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From USA Today Bestseller Elodie Colt comes a slow burn mafia romance full of suspense, angst, raw passion, and a hot Alpha who stands above the law. For fans of Natasha Knight, A. Zavarelli, and Rina Kent.
She’s only a pawn in the kingdom he rules, but soon she will become so much more…
People avoid me. Too blunt, rude, and brutally candid, they say. Well, that’s what you become when the nightmares devour you. A girl who needs tattoos to hide what can’t be erased, a shrink to cure what can’t be cured, and a sketchpad to escape a reality that always catches up to her.
I hate people in general, but I hate men with a passion. I will never marry, never fall in love, and never kiss anybody. This is my choice, and I get along just fine.
Until Daniel DeLuca. His name makes crime lords cower in fear and cops look the other way. Whenever his eyes burn into mine, something weird happens inside me. Something that scares the shit out of me.
He’s a bomb detonating in my pathetically dull life. A rich-ass mobster wearing Armani, a dozen rings on his fingers, and an air of power that oozes more danger than the poisonous snakes he’s keeping in his office.
His soul is as black as mine. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to him. We live in the same darkness.
And only the darkness can show us the stars.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2022

20 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

About the author

Elodie Colt

48 books205 followers
Elodie Colt is a USA Today bestselling Paranormal & Contemporary Romance author from Austria. When she’s not busy writing books that go beyond run-of-the-mill alpha stories, she spends her time binge-watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster, playing the guitar, or hitting the gym. The fact that German is her mother tongue didn't keep her from giving her dream to publish in English a chance. Whatever she writes, she has one goal - to make you cry, laugh and wet at the same time ;)

connect with me: https://linktr.ee/elodiecolt

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5 stars
50 (64%)
4 stars
18 (23%)
3 stars
8 (10%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Natalia.
1,199 reviews94 followers
May 10, 2022
Fear who?
Not the H because he was the passive in the relationship! There's a part where he actually thinks he is being raped because she is the one pushing him and taking all the lead!

Had a love/hate opinion about the h, she is so complicated about some things but at times so blasé about others that made zero sense.

The fact that we learn the H secret since the beginning, it takes a bit of suspense and angst to the story!
Profile Image for Amy Voce.
417 reviews28 followers
January 18, 2022
I went into this book totally blind, having not read the previous two in the series and Elodie Colt being a new to me author. This was quiet possibly the sweetest book I've read! Dark, dangerous and completely enthralling. I loved it so much I'm now going to read the previous two books and definitely will be looking for future releases from Elodie. I wish I could give this more than five stars just for Leonara alone, what and absolute badass and Daniel is officially book boyfriend material. Eagerly awaiting book 4 and 5 in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Coastie  Mom.
1,450 reviews7 followers
January 19, 2022
This is by far my favorite book of this series. I love how Daniel and Leo are so passionate. I was so into this story that I read it all in 1 day! The characters are fascinating, fearless, dark and real. Both Daniel and Leo have put up walls to protect them from being hurt again (issues from their pasts) and the way that Leo and Daniel go after each other has you rooting for them the entire time – it doesn’t matter that Daniel had Leo kidnapped, but the whole journey both of them take throughout this story is eye opening.

My emotions were all over the place – I felt so sad for Leo and the way she was brought up and not ever having a meaningful relationship with anyone other than Kendra. The trauma Leo went through after her mom left had me in tears. You will feel the pain, drama, fear, passion and the healing that is taking place while you are reading this. I look forward to reading more from this author and can’t wait to see what happens next in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pamela.
126 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2022
Congratulations Elodie, the third volume of the series is even better than the previous ones. I devoured it in a day, fascinated by the story of Leo and Daniel.
The characters in this book are intriguing, full of dark sides and passion.
There is a lot more introspection than the first book and I loved it. Some parts are downright spicy, but the most engaging is the storyline. Maybe a little naive to think that there is a good side between narcos, but it's a love story, so it's perfect.
I highly recommend reading this book, you can't put it away without quickly devouring it to the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,136 reviews58 followers
January 20, 2022
Buckle up this is going to be a wild ride with dangerous men, alpha personified, possessive, oh, so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a deliciously dark story. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Leonara (Leo) has lived a life that no one should go through what she has been through painful pushing her to dislike everyone, she doesn’t trust anyone outside of herself, and she especially do not like men at all will never commit, submit, or agree to be with any man due to all that she has had to endure. Leo generally has no filter when it comes to anything, she is usually rude to most and do not hesitate to tell you what she thinks or how she feels about you or what you are saying. Daniel sexy as all get out cartel boss who is ruthless, calculating in every decision he makes, will not hesitate to take who/what he wants when he wants it/them, and will not hesitate to protect those he cares about. But there is so much more to Daniel than meets the eye so when he kidnaps Leo it is for her protection from her father but it ended up being so much more for the both of them because being together attractions neither expected to feel they are feeling but also being thrown together they learn a lot about each other as well as themselves, also forcing them to face their individual issues starting the healing process needed to move forward but where will it lead, why does Leo need protection from her father, and through all this mayhem will Leo finely learn happiness?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jill Haworth.
1,031 reviews25 followers
January 25, 2022
Leo’s father became a drug dealer and her mother, a talented artist got hooked on the coke that her husband was dealing.
She left her daughter with her father but after a traumatic event, Leo ran away from home and lived on the streets until she was befriended by Kendra. She began to turn her life around using her artistic talent.
She had a museum purchase some of her artwork which was to make her bank account a lot healthier.
Daniel DeLuca is a drug lord and works undercover for the DEA. When he saw Leo’s artwork on exhibition he purchased half of the series. He was so taken by the haunting image and talent.
After a tradgedy struck in Mexico he had two of his trusted men escort Leo to his home. But when they arrived, they all looked worse for wear as Leo is a hellcat and a spitfire that fights back.
Daniel is enamoured by her. But he can read her body language and knows exactly what scars she is suffering from.
He wants to catch her father and he needs Leo’s help.
This was an excellent start to the series that also works well as a standalone. Leo is a real character and Daniel has his work cut out trying to reason with her. Thoroughly enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,258 reviews9 followers
January 16, 2022
I couldn’t wait to get started on this book, especially since I’ve loved the first two! I now have a definitive favorite in the series, so far! Leo and Daniel were fire!!!!
Leo’s story broke my heart. She’s been through so much in her young life. I loved learning how she and Kendra became friends. Their friendship is truly something special. As crass as Leo was, I couldn’t help but like her and her fighting spirit.
Daniel has had his own cross to bare. He leads the epitome of a difficult life. I loved how he saw and treated Leo. They honestly couldn’t be more perfect together! His protectiveness towards her and how he was able to see everything below the surface made him so easy to fall for!
There was plenty of action, suspense and drama in this book. But, at the end of the day, the whopping, sizzling chemistry between Leo and Daniel was my favorite part! I loved them so much that I was disappointed when the book came to an end. Not about how it ended, just that I didn’t want it to end!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Colleen.
328 reviews
January 18, 2022
Fear Me is Book 3 in the ‘Florida Flowers’ series and is the story of Daniel DeLuca and Leonara Alvarez. Leonara has suffered horrific trauma in the past that makes her who she is today, a crude, straight talker who shoots from the hip. Daniel is a cartel boss / undercover DEA Agent who waivers between good and evil, ruthlessness and compassion. He fears his dark past means there is no future. Daniel arranged the kidnap of Leonara but when they meet they both feel instant attraction, a mysterious pull that means maybe they can recover from the trauma of their dark pasts together.

The book is both intriguing and captivating from start to finish. A great story with great intense characters. Drama, action, betrayal and searing hot passion will keep your attention throughout. I look forward to reading the remaining books in this great series.

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue Carter.
781 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2022
Excellent follow up to ‘Fail Me’ & ‘Forget Me’. Stand-alone story of the 3rd housemate, Leonara. I loved this dark, steamy tale of the complex relationship between two damaged individuals. Leo is a tattooed, pierced rebel, who cannot escape a life-altering trauma from her past; Daniel is the apparent drug cartel boss who kidnaps her ‘for her own good’ and with a view to capturing a man who is encroaching on his territory. I enjoyed the darker feel to their romance, a stark contrast from the previous books in this series. This is s really well-crafted romantic thriller, with both the main characters being the others’ salvation. As a reader you get the feeling that their HEA isn’t necessarily guaranteed, but the twists & turns in the plot will keep you guessing until the very end. An excellent read.
2,200 reviews14 followers
January 21, 2022
This is the 3rd book in the Florida Flowers series and it features Daniel and Leonara's story. Leo is a budding artist who while she is waiting works for an advertising agency. Her life has been filled with nothing but darkness so she doesn't plan to fall in love or allow anyone close to her. Among the many hats that Daniel wears he is the head of a mafia gang in Mexico who everyone fears and he needs Leo to finish a deal so he kidnaps her. Leo is drawn to the darkness in him and it frightens her. Daniel is also drawn to Leo he recognizes that she's been hurt and her darkness calls to his darkness. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this emotional story to see what happens. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,184 reviews11 followers
January 22, 2022
Great 5 STAR read and new author for me in Elodie Colt.

Thank you to Booksprout and author for this advanced reader copy. This is my honest review and it has not been influenced in any way.

I could not put this book down and here is what I loved :

The cover and book blurb would have me one clicking but it is also how I imagine a visual of Daniel !
Great central characters in Leonara aka Leo and Daniel
Backdrop of mafia , drug dealing and the art world
Such an interesting story with great plot twists and unexpected humor.
A heroine that is defiant , challenging and tough as a nails even with everything she has gone thru
Could not put this book down and read in 24 hrs

Highly recommend Fear Me and I am now going to stalk this new author !

Loved everything about this book !

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,723 reviews9 followers
January 18, 2022
Wow! I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, but after reading it, all I can say is Wow! Leonara has survived a traumatic childhood and now keeps people at bay by being as anti-social as possible. She flinches when anyone gets too close and has covered herself in tattoos and piercings. Daniel DeLuca is the head of a powerful Mexican cartel and has a secret which would bring his entire empire down. Together they were an unlikely pair, but both have a softer side hidden beneath the layers. The author did a fantastic job making their relationship work. The suspense is high when Daniel is betrayed and Leonara's life is in danger. Great story, but should definitely come with a trigger warning.
Profile Image for Danee.
4,930 reviews
January 20, 2022
This is the first book I've read by Ms Colt, and I must say she pulls me right in with this story. It's a little dark, but I enjoyed it and had a hard time putting the book down. This is the story of Leah and Daniel. they both have dark pasts and been through a lot. When they meet, they grow closer, but Lea has trouble trusting men and not only getting along with them.

The author has described it well and the characters and characters fit together perfectly. Will Daniel be able to gain Lea's trust or will he fail? This is highly recommended to read, I will definitely read more Ms Colt books in this genre.

I have received an Advance Review Copy of this book through Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
316 reviews
January 20, 2022
This is Daniel and Leo's story and the journey they have to go on until they reach their 'happy ever after'.
Nothing is what it seems, there are secrets on both sides. As the story unfolds you discover there's more to both Daniel and Leo.
The characters, both main, and secondary, were well written, as was the plot line. A little bit different to the usual 'mafia'style tales I've read, but different in a good way.
I've not read the other books in this series, but don't feel that spoils the reading of this one, but it will certainly encourage me to catch up with the secondary characters in the other books where they get their own stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Corina Hochwimmer Andersen.
127 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2022
Unfortunately I am only able to give this book 5 stars, as there are no more available. But after my opinon it deserves at least 10.
The way Elodie Colt has managed to make me feel, as if I am taking part in the story is just amazing and mindblowing.
I had many tearstreaking laughs, most of them because of Leonara's lack of a filter. Her bluntness is just hilarious, and for me was really hard to describe to my husband because of all my giggles and snorts.
This book is one I will recommend to all, who likes action/mob stories, with a lot of humor and laughs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jedi.
485 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2022
Leo and Daniel both had their demons to slay and their own story to tell. The characters were complex, the story was intense, spicy, loved the storyline up until the end, then it fell flat, sorry had to say it.
He was the most feared drug lord always surrounded by bodyguards then he just got out of the limo and walked away unprotected, in what universe does that make sense. Then Leo just kept on with the attitude, I thought we had closure they loved each other, say yes for crying out loud… First half of the book 4 stars ending 3 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
16.9k reviews165 followers
January 18, 2022
Her life is filled with darkness and she will never allow anyone to get close or even fall in love. He is dark, brash and says things as he sees them, he is also a mobster who puts the fear in anyone and everyone around him. They seemed to be drawn to each other darkness and it scares her as she begins to feel strange when he is around. Are they alike? Are they destined for love? How will they get on? Follow them to see where you are taken

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,698 reviews9 followers
January 20, 2022
Fear Me (Florida Flowers Book 3) by Elodie Colt. I literally devoured this story- I couldn’t get enough of Leo and Daniel. The complexity of their story held me captive with these two damaged, yet resilient characters wormed their way into my heart. Emotionally charged drama with personal conflicts and struggles, touches of action and suspense, and undeniable chemistry. I recommend this book and author to others looking for dark and delicious. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,221 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2022
"Fear is for people who have never been afraid." He's a total badass. She's even badder. Daniel is complete book boyfriend material. Leo is on a whole other level... She doesn't care what other people think of her. She stands up to her captors, and takes no shit from Daniel. The books in this series just keep getting better, and this is my new favorite. The story is incredible, sexy, emotional, action-packed. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for BeaC.
382 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2022
Lets start by saying what a gorgeous cover!

I love this series, with the books ending with a HEA, because the Florida Flowers are so different, yet they are a perfect bunch of ladies. To be honest I was looking forward Leo's story because for me, she was the most intriguing of the bunch and her story was just amazing.

By far this is my favorite book in this series, Leo and Daniel chemistry and sexual tension is out of the charts. The storyline blew my mind, so many plot twists and details, I really loved it!

4.5 stars!
Profile Image for Bella.
1,103 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2022
This is the first book by Elodie Colt and will not be the last. I loved it, it was freaking amazing. The book keeps you on your toes and doesn't leave you dry. The story is dark with very well-developed complex characters, full of suspense, has dark humor and is full of sarcasm, and that slow burn that explodes... I really enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,413 reviews9 followers
January 20, 2022
Leonara hides her childhood scars behind a rude and crude personality and tats. The artist just might be getting somewhere with her art though. Then she is taken to a powerful man who has a big secret. Daniel sees the hard shell and the hurt underneath. Can he keep her safe? Can he let her go when she is?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cal D.
992 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2023
With checkered pasts and their own unique eccentricities, drug lord Daniel and artist Leo are a match made in heaven.

Daniel kidnaps Leo to use her as leverage against her father; while in his “care,” Leo realizes Daniel is not who he seems and to her surprise, that she’s actually attracted to him.

Leo is so quirky and so different than the other flowers - I enjoyed reading her story and that she got her HEA.
9,052 reviews66 followers
January 14, 2022
Leos not a stranger to the dark side of life, but when Daniel comes into her life things are about to spiral. Can Daniel be the one to bring her into the light or share their own darkness? Well written steamy emotional desire filled and more the story line keeps your attention through out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aimee.
291 reviews
January 18, 2022
OHMYGODDDDDDD Leo and Daniel are everything.
This is book 3 in the series however I read it as a standalone and it still works.
Leo is kidnapped to get to her father, Daniels mistake? her father doesn't care and by kidnapping Leo, daniel makes her life worse than he could have imagined.
Daniel and Leo have a great balance of enemies to lovers with a fate like connection mixed in.
1,431 reviews7 followers
January 21, 2022
I had been looking forward to Leo's book, and it did not disappoint! However, I thought the ending was a little simplistic-- how can anyone think that Daniel can make the decision he did and there wouldn't be any consequences?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,265 reviews10 followers
January 30, 2022
Leo is a feistyaon character who gives Daniel a run for his money. Daniel takes Leo to accomplish a goal, however, Leo does not give in easily. What will happen? Neither was looking for love but love found them. What will happen? Very intense Mafia read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen Lovvorn.
2,123 reviews11 followers
November 12, 2022
Cartel boss who is ruthless, fearless and brutally handsome. He takes a young woman and steals her away to Mexico. Somewhere in the mess, he becomes obsessed with her. She may be a sociopath, uncouth but a talented artist. She’s been abused, doesn’t trust men but he will show her he’s different.
4,359 reviews53 followers
January 20, 2022
Leo and Daniel what a story. This is a definite must read that will keep you engaged from the start. It was well written with intensity, darkness, brokenness and great characters with great chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
4,991 reviews32 followers
January 25, 2022
Leonora/Leo has lived through some trauma and Daniel is a cartel/drug dealer (working undercover) that has Leo kidnapped for her protection. When they meet their chemistry is off the charts and he is very protective of her and she makes him want a life he never thought he would want.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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