Desire

by Lex R.

Jax Evans doesn’t believe Avery’s love is real. To him, it’s just Stockholm syndrome—confusion mistaken for something deeper. So he does what he thinks is right. He lets her go.
But freedom means being thrown back into a world Avery never belonged in—a world where she’s invisible, unwanted, and alone. She grieves the life she found in the most unlikely place…with the man who saw her, broke her, and somehow made her feel whole for the first time.

Is it love? Can they make it work? Or were they never meant to survive outside the original plan?

Put your rose-colored glasses back on and buckle up for more of this dark, morally gray love story.

453 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2026

Reviews

[Haley]

I did not see that coming. First off, I was still mad at Jax for taking Avery back to that shit house with a woman who doesn't deserve to be called a mother (I just hope she gets whats coming to her). I applaud Avery for standing up for what she wanted and didn't let Jax convince her to living with him again. She grew a lot in this book and I am proud of her. I did laugh pretty good at the first use of the word "Lightbulb." I was dying at that scene. And then the scene after their Vegas trip where Avery took control...hot damn. I didn't know I needed to read Jax and Avery that way. I did not see the bad guy being who they were, that surprised me. I definitely cried for Ashton and Sarah in the end. But was happy I got my HAE. I am hoping this isn't the last we see of the DIRE gang.

[Jamie Beardsley]

“Why couldn’t we just exist?

Why couldn’t that just be enough?

How is someone like me supposed to settle down?

How can I promise her forever? I need to let her walk away before I ruin her.“

we are back in Dire! Jax & Avery, you both were killing me…i needed you to figure it OUT hahaha. crazy kids.

but watching them work through everything that happened, growing as individuals and as a couple, and Avery finally getting all of the love that she deserves… priceless.

and also…a man that brings your book fantasy to life? 👏🏻👏🏻everyone say thank you Jax!👏🏻👏🏻 (and Noah 😈🥵)

[Alexandria]

Love, love, love this book! Avery and Jax are perfect for each other. Their characters felt even more developed and mature compared to the first book, which made their story even better. I loved watching Avery grow stronger and start finding herself again. Jax being the one who supports her through everything made their relationship feel really special. Such a great continuation of their story and I can’t wait to see what happens next! 🤞🏼

[Madelynn McGhee]

was such a good read! The chemistry, tension, and emotions pulled me in and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. The characters felt real, and I loved watching everything unfold between them.

There were definitely moments that had me frustrated, excited, and completely invested 😂 but that’s what made it so hard to put down. Lex R did an amazing job creating a story that keeps you hooked and leaves you wanting more

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sammy Sam]

Hail to the Queen 🙌🏻

Book one had me on my knees begging for more, book two was the icing on the cake 🙌🏻 dang Lex, this is literally chef’s kiss of perfection. I can’t freaking wait to see what else is in store for our favorite girl and her boys 🫶🏻

[Brandie G]

OMG!!!!! I think I love this book more than the first one! The way the characters develop and I love seeing Avery becoming a stronger woman!!! Still hate her mom though.

[Alexa Beard]

Ate it up per usual. I missed Jax and Avery. I really hope a third book is coming sooner than later because I need to be back in Dire.

[H.R. Delano]

first of all…

This series is everything. I binged it in less than 24 hours, it would have been done sooner… but alas responsibilities and the like. The dialogue 10/10, the story telling 10/10, the TWISTS?! My jaw physically dropped. Also I typically blank face spice, but this one scene… I was GIGGLING. If you haven’t read this series and like dark romance, do it. Do it. DO. IT.

[Chelsea]

4/5⭐️
It’s official, I’m obsessed with the world of Dire. Jumping back into Jax and Avery’s story, adding new players and expanding the world. The spice was spicier, the tension more palpable. I felt like this book addressed a lot of continuity and editing issues from the first book which I really appreciated.

Sign me up for the next book(s) in this world because I need to know that Sarah, D and Noah get their HEAs.