Lost Petal

Petal #1

by Linnea May

He took everything from me. My memories, my sanity - my freedom.I don’t know who I am or why I'm here. All I know is that I'm his captive, his toy, his clueless slave. Pain meets pleasure with fiery kisses as he molds me into the person he says I’m supposed to be.But who is that person? And who was I before him?I hate him for this. I fear him like no one else. And I'm drawn to him like a moth to the flame.Every stroke of his hand brings me closer to the truth.But when the veil of mystery is finally lifted, it only gives rise to more questions - and more dark secrets between us.This is part 1 of a Dark Romance Duet. Both parts are now available.

Genres: Dark, BDSM, Dark Romance, Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Erotic Romance

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

I'm an indie author of steamy Billionaire Romances, and I love strong alpha men with loaded bank accounts and skeletons in their closets.

My heroes are as sexy and beautiful as they are broken - only to be fixed by the smart & captivating heroines who cross their paths.

Lately, I've been writing more Dark Billionaire Romances. I'm very excited about my current VIOLENT series and its current spin-off The Velvet Rooms Series!

I live in Europe with my very own hero.
And I love squirrels. ❤

Find me on AMAZON here:
https://www.amazon.com/Linnea-May/e/B...

FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLinneaMay

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MY BOOKS

The Violent Series

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice little surprise, I went into this completely blind, new to me author, didn't look at any reviews and didn't really pay much attention to the blurb but loved the look of the cover and saw this tagged as dark so wanted to give it a shot and I am so glad I did..I was pulled into the storyline as soon as I started it, couldn't put it down, would've read it in one sitting if I didn't have to adult and work. But I devoured this.

This wasn't really what I would term dark though it does have semi dark elements, what I enjoyed about it the most though was the mystery surrounding him, they knew each other in the past, but her memories have been wiped clean, she doesn't even know her name when she wakes up.
We're not given much information on either of them which I'm thinking will be in the next book, this does end on a cliffy too so also keep that in mind.

     

[trestitia ⵊⵊⵊ deamorski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Başlarda mevzuyu asla anlamadığınız için son derece dub-con ama bir şey de olmuyor. Sonra sonra artık kitap bittiğinde bile sırf atmosferi germek için iç monologtan başka pek de bir şey okumamış olarak ne olduğunu öğrenemediğimiz bir bomba ile bitiriyoruz kitabı. Sırf dark olsun diye her türlü yöne çekilebilecek ve neredeyse ne alaka dedirtecek şeyler 'söyletmek' ya da 'düşündürmek' bir yere kadar güzel ama bunu düet yapıp 200 sayfa uzatmanın alemi yok.

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 💞🖤💞🖤 🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️

I just couldn’t put it down!!!
Fast paced, very well written, intense, dark, surrounded by mystery, secrets and suspense.

[Lisa Pellizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want it to end! I read this so fast and I’m dying for more, This story keeps you so engaged,couldn’t put it down. Sexy, suspenseful, I love the way Linnea May gets how we love a great dark romance. My only complaint is I’m finished reading it. Petal & J have so much chemistry we need to know all of these secrets that are hiding in the background, very interesting! Petal’s amnesia seemed liked it was medically induced to me or from something traumatic, it gave the storyline a cool spin. Even the bondage scenes didn’t bring back her memories. There’s so much more to this book I have to know about, this is the type that stays in your head and you just want more. Definitely want to know about Petal’s Dad, exactly what J does and what Chistopher’s relationship is to Petal. The best friend is lingering around thinking she’s helping, we need to learn more about her too. I can’t wait for all of these loose ends to come together with a lot more sex between Petal and J.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book, the reader is very like Petal in that they have no knowledge of what is happening. Instinctively, the reader trusts Jayson had Petal's best interests at heart perhaps because of Malia or because Petal herself instinctively trust him even if she doesn't want to. I am really looking forward to the next book.

[Jo Heffron · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately I couldn't get into this book, main character has the the same thoughts, in the same room until about 1/2 way though, which made it very slow for me. We really don't know anything about the characters until the second to last chapter, by then I was just ready to be done with the book.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. There are so many book series with all these parts to it, so the author has to stretch the story out. I've read some that are really good. Then, there are series that will have a book that's completely unnecessary and so boring I want to poke my eye out, b/c nothing happens. It's a bunch of exposition. This is not that kind of book.

Lost Petal is the the tale of a woman who wakes up in a dungeon of sorts with no memory, and no idea why she was taken. The man who took her tells her that her name is Petal and she belongs to him. He doesn't answer any more of her questions. The man's name is revealed to the reader, not Petal, to be J. He demands her obedience and submission, he has help from a girl named Malia, and that's all I'll reveal about the actual story.

I think the connection between Petal and J is palpable. There's obviously more to their situation that's unknown and will continue to be throughout the rest of the book. This is only the first part, so this story ends on a cliffhanger. There aren't many questions actually answered in this part, so it takes a lot of talent for a writer to keep me hanging on and excited to know what happens next and not at all annoyed that I still don't really know anything. This book does force me to think about what the full story could be, so I really loved the wheels and gears turning in my mind, trying to figure this all out.

My only frustration lies with J. This is a dark read, but still. I'm not fully on his side yet. I'm probably more like Malia in regards to how I feel about J. There's reason he's done this, and I know that, but some things he did were unnecessary and made him a jerk. He knows that about himself, which is great that he's self-aware, but I had to put myself in Petal's position. I felt she could have been more stubborn than she was. I would have made J work more for this demands. I thought of things that I would have done that probably would have scared the hell out him, but that's the Taurus in me. Being stubborn turns into a competition of sorts for me, so I'm in the background, trying to coach a fictional character who won't hear me. *LOL* That's why I enjoyed this story. I was super engaged. Once I was able to sit down and read it, without work obligations and the such, I couldn't put it down. I ran through the full range of emotions with this book. I love books that make me feel.

I think Linnea May is a great and talented author. I have other books by her, but this is the first one I've read, so I'm kind of itching to read her other books now and have moved them up on my priority list of the mountain of books I have yet to read. I'm definitely ready for Part 2 of Petal and for J to win me over.

I received an ARC for my honest opinion and there you have it!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

AAAARRRRRGH… Cliffhanger!

“Lost Petal (Book 1)” is a fast paced, professionally written, dark, psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat! Upon awakening, the story’s heroine finds herself trapped in a stark, austere environment and suffering from retrograde amnesia. The antihero emerges as cruel and sadistic, subjecting Petal to severe punishments as well as numerous humiliations. With no memory of her past, Petal grapples with the loss of her identity, meeting her captor’s twisted demands, loss of human interaction and the warped desires her captor ignites within her body. Mystery and suspense proliferates the story with subtle hints of what may have transpired, and integral questions are left unanswered. Fortunately, book 2 is set to release in December and I recommend those who detest cliffhanger endings wait until the final release before reading. Unfortunately, due to the cliffhanger aspect, what would have been a five-star rating was reduced to simply four-stars.

Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18 and over only due to dubcon, sexually explicit content, including domestic discipline.

Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… The term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading. Reviewer is not responsible for run-on sentences, questionable grammar or misplaced commas.

RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
STEAM FACTOR: 5 Hot Chemistry Stars
WRITING STYLE: 5 Professional Stars
PLOT: 5 Original Stars
ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 Mystery and Suspense Stars
SATISFYING CONCLUSION: 0 Cliffhanger Stars

[Micheala · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a strange book that leaves the reader wide open with questions. It's on the shorter side for a novel and focuses on a girl, Petal, who wakes up after being, what we will assume kidnapped, with no memory of who she is and how she got there. Our other two characters are Malia, an old friend of Petal apparently who delivers food to Petal, and "J", or Jay as he has been mentioned by Malia. Based on flashbacks we see that he and Petal knew each other before this and that he has always wanted her, but there has been no hints as to why and how they got where they are. It's a dark read with a huge mystery, but no other plots. Strictly him coming into her room to torture/give pleasure to her and then leave her with more questions before. I hope the next one does a nice job of wrapping this up.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petal is a definate must read for all those dark read lovers out there.
It is like a Magical mystery ride, the story Piques your imagination and scratches the itch to your curiosity. I found it so hard to pull away from this story, there are so many questions that need to be answered. Which incidentally only adds to the intrigue and amazement of the book.
I Loved it, I enjoyed it and cannot wait for the next book. A brilliant page Turner and a delectable read I highly recommend it.

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great dark read that will have you glued too your kindle. Petal doesn’t remember anything and is being held captive by J. I’m dying for more answers to why Petal’s memories were wiped. Can’t wait for the next book to come out.

I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waking up in a cell with no memory of who you are, how you came to be there, who you know, and the life you had previously lived doesn't bode well for the heroine of this story. The man who comes to see her evokes certain feelings of familiarity, but provides nothing more. The girl who brings Petal her meals is similarly unwilling to really communicate with her or to provide her with any information about her past.

This dark romance is almost as much of a mystery to the reader as it is to Petal. We receive bits and pieces of her former life that Petal isn't told and doesn't recall, but the unknown remains so much more significant for us, as well. Every bit of new information makes the reader hunger for more. The makings of a wonderful storyline.

This is a two volume story and, as this is Volume 1, it ends in a cliffhanger. I'm really wanting to learn more, and can't wait to find out how and why Petal came to be in her current circumstances. I have a strong feeling that the answers to all these questions, will be as engrossing as this book's lead in.

[Ver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read! A first part in a Petal Duet.

"This book you won't regret to meet, a totally worth time spending, a totally page-turner the first time you read the first page."

This book hooked me the very first time I read the blurb, and I'm thankful I'm one of the lucky reader who received an advance review copy.

I fcking love this book! The moment I opened it, read the first page... So many questions build in my head that I want to read fast as I can as to know what happens next, to know what happens to Petal, yes, she's lost, and that's how the story begins, you'll gained so many questions (from A-Z questions) while reading this. That's how I love it, your curiosity will lead you to the end and you'll never know until no pages turned at end.

I recommended it soo much, guys that you will need to read this to know the secrets behind the title Lost Petal because there's more to it than the title itself. I can't wait you guys to read this. Fantastic book, Miss Linnea.

[Clare Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

She awakes to a room of darkness, Her memories lost.

Time has no meaning, as she ponders who she is.

Hundreds of question but no answers, a mind so blank it's like a canvas before the paint.

There's a man, but who is he, what does he want and will he help?

There's also a girl, she seems scared but of what and why?

Her name is Petal, but her mind belongs to someone else, somewhere else.

Brave, and strong, yet weak and submissive a complex personality being reborn.

Wow! what a read! Full of suspense, and intrigue.

Information drip fed, as the past comes to life but still, desperate for more I understood and sympathized with Petal.

I loved the way she reacted to her extreme situation. Her curiosity never fading.

The three main characters are equally fascinating and I want to know more of what makes them tick and brought them to where they are now.

I can't wait for the second half of this duet!

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a little on the weird side. It is dark, strange, dirty, and just so freaking awesome that I could not put it down. Even to the very last word I had no idea what was going on with these characters or why what was happening was happening.

Petal is just a girl. She is a girl locked away in a room with a man named J that has taken away her memory. She has no idea about anything from her past. For what purpose we have no idea. We know J is someone from her past. That is it. We know we want more! I know that even though there is not A LOT of information there is just enough to wet your whistle and to keep you going.

I have read every one of Linnea's books and have loved everyone for a different reason. This one is exciting and different. This book she brings a different twist to everything and I loved it. Can't wait for the next one!

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petal wakes up alone in an unfamiliar room with no idea where she is, how she got there, or who she is. Adding to Petal's confusion is her handsome captor who refuses to answer her questions and acts as if she owes him. Jayson Bowlan has been craving the feisty and beautiful Petal for years but there were always others keeping them apart. Now that Jayson has Petal, she's his to train, play with, to please his every desire and she'll love it. When Jayson kisses Petal, she feels that there's something familiar in the kiss. Petal is sure Jayson wants to control her but she won’t let him. But is Jayson the monster that Petal thinks he is and what does he have planned for her? Note: this story ends on a cliffhanger.

Lost Petal is a dark, intriguing and suspenseful book you won't want to put down. I can't wait to read Fallen Petal, Book 2 of the Petal series.

[Jackie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, I am hooked!

Talk about throwing you into the darkness!
So many questions, but not many answers, my interest is peaked surrounding all the who, what, where and why's of J, Petal, and Malia!
Enticing, with a hint of something to come always lingering around the corner this edgy, dark, goosebump-inducing, mysterious heat fueled storyline captured my attention from the very first page and insisted on nothing getting in its way until the very last.
So much goes on, yet we still are left with so many questions!! Phew, its spectacular!
Linnea May worked some dark magic over this one! I cannot wait to see what becomes of all she had laid out for us next!!

P.S Yes it's a cliffy, but honestly I am so ramped up from the first book- I am okay with it and willing to wait for the next one!

[Kara (Rotella Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like absolutely nothing and everything happened all at once in this read!!! I was immediately captivated and couldn’t put it down! I was so wrapped up in wondering the same thoughts as the main character, it didn’t bother me that the book was on the slow side and only took course over a handful of days.

Who was Petal? Why didn’t she remember anything about herself? Who was the man who kept her? Who was the girl in the black dress? This book had me asking so many questions and not getting very many answers. Suspenseful doesn’t even begin to describe it! I loved the fact that I was left coming up with my own theories and conclusions as I turned page after page.

Why is Petal’s Dad such a bad man? Can we trust J? Is he a good guy or the enemy? What exactly is his job and how does sex play into it? Why did he seek out Petal? Gah! So many questions!!!

And the cliffhanger ending was so good! I cannot wait for book 2!!!!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to read and review this dark gripping and spellbinding book as an ARC.
Wow , this was truly one hell of a ride !! I 'm a huge fan of this genre and without giving too much away , I absolutely loved "Lost Petal"
Already from the first page Linnea May grabs your attention and captivates you page after page .She has a way of making you loving her dark characters Petal & Jayson right from the start. Jayson really knows how to manipulate Petal’s body and mind till she's begging and crying for more. There's pain and pleasure, desperation and desire and so many other twisted things that I went through a full range of emotions till the end , confused wondering why oh why this had to end in a cliffhanger . Can hardly wait part 2 to read . Well Miss May , you definitely HIT it in this delicious twisted read !!!!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petal wakes up in a darkened, concrete cell with no memory of who she is, or even was, and without her senses fully functional. Who did this to her? Her apparent captor, J, is watching her from his screen as she finally awakens. He has erased any memory of her existence so he can rebuild her mind, body and soul into the woman she's meant to be. How far has he already gone and will he go to direct her to become that woman? Although tough and dominant, he is also tender and sweet. He gives her pleasure but cruelly takes it away. What is his endgame? There are numerous time changes between past and present that clarify and add layers of intrigue to the story. I alternated between disliking Jayson and thinking he was the famous, talented magic man that the outside world knows him to be. He started planning this over 10 years ago and I'm certain it's going to be an exciting. terrifying but passionate journey to the end of their story. Stunning cliffhanger!

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This book is about a young woman who wakes up in a locked room in a basement with no knowledge of where she is or who she is. When a man comes into the room, she asks him why he is holding her there and he refuses to answer. He tells her he name is Petal. There is another woman who brings her food, but doesn't talk to her. The man, J, and the other woman talk about Petal and helping her. We know J wants Petal to submit to him and he knows her from the past. This book is a very good mystery and the more i read, the more i was hooked. There are other characters who are from Petal's past that will make you wonder who to trust. This book does end with a cliff hanger and i can't wait to read more. Great suspense.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the best books I've read. I finished it in a matter of hours. It is so addictive and good! I am so obsessed and in love with this book. I hope theres more to this because the ending was such a cliffhanger!! This was the first book I've read by this author and it was so so so amazing! I definitely recommend this book! It is just impossible to put down so when you start it make sure you have plenty of time on your hands. It's a book that keeps you on edge and having you constantly wonder what's about to happen next?! I love petal and In a way I even love J even though he is twisted in his own way.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve now finished the book and I still don’t quite understand what I’ve just read. This story is like the twisted descent into madness. Or perhaps it’s the spiraling ascent from there. Either way, it's a mind-bending piece of WTF-ery. Everyone seems to have their own agenda and we can only see the faintest silhouette of any of them. And just when it looks like we’re going to see the answers to Petal’s most pressing questions, the book is over. So, be aware that there’s a very sudden, very steep cliff-hanger ending in your future with this book. It is, however, a guarantee that I’m hanging in for the next one.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you wake up and don’t know who you are? That’s what happens to Petal. Is that her real name? Jayson seems to know quite a bit about her but refuses to explain. Throughout this story, it keeps you constantly guessing who these characters are. It’s the type of book you can’t put down because you have a need to know everything. But I will have to wait for the next book to get my answers and I truly can’t wait. My heart believes there is more to this Petal character. Who is she? Why is she here? And how does Jayson know her? I can’t wait to find out!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reading this story, I alternated between being p*$$ed at J and Malia and wanting to applaud the lengths they would go to for someone dear to them. I enjoyed the glimpses into Petal's psyche the author provides. We get bits and pieces of info to tease the reader along. J's restraint with Petal is admirable. You can feel throughout the story that he wants to protect and own her totally. Such a major shock/cliffy at the end that I'm dying to get into the next book asap. I have a feeling daddy dearest is going to rear his ugly s8ck head soon!.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so suspenseful and like Petal you were wondering what was going to happen. This book ended on a cliffhanger and it will be interesting to get to learn more about J, Petal, and Malia.

This book had me intrigued and I was racing through the pages to see what was going to happen with Petal. J and Petal have a lot of chemistry so I am wondering what it is going to happen with them in the second part of the duet.

Linnea wrote an amazing and suspenseful book and I definitely recommend it and cannot wait for the second part to come out!

[Lexi S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it was something new, rather than the same recycled storyline with slight variations in the characters. My only complaint is that I wish it moved a bit faster, and I'm feeling Petal's frustration at not knowing what's going on! (In reference to her background.)
I also found it difficult to like J. I know we'll find out more about him in the next book that will help explain his motives.
I recommend this book, but I would have preferred if both parts 1 & 2 were released as one book.

[Eloise Maple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy for a review. This book has me torn. Petal is a woman lost. She has no memory of who she is or why she's the property of the mysterious J. A mysterious murder, a best friend's burden, and investigations coming for them all. I was torn by the suspense and worried by the initial weakness of Petal but as the heroine she grew on me and became stronger. I think book 2 will delve deeper into the shadows but I have a difficult time connecting with character J. But, since the book is a cliff hanger it would leave me 1 sided. Overall it was good, but if you want more, I'd wait.

[Kissimmee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is super interesting and full of mystery and suspense! I was engaged the whole time, hoping desperately to catch a glimpse of who Petal was and what exactly happened to her. Jayson is confusing and there has got to be more to him than meets the eye. There’s got to be more to this whole book than meets the eye! I stuck around because I knew there would be a cliffhanger, but I wasn’t expecting so many loose ends without any developments. I guess I should’ve been prepared for this feeling... I was warned. But now so are you! Definitely wouldn’t go into this book if you are an impatient reader like me. But book 2 is coming out in December so our wait won’t be too long!

[Nancy Loeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing, suspenceful two part book that is, at the very least, captivating. Petal is lost in herself with only J and Melia whom both do not confide what they know about her past. Tjis is so interesting that I found it difficult to put down. I have read this author before and love her way of writing. I received an ARC copy of this for an honest review. Waiting not soo patiently for the next book.