Echoes of The Abandoned

by Lyra Krueger

Lillian’s life has been one long blur, her memories shrouded by a traumatic block she can’t escape. She trusts her best friend, Ryan, implicitly—until the day she uncovers a web of lies Ryan has spun around her. The truth, it seems, has been kept hidden, and Lillian is left reeling. But the shocks don’t end there. In the midst of her unraveling world, Lillian is thrust into the gritty underworld of the Denver Bratva, working for the enigmatic and ruthless Pakhan. As she navigates the cutthroat world of organized crime, she finds herself trapped between two of the most frustrating men she's ever met—each with their own agenda and their own way of getting under her skin. But it's not just the mafia world that’s dangerous; Her past is starting to claw its way back into her fractured mind. As she grapples with her growing attraction to both men and the resurfacing memories, she discovers that sometimes the truth is more terrifying than the lies she’s been told. In a world where loyalty is fragile and power is everything, Lillian must confront the past she's trying to remember—and decide who she can trust before it’s too late.

Genres: Romance, Dark

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2025

Reviews

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a debut book, it was not bad.

Lillie our FMC has been through a lot in her short life, she remains strong throughout even to the point of being able to handle herself. There are a few MCs who seem to be prevalent in her life, Sebastian, Ryan and Lucas who are all in the Bratva, something she didn’t know. She suffers from disassociation and has blackouts, we don’t really get to know the full ins and outs of these episodes or when they first started as she has memory lapses. We are pulled into the story with snippets of her life, of the MMCs involvement and that of drug/substance abuse, SA and violence. Much to learn we have 🤣

I get this is her first book, it does need a little bit of a proofread through, some parts seemed to be fragmented but this could be done on purpose for us to associate with her illness. I struggled with the fact it states she is only 18, but comes across as older given the substance abuse and her seemingly proficient ability to fight with a katana makes one feel she should be a lot older within the story. Still it is only a story, fiction just my mind works overtime 🤷🏻‍♀️ I will still read the next book when it comes out.

[Natiley Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I absolutely loved this story! It was a fantastic read, even with its heart-wrenching moments. I can confidently say I poured my eyes out at a few scenes, but I'm good—totally good! 😂

From the very beginning, the plot captivated me, and I found it impossible to put down. I didn't expect any of the twists and turns, which made me even more excited to dive deeper into Lillian’s journey.

Lillian’s struggle with her traumatic past and the shocking revelations about her best friend, Ryan, kept me on the edge of my seat. Sebastian's possessiveness from the start added another layer of tension; I honestly don’t know how Lillian managed to navigate her feelings for both him and Ryan while they kept her on her toes the entire time!

The gritty underworld of the Denver Bratva added an intense layer of intrigue, and I loved how she wrestled with her complex emotions for both men. This book beautifully explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the terrifying nature of truth. Krueger's storytelling is compelling, and I can't recommend this enough! If you’re looking for a gripping read that pulls at your heartstrings while keeping you hooked, this is it!

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for mafia dark romance and this one hits it right on the dot! Lillian's best friend Ryan tells her about a job he wants her to interview for. Once they go there, she knows he was definitely lying about something. He has whole nother life that she doesn't know anything about and it has to do with the mafia. So she decides to work for Sebastian, the Pakhan of Denver's bratva. This story was just so good and made me want so much more at the end. The characters, spicy scenes, bickering, Lillian's sass, her background story, and the betrayal. I loved the ending and can't wait for the next one.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SUCH a refreshing read. I love me a mafia trope. It's honestly one of my favorites, but I'd be a dirty liar if I didn't say that I LOVED the originality of this plot. Petition to make medieval torture devices in Dark Romance a thing, please?

One word. Adrenaline. This was non-stop, no room to breathe, no time to spare. If you aren't paying attention, you're missing it all.

This MMC is delicious, and there is a spark of this FMC in all of us. Chemistry is magical, and the spice is spicing. Also, that cliffy? GIRL. Cruel in the best way.

Debute novel on point. Definitely keeping my eyes peeled for book 2.

10/10.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started and finished this book within a day and I absolutely loved it. I just couldn't put it down. I don't like that Lillian is going through the memory issues and all of her past stuff, but I'm so happy that she's with Sebastian and that they are really happy together. Also, that cliffhanger had me almost yelling. I knew it was going to end on a cliffhanger but I wasn't expecting that. Overall, this was a really good book and I highly recommend it.

[Wilmalys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the story of Lillian and her journey with memory loss and past trauma.

So many things happening to her, from bad parents to sneaky friends to getting involved with the Bratva and stuck in the middle of two guys lol.

Sebastian was the best thing that happened to her, he was always looking out for her. He loved his Firefly. He'd do anything for her.

Luca on the other side was an idiot but he had feelings lol, He cared about her in a messed up way, and their relationship was a complicated mess but he did look out for her some...🙄

The ending was a bit of a cliffie so I'm looking forward to the next book. I want more Ryan and Tessa 🥰

[Heath Steph Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read your trigger warnings!
This is a fantastic debut book!
Lillian has a life filled with past trauma that takes her all too long to get away from. Is there spice to make up for the trauma? Sure the fuck is. Honestly, at some points I felt bad for Luca because he just gets dogged on and keeps getting the shit end of the stick. 😂 poor fella. Sebastian is top tier from day one. He’s a fiesty little pepper. The plot was on point. Love a mafia romance. 10/10

[Nyx Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy in return for my honest review.

Are you tired of mafia romance books that recycle the same plots over and over again? Washed, rinsed, and repeated? Then let me tell you about this amazing story-it's FAR beyond that!

Lillian's struggles range from memory loss and family trauma to her best friend lying to her, and an annoying guy named Luca who just can't seem to leave her alone.

But Sebastian.... boy, let me tell you about Sebastian! He will stop at NOTHING to keep his Firefly safe-and his.

This story is a 10 out of 10 for me, and what's even better is: my best friend wrote it! So, of course you should read it!

[Lunawolfwy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so captivating! Once I started, I didn't want to put the book down!
The story is a dark mafia-style one. When Lillian is brought in, we get her story of memory loss, past trauma, and working through the trauma to begin healing. Lyra Krueger didn't hold back on the spice either, it's in this story & let me tell you, it's hot!!

Sebastian enters and immediately falls for Lillian and decides she is his Firefly. Their relationship is spicy for sure. He will do everything in his power to help her deal with her trauma and has vowed to protect her.

Go read this one, you won't be sorry!

[Kimberly Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! A fantastic read with some heart-wrenching moments. From the very beginning, this book captivated my attention and I found myself binging this book, I couldn't put it down once I picked it up.
The chemistry between Sebastian and Lilian was undeniable, and the spice was just right.
That cliffhanger about killed me, and now I'm dying for the next book. I highly recommend this book!

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Lilian's story. A different kind of mafia romance, with a strong, blade-wielding FMC.

Lilian has suffered some trauma, glimpses of her past shown throughout the book. She also has memory loss, leaving parts of her history unknown.

I loved the banter between Lilian and Sebastian. Their chemistry was undeniable! I'm still not sure about Luca, though.

It ends on a cliffhanger, with a little twist. I'm looking forward to what comes next!

[Deana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for sure! I personally am not a big Mafia romance fan but Lyra did it in the all the right ways! Brought out all of the emotions, laughter's, tears, spice, excitement, etc. Loved this book and highly recommend!

[Emmy Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a unique mafia romance and I really liked it. I loved the plot, at first I was like damn, her best friend tricked her and then she got kidnapped. But then later you realise that the story is much bigger than that and Lillian is not a reliable narrator because she’s lost some memories. Then we get some typical madia stuff, betrayals, violence and more violence. My one problem with the plot, was that stuff that could have been great plot twists were already spoiled/revealed in other POVs so there were no sudden shocking plot twists that I love in mafia romance or any book really. For Lillian she’s a very conflicting character, she shows strength sometimes and sometimes she breaks down and is very vulnerable, which I suppose happens to everyone and more so to a person with PTSD. At first I thought it was a love triangle between Luca and Sebastian, but it becomes very obvious soon after that Sebastian is the one and Luca is a piece of trash. Loved Sebastian, the fact that he was willing to wait for her every single time she forgot was so heart warming. I really liked this but by the end it wasn’t as exciting so I give it a 3.5/5

[Jessica Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echoes Of The Abandoned by Lyra Krueger
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Please check tigger warning before reading.
I was hooked from the very first page ☺️
Lillian’s growth from dealing with her traumatic past, her memory loss, to the intense connection with Sebastian, the Pakhan of Denver's bratva it was absolutely addicting and had me not wanting to put the book down.
Their chemistry and banter has me giggling and kicking my feet 😍 that cliffhanger 🤯 Book two can't come soon enough!

[♥︎Obsidian°Scorpio°Reads♥︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkly Devistating!

first off, this was a first read for me and the way Lyra pulled me in with this devastating emotional Rollercoaster of a read I will definitely be on the look out for more!.

the characters that twists and gore with just enough spice will grip you from the first page. dare the enter the unforgettable night?

please read YOUR TRIGGERS!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🫦🫦🫦.⁵/5

[Mickyla Hatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far im very intrigued by this story. I love our FMC who is a total bada*s and then we have are MMC who is just yummy. This story starts out giving you no idea what's happening but it keeps you guessing on what's going to happen next.

[Rose Menchaca · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review- A great page turner. So much trauma for Lillian and she is still a bad a$$. The story alone was heartbreaking but it kept me wanting for more.

[Kyla Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely phenomenal and will pull on your heart strings, make you teary eyed while also keeping you hooked with each turn of the page. Lillian is beautiful yet deadly especially with a blade in her hand and Sebastian? A tall glass of water that will have you on your knees saying “more please, master” the spice? It’s SPICY, the characters? Captivating, and the cliffhanger? Hold the front door.

[Paul Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a young girl to be a victim of sexual abuse by her father and then seeing him commit suicide, you’d expect she would be on a one way ticket to the looney bin. Especially with a god fearing mother running her into the ground all the time.
But she turns the tables when she is claimed by Sebastian. She is pulled into his mafia family and they are addicted to each other. There’s nothing Sebastian won’t do for her.
They’re made for each other and their sexual encounters are filled with hot lust which leaves you hot and bothered.

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read! I was hooked from the start and it was hard to put down. I enjoyed the uniqueness of the storyline of this mafia romance. It was edgy and kept me clinging to the pages. And there were some heart wrenching moments that had me choked up.

I loved the FMC, Lillian. Following her journey with her dealing with her traumatic past, to her best friend Ryan with another side to him she didn’t know about, to the HOT Pakhan of Denver’s bratva, Sebastian. The chemistry, bickering, spicy moments, tension all kept me glued! And that cliffhanger!! GAH!! So in need of book 2!

[Lisa Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lillian has had some pretty traumatic things happen in her childhood, including memory loss. Memories are slowly coming back. Secrets are found out. Her pull towards Sebastian and her hate for Luca. Lots are things are coming into play.. cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next book. Check those triggers before reading.

[Marie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want some trauma meets mafia look no further
Lillian has lived a life of complex trauma and horrible parental figures so much so it’s cause it’s own issues of memory loss… but love knows no bounds so our mmc does anything to ensure his girl remembers his every through their crazy mafia minefield… check your triggers and be warned there is a cliffhanger

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This take on a Mafia style dark romance was amazing! Lyra was super unique and showed me a viewpoint I hadn't seen before! This will live rent free in my mind for a bit. I wanna scream from the rooftops of how happy and proud of Lyra I am 🫶 I spent months promoting and teasing this and I finally get it and it's mind blowing.

[Mala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly this is between a 3.5 & 4 star read.
For a debut novel it’s good, some of the time frames can throw you off a bit. If you can get past that stuff, the banter is pretty good and the spice isn’t bad either.
You will be left on a cliffhanger and Please check the trigger warnings.

[Dayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read!

You’ve got a plot that’s plotting, with twist and turns no one expected! Characters who weave their way into your heart! A mafia world that is written very nicely!

I enjoyed this read very much! I’d recommend.

This does end on a cliffhanger so be ready for that.

[Taylor Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a great read and even more amazing for it being a debut! This book pulls you in from the very first scene. I think I went through all the emotions reading this. There are definitely some heart wrenching moments, but it is sooo worth the cry! Can’t wait for the next one

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing read, crafted with a little mystery, desire, and the secrets, lies, and manipulation of the mob world, that has you ripping through the pages to discover more about Lillian's memory loss, the truth about her family, and devouring every interaction between her and Sebastian. It's blunt, sexy, plays into the ironic and wry humor of the Bratva, and sees Lillian growing into the woman she was destined to become and Sebastian finally owning, claiming, and loving the woman he's wanted for years.
I really love Sebastian's character, the strong, sexy, broody type that holds all the power and can make you cower with just his words, he's infinitely understanding and supportive with Lillian, ruthless if needed but understands mercy and playing the long game. Lillian is a puzzle, the memory loss throws just enough kinks into everyone's lives that it keeps you guessing as how to how she'll react and what might trigger her, it's like she has all these hidden qualities of strength and intelligence that she's unsure of how to tap into but Sebastian gives her that stability and love she needs to progress and heal from a less than stellar past. Tessa and Ryan offer some comedic relief and a need to know what's really going on with them, Luca is most definitely the guy you love to hate, and all of them in a room together is like a comedy skit mixed with a dysfunctional family. Overall a solid read that leaves you hanging with a huge bombshell confrontation and a serious need for book two.

[kristina_book_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyra is a very talented author who’s dark romance books are more realistic down to the fine details of the shoe style the people have on and things. And to me just that alone, draws you in real quick and her style writing was very smooth to you for transition from page to page chapter to chapter and on every page something was working around in the background to make the story stand out more and then you’re left with that cliffhanger. Though I can’t wait to see more of her work to see how her story continues. I always will be sad when this story ends.

[Elise Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the incredible privilege of reading this book during its writing stages—and let me start by saying, I’m not usually a fan of mafia-themed stories. They often feel repetitive to me. But this one? Completely different.

From the very first page, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down and found myself eagerly waiting for each new chapter to be written. The dynamic between the characters, the tension, the pacing—it was all on fire.

Five stars, without a doubt. Highly recommend, even if mafia books aren’t usually your thing. This one will surprise you.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia dark romance. Lots oftwist and turns no one expected. This will pull on your heart strings. Lillian is a puzzle, with the memory loss. I really love Sebastian's character, the strong, sexy, broody type. Definitely a great read!