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Out to Find Freedom
Death and pain.
They surround me. Hold me hostage, refusing to let go.
But I want to survive. Want to fight. I just don’t know if I have it in me.
Maybe dying would be better.
It’s the break in the shadows that gives me hope.
When I look at him, all I can see is light.
So now I’m out to find freedom.
Private investigator Ryan Warden doesn’t know he’s moved next door to people he would put behind bars in an instant. Nor does he realise a sleepless night could lead him on the right track with the case he’s working on.
He certainly doesn’t expect Emerson Spence.
What he does know is he has to stay away from her. She’s been beaten and broken. She deserves to live freely while learning and experiencing things in life like any young woman should.
He’s too old for her. It’s better to stay away.
If he can.
They surround me. Hold me hostage, refusing to let go.
But I want to survive. Want to fight. I just don’t know if I have it in me.
Maybe dying would be better.
It’s the break in the shadows that gives me hope.
When I look at him, all I can see is light.
So now I’m out to find freedom.
Private investigator Ryan Warden doesn’t know he’s moved next door to people he would put behind bars in an instant. Nor does he realise a sleepless night could lead him on the right track with the case he’s working on.
He certainly doesn’t expect Emerson Spence.
What he does know is he has to stay away from her. She’s been beaten and broken. She deserves to live freely while learning and experiencing things in life like any young woman should.
He’s too old for her. It’s better to stay away.
If he can.
ebook
First published July 30, 2019
231 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Lila Rose
60 books3,972 followers Lila Rose is also known as L. Rose.
Lila Rose has moved about Australia a lot of her life. Currently, she lives in country Victoria Australia with her husband and two children.
Lila is addicted to coffee, chocolate and reading.
She also loves to write humorous romance. For all novels that come from her weird brain, check out her website!
Lila Rose has moved about Australia a lot of her life. Currently, she lives in country Victoria Australia with her husband and two children.
Lila is addicted to coffee, chocolate and reading.
She also loves to write humorous romance. For all novels that come from her weird brain, check out her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
August 4, 2020
What in the......
WHAT THE FUCK????
I literally can’t....there are no words to describe the stupidity of this book.
UPDATE—- seeing that the author commented on my review then deleted it before I had a chance to reply I feel like this book needs an in depth review!
This book started out good, I was intrigued and the storyline was setting up to be amazing.
Then we got to that 10% mark and I was like ok let me try to continue because I have a bad habit of DNF books very early on lol.
This book starts off with Emerson on a date, she wasn’t really into it so she decided to end it early and go back home. She arrives too early and caught her aunt and her companions raping a girl and filming it. They then killed the boy she was with and locked her in the basement. At this point I’m like Yasss I love dark romances so I’m excited as fuck.
Fast forward a month and she’s been locked in the basement ever since that night, her old next door neighbour sees her through the window and tries to help and they kill her.
Fast forward again to a couple of YEARS later. She’s woken from the noise of ppl moving in her dead neighbors house. While she’s looking through the window her aunts Bf comes in and tries to rape her, her aunt then gets involved and says it’s her fault and cuts her arms and legs with a razor to "make her ugly” so her man won’t look at her.
Then they just leave her in the bathroom upstairs with no supervision....after she cleans herself she’s on her way back to the basement like a good little captive when she sees her old purse on the floor. Yes ppl the one from all those years ago, still filled with everything she left in it including her cell phone ( I KNOW) Anyway so now she’s back in the basement with her phone but she’s not going to call anyone because she’s scared they will kill her best friend who she hasn’t seen in so many years........ok Boo!
On the same night as all this drama she sees the H next door and BAM instant attraction! Another couple days went by and she sees Ryan (the H) with a woman in the back yard and she gets all hot and bothered watching them fuck ( Like Honestly?????)
Fast forward another month and Ryan starts to sing in the back yard and she’s so enthralled she text him please play more and he’s all like who is this and she’s like someone who needs music right now.....LMAO!!!
At this point I’m like WTF????
Am I tripping?????
I have to be Tripping right????
Because there’s no way I just read that......
Anyway Let me wrap this up quick because I can’t with this plot.....months pass and he finally rescues her but then they spend Months or a year apart (can’t remember correctly) because he finds he’s too old for her and blah blah blah but then he’s like "you’re all I see” more blah blah blah:
I feel like I don’t even need to go on because what the ever loving fuck is this?
Firstly this book made no sense AT ALL!!!!! It’s stupid, the storyline is stupid, either write a freaking dark romance with a good plot or pick another genre because this book was all over the place and at the end you’re more confused then when you started. This is MY OPINION and I did purchase this book so I’m pretty sure I can write whatever I want about it. If you can’t take criticism Lila then you’re in the wrong profession. I hope this answers your question as to why I found your book stupid.
As for me being rude.....girl my original review was one line saying I can’t take the stupidity of this book so if you found that rude then maybe you need to grow some thicker skin Babe!
WHAT THE FUCK????
I literally can’t....there are no words to describe the stupidity of this book.
UPDATE—- seeing that the author commented on my review then deleted it before I had a chance to reply I feel like this book needs an in depth review!
This book started out good, I was intrigued and the storyline was setting up to be amazing.
Then we got to that 10% mark and I was like ok let me try to continue because I have a bad habit of DNF books very early on lol.
This book starts off with Emerson on a date, she wasn’t really into it so she decided to end it early and go back home. She arrives too early and caught her aunt and her companions raping a girl and filming it. They then killed the boy she was with and locked her in the basement. At this point I’m like Yasss I love dark romances so I’m excited as fuck.
Fast forward a month and she’s been locked in the basement ever since that night, her old next door neighbour sees her through the window and tries to help and they kill her.
Fast forward again to a couple of YEARS later. She’s woken from the noise of ppl moving in her dead neighbors house. While she’s looking through the window her aunts Bf comes in and tries to rape her, her aunt then gets involved and says it’s her fault and cuts her arms and legs with a razor to "make her ugly” so her man won’t look at her.
Then they just leave her in the bathroom upstairs with no supervision....after she cleans herself she’s on her way back to the basement like a good little captive when she sees her old purse on the floor. Yes ppl the one from all those years ago, still filled with everything she left in it including her cell phone ( I KNOW) Anyway so now she’s back in the basement with her phone but she’s not going to call anyone because she’s scared they will kill her best friend who she hasn’t seen in so many years........ok Boo!
On the same night as all this drama she sees the H next door and BAM instant attraction! Another couple days went by and she sees Ryan (the H) with a woman in the back yard and she gets all hot and bothered watching them fuck ( Like Honestly?????)
Fast forward another month and Ryan starts to sing in the back yard and she’s so enthralled she text him please play more and he’s all like who is this and she’s like someone who needs music right now.....LMAO!!!
At this point I’m like WTF????
Am I tripping?????
I have to be Tripping right????
Because there’s no way I just read that......
Anyway Let me wrap this up quick because I can’t with this plot.....months pass and he finally rescues her but then they spend Months or a year apart (can’t remember correctly) because he finds he’s too old for her and blah blah blah but then he’s like "you’re all I see” more blah blah blah:
I feel like I don’t even need to go on because what the ever loving fuck is this?
Firstly this book made no sense AT ALL!!!!! It’s stupid, the storyline is stupid, either write a freaking dark romance with a good plot or pick another genre because this book was all over the place and at the end you’re more confused then when you started. This is MY OPINION and I did purchase this book so I’m pretty sure I can write whatever I want about it. If you can’t take criticism Lila then you’re in the wrong profession. I hope this answers your question as to why I found your book stupid.
As for me being rude.....girl my original review was one line saying I can’t take the stupidity of this book so if you found that rude then maybe you need to grow some thicker skin Babe!
August 3, 2019
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
2.5 Stars
The blurb for this book intrigued me when I first read it, and once the book was live I One-Clicked right away and was excited to start reading. But unfortunately that excitement level went down as I read more and still felt like nothing was happening. The book started off with an intriguing scene, one of those heart racing ones that has you guessing what will happen next. But from there it went on to be chapter after chapter of the same thing, Emerson stuck in the basement.
Honestly if those scenes had had a little more to them and not just the same thing again and again as Emerson watched out the window, it would have been really interesting to see. But as it was I was just bored. And from there to when she was out of the basement, where I thought I would get some really good moments between her and Ryan, it became way too fast paced. One moment she's a scared kid stuck in the basement, to the next where it's months later, time jumps are happening, and yet she's still pining after Ryan like some kid. And then the ending where we have some skimmed over romantic moments that led to a rushed finished.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
2.5 Stars
The blurb for this book intrigued me when I first read it, and once the book was live I One-Clicked right away and was excited to start reading. But unfortunately that excitement level went down as I read more and still felt like nothing was happening. The book started off with an intriguing scene, one of those heart racing ones that has you guessing what will happen next. But from there it went on to be chapter after chapter of the same thing, Emerson stuck in the basement.
Honestly if those scenes had had a little more to them and not just the same thing again and again as Emerson watched out the window, it would have been really interesting to see. But as it was I was just bored. And from there to when she was out of the basement, where I thought I would get some really good moments between her and Ryan, it became way too fast paced. One moment she's a scared kid stuck in the basement, to the next where it's months later, time jumps are happening, and yet she's still pining after Ryan like some kid. And then the ending where we have some skimmed over romantic moments that led to a rushed finished.
May 12, 2022
This story started right off with a bang and took us on one heck of a roller coaster ride and was filled with a ton of suspense. One thing I love about this author is that her books are always so emotional and always have strong female characters who have gone through hell and back to be where there are now, especially the women who are fiercely loved by their men.
Emmie was a character that your heart went out to time and time again, and yet through all her trials she tried to remain strong and brave and was willing to sacrifice herself to keep others safe. Through it all anonymously though it all she found a friend to keep her going, and perhaps one day become her savior.
I loved Ryan who was one of the main characters as I found him sweet and kind and caring, and I loved that he stuck with his instincts when her just randomly got a text from a stranger and not only was he good at his job, he had some pretty powerful friends to back him up.
Thank god for Julian and Mattie in this story as Julian makes me laugh out loud with his antic's but, the man is so loving and caring and when it came to Emmie need loving and support and comfort he was always there for her. I just love him, he is just such an awesome character.
This was not your typical love story but, it was heartfelt and the characters had a huge age gap but, for those closest to them age was just a number and happiness and love was what was most important to them.
Overall, it was an enjoyable tale that had me glued to the pages to the very end. We loved the characters, and we enjoyed seeing our favorite MC character's grace the pages in this brand-new story.
Recommended read to all
Emmie was a character that your heart went out to time and time again, and yet through all her trials she tried to remain strong and brave and was willing to sacrifice herself to keep others safe. Through it all anonymously though it all she found a friend to keep her going, and perhaps one day become her savior.
I loved Ryan who was one of the main characters as I found him sweet and kind and caring, and I loved that he stuck with his instincts when her just randomly got a text from a stranger and not only was he good at his job, he had some pretty powerful friends to back him up.
Thank god for Julian and Mattie in this story as Julian makes me laugh out loud with his antic's but, the man is so loving and caring and when it came to Emmie need loving and support and comfort he was always there for her. I just love him, he is just such an awesome character.
This was not your typical love story but, it was heartfelt and the characters had a huge age gap but, for those closest to them age was just a number and happiness and love was what was most important to them.
Overall, it was an enjoyable tale that had me glued to the pages to the very end. We loved the characters, and we enjoyed seeing our favorite MC character's grace the pages in this brand-new story.
Recommended read to all
July 8, 2019
I’m kinda raw as l write this review.
I broke apart, cried screamed out in frustration then l healed. This tends to happen to me every time l read a book by Lila Rose. She has a gift, she can set a scene that puts you right in it, living it along with the characters. Lila has a style all of her own, raw and filled with emotion and heat. And most importantly chilled humour. Her men are so laid back and then all of a sudden Julian makes an appearance and suddenly the Hawks men go from alpha couldn’t give a s&@t to scared and running for their very lives!
To pick a favourite book from this wonderful author would be impossible , to pick warden over killer, unthinkable ..... but l am .
I broke apart, cried screamed out in frustration then l healed. This tends to happen to me every time l read a book by Lila Rose. She has a gift, she can set a scene that puts you right in it, living it along with the characters. Lila has a style all of her own, raw and filled with emotion and heat. And most importantly chilled humour. Her men are so laid back and then all of a sudden Julian makes an appearance and suddenly the Hawks men go from alpha couldn’t give a s&@t to scared and running for their very lives!
To pick a favourite book from this wonderful author would be impossible , to pick warden over killer, unthinkable ..... but l am .
July 28, 2019
I fucked up. I should of known taking a "quick peek" would never be enough. Damn it!. It's now 2am here in the U.K. And I'm sat wide eyed with a melted brain because my thoughts won't fuck off.
Mind blown I tell you, I was not ready for it.
TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ This book has a lot of dark shitty shit happening specifically in the first few chapters so if your sensitive to that proceed with caution.
How does she do it? Legit sucked the soul right outta my body.
Emerson and Ryan's story is a hard pill to swallow. Going in you're thrust into so much darkness it threatens to consume you. It's not your typical romance or like a lot of Lila's books because this one cuts deep right from the start.
Emerson is dealt with so much pain it seems almost impossible to imagine her ever seeing good again. What a character!. She really takes a journey throughout this story and grows so much. Despite her past she's sweet and kind and She didn't break. She's not broken she's a survivor.
Ryan surprised me. He took his time with Emerson to the point where even I was like right ok mr get your ass moving. However when he went all in that was it. Protective and gentle I feel like he was exactly what she needed.
Their story is gut wrenching, at times hard to read and so very raw. Lila has this nack for sucking you in from page one and holding you captive. Despite the dark there was also so much good!!. Of course it's always a pleasure to see Julian but I loved that Mattie to played a big part in this story. I feel like they were the balm to her pain and Ryan was the bandaid. The chemistry between them all is pure magic, it's what makes it so easy to fall in love with them. Let's not forget all the other characters! They are all fantastic and gave so much life to the story with their crazy shenanigans and hella dysfunctional relationships.
I feel like I went through the ringer. It's a slow burn romance that focuses more on her recovery and finding herself a little before anything else. I love that we got to see her heal and I especially loved getting to see her get strong and stand up for herself. I adored Ryan's sweet side and that Emerson was his complete focus. Everything in this story just fit and felt right. The plot progression, the characters ... this story has layers and the deeper you go the more you feel. I fell in love with everyone in here and that ending made my heart happy.
I'm never left disappointed by this author it's why she's my favourite. Even with such hard topics she still manages to lighten the story without it seeming far fetched. The heartbreak, anger and disgust. The sweet, funny and sensual. Everything fit seamlessly. I wanted more but only because I'm greedy.
Mind blown I tell you, I was not ready for it.
TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ This book has a lot of dark shitty shit happening specifically in the first few chapters so if your sensitive to that proceed with caution.
How does she do it? Legit sucked the soul right outta my body.
Emerson and Ryan's story is a hard pill to swallow. Going in you're thrust into so much darkness it threatens to consume you. It's not your typical romance or like a lot of Lila's books because this one cuts deep right from the start.
Emerson is dealt with so much pain it seems almost impossible to imagine her ever seeing good again. What a character!. She really takes a journey throughout this story and grows so much. Despite her past she's sweet and kind and She didn't break. She's not broken she's a survivor.
Ryan surprised me. He took his time with Emerson to the point where even I was like right ok mr get your ass moving. However when he went all in that was it. Protective and gentle I feel like he was exactly what she needed.
Their story is gut wrenching, at times hard to read and so very raw. Lila has this nack for sucking you in from page one and holding you captive. Despite the dark there was also so much good!!. Of course it's always a pleasure to see Julian but I loved that Mattie to played a big part in this story. I feel like they were the balm to her pain and Ryan was the bandaid. The chemistry between them all is pure magic, it's what makes it so easy to fall in love with them. Let's not forget all the other characters! They are all fantastic and gave so much life to the story with their crazy shenanigans and hella dysfunctional relationships.
I feel like I went through the ringer. It's a slow burn romance that focuses more on her recovery and finding herself a little before anything else. I love that we got to see her heal and I especially loved getting to see her get strong and stand up for herself. I adored Ryan's sweet side and that Emerson was his complete focus. Everything in this story just fit and felt right. The plot progression, the characters ... this story has layers and the deeper you go the more you feel. I fell in love with everyone in here and that ending made my heart happy.
I'm never left disappointed by this author it's why she's my favourite. Even with such hard topics she still manages to lighten the story without it seeming far fetched. The heartbreak, anger and disgust. The sweet, funny and sensual. Everything fit seamlessly. I wanted more but only because I'm greedy.
August 1, 2019
『🌁
Zero stars
☔️』Having so many good reviews and good ratings I expected more from this one. Big mistake! Don't let appearances guide you. If I had to choose a word to describe this book it would be 𝚒𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎. The plot, the dialogues, the characters felt 𝚒𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎. I don’t know how I could have finished it although I have to admit I skipped some pages. My big problem was the ʟᴀɴɢᴜᴀɢᴇ. At first I thought there was a reason why 𝙀𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣’s way of talking and thinking were so childish, because of her age, but after 2 years in that basement her character didn’t develop. This doesn’t have to do with her age because there are teens very mature for their age. After what she suffered one would think she would grow up…somehow, but that didn’t happen. It gets even worse. Her behavior and thinking were unrealistic. 𝙍𝙮𝙖𝙣 is the same story. He’s the older guy here, in his 30s? Yet he acts like a teenager. Not appealing. I found myself fed up with their silly dialogues. I think it will take some time to stop hating the “baby doll” endearment Ryan loved to use for Emerson. Ugh!About the story in itself, it didn’t make sense. That’s what I kept thinking while reading. It was far-fetched and over the top. Emerson has spent two years trapped in that basement and when she sees the new neighbor she starts to feel “things”. And in just a couple of days she has the hots for him and keeps spying on him, she even watches as he has sex with a woman in his backyard. She gets jealous but she also gets hot thinking about him doing the same but to her. And then she chastises herself for even thinking that… I was like, 𝕎𝕋ℍ just happened? *rolling eyes*There were too many coincidences in this story to be believable. It just seemed they wanted to give her a way out of her prison, like a 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞. But no! Don’t ask her to use it because she would give you a million reasons why not. Then Ryan is singing and playing guitar in his backyard but stops, so what do you think she did? Use the C-E-L-L-P-H-O-N-E to send him a text and ask him to sing one more song. Oh, I didn’t tell you? She got his number one day when he gave it to someone on the phone. Coincidence? *sigh*And let’s not talk about the smut. Don’t ask why.So yeah, I think this will be the first and last time I try this author. The writing style is not to my liking, sorry.
June 29, 2019
Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect going in. I wasn't prepared. So, I'm warning you, have some tissues at hand. This story has some really emotional moment. I was a mess with my emotions. I wanted to hug. I wanted to kick a$$.
Emerson is beautiful and strong person. She deserves all happiness in the world.
Warden... He was just... Yeah. Happy Emmie has him in her life.
Was nice to meet some of Hawks. And of course, I ended up wishing to reread some stories.
Julian... OMG I can't imagine these series, without him. He's a sunshine, that you need in your life to make a day better.
Emerson is beautiful and strong person. She deserves all happiness in the world.
Warden... He was just... Yeah. Happy Emmie has him in her life.
Was nice to meet some of Hawks. And of course, I ended up wishing to reread some stories.
Julian... OMG I can't imagine these series, without him. He's a sunshine, that you need in your life to make a day better.
May 15, 2021
5/5
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
.
Cuando vi la portada, inmediatamente me llamó mucho la atención y con esa sinopsis necesitaba leerlo. Fue todo lo que esperaba y más.
.
Es una historia corta que se lee muy rápido porque te atrapa desde el primer momento. Desde que lo inicie no pude parar, y termine leyéndolo en un solo día.
La historia inicia contándonos sobre Emerson, una chica que tiene que vivir con su tía porque perdió a sus padres, es menor y no tiene más familiares. No le gusta, pero cuando vuelve de una cita presencia algo ilegal que su tía le escondía y por eso es secuestrada. Pasa mucho tiempo encerrada en un sótano y vive llena de miedo y culpa por los hechos sucedidos sin atreverse a escapar. Esto hasta que llega Ryan Warden y se muda en la casa de alado. Es un investigador privado que trabaja algunas veces con los Hawks MC, un club de moteros (parte de una serie de la autora).
.
Por suerte Emerson aún tiene su celular y consigue el número de Ryan, se hace pasar por alguien mayor e intercambia mensajes con él sin decirle que sigue secuestrada. Pronto él descubre lo que pasa y va y tratará de rescatarla. Me gusta como la autora resuelvo esta parte sin mucho drama y justo al punto. La chica ya había sufrido demasiado, obteniendo muchas cicatrices en su cuerpo (aquí me enamoré aún más de la portada, me la imagino a la perfección).
.
Cuando está libre, se da cuenta de que aún corre riesgo por culpa de los negocios de su tía, pero la cuidan los Hawks y poco a poco irá comenzando su nueva vida. Otro aspecto que me gusto, que la autora le da espacio para sanar y curarse de todo el maltrato antes de saltar al romance. Me pareció muy acertado y luego las escenas restantes son más dulces y divertidas.
.
Es un romance corto, pero enganchador, con una trama muy buena. Ryan cree que es muy mayor, que ella merece mucho más, y le da miedo lastimarla, pero juntos encontrarán la manera. Yo lo recomiendo, y seguiré leyendo sus libros porque la narración me gustó un montón.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
.
Cuando vi la portada, inmediatamente me llamó mucho la atención y con esa sinopsis necesitaba leerlo. Fue todo lo que esperaba y más.
.
Es una historia corta que se lee muy rápido porque te atrapa desde el primer momento. Desde que lo inicie no pude parar, y termine leyéndolo en un solo día.
La historia inicia contándonos sobre Emerson, una chica que tiene que vivir con su tía porque perdió a sus padres, es menor y no tiene más familiares. No le gusta, pero cuando vuelve de una cita presencia algo ilegal que su tía le escondía y por eso es secuestrada. Pasa mucho tiempo encerrada en un sótano y vive llena de miedo y culpa por los hechos sucedidos sin atreverse a escapar. Esto hasta que llega Ryan Warden y se muda en la casa de alado. Es un investigador privado que trabaja algunas veces con los Hawks MC, un club de moteros (parte de una serie de la autora).
.
Por suerte Emerson aún tiene su celular y consigue el número de Ryan, se hace pasar por alguien mayor e intercambia mensajes con él sin decirle que sigue secuestrada. Pronto él descubre lo que pasa y va y tratará de rescatarla. Me gusta como la autora resuelvo esta parte sin mucho drama y justo al punto. La chica ya había sufrido demasiado, obteniendo muchas cicatrices en su cuerpo (aquí me enamoré aún más de la portada, me la imagino a la perfección).
.
Cuando está libre, se da cuenta de que aún corre riesgo por culpa de los negocios de su tía, pero la cuidan los Hawks y poco a poco irá comenzando su nueva vida. Otro aspecto que me gusto, que la autora le da espacio para sanar y curarse de todo el maltrato antes de saltar al romance. Me pareció muy acertado y luego las escenas restantes son más dulces y divertidas.
.
Es un romance corto, pero enganchador, con una trama muy buena. Ryan cree que es muy mayor, que ella merece mucho más, y le da miedo lastimarla, pero juntos encontrarán la manera. Yo lo recomiendo, y seguiré leyendo sus libros porque la narración me gustó un montón.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2021
I really enjoyed Out to find freedom in would be one of the many books that I've read by Lila Rose and I can't wait to read more from her in the future . This would be one of my favorites by the author and I can't wait to read what's to come in the future . I'm a huge fan of seeing past characters from previous books by the author and that is another reason why I adored this story . My heart really broke for the heroine she has been dealt with loss , pain , suffering and guilt but she grows strength as her characters grows . The hero really frustrated me but I understand why he did what he did along with being patient with his relationship with the heroine . So can't wait to read more by this author in the future and hopefully seeing more of the characters in the future .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
****************************************
hero=8 heroine=9 secondary characters=9
Chemistry=9 steam=8 romance=4
humor=3 darkness level=5 action=4 mystery= 4
enjoyment=10 angst=3 story line=9 Story ending=9
character development=10 pacing= 10
cover=10 Blurb =10 Stars = 5
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone = yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
****************************************
hero=8 heroine=9 secondary characters=9
Chemistry=9 steam=8 romance=4
humor=3 darkness level=5 action=4 mystery= 4
enjoyment=10 angst=3 story line=9 Story ending=9
character development=10 pacing= 10
cover=10 Blurb =10 Stars = 5
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone = yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
September 2, 2019
Needed more romance less trauma
It’s hard to rate this book because as another reviewer said it’s hard to believe the questionable choices Emerson makes and her inaction/lack of fight at her age. Those decisions or action/inaction would have been much better suited to a child considerably younger but then she would be a highly inappropriate age for the romance so I don’t know if the author could win as written. You will have to suspend judgment, disbelief and a fair amount of logic to get into the story but if you do you’ll probably enjoy it at least enough to finish it. I liked it but didn’t love it but that’s mostly because of the reasons outlined above as well as the fact the author spent 75% of the book on Emerson’s experience with Gloria, the basement and the psychological & emotional fallout of that and only a small amount was devoted to the romance I was here to read. I don’t necessarily think the author should have taken that out but I would have liked more time devoted to the building of their relationship. Going so deep on that stuff made it vital that we got depth with the relationship and we didn’t get it here. On a side note: I loved Julian! He was a scene stealer.
It’s hard to rate this book because as another reviewer said it’s hard to believe the questionable choices Emerson makes and her inaction/lack of fight at her age. Those decisions or action/inaction would have been much better suited to a child considerably younger but then she would be a highly inappropriate age for the romance so I don’t know if the author could win as written. You will have to suspend judgment, disbelief and a fair amount of logic to get into the story but if you do you’ll probably enjoy it at least enough to finish it. I liked it but didn’t love it but that’s mostly because of the reasons outlined above as well as the fact the author spent 75% of the book on Emerson’s experience with Gloria, the basement and the psychological & emotional fallout of that and only a small amount was devoted to the romance I was here to read. I don’t necessarily think the author should have taken that out but I would have liked more time devoted to the building of their relationship. Going so deep on that stuff made it vital that we got depth with the relationship and we didn’t get it here. On a side note: I loved Julian! He was a scene stealer.
August 24, 2019
I usually like this author, but this felt unfinished, rushed. The pacing was way off - the first half of the book is Emerson in the basement - but not much happens. Then the next 20-30% is the MC getting her out of the basement and the immediate aftermath. So, then there is very little page time devoted to the actual couple, and as such a lot of time jumps are involved. We get one scene showcasing whatever stage she is up to (getting used to the outside, living/working, relationship with Ryan) and then suddenly it's months later and just a summary of what happened. It made the story seem shallow with not a lot of depth to the characters. I never felt the connection between Ryan and Emerson.
There is also the stereotypical characterisation of a gay character that I find problematic. It is a recurring character in all the books, and he even gets his own book, but I find it OTT and almost a caricature.
There is also the stereotypical characterisation of a gay character that I find problematic. It is a recurring character in all the books, and he even gets his own book, but I find it OTT and almost a caricature.
September 28, 2019
I wasn't completely sure about this book for the simple reason that it is part of the "out" series but didn't seem to be about the Hawks MC. I should't have worried. Another enjoyable story by one of my favorite authors!
I loved Warden and Emerson's story! Everything Emerson went through just broke my heart and I was really looking forward to her getting her Happily Ever After once she was finally free. I was hoping it would happen a little sooner than it did but I guess that would have made for a much shorter story.
I loved that Julian and Mattie were such an integral part of this story. I feel that it really helped pull the story together. Especially considering the issues Emerson had after she is rescued.
I will say that there were a lot of things that could be serious triggers for some readers.
I loved Warden and Emerson's story! Everything Emerson went through just broke my heart and I was really looking forward to her getting her Happily Ever After once she was finally free. I was hoping it would happen a little sooner than it did but I guess that would have made for a much shorter story.
I loved that Julian and Mattie were such an integral part of this story. I feel that it really helped pull the story together. Especially considering the issues Emerson had after she is rescued.
I will say that there were a lot of things that could be serious triggers for some readers.
July 28, 2019
What can I say with out giving too much away?
Ryan Warden had finally moved into his new home. He knows nothing about his neighbors, they keep to them selves, nothing unusual there. Thing is, Ryan would be horrified if he discovered any of the depravities that innocent house held.
When late one night, a mysterious text from an unknown woman grabs his attention. His interest is peaked, her answers are a little short, they don’t tell him much about herself which makes him want to know more. She sounds strained and unhappy.
I loved this story. Sure it broke my heart but Emmie had such hope and it was this that kept her strong. Ryan was a great character too, I liked him a lot. This was a very emotional for story, it was very well developed and nicely written.
A definite must read!
Ryan Warden had finally moved into his new home. He knows nothing about his neighbors, they keep to them selves, nothing unusual there. Thing is, Ryan would be horrified if he discovered any of the depravities that innocent house held.
When late one night, a mysterious text from an unknown woman grabs his attention. His interest is peaked, her answers are a little short, they don’t tell him much about herself which makes him want to know more. She sounds strained and unhappy.
I loved this story. Sure it broke my heart but Emmie had such hope and it was this that kept her strong. Ryan was a great character too, I liked him a lot. This was a very emotional for story, it was very well developed and nicely written.
A definite must read!
July 30, 2019
Emerson has been forced to endure a dark and painful existence but the one thing she hasn’t given up on is hope. When she reaches out to her neighbor it could be the answer to her prayers or make her nightmare that much worse.
Ryan is a P.I. who has moved next door to Emerson. He doesn’t know much about his neighbors but when Emerson reaches out to him he knows that all is not right in her world and won’t rest until he knows more.
This is a dark emotional story about a brave heroine who has a strength second to none that allows her to survive and a man who realizes that the aftermath of her trauma will be the biggest challenge of all. This story draws you in and keeps you captivated until the last page.
Ryan is a P.I. who has moved next door to Emerson. He doesn’t know much about his neighbors but when Emerson reaches out to him he knows that all is not right in her world and won’t rest until he knows more.
This is a dark emotional story about a brave heroine who has a strength second to none that allows her to survive and a man who realizes that the aftermath of her trauma will be the biggest challenge of all. This story draws you in and keeps you captivated until the last page.
August 16, 2019
A must read.
Emmie has been living a nightmare. Abused and broken. The first time she sees Ryan, her heart stops but the reality that she will never escape quickly ruins that thought. A single text saves her live. Ryan knows something is wrong next door but he can’t figure out what to do. When his group does move, his entire world changes. Do not miss this read. Awesome writing with a very powerful storyline.
Emmie has been living a nightmare. Abused and broken. The first time she sees Ryan, her heart stops but the reality that she will never escape quickly ruins that thought. A single text saves her live. Ryan knows something is wrong next door but he can’t figure out what to do. When his group does move, his entire world changes. Do not miss this read. Awesome writing with a very powerful storyline.
August 6, 2019
Loved it !! Wow what a rollercoaster of emotions.
I bought this last night and said to myself just a hours worth of reading then finish it tomorrow. Nope ! Read over 50% before my eyes were hurting. Then just dreamt of the book🙈
Really enjoyed reading this ! X
I bought this last night and said to myself just a hours worth of reading then finish it tomorrow. Nope ! Read over 50% before my eyes were hurting. Then just dreamt of the book🙈
Really enjoyed reading this ! X
August 8, 2019
this got boring 😔
December 7, 2024
Emerson is bright, beautiful, and oh so brave! This one was heart-wrenching. Good triumphs over evil in the best way possible, making me cry, tearing my heart out, and mending it with love, compassion, and understanding. It is so different from the other books in this crossover series.
Ryan Warden was the only man who would do for the young woman who spied on him from her basement prison next door. She has watched him since he moved in, stealing moments he knows nothing about. She overhears him give out his phone number and texts him on a hidden phone, complimenting his singing ability. From there, a friendship develops until Warden almost ruins things by calling her name and alerting her jailors to his knowledge of her. Warden puts two and two together, deducing that she is in danger, and works with friends and co-workers to free Emmie, as he knows her. Once rescued, slow burn is the best description for the evolution of their relationship. From texting to finally meeting, taking months to reach the point of speaking their minds and feelings, Emmie and Ryan grew to know each other. When finally face to face, Warden becomes hung up on the age difference, and knowing she is untouched also plays on his mind. Rescuing Emerson was the pivotal moment that defined their lives. Without Ryan's quick thinking, his precious Emmie may not have survived. And if Emerson hadn't seen her handsome neighbour from her prison, she wouldn't have had the will to carry on living. Warden and his friend must eliminate the rest of the dangerous forces who held Emmie captive, but can they accomplish the feat before her light gets extinguished after her rescue?
Ryan Warden was the only man who would do for the young woman who spied on him from her basement prison next door. She has watched him since he moved in, stealing moments he knows nothing about. She overhears him give out his phone number and texts him on a hidden phone, complimenting his singing ability. From there, a friendship develops until Warden almost ruins things by calling her name and alerting her jailors to his knowledge of her. Warden puts two and two together, deducing that she is in danger, and works with friends and co-workers to free Emmie, as he knows her. Once rescued, slow burn is the best description for the evolution of their relationship. From texting to finally meeting, taking months to reach the point of speaking their minds and feelings, Emmie and Ryan grew to know each other. When finally face to face, Warden becomes hung up on the age difference, and knowing she is untouched also plays on his mind. Rescuing Emerson was the pivotal moment that defined their lives. Without Ryan's quick thinking, his precious Emmie may not have survived. And if Emerson hadn't seen her handsome neighbour from her prison, she wouldn't have had the will to carry on living. Warden and his friend must eliminate the rest of the dangerous forces who held Emmie captive, but can they accomplish the feat before her light gets extinguished after her rescue?
October 2, 2021
Amo os livros da Lila Rose. Ela é uma escritora e tanto e nunca me decepciono com as suas estórias.
__________________________________________
• Warden é um personagem de longa data nesta série e eu mal podia esperar para saber sua história!
• Pobre Emmy! Céus acabados, eu queria muito ajudar aquela garota!
• Embora esta seja uma série MC, não é a sua “típica”! É mais do lado do romance e da amizade do que o gritty gorey — adoro!
APAIXONADA! ♥️
• E mesmo que esses motociclistas durões são provavelmente considerados o ventre da sociedade, quando eles te amam, eles estão todos dentro e por toda a duração. Ser amado e protegido por eles é mais que suficiente, mas surpreendentemente eles trazem corações e flores também. Grandes personagens e você os 'ama' quando eles assumem o mais vil dos criminosos. As histórias são diretas e fáceis de seguir, mas esteja preparado para rir e chorar em igual medida.
Três aplausos... Lila, você fez meu dia.
• Uma excelente leitura, uma excelente continuação da série e uma excelente história divertida, ‘sexy’ e emocional que pode ser facilmente relida!
__________________________________________
• Warden é um personagem de longa data nesta série e eu mal podia esperar para saber sua história!
• Pobre Emmy! Céus acabados, eu queria muito ajudar aquela garota!
• Embora esta seja uma série MC, não é a sua “típica”! É mais do lado do romance e da amizade do que o gritty gorey — adoro!
APAIXONADA! ♥️
• E mesmo que esses motociclistas durões são provavelmente considerados o ventre da sociedade, quando eles te amam, eles estão todos dentro e por toda a duração. Ser amado e protegido por eles é mais que suficiente, mas surpreendentemente eles trazem corações e flores também. Grandes personagens e você os 'ama' quando eles assumem o mais vil dos criminosos. As histórias são diretas e fáceis de seguir, mas esteja preparado para rir e chorar em igual medida.
Três aplausos... Lila, você fez meu dia.
• Uma excelente leitura, uma excelente continuação da série e uma excelente história divertida, ‘sexy’ e emocional que pode ser facilmente relida!
January 11, 2021
A exceptional, hard to read but hopeful love story
The life of Emmie is anything but easy. She accidentally stumbles into a horrible indecent of a young girl being raped and her date being killed, she is put into a basement by her aunt as a way to keep her alive, but tortured until she is 25 , so they can steal her inheritance. After being held for two years Ryan Warden moves next door and peeking through a small window she watches him and starts to feel hope. This story started out with very rough treatment of Emmie but it becomes such a beautiful love story as Ryan and Emmie fall in love and Emmie learns to become the strong, smart woman she always was. As always the supporting characters are always a welcome, interesting add to the story. This book made me cry at the end, I loved it.
The life of Emmie is anything but easy. She accidentally stumbles into a horrible indecent of a young girl being raped and her date being killed, she is put into a basement by her aunt as a way to keep her alive, but tortured until she is 25 , so they can steal her inheritance. After being held for two years Ryan Warden moves next door and peeking through a small window she watches him and starts to feel hope. This story started out with very rough treatment of Emmie but it becomes such a beautiful love story as Ryan and Emmie fall in love and Emmie learns to become the strong, smart woman she always was. As always the supporting characters are always a welcome, interesting add to the story. This book made me cry at the end, I loved it.
August 1, 2024
Out To Find Freedom
What a romantic yet tragic tale this story is. Warden and Emmie made the perfect couple. He unknowingly saved her at a time when her life was taken away from her by her vile Aunt Gloria and her boyfriend Lenny. Ryan didn't know she existed in her basement prison but she was very aware of him. She watched his life from afar as she struggled every day to survive. It was his singing and guitar playing in the middle of the night that he learned of her from a text. And then he played a song for her and she was lost in her love for him. Could she ever hope to get free to pursue getting to know him? This story is emotional, sad, violent but that all of this does eventually lead to a happily ever after ending.
What a romantic yet tragic tale this story is. Warden and Emmie made the perfect couple. He unknowingly saved her at a time when her life was taken away from her by her vile Aunt Gloria and her boyfriend Lenny. Ryan didn't know she existed in her basement prison but she was very aware of him. She watched his life from afar as she struggled every day to survive. It was his singing and guitar playing in the middle of the night that he learned of her from a text. And then he played a song for her and she was lost in her love for him. Could she ever hope to get free to pursue getting to know him? This story is emotional, sad, violent but that all of this does eventually lead to a happily ever after ending.
March 12, 2020
Omg. I devoured this book. I fell asleep then woke up during the night to read. 😏 It was dark and sad(has trigger warnings) Emerson survived so much & much as we see her moments of weakness we also see her strengths. And Ryan was BAE. As much as I liked the book I still felt like something was missing, can't quite put my finger on what. As much as I liked the book I still felt like something was missing, can't quite put my finger on what. Thankfully the author didn't try to cure Emerson with magic dick like many other authors do. Even tho Ryan does play a part in her gaining some confidence it was after the fact
September 22, 2020
I actually liked this book. It is heavy and there are many triggers (as the author warned), but I think they were all done well and not overdone. I liked the relationship build, and really enjoyed watching her grow as a person.
I did hav a few WTF moments, but I think that is more of a "me" thing than a writing thing. The time jumping thing was a bit rushed for me, I wish it would have shown her learning to just "be" again. Instead we fastforward and see how she is, not how she got there.
All in all, I did like it though.
I did hav a few WTF moments, but I think that is more of a "me" thing than a writing thing. The time jumping thing was a bit rushed for me, I wish it would have shown her learning to just "be" again. Instead we fastforward and see how she is, not how she got there.
All in all, I did like it though.
May 20, 2023
More than words…….
This was just beautiful. I loved it all the way. Emmie & Warden were meant to be together, age gaps are always hard to get past & I am just glad that Ryan FINALLY gave in. Julian is ALWAYS the best & I cannot EVER get enough of him, Thank-You for creating him!! He was a major part of this that I loved even more he did perfect!!
Thank-You Lila for all of these stories, they are so beautifully crazy that I cannot get enough!!
This was just beautiful. I loved it all the way. Emmie & Warden were meant to be together, age gaps are always hard to get past & I am just glad that Ryan FINALLY gave in. Julian is ALWAYS the best & I cannot EVER get enough of him, Thank-You for creating him!! He was a major part of this that I loved even more he did perfect!!
Thank-You Lila for all of these stories, they are so beautifully crazy that I cannot get enough!!
February 12, 2020
I struggled with this book. I will admit Emmerson was not my cup of tea and just annoyed me. However, loved Warden. Singularly the most hot guy in my imagination. This was a real written book and Lila Rose is a fantastic author. My rating is solely based on the fact that I couldn't stand Emmerson.
August 17, 2020
I loved this book.
It had all the feels for me.
I could not put this book down. I have been dying for Warden to have a book. We followed him throughout the other Hawk books.
Emmie OMG! Poor poor Emmie.
I cried for her.
I wanted her to be free.
To be with Ryan.
To have a life.
This story was everything and more. I adored it so much it was absolutely perfect
It had all the feels for me.
I could not put this book down. I have been dying for Warden to have a book. We followed him throughout the other Hawk books.
Emmie OMG! Poor poor Emmie.
I cried for her.
I wanted her to be free.
To be with Ryan.
To have a life.
This story was everything and more. I adored it so much it was absolutely perfect
August 17, 2020
I've had this sat waiting for me for a little while, finally got a break and picked this baby up.
There's no denying I love Lila's books. Been a fan of her work for years.
This books does not disappoint. Enjoyed the characters, the storyline and well the steamy bits too! 🔥
There's no denying I love Lila's books. Been a fan of her work for years.
This books does not disappoint. Enjoyed the characters, the storyline and well the steamy bits too! 🔥
August 13, 2022
The day I dislike a book by this author, is the day I stop reading books by her. I am not at all disappointed. A slightly shorter short story. :) Text size was good and the text was easy to read. Easy to understand too.
June 12, 2023
Awesome
Wow what to say I cried laughed wanted to hit punch and kill some people but what a love story so sad but what a bit of kindness friendship and beautiful people how they can change a horrible thing into a beautiful life with love
Wow what to say I cried laughed wanted to hit punch and kill some people but what a love story so sad but what a bit of kindness friendship and beautiful people how they can change a horrible thing into a beautiful life with love
April 19, 2025
such a good read.
I have so many Books from this Author that I love, but this is one I wish I could read for the first time over and over again. This book sticks with me, they are such good characters and I wish I could see more of them! Just a fantastic read all around.
I have so many Books from this Author that I love, but this is one I wish I could read for the first time over and over again. This book sticks with me, they are such good characters and I wish I could see more of them! Just a fantastic read all around.
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