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Preston Danes was born and raised on the streets.
Unloved. Unwanted. And quickly discarded.

Now he’s a man on the verge of a new career when the infamous Checkmate Security offers him a job.

They want to shut down a mafia family, and they need the assistance of a skilled hacker to get the job done.

Preston knows code like others know their left hands. He’s perfect for the job.

But when he meets a woman in a packed ballroom—blonde, beautiful, electric under his touch, and delicious on his tastebuds—his objectives change, and the chase begins.

One night.
That’s all she sticks around for.

Then she disappears from his life, desperate to never be found again.

Pity she only learned a small snippet of Preston’s skills during their steamy encounter.

Let the hunt begin.

Regret is book 2 in the brand new Lost Boys series, and can be read as a complete standalone.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2023

254 people are currently reading
171 people want to read

About the author

Emilia Finn

111 books1,559 followers
Emilia Finn is an Amazon Top 20 bestselling, Australia-based author with more than 55 books written and published to date.

She's a mom, a coffee addict, a collector of quirky coffee mugs, and before she had kids, she was a real-life full-contact fighter.

Her experience on the fight circuits helped her pen her first ever book—Finding Home—featuring a world champion MMA fighter Bobby Kincaid, and his leading lady and equal in every way, Kit Reilly. What was only supposed to be a once off experience instead turned into a career for Emilia, a thriving empire, and a daily grind she never wants to be rescued from.

Join Emilia's mailing list for exclusive material and new release alerts.

Website➜ https://www.emiliafinn.com

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5 stars
654 (73%)
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178 (19%)
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52 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Hey Lin.
745 reviews
Read
February 7, 2023
Dnf at 38% ish.

Someone recommended this in a FB group for a ons book and I figured I would try it. I didn't expect a mentally abused single mom and daighter. And there are NO mentions of this in the reviews that I looked.over. I feel like people should know this before reading and I'm honestly a little upset .

I thought this would be a great ons (one night stand) book and it starts off great. They meet at his friends wedding and go up to his hotel room. She sneaks away at 2 am and he's asking his friends who she was and they don't know of any nicole as a guest since she goes by feeney (her old maiden name) or nikki.

It turns out she's the baker who made the wedding cake. She goes home and we find out she's a divorced single mom of a narcissist detective cop who is using his daughter to get his ex wife back.

There was one odd part of the book where the Hs friend (the woman who got married) tells.him that he shouldn't tie up the girl to a tree to get some time alone with the mom h. What the ever loving fork is that shiet?!!? I literally had question marks floating around me reading that because it wasn't very funny 🤔😬😬 then I keep reading about how the girl is abused on the biweekly visits she has with her dad. The little 6 year old is dirty, teeth not brushed, etx.

And I know her brother axel is her rock and the only family she can count on but they're super SUPER comfortable talking about who she had sex with. Ew.

I can't with this book anymore. Maybe it gets better? Maybe noah, the ex husband, gets his due by Preston the hacker dude? But I'm out ✌
Profile Image for Kacie Mummawh0reads.x.
743 reviews29 followers
July 8, 2023
Regret
By Emilia Finn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️

*potential spoilers*

Nicole is a baker, she is also a single mum to a lively little girl, Juniper.
Preston was born on the streets with nothing and no one except his best mate Cole (from book 1!) and recently moved to the same town as his bestie, he’s retired from stealing cars and scored himself a new job working in “IT Security”

Preston knows code like others know their left hands.So He’s perfect for the job. But when he meets a Nicole at Coles wedding, his objectives change, and the chase begins.
One night.
That’s all she sticks around for.

Then she disappears from his life, desperate to never be found again.

I enjoyed this book and found myself anxious with the discussions of the abuse June endures at the hands of her bio dad, so check your CW & TW’s. Definitely keen to read book 3 next!
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,145 reviews15 followers
July 22, 2023
4.5 stars

Preston is leading man that is a perfect example as to why I read romance. He was DELICIOUS. His patience, brutal honesty, and love he had for his girls, was priceless. One of my favorite characters of any from this author.
Profile Image for FANCHON.
809 reviews25 followers
July 17, 2023
Hold on for a bumpy ride

This is book two in this new series, but it’s got characters that cross over from other series. I read and love the Rollin On series, but for some reason never read the Checkmate series. In the first book there were more Rollers, but this one has more Checkmates. I will absolutely be going back to read their stories, but you won’t be lost if you didn’t.

This story is Preston (from the first book in this series) and Nicole’s story. Preston came from a rotten traumatic childhood, and is a tech whiz that is trying to move in from the life of a thief and thug. He’s offered a job at Checkmate, which lives in that gray area of legality. He has a one night stand with Nicole after his best friend’s wedding, and finds himself in some insta-lust with her. She is a single mom who divorced her abusive dirty cop husband. He continues to hurt her regularly, as well as their precocious daughter as a punishment to Nicole for angering him. The first half of the book was hard for me because of it. I honestly almost quit and moved onto the next book. Not because the writing was bad. Quite the opposite. It was real, and very accurate for what battered women face all the time. I’ve been in similar shoes, so maybe that made it too real. She spent the first half of the book being harassed daily, and placating him constantly, always trying to deescalate every conversation. It was an ingrained reaction, but so hard to read. I also wanted to shake her and tell her that while she was telling herself she was protecting her daughter, she was actually teaching her his behavior was OK and that the responsibility for his behavior fell upon them. Ugh. So hard. Domestic violence is so so hard, and with a police detective ex she certainly felt her hands were tied.

Moving on. Preston was a saint for continuing to pursue her in that first half. She pushed him away hardcore, shoving that baggage between them. I love that her brother encouraged Preston not to give up. The second half moved much better for me, and I loved the relationship he developed with Juniper. I love that all of these books focus on “found family” as all of the characters have plenty of emotional baggage. I know that I will enjoy any book by this author, but also know it’s going to be a rough ride to that HEA.
428 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2023
book boyfriend material

💻 🧁 🍩
🌟 BOOK REVIEW 🌟
Regret by Emilia Finn

Hot. Damn. Not only do we get to be back with the checkmate crew, but we also have Preston Danes. Whew, 😅 this man has made himself a spot in my top book boyfriend spots, right along with new coworker, Kane Bishop. Plus, this book takes place alongside the Guilded Knight Series, which Preston new job helps to set up the plot for one of the books. I Love Inter-Series connections!!!

Preston who isn’t very smooth, but is utterly swoony 🥰 and charming finds himself obsessed and falling in love with his one night stand, Nicki. Nicki had a rough past, a divorced mother to a too mature for her own good child, Juniper. The protectiveness that Preston showed for both Nicki and Juniper upon meeting them was perfect. Now he has more than just Cole and Maya. Preston found his person, or people.

The amount of people cheering for them in the background, including Nicki’s brother was funny. These two had a connection and I loved every minute. While both Nicki and Preston have suffered abuse and trauma and it would seem ultimately they help each other heal alone with June. Plus, the lovely way the ex-husband became a none issue, 👌🏼. I wish it would have been longer so I could be immersed with more Preston and Nicki, because let’s face it, these two are perfect for one another with an explosive 💥 connection.

Would definitely recommend this spicy little number, and any other of Emilia’s book honestly.

⚠️ murd€r, ass@ult and abu$e (domestic and child) ⚠️

🎶: SWEAT by PatrickReza

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5
Profile Image for Sandra R.
3,353 reviews47 followers
October 2, 2023
I've read many of Emilia's books and while they are well written, the H/h's 'voices' sound very similar in all her books. Their characters are the same, mannerisms, laid back Aussie style speech :- so, insert new names for each book. The men are all obsessive/protective - which I do like in a romance hero. The heroines start off quiet - mostly - then usually morph into feisty and opinionated.

I don't know if my opinion on this is a little harsh, but I had to say it. I have read this type of story before from her; protective hero meeting up with a heroine, then he finds out she's being abused by an ex and she can't see him because she has a child to protect. But not from the ex?? Sorry if that's a spoiler, but it happens near the beginning. There are many erotic and steamy romance scenes that are nicely written and you can feel their chemistry. There is angst and drama, sprinkled with a little humour and some mild action involving Checkmate security.

I like the way the author plots out her stories and they are quite addictive once you get going. (I always want to know what's happening next.) I have no idea if all the involved tech stuff is possible or not. There are many side characters that pop in and out and might offer spoilers for previous books. This story is set in a small town somewhere in the world. Well, it used to be somewhere, (which I liked), but now it's apparently the USA. (The author is Australian).

My advice, if you enjoy Emilia's books, check out her web site and read everything in the correct order, because the family trees are long and involved. That being said, you can read this book as a stand alone. 4 stars for an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,414 reviews30 followers
February 5, 2023
Loved it!

There’s a reason why this author is one of my absolute favorites, and this book just reconfirms that! Her ability to create these intricate plots between series that weave together, but could still be enjoyed without reading everything else is simply mind blowing!! I loved Preston in the last book, when he was just the hilarious best friend, and couldn’t wait for his story, and it was better than I could have imagined! The world building of Rollertown is unmatched, and the compelling characters, new and old, create an exciting story that succeeds in being fresh, while adding a new prospective to a timeline we’ve seen before in the Gilded Knights Series. It was great to see the Checkmate crew in action again! As for Preston and Nicki, they are two damaged souls searching for a safe place to land. I love that Nicki is so strong, despite the turmoil her ex has and is putting her through, and how compassionate and accommodating Preston is, while still being formidable and protective. The book is full of authentic emotions, witty banter, so much passion, action, and a couple twists. I’m hoping that Axel and Hannah get a story at some point! Whatever is next, I’m totally here for it!!
85 reviews
January 5, 2026
cute cute cute!! loved Preston in the first book, and loved him in this one!

Preston, grew up on the streets with his BFF cole, eachothers ride or dies. Preston left the city and away from his life of crime after he watched Cole change his life around. If Cole can do it, why can't he? He has a naturally born skill with computers and instantly catches the eye of the checkmate crew. In a small town everyone knows everyone, and at his BFF wedding he not only gets an interview with the security firm, but also meets Nicole, a shy, flighty, beauty who he spends an unexpected night with. Nicole doesn’t do casual anything. No one night stands, no casual dating. She lives for protecting her 6 yr old and her bakery. Those are the only 2 things that matter in her world, so the one night with Preston, was so wildly unexpected. After bumping into eachother again a week later, Preston is thrilled, while Nicole never thought it would go beyond that 1 night. She cannot afford to entertain a man, when she battles with an abusive, detective Ex-husband daily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nicole.
31 reviews
February 7, 2023
Strong Hero even stronger Heroine

Regret has taken over top spot. I think this will stay at the top of my 2023 book list!

I loved being back in Roller Town with Mistake but Regret just set a whole new bar. Emilia always gives us strong men and their equally as strong women. She's out done herself this time. Nicole is the strongest heroine we've ever had. She's protective, loves her family more than anything and will do ANY and EVERYTHING to keep them safe.

Preston is an amazing match and wants to help her slow her racing mind and help her turn off for a while. He wants her to feel safe enough to let go for just a little while. He also falls in love with her family and will protect them at all costs.

We see Emilia's talent to weave new characters into her already amazing world once again in this one and it flows flawlessly.

If you haven't already jumped into her world then I would definitely say Go Go Go!! She sucks you in and keeps you captivated!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
July 9, 2023
This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is Preston and Nicki’s journey. Preston is a skilled hacker with a huge heart towards those he classes as friends, and he has been offered a job at Checkmate Security, who wants to shut down a mafia family. Nikki is a sassy single mom, who will do whatever she must to keep her adorable little daughter protected, from her abusive ex-husband. Preston and Nicki meet at his friend’s wedding, and they have a one nights stand, but she leaves in the early hours to return home. This is a well written story which has action, twists, friendships, tension, turmoil, heartbreak, humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, emotions, and love, which leads to an addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
Profile Image for Diana Rodrigues.
3 reviews
February 6, 2023
Love it!!

I've read all Emilia's books(more than once) and there isn't one I don't like. She's definitely my favourite writer, every time I finish one of her books all I think is more...more...more!!
I love how she includes previous characters into the new story cause sometimes you finnish a book and wonder "what now?!", it's amazing to be able to revisit their stories and see what they are up to nowadays.
Once again she DID NOT disappointed!
I was exited for Preston's story, he's such an amazing guy, loyal to the core and a true protector.
This book has a little bit of everything, some drama, some law breaking action, a mix of comedy (checkmate ❤️) and of course the needed steamy romance😉.
Looking forward for what will come nex!!!
Profile Image for Kayleigh Borrows.
305 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2023
Perfection

I'm not sure any review will do this book justice. Emillia just has a way with words.

Preston our IT guy with no manners and an absolute heart of gold for those he considers family - I loved his interactions with everyone he came in touch with and his relationship with Nicki and Juinper was chefs kiss knowing when to step back and when to push.

Nicki our fearless, sassy mamma bear who slightly lost her way and then found herself again through Preston!! Oh and she can bake a mean cake.

Axel oh Axel I hope book 3 is all about you.

Sooo much more I could write but instead you should go and read.
167 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2023
Preston captured my heart with his intensity and loyalty to those he considers his in Mistake. In this story, his intensity, honesty and hilarious banter with everyone around him kept me smiling and laughing from the first page to the last. Nicki’s dedication to protecting her daughter while protecting their boundaries, in a kind way made her such an amazing momma. Such an awesome series that weaves in new and old characters beautifully- in a way that can simultaneously welcome in new readers and thrill old ones alike.
88 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2023
You Won’t Regret Reading This!

This book 2 in The Lost Boys series. We get to know Preston Danes better and meet a lovely baker, Nicole Feeney Scott. Emilia writes their interactions and struggles brilliantly. She also weaves this book with her Gilded Knights series to such perfection that you don’t have to guess how it connects or what’s going on. Whereas the first book connects heavily to our beloved fighters, this book connects heavily to our favorite “thugs” and soldiers. With how this book ended, I’m counting the days until the release of Book 3!
Profile Image for T. Leigh.
Author 7 books28 followers
February 4, 2023
Emilia slays every time!

The way Emilia can seamlessly jump back in to Roller town and weave this new group into the lives of our Checkmate and Rosa crews but also keep the timeline clear is astounding. Preston is so much more than met the eye when we first met him and fiercely loyal. Nicki is a firecracker but deals with traumas that she is healing from with her sweet funny daughter. You’ll laugh, maybe cry, but definitely love this one!
Profile Image for thespicybooknerd.
698 reviews21 followers
February 5, 2023
Regret got me all up in the feels! I absolutely adore Preston, Nicole, and Nicole's precious daughter, Juniper. All of the characters of Rollertown have so much heart, strength, love, passion...and humor! I never want these stories to end. I love being in this town and with these people.

"Do you know what I tell my very, very, very best friends in the whole wide world? I tell them I love them all the way to the zombie apocalypse. I love you...even more than that."
36 reviews
February 7, 2023
New love… New vocabulary… New love language

Emilia Finn NEVER disappoints!!! Preston and Nicole learn love strikes when you least expect it. Does Pres (as “bug” affectionately likes to call him) go legit? Does Nicole learn a new love language and add a few new words to her vocabulary?… Trust is tested, sides are taken, and not everything is as seems… but true friendship and loyalty remain steady. Checkmate is alive and well ❤️‍🔥
3 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2023
Another great book!

Finn did it again. This story, these characters, are so well written that I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! You don't have to have read the Checkmate series, but if you did, you'll enjoy the references so much more. I vacillated between wanting to read faster and telling myself to slow down so I didn't have to say goodbye to Preston, Nicole, Axel, and Juniper. Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Dawn McClure.
491 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2023
I'm in love

I loved Preston so much! He has a heart of gold and is so loyal. He finds you worthy of his love, you will be protected for a lifetime. Nicki is a survivor. She's a single mom. I relate to her situation. My kid's dad is so much like Noah. I had to long ago put my foot down and block calls. Had to get a court order for texting only. I'm so glad she got Preston. I hope one day I'll get a Preston.
721 reviews
February 10, 2023
There goes my heart

I loved, loved, loved the push and pull between Preston and Nicole. I just wanted to pull up a chair with a bowl of popcorn and watch them go toe to toe! Preston’s cavalier and straight up attitude clashed dramatically with Nicole because of her previous relationship. Getting a front row seat of the poor, hungry and neglected kid helping Nicole find her wings was everything you could want. Such a wonderful book!
24 reviews
February 11, 2023
Absolutely love Emilia Finn

You just can't help but love what is written by Emilia Finn. Her books are the bomb... Figuratively and literally... She just keeps adding layer upon layer to worlds we all love... and never want to leave...
Don't pass up on the opportunity.... Good books and good authors don't come around like this very often. ENJOY.. Once you start you'll never read anything else for quite awhile.
Profile Image for Christina T.
522 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2023
so beautiful!!

Honestly Preston so deserved the love he found from a literal lost boy to finding how world in one cupcake sized package.. and sheesh.. what in the world happened to Noah to be so possessive huh? Nicole deserved her happy ending so much and that darling little bug now has not just her uncle axe but Pres too.. and with no doubt in my mind the checkmate boys aswell!
586 reviews
February 3, 2025
Ok read and I liked it better than the first book in the series. Preston’s character kept the book moving along. Nicole’s character, not so much. She didn’t stand up for her kid, let alone the abuse she took herself and that lost my interest. I get these situations are difficult and sometimes feel hopeless, but she didn’t even try. Juniper was a great addition and is too smart for her own good. Nicole’s ex drama was a bit over the top, especially at the end. All in all, an ok read.
24 reviews
February 4, 2023
Heart Tugger

I swear this author is a magician! Her stories grab your attention and never let go! This book has the ups and downs that make your heart and thighs squeeze tight. Each hero in her story has you rooting for them, and when they stand up to their abusers…..brings hope flying in like an eagle. Great story! Worth it!
78 reviews7 followers
February 4, 2023
Sucks you in!

It doesn’t matter if your read all Finn’s book or if this is your first one, you’ll be sucked in after the first chapter! Another great read! I’m a series reader, and love seeing characters I already know. Don’t worry you won’t be lost if you haven’t read any other books!
384 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2023
She did it again !! Another MUST READ !!

WOW, I really didn’t think Emilia Finn could make me fall in love with fictional characters time and time again BUT she has.. Preston and Nicole’s story was perfect… I couldn’t put it down, though that’s how all her books are !! I cant wait for the next one !! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Jamie Seachrist.
51 reviews
February 5, 2023
Amazing!

I don't know how Finn does it every time! But she knocks it out of the park with this one as always! I love Nicki and Preston omg swoon. And June is freaking adorable. The way Preston so easily fits in and makes Nicki comfortable but also pushes her boundaries in a good way is amazing. I love it! And can't wait for the next one!
As always emilia finn writes gold!
Profile Image for Chantal promnick.
23 reviews
February 5, 2023
Another Hero saving little girls. Preston you have a heart of gold. Emilia Finn created a beautiful story of love, respect always and never breaking promises. Thank you for another amazing story which I wish never ended. I wish I could read the stories forever they feel so real. Looking forward to the next in the series Crash & Burn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews

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