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Shameless #2
Surviving You
"Thou shalt take the boy out of Manchester, but you cannot take Manchester out of the boy."
Lee –
I’m a killer, a hardened criminal born into the underbelly of an unlawful world that my father crafted, and I am to be crowned the next King. I used to covet the dark; it has forever been my friend and forgives me my sins. A slither of light has dared me to hope, it has my house of cards tumbling all around me. From the moment I saw her I knew she would be my downfall, for how can something that shines so bright not burn? Yet, she is my salvation and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen….
Rose –
I cringe at my own shadow; dark corners of my mind forever torment me. I have yet to escape from my demons; they beseech me with every turn of my head. Yet lurking is a promise, a promise of things to come. It has my heart in a vice; squeezing the last dregs of a love I never thought I could feel again. From the moment I saw him I knew he would be my downfall, for how can something that smoulders so dark not singe? Yet, he is my redemption and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen….
“Thou shalt always protect the family.”
Loyalty doesn’t come much richer than family so when Lee Young decides to hang up his gun and head north he sets in motion a chain of events that cause murder and mayhem with every step closer he takes to walking.
When two worlds collide, it forces Rose to meet her demons head on and has Lee frantically trying to keep both Rose and her daughter safe. The road they travel together will be their greatest challenge and their most dangerous yet.
With so much to lose but everything to gain, Lee and Rose become embroiled in a game of cat and mouse as they try to confront the threats surrounding them. Running to keep one step ahead of everyone else, can these lovers climb out of the dark that they find themselves in and bathe in the light their love promises before the fire burns to embers and their world is snuffed to smoke?
Can be read as a standalone.
Lee –
I’m a killer, a hardened criminal born into the underbelly of an unlawful world that my father crafted, and I am to be crowned the next King. I used to covet the dark; it has forever been my friend and forgives me my sins. A slither of light has dared me to hope, it has my house of cards tumbling all around me. From the moment I saw her I knew she would be my downfall, for how can something that shines so bright not burn? Yet, she is my salvation and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen….
Rose –
I cringe at my own shadow; dark corners of my mind forever torment me. I have yet to escape from my demons; they beseech me with every turn of my head. Yet lurking is a promise, a promise of things to come. It has my heart in a vice; squeezing the last dregs of a love I never thought I could feel again. From the moment I saw him I knew he would be my downfall, for how can something that smoulders so dark not singe? Yet, he is my redemption and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen….
“Thou shalt always protect the family.”
Loyalty doesn’t come much richer than family so when Lee Young decides to hang up his gun and head north he sets in motion a chain of events that cause murder and mayhem with every step closer he takes to walking.
When two worlds collide, it forces Rose to meet her demons head on and has Lee frantically trying to keep both Rose and her daughter safe. The road they travel together will be their greatest challenge and their most dangerous yet.
With so much to lose but everything to gain, Lee and Rose become embroiled in a game of cat and mouse as they try to confront the threats surrounding them. Running to keep one step ahead of everyone else, can these lovers climb out of the dark that they find themselves in and bathe in the light their love promises before the fire burns to embers and their world is snuffed to smoke?
Can be read as a standalone.
- GenresRomance
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2015
4 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Dawn A. Keane
5 books120 followersI 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
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http://authordawnakeane.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 10, 2016
4.5 Stars.
Surviving you is book two in Dawn A Keane's Shameless series but can be read as a standalone. Originally we meet Lee and Rose in book one but they're supporting characters without too much background. This book is all about them. The book is set in Manchester not too far from where I live, I like that the places she talks about are real and the language and dialect used is true to the city. With this book Dawn delves into the gritty underbelly of what goes on in the city and although this is a work of fiction it feels like it could be real. I like that Dawn writes about things she knows and twists it to add the drama that keeps you engaged.
Lee is a gangster, he was born and raised into the life he's always been a part of Manchester's underbelly, Lee's father is the current King of he's on track to become the next King. Lee wants out but he's more than aware that the only way that is likely to happen is death.
Rose is the survivor of domestic abuse that has her scared of her own shadow, she's constantly in fear of her ex, that he'll come back for Rose and her daughter. From the moment Lee and Rose meet there's chemistry, they have ups and downs like all couples but their downs seem worse for some reason. The relationship between Lee and Rose is a roller coaster but throughout you're rooting for them to overcome the obstacles and live that "happily ever after".
Surviving you is not an easy story it's not light and fully, it's full of angst and stressful situations, so if you're wanting an easy read this book is not for you. If you're wanting something that makes your heart ache and give you mental whiplash then this is the perfect book for you. Well done Dawn on a brilliant read. 4.5 Stars
Surviving you is book two in Dawn A Keane's Shameless series but can be read as a standalone. Originally we meet Lee and Rose in book one but they're supporting characters without too much background. This book is all about them. The book is set in Manchester not too far from where I live, I like that the places she talks about are real and the language and dialect used is true to the city. With this book Dawn delves into the gritty underbelly of what goes on in the city and although this is a work of fiction it feels like it could be real. I like that Dawn writes about things she knows and twists it to add the drama that keeps you engaged.
Lee is a gangster, he was born and raised into the life he's always been a part of Manchester's underbelly, Lee's father is the current King of he's on track to become the next King. Lee wants out but he's more than aware that the only way that is likely to happen is death.
Rose is the survivor of domestic abuse that has her scared of her own shadow, she's constantly in fear of her ex, that he'll come back for Rose and her daughter. From the moment Lee and Rose meet there's chemistry, they have ups and downs like all couples but their downs seem worse for some reason. The relationship between Lee and Rose is a roller coaster but throughout you're rooting for them to overcome the obstacles and live that "happily ever after".
Surviving you is not an easy story it's not light and fully, it's full of angst and stressful situations, so if you're wanting an easy read this book is not for you. If you're wanting something that makes your heart ache and give you mental whiplash then this is the perfect book for you. Well done Dawn on a brilliant read. 4.5 Stars
December 29, 2015
5 Stars
This book is the 2nd in the Shameless Series and needs to be read in order.
This book reminds me of the childhood story the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. Why this story comes to mind when reading this passionate book is just this. The wolf thought he had control with his blowing of each of the pig’s home down. What the wolf didn’t seem to get in the story is just that when you destroy one pigs home he in turn runs to another and so on till the last house is left standing not because of the way the pig built his home but because of the will power that he had. The heart that he put into building his home knowing that the others may have been destroyed but also that there is strength in numbers.
Taking the above into account the depth of these friends that have lost so much and gained friendships of bonding through tough times and losses that leaps bounds this book will pull at your heartstrings and not let go till the final word is read. This book is not for the weak at heart. It has the darkness of the wolf but the heart of the pigs that leap bounds by any comprehension of the mind and heart. There will surely be loss of some but the strength of heart of others. The wildness and coldness of hearts will be the underlining soul of this most awesome book.
To the author: When reading this book the review above literally wrote itself in my mind. Keep in mind that not giving anything away is totally what this reviewer praises on for your readers. This book will pull at the reader’s heartstrings there is no doubt but also read the understanding that with heart comes strength that knowing that whatever obstacle arises that with the strongness of heart anything is possible. Believing in ones truest of heart gives us the capability and the strength to move forward in our lives without reservation but knowing the will to put one foot in front of the other is captivating and scary at the same time. With true heart comes true power.
Happy Reading
This book is the 2nd in the Shameless Series and needs to be read in order.
This book reminds me of the childhood story the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. Why this story comes to mind when reading this passionate book is just this. The wolf thought he had control with his blowing of each of the pig’s home down. What the wolf didn’t seem to get in the story is just that when you destroy one pigs home he in turn runs to another and so on till the last house is left standing not because of the way the pig built his home but because of the will power that he had. The heart that he put into building his home knowing that the others may have been destroyed but also that there is strength in numbers.
Taking the above into account the depth of these friends that have lost so much and gained friendships of bonding through tough times and losses that leaps bounds this book will pull at your heartstrings and not let go till the final word is read. This book is not for the weak at heart. It has the darkness of the wolf but the heart of the pigs that leap bounds by any comprehension of the mind and heart. There will surely be loss of some but the strength of heart of others. The wildness and coldness of hearts will be the underlining soul of this most awesome book.
To the author: When reading this book the review above literally wrote itself in my mind. Keep in mind that not giving anything away is totally what this reviewer praises on for your readers. This book will pull at the reader’s heartstrings there is no doubt but also read the understanding that with heart comes strength that knowing that whatever obstacle arises that with the strongness of heart anything is possible. Believing in ones truest of heart gives us the capability and the strength to move forward in our lives without reservation but knowing the will to put one foot in front of the other is captivating and scary at the same time. With true heart comes true power.
Happy Reading
March 17, 2016
Surviving You
Dawn Keene
4.5 stars
Surviving Him is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone. However I found myself wanting to know about the characters in the first release that appeared as secondary characters in this release. Surviving Him is the first release that centers around Dana and Logan. You meet Lee and Rose in the first book from what I understand. Again I haven’t read it so Im not sure how deep you get into their characters in the first release.
I will tell you this book deals with domestic violence so if this is a trigger for you please do not click. However this is a subject that needs to be brought to light and victims are not made to feel ashamed but should feel empowered as survivors.
Rose is a survivor. She is wounded deeply but she made it. Running though is the name of the game. She is afraid … living in fear that her ex will find her and drag her back into the nightmare she fled. Rose has to survive for her daughter. Protecting her is her life. Her heart is stone and the iron clad walls she has trapping her soul is the only way to stay safe and to make sure nothing ever happens to either of them again. However the man she just collided with has a different agenda. Rose cant let him or anyone else into her life. Putting someone else in danger is not wise no matter who he is.
Lee is a bad boy. His father is the head of the Manchester Underground. Being raised around crime and knowing all the ins and outs Lee has created a name for himself whether he wanted to or not. He is a frightful man according to others but maybe that label isn’t the one he deserves. If Lee’s father has his way it will be true but Lee isn’t certain he wants to continue following in his father’s footsteps. Maybe there is more out there for him and maybe he just found her.
The writing around the suffering Rose goes through is a tremendous heartbreak. The reality depicted on the pages of this story will make you cringe. You will quickly realize that your life is not so bad. There is an extreme amount of poignant resistance in Rose realizing that she deserves any sort of happiness. Not only does Rose have a very cruel journey ahead of her but Lee does as well. Knowing the only way out of the family business is leaving this world, he must find a way to stay alive. Lee is convinced his path is to protect Rose and her daughter.
What a great read. I hope to go back and snatch of the first book in order to get ahead of the game for the next book. I cant really explain the ending and I don’t do spoilers. Its not your ordinary end to a fantastic book so be prepared.
This is a keeper. Thank you Dawn for the ARC! I applaud you taking on such a brutal subject matter. I look forward to the next great work from you.
Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Dawn Keene
4.5 stars
Surviving Him is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone. However I found myself wanting to know about the characters in the first release that appeared as secondary characters in this release. Surviving Him is the first release that centers around Dana and Logan. You meet Lee and Rose in the first book from what I understand. Again I haven’t read it so Im not sure how deep you get into their characters in the first release.
I will tell you this book deals with domestic violence so if this is a trigger for you please do not click. However this is a subject that needs to be brought to light and victims are not made to feel ashamed but should feel empowered as survivors.
Rose is a survivor. She is wounded deeply but she made it. Running though is the name of the game. She is afraid … living in fear that her ex will find her and drag her back into the nightmare she fled. Rose has to survive for her daughter. Protecting her is her life. Her heart is stone and the iron clad walls she has trapping her soul is the only way to stay safe and to make sure nothing ever happens to either of them again. However the man she just collided with has a different agenda. Rose cant let him or anyone else into her life. Putting someone else in danger is not wise no matter who he is.
Lee is a bad boy. His father is the head of the Manchester Underground. Being raised around crime and knowing all the ins and outs Lee has created a name for himself whether he wanted to or not. He is a frightful man according to others but maybe that label isn’t the one he deserves. If Lee’s father has his way it will be true but Lee isn’t certain he wants to continue following in his father’s footsteps. Maybe there is more out there for him and maybe he just found her.
The writing around the suffering Rose goes through is a tremendous heartbreak. The reality depicted on the pages of this story will make you cringe. You will quickly realize that your life is not so bad. There is an extreme amount of poignant resistance in Rose realizing that she deserves any sort of happiness. Not only does Rose have a very cruel journey ahead of her but Lee does as well. Knowing the only way out of the family business is leaving this world, he must find a way to stay alive. Lee is convinced his path is to protect Rose and her daughter.
What a great read. I hope to go back and snatch of the first book in order to get ahead of the game for the next book. I cant really explain the ending and I don’t do spoilers. Its not your ordinary end to a fantastic book so be prepared.
This is a keeper. Thank you Dawn for the ARC! I applaud you taking on such a brutal subject matter. I look forward to the next great work from you.
Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
February 6, 2016
I can't think straight
I thought that Surviving Him did a number on me, but I was wrong. Very, very wrong. I knew that this book would be sorta dark, like the first one. Dana and Logan's story was told beautifully from start to finish. It was a difficult story to take. Domestic abuse is out there. It's real and its victims who become survivors are the bravest of souls.
Surviving You, revolved around Lee and Rose. Lee is someone one who you wouldn't dare think of getting on his wrong side. He's friends with Dana and has been a major force in making right her life, along with the lives of her domestically abused friends, whom they share a common bond. Somewhere along the way, Lee found the love of his life, the light to his dark, in beautiful sweet Rose. But that's all I can say. I didn't realize how much this story sucked the air out of my lungs, ripped me open, and completely gutted me. Be prepared. This series is a must read. Dawn Keane is brilliant but she needs to write the next book ... Sigh
January 27, 2016
Amazing!!!!
This is the second book in this series, and I loved it.
Brutally honest about an awful subject matter.
Rose and Lee... I loved these two together. They just worked.
Rose fought her attraction to Lee, fearing getting close to any man after her Brutal ex partner, whom she is still hiding from.
But Lee's not a man to let that put him off, if anything it makes him want to protect her, anyway he can.
Their story is difficult to say the least, Lee has a lot of his own battles going on too.
He wants to change his life for the woman he's falling for.
Will she be able to trust him, to be the man she needs?
It was a book I couldn't put down, nor did I want to.
I needed to know how these two would get together, it was beautifully done. I have to admit to shedding a few tears, but I can see what the author was trying to do.
Life isn't always pretty, it's ugly, cruel and tragic at times.
Domestic violence is all to common, where victims suffer in silence never seeing a way out of their own Hell.
A really good book, I'll definitely be reading the next one.Jimi
This is the second book in this series, and I loved it.
Brutally honest about an awful subject matter.
Rose and Lee... I loved these two together. They just worked.
Rose fought her attraction to Lee, fearing getting close to any man after her Brutal ex partner, whom she is still hiding from.
But Lee's not a man to let that put him off, if anything it makes him want to protect her, anyway he can.
Their story is difficult to say the least, Lee has a lot of his own battles going on too.
He wants to change his life for the woman he's falling for.
Will she be able to trust him, to be the man she needs?
It was a book I couldn't put down, nor did I want to.
I needed to know how these two would get together, it was beautifully done. I have to admit to shedding a few tears, but I can see what the author was trying to do.
Life isn't always pretty, it's ugly, cruel and tragic at times.
Domestic violence is all to common, where victims suffer in silence never seeing a way out of their own Hell.
A really good book, I'll definitely be reading the next one.Jimi
December 5, 2015
ARC Kindle Copy for Review
This is about two people running to stay ahead of threats surrounding them but somehow fell in love but will they their get their happy ever after.
Rose was a victim of domestic abuse but she managed to make a new life for herself and daughter. She still finds herself looking over her shoulder and never feeling totally safe.
Lee is a killer growing up with a criminal father. He wants to leave the world but he knows he can never be totally free unless he is dead.
When he meets Rose he knew she would be his downfall shining so bright that he could not help but be burned. As each faces their demons as they become closer.
Will they be able to survive their fears and be able to have a future or will their demons win out? A look at domestic violence as it can sometimes play out.
This is about two people running to stay ahead of threats surrounding them but somehow fell in love but will they their get their happy ever after.
Rose was a victim of domestic abuse but she managed to make a new life for herself and daughter. She still finds herself looking over her shoulder and never feeling totally safe.
Lee is a killer growing up with a criminal father. He wants to leave the world but he knows he can never be totally free unless he is dead.
When he meets Rose he knew she would be his downfall shining so bright that he could not help but be burned. As each faces their demons as they become closer.
Will they be able to survive their fears and be able to have a future or will their demons win out? A look at domestic violence as it can sometimes play out.
July 17, 2019
This was the second book in the Shameless series. This book focuses on Lee and Lilah characters who were introduced in the first book. Lilah is a victim of domestic abuse. She ran away from her ex with her daughter Annie. Lee is the son of a crime lord. He has been groomed to take the reins of the business by his father. Murder and mayhem are nothing new to Lee. He fell for Lilah at first sight and wants to protect her and little Annie. I really enjoyed this book and I connected with the characters and really liked them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2015
Surviving You is a rollercoaster ride from the very beginning with twists and turns that you don't see coming and will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I loved bad boy Lee who wanted Rose so very much. I adored Rose who wanted a better life for her and her child. Both had no idea what was in store for them. I want to say that I loved their story and I did, but I felt like I got punched in the gut at the very end which really is a testament to the writer that her story made me feel such strong feelings.
I give Surviving You 4 hearts!
I give Surviving You 4 hearts!
May 28, 2016
Great story!! I really fell in love with the characters and their hearts. This is definitely a must read.
April 12, 2016
** Copy kindly provided by the author for an honest review. **
4.5 stars!
I'm speechless right now, it was a rollercoaster of emotions! This story took my breath away.
I need a drink or maybe two!
Next book, please?
Review to come!
When I met Lee and Rose in the first book of the series, I knew that their lives are gonna be entwined for the best, but mostly for the worse and the ugly.
Rose is running away with her daughter from her abusive husband. After years under his influence she got away, leaving a psycho husband who would try anything to find her again and to abdicate her. Tired to watch every step and looking up on her shoulder, she was fighting for her daughter, to protect her thanks to her new family.
Lee is trying to get away from his life, chosen by his family. When Rose seemed to be lightness despite her tragic past, Lee was totally the darkness. All is Life being surrounded, living and breathing violence, his encounter with Rose changed everything. He fell hard for her but knew that his lifestyle made Rose doubtful.
He was a very dark character, embracing, craving violence for the weakness and for his family. But how could Rose would fit in this life?
The only solution : to retire from all of this. Something which was more easy to say than done.
Throughout the story, this huge tension, closing on them like a vice, drowned in this incessant fear and violence. The author knew how to increase the intensity of anxiety; through the eyes of an abused woman who tried to move on, living in the constant fear of this shadow of her past. The situations were kinda bearable at times, humiliating behaviors leading to take all of soul, the feeling of worthless and defenseless in every way.
Despite all the darkness in both of their lives, Lee and Rose are meant to be, even with her reluctance, they can’t stay away; the pull is too intense, the craving and the need to be together were too strong. Lee was the one being patient and protecting Rose, her daughter and friends without limits, even if he had to kill someone.
These privileged moments was their escape from all the ugliness and despair, when them were both synchronize, heart and soul.
This was such a rollercoaster of emotions, I was on alert at every hardships, sub plots. A racing and captivating romance with a heartbreaking ending. I’m not gonna further about the storyline because I was so taken aback by the turning events. Lee and Rose’s story took my breath away, the author knew how to turn something bad and dark into something beautiful, with a disconcerting reality. I’m still processing what happened in Lee and Rose’s story, completely stunned and speechless …
4.5 stars!
I'm speechless right now, it was a rollercoaster of emotions! This story took my breath away.
I need a drink or maybe two!
Next book, please?
Review to come!
Surviving You is the kind of book that emanating such tension from the storyline and characters. Once you get on board, you don’t know where you’re gonna be lead. I couldn’t put it down, reading about these tortured but also twisted characters.
It was dark, violent at times and rough with a hint of erotic moments. This book deals with some strong situations, involving abused behaviors, physically and mentally.
When I met Lee and Rose in the first book of the series, I knew that their lives are gonna be entwined for the best, but mostly for the worse and the ugly.
Rose is running away with her daughter from her abusive husband. After years under his influence she got away, leaving a psycho husband who would try anything to find her again and to abdicate her. Tired to watch every step and looking up on her shoulder, she was fighting for her daughter, to protect her thanks to her new family.
Lee is trying to get away from his life, chosen by his family. When Rose seemed to be lightness despite her tragic past, Lee was totally the darkness. All is Life being surrounded, living and breathing violence, his encounter with Rose changed everything. He fell hard for her but knew that his lifestyle made Rose doubtful.
He was a very dark character, embracing, craving violence for the weakness and for his family. But how could Rose would fit in this life?
The only solution : to retire from all of this. Something which was more easy to say than done.
Throughout the story, this huge tension, closing on them like a vice, drowned in this incessant fear and violence. The author knew how to increase the intensity of anxiety; through the eyes of an abused woman who tried to move on, living in the constant fear of this shadow of her past. The situations were kinda bearable at times, humiliating behaviors leading to take all of soul, the feeling of worthless and defenseless in every way.
Despite all the darkness in both of their lives, Lee and Rose are meant to be, even with her reluctance, they can’t stay away; the pull is too intense, the craving and the need to be together were too strong. Lee was the one being patient and protecting Rose, her daughter and friends without limits, even if he had to kill someone.
These privileged moments was their escape from all the ugliness and despair, when them were both synchronize, heart and soul.
This was such a rollercoaster of emotions, I was on alert at every hardships, sub plots. A racing and captivating romance with a heartbreaking ending. I’m not gonna further about the storyline because I was so taken aback by the turning events. Lee and Rose’s story took my breath away, the author knew how to turn something bad and dark into something beautiful, with a disconcerting reality. I’m still processing what happened in Lee and Rose’s story, completely stunned and speechless …
April 15, 2016
**Josie's Review 4.5 STARS**
Surviving You is book #2 in the Shameless Series and this is Lee and Rose’s story. Lee spiked my interest in the first book and I could not wait to get this character’s story. I admit I kind of had a crush on him. Do not get me wrong, I loved Rose’s character too, but Lee just stood out for me. This author has a unique gift in describing the scenes and Manchester England, in a way that I feel like I am there. I’ve never traveled to that part of the world means and I really loved that I got lost in her descriptions. Surviving You deals with the harsh criminal world of England and the harsh reality of victims of domestic abuse.
When I think of Rose’s character, one word comes to mind, survivor. We met her in book 1, while she was living in the shelter with Dana and her children. She has survived the abuse of her ex-husband, but the emotional scars still linger. I love her strength and the drive to move forward in life. She never shows her fear because of the love she has for her daughter. In order to protect her daughter, Rose knows that she has to keep moving on and survive. Her faith in men is shattered and rightfully so. She will never trust or let another man into her heart and into her life again, after all it is not just her anymore. But life is strange, while helping Dana deal with her ex-husband, Rose meets Lee and being next to him makes her want to trust again. However, the life he leads means putting more than her life in danger and that just is a risk she is not willing to take.
Lee is your typical bad boy, but with a heart of gold. Lee is a man that is feared and he has earned that reputation. After witnessing firsthand the violence that Dana and Rose has experienced and the good he was able to accomplish Lee wants out. When he meets her he begins to think maybe there is something more for him outside of the criminal family he has surrounded himself with.
The description of the abuse Rose suffered broke my heart and it also touched me in a personal way. The author showed such realism in describing the acts of domestic violence in this story and it brought tears to my eyes. I’ll be honest at times it made me flinch. Rose deals with a lot of emotional conflict within herself. She does not believe she deserves to be happy. The journey she takes is one that I felt was well deserved and rewarding. There are dangers that follow once you leave behind a criminal organization but Lee is determined to make a positive change in life for a chance to be with Rose and her daughter.
This was a great second book to this series, and I can’t wait to see what the author has up her sleeve. I highly recommend it.
May 1, 2016
Thou shalt take the boy out of Manchester, but you cannot take Manchester out of the boy."
Lee –
I’m a killer, a hardened criminal born into the underbelly of an unlawful world that my father crafted, and I am to be crowned the next King. I used to covet the dark; it has forever been my friend and forgives me my sins. A slither of light has dared me to hope, it has my house of cards tumbling all around me. From the moment I saw her I knew she would be my downfall, for how can something that shines so bright not burn? Yet, she is my salvation and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen….
Rose –
I cringe at my own shadow; dark corners of my mind forever torment me. I have yet to escape from my demons; they beseech me with every turn of my head. Yet lurking is a promise, a promise of things to come. It has my heart in a vice; squeezing the last dregs of a love I never thought I could feel again. From the moment I saw him I knew he would be my downfall, for how can something that smoulders so dark not singe? Yet, he is my redemption and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen….
“Thou shalt always protect the family.”
******
Loyalty doesn’t come much richer than family so when Lee Young decides to hang up his gun and head north he sets in motion a chain of events that cause murder and mayhem with every step closer he takes to walking.
When two worlds collide, it forces Rose to meet her demons head on and has Lee frantically trying to keep both Rose and her daughter safe. The road they travel together will be their greatest challenge and their most dangerous yet.
With so much to lose but everything to gain, Lee and Rose become embroiled in a game of cat and mouse as they try to confront the threats surrounding them. Running to keep one step ahead of everyone else, can these lovers climb out of the dark that they find themselves in and bathe in the light their love promises before the fire burns to embers and their world is snuffed to smoke?
This is the second book in this series and it was awesome I couldn’t put the book down. D. A. Keane is very talented woman and I can’t wait to see more of her work. The final moments in this book were shocking, devastating and so far from the HEA I've become accustomed to, and I have to applaud Keane for deciding to forego sugarcoating this love story. It was raw, gritty and intense. A great read. I loved that this book has a good strong storyline and plot, engaging characters and a wealth of emotional conflict. I am now going to have to go and get the first one and read it.
Lee –
I’m a killer, a hardened criminal born into the underbelly of an unlawful world that my father crafted, and I am to be crowned the next King. I used to covet the dark; it has forever been my friend and forgives me my sins. A slither of light has dared me to hope, it has my house of cards tumbling all around me. From the moment I saw her I knew she would be my downfall, for how can something that shines so bright not burn? Yet, she is my salvation and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen….
Rose –
I cringe at my own shadow; dark corners of my mind forever torment me. I have yet to escape from my demons; they beseech me with every turn of my head. Yet lurking is a promise, a promise of things to come. It has my heart in a vice; squeezing the last dregs of a love I never thought I could feel again. From the moment I saw him I knew he would be my downfall, for how can something that smoulders so dark not singe? Yet, he is my redemption and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen….
“Thou shalt always protect the family.”
******
Loyalty doesn’t come much richer than family so when Lee Young decides to hang up his gun and head north he sets in motion a chain of events that cause murder and mayhem with every step closer he takes to walking.
When two worlds collide, it forces Rose to meet her demons head on and has Lee frantically trying to keep both Rose and her daughter safe. The road they travel together will be their greatest challenge and their most dangerous yet.
With so much to lose but everything to gain, Lee and Rose become embroiled in a game of cat and mouse as they try to confront the threats surrounding them. Running to keep one step ahead of everyone else, can these lovers climb out of the dark that they find themselves in and bathe in the light their love promises before the fire burns to embers and their world is snuffed to smoke?
This is the second book in this series and it was awesome I couldn’t put the book down. D. A. Keane is very talented woman and I can’t wait to see more of her work. The final moments in this book were shocking, devastating and so far from the HEA I've become accustomed to, and I have to applaud Keane for deciding to forego sugarcoating this love story. It was raw, gritty and intense. A great read. I loved that this book has a good strong storyline and plot, engaging characters and a wealth of emotional conflict. I am now going to have to go and get the first one and read it.
January 17, 2016
I received this book as ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Surviving Him introduces us more to Lee and Rose who we met in Surviving him.
Lee's dad is the current king in Manchester's underground and therefore Lee has been raised around hardened criminals and inevitably ends up being a feared man himself and his dad has big plans for his son as he plans on Lee taking over his throne as king of the Manchester underground. Lee maybe feared but he is also one of the nicest guys you can meet just don't cross him..... Lee doesn't want to be part of the gangster lifestyle any more but he knows the only way out is death.
Rose who is a woman who has managed to escape and survived domestic abuse and fought her way out of the horrible way of life she was living. All Rose wants in life now she has escaped is to protect her daughter. Rose wants to get with Lee but because of what he does she is so scared that something bad will happen to him.
When Rose's and Lee's worlds collide it causes a game of cat and mouse as Lee will do anything he can in his power to protect his girl and her daughter. In return Rose has to step out of the shadows and and confront all her fears head on.
This like book one takes you on a emotional rollercoaster with some parts making me re read it twice just to make sure i had re read it to make sure i had read it write.
I absolutely loved seeing the Rose and Lee's relationship grow as he begins to tare down the walls Rose has built around herself and give her the hope of a safe and happy future for her and her daughter. Like i said earlier in this review Lee maybe a hard man but this disappears whenever he is around Rose.
This book like one is a must read and i can not wait to read book 3 to see what Dawn A Keane has in store for us. One thing i am sure of it is anything like her first two books it will keep you gripped from page one
Surviving Him introduces us more to Lee and Rose who we met in Surviving him.
Lee's dad is the current king in Manchester's underground and therefore Lee has been raised around hardened criminals and inevitably ends up being a feared man himself and his dad has big plans for his son as he plans on Lee taking over his throne as king of the Manchester underground. Lee maybe feared but he is also one of the nicest guys you can meet just don't cross him..... Lee doesn't want to be part of the gangster lifestyle any more but he knows the only way out is death.
Rose who is a woman who has managed to escape and survived domestic abuse and fought her way out of the horrible way of life she was living. All Rose wants in life now she has escaped is to protect her daughter. Rose wants to get with Lee but because of what he does she is so scared that something bad will happen to him.
When Rose's and Lee's worlds collide it causes a game of cat and mouse as Lee will do anything he can in his power to protect his girl and her daughter. In return Rose has to step out of the shadows and and confront all her fears head on.
This like book one takes you on a emotional rollercoaster with some parts making me re read it twice just to make sure i had re read it to make sure i had read it write.
I absolutely loved seeing the Rose and Lee's relationship grow as he begins to tare down the walls Rose has built around herself and give her the hope of a safe and happy future for her and her daughter. Like i said earlier in this review Lee maybe a hard man but this disappears whenever he is around Rose.
This book like one is a must read and i can not wait to read book 3 to see what Dawn A Keane has in store for us. One thing i am sure of it is anything like her first two books it will keep you gripped from page one
July 14, 2016
Gritty and dark….
I thought I was sort of prepared for this story after reading the first book but… I really wasn’t. I knew that Lee and Rose’s story was not going to be easy. Rose and her daughter lived a life of violence and fear until they finally broke away. Rose has dedicated her life now to helping others in the same situation, while also keeping an eye and ear to the ground. Mike was always in the back of her mind and she knew he could be back at any time. It didn’t stop her from living her life or shying away from putting herself in harm’s way. Some things in life were more important than herself – and that included the sisters of her heart and her beloved Annie. And now Lee, her knight in rusty, blood-spattered armour…
Lee… Sigh… Where do I start with this incredibly complex man? He had been raised in a violent life that he finally, finally, was close to leaving behind. Dragged into the family ‘business’ in his teens, he was good at his job, great actually, but that didn’t mean he enjoyed it… much. He was a study in contrasts and he was more than the
“He smelled amazing mixed with the fresh air, but he looked like a serial killer.”
His love for Rose knew no bounds and all the skills that he had honed over the years were going to be needed as the threats were coming from all sides. He knew the streets and the people who inhabited them; and he wasn’t above getting down and dirty when needed. Violence found him but he also spawned it, he wasn’t a choir boy in any stretch of the imagination. Yet… He had a heart that was compassionate and loving, made more pronounced given the life he led. A man who would do anything, anything, for the woman he loved…
Violence. Betrayal. Brutality. There was love but overshadowed by darkness… The first book was just a taste of what was to come and to be honest… I’m not sure I was ready for it….
April 15, 2016
This is the second book in this series and while it can be read as a stand-alone; I recommend reading book one first to fully understand everything that is happening. This book is about Lee and Rose. Rose like Dana from the first book has an abusive ex that she is hiding from. The way Lee feels for Rose he has never felt before. She has gotten under his skin and he can’t stop thinking about her all the time. He thinks she is too good for him and that he will taint her with his darkness. Rose doesn’t want to like Lee but can’t stop the way she feels what she thinks about him or sees him. She just keeps her ex in her head telling her how unworthy she is. Will Lee be able to show Rose how he feels about her and that he will treat her right? Lee is trying to leave his old life behind him but things keep happening. Now that he has Rose and her daughter Annie he wants to give them the life they deserve. Both their pasts keep coming back. Will they be able to have their happily ever after or will the darkness from their pasts stop them? This book was even better than the first one. It was great getting to read about all the girls again. Rose and Lee have it even tougher than Dana and Logan did. The girls’ exes just won’t stop. They are determined to get them back. This story is sad and emotional. Just when all the girls are finally getting on with their lives their pasts come back. They are constantly living in fear of what could happen if their exes find them. The guys are always their when any of the girls need help. They do everything they can to protect them but it may not be enough. I was totally taken by surprise by the ending. I am not a crier and I almost ugly cried when reading the ending. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Dawn you are a fantastic author.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
December 12, 2015
WOW Hopefully you have read book 1 if you are diving into this craziness !! We met all the characters in book 1 and if you thought book 1 was crazy just wait , this is a rollercoaster ride to the depths of he**. I was not expecting the ending , kind of hated it , wanted to hurt someone and barely got over it enough to write this review without yelling at the author !! Lee was an enigma and I enjoyed getting to know him and Rose of course. their connection ran deeper than you can imagine and that was such a shock and amazing twist. These girls have been through so much and now they are finding their HEA's or on the verge of happiness but we all know what happens once you get comfy with life...
Lee is a mysterious danger, he is super hot and his family is powerful but not in the best business. He is hoping to get out and hoping to land him the woman that he has wanted for quite some time. He has been friends with Dana since childhood so when she needed him during her struggles he was there for her , her kids , Rose and her daughter as well. Lee has been a great addition to their new family and although everyone is safe and moving on their struggles are far from over. Lee is working hard to find out if their troubles are due to him or due to the men from their past and some of the twists and turns are devastating and scary. Lee and Rose have such a great chemistry and I love his open honesty about what he wants. Lee may be an enigma and a mystery BUT he knows what he wants and has no issues expressing his emotions. Sadly for them all we may have more heartbreak before any actual happiness. Hang on tight and be prepared...
Lee is a mysterious danger, he is super hot and his family is powerful but not in the best business. He is hoping to get out and hoping to land him the woman that he has wanted for quite some time. He has been friends with Dana since childhood so when she needed him during her struggles he was there for her , her kids , Rose and her daughter as well. Lee has been a great addition to their new family and although everyone is safe and moving on their struggles are far from over. Lee is working hard to find out if their troubles are due to him or due to the men from their past and some of the twists and turns are devastating and scary. Lee and Rose have such a great chemistry and I love his open honesty about what he wants. Lee may be an enigma and a mystery BUT he knows what he wants and has no issues expressing his emotions. Sadly for them all we may have more heartbreak before any actual happiness. Hang on tight and be prepared...
December 10, 2015
Review on behalf of A Book Lovers Emporium.
5 wonderful heart stopping stars!!! What a brilliant book!
This is the follow up from Surviving Him which I read first. We once again meet up with Lee, Rose, Dana and Logan and the rest of the gang. Lee is a bad boy, a criminal, and a killer but with a good heart full of lots of passion. He has been brought up in gangland Manchester. He has learnt every trick of the trade from his Dad. He wants more from life and wants out of looking over his shoulder, going on jobs and carrying guns around. When Rose enters his life, the attraction is immediate and they strike up a relationship, although Rose has been hurt physically and emotionally by her ex and is terrified of opening her heart up to Lee. She is also still on the run from her ex and doesn't want Lee involved in the life she has to live. Constantly looking over her shoulder, frightened her ex is going to turn up and hurt Lee. All she can focus on is trying to keep her daughter and herself alive. Can she find redemption with Lee, can she bring some light into Lee's "dark" existence. Will she ever escape her evil cruel husband to have a normal life?
I can honestly say I could not put this book down. I held my breath. There were times when I gasped OMG, and times when I couldn't believe what I was reading. I was shocked, stunned and I was so not prepared for the way this book ended. I was literally on the edge of my seat!! This is Dawn's second book and for me, the progress that has been shown with her writing was immense, and so rewarding to be a part of this story. I honestly cannot wait for the third book to be published. Well done Dawn!!!
5 wonderful heart stopping stars!!! What a brilliant book!
This is the follow up from Surviving Him which I read first. We once again meet up with Lee, Rose, Dana and Logan and the rest of the gang. Lee is a bad boy, a criminal, and a killer but with a good heart full of lots of passion. He has been brought up in gangland Manchester. He has learnt every trick of the trade from his Dad. He wants more from life and wants out of looking over his shoulder, going on jobs and carrying guns around. When Rose enters his life, the attraction is immediate and they strike up a relationship, although Rose has been hurt physically and emotionally by her ex and is terrified of opening her heart up to Lee. She is also still on the run from her ex and doesn't want Lee involved in the life she has to live. Constantly looking over her shoulder, frightened her ex is going to turn up and hurt Lee. All she can focus on is trying to keep her daughter and herself alive. Can she find redemption with Lee, can she bring some light into Lee's "dark" existence. Will she ever escape her evil cruel husband to have a normal life?
I can honestly say I could not put this book down. I held my breath. There were times when I gasped OMG, and times when I couldn't believe what I was reading. I was shocked, stunned and I was so not prepared for the way this book ended. I was literally on the edge of my seat!! This is Dawn's second book and for me, the progress that has been shown with her writing was immense, and so rewarding to be a part of this story. I honestly cannot wait for the third book to be published. Well done Dawn!!!
December 10, 2015
5 wonderful heart stopping stars!!! What a brilliant book!
This is the follow up from Surviving Him which I read first. We once again meet up with Lee, Rose, Dana and Logan and the rest of the gang. Lee is a bad boy, a criminal, and a killer but with a good heart full of lots of passion. He has been brought up in gangland Manchester. He has learnt every trick of the trade from his Dad. He wants more from life and wants out of looking over his shoulder, going on jobs and carrying guns around. When Rose enters his life, the attraction is immediate and they strike up a relationship, although Rose has been hurt physically and emotionally by her ex and is terrified of opening her heart up to Lee. She is also still on the run from her ex and doesn't want Lee involved in the life she has to live. Constantly looking over her shoulder, frightened her ex is going to turn up and hurt Lee. All she can focus on is trying to keep her daughter and herself alive. Can she find redemption with Lee, can she bring some light into Lee's "dark" existence. Will she ever escape her evil cruel husband to have a normal life?
I can honestly say I could not put this book down. I held my breath. There were times when I gasped OMG, and times when I couldn't believe what I was reading. I was shocked, stunned and I was so not prepared for the way this book ended. I was literally on the edge of my seat!! This is Dawn's second book and for me, the progress that has been shown with her writing was immense, and so rewarding to be a part of this story. I honestly cannot wait for the third book to be published. Well done Dawn!!!
This is the follow up from Surviving Him which I read first. We once again meet up with Lee, Rose, Dana and Logan and the rest of the gang. Lee is a bad boy, a criminal, and a killer but with a good heart full of lots of passion. He has been brought up in gangland Manchester. He has learnt every trick of the trade from his Dad. He wants more from life and wants out of looking over his shoulder, going on jobs and carrying guns around. When Rose enters his life, the attraction is immediate and they strike up a relationship, although Rose has been hurt physically and emotionally by her ex and is terrified of opening her heart up to Lee. She is also still on the run from her ex and doesn't want Lee involved in the life she has to live. Constantly looking over her shoulder, frightened her ex is going to turn up and hurt Lee. All she can focus on is trying to keep her daughter and herself alive. Can she find redemption with Lee, can she bring some light into Lee's "dark" existence. Will she ever escape her evil cruel husband to have a normal life?
I can honestly say I could not put this book down. I held my breath. There were times when I gasped OMG, and times when I couldn't believe what I was reading. I was shocked, stunned and I was so not prepared for the way this book ended. I was literally on the edge of my seat!! This is Dawn's second book and for me, the progress that has been shown with her writing was immense, and so rewarding to be a part of this story. I honestly cannot wait for the third book to be published. Well done Dawn!!!
April 14, 2016
Dark and dangerous with a touch of reality.
The characters are North England, the scenes dark, raw, gritty and dangerous
Rose is a domestic abuse survivor fleeing an abusive husband and creating a new life for herself and her daughter.
What wasn't in her new life plans was Lee.
Lee: My name is Lee young. I can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare.
Lee is a dangerous man getting his hands bloody is a part of life but for the woman who has claimed his heart he would easily lay his life down for her.
Rose's fear and battle is allowing another man in her life.
"I'm not a knight in shining armour baby, I never have been. My heart is black and cold; some say it's made of stone but I worship the ground you walk on. You're thawing out a part of my heart I thought I had lost".
A gritty plot told in individual pov's of the main characters sometimes the plot jumped to much and you wandered what had happened from this point to that and the flow wasn't always right but the intensity with Lee and his feelings for Rose and what would happen had you gripped.
I understand the authors need to get the issue of domestic abuse across being a dv officer myself and the information offered was heartwarming informative and hopefully helpful to those who need it.
The downside of this book for me personally was due to my occupation, it was to real, I read for escapism and therefore love a happily Ever after and had hopes pinned on such only to be disappointed. I felt built up and let down.
Arc gratefully received for honest review Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
The characters are North England, the scenes dark, raw, gritty and dangerous
Rose is a domestic abuse survivor fleeing an abusive husband and creating a new life for herself and her daughter.
What wasn't in her new life plans was Lee.
Lee: My name is Lee young. I can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare.
Lee is a dangerous man getting his hands bloody is a part of life but for the woman who has claimed his heart he would easily lay his life down for her.
Rose's fear and battle is allowing another man in her life.
"I'm not a knight in shining armour baby, I never have been. My heart is black and cold; some say it's made of stone but I worship the ground you walk on. You're thawing out a part of my heart I thought I had lost".
A gritty plot told in individual pov's of the main characters sometimes the plot jumped to much and you wandered what had happened from this point to that and the flow wasn't always right but the intensity with Lee and his feelings for Rose and what would happen had you gripped.
I understand the authors need to get the issue of domestic abuse across being a dv officer myself and the information offered was heartwarming informative and hopefully helpful to those who need it.
The downside of this book for me personally was due to my occupation, it was to real, I read for escapism and therefore love a happily Ever after and had hopes pinned on such only to be disappointed. I felt built up and let down.
Arc gratefully received for honest review Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
April 11, 2016
Surviving You is a story of second romance of a sort because both Lee and Rose both for different reasons are trying to start a new life but before they so do their past and present has to be dealt with before the future can even be a thought. I really enjoyed getting into this story because it had such a different feel than anything else I have read. This story has passion, deceit, romance, and drama. Surviving you is a story that will keep you engaged in your kindle and will not release you until the end of the story and leave you wanting more of Lee and Rose
Rose and Lee both live two dramatically different lives and yet somehow their world collide and there is no way for either to find a way out. Lee is a gangster’s son trying to find a way out of the life he was born into while constantly being dragged back in. Rose is a domestic abuse survivor not looking for anything but to make it through the day in her new life helping woman just like her get another shot at life without looking over her shoulder for her past to start creeping back in. This is engaging story of two people who are finding their way to each other despite the obstacles life keep throwing at them.
Lee and Rose story is a must read because for one it will keep you spell bound and will not disappoint you. Dawn gives a world of friendship and family. This story will not let you down I know it didn’t me because there was never a moment that I questioned what was going on or where the story was going while not predictable it was entertaining.
REVIEW BY LINDSEY
Rose and Lee both live two dramatically different lives and yet somehow their world collide and there is no way for either to find a way out. Lee is a gangster’s son trying to find a way out of the life he was born into while constantly being dragged back in. Rose is a domestic abuse survivor not looking for anything but to make it through the day in her new life helping woman just like her get another shot at life without looking over her shoulder for her past to start creeping back in. This is engaging story of two people who are finding their way to each other despite the obstacles life keep throwing at them.
Lee and Rose story is a must read because for one it will keep you spell bound and will not disappoint you. Dawn gives a world of friendship and family. This story will not let you down I know it didn’t me because there was never a moment that I questioned what was going on or where the story was going while not predictable it was entertaining.
REVIEW BY LINDSEY
July 18, 2017
A raw, gritty, intense rollercoaster of a read with twists and turns that you will not see coming. Full of passion and love with a dark undercurrent that will literally leave you in a state of shock.
Lee is a killer a hardened criminal born into the underbelly of an unlawful world that his father crafted, and he will be crowned the next King. But Lee wants out but, the only way out for him is death.
When he meets Rose he knew she would be his downfall...
Rose was a victim of domestic abuse but she managed to escape and make a new life for herself and daughter. She still finds herself looking over her shoulder and never feeling totally safe.
From the moment I saw him I knew he would be my downfall, for how can something that smolders so dark not singe? Yet, he is my redemption and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen...
When their two worlds collide, Rose is forced to meet her demons head on and Lee desperately trys to keep both Rose and her daughter Annie safe.
Surviving you is book two in Dawn Keane's Shameless Series, and although it can be read as a standalone I recommend that you read book one first. I really enjoyed this book and cant wait to see what happens next in the series.
**Arc provided courtesy of the Author in exchange for an honest review for WTMO Book Blog**
Lee is a killer a hardened criminal born into the underbelly of an unlawful world that his father crafted, and he will be crowned the next King. But Lee wants out but, the only way out for him is death.
When he meets Rose he knew she would be his downfall...
Rose was a victim of domestic abuse but she managed to escape and make a new life for herself and daughter. She still finds herself looking over her shoulder and never feeling totally safe.
From the moment I saw him I knew he would be my downfall, for how can something that smolders so dark not singe? Yet, he is my redemption and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen...
When their two worlds collide, Rose is forced to meet her demons head on and Lee desperately trys to keep both Rose and her daughter Annie safe.
Surviving you is book two in Dawn Keane's Shameless Series, and although it can be read as a standalone I recommend that you read book one first. I really enjoyed this book and cant wait to see what happens next in the series.
**Arc provided courtesy of the Author in exchange for an honest review for WTMO Book Blog**
April 11, 2016
I am finding it really hard for me to write my review, I finished the book and was so angry, I waited a good few hours and had a good think about what I wanted to write, so here it goes. We have our Rose, and she comes from being in a abusive marriage and she struggles with trust, letting a man into her heart. Now I have never been in a abusive relationship, so really I couldn't understand what Rose or any person would be going through, BUT I could try and empathize what Rose was feeling and going through. I am sorry but she frustrated me so much, she pushed Lee away so much, all the time that I started to get real cranky at her. Now Lee, I loved Lee!!! He was hot, sexy and loved Rose with all his heart and he loved hard, he was a dirty talking sex god!!! I could feel his passion for Rose, but unfortunately I just didn't feel Rose's passion for Lee. Even getting towards the end of the book, I felt she was just as closed up as she was at the start. So I reach the ending and get the biggest shock of my life, to me it felt like a cliff hanger but not really, this is book 2 and the story will be continuing......
So on a lighter note, I absolutely love the cover to this book, it's so eye catching. Now just because this book wasn't right for me doesn't mean others won't enjoy it, so give it a try. Reviewed for HeadTripping Books by Carolyn
So on a lighter note, I absolutely love the cover to this book, it's so eye catching. Now just because this book wasn't right for me doesn't mean others won't enjoy it, so give it a try. Reviewed for HeadTripping Books by Carolyn
April 13, 2016
A raw, gritty, intense rollercoaster of a read with twists and turns that you will not see coming. Full of passion and love with a dark undercurrent that will literally leave you in a state of shock.
Lee is a killer a hardened criminal born into the underbelly of an unlawful world that his father crafted, and he will be crowned the next King. But Lee wants out but, the only way out for him is death.
When he meets Rose he knew she would be his downfall...
Rose was a victim of domestic abuse but she managed to escape and make a new life for herself and daughter. She still finds herself looking over her shoulder and never feeling totally safe.
From the moment I saw him I knew he would be my downfall, for how can something that smolders so dark not singe? Yet, he is my redemption and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen...
When their two worlds collide, Rose is forced to meet her demons head on and Lee desperately trys to keep both Rose and her daughter Annie safe.
Surviving you is book two in Dawn Keane's Shameless Series, and although it can be read as a standalone I recommend that you read book one first. I really enjoyed this book and cant wait to see what happens next in the series.
**Arc provided courtesy of the Author in exchange for an honest review**
Lee is a killer a hardened criminal born into the underbelly of an unlawful world that his father crafted, and he will be crowned the next King. But Lee wants out but, the only way out for him is death.
When he meets Rose he knew she would be his downfall...
Rose was a victim of domestic abuse but she managed to escape and make a new life for herself and daughter. She still finds herself looking over her shoulder and never feeling totally safe.
From the moment I saw him I knew he would be my downfall, for how can something that smolders so dark not singe? Yet, he is my redemption and I gladly walk the path that I have chosen...
When their two worlds collide, Rose is forced to meet her demons head on and Lee desperately trys to keep both Rose and her daughter Annie safe.
Surviving you is book two in Dawn Keane's Shameless Series, and although it can be read as a standalone I recommend that you read book one first. I really enjoyed this book and cant wait to see what happens next in the series.
**Arc provided courtesy of the Author in exchange for an honest review**
June 30, 2019
This is the second book in the Shameless series. I highly recommend that you read book one, Surviving Him as it provides more details to the layers that continue to reveal themselves in this book. Lee and Rose continue to work towards their version of a relationship. You see these are.complicated characters in a complicated world but they continue to move towards each other. Lee is the boogie man, literally, he is a scary dude and has seen so much on his criminal underworld life. You also get to meet another side to him that Rose and her daughter see which is melt your heart amazing. Rose has her own ghosts that keep her from moving forward. She is terrified that her a husband will find her and her daughter. She has escaped her horrible and abusive marriage and is determined to keep it that way. So much so that she has trouble letting Lee in. She worries about Lee and what her ex is capable of and doesn't want to see Lee hurt. There are more twists as the story progresses to what I hope is a couple that deserves true happiness and a HEA. Anxiously awaiting book three. A well written book that deals with the dark and sensitive topic of domestic abusive whrn it clashes with the dark and criminal underworld.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2016
*I received a copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.*
While the cover of this book, and the excerpt are simply amazing, the book did fall short for me. I love the setting and the characters, along with the overall idea of the book. However that's where my love stops. The characters are so wishy-washy, I want Rose to stop pushing Lee away. I keep wondering why Lee is being so patient with Rose, most men wouldn't, even given her past. I like the dark edge to the story with the adult topics, like abuse, the mafia, and danger.
My biggest issue with the book, is the flow of it. I kept getting lost in the story. The author would talk about Lee picking Rose up after work, then in the next paragraph she was going out for a girls night out. When you ended one chapter and started an next their was always a jump in time, but you were unsure if it went back or forwards, causing major confusion. I really wanted to love this story, but with all the confusion, I couldn't even finish it! I got 70% through and gave up due to the frustration.
I wish this book could be edited to remove all the errors and get it to flow better, so I could truly enjoy the story that could be so amazing.
I give this story 3.5 stars.
While the cover of this book, and the excerpt are simply amazing, the book did fall short for me. I love the setting and the characters, along with the overall idea of the book. However that's where my love stops. The characters are so wishy-washy, I want Rose to stop pushing Lee away. I keep wondering why Lee is being so patient with Rose, most men wouldn't, even given her past. I like the dark edge to the story with the adult topics, like abuse, the mafia, and danger.
My biggest issue with the book, is the flow of it. I kept getting lost in the story. The author would talk about Lee picking Rose up after work, then in the next paragraph she was going out for a girls night out. When you ended one chapter and started an next their was always a jump in time, but you were unsure if it went back or forwards, causing major confusion. I really wanted to love this story, but with all the confusion, I couldn't even finish it! I got 70% through and gave up due to the frustration.
I wish this book could be edited to remove all the errors and get it to flow better, so I could truly enjoy the story that could be so amazing.
I give this story 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2015
An exhilirating thriller with a passionate but tragic romance, this book was a fantastic read. I loved seeing Rose and Lee's relationship grow as the story develop, as he torn down her walls and gave her hope of a safe and happy future for not only herself but her daughter, as well.
For all her fears and insecurities, Rose was fierce. I loved that she wasn't a complete pushover when it came to Lee, and although I understand that it mostly stemmed from the horrific past that still haunted her, I think even if she hadn't been through so much trauma she still would have given him a hard time. I had to love Lee for his patience and determination. He was a hard man, but his menacing exterior vanished wherever Rose was around, and although some people may have found his to be a bit controlling or even a little stalkerish, with everything that was happening and with the lifestyle he lead, he had his reasons for being that way.
The final moments in this book were shocking, devastating and so far from the HEA I've become accustomed to, and I have to applaud Keane for deciding to forego sugarcoating this love story. It was raw, gritty and intense. A great read.
For all her fears and insecurities, Rose was fierce. I loved that she wasn't a complete pushover when it came to Lee, and although I understand that it mostly stemmed from the horrific past that still haunted her, I think even if she hadn't been through so much trauma she still would have given him a hard time. I had to love Lee for his patience and determination. He was a hard man, but his menacing exterior vanished wherever Rose was around, and although some people may have found his to be a bit controlling or even a little stalkerish, with everything that was happening and with the lifestyle he lead, he had his reasons for being that way.
The final moments in this book were shocking, devastating and so far from the HEA I've become accustomed to, and I have to applaud Keane for deciding to forego sugarcoating this love story. It was raw, gritty and intense. A great read.
June 19, 2016
When I started reading I thought another gangster book with love interest.
How wrong could I be, we had Lee madly in love with Rose.
At the beginning we have Rose, Dana and they friend Katie running a Coffee
Shop. Dana and Rose have escaped to Scotland to start a new life, and help
Victims of Domestic violence.
Both Dana and Rose have both escaped their abusive Ex-boyfriends.
Dana’s story was told in Book 1(This can be read as a standalone).
Rose is trying her best to let go of her fears from her past, and is hesitant to
start a relationship with Lee. Deep down Rose would love to give in, but is to
Scarred to take a chance. Lee has told his father he is retiring from the illegal side of business.
He want to make a family with Rose and Annie and wants no part of his past to put them in danger.
I think all the other reviews have covered the nitty gritty, I want to say wow! I was glued from start to finish.
I couldn’t put my kindle down, I was crying. It was so emotional, this book stayed with me for days.
This definitely a five star read *****
All I can say is where is book three?
How wrong could I be, we had Lee madly in love with Rose.
At the beginning we have Rose, Dana and they friend Katie running a Coffee
Shop. Dana and Rose have escaped to Scotland to start a new life, and help
Victims of Domestic violence.
Both Dana and Rose have both escaped their abusive Ex-boyfriends.
Dana’s story was told in Book 1(This can be read as a standalone).
Rose is trying her best to let go of her fears from her past, and is hesitant to
start a relationship with Lee. Deep down Rose would love to give in, but is to
Scarred to take a chance. Lee has told his father he is retiring from the illegal side of business.
He want to make a family with Rose and Annie and wants no part of his past to put them in danger.
I think all the other reviews have covered the nitty gritty, I want to say wow! I was glued from start to finish.
I couldn’t put my kindle down, I was crying. It was so emotional, this book stayed with me for days.
This definitely a five star read *****
All I can say is where is book three?
December 11, 2015
“Thou shalt always protect the family"
Author Dawn A Keane has done it again. Dawn first book Surviving Him introduces us to Lee and Rose. With her second book in the Shameless series. Surviving You we learn more about Lee who was a born in a mob family and Rose who is a woman who has survived domestic abuse and fought her way out of this horrible way of life.
This story pulled every emotion possible out of me! We learn even more about the struggles of a domestic abuse survivor which Rose has dealt with for years. The struggles and how you can find love even when you don't think you are worthy! Lee and Rose have so many demons in the past and we get to learn about them all and see if there Love for each other can conquer their past and the danger that awaits them. This is an absolutely amazing series that is like no other!! I could not put this book down I had to know what was happening next so many things good and bad I honestly can't wait till book three comes out in this series!!!
Author Dawn A Keane has done it again. Dawn first book Surviving Him introduces us to Lee and Rose. With her second book in the Shameless series. Surviving You we learn more about Lee who was a born in a mob family and Rose who is a woman who has survived domestic abuse and fought her way out of this horrible way of life.
This story pulled every emotion possible out of me! We learn even more about the struggles of a domestic abuse survivor which Rose has dealt with for years. The struggles and how you can find love even when you don't think you are worthy! Lee and Rose have so many demons in the past and we get to learn about them all and see if there Love for each other can conquer their past and the danger that awaits them. This is an absolutely amazing series that is like no other!! I could not put this book down I had to know what was happening next so many things good and bad I honestly can't wait till book three comes out in this series!!!
April 14, 2016
This is my time reading anything by Dawn and it certainly wont be my last.
Surviving You is book two in the Shameless series and it can be read as a stand alone, though I do wish I had read book 1 just for a little extra background.
This book is heaving on swearing from the very first page - and I have to admit I haven't read a book so full of the F word! I know some people may be put off by that, but if that is the case then they probably wouldn't even been considering reading this anyway.
I loved the characters and how "normal" they felt and yes the excessive swearing was pretty much on par with how I would have imagined them to speak if they real. It is set in Manchester and it was a welcome change to reading about New York or other American hot spots.
You are transported into the Undebelly of the city's criminal word where Lee is a killer but he wants out and the way out for him is death. Rose is a victim of abuse who managed to escape with her daughter.
This story is a raw and gritty read and I was not expecting the ending!
4 stars
Surviving You is book two in the Shameless series and it can be read as a stand alone, though I do wish I had read book 1 just for a little extra background.
This book is heaving on swearing from the very first page - and I have to admit I haven't read a book so full of the F word! I know some people may be put off by that, but if that is the case then they probably wouldn't even been considering reading this anyway.
I loved the characters and how "normal" they felt and yes the excessive swearing was pretty much on par with how I would have imagined them to speak if they real. It is set in Manchester and it was a welcome change to reading about New York or other American hot spots.
You are transported into the Undebelly of the city's criminal word where Lee is a killer but he wants out and the way out for him is death. Rose is a victim of abuse who managed to escape with her daughter.
This story is a raw and gritty read and I was not expecting the ending!
4 stars
April 15, 2016
First I have to say that this is the first book I have read by Dawn and will not be the last. This book is freaking amazeballs! Just simply amazing! I mean think of watching Sons of Anarchy but only reading it. This is how amazing this book is.
We get to meet Rose. She is shy and timid and coming out of a domestic abuse relationship. She remains strong for her daughter and moves on with life. It is when she meets the mysterious Lee that she knows her house of cards is about to fall down for good and her world is about to be torn down.
Lee is a cold stone killer living the life of a bad boy times a million. He is set to take of the family business by becoming King once his father steps down. He is comfortable with this until he lays eyes on a beautiful Rose. He knows his world is about to shatter in a million pieces.
As these two go on the run with Rose's daughter they will have to fight hard to stay together because the underbelly world is not forgiving and they are coming for their pound of flesh!
We get to meet Rose. She is shy and timid and coming out of a domestic abuse relationship. She remains strong for her daughter and moves on with life. It is when she meets the mysterious Lee that she knows her house of cards is about to fall down for good and her world is about to be torn down.
Lee is a cold stone killer living the life of a bad boy times a million. He is set to take of the family business by becoming King once his father steps down. He is comfortable with this until he lays eyes on a beautiful Rose. He knows his world is about to shatter in a million pieces.
As these two go on the run with Rose's daughter they will have to fight hard to stay together because the underbelly world is not forgiving and they are coming for their pound of flesh!
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