The Lost Zone
An MM Romantic Thriller (Dark Water Book 3)
Seven years. One mission. An impossible choice.
⭐ All About Romance Favourite Book 2025 ⭐
Alex Lytton has waited seven years for justice. Now, just as he stands on the precipice of achieving it, he must choose: complete the mission that has consumed his life or flee with the man who has captured his heart.
To survive Ghost Eye City, Alex must convince his most dangerous enemy he’s no threat—by surrendering willingly to his demands. It’s a deadly game, and one wrong move will destroy everything.
Meanwhile, Josiah Raine vows to protect Alex at any cost. But as he works tirelessly to bring two killers to justice, a shadow from Alex’s past emerges—one that threatens to tear them apart before they’ve even begun.
With time running out, the truth leads them to the cold grey waters of a lost zone, where a long-submerged secret holds the key to their future.
Justice or love. They can’t have both.
Dark water. Deadly secrets. Dangerous love.
⚠️ This series must be read in order, starting with Book 1: Crocodile Tears. Contains dark themes intended for mature readers—see Author’s Notes for content advisory.
What readers are saying:
“Just when you think you have everything figured out, Xanthe Walter comes in and turns everything upside down and sideways.” – Dani ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This series just continues to sink its hooks into me at every turn, throwing out curveballs and keeping my cortisol levels consistently high. It’s an exhausting and exhilarating experience, but I love it!” – Dana, Rainbow Romance Reader ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The world building remains rich, the characters are layered and unpredictable, and the plot is full of sharp turns and emotion.” – Caz ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reader Reviews For Books One and Two
“If you are not familiar with Xanthe Walter’s work, you should check her out. She writes in such a way that you become part of the world right along with her characters.” 
“In a dystopian world teetering on the edge of collapse, the slow, intense burn between Alex and Josiah is impossible to ignore. Every glance between them simmers with unresolved tension, every interaction steeped in history.”
“I’ve discovered a new writer with an imagination I can get behind… I found the writing riveting, the world-building exciting, if dark and dystopian, the character building afforded by the flashbacks brilliant, and the overall story highly engaging.”
“The world-building here from Xanthe is superb, her imagination creating a fully-formed and completely believable dystopian society that contains reflections of our own but is, at the same time, also totally unrecognisable… I’m so glad the other three books are all written and releasing each month because I can’t wait to find out all the secrets this impressive series is hiding.”
“This is my first book by Xanthe Walter and I know it will not be the last. It has everything I like in a book – action, suspense, a new intriguing world and fantastic characters.”
“So well written with a brilliant storyline and intriguing characters that kept me invested until the last page and left me wanting more! Highly recommended.”
“The chemistry between Josiah and Alex simmers with tension, raising questions of trust, grief, and forbidden desire. With sharp worldbuilding and emotionally layered storytelling, Xanthe Walter crafts a slow-burn thriller that pulls you deep and refuses to let go.”
“Xanthe’s writing is exquisite, knowing when to hint and when to reveal details, knowing how to grip me tight and keep me feeling deep feelings for the characters.”
“Once again, I was completely addicted to this book, and honestly could have kept reading for another 500 pages… I’m once again in awe of Xanthe’s ability to write rich, flawed, completely believable people…
THE GASP I GASPED at the plot twist! Maybe I should have seen it coming, but I was just vibing and it completely surprised me. I have a feeling it’s not the last twist we’re going to get in this series…”
“The slow burn of Joe & Alex does heat up in this book! 
There were definitely moments of questions answered & twists I maybe should have, but didn’t see coming! (I had such a strong reaction in the middle of the night reading that my husband woke up and I just had to try to explain it!)”
“Alex’s past continues to be absolutely gut-wrenching—hard to read, but incredibly important. And that plot twist?! I did not see it coming in book one at all and I loved it.”
“I have been amazed at the length of the story, and amazing detail the author has put into this huge, crazy story, to get us near to closure. I’m so excited for the next part. Bring it on! I absolutely loved reading this story.”
“Another absolute read for me!!!
I rarely enjoy a second book in a series like the first one, but this blew me away just as much as the first one did. The history of the characters and the time jumps into the past make so much sense for the development of the characters and to understand where they’re coming from.”
When you can finally be yourself after years of hiding who you truly are...
Alex stumbled around the room like a drunk person, arms wrapped around himself, veering between maniacal laughter and heart-wrenching sobs, his entire frame shaking.
Josiah longed to comfort him, but he knew Alex needed this—to let it all out. For years, he’d worn that mask, pretending he had no feelings, no opinions, and was happy to do whatever his owner ordered.
His body couldn’t contain the emotions as he hollered, sobbed, and screamed, then laughed like a lunatic. Years of suppressed feelings were so desperate for release that they felt tangible.
Finally, Alex looked up, his face red and streaked with tears.
“What would you like me to do?” Josiah asked softly. “Do you want to be alone? Or held? Would you like food, or just to sit?”
“Choices?” Alex whispered. “I haven’t had those in years.”
“You have them now, and with me, always,” Josiah said fiercely. “Do you understand?”
“Yes.” Alex grabbed the sofa and pulled himself shakily to his feet, staggering over and falling into Josiah’s arms.
Josiah held him tightly, kissing his hair. “I’ve got you, love. Let it out. Let it all out,” he murmured as Alex pressed his face into his shoulder, exhausted, his body heaving with the raw aftermath of his outburst.
Just a reminder that:
- The Dark Water series must be read in this order:
Crocodile Tears | Ghost Eye | The Lost Zone | The Quarterlands
Dark Water contains dark adult themes and scenes. Check the content advisory listed in the Author’s Notes for each book if you have concerns.
