We knew each other a lifetime ago. And then…We lost childhoods. We lost opportunities. We lost love.Fate is giving us another chance. But a chance at what?Because even though we’ve been brought back to each other under the worst of circumstances…We are still. So. Damn. Lost.
LOST (Captive Heart Duet, #1)
By carrieaarons
“Well, whatever. Anyway, I’m thankful for you. You found me when no one else was even looking. You took this lost shell of a man and fixed me. You returned me to how I used to be, only a better version of the old me. I only have you to thank. And I’m so fucking thankful for that.”
Charlotte would never have imagined that another day at the bank where she works would start so electrifying. And terrifying to say the least. Having a gun pointed at her is frightening, especially when she is alone, unable to call for help, and at the mercy of a quite cross man. This whole situation is a shock. But finding that the person holding the trigger is someone she knows or knew very well is at least disconcerting.
The man too thin, dirty, scruffy and obviously under the influence of some substance looks nothing like the boy she was in love with. Seeing him after so long in a surreal situation is too much for her to handle. And eventually being held hostage may be the end point on that catastrophic day.
Tucker didn’t plan this situation. He needed money to buy drugs, and the fact that the bank came out of nowhere was a miracle. And in a bad succession of mistakes, he has just committed a crime, just bought a fair amount of heroin, and needs to hide his hostage in a place where she can’t run away and turn him over to the police. The camp where they spent the summers seems to be the ideal place for such a task.
And with them in this secluded place, we’ll follow the story behind their bond, as well as what happened to them becoming the people they are today.
Charlotte from an early age was always controlled by her mother. Her childhood was filled with countless chores, various duties, endless hours of rehearsal and study. With a mother who discounted her own frustrations in his daughter, Charlotte had no friends, no playtime, and no normal childhood. With that, she fell silent and became invisible.
Tucker might be popular and the best player on the team, but his father demanded perfection. Trained to be a star, everything in his life revolved around football. He wanted it or not.
And little by little, because they are neighbors, they get closer. Charlotte loves the attention she gets from him when they are in the garden, but at school he ignores her. And this situation lasts for a long time. She watches him from afar, yearning for recognition and affection as he goes on with his life and only talks to her a few times always in secret. And year after year, this strange bond between them repeats itself. Until Tucker “steals” all of Charlotte’s first experiences. And her heart in the process. But one day he leaves without even saying goodbye.
And so, each goes on with his life. Tucker gets recognition for his skills, wins a contract, becomes famous. Until an accident ends his dreams. And start his nightmare.
Merging past and present, the narrative shows these two dealing with the bizarre situation they find in the camp, as well as fighting past feelings and hurts, as well as their own secrets and demons.
When Charlotte is in danger, Tucker risks himself to save her. But the outcome, while predictable, will be cruel to both.
The book shies away from ordinary novels by presenting a protagonist far from perfect. There is no way the situation will have a positive outcome, but even so, the reader finds themselves cheering for the couple. Despite the bad choices, his pain is understandable. Charlotte also suffered, either at the hands of a wicked mother, by Tucker’s neglect or by living a life in the shadows. The two meet again and discover a purpose. Too bad the circumstances weren’t the best.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
This is part one of a duet so it does end on a cliffhanger, that being said I absolutely loved this story. It was unique in so many ways and I loved that Tucker and Charlotte had a history that they shared and a love so deep when they were young but life, pressures from every direction, and insecurities had their timing to be together all off and Charlotte to be a little resentful of Tucker. Tucker finds himself spiraling and yes he put himself in that place but you can’t but help sympathize with him and want him to turn himself around. Charlotte has been the perfect daughter, citizen, everything because her mother has demanded it from her all her life but she finds herself in a peculiar situation with Tuck who she hasn’t seen or heard from in years, yet she finds that even if she is in this situation she doesn’t mind because she’s free to live her life and she’s with Tucker even if they have a lot of their past to sort out. I loved this and their ups and downs it was a fantastic read and not to give too much away but yes Tuck does kidnap Charlotte but it’s under certain circumstances that I found myself liking because it was a different take on this trope, yet they find their way back to each other and have to find a way out of their predicament.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! 4.5 stars
Okay let me catch me breath! I am not sure how to even tell you about this book. But I so desperately need Found,right now!
For Charlotte, life sucks. Then she gets kidnapped. Yes, you heard me. Kidnapped. Her day could have been much different if she had gone with her gut and never got out of bed.
Tucker had to walk into her bank. Of all the banks, it is hers. This day just keeps getting worse. All he needs is the money but she can’t seem to even do that.
Everything escalates so fast and Tucker isn’t in the right frame of mind to deal with it. So he does what he feels is sensible, he kidnaps Char.
Their prior relationship make this either the best or the worst decision of his life. Once they get to the destination, Tucker figures its the worst.
I thoroughly enjoyed their back and forth. Tucker and Char rehashing old wounds was therapeutic for all. I love learning its a second chance romance. But a crime has been committed and how long can they hide out? The whole state is looking for them…
You too will fall for Tucker’s charm and “talents.” Its is seriously hot. I almost think winter time would be so much warm with the heat these two generate. Make sure you have your own outlet for tension…
***4.5 Stars***
Lost is the first book in the Captive Heart Series and what a way to start. This is definitely not your ordinary love story. It is however about second chances and figuring out what two people truly want out of life.
Charlotte has a very mundane kind of life. She is a twenty-five year old credit analyst that goes through the motions. Always has. She grew up doing what she was expected and hated it. The only thing she loved growing up was her books and the boy next door. She could always count on her books but the boy was a totally different story. And sooner than she ever thought possible, she will add to their story…
Charlotte got to work early at the bank, as usual. She was alone until a man came through the doors and that’s when her life was turned upside down. She realized right then that she hadn’t lived. And now he was back. Tucker. The boy next door. He was now a man but he didn’t look like the same person. He looked lost. Unhealthy. Mean. What happened to the Tucker she once knew and loved? Well…she is about to find out, if she wanted to or not.
Charlotte and Tucker are and always were complete opposites. She didn’t have friends and he was the most popular boy in school. And it looks like they are still living on the opposite sides of each other except it’s for different reasons. They used to be secret friends, hiding away from everyone else. But, now they will have the chance to get to know one another again without interruption, outside influence, and judgement. Will they find love again or will they find that they never had it?
This story is unique in the way that brings them back together. I love second chance love stories, and this was a great one. They were both lost. She was lost in her mundane existence and he was lost in a haze. Will they be found?
I thought Charlotte is pretty kickass. She is strong, protective, loving to a fault, and wants more out of life. She just has to figure out how. And Tucker…oh Tuck, not gonna lie, I wanted to slap him a few times but I also wanted to give him some love. He got to me, that’s for sure. Together, it’s not always easy but easy isn’t always fun. They definitely have their challenges and that is what makes it such a great ride.
Overall…it’s a unique, sexy, sassy, and crazy ride. I can’t wait for the next book!!
Quote:
“You know what’s harder than having everything ripped away? Never getting anything you want in your entire life. Try that one on for size, Tucker.” She glares at me, her big eyes stony and filled with rage.
“I’m going to make this right.” He throws open the door to my cabin and pulls me inside.
“You were so damn pretty sitting there with a book in your hands. Always with a book in your hands.”
~~Top 10 Recommended~~
Okay if there ever was a duet you got to read by Carrie Aarons it is this one. At first I was terrified for Charlotte and what she goes through but in a way it makes sense. Tucker has never had anyone believe in him like she does and in many ways it scares him. I loved that Charlotte may seem afraid yet is courageous in her own way. Carrie Aarons shows us that Tucker can be dangerous but also with the right woman can be the man of their dreams come to life. This is one duet that just rocked me from ooh, aww to dang that was hot. All in all this is a duet you got to get.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
This is the first book I’ve read by Carrie Aarons and it has totally sucked me in! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this storyline, but I found it to be original and emotional and so full of angst I could barely stand it. The characters were well developed and I found myself rooting for them to overcome everything and find their happy ever after. I can’t wait to read the next book and get the rest of the story. That cliffhanger was brutal!
This is part of a duet. first book is set around main characters in hiding in a campground.
They knew each other when youngers so a lot of flashbacks.
But current day he was robbing the bank she works at and he took her hostage, but she fell for him.
Eeeeek I loved Lost… I LOVED Charlotte and Tuckers story…. even though a part of me didn’t think I should.
I totally didn’t know what to expect when I started this book and it’s really rather different than anything else I have read by Carrie Aarons! I almost had to double check I was reading the right book/author.
The journey these two go on in this story is raw, scary, emotional, challenging and ultimately romantic. It’s full of suspense and drama with the characters being so different, yet so so similar. The understanding they have for one another is perfect.
At the start I couldn’t possibly see how Tucker could redeem himself,. With his big dramatic entrance into the story how could he possibly find a place in my heart (or Charlotte’ for that matter)…. but he did… he really did. With the help from the flash backs to Tucker and Charlottes upbringings, we learnt so much more about both of the individuals.
I’m not going into too many specifics as I believe this is a story you should go into blind, with your heart ready to explore and ready to feel.
A story full of feels which ends on a big cliff hanger ready to dive straight into book 2.
I’ve read Carrie’s books before and I have to say this is a bit different than she’s written before.
BUT still oh so good!! I didn’t read anything about this Duet before going in, and I’m glad I didn’t.
Char unlocks the bank to get ready for the day. Unlike every other day, today is different.
She’s bombarded by a hooded person, with a GUN!
Little does she know it’s the teenager she fell in love with all those years ago.
He kidnaps her, and takes her to the old Camp Marsh where they used to go every year.
Tucker’s so high out of his head, and can’t think straight. He’s so mean to Charlotte, and he knows he’s doing it, but can’t stop himself.
Char, gives him the benefit of the doubt, and tries to help him.
They survive through winter time, until an unfortunate accident happens, and they have to take Char to the local hospital.
Great, her mother arrives, and ruins it all. Cause the whole time they’re in Camp Marsh, they’ve become super close and found that love that they had for each other from way back in the day.
I really enjoyed the storyline, and the twists and turns were amazing!! You never seen what was coming next.
I am so happy that this was released as a Duet, cause I wouldn’t have been able to wait for FOUND to come out to find out what happened next!
My fave quote from the book:
1. He looks rugged and sexy and my lady parts are yelling at me to do something about it. – LOL! Char can’t control herself around Tuck.
⇨ R E V I E W ⇦
Not my first read by author, in fact I think thus far I have read many enough to know the writing style and the author. This was new from her to me, darker and a duo at once also!
To say I was ready for this, I wasn’t. This kind of brought out emotional sides of me and darker sides. It’s heartwarming in a dark way but not less beautifully written by the author. Again, very different than what I am used to from her, so that was also a shock on it’s own.
LOST
Charlotte & Tucker, like saying night and day or sky and the ground. Tucker is the dark and Charlotte is the light. This will have some triggers for some, as it does involve addiction. Where Charlotte pass time is reading and anything nerd-book related, Tucker roams the street for his next fix. How do they go together, have attraction to one another? OOOH, in so many many ways. I don’t want to spoil it but it’s eye opening. The incidents they go through, the understanding that happens, the need from both in different ways *sigh* But the ending to book #1 was not fair, the history alone will have you begging for book 2 because I NEEDED to know so bad!
FOUND
This reminds me a little of Bonny and Clyde to be honest, where two unlikely people happen together and the adventures they encounter together will have you asking WHY. In so many ways of Book #2 i kept asking why, why did he do that, why did she stick to him, why did it happen…the chemistry between hero and heroine is mesmerizing though, someone so beautiful from the dept’s of dark. Their history, the side characters and story line, really sadly beautiful. REAL LIFE! I would say, that’s why the romance part of this was even more beautiful and relatable to. Also brief touch on the kiss and sexy scenes, FANTASTIC in both instances..just enough to both of the worlds! The ending to all this, W O W! What an outcome, I’m getting goosebumps just typing this, all over again. Prepare to shed some tears, I know I couldn’t hold them back. Like I said ALL THE FEELS!
A MUST READ!
Rating:
Steamy:
Recommended: HIGHLY!
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦
Started off unsure on where this story was going and ended up loving it! Charlotte and Tucker grew up together, but like most childhood friends, grow apart after high school. While both seemed to have a great childhood on the outside, in all actuality they both had difficult ones (and it’s probably why they gravitated towards each other). This storyline starts off with Charlotte going into work (almost two hours early!) and while having an off-day, ends up getting robbed and kidnapped by Tucker. However, during the robbery, she realizes who it is, and it a fit of panic Tucker decides to kidnap her. Once hidden away, Charlotte’s personality and temper fly and she throws away the whole reason Tucker robbed the bank in the first place, and it’s there that they work to help each other and repair the friendship/relationship they once had. As months go by, they continue to build and grow their relationship, but when Charlotte gets injured and needs medical attention, the question stands on if Tucker will take her to get help even if it risks him being found. This was such an explosive storyline and while I was confused at first, I ended up being unable to put it down and can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Charlotte’s love of her life, is also her bully. Tucker is the boy next door, the popular boy, the one going places. She…is not. Somehow, they are drawn to each other as teenagers, but he leaves and breaks her heart.
Fast forward several years and a chance encounter has them reconnecting in a way they could have never for seen.
Their reunion is not the typical romance story. It’s gritty and painful. In the first book, Lost, they are just that. Two people dealing with the tough hand life dealt them with not much grace. There is a lot of genuine emotion, and going through them reuniting is worth the ride.
Lost ends with them dealing with a difficult life situation, and you definitely want to read Found to see how their story ends. Much different from Carrie Aaron’s typical books, but so worth the read.
5 AMAZING STARS!! Char and Tucker have know each other since kids….these two find different lives, but things change that brings them back together. I freaking loved this book, it touched all my feels and gave me tingles. This author definitely know how to suck us readers into her story land and never let us out. I need the next book…now.
This book had me breathless and wanting more – good thing I had book 2 in the series to fall right into. I found this book to have loads of suspense, plenty of angst, the characters had grit and determination and the plot – literally had me ignoring my family to finish. Char and Tucker had a love/hate relationship from the age of 7 and with one wrong decision they are thrown together only to end up as soulmates. But when the law is involved all bets are off. Carrie Aarons has created a masterpiece with this story and I cannot wait to see where she takes it in book 2.
I am at a loss of words over Lost. This book is so different from any of Carrie’s other books, I was taken by surprise. I don’t even read her blurbs about her books, I know I’ll like them but this one, this one, was different. It was absolutely amazing. This is a book that’s going to earn her “Best Selling Author” on the front of her books!!
I love, LOVE, how she takes a topic no one wants to talk about and she just ran it over with her wit and humor! I’m not sure she could develop her characters any better than she has. Char is a woman that you can totally relate to. You can see yourself in her, in her worries, in her thoughts, her dreams…just everything about Char is real. Char is the women who longs to be accepted and just wants to be loved…even by those who should love her. I can totally see myself when I read about Char and it’s part of what makes this book so special. You relate to the characters, they become real, they become your friends.
Tucker, oh Tucker…how did you make me fall for you? You started out so shady that I didn’t know how this was going to go. I am also able to relate to Tucker…I understand his struggle and was so happy that he wasn’t just “cured” and still struggled with it (sorry being vague so I don’t drop spoilers). I was really unsure how Carrie could make me love the bad guy but BRAVO! You did! The ending was just heartbreaking to me and a surprise. I knew getting caught was going to happen but that scene…so real that I could see it!
To me, you become an excellent writer is when people fall in love with your people, your story. When your audience no longer sees them as words in a book, but people. That is what Carrie is able to do with her words. I became so engrossed with this book that I finished it in record time once I opened it. It even took me awhile to review it because how can I tell Carrie and her other readers how fantastic this book is? She’s a great talent and I’m so happy that I’ve found her early in her career because I can see that she is going to go far. She isn’t scared to go out of her comfort zone, and that is what she’s down with Lost. She nailed it…the only way it could have been better was for me to have Found in my hands already. Thanks Carrie for writing this book!