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DESPERATE
They were supposed to protect them. Instead, they became their weakness.
Jessie and Rachel came to Atlanta for a fresh start—new city, new lives, new friends.
But when the men sworn to protect them follow, things get dangerously complicated.
It was meant to be a simple job.
No attachments.
Nothing personal.
Nothing permanent.
But nothing about these men is simple. Especially when they guard them like soldiers but touch them like sinners.
When lines start to blur and hearts get caught in the crossfire, everyone will have to decide how much they’re willing to give… and how much they’re willing to lose.
Jessie finally has her dream job and isn’t looking for her dream man, but he might just find her anyway.
Rachel’s never believed in knights, especially the kind that carry guns, but he might just save her anyway.
Misha’s never been taken seriously.
Dmitri’s never disobeyed orders.
Volk’s never been a hypocrite.
Until her.
When Atlanta’s shadows begin to stir, they’re pulled into a web of dark desires and deadly choices.
Because in this world, safety isn’t guaranteed, and love could be their downfall.
DESPERATE is a dark, why choose/reverse harem romance (MFMFM and MF), meaning our female main characters never have to choose between their love interests. It is highly recommended to read The Damaged Trilogy first. This book contains adult themes, sensitive topics, and is solely intended for mature audiences 18+. It is recommended that readers consult the trigger warnings found in the foreword before reading.
Jessie and Rachel came to Atlanta for a fresh start—new city, new lives, new friends.
But when the men sworn to protect them follow, things get dangerously complicated.
It was meant to be a simple job.
No attachments.
Nothing personal.
Nothing permanent.
But nothing about these men is simple. Especially when they guard them like soldiers but touch them like sinners.
When lines start to blur and hearts get caught in the crossfire, everyone will have to decide how much they’re willing to give… and how much they’re willing to lose.
Jessie finally has her dream job and isn’t looking for her dream man, but he might just find her anyway.
Rachel’s never believed in knights, especially the kind that carry guns, but he might just save her anyway.
Misha’s never been taken seriously.
Dmitri’s never disobeyed orders.
Volk’s never been a hypocrite.
Until her.
When Atlanta’s shadows begin to stir, they’re pulled into a web of dark desires and deadly choices.
Because in this world, safety isn’t guaranteed, and love could be their downfall.
DESPERATE is a dark, why choose/reverse harem romance (MFMFM and MF), meaning our female main characters never have to choose between their love interests. It is highly recommended to read The Damaged Trilogy first. This book contains adult themes, sensitive topics, and is solely intended for mature audiences 18+. It is recommended that readers consult the trigger warnings found in the foreword before reading.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
About the author
K.L. Lindsey
8 books29 followersK.L. Lindsey writes dark romance because it’s cheaper than therapy and way more fun. She has a soft spot for golden retriever men with sharp teeth, traumatized girls who burn the world down, and plot twists that hurt.
No one knows if she’s chaotic-neutral or just caffeine-dependent. Probably both.
When she’s not writing morally questionable characters doing morally questionable things, she’s rereading her favorite scenes and wondering if she should warn her readers… (She won’t.)
She lives in a house full of books and bad decisions with her husband, kids, and cats.
No one knows if she’s chaotic-neutral or just caffeine-dependent. Probably both.
When she’s not writing morally questionable characters doing morally questionable things, she’s rereading her favorite scenes and wondering if she should warn her readers… (She won’t.)
She lives in a house full of books and bad decisions with her husband, kids, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 13, 2026
I literally read this in one day! I cld not put it down. I am
Obsessed with Kelly’s writing and these books. They are 🔥🔥.
We met Rachel and Jessie in the Damaged Trilogy and this book is their story, or the start of it. I absolutely love the dynamic between all these characters. Volk, Dmitri, Misha are 🫠🫠.
Rachel and Jessie move to Atlanta to get away from the live they had and to start over. They needed something different and far away from what they left behind. Dmitri and Misha move with them to keep an eye on them and help them get settled, but feelings are had and lines get crossed and before you know it, their worlds are crashing down. Volk is their boss and also in love with Rachel, but can he keep his feelings hidden to keep her safe? How about Misha? Will his feelings hinder his decisions and actions? Dmitri is head over heels for Jessie, but their line of work doesn’t really allow for relationships for safety reasons.
I am jumping straight in to book 2 Defenseless because I have to know how the story ends!
Obsessed with Kelly’s writing and these books. They are 🔥🔥.
We met Rachel and Jessie in the Damaged Trilogy and this book is their story, or the start of it. I absolutely love the dynamic between all these characters. Volk, Dmitri, Misha are 🫠🫠.
Rachel and Jessie move to Atlanta to get away from the live they had and to start over. They needed something different and far away from what they left behind. Dmitri and Misha move with them to keep an eye on them and help them get settled, but feelings are had and lines get crossed and before you know it, their worlds are crashing down. Volk is their boss and also in love with Rachel, but can he keep his feelings hidden to keep her safe? How about Misha? Will his feelings hinder his decisions and actions? Dmitri is head over heels for Jessie, but their line of work doesn’t really allow for relationships for safety reasons.
I am jumping straight in to book 2 Defenseless because I have to know how the story ends!
June 24, 2026
I wasn’t sure I was going to read this series because I didn’t care for Rachel in the last series but I’m really glad I did. The pups are fantastic, I love Jessie and I’m really starting to come around to Rachel. I can’t wait to read book 2.
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January 27, 2026## ⭐⭐⭐⭐ **Desperate by K.L. Lindsey**
🔥 Why Choose Romance
⚠️ *Spoilers Below*
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I have to say—I’m impressed. *Desperate* is a **why choose romance**, which isn’t always my favorite, but it was handled really well. I genuinely had no idea who was going to end up with whom, and that kept me completely engaged.
That said, you do lose a bit if you haven’t read the previous books in the series. I was occasionally confused and felt slightly dropped into the story, but despite that, I still really enjoyed the characters and their dynamics.
Rachel’s trauma is absolutely **heartbreaking**. There were several moments where I had to put my Kindle down and just process everything. The way **Misha and Volk** wanted to help her heal and protect her? *Chef’s kiss* 🤌 Emotional, patient, and exactly what she needed.
Jessie, the second FMC, was a great character and an even better friend. She has fantastic chemistry with **Dimitri**, and then another man enters the picture—her coworker. From the start, I knew he was going to be a bad apple 🍎. He was just too much of a golden boy, and I’m pretty sure Rachel sensed it too. I *was* surprised the guys didn’t vet him more thoroughly, though.
⚠️ **Cliffhanger Alert:** This book ends on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to immediately want the next installment.
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### 🔥 Tropes
* Why Choose / Reverse Harem
* Emotional Healing & Trauma
* Protective MMCs
* Hurt/Comfort
* Found Family
* Slow-Burn Emotional Intimacy
* Multiple FMCs
* Suspense / Hidden Villain
* Touch Her and 💀
* Cliffhanger
### 🌶️ Spice Rating
**🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)**
The spice is emotionally driven rather than constant. It focuses on trust, connection, and healing—and when it hits, it hits 🔥
---
📌 **Disclosure:**
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
-
February 28, 2026
It was such a rush to be back in the world of the Damaged Trilogy and getting Volk and Rachel’s story as a full duet? Oh, I was READY. These two have been simmering for ages, and finally watching that tension take center stage felt like a reward. Rachel and Jessie headed to Atlanta for a fresh start, determined to build something new from the wreckage of the past. Volk, ever overprotective, sends Dmitri and Misha (the “pups”) to guard and keep them safe with strict orders - no funny business. Just protection. Very professional. Very controlled.…Sure, Volk. Sure. While he’s stuck in Nashville handling some problems, he can’t get Rachel out of his head. And the second he joins them in Atlanta? That ironclad self-control starts cracking. Watching him hover right on the edge of breaking his own rules was deliciously tense. Rachel begins the story shattered—still reeling from her father’s role in the trafficking ring and the humiliation of being left at the altar by Johnny. My heart genuinely ached for her. But what I loved most was seeing her slowly reclaim pieces of herself. The healing felt earned. And her friendship with Jessie was absolute gold. Jessie is the kind of friend everyone deserves—loyal, grounding, and not afraid to call it like it is. Meanwhile, Jessie is stepping into her dream job, when another man appears on the scene. Roman is handsome, intelligent, kind… and blissfully free of Bratva blood-soaked baggage. He’s refreshingly normal. Or at least he seems that way. So why does he put Rachel on edge? That thread of unease running beneath the surface added a sharp edge to the story. Back home, tensions are flaring in every direction. Dmitri’s jealousy is giving unhinged boyfriend energy (in the best way), and the chemistry between Rachel, Volk, and Misha? Let’s just say the temperature in Atlanta is rising fast. Lines blur. Loyalties strain. Hearts get tangled in the crossfire. And when their presence begins stirring up Atlanta’s darker corners, everyone is forced to confront how much they’re willing to sacrifice for love, for protection, for each other. Honestly? I don’t even know which man I loved most. Dmitri and Misha are fiercely protective, passionate, and disarmingly sincere. Volk is stubborn and brutal, but there’s a raw honesty to him that only truly dangerous men possess. As for Roman? The jury is very much still deliberating. And yes, there’s a cliffhanger. We were warned. That doesn’t mean I didn’t grind my teeth in frustration and immediately queue up book two like my life depended on it. This duet is intense, emotional, and impossible to put down, so make sure your have plenty of time to savor and enjoy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2026
ARC Review!
Listen, if you asked me 2 books ago, if I'd ever like Rachel Rutledge.. the answer was NO! But Miss K.L. Lindsey can write a redemption arc, and Desperate is the journey that comes after the fall!
*****
Rachel and Jessie clawed their way to a fresh start, but we'd be delulu if we thought Volk was going to let his girls go anywhere unattended. So the pups, Dimitri and Misha, are tasked to strictly guard, protect, supervise.... NOTHING ELSE!
"We're in trouble. Daddy is finally home, and he's about to whoop our asses."
But when Volk goes to Atlanta, he learns real quick that his "rules" are easier to follow a state away... and not right down the hall!
"Careful. If you keep being mean to me, baby, I might fall in love."
Things for complicated when the guy presence in the city causes waves with the older Bratva men. Which is exactly why Volk has to stay away. In their world, safety isn’t guaranteed, and love could be their downfall.
*****
K.L. puts her characters through it! These stories are tragic and emotional at times. But she also pairs the trauma with the most comforting characters! And I do love these men so much! Dimitri and Misha are protective, honest, passionate, goofy, good boys! And Volk is straight up Daddy. He's in charge of the streets and the sheets!
I wish I could add these books to everyone's TBR myself... because I would!
This is my honest review.
Thank you, K.L. Lindsey and Booksirens, for the opportunity to read this amazing book.
Listen, if you asked me 2 books ago, if I'd ever like Rachel Rutledge.. the answer was NO! But Miss K.L. Lindsey can write a redemption arc, and Desperate is the journey that comes after the fall!
*****
Rachel and Jessie clawed their way to a fresh start, but we'd be delulu if we thought Volk was going to let his girls go anywhere unattended. So the pups, Dimitri and Misha, are tasked to strictly guard, protect, supervise.... NOTHING ELSE!
"We're in trouble. Daddy is finally home, and he's about to whoop our asses."
But when Volk goes to Atlanta, he learns real quick that his "rules" are easier to follow a state away... and not right down the hall!
"Careful. If you keep being mean to me, baby, I might fall in love."
Things for complicated when the guy presence in the city causes waves with the older Bratva men. Which is exactly why Volk has to stay away. In their world, safety isn’t guaranteed, and love could be their downfall.
*****
K.L. puts her characters through it! These stories are tragic and emotional at times. But she also pairs the trauma with the most comforting characters! And I do love these men so much! Dimitri and Misha are protective, honest, passionate, goofy, good boys! And Volk is straight up Daddy. He's in charge of the streets and the sheets!
I wish I could add these books to everyone's TBR myself... because I would!
This is my honest review.
Thank you, K.L. Lindsey and Booksirens, for the opportunity to read this amazing book.
February 22, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
THE ENDING LEFT ME HOOKED!
K.L. Lindsey,how do you write a book so addictive?? Im speechless after finishing this book.
I love this world that has been created in your books, it is satisfying to see the Damaged trilogy interconnect with desperate. The relationships are complicated, and the plot twist at the end DID leave me wanting to throw my kindle across my room!!
I did have a feeling that there was something suspicious about Roman, and I am eternally mad at him right now,like NO amount of explanation will make me tolerate him to he honest!
Also, IS LINA AND HER HUSBANDS GOING TO BE IN THE NEXT BOOK??? I am so excited to see what will happen next, and there better be a happy ending because no one in this series can catch a break!
All in all, this book tied beautifully into the damaged trilogy, i loved all the new points of view, the aftermath of damned being continued in this book, and even though im not a fan of the cliffhanger we have been left on, the set-up for the next book.
K.L. Lindsey, keep it up! These are brilliant dark romance books like no other.
THE ENDING LEFT ME HOOKED!
K.L. Lindsey,how do you write a book so addictive?? Im speechless after finishing this book.
I love this world that has been created in your books, it is satisfying to see the Damaged trilogy interconnect with desperate. The relationships are complicated, and the plot twist at the end DID leave me wanting to throw my kindle across my room!!
I did have a feeling that there was something suspicious about Roman, and I am eternally mad at him right now,like NO amount of explanation will make me tolerate him to he honest!
Also, IS LINA AND HER HUSBANDS GOING TO BE IN THE NEXT BOOK??? I am so excited to see what will happen next, and there better be a happy ending because no one in this series can catch a break!
All in all, this book tied beautifully into the damaged trilogy, i loved all the new points of view, the aftermath of damned being continued in this book, and even though im not a fan of the cliffhanger we have been left on, the set-up for the next book.
K.L. Lindsey, keep it up! These are brilliant dark romance books like no other.
March 2, 2026
Desperate by K.L. Lindsey
Fable Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Goodreads Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Genre: Why Choose Romance
Tropes:
🖤Found Family
🖤Hurt/Comfort
🖤Touch Her & Die
🖤Cliffie!
Format: ebook
Pages: 297
Spice: 3.5 🌶️
MCs: Rachel, Jessie, Volk & Dimitri
S/S:
Check trigger warnings for any book
This was a different kind of why choose that I haven’t read before. This was good to read and not super long. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens for an advanced copy. Please check triggers.
Lillian - @lillianbookreviews on instagram
Fable Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Goodreads Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Genre: Why Choose Romance
Tropes:
🖤Found Family
🖤Hurt/Comfort
🖤Touch Her & Die
🖤Cliffie!
Format: ebook
Pages: 297
Spice: 3.5 🌶️
MCs: Rachel, Jessie, Volk & Dimitri
S/S:
Check trigger warnings for any book
This was a different kind of why choose that I haven’t read before. This was good to read and not super long. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens for an advanced copy. Please check triggers.
Lillian - @lillianbookreviews on instagram
Review of advance copy
I did feel like the chapters were a little short especially with the switching of characters so often. It was nice to see Rachel's journey throughout the book though, definitely once for those going through something similar to see that you can heal from it.
I did get really into it quite quickly and already wish I could read the next book, I did kind of see the twist coming but I was still surprised when it did happen.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did get really into it quite quickly and already wish I could read the next book, I did kind of see the twist coming but I was still surprised when it did happen.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 27, 2026
I loved this from beginning to end. I came across K. A. Lindsey on Book Sirens and grabbed up Damaged. This first book in her trilogy. I read it and was hooked. From there, I’ve read every single book. Only one left me a little unsatisfied. But I have to say, she’s definitely one of my fave authors. And I always get so excited when I see a new book has come out. So when I saw this, of course I was going to grab it! And I’m so glad that I did because this one was absolutely awesome. Great story, great characters, intense and spicy. A well written hot story as always.
March 2, 2026
Desperate by K.L. Lindsay was completely addictive from start to finish. The story blends dark romance, suspense, and emotional tension in a way that keeps you hooked the entire time. Jessie and Rachel’s attempt at a fresh start quickly turns complicated, pulling them back into a world filled with danger, loyalty, and fiercely protective characters you can’t help but root for.
The character dynamics were my favorite part — intense, emotional, and layered with just the right amount of angst and spice. Every twist raised the stakes, and the ending left me needing the next book immediately.
If you love dark romance with protective anti-heroes, found family vibes, and high emotional tension, this one is definitely worth the read.
I voluntarily read this as an ARC!
The character dynamics were my favorite part — intense, emotional, and layered with just the right amount of angst and spice. Every twist raised the stakes, and the ending left me needing the next book immediately.
If you love dark romance with protective anti-heroes, found family vibes, and high emotional tension, this one is definitely worth the read.
I voluntarily read this as an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh. My. Gosh
I love Rachel and Jessie, and their friendship.
Jessie and her guys… 🔥
Rachel and her guys… 🔥
I thought I was going to read it a different way, and it blew me away with how it went.
Demetri, Misha, and Volk are BadA men who take no prisoners and I love them.
Mystery man with his plot twist.
I don’t know where this story is going to go, but I can’t wait to be along for the ride!
I love Rachel and Jessie, and their friendship.
Jessie and her guys… 🔥
Rachel and her guys… 🔥
I thought I was going to read it a different way, and it blew me away with how it went.
Demetri, Misha, and Volk are BadA men who take no prisoners and I love them.
Mystery man with his plot twist.
I don’t know where this story is going to go, but I can’t wait to be along for the ride!
March 17, 2026
K.L. Lindsey pulled me in quickly on this one. Now I have to read K.L. Lindsey's other books that obviously I've been missing out on. Rachel has it rough because of her father's indiscretions. Her name is soiled. She was broken and slowly put the pieces of herself back together with the help of Misha, Dmitri, and Jessie. Emotions run rampant in this book, and I loved every minute of it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
K.L Lindsey killed it again with this one. I started reading with Lina’s story and I’ve been sucked in since. I love the people and personalities in this book. There’s always a complexity to the characters that I enjoy reading. I loved how this didn’t just focus on one couple either. Cannot wait for the duet!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 10, 2026
Rachel has lived through hell because of her father. Everyone judges her upon hearing her last name.
This book has very interesting characters. Rachel is psychologically unwell, and her bodyguard wants to help her. There's a love triangle, handsome bodyguards, and the plot twist leaves you wanting to read the next one.8
This book has very interesting characters. Rachel is psychologically unwell, and her bodyguard wants to help her. There's a love triangle, handsome bodyguards, and the plot twist leaves you wanting to read the next one.8
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jessie, Rachel, Misha, Dmitri, and Volk are about to take you on a wild ride with them in a new city. The girls are ready for new beginnings, and the guys are willing to protect them at all costs. Buckle up, buttercups!
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