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Caught

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The night I walked into that seedy bar, I only had one thing on my mind.
Get the job done fast so that I can go home to my daughter.

Until I saw him.
Max Arden.
Tall, dark, and tortured.

My life is already a mess and the last thing I should be doing is inviting more trouble in.
Trouble that a man like him would undoubtedly bring.
Especially when I have a daughter to protect and I’m all she has.
But it doesn’t matter how hard I fight it; fate has other ideas for us.
When my past threatens to clash with my present, it’s Max that is there to protect me.

I was supposed to be the one to trap him, but in the end, it was me who ended up caught.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2021

26 people are currently reading
613 people want to read

About the author

Emma Louise

39 books1,057 followers

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5 stars
86 (33%)
4 stars
76 (29%)
3 stars
67 (26%)
2 stars
17 (6%)
1 star
8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Eda Shatku.
50 reviews
September 6, 2021
IN LOVE
This book should come with tissues for my teara and holy water for the sm#t
Chef's kisa
Profile Image for Cat H.
1,972 reviews219 followers
September 7, 2021
3.5 stars.
Let me just first say that this book was not what I was expecting based off of the summary and the reviews I read.
And I’m not complaining.
Those made the story sound much shallower and Darcy’s character sound like she was in a much different situation than she turned out to be.
Again. I’m super pleased that they turned out different. I was hesitant to even start reading because of those.

This was filled to the brim with tension.
A little bit of that enemies to lovers vibe.

It was dangerous and heartbreaking.

Definitely check triggers.
There is past abuse relived on page.

It was also steamy and passionate.

I really enjoyed reading this story.

The main reason my rating went down is because of all the running Max And Darcey did away from each other.
I got it. And it made sense for the story, but it was just too much for me. It happened just a little too often.

Really fucking frustrating after a while.

I’m glad I read it, though. I’m definitely going to be looking into reading more from this same author.
Profile Image for LianaReads blog.
2,801 reviews246 followers
August 14, 2021
There are books that are good and there are stories that are great . And Caught really caught me in its romance story.
I loved how the heroine sticks to her boundaries and was interesting to see how she cracks the tough shell of Max , a man who doesn’t want to give his heart away but can’t stand a chance in front of Darcey.
It’s heartbreaking but also hopeful and it restores the faith that love still exists when least expected.
Profile Image for Steph's Romance Book Talk.
2,867 reviews1,400 followers
August 24, 2021
3 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

I suggest reading the Salvation Series by Corinne Michaels before reading books in the Society, but it is not a requirement.

Key Points for this story in the Salvation Society Collection:
- Romantic Suspense / Women's Fiction
- Domestic Abuse Survivor and Single Mom
- Security Operator with a Horrid (Ex) Wife
- Very Limited connection to the Salvation Series
- Salvation Series connection is Mark, Natalie, and Liam

Video review available in Week 32: Aug 8 – Aug 14, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Profile Image for bookspaced.
864 reviews15 followers
August 3, 2021
Emotional, addicting and oh so steamy!
Caught is an all new novel from Emma Louise and I couldn‘t have been more excited to read it!

Darcey has had a very though past. She‘s been through so much. She definitely doesn‘t take any crap from her new boss Max Arden. Who seriously doesn‘t like her because he‘s so atteacted to her.

I enjoyed their story so much! I couldn‘t even put the book down for one second! Super addicting!

5⭐️
Profile Image for Laurie Anne.
943 reviews18 followers
August 1, 2021
I read this book in less than a day! I love all things Corinne Michaels and Salvation Series so I jumped at the chance to read this ARC!
I loved that Natalie and Liam were important supporting characters in this book, but, yay, there are more of my faves in this book making cameos.

Darcy is a strong Mama Bear to who has had to go through hell to save herself and her daughter, Cassie.
She's had to take odd and some questionable jobs before landing a job at Elite Security, thanks to Lee and Liam.
Max is co-founder and owner of Elite and wants nothing to do with Darcy after a run in with her through her previous job.
SPARKS FLY in this enemies to lovers romance (my favorite btw!).
There's a little bit of suspense, touch of mystery and a whole lot of chemistry!
I enjoyed this book very much but I would've liked Darcy's background flushed out a bit more. There were missing holes in there but overall it didn't detract from the story.
I actually really really want a story and HEA for Felix. He was a favorite character of mine for sure.
Profile Image for Lily.
979 reviews56 followers
August 8, 2021
One of my top favorites of 2021!

Oh em gee I was so lucky to beta read this! I have been in a book funk for weeks! Hardly anything I read is 5-star material for me until this book! This is simply Emma’s best book to date! It gave me KA (Kristen Ashley) vibes without the overly details lol 😉 Even though Max was an a*hole at first, he grovels and redeems himself. I loved him and Darcey together. Darcey’s daughter, Cassidy was the perfect addition to this story and also all the secondary characters. I loved it so much and will definitely be rereading it again!
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,999 reviews56 followers
August 8, 2021
Caught intertwines perfectly in the Salvation Society and has you gripped to the pages. Max and Darcey’s story is intense, emotional and at times heartbreaking. Their story will have you captivated by the push and pull between these two along with being drawn in by the electric chemistry. A story that surrounds you with passion, heat, want and love. A poignant and heartfelt story that has you cheering for these two hoping that two broken souls will find solace in each other’s arms.
Profile Image for Reading by Deb.
1,175 reviews33 followers
December 27, 2021
Darcey was scared that she would be too late. She was binding the infant as snug as she could to secure her to her body so she could make her escape before her husband arrived for visiting hours. Although she was in pain and could feel the c-section stitches pulling she knew she didn't have any time and pushed the pain aside.

He will put on an act pretending to be a doting new father and picture perfect husband, but her swollen eyes tell another story if anyone takes the time to look. Taking the staircase she merges with the surprisingly busy lobby and makes it outside to freedom.

But is frozen in fear when she sees her husband exiting a car a few feet in front of her. While she is standing in shock knowing he is going to look up at any second and see her she feels an urgent hand at her elbow as she is told to keep her head down and move...

Darcey takes one last look at the photo before leaving her car to head into the bar. The doorman looks her up and down at the dress that she is poured into and tells her he doesn't think this is her kind of place. She takes in his leather vest covered in badges. Then she sees the Sinners Souls MC badge and can't believe that her boss sent her to MC hangout!

She would have laughed if anyone had told her she would be working as a honey-trapper. She almost walked out of the interview after reading a cryptic ad, but she had been desperate. All she had to do was get a guy to look like he was going to cheat on his spouse.

After failing miserably, again, to get the job done she is fired. And then her best friend says there's an opening for a receptionist at the security firm where her husband works. She has just finished signing her employment contract only to hear a man shouting at her to pack her crap and get out. She looks up to see that her last honey-trap mark is her new boss.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the storyline is hilarious. The characters are fully developed and totally relatable. This book is action packed and full of danger. Just when you feel like you have a handle the story takes an unexpected twist.

The sexual chemistry between Darcey and Max is explosive from the beginning and despite Max's intense hate for Darcey when her life is in danger he is determined to protect her.

I highly recommend this book! It is the first time reading this author, but definitely won't be the last. I could not put this book down once I started reading!
Profile Image for Lisa Stinson.
1,376 reviews19 followers
May 22, 2022
3.5 stars for me on this one. I just felt like there was something missing. I didn’t really feel the connection between Max and Darcey. I did love how Max interacted with Cassidy, he was really sweet with her.

Darcey was very back and forth for me and I just didn’t get it. I could have understood it if her ex was looking for her but that wasn’t possible. Max went from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye which I didn’t really like. He was so cruel with his words to Darcey in the beginning and then all of a sudden he claims she is his.

Overall a decent story in the Salvation Society world and it’s always good to see those characters again.
Profile Image for Delilah.
111 reviews
May 31, 2022
DNF

I didn’t really care about the main characters. They didn’t make sense to me. He treats you like absolute crap since day one and you’re in love with him? Huh?? I made it half way but it would have just been a waste to continue because I don’t care what happens to the characters.
12 reviews
December 10, 2022
Loved it!

While the Mmc was a bit rough to the FMC in the beginning, I loved the way their relationship unfolded...
The author could've been more detailed in terms of ages, looks and timeline but I was able to look past that due to the awesome story...
I highly recommend this book!

Profile Image for Jacquie.
596 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2023
OMG, this one BLEW ME AWAY!!!

Emma Louise is a new-to-me author who has BLOWN ME AWAY with Caught!!! I LOVED the suspense, the angst, the push-pull between Max and Darcey and the PERFECT conclusion to one of the BEST books in the Salvation Society world that I've read! I will DEFINITELY be checking out more from this author....soon!
124 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2023
Caught: A Salvation Society Novel

Omg!!! I love this series of books. The men are so damn alpha and big babies at heart. The women are so strong and bring these alphas to their knees. Best matches ever. I laugh, cheer and hope they all get their happy endings.
I'd you haven't read any, you need to start right now. What's sexier then a SEAL? Wow not much
Profile Image for els✨.
1,076 reviews46 followers
September 5, 2021
- ooo we love a Novella
- grumpy/sunshine trope
- started very sad then turned very weird then turned very good
- Cassidy is the cutest thing ever
- Max’s relationship with Cass is the best
- oh my god he washed her hair
- the up and down of Max’s emotions could be quite frustrating
- the trauma oh my god
- i want to wrap Darcey up in a blanket and protect her at all costs
- her character development sort of came all at once but im really happy she started believing in herself
- i didn’t see that one coming i’ll be honest
- the epilogue was quite literally perfect
Profile Image for Krista.
123 reviews7 followers
October 30, 2021
If I have to compare this book to others that I have read, I don't feel bad for giving this one only two stars out of five. Here me out - the storyline itself wasn't bad. I didn't love it, but that immediately doesn't mean that I didn't also like it. But the problem for me was how it was written... I don't know if I can even explain. Maybe I'm just to picky.
Profile Image for Shannon.
1,007 reviews45 followers
August 9, 2021
Caught is set in The Salvation Society Series and it is the perfect place for Emma Louise to be. This society has cranked out some hard hitting, get you in the heart and soul, and leave your with the best of HEA’s. And, Emma has brought her A-Game. Max, Darcey, and Cassidy will completely own you by the end of this read. Welcome back Emma- I have missed your writing and the characters you have me thinking about long after I’m done with the book.

Darcey is a single mom with a tragic past just trying to make ends meat. After being fired for not being able to complete an impossible task, her friend’s Natalie and Liam, set her up with Elite Security. But, the first day on the job just maybe her last when she meets one of the owners- Max, the guy her former boss wanted her to honey trap.

Despite his wanting her gone, Darcey digs in, tired of having her life run by egos. As she settles into the job, Max tries to avoid her, where as the guys in the office love what she is bringing to the table. But, Max can only avoid what he is really feeling for so long.

When Darcey faces an unknown danger, Max steps in, feeling responsible. Close proximity, which Max tries to avoid at every turn, leads to sharing closer intimacies than he’s ever felt.

Max has closed himself off. Darcey has lived her life under the thumb of her father and abusive husband. And, just as Max is letting her in, Darcey closes him off. Her past hurts run deep. But, it’s not someone from her past they need to be worried about.

The push and pull of emotions had me shaking my kindle. The suspense of who is after Darcey had me on my toes. Watching these two hurt souls give over to their feelings had my heart full.
Profile Image for ELC.
2,092 reviews9 followers
August 14, 2021
Caught by Emma Louise

I was so stocked that I got the privilege to get an early copy of this book. This is a first for me from this author and I was glad I got to read it. This book was so good I loved it so much. I absolutely connected and sympathized with Darcy she was so strong and courageous you can’t help but cheer for her throughout the book. Darcy has such a tough past which made her doubt every one around her and for good reason. As for Max I must admit I really wanted to throat punch him a lot throughout the book because let’s be honest he had his head so far up his own a** that he was a total jerk. But thankfully he shown his true colors and you can’t help but root for him too. This book was so emotional and full of suspense it was so hard to put down. It is definitely a must read and I am so happy I got to read it.

Merged review:

Must read!

Caught by Emma Louise

I was so stocked that I got the privilege to get an early copy of this book. This is a first for me from this author and I was glad I got to read it. This book was so good I loved it so much. I absolutely connected and sympathized with Darcy she was so strong and courageous you can’t help but cheer for her throughout the book. Darcy has such a tough past which made her doubt every one around her and for good reason. As for Max I must admit I really wanted to throat punch him a lot throughout the book because let’s be honest he had his head so far up his own a** that he was a total jerk. But thankfully he shown his true colors and you can’t help but root for him too. This book was so emotional and full of suspense it was so hard to put down. It is definitely a must read and I am so happy I got to read it.
1,013 reviews18 followers
August 7, 2021
“Caught” by Emma Louise is a romantic suspense tale with a little bit of danger and mystery added for pure enjoyment. My heart ached for Darcey and her cute daughter Cassidy as they put up a brave front while doing the best they could to survive. Darcey desperately needed a new job but when she interviewed at Elite Security she ran into someone she thought she would never see again. Max just rubbed her the wrong way with his menacing scowl and authoritative attitude. Darcey was thrilled when she got the job and she loved the other members of the team but for the sake of her daughter, she would try to ignore Max and stay out of his way.

Max was intrigued by Darcey and to him she was a puzzle he had to solve. He didn't know what he would find when he put all the pieces of her life together but he was absolutely up to the challenge. Max suspected that Darcey was hiding something from him and he didn’t like being left in the dark. It was fun to watch Darcey and Max dance around their feelings for each other and I kept wondering who would give in first. Max and Darcey both have trouble trusting people which made their relationship that much more tenuous. Their story was filled with intense feelings, surprising revelations and shocking secrets. I wanted Max and Darcey to fall in love but I was afraid that at any moment their pasts would come rushing in, preventing them from finding their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Michelle.
564 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2021
3.5 stars!

I love the Salvation Series and Salvation Society, so always happy to dive back in this world. Liam Dempsey is my all-time favorite book boyfriend (he's from Consolation Duet by Corinne Michaels), so I had a hard time that his last name was Delaney in this book. A very minor error, but it really bothered me because I love Liam so much. But I digress... (Edit: It looks like this has been fixed!)

This is Darcey and Max's story. Darcey has had it rough, but finds herself in Virginia in a seedy job trying to provide for her daughter. She meets Max under those seedy circumstances, and they immediately start off on the wrong foot. Of course he then ends up being her boss at her new job, and things escalate between them for the worse... and then for the better. They had chemistry that's for sure, but I wasn't overly a fan of Max. I thought he was a broody asshole and not in the sexy way... he was mean and cruel sometimes and with someone of Darcey's background, I'm not sure how she was attracted to him.

I will say, there were a lot of crazy twists and dramatic moments in this book, which worked in some instances and not in others. Sometimes, less is more.

Overall I did enjoy this book and read it one sitting. I would recommend it because I love the Salvation Society books, and this was a nice addition. As always, YMMV.

(Was anyone else rooting for Darcey to end up with Felix, or just me?)
Profile Image for This_Ginger_Loves_Books (Naomi).
117 reviews6 followers
August 7, 2021
Caught is without a doubt Emma’s darkest and most emotional book to date, I am obsessed.

Max Arden is unlike any of the men Emma has written before. He’s a little mean, a lot grumpy and seriously intense. But he’s also fiercely loyal to those he trusts, and when he cares for someone he doesn’t do things by half. He’s all in or all out.

Darcey is a badass. She’s a fighter and survivor, she learned long ago that nobody is going to fight for her and her daughter but herself. She’ll do whatever it takes to provide a safe and loving environment for her little girl.

Neither Max or Darcey trust easy, and both have very valid reasons. They’re both ridiculously stubborn at times and I have to admit I kinda wanted to reach through my kindle and give their heads a wobble on occasion but I genuinely adored their connection.

This story is Enemies to Lovers and does contain flashbacks of domestic abuse and rape that some readers may find distressing.

Side note: Emma louise, that nurse needs her own book. I’m just saying…

I received an arc from Candi Kane PR in exchange of an honest review, all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Charlene.
670 reviews
August 8, 2021
Caught is a little darker and a little grittier than Emma Louise’s past books and I loved it!

An incredible opening prologue ensured that I’d keep reading, unable to put it down...seriously, I read this book in one sitting...it was just that damn good!

With a haunting past that she worried would threaten her present, Darcey did what she needed to for her and her daughter, even if she didn’t like it. Her strength and resilience was incredibly inspirational.

Max was her target and now she has to see him everyday...he hates her, doesn’t trust her and won’t let her forget that. With all his growliness, he was very frustrating, but wow, when his protective and bossy nature came out, it was impossible not to swoon.

Steamy, suspenseful and hot hot hot, this is one emotional enemies to lovers story with a roller coaster of feelings that would give anyone whiplash, and Darcey has to deal with it firsthand!

The animosity, the secrets and the lust filled attraction made for one very passionate romantic journey.
Profile Image for Shannon  Williams.
586 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2021
Caught Up with This New Salvation Society Book
I love Corinne Michaels’s Salvation Society books - so much so that I’ve read the original series too many times to count. They simply never get old in my opinion! I also love the fact that Ms. Michaels showcases up-and-coming writers by giving them the opportunity to write in the SS world! Such is the case with “Caught” by Emma Louise. Max is gruff, bossy, broody, and SEXY! Co-owner of Elite Security and a military veteran, this man is smokin’ hot. Enter Darcy, a down-on-her-luck single mom - beautiful, hardworking, and extremely independent. There is so much going on in the plot with a splash of danger, untold secrets, and painful pasts that Darcy’s sweet little girl, Cassidy, is a welcome breath of fresh air to lighten it all up. We get to catch up with some of our faves from the original series (Team Liam all the way for me), and we cheer Max and Darcy on as they try to navigate toward a well-deserved HEA. Really enjoyed this addition to the SS world!
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,827 reviews44 followers
August 4, 2021
Caught is steamy and suspenseful with hot, sexy Navy SEALs...I call that a win win win!

An incredible opening prologue ensured that I’d keep reading, unable to put it down...seriously, I read this book in one sitting...it was just that damn good!

With a haunting past that she worried would threaten her present, Darcey did what she needed to for her and her daughter, even if she didn’t like it. Her strength and resilience was incredibly inspirational.

Max was her target and now she has to see him everyday...he hates her, doesn’t trust her and won’t let her forget that. With all his growliness, he was very frustrating, but wow, when his protective and bossy nature came out, it was impossible not to swoon.

This is one emotional enemies to lovers story with a roller coaster of feelings that would give anyone whiplash, and Darcey has to deal with it firsthand!

The animosity, the secrets and the lust filled attraction made for one very passionate romantic journey.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
August 11, 2021
Darcey will do whatever is required to give her daughter Cassidy the best life that she can so the opportunity to work at Elite Security was exactly what she needed. What she didn’t realize is that Max, one of her boss’s, is a man she met previously under less-than-ideal circumstances, and she didn’t leave a good impression.

Max feels like he is the only one in the office who has doubts when it comes to Darcey. He may be attracted to her, but he doesn’t trust her however when he finds out she is danger he is determined to not only protect her but find out who is behind the threat and why before it is too late.

Both Max and Darcey have pasts which have made them cautious however seeing them open up and truly get to know each other proves that they couldn’t be more perfect for each other.
Profile Image for Jenna.
870 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2021
3.5

Caught was my first book by Emma Louise. It was an intriguing story with a lot of emotion and situations that could be hard for some readers. The prologue was gripping and had me wanting more but the story lost some of that along the way. Darcey has had a rough life and starting over as a single mom isn't always easy. She first has contact with Max in a unique situation and later finds herself working for him and he just isn't having it. Max was rough and gruff with a side of alpha-hole but he did show Cass and eventually Darcey his gentleness. As much as I wanted to I just didn't love Max but was super curious about his friends, especially Felix!

Overall, an enjoyable read and the story fits in well with the Salvation Series. Loved Natalie and Liam being strong side characters as well.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,299 reviews20 followers
August 16, 2021
I love Emma Louise's stories and have since her first book came out. Caught is about Darcy who is doing everything she can to protect her daughter and try to make their lives better. When she tries to get information on a man that backfires she doesn't realize fate is about to step in. She interviews for a job and when she meets the man in charge well he's less than thrilled that she is there. So much so that these two will clash. Max Arden runs a security firm and he doesn't know when not to put his foot in his mouth. When it comes to Darcy he doesn't trust her but words will do just as much damage. When someone comes after her it's Max that will try to protect her. But sometimes that is not enough. What happens when a clash of the titans becomes too much to be caught? This book will leave you up all night reading and with a book hangover.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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