Holding Her in Madness

A Woman Gone Mad #2

by Kimber S. Dawn

Leo's Story of loving A Woman Gone Mad

Fuck first love.

Fuck fate.

And Fuck You.

I'm Leo and this is my side of the story. This is where I came from, where I've been, and where I'm at...this is the story of a man that loved A Woman Gone Mad. I'm not telling it because I'm searching for absolution, pity, or even understanding from you, I'm for damn sure not telling it because I give a fuck what you think about me. I'm telling it because its MY story and if you don't like it...Suck it.

If you're searching for a happily ever after, a prince with a glass slipper searching for the princess to sweep her off her feet...I'm sorry but this isn't that story.

It's about pain. Obsession. Regret. And time lost.

I fell in love with Lil back when we were way too young, I fell hard and I fell fast. When everything else around me was spinning in circles, she was the only sure thing that stood still.

When you finally get your happily ever after it's supposed to be happy.

But like I said this isn't that story...

It's just me Holding Her in Madness, fighting against Lil's demons in the middle of fucking hell.

***Warning: This is not a shy and tender fairytale love story. It's a raw, tragic, and gritty story inspired by true events. This book is not for the faint of heart, it contains graphic language, sex, violence, and drug use. MATURE Audiences Only. Not intended for young adult readers.***

Genres: Dark, Mental Illness, Emotional, Erotica, Abuse

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Who is Kimber? Shit, sometimes even I don't know, lmao. However, if I can only say one thing for certain about myself, it's this: I'm real, I don't back down from what I believe, I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. I don't bite my tongue and I never try to hide the ugly parts of who I am... You either love me or hate me, but if you love me... I'll always be loyal, no fucking matter what ;)
I can be called a billon different things—daughter, wife, mother, Registered nurse. I'm a book blogger, book pimp, and a book whore. My two indulgences in life are my two Jack's: Jack Daniel's and Blackjack.
I was born and raised in Louisiana… and No, I do NOT live in a bayou, I actually see the beaches on the gulf coast more than I see a bayou. I started writing poems and short stories very early in my life. I've been a book hoarder since I was eleven years old, but then a couple years ago something wonderful happened! My inner smut whore came to life and I commenced to read anything and everything smut affiliated. When reading wasn't enough anymore and I noticed that so many of the authors of my favorite genres were indie authors and their books weren't getting the exposure their work deserved, I turned it into a mission, starting my own blog, buying their books and reading them one by one. I then wrote my reviews for my blog and didn't hold back in writing them (Hell yeah those motherfuckers a profanity laden). I've never done a single thing in my life half-ass. I always go all in. After the success of my Blog, I was ready to finally take the plunge and see if I could write a book that was worth a damn. I'm a Southern girl to my core, a self-proclaimed smut whore, and I can't believe I now have over ten books on Amazon, much less that I did it: I’m an author, but honestly… I don’t believe the rumors, lol. I don’t feel like a kickass bitch spittin’ out lyrics, or stories, like a motherfuckin’ rockstar.
Tattooed across my ribs are the words I have always lived by: 'Aut viam inveniam aut faciam tibi.' Latin for: If I cannot find a way, I will make my own.
If you want to contact me, give me a shout out at 3am because my story just decimated your work day potential, or hell if you want to stalk me (I’ve met some of my BFF’s that way, don’t judge a stalker, they are awesome, fun, kickass bitches) follow me on these links:
https://www.instagram.com/kimbers.daw...
www.facebook.com/AuthorKimberSDawn
www.facebook.com/AWGMbyKimberDawn
http://www.pinterest.com/kimmi5181/a-...

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo's story

I would love to ride that dirty mouthed Leo any day! He is so damn hot! Once again this author blown me away! You seriously f*cking rock Kimber!

[Kimber Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dropping March 25th!!!! Leo's Story of loving A Woman Gone Mad, Holding Her in Madness is already getting an astounding response from my Beta Readers! I'm so excited that I'm cutting red tape left and right to get HHIM released early FOR YOU!!!

Holding Her in Madness by yours truly… Drops March 25th!!!! Get ready for his side of loving A Woman Gone Mad!

Synopsis:

Fuck first love.



Fuck fate. 

And FucK You.
I'm Leo and this is my side of the story. This is where I came from, where I've been, and where I'm at... this is the story of a man that loved A Woman Gone Mad. I'm not telling it because I'm searching for absolution, pity, or even understanding from you, I'm for damn sure not telling it because I give a fuck what you think about me. I'm telling it because its MY story and if you don't like it... Suck it.

If you're searching for a happily ever after, a prince with a glass slipper searching for the princess to sweep her off her feet... I'm sorry but this isn't that story.

It's about pain. Obsession. Regret. And time lost.

I fell in love with Lil back when we were way too young, I fell hard and I fell fast. When everything else around me was spinning in circles, she was the only sure thing that stood still.

When you finally get your happily ever after it's supposed to be happy.

But like I said this isn't that story...

It's just me Holding Her in Madness, fighting against Lil's demons in the middle of fucking hell.
***Warning: This is not a shy and tender fairytale love story. It's a raw, tragic, and gritty story inspired by true events. This book is not for the faint of heart, it contains graphic language, sex, violence, and drug use. MATURE Audiences Only. Not intended for young adult readers.***

Stay Tuned! Leo's fuckin' comin' ;)

[Jamie Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given ARC for an honest review. I had not read A Woman Gone Mad so this was totally new to me. This is not a fairy godmother glitter dusted book. This is a dark, gritty, true-life type story. And it's totally awesome. I loved it. This book tells Leo's side of the story. and wow. This author tells an amazing story that grabs you and tears you apart. And you never really go back together again. I now have to read a Woman Gone Mad to her Lil's side. This should be added to you TBR pile.

[BookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I got the opportunity to receive an ARC for Holding Her In Madness, I wasn't quite sure I'd survive it. I read AWGM and only just now realizing that I never actually reviewed it; I remember feeling like an intruder afterward and wasn't quite sure what to say….

Seriously, WTF?! How can I be so obsessed with such a f'd up man?! I couldn't get enough of Leo. My heart went out to him while reading his POV….and let me just say, I really don't read POVs…I actually dread them, and swore never again after only doing it once!

I remember being so emotionally invested in AWGM; it drained me and I walked away from it a few times. But, holy shit! ... I loved Leo's story!! It was 'their' story, but so much more. I was so absorbed in his words, his pain, his life….. I am so blown away with how committed he was to Lillian. As messed up as they both were, this truly was one of the best love stories I've ever read.

If you haven't read AWGM, you need to before HHIM, if you want to experience the magnitude of Leo's POV. I'm not going to say this one didn't weigh heavy on my heart, but, I felt the heaviness become a bit lighter as I finished reading his story.

[Janna ♥ I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com

If you have not read A Woman Gone Mad, stop reading this review and read it first!

In A Woman Gone Mad we experienced Lil’s heart breaking and maddening pain. In Holding Her In Madness, this is Leo’s story, his POV and his own pain and heart break brought on by the one woman who could bring him to his knees and how he feels while Lil has hit her lowest point.

Leo fell for Lil hard, obsessively can’t live without her hard. She was his EVERYTHING. He lived and breathed for her. When he is forced away from her and threatened, it begins his own downward spiral of drugs, alcohol, heart break and pain. He goes to the edge, almost falls over but is saved. He never thinks he will be able to live without Lil in his life, even if he has to stay away from her, she will always own his heart. That is, until something happens that makes him forget Lil and move on with someone new. He gets married and you think that he really had gotten past his feeling for Lil, but when you learn the truth you are surprised that he doesn’t hurt the person who deceived him and took Lil away for so long.

Leo is his own brand of fucked up, but luckily he is stronger than his demons and is able to pull himself from the depths of his own hell and heal. When he has his second chance with Lil you think that finally Leo and Lil will have their chance at happiness but tragedy strikes and Leo is unable to pull Lil from her madness and gives up on her in a way. He knows everything she is doing since they have been separated and while it is killing him he doesn’t know what to do to save her.

When Leo gets a call that changes the course of everything, he knows that he needs to be there and be Lil’s savior, rock and love. He saves her from the brink of destruction just in time, his pain is just as powerful as Lil’s. He is her knight in armor, it’s not shinning by any means but dinged, dented and well used but he will protect her with his life so he never loses her again. Too much time and pain had come between them and he wasn’t going to let it happen again.

I loved this follow up to A Woman Gone Mad, I had wondered what had transpired in Leo’s life that he left Lil and didn’t look back. These are not pretty stories, they are filled with pain and suffering and heart break. Both books moved my emotions, that for days later I felt so emotional that I couldn’t explain it. By now those of you have read my reviews I will tell you if a book or series is one that I feel you should pick up and give a chance. Well, A Woman Gone Mad and Holding Her In Madness are two books that not only still have me emotionally fucked up but are two of the best books I have read so far in 2014 and need to be put on your TBR lists immediately if they are not already on there. Just. Trust. Me. Kimber S. Dawn, babe you have a fan for life in me, keep on writing these emotion engaging reads cause I will keep on reading them!

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Przepiękna książka o sile miłości.!!! Jednakże również przesiąknięta olbrzymim cierpieniem i bólem. Czytając poprzednią część A Woman Gone Mad wydawało mi się, że jest bardo smutna. Czytając Holding Her in Madness stwierdzam, że tamta to nic w porównaniu do tej drugiej. To nieprawdopodobne co może wyrządzić jedna, moim zdaniem głupia decyzja człowieka postronnego. Bo nawet główni bohaterowie nie są tutaj nic winni. Młodzi spotkali się w złym miejscu i i czasie.
Ta książka pokazuje jak wielka jest potęga miłości. Ale również jak ta miłość potrafi unieszczęśliwić i skrzywdzić człowieka. Leo znalazł swoją miłość, swoje przeznaczenie już w wieku 18 lat. Rozdzieleni przez członka rodziny dziewczyny starają się żyć po nowemu. Ta sytuacja spowodowała olbrzymi smutek, żal, złość, wstręt do otaczającego świata. Próby poskładania swojego życia nie udają się. Pilnowanie, podglądanie Lilly i jej życia, jak sobie radzi po rozłące tylko potęgują rozpacz i smutek Leo. Niestety alkohol, narkotyki, środki przeciwbólowe doprowadzają do tragedii. Wydawałoby się, że pojawienie się kobiety – Annalise w życiu Lea poprawi jego komfort psychiczny i pozwoli mu uleczyć się z tej destrukcyjnej miłości. Przez 20 lat główni bohaterowie żyją oddzielnie, układają sobie życie jak mogą. Raz lepiej raz gorzej. Cały czas jednak coś wymyka się i suma sumarum nikt nie jest szczęśliwy.
Zupełnie przypadkowe spotkanie odgrzewa nadzieje i ułatwia spokojniejsze i cieplejsze spojrzenie na przyszłość. Kiedy zaczyna układać się w związku Lea i Lil znowu rzeczywistość zrzuca na nich kolejną tragedię i jak się później okazuje nie ostatnią. Duże znaczenie ma tutaj również depresja Lil oraz pozostawienie dziewczyny samej. Wszyscy o tym stanie psychicznym Lil wiedzą ale nikt, dosłownie nikt nie wystawia ręki do dziewczyny. Konsekwencje są przytłaczające.
Finał książki uspokaja nas. Jest taki o jakim marzymy czytając ją od pierwszej strony. Zapamiętam tą pozycję na długo, niestety myślą przewodnią pamiętając o tej książce będzie tylko cierpienie i ból a dopiero później radość.

[Jennifer Guffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding Her in Madness: Leo’s Story
By: Kimber S. Dawn

5/5 stars

This book is the sequel to A Woman Gone Mad told from Leo’s side. In the first book, there were a couple of Leo’s POV, but we never heard his side of the story.

His story begins pretty much when he first sees Lil when she is babysitting. We do get his background story of how and why he moved from California. The author did an excellent job of not telling the exact same story, but also did a great job, when the important conversations showed up, the wording was the exact same as the first book. Which was nice, as that isn’t always the case.

What we didn’t see from the first book was a detailed account of what happened to Leo when Lil’s dad went to confront him, and how that event actually pushed Leo into leaving. We don’t see Leo’s struggle with what he does to get over his heartache. And now we do. And, wow, poor Leo. My heart goes out to him. You see his devastation, his broken heart and soul. And damn, the author makes you feel. Even knowing how the first story ended, I just couldn’t put the book down.

As we know from the first book, Lil tried to move on and so did Leo. We know that Leo kept an eye on Lil a watched her without her knowledge, so we get to experience that first hand. We get to experience more heartache from his efforts to move on, and how that leaves him and his ex-wife. It wasn’t easy, it’ll wrench your gut, it’ll make you feel, for both sides.

Finally, there is a nice long epilogue that takes you well past the ending in the first book. And for that I love the author even more. You get a big ole happy sigh at the end but first, you’re gonna go through hell to get there.

If you read the first one, DON’T MISS THIS BOOK!!

[Flori Lew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC for an honest review! I couldnt wait to read this one as AWGM is one of my favorites of 2014. AHHH!!! LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!! I really heart Leo Phillips! I always LOVE the male POV and seeing how deep and crazy his love is for Lil...it really makes the whole story come together. He doesnt hold back, he's brutally honest and at times I wanted to hate him for leaving her...letting her out of his car that night...but it was DESTINED to be told exactly that way. And to know what he was doing, what he was thinking and feeling after he left really tugged at my heartstrings. READ THIS AFTER YOU READ A WOMAN GONE MAD!!! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

[Tara]

I want. I want it. I want it NOW!!!

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!

And here I thought AWGM was amazing. Having Leo's story told was just as amazing as Lillian's. It really made for a completely rounded experience into the lives of these characters. From laughter to heartbreak this story is so, so worth the read.

[Felecia Hickman- amaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an obsession with this author. I was suggested her book by a friend and fell hard for Kimber once I was done with A Woman Gone Mad. I told anyone who would listen to go get this book. Consume it , devour it, experience it I don’t care how you get through it just read it. As a true fan I continued to stalk her. I spent hours conversing with and helping others experience A Woman Gone Mad sharing my feelings with them. I’m going to be honest this book is RAW in every sense of the word. Its not pretty and sometimes hard to stomach but when your done and look at yourself in the mirror you’ll see a different version of yourself not in a bad way and not in a good way. Even if it hurts and is hard to admit there is a little Lillian Shaw in all of us. Kimber S. Dawn then announced that she would be giving us Leo Phillips side of the story because we all know that every story pretty or not has two sides. When I seen this new I swear my heart contracted. Leo Phillips is someone that just takes over your world when you meet him. He’s and all consuming force that you will love and that you will hate. When all is said and done Leo Phillips will prove his worth while Holding Her In Madness.

Kimber S. Dawn has done it again this book is phenomenal. She breaks it down like no other giving us the ugly side of love. Make sure you read A Woman Gone Mad first and dive right into Holding Her In Madness you’ll want to I promise.

Holding Her In Madness where do I begin on explaining why you should read this book. Leo Phillips is a life consuming force of nature. With the heart of a lion and the fight of a pit bull. He’s a force to be reckoned with he’s a man on a mission and failure is not an option when it comes to his firecracker. This story is the time span of more than twenty years yea I know that’s a long time but its all necessary for them to get lost a few times along the way. To go through everything before they hit their personal rock bottoms to find there way back to each other. This isn’t a fairytale kind of love by any means. You will get angry and want to scream at him to wake up and fight , wake up and claim what’s always been his. Its full of love, hate, sadness, tears and laughter. You go through every emotion there is to experience your heart will break a few times for the loss of love and tragic events that cause them to lose each other far to many times. There are so many people that get lost and hurt along the way but they are all part of this mad mad journey. Some your heart will go out to, some you will despise but in the end they will all be there rooting them on to find their way. While its not a pretty journey every scar, every hurtful word and every vile actions all serve there purpose to Leo and Lil finding their way through the madness that they call happily ever after.

The epilogue will just complete you. It made all the ugly they went through a beautiful journey filled with love and loss , pain and happiness that seemed so horrible at the time but so worth it when they ended up where they did. Its not the amount of time it takes you to reach your destination. It’s not about the amount of pain you go through or the amount of pain you cause on your way there. What matters is that you get there.

Kimber words really can explain how much I love you for sharing your world with us. These two books have worked there way in to my mind, body and soul. You don’t just read these you consume them you experience them. I am and always will be a forever fan. Your world of Madness has brought me to new levels of reading I will never be the same after I read the words in your books. Thanks for sharing your brilliance.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

***THIS ARC BOOK WAS GIVEN TO ME IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***

If you have not read AWGM (A Woman Gone Mad, book 1), then you need to read it first to fully feel and understand HHIM (Holding Her in Madness, Book 2).

When you first start reading the prologue you are at almost the end of the book, and Kimber wrote this book in the same format as the first book. Then in chapter 1 you’re taken back in time to when it all started, and this time from Leo’s POV. I loved this book as much as I did the first one and I hope I will not repeat myself too much in this review. Kimber’s writing is amazing, outstanding and she pulls you in and keep you reading until the end. There are a few more characters to this story and Kimber does not disappoint you. I have to say it again, Kimber writes like she has been writing for years, she knows when to give you what you need and when to wait for the rest.

You get to know more about Leo the main character for this book and how this heartbreaking love story with Lillian took place from his POV. You get to know a little more about some of the other characters from book 1 and there are a few new characters, Annalise and her story with Leo is also heartbreaking. You are drawn into this story from the very beginning and you will never want to put this book down until you finish it. Kimber paints you a picture so well that you are there during every moment and you feel all of it. As you read this book you remember book one and it gives you the rest of the story parallel to Lillian’s story in book 1.

As the synopsis says this book is not for the faint of hearts it has everything from foul language that famous F* word used a lot, to the depth of hell more than once, tragedy, violence, sex, abandonment, self loathing and hatred, drugs, alcohol, but then you also have passion, hope, humor, love, and that all not everyone finds epic soul mate love. Kimber takes you on this rollercoaster ride from teenager to adult with raw emotion, and you will feel every emotion with her, happy, sad, sexual passion, love, hatred, self loathing, anger, and so much more. I found myself going from one extreme emotion to the next and my heart broke and ache for Leo throughout the book even though I wanted to slap him a lot.

The epilogue does take you further into the future and answers the questions you were left with from book one and for me it round out the story and you finally see the HEA of this gut wrenching story. I loved how in the end it brought all the main characters together and made you feel like it was one big happy family with friendship, love, and the completion of two soul mates epic love for each other.

I tried to give you a review without spoiler’s as I do not like them in reviews, but it was hard as this Book HHIM is utterly one amazing book and I hope I gave it justice, as some of you will relate to part of this story as I did as I remember my past. HHIM reached into my soul and touched me to the core of my being, and I am sure that this one will touch you just as much. I recommend this book to everyone; buy the book and the first one too and you will not be sorry, it is a must read and do not forget to buy the box of tissues as you will need them at times as you will laugh until you cry and cry until you laugh.

I would give this book 9 star if I could, but it gets all 5 that I am allowed to give. One last note as I know that this is the end of this story, but I do hope that Kimber S. Dawn will continue to write more books, and this one will definitely stay with me forever and I am a true fan of Kimber’s.

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.***

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I bow to Kimber S. Dawn and seek her forgiveness for thinking she couldn't possibly top A Woman Gone Mad. I am thrilled to say I was SO wrong. AWGM will forever hold a special place in my heart for reaching parts of my soul that even I didn't know existed, and now with the addition of Holding Her in Madness right by its side, I feel complete. I had my reservations about this book initially thinking it could quite possibly end up being a simple re-telling of Lil's story, only from Leo's POV. I've never been happier to be so wrong in my life. This book is exactly what it claims to be - Leo's side of loving A Woman Gone Mad - reminding us that there are always 2 sides to every story.

Leo not only takes us through his version of events that we read about in AWGM, but also gives us insight to some of the missing pieces we weren't privy to in Lil's story. We find out more about what happens after that fateful evening when Lil exits his Camaro at the end of summer and after he's threatened by her father. The journey Leo takes us on is every bit, if not more, heart wrenching than Lil's was. We see the long term effects of his constant struggle to overcome his demons which are a direct result of losing what he perceives to be his reason for living - Lil. During Leo's journey, we are introduced to Annalise. To avoid giving away any spoilers, I won't go into details, but suffice it to say she plays a pivotal role in the puzzle that is Leo and Lil's life.

There are so many words that I could use to describe this story; real, raw, gritty, heart wrenching, soul gripping....the list could go on and on, but I still wouldn't feel like they would do it justice. This is simply a book that you MUST read. You will never find a more all consuming love than the one shared by Leo and Lil. It may not be typical, and at most times it's definitely not healthy, but it is THEIR story, and I found myself relating to it in many ways. Your emotions will be rode hard and wrung out after reading this, but it is so worth it when you get that glimpse of bliss at the end. Kimber's writing style is superb in making you connect to these characters, so much so, that you feel like you're the one experiencing every heartache and turmoil, every happiness (however fleeting it may be), and every hot and sexually satisfying moment. I would give this book 10 stars if I could. I can't wait to see what Kimber comes up with next.

[Shanyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept of true love has been dissected seven ways to Sunday a thousand times over since the beginning of time. But it doesn’t matter how much you romanticize it or study it or pursue it, even if you find it, there is absolutely no guarantee that life will cooperate and let you have it.

Leo is easily one of the most interesting characters I’ve ever read. To say this man is rough around the edges is the understatement of the century. He is sandpaper rubbing you the wrong way just by existing. But quite quickly, you start falling love with that delicious friction. You start being wooed by his intense honesty. You find yourself falling head over heels at how he does everything full throttle.

When we met Leo in A Woman Gone Mad we only really got to see snippets of him until much later in the book. I did not fall in love with him in that book, but I fell hard for him in this book. Getting the chance to see the world through his eyes, getting to read page after page of his gorgeous cadence had me thoroughly enamored in no time.

Kimber S. Dawn has crafted yet another incredibly heart rending book that gutted me without warning. The flow and arc of this story is masterful in its pacing and sheer sweep. To say that I was invested does not come anywhere near close enough to describing how entirely emotionally involved I found myself by book’s end. Sobbing, laughing and wishing for just one more chapter.

Perhaps the most profound element, however, was how eloquently Dawn walks Leo through Lil’s madness. The sheer heart and soul put into those scenes are equally romantic, heart wrenching and incredibly passionate. To walk next to Leo during that time of both little and overwhelming hope simultaneously is a gift and one of the most heart wrenching things I’ve ever read.

The only thing life will ever promise you is change. And lord knows, Leo goes through more than his fair share of change in this book. But going on that journey with him is an endeavor of tragedy, nostalgia and unrelenting love. There is so much beauty in this story that it serves to take even the most tragic pieces and make them feel worth it.

Is this story an emotional roller coaster of the highest degree? Yes, absolutely. Is it also gorgeously written, beautifully told and absolutely worth the heart shredding? Yes. Yes it is.

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic! I cried my ass off and went to work with book depression. Yes, that is a real condition! I read all night because Leo was just.... F---ing awesome!!!! Yes I cried all the way through the book. I cried for Lil. Then I cried for Leo. The I cried for Analise. I cried for both Leo and Lil. When I came to the end I cried because I had finished. That is what you call book depression. Sounds sad right? But the beauty of this is that it was magnificent! I loved it! It was cathartic crying because when you read this book it is real. It is RAW. It isn't your typical romance novel it is the boy next door romance. The man you fell for that you lost and by chance bump into them again. Yeah reality. And though you don't get the happy ending that you dreamed of as a girl when you realized that you are falling in love. This book gives you the possibility of living through it in the way you dreamed. Don't know what I am talking about? Yes, yes you do! Think back to when you got your heart broken for the first time. before the heart break you thought that you had found the one... RIGHT? Well when it didn't happen you were devastated. Flash forward... what would happen if you ran into him? You know you have thought about it. Well Kimber puts it out there for you to imagine it. Because Lil and Leo well they find out that first Love can be everlasting you just have to keep holding on and fight for it. No matter the time or distance.
I love her writting it was real. I could close my eyes and picture them, not as magical but as maybe my friends, or myself F~bombs and all. Real, Raw and Epic are the words that come to mind when I think of this book. Lil and Leo are my new Romeo and Juliet. Maria and Tony... Only they don't die they live. I give this book 10 stars. I can't stop thinking of these 2 characters who now live in my heart along with my favorites.
I can't wait to read more of what this author has to give.

[Reckless Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding Her In Madness by Kimber S. Dawn
5+ stars
Reviewed by Dani

“This woman is a witch, she’s an angel, she’s my epiphany. She’s my beginning and my end.
Lil is my everything.
My world tilts on it axis in this exact moment and never truly rights itself again. Never.
I’ve fallen so fucking far in love with this woman that I know in this second I will never recover from what just occurred. I will never love anyone the way I love her. And it scares the fuck out of me but I don’t give a good goddamn."

5 plus stars because Kimber has done it again! This story has ripped my heart out and stomped on it.... But I wouldn't have had it another way. I NEEDED to read this. Just like with AWGM this story is NOT your typical cutesy fairy tale. This is a real, gritty story. After reading Lil's POV I needed to read Leo's POV!

First off Leo is a straight forward as they come. And I love it! Throughout this whole read I cried, and screamed in my pillow when I read in bed at night. I felt all of Leo's emotions, his anger, his moments of happiness.. Everything! The part where Lil's dad comes up to Leo had me on edge. I wanted to scream at Leo and tell him to go after Lil!! The moment where he let her out of that car.. Ugh... I wanted to hate him but I couldn't.

For a while he spent so much time apart from Lil. He wasn't physically with her but he was with her mentally, spiritually and emotionally. He was so connected to her, and as much as he tried to fill that void he just couldn't. They were always meant to be. I knew some how some way fate would bring them back. But even when it brought them back together that didn't guarantee a beautiful love story. Lil had already been through too much. She was broken.. And he loved her so damn much.

Another amazing amazing read... A Woman Gone Mad must be read before this.

[Daniela Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You two were written in the stars. A love like yours doesn’t happen in real life, so when it does…of course fate is going to break its own laws, and it’s up to you to make sure that love lasts, even through hell, Leo… You have to find a way to make it last.”


5 plus stars because Kimber has done it again! This story has ripped my heart out and stomped on it.... But I wouldn't have had it another way. I NEEDED to read this. Just like with AWGM this story is NOT your typical cutesy fairy tale. This is a real, gritty story. After reading Lil's POV I needed to read Leo's POV!

First off Leo is a straight forward as they come. And I fucking love it! Throughout this whole read I cried, and screamed in my pillow when I read in bed at night. I felt all of Leo's emotions, his anger, his moments of happiness.. Everything! The part where Lil's dad comes up to Leo had me on edge. I wanted to scream at Leo and tell him to go after Lil!! The moment where he let her out of that car.. Ugh... I wanted to hate him but I couldn't.

For a while he spent so much time apart from Lil. He wasn't physically with her but he was with her mentally, spiritually and emotionally. He was so connected to her, and as much as he tried to fill that void he just couldn't. They were always meant to be. I knew some how some way fate would bring them back. But even when it brought them back together that didn't guarantee a beautiful love story. Lil had already been through too much. She was broken.. And he loved her so damn much.

Another amazing amazing read...I ugly cried like a little bitch...
A Woman Gone Mad must be read before this.

[Jen Cothran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, Real, Wrecked, and Loved....all emotions across the spectrum played out in this non-fairy tale ending of an amazing Novel. The use of emotions that grip you to your core and make you feel the highs and lows are intense. Absolutely not my mothers fairy tale or fiction for that matter!

Leo is incredible and sexy and strong, but even the strong have breaking points. His just involves one fire-cracker of a woman who even as a young woman, tattoo's her name on his heart and mind. Even fighting against the urges to forget her and move on he can't and you feel his pain and depth of longing and love for her.

Annalise is the girl next door (who yes, is a stipper) and falls for Leo even though she is moving forward from a heartbreak in her own life. A whirlwind romance, with her trying to hold onto a tornado that is Leo. And even she knows, "No matter how much I loved you, it would never be enough. I'll never be enough." for Leo. She knows that Leo and Lil are written in the stars.

"Life...Real life is a beautiful yet painful struggle. It's a poetic pull and tug of smiles and tears, laughter and sobs."

There is no way a review could ever do this book or the previous "A Woman Gone Mad" justice. The author takes your emotions and shakes you to your core and you can't help not wanting to put the book down and get to the end just to know what happens next. If I could review this a million times over there wouldn't be enough stars to cover the incredible story of 'Leo and his Lillian'!

[Anny hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provide a copy of the book by the Author/Publisher for an honest review.

HOLY F@$% SMOKE I just finish reading this book, and I love it I really did not think that I was gone like it, but I was wrong I end up loving it, right now I am reading the first book which is (A Woman Gone Mad) and I am loving that one too, but this one is from Leo point of view, and I love being inside his head, love the character I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.

Leo Phillips is a life consuming force of nature, He’s a force to be reckoned with his on a mission and he don't have the option of failing, not when it comes to his firecracker. Leo is his own brand of fucked up, but he is stronger than his demons and is able to pull himself from the depths of his own hell and heal. When he being giving a second chance with Lil, he thinks his finally gone get to be happy but tragedy strikes and his gives up on Lil, but during that time Leo knows everything that Lil is doing, and he don't know what to do to save her, but one day Leo gets a phone call, that phone call change everything once again.

I really love and enjoy reading this story, even though I got mad at the characters but I love them, this book had my emotion in a roller coaster, I did not know what to do with y self after I read this, the Author did an amazing job writing this book, Author Kimber S. Dawn THANK YOU for this amazing characters and this awesome book love it.

[Laney Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not a fairytale it is dark and gritty and deals with some real life messed up issues. That being said Kimber S. Dawn hit another home run with this story. Holding her in madness is Leo’s POV from her book A woman gone mad. This story takes you through the roller coaster ride that Leo was on throughout her first book. Leo always loved Lil he followed her through hell and back again. In this book we see where exactly all the madness takes him. We travel his paths and fell his anguish. With all of his attempts to create a normal life for himself his demons always resurfaced. His regrets for Lil became his constant battle ground. Leo’s love and unwavering devotion for Lil started the moment he saw her and throughout years of heartache and being apart those feeling only grew. Lil however let life suck her into this downfall that she just cant seem to break free of, She spirals and spirals so far out of control. Kimber takes us on this incredible journey with these characters that have laid root in my heart. This book with suck you in from the beginning, it shreds you, and leaves you hanging onto her words.

I cannot recommend this book enough it was a five plus stars in my book. If you haven’t read a Woman Gone mad get a copy today and read it and then sit right back down and dig into Holding her in madness.....

[Debra Presley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holding Her In Madness is the sequel to A Woman Gone Mad and in order to read this book you really need to read the first book. This sequel is Leo’s POV and it’s an interesting and entertaining POV. I’m going to try to sum up this book without revealing too much about either book because I really hate giving spoilers. If you’re offended by the F-bomb you probably won’t like this book. I’m not and even for me it was a lot.

However, I’m glad I read it. I learned the real story behind why he left his firecracker behind. Her father is a son of a bitch and really ruined two lives. Leo too suffered a lot while they were apart. It was really heartbreaking. I loved that we saw some of the things he hinted at in A Woman Gone Mad. Their lives really sort of ran parallel to one another for a lot of this story. It was interesting to see how many times they could’ve seen each other. These almost meetings were sometimes on purpose but other times there were by chance or fate.

He really does save her. I loved the epilogue and it brought a tear to my eye. I’d definitely recommend the book. It is a bit slow in the beginning but it does pick up and when it does you’ll be hooked. Solid four stars!

[For the Love of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 F'n AWESOME Stars
Kimber S. Dawn has an amazing ability! And what is this amazing ability, you may ask... Well, simply put, she has the ability to write a fuckin' awesome story that will knock your socks off and take you on a crazy emotional roller coaster from beginning to end! I mean seriously, this lady is AWESOME!

Holding Her In Madness is Leo's side of A Woman Gone Mad and let me tell you, I think I might have liked this one a little more than A Woman Gone Mad. And trust me, that's hard to do! As with the first book, this is not a lovey dovey fairy tail full of rainbows, hearts, ponies, and glitter. This is a real life, rip your heart out, love and loss romance. Leo's side of the story shines a spotlight on a ton of things from A Woman Gone Mad and it's like finally adjusting the lens and having the picture come fully into focus. I loved getting to read all of Leo's thoughts and everything he would do to get his girl! I definitely fell in love with him a little more! This was a wonderful addition to A Woman Gone Mad and if you've read that, then you MUST read Holding Her In Madness! It's not an option! So go out and one-click this book now!
~Lauren~

[Sabrina Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

100 stars!!!!! Wow amazing! Kimber does it again. This chick knows how to mess with your head. I swear it can be one amazing movie. This who journey of Lil and Leo. The whole this is one messed up relationship. Filled with hurt,anger,lies...oh and so much more. Have you read AWGM? No? Well go read that first. While I was reading I would imagine my self in Lil's place. Everytime I did I would cry. Not a good cry. No happy cry here. This girl one moment is great and then BAM! One. Hot. Mess. If I could live one day in the mind of Kimber. Just one. The incredible craziness in her mind must be amazing. Another book that has crawled it's way deep into my soul. It will never leave. It's become a part of me. So many emotions I felt reading both books. No words can describe what I felt. If I were to go through any of this shit I would of been dead. Couldn't take any of the heart break. None of it. Wow Just wow! Kimber you amaze me. Always have and I know you always will. Love you doll.

[Countrygalssexyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First , I have to say, you have to read A Woman Gone Mad before you read this one.

You starting out , well getting a "Fuck You" from Leo. This my friends, starts the bluntness of Leo and his side of the story.

I could not put this book down for nothing. So much passion , darkness, this takes you back and every emotion you felt from AWGM, well you get it again ...100 proof...

Leo truly loves Lil in his own screwed up way. You can't help but fall in love with him and his persistence to get Lil. Lil let everyone live her life for her and let life go away from her. She never truly lived with Leo and him the same way. Sure, they both found companionship , but never true love.


This book is a journey of raw emotions ! Also you get a little more of a ending to this book. This series is like no others and for that , Kimber , YOU ROCK!!!


“You let me catch you, firecracker. Now there is no damn way in hell I’m letting you go.” Loved that part....

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 5 star read
***** 5 star rating for both books in the series.

It is a good day when a find a writer new to you and the first two books you read are 5 star! Leo and Lil, their story can be summed up in one word ‘epic’ - love, pain, loss, obsession - all are there and all are written in the most fabulously absorbing manner. Be warned you will be brought on a roller coaster of emotions and there well may be some ugly crying but it is oh so worth it. Please do not read ‘Holding Her in Madness’ unless you have read ‘A Woman Gone Mad’ - they are a duo of books that must be read in sequence to fully appreciate Leo and Lillian’s journey. I read ‘Holding Her in Madness’ almost immediately after the 1st book and to say I was gripped is an understatement. Oh and the epilogue is perfect. Why are there not more reviews for these books they brilliantly engaging, the characters chemistry and angst jumps off the page.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's start with I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review:

FUUUUUUUCCCCKKKKKK!!!! As if A woman gone mad doesn't kick you on your ass hard enough, Holding her in madness comes back and sucker punches you straight to the gut. First we get Lil's side to the story, then in Holding her in Madness we get Leo's side, which is raw and real and fucks up your insides and makes you want something, anything good to happen for this beautifully damaged couple! I can't give this book enough praise! It was fucking fantastic! I loved the way it all came together in the end, this just proves that even after life kicks you on your ass more times than you think you can take, having someone there beside you who offers unconditional and undying love will pull you from the clutches of hell and bring you back.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is from Leo's POV. Usually I don't read those stories because they are just the same words that we heard in the first story. Please don't let this stop you from reading this one!!! Instead of rehashing what Lil has already told us in "A Woman Gone Mad", it gives us insight into what happened between Lil's dad and Leo and what Leo went through after he left Lil. These two stories are not the typical love story you are use to reading, but if you want something different that will have your emotions on a rollercoaster ride then take a chance on these two books! I must say that I did feel so sorry for 'Lise. As woman I think most of us have given our all to someone who can't love us in return. I felt her pain! If you want something that is more than just a fairytale you have to read this book!!!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally blown away and filled with emotion! I loved this book so hard! This is book 2 of AWGM and is from Leo's POV. This book is in true Kimber S. Dawn style. She puts all her heart and soul into her stories. Must read.

I usually don't read alternate points of view because I feel like it's the same ish on repeat... Well.. Not this time! This book is completely different! You learn so much that twists and ravels from book 1 that it really is a book 2 and not like a regular alternate POV book. It was amazing, it was gut-wrenching! I felt like I had the top secret underground clue version that was missing from book 1. I couldn't get enough of Leo. Seriously, I was up all night reading and then left speechless and sleep deprived at 4am, but definitely worth it!

[Alice Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally hate reading the same story twice. But dayum, Leo Leo Leo!!!! I loved him. I hated him. I wanted to throat punch him. I loved him again. I loved reading about what he was doing while away from Lil. So much of that was left out of Lil's story in AWGM. But that was about her, not him. I sometimes forget that men have real, raw, emotionally intense feelings also. If you loved AWGM then you will also love this story as Leo takes you through his journey and his struggles with his life. What I also loved about this book was that it wasn't another replica of 50 shades gone bad.... I mean, have we not read enough of that already???? If you're looking to read something a bit more "real life" then read these 2 books!!!

[Jackie Swensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I have my own Leo? Pretty please?! So after reading A Woman Gone Mad, I had a lot of questions- most of them concerning Leo. I wasn't sure how I felt about him, but now I've made up my mind. I'm so happy we got to see Leo's pov because it cleared a lot up for me. I felt all of Leo's emotions. He was obsessive, crazy straight forward, and sexy and I loved it! He was just so in love with Lil, even when they were apart, he was still with her. Leo had his own demons throughout the story, but he was able to overcome them. Fate finally reunited Lil and Leo, and even though the road was bumpy for the two, they worked through it and I'm so happy they did! I loved Holding Her In Madness even more then AWGM! The epilogue was perfect!