Malicious Desire

Bent not Broken #1

by Laney Kaye

*Please note trigger warnings*

They think they can break her.
But if life hasn't succeeded,
how can four men?
Now she'll fight for freedom -- and revenge.

~ Terror and forbidden desire stalk the heart of the Australian Outback ~

A trip to the beach with her elementary school class turns into teacher Kayla Petrovic's worst nightmare. Abducted. Held for ransom.
For years, Kayla's believed she's nothing more than the whore of her alcoholic mother's taunts, trading her body for a roof, clothes, and money, using men's hearts to heal her emptiness. But when the kidnappers threaten her students, she'll sacrifice everything, including the last vestige of her self-respect, to save them.

Hardened army veteran, Captain Nick West, bears his own scars--not all of them visible.
He knows how to handle a world turned to shit. He'll get in, retrieve the hostages, and get out, doing little damage--except to the kidnappers. They're fair game. What he doesn't expect is the kick in the chest--worse than the recoil on a sniper's rifle--of recognizing there's something special about the woman he rescues.
But, after years of avoiding weakness, he's sure as hell not interested in her. Love is a flaw he cannot permit.

Refusing to be labeled a victim, but haunted by PTSD-induced nightmares and ashamed of her illicit desire for Nick, Kayla craves the sweet release of a blade. When a kidnapper tracks her down, hell-bent on revenge, will she find the strength to cast off the demons of her past and save not only herself, but the one man she may be able to love?


MALICIOUS DESIRE is the first in Laney Kaye’s ‘Bent, not Broken’ series, exploring the immense strength of women facing almost insurmountable odds, and the stories of the men who will love them—if they are allowed.


**Trigger warnings: Inspired by the Faraday School kidnappings and the #MeToo movement, this story may contain multiple triggers, including but not limited to, violence, rape, abduction, victim-blaming and shaming, cutting.

492 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2019

About the author

HEROES, HEART, & HEAT

A professional counselor, Laney messes with heads by day and imaginations by night. Living in the wilds of Australia -- okay, not so much the wilds, as in a country town -- her property is inhabited by a generous mix of bitey, stingy, poisonous, and furry varieties of Australian wildlife, as evidenced by her twitter feed.

Laney writes steamy contemporary, light fantasy and edgy Outback Noir (dark thrillers with a strong romantic element). As Leonie Kelsall, she also pens rural romance for Allen & Unwin.

Look for:

The sexy warriors in the Cat Shifters of Aaidar four-book series....
ESCAPE
ENGAGE
ENSNARE
ENDINGS

Hot Aussie lifeguards in The Lure of the Mer series...
HOOK
LINE

Steamy contemporary in The Spirit of Ohana Cruise Ship series....
HAWAIIAN HURRICANE
HAWAIIAN TABOO

And an outback noir/romantic suspense set in the Australian Desert....
MALICIOUS DESIRE

Laney can most often be found procrastinating on Twitter @LaneyKaye1
Or reach her webpage https://laney-kaye-author.weebly.com or https://www.leoniekelsall.com

Reviews

[✨Bean's Books✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an emotional ride!
Kayla has been kidnapped and held for ransom and Nick is sent in to rescue her. But the question is, can they rescue themselves from their tattered pasts?
This book tugs on more than your heartstrings and sends you on a wild emotional ride as we follow the story of Kayla and Nick in this romantic thriller! This book is definitely about overcoming the demons and destruction of your past and being able to find love and hope for the future.
This book is well written and well-executed in just about every way. The story is well thought out and the characters are described in vivid color and detail.
PLEASE HEED THE TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS BOOK! This book is definitely a difficult pill to swallow but if you can do it, it is well worth it!
A fabulous read that I would be happy to recommend to those who can get past the triggers in this book and those who enjoy a good romantic thriller.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compelling story and not for the faint hearted, it tells the story of school teacher Kayla Petrovic and what happens when she is abducted and held for ransom with her six young students, the four abductors are vicious and nasty men and Kayla will do whatever is needed to save the kids, her strength and courage abounds.

Kayla has been abused all of her life from a drunken mother, she has no respect for herself and has done some terrible things in her young life to keep a roof over her head and food on the table. She has been doing so well went to university became a teacher and is loving her role in a small outback school, she is a loner and is not a mixer with people and doesn’t like to answer questions. Taking her young charges on a school excursion to the beach should have been fun and it was until the bus trip home, when everything went wrong.

Army veteran Captain Nicholas West doesn’t do love or emotion, he works hard a has been through tours of Afghanistan and Iraq he is best friends with medic Steve Colley when they are called in to find and save a school teacher and her students being held for ransom in the desert, he can do this, this is what he does well, oh but when they rescue Kayla nothing can compare to what state they find her in after being tortured, he cannot believe the strength she shoes as they walk out of the desert, he feels something special for this woman, could it be love, he knows he needs to protect her at all costs.

What can I say I had to keep turning the pages as Kayla dealt with so much, not only PTSD but her feelings from her past and there is no way she wanted to be known as a victim in her mind she wasn’t at all, her mother always told her she was no good, and then one of her attackers finds her, he is after revenge, she knew he would find her. Nick is the right person for Kayla if only she can let him in, but there is a lot to get through and Nick is very patient. Kayla would have to be one of the strongest heroines I have ever read truly, this book moved me, what can I say? I am sure MS Kaye must have been exhausted after writing this one it is so well written. I do recommend this one, but it packs an emotional punch.

[KittyLuvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

**10++ Stars** I cannot compliment this author highly enough. Any & every positive adjective I am able to think of applies to her writing as well as the plot of this haunting, gut wrenching, emotionally torturous yet inspiring story of Kayla (h), a young Australian woman with a traumatic & tortured past attempting to survive her life, literally day to day on her own.
Kayla has survived decades of abuse, physical & mental, from the time she was a small child. The 2 people that should have cared for her most certainly did not. And Kayla, after a lifetime of experiencing doctors, teachers & authorities ignoring or overlooking her abuse due to their laziness or desire to 'believe' her pitiful cover stories, has learned the ONLY one that she may depend on, that cares about her, that won't abandon her, is her.
And finally, she's found a small rural outback town where she hopes she'll be able to quietly do what she loves: teach & work with children. But then, coming home from a weekend outing with several of her very young charges, they are brutally slammed into a horrific H*ll that will take all Kayla's survival abilities, techniques & luck to survive, much less escape . . . .
Then there is Nick (H #1), a seasoned, tough, hard career military man, expert in rescuing victims kidnapped by terrorists, veteran of multiple combat tours in the Middle East & superb at 'compartmentalizing' emotions, actions & memories in order to get up each new day & fight again. Huge, muscled & a man of integrity who knows right from wrong as well as what needs to be done to fight wrong & in no way hesitant to do it. Unsure why his group has been tasked to rescue 6 young children & their teacher from the middle of a sun blasted & seared Australian desert all he knows is the mission needs to be handled with military planning, precision & expertise. And he & his men are the ones able to do it. Yet what he & his men find will rock Nick to his very core & may shatter a lifetime of control . . . .
And also there is Colley (H #2), Nick's brother in arms & military medic, he is seasoned, firm, kind, tough & experienced yet Colley has managed to retain his humor & 'joie de vivre' while being focused, intuitive, concerned & serious when called for. I adored Colley's character so d*mn much! He resonated so intensely for me. What a superbly outstanding soldier, medic, FRIEND & support he was: for both Nick who was neck deep in uncharted emotional waters & Kayla one hairsbreadth from shattering into a million fragments. And firmly but thoughtfully, Colley attempts to help guide Nick & Kayla to some type of healing & self acceptance . . . .
On top of ALL the fantastic characterizations, the riveting plot & the writing itself, the author did a stellar job with the Australian locales. I don't know if her writing just truly hit all my buttons but at times I almost felt like *I* was sweating, parched, gasping for air with the characters. I was completely enthralled in the ambiance & emotions, the tension & terror, the suspense & agony. I was sucked into this one with the 1st chapter & read straight through in one sitting.
I've gone on at length about this one but very, very few books have so entranced, moved or emotionally affected me as 'Malicious Desire'.
This book is DARK, has a multitude of triggers but IS very inspirational.
The extent to which this book impressed me was downright magical.
I so look forward to more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sybil-Ann’s Reading Journey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got won an e-copy of MALICIOUS DESIRE from the author, Laney Kaye. I read the blurb and knew I had to read this book, no amount of preamble could have prepared me for how this book gripped me.
Malicious Desire was intense, raw and felt so incredibly real- Kayla Petrovic you’re my newest favourite heroine. For a fiction read it holds so much truth in the writing, the words, the emotions, the victim blaming, the over protective desire to want to free her tortured soul and wrap her and her Kayla safe forever- only the trauma that started long before her excruciating ordeal at the hands of the vilest of book villains.

My heart is physically and emotionally aching. This book is symbolic of all the reasons why I love reading more than anything, when I read a book and it plays out so vividly in my mind that I question if it was a book I read or movie I saw. But oh my holy word, the feelings are all there- I’ve got the tissues to prove it.

While I appreciate this book might be a trigger for some readers, I can assure you it has been writing so sensitively and beautifully. This is an absolute must read and a book I’ll be recommending to all my bookish friends.

Gripping and intense.
Emotional and uplifting.
Heart shattering and cathartic.
A survivor story this is heroic on all levels.
This isn’t just a love story, it’s a story about love.
This book is beyond amazing, it’s a writing masterpiece.
Laney Kaye I’m in awe of you.

5 Stars isn’t enough!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author always delivers gripping suspense, fantastic chemistry and well developed characters that are interesting and engaging. The characters are developed and easy to like. The plot was interesting and not one I have come across before. The book is really well written with great main and supporting characters. The book is packed with chemistry, suspense, hot-headed individuals and fantastic surprises! This Author did another fantastic job with this book and I would highly recommend this to all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAP625Agv...

[Egea Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, I was drawn to reading the book. Was so unfortunate life and work got in the way and I was limited to reading at night. This was one amazing thrilling read. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more in the series. Laney Kaye is a very talented amazing author. I am in awe of her 💕

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Maya sees men in a truck across the road she stops the bus she doesn;t think she can run anyone over.The men approach her and tell her to get the kids off the bus or else.They load them in to a can and start driving then they take them by foot to a set of underground caves they take them into one room and take her to another threatening the kids if she gives them problems.When the military rescues them she;s so bad that they don;t know if she will make it then the Brass sets down orders they want to keep it hush hush about how bad she is until they decide to take her to a regular hospital.Capt.Nick has never let himself fall in love since he lost his parents he shut down for a long time .When he carries the beauty out of the hel l shes endured .He didn;t know the half of it.When the sea said she had been so injured she could never have children.And so many scars on her body the ones on her back were full of infection.Nick could let anyone hurt her again she was the strongest woman hes ever met .When he can into the room and for some reason she was freaking out and he grabbed her hand and whispered Kayla Im here your safe .Then his best friend and the med from his unit pulled him away he said shes not breathing her hearts stopped let them work.He cant let her die he promised to keep her safe. When they see the video of the men repeatedly raping her beating her and so much more Nick is about to lose his shit Is Nick falling in love with Kayla? Does Kayla love Nick but is to emotionally scarred to know it?The twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what;s next by this multi talented author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:

A very visceral, raw, outstanding story that just made me cringe, root for the heroine like I have NEVER rooted before and made it IMPOSSIBLE not to FEEL with this book. I can't even begin to describe how this story effected me. It was profound and bold and absolutely NOTHING I have ever read before!

Laney Kaye brings into sharp clarity what I imagine (yes I use this term because I haven't had this happen to me so I can't say for sure how one must feel) a survivor of kidnapping, rape and torture goes through during and after. Kayla is a one of a kind heroine. I bawled with the knowledge of EVERY SINGLE THING this woman went through in her life. I was heartbroken and terrified as I witnessed her torture and rape. And Nick, honestly I couldn't imagine anyone better to have rescued her and help her through her recovery. He was her strength and I believe whole heartedly that she made him want to be a better man. I can't even tell you all how much I really liked this book. This new series is one that will stick with me for a long time and I am very eager for the next one. I highly suggest you pick this book up along with a box of tissues (cause you WILL need them).

Malicious Desire gets a BOLD FIVE STUNNING STARS!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read anything by this author before and so I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect but the cover and the blurb looked great. This plot is set in Australia and so that stood out and made it a bit more unique in itself as I don’t get to read many books set there. The author has placed some trigger warnings on this book and do take them seriously. As I read this book had me in tears in some places, so a box of tissues near by might be helpful. Kayla is one strong determined woman who steps up to the plate and takes everything that is dished out and then still comforts her students, this character is amazing. This truly is an awesome story, it’s one that I found it hard to put down even when I could hardly see the words due to tears. If you only read one book this month, then make it this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this was dark, but i could not begin to imagine how dark.
It is not for the faint-hearted.
It is well written, compelling and hard hitting

I hope there are more stories in the Bent, not Broken series.

I would like more of these characters as well, to see what happens next and how things go.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teacher Kayla is driving a group of school children back from the coast when they are kidnapped.
Driving The school bus along the endless seeming road in the extreme heat Teacher Kayla was glad that the children had all now settled down to sleep when she noticed something on the road ahead and as she got closer she saw three man standing blocking the road. When she stops the bus thinking they might need assistance the men board the bus and remove them at gun point. Putting them into the back of a truck they head into the dessert. Captain Nick West as part of the Australian Defense Force. Tactical Assault Group head off in search of a teacher and six children hoping for the best but prepared for the worst. Be warned the are scenes that may act as triggers,

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Theresa Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been on a knife edge since the first page, what an explosive read, everything you want in an intense, Dark romantic suspense is her definitely need more from this author. Kayla was driving the school bus with her students on board kids of seven years old or less, when she stops for a breakdown, only this isn't a breakdown this is a kidnap and Kayla will do anything to protect her charges. T.A.G. Capt Nick West just wanted to get the job done, get in rescue kids and teacher and be out, until Nick sees Kayla his colleague and friend medic Colley have a job trying to stem her wounds just to move her, with three of four men in custody one is still loose, Nick want to save Kayla who thinks she can't be saved, she also knows Thomas won't ever let her go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Penny Ellgass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cryed, I rejoyced, I hurt, and I hoped.
This story shows the best and the worst of humanity. Even when doing good it sometimes feels like evil to a person who has had choice taken from them.
This is a story of survival at its most primal level, keeping alive even when you wish you were dead, because that is the only way the pain will go away. Staying alive at first for others until you can heal enough to stay alive for yourself.

This is the 5th bok of Layne Kaye's I have read and everyone has been a book I want in hard back to read again and again. Her books grab me and play with my emotions like Elton John playing a piano. She is truly an author that must be read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Len Klumpp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then, you come across a book that’s very hard to read. Not because it’s a bad book but because it deals with so many confronting issues that take a while to process. Malicious Desire by Laney Kaye, aka Leonie Kelsall - Author is like that. Laney writes “Real Life. In this novel she deals with rape, torture, kidnapping, self harm and low self esteem. But this book isn’t all doom and gloom, far from it. It’s a wonderful novel full of great characters. Some you love and some you just want to jump into the book and beat the crap out of. It’s a book about being able to overcome all of this. To find the strength to endure, to put your life back together and be able to move forward and survive. A really great book. Loved it 🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅.

[Anne Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely not for the faint at heart. But if you like your stories on the grittier side, you'll LOVE Malicious Desire.

I've said it once and I'll say it again... this book broke me! It's incredibly well-written and takes you on a heart wrenching journey. I cried through a good portion of it, and while it's hard to say you "love" a book that is so tough emotionally, I adored reading this. It will rip you apart, then put you back together again.

Highly recommend for those who enjoy darker stories!

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters that will keep your interest extremely well.
The chemistry, sweetness, and twists in plot kept things interesting.
Add in a wee bit of drama and you have a good read.

I was very impressed with how simply and effortlessly this author told this addicting, multi-layered story with well-developed world building and great characters and still manage to make romance feel so fresh!

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read book as far as I am concerned but be warned it is not for the faint of heart it has a tough storyline and will have triggers for some. My heart just broke at everything Kayla went through and how she struggled after being rescued by Nick. This is such a good well-written book and I would definitely recommend it. I will definitely be checking out more from this author

[Barbara Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, gripping tale

This was gruesome in so many ways and yet watching Kayla gain in strength overcome everything. We wanted her to succeed and wanted her to find reason to love. Great reading but pretty brutal in parts and you need to be prepared.
Well-written, great pace and at the risk of repetition, gripping.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense!

Wow! Zowie! What an intense book! When it warns about "triggers" it ain't kidding! I do admit I had a hard time understanding the phrasing of some of the h dialog. Trying to understand her background. However, once I wrapped my head around it, this book was unputdownable! If you enjoy an intense read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, READ THIS BOOK!

[Susanne Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. To be honest - I wish the ending went a bit further as we had been on such an emotional adventure with Kayla, that I wanted to experience her HEA more - to be reassured she was truly happy and able to love the love she deserved- but this was probably me being greedy for more :-). However, that said, I felt I was watching a movie throughout this book. It had that sense of realism that I love and the emotional rollercoaster was great, from the darkest dark through to the light.

[Kt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Returning from a school camp with eight children, teacher Kayla’s bus is stopped and the nine of them are abducted and held for ransom. The Army is called in to assist, led by Captain Nick West. He is intent on getting in, effecting a rescue, getting out and moving on to the next job. However, neither Kayla nor West have any idea that the abduction is just the start of things and that they will be spending a lot more time together than either of them want.

As their time together continues, the plot poses some good questions. Can Kayla forgive herself for making the ultimate sacrifice for keeping the children safe and what happens when one of the kidnappers tracks her down? Will she survive the legal process and will she love again? To find out, you’re going to have to read a copy of Malicious Desire by Laney Kaye, the pen name of Leonie Kelsall.

Huge shout out to the lovely Craig and Phil from @happyvalley_booksread without whom I would have never heard about Malicious Desire. If you don’t already follow them and tune into their Books, Bubbles and Babble every Sunday fortnight at 2pm (next chat this Sunday 9/8/20) then you should, especially if you want to learn more about great Independent authors like Kaye.

Thank goodness for @happyvalley_booksread as I really enjoyed this book and as an independent release, I doubt I would have come across it otherwise. I liked the plot with the contrasts between the terror of the abduction, the relief of the rescue, the stress and guilt of the of the aftermath, the uncertainty of justice and the anxiousness of waiting for the kidnapper on the loose; with the undercurrent of lust and romance.

I also enjoyed the characters and the ways in which they developed. Whether they were good or evil, Kaye did a brilliant job with all of them. The characters made the book for me, as a few times the plot moved a little too slowly for me.

Malicious Desire is certainly not something I’d usually read; especially given that it’s romantic suspense, but I’m glad I did. There’s a lot of grit and that balanced it out for me with the romance, making it a great read that I’d recommend.

To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.

[Laney Kaye]

UPDATE 26th Sept
Malicious Desire is now on the shelves at Dymocks, Rundle Mall! It's also readily available Australia-wide from Angus & Robertson, Booktopia, ...me!... and more.


Update .... with Malicious Desire sitting nicely at #1 in it's category, today the first copy of the print version arrived. EEEEE!!! (squeal of excitement, in case you didn't get that!) It is so pretty! I kind of want a shelf full of them....Print is currently available for worldwide distribution from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk


OOOH THINGS ARE GETTING EXCITING NOW!
Only four days until the discounted preorders end and dark romantic suspense ~Malicious Desire ~ releases!

I adore this evocative cover by Black Bird Cover Designs...with the military hero, Nick, in the foreground, and a silhouette of the (h), Kayla, over the desert.

But, even more, I love the reviews that are coming in...is it wrong that I'm thrilled when readers say they cried? Thank you so much to these generous reviewers - honestly, my heart swells every time I read your kind words.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life has not been easy but it is about to get much worse when she is at the beach with her students. She offers herself to save her students and so she is taken and her life goes downhill even further. He is damaged and he goes and save those that are taken. He saves her but she starts to feel something for her but all she wants is to die. What will happen if the kidnapper reappears? Will she die? Will she fight? See how she gets on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BooksSaveMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, this was darker than I was expecting but I couldn’t put it down, I look forward to reading more from this author

[Sandie Docker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taut and sexy. Laney knows how to draw you in keep you wanting to read on. This is my first foray into reading romantic suspense and it was great.

[Mrs.J.C.Mooney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute Tosh !!

Don't waste your time reading this. I can honesty say it's by far the worst book I've read in a long time. No redeeming features whatsoever.