DESPERATE

by K.L. Lindsey

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 romance. 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.

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 2, 2026

About the author

K.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.

Reviews

[Brenda Sullivan]

## ⭐⭐⭐⭐ **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.

---

### 🔥 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.

-

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Julie Simpkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Danielle Grayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[K.L. Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!