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Missing Girls & Lost Boys: A Forbidden Love Dystopian Romance
🏆 Winner of the PASCIFY Sci-Fi Readers’ Favourite Award 2026
2026 Book Bonanza nominee — Book of the Year & Romance Book of the Year
Women have become rare.
And in Eden, that makes them something to be claimed.
For five years, girls are allowed a life that feels like their own. From sixteen to twenty-one, they are free—until the system decides who they will belong to.
Lee is living the last year of hers.
She has spent her life learning how to survive inside the rules. How to be quiet. How to be chosen. Because in Eden, refusal doesn’t make you brave.
It makes you replaceable.
But the one person who truly sees her was never meant to.
He isn’t approved.
He isn’t powerful.
And his name will never appear on the Unity Index.
In a city where every movement is watched, loving the wrong person isn’t just forbidden.
It’s deadly.
Now, for the first time in her life, Lee must decide: become what the system expects… or risk everything for a future she was never meant to have.
Because in Eden, survival is obedience.
But love is rebellion.
⭐ “I devoured it in just over 48 hours.”
⭐ “Beautiful, captivating, and utterly heart-wrenching.”
⭐ “If you want a book to channel your feminine rage—this is it.”
A dark, slow-burn dystopian romance exploring control, identity, and the cost of choosing your own fate.
Readers who enjoyed The Handmaid’s Tale or emotionally intense, character-driven dystopias may find themselves drawn into Missing Girls & Lost Boys.
2026 Book Bonanza nominee — Book of the Year & Romance Book of the Year
Women have become rare.
And in Eden, that makes them something to be claimed.
For five years, girls are allowed a life that feels like their own. From sixteen to twenty-one, they are free—until the system decides who they will belong to.
Lee is living the last year of hers.
She has spent her life learning how to survive inside the rules. How to be quiet. How to be chosen. Because in Eden, refusal doesn’t make you brave.
It makes you replaceable.
But the one person who truly sees her was never meant to.
He isn’t approved.
He isn’t powerful.
And his name will never appear on the Unity Index.
In a city where every movement is watched, loving the wrong person isn’t just forbidden.
It’s deadly.
Now, for the first time in her life, Lee must decide: become what the system expects… or risk everything for a future she was never meant to have.
Because in Eden, survival is obedience.
But love is rebellion.
⭐ “I devoured it in just over 48 hours.”
⭐ “Beautiful, captivating, and utterly heart-wrenching.”
⭐ “If you want a book to channel your feminine rage—this is it.”
A dark, slow-burn dystopian romance exploring control, identity, and the cost of choosing your own fate.
Readers who enjoyed The Handmaid’s Tale or emotionally intense, character-driven dystopias may find themselves drawn into Missing Girls & Lost Boys.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
About the author
H. Elliott
2 books32 followersHannah is a writer based in Sheffield, England. When she isn’t enjoying life with her husband and children, she’s happily embracing her inner geek. Raised in a VHS rental store, she grew up surrounded by stories, sparking a lifelong love for movies and television. Her quest to consume as many narratives as possible led her to gaming and reading, escaping into fiction whenever the real world felt too dull or demanding. Eventually, she discovered writing…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 23, 2026
This was a refreshing dystopian world with a great plot and characters to love and hate.
I loved this from start to finish, obviously minus one part which left hysterically sobbing for a good 15 minutes.
I’m hoping with this ending there will be another book?
I loved this from start to finish, obviously minus one part which left hysterically sobbing for a good 15 minutes.
I’m hoping with this ending there will be another book?
December 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review – Missing Girls & Lost Boys by H. Elliot
Missing Girls & Lost Boys is a gripping Modern Post-War Dystopian forbidden romance that immediately pulls you into its world. We follow Lee as she counts down her final days of “freedom” before she—like all women in Eden—is assigned to marry one of the elite. Her escape to a fortified border city leads her into a gritty bar job and into the path of Joey, a man who sees through her silence and slowly breaks through the walls she’s built to survive.
The atmosphere is tense, the surveillance constant, and the stakes dangerously high. The revolution her fathers once spoke of is just a flicker, but trusting Joey with a dangerous secret sets everything in motion. In a city controlled by enforcers, drones, and powerful men who are always watching, even a lingering glance can mean everything.
This story kept me fully engaged and rooting for Lee the entire way. A dark, emotional, rebellious tale about survival, hope, and finding something worth fighting for—even when the world is built to take it away.
Missing Girls & Lost Boys is a gripping Modern Post-War Dystopian forbidden romance that immediately pulls you into its world. We follow Lee as she counts down her final days of “freedom” before she—like all women in Eden—is assigned to marry one of the elite. Her escape to a fortified border city leads her into a gritty bar job and into the path of Joey, a man who sees through her silence and slowly breaks through the walls she’s built to survive.
The atmosphere is tense, the surveillance constant, and the stakes dangerously high. The revolution her fathers once spoke of is just a flicker, but trusting Joey with a dangerous secret sets everything in motion. In a city controlled by enforcers, drones, and powerful men who are always watching, even a lingering glance can mean everything.
This story kept me fully engaged and rooting for Lee the entire way. A dark, emotional, rebellious tale about survival, hope, and finding something worth fighting for—even when the world is built to take it away.
May 21, 2026
---:Oh my god! Okay, THIS is gold! I couldn't get enough of Lee and everyone she is involved with and her origin story! I want and need more now! It is enticing, exciting, put you on the edge of your seat good.
Its set in a dystopian America where the birth rate of females has fallen...and so the patriarchy set up a world where women go to special fertility centres or get married off to husbands wealthy enough to live in Eden - the epicentre of where the rich and wealthy live. This leaves behind the other men....some hard working...some monopolising on the down trodden and vulnerable. You follow Lee who is on her, let's call it leave, that women are allowed up until they are 21. You follow all her ups and downs through her world experiences learning how to navigate this world, whilst staying true to who she is and harbouring secrets no one else knows!
I can't recommend this book enough. As soon as possible order and then sit and wait for the next installment.
This is not one to sleep on!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Its set in a dystopian America where the birth rate of females has fallen...and so the patriarchy set up a world where women go to special fertility centres or get married off to husbands wealthy enough to live in Eden - the epicentre of where the rich and wealthy live. This leaves behind the other men....some hard working...some monopolising on the down trodden and vulnerable. You follow Lee who is on her, let's call it leave, that women are allowed up until they are 21. You follow all her ups and downs through her world experiences learning how to navigate this world, whilst staying true to who she is and harbouring secrets no one else knows!
I can't recommend this book enough. As soon as possible order and then sit and wait for the next installment.
This is not one to sleep on!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 3, 2026
Dearest Hannah, I simply cannot comprehend how you could do this to all of us - all without blinking an eye. I expected something to happen, something bad... but this? And then you ended the book right in the middle of the story. Not even a classic cliffhanger - you just calmly slammed the door and left us waiting.
If you're looking for another romance that will rock your world and make your underwear wet, skip this one. This is not that kind of book. You will not find dragons, bat boys, or superheroes kneeling before the heroine. Instead, you are thrown into a world that feels like the wet dream of misogynistic men, where the real beauty comes from the people resisting it through loyalty, connection, and the relationships they build with one another.
What you will find here is forbidden love - love, not romance. Friendship. Camaraderie. People standing together when everything around them is rotten. Though maybe my brain is broken, because the whole time I was just waiting for the betrayal to happen.
And I know this may sound strange, but somehow this dystopian story felt... cozy. That was the exact feeling I had when I turned the last page.
If you're looking for another romance that will rock your world and make your underwear wet, skip this one. This is not that kind of book. You will not find dragons, bat boys, or superheroes kneeling before the heroine. Instead, you are thrown into a world that feels like the wet dream of misogynistic men, where the real beauty comes from the people resisting it through loyalty, connection, and the relationships they build with one another.
What you will find here is forbidden love - love, not romance. Friendship. Camaraderie. People standing together when everything around them is rotten. Though maybe my brain is broken, because the whole time I was just waiting for the betrayal to happen.
And I know this may sound strange, but somehow this dystopian story felt... cozy. That was the exact feeling I had when I turned the last page.
March 29, 2026
This felt so different to anything I have read, but also eerily realistic at the same time. It almost felt like a glimpse into a future where things have gone very wrong, which made it hit even harder.
One of my favourite things was not knowing who to trust. Even when characters seemed trustworthy, I still found myself questioning everything and everyone.
I also loved the glimpses into her past. That is one of my favourite ways of storytelling, and it was done really well here. It added so much depth and made everything feel more emotional.
What really stood out to me was that there were no crazy monsters. The only monsters were, sadly, men. That made it feel even more unsettling because it felt so possible.
The last quarter of the book completely hooked me. I could not put it down. I gasped, I cried, and I actually said no out loud when I realised it had finished.
I cannot wait for book two!!!
One of my favourite things was not knowing who to trust. Even when characters seemed trustworthy, I still found myself questioning everything and everyone.
I also loved the glimpses into her past. That is one of my favourite ways of storytelling, and it was done really well here. It added so much depth and made everything feel more emotional.
What really stood out to me was that there were no crazy monsters. The only monsters were, sadly, men. That made it feel even more unsettling because it felt so possible.
The last quarter of the book completely hooked me. I could not put it down. I gasped, I cried, and I actually said no out loud when I realised it had finished.
I cannot wait for book two!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2026
I can't believe how easily I was pulled into this world. I'm in awe with how amazing this story was. the depth was beautiful. the world building was phenomenal. and the description was just breathtaking.
I fell in love with Lee from the beginning. what a wonderful character. I felt her emotions, I ran with her through through her journey.
this was just such and awesome read. I enjoyed getting lost in this one.
I fell in love with Lee from the beginning. what a wonderful character. I felt her emotions, I ran with her through through her journey.
this was just such and awesome read. I enjoyed getting lost in this one.
April 17, 2026
Before we begin. Malcolm is one of my favourite characters of the year and I couldn’t even tell you why. I have fallen for all of these character. Female leads tend to be annoying but I was siding with Lee from the beginning. And THAT FEMALE RAGE!!! I loved it. It’s going to take me a while to deal with the heartache but with the second book due out soon, I’m on a serious countdown.
May 22, 2026
This dystopian forbidden romance has been on my TBR since it came out earlier this year and I'm kicking myself for not getting to it sooner! Think one part Handmaid's Tale, one part Sons of Anarchy, and add in a little bit of Wendy from Peter Pan energy and you've got H. Elliott's first book in an extremely slow burn (it's important to the plot) series.
In the United State of America women have all but stopped giving birth to girls. Wars have been fought, state boundaries erased, and the women that do exist are only permitted to marry and procreate with the uppermost echelon of society. A megalomaniacal leader has put the country into a surveillance state and the cost of forbidden love is death.
Lee Quinn, our protagonist, is finishing up her "Independence Interval" before having to choose a husband from the Unity Index when she moves to the city to work at a bar alongside Joey Finch. Wary of men/predators, she tries to shut him out, but over time they develop a friendship, and then, romantic feelings. But with cameras everywhere, holding hands could mean trouble, an embrace unthinkable, and a kiss could bring her love a brutal death. When plans to escape together are thwarted, Lee makes her own escape with the help of a trio of bounty hunting bikers.
I don't want to give away more of the plot because it is such a good story!!! You'll find joy in the found family aspect of the bar and the road trip, you'll white-knuckle it through dangerous plots, and if you're like me, a few tears will be shed as well. Book 2 comes out soon - thank god - because I need to know what happens next!
Tropes
Really forbidden love
Dystopian
Found family
Freedom fighter
Slow burn
Rescue mission
In the United State of America women have all but stopped giving birth to girls. Wars have been fought, state boundaries erased, and the women that do exist are only permitted to marry and procreate with the uppermost echelon of society. A megalomaniacal leader has put the country into a surveillance state and the cost of forbidden love is death.
Lee Quinn, our protagonist, is finishing up her "Independence Interval" before having to choose a husband from the Unity Index when she moves to the city to work at a bar alongside Joey Finch. Wary of men/predators, she tries to shut him out, but over time they develop a friendship, and then, romantic feelings. But with cameras everywhere, holding hands could mean trouble, an embrace unthinkable, and a kiss could bring her love a brutal death. When plans to escape together are thwarted, Lee makes her own escape with the help of a trio of bounty hunting bikers.
I don't want to give away more of the plot because it is such a good story!!! You'll find joy in the found family aspect of the bar and the road trip, you'll white-knuckle it through dangerous plots, and if you're like me, a few tears will be shed as well. Book 2 comes out soon - thank god - because I need to know what happens next!
Tropes
Really forbidden love
Dystopian
Found family
Freedom fighter
Slow burn
Rescue mission
May 30, 2026
A gripping read
I wasn't too sure about what to expect when I was invited to read this both by the author and by the book group I am lucky to be a member of, but from the onset I was intrigued. We join Lee who is living the last few years of her freedom, yet its not really a freedom! This is a dark dystopian about control, but also about choosing your own path. Brilliantly engaging you cannot help but be drawn into Lee's world and I am sincerely hoping there will be a second book publishing soon.
I wasn't too sure about what to expect when I was invited to read this both by the author and by the book group I am lucky to be a member of, but from the onset I was intrigued. We join Lee who is living the last few years of her freedom, yet its not really a freedom! This is a dark dystopian about control, but also about choosing your own path. Brilliantly engaging you cannot help but be drawn into Lee's world and I am sincerely hoping there will be a second book publishing soon.
May 22, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Wow !! This is a dystopian book done exceedingly well. This book pulled me in right from the beginning and I read it in virtually one sitting.
This book is emotional, heavy and definitely one of those books that just stays with you. I found the writing to be very atmospheric. The world is an oppressive restrictive world where women are seen little more than a possession. Throughout this whole book the writing made me feel like this could be real, that this could actually happen in our world. The way that the women are treated in this book hits hard, especially as this is how some women are still treated to this day.
Whilst the main plot of the story is about survival and fighting back, there are relationships in this book which are written in such a way that they feel like true connections , that the relationships have actually been formed organically not just written about and put together.
Lee, our FMC is not your typical tough FMC. She’s trying to escape and make the best of her life which had me rooting for her from the very beginning. She feels like a real person not a FMC who is used to fighting and taking everyone on.
After reading this I’m desperate to read book 2.
Wow !! This is a dystopian book done exceedingly well. This book pulled me in right from the beginning and I read it in virtually one sitting.
This book is emotional, heavy and definitely one of those books that just stays with you. I found the writing to be very atmospheric. The world is an oppressive restrictive world where women are seen little more than a possession. Throughout this whole book the writing made me feel like this could be real, that this could actually happen in our world. The way that the women are treated in this book hits hard, especially as this is how some women are still treated to this day.
Whilst the main plot of the story is about survival and fighting back, there are relationships in this book which are written in such a way that they feel like true connections , that the relationships have actually been formed organically not just written about and put together.
Lee, our FMC is not your typical tough FMC. She’s trying to escape and make the best of her life which had me rooting for her from the very beginning. She feels like a real person not a FMC who is used to fighting and taking everyone on.
After reading this I’m desperate to read book 2.
June 1, 2026
This is "Missing Girl's&Lost Boy's" BOOK ONE by H . Elliott (Book Two coming SOON!) this is without a doubt one of the best book's i have read this year! (If not the best but shhh 😘😉) With our FMC "Lee" angery&lovable, trying to remain detatched, finding herself with connection's she hoped to avoid, but they snuck upon her when she least expected it. Filled with happiness, heartache, and fondness it's hard not to relate & love the character's in this amazing story. I wish i could read it for the first time all over again, i laughed, cried and wanted to punch a few pig's (NOT the animal🤔🤣) the emotion's that flow though me when reading this beautiful book are truly amazing, i definitely recommend this to lover's of dystopian romance, female rage and a twist on peter pan in the BEST way💜 it kept me up at night because i didn't want to put it down! I had a hell of a book hangover from this story 💜 roll on book two coming out as i can't wait to get my hands on it🥰
June 4, 2026
I just finished Missing Girls and Lost Boys, and it was beyond amazing. From the very first chapter, the story completely pulled me in and kept me emotionally invested the entire time. The author does an incredible job of creating suspense while also exploring deep emotions, relationships, and the impact of loss and trauma.
What really stood out to me was how realistic and relatable the characters felt. Every twist had me wanting to keep reading, and the emotional moments genuinely stayed with me long after I finished the book. The writing was powerful, engaging, and beautifully paced — it balanced mystery and emotion perfectly.
This is the kind of book that’s hard to put down once you start, and even harder to forget when it’s over. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys emotional, thought-provoking stories with strong characters and gripping storytelling. Easily one of the best books I’ve read.
What really stood out to me was how realistic and relatable the characters felt. Every twist had me wanting to keep reading, and the emotional moments genuinely stayed with me long after I finished the book. The writing was powerful, engaging, and beautifully paced — it balanced mystery and emotion perfectly.
This is the kind of book that’s hard to put down once you start, and even harder to forget when it’s over. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys emotional, thought-provoking stories with strong characters and gripping storytelling. Easily one of the best books I’ve read.
June 19, 2026
I'm not usually a dystopian fan. I'm always hoping that Hunger Games era comes back, and I think THIS is it. My sister insisted, and I'm not as big a reader, but I devoured this in 2 days. I couldn't get enough.
Lee is perhaps one of my favourite female characters. She wasn't the strongest, she wasn't arrogant. She just knew she didn't deserve the hand she was dealt and she did something about it.
As for the other characters where do I start? I don't want to talk spoilers, but it's safe to say Joey is my new favourite book boyfriend. And then Leon and the guys turned up? And then her dads? I loved them all.
There was a small panic when it finished, but my sister was quick to say there's a second book. I LITERALLY CANNOT WAIT!
Lee is perhaps one of my favourite female characters. She wasn't the strongest, she wasn't arrogant. She just knew she didn't deserve the hand she was dealt and she did something about it.
As for the other characters where do I start? I don't want to talk spoilers, but it's safe to say Joey is my new favourite book boyfriend. And then Leon and the guys turned up? And then her dads? I loved them all.
There was a small panic when it finished, but my sister was quick to say there's a second book. I LITERALLY CANNOT WAIT!
May 22, 2026
Really enjoyed the storyline. It only lost a star because it was a little too heavy on the descriptiveness right at the beginning for my taste. Thoroughly enjoyed the story and can't wait for book 2!!
January 19, 2026
5 ⭐️
Right from the start, the writing pulled me in. The descriptions are so detailed and graphic in a way that made everything feel real. I could completely visualize the world and live inside it, which is exactly what I want from a book like this. Like a little movie inside my head!
It becomes obvious pretty quickly that the story is making a political statement, and I appreciated that a lot. The society in this book is very dystopian and honestly hits way too close to things women in our current world may soon experience. It reminded me of The Handmaid’s Tale in the sense that women are treated as property, controlled, restricted, and stripped of choices. As a woman living in the U.S. right now, it hit hard, and I respect the author for going there. Genuinely.
Lee, the FMC, is easy to root for. I found myself constantly hoping she would get more than the life she’s been forced into. The author does a great job making her feel human and real instead of just another tough dystopian heroine. Although she is still kickass.
I also really liked that the story focuses on more than just romance. There are relationships and connections, but the main plot is about survival, resistance, and fighting back. That made it feel deeper and more meaningful than just another love story set in a broken world. BUT I absolutely did love the MMC, I had to quote him in my notes “And at no point—at no point—does any of that have to be romantic. Just to be with you… I guess what I really want… I want you to have choices, whether I’m involved in them or not. That … that’s my new endgame.” 😍🤏🏽
The pacing was great for most of the book. Toward the end it did get a little fast for my taste, and I wish some things had been stretched out more instead of wrapped up so quickly. In a world this heavy and complex, I think a slower build would make everything feel more realistic. But even with that, I was completely invested the whole time.
The side characters were amazing too. I got attached to them in a way I wasn’t expecting, which made the story even more emotional. I’m trying not to spoil characters so I’ll just say the motorcyclists are my favorite!!
Based on how it ended, I really feel like there has to be another book coming, and I genuinely hope there is. I would read it immediately. This was intense, emotional, and a little too close to real life in the best way.
Definitely recommend if you like dark dystopian stories with strong themes and characters you can’t help but care about!
I received this ARC book in exchange for a review, voluntarily and of my own thoughts.
Right from the start, the writing pulled me in. The descriptions are so detailed and graphic in a way that made everything feel real. I could completely visualize the world and live inside it, which is exactly what I want from a book like this. Like a little movie inside my head!
It becomes obvious pretty quickly that the story is making a political statement, and I appreciated that a lot. The society in this book is very dystopian and honestly hits way too close to things women in our current world may soon experience. It reminded me of The Handmaid’s Tale in the sense that women are treated as property, controlled, restricted, and stripped of choices. As a woman living in the U.S. right now, it hit hard, and I respect the author for going there. Genuinely.
Lee, the FMC, is easy to root for. I found myself constantly hoping she would get more than the life she’s been forced into. The author does a great job making her feel human and real instead of just another tough dystopian heroine. Although she is still kickass.
I also really liked that the story focuses on more than just romance. There are relationships and connections, but the main plot is about survival, resistance, and fighting back. That made it feel deeper and more meaningful than just another love story set in a broken world. BUT I absolutely did love the MMC, I had to quote him in my notes “And at no point—at no point—does any of that have to be romantic. Just to be with you… I guess what I really want… I want you to have choices, whether I’m involved in them or not. That … that’s my new endgame.” 😍🤏🏽
The pacing was great for most of the book. Toward the end it did get a little fast for my taste, and I wish some things had been stretched out more instead of wrapped up so quickly. In a world this heavy and complex, I think a slower build would make everything feel more realistic. But even with that, I was completely invested the whole time.
The side characters were amazing too. I got attached to them in a way I wasn’t expecting, which made the story even more emotional. I’m trying not to spoil characters so I’ll just say the motorcyclists are my favorite!!
Based on how it ended, I really feel like there has to be another book coming, and I genuinely hope there is. I would read it immediately. This was intense, emotional, and a little too close to real life in the best way.
Definitely recommend if you like dark dystopian stories with strong themes and characters you can’t help but care about!
I received this ARC book in exchange for a review, voluntarily and of my own thoughts.
May 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The characters drew me in and, unfortunately, the timing of this book for me, made me really want to see how things ended. Definitely a cliff hanger and I am ready to read book 2!
February 28, 2026
This book is dark and emotional, and everything I want in a dystopian - as a woman, watching our FMC Lee try to survive in a world where women are seen as little more than possessions to be owned, when all she wants is her freedom and to be able to make her own choices... It was a stark reminder that there are women right now where that is their reality, and frankly it could be mine in the future too. The author does not shy away from the political statement this book is making and I have the utmost respect for her for writing this
It's full of beautifully detailed characters who feel completely real. Our FMC Lee is both likeable and relatable and I was rooting for her right from the beginning. She has a sweet, almost innocent, growing relationship with our MMC Joey and the softness of their affection for each other is in stark contrast to the harshness of the world they live in
Lee is a fighter and a survivor, and I related to her so much. Every time she held her tongue, every time she bit back a cutting retort, every time she made herself smaller and less noticeable, I could feel the physical reaction in myself - my clenched jaw, my pounding heart, my closed fist. I've been Lee. I think most women have been Lee, at one point or another. And I want so badly for her to get her happy ending!
The side characters that Lee meets along her journey are equally fleshed out, and it helps make the story not feel like a stereotypical gritty dystopian, because you have these beautiful relationships alongside the survival aspect
It's a wonderfully dark story about rebellion, surviving in a world that wants to keep you controlled, the fragility of hope, but the importance of holding onto that hope and fighting for your future
It's full of beautifully detailed characters who feel completely real. Our FMC Lee is both likeable and relatable and I was rooting for her right from the beginning. She has a sweet, almost innocent, growing relationship with our MMC Joey and the softness of their affection for each other is in stark contrast to the harshness of the world they live in
Lee is a fighter and a survivor, and I related to her so much. Every time she held her tongue, every time she bit back a cutting retort, every time she made herself smaller and less noticeable, I could feel the physical reaction in myself - my clenched jaw, my pounding heart, my closed fist. I've been Lee. I think most women have been Lee, at one point or another. And I want so badly for her to get her happy ending!
The side characters that Lee meets along her journey are equally fleshed out, and it helps make the story not feel like a stereotypical gritty dystopian, because you have these beautiful relationships alongside the survival aspect
It's a wonderfully dark story about rebellion, surviving in a world that wants to keep you controlled, the fragility of hope, but the importance of holding onto that hope and fighting for your future
May 8, 2026
I really enjoyed Missing Girls and Lost Boys. It’s a really good dystopian story with plenty of suspense and characters you actually care about. The world feels believable without being too complicated, which made it easy to get pulled into.
If you already love dystopian books, I think you’ll enjoy this one a lot. But even if it’s not normally your genre, it’s still definitely worth trying because the story and mystery keep you interested the whole way through.
If you already love dystopian books, I think you’ll enjoy this one a lot. But even if it’s not normally your genre, it’s still definitely worth trying because the story and mystery keep you interested the whole way through.
March 2, 2026
5 EMOTIONAL STARS ✨️
Missing Girls & Lost Boys is a beautifully written dystopian read. From the very first page, I was hooked. The world is harsh, with strong feminist undertones, and every chapter had me utterly absorbed. It examines systemic horrors like the Eve Project while celebrating resilience, teamwork, and the quiet heroism of ordinary, and extraordinary people alike.
Lee, our FMC, had me rooting for her from the start. My heart broke for her in so many scenes, especially the nightmare one, but she emerges as a bada$S protagonist you do not want to mess with.
And Joey… sweet, soft Joey has taken a piece of my heart forever.
So many side characters in this book deserve a round of applause, but Krick? He can go straight to hell. And stay there!!!
Now Club Clade—need I say more?!
Sidenote: The emotional manipulation of the Unity Siren and the control over women is absolutely WILD. I was fuming the entire time!
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, and I loved every second of it. I could even feel it physically, which is a huge testament to the author’s writing.
If you enjoy worlds filled with slow-burn tension in a hostile environment, with a side of forbidden romance and found... or rather, ‘chosen’ family, this book is for you.
Cheers to Lee, and her next mission!
Sneaky little quote to hook you:
“It’s hard to keep letting go… but the love you leave behind is what carries you forward.”
Missing Girls & Lost Boys is a beautifully written dystopian read. From the very first page, I was hooked. The world is harsh, with strong feminist undertones, and every chapter had me utterly absorbed. It examines systemic horrors like the Eve Project while celebrating resilience, teamwork, and the quiet heroism of ordinary, and extraordinary people alike.
Lee, our FMC, had me rooting for her from the start. My heart broke for her in so many scenes, especially the nightmare one, but she emerges as a bada$S protagonist you do not want to mess with.
And Joey… sweet, soft Joey has taken a piece of my heart forever.
So many side characters in this book deserve a round of applause, but Krick? He can go straight to hell. And stay there!!!
Now Club Clade—need I say more?!
Sidenote: The emotional manipulation of the Unity Siren and the control over women is absolutely WILD. I was fuming the entire time!
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, and I loved every second of it. I could even feel it physically, which is a huge testament to the author’s writing.
If you enjoy worlds filled with slow-burn tension in a hostile environment, with a side of forbidden romance and found... or rather, ‘chosen’ family, this book is for you.
Cheers to Lee, and her next mission!
Sneaky little quote to hook you:
“It’s hard to keep letting go… but the love you leave behind is what carries you forward.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2026
This is a fast pace dystopian book, where the settings change from chapter to chapter, so be ready to keep your brain switched on!
The story is based in America, after the rest of the world has turned against the USA government.
Women are a “rare commodity” and their lives are in the hands of the government.
If they work or marry is not fully up to them, and while they’re allowed a sort of “sabbatical from their duties” if so they wished, in the end they have no ultimate choice on their adult life.
Lee is a young girl who’s just moved to the city to work in a bar, quietly going through the motions of her life ..or is she?
This book has me hooked from the get go, with the pace quickening even more in the second half, introducing a lot of new characters and plot twists!
I enjoyed the story overall - the characters are all likeable, and while the romance is well developed, is not the salient point of the book (which I appreciated as Lee’ story in itself holds its own just fine!)
I feel we could have spent a bit more time explaining Lee’s background, as well as indulged a bit more in world building and character development.
But as this is the first book im a trilogy, I am sure a lot more revelations and potential flashbacks are due to follow, making the story more rounded with time.
Overall, even if I had to “fill some gaps” myself, I enjoyed the book just the same, and looking forward to keep reading the next two in the trilogy.
The story is based in America, after the rest of the world has turned against the USA government.
Women are a “rare commodity” and their lives are in the hands of the government.
If they work or marry is not fully up to them, and while they’re allowed a sort of “sabbatical from their duties” if so they wished, in the end they have no ultimate choice on their adult life.
Lee is a young girl who’s just moved to the city to work in a bar, quietly going through the motions of her life ..or is she?
This book has me hooked from the get go, with the pace quickening even more in the second half, introducing a lot of new characters and plot twists!
I enjoyed the story overall - the characters are all likeable, and while the romance is well developed, is not the salient point of the book (which I appreciated as Lee’ story in itself holds its own just fine!)
I feel we could have spent a bit more time explaining Lee’s background, as well as indulged a bit more in world building and character development.
But as this is the first book im a trilogy, I am sure a lot more revelations and potential flashbacks are due to follow, making the story more rounded with time.
Overall, even if I had to “fill some gaps” myself, I enjoyed the book just the same, and looking forward to keep reading the next two in the trilogy.
April 15, 2026
Missing Girls and Lost Boys by H. Elliott — I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. This is one you really need to read.
It’s a dystopian novel, which isn’t a genre I’ve read much of, so I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I was completely hooked.
The story follows Lee as she counts down the days until her ‘freedom’ ends, when she’ll be forced to marry one of the elites due to plummeting birth rates. In the meantime, she works in a bar, where she meets her colleague Joey. He slowly breaks down her walls, and their friendship is so well written—you can’t help but hope for more for them both.
When you reach a certain scene, your heart breaks for Lee, and honestly, I don’t think anything she did would have helped Joey.
The story kept me fully engaged, and I was rooting for Lee the entire time. I don’t want to say too much more because it’s something you should experience for yourself—but just wait until you meet the three bounty hunters. You’ll love all of them, and a particular scene near the end will definitely have some of you in tears (IYKYK), so have tissues ready.
It’s not often I say a book is a must-read, but this is one I will always recommend. I’m already looking forward to book two!
It’s a dystopian novel, which isn’t a genre I’ve read much of, so I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I was completely hooked.
The story follows Lee as she counts down the days until her ‘freedom’ ends, when she’ll be forced to marry one of the elites due to plummeting birth rates. In the meantime, she works in a bar, where she meets her colleague Joey. He slowly breaks down her walls, and their friendship is so well written—you can’t help but hope for more for them both.
When you reach a certain scene, your heart breaks for Lee, and honestly, I don’t think anything she did would have helped Joey.
The story kept me fully engaged, and I was rooting for Lee the entire time. I don’t want to say too much more because it’s something you should experience for yourself—but just wait until you meet the three bounty hunters. You’ll love all of them, and a particular scene near the end will definitely have some of you in tears (IYKYK), so have tissues ready.
It’s not often I say a book is a must-read, but this is one I will always recommend. I’m already looking forward to book two!
March 6, 2026
✨️ ARC Review of Book ✨️
I was very fortunate to be asked to join the ARC team for this book.
Set in a Post War Dystopian America, female birth rates are falling and all women must, eventually, present to the City of Eden to enter into an arranged marriage and help with the repopulation efforts.
Women, like our FMC Lee, are permitted a few years before the age of requirement to have a period of "freedom" and work in the city before entering in to marriage.
The book starts with Lee leaving her fathers to head to the city. She ends up working in a bar where she meets Joey. As their friendship progresses, Lee finds herself in danger.
This is book one of three and I cannot wait for book 2.
There are strong themes of oppression, loss and patriarchy but also of love, loyalty, bravery and friendship.
The story is so well written and the characters really come to life. Despite the patriarchal themes I love what a strong character Lee is and all the kind, genuine, good male characters she interacts with.
An absolute brilliant debut novel from an Indie author and I recommend reading this book and supporting her dream!
I was very fortunate to be asked to join the ARC team for this book.
Set in a Post War Dystopian America, female birth rates are falling and all women must, eventually, present to the City of Eden to enter into an arranged marriage and help with the repopulation efforts.
Women, like our FMC Lee, are permitted a few years before the age of requirement to have a period of "freedom" and work in the city before entering in to marriage.
The book starts with Lee leaving her fathers to head to the city. She ends up working in a bar where she meets Joey. As their friendship progresses, Lee finds herself in danger.
This is book one of three and I cannot wait for book 2.
There are strong themes of oppression, loss and patriarchy but also of love, loyalty, bravery and friendship.
The story is so well written and the characters really come to life. Despite the patriarchal themes I love what a strong character Lee is and all the kind, genuine, good male characters she interacts with.
An absolute brilliant debut novel from an Indie author and I recommend reading this book and supporting her dream!
April 4, 2026
“This made me feel quietly angry the whole way through”
✨ dystopian, forbidden romance, slow burn, found family✨
⭐ 4
This isn’t dramatic, it’s heavy.
The world feels restrictive in a way that sits under your skin, and I found myself constantly tense without anything big even happening. It’s all in the atmosphere and the control.
Lee pulled me in straight away. She’s not loud or overly “strong FMC”, but there’s something in how she handles things that made me root for her. And Joey… I did not expect to care about him as much as I did. Soft, steady, and actually emotionally present.
What worked for me was the relationships. They feel built, not thrown together. What didn’t fully land was the world building, I had to piece things together more than I wanted to.
But emotionally? This one stayed with me.
✨ dystopian, forbidden romance, slow burn, found family✨
⭐ 4
This isn’t dramatic, it’s heavy.
The world feels restrictive in a way that sits under your skin, and I found myself constantly tense without anything big even happening. It’s all in the atmosphere and the control.
Lee pulled me in straight away. She’s not loud or overly “strong FMC”, but there’s something in how she handles things that made me root for her. And Joey… I did not expect to care about him as much as I did. Soft, steady, and actually emotionally present.
What worked for me was the relationships. They feel built, not thrown together. What didn’t fully land was the world building, I had to piece things together more than I wanted to.
But emotionally? This one stayed with me.
January 27, 2026
I received an advanced copy for this book so I am a arc reader.
All right, so if you really enjoy forbidding romances. Also set in a time in the future where women's rights were completely gone due to a war it kind of reminds me of present day time almost like the handsmaid tale. Not exactly, but I find a little similar. The president in this kind of reminds me of donald trump as well. i did find the first half of this book. A little slow but it does pick up at about 135 pages. the second half is much better.It's got more action as well.I would call this a sci.Fi action book. but I really enjoyed it and I can't wait for the second.
All right, so if you really enjoy forbidding romances. Also set in a time in the future where women's rights were completely gone due to a war it kind of reminds me of present day time almost like the handsmaid tale. Not exactly, but I find a little similar. The president in this kind of reminds me of donald trump as well. i did find the first half of this book. A little slow but it does pick up at about 135 pages. the second half is much better.It's got more action as well.I would call this a sci.Fi action book. but I really enjoyed it and I can't wait for the second.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Think Handmaids Tale but way different.
I'll be honest it was a little slow in the beginning but picked up and took off.
This story meets Lee, a female, in a world where females are scarce. She is on her interval before going to Eden where females only purpose is to have babies, specifically daughters.
There's the element of females having no choices, forced marriages, and a heroine with a major secret who isn't going down without a fight.
I enjoyed Lee's story and can't wait to see how it continues.
Think Handmaids Tale but way different.
I'll be honest it was a little slow in the beginning but picked up and took off.
This story meets Lee, a female, in a world where females are scarce. She is on her interval before going to Eden where females only purpose is to have babies, specifically daughters.
There's the element of females having no choices, forced marriages, and a heroine with a major secret who isn't going down without a fight.
I enjoyed Lee's story and can't wait to see how it continues.
January 11, 2026
Follow Lee through the post war world as she and her found family try to locate the missing girls and liberate the lost boys. This sent me on an emotional tumble between giggles and fighting tears. I felt the characters as they move through this tale. I am impressed with Hannah’s writing style and am looking forward to the next installment in this series!
January 18, 2026
This is Handmaids Tale grittier and with an urban setting. Adopted family, found family, cool bikers and an FMC who has to decide what and who she’s willing to sacrifice to change the treatment of women. With many parallels to how women are abused and mistreated by governments, this story will question what you’re willing to do to stand up for what’s right. Excellent debut novel.
April 30, 2026
I don't read a lot of dystopian novels, but this one kept me invested, to the point of reaching out to the author to check there was a book 2!
Although it's a slow burn romance, the book focus is on so much more than that, and the characters (very much including the side characters!) keep you caring and sharing in their journey.
Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster!
Although it's a slow burn romance, the book focus is on so much more than that, and the characters (very much including the side characters!) keep you caring and sharing in their journey.
Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster!
June 5, 2026
3.5⭐️
So easy to follow along and get into just a bit disappointed by the ending. Thought there would have been more. Hoping for a second book to clear up ending 🙏
So easy to follow along and get into just a bit disappointed by the ending. Thought there would have been more. Hoping for a second book to clear up ending 🙏
May 8, 2026
Missing girls and lost boys is still one of my absolute favourite books of the year so far. I was so honoured to be sent a copy by the author and have thoroughly enjoyed chatting to her about my theories and thoughts.
This is a really exciting series, that takes us to a dystopian America not too far from the current state of affairs. Lee, our badass FMC gives a masterclass in how women hold their own, know their own mind, play to their strengths and lead from the front. She is awaiting her fate to be married off to one of the elite in a bid to repopulate after female birth rates started falling. But Lee isn’t going to go down without a fight.
If you love female rage, revolutions and sticking it to the man, you’ll love this book.
The other characters are just as likeable, courageous and interesting. I’m a Leon fan through and through, but Joey also has my heart.
Book 2 is going to be even better as the plot thickens and we get stuck right into the middle of the action. Bring it on!
This is a really exciting series, that takes us to a dystopian America not too far from the current state of affairs. Lee, our badass FMC gives a masterclass in how women hold their own, know their own mind, play to their strengths and lead from the front. She is awaiting her fate to be married off to one of the elite in a bid to repopulate after female birth rates started falling. But Lee isn’t going to go down without a fight.
If you love female rage, revolutions and sticking it to the man, you’ll love this book.
The other characters are just as likeable, courageous and interesting. I’m a Leon fan through and through, but Joey also has my heart.
Book 2 is going to be even better as the plot thickens and we get stuck right into the middle of the action. Bring it on!
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