⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5

From poverty to power. Jared’s life didn’t start out with much or in a loving home, but as a young teen, he’s now a young man that comes with power and prestige because his father is a man that gets what he wants. Before Jared went to live with his biological father, he was living in a home full of violence and terror. The young girl that he protected in that home became very important to him, until one day when he found her and was not there to protect her. After that day he never saw her again, never heard from her, and couldn’t find her even when he had the money and resources to do so.

Layla feared for her life and her innocence living in the foster home. She was happy to have Jared there to protect her when he could. That one day when no one could protect her and she was broken and beaten though was the day that she found safety and love. She looked for Jared and asked for help in finding him, but no one could locate him for her. Seven years later and the one boy that she could never forget is within her sights again, but he’s not the same Jared she new and loved.

I really liked this story. The characters are damaged, scared, and seeking the one person that understands them and can make them whole again. I am not generally a fan of dark bully stories, but this one was not that bad. While Jared is angry and hurt, he is not as cruel as he could be to Layla. I loved the story and am excited to read Save Me, the second book in the Duet. I give this story a 5-star review.