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Lust and Lies #1
Shadow
They gave me one job—watch Chloe Olsen and remain in the shadows.
I’ve spent so much time there, lurking along the outskirts of society, being no one, it shouldn’t have been hard to return to them.
It’s the least I could do for the Van Doorns after they dragged me from the darkness of my old life.
But from the moment I saw her, I knew I wanted her.
I shouldn’t have spoken to her.
Messing with her means digging my own grave. Pursuing her puts my family at risk.
Chloe is my light, but family is everything…
I’ve spent so much time there, lurking along the outskirts of society, being no one, it shouldn’t have been hard to return to them.
It’s the least I could do for the Van Doorns after they dragged me from the darkness of my old life.
But from the moment I saw her, I knew I wanted her.
I shouldn’t have spoken to her.
Messing with her means digging my own grave. Pursuing her puts my family at risk.
Chloe is my light, but family is everything…
- GenresDark
ebook
First published August 25, 2018
43 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Drew Sera
17 books530 followersDrew Sera was born and raised in Sin City and writes dark romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 23, 2018
Drew Sera has me hooked again! This book is fantastic! Full of family, betrayal, drugs and feelings! I fell in love with these characters, some more than others. This is a book of family bonds and underground drug deals. Wes is taken off the streets by the head of the Van Doorn family, Thom. Thoms brother Dean is a shady character that is out for himself and nothing else. This is the first to the series, I'd like to give more than 5 stars.
August 25, 2018
My goodness!! Excitement, action and intrigue with a dash of hot sexiness
September 2, 2018
Sex🐺🍆🌋, Drugs💉, Murder🔫, and Betrayal
Amsterdam 2007
Ecstasy Drug Lords, Thom, Dean and Bram Van Doorn, have a great business, but Bram is a screw up. He's been taking the product and frequenting prostitutes! He has Thom's two late teens boys with him when he goes to talk to some clients. He pulls out a 🔫gun there and screws up the deal. Oops!
Brother Dean is so angry he shoots Bram in the alley behind the legitimate bakery they own. A homeless boy, Wesley👨, sees it all, but he doesn't realize the dead man is their brother.
Instead of killing him too, Thom takes him home to live with him and his three sons!
Years later, Wesley is adopted by Thom, but Dean is jealous of The Young man. He thinks Thom will turn the business to Wesley when The time comes.
ARC Received from Bad Boy.
I got the book📑 with KU.
The book is interesting, but has an overwhelming amount of narrative and not a lot of talking between the characters. It is slow moving much of the time.
It's definitely a different sort of adult romance💕. About halfway through, the pace picks up, when a rival gang leader's daughter💃💋 comes to town on business.
The book ends in a cliffhanger. Lost a 🌠for that.
Amsterdam 2007
Ecstasy Drug Lords, Thom, Dean and Bram Van Doorn, have a great business, but Bram is a screw up. He's been taking the product and frequenting prostitutes! He has Thom's two late teens boys with him when he goes to talk to some clients. He pulls out a 🔫gun there and screws up the deal. Oops!
Brother Dean is so angry he shoots Bram in the alley behind the legitimate bakery they own. A homeless boy, Wesley👨, sees it all, but he doesn't realize the dead man is their brother.
Instead of killing him too, Thom takes him home to live with him and his three sons!
Years later, Wesley is adopted by Thom, but Dean is jealous of The Young man. He thinks Thom will turn the business to Wesley when The time comes.
ARC Received from Bad Boy.
I got the book📑 with KU.
The book is interesting, but has an overwhelming amount of narrative and not a lot of talking between the characters. It is slow moving much of the time.
It's definitely a different sort of adult romance💕. About halfway through, the pace picks up, when a rival gang leader's daughter💃💋 comes to town on business.
The book ends in a cliffhanger. Lost a 🌠for that.
January 7, 2024
Wow.. Is all I have to say. This was such a great read and very different from her other books. I so looking forward to see what next in the series. Must read💛
September 3, 2018
Shadow, Lust And Lies Book One was my first book by author Drew Sera. I don't have any other of her books to compare this book with but this book is amazing. The characters are well written their story lines come together to form a smooth dialogue that flows through out the book. The Van Doorn's are in the bakery business with the side business of ecstasy that has been in their family since 1927. Thom the head of the family and Uncle Dean found Wes outside of the bakery after an incident. He was hurt hungry soaking wet and orphaned. He has lived in hell for years being beaten and starved. Uncle Dean called him Shadow when he first saw him that night hiding and that nickname stuck. Thom brought Wes home and introduced him to his sons Mason, Kyler and Martin from that night on he was to become apart of the family. Unfortunately not everyone wanted him there and the plotting began to make Wes feel uncomfortable, unworthy and unwelcome. As the years passed the more determined Wes felt to prove he could help his family. His time finally has come and all he has to do is stay in the shadow and watch a beautiful woman named Chloe unfortunately he crosses that line and engages with the target against Thom's orders. Now he's put his family's business at risk and his life with his family. Family, betrayal, friendship,freedom, loyalty,love, trust so many dynamics are going on here. Wes just wants to be apart of a family, to feel wanted, to be loved. Wes' journey will have you hooked from the beginning all the way to big ass cliffhanger!!! I wanted to scream when I realized that was where this book ended then I thought what a evil (insert evil laugh) genius you are Drew! You got me good you hooked another reader yep I'm sold I love your writing style! Can't wait to see what happens next!
September 5, 2018
Mafia story of the Van Doorn Family...3.5 stars!
Shadow is the first book in the Lust and Lies series. It’s written in several POVs of the main characters, and though a bit distracting at first, the flow of dialogue seamlessly tied and kept pace with the plot of the storyline.
Wesley Berlin who is discovered in the back alley of the Van Doorn family bakery unwittingly witnesses a murder by Dean Van Doorn. He doesn’t have a clue who the dead man is. But homeless and waiting for the nightly trash of food to be dumped, Wesley is taken in by Thomas Van Doorn. Thomas is a powerful head of a mafia family and realizes it’s best for the interest of the family business to raise Wesley along with his other sons, Martin, Mason, and Kyler. Soon Wes, nicknamed “Shadow”, is taught the illegal business operating using the bakery as a front. At 14, Shadow grows into his own and gains trust by all the Van Doorns, except Dean who has ulterior motives. He’s a master manipulator you just want to hate.
The story ends in a cliffhanger, and the plot is entwined with deceit, lies, and jealousy, intrigue and mystery. Chloe Olsen comes into the picture and Martin becomes unstable. Will Shadow become ingrained as part of the family or will he get out with his life intact? I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds. I received and voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Shadow is the first book in the Lust and Lies series. It’s written in several POVs of the main characters, and though a bit distracting at first, the flow of dialogue seamlessly tied and kept pace with the plot of the storyline.
Wesley Berlin who is discovered in the back alley of the Van Doorn family bakery unwittingly witnesses a murder by Dean Van Doorn. He doesn’t have a clue who the dead man is. But homeless and waiting for the nightly trash of food to be dumped, Wesley is taken in by Thomas Van Doorn. Thomas is a powerful head of a mafia family and realizes it’s best for the interest of the family business to raise Wesley along with his other sons, Martin, Mason, and Kyler. Soon Wes, nicknamed “Shadow”, is taught the illegal business operating using the bakery as a front. At 14, Shadow grows into his own and gains trust by all the Van Doorns, except Dean who has ulterior motives. He’s a master manipulator you just want to hate.
The story ends in a cliffhanger, and the plot is entwined with deceit, lies, and jealousy, intrigue and mystery. Chloe Olsen comes into the picture and Martin becomes unstable. Will Shadow become ingrained as part of the family or will he get out with his life intact? I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds. I received and voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
September 4, 2018
Book one in the new series Lust & Lies. What a great start to a series that seems like it's going to be explosive. In this book you will meet Wesley Berlin who is a child who lives on the streets in Amsterdam. At the age of 14 he is truly fighting for his life out there until he meets Thom Van Doorn who owns the bakery Wes goes to at night for food. When Thom and Dean who is his younger brother find Wesley outside under the stairs after killing their younger brother, Thom takes him in. From here, he takes Wes home and introduces him to his three boys Mason, Kyler and Martin. All of whom work for the family business.. After a time, Thom decides to adopt Wes and things move on from here. There is so much going on in this book it would be confusing to just give you one minor part. You have family, fighting, abuse, drugs, lies, loyalty, friendship and dishonesty all wrapped up into one package. Enjoy
November 11, 2018
First Book in the series and it ends with a cliffhanger. Good news is the second book in the series is due to be released in a few days. I’m on the fence with this book as it seemed to be a bit slow, I’m thinking that is about to change after this lead up.
Wes is a street kid, a throwaway who ran away from the Skagen boys home. The streets have been his home for twelve months and are safer for fourteen year old Wes. Until the night he witnesses a murder and his life takes an unexpected turn. He is given a warm meal, shower and bed to sleep in. If you believe everything comes at a price apparently not he is eventually adopted by this male dominated family. One day he will be introduced to the family business of selling ecstasy. This is a game of confidence and trust...the question is who can be trusted?
Wes is a street kid, a throwaway who ran away from the Skagen boys home. The streets have been his home for twelve months and are safer for fourteen year old Wes. Until the night he witnesses a murder and his life takes an unexpected turn. He is given a warm meal, shower and bed to sleep in. If you believe everything comes at a price apparently not he is eventually adopted by this male dominated family. One day he will be introduced to the family business of selling ecstasy. This is a game of confidence and trust...the question is who can be trusted?
August 28, 2018
Carla's Five Star Review
In this first book, we are introduced to the Van Doorn family. Thom,the father, takes pity on Wesley aka "Shadow", and invites him to stay at their house where he eventually formerly adopts him It isn't long until we get to follow Wesley on his first job for the company, and what a job it is! He is to follow the man's daughter as she goes from one meeting to the next. Little does he know that he is about to feel an instant reaction to her. Wes knows it's a mistake, but he just can't stay away from her, so he decides to do whatever it takes to make her his. The question is this-Is there even a remote chance that the two of them will end up together?
Awesome cliffhanger coming your way! I need the next book asap!
In this first book, we are introduced to the Van Doorn family. Thom,the father, takes pity on Wesley aka "Shadow", and invites him to stay at their house where he eventually formerly adopts him It isn't long until we get to follow Wesley on his first job for the company, and what a job it is! He is to follow the man's daughter as she goes from one meeting to the next. Little does he know that he is about to feel an instant reaction to her. Wes knows it's a mistake, but he just can't stay away from her, so he decides to do whatever it takes to make her his. The question is this-Is there even a remote chance that the two of them will end up together?
Awesome cliffhanger coming your way! I need the next book asap!
August 28, 2018
Right... here we go... new story line away from Drew's other books... something new from this fab author. The very sad story of a young boy abandoned by his parents... he escaped his horrible hard life to join a drug making family. This story will tear at your heart strings and I cant imagine how this is gonna play out. He was sent to follow a potential client but things happens... he wasn't supposed to engage her ... he wasn't supposed to talk to her... oops... Cant wait for the next installment ... what will Mason do... god help shadow .... I kept trying to turn the last page .. couldn't believe it had ended like that...I started shouting at my kindle... the hubby just stared at me !!! You are evil Drew Sera.... Genius ...x
January 11, 2020
I probably should have read the book description before I started reading it but I loved this author’s Everett Gaming series and the other Club books so I thought that this book would be similar. It’s really not. No BDSM. The plot follows a young man in Amsterdam with a rough childhood who gets adopted into a nice family of Ecstasy suppliers. Seems like an oxymoron but most of them are nice. The book is told in first person POV from several main characters, but primarily Wes/Shadow. There are some sexy times but the book ends with a cliffhanger. My biggest issue was with repetition - the author unnecessarily repeated several things that you read about earlier. Still going to read book 2 though.
August 24, 2018
This book is different from all of Drew Sera’s other books, but boy it’s just as amazing!!! It’s set in Amsterdam and the story revolves around a family and their trials and tribulations. As with all of her books, it has mystery, intrigue, betrayal, passion and lots of steamy hot sex!!!! It grips the reader on page 1 and doesn’t let go until the end. I cannot wait for the 2nd book in the series to see what happens next.
I love all of Drew Sera’s books and cannot say enough goods things about this book. If you’ve never read any of her books, I highly recommend it and all of her books. You won’t be disappointed!
I love all of Drew Sera’s books and cannot say enough goods things about this book. If you’ve never read any of her books, I highly recommend it and all of her books. You won’t be disappointed!
August 27, 2018
Shadow is a great first book in the List and Lies series. I could not put it down!!! We are introduced to the Van Doorn family and their business. Wesley is a street kid with a horrible past but is adopted into the Van Doorn family. You can't help but feel for him and root for him to have the life that he deserves after what happened to him in his childhood (Tones of Anthony from the Drew Sera's Everett Gaming Series). This book really has it all, murder, family drama, romance, hot sex, drugs. Beware, it does end in a cliff hanger, I am already anxiously awaiting the next book.
August 28, 2018
This is different from Drew's other serious ... and just as equally addictive! Wes's fear and desire to belong is palpable and i feel myself drawn to him. The Van Doorns seem like a loving family...but there are secrets...agendas...and Chloe! A perfect masterpiece for viewing...but so much more lies beneath the outer image. I can't wait to see where Drew Sera takes us with this journey!
I was glued to my kindle from the 1st page and left saying "Wait!.....I need more!' Book 2 of the Lust and Lies series can't come quick enough!
5 pink stars!
I FLOVE'd Thom too!
Hig highly reccommend !
I was glued to my kindle from the 1st page and left saying "Wait!.....I need more!' Book 2 of the Lust and Lies series can't come quick enough!
5 pink stars!
I FLOVE'd Thom too!
Hig highly reccommend !
September 1, 2018
Although it took a bit for me to get into, once I was in there was no way I was going to put it down. The timeline at first messed me up; the beginning of the chapters each have a month and year and I almost felt the need to turn back to the previous chapter to see how much time had passed. I usually don't like when stories have more than two points of view, but I think in this one it is necessary and completely adds another level of understanding. Will I read the next one? Definitely. Would Wesley be my book boyfriend? Probably.
September 2, 2018
This is my first read by this author. As in other reviews, I’ve stated my dislike for cliffhangers. So those who feel the same as I, heed this warning: this book ends in a CH.
Having said that, I appreciate the differing POV’s even though they’re only told from the male perspective. I’d be curious to see what is going through Chloe’s mind.
This was well written and in spite of the CH, I am curious to see how this unfolds.
I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review.
Having said that, I appreciate the differing POV’s even though they’re only told from the male perspective. I’d be curious to see what is going through Chloe’s mind.
This was well written and in spite of the CH, I am curious to see how this unfolds.
I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review.
September 12, 2018
I was provided an ARC for an honest review. Another dark and exciting read from Drew Sera. I have to say when I first started to read this book I was thrown a little. I did not expect to start the story with a 14 year old boy lurking in the shadows but I continued to see how this story would go. I enjoyed the ups & downs and always the dark with Drew. You are left with a "oh no!" moment and wonder how it's going to end. The characters are wonderful and I love that it's set in Amsterdam. Great job Drew! Can't wait for the next book.
August 26, 2018
Shadow is the first book in the Lust and Lies series. In Shadow, we are introduced to the Van Doorn family. The story starts off with a bang and it keeps up through the entire book. While the family at the center of the story doesn’t make all of its money in a conventional way, you get the importance of their family and tradition throughout. This story has it all – family, friendships, trust, respect, betrayal, and lust. Five stars just aren’t enough!
August 27, 2018
This story is about family and being loyal and there is so many feelings on every single page and it just grabs your heart and full attention to these characters. I loved Wes he is such a strong character struggling with his past and I really liked Thom the head of the family and the way he leads them and is always there. There is intense drama .betrayl, lies you name it its in this fabulous book and I cant wait for more.
September 10, 2018
Wesley was living on the streets having escaped from a boys home when he was discovered and taken into the family of the Van Doorns and later adopted. The Van Doorns were Mafia Drug Lords who had a bakery as a legitimate business.
When a rival group’s daughter comes to town, he is supposed to shadow her. He is not supposed to fall in love with her.
This is another awesome book by Drew Sera and I highly recommend it!!
When a rival group’s daughter comes to town, he is supposed to shadow her. He is not supposed to fall in love with her.
This is another awesome book by Drew Sera and I highly recommend it!!
August 26, 2018
What a story, this is the first book in a new series and Drew Sera has not only wowed us she has delivered a stellar mix of Passion, loyalty, family, mystery and compassion with the Van Doorn family. The characters are amazing and complex, I got to the end and I was like NO I Need More. Can’t wait to see what is next with the Van Doorn Family.
August 26, 2018
Fantastic
What a start to another series. I loved it. So totally different than the other series but it just goes to show you what a fantastic author she is. I loved this story. It had angst, heartache but also perseverance. I was not ready for it to end and can't wait for the next book.
What a start to another series. I loved it. So totally different than the other series but it just goes to show you what a fantastic author she is. I loved this story. It had angst, heartache but also perseverance. I was not ready for it to end and can't wait for the next book.
August 26, 2018
Fantastic read
Oh man this book is remarkable. Shadow is one of the most interesting characters that you want to know about. The whole family is just as interesting. This story takes you on one really big journey. The writing and flow of this book is amazing.I absolutely recommend this book.
Oh man this book is remarkable. Shadow is one of the most interesting characters that you want to know about. The whole family is just as interesting. This story takes you on one really big journey. The writing and flow of this book is amazing.I absolutely recommend this book.
August 27, 2018
Must read
Wow Drew Sera, another amazing book. Loving all the characters Wesley, Mason, Dean, Kyler, Martin, Thom, and Chloe. I can't say to much of the character because then I'll spoil the book for you guys. The only thing I can say is that it's awesome, you have to read to find out about all these characters and you'll love.
Wow Drew Sera, another amazing book. Loving all the characters Wesley, Mason, Dean, Kyler, Martin, Thom, and Chloe. I can't say to much of the character because then I'll spoil the book for you guys. The only thing I can say is that it's awesome, you have to read to find out about all these characters and you'll love.
August 27, 2018
This is the first book in a new series from this talented author. We are introduced to the Van Doorn family, who rescue Wesley off the streets, and bring him into their family dynamics. This story is well written, and filled with action, secrets, lies, intrigue, drama, murder, suspense, and romance. This story does end with the dreaded cliffy, and I for one, cannot wait for the second book!
August 28, 2018
A fantastic start to the series!
This was a fantastic start to a new series with great characters. This story is action packed filled with suspense and mystery that will have you at the edge of your seat. I loved that this author can bring us another level of writing that I was used to that didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
This was a fantastic start to a new series with great characters. This story is action packed filled with suspense and mystery that will have you at the edge of your seat. I loved that this author can bring us another level of writing that I was used to that didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
August 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and the family dynamic - Wes was on the streets when he was 14 brought to his new family by Thom he was given the chance at having a family. Wes wants to prove himself but will he make mistakes that get him released from the family or worse? This was a good read with the promise of more.
Would Wes be my book boyfriend?
Would Wes be my book boyfriend?
August 30, 2018
Great book
This was a fantastic story, a little dark but made some good points. Fighting, drugs, family internal struggle, personal struggles, and so much more. This was a non-stop cover to cover read for me, I couldn't put it down. You won't want to miss this one. I can't wait for the next installment. Two thumbs up.
This was a fantastic story, a little dark but made some good points. Fighting, drugs, family internal struggle, personal struggles, and so much more. This was a non-stop cover to cover read for me, I couldn't put it down. You won't want to miss this one. I can't wait for the next installment. Two thumbs up.
August 30, 2018
Love this new book!
Amsterdam is the perfect setting for this story to take p!ace!! I love getting to know these characters! I feel thAt Wes has more of a story to tell. I can't wait to find out. I'm not liking Uncle Dean. He certainly has his own agenda. I hope someone figures it out soon.
Impatiently wait for the next book!
Definitely recommend!!
Amsterdam is the perfect setting for this story to take p!ace!! I love getting to know these characters! I feel thAt Wes has more of a story to tell. I can't wait to find out. I'm not liking Uncle Dean. He certainly has his own agenda. I hope someone figures it out soon.
Impatiently wait for the next book!
Definitely recommend!!
September 3, 2018
This was a great book. He develops the characters well and I got a sense that I really knew them. My heart goes out to Wes and Chloe. I like the different point of views and I hope that in the next book we can hear from Chloe.
It is going to be hard to wait until the next book comes out. I hope it keeps me as interested as this book did.
It is going to be hard to wait until the next book comes out. I hope it keeps me as interested as this book did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews