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Stolen Desire
One woman’s desire to explore her sexuality sets off a series of events that has her husband begging for answers.
Leilani Fleshman
Temptation lies behind every door. My neighbors make it very easy for me to spy on them as they embark on a lifestyle I can only dream of. One of passion and provocativeness. I’ve only desired one man—my gorgeous, heroic husband. Long gone are the days when he skimmed the inside of my thighs with his teeth. His heated stare has muted, and I’m determined to get it back. If only he’ll take my hand and knock on that door.
Clayton Fleshman
I’d do anything for my wife, including going to parties that I never thought I’d attend as long as we kept to one rule—we would not be with anyone else.
When actions go too far, the life I know is on the line, and I’m forced to defend myself to the public I serve. I’m being framed, but whoever has it out for me has underestimated one thing—the lengths I will go to in order to safeguard the woman I love. Her life is in danger, and only I can protect her because beyond the white picket fences and flowery facade, vows are forever, even when temptation is everywhere.
Leilani Fleshman
Temptation lies behind every door. My neighbors make it very easy for me to spy on them as they embark on a lifestyle I can only dream of. One of passion and provocativeness. I’ve only desired one man—my gorgeous, heroic husband. Long gone are the days when he skimmed the inside of my thighs with his teeth. His heated stare has muted, and I’m determined to get it back. If only he’ll take my hand and knock on that door.
Clayton Fleshman
I’d do anything for my wife, including going to parties that I never thought I’d attend as long as we kept to one rule—we would not be with anyone else.
When actions go too far, the life I know is on the line, and I’m forced to defend myself to the public I serve. I’m being framed, but whoever has it out for me has underestimated one thing—the lengths I will go to in order to safeguard the woman I love. Her life is in danger, and only I can protect her because beyond the white picket fences and flowery facade, vows are forever, even when temptation is everywhere.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2022
About the author
Lauren Runow
46 books1,309 followersLauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!
Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian, helps run a local non-profit kids science museum, and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.
You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laurenjrunow
Instagram at https://instagram.com/Lauren_Runow/
BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laure...
Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaurenRunow
Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16285...
or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/btD6j9
Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian, helps run a local non-profit kids science museum, and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.
You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laurenjrunow
Instagram at https://instagram.com/Lauren_Runow/
BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laure...
Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaurenRunow
Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16285...
or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/btD6j9
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 28, 2022
Predictable! Unfortunately!
May 16, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Leilani and Clay and the rest of the crew in this book were great characters and I loved them all!
4.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
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.
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.
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.
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.
Leilani and Clay and the rest of the crew in this book were great characters and I loved them all!
4.5 Stars
**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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ARC
ARC
May 23, 2022
4.25 Stars!!
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!!
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.
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!
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!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from WordSmith Publicity / the author*
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!!
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.
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!
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!
*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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?”
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?
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.
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?
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 7, 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.
May 11, 2022
WoW!!!! I went into the book blind, having not read any blurbs. I just know that Lauren Runow writes great books and I have loved them all. Clay and Leilani's story was no exception. It started off with a steamy bang and then turned into a who done it that kept me guessing for so long that I was second guessing everything I had read to that point. I love a book that has great characters, good story line, steaminess and some mystery. This book had all of that and then some. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
May 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this novel. I will admit at first I didn't think I would be interested but boy am I glad I gave this book a chance. The first half of this novel was hot and steamy and then the second half was suspenseful and mysterious and I was hooked from start to finish. I loved how the author was able to seemlessly move the story from the steam to suspense and I was right there as the clues piled up trying to guess the culprit. While I couldn't figure it out at first, I did manage to guess correctly before the end.
Clay and Leilani were two likable, relatable characters, high school sweethearts living a normal life until their new neighbors move in and from there the intrigue and drama starts. I liked the secondary characters and the friendships made and I will admit loved the intensity of Brad and was disappointed we didn't get more of him in the story.
With fantastic characters, unexpected twists and turns and a plot that had me frantically turning the pages, Stolen Desire took me on a roller coaster ride. It was a well written page-turner and I would definitely recommend it to lovers of romantic suspense.
Clay and Leilani were two likable, relatable characters, high school sweethearts living a normal life until their new neighbors move in and from there the intrigue and drama starts. I liked the secondary characters and the friendships made and I will admit loved the intensity of Brad and was disappointed we didn't get more of him in the story.
With fantastic characters, unexpected twists and turns and a plot that had me frantically turning the pages, Stolen Desire took me on a roller coaster ride. It was a well written page-turner and I would definitely recommend it to lovers of romantic suspense.
May 10, 2022
When swingers move in next door to Clayton and Leilani, their marriage is put to the test when curiosity and the need for a little spark become too much to handle. So when Clay feels Leilani is in it for more than just a little fun their marriage pays the price. Just when Clay thinks he has had enough, Leilani goes missing and he is the first suspect. Can he work through his issues to help bring her back? Or will an unlikely perpetrator risk everything with a very well thought out plan? Holy cow - my emotions went from needing a cigarette at the end of a swingers scene to heart break and emotional overload when Clay tries to find Leilani. This book had the best husband/wife connection that I have read in a long time. The reader will need a cold shower and then a security blanket to make it through the book. Outstanding!!
May 9, 2022
Stolen Desire is Lauren Runow’s best book. A 5+ Star book that will be a top 2022 read. This book delivers all the Steam and Suspense. I finished it in a day because I just couldn’t put it down.
Clayton and Leilani have been in love since they were kids. Their lives have become routine and boring until their neighbors move in and then the spice starts and a whole lot of problems begin.
If you want a book that is intense on so many different levels and one that will leave you telling all your book buddies about, then make sure you order Stolen Desire.
Clayton and Leilani have been in love since they were kids. Their lives have become routine and boring until their neighbors move in and then the spice starts and a whole lot of problems begin.
If you want a book that is intense on so many different levels and one that will leave you telling all your book buddies about, then make sure you order Stolen Desire.
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May 7, 2022
SD by L. Runow is a mystery romance that had me right from the start.
Leilani and Clay are married and caught up in everyday life trott. That's about to change when new neighbors move in next door. There's a lot of spice in the air.
But Clay isn't interested in anything neighborly. He rather helps his friend building something or other and doing his job - that's enough for the cop. But Leilani needs more. And then in the blink of an eye everything changes when she vanishes.
A read tat had me on the edge of my seat. A suspenseful stand-alone, well written, easy to connect with.
Leilani and Clay are married and caught up in everyday life trott. That's about to change when new neighbors move in next door. There's a lot of spice in the air.
But Clay isn't interested in anything neighborly. He rather helps his friend building something or other and doing his job - that's enough for the cop. But Leilani needs more. And then in the blink of an eye everything changes when she vanishes.
A read tat had me on the edge of my seat. A suspenseful stand-alone, well written, easy to connect with.
May 11, 2022
This book is a thriller/romance novel and is not what you are expecting. A true who done it with some sexy time mixed in. The characters are compelling and relatable. The story has mystery and intrigue. Each character is well written (flaws and all). The author brings to light that the monotony of life sometimes gets in the way but in the end who you trust might just be the wrong person. If you are looking for a book that is perhaps an intro to the romance genre heavy on the mystery this could definitely be it! The twists will get you!
May 17, 2022
What a crazy ride! It was full of a lot of WHOAAA and then the ride just got crazier! I’d definitely recommend it.
May 14, 2022
A Wild Roller Coaster Ride. Wow this romantic suspense kept me guessing and wowing me in every turn. This was offered to me as a ARC for a honest review and let me just say I will Defenitly be reading more from author and purchasing the ebook when it Avaliable. It's definitely going on my best reads for 2022.
Stolen Desire has all the suspense heat and intrigue to keep me reading.
Stolen Desire has all the suspense heat and intrigue to keep me reading.
May 23, 2022
Wow! Laruen Runow has written one hell of a steamy romantic suspense with her latest release of Stolen Desire!
After first starting this book, I wasn't exactly sure where it was headed. The steamy factor is off the charts with this one though and will leave you feeling a bit warm!
Clayton and Leilani are happily married but are finding their marriage becoming less and less exciting. Leilani is a school teacher and finds herself wanting more over the course of one summer. When new neighbours move in across the street and invite them over, Leilani jumps at the chance to find some new friends.
Clayton on the other hand is a bit more reserved after going to dinner with them one night. Clayton works as a police officer and doesn't know quite what to think about their new neighbours. He wants to make Leilani happy but what they're proposing seems a bit extreme.
Then, everything starts to go wrong. Leilani goes missing and everyone seems to think that Clayton did it!
This book was incredible with the suspense and mystery thrown in.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and would highly recommend it!
After first starting this book, I wasn't exactly sure where it was headed. The steamy factor is off the charts with this one though and will leave you feeling a bit warm!
Clayton and Leilani are happily married but are finding their marriage becoming less and less exciting. Leilani is a school teacher and finds herself wanting more over the course of one summer. When new neighbours move in across the street and invite them over, Leilani jumps at the chance to find some new friends.
Clayton on the other hand is a bit more reserved after going to dinner with them one night. Clayton works as a police officer and doesn't know quite what to think about their new neighbours. He wants to make Leilani happy but what they're proposing seems a bit extreme.
Then, everything starts to go wrong. Leilani goes missing and everyone seems to think that Clayton did it!
This book was incredible with the suspense and mystery thrown in.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and would highly recommend it!
June 6, 2022
Story Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Narration Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 Angst: 💣💣💣
Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend? ✅️
Tropes: erotic, romantic suspense
Stolen Desire was a thrilling ride from start to finish. I rarely read blurbs anymore because I love the effect of going in blind so the events taking place really took me by surprise. This story had me so glued to the plot that I listened to it in one afternoon. The audiobook was narrated just right and had me fully immersed.
Clayton and Leilani have been together since high school. He is a good cop and fully dedicated at that. When new neighbors move in, things get highlighted that need improvement in their marriage. Insecurities work in someone else's interests and they make their move when the timings right. Will Clay prove his innocence and make things right with his wife?
I'm highly recommending this one, especially if you love romantic suspense. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Narration Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 Angst: 💣💣💣
Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend? ✅️
Tropes: erotic, romantic suspense
Stolen Desire was a thrilling ride from start to finish. I rarely read blurbs anymore because I love the effect of going in blind so the events taking place really took me by surprise. This story had me so glued to the plot that I listened to it in one afternoon. The audiobook was narrated just right and had me fully immersed.
Clayton and Leilani have been together since high school. He is a good cop and fully dedicated at that. When new neighbors move in, things get highlighted that need improvement in their marriage. Insecurities work in someone else's interests and they make their move when the timings right. Will Clay prove his innocence and make things right with his wife?
I'm highly recommending this one, especially if you love romantic suspense. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
May 28, 2022
A Page Turner You Can't Put Down
This story had do many twists and turns. It was so good!! The love between Clay and Leilani was felt on every page, even throughout some turbulent times. The suspense kept me turning the pages. If you want a sexy, suspenseful story about love and deceit centered around forever love, pick this one up. Very steamy too!!
This story had do many twists and turns. It was so good!! The love between Clay and Leilani was felt on every page, even throughout some turbulent times. The suspense kept me turning the pages. If you want a sexy, suspenseful story about love and deceit centered around forever love, pick this one up. Very steamy too!!
May 31, 2022
I like reading romances with married couples so thought I’d give this a try. It certainly held my interest, with the unusual cast and plot line!
The first 44% is told from Leilani’s POV and is focused on how she is being pulled into the swinger lifestyle despite Clay’s resistance (I loved him for doing what he thought would make her happy even when he was uncomfortable) and driven by a strange attraction to Brad, who is portrayed as an almost creepy dominant. I found the swinger scenes to be lacking passion, even between Leilani and Clay. There was no foreplay or sensual exploration. In fact, I found them to be a bit demeaning. Clay’s feelings of inadequacy around this subject don’t come across strongly enough (even when the story switches to his POV). When Leilani ‘cheats’ on Clay (the definition of ‘cheat’ being somewhat flexible here) there’s the inevitable blow-up.
The second half is told from Clay’s POV. After a night away at a hotel, he returns home to find Leilani missing. What ensues is a series of damning evidence against him, ratcheting up the stakes. (For some reason, NONE of the swingers are under suspicion.) Complicating matters is that the female coworker he’s competing for a promotion with is the lead investigator. It’s a little drawn out, but eventually he pieces together what happened to Leilani and calls upon their swinger friends for help. Suddenly the guy he hates (Brad) is his best hope of finding Leilani (which is a strange but interesting twist).
The ending felt a little rushed but definitely satisfying, showing Clay and Leilani’s love for each other has emerged stronger through this crisis, BUT… I wanted more in the synopsis. The details of the botched investigation/wrongful blame are never provided. Clay has forgiven all the people who turned on him so easily. Leilani hasn’t told her parents off about how they treated Clay. What happened to Brad’s weird hold over Leilani, and did she give her ‘best friend’ Jen the boot?
I give this four stars because, while I wasn’t a huge fan of the swinger stuff, I was a fan of the realistic portrayal of a marital crisis and journey.
The first 44% is told from Leilani’s POV and is focused on how she is being pulled into the swinger lifestyle despite Clay’s resistance (I loved him for doing what he thought would make her happy even when he was uncomfortable) and driven by a strange attraction to Brad, who is portrayed as an almost creepy dominant. I found the swinger scenes to be lacking passion, even between Leilani and Clay. There was no foreplay or sensual exploration. In fact, I found them to be a bit demeaning. Clay’s feelings of inadequacy around this subject don’t come across strongly enough (even when the story switches to his POV). When Leilani ‘cheats’ on Clay (the definition of ‘cheat’ being somewhat flexible here) there’s the inevitable blow-up.
The second half is told from Clay’s POV. After a night away at a hotel, he returns home to find Leilani missing. What ensues is a series of damning evidence against him, ratcheting up the stakes. (For some reason, NONE of the swingers are under suspicion.) Complicating matters is that the female coworker he’s competing for a promotion with is the lead investigator. It’s a little drawn out, but eventually he pieces together what happened to Leilani and calls upon their swinger friends for help. Suddenly the guy he hates (Brad) is his best hope of finding Leilani (which is a strange but interesting twist).
The ending felt a little rushed but definitely satisfying, showing Clay and Leilani’s love for each other has emerged stronger through this crisis, BUT… I wanted more in the synopsis. The details of the botched investigation/wrongful blame are never provided. Clay has forgiven all the people who turned on him so easily. Leilani hasn’t told her parents off about how they treated Clay. What happened to Brad’s weird hold over Leilani, and did she give her ‘best friend’ Jen the boot?
I give this four stars because, while I wasn’t a huge fan of the swinger stuff, I was a fan of the realistic portrayal of a marital crisis and journey.
May 16, 2022
OMG, how I missed this lady's books.
I really did, because she's one of my favorite authors.
She's responsible for the ugliest cry of my reading life.
The book was so good that it took a piece of my heart.
And let me tell you, she's amazing.
Lauren Runow is amazing and her books are to die for.
Stolen Desire is her latest release and explores the lives of Clayton and Leilani.
Sometimes, the routine can erase the passion that once was there.
On the outside, these two are the perfect couple and everyone loves them.
But things had changed between them and Leilani wanted everything to be like it was in the beginning.
The passion and the desire are not there anymore but that needs to change.
When new neighbors enter the picture...
Lord have mercy on my soul because I'm going to hell... Lol
Wanna know why? Because I freaking loved this book and left me to have a few dreams of my own...
Stunning plot, very well written, super engaging, and hot with a touch of suspense into the mix.
Once I started to read this book I couldn't put it down, because things were happening in a way that the need to know more overpowered everything.
It started slowly, then the tempo increased to an inferno.
Things were getting hot by the minute and then, I felt a cold bath.
The plot changed completely and I was even more focused because the need to know more was suffocating.
It's amazing when you start to connect all the dots and see that you were in fact correct.
The suspense in this book is so thick that made my head hurt.
And the hot stuff... Oh my God, the hit stuff was so so good.
Once again, I was left speechless and super happy for the chance to read another amazing book from this amazing author.
Amazing book Lauren. I loved every word, every chapter and I really want more. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I really did, because she's one of my favorite authors.
She's responsible for the ugliest cry of my reading life.
The book was so good that it took a piece of my heart.
And let me tell you, she's amazing.
Lauren Runow is amazing and her books are to die for.
Stolen Desire is her latest release and explores the lives of Clayton and Leilani.
Sometimes, the routine can erase the passion that once was there.
On the outside, these two are the perfect couple and everyone loves them.
But things had changed between them and Leilani wanted everything to be like it was in the beginning.
The passion and the desire are not there anymore but that needs to change.
When new neighbors enter the picture...
Lord have mercy on my soul because I'm going to hell... Lol
Wanna know why? Because I freaking loved this book and left me to have a few dreams of my own...
Stunning plot, very well written, super engaging, and hot with a touch of suspense into the mix.
Once I started to read this book I couldn't put it down, because things were happening in a way that the need to know more overpowered everything.
It started slowly, then the tempo increased to an inferno.
Things were getting hot by the minute and then, I felt a cold bath.
The plot changed completely and I was even more focused because the need to know more was suffocating.
It's amazing when you start to connect all the dots and see that you were in fact correct.
The suspense in this book is so thick that made my head hurt.
And the hot stuff... Oh my God, the hit stuff was so so good.
Once again, I was left speechless and super happy for the chance to read another amazing book from this amazing author.
Amazing book Lauren. I loved every word, every chapter and I really want more. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 23, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I went into this not knowing it was a romantic suspense/thriller. I loved the little surprise of that for me. This book has such a great couple in it. I love how it's about them working through a rough patch and coming out stronger in the end. I also love the friendships they build with the neighbors and the other couples. The person who did the big bad thing in this book shocked me. I thought it was someone else at first until one little scene and then I was like Holy Shit what if it's this character. I love books that make me do that. I will definitely be checking out more books by this author!
May 15, 2022
Stolen Desire was a romantic suspense read. Leilani and Clay are a married couple who have hit a rut and lost some of the passion in their relationship. When their new neighbors Brad and Natalie move in, Leilani is intrigued with their secret life and convinces Clay to step out of his comfort zone and join them. Unfortunately for them, things go too far and Clay now has to defend himself and save his wife. I loved Clay and Leilani!! I wasn't sure that I would like the suspense part of this story but I actually really liked it!
May 14, 2022
A romantic suspense with an unexpected twist to the set up, Stolen Desire had me guessing as to just where this book was going! I certainly hadn't expected the next door neighbour scenario and found myself alternating between raised eyebrows and phew, that's hot, moments. I really felt for Leilani who loves ger sweet, kind, big hearted Clay, and her need for more attention.
The unfolding events were definitely not what I anticipated and I thoroughly enjoyed the turn the book took. I really felt the frustration and helplessness that Clay experienced!
Another great read from Lauren 💖💖💖💖
The unfolding events were definitely not what I anticipated and I thoroughly enjoyed the turn the book took. I really felt the frustration and helplessness that Clay experienced!
Another great read from Lauren 💖💖💖💖
May 3, 2022
3.75/4 stars
This is my first Lauren Runow read and luckily I was able to get an arc copy.
As the synopsis says, this book is filled with secrets, strong desires, very murky boundaries, and a little eroticism wrapped in one. I was actually quite shocked by the twist in the story and kept me guessing who did it?!? This kept my attention the whole time and I'm looking forward to reading more of Lauren's work.
This is my first Lauren Runow read and luckily I was able to get an arc copy.
As the synopsis says, this book is filled with secrets, strong desires, very murky boundaries, and a little eroticism wrapped in one. I was actually quite shocked by the twist in the story and kept me guessing who did it?!? This kept my attention the whole time and I'm looking forward to reading more of Lauren's work.
May 15, 2022
Never expected to love this book! Just when you thought it was a typical romance novel - it became an addictive suspense! Great job! Totally unexpected twists and turns!
May 12, 2022
Full review to come soon.
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