If You Break

The Redeemed #1

by J. Rose, Jessalyn Thorn

Death is just the beginning.
Welcome to your afterlife.

I’ve spent my entire life in the shadows. Alone. Abandoned. Afraid. The years of mindless abuse didn’t matter to me as long as I kept my sister safe.

Until that night, when everything changed as I bled to death in the darkness. My fight was over.

Then I woke up.
Terrified, scarred… but alive.

Forced back into a body I’ve spent years longing to escape, I’m initiated into the world's best kept secret. The undead society of The Redeemed.

A motley collection of lost causes resurrected by a mysterious force, these impossible creatures have spent a millennium hiding their wealth and power.

But with enemies circling and a civil war brewing, this strange new world is teetering on the verge of collapse.

They say I’m their saviour. The ultimate weapon. All I want is to run, but I can’t abandon the two halves of my soul that claimed me the moment our eyes locked.

I’m the key to ending it all.
If I live long enough to tell the tale.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Dark Romance, Reverse Harem, M F M, Romance, Why Choose

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2024

About the author

J Rose is an independent dark romance author from the United Kingdom. She writes challenging, plot-driven stories packed full of angst, heartbreak and broken characters fighting for their happily ever afters.

She’s an introverted bookworm at heart with a caffeine addiction, penchant for cursing and an unhealthy attachment to fictional characters.

Feel free to reach out on social media, J Rose loves talking to her readers!

Enquiries: j_roseauthor@yahoo.com

Stalk J Rose here:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials

Newsletter sign up:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials

Buy J Rose's books:
www.jroseauthor.com/books

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic unique dark twisted story! I was hooked from the first few pages on Lexi's tragic story. So many wonderful complex characters that make you feel so many emotions. An amazing original plot that has so many twists you don't know what to expect.
Highly recommend you read this. I can't wait for book two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J. Rose]

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: mybook.to/Redeemed1

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/46wG4dq

Author’s Note: If You Break (The Redeemed #1) is an urban fantasy ménage romance and book one in The Redeemed series.

[Nγx ❦ {CLOSED ACCOUNT} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this book and the only two things going through my mind are 𝐖.𝐎.𝐖! And 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐓!

]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
This is a journey of discovery, where every choice past and present will define how our Heroine will live in this new hidden world. Where does she fit in or if she even does. But after everything that she undured, Mentally. Physically. Emotionally. She will slowly realize that despite it all she is still standing, still fighting to get control over her life, body, heart and soul. And that makes her a 𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐍 brave woman and survivor. And these moments of understanding, of recognition that she is not longer a victim or powerless, will let her start to 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋. And it makes all the pain of waking up in this hell after being ripped from her 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐔𝐋 Meadow worth it in the end. Because now she knows exactly her worth and strength. And she'll be Dammed before letting anyone control her again or stop her from living her life.
One that she 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃 back and won't let go of without a fight.

]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
I also 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 all of the characters. They were very well written and Lexi couldn't have asked for better friends or companions in her new journey. Which make me wish we had different POV because I would have loved to know certain characters inner monologs and thoughts. Because lexi's were very funny and so relatable sometimes. 100% Recommend. But read the several TW beforehand. This is not a story for everyone. This is a Dark Fantasy so be sure to know your own limits and what you can handle.

[Ewok_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
Bonded Mates
Strong FMC
Forced Proximity
Enemies to lovers (just a bit)
Touch her and D!3
Secret Society
Found Family

There was just something so addicting to this book. I could not put it down. It gave me a Bond’s That Tie by J. Bree & Die For Me by Amy Plum vibes in all of the best ways! I loved that she was bonded to not one, but TWO smokin hot daddies 🥵🥵. The only thing I was wish this book had was POV's from both Daniel and Valentine. But other than that, the book was perfect. The plot was a steady pace the entire time, and you just fall in love with all the characters. The ending left me reeling, and i need book 2 immediately. I can't wait to see where this story takes us.

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
He kisses me like the world is crumbling around us, and we’re both running for our damn lives, on the verge of falling off that dangerous precipice. I can’t breathe, and I don’t even want to. Not now. I’d rather drown in his arms. I’ll go willingly. Gladly. If it means I can stay here with him.

J Rose is one of my favorite Dark Contemporary Romance authors, and I was thrilled to pick up her alter-ego’s newest offering. If You Break is a dark and emotional urban fantasy with a strong FMC trauma survivor, a secret society of undead, a decades-long war, and accidental soul bonds.

I loved the unique world Jessalyn created! Especially her take on the undead – they aren’t mindless zombies. Instead, they retain all elements from their lives, with some added magical abilities (and a near-immortal status).

Told exclusively in Lexi’s POV, we form close connections to her trauma and emotions. I would have loved the males’ POVs – to get insight into Daniel’s heartache and Valentine’s all-encompassing joy at finding his soul-bonded mate.

Slower burn and mildly spicy, this is a ménage MFM relationship.

If You Break is the first book in The Redeemed series. It ends in a cliffhanger. I am looking forward to seeing where the story leads.


Genre: Urban Fantasy
Tropes/Features: Dark element warning (check TW), Secret society, mild enemies to lovers, forced proximity, soul bonds, chosen family, strong FMC, trauma survivor, touch her and die, prophecies, angst
POV: Single 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Ménage – MFM, slower burn, mild spice
Book Type/Ending: Book one in The Redeemed series, cliffhanger ending
TW/CW: Available in book

[Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, so this was definitely not a book for me. I've been testing the waters trying to read outside of my comfort zone but I've come to the conclusion that Urban Fanstasy isn't for me or at least this book wasn't.

I absolutely loved the premise and the synopsis had caught my attention but quite honestly I was bored after the first 50% of the book. I ended up skipping to end by the last 20%. Now like I said, this is totally a me thing and by far not the author! I do want to try other books by her but I probably won't retry this one in the future.

I do recommend all my fantasy lovers to try this one out because you might love it and I want people to love it and not base this book off of a romance readers opinion.

[Beth Faz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY incredible. This book had it allll. Genuinely one of those books where you couldn’t put it down if you wanted to, and you get a little sad when you’re coming to an end because you never want it to end. I NEED book two immediately!
I fell in love with Lexi, the super strong FMC, and her story. The character building was beautiful - Jessalyn is amazing at building suspense. The timing, to me, felt perfect. The love-triangle was beautifully written and nice read, and each character’s character building was amazing. I found myself completely lost in this world & I cannot wait for book two.

[M.J. Lawrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just… WOW!! Oh my goodness. What a rollercoaster that was.

If you break is the first in this series, and I simply can’t wait till the next one.
It’s an incredible book but certainly not for the faint of heart. So be warned. But if you love dark, thrilling, exciting and twisted tales with a hot love story winding through the chapters, then this is certainly for you. I know that it was for me.

Lexi is a fierce woman, hell she would have to be to have gone through what she has and still have the strength and courage she does. (I love me a strong female MC) Haunted by a dark and twisted secret that ended up tragically, and rather violently, taking her life, she must now come to terms with a future of living in the shadows as a member of a society that calls themselves 'The Redeemed'. And little does she know the future role that she must play in their extremely uncertain future and their very survival. (So to speak, considering they’ve already died once)

This story pulled at my heartstrings and had me gripping the very edge of my seat throughout. I love a dark tale, one that gets my heart racing and that sticks with me long after I have closed the final page and boy… did this one tick all the boxes.

Beautifully written. Characters that draw you in and keep you with them every step of the way. Astounding world-building and creatively described.
AND THAT ENDING!!! Holy moly.

It's an awesome book and I highly recommend!

[MeriLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to this fantasy series!

First of all I want to thank Miss Jessalyn and Valentine PR for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful book early! Secondly, happy release day!
.
Read if you like..
🔥 Fated Mates
🔥 Afterlife Secret Society
🔥 Forced Proximity
🔥 Badassery
🔥 MFM Romance
🔥 Secrets & Betrayals
🔥 Prophecies
.
The only thing that’s ever been easy in Lexi’s life is her love and devotion to her baby sister. She’s always done whatever it takes to care for Eve until one night Lexi meets a fate she could never have predicted and wakes up dead.. yes you heard me correctly. When Lexi wakes she’s in a strange place with strange rules and she finds she’s the newest member of a secret undead society called ‘The Redeemed’.
.
This is only the beginning for Lexi as she learns she’s been gifted powers in her afterlife and not one but TWO fated mates who just so happen to hate each other.. Daniel and Valentine have a dark shared past and they aren't too thrilled to see each other again.. lets just say that all that tension builds quite nicely.. overtime Lexi begins to long for these men who she thinks she doesn’t deserve. As she begins to fall for them, she starts hating what the fates have in store for her a little bit less. Just when she thinks she’s got all the information she can handle, she realizes both sides of this war want to use her and her gift. So in this war of life and death, who can she trust and who will betray her?..

[Kacie Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

”That monster took something that wasn’t his. Your life belongs to you, and if it’s the last thing I do on this mortal plane, I will convince you that you deserve the fucking world.”

A really intriguing start to this fantasy romance trilogy! I found the background of the Redeemed and Lexi’s introduction to this new “afterlife” scenario to be interesting and a unique storyline to recent series that I’ve read that involve supernaturals with “powers”. I loved the incorporation of fated mates/soul bonds in the romance portion and I think fans of The Bonds That Tie series should check this one out for sure. I have to admit that I found a very hard time connecting with Lexi, the FMC, in the first half of the story but that could just be me. The girl has been through so much trauma and I think she’s going to have a much more healthy outlet for it with the ménage romance as the plot progresses. I’m absolutely feral for Daniel and Valentine though 🥵🥵🥵 I love me some mates with dirty mouths! I will definitely continue the series after that cliffhanger I very much want to know what will happen to our characters as the war begins to rage.

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal unique dark twisted and complex story this was ! I was hooked from the first couple pages of Lex’s tragic heartbreaking story .This was such a good read . The emotions, the plot the complex characters it all makes for a fantastic dark romance ! Definitely recommend and a definite must read! Can’t wait for more from this author and because yes it does end on a cliffhanger but it’s oh so good !

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Desiree Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi is just a girl holding on by a thread; who is no stranger to trauma. All she wants in life is to take care of her younger sister and keep her safe. Lexi is thrown into the world of the “Redeemed” when she wakes up in a strange place after being unalived on the side of the road. She has a second chance at life, but at what cost? Thankfully she has not one, but two soul bound mates to help her navigate. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book…. This one ends on a little cliffy for sure. 10/10 recommend and as always make sure to check those trigger warning.

[Ari Loves All The Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author never disappoints!! && this has me hooked. I absolutely love the mystery that this book instills in you while reading, but towards the end of the book, gives you answers as well. A lot of books just don't answer questions and leaves you confused, but not this book. It has me on edge wanting to find out what happens next and who else could be involved with Caine. I love the two love interests. Great book!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If You Break revolves around Lexi, Daniel, and Valentine.

Lexi has led a hard life and has faced things that a girl shouldn’t have to endure. One bad night and Lexi awakes somewhere strange. She wonders what happened to her and what he did to her this time, but then everything comes back to her. She needs to get back to her sister, but she just doesn’t know what she is going to face in the coming days.

Great start and I can’t wait until the next book.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

I really enjoyed this until it became too wordy and I found myself wanting to skip ahead. I thought the beginning half was stronger than the second half.

[Thea™]

🥀𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧🥀
The Redeemed, an Urban Fantasy Ménage Romance series written under my new pen name
Jessalyn Thorn Author is coming in Spring 2024!
I’m so stoked to share this announcement with you all. My debut series, The Redeemed, is making its come back under Jessalyn’s PNR and fantasy brand. Lexi, Valentine & Daniel are back!
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗗👇
🥀 Secret society of the undead
🥀 Life after death
🥀 Fated mates
🥀 Love triangle
🥀 Rich, complex world-building
🥀 Urban fantasy setting
🥀 Ancient beings
🥀 Overcoming trauma
🥀 Strong badass FMC
🥀 Dark, bloody & violent
🥀 Politics, intrigue & mystery
🥀 Slow burn romance
🥀 Steam & spicy k!nks
𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗦 & 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗘👇
This whole trilogy will release in 2024 and will be complete. Book one is up for pre-order now and here’s a publishing schedule for Jessalyn’s first series.
𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸: February 22nd 2024
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹: Summer 2024
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲: Winter 2024
This is a brand new pen name for me and a totally new direction so all pre-orders are very gratefully received if you’d like to support my work! 🥰

[Heartofhomesteadreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I would like to say how beautiful this cover is! It was the first thing that pulled me into reading this book and after reading the blurb, I knew I had to have it. Through this book we see a traumatized girl that needs to overcome her past to save her future. The copious amounts of internal dialogue adds to the story as it helps us understand this complex character.

Lexi has grown up only having herself to count on. Lost in the days and days of abuse, she must hold on to save her sister. But luck, if you can call it that, ends and she is murdered by her abuser. Fast-forward to weeks later she finds herself thrust away from her sanctuary and thrown into a world she never knew existed.

“I knew the darkness well. It was my friend, my confidante, my protector. The comforting shadow I associated with my formative years. The sickness of another may have put me in the darkness but my mind was the entity that embraced it.”

J Rose does a great job creating a world that you can see through her words. As stated above the internal dialogue is well written and gives you the words you need to create the scene and understand the peril they find themselves in.

This twisted, dark book was a joy to read and captured me from the very beginning. After the cliffhanger she left us with at the end of the book, I cannot wait to see how this series continues!

[Isla Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. First of all, just wow. This book promises quite a ride and delivers on that promise. So well-thought-out and delivered. It reminded me, just a bit, of an Australian show I watched called Glitch, and also another show called The Returned. The type of stuff that keeps me glued to my seat. Author J. Rose has a unique writing voice, her intelligence is always shining through in word-choice and in the care with which you can feel this story was put together. For a debut novel, J. Rose's work here is nearly faultless, and I am looking forward to following Lexi (and her hot men) into the next book. If you're a fan of mystery, and not opposed to MFM (Seriously, I need to see a LOT more of Daniel and Valentine), this is the start of a great series! Do what the author says, and buckle up.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a fascinating world I landed into. Lexi took me on a journey of inner strength, survival and trust as she navigated a new world after her old world of torment died. A great read and an engaging storyline. There was a lot of internal dialogue which made the book a bit long, but I didn’t find anyone of it redundant and it helped me understand the internal struggle of an abuse survivor and what it takes to move forward. I’m eager to read book 2 of Lexi’s story and find out 1.) How her romantic relationship develops (love a good and steamy MFM) and 2.) What role will Lexi play in the internal war of the Redeemed.

[Samantha Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you break J Rose

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Trigger Warning rape and abuse

🔥 Reincarnation
🔥 Secret society
🔥 Big secrets
🔥Fated Destiny
🔥 Eggplant count 2

Holy cow this wasn't what I was expecting at all. It's a thick slow read but sets the world up for an explosive battle in book 2. I can't wait to see Lexi burn the world down for Evie.
#SASBOOKREVIEWS

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

WAAAAAAAAAY TO MUCH inner dialogue! Didn’t get very far based on that alone. I’m sure it’s a good and well written book but just wish it got to the point at SOME point and because of that unfortunately, I couldn’t continue, which stunk because I like these kinds of book genres.😐

[April Davadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark themed slow burn mfm romance

You meet Lexi a young girl who has woke up only to remember that she was brutality murdered . Lexi is thrusted into the world of the Redeemed full of century old secrets , a group of people who have long passed but go through reincarnation and are no longer apart of the real world but a world of their own .


This story was full of mystery with a suspense that kept you in your toes . There's new friendship ,betrayal and a start of new romance . This definitely has dark themes to it as throughout the story Lexi has fits of PTSD of her murder and abuse of her previous life .
This has a strong elements feel to it but so much more . I loved this first story in the series . I'll be waiting for the next as it does end with a cliffhanger .


5 stars

[sophie collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I loved the book and the journey it takes you on well worth the read . Dying for book 2 . Lexi is strong and I'm dying for her to get her sister and friend back I hope she burns them all . She finally stepping up and over coming such overbearing odds . It is an amazing and heart wrenching story . Loved every minute of it

[Nicole Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowwwwwwww
I honestly don’t know how to put into words what I just read! This book invokes so many emotions from the first page I was pulled into this dark world!! This book was absolutely brilliant!! This author did an amazing job with the writing of this. Everything flow together so well. The main character Lexi goshhh what that poor girl went through!! Absolutely heartbreaking. There was several times during this book when Lexi would break down and I seriously felt it all the way down in my bones.

THIS BOOK IS JUST ALL AROUND AMAZING!!!!
Definitely a must read!!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great slow burn!

I loved this story. Lexi is a strong character that doesn't come off as annoying. Both the Hs I look forward to seeing much more if in the series.... the only down fall is the cliff hanger!!!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very interesting..I have never read anything quite like it before. At first when i read the blurb I was thinking it was gonna be a shifter book or vampires or something like that. I was more then surprised when i started reading this book to learn that it was nothing along those lines... and then intrigued as i read more and learned what was going on... and from there i just got sucked further and further into the story the more I read. The concept of this story was original, the world building was amazing, and the characters were excellent. It is a world that i want to know so much more about. Everybody has so many secrets and hidden agendas that were just starting to come to light at the end of this book and i wasn't ready for it to end. I found myself wanting to know so much more. I can't wait for the next book in this series so I can get some of those answers.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew the darkness well. It was my friend, my confidante, my protector. The comforting shadow I associated with my formative years. The sickness of another may have put me in the darkness, but my mind was the entity that embraced it. And the individual facets each had their own name. Their perpetrator, their blame. I needed it all now. All the misery was required to fuel my furious flames.

Where do I even begin with this book?!
I went in blind, not even reading what it was about.
In the words of J, “This isn’t a pretty story, so buckle up. You’re in for a ride.”
SHE IS NOT WRONG!
She fed me fucking breadcrumbs and sadisticly laughed as I ate them up.

This story is a mystery and you will be guessing at every little not subtle hint she drops. You will follow it trying to guess where it’s going until she hits you with more information that you didn’t see coming and blows that yellow brick road the fuck up. You are not ready for where this goes because there are more questions than answers. You will be screaming obscenities at her, wanting and NEEDING more.

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

J Rose was not kidding when she said we were in for a ride, because holy cannoli Batman!

If You Break centers around Lexi, who after a violent death ends up being brought back to life. She becomes a part of a secret society filled with thousands of people like herself called The Redeemed. Unlike the others, Lexi remembers and because of that could be the key to their survival.

This book is phenomenal and sucked me in from the very beginning. I legit binged the whole thing in a few hours, and THAT FREAKING ENDING!!!!! Ahhhh! Cannot wait for the second book!

[D.V. Eeden · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS JUST AMAZING!!

If you love dark, messed up shit then this needs to go on your TBR now...
JRose really broke me with her debut novel, and I must admit, I am not one for paranormal reads but this gets you hooked from the start.
Her style of writing is immaculate and captivating and I wasn't bored once. I felt like I was reading a book by someone who has been writing for years!!

Trust me you will not be disappointed!!

**I read If You Break as an ARC readers and my review and rating is completely mine and honest**

[Paige (paigersturnspages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️Arc review✨️

If You Break by Jessalyn Thorn

Redeemed # 1


🔥Enemies to Lovers
✨️Urban Fantasy Romance
🌶Ménage x MFM
✨️Reborn x Secret Society
🔥Slow Burn
🖤Badass Fmc
🌶Soul Bound
✨️Age Gap
🖤No third act breakup
✨️Cliffhanger

Please check your tw. 🖤

We start this urban fantasy romance in the world of Lexi and her family. With her mother gone and her father being an alcoholic, she's left to fend for herself as well as raising her little sister. With no one to look after them, something sinister takes hold and winds up getting lexi unalived. She takes comfort in her de@th, laying peaceful in a beautiful meadow, but the vitae has a different story for her.

She's brought back to life as one of the Redeemed and with special powers, I might add. Everyone thinks Lexi is part of this big prophecy of someone great being brought to them, but everyone is out for themselves.

In comes not one but two gorgeous men who are supposed to be her "bonded," but something else is lying ahead of them. Will they decide to stick together and figure out whats happening, or will their past push them apart.


Those dang cliffhangers, but it's a great spot to leave off into the next book. Im not really a fantasy girl, but jessaylyn is also known as J. Rose just made me a fantasy romance stan. Talk about two men who are bonded to you but will burn the world down to protect you, a badass fmc who doesnt take shit from anyone, scenes that will make you blush, its a slow burn but the subtle touches, dirty words, and the flirting, oh my gosh, dont get me wrong i love the smutty smut but the subtle, sweet scenes have my heart.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

Thank you, and thank you to Valentine Pr and J. Rose/Jessalyn Thorn for this action-packed, beautiful world building arc. I'm so lucky to be a part of J. Roses Arc team!!!!!!!!! 🌹


Available now!!