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My name is Rose Madden and I have spent my life being the perfect daughter. Thanks to my daddy, I'm an expert marksman who dresses like some modern day freaking June Cleaver. My life has been perfectly scripted since the day I was born. I've never deviated from the plan—until I met attorney Max Decker. Now he has me doing insane things to get his attention, like grabbing him in his car and being arrested for stalking my ex-boyfriend just so he'll come bail me out of jail. He thinks I'm crazy—but he wants me anyway, he just can't admit it. I'm tired of living my life for others, and Max has just given me a reason to show everyone that this good girl is going bad.

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First published December 21, 2015

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About the author

Sydney Landon

30 books2,804 followers

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Danvers series reading order:

Weekends Required
Not Planning on You
Fall For Me
Fighting For You
No Denying You (12/15/2014)
Always Loving You (2/15/2015)

Betting on You (standalone novella)

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5 stars
1,376 (45%)
4 stars
1,072 (35%)
3 stars
493 (16%)
2 stars
83 (2%)
1 star
21 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
Profile Image for Nanci **Warning**IWasASailor⚓️MyMouthisDirty.
521 reviews163 followers
January 8, 2016
Hmmmm I'm not sure what to rate this at...Maybe 3.00-3.50

I was disappointed because we are introduced to both characters in books 1-3. Rose, was freaken awesome. They hint to some connection between the two but I thought her book would go into detail. It doesn't. It starts a year later. Normally I tell people you don't have to read the previous book but Truthfully you need to read books 1-3. If not you'll be lost.

However here is a breakdown as to what happened in books 1-3 that isn't really clarified in this book.

Rose was crazy! I loved her! She was corky, quick witted and sassy. She has a boyfriend Jake. When we meet Jake he's awesome. You love him, he's the best boyfriend and then it goes to shit and he cheats on Rose. Lia is in the hospital after being attacked and Jake comes in smelling like perfume. Rose slaps the shit out of him.


Everyone witnesses this so Max goes over and gives Rose his card. Just incase she needs it if Jake decides to give her trouble. Jake denied he smelled like perfume so Rose decides a few days later to follow his ass. Rose sees him kissing and groping another girl and she goes batshit!


She attacks his car with a shovel, breaks all the car windows and than pulls out her gun and shoots out every tire.



She gets arrested and uses her one phone call to call Max. She sees him, likes him, wants him and the cat and mouse game continues with all 3 books. She would even call Max saying she felt like doing more harm to Jake just so he would talk to her or come see her. It was pretty funny. However, in all 3 books she is described as a very prim and proper Rose who wears pearls but loves guns that is super funny and well put together.

Moving on to this book....

Rose is a big fat hot ass mess. She's broken and shy and weak. She'll still make smartass remarks but the whole emphasis on her problem and how damaged she was took away the girl we met in book 1. Also, I never felt the connection between Max and Rose. All of a sudden they were in love but we never saw them date. Max rescues her one night in the pouring rain because Rose's dad completely cuts Rose off. He cancels the lease on her apartment, hires movers to give all her furniture and clothes away, then takes her car when she's talking to her landlord. Cuts off her cell and all credit cards, Leaving her homeless, with only the clothes on her back. So she turns to Max.

Max spends all his energy watching over Rose, because like I said she's

He finally gets her into therapy, they find stuff out. Max reveals his past and all his hang ups. Totally cried. Now his story was sad. Rose, I just didn't feel sorry for her. Don't get me wrong, I did feel for Rose and her situation is serious but I think the way she was written, I just couldn't deal with her. She was to stupid. I didn't like her constant nobody loves me, nobody cares. Even though everyone is showing her they care. It's like she just needed the drama in her life.


Everything works out in the end. She gets better, her parents get karma coming to them at full force and Rose and Max get a HFN.

I still can't wait for Aiden!
Profile Image for ☘Misericordia☘ ⚡ϟ⚡⛈⚡☁ ❇️❤❣.
2,526 reviews19.2k followers
January 7, 2016
Incredibly stupid premise. A girl gets to stand on a street for a couple hours and here she has trauma? While the parents are sort of many shades crazy, one should have money stashed exactly for the like occasions. Stashed somewhere their nasty little hands wouldn't be able to get to it no matter what strikes their fancy. And I do understand about stunted growth which the heroine is obviously a case of, still it feels like too blatant a case.

And what is with this guy who is... uh... let's see: 'I’ve almost talked some sense into the monster in my pants when...' I mean really? You are standing there talking to your dick? Now that's a dialogue to hear.
Profile Image for Radd Reader.
1,003 reviews603 followers
December 9, 2020
Rose has everyone fooled when really her family life sucks. Neglected and feeling unloved led to some self harming. When she is cut off financially, she calls Max to help her (these two were introduced in the Lucian and Lia trilogy)

This story is about uncovering Rose’s secrets and the mental health issues she is dealing with. Mental health problems impact everyone and this book provides a glimpse into both sides (the one with the problem and the one who unconditionally loves the person with the issues). Everyone hurts and the feelings are real. Max’s unwavering support was heart melting. Loved him!!

Profile Image for Raine.
2,463 reviews52 followers
February 24, 2018
I loved Rose and Max!

I loved Rose and Max's story,but wished it was longer. Maybe not as long as Lia and Lucian's (their's was WAY too long!), but at least a bit more at the end with what happened with her parents, Hoyt & Celia Madden and then with a little more about how things ended with Daisy and Camden and how their relationship continued on with their Poppy.
Profile Image for Catherine Crook.
586 reviews12 followers
December 16, 2015
Rose & Max. There budding relationship was hilarious. Being her personal bail bondsman was a riot. This personal look into not only Rose and her emotional scars, but finding out what made Max who he is... you will be in tears one minute and hot the next! Fuckin kudos to Sydney for another amazing story from this group of invidiuals.
Profile Image for River .
450 reviews73 followers
January 26, 2016
not bad but not good enough.
i was expecting a stronger female character but Rose was just meh (i'm not talking about her issues, those i understand).

the ending was a bit abrupt, one or two more chapters would have been better.
Profile Image for Falyn.
421 reviews3 followers
dnf
January 20, 2016
I can't wait for this one. I have loved Rose from the start. So glad I get a whole book of her gun toting, stepford antics.
Profile Image for Jane.
397 reviews22 followers
July 4, 2017
While I somehow enjoyed the first books in the series this was weak and boring
Profile Image for Pboswell.
411 reviews4 followers
December 24, 2015
When we met Rose while experiencing Lucian and Lia — she seemed very sure of herself, confident, vibrant, maybe a little crazy but more passionate than anything.

It wasn't until now that we know Rose had demons strong and vicious enough to take her life. The girl we thought we knew was just a mask...protecting a sad girl who was drowning in her in despair. It took a man like Max to save her.

Max. Strong after coming out on the other side of tragedy. Strong enough to not run away from the scariest thing on earth...death. Max fought like hell for Rose's trust. He loved her past her pain, supported her thoughts and beliefs and celebrated her true self.

Max and Rose, intense from the beginning. Their love never dwindling, not even when life gave them every reason to throw in the towel.

Rose gave Max love. Max gave Rose life, Poppy.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,643 reviews51 followers
February 12, 2017
Poor Rose! Her childhood, her innocence, her peace of mind and her family all snatched away from her leaving Rose abandoned and rejected by those who should have loved and protected her. Rose didn't deserve to be treated like that! There should be a special place in hell for those sleazy creeps-Hoyt and Celia Madden.
Profile Image for Janice Somers.
849 reviews35 followers
March 6, 2018
I am so happy for this book and enjoyed reading it as much as I did the first time.
Rose and Max are so good together and both fight the demons from past and battle them together.
Profile Image for Ascher Alchier.
120 reviews12 followers
August 21, 2024
Read the trigger warnings! This one was a little tough for me, honestly, but I pushed through it. Rose and Max are a delish couple and the story was storybook with lots of spice.
Profile Image for Richelle Sharp.
109 reviews
December 24, 2015
Sydney has done it again with her literary brilliance! I absolutely love Rose. Her relationship with Lia reminds me of my best friend, and I. The chemistry between her & Max is so eruptive, I couldn't get enough. The whole Lucian & Lia series is one of my favorite. Well done Ms. Landon...well done! So looking forward to Aidan this spring.
Profile Image for Mysti.
2,006 reviews277 followers
December 1, 2023
Had I not read Lia and Lucian first, I wouldn’t have read this one.

Rose (BFF to Lia, rich family) met sexy hot lawyer Max (BFF to Lucian) in L&L’s love story. Rose was crazy, hilarious, and had me laughing out loud. Her pursuit of Max had me giddy with delight and so eager to read their story.

Unfortunately, Ms. Sydney Landon took all of the fun out of this couple and gave us tragic and sad instead. 😑

We know that Rose is essentially a Stepford child by day, “horny Annie Oakley” by night. Right off the bat we discover Rose has a cutting problem. I don’t consider this a spoiler because the second you open the book, you’ll find that out. It’s the focus of the book. Max doesn’t want love because he had his heart broken before. When Rose is in a spiral, she reaches out to him and he takes her in. We discover that Rose’s parents have a reason for treating her so horribly and that secret is brought out into the open at the end of the book. Too bad the twist in this book is almost a carbon copy of Lia’s situation in those books.

Rose and Max are together for the entire book, sorta couple-ish. They don’t have sex until around the 70% mark. Super disappointed with that. Max is very affectionate and supportive.

I would never have finished this book if I hadn’t already liked these two characters from before. The story was too depressing for my liking.

Even though I feel let down by the author for not giving us the couple she set us up for, I still like Max and Rose enough to give them a 3.

Sean Crisden narrates again and he’s using his Sexy Voice #2 here. It’s better than his normal voice he used for Lucian.
17 reviews
December 21, 2022
This book/plot felt so rushed and unnatural. Maybe it was because Lia and Lucs story had three books but this just felt like a hurry to get everything fit it. Characters in love before they've barely been in a relationship and good story line just shoved in at the last chapters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Badass Lioness.
375 reviews13 followers
December 27, 2015
Rose is not who she seems. The self-assured, confident, sexy, fierce, polished woman hides a big secret. This story starts after the Lucian & Lia trilogy ends. We learn of her suicide attempts, the mental and emotional abuse by her parents, and then her father's betrayal proves to be the last straw. Lucky for Rose, Max hears her SOS. And so it begins.

This story surprised me at its depth, the dangerous secret that Rose hides from almost everyone, and how messed up someone who looks like she's got it together. Appearances can be deceiving and can hide lies that go far back to the past. There were twists, turns, and surprises. This story was enthralling and engaged my imagination.

By the end, I wanted more, even as I finished reading the epilogue. I appreciated how a serious issue was handled. The plot twist did not feel contrived or false. There were sexy scenes, and Max and Rose had a chance to really get to know one another.

I recommend this book for the romance, erotic scenes, secrets, and a solid story that kept me reading and wanting more. Well done, Sydney!
Profile Image for Claire.
387 reviews26 followers
February 17, 2016
Sydney Landon writes nice cheesy, fluffy, romance books. Nothing exceptional, but nice quick reads in between more solid/angsty books.

"Rose" is a good follow-up to the Lucian & Lia series. Actually its main quality is being a standalone, because as much as I'd liked the series, it could have been told in one or two books instead of dragging on across three with not much left to say in the third.

"Rose" almost made it to the fourth stars, but compared to the books I rate this way, it was too cheesy, with the annoying habit from this author to dwell on the same feelings again and again.
Nice quick read.
Profile Image for Miranda.
282 reviews10 followers
April 22, 2021
I don’t know what happened with this book. After reading the first three books in this series twice I was excited to read Rose’s story, but I was very disappointed. The important details and conversations were skimmed over or referred to off page, while we get endless redundant inner dialogue that just goes on and on. I also feel the author used a lot of similar story lines as from previous three books, like finding a long list parent. Been there, read that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Victoria.
116 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2015
I anticpated the release of this book for a long time. It was definitely worth the wait! I absolutely loved the story of Rose and Max. I enjoyed more of Lucian and Lia. My appetite has been whet for Aidan.

Bravo Sydney Landon you did an amazing job.
Profile Image for Angie McGuire.
1,126 reviews13 followers
December 24, 2015
So worth the wait!!! Rose has been s firecracker throughout Lucian and Lia's stories, but we finally get to know what is behind her past to get what happens to her future. Max Decker is an amazing man... Truly giving and loving. I loved this story. I cannot wait for Aidan's book.
Profile Image for Deanne.
265 reviews
January 6, 2016
After finishing the first part of this series I was dying to make sure Rose got her HEA. Oh, this will make you cry and your heart will break but Rose's witty humor is right there to cheer you up. So glad I read this!
Profile Image for Amy Haas.
143 reviews
January 15, 2016
This series is amazing. Never disappointed with any of the books. This one was extremely good to where I just couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Janee.
2,714 reviews12 followers
June 20, 2016
Not like the rest

As good as the Lucian & Lia series, this didn't measure up to them. I love Rose. It didn't have intensity of them. Still found the story good.
Profile Image for Debra Sneesby.
100 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2021
Rose by Sydney Landon
5 full stars

Triggers Yes
Story Line 5 stars
Characters 5 stars
Conflict 4.5 stars
Steamy Sexy Scenes 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the series Lucian and Lia.

After the trilogy of Lucian and Las, Rose is the first of the series that has different characters as Hero and Heroine. Rose, Lea’s friend, and Max, Lucian Lawyer and friend.

This book picks up a few months after Lea had her baby. Rose suddenly finds herself in a situation, not of her making, where she desperately needs help. With Lucian and Lea out of the country, the only person she has to turn to, is Lucian’s lawyer, Max.

When Max finds Rose, wet, cloths torn, sitting huddled like a vagrant against a shop wall, he takes her home and tends to her presenting wounds and places her in the guest bedroom. All done and dusted right? Wrong. This is where the book explodes.

Sydney Landon, I found, doesn’t do untainted picture perfect couples, or the dark brooding male and the innocent virginal female. Sydney has a way of making the ugly, dark and damaged side of a person and making it significant and profound in an exceptional way. In other words, she makes it matter.

With Lea’s lifetime of physical and mental abuse, and later sexual abuse added to her torment, we see how she overcomes that, by being self determined and kind, being all that her parents aren’t. Lucian dealt with a manic depressive fiancé who wasn’t properly diagnosed and not on medication, surviving an attack on his life and the loss of an unborn son with cocaine. When situations become too stressful for him he turned to cocaine, and with a small selection of close friends and his Aunt, he kept everyone else at a distance. Sydney took the reader on a journey with Lucian and Lea on how they came to address their demons in the dark and became stronger for it, not only for themselves, but also for each other as a couple.

Rose found a coping mechanism to help her deal with certain situations.

‘There are areas of my life I keep locked away’.

It’s not of the healthy variety either.

‘A perfect storm can’t be stopped, though. You can only hold on and try to ride it out - hoping you’ll survive the aftermath.’

Max had shut himself off from becoming too close to people, especially women, so Rose poses a problem for him in more ways than one.

‘Two damaged souls united in an imperfect circle of hope, love and laughter.’

Pop in a deep and well hidden mystery surrounding Rose, and you have a damn fine book that keeps you well entertained. The sexual chemistry is sizzling as well.

Iv’e put Sydney Landon on my list of authors to follow for a reason.
Profile Image for Jac K.
2,517 reviews489 followers
December 11, 2020
I had decided to be finished with this series, but I got this as a freebie, so I decided to give it a shot. This follows Mended the final book dedicated to Lucian & Lia’s story. I’ve had mixed feelings about Rose. She’s Lia’s BFF, and I found her equal parts likeable and annoying…. Sometimes her “crazy” was just a little too immature for me. This is her story with Lucian’s secretive lawyer Max.

I didn’t enjoy this one as much. Some of the formula is the same with the secrets, lies and sex… and Max does have a tortured past with a sad story, but Rose kinda ruined for me. One, I think SL oversold her “feisty” and ventured into hot mess land… and two, although her story is a little sad... her response was so dramatic, and her CONSTANTLY feeling sorry for herself and thoughts that no one cares for her as everyone was caring for her got old. I like my fictional h’s made of tougher stuff.

Bottom Line- Ok, but the rinse/repeat/beat the dead horse of the recycling of the same drama got old, and I skimmed…so 3 stars it is. I think this is it for me and the series. I’ve read reviews for Aidan and it sounds like Kara is made of the same stuff, and I’m done with the whiny victim h’s.
Profile Image for Candace.
799 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2022
Rose & Max. I've loved Rose since book 1. Yeah she's all prim and proper but she has a no filter mouth that just cracks me up. After graduating she takes a job with Lia's new company. She tells her parents and her dad is not happy. He wants her to move home until she marries (he's extremely controlling). While at the dinner she was summoned to, she tells him that she accepted the job and wanted to earn her own money, he leaves the dinner table and decides to cancel her lease on her apartment, have movers come and remove all of her stuff and give it to charity, repossesses her car and tells her that her phone will be turned off in an hour. She is left with the clothes on her back and that's it. Dad assumes she will come crawling back but she decides to call Max. He's Lucian's lawyer and has bailed Rose out a few times when she went BSC on her cheating ex. They have crazy chemistry but he refuses to act on it. It's obvious that Max has feelings for Rose and drops everything to help her. He picks her up and takes her to his apartment. We find out that she deals with anxiety and stress by cutting herself. We spend a lot of the book having her deal with her inner demons and him deciding to open his heart again (he lost his first love in a car accident). We end with her finding out the truth about her "parents" (they took her from their employee's 15 y/o daughter and raised her as their own so they could keep the inheritance from his dad). The book kept moving and I couldn't put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
696 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2023
Rose & Max

Rose Madden is the daughter of Hoyt and Celia Madden. I have never met, seen, read about or heard about parents as arrogant, narcissistic, and pure evil as Hoyt and Celia. They had raised Rose to be like Martha Stewart and Dirty Harry. She and Lia laughed over her being Martha Harry. Rose also had secrets and demons that no one knew about.

Yes, her parents were wealthy but used money to keep her in line being exactly what they wanted. Once she tried being independent, they cut her off completely. Thank goodness, she had Max, Lucian's lawyer and friend, to depend on and she did. She had already decided in every way that he was the one. Not only did Max want her but he was scared to death of her because he thought she was crazy. He also had demons that kept him from opening up to Rose.

Once she needed him, he started opening up and it was on. Not only did they share their demons, they shared secrets and love for each other. Once Max and Lucian looked into her background, they found out what was causing her demons and why she continued to hurt herself.

As with Lucian and Lia, Max and Rose looked forward to a HE A with their demons being overcome.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews

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