Review: Pierced (Lucian & Lia #1) by Sydney Landon

My name is Lucian Quinn and I own one of the most successful software companies in the world. I’m twenty-nine, rich and single. Impressive right? I’m also a favorite target for every hungry socialite looking to land the uncatchable catch. Maybe it sounds vain, but the fact that I’m a God between the sheets doesn’t hurt my stock any. What these women don’t know though is that I’m completely screwed up and damaged beyond repair by my past. The only part of me I’ll ever willingly give them is the hour it takes to make them scream…several times.
Then I saw her…
I’m Lia Adams and I’m in my last year at St. Claire’s University in North Carolina. I grew up with an abusive mother, and a twisted stepfather who was worse…so much worse. I’m so close to escaping from my past and making my dreams come true. I’ll do anything necessary to survive, even work as an escort to help pay for my college expenses. The men that I accompany to various events as an escort for Date Night are mostly harmless and just want an attractive woman on their arm for an evening. It has never gone further than that…until him…
“I want you to call into work tomorrow and quit your job. I don’t think you need to bother with notice; it’s not likely you will ever use them for a future job reference.”
I nod my head in agreement, fighting the sleep threatening to claim me when his words finally hit me. What the h***? “Wh—What did you say?” Had I imagined the whole thing?
Without looking at me, he repeats his demand. I shake my head, completely confused. “What are you talking about? Why would I quit my job? Oh, no,” I gasp in horror, “are you trying to get me fired because of tonight? It was just cold medicine!”
His eyes are glittering in the darkness. “Baby, if I wanted to have you fired, I would. I want to f*** you, but not when you’re being paid to be my date.”
Circumstances bring two people that should have never crossed paths together and in the days and weeks ahead, they grow close quickly, each seeing a kindred soul in the other. As ghosts from their past rise to haunt them, they cling to each other as their lives start to spiral out of control. Soon, they realize that they’re both damaged possibly beyond repair. Will their love be what saves or destroys them?

Review

Lucian Quinn, is only 29, single, alpha-male and owns his own company.  Lia Adams, college student and working or Date Night to pay her bills.

Lucian needs a date for an event and his friend recommends an escort service, Date Night.  Lia is given the job to escort Lucian to his event. She's under the weather and takes NyQuil  At the event she's vocal and catches Lucian's attention.  Lucian wants more of Lia and commands her to quit her job.

"I want you to call into work tomorrow and quit your job. I don't think you need to bother with notice; it's not  likely you will ever use them for  future job reference."

Lia doesn't comply and Lucian sets up another two dates through Date Night. Luc discovers why Lia is working at Date Night and takes over her life. Lucian deposits a large sum of money into Lia's account and he e-mailed her job to let them know she quit.

"How dare you make decisions for me! You lied to my employer and put money in my bank account. You knew I would hae never agreed to to that, Lucian! I'm not some prostitute you can pay. What's the difference between you paying Date Night to go out with me, and you paying my bills for sex?"

In order for Lia to accept Luc's money she takes a job as he housekeeper.  It will give the flexibility to attend classes and still work.

There is a lot of drama and personal demons in this story.  Lia was abused by her step-father and it comes back to haunt her when she receive a summons to appear in court.  Lia's mother is pressing charges against her husband for abuse and Lia summoned as a witness.

Luc has a dark past as well. He copes with his past by taking cocaine.

"The clearing of my senses, the instant clarity, and as always, playing around the edge is the rage at my inability to leave the crutch behind. this has been my answer to dealing with a life that has, at times, resembled a horror movie."

Lia and Luc are both broken and harbor hatred from their past. The questions is can they make it work?

"I couldn't help but wonder what love between us would do to the hate that had driven us both so far. There were only two possible outcomes I could see: We would either save or destroy each other."

Luc does provide his connection with Cassie, an ex-girlfriend from high school.  It's heart breaking and it's what destroyed Luc's life.  In the end Lia is unaware that her step-father was set free and we are left with a cliff-hanger.

"Pierced" involved two damaged characters. Lia who is an abuse survivor and Luc who is barely surviving. Lia is bringing Lucian back to life. He's attempting to take on his nightmares and grief, without the help of cocaine. Lia's past catches up with her, at least now she has Lucian's support The cliff hanger hurt!  I was happy I waited to read this story because the second installment was already released, "Fractured". Yes, I started it immediately.