Dark Water Book 4: The Lost Zone
The Quarterlands
An MM Romantic Thriller (Dark Water Book 4)
The truth will set them free. Or destroy them both.
⭐ All About Romance Favourite Book 2025 ⭐
Josiah is facing the ultimate showdown against his powerful enemy. If he fails, he’ll lose both Alex and his freedom. But winning might cost him even more.
To catch a killer, Josiah must return to the one place he swore he’d never go again—home. There, buried in the Quarterlands, lies the key to solving Elliot Dacre’s murder.
Meanwhile, Alex surrenders to his captor’s desires, playing a deadly game of deception. But as the charade corrodes his sanity, the line between performance and reality begins to blur.
When Josiah’s relentless investigation finally uncovers the devastating secret Alex has hidden from everyone, it forces an explosive confrontation that will change their relationship forever.
In this shattering finale, the past demands its reckoning. Can two broken men build a future on a foundation of lies? Or will the truth destroy everything they’ve fought for?
The Dark Water series concludes. 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.
Readers are saying:
“I read this in a single sitting, unable to set it aside for real life. Truths finally emerge, and the ripple effect caused by those revelations impacts everyone down to their core. Highly recommended series with wonderful twists and turns all the way through.” – Karen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Did I cry for like half of this book? Yes. Would I do this to myself again? Also yes. This series will stay in my mind for a long time…” – Vesta ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was the perfect ending. What an absolutely epic tale this series was. This series is going to be a frequent reread for me for the foreseeable future.” – Alissa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes:
- Broken Boys
- Enemies to Lovers
- Captive/Captor
- Dark Romance
- Slow Burn
- Hurt/Comfort
- Forced Proximity
- Touch-Starved/Emotional Awakening
- Redemption Arc
Reader Reviews For The Quarterlands
“God, it’s finally over… but why does it have to be over already?? 😢
I dove into this book the moment it hit my library and absolutely inhaled it… a wonderful conclusion to this story arc.” Susanne ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Truths finally emerge, and the ripple effect, caused by those revelations, impact everyone down to their core. I read this in a single sitting, unable to set it aside for real life. Highly recommended series with wonderful twists and turns all the way through it.“ Karen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Everyone, and I mean everyone, gets their perfect ending… I loved how even at the very end of the book I was on my toes wondering how things were going to truly end up… LOVE LOVE LOVED this entire series… I’m sad, i’m happy, ahh I miss it already!!” Laurie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I never saw the ending coming and what an unexpected twist. This series will keep you at the edge of your seat the entire time. A brilliant read that I would highly recommend.” Lisa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Another fantastic continuation of one of the best series I have read in a while. I love the mystery, romance, hurt, and a very touch-starved man. The story between Josiah and Alex is written so beautifully. The conclusion of this story was so fantastic. I felt what they were going through; that’s how well Xanthe Walter writes her books.“ Nicole ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was the perfect ending. What an absolutely epic tale this series was. I am so glad I took the journey!! This series is going to be a frequent reread for me for the foreseeable future. It is definitely one of my top reads of the year!!” Alissa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This whole series has been amazing and book 4 was no exception. The climatic ending and all the twists, turns and secrets. The characters are done so well and the world building pulls you in.” Sara ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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
