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Mercy #3
Lock
I met her among the chaos of a gang fight—one that I inadvertently started.
Ember.
Beautiful, feisty, and passionate. And the sister of Mercy, an infamous assassin.
We fell for each other, hard.
Until forces outside of our control intervened.
Now, she's a prisoner, doing everything she can to keep her family safe. And I'm her guard, doing everything I can to set her free.
I'd take a bullet for her...Hell, I’d take a few.
In this dark, twisted world, we only have each other. But I have to wonder, is that enough?
Ember.
Beautiful, feisty, and passionate. And the sister of Mercy, an infamous assassin.
We fell for each other, hard.
Until forces outside of our control intervened.
Now, she's a prisoner, doing everything she can to keep her family safe. And I'm her guard, doing everything I can to set her free.
I'd take a bullet for her...Hell, I’d take a few.
In this dark, twisted world, we only have each other. But I have to wonder, is that enough?
409 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2018
499 people are currently reading
2184 people want to read
About the author
Debra Anastasia
42 books3,806 followers USA Today Bestselling Author Debra Anastasia creates pretend people in her head and paints them on the giant, beautiful canvas of your imagination.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in political science but writes new adult angst and romantic comedies. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two amazing children. She is always surrounded by her shelter kitties who listen to all the scenes she's writing as she acts them out.
Become a Daredevil reader today.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in political science but writes new adult angst and romantic comedies. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two amazing children. She is always surrounded by her shelter kitties who listen to all the scenes she's writing as she acts them out.
Become a Daredevil reader today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
March 21, 2021
We already know Ember from the previous books - which you should read first to get the whole picture about this family!!!!
Ember is 19 and she wants to go to a college a few hours away from her overprotective brother. But he's not having it - he's sending three bodyguards along!
On her first day she meets Lock. Under very dangerous and exciting circumstances.
Her brother is ready to ship her back home, but Ember wants to stay. She wants to be in the same city as this beautiful boy.
Lock is 19 too and he just joined a dangerous gang. He felt he had to - there's no other way to financially take care of his mom and little sis. But it's very dangerous being in, or rather, getting into a gang.
And then on the worst aka most painful day of his life - after being almost killed twice - he meets his future wife.... ☺ And that's only the very beginning of their story ...
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO EMBER & LOCK?
WILL THERE BE A HEA???
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺
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Awww - finally Ember's book!
And we get lots of Animal and Nix and T too!!
And Lock. Phew. Such a great and smart guy. He only wants the best for his family and it's so sad and heartbreaking to see him joining that idiotic and dangerous gang!
We just want him and Ember to ride off into their happily ever after sunset immediately. But they can't and we know that dangerous things will happen to both our darlings until that happy end can become a reality ....
I really loved this story.
It starts as this sweet college love story. Ok, we have the mega criminal background for both our darlings, but still. Sweet College Romance. Two adorable people who find their forever person at such a young age ... but in such dangerous surroundings... We're constantly afraid of what could happen, because we just know that it won't keep on being this cute college romance.
And yup ... the story won't be all cute and adorable. It's getting really dangerous.
Ember, Lock and Animal, Nix and T have a difficult fight to fight.
It won't be easy - but there's so much love and hope and trust between them all - we just know that we'll get that happy end soon. But it won't be easy.
GREAT BOOK with lots of amzingly exciting moments. Scary moments. Heartbreaking moments. Dangerous and suspensy moments. Romantic and funny moments. Prisoner and Guard moments. Creepy Bad Guy moments, Crazy moments, Rescuing moments. So many great scenes with an amazing cast. I wouldn't mind seeing this whole series on Netflix! #SkullfaceInc ☺
If I had to find some things I didn't love? Maybe the title Lock? Lock wasn't really the main part of the book. It should've been called Ember - or Havoc II. or #SkullfaceInc ☺ But don't worry, there's still enough of our hero Lock in here to perv on!!!
Also ... some of the stuff that's happening here - it's a bit over the top crazy and silly and unnecessary. BUT... it's fiction and therefore allowed! ☺
LOCK was a sweet College Love Story slash Heartbreakingly Beautiful & Scary Romantic Thriller!! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Lock - this one is MINE!!!!
♡
♡
November 30, 2018
Lock is a standalone book in The Mercy world. It is the 3rd book in the series of standalones.
The story revolves around Ember and Lock but you definitely get Nix, Becca, Animal and T.
I loved this book so much! It's definitely a rollercoaster ride.
Seriously get those one click fingers ready, Lock is coming!
The story revolves around Ember and Lock but you definitely get Nix, Becca, Animal and T.
I loved this book so much! It's definitely a rollercoaster ride.
Seriously get those one click fingers ready, Lock is coming!
December 14, 2018
The third book from Debra tells the story of Nix’s sister Ember. At 19 she wants to be independent which goes against everything Nix is comfortable with.
Lock is the only bread winner for his mother & sister. They live in an area where gang life is the norm and sons often never come home.
One fateful day, Lock comes across Ember and we could say the rest us history. However, an old adversary of Nix & Animal comes out to play and decides Ember is just the ticket for his future plans.
Lock is ridiculously sweet. He wears his heart on his sleeve and doesn’t shy away from telling Ember what he’s thinking. Ember, while feeling the same, is a little more cautious. There are so many obstacles for this young couple to overcome, you wonder if they ever will.
This story is a roller coaster ride with every character in the series having a part to play. Ember is worthy of standing alongside Becca and T while Lock is like Nix & Animal, his woman is everything to him.
Another brilliant piece of storytelling by Debra that will have you biting your nails from the edge of your seat.
Lock is the only bread winner for his mother & sister. They live in an area where gang life is the norm and sons often never come home.
One fateful day, Lock comes across Ember and we could say the rest us history. However, an old adversary of Nix & Animal comes out to play and decides Ember is just the ticket for his future plans.
Lock is ridiculously sweet. He wears his heart on his sleeve and doesn’t shy away from telling Ember what he’s thinking. Ember, while feeling the same, is a little more cautious. There are so many obstacles for this young couple to overcome, you wonder if they ever will.
This story is a roller coaster ride with every character in the series having a part to play. Ember is worthy of standing alongside Becca and T while Lock is like Nix & Animal, his woman is everything to him.
Another brilliant piece of storytelling by Debra that will have you biting your nails from the edge of your seat.
December 1, 2018
Lock is the third book in the series by Debra Anastasia, and I dare to say it is my favorite of the series. In this installment we get to know more about Ember, the young sister of Nix, who is craving some sort of independence and attempts to get that by going away to school, where she tries to live a ‘normal’ life. A chance meeting in a chaotic scenario introduces her to Lock, and from that moment on you will be left cheering, screaming, hoping, rooting, etc for the two of them.
If you’re anything like me Lock will INSTANTLY become your next book boyfriend. He is beyond swoon-worthy in the way he loves with everything he’s got and is just trying to be the person he’s supposed to be, doing what he needs to do for his family.
There are so many challenges for Ember and Lock and this book is full of twists, turns, and unexpected scenarios. Lock is the very definition of a page turner and I couldn’t wait to see how it ended while wanting to savor the pages and not be finished.
Debra has brilliantly created these characters in a way that makes you feel their emotion through the pages and be yelling at your Kindle (in a good way.) I loved every single word in this book and I was so sad to see it end I instantly had to reread!
If you’re anything like me Lock will INSTANTLY become your next book boyfriend. He is beyond swoon-worthy in the way he loves with everything he’s got and is just trying to be the person he’s supposed to be, doing what he needs to do for his family.
There are so many challenges for Ember and Lock and this book is full of twists, turns, and unexpected scenarios. Lock is the very definition of a page turner and I couldn’t wait to see how it ended while wanting to savor the pages and not be finished.
Debra has brilliantly created these characters in a way that makes you feel their emotion through the pages and be yelling at your Kindle (in a good way.) I loved every single word in this book and I was so sad to see it end I instantly had to reread!
December 1, 2018
An all-new standalone novel featuring the characters met in Mercy and Havoc, Debra Anastasia gives us excitement, adventure, family, and plenty of romance in this world of organized crime. Sherlock will top your list of book boyfriends. He's funny, clever, and has a charming swagger that will make him a memorable fan favorite. Ember is a feisty, strong heroine who proves her devotion and loyalty to her family. We learn so much more about her character and the growing up she has to do. I was thrilled to be immersed in this world that Debra has created. We catch up with the cast of characters as the story progresses. LOCK is a unique story that doesn't follow a standard trope. I love how original the story is and the journey the reader experiences in this land of violence and unexpected twists and turns. The connection between Lock and Ember is quickly established and, as the reader, you're pulling for them throughout the whole story as outside forces separate and complicate their relationship. It's a rare story that gives you chills and all the feels. Be sure to check it out!
November 30, 2018
Let’s just start by saying this book is Everything. Everything you expect, Everything you would never Expect and Everything You will feel with each and every word that is written on these pages.
Ember is a girl just trying to live a normal young girls life, Friends, going off to college trying to get out from under her brothers eye but nothing changes until unexpectedly she meets Lock.
Lock is a young guy just trying to be the man he was raised to be. But when your life changes in an instant you have to be the one to step up even if it mean putting yourself in harms way to do what’s right.
Lock & Ember’s connection feels immediate but there will be so many unseen obstacles that will get in there way. You will see how they will do whatever it takes to stay within reach of the other and you will be sitting on the sidelines cheering them on to get what they both truly deserve. With the help of family and friends you can only hope they will have see that HEA in their future.
Ember is a girl just trying to live a normal young girls life, Friends, going off to college trying to get out from under her brothers eye but nothing changes until unexpectedly she meets Lock.
Lock is a young guy just trying to be the man he was raised to be. But when your life changes in an instant you have to be the one to step up even if it mean putting yourself in harms way to do what’s right.
Lock & Ember’s connection feels immediate but there will be so many unseen obstacles that will get in there way. You will see how they will do whatever it takes to stay within reach of the other and you will be sitting on the sidelines cheering them on to get what they both truly deserve. With the help of family and friends you can only hope they will have see that HEA in their future.
December 1, 2018
Imagine , that everything you thought you knew was a lie.
Ember knew she had a brother, but grew up without him. When he came into her life she never expected the things that would come to pass.
Lock grew up in a world where many turned to gangs to survive, When his father is sent to jail even though he is innocent, Lock becomes the man of the house to take care of his mom and his sister Rhy.
A chance meeting. and there is an instant connection. They never thought they would see each other again. but fate and people from her brothers world, have other ideas.
Join Ember and Lock as they fight to stay alive and make the best of a situation that neither could have ever expected .
5 fabulous stars for this Amazing story by Debra Anastasia
Ember knew she had a brother, but grew up without him. When he came into her life she never expected the things that would come to pass.
Lock grew up in a world where many turned to gangs to survive, When his father is sent to jail even though he is innocent, Lock becomes the man of the house to take care of his mom and his sister Rhy.
A chance meeting. and there is an instant connection. They never thought they would see each other again. but fate and people from her brothers world, have other ideas.
Join Ember and Lock as they fight to stay alive and make the best of a situation that neither could have ever expected .
5 fabulous stars for this Amazing story by Debra Anastasia
December 14, 2018
My obsession with this book and this series is at an all time high. Debra Anastasia outdid herself with Lock. With each book she releases in this series the more I need and don’t want her to leave these characters. I wasn’t sure where we were going when I knew Ember was getting her own story but Anastasia blew my expectations out of the water.
Ember and Lock are perfect for each other. The wittiness between then was great. But also we were shown just how much they needed one another to survive their situations. They leaned on one another when there was no one else around. They were the Lock and Key.
It was also great to see the relationship between Ember and Mercy develop more into that brother and sister bond. We see just how much they mean to each other and we understand a little more why Mercy is the way he is.
ANIMAL!!!!! So many hearts for this man lol. After reading Lock my love for Animal is so much stronger than it was for Havoc. He was an added piece to Thai story. We got to see what was going on from Mercy and Animal’s point of view even though the story is about Ember and Lock. We also see how much Animal values Ember.
I can’t wait to read this story again and fall in love with these characters again and again. 5 stars for Lock
Ember and Lock are perfect for each other. The wittiness between then was great. But also we were shown just how much they needed one another to survive their situations. They leaned on one another when there was no one else around. They were the Lock and Key.
It was also great to see the relationship between Ember and Mercy develop more into that brother and sister bond. We see just how much they mean to each other and we understand a little more why Mercy is the way he is.
ANIMAL!!!!! So many hearts for this man lol. After reading Lock my love for Animal is so much stronger than it was for Havoc. He was an added piece to Thai story. We got to see what was going on from Mercy and Animal’s point of view even though the story is about Ember and Lock. We also see how much Animal values Ember.
I can’t wait to read this story again and fall in love with these characters again and again. 5 stars for Lock
September 30, 2021
Oh my goodness!! Lock and Ember are perfection!! This book is definitely one of my top books of 2018 (possibly ever). I could not put it down! I finished it in one sitting. It was captivating and absolutely breathtaking. The emotions of fear and love and loss and unexplainable pain, they were all so raw and real and I felt it as if I were the character in the story myself. I already want to read it again!
Y’all this book is sooooo worth the read! Seriously!!
Y’all this book is sooooo worth the read! Seriously!!
December 14, 2018
THIS BOOK!!!! Not at all what I expected, it was soooo much more!!! Lock took romance to a whole new and hilarious level.
So much love, pain, a bit of heartbreak. I would've never predicted that this story would take this turn. I loved how it kept me on my toes, turning the pages faster to find out what was going to happen next but wanting to slow down to make it last longer. Debra is not allowed to stop this series. It must continue!!!!!!
So much love, pain, a bit of heartbreak. I would've never predicted that this story would take this turn. I loved how it kept me on my toes, turning the pages faster to find out what was going to happen next but wanting to slow down to make it last longer. Debra is not allowed to stop this series. It must continue!!!!!!
December 1, 2018
Lock SO much more than I could have ever hoped for!!! Lock is the last in the series by Debra Anastasia,(all standalone books) and she does not disappoint!! I have LOVED every book in this series! In Lock we get to know and understand Ember, who happens to be Nix's sister if you have been reading this series as well. We also get to meet Lock, and how these two come to be together......their story is unlike anything I have ever read, it's AMAZING!! Lock is your next book-boyfriend.....he loves with his whole heart and Lock & Ember together are pure MAGIC!!
They have to go through heck & back to be together, they have earned to be together like no other!
They have to go through heck & back to be together, they have earned to be together like no other!
December 16, 2018
LOCK: is a full length new adult romance novel by Debra Anastasia. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives. This is Lock and Ember's story.
Wowzers!! What a crazy ride, this ticked ALL my boxes, it did have carryover characters so be aware of that, but I do think this can be read as a standalone as I myself have only read one other and understood the storyline just fine.
There is Nothing I would change about this book, I was pretty much hooked from the get go, couldn’t put it down, didn’t want to put it down.
Romance, love, murder, it was gritty and dark enough to spike up my heart rate. Even times where I was sitting anxiously reading at a record speed to see what was going to happen in the next scene. A nail biting page turner!!
It was a slow burn, but then all of a sudden it grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go, the pace picked up, the drama, death and destruction were plentiful, chaos and reining bullets were never ending, sit on the edge of your seat action packed goodness.
This author had me under her spell sitting in the palm of her hand as she swept me into another world that didn’t exist within my four walls as I pleaded that Lock got out safe, that they got their HEA, that everyone I came to love escaped death. Definitely well worth a one click.
December 10, 2018
LOCK
I met her among the chaos of a gang fight - one that I inadvertently started.
Ember.
Beautiful, feisty, and passionate. And the sister of Mercy, an infamous assassin.
We fell for each other, hard. Until forces outside of our control intervened.
Now, she's a prisoner, doing everything she can to keep her family safe. And I'm her guard, doing everything I can to set her free. I'd take a bullet for her...Hell, I’d take a few.
In this dark, twisted world, we only have each other. But I have to wonder, is that enough?
Release Date on Kindle Unlimited: Dec 16th, 2018
I met her among the chaos of a gang fight - one that I inadvertently started.
Ember.
Beautiful, feisty, and passionate. And the sister of Mercy, an infamous assassin.
We fell for each other, hard. Until forces outside of our control intervened.
Now, she's a prisoner, doing everything she can to keep her family safe. And I'm her guard, doing everything I can to set her free. I'd take a bullet for her...Hell, I’d take a few.
In this dark, twisted world, we only have each other. But I have to wonder, is that enough?
Release Date on Kindle Unlimited: Dec 16th, 2018
December 3, 2018
Lock is an amazong book full of action, love, family, and alliances!!
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
December 10, 2018
I finished Lock a few days ago and I’m still not sure I can put into words how much I loved it. These characters, this world are just amazing. It is a stand-alone in the Mercy setting but really if you read any of these you’ll want to devour them all.
Lock is so adorable, funny, smooth, and pure amazing ness.
Ember is so strong, and definitely strong willed.
I just adore this group so much. Add Lock to your Must Read list ASAP!
Lock is so adorable, funny, smooth, and pure amazing ness.
Ember is so strong, and definitely strong willed.
I just adore this group so much. Add Lock to your Must Read list ASAP!
December 9, 2018
I loved, Mercy,
I loved, Havoc.
I love Lock.
Sweet, passionate Lock who loves with his whole heart. A victim of circumstance, a brother and a son who desperately wants to provide for his family, no matter the consequence to himself.
Ember. Sister to the notorious Mercy and loved by this tight knit group of miscreants who want to protect her from their world. When Lock and Ember’s worlds collide, they both feel the pull with both their body and soul, but alas in their world sh!t happens, and nothing is ever straight forward. A story filled with love, family, and violence, so much violence. There are some bad, bad men in their world, threatening their very existence, yet through it all, Ember remains strong and true to herself, and when she becomes a target and things start really heating up she rises to the challenge to protect those she loves. A wonderful story with great characters, yes, we even get to see lots of Mercy, Havoc, Becca and ‘T’ which is a fantastic perk to the storyline, a storyline full of action and romance. A full five star read from me, I can’t wait to see what Debra comes up with next. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
I loved, Havoc.
I love Lock.
Sweet, passionate Lock who loves with his whole heart. A victim of circumstance, a brother and a son who desperately wants to provide for his family, no matter the consequence to himself.
Ember. Sister to the notorious Mercy and loved by this tight knit group of miscreants who want to protect her from their world. When Lock and Ember’s worlds collide, they both feel the pull with both their body and soul, but alas in their world sh!t happens, and nothing is ever straight forward. A story filled with love, family, and violence, so much violence. There are some bad, bad men in their world, threatening their very existence, yet through it all, Ember remains strong and true to herself, and when she becomes a target and things start really heating up she rises to the challenge to protect those she loves. A wonderful story with great characters, yes, we even get to see lots of Mercy, Havoc, Becca and ‘T’ which is a fantastic perk to the storyline, a storyline full of action and romance. A full five star read from me, I can’t wait to see what Debra comes up with next. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
December 2, 2018
Move over Nix and Animal, there’s a new book boyfriend in town!!! LOCK IS COMING!!!
This book is about Nix’s little sister, Ember, who we got to know a little in the previous books. She’s just a girl, wanting to have a little independence and experience what life has to offer. That’s hard to come by with an older brother like Nix, but he reluctantly agrees. Trouble seems to follow poor Ember wherever she goes. During one particularly crazy situation, her and Lock are thrown together, literally.
Lock is a master of swoon, even when he thinks he’s dying. I loved him immediately. He’s amazing, a little awkward, and a little vulnerable. Some of his lines had me dying of laughter, and most had me swooning like crazy. He’s so adorable. He’s also just trying to do right for his family, even if he has to go about it the wrong way.
This book has so many twists and turns, that I didn’t know which way was up. It’s the best kind of ride! Ember and Lock have to overcome sooooo many obstacles, but they are determined to be together, no matter the cost. A true love story.
We get lots of page time with Nix and Becca, and Animal and T. So this is a great final book to a great series. I’m quite sad it’s over. These are 3 standalones in a series, and they are all amazing. Definitely read them all if you haven’t yet.
This book is about Nix’s little sister, Ember, who we got to know a little in the previous books. She’s just a girl, wanting to have a little independence and experience what life has to offer. That’s hard to come by with an older brother like Nix, but he reluctantly agrees. Trouble seems to follow poor Ember wherever she goes. During one particularly crazy situation, her and Lock are thrown together, literally.
Lock is a master of swoon, even when he thinks he’s dying. I loved him immediately. He’s amazing, a little awkward, and a little vulnerable. Some of his lines had me dying of laughter, and most had me swooning like crazy. He’s so adorable. He’s also just trying to do right for his family, even if he has to go about it the wrong way.
This book has so many twists and turns, that I didn’t know which way was up. It’s the best kind of ride! Ember and Lock have to overcome sooooo many obstacles, but they are determined to be together, no matter the cost. A true love story.
We get lots of page time with Nix and Becca, and Animal and T. So this is a great final book to a great series. I’m quite sad it’s over. These are 3 standalones in a series, and they are all amazing. Definitely read them all if you haven’t yet.
December 15, 2018
Volatile... turbulent... chaotic, It's a love story steeped in red blood and purple bruises. Unputdownable read that has you hooked right from the word GO, it embeds itself into your heart and the bite keeps getting deeper. The stronghold this story has is unshakeable and you won't be able to forget anytime soon after you're done
Knives and guns and bullets are booming witnesses when the sexy Sherlock "Lock" Sonnet crashes head first (gets thrown actually) in the Pizza Parlour, where FeNix "Mercy" is having a bite with his baby sister Ember. He finds courage to flirt with her despite the raining glass, flying fists and swollen shut eye......He's a cheeky bastard!
Seeing her was like falling off a cliff. Stepping in lava. After it happened, everything else was different. My DNA was changed. My actual human existence was altered. And she was feisty, too . I’d heard her bossing around the guys with her. She had no fear of them. It was hot.
But he's adorably good looking, persistent and maybe on a death wish. He's a Coke you see, a gang offshoot of Dutch Family, rivals of Pepsi Gang. Mayhem and Murder is part of daily routine, and it's a one way street induction and he's voluntarily in to save his family !
In my neighborhood, you either got out or you were embedded in. My sister was beloved, the people in our neighborhood didn’t have much, but they were loyal to their own.
Ember is away from the protective nest of Nix and Animal to find her space, her freedom and to create distance from reluctant family
“I need to find a life that’s mine. I need to find a friend who’s like you. My ride or die. I need to start the part of my life that isn’t tied up in all the things I’ve never had.”
It's a do or die situation for Lock and his Key- Rainbow haired Ember. They obviously have everyday hurdles to overcome for simple dates, so hardly any safe future is in the near future but Heart is a stubborn organ, deaf at times and dumber than rocks at times.
“If I’m the lock, you’re the key.”
“You’re the inhale; I’m the exhale. One is useless without the other,”
The ensuing story has a MAJOR TWIST in the middle when you least expect it . But the mood remains violent just the same, in fact doubles in tempo.
Debra is an accomplished writer, having created Mercy & Havoc this is almost an extension of the same story, but a #Standalone.
The angst factor is high,story is full of soft emotions behind the hard truths. Some indigestible scenes hide sympathetic gestures.
Endearing characters & hearttouching sentiments make this book real personal. when they're treated unjustly and harshly, it makes you wanna scream Bloody Murder and jump in to kill Olin Feybi. I cried so hard for Cosmo & Felix, Lock and Ember burning in love singed my heart too, every character becomes personal and every tear flows from my eyes.
But her blood was under my nails.
And her love was under my skin.
Romeo and Juliet. How we started was how we would end.
Skillfully written, brutally detailed and unapologetically plotted, it's a magnum opus conclusion(hopefully) brought to finality with some scraps happiness.
4.5 stars for Right side of the wrong
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Knives and guns and bullets are booming witnesses when the sexy Sherlock "Lock" Sonnet crashes head first (gets thrown actually) in the Pizza Parlour, where FeNix "Mercy" is having a bite with his baby sister Ember. He finds courage to flirt with her despite the raining glass, flying fists and swollen shut eye......He's a cheeky bastard!
Seeing her was like falling off a cliff. Stepping in lava. After it happened, everything else was different. My DNA was changed. My actual human existence was altered. And she was feisty, too . I’d heard her bossing around the guys with her. She had no fear of them. It was hot.
But he's adorably good looking, persistent and maybe on a death wish. He's a Coke you see, a gang offshoot of Dutch Family, rivals of Pepsi Gang. Mayhem and Murder is part of daily routine, and it's a one way street induction and he's voluntarily in to save his family !
In my neighborhood, you either got out or you were embedded in. My sister was beloved, the people in our neighborhood didn’t have much, but they were loyal to their own.
Ember is away from the protective nest of Nix and Animal to find her space, her freedom and to create distance from reluctant family
“I need to find a life that’s mine. I need to find a friend who’s like you. My ride or die. I need to start the part of my life that isn’t tied up in all the things I’ve never had.”
It's a do or die situation for Lock and his Key- Rainbow haired Ember. They obviously have everyday hurdles to overcome for simple dates, so hardly any safe future is in the near future but Heart is a stubborn organ, deaf at times and dumber than rocks at times.
“If I’m the lock, you’re the key.”
“You’re the inhale; I’m the exhale. One is useless without the other,”
The ensuing story has a MAJOR TWIST in the middle when you least expect it . But the mood remains violent just the same, in fact doubles in tempo.
Debra is an accomplished writer, having created Mercy & Havoc this is almost an extension of the same story, but a #Standalone.
The angst factor is high,story is full of soft emotions behind the hard truths. Some indigestible scenes hide sympathetic gestures.
Endearing characters & hearttouching sentiments make this book real personal. when they're treated unjustly and harshly, it makes you wanna scream Bloody Murder and jump in to kill Olin Feybi. I cried so hard for Cosmo & Felix, Lock and Ember burning in love singed my heart too, every character becomes personal and every tear flows from my eyes.
But her blood was under my nails.
And her love was under my skin.
Romeo and Juliet. How we started was how we would end.
Skillfully written, brutally detailed and unapologetically plotted, it's a magnum opus conclusion(hopefully) brought to finality with some scraps happiness.
4.5 stars for Right side of the wrong
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December 14, 2018
I think this is my favorite book in this incredible world Debra has woven for us.
Suspense, drama, humour, swoon worthy and of course our two favorite men that's a few of the thing you can expect from LOCK.
I highly recommend LOCK. Debra did not disappoint. LOCK is going to leave you wanting more.
Suspense, drama, humour, swoon worthy and of course our two favorite men that's a few of the thing you can expect from LOCK.
I highly recommend LOCK. Debra did not disappoint. LOCK is going to leave you wanting more.
January 6, 2019
You know when you start a story and know you're going to fall in love with the characters within the first few pages, and by chapter three all you want is for the rest of the world to go away and leave you alone so you can get lost in the story? LOCK is that kind of story.
It's Romeo and Juilet with guns instead of swords, and Spanx instead of corsets.
Ember is the kind of heroine you want as a best friend. She's spunky and sassy and seriously kickass. So it totally makes sense that Lock falls in love with her the moment he lays eyes on her--right after he's thrown through a window. <--Best meet cute ever.
Debra writes with her signature wit and humour, making you laugh one second and dissolve into tears the next. LOCK is a gorgeously written, action packed romance that will break your heart and glue it back together with epic swoon.
It's Romeo and Juilet with guns instead of swords, and Spanx instead of corsets.
Ember is the kind of heroine you want as a best friend. She's spunky and sassy and seriously kickass. So it totally makes sense that Lock falls in love with her the moment he lays eyes on her--right after he's thrown through a window. <--Best meet cute ever.
Debra writes with her signature wit and humour, making you laugh one second and dissolve into tears the next. LOCK is a gorgeously written, action packed romance that will break your heart and glue it back together with epic swoon.
July 20, 2023
So intense!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💚💛💖
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😠☺️😋😉😍
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The Hero: Sherlock (a.k.a. Lock) - he was jumped into a gang yesterday. Despite the injuries suffered in the initiation, he is up and showing how tough he is by attending a party with a possible concussion, broken ribs and a limp, among other things. They were gathering to show their rivals they aren’t afraid at what is basically an invitation to start something. His father was recently indicted on false murder charges. He didn’t want Lock to do what he was doing, but Lock couldn’t see any other way to make sure his mother and special needs little sister didn’t end up on the streets.
The heroine: Ember - she is the younger sister to Nix from Mercy and she played a big part in Havoc. Her mother was killed by Nix’s father when Ember was very young, because he found out that Ember wasn’t his. Ember was raised by her aunt and didn’t see her brother until she was seventeen. She recently found out who her father was. Her brother (and father) thought she had a good life and didn’t want to get in the way, but they didn’t know how hard she had it, being separated from her brother, not knowing who or where her father was or if he was the monster that raised Nix. Now she, along with 3 bodyguards are attending college 10 hours away from her family.
The Story: Lock meets Ember after he got beat for the second time in 24 hours and thrown through a window at a pizza parlor. Ember has her three bodyguards help the handsome guy. Lock had been trying to help a girl that was roofied at a party and ended up starting something with his own gang. He was able to cause enough of a distraction for the girl to get away. Lock fell in lust at first sight on meeting Ember.
So many things happened in this book and it certainly held my attention throughout. Both Lock and Ember were put in terrible situations where they had no control over their own lives. I sometimes hate when books show the criminal underbelly and how women are treated as objects and the violence that is all a part of it. Ember found herself in a position where there was nothing she could do but go along with it. Though the story was excellent and kept my interest throughout.
This book is told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Rose Dioro, Zachary Webber and Benjamin Charles. These same narrators did the last book as well. Rose and Zachary are two of my favorite narrators and Benjamin did a fine job on the last book. This one turned out great.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💚💛💖
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😠☺️😋😉😍
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The Hero: Sherlock (a.k.a. Lock) - he was jumped into a gang yesterday. Despite the injuries suffered in the initiation, he is up and showing how tough he is by attending a party with a possible concussion, broken ribs and a limp, among other things. They were gathering to show their rivals they aren’t afraid at what is basically an invitation to start something. His father was recently indicted on false murder charges. He didn’t want Lock to do what he was doing, but Lock couldn’t see any other way to make sure his mother and special needs little sister didn’t end up on the streets.
The heroine: Ember - she is the younger sister to Nix from Mercy and she played a big part in Havoc. Her mother was killed by Nix’s father when Ember was very young, because he found out that Ember wasn’t his. Ember was raised by her aunt and didn’t see her brother until she was seventeen. She recently found out who her father was. Her brother (and father) thought she had a good life and didn’t want to get in the way, but they didn’t know how hard she had it, being separated from her brother, not knowing who or where her father was or if he was the monster that raised Nix. Now she, along with 3 bodyguards are attending college 10 hours away from her family.
The Story: Lock meets Ember after he got beat for the second time in 24 hours and thrown through a window at a pizza parlor. Ember has her three bodyguards help the handsome guy. Lock had been trying to help a girl that was roofied at a party and ended up starting something with his own gang. He was able to cause enough of a distraction for the girl to get away. Lock fell in lust at first sight on meeting Ember.
So many things happened in this book and it certainly held my attention throughout. Both Lock and Ember were put in terrible situations where they had no control over their own lives. I sometimes hate when books show the criminal underbelly and how women are treated as objects and the violence that is all a part of it. Ember found herself in a position where there was nothing she could do but go along with it. Though the story was excellent and kept my interest throughout.
This book is told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Rose Dioro, Zachary Webber and Benjamin Charles. These same narrators did the last book as well. Rose and Zachary are two of my favorite narrators and Benjamin did a fine job on the last book. This one turned out great.
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December 14, 2018
This book was amazing!!! It’s definitely my favorite of the series. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it because I really didn’t care much for Ember in the first two books but she matured and redeemed herself. And Lock? Yeah new favorite of mine!!!
December 5, 2018
I'm in love with this book! The story of ember and Lock is officially my new favorite! Lock is so sweet and charming that I want him to be real! Ember is a compelling character trying to find her place in the world with her brother being who he is. The story is told beautifully and you really see Ember grow from the sister of mercy to her own person. Your on the edge of your seat the entire time wondering what's going to happen next. What I enjoyed most was that we got more Animal and T, because I always need more of them. Honestly I couldnt have asked for a better book. The only sad note is our favourite hookers don't make an appearance, but hopefully they will in future books. So in conclusion read this book when it comes out because it is magical!
December 14, 2018
Lock
By: Debra Anastasia
4.5 You Inhale, I Exhale Stars!!!
Honestly, I want to say this is my favorite of this standalone series. I loved that we got to have Ember and Lock’s story. Even better that we get to visit with the others from the previous books.
Ember is the typical or not so typical teenager. She wants to sprout her wings and fly. Enroll in college away from the town she grew up in. Get to go out to parties, date and go to school like all the other college friends of hers. But…when your brother is Mercy, you know that’s not going to happen without a list of stipulations.
Lock just wants to be the man of the house and take care of his mother and disabled sister. Now that his father is in prison, it’s up to Lock to step up to the plate and bring in money so that his mom and sister have everything they need.
When these two meet, it’s not over a pizza but in a pizza!!! Lock comes barreling into Embers life and there would be no turning back after that meeting.
Life has a way of throwing several strikes against these two. Bringing in Mercy and the rest of the gang to help out.
Absolutely enjoyed reading this one! It was full of twists and turns. Some pretty hot scenes and some pretty tough nail biting scenes!!! At times, I was ready to join in and shank a couple of people! Then there were some that surprised me too.
All in all a great read that is a standalone in a series. Of course, you can read this one all alone. But why not start off with Mercy and then meet Havoc and then read Lock. Three great books!!!
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By: Debra Anastasia
4.5 You Inhale, I Exhale Stars!!!
Honestly, I want to say this is my favorite of this standalone series. I loved that we got to have Ember and Lock’s story. Even better that we get to visit with the others from the previous books.
Ember is the typical or not so typical teenager. She wants to sprout her wings and fly. Enroll in college away from the town she grew up in. Get to go out to parties, date and go to school like all the other college friends of hers. But…when your brother is Mercy, you know that’s not going to happen without a list of stipulations.
Lock just wants to be the man of the house and take care of his mother and disabled sister. Now that his father is in prison, it’s up to Lock to step up to the plate and bring in money so that his mom and sister have everything they need.
When these two meet, it’s not over a pizza but in a pizza!!! Lock comes barreling into Embers life and there would be no turning back after that meeting.
Life has a way of throwing several strikes against these two. Bringing in Mercy and the rest of the gang to help out.
Absolutely enjoyed reading this one! It was full of twists and turns. Some pretty hot scenes and some pretty tough nail biting scenes!!! At times, I was ready to join in and shank a couple of people! Then there were some that surprised me too.
All in all a great read that is a standalone in a series. Of course, you can read this one all alone. But why not start off with Mercy and then meet Havoc and then read Lock. Three great books!!!
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September 12, 2020
I like Mercy much better than Lock. Lock is bit immature due to age of the characters. The plot of sacrifice one self in order to save the loves one is getting to my nerve.
I do not even like Ember. She is weak, demanding and one dimensional. The only thing I give this book 3 stars is Lock. He is romantic at heart. His vulnerability is just cute.
Overall OK read. Not memorable as Mercy.
3 stars
I do not even like Ember. She is weak, demanding and one dimensional. The only thing I give this book 3 stars is Lock. He is romantic at heart. His vulnerability is just cute.
Overall OK read. Not memorable as Mercy.
3 stars
December 19, 2018
“𝐈'𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐈 𝐚𝐦. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐧…𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐈'𝐦 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬. 𝐁𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫, 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫. 𝐈'𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤 by Debra Anastasia was such a FANTASTIC READ! It’s suspenseful, emotional, sexy, and it was jam packed with such great characters! Fans of this world will be overjoyed with the appearances of past characters like Animal and Nix. We even have some chapters told in Animal’s POV! This is Lock and Ember’s happily ever after and the author did not go easy on us. We had to work for it, for sure, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Entertaining, smokin' HOT, edge-of-your-seat suspense…this book had it all! I believe this could be read as a standalone (because that’s how it was for me) but you can bet your sweet ass, I’ll be checking out Mercy and Havoc, ASAP!
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤 by Debra Anastasia is 𝘼𝙑𝘼𝙄𝙇𝘼𝘽𝙇𝙀 𝙉𝙊𝙒!
https://amzn.to/2SeqbTK
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤 by Debra Anastasia was such a FANTASTIC READ! It’s suspenseful, emotional, sexy, and it was jam packed with such great characters! Fans of this world will be overjoyed with the appearances of past characters like Animal and Nix. We even have some chapters told in Animal’s POV! This is Lock and Ember’s happily ever after and the author did not go easy on us. We had to work for it, for sure, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Entertaining, smokin' HOT, edge-of-your-seat suspense…this book had it all! I believe this could be read as a standalone (because that’s how it was for me) but you can bet your sweet ass, I’ll be checking out Mercy and Havoc, ASAP!
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤 by Debra Anastasia is 𝘼𝙑𝘼𝙄𝙇𝘼𝘽𝙇𝙀 𝙉𝙊𝙒!
https://amzn.to/2SeqbTK
December 10, 2018
Good lord this entire story line was riveting!! Non stop action that was heart stopping! Ember was such a smart and resourceful girl. She was the perfect match for Lock! Their chemistry was off the charts sexy and definitely meant to be. Survival is something that Lock grew up understanding . But Ember was thrown in with no warning. This story has so many hidden truths , I was freaking out! This author weaved some incredible magic in these words! I can't tell you enough how much I love this entire family!
December 9, 2018
This book was so freaking amazing!!!! I love how it kept changing point of views with all the different characters!!!
December 11, 2018
I love this world that Debra Anastasia has created. It all started with Mercy and now we have Ember's story.
Ember and Lock's story is suspenseful, entertaining and well despite it being a dark romance I found these two so freaking romantic. Normally with darker reads words like swoon and adorable aren't ones that would typically be used to describe them. However, I absolutely found certain parts of this story completely adorable. Lock's way of, let's use the word wooing here, were freaking adorable. Now I may have rolled my eyes sometimes at the cheesiness of his actions but I think that was his intention and I loved his cliche attempts at "seducing" Ember.
Now of course this is what I would consider a dark romance considering there are those dangerous elements, murders, gang wars, kidnapping etc. and that makes this read suspenseful and will keep you at the edge of your seat at times. And man oh man does Debra Anastasia have you holding your breath almost literally in this one. Trust me you will know what I mean when you read this. I will say this "that moment" is done quite brilliantly and had me nodding my head saying "well played Debra, well played."
Fantastic read, loved every second of it.
Ember and Lock's story is suspenseful, entertaining and well despite it being a dark romance I found these two so freaking romantic. Normally with darker reads words like swoon and adorable aren't ones that would typically be used to describe them. However, I absolutely found certain parts of this story completely adorable. Lock's way of, let's use the word wooing here, were freaking adorable. Now I may have rolled my eyes sometimes at the cheesiness of his actions but I think that was his intention and I loved his cliche attempts at "seducing" Ember.
Now of course this is what I would consider a dark romance considering there are those dangerous elements, murders, gang wars, kidnapping etc. and that makes this read suspenseful and will keep you at the edge of your seat at times. And man oh man does Debra Anastasia have you holding your breath almost literally in this one. Trust me you will know what I mean when you read this. I will say this "that moment" is done quite brilliantly and had me nodding my head saying "well played Debra, well played."
Fantastic read, loved every second of it.
December 14, 2018
You will need to have read at least Mercy and Havoc before reading Lock to get the full effects, as things with Ember did start back in their books.
I won't lie - it did take me a little while to get into Lock, and it wasn't until about 45% that things really did kick off for me - however I think this is probably just me, and end of year book blogger weariness and not the book.
This does start out as a sweet college romance, however it does not take long for things to turn darker, however with Ember being Nix/Mercy's sister, it should not really surprise you.
To me, this book should have been called Ember rather than Lock, as I felt we got so much more of her than Lock. I loved the journey Ember takes in this story, and whilst yes it is a lot of .... Lock it is more her story.
But this is just me.
I don't want to give anything away, as I feel that this is a story that you need to immerse yourself in , heart and soul.
You will be taken on one hell of a ride with this lot!
Buy it. Love it.
I won't lie - it did take me a little while to get into Lock, and it wasn't until about 45% that things really did kick off for me - however I think this is probably just me, and end of year book blogger weariness and not the book.
This does start out as a sweet college romance, however it does not take long for things to turn darker, however with Ember being Nix/Mercy's sister, it should not really surprise you.
To me, this book should have been called Ember rather than Lock, as I felt we got so much more of her than Lock. I loved the journey Ember takes in this story, and whilst yes it is a lot of .... Lock it is more her story.
But this is just me.
I don't want to give anything away, as I feel that this is a story that you need to immerse yourself in , heart and soul.
You will be taken on one hell of a ride with this lot!
Buy it. Love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews