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Damaged Souls Golden Hearts #1
Lightning Boy: A Taboo Love Story
My name is Eden, and I only want one thing in life—and it certainly isn’t to be blackmailed by an ex-cop and forced to get it on with some guy I’ve never met in front of a bunch of creepy voyeurs. But when Cooper says jump—I ask how high.
And this guy he sets me up with? Besides going by the stupid name of L, he turns out to be nothing like I expected. In fact, he’s so much worse.
Beautiful as sin. Scary as hell. And heartbreakingly vulnerable … now that was a surprise!
So now I want four things.
To get the deed to my dad’s farm back.
To know why a guy as gorgeous as L has never been with a girl before.
Cooper to die a painful death.
And the last thing? It starts with the letter L.
Previously titled Lightning Boy, Loving L is a full-length self-contained novel with a HEA.
Book 1 in the Damaged Souls Golden Hearts series is the short novella, Finding E, which tells the tale of L’s last night of homelessness and his first soul-shaking sight of Eden. It doesn't need to be read first but does give some extra-juicy background that some readers might find helpful.
*** For mature audiences only and not for the faint of heart. This book deals with dark subjects that some may find triggering. ***
And this guy he sets me up with? Besides going by the stupid name of L, he turns out to be nothing like I expected. In fact, he’s so much worse.
Beautiful as sin. Scary as hell. And heartbreakingly vulnerable … now that was a surprise!
So now I want four things.
To get the deed to my dad’s farm back.
To know why a guy as gorgeous as L has never been with a girl before.
Cooper to die a painful death.
And the last thing? It starts with the letter L.
Previously titled Lightning Boy, Loving L is a full-length self-contained novel with a HEA.
Book 1 in the Damaged Souls Golden Hearts series is the short novella, Finding E, which tells the tale of L’s last night of homelessness and his first soul-shaking sight of Eden. It doesn't need to be read first but does give some extra-juicy background that some readers might find helpful.
*** For mature audiences only and not for the faint of heart. This book deals with dark subjects that some may find triggering. ***
237 pages, ebook
First published July 30, 2018
273 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Amy J. Heart
11 books64 followersDamaged souls. Golden hearts. Redemption.
Amy J. Heart writes about broken, golden-hearted guys and gals who, no matter the odds, manage to find redemption together.
When she's not obsessing over damaged heroes, she's listening to indie music, drinking nuclear-strength coffee, talking to her overly adventurous cat, extremely naughty dog, or very happy chooks. And sometimes even her family!
When they won't speak to her, she stomps off to write more broken-hero contemporary romances or enemies-to-lovers paranormal romances, starring cursed fae princes and their human fated mates under a fun pen name.
VIP Email list: https://www.subscribepage.com/g3z1w1
Website: https://www.amyjheart.com/books
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyjheart
Get info on my fae romance series: https://https://junoheartfaeromance.com/
Amy J. Heart writes about broken, golden-hearted guys and gals who, no matter the odds, manage to find redemption together.
When she's not obsessing over damaged heroes, she's listening to indie music, drinking nuclear-strength coffee, talking to her overly adventurous cat, extremely naughty dog, or very happy chooks. And sometimes even her family!
When they won't speak to her, she stomps off to write more broken-hero contemporary romances or enemies-to-lovers paranormal romances, starring cursed fae princes and their human fated mates under a fun pen name.
VIP Email list: https://www.subscribepage.com/g3z1w1
Website: https://www.amyjheart.com/books
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyjheart
Get info on my fae romance series: https://https://junoheartfaeromance.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 2, 2020
2 potential Stars
This had the potential to be good. The premise wasn’t too original but the details made it interesting. A gay for pay street kid who’s never been with a girl. Broken and lonely, how does he find love and make a good life.... I was ready for something deep.
Instead I got a book that is trying to do too much. The author must be British and yet it seemed like the book was trying to be based in the USA. So the language was all over the place. Which throws off the sentiment. Then the predicaments and situations they got in just got more ridiculous as it went on.
This had an interesting story arc that couldn’t execute. Don’t need anything else from this author.
This had the potential to be good. The premise wasn’t too original but the details made it interesting. A gay for pay street kid who’s never been with a girl. Broken and lonely, how does he find love and make a good life.... I was ready for something deep.
Instead I got a book that is trying to do too much. The author must be British and yet it seemed like the book was trying to be based in the USA. So the language was all over the place. Which throws off the sentiment. Then the predicaments and situations they got in just got more ridiculous as it went on.
This had an interesting story arc that couldn’t execute. Don’t need anything else from this author.
August 1, 2018
Provocative and stirring story
As usual, when I am offered an ARC for my honest review and I don't know the author ; before I accept , I do a little sleuthing . In this case, I found in Amazon KU that Ms. Heart had written a novella : A Boy Named L , a prequel to this book . So , I download it and within the first page ; I was intrigued, captivated and needed to read L entire story .
And folks let me tell you this a layered ,character-driven, touching , compelling and satisfying read. The main and secondary characters are written in such a way, they feel real and 3 dimensional . Lighting/L/Leon/Leo our hero inner monologue is so raw, natural and fluid , it became part of my own thought process. I fell in love with him , his tortured and beautiful soul.
Lighting Boy it's beautifully and evocative written; it feels personal and intimate . It might be difficult for some readers as it deals with dark and serious issues as child rape, homelessness , prostitution and abuse of power. With that said, this is a tale of hope, new beginnings , romance and love with a glorious HEA.
I truly enjoy reading this book and I am looking forward to read more from this author.
I received an ARC of this book through HG for my honest review.
As usual, when I am offered an ARC for my honest review and I don't know the author ; before I accept , I do a little sleuthing . In this case, I found in Amazon KU that Ms. Heart had written a novella : A Boy Named L , a prequel to this book . So , I download it and within the first page ; I was intrigued, captivated and needed to read L entire story .
And folks let me tell you this a layered ,character-driven, touching , compelling and satisfying read. The main and secondary characters are written in such a way, they feel real and 3 dimensional . Lighting/L/Leon/Leo our hero inner monologue is so raw, natural and fluid , it became part of my own thought process. I fell in love with him , his tortured and beautiful soul.
Lighting Boy it's beautifully and evocative written; it feels personal and intimate . It might be difficult for some readers as it deals with dark and serious issues as child rape, homelessness , prostitution and abuse of power. With that said, this is a tale of hope, new beginnings , romance and love with a glorious HEA.
I truly enjoy reading this book and I am looking forward to read more from this author.
I received an ARC of this book through HG for my honest review.
July 22, 2018
I really enjoyed Eden and Lightning, they suit each other perfectly. Lightning is such a broken, beautiful boy, who doesn't realize how wonderful he is, due to all the trauma he has had in his life. The writing and story were great! I want a Lightning Boy of my own! Sweet, horrifying, and touching, this story is one not to be missed. I highly recommend this book!
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August 29, 2021**Update - September 2021. The prequel, Finding E, is now included in this book, Loving L. So now you get the whole of L & Edie's angsty story in the one book. Yippeeeeeeeeeee! Amy J. X
May 15, 2020
Seems I read this a few months ago and forgot to rate it. It was raw and intriguing which made me continue on to read more of her books. Maybe I'll keep going!
August 28, 2021
Amy J. Heart is one of my new favorite authors and y'all know just how much I read! This is an amazing, heart wrenching, dark romance. I was sucked right in from the beginning and stayed up half the night to finish it. I have never read a book like this before and I don’t want to give anything away, but the author does a great job with character development, pulling at your heart strings, and keeping you in suspense.
"L" is a damaged character who is deeply scarred by his heartbreaking past and yet is strong because he is a survivor. You cannot help, but want him to conquer his demons and get his HEA. Eden is a very likable character who is also essentially owned by Coop - having to do dirty deeds to pay off a debt. The chemistry between the L and Eden is intense and the sex scenes are hot, but not over the top. I loved that this book is told from a dual POV as both characters are extremely interesting and have to overcome so many obstacles.
"L" is a damaged character who is deeply scarred by his heartbreaking past and yet is strong because he is a survivor. You cannot help, but want him to conquer his demons and get his HEA. Eden is a very likable character who is also essentially owned by Coop - having to do dirty deeds to pay off a debt. The chemistry between the L and Eden is intense and the sex scenes are hot, but not over the top. I loved that this book is told from a dual POV as both characters are extremely interesting and have to overcome so many obstacles.
July 2, 2018
I read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Oh my freaking gosh!! I couldn't put this book down. I was so lucky to read A Boy Called L and fell promptly in love with L and Eden and then got the opportunity to read this one!! Lucky me! The emotional angst L goes thru because of his terrible childhood breaks your heart while Eden somehow manages to help mend it with her fierce love and understanding. The trauma both of these characters go thru together and separate help heal and mend themselves. I think I found my new favorite author and can't wait to read more from her. Definitely so worth reading.
Oh my freaking gosh!! I couldn't put this book down. I was so lucky to read A Boy Called L and fell promptly in love with L and Eden and then got the opportunity to read this one!! Lucky me! The emotional angst L goes thru because of his terrible childhood breaks your heart while Eden somehow manages to help mend it with her fierce love and understanding. The trauma both of these characters go thru together and separate help heal and mend themselves. I think I found my new favorite author and can't wait to read more from her. Definitely so worth reading.
March 13, 2019
2.5 stars which is solely for the first 3/4 of the book. I can’t stress enough how much the last 25% of this book pissed me off. I even took a break, and went to sleep to cool off. Did that help? Nope, the sharp turn of stubborn stupidity of the heroine made me hate her and apparently there was no coming back from that. Suddenly the book went from 4 stars (almost 5) to 2. I no longer was able to forgive editing errors and characterization inconsistencies, and a flat out rushed character arc.
July 31, 2018
Lightning Boy, (A Taboo Love Story 2), Amy J. Heart
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance
So I'd read the prequel and really enjoyed that, an brief insight into L's background, and heartbreaking in that what happens to him happens to so many kids. I was keen to read this story and see what transpired for him and Eden.
Eden, Eden, what an amazing girl. She's young in years yet through her life experiences she old too. Yet not jaded, still believes there's a way out, still believes she can get her happy. Then she meets L. Its not an auspicious meeting, she's on one her her awful jobs for dirty ex cop Coop, being watched, voyeur style by three creepy guys and L, well he's Angry, Seriously Angry. Its clear he doesn't want to be there, doesn't want to be with her, and I kept wondering why he was there, it clearly wasn't money motivation him.
Eden was tasked with what seemed impossible, make L want her, the wrong sex to turn him on so Coop and the others think, convinced he's gay. It takes a turn none of them expect when she tries gentling L, and he, shocked that its the girl he saw years before, lets him.
In short-story-land that would be it, but here its like real life, forward one step and back two. There's a long way for them both to go yet.
L is confused, he'd convinced himself sex could only be via pain and hurt with men, keeping his emotions back, just going with strong control, giving pain and abuse, and getting that brief physical release. I so felt for him, he's still young and yet been through so much. I love how he got his nickname, its so perfect, he owns what he's doing by that, sticks it to his abusers by his actions.
Could he make things work with Eden? Would he try?
For a while its back and forth with him being a complete jerk in between torrid, sensual encounters with her.
Coop, dirty ex cop Cop. How many lost kids are caught by guys like him, how many guys a( and ladies) are like him too I wonder – too many I guess. I really wanted to know what he held over them both.
I was a little bewildered by Eden's reasons, wanting her farm back didn't really seem strong enough to do what she was to me. But then the farm held a special significance to her, a memory of happier times and maybe getting it back was a kind of lifeline to her.
Sex: yep, there's a lot here, and some of it is violent, abusive, what was done to him and by him by other men, and yet the tender moments with Eden balance it , keep the book firmly in Romance Land.
Great characters, and hurray, a bit more of the wonderful Ariana, oh I want to be her! I was gripped by the story, alternated between feeling so sad for L and then berating him for being a jerk to Eden. She was so patient, so incredibly careful of him, so forgiving, I really felt their connection was meant to be, transcended ordinary love. L too, I so felt for him, that sad kid, taken from happy to horror to nightmare. No wonder he was such a jerk, only way to protect himself.
And Coop, a man I loved to hate. Oh I love it when authors create characters like that, bad through and through, pulling the strings of others, such a contrast from all the sweet and cute, strong but lovable people. We need these bad characters too to keep things interesting!
Its all put together so well, drawing the reader in, bringing us down, lifting up and then crashing again. I went through so many cycles reading it. Will things work out for them? How? What about Coop? How will they get away from him? What about the hold he has on L? I had so many metal questions while reading and at times felt I was racing through to find answers....I'm not known for patience.
I'd have liked it to be just a little longer, there's an awful lot happens in a short space at the end of the book. A perfect wrap up but could have done with being spread out just a little more IMO. Its intense and a lot to take in, but of course that's just my feelings. I need a HEA in romance, and this was perfect.
I've read too many “romance” novels recently where the only romance is in the last tow chapters and the HEA doesn't exist expect in some future with maybe someone else. That's not what I want, I need these characters I've come to love to get what I think they deserve.
Stars: Five, A great read, and now my occasional misunderstandings and confusion in the first book don't mean so much, I can understand more the reasons its written the way it was.
This story, especially when both books read together, really pulls at heartstrings, and is incredibly emotional.
ARC supplied by author
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance
So I'd read the prequel and really enjoyed that, an brief insight into L's background, and heartbreaking in that what happens to him happens to so many kids. I was keen to read this story and see what transpired for him and Eden.
Eden, Eden, what an amazing girl. She's young in years yet through her life experiences she old too. Yet not jaded, still believes there's a way out, still believes she can get her happy. Then she meets L. Its not an auspicious meeting, she's on one her her awful jobs for dirty ex cop Coop, being watched, voyeur style by three creepy guys and L, well he's Angry, Seriously Angry. Its clear he doesn't want to be there, doesn't want to be with her, and I kept wondering why he was there, it clearly wasn't money motivation him.
Eden was tasked with what seemed impossible, make L want her, the wrong sex to turn him on so Coop and the others think, convinced he's gay. It takes a turn none of them expect when she tries gentling L, and he, shocked that its the girl he saw years before, lets him.
In short-story-land that would be it, but here its like real life, forward one step and back two. There's a long way for them both to go yet.
L is confused, he'd convinced himself sex could only be via pain and hurt with men, keeping his emotions back, just going with strong control, giving pain and abuse, and getting that brief physical release. I so felt for him, he's still young and yet been through so much. I love how he got his nickname, its so perfect, he owns what he's doing by that, sticks it to his abusers by his actions.
Could he make things work with Eden? Would he try?
For a while its back and forth with him being a complete jerk in between torrid, sensual encounters with her.
Coop, dirty ex cop Cop. How many lost kids are caught by guys like him, how many guys a( and ladies) are like him too I wonder – too many I guess. I really wanted to know what he held over them both.
I was a little bewildered by Eden's reasons, wanting her farm back didn't really seem strong enough to do what she was to me. But then the farm held a special significance to her, a memory of happier times and maybe getting it back was a kind of lifeline to her.
Sex: yep, there's a lot here, and some of it is violent, abusive, what was done to him and by him by other men, and yet the tender moments with Eden balance it , keep the book firmly in Romance Land.
Great characters, and hurray, a bit more of the wonderful Ariana, oh I want to be her! I was gripped by the story, alternated between feeling so sad for L and then berating him for being a jerk to Eden. She was so patient, so incredibly careful of him, so forgiving, I really felt their connection was meant to be, transcended ordinary love. L too, I so felt for him, that sad kid, taken from happy to horror to nightmare. No wonder he was such a jerk, only way to protect himself.
And Coop, a man I loved to hate. Oh I love it when authors create characters like that, bad through and through, pulling the strings of others, such a contrast from all the sweet and cute, strong but lovable people. We need these bad characters too to keep things interesting!
Its all put together so well, drawing the reader in, bringing us down, lifting up and then crashing again. I went through so many cycles reading it. Will things work out for them? How? What about Coop? How will they get away from him? What about the hold he has on L? I had so many metal questions while reading and at times felt I was racing through to find answers....I'm not known for patience.
I'd have liked it to be just a little longer, there's an awful lot happens in a short space at the end of the book. A perfect wrap up but could have done with being spread out just a little more IMO. Its intense and a lot to take in, but of course that's just my feelings. I need a HEA in romance, and this was perfect.
I've read too many “romance” novels recently where the only romance is in the last tow chapters and the HEA doesn't exist expect in some future with maybe someone else. That's not what I want, I need these characters I've come to love to get what I think they deserve.
Stars: Five, A great read, and now my occasional misunderstandings and confusion in the first book don't mean so much, I can understand more the reasons its written the way it was.
This story, especially when both books read together, really pulls at heartstrings, and is incredibly emotional.
ARC supplied by author
August 1, 2018
Lightning stroke twice
This boy as the tittle suggests fights and overcomes many tragedies among them them having to be a male prostitute (this being the reason for this getting taboo title in its description). Now don't feel sorry for This Hero because like a survivor he just wants the freedom of it all including the pity from anyone. So yes I recommend This book to anyone who needs a love story that stands true and different than most.
This author although new, she created these characters that are so real and intense truly I am mind blown over them
This boy as the tittle suggests fights and overcomes many tragedies among them them having to be a male prostitute (this being the reason for this getting taboo title in its description). Now don't feel sorry for This Hero because like a survivor he just wants the freedom of it all including the pity from anyone. So yes I recommend This book to anyone who needs a love story that stands true and different than most.
This author although new, she created these characters that are so real and intense truly I am mind blown over them
August 5, 2018
Lightning Boy is a damaged soul waiting to be saved!!!!
This story captivated me from the very beginning. It's an emotional rollercoaster ride and hit me straight in the heart. It is beautiful story and the two main characters are both so very real feeling, it makes you root for them from the very beginning. Two broken souls, one so damaged and the other list in the past that you'll have to read this book to find out if they can heal each other and have a real life together. Definitely a must read!!!!!
This story captivated me from the very beginning. It's an emotional rollercoaster ride and hit me straight in the heart. It is beautiful story and the two main characters are both so very real feeling, it makes you root for them from the very beginning. Two broken souls, one so damaged and the other list in the past that you'll have to read this book to find out if they can heal each other and have a real life together. Definitely a must read!!!!!
August 9, 2019
Loved this book! So much uncertainty and mixed emotions! I really freaking adored L’s character, especially the man he became when he was in Eden’s presence! The book was hot and sad and traumatic and so endearing.
July 30, 2018
Another 5 stars! This is an amazing, heart wrenching, dark romantic suspense. This book is not a standalone so be sure to start with Book 1, “A Boy Called L.” Lightening Boy picks up 4 years after A Boy Called L.
Lightening aka “L” is now a successful model, but back in the clutches of Coop - a dirty, twisted ex-cop. Our hero is a damaged character who is deeply scarred by his past and is yet strong because he is a survivor. You cannot help, but want him to conquer his demons and get his HEA. In this book, we learn a lot more about his past, which is heart breaking. Eden plays a more prominent role in Lightening Boy than in the previous book and we get a lot more background on her story as well. She is a very likable character who is also essentially owned by Coop - having to do dirty deeds to pay off a debt. The chemistry between the L and Eden is intense and the sex scenes are hot, but not over the top.
I loved that this book is told from a dual POV as both characters are extremely interesting and have to overcome so many obstacles.
The author introduces a few more minor characters - Jess and Nico (he will have his own book!), who provide a little humor, as well as reappearances of Ariana and Angelo.
This is what I would consider a dark romantic suspense. The book does address child sexual abuse so if that is a trigger for you, then I recommend not reading this book.
Like “A Boy Called L”, I was sucked right in from the beginning and stayed up half the night to finish it. I have never read a book like this before and I don’t want to give anything away, but the author does a great job with character development, pulling at your heart strings, and keeping you in suspense. I almost wasn’t sure these 2 would get their HEA. This book does not end in a cliffhanger, but there will be a book 3 - about Nico.
I received this book as an ARC and I voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lightening aka “L” is now a successful model, but back in the clutches of Coop - a dirty, twisted ex-cop. Our hero is a damaged character who is deeply scarred by his past and is yet strong because he is a survivor. You cannot help, but want him to conquer his demons and get his HEA. In this book, we learn a lot more about his past, which is heart breaking. Eden plays a more prominent role in Lightening Boy than in the previous book and we get a lot more background on her story as well. She is a very likable character who is also essentially owned by Coop - having to do dirty deeds to pay off a debt. The chemistry between the L and Eden is intense and the sex scenes are hot, but not over the top.
I loved that this book is told from a dual POV as both characters are extremely interesting and have to overcome so many obstacles.
The author introduces a few more minor characters - Jess and Nico (he will have his own book!), who provide a little humor, as well as reappearances of Ariana and Angelo.
This is what I would consider a dark romantic suspense. The book does address child sexual abuse so if that is a trigger for you, then I recommend not reading this book.
Like “A Boy Called L”, I was sucked right in from the beginning and stayed up half the night to finish it. I have never read a book like this before and I don’t want to give anything away, but the author does a great job with character development, pulling at your heart strings, and keeping you in suspense. I almost wasn’t sure these 2 would get their HEA. This book does not end in a cliffhanger, but there will be a book 3 - about Nico.
I received this book as an ARC and I voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 25, 2018
An interesting tale about a damaged boy and a girl who will do anything to get her father's farm back. He doesn't do relationships, and he most definitely doesn't do love. Sex to him is not for pleasure, but rather for pain... to the other person. That is until she enters the picture. She teaches him how to be gentle, and he finds himself drawn to her, but he still pushes her away. While the entire book is about sex, there's a sweetness to it. His story is a little heart breaking. There's some mystery about their back stories. We get bits and pieces of insight throughout the book, but there are still a few things we don't get the full picture of. Though there is a book one/prequel that introduces the characters and I believe, (though I haven't read it yet,) that we get some of the info that we are missing in this book. Her character is strong and powerful, even if she's doing some unsavory things to get what she wants. He is strong in a different kind of way. He is broken and has a naivety about him. The side character are great. There is the quirky and feisty friends, the evil bastard that has a hold over them, the grandmotherly figure. As far as the writing goes, it was good, but there were a few that could have been better. A couple scenes where the H and h's dialog kinda contradicted themselves. For example, he would be telling her to leave and never look back, with her refusing. Then when she finally decided to leave, he's begging her not to go, like he didn't just tell her to. Other than those items, it was a lovely story, even if the subject matter was heartening. There is some content that may be a trigger for some. Sexual abuse is mentioned. Due to the theme and sexual content, this is for mature readers. It alternates between the two POVs.
July 29, 2018
This was the first time I have read a book by Amy Heart and I must admit that the book blurb made me pause and think about if I wanted to volunteer to read an ARC copy for my honest review. Boy was I glad I decided to go for it. This book is tragic and sad, triumphant and moving. If the emotion has a name it seems these characters feel it and so do you. It is impossible not to love L/Lightning/Leon/Leo. His capacity to live and love life, even when he loathed himself was a bright beacon in a very dark world. The things that had been done to him as a boy and young adult were painful to read and learn about. Eden/Edie was just as lost, though thankfully had not suffered the same kind of abuse that L had. It was them together that was the brightest spot in the messed up world. The saddest thing for me was the fact that L’s step-father and Coop are reflections of way to many people in the real world, people willing to hurt children for their own sick minds and pleasure. I would have to say that while I highly recommend this one to be added to your reading list, I do it with some caution. This story has triggers, child rape is a big one, and if that is something you can’t handle, don’t read this one. But if you can handle it, you will read a story about how believing in someone and sharing love in the world can triumph over the evil we live amongst every day. I don’t regret for one minute reading this story and look forward to reading more by this new author.
November 17, 2018
WOW!!!
This book was so good. I read the prequel as well, and I highly recommend doing that too. It gives a lot of backstory in details. This goes into what happened in the prequel, but not in such vivid descriptions.
This book was SO good! It was definitely dark and gritty, but there were some light aspects to it and humor as well. The characters were A+ and so were the supporting ones. I liked to the plot and the timeline of how everything played out. I do not believe that there were any slow points in the story.
Poor L, this kid was really put through the ringer. Just as the series is called, Damaged Souls, Golden Hearts- that describes him perfectly. Such an amazing person that was really really dealt not just a bad hand, but the worst freaking hand you could be dealt. He persevered though and was so strong.
Eden was a great match for him. She is kind and being dealt a pretty rough hand herself, but she does not act like it at all. She is jaded, but not broken and tries to still have a cheery disposition, which is exactly what L needs.
This book is dark, gritty, light, funny, and full of so much heart. There are triggers, so definitely do not read this if that is not something that you like. But, if you like things a little dark and dirty, I give this 5 out of 5 stars because I could not put it down and I liked how it ended. Definitely looking forward to book too!!
This book was so good. I read the prequel as well, and I highly recommend doing that too. It gives a lot of backstory in details. This goes into what happened in the prequel, but not in such vivid descriptions.
This book was SO good! It was definitely dark and gritty, but there were some light aspects to it and humor as well. The characters were A+ and so were the supporting ones. I liked to the plot and the timeline of how everything played out. I do not believe that there were any slow points in the story.
Poor L, this kid was really put through the ringer. Just as the series is called, Damaged Souls, Golden Hearts- that describes him perfectly. Such an amazing person that was really really dealt not just a bad hand, but the worst freaking hand you could be dealt. He persevered though and was so strong.
Eden was a great match for him. She is kind and being dealt a pretty rough hand herself, but she does not act like it at all. She is jaded, but not broken and tries to still have a cheery disposition, which is exactly what L needs.
This book is dark, gritty, light, funny, and full of so much heart. There are triggers, so definitely do not read this if that is not something that you like. But, if you like things a little dark and dirty, I give this 5 out of 5 stars because I could not put it down and I liked how it ended. Definitely looking forward to book too!!
July 22, 2018
4 1/2 Stars
This book takes place 4 years after "A Boy Called L" and L is a successful model, but is still trapped in his own mind and still letting Coop control him. Edie is also under the control of Coop, but for an entirely different reason ... to get back her deceased father's farm. When L is forced to have sex with a female for the first time, he never dreamed it would be with Edie ... the girl who inspired him 4 years ago. L and Edie begin to see each other, but L is having trouble with Edie being caring and kind when all he is used to is hate and punishment.
This book is so different from any other book that I have read and it took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. At times I just wanted Edie to leave L behind because it just seemed he didn't want to change. And yet I couldn't help but feel sorry for him because he just couldn't understand these feelings he had towards Edie. At times I had to laugh at the situations they would get into, but most of the time my heart just broke for both of them. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary and don't mind going out of the box, then this is the book for you.
I graciously received an ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review.
This book takes place 4 years after "A Boy Called L" and L is a successful model, but is still trapped in his own mind and still letting Coop control him. Edie is also under the control of Coop, but for an entirely different reason ... to get back her deceased father's farm. When L is forced to have sex with a female for the first time, he never dreamed it would be with Edie ... the girl who inspired him 4 years ago. L and Edie begin to see each other, but L is having trouble with Edie being caring and kind when all he is used to is hate and punishment.
This book is so different from any other book that I have read and it took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. At times I just wanted Edie to leave L behind because it just seemed he didn't want to change. And yet I couldn't help but feel sorry for him because he just couldn't understand these feelings he had towards Edie. At times I had to laugh at the situations they would get into, but most of the time my heart just broke for both of them. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary and don't mind going out of the box, then this is the book for you.
I graciously received an ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review.
August 3, 2018
I found this to be more of a romantic love story that fell in the gray area -
L was from the streets - twisted and hardened by years of abuse
Eden was from the system - lost and abandoned in a sea of darkness
Two souls - Both young and insecure - Both driven by hope, tormented by darkness.
I felt lost when I started this read - like being tossed into the deep end without knowing how to swim - the lessons came slowly throughout the story building the characters and filling in their pasts.
Eden and L are brought together by fate and are instantly enamored with one another. I enjoyed the innocence of Eden. She is a bit naive and not overly quick to catch on but she does go forward using 100% of her heart - you can't help but develop a soft spot for her.
L was pulled from the streets and is saving for the moment he can make retribution, he fails to see the light that still burns within him, but thanks to some great supporting characters and our sweet little Eden he finds his way.
Romance mixed with suspense and a little angst provides an entertaining tale for an afternoon read
This does deal with scenes of coercion and past memories of sexual abuse
L was from the streets - twisted and hardened by years of abuse
Eden was from the system - lost and abandoned in a sea of darkness
Two souls - Both young and insecure - Both driven by hope, tormented by darkness.
I felt lost when I started this read - like being tossed into the deep end without knowing how to swim - the lessons came slowly throughout the story building the characters and filling in their pasts.
Eden and L are brought together by fate and are instantly enamored with one another. I enjoyed the innocence of Eden. She is a bit naive and not overly quick to catch on but she does go forward using 100% of her heart - you can't help but develop a soft spot for her.
L was pulled from the streets and is saving for the moment he can make retribution, he fails to see the light that still burns within him, but thanks to some great supporting characters and our sweet little Eden he finds his way.
Romance mixed with suspense and a little angst provides an entertaining tale for an afternoon read
This does deal with scenes of coercion and past memories of sexual abuse
July 29, 2018
Thanks Hidden Gems for an ARC to read and share my honest opinion.
Eden has one goal in life...to recover her father's farm lost to a dirty cop. With any means necessary..fair or foul Eden attends these sex parties that a dirty cop throws and does exactly what he says. Every sadistic act she has to perform is money off the price of the farm, and this current depravity rattles her to the core. She has to perform on a guy who is sadistic towards men sexually and has never been with a girl, his name is L.
Did I like this book? Yes it has an angsty feeling and it satisfied me very much. Some of the torture and drama is well written and verifies how damaged the two are. I think they are kismet for each other.
Would I buy this book for a loaner? Oh yea, definitely. But carefully put ....this book is not an easy read but the HEA is huge in the end.
Words for the author? Superb book! A great read and I'm glad I was chosen to review. Beautifully done!
Eden has one goal in life...to recover her father's farm lost to a dirty cop. With any means necessary..fair or foul Eden attends these sex parties that a dirty cop throws and does exactly what he says. Every sadistic act she has to perform is money off the price of the farm, and this current depravity rattles her to the core. She has to perform on a guy who is sadistic towards men sexually and has never been with a girl, his name is L.
Did I like this book? Yes it has an angsty feeling and it satisfied me very much. Some of the torture and drama is well written and verifies how damaged the two are. I think they are kismet for each other.
Would I buy this book for a loaner? Oh yea, definitely. But carefully put ....this book is not an easy read but the HEA is huge in the end.
Words for the author? Superb book! A great read and I'm glad I was chosen to review. Beautifully done!
July 23, 2018
Loved this book and the prequel. Also, well done on the covers! The cover model is Lightning Boy. This book was well written, funny, heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, but tied up beautifully. Poor kid, he was so confused and messed up, but thankfully he and Eden found each other. Read the prequel first (I did, then promptly signed on for an ARC for this). I loved how he saw Eden in the prequel, his response to seeing her, and then not really understanding and fighting his feelings. Loved all the wonderful characters and really, really hated the villain(s). One main bad guy, but several dirtbags are here. The writing was well done, and I loved how the author wrote the MCs first love scene. Very well done given the circumstances. I'm looking forward to the next one, as it promised an update for our broken hero and the girl who showed him light in a world of darkness.
October 10, 2018
Wow what a dark and twisted romance book this was. At first when I started reading this book I didn’t get the situation that L and Edie were in but as the book went on I began to understand more. I was shocked when I discovered what L went through. I couldn’t believe what horrible things happened to him and what bad things he did as well. Edie made some really bad choices too but they were for a greater good. She was trying to get back her dads farm. L was so scared and tried so hard to push Edie away but in the end he just couldn’t get her out of his mind or stay away. There relationship had their ups and downs but they were meant for each other. They fought for one another and they did good for the other person. This was such a interesting and twisted book. This book may not be for everyone but if you like suspense then this would be a great one to read.
July 30, 2018
WARNING NOT FOR THE SENSITIVE READER.
This is a very dark and graphic read were the male character was a victim of sexual abuse as a child.
A absolutely loved this book, it was so well written and once i started reading it I couldnt put it down.
All Eden wants is her fathers farm back from the corrupt ex cop Coop that she will do anything to get it back.
L is a damaged man that was sexually abused as a child, now he is a successful model but is being blackmailed by the vile Coop.
The chemistry between Eden and L is electric. L tries to push Eden away but cant get the first woman that he had a real kiss and sex with out of his mind and keeps coming back to her.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
This is a very dark and graphic read were the male character was a victim of sexual abuse as a child.
A absolutely loved this book, it was so well written and once i started reading it I couldnt put it down.
All Eden wants is her fathers farm back from the corrupt ex cop Coop that she will do anything to get it back.
L is a damaged man that was sexually abused as a child, now he is a successful model but is being blackmailed by the vile Coop.
The chemistry between Eden and L is electric. L tries to push Eden away but cant get the first woman that he had a real kiss and sex with out of his mind and keeps coming back to her.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
May 8, 2020
"The truth is, stories need to be told. They're important. I know that. They make us who we are, and as a show of trust-of love- I need to give her mine."
Before reading this I suggest you read the prequel, A Boy Called L to really get a sense of what L was going through and how dark his life was. Plus you get to witness his first non interaction with Edie which was beautiful. Anyways this book was great! It was easy to get lost in the beautiful writing and hard not to fall in love with these characters.The story was great and had romance, action and cute scenes. There are alot of dark topics in this book but I thought they were handled extremely well. You could really feel the connection between characters. I loved it and I'm excited to read more in the series.
Before reading this I suggest you read the prequel, A Boy Called L to really get a sense of what L was going through and how dark his life was. Plus you get to witness his first non interaction with Edie which was beautiful. Anyways this book was great! It was easy to get lost in the beautiful writing and hard not to fall in love with these characters.The story was great and had romance, action and cute scenes. There are alot of dark topics in this book but I thought they were handled extremely well. You could really feel the connection between characters. I loved it and I'm excited to read more in the series.
July 26, 2018
I read this book as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Eden and L meet each other in a very messed up situation and realize that they are both very damaged and try their hardest not to feel anything for each other.
Eden has found herself stuck in a situation where she's indebted to Cooper, who in turn has something heavy hanging over the head of L that could cost him his life.
I liked the story. I enjoyed the relationship that Edie and L fought for, but I felt like the perspective of Eden was a scared girl afraid of her feelings, but from L's side, she was powerful and dominant and it wasn't completely believable to me.
Eden and L meet each other in a very messed up situation and realize that they are both very damaged and try their hardest not to feel anything for each other.
Eden has found herself stuck in a situation where she's indebted to Cooper, who in turn has something heavy hanging over the head of L that could cost him his life.
I liked the story. I enjoyed the relationship that Edie and L fought for, but I felt like the perspective of Eden was a scared girl afraid of her feelings, but from L's side, she was powerful and dominant and it wasn't completely believable to me.
July 27, 2018
This is one of those books that is just so good it's surprising. L and Eden's story will put your heart and mind through a wringer as you make your way through this complex read. A breathtaking blend of sweetness, steam, pain, hope, suffering, drama, love, survival, angst, darkness and light. This book will touch your heart as details about these characters are revealed and your heart shall melt as a totally unexpected seed of love begins to heal these two tortured souls. Trigger Warning: This book has content relating to sexual abuse. So if this is an issue for you, you should probably pass on this book. This is a powerhouse of an emotional read. This is a voluntary, honest review.
August 3, 2018
A Beautifully Written Taboo Love Story !
This is such a beautifully written story, it's hard to believe that this is the first book by Amy J. Heart. This is a story of a boy that suffered a terrible childhood but still managed to find redemption with the help of girl named Edie. Edie and L make the perfect pair, two broken souls, with tragic past, that find an emotional connection through a painful first meeting. Although it is not necessary to read the prequel, A Boy Called L, it gives Lightening Boy more meaning if you do .
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the third book in the series by Ms. Heart.
This is such a beautifully written story, it's hard to believe that this is the first book by Amy J. Heart. This is a story of a boy that suffered a terrible childhood but still managed to find redemption with the help of girl named Edie. Edie and L make the perfect pair, two broken souls, with tragic past, that find an emotional connection through a painful first meeting. Although it is not necessary to read the prequel, A Boy Called L, it gives Lightening Boy more meaning if you do .
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the third book in the series by Ms. Heart.
September 19, 2018
Well...
I can tell this author has put a lot of thought/heart into her story and she has talent, but I am so frustrated. I basically feel like I understood what story she set out to tell, but she didn’t actually tell it. Her characters actions, reasons, and experiences just didn’t mesh together to form the people she portrayed them to be. It would take much more time than I have to go into more detail than that. I will say to be aware that this book is full of triggers especially to those who are damaged but still place the value of themselves over material things (or even property), or pretty much any sex abuse victim.
I can tell this author has put a lot of thought/heart into her story and she has talent, but I am so frustrated. I basically feel like I understood what story she set out to tell, but she didn’t actually tell it. Her characters actions, reasons, and experiences just didn’t mesh together to form the people she portrayed them to be. It would take much more time than I have to go into more detail than that. I will say to be aware that this book is full of triggers especially to those who are damaged but still place the value of themselves over material things (or even property), or pretty much any sex abuse victim.
July 7, 2018
OMG! So good, so so good! When I started with the first book it made me really uncomfortable and if I’m honest made me wonder whether I should even be reading it! But I thought if it is making me think this now, there’s got to be more to this story! And omg was there ever, this is very hard to read in places but you have to finish the book! I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but I will just say it deserves more than 5 Stars that’s for sure!
I voluntarily read an ARC copy and am leaving an honest review
I voluntarily read an ARC copy and am leaving an honest review
January 29, 2019
4*
Eden is warned by her father Sam before his death things that don’t make sense until much later in her life but will they ring true?
Lightening or L as he’s known as meets Eden at a party hosted by Coop an ex cop at the time he’s unsure how she factors into these parties & feels he’s met her before?
A new author for me I liked the style of writing & was interested throughout the book. I hope to read Nico story when it’s available.
Great book.
Eden is warned by her father Sam before his death things that don’t make sense until much later in her life but will they ring true?
Lightening or L as he’s known as meets Eden at a party hosted by Coop an ex cop at the time he’s unsure how she factors into these parties & feels he’s met her before?
A new author for me I liked the style of writing & was interested throughout the book. I hope to read Nico story when it’s available.
Great book.
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