June 28 2022
Predictable! Unfortunately!
May 11 2022
5 STOLEN DESIRE STARS!! Wow, I felt like being on a rollercoaster, there were so many twists and turns. I love books with law enforcement and this one was perfect. This was my first book by this author and I want more.
May 13 2022
Holy smokes, I certainly was taken on one hell of a suspenseful roller coaster of a ride that I never in my wildest dreams expected.<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1652471084i/32935936._SY540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Clay and Leilani are a normal couple living a normal life until they get new neighbors in their neighborhood, now their neighbors are certainly not the couple they expected and lived a very unconventional life. When they get a taste of what they do, one wants to be a part of that lifestyle while the other not so much and therefore things start to get out of hand and the problems arise.<br><br>Well the intrigue, the drama and the suspense starts from this point forward and fingers start getting pointed at people and people started getting blamed and at this point we don't know who is innocent and who is not. <br><br>I was sitting by the edge of my seat and couldn't find the time to put my kindle down and take a breather because I was so caught up in the story that it was impossible for me to let it down for a minute. I just needed to find out what was happening and who did what and how it was going to end.<br><br>Boy was I shocked let me tell you! Not how I expected this to go, so you will certainly be loving the twists and turns this book will have you in from the moment the suspense starts until it ends.<br><br>Leilani and Clay and the rest of the crew in this book were great characters and I loved them all!<br><br>4.5 Stars<br><br>**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
May 10 2022
So, I really didn't know what I was getting into when I received the ARC for Stolen Desire, I did like the title. Going in blind, I wasn't sure I was going to like it because I'm not really into "swinger" stories, it's not really my cup of tea but I stuck with it and I'm glad I did.<br /><br />I thought the main characters, Clay and Leilani were cute and seem very happy together. However, after being together for so long, since high school, they seem to have hit a lull in their marriage, especially in the bedroom. while their life seems perfect and content, they seem to lack that steamy, passionate toe-curling intimacy they used to have. Everything changes when they meet the new neighbors from across the street and they are immersed into a world that overwhelms them especially Leilani. Their time with the neighbors is very interesting, until the story takes a dramatic and unexpected turn.<br /><br />This story had me on the edge of my seat. My heart was breaking for poor Clay and the ringer he was put through for the sake of protecting his wife. It was a real page-turner and I'm glad I stuck with it until the end and what an ending it was.
May 14 2022
I had no idea where this book was going and I’m mad I didn’t figure it out! This was a steamy whodunit that kept me on my toes until the very end.<br /><br />ARC
May 23 2022
4.25 Stars!!<br /><br />Having read Ms.Runow's work many times before i always get so happy when i get to pick up another book of hers! As soon Stolen Desire was announced i could not contain my excitement for it! That synopsis piqued my interest right away. I started reading it as soon as i could and got into it so very quickly. I really enjoyed this story so much!!<br /><br />Leilani and Clayton's journey pulled me in right from the get go! When a new couple moves next door to Leilani and Clay, i couldn't wait to see how everything would play out for these two.<br /><br />I wasn't sure what all to expect in this story and i loved how that had me even more glued to my kindle. I was so glad that i got to jump into both Clay's and Leilani's minds. I so enjoyed the fact that i went through so many emotions throughout reading. It definitely kept me on my toes for sure!<br /><br />With Stolen Desire, Ms.Runow has created such a great read with suspense and heat that you won't want to put down! I can't wait to read what she comes up with next!<br /><br /><br />*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from WordSmith Publicity / the author*
May 22 2022
Leilani and Clay fell in love when they were teenagers and they have been each other’s first for everything in their lives. She is a teacher, and he is a police officer, and they are happily married with the love they share stronger than ever. Their uneventful life is about to take a turn when their neighbors invite them into their world.<br /><br />Leilani and Clay are trying to overcome some turmoil in their relationship when she disappears, and everyone believes he is the one responsible. He soon realizes that there is so much more going on than he expected, and he will need help from the most unlikely of places if he is going to find Leilani before it is too late.<br /><br />The chemistry between them is intense, the intrigue part of the story will keep you on edge but the love between them was never in question. I thought that the narrators were a great fit for the characters as well as the emotion and suspense of the story.<br />
May 12 2022
Phenomenal, book!! I have read a lot of Lauren’s books and this one definitely goes at the top of the list! Gravity will still be my all time favorite but this one is second. It shows the slow slid into what you never saw your life becoming. When you let one small thing, a missed day together, or canceled plans, become far more distance that you realize. Then your scrambling to find a way back, that reality is in this book. Everything you can think of is here, and that includes a few twists a turns you can’t see coming. Love, lust, passion, curiosity and so much more! Lauren has written a masterpiece with this one and I plan to tell everyone I know to read it!! *I was gifted a free ARC for my honest review*
May 10 2022
STOLEN DESIRE is a Suspense & Mystery Romance with a bit of the Erotica that adds to the “who done it?” <br /><br />Leilani & Clay Fleshman have a nice home in a good neighborhood. Leilani is a fifth-grade teacher who has the summer months off. Her husband Clay is a cop in San Diego who is now working night shifts. Even when he is off duty, if someone needs help he is the first one to offer his assistance. Leilani has been fine about him needing to work so much, but lately has felt somewhat neglected. Friends have talked to her about Clay being a keeper. They have never seen anyone more genuine and so in love with their wife. The trouble starts when they meet their new next-door neighbors Brad & Natalie Kensington. The life-style they live is much different than they first appeared to lead. The fight Leilani & Clay have over just how much of the new life-style they are willing to indulge in develops into the worst fight they ever had in their picture-perfect marriage. When Clay comes back to their home, it is to find his wife is gone, and he can find no clue on were she is. The husband is always the number one suspect! Should he call the police, even if he is the police? <br /><br />Let me explain my feelings & hope it isn't considered a story spoiler. When I was reading the part were Leilani was intrigued by the idea of Brad & Natalie's life-style, I thought it was going to be all orgies. I told Lauren Runow, I was getting too old for this type story. Then she told me just enough to make me want to keep reading. Leilani & Clay never do join in and be with a different partner. No cheating for them. Also that if I read the book “Gone Girl” I definitely could read this. There are a couple similarities, but Leilani is a victim & nothing like “Amazing Amy!” My husband compared the story to like an old Perry Mason show. You know, the suspect on trial will eventually be proven innocent by Perry Mason. Meanwhile, you take a guess who really did it.
May 07 2022
As I read the last lines I said out loud to no one “Damn, that was a really good story”. Leilani and Clay’s new neighbors have some behind closed doors secrets that I personally found to be intriguing and exciting. This story moves from sexual into a mystery seamlessly where you will not want to put your kindle down for a second. I can relate to both Clay and Leilani with their views and the events that take place between everyone but I sway more towards Leilani’s side with reasoning. When we move into The “who dunnit” part of the story my mind was going all over the place. Putting the clued together I thought I had it all figured out pretty quickly but man was I wrong. I had so many people listed as the main suspect it was unbelievable. The characters and story felt realistic, the writing style from this author brings it all to life and I couldn’t get enough. Phenomenal read that needs to be bumped to the top of your TBR list if it isn’t there already. <br />