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Lost & Found #1
Left Behind
Lexi Moore, twenty-two year old with an identity crisis. I keep my chin up, smile on at all times to hide the way I really feel. It helps let the world believe I’m fine.
I live my life alone, and I’ve always preferred it this way. Until now. Until Jackson.
He hides so much behind that mask of his, but I see what the rest of the world doesn’t. I see a man just as lost and miserable as I am.
Jackson Anderson, twenty-eight year old CEO of Anderson Enterprises. I was born into a life of privilege, full of responsibilities and expectations. That isn’t what I asked for. That isn’t what I wanted. It is my obligation, my birthright.
I’d become the man everyone expected me to be instead of the man I wanted to be, and it ended up costing me everything. I’d lost my way. Until Lexi.
Now I’m falling for a woman who has no idea who I am, but this is the way it needs to be.
We all have our secrets, but mine could rip us apart. I can’t take that chance.
I have to lie to protect her from the truth.
I live my life alone, and I’ve always preferred it this way. Until now. Until Jackson.
He hides so much behind that mask of his, but I see what the rest of the world doesn’t. I see a man just as lost and miserable as I am.
Jackson Anderson, twenty-eight year old CEO of Anderson Enterprises. I was born into a life of privilege, full of responsibilities and expectations. That isn’t what I asked for. That isn’t what I wanted. It is my obligation, my birthright.
I’d become the man everyone expected me to be instead of the man I wanted to be, and it ended up costing me everything. I’d lost my way. Until Lexi.
Now I’m falling for a woman who has no idea who I am, but this is the way it needs to be.
We all have our secrets, but mine could rip us apart. I can’t take that chance.
I have to lie to protect her from the truth.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2016
9 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Stacey
3 books252 followersCL Stacey is a Florida native, born and raised. She still resides in the Sunshine State with her husband and daughter. Relaxing with any good love story she can get her hands on is her favorite way to end the day.
She's boring, but she's nice.
Come find her on:
FB → http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCLStacey
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Twitter → https://twitter.com/AuthorCLStacey
She's boring, but she's nice.
Come find her on:
FB → http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCLStacey
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/authorclsta...
Twitter → https://twitter.com/AuthorCLStacey
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 30, 2017
SOOO happy I got to read this book! CL wrote a great story laced with emotions from every different direction! I was already demanding answers 12% in because I had NO clue where this books was headed and I love that! A book that can keep me on my toes is great. There were moments of laughter weaved in tense scenes which provided a really nice balance. The main characters - Jackson and Lexi - perfection. Well, perfect in that damaged, walls up, guarded kinda way :) they fit. Even when they hadn't realized it yet - YOU will. And talk about a SLOW BURN.... if you're into that instant gratification thing, you won't find it here lol BUT you will be highly entertained from the get-go!
Let me just also say - the supporting characters were great!! In some stories they're an after thought or just kind of get lost but not in Left Behind... everyone was given their own secondary spotlight to shine and I cannot wait to read all their stories!
CL Stacey gave me everything in this book and more. Super impressed being that this is a debut novel and I look forward to all her future stories <3 <3
Let me just also say - the supporting characters were great!! In some stories they're an after thought or just kind of get lost but not in Left Behind... everyone was given their own secondary spotlight to shine and I cannot wait to read all their stories!
CL Stacey gave me everything in this book and more. Super impressed being that this is a debut novel and I look forward to all her future stories <3 <3
May 25, 2018
This books hooked me from the very beginning. From the first page, you understand that there is some type of secret, something that happened that the reader is not privy of, that caused the current situation, and I loved well the author managed to develop the two man character's relationship while also not revealing what had happened in both their pasts.
This book is definitely a slow-burn, which I like, and the only critique I could make is that around 33% I looked at how far I'd gone and realized that I would have liked their relationship to already be a bit further. It kind of stalled from there too.
But then the ending was absolutely great. I adored how the main issue was discussed at length, and the two main characters confronted each other until it was resolved. It was mature and it was emotional and angsty and oh-so-good. It was also treated early enough in the book that we got the chance to see them together as a couple, while in most books the bomb is usually dropped at 95% and then it's a hasty finish. No, in this case, I had all the time to savor it.
As for the characters, they were both likable and relatable. I really liked all their faux passes and doubts and insecurities, they made them realistic. I also really liked Jackson's jealous streak, as well as his desperation. This guy is carrying a lot of emotions inside, even though he may look like an icy prick from the outside. But once the heroine cracks him open, you could see the tortured man behind the mask.
Lexi was pretty cook too. She did not convince me 100% at the beginning when she started answering back to her new employer and client because as someone who's also right now being interviewed left and right, I wanted to be there in the scene with her and just whisper-shout, "just not and agree, and look smart". But in the end I guess it made her stand out.
What I really liked about her was how she did not take any of Jackson's bullshit once they became friends and how quirky she was. I loved her Red Week rules. I need to make my own now, lol.
Anyway, really good book. At the end it left me wanting for more, and I'm glad that the author also explored Caleb's character in the next instalment, although I would have loved to read anothe book about Jackson and Lexi, especially since my favorite part of the story was the ending, when they were finally together.
Aaaanyway, would I recommend it? Yes, I would. It was romantic, sexy, sweet and well written.
This book is definitely a slow-burn, which I like, and the only critique I could make is that around 33% I looked at how far I'd gone and realized that I would have liked their relationship to already be a bit further. It kind of stalled from there too.
But then the ending was absolutely great. I adored how the main issue was discussed at length, and the two main characters confronted each other until it was resolved. It was mature and it was emotional and angsty and oh-so-good. It was also treated early enough in the book that we got the chance to see them together as a couple, while in most books the bomb is usually dropped at 95% and then it's a hasty finish. No, in this case, I had all the time to savor it.
As for the characters, they were both likable and relatable. I really liked all their faux passes and doubts and insecurities, they made them realistic. I also really liked Jackson's jealous streak, as well as his desperation. This guy is carrying a lot of emotions inside, even though he may look like an icy prick from the outside. But once the heroine cracks him open, you could see the tortured man behind the mask.
Lexi was pretty cook too. She did not convince me 100% at the beginning when she started answering back to her new employer and client because as someone who's also right now being interviewed left and right, I wanted to be there in the scene with her and just whisper-shout, "just not and agree, and look smart". But in the end I guess it made her stand out.
What I really liked about her was how she did not take any of Jackson's bullshit once they became friends and how quirky she was. I loved her Red Week rules. I need to make my own now, lol.
Anyway, really good book. At the end it left me wanting for more, and I'm glad that the author also explored Caleb's character in the next instalment, although I would have loved to read anothe book about Jackson and Lexi, especially since my favorite part of the story was the ending, when they were finally together.
Aaaanyway, would I recommend it? Yes, I would. It was romantic, sexy, sweet and well written.
August 3, 2017
Fantastic story - the chemistry between the main characters is captivating as well as believable, and the timeless theme of love triumphing over adversity is presented in a refreshing way. Definitely moving on to book two right now!
August 10, 2017
What can I say about LEFT BEHIND without giving anything away?!
There isn't much to say about this gripping, emotional novel that will leave the reader with so many questions. The first half of the book can be confusing, but I PROMISE yo will not regret reading LEFT BEHIND. I needed answers, wanted answers within moments of cracking open my Kindle, and I have to say it was one of my favorite reads for 2017. Lexi and Jackson were great. There is so much more between them than meets the eye that it is utterly outstanding how the pages don't burn with all the secrets, and back story between them. Anyways, the writing was outstanding; C.L. Stacey did a great job turning, and twisting this story into something that is unforgettable. Between the writing, the main characters, the side characters, and the story line LEFT BEHIND had everything and more that I wanted to pull me out of my book funk.
A wonderful 5 Stars to C.L. Stacey!
There isn't much to say about this gripping, emotional novel that will leave the reader with so many questions. The first half of the book can be confusing, but I PROMISE yo will not regret reading LEFT BEHIND. I needed answers, wanted answers within moments of cracking open my Kindle, and I have to say it was one of my favorite reads for 2017. Lexi and Jackson were great. There is so much more between them than meets the eye that it is utterly outstanding how the pages don't burn with all the secrets, and back story between them. Anyways, the writing was outstanding; C.L. Stacey did a great job turning, and twisting this story into something that is unforgettable. Between the writing, the main characters, the side characters, and the story line LEFT BEHIND had everything and more that I wanted to pull me out of my book funk.
A wonderful 5 Stars to C.L. Stacey!
July 24, 2017
Love is something we feel happens only once with only one person, but for some that isn't true! CL Stacy has shown that even during the trying times we can find love in the most unexpected places! We each have pain and have a story but love is love and it will always find us!
Jackson and Lexi are a beautiful example of how tragedy brought these two together in the most unexpected way! It's a romance story that would seem unconventional to most but is so realistic because life happens and no one has a perfect love!
My emotions were everywhere with this book and I love stories that get your blood pressure up! Once I thought things were good and life was going to be happily ever after boom; surprise!!! The book does end with a happy note so for those that love HEA have no fear you will love the ending!
Jackson and Lexi are a beautiful example of how tragedy brought these two together in the most unexpected way! It's a romance story that would seem unconventional to most but is so realistic because life happens and no one has a perfect love!
My emotions were everywhere with this book and I love stories that get your blood pressure up! Once I thought things were good and life was going to be happily ever after boom; surprise!!! The book does end with a happy note so for those that love HEA have no fear you will love the ending!
July 29, 2017
first time i have read anything by this author and wow. loved it could not put it down. meet Jackson Anderson 21 year old CEO and Lexi Moore grad student in fashion. Jackson is hiding a secret, Lexi has here own demons, The both of them are never ment to meet but they do and the story tells how when and what happens its sad and funny the characters come to life its a fab read loved it.onto book two
July 24, 2017
This book was amazing. It had me captivated. I just couldn't stop reading. Jackson & Lexi's story has the right amount of angst, chemesty, twists & turns & slow burn. You have to read their story. You won't be sorry.
November 13, 2019
intriguing plot well written - wasn't much missing to be a 5 star read in my book - just the fact that almost from the first page on I had a pretty good idea what was going on - but that is just me - I am Colleen Hoover / Agatha Christie damaged .... hahahahha
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August 28, 2017
I've been thinking about what I wanted to say about Left Behind for a while now since finishing and still not sure where to start! This book had me hooked from the very first page till the last always keeping me on the edge of my seat to find out where this story was headed! I immediately felt a connection with Jackson and Lexi, even the secondary characters. Fate brought Jackson and Lexi together but their journey and bond were not picture perfect and heartbreaking. They both pretend to be people they are not. They prefer to be alone because their guilt consumes them daily. In the beginning Jackson and Lexi had a hot and cold relationship. One minute they found comfort and peace from the other and the next they couldn't put enough distance between them. Secrets and lies threatened to break them, but their underlying bond would connect them forever. Left Behind is a good balance of every emotion. No matter how deep and intense this story got there were always jokes and laughter to break the tension and heaviness. My heart hurt for Jackson and Lexi, but I also loved every moment, good and bad, they shared together. They really are perfect for each other! This book is all about a second chance at life and how you decide to live it!!
September 19, 2017
I am not really sure where the other stars went. As soon as I started reading this book it became instantly apparent that rating this only five stars would be a gross injustice. This is a book that you have to really read and embrace, because otherwise you are really missing out. The start of Lexi and Jackson's story is intense. Do you hate his standoffish attitude when they meet or wonder why he is like that? do you wonder what the truth behind their story is? There is so much emotion that the author can portray with words, what a rollercoaster of different emotions. There were times I was starring at my tablet cursing Jackson, and laughing when Lexi got sassy, and maybe even times when I had a few tears; so much emotion. This book had not just two people that you cared about, throughout this story you meet Lexi's best friends Harper and bad boy Caleb; he is beyond words and his place in this story is hard to define but oh so necessary. Thank you C.L. Stacey for allowing me to read this and write a honest review. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series.
September 9, 2016
Loved loved loved Jax's and Lexi's interactions and the chemistry they had and just overall. How everything unfolded just kept me reading more and more (literally, did not put this down until I finished) and the whole story is just amazing! It's got everything: romance, thrills, chills, happiness, sadness, has your heart twisting on some parts where you actually feel the characters pain and you're there with them. Lovely story overall!
June 20, 2017
You want angst? Slow burn? The kind of love that's going to twist your heart inside out? Strong, believable characters who will make you think they are real? Chemistry that seriously sizzles? Right here, my friends, right here. Don't waste your time looking anywhere else.
I am not even kidding. Best book I've read in a very long time. Jackson...gah. Be still my heart.
I am not even kidding. Best book I've read in a very long time. Jackson...gah. Be still my heart.
October 12, 2017
Wow this is the first book I’ve read by CL Stacey. This book is a slow burn and has twist and turns that will have you demanding more and whating to flow with the pages as it will that you on a ride that will keep you from putting the book down and that a breather. This book is a challenge to keep you on edge and have you feeling the energy and emotions coming off the pages.
February 7, 2017
Loved this story!!! Every character is relatable! I like how we aren't told about Lexi and Jackson's past and how they're connected right away, it kept me guessing and wanting more!!!
September 29, 2017
Such a great book. He tries to stay away from her for the thought of hurting her. They both blame their self for a wreak that killed the one they loved.
November 18, 2017
My first ever C.L. Stacey Book... and I fell in love!!! Lexi is so amazing! She’s so incredibly relatable. She has all these off little quirks that made her real, they made her human. She was the humors in this book and I loved her for it. It’s incredible to see how resilient some people are. She’s so strong. It’s a real inspiration to see her not giving up on life.
Jackson... oh Jackson, I just knew he was going to break my heart a bit. Man does he carry the weight of the world around on his shoulders. He has such a bit heart for the ones he loves. It was so sweet and heart warming to see Lexi bring him back to life.
I was so excited to win this entire series so I could read one right after the other. I’m impressed with Stacey’s writing. Left Behind was a fantastic slow burn romance. I loved that they really built their relationship on a nice friendship foundation. Lexi and Jackson didn’t just jump in with two feet, they really got to know each other. However, once they realized that there was more feelings behind the friendship... they might have jumped in a bit! I loved the bit of suspense that was added to this book. I flew through that ending, devouring all of Stacey’s words! I’m thrilled that I can jump right into Caleb’s story in Say Love!
Jackson... oh Jackson, I just knew he was going to break my heart a bit. Man does he carry the weight of the world around on his shoulders. He has such a bit heart for the ones he loves. It was so sweet and heart warming to see Lexi bring him back to life.
I was so excited to win this entire series so I could read one right after the other. I’m impressed with Stacey’s writing. Left Behind was a fantastic slow burn romance. I loved that they really built their relationship on a nice friendship foundation. Lexi and Jackson didn’t just jump in with two feet, they really got to know each other. However, once they realized that there was more feelings behind the friendship... they might have jumped in a bit! I loved the bit of suspense that was added to this book. I flew through that ending, devouring all of Stacey’s words! I’m thrilled that I can jump right into Caleb’s story in Say Love!
November 9, 2018
💖🦋Butterflies are symbolic creatures. Their existence proves that second life exists.🦋💖
I F-LOVE when I find a new (to me) author. You really don't know what to expect going in to the book.
This is a heart breaking story of 2 broken people trying to find a way to keep going. I spent a little bit of time at the beginning being annoyed because the "what happened" question was only being answered little bits at a time. So that made me keep on reading. Once it all came out, they finally begin to put each other back together again. Jackson is a very intense man, and Lexi not only brings out his fierce protectiveness, but also brings some light back into his life.
This book is heart stopping, breath taking kind of greatness. Now I am quite excited to move on to the next story (Say Love) so that I can find out what's going on with one of the supporting characters that I feel in love with!
I F-LOVE when I find a new (to me) author. You really don't know what to expect going in to the book.
This is a heart breaking story of 2 broken people trying to find a way to keep going. I spent a little bit of time at the beginning being annoyed because the "what happened" question was only being answered little bits at a time. So that made me keep on reading. Once it all came out, they finally begin to put each other back together again. Jackson is a very intense man, and Lexi not only brings out his fierce protectiveness, but also brings some light back into his life.
This book is heart stopping, breath taking kind of greatness. Now I am quite excited to move on to the next story (Say Love) so that I can find out what's going on with one of the supporting characters that I feel in love with!
May 26, 2017
I finished this beauty a while back, and I wanted to write my review...but life! lol
Anyway,
TOTALLY ADORED THIS BOOK!!
C.L Stacey is a freaking brilliant storyteller. This book gives you all the feels and no hangover!! You immediately get sucked into the story from the first sentence in the prologue, and I stayed glued until the last page. (The only reason I didn't finish it in one sitting is because I was at a week long convention!)
If you are the type of person that likes to feel the feels in a book, then this is the book for you! Stacey does a remarkable job combining romance and mystery, chills and thrills , and making you hungry for more!
The chemistry between Lexi and Jackson is downright swoon worthy, it sparks of the pages!
I highly recommend this beauty and I cannot wait to start the next one!! ("Say Love")
Anyway,
TOTALLY ADORED THIS BOOK!!
C.L Stacey is a freaking brilliant storyteller. This book gives you all the feels and no hangover!! You immediately get sucked into the story from the first sentence in the prologue, and I stayed glued until the last page. (The only reason I didn't finish it in one sitting is because I was at a week long convention!)
If you are the type of person that likes to feel the feels in a book, then this is the book for you! Stacey does a remarkable job combining romance and mystery, chills and thrills , and making you hungry for more!
The chemistry between Lexi and Jackson is downright swoon worthy, it sparks of the pages!
I highly recommend this beauty and I cannot wait to start the next one!! ("Say Love")
November 17, 2017
Emotionally amazing
Jackson and Lexi are both dealing with tragic past. They are both connected but one don't know it. When Lexi meets Jackson in an Elevator. She wants to get to know him till he says something's that change her mind. When she starts working for as his designer do they start to become friends does it start to lead to more. Jackson has a secret that he tells Lexi she may not stay. Will Lexi be able to move past his secret or will she leave him and what they have found. This book takes you on a emotional ride .you be laughing crying smiling and all the rest. Can't wait to read more from this author .
Jackson and Lexi are both dealing with tragic past. They are both connected but one don't know it. When Lexi meets Jackson in an Elevator. She wants to get to know him till he says something's that change her mind. When she starts working for as his designer do they start to become friends does it start to lead to more. Jackson has a secret that he tells Lexi she may not stay. Will Lexi be able to move past his secret or will she leave him and what they have found. This book takes you on a emotional ride .you be laughing crying smiling and all the rest. Can't wait to read more from this author .
September 9, 2017
What a great debut novel from C.L. Stacey. It is a second chance romance full of angst, humor, love, and tragedy. It drew me from the first page but at times I had no idea where the story would go, until further in when things start making sense. It has the perfect amount of angst, twists and turns, and scorching chemistry. Jackson and Lexi are the epitome of a second chance. They are both very guarded after enduring a horrific tragedy. Guilt consumes their lives and prevents them from moving on. Can they help tear down each others walls and find love?
October 30, 2017
Two lost and broken souls brought together by fate. This was the authors debut book and she did a great job at keeping me guess what brought jackson and lexi together. When are able to finally share there past with each other was my favorite part of the book. They had a explosive connection to one another. I am looking forward to reading her next book.
February 8, 2018
Wow my first C.L. Stacey book and I'm in love with her writing. I also love her full of life characters, All of them. Her references to Batman and Disney characters are hilarious. This book truly had it all suspense, romance and comedy! I love this book - can't wait for Book #2.
November 14, 2017
Great read.
I stared this book this morning. Couldn't put it down. Little confused on some parts but overall it was great.
I stared this book this morning. Couldn't put it down. Little confused on some parts but overall it was great.
November 3, 2018
Wow!!! Left Behind is a fabulous read. It has all the feels and roller coasters that make a book so good you just cant put it down.
Lexi has a past that haunts her everyday but she deals with it in the best way she can. She wants a successful life and job and in the pursuit of that she finds several people who end up being wonderful co-workers and friends. She also finds the man who she cant decide if she hates or loves.
Jackson is a man with a lot of secrets in his past that he is trying to keep from Lexi. Even though he knows he needs to tell her he just cant risk losing her in his life now that he has met her.
This is a wonderful story of twist and turns that give you so many feels you will be wondering which way to go, who to like, who to kill, and who to hate. The ending was absolutely perfect and i hope in reading the next book in this series that i will be able to see some of this couple again.
Lexi has a past that haunts her everyday but she deals with it in the best way she can. She wants a successful life and job and in the pursuit of that she finds several people who end up being wonderful co-workers and friends. She also finds the man who she cant decide if she hates or loves.
Jackson is a man with a lot of secrets in his past that he is trying to keep from Lexi. Even though he knows he needs to tell her he just cant risk losing her in his life now that he has met her.
This is a wonderful story of twist and turns that give you so many feels you will be wondering which way to go, who to like, who to kill, and who to hate. The ending was absolutely perfect and i hope in reading the next book in this series that i will be able to see some of this couple again.
November 11, 2018
Really great start to a wonderful series! I read the other two in this series first, (they can be read out of order, they are each about a different couple but the people interconnect) so this is how it all started! I loved this authors writing style, it just gels so well with my reading style, she gets me. I loved Lexi's sweetness and her snark, and Jackson was the exact kind of hero I wish was real. I was a bit worried about his motives in the beginning, but somewhere near the middle I started trusting his feelings for Lexi were coming from the right place. This was a terrific read from start to finish, but I feel like the author got better as she picked up steam, even more so in the next books in the series, and I look forward to more from her!
November 8, 2018
I need more!
This was my first book by CL Stacey and I was so glad I read it. She has gained a new fan from me. This book had it all. An amazing storyline that hooks you from the first word. You fall in love with Jackson and Lexi as they fall in love. I love that Jackson is protective and over the top with Lexi. That he just wants to shield her from the past and I love that she tries to get into his heart but doesn't understand why he keeps her at arms length when he obviously wants her. The completion of the book will give give you the answers you want and all the feels you need.
This was my first book by CL Stacey and I was so glad I read it. She has gained a new fan from me. This book had it all. An amazing storyline that hooks you from the first word. You fall in love with Jackson and Lexi as they fall in love. I love that Jackson is protective and over the top with Lexi. That he just wants to shield her from the past and I love that she tries to get into his heart but doesn't understand why he keeps her at arms length when he obviously wants her. The completion of the book will give give you the answers you want and all the feels you need.
November 4, 2018
This is the first book by this author that I have read and I must say that I am hooked!
Lexi and Jackson's lives where intersected by a horrible accident but Jackson has kept an eye on her, their paths cross at a party and lets say that isn't what he wanted but it happened! As the story continue there's a push and pull energy between them that Jackson doesn't want to admit.
This story has you laughing,crying and makes you wonder what is going to happen next!
Will Jackson and Lexi ever pull their heads of their a**es to get their happily ever after
Lexi and Jackson's lives where intersected by a horrible accident but Jackson has kept an eye on her, their paths cross at a party and lets say that isn't what he wanted but it happened! As the story continue there's a push and pull energy between them that Jackson doesn't want to admit.
This story has you laughing,crying and makes you wonder what is going to happen next!
Will Jackson and Lexi ever pull their heads of their a**es to get their happily ever after
November 3, 2018
5 LEFT BEHIND STARS!! Well let me tell you I read this book in one sitting. This story was full of secrets, lies, hot characters and suspense. Lexi and Jackson have a lot of secrets and boy are they whoppers that you need to hear. This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last, she is an amazing storyteller.
November 11, 2018
I've gone back and forth with my feelings on this story.....as there were parts I really liked and some parts that just confused the crap out of me. And some of the story just seemed to take forever to get thru. But once the connection between Lexi and Jackson was revealed, I definitely couldn't put the story down. Looking forward to reading the next story in the series.
December 29, 2018
This was such a great book. I loved that there was some mystery to the book which grabbed you and kept you interested throughout the read. It was definitely an interesting storyline between Lexi and Jackson that I really enjoyed. This was the first book I've read by C.L. Stacey but I will be checking out her other books soon, she is such a great writer! 5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews