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The Locked Duet #2
Lock Me Out
My brother is dead.
My mother is in a coma.
My life is in ashes.
All I have left is Leni.
I only wish that was enough.
My mother is in a coma.
My life is in ashes.
All I have left is Leni.
I only wish that was enough.
Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
245 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
C. Hallman
132 books2,709 followersC. Hallman is a USA Today Bestselling Author who wrote her debut novel in 2018 and has since published over 100 books in various romance subgenres. Her works have been on numerous bestseller lists and have been translated into 8 languages around the world.
When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
February 25, 2025
Also adding so I don’t forget. The first book in this duet got dark and interesting halfway through.
Feb. 24, 2025 update:
Loved this!! I’m so happy that C. Hallman wrote a second novel for this couple. I didn’t know if that was always the plan but I loved diving back into this story. Book One Lock Me Inside was a sleeper hit for me where I really wasn’t expecting it to go so dark, and Book Two delivers more of the best CNC scenes I’ve read in a while. I usually don’t care for heroine with 2 brothers or reverse harem, but I found both of the heroes equally compelling and differentiated. The mystery plot was ok. There was one scene that I found funny and cute (when Nix is explaining why he kept away and Colt is basically like what you want a cookie?), but overall it’s not written to be funny lol.
This makes me want to read Hallman’s other works.
Feb. 24, 2025 update:
Loved this!! I’m so happy that C. Hallman wrote a second novel for this couple. I didn’t know if that was always the plan but I loved diving back into this story. Book One Lock Me Inside was a sleeper hit for me where I really wasn’t expecting it to go so dark, and Book Two delivers more of the best CNC scenes I’ve read in a while. I usually don’t care for heroine with 2 brothers or reverse harem, but I found both of the heroes equally compelling and differentiated. The mystery plot was ok. There was one scene that I found funny and cute (when Nix is explaining why he kept away and Colt is basically like what you want a cookie?), but overall it’s not written to be funny lol.
This makes me want to read Hallman’s other works.
February 21, 2025
4 ⭐ 4 🌶️
*Rose's Old Lady Voice* It's been 84 years....
And thankfully it was well worth the wait. I am so happy to have Nix back and see these three get there happily ever after at last.
This finale was much less painful than the first book, but it still hurt pretty badly. James messed these brothers up so badly... They're just so dark and have such devious desires... But, turns out Leni craves their depravity and that she was made for them.
I really enjoyed the suspense aspect of this story and thought it added a nice little twist. There was one loose end that took me out of the story a touch, but overall I loved this whole book and thought Cassandra did a fantastic job of wrapping up their story.
*Rose's Old Lady Voice* It's been 84 years....
And thankfully it was well worth the wait. I am so happy to have Nix back and see these three get there happily ever after at last.
This finale was much less painful than the first book, but it still hurt pretty badly. James messed these brothers up so badly... They're just so dark and have such devious desires... But, turns out Leni craves their depravity and that she was made for them.
I really enjoyed the suspense aspect of this story and thought it added a nice little twist. There was one loose end that took me out of the story a touch, but overall I loved this whole book and thought Cassandra did a fantastic job of wrapping up their story.
February 24, 2025
I have been a fan of C. Hallman for awhile, and I know I am going to get a fantastic reading experience when I get to read her. The conclusion to the Locked duet was so good. You get angst, suspense, spice, possessive MMC's, character growth, and finally a HEA. That twist, didn't see it coming. I highly recommend this duet and any works from this author.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2025
This was a solid story framed around character redemption, intrigue, and spice; it was a nice if sweeter wrap up to book one, which was way darker. If the author is treading the line between very dark and contemporary romance with dark themes, she was successful. There was the main theme of mending their relationship while trying to understand who was out for them now.
Great distinction between the male characters, Nix and Colt, and I liked the heroine, who was on the sweeter side. The story, while good, was in some ways predictable while projecting some mystery. A good conclusion, I enjoyed it, but the story simply didn’t grab me as much as book one.
Great distinction between the male characters, Nix and Colt, and I liked the heroine, who was on the sweeter side. The story, while good, was in some ways predictable while projecting some mystery. A good conclusion, I enjoyed it, but the story simply didn’t grab me as much as book one.
February 24, 2025
Why did I read the second book? I don't know, a lot of people commented that it is better than the first, but in my opinion, it's only worse, I thought we gonna get a redemption of Nix and Colt but no they are still like shit. I mean, why in the world does Leni still deal with them ? Nix fucking r@aped her again not once but twice and she was like "ok I like this dark shit" darling you are delusional, I thought her with Colt are gonna get better and get over their trauma but no she ends up with both Colt and Nix still fucked in the head. I regret the time I spent reading this 🫠.
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January 18, 2024Is this book going to come out? Sorry if i missed anything
February 27, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
“𝕭𝖔𝖙𝖍 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖒 𝖇𝖗𝖔𝖐𝖊 𝖒𝖊…𝖇𝖚𝖙 𝖔𝖓𝖑𝖞 𝖔𝖓𝖊 𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖞𝖊𝖉 𝖙𝖔 𝖗𝖊𝖇𝖚𝖎𝖑𝖉 𝖒𝖊.”
After waiting what felt like FOREVER…we FINALLY have the conclusion and final book in the Locked Duet.
I’m gonna start this review off by saying READ YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS!! This book, along with the first in the duet (Locked In, which you REALLY have to read first) deal with VERY DARK THEMES. I saw a lot of reviews on this book and the first talking about how it’s depraved and blah blah blah. YES! It’s DARK ROMANCE. Actually I don’t even know that I would call it dark romance. It’s just DARK. I will say. I would have loved for the author to actually put the trigger warnings and themes ON THE PAPER, rather than asking people to reach out to them for it (I get that certain things get taken down but you can post it on insta) It can be a bit jarring to be expecting a romance when this is anything but. The entire duet is heart breaking, dark, depraved and just…a lot. But it’s really good as well.
In this book we are back with Leni and Colt (and Nix…surprise shawty! He’s not dead. That’s not a spoiler. We along with Colt knew it all along). They are trying to rebuild their lives after Colt and Nix father ruined all their lives. Thankfully he’s a burnt crisp right now and no one is crying a single tear for him.
Here’s the thing that kept me from giving this 4 stars. These boys went above bullying. Above abusing. Above torturing , Leni. Yes. It was at their father’s demand. BUT…they enjoyed it. And even after their dad is gone, and they say they love her and are in a “relationship” with her…the madness continues.
Leni is 100000% experiencing Stockholm syndrome. There’s no way she isn’t. After what she went through she needed some serious help which she never gets. She just moves in with Colt and is now his girlfriend. And then Nix girlfriend too after he comes back. Like mam. No. Because Nix 🍇s her TWICE. And she’s like 🤷🏻♀️ that’s fine. No. No it’s not. That’s not love. That’s abuse. The whole lot of them need help.
The book overall was good. Lots of drama. Lots of twists and turns. Just be cautious when reading it. Ask for the trigger warnings. And take a deep breath because this is a WILD RIDE.
♟️MFM
♟️🍇
♟️CNC
♟️BDSM
♟️Stockholm Syndrome
♟️Secret Relationship
♟️Abuse
♟️Broken FMC
♟️Loss of Parent
♟️DARK DARK DARK
♟️College
♟️Trauma
♟️Dub-Con
♟️Masked
♟️Step-Brothers
“𝕭𝖔𝖙𝖍 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖒 𝖇𝖗𝖔𝖐𝖊 𝖒𝖊…𝖇𝖚𝖙 𝖔𝖓𝖑𝖞 𝖔𝖓𝖊 𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖞𝖊𝖉 𝖙𝖔 𝖗𝖊𝖇𝖚𝖎𝖑𝖉 𝖒𝖊.”
After waiting what felt like FOREVER…we FINALLY have the conclusion and final book in the Locked Duet.
I’m gonna start this review off by saying READ YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS!! This book, along with the first in the duet (Locked In, which you REALLY have to read first) deal with VERY DARK THEMES. I saw a lot of reviews on this book and the first talking about how it’s depraved and blah blah blah. YES! It’s DARK ROMANCE. Actually I don’t even know that I would call it dark romance. It’s just DARK. I will say. I would have loved for the author to actually put the trigger warnings and themes ON THE PAPER, rather than asking people to reach out to them for it (I get that certain things get taken down but you can post it on insta) It can be a bit jarring to be expecting a romance when this is anything but. The entire duet is heart breaking, dark, depraved and just…a lot. But it’s really good as well.
In this book we are back with Leni and Colt (and Nix…surprise shawty! He’s not dead. That’s not a spoiler. We along with Colt knew it all along). They are trying to rebuild their lives after Colt and Nix father ruined all their lives. Thankfully he’s a burnt crisp right now and no one is crying a single tear for him.
Here’s the thing that kept me from giving this 4 stars. These boys went above bullying. Above abusing. Above torturing , Leni. Yes. It was at their father’s demand. BUT…they enjoyed it. And even after their dad is gone, and they say they love her and are in a “relationship” with her…the madness continues.
Leni is 100000% experiencing Stockholm syndrome. There’s no way she isn’t. After what she went through she needed some serious help which she never gets. She just moves in with Colt and is now his girlfriend. And then Nix girlfriend too after he comes back. Like mam. No. Because Nix 🍇s her TWICE. And she’s like 🤷🏻♀️ that’s fine. No. No it’s not. That’s not love. That’s abuse. The whole lot of them need help.
The book overall was good. Lots of drama. Lots of twists and turns. Just be cautious when reading it. Ask for the trigger warnings. And take a deep breath because this is a WILD RIDE.
♟️MFM
♟️🍇
♟️CNC
♟️BDSM
♟️Stockholm Syndrome
♟️Secret Relationship
♟️Abuse
♟️Broken FMC
♟️Loss of Parent
♟️DARK DARK DARK
♟️College
♟️Trauma
♟️Dub-Con
♟️Masked
♟️Step-Brothers
February 21, 2025
This is the second book in this duet, and I do recommend reading them in order. This read tells the remainder of Leni, Colt and Nix’s story which wasn’t always easy to read so be prepared. Can they leave the past behind or will it finally catch up with them? This is a fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense with lots of twists and turns. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it.
March 6, 2025
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
What a wild ride this duet was, and i really really enjoyed it. There was a lot of character growth for Nix and Colt, hell even Leni, too. This is a dark, dark, dark bully, stepbrothers romance it is a duet, and this is book 2. Please check triggers before jumping into this duet.
What a wild ride this duet was, and i really really enjoyed it. There was a lot of character growth for Nix and Colt, hell even Leni, too. This is a dark, dark, dark bully, stepbrothers romance it is a duet, and this is book 2. Please check triggers before jumping into this duet.
March 4, 2025
Extremely unrealistic and poor presentation.
I had high hopes for the ending of this duet. The first book was definitely better than the second with a clear villain and well plotted sub-villains. It was so well plotted with the twist in the end that I expected the ending to fill all the remaining plot holes. It did not. The ending just left you semi-satisfied with unanswered questions. Example: you never do find out the true story behind the boys mom or what Leni’s mom found out about James before everything went down. Just these 2 things are important to the story in a much bigger way than the author realized.
The writing was OK. Not the best but since she is an international author (living in the US) I tried to give her some leeway with my own grievances on the matter. Wrong words were used often as well as misspelling. Punctuation was missed constantly. It could have been edited better. As I said, it was well plotted in the first book but the second was too random and messy.
Leni was WAY too submissive for my liking. I do love my strong heroines. She wasn’t much better in the second book. Only slightly getting a backbone towards the end. I know that was the appeal with the guys, but they mentioned several times how strong she was and I just wasn’t seeing much of what they did. I felt like the guys were better structured through it all, though.
Character/world building was lacking, for sure. You don’t know where they are the whole time, just that the guys moved from Florida. The parents have NO backstory, we don’t even know who Leni’s dad is or where he is. Definitely needs more work in that area.
To wrap it up, the story had potential and great plot twists in the beginning but you are basically left with an empty ending. The second book KIND OF brought the HEA but you’re thrown a lot of conflict chaos in the middle of it all like the author couldn’t just leave it at the MCs trying to find their way in the aftermath, they had to throw in new villains and random strife.
I had high hopes for the ending of this duet. The first book was definitely better than the second with a clear villain and well plotted sub-villains. It was so well plotted with the twist in the end that I expected the ending to fill all the remaining plot holes. It did not. The ending just left you semi-satisfied with unanswered questions. Example: you never do find out the true story behind the boys mom or what Leni’s mom found out about James before everything went down. Just these 2 things are important to the story in a much bigger way than the author realized.
The writing was OK. Not the best but since she is an international author (living in the US) I tried to give her some leeway with my own grievances on the matter. Wrong words were used often as well as misspelling. Punctuation was missed constantly. It could have been edited better. As I said, it was well plotted in the first book but the second was too random and messy.
Leni was WAY too submissive for my liking. I do love my strong heroines. She wasn’t much better in the second book. Only slightly getting a backbone towards the end. I know that was the appeal with the guys, but they mentioned several times how strong she was and I just wasn’t seeing much of what they did. I felt like the guys were better structured through it all, though.
Character/world building was lacking, for sure. You don’t know where they are the whole time, just that the guys moved from Florida. The parents have NO backstory, we don’t even know who Leni’s dad is or where he is. Definitely needs more work in that area.
To wrap it up, the story had potential and great plot twists in the beginning but you are basically left with an empty ending. The second book KIND OF brought the HEA but you’re thrown a lot of conflict chaos in the middle of it all like the author couldn’t just leave it at the MCs trying to find their way in the aftermath, they had to throw in new villains and random strife.
March 23, 2025
Book one I thoroughly enjoyed but I can’t say the same for this continuance of the story. Colt and Leni are clearly in an unbearably toxic relationship that is more annoying than anything. Nix and his rape kink make everything worse. I got the answers I wanted but it was not enjoyable.
May 31, 2025
I think AI wrote this one
The first book was heartbreaking but it has so much soul in it. It felt carefully crafted and almost beautiful at the end.
This book is 100% either not written by the same person or written by the same person while having AI do all the work.
I’m extremely surprised no one picked up on the obvious format change. The first book format was very much like a real book. Every paragraph had indents and they were broken up appropriately.
This book was written Wattpad style. No indents. Instead there were spaces that divided every paragraph and clunky dialogue.
It’s so weird to me that literally no one is pointing this out? How do we go from a book layout to a Wattpad layout.
I was looking forward to this book so much and it sucks that it was written in Wattpad AI style with way less quality.
HOW is no one mentioning this 💀💀💀
The first book was heartbreaking but it has so much soul in it. It felt carefully crafted and almost beautiful at the end.
This book is 100% either not written by the same person or written by the same person while having AI do all the work.
I’m extremely surprised no one picked up on the obvious format change. The first book format was very much like a real book. Every paragraph had indents and they were broken up appropriately.
This book was written Wattpad style. No indents. Instead there were spaces that divided every paragraph and clunky dialogue.
It’s so weird to me that literally no one is pointing this out? How do we go from a book layout to a Wattpad layout.
I was looking forward to this book so much and it sucks that it was written in Wattpad AI style with way less quality.
HOW is no one mentioning this 💀💀💀
February 23, 2025
2 stars purely because I finished the book though it was mostly skimming from the 50% mark.
Once again everyone has a vendetta against the h for no reason, a group of people made a massive jump to blame her for the fire from the last book when she wasn't even a person of interest. Didn't make sense at all.
Once again everyone has a vendetta against the h for no reason, a group of people made a massive jump to blame her for the fire from the last book when she wasn't even a person of interest. Didn't make sense at all.
June 22, 2025
DNF at 10% bad writing
August 23, 2025
Dnf
After all that those 2 put the FMC through - they still manage to SA the FMC TWICE more in this book?
Are you kidding me?
Can this author not write anything but the biggest rapey jerks with the biggest doormat ever to exist?!
After all that those 2 put the FMC through - they still manage to SA the FMC TWICE more in this book?
Are you kidding me?
Can this author not write anything but the biggest rapey jerks with the biggest doormat ever to exist?!
February 21, 2025
If you haven’t read the first book in this series “Lock Me Inside”, do it now please! It’s an amazing book and I have both in my library. So much story line in the first book. And there will be spoilers below for the first book, can’t be helped. Now let’s discuss this one.
First off this a very adult read dealing with a MFM relationship. And dealing with very damaged individuals, caused by a horrible, deviant father, James Alistair. It is dark and sometimes hard to see the line between love and hate. He abused and forced the boys to abuse Leni after James married Leni’s mother.
The journey between Colt, Nix and Leni was built on hate and abuse towards Leni. In this book that emotion has turned into a deep love.
Colt Alistair’s dad James, hid his and Nix’s mom in a hospital and put her in a coma.
But they found her, got the help she needed and now is awake.
Nix Alistair Supposedly died in an explosion that killed his very evil father, James Alistair and Lani’s mom.
But we know the “dead” don’t always stay dead….
He accidentally killed Leni’s mom in the fire and has guilt towards Leni.
He bears scars from that fire. And has fallen in love with Leni, the same as Colt.
Leni is our sweet beauty that holds Colt and Nix enthralled. She has fallen in love with these two brothers also.
So much is revealed in this second book. Find out what problems Debora, Dennis, George and Cecilia bring to our group of lovers and how the three deals with those problems.
Find out how a relationship works between these three. And now they’re a family, a family of four, now that the boys have their Mom back. And are being given a new start in life.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First off this a very adult read dealing with a MFM relationship. And dealing with very damaged individuals, caused by a horrible, deviant father, James Alistair. It is dark and sometimes hard to see the line between love and hate. He abused and forced the boys to abuse Leni after James married Leni’s mother.
The journey between Colt, Nix and Leni was built on hate and abuse towards Leni. In this book that emotion has turned into a deep love.
Colt Alistair’s dad James, hid his and Nix’s mom in a hospital and put her in a coma.
But they found her, got the help she needed and now is awake.
Nix Alistair Supposedly died in an explosion that killed his very evil father, James Alistair and Lani’s mom.
But we know the “dead” don’t always stay dead….
He accidentally killed Leni’s mom in the fire and has guilt towards Leni.
He bears scars from that fire. And has fallen in love with Leni, the same as Colt.
Leni is our sweet beauty that holds Colt and Nix enthralled. She has fallen in love with these two brothers also.
So much is revealed in this second book. Find out what problems Debora, Dennis, George and Cecilia bring to our group of lovers and how the three deals with those problems.
Find out how a relationship works between these three. And now they’re a family, a family of four, now that the boys have their Mom back. And are being given a new start in life.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2025
At the end of Book #1, we read that an explosion happened at the main house killing three people which included Colt and Nix's Dad, Leni's Mom and a third person which everyone but Colt assumes was his brother. Colt and Leni move in together and start dating Colt is gentle but firm with her and the pair start to get into a great routine, even more so when Colt's mum is awake and out of her coma. Life is looking up for the pair, Colt on the other hand just wishes his brother would make an appearance as he has been secretly emailing him updates of their life. Eventually, Nix does come back but half his face is scarred and we learn about what happened the day the fire was set and who the third person was. You see, the third person's family knows something happened and blames Leni for it and they want revenge and are eager to do an eye for an eye which results in Leni getting kidnapped and more people of course getting killed. I have to admit when Nix does come back, the three get into a relationship and the dark romance happens again as Nix is just like their father and into rough sex. I was like seriously Colt are you that blind and going to let your brother re-traumatise your girlfriend sexually especially after she's finally moved on, but Leni wasn't that afraid as even though Nix hurt her, she still went along with it. I started to lose respect for both Colt and Leni's characters when Nix came back as it was like he was their master and they were his puppets. In conclusion, as you can guess what happens is we finish on a Reverse Harem or as the kids are calling it today WhyChoose ending and a Dark Romance HEA for Colt, Nix, and Leni as the Locked Duet winds up.
February 24, 2025
After that explosive ending in book 1, that literally left my jaw on the floor, I needed book 2. I wasn’t expecting for it to take over two years though, so when this baby released I was jumping in!
In book 1 the things Colt and Nix did to Leni were beyond just bullying and making her life hell, they were cruel and inexcusable. So honestly I couldn’t wait to see how these two would redeem themselves, because I knew Nix wasn’t really dead, and he’d be back for his brother and their girl.
This book was good, and I’m glad to finally get closure with this duet, but honestly I’m a little disappointed. After the drama and suspense from book 1, I was expecting more in book 2. The spice was hot, and yeah both brothers definitely proved themselves and their feelings for Leni. They both showed growth by putting her interest and feelings before their own. But I also felt like something was missing and not a lot was really happening. I would’ve liked to have gotten more from Nix’s injuries and his recovery, maybe find out who it was that found him and took him to the hospital. And since book 1 was so long ago, I forgot everything that happened involving their mom. I have a faint memory of what happened and know it’s because their dad, but more of a recap would’ve been nice. And honestly I was left wondering what the big deal would’ve been if Nix just admitted he was still alive to the world. Yeah there would’ve been questions, but it wasn’t on him why no one ever did an autopsy to prove who was really being buried in his place.
All in all, not bad, just really glad to finally get the ending to their story.
In book 1 the things Colt and Nix did to Leni were beyond just bullying and making her life hell, they were cruel and inexcusable. So honestly I couldn’t wait to see how these two would redeem themselves, because I knew Nix wasn’t really dead, and he’d be back for his brother and their girl.
This book was good, and I’m glad to finally get closure with this duet, but honestly I’m a little disappointed. After the drama and suspense from book 1, I was expecting more in book 2. The spice was hot, and yeah both brothers definitely proved themselves and their feelings for Leni. They both showed growth by putting her interest and feelings before their own. But I also felt like something was missing and not a lot was really happening. I would’ve liked to have gotten more from Nix’s injuries and his recovery, maybe find out who it was that found him and took him to the hospital. And since book 1 was so long ago, I forgot everything that happened involving their mom. I have a faint memory of what happened and know it’s because their dad, but more of a recap would’ve been nice. And honestly I was left wondering what the big deal would’ve been if Nix just admitted he was still alive to the world. Yeah there would’ve been questions, but it wasn’t on him why no one ever did an autopsy to prove who was really being buried in his place.
All in all, not bad, just really glad to finally get the ending to their story.
February 20, 2025
Lock Me Out is the gripping conclusion to The Locked Duet, with a plot twist I did not see coming.
It’s a new enemies to lovers, dark romance with themes and scenes that may be triggering for some readers, so please review TW/CW prior to reading.
You will also have to read the first book in order to understand what’s happening in this book.
Colton’s trying his best to show Ava that he is so sorry for what his father made him and Nix do, while also trying to adjust to life without his brother around. Everyone believes he is dead, but Colt doesn’t. In fact, he is so sure his brother is still alive, he sends him updates via email.
Ava is also trying her best to adjust to her new life, while grieving her mother and actively forgiving Colt for their traumatic past. Her heart is so pure and she is far more forgiving than most. However there is a speck of darkness that still lingers on the borders of their hearts and minds. They both feel a pull their dark desires but worry what this means for them.
In a critical incident, Colt is proven to be right and Nix is in fact alive.
The three of them must learn how to cope, heal, forgive each other as well as live together. They also need to figure out who has been threatening Ava all the while trying to navigate their intense feelings and desires for Ava.
Their story is full of dark desires, passion, love, forgiveness and a reclaiming of power.
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion.
It’s a new enemies to lovers, dark romance with themes and scenes that may be triggering for some readers, so please review TW/CW prior to reading.
You will also have to read the first book in order to understand what’s happening in this book.
Colton’s trying his best to show Ava that he is so sorry for what his father made him and Nix do, while also trying to adjust to life without his brother around. Everyone believes he is dead, but Colt doesn’t. In fact, he is so sure his brother is still alive, he sends him updates via email.
Ava is also trying her best to adjust to her new life, while grieving her mother and actively forgiving Colt for their traumatic past. Her heart is so pure and she is far more forgiving than most. However there is a speck of darkness that still lingers on the borders of their hearts and minds. They both feel a pull their dark desires but worry what this means for them.
In a critical incident, Colt is proven to be right and Nix is in fact alive.
The three of them must learn how to cope, heal, forgive each other as well as live together. They also need to figure out who has been threatening Ava all the while trying to navigate their intense feelings and desires for Ava.
Their story is full of dark desires, passion, love, forgiveness and a reclaiming of power.
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion.
February 23, 2025
I was waiting for Lock Me Out for ages, but with its release, I'm left underwhelmed. I love stories with morally black characters and Lock Me Out has two of the most morally black MMCs. While Nix and Colt were more morally black in the first half of the duet, they just border on morally gray in this book. Nix and Colt were darker characters in the first book due to their father's influence. Colt and Nix, especially Nix, are still dealing with the years of being under their father's influence and direction. The darker parts of their desires are taken out on Leni. At multiple points, I felt bad for her. She loves and cares for Colt and cares for Nix, but the two, at multiple points, put their desires before her. They both have a need to protect her, but it takes a few tries for them to protect her from themselves and that means pushing back those desires. While, character development for all three characters were great in this book, the book lets its plot and its mystery fall aside for its character development. We as readers are suppose to be wondering who is sending Leni these threatening messages, but the agency of learning whose behind these messages is lost and instead building up to a big reveal, the reveal is treated like a quiet whimper. A small step to get to the conclusion of the book as we never met the person before and there were no clues for the reveal. It's an overall good book, but it has a few parts that need tweaking.
April 3, 2025
This is book 2 in this duet and you do need to read book 1 first as This book picks up where the first book ended.
What to expect:
✔Dark Romance
✔Step Brothers
✔Secret Relationship
✔Abuse
✔Broken FMC
✔Loss of Parent
✔College Romance
✔Trauma
✔MFM
Leni is trying to be strong and is trying to cope the best way she can after losing her mum and Nix but someone is messing with her.The
Colt is feeling guilt for what his father made him do and he is trying to prove to Leni and make-up to her how much he loved her, while he is also trying to remain strong.
Nix is trying to stay away from everyone but when he sees Leni and knows he'll do anything to protect her.
They all must find out who is messing with Leni.
These characters need to learn a new way of life through forgiveness and with healing. They have been through alot and need to heal through the trauma. But I did feel like the characters were missing something. James's left his son's in a messy way and now they are both trying to navigate this new normal. This book is dark very dark and has some suspense and mystery.
A good conclusion but a tad predictable and alot was quite unrealistic.
I absolutely love how this author writes and I always jump into all her books but this time I just couldn't relate, or get into these characters this time. I also felt like Nix was just there, nobody seemed to question anything.
Check trigger warnings. ⚠
What to expect:
✔Dark Romance
✔Step Brothers
✔Secret Relationship
✔Abuse
✔Broken FMC
✔Loss of Parent
✔College Romance
✔Trauma
✔MFM
Leni is trying to be strong and is trying to cope the best way she can after losing her mum and Nix but someone is messing with her.The
Colt is feeling guilt for what his father made him do and he is trying to prove to Leni and make-up to her how much he loved her, while he is also trying to remain strong.
Nix is trying to stay away from everyone but when he sees Leni and knows he'll do anything to protect her.
They all must find out who is messing with Leni.
These characters need to learn a new way of life through forgiveness and with healing. They have been through alot and need to heal through the trauma. But I did feel like the characters were missing something. James's left his son's in a messy way and now they are both trying to navigate this new normal. This book is dark very dark and has some suspense and mystery.
A good conclusion but a tad predictable and alot was quite unrealistic.
I absolutely love how this author writes and I always jump into all her books but this time I just couldn't relate, or get into these characters this time. I also felt like Nix was just there, nobody seemed to question anything.
Check trigger warnings. ⚠
March 10, 2025
** Arc**
Unfortunately this took me longer to read that I would like to admit. After the first one left me speechless i was unsure how the second was going to go.
Just as the first book did not leave me disappointed neither did Lock Me Out. The trio have to learn to coexist. Help one another. Leni knowing Nix is alive before Colt was not a shocker. Nix stalking Leni to keep her safe just seems like a Nix thing to do.
Colt and Nix have no idea what is happening to Leni and when they do they do everything in their power to protect her. As the story progresses someone comes back into their lives that makes me so happy. I honestly wasn't sure if they were going to make an appearance.
The love and devotion Leni has for the guys is like any other. Her love for Colt is different then it is for Nix. But like she says in the book they just seem to fit. The guys have such a short hand they don't even need to speak at times. Just like it is stated in the book they ground one another.
There is so so much to unpack in this book. I am happy to know that it ends well. In the end Leni, Colt, and Nix take their life back from what James took from them. So much in fact that Leni was able to let herself love and be loved in return.
Unfortunately this took me longer to read that I would like to admit. After the first one left me speechless i was unsure how the second was going to go.
Just as the first book did not leave me disappointed neither did Lock Me Out. The trio have to learn to coexist. Help one another. Leni knowing Nix is alive before Colt was not a shocker. Nix stalking Leni to keep her safe just seems like a Nix thing to do.
Colt and Nix have no idea what is happening to Leni and when they do they do everything in their power to protect her. As the story progresses someone comes back into their lives that makes me so happy. I honestly wasn't sure if they were going to make an appearance.
The love and devotion Leni has for the guys is like any other. Her love for Colt is different then it is for Nix. But like she says in the book they just seem to fit. The guys have such a short hand they don't even need to speak at times. Just like it is stated in the book they ground one another.
There is so so much to unpack in this book. I am happy to know that it ends well. In the end Leni, Colt, and Nix take their life back from what James took from them. So much in fact that Leni was able to let herself love and be loved in return.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
I enjoyed this continuation. It is not quite as heavy as the first book but still dark.This story mainly focuses on character development and navigating the dynamics of the characters as they explore a relationship outside of the abuse they endured. There is an underlying plot dealing with mysterious messages threatening Leni's life, but there isn't a lot of urgency surrounding this matter, so when it comes time for the big reveal, it's not very impactful and the whole ordeal is messy and a bit unrealistic.
While I neither love, hate, nor condone all of the choices made or how the story ends, I think it's important to remember that Leni is 18 with an underdeveloped brain and a lot of trauma, and how she moves through the world is not the same as an adult with a fully developed brain and years of time and therapy to heal. She never has the chance to find her identity outside of the Alistair brothers, so she makes choices based on who she is in that moment. The exact same can be said for the brothers.
Overall, I think the writing is good and the journey we go on is interesting. There were a few elements of the plot that could have been better executed, but it didn't take too much away from the whole story.
While I neither love, hate, nor condone all of the choices made or how the story ends, I think it's important to remember that Leni is 18 with an underdeveloped brain and a lot of trauma, and how she moves through the world is not the same as an adult with a fully developed brain and years of time and therapy to heal. She never has the chance to find her identity outside of the Alistair brothers, so she makes choices based on who she is in that moment. The exact same can be said for the brothers.
Overall, I think the writing is good and the journey we go on is interesting. There were a few elements of the plot that could have been better executed, but it didn't take too much away from the whole story.
July 21, 2025
Se il libro precedente era assurdo e sconclusionato, qui ci troviamo davanti ad un esempio particolarmente virtuoso di follia assoluta.
Se alla fine di lock me inside facevo fatica, ma potevo anche credere che la casa fosse bruciata senza che nessuno si facesse due domande o indagasse in generale, qua siamo alla follia più totale.
I protagonisti hanno ammazzato 5 persone, eppure a fine libro nessuno indaga, loro sono liberi di rifarsi una vita altrove e pure la psicologa di Leni, al corrente del fatto che lei sia in una relazione a tre, non collega il fatto che uno dei tue tipi in teoria dovrebbe essere morto.
E ora parliamo di Nix.
Il suo personaggio è stato ripescato come un eliminato del grande fratello e riportato nella narrazione con tutta una aerie di traumi teorici che non si riflettono minimamente nel personaggio.
Pensavo ingenuamente in un minimo di introspezione legata alla questione dell'ustione, invece dopo 2 capitoli praticamente potremmo anche dimenticarcene totalmente.
Ma d'altronde, dato il mood del libro, non capisco minimamente cosa mi aspettassi.
È tutto così fuori di testa che non mi va nemmeno di continuare ad infierire.
Se alla fine di lock me inside facevo fatica, ma potevo anche credere che la casa fosse bruciata senza che nessuno si facesse due domande o indagasse in generale, qua siamo alla follia più totale.
I protagonisti hanno ammazzato 5 persone, eppure a fine libro nessuno indaga, loro sono liberi di rifarsi una vita altrove e pure la psicologa di Leni, al corrente del fatto che lei sia in una relazione a tre, non collega il fatto che uno dei tue tipi in teoria dovrebbe essere morto.
E ora parliamo di Nix.
Il suo personaggio è stato ripescato come un eliminato del grande fratello e riportato nella narrazione con tutta una aerie di traumi teorici che non si riflettono minimamente nel personaggio.
Pensavo ingenuamente in un minimo di introspezione legata alla questione dell'ustione, invece dopo 2 capitoli praticamente potremmo anche dimenticarcene totalmente.
Ma d'altronde, dato il mood del libro, non capisco minimamente cosa mi aspettassi.
È tutto così fuori di testa che non mi va nemmeno di continuare ad infierire.
November 9, 2025
Great!
I really liked this book (and series). It’s so far from the usual books I read so I’m surprised I got as invested as I did. One thing I really appreciated about this book is that the characters weren’t instantly HEA and everything’s perfect insta-love. It was gritty, it was raw, it was tough. The FMC and MMC struggle. They don’t have a fake, perfect relationship that’s forced on us to just accept. There’s been so much trauma and they struggle to bridge the gap between them. That felt a lot more realistic than a lot of the romance books I’ve read. It was really well written actually. Like this could be real people or based off a true story. I kind of expected it to fall flat after the first book, I wasn’t sure where the plot would go but I was surprised at how well the author had thought out what to do with this book! There were moments of real heartache, angst, fear, but also happiness and good moments too. And I loved the ending!
I’m late reviewing this and I’ve actually started following the author and have read more from her and this series still is one of my favourites. Impressed and pleasantly surprised!
I really liked this book (and series). It’s so far from the usual books I read so I’m surprised I got as invested as I did. One thing I really appreciated about this book is that the characters weren’t instantly HEA and everything’s perfect insta-love. It was gritty, it was raw, it was tough. The FMC and MMC struggle. They don’t have a fake, perfect relationship that’s forced on us to just accept. There’s been so much trauma and they struggle to bridge the gap between them. That felt a lot more realistic than a lot of the romance books I’ve read. It was really well written actually. Like this could be real people or based off a true story. I kind of expected it to fall flat after the first book, I wasn’t sure where the plot would go but I was surprised at how well the author had thought out what to do with this book! There were moments of real heartache, angst, fear, but also happiness and good moments too. And I loved the ending!
I’m late reviewing this and I’ve actually started following the author and have read more from her and this series still is one of my favourites. Impressed and pleasantly surprised!
March 16, 2025
Lock Me Out, the second of The Locked duet continues the story of Leni, Colt and Nix. Still dark but not half as bad as the first book, Leni and Colt have decided to stay together after the events from book one, with both Colt and Leni going to college while Leni even talks to a therapist. Just as she thinks she can finally relax, Nic comes back and that’s when everything goes to sh!t and the abuse starts all over again.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, because the actual story is good.. but I just found myself wondering how anyone could claim to love someone and then do the things they did to her. I mean, in the first book, we realized that their father was the one forcing them to do these things, but in this book they are doing it on their own.. and it seems to be even more violent now since Leni never really stands up for herself and lets the abuse continue, almost like she feels guilty that Nix was gone for months. It’s not love, it’s abuse, and this isn’t really a romance since the only time Colt is/was nice to her was when they were intimate.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, because the actual story is good.. but I just found myself wondering how anyone could claim to love someone and then do the things they did to her. I mean, in the first book, we realized that their father was the one forcing them to do these things, but in this book they are doing it on their own.. and it seems to be even more violent now since Leni never really stands up for herself and lets the abuse continue, almost like she feels guilty that Nix was gone for months. It’s not love, it’s abuse, and this isn’t really a romance since the only time Colt is/was nice to her was when they were intimate.
February 23, 2025
Leni and Colt are living together. Leni begins getting strange messages and she feels someone watching her. One day, she is met with that person and it isn’t who you think. The book follows their journey trying to uncover who I sending messages, who is trying to hurt them, and how to continue loving each other in the midst of everything.
This book made me feel all of things. I also wish that instead of another sex scene for the epilogue, we got relationship development. But even without that, it was still a great read and a great ending for the duet.
If you enjoy dark romances with a little bit of mystery and WHOLE LOTTA STEAM, then you’d love this duet! It does come trigger heavy though, so please do yourself a favor and check those out.
This book made me feel all of things. I also wish that instead of another sex scene for the epilogue, we got relationship development. But even without that, it was still a great read and a great ending for the duet.
If you enjoy dark romances with a little bit of mystery and WHOLE LOTTA STEAM, then you’d love this duet! It does come trigger heavy though, so please do yourself a favor and check those out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
So, not a spoiler since the chapters are titled after the characters, but Nix is alive as I expected he would be. The cover is a unique homage to him.
The book started out slow with some redundancy as well as a lot of internal monologue going on. I'm glad I pushed through as the storyline picked up with a sort of interesting plot twist about halfway through. I devoured the second half of the book in one sitting. This is not a standalone, you HAVE to read book one, which is super dark (and really good).
The only plot point I think isn't clear are the two missing bodies. Who found them, because one of the characters seemed surprised to learn about them, meaning, they didn't move them? Are we being set up for a book 3 maybe ::insert suspicious emoji face::
The spice is mainly noncon/dubcon so just be prepared for that.
Pay attention to tw, this book will not be for everyone. As for me, this was a solid read!
The book started out slow with some redundancy as well as a lot of internal monologue going on. I'm glad I pushed through as the storyline picked up with a sort of interesting plot twist about halfway through. I devoured the second half of the book in one sitting. This is not a standalone, you HAVE to read book one, which is super dark (and really good).
The only plot point I think isn't clear are the two missing bodies. Who found them, because one of the characters seemed surprised to learn about them, meaning, they didn't move them? Are we being set up for a book 3 maybe ::insert suspicious emoji face::
The spice is mainly noncon/dubcon so just be prepared for that.
Pay attention to tw, this book will not be for everyone. As for me, this was a solid read!
March 5, 2025
This is the second book in the Locked duet. You need to read Lock Me Inside before reading this. It gives you a big insight into Nix and Colt. This picks up after the first book where everyone but Colt thinks Nix died in the first book. We all know that Nix couldn’t be dead and Colt was right. These three will try to navigate past what happened in book one while also protecting Leni and themselves from whoever is threatening them. This book dives into them more finding out about themselves. It was first Colt and Leni navigating their first real relationship and dealing with the aftermath of the explosion. When Nix returns, they try to navigate their feelings for each other. There is suspense, drama, truths, acceptance, forgiveness, and love. There were some revelations that shocked me. These three complete each other. This is a romance with dark themes. It is not as dark and twisted as the first book. But it still has darkness. Don’t pass up on this duet.
February 20, 2025
Dark, twisted, intense, emotional.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
This is book two in The Locked Duet and Lock Me Inside must be read first before reading this one.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Lock Me Out is the conclusion of Leni, Colt and Nix's storyline. As in the first book heed the trigger warnings ⚠️.
Their story was intense, dangerous, dark, emotional even brutal at times as they navigate through past traumas ,tragedies, abuse and unknown threats. They're still fighting and sometimes failing the darkness that's lurking in their heart and souls while trying to build their unconventional and unexpected relationship. Will they finally find what they need....acceptance, forgiveness and love or will unknown forces ruin everything?
I received an ARC from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 dark twisted ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
This is book two in The Locked Duet and Lock Me Inside must be read first before reading this one.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Lock Me Out is the conclusion of Leni, Colt and Nix's storyline. As in the first book heed the trigger warnings ⚠️.
Their story was intense, dangerous, dark, emotional even brutal at times as they navigate through past traumas ,tragedies, abuse and unknown threats. They're still fighting and sometimes failing the darkness that's lurking in their heart and souls while trying to build their unconventional and unexpected relationship. Will they finally find what they need....acceptance, forgiveness and love or will unknown forces ruin everything?
I received an ARC from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 dark twisted ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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