Forever Lost

Becoming Elena #2

by Melody Anne

Mary is gone…or so it seems. But nothing is ever that easy.

There is something about Dalton that calls to Elena, but she also knows he’s not who he appears to be. She resists him at the same time that she hungers for what only he can give her.

But just when Elena thinks her life has come together, that everything might be okay, her world falls apart again when she learns the truth of what really happened to her so many years before and learns of who so viciously betrayed her.

The only place left for Elena to go is back into Dalton’s arms. But he doesn’t want to hold her and tell her everything will be okay. He wants to teach her how to deal with the inner pain. And the way he teaches her is in a world she could never have imagined existed.

Will she let go … or will she become someone else.

This book is intended for mature audiences only. There are explicit scenes of abuse, language and questionable sexual situations. Eighteen and older only. This story is about a woman so abused she turns into a person most wouldn’t even fathom becoming.

Genres: Dark, BDSM, Romance, Erotica, Dark Romance, Audiobook

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2016

About the author

Nobody likes sexy men, sassy heroines, and emotionally charged books, right? WRONG! We all want to feel extraordinary when we read, and that's exactly what you'll get when you pick up a Melody Anne book. She has the feel-good stories of a damsel in distress with prince charming riding in to save the day . . . and she also has emotionally charged books that take you through a journey of emotion as you try to figure out if you love or hate the characters as they find themselves. What you get at the end of every Melody Anne book is a resolution that has you begging for more.

Melody Anne is a NYT best selling author of more than 70 books about strong women, strong families, and sexy strong men. Each series has its own theme, and each is different. Melody touches subjects others might not want to touch and you won't get away from reading one of her series without laughing, crying, and thinking about the journey you've just gone on even months later.

See her website and subscribe to her newsletter or text messaging service at: www.melodyanne.com. She makes it a point to respond to her fans. You can also join her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/authormelodyanne, or on Instagram and TikTok @authormelodyanne. Also, follow her blog at authormelodyanne.blogspot.com. Come say hello and peek beneath the covers of her books to go to a whole new world.

Reviews

[Erin **Coffee and Book Addict** · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good. It is the first book of the series I read, and I think it would have been better if I had started with the first book of the series. It stands alone ok, but I feel like I am missing some of the back story and I wasn't able to really get to know the characters as well as I would have liked.

[Alicia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay... I'm having mixed emotions about this book. It's taken me a couple of days to write this review after finishing Forever Lost by Melody Anne. To be honest, I'm in a massive funk.

Okay, so for 65% of this book I loved Dalton. Like really looked at him as Elena's savior. Behind all his madness I could see there was lessons to help bring Elena back to the light. She was a lost soul and vulnerable, and Dalton seemed to be able to give her what she needed, give her strength, and build her up again.

Throughout the book, Dalton has to break Elena emotionally to help her rebuild herself and set her free.

But their bond was strengthening with each passing hurdle that Elena was overcoming. She was finding out who she really is deep inside.

I loved it.

Them BAM!!!! BANG. SLAP. BASH!

Dalton is a douche. His actions from 65% to 85ish% made me dislike him more and more. Everything about him grated on me and I had to keep taking a break from him. He was destroying Elena, and by this point I felt strongly connected to both these characters. So I was wounded.

My heart bled for Elena and raged for Dalton.

I then had to message Natalie in outrage. The emotions Melody Anne brought out in me were overwhelming. A tsunami or hurt and anger raged through me at the drastic character change in him for that 20% until he sort of resurrected as the Dalton I loved.

Then there is Darcy... I'm not sure how I feel about her. I really enjoy her at times then others I believe she has a hidden agenda. Almost like she wants Dalton to herself... then I second guess myself and think she just wants what's best for him.

By the end of the book I'm actually confused by Elena's character change. The shift is so drastic and so far off from who I believed her to be that I'm apprehensive about book three, New Desires.

Of course I can't wait for the conclusion of the Becoming Elena series. I can't wait to see what direction Mrs Anne is going to take it. I'll be honest, I really do want Dalton and Elena together. I want Darcy gone... or maybe see her get her own book haha... see, mixed emotions.

It's taken me days to get my head around my feelings and I still can't. Melody Anne has achieved what all writers aim for... She's smashed me with feelings and emotions so hard that I know this series will stick with me for a long while... brave Mrs Anne.

4 smashing stars.

[Eurynome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has an unexpected ending.

[Zetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tables are turned in this book. Elena has a choice when she is confronted with the harsh reality of how she went from being Mary to becoming Elena. All the past memories come back and she is forced to reassess everything that she thought she had known. In the opening chapters of this book you can feel her frustration. You can sense that she's unsettled and doesn't truly know what is to come next.

Dalton is the one to tell her that if she doesn't submit to him she can leave but he knows deep down that she's not quite ready yet to just up and leave him. She needs him even though she's not willing to actually fully accept that yet.

Elena meets Tina who is helping her to be someone that Dalton would be proud to take out on functions and business meals. However in my honest opinion it was more about Elena realising what she wants from life. It was about her realising that she's worth more than what people state she is worth.

Darcy is someone I was not expecting but I'm glad she's the one to make Elena realise she's strong enough to deal with the world. She's strong enough to say no I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it for my own good. Dalton wasn't expecting that and I'm glad Melody wrote that in.

I've really enjoyed this tale of discovery and realisation. It is a story of a girl becoming a woman and realising her self worth. I'm really looking forward to the conclusion of this trilogy!

5 stars

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review.

As with the first book, there are possible triggers in this sequel that readers need to take note of. The things done to Mary/Elena have their purpose, perverted and abusive some of them may seem to be, and they are vital in portraying exactly what she was experiencing at the hands of the people she was with. Her non-relationship with Dalton is evolving and we delve deeper into Mary/Elena's past and discover things lead to a rush of suppressed memories. A new character named Darcy is introduced in this second book and she plays an essential role in the story, having known Dalton for years and being a mentor of sorts for Mary/Elena, albeit not exactly how Dalton had probably envisioned her being. The epilogue now has me itching to know if Mary/Elena will finally get her own form of a happy ending. 4.5 stars for Forever Lost. ♥

[Annamaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Emotional Stars! This is the second book in the Becoming Elena Series and I recommend reading book one Stolen Innocence first to fully understand the story. This story is a dark and emotional story so be warned that this may contain some triggers. The book continues Elena's story on how she copes and struggles in order to survive. What Dalton does to Elena is unbelievable and you must read the story to see how she deals with him. Will Elena be strong enough to survive? This is an emotionally packed series that had me crying and screaming to see Elena survive. The author does a fantastic job with writing this story, I could not put it down. I felt all of Elena's emotions as she went through her journey. I can not wait for the next book in the series! Highly recommend it!

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development; 5

[Laura Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The feeling of not knowing who you truly are... Day by day this feeling is eating away at Elena...
Unable to submit to Dalton because of not knowing who she truly is, Dalton does the unexpected. He takes her to where it all started. Revealing who Elena (Mary) used to be. What she finds out is horrifying!!! Truly alone in this world, she has no choice but to submit to Dalton.

Dalton is everything to Elena...she worships him. Yet is this what she wants? Is this what he wants? Is he doing this to help free Elena?

As this one ends, Elena is on her own and starting a new life. Cant wait to read book 3 to find out how this plays out!!!

[Linda Zelinsky]

What an emotional roller coaster ride with Elena. Melody has her reader experiencing so many different emotions from sadness, happiness and hatred. Started reading this book to eagerly follow Elena and couldn't put it down until I finished. The reader gets into Elena and feels for her what she is going through. Dalton and Darcy treat her with love and then abuse her. It is so great to see how Elena comes into her strength. Anxious to follow her travels in October.

[J.R. James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of the revised second edition: The story started in ‘Stolen Innocence’ with the female protagonist being kidnapped at the age of seventeen and transported across the country, and initially seemed quite promising, but quickly became repetitive, as her feelings and fears are explained over and over again, while she is held prisoner with other girls who have been similarly taken, to face unrelenting deprivation and abuse, as she’s beaten into submission to be prepared for the ‘master’ she hasn’t yet met. Without spoilers, I’ll only say that circumstances changed.

At this point it was intriguing enough for me to want to read on with this second part of the trilogy, though yet again, there is repetition, as she meets Dalton and then develops feelings for him from afar, which she struggles to recognise and come to terms with after how she has been so misused by men. The thinking behind Dalton’s behaviour also seems somewhat random, as he apparently seeks to help her by perpetuating the abuse, though in a less extreme form, and admittedly after some half-hearted attempts to stay away from her. In the blurb the author talks somewhere of wanting to explore the motivations for BDSM. I have to say that I will not be adding these books to my bdsm shelf, because there is such a confusion of ideas here, and I do not consider any of it a representation of what a healthy BDSM relationship is about.
I was still semi-interested in reading the third book, just to find out what happened to the other girls, who seem to have just disappeared with no resolution as to their actual fate in the first or second books. I’d also like to know why Dalton paid off kidnappers and rapists instead of turning them over to the police… or even if such things are addressed. I won’t, however, be investing my time, or money, to satisfy my lukewarm curiosity, when the blurb for the third book states: ‘She (Elena) is suddenly emerged into a whole new world…’, which should I assume be ‘immersed in’, because it only reminded me that there are mistakes like this throughout the books too.
To give Melody Anne the benefit of the doubt, perhaps this particular series is just poorly edited, but I can’t give more than 3*, even though the actual story had potential.

[Nothing Like A Great Book · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elena is a weak, shallow, emotionless, empty shell of a person. Dalton is pretending to be an Alpha male; he’s just as weak, shallow, empty and emotionless as Elena. She has no will of her own; has to be told to tie her shoes. Yet we’re expected to believe she’s a strong, powerful, independent woman. If weak, shallow, emotionless, repetitiously speaking characters are your thing; you’ll love this ‘book’.
“Take me now, Dalton,” she demanded. Which always demands the question: WHERE shall I ‘take you’? 😂 It’s like that overused euphemism for having sex; sleep with; slept with etc. 🛌 😴💤
“Then his hot breath pushed against her core, making her want to demand he use his tongue.” 👀 🙄🥴

The term/word ‘core’ is used 13 times in book 1 and 35 times in this book; never used in the correct context. Used in both books to mean the female sexual organ; a vagina. 😂
Actually ‘core’ means:
1. The muscles around your pelvis, hips, and abdomen that you use in most body movements:
These exercises are designed to strengthen your core.
2. The basic and most important part of something:
The lack of government funding is at the core of the problem.

This is terrible, cliched, lazy writing; some authors need to learn to use a dictionary. If it’s what you like in a book; go for it. It’s much worse than book 1, which at least had some semblance of a story. I don’t know what this is, or how to describe it. Admit to skip reading - jumping chapters - looking for something interesting to read. I’m sure others will love it, but not me. I wouldn’t recommend it. 3 book series. Free to read with Kindle Unlimited UK.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elena's new hell

This is book 2 and you need to read book 1 first. This ends in a cliffhanger.

Elena thinks she might be free at the beginning of this book but she just finds herself in a new kind of hell. She can't leave because she has nothing and no where to go. The offers of freedom are a joke. With no money what could she do? Dalton acts as though he's giving her a choice and she feels weak for not choosing freedom but it's clear it's not really an offer she can accept.

For the majority of the book it just seems like he's breaking her down with no real hope of a different future. How exactly does he think he's helping her? There's some satisfaction with this ending but she clearly has a long way to go.

By the way, I just want to comment on other reviews which make it sound like this is all FF action. Not true. This happens only a few times toward the end of this book.

[Kathie McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't See that Coming

Fascinating story continues with Elana "growing up" as Dalton continuing her "education".

When Dalton finally tells Elana who she really is...I didn't see the bad guy as being who it was. Surprise, surprise, surprise!

I found myself holding my breath more than one as Elana was caught in struggle after struggle trying to find her place in Dalton's world. I knew she was eventually leaving...but I was pleasantly surprised to see her leaving as she did under HER own terms.

On to book three!

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! Deeper down the rabbit hole!

This is Forever Lost, book 2 in the Becoming Elena series, written by Melody Anne. This book continues deep in the strange world of Elena and Dalton. It’s so twisted and bizarre that you aren’t quite sure what is going on until she is so far down that we can barely see her any longer. Will Elena always be broken? How much worse can they break her and control her? Is Dalton her savior or her jailer? It’s worth the reading to find out for yourself.

[SHAMPALE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ding Dong the monster is dead and gone or so she thought. Book 2 takes Mary/Elena on a brand new rollercoaster ride of fear, anger, panic, desire, lust and dare I say....trust. Dalton, Lincoln, Leo and Darcy will all have their place in Elena's life, the question becomes in what capacity and are they welcomed or forced relationships. I am totally addicted to this series and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Gigi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incredibly Rough...

‘Forever Lost,’ continues with the mistreatment and imprisonment of Elena... while everyone tells her it’s for her own good. I’ve strangely invested in hoe Elena’s life will turn out. This novel is not as traumatic as the previous one. However, Elena’s emotional torture was incredibly rough to read.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was better and more tolerated better. shes strong, she grew a backbone. i absolutely loved the turn of events. she got the chance to feel the power they all felt. looking forward to the nezt book. as always lovely author and great writing.

[Tammy Burch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I can't get enough!

I find myself wanting to stop my daily grind to get back to this series!
It's pulling me in so many different directions I don't know where to go!
I can't write anymore because I have to start book three NOW!

[Amanda Kranick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this so much more than I did, honest. But I couldn't.

The only good part of this whole book was finding out who sold Elana into slavery.

The book was too short and in my opinion choppy.

[Rhonda Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

This book reminds me of 50 shades with an edge! On to the next book in the series! Hoping for a HEA!

[S · Rating 1 out of 5]

IT was just too dark for me. But overall love Melody Anne's work so I will always give her books a try.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

The transformation from victim to becoming empowered is powerful.

[Laura McKeown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stomach Gripping

I cried lots with the first book then couldn't put the 2nd down. Have to keep reading to see what happens

[KimTae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annoying, but good

I was so ready to stop reading this book. It was becoming redundant and meh... But just like the first book, it doesn't come alive until the end of the book. Of course I have to finish this crazy story, but will I?? I seriously doubt it.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly I just couldn't get into this. The sexual obsession just was way to much!!!!

[Pamela Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever lost

I enjoyed reading this book . I was hoping that Dalton would change his way but I was happy that Elena finally found her backbone. I can't wait to the next book

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever Lost picks up Elena's story right where it left off at the end of Stolen Innocence. As with the first book, it was hard sometimes to read the events taking place. The man who everyone called master had died and now Elena had a new master--the son. Only the son was different. Dalton didn't seem to her to be sadistic like his father but he could still be cruel.

Like with the torture and abuse in the first book, the abuse and rape are very graphic. Elena is a slave and as such has no control over what is being done to her despite the promises made to her.

The subject matter in this book had to be very difficult to write for the author. It's very dark and strays completely away from her usual format. I commend her for challenging herself as a writer on a difficult topic.

[Lorena Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Elena's story continues. We get to find out a little bit more about this broken girl who had no idea who she was, where came from or where her live was leading to. Elena only wanted to know who she was and how did she end up where she is.

Dalton has provided her with the information she wanted and she is shocked to find out the details that entail to her kidnapping. They aren't pretty let me tell you, and I was a little shocked to find out those details.

Elena feels like she is destined to live the miserable life that she is leading with Dalton. She is afraid of losing him but at the same time she wants to be attached to him.

Will Elena transform herself into a strong and indecent woman or will she continue to be the broken girl and be Dalton's submissive forever!!

This series really has me so messed up and so intrigued that I absolutely love it. I love the fact that even though Elena is a broken girl since the beginning of this story, she was always a fighter and she would fight till the end. Now that she has the man she loves, or so she thinks she loves what will she do? Will she leave him or will she continue to be with him?

I love them together even though Dalton would frustrate me sometimes and I would get angry at his behavior towards Elena. I didn't like how he would sometimes humiliate her or mistreat her. He never hit her, but just the things he did to cause her to hurt emotionally. But I loved how strong she became in the end. I was sad to read how it ended but I was happy for her for standing her ground and finally making a decision that will make her a stronger woman, or so at least I think it is!

I'm so looking forward to how the third book in the series will bring us. I need more of Elena and Dalton in my life <3

Melody Anne always captivates me and I love her style of writing. She can definitely write a good contemporary romance book but she sure as heck was able to write a dark and gritty book too. I love her work and I can't wait to read more from this amazing author.

5 Forever Lost Stars!

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is this man whom Elena has supposedly says owns her? What does he do to her? What does she want? What does she need? Has 'Elena remembered who she is yet? When she will not let it go, Dalton takes her 'home' to the city she was from and lets her see her mother, stepfather, brother and stepsister. What happens after she makes an involuntary noise and her mother sees her? When Tina shows up on the scene, who is she and what does she tell Elena they're going to do for the day? What is Elena's reaction? What does Tina do about it? Dalton decides that Elena needs to have more time spent out in crowds to get more comfortable being in public. Tina takes her out to a night club. What happens at the club? What does Elena learn? What happens when Dalton arrives? Why does Elena think he's mad at her? When someone knocks on her door one day and then she hears nothing else. She goes to investigate. What does she find? Where does Dalton take her that night? What happens in the limo on the way back? I can tell you that this book is very erotic, and the D/s part of this book is not bad at all. It is well written and I could practically feel myself in her shoes at times. Especially coming home that night after their adventure. What does Elena do one night at a dinner party that displeases Dalton? What happens? When he finally gives her a choice, what does she choose to do and what are the consequences of her actions? My heart broke for her at this point in the book. One morning Elena comes down after reaching her breaking point, to find Darcy waiting in the kitchen. who is Darcy and what does she have to do with Dalton? What does she tell Elena? What 'gift' does Darcy give to Elena that allows her to feel like she can fly free? I cannot wait for the conclusion of book 3 of Becoming Elena to come out. I want to see what happens for Elena!

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.

[Rough Draft Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Lost by Melody Anne
Elena & Dalton
SHE'S GETTING THERE...
5 Stars

So, this is the follow up to Stolen Innocence. The first book was freaking amazing and FREE if you're wondering. This installment shows us more of the Elena/Dalton dilemma and more to the point, how Elena is handling everything Dalton is throwing at her. You get 'em girl!

Elena was thoroughly pissing me off in this one. I mean how much does she intend to take? How many times can she be let down and go back for more? Apparently a lot! I still think she's tough as nails, but when it comes to Dalton her body has a mind of it's own. Backbone girl, get it!

Dalton is an asshole to say the least. I think he may be dealing with his own demons, but who cares...he could be nicer to our girl! I hate 90% of the shit he does to Elena in this one, but strangely I have high hopes for him.

Some new characters are introduced and I'm on the fence in if I like them or not. This Darcy, the one who Dalton seems to admire, she's kind of scaring me a bit. We'll see if she actually does Elena any good. Not holding my breath.

So, again, Melody gives us an Erotic story without any really bad words. The pacing is good, the storyline absurdly dark, and the characters are phenomenal. Diving into New Desires NOW!

[Krissy's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two contains less physical abuse than book one so that's a plus! Haha! :P

Elena is free-er than she was in Stolen Innocence and is trying desperately to please Dalton. Dalton is an ultra sexy? alpha male and makes sure Elena knows he is her master.



Elena spends most of book two learning how to please master and you see her growing in to a different person. Mary is completely gone from her identity and she is all Elena by the end of book two.

Dalton brings a third person in to their "relationship" named Darcy. The new addition both terrifies and excites Elena.

Book two was slightly less downtrodden than book one had been and there's a lot more consensual sexy time. Haha!

I give Forever Lost 3.5 out of 5 Krissy's Stars.

The writing is superb but the story itself was a bit more BDSM than I usually enjoy.

*I was generously given an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.