened at the end of the second book.
In an effort to keep this spoiler free to those that read the first two books, I will just say that I seriously struggled the first 50% of this book. I am usually able to read a book this length in 3 days at the most, but it took me SO long to get through the first half.
I didn't mind the going back and forth between viewpoints, but there was just so much ... fluff? filler content? I don't know what you'd call it. I feel like the book could've been shorter and gotten across the story in a much more concise way.
That being said, once I got past that first 50%, I did enjoy the book and I really liked the way this one wrapped. It can be hard to end a series and there are usually a lot of plot holes and questions, but this was done really well. I'll be real though, if I wasn't so dedicated to not DNFing books unless they're 1-2 star reads, I probably would've DNF'd this one because of the first half.
If you're like me and you really want to get some closure on Lou and [Redacted], push through. It's worth it. If you're not that committed to them as characters and/or their story, don't be surprised if you end up putting this one down before you get to that second half, sadly.
Thank you to Everly Claire and Torch Lit Ink for an advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In an effort to keep this spoiler free to those that read the first two books, I will just say that I seriously struggled the first 50% of this book. I am usually able to read a book this length in 3 days at the most, but it took me SO long to get through the first half.
I didn't mind the going back and forth between viewpoints, but there was just so much ... fluff? filler content? I don't know what you'd call it. I feel like the book could've been shorter and gotten across the story in a much more concise way.
That being said, once I got past that first 50%, I did enjoy the book and I really liked the way this one wrapped. It can be hard to end a series and there are usually a lot of plot holes and questions, but this was done really well. I'll be real though, if I wasn't so dedicated to not DNFing books unless they're 1-2 star reads, I probably would've DNF'd this one because of the first half.
If you're like me and you really want to get some closure on Lou and [Redacted], push through. It's worth it. If you're not that committed to them as characters and/or their story, don't be surprised if you end up putting this one down before you get to that second half, sadly.
Thank you to Everly Claire and Torch Lit Ink for an advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 10, 2025
This book…wow.
This is the final book of The Unchained trilogy and it does not disappoint in the slightest. It is dystopian fiction at its finest.
Books like Hunger Games and Divergent somehow feel safe to read as it is hard to see how they could happen without society collapsing. Set in a world where slavery is legal, The Unchained, on the other hand, feels dangerously possible. While the differences come from alternate paths being taken in the past, the society presented feels like it could happen. Slavery is not just socially acceptable, it is considered a good economic policy. Other than that, there is little difference between reality and fiction.
It is in this environment, we reconnect with Louisa and 773496S6. He has no name, just a number. Their story is already in progress and this book is its culmination. It is a brutal, grueling tale that is painful to read at times, but there *is* a HEA. I promise.
Like most dystopian books, the themes are frequently challenging to read. They are absolutely worth pushing through if you can. The book has very little in the way of spicy scenes, but the trilogy overall is definitely open door.
It can be hard for final books to wrap up a series well, especially when there are such significant issues involved. I was thrilled with this book and I really look forward to where Ms Claire might take this world in the future. I highly recommend the series as a whole to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction or dark romance.
This is the final book of The Unchained trilogy and it does not disappoint in the slightest. It is dystopian fiction at its finest.
Books like Hunger Games and Divergent somehow feel safe to read as it is hard to see how they could happen without society collapsing. Set in a world where slavery is legal, The Unchained, on the other hand, feels dangerously possible. While the differences come from alternate paths being taken in the past, the society presented feels like it could happen. Slavery is not just socially acceptable, it is considered a good economic policy. Other than that, there is little difference between reality and fiction.
It is in this environment, we reconnect with Louisa and 773496S6. He has no name, just a number. Their story is already in progress and this book is its culmination. It is a brutal, grueling tale that is painful to read at times, but there *is* a HEA. I promise.
Like most dystopian books, the themes are frequently challenging to read. They are absolutely worth pushing through if you can. The book has very little in the way of spicy scenes, but the trilogy overall is definitely open door.
It can be hard for final books to wrap up a series well, especially when there are such significant issues involved. I was thrilled with this book and I really look forward to where Ms Claire might take this world in the future. I highly recommend the series as a whole to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction or dark romance.
August 6, 2025
What a journey of a roller coaster Miss Everly Claire has here, as I am an ARC reader for her amazing series, The Unchained. I must say that this book has so many twists in it. To follow along the journey from the first book to the third has been a whirlwind. And it is absolutely amazing. There is so much trauma and abuse that these characters face, but they are so strong in the end.
The FMC, Louisa, has many obstacles she needs to face. One of these obstacles is to help the guy she should not love, find his sister. The torture she has to face in order to find the happy ending is something else. At times she feels like she’s running out of time and giving up hope. But being the strong person she is she knows that there will be a happy ending at some point.
The MMC has quite the journey. He’s trying to stay ahead of the game, but he always seems to be a few steps behind. His whole journey has to do with his sister and love. He’s trying to find that happy place and pushing forward through difficult times. He is tortured and tortured and continues to push and show perseverance.
This is a great series to read and feel— Everly Claire did an amazing job! This book is so powerful that it gives you hope that any obstacle can be conquered; that we all need to keep pushing for what we believe is right and never get hopeless.
The FMC, Louisa, has many obstacles she needs to face. One of these obstacles is to help the guy she should not love, find his sister. The torture she has to face in order to find the happy ending is something else. At times she feels like she’s running out of time and giving up hope. But being the strong person she is she knows that there will be a happy ending at some point.
The MMC has quite the journey. He’s trying to stay ahead of the game, but he always seems to be a few steps behind. His whole journey has to do with his sister and love. He’s trying to find that happy place and pushing forward through difficult times. He is tortured and tortured and continues to push and show perseverance.
This is a great series to read and feel— Everly Claire did an amazing job! This book is so powerful that it gives you hope that any obstacle can be conquered; that we all need to keep pushing for what we believe is right and never get hopeless.
August 2, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - August 6, 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• forbidden love
• dystopian romance
• forced proximity
• rebellion & resistance
• master x slave dynamic
• slow burn
• HEA
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This book was wild and so full of emotions. From the first page, I was hooked. Louisa and hero’s bond is something else so deep, so raw. Their love felt impossible but also so powerful. I loved how they fought for each other no matter how dark the world got around them. The action scenes had me biting my nails and the quiet moments between them made my heart flutter.
I felt every emotion they went through pain, fear, hope, everything. Some parts broke me, and some healed me. There were scenes that gave goosebumps and others that were beautifully soft. Their connection was written so well, it never felt forced. The ending felt satisfying and gave that warm, full-circle feeling.
The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is because a few parts in the middle slowed down a bit. I wish the story moved faster at that point. But overall, this finale delivered everything I wanted love, freedom, closure, and strength. This series will always stay with me.
Thank you so much Torch Lit Ink and author for the free ARC!
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - August 6, 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• forbidden love
• dystopian romance
• forced proximity
• rebellion & resistance
• master x slave dynamic
• slow burn
• HEA
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This book was wild and so full of emotions. From the first page, I was hooked. Louisa and hero’s bond is something else so deep, so raw. Their love felt impossible but also so powerful. I loved how they fought for each other no matter how dark the world got around them. The action scenes had me biting my nails and the quiet moments between them made my heart flutter.
I felt every emotion they went through pain, fear, hope, everything. Some parts broke me, and some healed me. There were scenes that gave goosebumps and others that were beautifully soft. Their connection was written so well, it never felt forced. The ending felt satisfying and gave that warm, full-circle feeling.
The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is because a few parts in the middle slowed down a bit. I wish the story moved faster at that point. But overall, this finale delivered everything I wanted love, freedom, closure, and strength. This series will always stay with me.
Thank you so much Torch Lit Ink and author for the free ARC!
August 6, 2025
“May the path of justice and truth guide us through the darkness.”
The first words that come to mind after finishing this story: Painful and unfair.
For Lou and her boy, love blooms so easily, so truly… but being in love and staying together in this dark, dystopian world takes everything.
Each step they take feels like a slash of raw pain, wrapped in fear that they’ll be torn apart forever - spiritually or physically.
Even a quiet moment is a kind of currency, and a human life can so easily become a bargaining chip.
And finally having a name instead of a number doesn’t make the fight any easier…
I’ve loved this sad but beautiful love story from the beginning and if you want your heart torn out, you’ll have to experience it for yourself.
There was something I missed in Never Lost… but Storm Tested (*stay tuned for this hidden gem) made up for it in full.
And that’s why I can’t separate these two books. Never Lost and Storm Tested feel like two halves of the same heart. Together = ⭐ 5/5.
And if the story ends this way… 😮💨 All those tears, held breaths, and curled toes was so worth it…!
Thank you, Everly for letting me be part of your ARC team and trusting me with stormy treasure. 🖤
⭐ 4.5/5 | 🌶️ 1/5
Dark Dystopian Romance | Forbidden love | Rich Girl | Morally Gray Genius MMC | Slow Burn | Forced Proximity | Us Against The World | Sl@very/Captivity | Touch her/him and D!e | Plotting and Scheming
The first words that come to mind after finishing this story: Painful and unfair.
For Lou and her boy, love blooms so easily, so truly… but being in love and staying together in this dark, dystopian world takes everything.
Each step they take feels like a slash of raw pain, wrapped in fear that they’ll be torn apart forever - spiritually or physically.
Even a quiet moment is a kind of currency, and a human life can so easily become a bargaining chip.
And finally having a name instead of a number doesn’t make the fight any easier…
I’ve loved this sad but beautiful love story from the beginning and if you want your heart torn out, you’ll have to experience it for yourself.
There was something I missed in Never Lost… but Storm Tested (*stay tuned for this hidden gem) made up for it in full.
And that’s why I can’t separate these two books. Never Lost and Storm Tested feel like two halves of the same heart. Together = ⭐ 5/5.
And if the story ends this way… 😮💨 All those tears, held breaths, and curled toes was so worth it…!
Thank you, Everly for letting me be part of your ARC team and trusting me with stormy treasure. 🖤
⭐ 4.5/5 | 🌶️ 1/5
Dark Dystopian Romance | Forbidden love | Rich Girl | Morally Gray Genius MMC | Slow Burn | Forced Proximity | Us Against The World | Sl@very/Captivity | Touch her/him and D!e | Plotting and Scheming
August 11, 2025
"It seemed like the brighter he shone, the more darkness it took to extinguish him."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've had to sit on this review for a week to figure out how to eloquently express my feelings for this series in a way it deserved.
I still don't think I've achieved the desired result; but let's try.
Simply, I can't put into words how impactful this series is and has been to me.
The concept of the series and the world itself is brave, and I'm really thankful that Everly decided to bless us with Louisa, [REDACTED], and all the other characters who you have come to know and love in so many different ways.
This series, and especially this third and final instalment, hits hard. It's in your face and does not waver in exposing this dystopian version of 2025.
[REDACTED]'s journey through this entire book is... a time. But so is Louisa's.
Their so-close-yet-so-far journies intermingling had me absolutely chomping at the bit for more.
I love that they both know each other so well in the little time they've had together, yet they both have so much doubt in themselves.
We get to see them hurt, but we also get to see them heal - both themselves, and each other.
It's beautiful, really.
"Louisa was citrus perfume and pink velvet chairs and Paris art prints and soft golden lighting, and all the things they hadn't allowed me to touch then, and I wouldn't allow myself to touch now."
This series gripped me in such a different way than any other.
The close calls and the anticipation had me on the edge of my seat for about 85% of the book.
I was a ball of nerves and anxiety for about 90% of that.
Thank you, Everly Claire, and Torch Lit Ink, for the opportunity to read this eARC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've had to sit on this review for a week to figure out how to eloquently express my feelings for this series in a way it deserved.
I still don't think I've achieved the desired result; but let's try.
Simply, I can't put into words how impactful this series is and has been to me.
The concept of the series and the world itself is brave, and I'm really thankful that Everly decided to bless us with Louisa, [REDACTED], and all the other characters who you have come to know and love in so many different ways.
This series, and especially this third and final instalment, hits hard. It's in your face and does not waver in exposing this dystopian version of 2025.
[REDACTED]'s journey through this entire book is... a time. But so is Louisa's.
Their so-close-yet-so-far journies intermingling had me absolutely chomping at the bit for more.
I love that they both know each other so well in the little time they've had together, yet they both have so much doubt in themselves.
We get to see them hurt, but we also get to see them heal - both themselves, and each other.
It's beautiful, really.
"Louisa was citrus perfume and pink velvet chairs and Paris art prints and soft golden lighting, and all the things they hadn't allowed me to touch then, and I wouldn't allow myself to touch now."
This series gripped me in such a different way than any other.
The close calls and the anticipation had me on the edge of my seat for about 85% of the book.
I was a ball of nerves and anxiety for about 90% of that.
Thank you, Everly Claire, and Torch Lit Ink, for the opportunity to read this eARC!
August 11, 2025
Forbidden Romance
Forced Proximity
Captivity and Chains
Power Imbalances
Dub-Con
Enemies-to-Lovers
The conclusion of the story for Louisa and [redacted]. No longer just a number, but finally a name!
This story was definitely on the darker side and I'm here for that! Other's may cringe away at the dub-con that happens to be within the pages, but I didn't have any issues with it. But for people who may, yes there is dub-con and yes there is also technically on page rape(I wouldn't call this one dub-con the character even says rape) of the mmc by a female. But everything wasn't done crudely. It was shocking but also not something that made me want to dnf the book or anything (I don't really have any triggers). The story doesn't linger on this moment though, it happens, it's addressed and it continues onto the story. You can't help but feel for everyone involved, Louisa, Maeve, Erica, Keith, Max, Resi (ugh), our boy, and everyone involved throughout. There's so much that happens in this final book of their story and it wraps it all up perfectly together. I can't wait to have all 3 books on my shelf because this is definitely in the top 3 of my dystopian favorites! And now I also need to read Riven and the epilogue that Everly released to Never Lost.
Forced Proximity
Captivity and Chains
Power Imbalances
Dub-Con
Enemies-to-Lovers
The conclusion of the story for Louisa and [redacted]. No longer just a number, but finally a name!
This story was definitely on the darker side and I'm here for that! Other's may cringe away at the dub-con that happens to be within the pages, but I didn't have any issues with it. But for people who may, yes there is dub-con and yes there is also technically on page rape(I wouldn't call this one dub-con the character even says rape) of the mmc by a female. But everything wasn't done crudely. It was shocking but also not something that made me want to dnf the book or anything (I don't really have any triggers). The story doesn't linger on this moment though, it happens, it's addressed and it continues onto the story. You can't help but feel for everyone involved, Louisa, Maeve, Erica, Keith, Max, Resi (ugh), our boy, and everyone involved throughout. There's so much that happens in this final book of their story and it wraps it all up perfectly together. I can't wait to have all 3 books on my shelf because this is definitely in the top 3 of my dystopian favorites! And now I also need to read Riven and the epilogue that Everly released to Never Lost.
November 21, 2025
An exciting conclusion to this trilogy, I couldn’t put this book down once I started it with all of the action and chaotic plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. We pickup right where the last book left off, with our main pairing separated and doing everything they can to get back to each other. They must team up with some unlikely allies and overcome some horrifying villains to make their way back to each other!
This book was the most exciting of the three and I couldn’t believe every twist and turn and heart racing event that happened all the way up to the end! The last few chapters luckily calmed me down and I really enjoyed the ending and how it all turned out! This book and whole series covers some dark issues relating to slavery and around it so make sure your check your triggers but otherwise I would recommend it as it covers the dystopian way our would could function right now if it was still around! I really enjoyed the character growth of the FMC and the way both she and the MMC would do anything for the people they love and are constantly fighting for a better world. Overall my rating 4.2/5!
Thanks to the author and the nerd fam for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
This book was the most exciting of the three and I couldn’t believe every twist and turn and heart racing event that happened all the way up to the end! The last few chapters luckily calmed me down and I really enjoyed the ending and how it all turned out! This book and whole series covers some dark issues relating to slavery and around it so make sure your check your triggers but otherwise I would recommend it as it covers the dystopian way our would could function right now if it was still around! I really enjoyed the character growth of the FMC and the way both she and the MMC would do anything for the people they love and are constantly fighting for a better world. Overall my rating 4.2/5!
Thanks to the author and the nerd fam for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
July 30, 2025
I think this was definitely the darkest of the trilogy, but Whoa, what a way to end this series! Lou and *redacted* really go through hell on their journey to end slavery once and for all. The true antagonist is revealed in this book and was so twisted – but helped drive home the theme that you can choose to be better than your upbringing or past.
What I think I loved the most was seeing just how much Louisa’s character developed from the beginning of the trilogy; not only does she realize that slavery needs to be abolished, but she learns how to be her own person and do what is right, even if it's hard. He also learns about the power of love and being loved – and having the courage to stand up to make a change. We also finally got his name… but you'll have to read for yourself to find it.
This book was devastating and tragic throughout. It was not a flowery, cutesy, romance story. In fact, the romance was definitely on the back burner. This was the story of abuse, trauma, and survival. About making waves in a system that is built to keep you down. And about having the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it could cost you everything.
What I think I loved the most was seeing just how much Louisa’s character developed from the beginning of the trilogy; not only does she realize that slavery needs to be abolished, but she learns how to be her own person and do what is right, even if it's hard. He also learns about the power of love and being loved – and having the courage to stand up to make a change. We also finally got his name… but you'll have to read for yourself to find it.
This book was devastating and tragic throughout. It was not a flowery, cutesy, romance story. In fact, the romance was definitely on the back burner. This was the story of abuse, trauma, and survival. About making waves in a system that is built to keep you down. And about having the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it could cost you everything.
August 5, 2025
ARC Review (mild spoilers)
5/5⭐️ 2/5 🌶️
I genuinely do not have enough words to express how much I loved this series.
I have never really been a fan of dystopian stories. I came across this series applications were being done for an ARC of Never Broken and decided to sign up and give it a chance. I’m so glad that I did. I felt such an array of emotions while reading this series. I was smiling, laughing, crying…
The love story between these two caught my heart. And even though I knew they were going to get their happy ending, they just made me feel so many things. This book, and the series as a whole, was written so unbelievably well that it convinced me to further give dystopian books a chance. It was such a beautiful, heart, wrenching story. If you are someone who has been hesitant to give that kind of story, a chance, this is a great one to start with. I have already suggested it to multiple friends. And will continue to suggest for as long as I can.
Everly Claire is such an amazing author and I can’t wait to see what the future holds, especially for the unchained universe.
I was also kind of giggling and kicking my feet a little bit when Riven showed up towards the end.
5/5⭐️ 2/5 🌶️
I genuinely do not have enough words to express how much I loved this series.
I have never really been a fan of dystopian stories. I came across this series applications were being done for an ARC of Never Broken and decided to sign up and give it a chance. I’m so glad that I did. I felt such an array of emotions while reading this series. I was smiling, laughing, crying…
The love story between these two caught my heart. And even though I knew they were going to get their happy ending, they just made me feel so many things. This book, and the series as a whole, was written so unbelievably well that it convinced me to further give dystopian books a chance. It was such a beautiful, heart, wrenching story. If you are someone who has been hesitant to give that kind of story, a chance, this is a great one to start with. I have already suggested it to multiple friends. And will continue to suggest for as long as I can.
Everly Claire is such an amazing author and I can’t wait to see what the future holds, especially for the unchained universe.
I was also kind of giggling and kicking my feet a little bit when Riven showed up towards the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
ARC Review | Never Lost by Everly Claire
Thank you to Everly Claire for letting me be a loyal ARC reader!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Back in a world where the filthy rich own slaves and the powerless are forced to serve, we dive into another wild and intense adventure with Louise and 773496S6.
This installment is much darker than the first two. The author doesn't hold back, these characters are put through brutal torture and unimaginable suffering. As Lou and 773496S6 fight to end slavery and save girls being held captive, their mission takes a devastating turn, and they are captured and pushed to their breaking point.
Despite everything, they fight with everything they have, for freedom, for each other, and for the future they believe in. While they spend very little time together throughout this book, their fierce love and unwavering loyalty to each other remain the heart of the entire series.
In the end, after all the pain, loss, and chaos, they finally find their freedom… and their happy ending. We also finally uncover 773496S6's name, and it’s the perfect, powerful conclusion to the Unchained Series.
Thank you to Everly Claire for letting me be a loyal ARC reader!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Back in a world where the filthy rich own slaves and the powerless are forced to serve, we dive into another wild and intense adventure with Louise and 773496S6.
This installment is much darker than the first two. The author doesn't hold back, these characters are put through brutal torture and unimaginable suffering. As Lou and 773496S6 fight to end slavery and save girls being held captive, their mission takes a devastating turn, and they are captured and pushed to their breaking point.
Despite everything, they fight with everything they have, for freedom, for each other, and for the future they believe in. While they spend very little time together throughout this book, their fierce love and unwavering loyalty to each other remain the heart of the entire series.
In the end, after all the pain, loss, and chaos, they finally find their freedom… and their happy ending. We also finally uncover 773496S6's name, and it’s the perfect, powerful conclusion to the Unchained Series.
August 20, 2025
Never Lost, the final installment in the Unchained Trilogy, was packed with unbreakable love but also overflowing with dark, twisted triggers.
This book felt drenched in trauma, violence, and some truly heinous acts. Honestly, it was so much darker than the first two books that at times it felt a little disconnected from the rest of the series. I was caught off guard by just how far it went. The sheer amount of violence started to lose its impact after a while, and instead of shocking me, it became emotionally draining—especially toward the end.
That said, I really appreciated Louisa’s growth. Her journey toward strength, empathy, and doing what’s right was inspiring, and her character arc across the trilogy was one of the highlights for me. I also enjoyed seeing characters who had only been mentioned earlier finally step into the story. The last chapter, in particular, was heartwarming and drove home the message that while the work is never truly finished, progress matters in building a better future.
Overall, I enjoyed the full series and can see great things on the horizon in spin offs of this world!
This book felt drenched in trauma, violence, and some truly heinous acts. Honestly, it was so much darker than the first two books that at times it felt a little disconnected from the rest of the series. I was caught off guard by just how far it went. The sheer amount of violence started to lose its impact after a while, and instead of shocking me, it became emotionally draining—especially toward the end.
That said, I really appreciated Louisa’s growth. Her journey toward strength, empathy, and doing what’s right was inspiring, and her character arc across the trilogy was one of the highlights for me. I also enjoyed seeing characters who had only been mentioned earlier finally step into the story. The last chapter, in particular, was heartwarming and drove home the message that while the work is never truly finished, progress matters in building a better future.
Overall, I enjoyed the full series and can see great things on the horizon in spin offs of this world!
August 21, 2025
Never Lost is the third and final book in a series, and it's quite dark - check triggers before reading.
We begin with our FMC, Louisa, who has found her MMC's sister Maeve, but now can't find the professor, Erika, and her partner. Our nameless MMC is in a very different path than Louisa throughout this book - winding through freedom and captivity at various levels - and they hardly cross paths throughout, making this a masterclass in yearning.
While I did feel that the ending of this book got a bit long, and I wanted a HEA before we got one, I still absolutely loved this story. Watching the "free" characters struggle with their relationship to and participation in slavery is moving and powerful - each character changes at their own pace, but even some seemingly unredeemable characters from earlier in our series begin to change by the end. The emotions involved in having a relationship with unequal power dynamics were captivating and made for a great read. And the wild ending had me desperately turning pages, needing more.
I would definitely recommend sitting down with the whole series because there is so much to unpack. Enjoy!
We begin with our FMC, Louisa, who has found her MMC's sister Maeve, but now can't find the professor, Erika, and her partner. Our nameless MMC is in a very different path than Louisa throughout this book - winding through freedom and captivity at various levels - and they hardly cross paths throughout, making this a masterclass in yearning.
While I did feel that the ending of this book got a bit long, and I wanted a HEA before we got one, I still absolutely loved this story. Watching the "free" characters struggle with their relationship to and participation in slavery is moving and powerful - each character changes at their own pace, but even some seemingly unredeemable characters from earlier in our series begin to change by the end. The emotions involved in having a relationship with unequal power dynamics were captivating and made for a great read. And the wild ending had me desperately turning pages, needing more.
I would definitely recommend sitting down with the whole series because there is so much to unpack. Enjoy!
August 29, 2025
Beta Reader Review
Man, I was honored to BETA read book 3 and what can I say, What a way to end! Book 2’s ending leaves you with the BIGGEST cliffhanger ever and Never Lost fills all the questions you will be longing for! You don’t want to miss the final addition of The Unchained Series. Emotions run high in this book and I felt things I haven’t felt in a long time with how intense this ride was. (All in a good way) Edge of your seat, edge of anything you really don’t know what it going to happen next and you will not want to put the book down because YOU NEED TO KNOW. Your jaw will drop at the unexpected turn of events that take place all throughout your read, things you never thought possible. “He” finally gets a name, Louisa faces some very dangerous situations and being ripped apart sends them on a deadly battle to find their love again. “It’s not just our secrets at stake anymore. The world has figured out that the two of us together are too dangerous to live.” All I have left to say is I have enjoyed this journey and can only hope to see stories on the other characters mentioned because you are left wondering about what happened to them or where they are now!?
Man, I was honored to BETA read book 3 and what can I say, What a way to end! Book 2’s ending leaves you with the BIGGEST cliffhanger ever and Never Lost fills all the questions you will be longing for! You don’t want to miss the final addition of The Unchained Series. Emotions run high in this book and I felt things I haven’t felt in a long time with how intense this ride was. (All in a good way) Edge of your seat, edge of anything you really don’t know what it going to happen next and you will not want to put the book down because YOU NEED TO KNOW. Your jaw will drop at the unexpected turn of events that take place all throughout your read, things you never thought possible. “He” finally gets a name, Louisa faces some very dangerous situations and being ripped apart sends them on a deadly battle to find their love again. “It’s not just our secrets at stake anymore. The world has figured out that the two of us together are too dangerous to live.” All I have left to say is I have enjoyed this journey and can only hope to see stories on the other characters mentioned because you are left wondering about what happened to them or where they are now!?
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