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LOST #5
Taken
In New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden’s latest novel, the Last Option Search Team (LOST) returns— and for one agent, the hunt for a serial killer just got very personal . . .
HE SWORE TO PROTECT HER . . .
Bailey Jones somehow survived her harrowing abduction by the infamous Death Angel. But while her physical scars have healed, she can’t stop wondering about a woman she helped to escape, who simply disappeared. When LOST agent Asher Young is assigned to her case, Bailey instantly feels an attraction to the intense ex-SEAL who seems to be carrying dark secrets of his own.
BUT KEEPING HIS PROMISE . . .
Asher can’t afford to let his growing feelings for Bailey distract him from his job. Only she can soothe his horrific nightmares, but the last thing he wants is for the demons from his past to ever hurt her. Bailey has gotten past his guard, and the emotions he feels for her—they’re as dark and dangerous as the past he doesn’t want to face.
COULD COST BOTH THEIR LIVES
When corpses begin surfacing—all marked with the same tattoo depicting the Death Angel’s calling card—Asher must race to stop a twisted killer who wants nothing more than to claim his next prize: Bailey . . .
HE SWORE TO PROTECT HER . . .
Bailey Jones somehow survived her harrowing abduction by the infamous Death Angel. But while her physical scars have healed, she can’t stop wondering about a woman she helped to escape, who simply disappeared. When LOST agent Asher Young is assigned to her case, Bailey instantly feels an attraction to the intense ex-SEAL who seems to be carrying dark secrets of his own.
BUT KEEPING HIS PROMISE . . .
Asher can’t afford to let his growing feelings for Bailey distract him from his job. Only she can soothe his horrific nightmares, but the last thing he wants is for the demons from his past to ever hurt her. Bailey has gotten past his guard, and the emotions he feels for her—they’re as dark and dangerous as the past he doesn’t want to face.
COULD COST BOTH THEIR LIVES
When corpses begin surfacing—all marked with the same tattoo depicting the Death Angel’s calling card—Asher must race to stop a twisted killer who wants nothing more than to claim his next prize: Bailey . . .
400 pages, ebook
First published November 29, 2016
181 people are currently reading
1567 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
314 books6,813 followersAward-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
November 29, 2016
NOW LIVE!
*Amazon*B&N*iBooks*
Cynthia Eden has the ability to take you into the darkest minds out there and to make you question everything. I love her Romantic Suspense books because there isn't one that I have read from her that I didn't connect with in a strong way. Maybe it sounds crazy, but even when she does the killers POV, I still connect to them because she just writes that well.
Taken felt different from the other books in the Lost series, but in a good way. The main characters weren't as connected to LOST as they were in the previous books. It almost felt like the team was branching out and that Asher and Ana, the new members, are going to be working more independently than together. I actually really liked the change since it kept past characters from taking over the focus of the books by being mentioned in a big way.
Bailey was a great character for this book and I liked that she was tough and could handle herself, but still had a soft side and let Asher help her. They were amazing together and right away you could see the connection they shared. Asher was the protector in this story but he had his times where he was the one needing protecting and I loved that he wasn't too "macho" to actually accept the help Bailey offered.
Bottom line, this is an automatic recommend from me. The thrilling story is mixes perfectly with the romance and I think any lover of Romantic Suspense will love this story. It could possibly be read as a standalone but I still recommend reading all the other books since they're just as amazing.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
*Amazon*B&N*iBooks*
Cynthia Eden has the ability to take you into the darkest minds out there and to make you question everything. I love her Romantic Suspense books because there isn't one that I have read from her that I didn't connect with in a strong way. Maybe it sounds crazy, but even when she does the killers POV, I still connect to them because she just writes that well.
Taken felt different from the other books in the Lost series, but in a good way. The main characters weren't as connected to LOST as they were in the previous books. It almost felt like the team was branching out and that Asher and Ana, the new members, are going to be working more independently than together. I actually really liked the change since it kept past characters from taking over the focus of the books by being mentioned in a big way.
Bailey was a great character for this book and I liked that she was tough and could handle herself, but still had a soft side and let Asher help her. They were amazing together and right away you could see the connection they shared. Asher was the protector in this story but he had his times where he was the one needing protecting and I loved that he wasn't too "macho" to actually accept the help Bailey offered.
Bottom line, this is an automatic recommend from me. The thrilling story is mixes perfectly with the romance and I think any lover of Romantic Suspense will love this story. It could possibly be read as a standalone but I still recommend reading all the other books since they're just as amazing.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2017
Link to full review below! Quite possibly my favorite romantic suspense read of 2016! See full review on The Book Disciple
May 19, 2019
Another ace read from the lovely Cynthia Eden. It’s staying in my re-read pile. Spacing out the reads in this series with other books, definitely heightens my enjoyment of them.
Bailey is a victim but most importantly a survivor of a serial killer known as the Death Angel, but despite escaping the killer’s grasp, she cannot gain peace – the media hound her, the night brings back unwanted memories, and she knows there is a lost victim out there. However, no one believes Bailey, when she says that there was another woman being tortured with her, so Bailey turns to LOST. She wants them to, with her help, search for the woman that she knows with every fibre of her being was not a manifestation of her imagination/it was not a defence mechanism to cope with her kidnaping and torture.
I really enjoyed how Asher never disbelieved what Bailey was saying, he is the first one not to question the legitimacy of her memories and words, and for that reason I loved him. The heat between them was apparent, Bailey, may not be able to explain it but Asher is the first person/man since her trauma that makes her desire and feel something other than fear/pain/doubt. For Asher Bailey turns out to be the light he never thought he would have.
Bailey’s boyfriend Royce dumps her whilst she is in hospital, I know he sounds like a real gem. He does regret his actions later, but not for any reasons that will make you like him,
Wyatt the local cop in this I wanted to shake a few times, and then there was one moment where I imagined giving him a well-aimed kick – Here I would like to say I’m not really a violent person, but sometimes the characters in the books I read so deserve the thought(s) I have.
Presently £1.99 on amazon.
Bailey is a victim but most importantly a survivor of a serial killer known as the Death Angel, but despite escaping the killer’s grasp, she cannot gain peace – the media hound her, the night brings back unwanted memories, and she knows there is a lost victim out there. However, no one believes Bailey, when she says that there was another woman being tortured with her, so Bailey turns to LOST. She wants them to, with her help, search for the woman that she knows with every fibre of her being was not a manifestation of her imagination/it was not a defence mechanism to cope with her kidnaping and torture.
I really enjoyed how Asher never disbelieved what Bailey was saying, he is the first one not to question the legitimacy of her memories and words, and for that reason I loved him. The heat between them was apparent, Bailey, may not be able to explain it but Asher is the first person/man since her trauma that makes her desire and feel something other than fear/pain/doubt. For Asher Bailey turns out to be the light he never thought he would have.
Bailey’s boyfriend Royce dumps her whilst she is in hospital, I know he sounds like a real gem. He does regret his actions later, but not for any reasons that will make you like him,
Wyatt the local cop in this I wanted to shake a few times, and then there was one moment where I imagined giving him a well-aimed kick – Here I would like to say I’m not really a violent person, but sometimes the characters in the books I read so deserve the thought(s) I have.
Presently £1.99 on amazon.
December 17, 2017
EXCELLENT!
"You're a fighter. You shouldn't hide the scars. They just show how strong you are."
February 4, 2017
I need to thank my sweet friend Leonor for gifting me this book! I really enjoyed it! Asher was a swoon worthy hero and Bailey was a strong and sweet heroine. The suspense portion of the book was really good! I didn't want to put it down. The relationship developed nicely and there were some steamy times. I wouldn't have minded a little more focus on the romance and I would have loved an epilogue, but that probably was missing because it's a series!
December 23, 2022
Bailey had already survived a serial killer's attack. But when she keeps remembering another living victim, she heads to people of LOST for help. What happens when the killer seems to strike again and Bailey is back to being hunted?
Well, lucky for her, she had Asher. He had also survived some shit and was a former Navy SEAL. If there's someone you need to have his back, they don't get better than him. This man was amazing and helped to make this book my favorite of the series. From the moment he met Bailey, he was all in. He hated seeing a woman hurt or in trouble and his protective instincts when it came to her... I loved it. I enjoyed their immediate emotional connection and how understanding and patient he was with her. With both of them having experienced trauma, they just got each other.
The plot was a bit more complicated than I expected and I really liked that I didn't see a lot of it coming. Loved it!
Find more here: Taken
Well, lucky for her, she had Asher. He had also survived some shit and was a former Navy SEAL. If there's someone you need to have his back, they don't get better than him. This man was amazing and helped to make this book my favorite of the series. From the moment he met Bailey, he was all in. He hated seeing a woman hurt or in trouble and his protective instincts when it came to her... I loved it. I enjoyed their immediate emotional connection and how understanding and patient he was with her. With both of them having experienced trauma, they just got each other.
The plot was a bit more complicated than I expected and I really liked that I didn't see a lot of it coming. Loved it!
Find more here: Taken
March 6, 2017
This is one wild ride. It begins with a chilling escape from a serial killer and doesn't let up until the last page. Bailey Jones is the survivor and she hires LOST to help her find another victim who she also believes escaped. She is paired with agent Asher with secrets of his own. His baggage is as heartbreaking as hers. They were perfect together, and I loved the romance as much as the mystery in this. There were so many twists and turns and characters with secrets that I was kept guessing until the end, and I could hardly keep up. This series keeps getting better, and this is my favorite so far. Highly recommend. 5 stars!
August 15, 2025
The fifth book in the LOST series by Cynthia Eden. Bailey Jones survived a serial killer but she remembers that there was another woman who she helped to escape. So she goes to LOST in hopes they can find her. Asher Young was assigned the case. So many people tried to convince Bailey that she imagined the woman but she knows what she saw.
Another good addition to the series.
Another good addition to the series.
December 18, 2016
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/11/review-...
Favorite Quote: “Once she looked out at the world and never seen any darkness. She’d trusted blindly, dumbly. Not anymore.”
Bailey Jones is the only known survivor of a serial killer known as the Angel of Death. Except Bailey saw another woman there. One who Bailey helped to escape and then she just disappeared. From the deputy who rescued her to the shirk she’s been seeing, no one believes her. But Bailey knows the woman was there and has come to LOST for help in locating her. She never expected to be attracted to the agent assigned to her.
LOST agent Asher Young knows all about the fear, pain, horror, and guilt that Bailey carries around inside her. His own experiences have left a darkness in him that he fears may strike out at Bailey should he give in to the burning attraction that is slowly consuming him.
As more bodies turn up, all marked with the same tattoo that the Angel of Death used on his victims, Asher fears that whoever is playing games with them will not stop until they claim their final victim-Bailey.
Taken is the fifth installment in Eden’s dark romance suspense thriller series-LOST. Based on the LOST agency (Last Option Search Team) that uses their considerable skills to help law enforcement find people, each story revolves around a couple who helps one another to keep from tumbling into the abyss. Though each book is loosely based on the agency and the arc bleeds over a little, each one can be comfortably read as a standalone.
Dark, gritty, and intense, Eden gives life to our worst fears as she slowly builds a harrowing tale of intrigue, suspense, deception, and horror that all revolves around one person-Bailey Jones-and a memory that no one is sure is even real. The heavy atmosphere pulls us into the story instantly as Eden jettisons the reader in the past and we experience Bailey’s kidnapping through her eyes as it happens. The fear, pain, confusion, and horror all blend together as she tries to understand what is happening. When Bailey is able to escape her bonds and surprise the killer with another woman. The woman escapes, leaving Bailey with the killer, and Bailey finds herself once again at death’s door. When she is saved by the police and assured her tormenter is dead, we skip forward to the present and her hiring of LOST.
Taken is easy to follow romance wise; Eden uses dual narrative and internal memory flashes of the protagonists’ pasts in order to flesh them out and help build on the chemistry that ignites upon their first meeting. The mystery itself is a little more complicated. Though somewhat formulaic overall; two damaged people, a vicious series of crimes, a race against time; the always smooth presentation and intriguing clues dropped gives rise to intense emotions as the plot picks up speed, leaving the reader tense with anticipation till the very last page. Eden methodically maps out Bailey and Asher’s investigation and the police interactions, creating a solid base on which to build this decidedly convoluted mystery.
Bailey and Asher are an interesting mixture of contrasts and similarities, adding depth and background to the main storyline. The romance holds an integral place in the story and Eden uses the investigation to help draw out their developing emotions for one another. Strong sexual tension only adds to this couple’s appeal.
Bailey has lost so much since her kidnapping and torture. Her whole life has been turned upside down and she is merely a shell of who she used to be. She fears everything and is constantly harassed by the media. Her reaching out to LOST is two-fold. She wants to find the other survivor and take her life back. Asher Young is an ex-navy seal who joined LOST after he was discharged; much to the relief of his friend and the owner, Gage. He and his twin sister were also the victims of a kidnapping as teenagers…only their story ended a little differently with Asher killing the kidnappers. Asher is a natural born protector. The kidnapping affected him deeply and he has spent his life in dangerous situations to make sure no one suffers like he and his sister did ever again. Both he and Bailey are scared that their pasts now define them but together they learn differently.
A diverse cast of secondary characters keeps the suspense and mystery flowing smoothly. Each person adds personality, drama, and insight into the story. Through them we finally get the full truth behind what exactly happened to Bailey and why. The events leading up to the reveal is quite a twisted journey. At times I did feel that the story dragged in the areas. There was a lot going on and it seemed to stumble over itself as Eden began to untangle all the threads and lead us towards the end.
Eden wraps up everything nice and neat in a climactic finale that answers our questions and wraps up all the loose ends. Bailey and Asher are left in a good place and Eden gives us a preview of the next story, Wrecked, and heroine, Asher’s twin sister, Ana.
Grade: B-
Favorite Quote: “Once she looked out at the world and never seen any darkness. She’d trusted blindly, dumbly. Not anymore.”
Bailey Jones is the only known survivor of a serial killer known as the Angel of Death. Except Bailey saw another woman there. One who Bailey helped to escape and then she just disappeared. From the deputy who rescued her to the shirk she’s been seeing, no one believes her. But Bailey knows the woman was there and has come to LOST for help in locating her. She never expected to be attracted to the agent assigned to her.
LOST agent Asher Young knows all about the fear, pain, horror, and guilt that Bailey carries around inside her. His own experiences have left a darkness in him that he fears may strike out at Bailey should he give in to the burning attraction that is slowly consuming him.
As more bodies turn up, all marked with the same tattoo that the Angel of Death used on his victims, Asher fears that whoever is playing games with them will not stop until they claim their final victim-Bailey.
Taken is the fifth installment in Eden’s dark romance suspense thriller series-LOST. Based on the LOST agency (Last Option Search Team) that uses their considerable skills to help law enforcement find people, each story revolves around a couple who helps one another to keep from tumbling into the abyss. Though each book is loosely based on the agency and the arc bleeds over a little, each one can be comfortably read as a standalone.
Dark, gritty, and intense, Eden gives life to our worst fears as she slowly builds a harrowing tale of intrigue, suspense, deception, and horror that all revolves around one person-Bailey Jones-and a memory that no one is sure is even real. The heavy atmosphere pulls us into the story instantly as Eden jettisons the reader in the past and we experience Bailey’s kidnapping through her eyes as it happens. The fear, pain, confusion, and horror all blend together as she tries to understand what is happening. When Bailey is able to escape her bonds and surprise the killer with another woman. The woman escapes, leaving Bailey with the killer, and Bailey finds herself once again at death’s door. When she is saved by the police and assured her tormenter is dead, we skip forward to the present and her hiring of LOST.
Taken is easy to follow romance wise; Eden uses dual narrative and internal memory flashes of the protagonists’ pasts in order to flesh them out and help build on the chemistry that ignites upon their first meeting. The mystery itself is a little more complicated. Though somewhat formulaic overall; two damaged people, a vicious series of crimes, a race against time; the always smooth presentation and intriguing clues dropped gives rise to intense emotions as the plot picks up speed, leaving the reader tense with anticipation till the very last page. Eden methodically maps out Bailey and Asher’s investigation and the police interactions, creating a solid base on which to build this decidedly convoluted mystery.
Bailey and Asher are an interesting mixture of contrasts and similarities, adding depth and background to the main storyline. The romance holds an integral place in the story and Eden uses the investigation to help draw out their developing emotions for one another. Strong sexual tension only adds to this couple’s appeal.
Bailey has lost so much since her kidnapping and torture. Her whole life has been turned upside down and she is merely a shell of who she used to be. She fears everything and is constantly harassed by the media. Her reaching out to LOST is two-fold. She wants to find the other survivor and take her life back. Asher Young is an ex-navy seal who joined LOST after he was discharged; much to the relief of his friend and the owner, Gage. He and his twin sister were also the victims of a kidnapping as teenagers…only their story ended a little differently with Asher killing the kidnappers. Asher is a natural born protector. The kidnapping affected him deeply and he has spent his life in dangerous situations to make sure no one suffers like he and his sister did ever again. Both he and Bailey are scared that their pasts now define them but together they learn differently.
A diverse cast of secondary characters keeps the suspense and mystery flowing smoothly. Each person adds personality, drama, and insight into the story. Through them we finally get the full truth behind what exactly happened to Bailey and why. The events leading up to the reveal is quite a twisted journey. At times I did feel that the story dragged in the areas. There was a lot going on and it seemed to stumble over itself as Eden began to untangle all the threads and lead us towards the end.
Eden wraps up everything nice and neat in a climactic finale that answers our questions and wraps up all the loose ends. Bailey and Asher are left in a good place and Eden gives us a preview of the next story, Wrecked, and heroine, Asher’s twin sister, Ana.
Grade: B-
December 18, 2016
Review to originally posted at http://www.joyfullyreviewed.net/recom...
The LOST series by Cynthia Eden was one of those series in the beginning that I wasn’t sure if I was going to read or not, but once I got started I was hooked and started looking forward to every single book just hoping the release dates wouldn’t be too far apart. Taken was a phenomenal addition to this series and I loved every moment of it.
Bailey Jones is a survivor of a serial killer who is known as the Death Angel. She was held captive and tortured for days when she hears the screams of another victim and tries to help only to be left for dead. After being found barely alive she informs authorities that the other victim got away, but they don’t believe her since there was no evidence supporting her claim. Now months later Bailey reaches out to LOST to see if they can find this mysterious woman and she is paired with new LOST agent Asher Young. Asher comes off as dangerous, but there is something about him that makes Bailey feel safe. The more that they look for this woman the closer they get but danger isn’t far behind them.
Ex-SEAL and LOST agent Asher Young might be fairly new to the team, but he is damn good at what he does. After meeting Bailey for the first time he knows there is something about her that calls to him and makes him want to protect her. But since she is a client and is still recovering from what the Death Angel did he knows he should be hands off, except that is getting harder and harder. Asher knows he can protect her and as things start occuring once they return to the site of where it all happened he believes that Bailey was telling the truth and just maybe the Death Angel has unfinished business with Bailey.
Taken gave me chills from the very first page, it was thrilling, heart pounding and had me double checking my locks. Bailey and Asher were such great characters. I loved how Ms. Eden had them bond over their abductions. Bailey from the start was a good person not only because she wanted to find this missing woman but she has been saving her money just to hire LOST for the job. Asher’s past was a bit on the dark side but I couldn’t get enough of him and the protectiveness he showed with Bailey.
I loved the whole serial killer idea that shapes this series and thought Ms. Eden put a very real spin on this story. I found the suspense build up was worth the wait and couldn’t wait to find out who the Death Angel really was. The romance was just on the okay side but I really found myself focusing more on the mystery and letting romance take the back seat, don’t get me wrong Bailey and Asher did have some hot scenes but I just wasn’t that focused on them. The one issue I did have was the overuse of the word “lovers”, it was just mentioned so many times when it didn’t need to be. I understood that’s what they were or what they were going to end up being to one another but I did like how their relationship really started to become more to both of them.
After finishing Taken, I had trouble finding a next book to begin because all I could think about was how wonderfully written and invested I became in this story. For those who love a good romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the very end you won’t want to miss Taken.
The LOST series by Cynthia Eden was one of those series in the beginning that I wasn’t sure if I was going to read or not, but once I got started I was hooked and started looking forward to every single book just hoping the release dates wouldn’t be too far apart. Taken was a phenomenal addition to this series and I loved every moment of it.
Bailey Jones is a survivor of a serial killer who is known as the Death Angel. She was held captive and tortured for days when she hears the screams of another victim and tries to help only to be left for dead. After being found barely alive she informs authorities that the other victim got away, but they don’t believe her since there was no evidence supporting her claim. Now months later Bailey reaches out to LOST to see if they can find this mysterious woman and she is paired with new LOST agent Asher Young. Asher comes off as dangerous, but there is something about him that makes Bailey feel safe. The more that they look for this woman the closer they get but danger isn’t far behind them.
Ex-SEAL and LOST agent Asher Young might be fairly new to the team, but he is damn good at what he does. After meeting Bailey for the first time he knows there is something about her that calls to him and makes him want to protect her. But since she is a client and is still recovering from what the Death Angel did he knows he should be hands off, except that is getting harder and harder. Asher knows he can protect her and as things start occuring once they return to the site of where it all happened he believes that Bailey was telling the truth and just maybe the Death Angel has unfinished business with Bailey.
Taken gave me chills from the very first page, it was thrilling, heart pounding and had me double checking my locks. Bailey and Asher were such great characters. I loved how Ms. Eden had them bond over their abductions. Bailey from the start was a good person not only because she wanted to find this missing woman but she has been saving her money just to hire LOST for the job. Asher’s past was a bit on the dark side but I couldn’t get enough of him and the protectiveness he showed with Bailey.
I loved the whole serial killer idea that shapes this series and thought Ms. Eden put a very real spin on this story. I found the suspense build up was worth the wait and couldn’t wait to find out who the Death Angel really was. The romance was just on the okay side but I really found myself focusing more on the mystery and letting romance take the back seat, don’t get me wrong Bailey and Asher did have some hot scenes but I just wasn’t that focused on them. The one issue I did have was the overuse of the word “lovers”, it was just mentioned so many times when it didn’t need to be. I understood that’s what they were or what they were going to end up being to one another but I did like how their relationship really started to become more to both of them.
After finishing Taken, I had trouble finding a next book to begin because all I could think about was how wonderfully written and invested I became in this story. For those who love a good romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the very end you won’t want to miss Taken.
February 10, 2017
Damn, that was waaaaaaaay too short. It's not often I love a book so much that I feel sad when I hit the last page, but Cynthia Eden's books always do it for me. ESPECIALLY the LOST series. Perfect mix of suspense and romance ! Freaking masterpiece after masterpiece in this series... !
September 29, 2023
Safe
Best one so far!
Review to come
Best one so far!
Review to come
October 16, 2016
Review posted on Got Fiction?
I was in a mood for a good Romantic Suspense, and this was in my email, so win-win! That’s the best thing about a Cynthia Eden book-you just know you’ll get a fantastic story!
This is the latest book in her LOST (Last Option Search Team) series, and it’s excellent. Asher is given his own investigation to run, and even though he’s new to LOST, he’s not new to the danger that comes with the job.
Bailey survived a serial killer. Barely. But even though she survived, she can’t help but wonder about the woman she saw being held with her. So she hires LOST to find this woman. She went to the police, but they never found signs of any woman and put it off to Bailey imagining her. After all, the brain does crazy things when in survival mode.
But she’s been getting calls, calls that she tries to put off as crank callers, but probably aren’t. It’s possible her nightmare isn’t over.
Asher doesn’t want to screw up his first investigation, but he’s so attracted to Bailey he’s afraid it’s hindering his judgement. But it turns out Bailey was right, and there was another woman in that remote cabin in the mountains. But did she make it out alive?
Bailey knows she’s been hiding. She doesn’t want to admit it, but her paranoia has her hiding in her own home. She’s finally ready to face the world again. She may have survived a sadistic serial killer, but she needs to learn to live again, not just exist.
Once they prove that there actually was another woman there, things get dicey. The local cop who feels Bailey is too fragile for a guy like Asher, the woman who may know something but has been playing dumb, and even Bailey’s own memories are conspiring against her. But with Asher as her rock, she knows they can figure this out. The thing is, Asher has his own deadly secrets.
Cynthia Eden blends that perfect mixture of thriller and romance. I love her writing, and her heroes are always some of the best. This series has been getting better with each book, grab the first one Broken, and read it this week. You can thank me later;)
***ARC courtesy of the Avon Addicts program
I was in a mood for a good Romantic Suspense, and this was in my email, so win-win! That’s the best thing about a Cynthia Eden book-you just know you’ll get a fantastic story!
This is the latest book in her LOST (Last Option Search Team) series, and it’s excellent. Asher is given his own investigation to run, and even though he’s new to LOST, he’s not new to the danger that comes with the job.
Bailey survived a serial killer. Barely. But even though she survived, she can’t help but wonder about the woman she saw being held with her. So she hires LOST to find this woman. She went to the police, but they never found signs of any woman and put it off to Bailey imagining her. After all, the brain does crazy things when in survival mode.
But she’s been getting calls, calls that she tries to put off as crank callers, but probably aren’t. It’s possible her nightmare isn’t over.
Asher doesn’t want to screw up his first investigation, but he’s so attracted to Bailey he’s afraid it’s hindering his judgement. But it turns out Bailey was right, and there was another woman in that remote cabin in the mountains. But did she make it out alive?
Bailey knows she’s been hiding. She doesn’t want to admit it, but her paranoia has her hiding in her own home. She’s finally ready to face the world again. She may have survived a sadistic serial killer, but she needs to learn to live again, not just exist.
Once they prove that there actually was another woman there, things get dicey. The local cop who feels Bailey is too fragile for a guy like Asher, the woman who may know something but has been playing dumb, and even Bailey’s own memories are conspiring against her. But with Asher as her rock, she knows they can figure this out. The thing is, Asher has his own deadly secrets.
Cynthia Eden blends that perfect mixture of thriller and romance. I love her writing, and her heroes are always some of the best. This series has been getting better with each book, grab the first one Broken, and read it this week. You can thank me later;)
***ARC courtesy of the Avon Addicts program
December 1, 2016
Holy crap, Once again Cynthia Eden did it again.
Bailey has been through so much being tortured,stabbed, and almost dying from being choked she survied. She is a tough girl she could have broken down but she didn't she got back up and went for help. After months of being terrorized by the memories of a girl, she helped escape she had enough and went to LOST team who helps with missing people. After everyone told her she was imagining the other girl she didn't give up and the LOST team are the only ones to believe her and are willing to help. Asher walks into bailey's life and it seems like he is the only one that she now feels safe around and knowing Asher he will do everything he can to protect her. Asher was assigned baileys case he is new to the team along with his twin sister but it seems like Bailey might save him from his own personal nightmare. When they thought they were just looking for girl turned out to be more of what was happening and it all points to the killer who might be back. These two go from searching the woods to finding bodies and it might be more twisted than they thought. Bailey and Asher are perfect for each other two lost souls not knowing that there might be light at the end of their darkness. The only thing that they weren't looking for and found is what LOVE is and these two would do anything for each other.
Bailey has been through so much being tortured,stabbed, and almost dying from being choked she survied. She is a tough girl she could have broken down but she didn't she got back up and went for help. After months of being terrorized by the memories of a girl, she helped escape she had enough and went to LOST team who helps with missing people. After everyone told her she was imagining the other girl she didn't give up and the LOST team are the only ones to believe her and are willing to help. Asher walks into bailey's life and it seems like he is the only one that she now feels safe around and knowing Asher he will do everything he can to protect her. Asher was assigned baileys case he is new to the team along with his twin sister but it seems like Bailey might save him from his own personal nightmare. When they thought they were just looking for girl turned out to be more of what was happening and it all points to the killer who might be back. These two go from searching the woods to finding bodies and it might be more twisted than they thought. Bailey and Asher are perfect for each other two lost souls not knowing that there might be light at the end of their darkness. The only thing that they weren't looking for and found is what LOVE is and these two would do anything for each other.
December 9, 2016
The LOST series is one of the best romantic suspense series that I have ever read... seriously, every book has been stellar. Cynthia Eden does both romance and suspense extremely well and she has become an auto-buy author for me. While you may be able to read these as standalones, I would not recommend it. You want the background on each LOST team member, so I advise reading from the beginning.
The heroine and damsel in distress of this installment is Bailey Jones, who is the survivor of a serial killer known as the Death Angel. Only six months have passed since her escape, and she has understandably closed herself off from almost everyone and everything. However her drive to find another survivor sees her seeking assistance from LOST. Bailey was a sympathetic and engaging heroine. My heart went out to her with everything she went through, but I also admired the strength and determination that we saw in this story. She really wanted to take her life back and she wasn't going to let anything or anyone stand in her way, especially all the people that wanted to coddle her and treat her as a victim.
The LOST agent taking lead on this assignment is Asher Young, who I was super curious about in the last book or two. Asher and his twin sister, Ana, are both working for LOST, and they have a tortured past of their own. Asher is a former Navy SEAL, a trained killer with a wounded soul. He is undeniably attracted to Bailey from the first meeting, but he is afraid to engage in romantic entanglements for reasons that are best discovered by the reader. I loved Asher... he has a strong protective instinct and is seriously bad ass. I hated that what he went through was having such a lasting effect on his love life, but I was stoked that he was willing to give things a shot with Bailey.
Once LOST starts working the case into finding the missing survivor, the action heats up very quickly and Bailey is again in a killer's crosshairs. The suspense and thriller aspects of this story were front and center for me... I was focused on them more than I was the romance. Not that the romance wasn't good - it was - but I was just really trying to figure out "who dunnit"! As I was reading, I was making notes in my reading journal re: who I thought the culprit was... and of course I was wrong wrong wrong (kinda). I don't think I have ever completely guessed the correct killers in this series... Cynthia Eden's twisty goodness keeps me turning the page as fast as my eyes can move. I love the fast pace of the story because my adrenaline gets going and I can knock out the entire 400 pages in just a few hours. I am hoping to meet this author at a signing soon because I want a keepsake copy of this series!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Avon.
December 6, 2016
4.5 Stars!
Cynthia Eden is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors and TAKEN is another great addition to the "Lost" series. The story is dark and intense and it grabs your attention with a kick-ass heroine and the broken hero who believes in her.
Bailey is the only survivor of a serial killer and suffers from PTSD. One of her main problems is that she can't get anyone to believe that there was another woman there the night she was rescued. Not her therapist and not law enforcement. Knowing that she will never move forward knowing that she had helped the other woman escape that night, she takes matters into her own hands and goes to the LOST organization for help. Asher is assigned to the case and from the start, he feels that Bailey is being truthful. He has some baggage that he deals with and feels a kindred spirit with her.
The story takes off after Asher comes to town and that worries someone. Soon, Bailey's life is in danger again, but this time she has someone who believes. When Asher sometimes wants to investigate on his own, Bailey lets him know that she is no hothouse flower and she going to be part of the investigation. She needs to find that woman especially since she sometimes doubts her own sanity. Sparks fly between them and as they spend more time together, they help each other heal.
I thought the story was exciting and there were lots of twists and turns. You had no idea if the killer was still around or if he was a copycat. I had a hard time trying to figure out who the bad guy was and I was glad that law enforcement began to take Bailey seriously, especially since her life was still in danger. I also cared for Asher and Bailey and was touched by how together they found the person who soothed and restored their once broken souls. I love this series and look forward to another. What an intense read!
Cynthia Eden is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors and TAKEN is another great addition to the "Lost" series. The story is dark and intense and it grabs your attention with a kick-ass heroine and the broken hero who believes in her.
Bailey is the only survivor of a serial killer and suffers from PTSD. One of her main problems is that she can't get anyone to believe that there was another woman there the night she was rescued. Not her therapist and not law enforcement. Knowing that she will never move forward knowing that she had helped the other woman escape that night, she takes matters into her own hands and goes to the LOST organization for help. Asher is assigned to the case and from the start, he feels that Bailey is being truthful. He has some baggage that he deals with and feels a kindred spirit with her.
The story takes off after Asher comes to town and that worries someone. Soon, Bailey's life is in danger again, but this time she has someone who believes. When Asher sometimes wants to investigate on his own, Bailey lets him know that she is no hothouse flower and she going to be part of the investigation. She needs to find that woman especially since she sometimes doubts her own sanity. Sparks fly between them and as they spend more time together, they help each other heal.
I thought the story was exciting and there were lots of twists and turns. You had no idea if the killer was still around or if he was a copycat. I had a hard time trying to figure out who the bad guy was and I was glad that law enforcement began to take Bailey seriously, especially since her life was still in danger. I also cared for Asher and Bailey and was touched by how together they found the person who soothed and restored their once broken souls. I love this series and look forward to another. What an intense read!
February 25, 2017
4.25/4.5 stars
Cynthia Eden always write the best twisted serial killers stories.
This book was as good as what she always do. I had my suspicion but so many twist and turn were thrown that I wasn't so sure. (It turned I was right but still I was surprised because I had just a little part of the truth... and i looove it when it happens !)
The relationship was as usual fast and hard and sexy. But honestly what i love most are the things happening around. I couldn't stop reading because i HAD TO KNOW ^^
Brillant author and one i don't hesitate to open a book when i need some very good plot, insane suspens and a love story to sweeten the deal !
Cynthia Eden always write the best twisted serial killers stories.
This book was as good as what she always do. I had my suspicion but so many twist and turn were thrown that I wasn't so sure. (It turned I was right but still I was surprised because I had just a little part of the truth... and i looove it when it happens !)
The relationship was as usual fast and hard and sexy. But honestly what i love most are the things happening around. I couldn't stop reading because i HAD TO KNOW ^^
Brillant author and one i don't hesitate to open a book when i need some very good plot, insane suspens and a love story to sweeten the deal !
December 1, 2016
4.5 stars I'm deducting half a star because a good guy did a very bad thing that lead to even more bad things happening and after the drama finally winds down, it's just completely forgotten like it never happened - that pissed me off like whoa.
So, the story. Basically, everyone is a killer. EVERYONE. And it was fucking awesome. There's really nothing more I can tell you. Just read the book.
Cynthia Eden is killing it with this series. Not all of them have piqued my interest, but those that I have read have been really great. Glad to hear she's going to continue.
So, the story. Basically, everyone is a killer. EVERYONE. And it was fucking awesome. There's really nothing more I can tell you. Just read the book.
Cynthia Eden is killing it with this series. Not all of them have piqued my interest, but those that I have read have been really great. Glad to hear she's going to continue.
December 2, 2016
Fantastic...
Dark, gritty, edge of your seat read filled with 2 damaged lead characters that you root for from the very start.
I couldn't put this book down, I was glued. The twists and turns never stopped until the last page.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. Cynthia Eden is one of my top 10 authors that kick ass in the genre of romantic suspense. LOVE!!!!!
Dark, gritty, edge of your seat read filled with 2 damaged lead characters that you root for from the very start.
I couldn't put this book down, I was glued. The twists and turns never stopped until the last page.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. Cynthia Eden is one of my top 10 authors that kick ass in the genre of romantic suspense. LOVE!!!!!
March 14, 2019
Cant miss book
December 16, 2016
Cynthia Eden really does a great job with the suspense in her stories. She always has you anxious to find out what will happen next in the story. This mystery was definitely interesting and had quite a few twists and turns. I always enjoy her romantic suspense stories, at least the suspense parts.
With that, I didn't dislike the romance piece of the story, I just felt that it happened super fast. The romance was sweet but I just didn't feel the intensity I like to with a romantic suspense. Even at the end I didn't get too choked up about it. Pamela Clare will always be the queen of that for me.
However, all in all a good book and I look forward to the next one which is Ana, Asher's twin sister.
With that, I didn't dislike the romance piece of the story, I just felt that it happened super fast. The romance was sweet but I just didn't feel the intensity I like to with a romantic suspense. Even at the end I didn't get too choked up about it. Pamela Clare will always be the queen of that for me.
However, all in all a good book and I look forward to the next one which is Ana, Asher's twin sister.
February 7, 2017
4 stars - Romantic Suspense
June 13, 2017
ONE OF THE BEST SUSPENCE THAT I HAVE EVER READ. IT WAS A REALLY INTERESTING BOOK WITH A PLOT THAT KEPT ME ON EDGE UNTIL THE END.THE WHOLE SERIAL KILLER THING BEFORE READING IT SEEMED USUAL. BUT BELIEVE ME IT WASNT. AT LEAST FOR ME. UNTIL THE END YOU WERENT SURE WHO THE KILLER WAS. SO MANY FACES SO LITTLE REASONS TO KILL THE VICTIMS AND STILL PURSUING BAILY.
I JUST LOVED IT. START READING IT NOW!!!
I JUST LOVED IT. START READING IT NOW!!!
November 15, 2016
Review to come!
4.5 Stars, 3 Flames
Two kindred souls who have been through hell and made it out alive meet and fall in love in this romantic suspense by Cynthia Eden. Taken is #5 in the LOST series that has quickly become my all-time favorite suspense series. Usually, romantic suspense series die out within the first few books. The LOST series does not fade out but instead gets crazier as each book goes on. I read this series out of order and I did not lose any major details as Miss Eden does a few quick summaries of characters introduced throughout the novels.
As I sit here trying to write this review, I cannot get these characters out of my head. You know you have read an intensely great book when you end up dreaming about the plot and twists and you sadly get thrown into the book. Yeah, last night I dreamt of the last few scenes of Taken! I totally did not expect who the Death Angel was and all his victims turned out to be. Miss Eden had me sucked in until the very end.
We got to meet Asher Young very briefly in the previous novel, Torn, and you could tell he has a serious past. Although he may have been jaded due to his traumatic childhood, he still seems open, protective, brave, and object; even though he starts to fall for Bailey. He sees a fellow survivor and knows she is stronger than everyone, including herself, thinks she is.
Bailey can see that Asher is haunted by memories and just wants to take away his shadows. She does not realize until later than he is more than what he seems. And her first impression although protective was not a good one. She finds that even with the darkness he exudes, she is safe and loved. She survived the Death Angel once and will do anything in her power to overcome this new serial killer that’s on the loose where she can finally prove her worth and strength to those around her.
Damn. This was such a great story and I am so anxious for the next one come out. Sadly, we have to wait months for it! A great addition to an overall amazing series!
I was gifted a copy from the JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars, 3 Flames
Two kindred souls who have been through hell and made it out alive meet and fall in love in this romantic suspense by Cynthia Eden. Taken is #5 in the LOST series that has quickly become my all-time favorite suspense series. Usually, romantic suspense series die out within the first few books. The LOST series does not fade out but instead gets crazier as each book goes on. I read this series out of order and I did not lose any major details as Miss Eden does a few quick summaries of characters introduced throughout the novels.
As I sit here trying to write this review, I cannot get these characters out of my head. You know you have read an intensely great book when you end up dreaming about the plot and twists and you sadly get thrown into the book. Yeah, last night I dreamt of the last few scenes of Taken! I totally did not expect who the Death Angel was and all his victims turned out to be. Miss Eden had me sucked in until the very end.
We got to meet Asher Young very briefly in the previous novel, Torn, and you could tell he has a serious past. Although he may have been jaded due to his traumatic childhood, he still seems open, protective, brave, and object; even though he starts to fall for Bailey. He sees a fellow survivor and knows she is stronger than everyone, including herself, thinks she is.
Bailey can see that Asher is haunted by memories and just wants to take away his shadows. She does not realize until later than he is more than what he seems. And her first impression although protective was not a good one. She finds that even with the darkness he exudes, she is safe and loved. She survived the Death Angel once and will do anything in her power to overcome this new serial killer that’s on the loose where she can finally prove her worth and strength to those around her.
Damn. This was such a great story and I am so anxious for the next one come out. Sadly, we have to wait months for it! A great addition to an overall amazing series!
I was gifted a copy from the JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2019
Taken is an edge-of-your-seat, twisting and suspenseful ride. The plot is fast-paced, the suspense is excellent and the story is compelling. The characters -- the good, the bad, and the in-between -- are vivid and seem very much like they could be real people.
In the end, I decided to give this story 4-stars. Despite the well-written story and compelling characters, there were a few downsides for me. The plot was delightfully twisty, but all the threads made it difficult to understand the story's flow toward the end -- so many moving parts were difficult to keep track of, and it made it difficult to enjoy the resolution of the story without a quick re-read of a few things. The language was rough -- believably so given the situations, but still too much for my taste. The bedroom scenes were more graphic than I have any interest in reading. If that sort of stuff doesn't bother you, then I predict that you'll be a big fan of this book.
In the end, I decided to give this story 4-stars. Despite the well-written story and compelling characters, there were a few downsides for me. The plot was delightfully twisty, but all the threads made it difficult to understand the story's flow toward the end -- so many moving parts were difficult to keep track of, and it made it difficult to enjoy the resolution of the story without a quick re-read of a few things. The language was rough -- believably so given the situations, but still too much for my taste. The bedroom scenes were more graphic than I have any interest in reading. If that sort of stuff doesn't bother you, then I predict that you'll be a big fan of this book.
December 7, 2016
Bailey narrowly escaped a nightmare, but she´s convinced someone else was there as well, and now in need of help. When noone else believes her, she turns to LOST.
Asher carries a heap of guilt and anger from his younger years, and when his latest assignment puts him up close with Bailey, they connect on all levels. But will he be able to keep her safe when their pursuit puts them in the harms way again? Threat comes from all directions, and they´ll have their work cut out from them, this time..
Contemporary action, suspense and smutty fluff in an awesome combo. Love this series!
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. <3
Asher carries a heap of guilt and anger from his younger years, and when his latest assignment puts him up close with Bailey, they connect on all levels. But will he be able to keep her safe when their pursuit puts them in the harms way again? Threat comes from all directions, and they´ll have their work cut out from them, this time..
Contemporary action, suspense and smutty fluff in an awesome combo. Love this series!
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. <3
December 31, 2016
3.5 RATING- I'll always come back to romantic suspense thrillers and when I do, Cynthia Eden is one of my favorites.
There were a lot of players in this one and the middle stalled out slightly for me. Instant connection between the hero and heroine. Steam level what I expected. Overall, a solid entry in a series I've enjoyed. I skipped a few of the books to get to this one but had no issues jumping in.
There were a lot of players in this one and the middle stalled out slightly for me. Instant connection between the hero and heroine. Steam level what I expected. Overall, a solid entry in a series I've enjoyed. I skipped a few of the books to get to this one but had no issues jumping in.
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