Surviving Him

Shameless #1

by Dawn A. Keane

Dark erotic romance contains subject matter some might find distressing, also violence and sexual scenes. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18. An explosive love story of a mother and her struggle to be with the love of her life against all odds. Logan is strong, sexy, and the type of father that Dana’s daughters deserve in their lives. Dana’s life is rocked by tragedy, she is forced into running from her psychotic ex-husband, Ian, and it seems he’s determined to keep them apart. Left with nowhere else to turn Dana and her girls seek shelter in a women’s refuge in Manchester, where Dana finds lifelong friendships in the other women who live there. Sisters brought together by despair that haunts them every single day, but the laughter they bring keeps out the darkness that is Dana’s past, she hopes she can find herself again. But a life away from Logan and his ability to ignite the flame deep inside her is almost unbearable. Dana’s not the only one, Logan will fight anyone and anything to be back in Dana’s arms again. Can they carve out an existence for their fiery passion amid Ian’s rage?

Genres: Romance, Dark, Dark Romance

252 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2014

About the author

I was brought up in Manchester and I am now living in the beautiful Scottish borders with my three children.
I have enjoyed writing my story as I had a pretty hard upbringing and have suffered like everyone does over the years in different situations, but everyone has a story to tell.
I just hope my story can help someone out there who is or has been through the same sorts of situations as myself.
Dawn A. Keane
https://www.facebook.com/D.A.Keane.Au...
https://twitter.com/DawnAKeane
https://www.instagram.com/dawn_a_kean...
http://authordawnakeane.co.uk

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author "Dawn A. Keane" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!





TITLE: Surviving Him
SERIES: (Shameless #1)
AUTHOR: Dawn A. Keane
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: February 17th, 2015
MY RATING: 4 STARS

Just past half way it becomes nail biting Intense, sit on the edge of your seat as my hands gripped my iPad speed reading this emotional, raw, story, a man hell bent on controlling his ex with any means possible, the suspense literally killed me to see how this story would pan out..



A few readers on here mentioned it being slightly dark, an author that will push me out of the light into the darkness I'm keen to read..A gritty disturbing read, sadly domestic violence is real, and this book made Dana's story come to life..Beautifully written..

Our daily lives are filled with fear for our safety. we've lived this way fro so long it's become our reality.

This will be the first time I've read or encountered this author before..

Surviving Him (Shameless, #1): Starts off with the harrowing domestic violence Dana endured by her ex-husband Ian over turning a tap the wrong way and waking him up because of the noise it made..Very heart breaking emotional encounter of what she was subjected to..



He got right in my face with his forehead firmly pressed up against mine, pushing me down and shaking me with the force. You’re pathetic. You don't even know how to do a simple thing. Not knowing how to turn on a tap quietly, you stupid bitch. He punched me again and again. Next time, yeah, he shouted, Do it fucking right. He punched me on the right side of my jaw. my head smashed on the floor full force. I could feel the blow to my eyes as he repeatedly hit me over and over and again. Black spots filled my vision then everything turned black.

This man was pure evil, and he wanted me dead. 

He repeatedly said how sorry he was with a box of chocolates and promised he would never do it again, I've got a feeling this won't be the last time he loses control, or the last time he lays his hands on his wife.

I wonder how many times she will forgive him before she has the strength, courage, support to leave his ass..



When you reach chapter two it jumps into the fact that her and her two daughters are living in a shelter, always looking behind their shoulders in fear Ian the ex has found them, to her first encounter with Logan at a club (both aged 28) to going home with him, and the instant attraction she felt..Im guessing that was then..

Dual POV Logan and Dana's story

[Lisa Cullinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving Him could have been solely a romance, a thriller, a public announcement or a comedy. I am utterly amazed how new author, Dawn Keane, managed to spin this all together and make it all work. The story itself might be fiction but the knowledge of domestic abuse comes first hand, right out of the pages of Dawn's personal life. I am in awe of her ~ the fact that this book is even written is a testament to her strength and maybe even hope for those who have been in the same situation.

Ok, ok, ok ... Let's talk about this story. Dana is one tough cookie. She's living in a home in Manchester for abused women with her two adorable daughters, Kayleigh and Amy. Her first husband, Ian, is a monster who has repeatedly beat her. These events have been honestly and descriptively written but it's necessary to validate the true horror that is her life. As much as Dana tries to live her life as "normal" as she can for the sake of her darling girls, there is that constant fear that her world can be turned upside down in a moments notice.
Logan, squeeee .... is Amy's dad and the love of Dana's life. He is smokin hot ~ so in love with Dana, crazy about both little girls, one hundred percent hot, sexy, protective alpha ~ Logan lives in Scotland and wants his woman and kids with him so he can protect them. Dana has a constant fear with that; in her mind Ian would either harm him or kill him. That was the one issue that confused and aggravated me about Dana. I kept thinking that if I was in her shoes, I'd glue myself to Logan. As it were, she's had to call him to come to her rescue anyway. Otherwise, I adored Dana. She had a foul mouth, loved to drink and have a moment's fun if possible. Dana and Logan were a perfect match. Their humor and lust for each other was all-consuming and I could not wait until they were just that ~ together.

The supporting characters, especially her friends from the women's shelter were amazing. The bond that stems from their similar situations can't be broken. They are akin to sisters. They all watch out for each other by texting their whereabouts and support each other as well when someone has a breakdown.

"The fear is with us always, that any one of us could be caught at any time. We make a decision to check in with each other by text, or call each other daily, every few hours, to advise where we are going and how long we think we might be. We survive the only way we know how; running on nervous energy and an adrenaline that runs through our veins at every waking moment."

The end of this story may be a happy one ~ I want to think it is but it's definitely set up that something or someone may be lurking about ~ you'll judge that for yourself. Again, I have nothing but praise and love for Dawn Keane. Not only did she do a wonderful job with her first novel, but she put her name and her words out there to give domestic violence and abuse a reminder that it's still out there ~ no one should live with that fear. I'm really looking forward to reading the next in this series!!! I highly recommend this book. Enjoy ~

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. Be warned its a dark erotic romance so some of the subject may not suit everyone.

Dana is a survivor of domestic abuse. She ran away from her nasty horrid ex husband to find safety for herself and her family. When she meets Logan she finds it hard to trust and let someone take care of her. The chemistry between these two is hot & I was so rooting for them to have a happy ever after. However Danas life can't be easy when her ex is after her.

Really great gritty and emotional read that I just had to read in one sitting. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (6/11/2018)!💝

[Julie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recorded this arc for an honest review.

Such a sweet read. I loved everything about this book.

Dana and Logan are perfect for each other. The struggle of life are real and this book shows that in every way.

Will look for reads by this author. Very good writing.

[Books Movies Fandoms · Rating 4 out of 5]

My star rating for SURVIVING HIM is: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

My ‘Blogging Reader’s Review’ after reading an
ARC Copy of ‘SURVIVING HIM’(via:BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com):

This is my honest review for the first novel by author D. A. Keane titled “Surviving Him” of the Shameless Series. This is an intense story about surviving a terrible ordeal at the hands of someone that should’ve been a protector. Also, it’s a story about a woman who will do what she can to protect her daughters while having to stay apart from the love of her life in the process. Such an emotionally driven novel. Readers will get this story in the two P.O.V.’s(point of views) from Dana Taylor and Logan Stewart and a third P.O.V. from Lee.

Dana Taylor considers her daughters Kayleigh and Amy her life and plans to do anything to take care of them. Her ex-husband Ian was a monster and the most vile kind of person. Her life as his wife was a nightmare and full of horrible abuse even when she was young and pregnant with their daughter. She knew she had to leave him. If she didn’t leave him, she knew that her babies life and her own were at risk of ending in a terrible way.

After being broken down mentally and the constant physical beatings, enough was enough. She left to protect her child. Meeting Logan Stewart was like waking up from a bad nightmare into a beautiful happy place in comparison to her ex. Logan was loving, caring, and a wonderful father. They end up having a beautiful daughter together and life was improving. The only problem was that her ex-husband Ian was determined to not let Dana go from his clutches. He was obsessed with the control he had over her for so long. He would get her back no matter how long it took. Dana has been hiding out with her daughters and the nightmares still haunt her mind at night of those horrific memories of abuse. She’s stayed distant from Logan even though she knows that if Ian was out of the picture, then Logan would be all she needed for the rest of her life.

Can Dana ever really move on or will Ian find her again to finish what he always threatened to do to her? Will Logan and Dana ever get the happily-ever-after that they both deserve? Are the nightmares of Ian a warning or just scars from her dark past memories? There are many dark memories that Dana recalls in this novel as well as lovely memories of her baby girls and Logan. There is definitely very descriptive abuse in this story so be warned. Then you have the lovely things: beautiful locations in the U.K. that are mentioned as well as many steamy scenes. The story was enjoyable and flowed from past to present smoothly enough to not throw readers off. The last few chapters are dark and suspenseful while the epilogue sets up the story for the next novel of this series. If this sounds like your kind of book, give this one a look.


My star rating for SURVIVING HIM is: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. :)

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[Tiffany Readz · Rating 3 out of 5]

While touted as a dark romance, Surviving Him isn't the type of dark romance I am usually drawn to. This is the story of Dana and her little girls fleeing an abusive ex-husband in search of a better life for all of them.

While apart from her ex, Dana met and fell in love and had another child with Logan. Now she is on the run from the ex Ian, not staying with Logan and leaving me a little confused. Dana is actually in a shelter for women while hiding from Ian. She thinks the cops won't be able to help her, so she just keeps running away from the ex, as well as the man she loves, Logan, who is also the father of her second child.

I was lost for most of the book. It seemed that we jumped in the middle of the Dana and Logan thing. Not too sure when and where they met or why he wasn't able to protect his child. He just let Dana run off with his kid constantly without really having much say in the situation. Also, with all of the past abuse from the ex, the police were never seriously brought in to deal with this guy, he just got to dictate this woman's life from afar.

Written from dual points of view, the England and Scotland settings were interesting, as well as the dialect. I was intrigued from the cover (love Jase Dean) and blurb and really tried to stick with it, however the storyline fell flat for me. It seemed to be all over the place and didn't make much sense with steamy sex scenes thrown in at odd places.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's blog.

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving You is such a heartbreaking story that will touch your heart. Abused women trying to move forward with their lives only to be stalked by the evil that lurks in the shadows.

Lee remembers Lilah from their childhood.

“I will always be the lost boy you saw that night through your aunt’s bedroom window. He’s still in here somewhere. I just need to find him, baby. I’m not lost entirely. My soul is yours. My heart belongs to you… always.”

Lee was raised by his dad who was who deep into the criminal world along with his sister.

Lilah survived the domestic abused caused by her husband. She finally escaped with her daughter.

There is an explosive chemistry between Lee and Lilah but she's hesitant. Afraid to trust.

“You are all I will ever need. We’re two broken souls brought together by fate,”

When danger strikes who will survive?
The ending blew me away!

Mystery, suspense, deceit and romance.

Can't wait for next installment, Under My Radar!

[Klaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 ½ to 4 stars

This is a hard review for me to write for a few reasons. For a debut novel it is a great start. It has a good strong storyline and plot, engaging characters and a wealth of emotional conflict. It’s a bit of a tough read in places but I wouldn’t expect anything less when an author deals with this kind of plot line. It felt personal, very personal and what I really liked was the raw honesty of the words on the pages. You could feel that this book came from the heart. With a debut novel a reader comes to expect rough edges when reading and this felt no different.
I’m not spoiling anything by saying that this is about one woman’s struggle to escape the clutches of an abusive ex-husband. The domestic violence in here is quite descriptive in places but rather than it be glorified it serves to tell the story in a way that a reader needs in order to feel the connection and compassion with Dana. Despite being that battered woman she comes across as a strong person looking only to protect those that she loves and cares about. I felt that Logan’s story was a little hidden and didn’t quite get that hook a reader needs to love a main character. There are really strong relationship ties throughout this book and that sticks out very much, the secondary characters have their own stories which I’m sure will be brought into their own in due course.
I came across one or two minor inconsistencies and a few duplications but it was easy to see past these when reading as the story was so strong. I do think it needed to be better edited but again I’ve almost come to expect this with debut works, and it wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t keep reading. I also felt that perhaps this book could have had a little more structure to it, sometimes it felt a little wayward. I feel I should have had more emotional ties to this book and I think maybe that the way in which it was written lacked that punch, sometimes it felt very matter of fact and I struggled to connect with that. There’s much reminiscing in the book, from Dana’s POV which again serves to tell the story. For me the book got better as it went along and grew stronger in terms of plot and style.
So this had a sentimental feel to it for me. I grew up and come from the small town that is featured so heavily in this book, I could picture some things in my head and it made the read better for me although I’m not sure other readers will get that feeling. A very encouraging debut from D A Keane and I have to say despite the niggles I have with it I would recommend this to anyone without hesitation. I do look forward to her next novel about Lee, I think there might be a grittier story there. I absolutely want to follow this author’s journey as I think she will go from strength to strength. Fab!

[Aaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I was given a copy for an honest review. ***

4 stars! This book was surprising on so many levels and I loved it!

Review to come.

*************************************

Surviving Him was a very big surprise to me.
There were so many feels, from laughter to tears and it’s a dark erotic romance with violent situations with also abusive behavior! Strangely it worked! The tone of the book could be surprising but the author managed to put everything together perfectly. You could switch from passion to laugh, then scarce so quickly.

Dana is on the run with her two girls, trying to escape from her ex abusive husband.
When you read about her past and what she went through, it was heartbreaking. The author wrote about domestic abuse with such words, relativism that it gave me chills.
The constant physical and mental abuse, the isolation of being apart from your family, the silence of the ones who were too afraid to stand up is a reality. Going to shelter on shelter, she met her family, women who experienced as well the same horrors. Together, they were stronger. She needed to be tough and to finally stand without the constant fear of looking up on her shoulder every day.

In her darkness, she met her soulmate, Logan and for once she thought that she could have a chance at happiness, until her psycho ex found her again.

Logan … Well, he’s a keeper! A strong man who is unconditionally in love with Dana. When they met, everything was perfect, they fell in love, hard and fast, a burning passionate relationship. Got a beautiful daughter together. A happy family.
But then he had also to manage his demons and with his inability to protect her properly, he had to let her go for a while.
Now as he finally got his head out of the gutter, he was more than ready to get his family together, to give them the home they deserved and he was determined.

I was kinda confused by the construction of the storyline, from how she met Logan and about the hardships they had to overcome. It was just disturbing at times to follow the story.
This was an highly concentrated work of emotions with no detour road. Don’t worry guys, there’s an happy ending out there and Dawn A.Keane delivered a poignant story, in a staggered manner.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surviving Him
Dawn Keane
4 stars

Another new author to me and worth of all clicks and reads given due to the subject matter – domestic abuse and survival. Dawn Keane tells a tale of fighting for what you want and learning how to conquer the horrors of fleeing a monster. Even more compelling is that Ms. Keane has knowledge of this terrible act and has gifted readers a book, fiction of course, but also apparently having the courage to share at minimum a similar story to hers. If you cannot find hope throughout these pages please don’t give up and keep trying.

Our character Dana finds herself along with her two daughters Kayleigh and Amy living in a home for abused women. Her first husband, Ian is not a good man. He is a man who speaks with his fist until he makes his point. If you have triggers please consider that some of the pages include vividly written parts of the abuse Dana suffers. Even having not experienced anything as this I found myself filled with anxiety and heartbreak. Living in constant fear and also trying to keep some sense of normalcy for her girls is exhausting but also a must.

Logan, is Amy's dad and also the love of Dana's life. This man is her warrior that she ran from to keep him safe. Logan loves both girls with his entire self and his heart surrounds Dana with his devotion. Logan wants Dana and girls with him so he can protect them. However Dana fears Ian will find him and kill him before he comes for her if he does in fact find her and the girls.

I wont say much more here and you can imagine how things unfold. This is a completely griping story. IF you know someone who is running or living in fear don’t give up on them. Stand beside them and give them hope. I applaud Ms. Keane for her bravery. – Great read.

I was provided an ARC for an honest review. Review will post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets on release day. Thank you Dawn. Just an exceptional and brave story.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and there are incidences of spousal abuse and flashbacks to other horrible but all to real events in a battered but surviving woman's life. Dana felt broken and hopeless as Ian her ex keeps coming at her.

Dana meets Logan, who is wonderful to her and her two girls. But Dana doesn't want to bring her nightmare into Logan's life. Been there and it is a hopeless and lonely place. Ms. Keane does a wonderful job of portraying what it is like to be in that situation. I just wonder where was Logan, his brother, or Dana's old school friend Lee when I needed them. But this would not be a romance with a happy ever after now would it.

It was difficult for me to read this story, as I had also lived through and survived an abusive spouse. Not as bad as Ian, thank the Lord. **If these kinds of events of physical and emotional abuse are triggers for you, you might not want to read this book. And definitely no one under 18.

And so I sit here and with tears in my eyes because I still have some nightmares although not as much or as vivid anymore.

I was given this book to read and review honestly. It was a pleasure for me to do so. Though not easy, these stories need to be told.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a real page turner for me.

Its sometimes dark, and so if you are easily offended, do not read it. I however like books like this as its gritty and as near to dark life as you can get it. We can't all believe that life is a ball of cherries and these things happen just like in this book.

Dana has been in a relationship where she has been terribly abused, she is has escaped this, however, HE won't let her be, he is out there!

She meets Logan, and between them there is immense sparks, they are drawn together by this magnetic field that they both have no control over, however, Dana, because of her past, can she trust Logan?

This is a well written flowing book with many ups and down, twists and turns and I would challenge anyone not to read this in one sitting. I DID.


Thank you for chance to read this via a blog tour I am helping host on my blog.

I am so glad I selected to read this as I often just help promote an author and they're books and rarely read.

[M.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 of 5 stars.

A decently good story. Touches on very dark
and horrible subjects when the main female
character recalls her relationship with her
ex-husband. When the ex is determined to keep
his control over her, all she can do is run
with her 2 daughters and leave the man she
really loves behind. All for the sake of protecting
them and herself. Will she be successful in
doing this long enough for her ex to move on?
Or is he determined to ruin the happiness she
really wants to concentrate on in her life?
Read this to see how the story plays out.

My full blogger review is posted at:
BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com

[Karen Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

You are either going to love this book or take a dislike to it. And if you dislike it, it's because you don't want to get emotionally involved with the storyline. The storyline isn't for everyone, there are those readers who would stay clear because it's a storyline about domestic abuse.
For me this was a very detailed storyline about Dana, her ex husband Ian and the love of her life Logan. Dana life is her two girls. She will do everything in her power to protect them, including giving up on her own happiness. Even though it's clear to those around her, that she and Logan belong together.
It's an emotional read, so you have been warned.

[Mg ♥ The Bookishmedialite · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm so sorry, but no! This one did not do it for me at all.

I don't have issues with going from Present to Past or Past to Present, BUT the author needs to let you know what are you reading, you can't go from reading a paragraph in present and then jump into the past without notice. It was so confusing.

I believe the story itself was good, but what was not good is the way the author developed it. And again, I'm sorry but the there were some things where I was like: Are you shitting me? Right? This is dumb. Ahhhh Nono.

Anyway, I'm sad. I hate when this happen to me.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dana, is on the run from her abusive ex-husband, currently living in a domestic abuse shelter . All she wants is to live with the man she loves but that can't happen until her ex is caught. Can Dana have the life she wants? Your answers await you in Surviving Him.

This story hits close to home for me. I understand the struggles and hope that every victim finds their safe haven. The story and characters are real, raw, rich, bold, honest, complicated, and complex.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG this book had me hooked from the beginning. Not only is this book hot and steamy it had me gripping on to the edge of my seat. A great book definitely worth 5 stars. A definite must read. Absolutely brilliant.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surviving one to love another

Surviving Him by Frey Le Karr is a wonderfully written story and engages the reader fully. This story is dark as it does deal with a dark and often not talked about subject matter - domestic abuse. But there is also the light in the story which is the love the two main characters have for each other, even if they cannot be together.

Dana has been abused by her husband in the extreme. She has a daughter who brings light and love into her life. She has fled her husband, of course taking her daughter, to a family abuse house. She meets Logan and they fall in love which results in her becoming pregnant and having another daughter. Logan loves Dana, her daughter by the ex and their child together. He wants nothing more than to be together and protect them.
However, Dana's ex has other plans and comes after her so she has to leave. This means that that she leaves Logan behind, which breaks both their hearts. Dana has to take steps to protect what is hers and this can mean doing drastic things.
Even though Surviving Him is dark and heavy, with potential triggers so be warned, it is also a story of survival and the light and good that can be found around us, even if in unlikely places, if we dare to open ourselves up to it if we dare.

There were some things that I found disjointed in the story but overall it was a really interesting and captivating read.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana is a conflicted woman. Wanting to protect her children, herself and just be allowed the happiness that she finds in Logan.

Amazing how one horrible man can ruin so many lives. Ian will never be man of the year. He's so twisted.

Now Logan is the kind of man any woman would love to have. Even if he thinks he can't protect her because of his own scars and past. He's done so much for her. Even apart their love will never break. He loves his family and will do whatever he can to be with them. But what happens years later when the demon from your nightmares come back in the flesh?

I am so impressed with Dana. She is a woman of strength and her instincts to protect her children. She felt fear, learned to let a good man in and love as she should be. These characters will take the rug from under you and have you experiencing these moments with them.

Story was told so well. Get ready to deal with every emotion and heartbreak thrown at you.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author me and it was a good introduction. I have read some books on the dark side but reading about a woman running from an abusive relationship is both eye opening and a reality check of the crap that goes on in the world. Reading Dana's story was frustrating and yet heartbreaking in what one has to survive to get away from these guys. The challenge of leaving the past in the past and attempting to live in the present for abused ladies and their children is crazy. I found I got a good understanding of how Dana felt and her thought process throughout the book. To be in that level of fear all the time is mind bogglingly cruel. Logan was a man that all woman need in their lives and he is perfect for Dana. This was a really enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana is a single mother of two trying her best to survive an abusive relationship. She lives in a refuge with four other women all in the same situation. We've all read stories where the heroine was in some type of abusive relationship but this one takes it to a whole other level. Dawn had to include this so the reader would truly understand Dana and the choices she made. That for these women, survival isn't merely a word but a way of life not only for them but their children.

Logan is the man that Dana meets one night. They fall madly in love but Dana knows in order to keep him safe, she must live away from him. He was so right for her it hurt to see them having to live apart. Throughout the book you could see that Logan would be able to protect her and their girls. Her unwillingness to let herself and her children be in a place where they can be both safe and happy was frustrating.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opening scene set the stage for more drama and gave this book an underlying feel of anticipation. Nothing more was needed to know about her past given the darkness it held. It was hard to read but it was perfectly written to reveal the danger and terror her life contained. As the story continues, the author introduces other characters who quickly become entrenched in the life of the main character. I loved the relationship between the two main characters but I questioned her actions. He was her rock and he had great support. If anyone could keep her safe, they could. The intense scenes were well written and felt real. I loved the ending and the epilogue. I enjoyed this book and hope to read more of these amazing characters.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author; Dana has left an abusive relationship and the author does a fantastic job of describing how Dana is feeling, thinking and coping. Logan and Dana connect but there’s Dana’s fears regarding her abusive ex husband that is standing in the way of two really becoming a couple and being happy together. This is a story that grabbed a hold of me, and I couldn’t put it down and stop reading, I had to stay where I was sitting and keep reading to see what was happening next. It’s an emotional story and one that may have triggers for some readers. This is a wonderfully written story and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yep I said it! I want to like this story but it felt like it was being read to me by someone reiterating a narrative. It for me was disjointed and made me not like it so much. I am giving it 3 stars as the story has so much potential but for me did not deliver what I thought it could have. I wish it was more about the story of Logan and Dana. Now with that being said I though Dana created a lot of her Drama. She had me so frustrated that I honestly wanted to quit reading at one point and just call it quits. But I thought maybe that was the intention of the author so I finished it. I just think it could've been done so much better and with not so much filler regarding Dana.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a new author to me, and i think this was a great introduction.

This is the first book in the Shameless series, and the story of Logan, and Dana. Dana is on the run, and hiding from her abusive ex-husband, and her, and her children are living in a shelter. When Logan, and Dana meet, they connect, and fall deeply in love, but Dana doesn't feel free, always concern her ex will show up, that she keeps Logan at an arms length. This story was raw, the characters well written. Logan, and Dana had lots of chemistry, and you could feel their emotions. This book was dark, intense, suspenseful, and passionate. 3.5 STARS

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so this was my first Frey Le Karr read and I'll be honest I picked it because I fell in love with the cover .. I mean who wouldn't love it!
But I will say I did really enjoy the story..
I do think it was written well considering the subject of the storyline but i feel like it could have had a little more in certain parts of the story to add to it.
Dara is trying to escape a life she hated and wanted left behind but it never seemed to stay away for long..
Logan is the man that everyone would want in their lives.. hot strong loveable and dependable. He is just perfect for Dara and her girls.
Would love to read the stories next of Lee and hopefully Declan too!

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opening chapter of this book was at once wrenching and it also pulls you in. To be trapped by your abuser not only when you are with him but to have his presence in the world continue to impact your life decisions has got to be tough. Dana not only lived abuse at her ex-husband's hands she fears trying to be with Logan, a man she loves, because her abuser does not want to give up his connection to her. This story of two people fighting beyond really difficult circumstances trying to get to something better was an emotional read that delivered.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW this story packs quite a punch you are dawn into the dark world of Dana and you feel it all with her

Dana has finally had enough and she is on the run with her daughter Kayleigh from her abusive es She has found a place in a women's refuge and then she meets Logan in fact he becomes the father of her youngest child. Dana knows that her ex will eventually find her so she won't start a life with Logan even though this ex soldier is quite capable of protecting her and her daughters. Will they get a HEA This is a story that really rips at your heartstrings and is hard to imagine if you have never had a life like it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good and well written story! It's about a women who has escaped a bad domestic violence situation and is living with her two girls in a women's shelter. Dana has shear determination to keep her and her daughters safe. She shows a great deal of perseverance with everything she has endured. She meets Logan and falls hard in love with him but wants to keep him safe so they live apart. I really love the characters. The chemistry, love and passion between these two is off the charts. I also love how this story ends. I look forward to reading the next story.