What happens when your past and present collide?More than ten years have passed since Luke was kidnapped and held captive by a crazed mad man. He still struggles to leave that period of his life behind. However, when he meets the new computer security expert his partner wants to hire, the memories of the young girl who stole his heart so many years ago suddenly come rushing back. Why is it this … is it this woman reminds him so much of the girl he needs to forget? The girl he shouldn’t be dreaming of. The girl who suffered because of him.
When a new case forces them to spend time together, Luke has no choice but to face his undeniable attraction to her. Can he stop seeing her as the constant reminder of his past mistakes and start seeing her for the beautiful, talented woman that she is?
** Contains adult themes; content might not be suitable for all readers. **
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Luke (Dark Water Security #1)
By Madison Quinn
Rated 5 stars!
Well this book is an OMG type of book. It grabs your attention at the beginning and keeps it all the way to the end of the book. The beginning tears out my heart. Then we are fast forwarded ten years. Everyone has grown up and changed. Still trying to live outside of their dark past. But those earlier life experiences always have repeated effects.
This is written very well. The story is kinda different. Not all a hearts and flowers one. There is some darkness. The characters have stolen my heart. They are smart, strong and resilient. We did meet a few of the Dark Water Security workers with just enough information to make me wonder what their stories are. The options for future secondary characters will be all kinds of interesting.
This is a first time author for me. I loved the dark, the suspense and…well. just everything. I enjoyed her writing style as i was easily drawn to the story and characters. I eagerly look forward to the next in the series.
WOWmazing!
Oh my, an explosive read from beginning to end that will keep you hostage unable to look away and impossible to put down as you you get sucked in deep gasping in shock and rendered in fear and intrigue will pushed to the edge of your seat from suspense filled twists and turns! Amazing chemistry! An emotionally charged rollercoaster ride! An absolute must read!
The first book in the new Dark Water Security series is an emotionally gritty and thrilling romance with strong, captivating characters that draw readers in and refuse to let go. Luke and Emily have sizzling chemistry and an undeniable attraction that heats up the pages but both of them have emotional scars from their past which leads to lots of emotional turmoil and makes it hard to move forward. Working together on a case, forces them into close proximity which leads to hot passion and some revelations that also become obstacles to this couples relationship and readers really can’t help but become completely caught up in all the suspense and the entangled web of emotions that flow through this romance.
The story is steady to fast paced and full of intrigue which keeps the adrenaline pumping and readers glued to the pages but this story also has a traumatic beginning as it gives the beginnings of this couple’s story. The author does a great job of portraying that horror and the trauma of the story as she relays the right amount of details without going too far but some readers may be uncomfortable with it but there is no putting this book down once readers get started because they become enthralled with the story and have to know what happens.
Luke is book one in the Dark Water Security series by Madison Quinn. A new and exciting author and story I could not wait to disappear into.
Luke survived a kidnapping, but bears the scars from the trauma. Living his life is a battle that he faces every day. It was heartbreaking to read his story. The emotions cut me to the core. Gripped by bravery, the struggle, the intensity that was this mesmirising character. It was a beautifully moving experience. Dark and light, this story left me emotionally spent, but utterly fulfilled. Suspense, drama, soul searching, passion, violence and happiness all bundled together to create an epic read. 5 stars.
Luke (Dark Water Security Series Book 1) by Madison Quinn is a romance with some dark topics and suspense. The story follows Luke and Emily. Luke has a tragic past and the two work together. Can they keep their feelings to the side while working?
I liked the concept and the overall story that was presented. There were some shortcomings in the story where I felt I was missing something or that a part had been skipped. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and story and will be coming back to read the next in the series. I hope that the series develops both in plot but in execution. This is a good read and I do recommend it if you like a suspense with romance. Be warned there are some sensitive subjects that are part of the story but they are not used gratuitously.
Luke (Dark Water Security #1)
By Madison Quinn
5 stars
Luke was an amazing read! When I first read the blurb I will admit I wasn’t quite sure but the author really has written a brilliant story. There was a lot going on in the story which meant that I couldn’t wait to turn the pages to see what was going to happen.
I adore Luke! I actually wanted to be able to give him the biggest hug! I can’t imagine everything that he had been through and I could feel the guilt that he felt also. I loved reading about the connection between him and Emily – there was just something there between them that felt so genuine and sincere. I think they had something that would tie them together forever; they understood each other and everything that they had been through. I desperately wanted them both to find their happily ever after it’s been a while since two characters have found their way into my heart like these two have done.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was very impressed with her writing, it was engaging and captivating. The plot was good and the pace and flow of the story brilliant. I highly recommend this 5 star book!
This was quite the introduction to a new author for me. I love a good dark romance. Often if it will hint at it in the blurb I won’t even read the whole synopsis I will just dive in and find out how it was later. I just have a thing for a tragic story with a glimmer of love shining through. Now, Luke was a bit of a different array. I will say it had a lot of the things that I would want and do look for in a dark and twisty read, it just so very often they fell short. The thing is the storyline was catchy and unique, it had you on the edge of your seat having to know what was going to happen regardless of how non climatic it got. Thus I found myself needing to finish the book and would be back to find out what will come next in the series. I do think there is room to grow in the writing as well so I look forward to seeing if that is present as well.
The catch that had me is this was like reading an episode of 20/20. Luke was abducted and tortured as young boy. What fans of this genre here want are merely teased I believe which is where this book fell short, but then he is later in life met again with the girl he was was held captive with comes into his life as and adult again. Things are of course set for some intense drama and storylines. Like I said I look forward to seeing what will come in the next book that should be out here shortly actually, March of 2019. I think I will even go give this one a re-read and see if I missed a thing or two before then!
Luke is the first book in Madison Quinn’s Dark Water Security series and what an opening act it was! Standing ovations! It is my first read by this writer and now I have the series on my TBR list!
This book is dark, yes, from more or less page one onward you know the demons Luke and Emily (our two main characters of the story) will face for the rest of their lives … you cry and you rage and you simply cannot reconcile the fact that there are inhumane persons out in the world committing horrible crimes … we also see that it is up to the person to decide how they use their experience and what direction they take, deeper into the darkness or towards the light and hope. Both Luke and Emily create something amazing out of their experience and it also lays a foundation for their love. I wish the story had been longer, not that I felt that something was missing, I just wished to linger more with these two. Hopefully the next stories in the series we will be able to get more glimpses into their lives!
Luke by Madison Quinn is the first book in the Dark Water Security series. I don’t think intense is a strong enough word to describe this book, especially the beginning. There were part of the beginning that haunted me even after I finished the book.
Luke wasn’t dealt the best hand in life to start but then to be held captive with no way out was even worse. He endured so much in his time there with most of it being horrible, but she was a ray of sunshine in his dreary existant.
He is thrown off guard when he meets someone who reminds him so much of her but it also brings those horrible memories back.
There are some twists and turns I wasn’t expecting but they were exactly what the story needed.
I cannot wait until the second book comes out and see what else is in store.
This is the first book I have read from this author and she blew me away. I absolutely love dark romance but this talented author exceeded all my expectations. This is the first book of the Dark Water Security series and it was a perfect start. I was hooked on the very first page. You can’t help but to fall in love with these brave characters. It only took me a few hours to devour this incredible book.
Luke has been captive for months now. He knows there is no way of getting out of here. Luke is told to fight but a crazy man and if he doesn’t win he gets punished. One night this crazy man brings home a teen girl. Luke is mesmerized by her beauty. He knows one thing he needs to protect her. Luke and Em get to know each other. They make a plan to escape.
It is now ten years after they got free. Luke still has demons he faces from his teenage nightmare. He run a very well know security business. Luke is given a case that he needs to solve. He is told that they need help and his friend recommends Emily to join the case. Luke will never forget his Em but this woman is doing things to him he has never felt before. Will Luke ever see his Em again or will she fade away from his memory. Will he solve this case or will it become cold?
I absolutely loved this book. The storyline has it all romance, suspense, and mystery. This book gave me all the feels from utter terror to pure joy. You can’t help but to fall in love with these unforgettable characters. Luke is very brave and he has a heart of gold. He loves his job but he still has nightmares about what happened to him as a teen. Luke is one of my favorite male characters of this year. He stole my heart the way he treats Em. Emily is also very strong and knows what she wants. She has some dark secrets of her own that could make or break the relationship with Luke. This talented author will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. I loved the ending it so much it brought tears to my eyes. I can’t wait to meet the rest of this amazing team.
3 ½ Stars
Luke is the first book in the Dark Water Security Series by Madison Quinn. This is my first read from Ms. Quinn and just by the synopsis alone, I had pretty high expectations. It wasn’t the intensely dark romantic suspense that I had hoped for- but the story did pull me in and did keep me reading, so I wasn’t entirely disappointed. I would definitely read more of Ms. Quinn’s work in the future (and look forward to reading the rest of this series). The story does have a dark ‘theme’ at it’s core, but it’s written in such a way that the ‘darkness’ is alluded to and not fully detailed.
Luke Simpson, along with his friend Alec run a private security company that not only provides specialist security services for their clients- but they also run a ‘side’ business (which I won’t get into here because it may ruin the story for you)- that plays a big part in the overall storyline. He hasn’t had an easy life, and is tormented by his horrific experience of being kidnapped and held captive as a teenager. Ten years have not been long enough to erase it all from his memory- especially the memories of the young girl held captive with him. If it were not for her, he may not have survived his ordeal- but he carries a heavy burden of guilt and responsibility over her suffering. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t think of her- she’s never far from his mind. But, after finally escaping their hell, he’s never heard from her since.
So, what happens when the new computer specialist that Alec hires, reminds him of the past, of his ‘ray of light’ in the darkness, and of everything they suffered through together. What happens when they need to go undercover and pose as a couple? What happens when secrets are revealed? And what happens when danger comes calling? All these answers, and so much more can be found in the pages of this dramatic story.
I really did feel for the characters, and what they’d been through. My heart ached for them and I would have loved to hug them both. They have quite and intense chemistry that did steam up the screen of my kindle. The suspense was really well done, giving the storyline quite a bit of intensity. But, then it all kind of ’fizzled’ and I was a little disappointed by the final ‘revelation’ of the ‘Stalker’- it was a bit of a let down after such a great build up. I felt it needed to be more explosive/powerful to fit in with all the ‘leadup’. I feel that this issue really prevented the story from achieving its true, epic, potential.
I am intrigued by what Ms. Quinn will do in book #2, due out in March this year- so not too long to wait to find out!
Thank you, MS. Quinn!
LUKE is the first book I’ve read by this author. This is one of those books that almost seemed like two different, really good, yet different books, were written and for some reason put together in the same binding.
The story starts out really strong. It’s a dark drama involving the two main characters set in the past when they are both teenagers. Then rather abruptly, we are in present time and it seems as if there is a story that we have entered the middle of involving alpha men who run a security company. Both stories have huge potential, but the way they are put together seems disjointed and going in two different directions. I really want to like it but it’s just so scattered that it felt unfinished.
I always appreciate when an author puts their thoughts on paper and even though this particular story wasn’t my cup of tea, I am invested enough to find out what happened to one of the secondary characters to continue with the story.
Luke is the first book in the Dark Water Security series by Madison Quinn. If this first book is anything to go by, then this is going to be one hell of a series.
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. It dragged every single emotion out of me leaving me speechless at times and in tears at other times. Have some tissues handy when reading this book, particularly during the first few chapters which are harrowing but the story is told so well. The author does a fantastic job of telling the story, building the characters and taking you on a roller coaster journey through every emotion possible.
10 years previously, teenage Luke was kidnapped by a maniac who locked him in the basement only allowing him out of the basement to train in a gym for an hour a day and to take part in fights. Luke’s world is turned further upside down when his brutal captor also takes teenage Emily hostage. Thrown together in the basement Luke and Emily grow very close and rely on each other for survival.
Back to the present time and Luke’s security firm hire a computer whizz called Emily. This brings everything crashing back to Luke and he can’t stop thinking of the Emily he was imprisoned with and constantly compares the 2. As he becomes more attracted to Emily, can he accept her for who she is and not just because she reminds him of his first love?
This is most definitely a book that I will read again and I look forward to seeing what else Madison Quinn comes up with in the rest of this series.
Luke was a story that I was not sure what to expect and went in with an open mind. I am grateful that I took that leap and listen to myself about the story. Luke is the first book in Madison Quinn’s Dark Water Security series. The mystery, thriller, and psychological genres are my favorite and Luke have a bit of all those genres in the story. Luke had a rough go at life. He was kidnapped by a crazy mad man. He has tried to put it behind him, but little things keep coming up to remind him of that time. Along comes Emily and Jake is reminded of someone of his past, but he keeps putting that out of his mind. He is attracted to Emily, but he is trying to let the feeling go of her familiarity and embrace her for who she is.
This was such a great story! Luke and Michelle meet under some very unfortunate circumstances.
They become everything to each other during the seven months they are together. When they are finally able to escape their circumstances they go their separate ways and try to get on with their lives. Ten years later their paths cross again when Emily comes to work for Luke. Working on a case together has them spending all of their time together. Reading about when they first met was heart breaking with some very sweet moments mixed in. There is a love scene during that time, which I skipped over. I just personally do not like reading scenes like that when the people involved are under the age of 18. That’s just me. Other than that it was a really great story with some great characters. I can’t wait to read Alec’s story. Hopefully his will be next!
Luke (Dark Water Security Series Book 1) by Madison Quinn
5 Stars
This is my first book by this author and I loved the storyline and the writing. The beginning of this story was really hard and set the stage for the rest of the book, and I loved how the experiences that started in the beginning followed through and the way it shaped our characters.
I loved the suspense of wondering …. Is she or isn’t she? And really didn’t know until the truth finally came out.
This was a quick read and I read it in one sitting and before I knew it I was done and already want more, and can not wait for this series to continue.
I love finding new to me authors and will be looking for more while I wait for the next in this story.
Awesome and highly recommend.
Luke (Dark Water Security Series Book 1) by Madison Quinn
4 stars
This was a first read for me by this author and I really enjoyed her writing style.
We follow 2 teens who go through a horrific time and then we go to the future and where they are now. While kind of predictable, I still enjoyed this story for what it was and how the characters were developed and where they went with their lives.
I look forward to more in this series!
Luke (Dark Water Security – Book 1) by Madison Quinn
5-stars
Luke by Madison Quinn is the first book in the Dark Water Security series and it’s also my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. From the very first chapter I was hooked, I was completely captivated by the storyline that I quickly forgot about the real world and ended up reading this book in one sitting. This story is intense, detailed, emotional and action-packed, there was always something going on that kept me on my toes.
I loved how this storyline flowed from the past to the present, it made it easy to connect with these characters and made it for an entertaining read!
I can’t wait to dive into my next book by this author and would absolutely recommend it to others!
Luke (Dark Water Security Series Book 1)
By Madison Quinn. This entire story was simply incredible. I love a story about characters that go through things that seem impossible to survive and the characters written in this story will stay with me for a while I believe. This story may not be for everyone but it’s one that gets my highest recommendation because it’s amazing. The storyline is captivating and the characters are complex and take you on their journey with them. The attention to details is spot on and I was completely hooked from beginning to end. I’m so glad I picked up this book. I’m giving this book a five star review and highly recommend it.
Luke (Dark Water Security Series Book 1) by Madison Quinn was an raw emotional book that will get you right in the heart.
My first read by this author, and well, I’m going to be honest this book could have been much more. Now the writing isn’t bad, it was pretty solid and had a nice flow. Told in dual POV we get inside both Luke’s and Emily’s head. Something I’ve always loved when dealing with darker, psychological books. I did kind of prefer Luke’s voice, I found him to have more emotions, and witnessing his change mentally from that first chapter onwards, is something to give this book praise for. His character development was exponential, and it really stole the show.
Now let’s get into why I have mixed feelings about this book. The beginning is dark, heart clenching and nightmare fuel. It isn’t for the faint of heart and there are scenes that may be triggering to some readers. Since the synopsis gives it away this isn’t a spoiler. Luke plans an escape, they get out, and, I’m not going to say anymore on that, cause that will be a spoiler. So after this escape the books slows down, and after such an intense opening, that sudden pace change throws off your reading momentum. Looking back now, it’s not that everything after was dull, it was just made that way because of the way the opening is written. Also it takes way too long for Luke and Emily to get their shit/feelings together, again throwing off the pace.
This book read like two in one, and I think that’s what it should be. The opening should be its own book, like a novella, then the events afterwards should be its own story. I believe doing that will give more focus to Luke and Emily, as well as the two other subplots, that didn’t get as much attention, or hype because of that brutal opening.
Overall this is a good book, it has amazing character development, detail and info placement. It will draw you in, that opening alone will keep you reading just so you feel at ease with Luke and Emily. It’s a need, a desperate need to know that they’ll be okay, that they’re going to be okay. You’ll get attached to them, and even with the pacing issues you will still find yourself engrossed in this book.
So please take my high recommendation and my stamp of approval, that you will be holding your breath, flipping the pages, and have you wishing you could save them.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh