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Kept
Bree’s destiny had always been kept.
Like a dirty secret, it was nearly impossible to escape a certain dark fate. A victim of circumstance determined to survive, she only wanted someone to trust. But it wouldn’t come easy.
First, it was the family life that forced her to run away from home at age fifteen.
Next, it was her son’s father, Le, who pulled her from friends, locking her into a toxic web of abuse and drugs.
Then came the addiction, which chained her to methadone clinics and seclusion.
In spite of it all, Bree refused to allow anyone to put out her fire, which burned brightest in the love of her son, Noah.
Just when she was beginning to turn things around and had repaired her relationships, came the final blow.
Locked in isolation and desperate for someone to put her trust in, Bree began talking to a mysterious man over the Internet. Placing her trust in him was the biggest mistake of her life.
Now, caught in his evil web, she must decide—once and for all—how to take control of her life.
It starts with a can of gasoline and a simple spark. From there, comes the fire.
In the end, she determines, it won’t be Bree who is kept by anyone ever again.
Like a dirty secret, it was nearly impossible to escape a certain dark fate. A victim of circumstance determined to survive, she only wanted someone to trust. But it wouldn’t come easy.
First, it was the family life that forced her to run away from home at age fifteen.
Next, it was her son’s father, Le, who pulled her from friends, locking her into a toxic web of abuse and drugs.
Then came the addiction, which chained her to methadone clinics and seclusion.
In spite of it all, Bree refused to allow anyone to put out her fire, which burned brightest in the love of her son, Noah.
Just when she was beginning to turn things around and had repaired her relationships, came the final blow.
Locked in isolation and desperate for someone to put her trust in, Bree began talking to a mysterious man over the Internet. Placing her trust in him was the biggest mistake of her life.
Now, caught in his evil web, she must decide—once and for all—how to take control of her life.
It starts with a can of gasoline and a simple spark. From there, comes the fire.
In the end, she determines, it won’t be Bree who is kept by anyone ever again.
Unknown Binding
About the author
Erin Lee
288 books498 followersErin Lee is a USA TODAY bestselling multi genre author and therapist chasing a crazy dream one crazy story at a time. She also writes under the name EL George.
She is the author of Crazy Like Me, a novel published in 2015 by Savant Books and Publications, LLC,, Wave to Papa, 2015, by Limitless Publishing, LLC and Nine Lives (2016). She’s also author of Alters, Host, and Merge of the “Lola, Party of Eight Series,” When I’m Dead, 99 Bottles and too many other titles to count.
She penned the award-winning Freak, an LGBTQ awareness novella and Losing Faith, a novella with Black Rose Writing.
Lee has published numerous magazine articles, particularly on the topic of mental illness and works tirelessly to help end stigma around psychological conditions. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and works with at-risk families and as a court appointed special advocate. She often writes about real life people and situations she encounters in this work; which can be more horrific than any horror movie or documentary.
Lee is most well known as author of the DIARY OF A SERIAL KILLER SERIES with Zombie Cupcake Press and From Russia, With Love with Bella Tulip Publishing and many more.
She believes in supporting other authors and experimenting with new genres. Her passion is reaching people through their stories.
She is the author of Crazy Like Me, a novel published in 2015 by Savant Books and Publications, LLC,, Wave to Papa, 2015, by Limitless Publishing, LLC and Nine Lives (2016). She’s also author of Alters, Host, and Merge of the “Lola, Party of Eight Series,” When I’m Dead, 99 Bottles and too many other titles to count.
She penned the award-winning Freak, an LGBTQ awareness novella and Losing Faith, a novella with Black Rose Writing.
Lee has published numerous magazine articles, particularly on the topic of mental illness and works tirelessly to help end stigma around psychological conditions. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and works with at-risk families and as a court appointed special advocate. She often writes about real life people and situations she encounters in this work; which can be more horrific than any horror movie or documentary.
Lee is most well known as author of the DIARY OF A SERIAL KILLER SERIES with Zombie Cupcake Press and From Russia, With Love with Bella Tulip Publishing and many more.
She believes in supporting other authors and experimenting with new genres. Her passion is reaching people through their stories.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 20, 2018
I read this a few weeks ago and I’m still trying to get the words together to give this book the review it deserves. I found it to be an emotional heart wrenching story that will stay with me for a long time. Knowing that it’s based on a true story had me grabbing the tissues.
Well done to the author as this is my favourite of hers so far.
Bree you truly are an inspiration and I’m so proud of how far you’ve come and of who you are now.
Well done to the author as this is my favourite of hers so far.
Bree you truly are an inspiration and I’m so proud of how far you’ve come and of who you are now.
December 2, 2017
The prologue of Kept was terrific at providing a glimpse into the story and Bree's life, and definitely made me want to continue reading. The struggles that she dealt with daily at such a young age were startling. The temptation as she grew older to do more and be more was always dangling in front of her and I could completely understand why she considered reaching for it. The reminiscences from her childhood really set the tone for future choices.
There were so many events in this book that showcased the pain that had built up over the years and gave me an intense need to know what would happen next. There were times in the story when I wanted to shout into the book and tell Bree to run away from what she was approaching. Or I wanted to pull Bree from the pages myself and help her escape. I was so invested in her as a person that I ached for her through all of the dilemmas that she faced. I loved the way that this book constantly broke my heart while at the same time opening my eyes. Throughout the story, I loved Bree's positive attitude and how she accepted that bad things had to happen to shape her into who she was meant to be. That was a lovely and powerful message.
Overall, I loved this story and I really think Kept will take readers on a terrific and emotional journey. It will open their eyes to the experiences of others and also give them the opportunity to take a short walk in their shoes, providing them with more compassion and understanding than they may have had previously. I know that is how I feel after reading it. Kept also depicts great strength and a fiery spirit not willing to give up. Fabulous job!
There were so many events in this book that showcased the pain that had built up over the years and gave me an intense need to know what would happen next. There were times in the story when I wanted to shout into the book and tell Bree to run away from what she was approaching. Or I wanted to pull Bree from the pages myself and help her escape. I was so invested in her as a person that I ached for her through all of the dilemmas that she faced. I loved the way that this book constantly broke my heart while at the same time opening my eyes. Throughout the story, I loved Bree's positive attitude and how she accepted that bad things had to happen to shape her into who she was meant to be. That was a lovely and powerful message.
Overall, I loved this story and I really think Kept will take readers on a terrific and emotional journey. It will open their eyes to the experiences of others and also give them the opportunity to take a short walk in their shoes, providing them with more compassion and understanding than they may have had previously. I know that is how I feel after reading it. Kept also depicts great strength and a fiery spirit not willing to give up. Fabulous job!
December 25, 2017
This is such a wonderful read based on a true story of survival and love. Survival over a life of abuse and terror for one special woman and love for her precious child. It does make you cry. It did make me angry. But it always gives hope. Hope that no matter what your situation in life is, you can take charge and turn your circumstances around. There's always a possibility for a better tomorrow.
The writing is lovely with a careful touch that doesn't overreact to the horrific conditions of Bree's life or her attempts to make the changes she and her child need so desperately. It tells the story honestly and pulls at your heart strings. It's the best story I've read this year, and I'm an avid reader.
I highly recommend it.
The writing is lovely with a careful touch that doesn't overreact to the horrific conditions of Bree's life or her attempts to make the changes she and her child need so desperately. It tells the story honestly and pulls at your heart strings. It's the best story I've read this year, and I'm an avid reader.
I highly recommend it.
November 3, 2017
Kept is an emotional ride. And as a reader, I feel I must give you a couple of warnings: do not listen to it at work as I did and make sure you have not one, but about five boxes of Kleenex close by.
Honestly, this is one of those stories that cannot even be put into words.
KEPT kept me: weepy, tight-chested and lock-jawed. I had so many emotions rumbling in my chest at the same time, fearing the ugliest cry known to man was going to come out (remember the warning about not listening at work). I was so emotionally wrapped up and invested in this story, what Bree felt, I felt, too. I caught myself screaming at the Kindle as if it was a person (thank goodness for cubicle walls).
And that afterword and acknowledgments....more tears!
Oh, Bree! You were destined for that name -strong, strength. Thank you for being so bold and transparent by sharing your story with the world. You are an inspiration.
And Author Lee is a writing extraordinaire.
Honestly, this is one of those stories that cannot even be put into words.
KEPT kept me: weepy, tight-chested and lock-jawed. I had so many emotions rumbling in my chest at the same time, fearing the ugliest cry known to man was going to come out (remember the warning about not listening at work). I was so emotionally wrapped up and invested in this story, what Bree felt, I felt, too. I caught myself screaming at the Kindle as if it was a person (thank goodness for cubicle walls).
And that afterword and acknowledgments....more tears!
Oh, Bree! You were destined for that name -strong, strength. Thank you for being so bold and transparent by sharing your story with the world. You are an inspiration.
And Author Lee is a writing extraordinaire.
December 19, 2017
This is the story of Bree a glimpse into her life through her eyes, they way she felt it and saw it. This is a hard review to write because its my thoughts in that book my feelings. Anyway here goes, Erin bought Bree and her story to life you feel her inner most thoughts and fears. You feel her struggles and she has a few. You feel like yelling at her saying dont do that Bree. But you also understand through the magic of Erins writing why Bree makes the choices she makes and falls into the pattern she does. Her family is flawed but let me tell you it is also great as people grow and change. This book will make you feel, it will also have you guessing oh and the ending I get to kick some ass. As Erin mixes fiction and reality together some thrills can you guess which is real and which isnt let me tell you it will be hard alot of bad stuff happens to me and happened to me.. But let me say 80 percent of this stuff happened maybe not exact places or ages but pretty much iys me all me.. love me hate me liive the book or hate the book its me and I am proud Erin Lee wrote a story about me
December 21, 2017
Trying to put my feelings about this book into words is almost impossible.
The amazing women that inspired it has forever changed me. Hers is a story of survival, a mother's love and learning to be who the world knew she was.
This book will touch you. Erin Lee did an amazing job in getting you to feel what Bree was going through. This is defiantly a must read...with a box of Kleenex within reach!
The amazing women that inspired it has forever changed me. Hers is a story of survival, a mother's love and learning to be who the world knew she was.
This book will touch you. Erin Lee did an amazing job in getting you to feel what Bree was going through. This is defiantly a must read...with a box of Kleenex within reach!
February 23, 2018
I may have finished this book in a day but to write the review took me some time to just sit back and think. Yes, this book will affect you.
Erin and Bree combo tell a story that had me awed. Knowing that this story was based on someone’s actual moments in life made this book a roller coaster of emotions. Many times “The momma” in me wanted to reach in and grab Bree and give her the hug she so needed and tell her it would be alright. To give her advice and steer her in the right direction. But I had to stand back and let that story unfold, even if it shocked, made me mad at her, and even cry. Bree may have not made the best decisions in life, but who can say they did. I am so glad I read this book, it opened my eyes to so many abuses that are hidden every day and how hard it is to escape them. Bree I am proud of you, keep being you and keep fighting, as you found, Love is worth it.
Erin and Bree combo tell a story that had me awed. Knowing that this story was based on someone’s actual moments in life made this book a roller coaster of emotions. Many times “The momma” in me wanted to reach in and grab Bree and give her the hug she so needed and tell her it would be alright. To give her advice and steer her in the right direction. But I had to stand back and let that story unfold, even if it shocked, made me mad at her, and even cry. Bree may have not made the best decisions in life, but who can say they did. I am so glad I read this book, it opened my eyes to so many abuses that are hidden every day and how hard it is to escape them. Bree I am proud of you, keep being you and keep fighting, as you found, Love is worth it.
December 20, 2017
This story is AMAZING! Bree is such a strong woman, who has been through some terrible things and made some bad decisions in her life. Through the entire book, I could see WHY she made the choices she did. My heart broke for her in parts and I cheered for her through the entire thing. A DEFINITE MUST READ!
February 23, 2018
I enjoyed this book. it was very emotional.
This story is hard to put into words for a review. It is raw. it will make you cry.
This story is well written and it is my first by this author and will not be my last.
Bree you have come such a long way, you are strong thank you for telling this author your story and sharing it with us.
This story is hard to put into words for a review. It is raw. it will make you cry.
This story is well written and it is my first by this author and will not be my last.
Bree you have come such a long way, you are strong thank you for telling this author your story and sharing it with us.
March 28, 2018
Oh this book! Where do I even start... Erin did an amazing job capturing this story of Fire’s struggles and triumphs... what a story of the strength Bree has within her to overcome all.
November 3, 2017
Erin Lee is a bestselling author who writes about subject most people start away from. Now, to a true story of determination and survival. Lee gives you insite into a dysfunctional family that forgot about the most important thing their daughter. Bree's story is heartbreaking but true. Bree from the time of her birth became a parent. She had low self-esteem that had her looking for love where ever she could get it. She found what she thought was love but, it turned out to be an abusive relationship with a side of drugs. She just wanted to be excepted as the loving caring person she is. Bree was saved by the birth of her son. With his birth she realized if she didn't change the cycle would continue. I met Bree in a crazy Facebook site were all of us support each other. Bree you've come a long way baby. Don't stop being you. Your perfect!
December 22, 2017
Erin Lee is a bestselling author who writes about subject most people start away from. Now, to a true story of determination and survival. Lee gives you insite into a dysfunctional family that forgot about the most important thing their daughter. Bree's story is heartbreaking but true. Bree from the time of her birth became a parent. She had low self-esteem that had her looking for love where ever she could get it. She found what she thought was love but, it turned out to be an abusive relationship with a side of drugs. She just wanted to be excepted as the loving caring person she is. Bree was saved by the birth of her son. With his birth she realized if she didn't change the cycle would continue. I met Bree in a crazy Facebook site were all of us support each other. Bree you've come a long way baby. Don't stop being you. Your perfect!
March 4, 2019
This was GREAT❣️❣️
This is such a great book yet aweful that it happened. It's based on a true story of a woman who has gone through such a rough life but lived through it because of the love she has for her son. Some of the aweful things she's had to endure is because of choices she's made and some of them are because of what life handed her. It was painful to read some parts and think this really happened it's not just part of the Authors imagination. I would definitely recommend this book to any genre group especially to young adults as a way of showing them this can actually happen and it did because of choices she made. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
🤓❤️📚❣️
This is such a great book yet aweful that it happened. It's based on a true story of a woman who has gone through such a rough life but lived through it because of the love she has for her son. Some of the aweful things she's had to endure is because of choices she's made and some of them are because of what life handed her. It was painful to read some parts and think this really happened it's not just part of the Authors imagination. I would definitely recommend this book to any genre group especially to young adults as a way of showing them this can actually happen and it did because of choices she made. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
🤓❤️📚❣️
December 21, 2017
I LOVED this book. It is based upon a true story & it will move you. Feeling like your life is crap? Read this & feel the strength this woman had to change her life. My Mom always said "Where there's a will, there's a way". This story proves that. You may need to dig deep to find your will but you can do it.
Have Kleenex handy, you may need it to read this.
Have Kleenex handy, you may need it to read this.
February 22, 2018
Based on a true story this book shows you how a woman could go through so much and still survive. So much has happened to this woman, many women would have given up were they in these same situations. Yet we see that there is always hope.
Well written and heart-wrenching, this is a book every woman should read!
Well written and heart-wrenching, this is a book every woman should read!
March 2, 2018
WOW
This was a truly amazing book and I loved it
Erin Lee is truly awesomely a fantastic author and story teller
💖💗💖💗💖💗💖💖💖💖
This was a truly amazing book and I loved it
Erin Lee is truly awesomely a fantastic author and story teller
💖💗💖💗💖💗💖💖💖💖
February 21, 2018
5 stars is not enough!!!
Erin Lee has just rocked my world! Kept is so close to my story and Bree you have my utmost respect. I finished this in such a short time because I refused to put down. A journey through hell turned fairytale, what more could you ask for! I will warn you though, be prepared for extreme tears, anger, happiness. Superb job Erin Lee!! Bree you are a true inspiration, keep that fire lit 💗
Erin Lee has just rocked my world! Kept is so close to my story and Bree you have my utmost respect. I finished this in such a short time because I refused to put down. A journey through hell turned fairytale, what more could you ask for! I will warn you though, be prepared for extreme tears, anger, happiness. Superb job Erin Lee!! Bree you are a true inspiration, keep that fire lit 💗
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March 1, 20185 BURNING STARS
100% SPOILER FREE REVIEW.
I think this is the first time I’m not sure how to review a book. I can sum this up real fast for you all. READ IT!!!!
Being “who” I am allowed me to relate to this story on so many levels, both personal and professional. I have a past similar to the main characters. My career is similar to the authors. But even if I didn’t , I know I would love this story. It’s one that leads to hope for anyone, with a lot of sorrow and struggles tossed in the mix. Anyone can pick up this amazing story and relate to it in one way or another, because we are all human at the end of the day , no of us is perfect and never will be. If you read and decided to “judge” Bree, that’s only a reflection of yourself and not the person this story was based on.
The author does an amazing job, with little to no mistakes throughout. The storyline is easy to follow and will force you to stay awake just a little longer to see what’s going to happen next.
*** RECOMMENDED FOR ALL READERS , except those who may be new to recovery and easily triggered, or those just getting out of an abusive relationship, or over a traumatic sexual assault. *****
100% SPOILER FREE REVIEW.
I think this is the first time I’m not sure how to review a book. I can sum this up real fast for you all. READ IT!!!!
Being “who” I am allowed me to relate to this story on so many levels, both personal and professional. I have a past similar to the main characters. My career is similar to the authors. But even if I didn’t , I know I would love this story. It’s one that leads to hope for anyone, with a lot of sorrow and struggles tossed in the mix. Anyone can pick up this amazing story and relate to it in one way or another, because we are all human at the end of the day , no of us is perfect and never will be. If you read and decided to “judge” Bree, that’s only a reflection of yourself and not the person this story was based on.
The author does an amazing job, with little to no mistakes throughout. The storyline is easy to follow and will force you to stay awake just a little longer to see what’s going to happen next.
*** RECOMMENDED FOR ALL READERS , except those who may be new to recovery and easily triggered, or those just getting out of an abusive relationship, or over a traumatic sexual assault. *****
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews