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She was scared, fearing for her life.

She needed to get away.

She wasn’t expecting to find love.

After witnessing a disturbing event, Jasmine Allen escapes to her parents’ house halfway across the country. A chance encounter with an old school friend lands her a job at the notorious gentlemen’s club, LUST. Struggling to deal with her past, her son, and her new job, all she want’s is to feel safe again. However, she doesn’t expect to find security in the arms of a man.

He wasn’t looking for love.

He wasn’t looking for anything.

He certainly didn’t need another woman in his life.

Since his mother’s stroke, Max Fox has settled into a daily routine. He doesn’t need or want any other complications in his life. But that all changed the day that she walked into LUST. Fighting to control his feelings for the woman that has hijacked his world, he quarrels with the war of emotions that have interrupted his guarded lifestyle.

Will the pair be able to fight their present to become each other’s future?

344 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 2, 2016

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About the author

Elle McKenzie

7 books80 followers
When she was a child, Elle wrote several stories and had a dream of becoming a journalist. Unfortunately, life changed her course and she didn't get to fulfil her dream.
Two years ago, Elle decided to start writing again and Figure 8 was born.
Released in 2015, Figure 8 was her first novel, a romantic thriller set in Manchester, England.
Since then, Elle has written two more books, Lust and Dear Darling.

Elle resides in Cheshire with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

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5 stars
37 (49%)
4 stars
22 (29%)
3 stars
10 (13%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
4 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Maria Angie Mendoza.
3,213 reviews20 followers
January 18, 2016
Wow! What a treat for my senses! This is an intense, fast paced, murder, mystery, lust to love story with a side of loyal friendship with serious consequences. When Jazz witnesses something she shouldn't, she packs up and moves back to her hometown to be closer to family and get some protection. As she gets herself back on her feet she meets co-worker Max and their feelings quickly turn from lust to love. Just as they're coming to terms with their feelings and where their relationship is going, her past catches up to her. The results are devastating and everything Jazz and Max fought for is shaken to the core. I cannot wait to see if their love story survives.
Profile Image for Lynsey Austin-Goddard ❤.
301 reviews64 followers
February 18, 2016
Reviewed by Lynsey

The story starts with Jasmine (Jazz) witnessing something she shouldn't have, leaving London she moves back to her home town hoping for a fresh start, she soon find's herself working at Lust.
Max is the manager of Lust a gentleman's club, he has a strictly no dating the girls policy, until he meets Jazz and all the barriers he has built up start to crumble around Jazz. Max isn't without his own troubles, his mum had a stroke and he is dealing with the emotional aftermath of caring for her and his own guilt about putting her into a care home as he can't cope on his own. Lust was an easy paced read, there were a few twists and turns and the characters were easy to like and well written, especially Max, I just wanted to give him a big ole hug and tell him his mum would be ok and he was doing the right thing. I will definitely be reading book 2!



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Profile Image for Jeanette Book-Reviews.
577 reviews10 followers
January 5, 2016
*ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review*

This is my 2nd book I've read by this author, I was so excited for this one.

I absolutely loved the prologue, as you can see & feel where Jasmine was running away from.

I loved reading about certain places - come on since when I've read about places that is so close to my hometown? The descriptions of the surrounding just makes me smile!...

Ok back to the story - Max... OMG I adore him.. the way he takes care of his mother after she's had her stroke, no matter how much it pained him but he just couldn't care for her 24/7. He makes a daily visit to her important that it becomes part of his routine... clearly he didn't have the time for relationships. But Jasmine makes him feel ALL kind of things!!
Jasmine known as Jazz to her friends.. she's one strong woman thinking of her son, he's her priority first and foremost...
The humour throughout this story had me laughing, which I absolutely loved Dex... His mouth just makes me laugh, the things just flows out of his mouth... Mmmm say no more lol

So looking forward to read the next one, Honestly if you have read this Author's first book 'Figure 8' which by the way I absolutely LOVED.. you wont be disappointment with this one.

Go on... what are you waiting for... one click this amazing story about 2 people not wanting to start something new but Fate has something in mind for this couple....
Profile Image for Emma Johnston.
935 reviews29 followers
January 21, 2016
*ARC received in exchange for a fair and honest review*

This is the first book I've read by this author and wow it was so good!

Jazz leaves London after witnessing something she shouldn't and returns to her childhood home where she meets Mr Hotty aka Max. At first its a forbidden love but soon they are head over heels.

I was hooked on this book from the first page. It was fast paced and mysterious. I loved Max and little Austen but my heart lies with Dex! This book had me laughing AND crying! Think I should have a sharehold in Kleenex!

Fabulous book and I cannot wait for book 2 to see whats in store for Jazz and Max!

Reviewed on behalf of Ever Growing Book Obsession blog
Profile Image for Tracy Parker.
490 reviews31 followers
December 9, 2017
Grief

Good read. Best parts were the words dealing with grief and also Max interaction with his mom. Good cry for me during those parts.
1,277 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2024
Dnf
After skipping so many pages in the first two chapters I gave up.
Just didn’t feel it and couldn’t get into it.
844 reviews7 followers
January 29, 2016
What can I say- this is the second novel from Elle Mckenzie and I loved it !!! Certainly a page turner, that is addictive from the moment you pick it up. Well written, full of angst to keep you on the edge of your seat and Elle is English like me, so some of the English mannerisms she incorporated into this book made me smile.
jasmine has witnessed something terrible, she hopes she wasn't seen, but just to be sure she leaves London behind, with son in tow to move back up to the north of England to Chester, and to the safety net of her parents. She is running scared and so very frightened that the person she saw commit this terrible act might come after her. She fears for her life but is more concerned about the safety of her son and those around her. She runs into an old friend from school who gets her some much needed work at a club called Lust.
Max works at Lust and has done for a few years now, as soon as he see's Jasmine he is attracted to her and she feels the same way. At first he comes across as an arrogant S.O.B. but you soon see the "real" Max appear and he is vunerable, kind, sexy attractive and concerned for Jasmine and she likes that about him, he makes her feel safe. Dexter is Max's best friend since they were kids and he is security at the club and also takes a shine to Jasmine too. Will this cause major problems for the two men who have been close friends since childhood ? Will Jasmine want to get involved with either considering what she is running from ? Max and Jasmine both have secrets to hide and only time will tell if these secrets will destroy what these three people hold dear between themselves and their families.
I can't recommend this book enough, and for a second novel, the story and the writing is excellent. I look forward to more of Jasmine and Max's story, and although this book does not end on a cliffhanger, Elle makes it clear at the end of this book that we can expect more from these two characters and that's fine with me !! Well done Elle Mckenzie.
Profile Image for Dawn.
158 reviews
January 6, 2016
Jasmine was running scared, after being witness to something horrifying she packed up herself and her son making her way to her parents home many miles from her own, all she knew was she had to get away,start her life over.Meeting up with an old friend provided Jasmine with a much needed job at LUST a gentlemens club.Max and Dex are best friends and work at Lust both have noticed Jasmine but its Dex who shows her hes interested,Max doesn’t want or need the complication of a relationship in his life he struggles with his mother whos in a home after suffering from a stroke but something about Jasmine calls to him he cant seem to stay away from her.She too is drawn to Max and as much as she likes Dex she isn’t interested in him that way.As Max can no longer fight the desire building for Jasmine will he give into the way he feels?Will Jasmine ever be free of the past and take a chance on setting down roots and falling in love? Does the past stay in the past or will it rear its ugly head to threaten everything Jasmine has built up for herself and her son?
I love this book the characters are easy to relate to and easy to love!Max stole my heart but Dex too is an amazing character.Jasmine is easy to like and you cant help feel for the predicament shes in.Elles writing style makes you feel youre in the story with the characters,the story is sexy,passionate and fast paced that keeps your attention from start to finish.Elle is one of my favourite authors and I cant wait for book 2!!!
Profile Image for reading the sheets.
267 reviews8 followers
January 6, 2016
Jasmine was running scared, after being witness to something horrifying she packed up herself and her son making her way to her parents home many miles from her own, all she knew was she had to get away,start her life over.Meeting up with an old friend provided Jasmine with a much needed job at LUST a gentlemens club.Max and Dex are best friends and work at Lust both have noticed Jasmine but its Dex who shows her hes interested,Max doesn’t want or need the complication of a relationship in his life he struggles with his mother whos in a home after suffering from a stroke but something about Jasmine calls to him he cant seem to stay away from her.She too is drawn to Max and as much as she likes Dex she isn’t interested in him that way.As Max can no longer fight the desire building for Jasmine will he give into the way he feels?Will Jasmine ever be free of the past and take a chance on setting down roots and falling in love? Does the past stay in the past or will it rear its ugly head to threaten everything Jasmine has built up for herself and her son?
I love this book the characters are easy to relate to and easy to love!Max stole my heart but Dex too is an amazing character.Jasmine is easy to like and you cant help feel for the predicament shes in.Elles writing style makes you feel youre in the story with the characters,the story is sexy,passionate and fast paced that keeps your attention from start to finish.Elle is one of my favourite authors and I cant wait for book 2!!!
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
December 17, 2015
Wow - I loved this story. This is Elle's second book and although I enjoyed her first one, this one is a great story.

Jasmine, is running away. Scared after witnessing a crime, she flees to her home town and her parents, with her young son. She gets bar work in a strip club, and the chance to learn to be a pole dancer. Max works at the club as a bouncer/manager, he has a full life, a strict rule not to become involved with the girls and anyway he is not interested in love. Until he sees Jasmine that is. The attraction is undeniable but he resists for as long as he can. Do they get together, is there a happy ending? I'm not saying! You will have to read it for yourself.

The story is gripping, exciting and fast moving. I laughed and cried, but most of all I enjoyed Lust and fell in love with Max. The characters are very honest and real; no super glamorous billionaires here; just real people with real problems and real emotions. I loved it!

This is a definite must read and I am really looking forward to reading book #2 in the Stripped Bare series.
Profile Image for Cally.
583 reviews8 followers
July 7, 2016
This book will have you hooked from page one and you will find yourself turning the pages as quickly as you want to know whats going to happen next thing you know its 4.30 am and you have read the whole book......

We meet Jasmine who something that she shouldn't of and the thing she saw was enough to scare. She decides to make sure that she isn't found so she leaves London behind and heads to her parents house with her son in tow which is miles away from London.

When Jasmine arrives in Chester she bumps into a old school friend she works at a gentleman's club called Lust. Jasmine gets a job working at Lust its not long before she attracts the attention of of security guards Dexter and and Max.

Dexter and Max have been the best of mates since childhood. As soon as Jasmine meets Max there is a instant chemistry but with both Jasmine and Max keeping secrets.

Will they be able to make a go of things? What happens when Dexter finds out about them? And will Jasmine's past catch up with her??

A great read and i personally cant wait for book 2
Profile Image for Darlene Avery.
1,018 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2016
Lust: The Stripped Bare Series
Book 1 by Elle McKenzie

Lust is a heart bounding story from the very beginning that will capture your heart and imagination and not let go.

Lust focuses on Jasmine/ Jazz; a young woman who is caught up in the middle of something she never expected and has to do what she can to protect herself & her family.

Jazz moves back to her hometown seeking peace and safety, but never expects to run into the irresistible Max. The one man she can't deny her attraction for.

Both Jazz and Max will face tremendous obstacles and you will be left wondering if their love will be enough to see them though.

McKenzie has done a great job of creating an interesting storyline that will keep you captivated, while still holding you emotionally attached to the characters.

*** this book is part of a series and does end in a cliffhanger

3.75 Action packed & heart bounding stars
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
January 25, 2016
I sometimes when I pick out a book read it's just random. This one I picked out to read because I liked the author's name. I had no exceptions. I really enjoyed Lust. It has a lot of different things going on in it.

Jasmine has seen something she shouldn't have. She packs up herself and her sons and moves back home. She gets a job at a gentlemen's club called Lust. There she meets best friends, Dex and Max. Both like Jasmine but there really isn't a love triangle going on. Jasmine knows right off the bat which one she likes. Max has been struggling with his life after his mother had a stroke. He's not really looking for love and doesn't date anyone at work. Attraction maybe to hard for them to resist. Jasmine's past that she fled from also comes back to catch up with her. The ending is crazy and made me a little teary eyed. I can't wait to read more.

A copy was received for a review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
143 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2016
This is the first time i have read a book by Elle and i can't wait for book 2 in the stripped bare series.

Lust is a fast paced story full of highs, lows, love & heartbreak a great story line that you can't help but be engrossed in.

I really liked this book, loved the instant connection of Max & Jasmine and loved reading how their story unfolded and can't wait for more from their story.

Apart from Max & Jasmine the character i feel in love with the most was Dex i just loved his charm & humor and my favorite quote from the book that had me laughing out loud came from Dex

"Man, I've had more pussy than Hugh Hefner. Maybe not the same class of pussy, but hey pussy is pussy, right?

Gorgeous book cover, great storyline & very likeable characters.

**Arc provided to Little Miss Reader for honest review**
5 reviews
January 6, 2016
I like to think that Ms McKenzie listened to my last review. When i reviewed Figure 8 I was slightly disappointed by the lack of professionalism within the book. It was clear that it wasn't as polished as it should have been. Now, let me just say, I still adored the storyline of that book and enjoyed Elle's writing style.

Onto Lust. What a transformation. Lust is a polished, edited, and professional manuscript, but that isn't all. It is a wonderful story, full of twists and turns and drama. The sex is so much better and smoking HOT! I loved the feel of the characters, they were raw and real and they had real emotions and situations.

Overall, a fantastic read and I can not wait for book 2 in the series.
Profile Image for Vickie.
1,652 reviews63 followers
January 9, 2016
This is the first book i've read by this author so I wasn't quite sure what to expect.
Jasmine sees something she shouldn't have seen, freaks out and moves back to her home town. Trying to get her life in order, she starts a new job and meets Max. Max is a sweetheart, looking after his ill mum he's put his life on hold and i loved his character. With sparks flying between Max and Jasmine, he tries his hardest to stay away. Jasmine is just starting to get on her feet, is it worth mixing business with pleasure, especially when she's not been completely truthful to Max? The romance between the characters is realistic, there's some twists and i really enjoyed it. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Michele Mckenzie.
87 reviews26 followers
December 21, 2015
Where do so start with Lust hmmmmm.

If you've read Figure 8 by Elle McKenzie then you'll have met the sexy Psychiatrist Damon. In Lust we meet the hulking Max and his best friend Dex.

When Jasmine starts working at Lust it's Max she lusts after and he does her but so does Dex. Max and Dex being best friends for years always try and avoid going after the same girl if they know the other also wants her, especially if one saw her before the other, do they manage it?

Can Jasmine stay safe and does the right man get the girl?

Another brilliant read from a great Author. Make sure Lust is on your TBR list today





Profile Image for  ✰  Charlie  ✰ Chisholm.
1,984 reviews22 followers
January 4, 2016
Lust. What can I say Wow I loved this Book. This is the second Book I have read by Elle and it will not be the last. This book was such a great story line.

Jasmine, runs away from her home in London after she witnesses a Murder, she leaves with son back home to where her parents live, Hoping she has left the danger back in London, she ends up working at a strip club were she meets Max and they have an instant connection. Does her past caught up with her well you have to read to find out.

I loved Jasmine and Max and I love the secondary characters Dex, Max best friend.....


I really can't wait for book 2
8 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2016
Having read Elle's debut, Figure 8, I was really looking forward to reading Lust and I wasn't disappointed!!!

Lust follows the story of Jazz as she runs from witnessing a scene she shouldn't have and returning to her home town. Having to start all over again we follow the journey of Jazz and her old school friend Piper, also being introduced to Max, Dexter and fellow Lust workers along the way.

I enjoyed the way the story flows and the way we get to see not only inside Jazz's head but that of Max too and the very real struggles he is also battling......very much looking forward to book two to see where the story goes next xXx
Profile Image for Danielle Swainston.
164 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2016
This book has it all from danger to humour and saucy scenes in between its certainly a page turner.

Having witnessed something she shouldnt Jasmine packs up her life and moves her and her son from London to Chesire, where she meets Max.

I loved both Max and Jasmine throughout this book. Jasmine seems sweet, caring and is just trying to protect those she loves. Max, boy do i love Max the perfect blend of alpha male mixed with kindness and a caring side will have you swooning! Both have pasts, both have secrets, neither one of them wanted to fall in love......cleary fate has other ideas!

I cant wait to read what comes next in this series and from Elle!

Profile Image for Erika Ʊ nicholson.
10 reviews
February 5, 2016
After reading figure 8 I was looking forward to reading this second book of Elle's. I know the work she's put in and this certainly paid off. The story had me gripped from the beginning when Jazz witnesses something she shouldn't. I felt that the description of Jazz was spot on but would like to build a better picture of how Max looked. I imagined a black guy? From the cover this wasn't the case. The ending certainly picked the story back up and left the reader keen to know more. looking forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Domini.
479 reviews
February 3, 2016
This is only the second book written but Elle & it's a great read, totally different to her first book & I like that. Jazz witnessed something horrible & is basically on the run, she goes home & tries to forget & move on but can she really move on without any consequences?? Max is alpha cool, he's dealing with his Mums illness & still trying to live his life too. He & Jazz have instant chemistry & they are super hot together. I won't go into the plot or anything specific so you can experience it for yourself. Go on one click now, you'll love it!
2,337 reviews94 followers
March 12, 2016
I was given an ARC to write an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I was impressed.
This author knows how to build up a story and the characters involved. Max and Jazz are the two main characters and are explosive together. However Dex plays an important part as a secondary character, especially in our hearts.
The use of repetition through the eyes of different characters was good however at times I felt it was overused or restated a bit too much.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Terra Oenning.
3,630 reviews
March 17, 2016
When Jasmine sees a horrible crime she takes her son and heads to the her family to try to start over again but only to find that her worse fear will come true. She takes a job at a Gentleman's club where she meets Dex and Max. Her feelings for Dex are purely friendship but with max she can't fight the feelings she has for him. When her worse fear comes true Dex and Max try to protect her but at what price will it cost them.
This is my first time reading this author and I am so ready for the next book.
I was gifted this book for my honest review
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,536 reviews33 followers
August 30, 2016
I was given this book for an honest review.
Jasmine flees London after witnessing a murder. She takes her child to her parents and tries to start her life afresh. Her new job introduces her to Max with whom she finds an instant attraction.
I have to say that the constant repeat of the chapters in the other pov started to drive me insane. Just as the story was moving along it was like taking steps backward retelling it causing me to skim. I felt the final chapter was a little choppy, but other than that good story line and interesting characters.
321 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2016
Wow! First you have Jazz who is running away from something horrible. She starts a new chapter in her life to keep her son safe. What parent would not do the same?

Jazz now is living with her parents and starts a new job with the help of her friend. This couldn't be the worst time at all for one or two to want to be with her. They are Dexter and Max. Both best friends, but she only wants one.

In this story you see the friendship, new love, fight for life, and pain. Now I can't wait to read book 2.
Profile Image for Colette.
615 reviews7 followers
March 29, 2016
Even thought I was given an ARC of this book, I did buy it off Kindle Unlimited. I loved the opening note from the author telling us she's British and writes in British English...from that moment on, I knew I would really enjoy this book. What's starts off as a dangerous situation for Jasmine, seeing something she shouldn't becomes a love story with Max. He is a man of character and does what needs to be done to protect those he loves. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of suspense and love. I look forward to reading of Jasmine's and Max's future.
Profile Image for Tabitha Wilson.
Author 3 books5 followers
July 1, 2016
Something new for me.

This is deep. This is raw. This is not your typical romance story and I love it! Jasmine sees something horrible and runs to keep those she loves safe. But little does she know that trouble follows her. She starts a new life, dating, working, getting a new house, all on familiar ground but her happiness doesn't last very long. Her relationship with Max is put to the ultimate test when the trouble catches up to her. I can't wait to read how they handle it!!
Profile Image for Lawonda.
141 reviews
Read
January 23, 2016
This book definitely deserves 5 stars! Absolutely loved it! Lust was a do not put down book. I was scared for Jasmine, trying to figure out who she will end up with and the ending! Jasmine was running away after witnessing a crime. She moved her son and herself back home to be with her parents. Then she found Max who took care of his mum. Will he be able to take care of Jasmine and keep his friendship with Dex? I cannot wait to read more from Elle McKenzie!
Profile Image for Lisa.
5 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2016
Lust is the first book by Elle McKenzie that I've read and I really enjoyed it. Great main and secondary characters, lots of hot and sexy( who doesn't love that) and the drama and suspense. The ending...I never saw that coming. Very angsty and emotional. My favorite thing was the British dialog and slang. I live in the states and I loved it...a lot. Looking forward to the next book in this series!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews