I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.

I am so confused.
The first half of the book was boring as hell. I felt like there was so much space in between time and reality that I couldn't figure shit out.
The last half of the book was written better but I still have so many questions.
The plot though. The peak. The answers that I did get made me fall in love with Eliza.
I just don't know who the hell anyone else is after reading this book.

The premise of this book was very juicy - an accomplished successful financial investor heroine, and a startup entrepreneur hero who meet-up via a one night stand and then find themselves in a working relationship when she invests in his company.
However the pacing was disjointed, missing chapters and a lot of inner dialogue. Just needed better editing - that said this author has done very well for a debut book.

What stands out most in Implicit is its emotional depth. The novel doesn’t just skim the surface of romance; it delves into the complexities of trauma, redemption, and the weight of past choices. L. M. Allen masterfully weaves themes of resilience and vulnerability, creating characters who feel raw and real. Eliza’s struggles with identity and survival contrast sharply with Seth’s relentless pursuit of success, making their dynamic not just compelling but deeply human. I think the pacing of the story is a careful balance of tension and release. Each encounter between Seth and Eliza is charged, drawing readers into a burning intensity that never quite lets up. The stakes are constantly rising, not just in their romance but in the secrets threatening to unravel around them. Allen's writing ensures that every moment serves a purpose, whether it's a quiet introspection or a heated confrontation, nothing feels wasted or unnecessary.

Beyond its gripping romance, the story is a testament to quality storytelling. Allen's prose is sharp and evocative, capturing both the raw emotions of her characters and the atmospheric weight of their world. The dialogue is crisp and authentic, making the characters' pain, desire, and hesitation feel immediate and real. For readers who appreciate dark romance novels that challenge emotional boundaries and explore the scars of the past, this book offers a compelling journey.

Implicit is not just a love story but it’s a battle for redemption, self-acceptance, and the courage to confront the past. With its blend of sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and expertly crafted tension, L. M. Allen delivers a novel that lingers long after the final page. For those seeking a dark romance that is as thought-provoking as it is passionate, Implicit is a must-read.

i’m trying to find things i liked about this book, but i’m at a loss. constant cheating/breaking up, lack of communication, weird time gaps where some days last three chapters and weeks are mentioned in a sentence, unsatisfying conclusion, and honestly boredom in the first half.