Fragments

Alabaster Penitentiary #4

by Nyla K.

Survival is all that matters in here.
Still, it gets tricky when evil lurks around every corner, wanting to play.
To the arsonist, everything is a game.
Warren Xavier is Alabaster Pen’s resident manipulative liar. The former pretty boy prince of Manhattan’s elite is now locked away with the rest of us. Nothing but time to sit and stew… Scheme and obsess. And I’m the unlucky soul he’s made the object of his cunning affections.
On the outside, I would never entertain the kinds of things Ren wants from me… Unfortunately, being trapped for so long in such a hellish place can wear down even the strongest of minds.
I’d be a fool to fall into his mess of lustful deviance again. After all, I’ve been burned before.
But that silver tongue is wrapped right around my heart. The next time his flames engulf me… I might let them.

Prison life can be fun when you hold the handcuff keys in your sullied hands.
My skills give me power over guards, prisoners… Pretty much everyone. I control these men without lifting a finger. Maybe bending at the waist...
But not him. Not the one I truly want .
Lex “Luthor” Deon is too perfect to be rotting in this dungeon. He’s a hacker, a genius ; a shimmering diamond lodged in a dreary black pit of decay. Sweet, loyal… inexperienced.
In short, he’s way too good for me.
But I’m too stubborn and volatile to ever let him go.
I won’t allow fragments of the past ruin us. When it all comes crumbling down, Lex will have to make a choice… Risk everything, or play it safe.
Whether he likes it or not, he wants to believe me…
But sometimes even I can’t tell when I’m lying.


** Fragments is a dark MM romance set in the world of Alabaster Penitentiary. While it follows a new couple with their own HEA, it is recommended to read the rest of the series first to avoid spoilers and get the full effect of the Isle. May contain sensitive subject matter. Heed foreword and proceed with caution.**

Genres: M M Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Second Chance, LGBT

558 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2023

About the author

Author of Flipping Hot Fiction. I write big books and I cannot lie, *insert smirky face*. Specializing in LGBTQ+ representation.

Nyla K is a quirky world-traveler with a sailor mouth and a filthy mind. She writes the dark, and the dirty, but most importantly, UNIQUE romantic fiction. Her smutty and taboo love stories are not for the faint of heart, so beware!

Nyla believes in the relevant, boundary-pushing, mind-bending side of erotic fiction, which is always what to expect from her. If you're looking for the same old story, you won't get that with Nyla K. But if you want complex characters, and stories that stick in your mind like a bad case of crabs... you've come to the right place ;).

Reviews

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There are no heroes in this world. Just villains with a better disguise."

I promised myself I would not get tangled up in his web again.
He broke my heart once, and I don’t think I can survive it again.
I can't escape the prison I'm in, but I sure as hell can try to escape him.
At least that's what I hope.

"When people see you as bad, they stop expecting you to be good."

Lexington is a genius hacker stuck in Alabaster Penitentiary. He can't escape. He knows that. He's not going to try and change that.
Warren Xavier is also in Alabaster Penitentiary. And wouldn't you know it, he has his eyes set on one thing. And he will do anything to have Lex.
Even if it means pushing him away in the process.

"Because when people treat you like a villain your whole life, eventually you become one."

Yes!!! It has finally arrived!!
I have been waiting for Lex and Ren's story since "Distorted" and I was not disappointed one bit!!

"Because he's mine. Whether he wants to be or not."

Now this book was a BEAST!! I ate it up but with 700 pages of story there was a lot!!
But I could not put it down for one second!! I was obsessed!!

We come back to Alabaster Pen in this telling of Ren and Luthor's story while also incorporating scenes from "Distorted", "Joyless", and "Brainwashed". And we see Lex and Ren's relationship from when they came into Alabaster Penn, what they did to get in there, and the "present" if you will.

"What happened between Lex and me was inevitable."

Now I love me some shy hacker boy MMC. And Lex ticks all of those boxes!! Boy genius hacker with a heart of gold that just happens to hack into one of Americas most secure data bases? Sign me up!!
I have loved him since we saw him in Dash's story and finally we get to see have his moment in the spotlight in this book!!

"He makes me nervous. He always has, and I've never been able to understand why."

And then we have Ren. Sweet beautiful sassy hilarious Ren.
I always wondered what Ren did that made Luthor be so hot and cold towards him through the first three books and yikes I got it!
But honestly, I cried in this book a little and all of it was because of Ren and his backstory.
I am not saying that what he did was right in any way but I am saying that his story is really painful and he needs to be protected! Preferably with Lex there as well.

"He's mine. He just doesn't know it yet."

This book was beautiful and I loved every second of it.
Don't get me wrong "Brainwashed" is still my favourite but this one climbed up the list I can tell you that!
The action, the romance, the story, the "cliffhanger"!!! OMG I can't wait for Shadowman honestly!
Nyla K has my wallet at this point and I have no complaints.

"The thing about evil is that it masquerades as good. True evil doesn't look like a monster with horns and a forked tongue. It's beautiful, charming, and powerful… An exceptional liar, and a master at manipulating its camouflage."

Update for reread!
We have a playlist and like the book it is a BEAST but it is so worth it (as always it is added to Nyla K.'s amazing playlist)💅💅

(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xq... )

🎵 "Dial Drunk" - Noah Kahan, Post Malone
🎵 "Slut! (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "The Villain" - John Michael Howell
🎵 "Homesick" - Noah Kahan, Sam Fender
🎵 "Bad Luck" - Noah Kahan
🎵 "Worst of You" - Maisie Peters
🎵 "Numb" - Linkin Park
🎵 "feel something" - Bea Miller
🎵 "idontwannabeyouanymore" - Billie Eilish
🎵 "parents" - YUNGBLUD
🎵 "Elastic Heart - Rock Version" - Written by Wolves
🎵 "GASOLINE" - Maneskin
🎵 "Ocean Eyes" - American Avenue
🎵 "Consequences" - Camila Cabello
🎵 "lovely liar" - Stevie Howie
🎵 "Half A Man" - Dean Lewish
🎵 "Hated" - YUNGBLUD
🎵 "feelings" - EMELINE
🎵 "Lyin' To Myself - Remix" - Todrick Hall
🎵 "Chasing Shadows" - Alex Warren
🎵 "dying on the inside" - Nessa Barrett
🎵 "BABY SAID" - Maneskin
🎵 "doomsday" - Lizzy McAlpine
🎵 "Why Am I Like This?" - Orla Gartland
🎵 "Spectrum" - Florence + The Machine
🎵 "Call Out My Name - Live" - The Weeknd
🎵 "Happy Face" - Jagwar Twin
🎵 "Shameless" - Camila Cabello
🎵 "Ghost Of You" - 5 Seconds Of Summer
🎵 "Drama Club" - Melanie Martinez
🎵 "Attention" - Charlie Puth
🎵 "Waiting for Superman" - Daughtry
🎵 "Drinking With Cupid" - VOILA
🎵 "I Would Hate Me Too" - TX2
🎵 "Lay All Your Love On Me" - The Butterfly Effect
🎵 "Madeleine" - Good Kid
🎵 "BLURRY" - Neoni
🎵 "Nervous" - The Neighbourhood
🎵 "I Want To" - Rosenfeld
🎵 "Constellations - Piano Version" - Jade LeMac
🎵 "Hurts Like Hell" - Fleurie, Tommee Profitt
🎵 "Like A Villain" - Bad Omens
🎵 "Young And Beautiful" - Lana Del Rey
🎵 "Flames" - R3HAB, ZAYN, Jungleboi
🎵 "Fire Up The Night" - New Medicine
🎵 "You've Created a Monster" - Bohnes
🎵 "Pray" - JRY, RuthAnne
🎵 "Complicated" - Olivia O'Brien
🎵 "Sinners" - Ari Abdul, Thomas LaRosa
🎵 "Chokehold" - Sleep Token
🎵 "Hurts So Good" - Astrid S
🎵 "Forget Me" - Lewis Capaldi
🎵 "I'm Not A Saint" - Billy Raffoul
🎵 "greedy sped up" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Hypnotic" - Zella Day
🎵 "K." - Cigarettes After Sex
🎵 "Paranoid" - Palaye Royale
🎵 "Haunting Me" - Loveless
🎵 "Wannabe" - Austin Giorgio
🎵 "Color - Remix" - Todrick Hall
🎵 "Take It out on Me" - Bohnes
🎵 "Don't Give Up On Me" - Andy Grammer
🎵 "To My Knees" - Two Feet
🎵 "FUCK" - SNOW WIFE
🎵 "Die For Me" - Post Malone, Halsey, Future
🎵 "Bring Me To Life" - Evanescence
🎵 "Have Faith In Me" - A Day To Remember
🎵 "Flames" - Tedy
🎵 "Harder To Breathe" - Letdown.
🎵 "My Last Breath" - Evanescence
🎵 "Mr. Loverman" - Ricky Montgomery
🎵 "Line Withou A Hood" - Ricky Montgomery
🎵 "Slow Down" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "Friends" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "I'm a Sucker for a Liar in a Red Dress" - Adam Jensen
🎵 "Only Love Can Hurt Like This - Slowed Down Version" - Paloma Faith
🎵 "One Life" - Dermot Kennedy
🎵 "Sorry" - Justin Bieber
🎵 "Treat Me Like A Slut" - Kim Petras
🎵 "Unholy" - Sam Smith, Kim Petras
🎵 "The Summoning" - Sleep Token
🎵 "Sweetest Pie" - Megan Thee Stallion, Dua Lipa
🎵 "fOoL fOr YoU" - ZAYN
🎵 "Don't Blame Me" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Can You Hold Me" - NF, Britt Nicole
🎵 "Tattoo" - Loreen
🎵 "LOSER" - Neoni
🎵 "Chasing Cars" - Snow Patrol
🎵 "Lovesick" - Jenna Raine
🎵 "I'm a Mess" - Bebe Rexha
🎵 "ME MYSELF AND YOU" - Braden Bales
🎵 "Blinding Lights" - All Time Low
🎵 "Collide" - Normandie
🎵 "I'm Tired" - Zendaya, Labrinth
🎵 "If I Can't Have You" - Shawn Mendes
🎵 "sloppy" - KiNG MALA, USAHL
🎵 "Love The Way You Hate Me" - Like A Storm
🎵 "Selfish" - Madison Beer
🎵 "Red Flags" - Mimi Webb
🎵 "I'm yours sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎵 "Kryptonite (Reloaded)" - Jeris Johnson
🎵 "Desire" - MEG MYERS
🎵 "Sleepless" - Dutch Melrose
🎵 "Hot Mess" - Zoe Clark
🎵 "Guilty" - BOBI ANDONOV
🎵 "Beautiful Things" - Benson Boone
🎵 "Smoke - Son Lux Remix" - BOBI ANDONOV, S0n Lux
🎵 "Hold Me Down" - Halsey
🎵 "I Feel Like I'm Drowning" - Two Feet
🎵 "Lightning" - Little Mix
🎵 "Make It To Me" - Sam Smith
🎵 "die first" - Nessa Barrett
🎵 "blind" - ROLE MODEL

Tropes :
💚Frenemies to Lovers
💚Forced Proximity (Prison)
💚Touch Him and Die
💚It's always been you
💚Shy hacker x fuckboy

Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C22SsHdodrl/

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 2 out of 5]

idk what the fuck happened, but when the first 38% of the story was the only interesting part (as in, it seemed promising) and the rest after became worse and worse?? this had potential and i think that's what i hated the most bc the tension between Ren and Lex in the first 38% was SO good. i was literally on the edge of my seat with their interactions but everything after the ménage scene just went downhill and it wasn't just bc of that since, fine, i spoiled myself so i expected that scene to happen (didn't mean i liked it) but when it doesn't even get better after that? that's when it lost me. yeah i regret being excited over this when it was only gonna disappoint me anyways. it's also funny how Ren and Lex intrigued me at first but i didn't like them at all by the end.


Parker, Joy, Velle, Rook, Felix and Lem are the only ones that matter to me. <3

[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fragments is a fantastic second-chance romance between Ren and Luthor. They are one complicated couple that goes through quite a journey together. I loved how this story took its time due to the complicated personal issues both Ren and Luthor have. The time spent on their healing and growth was expertly done.

One of my favorite aspects of the story is the five years spent with these two. Their initial meeting contains an instant attraction, which confuses Luthor and excites Ren. I enjoyed having different Ren and Luthor personalities. Luthor is a shy brainiac, whereas Ren is confident and direct with his sexuality.

Another wonderful aspect of this story is the strong-found family element. These two are stuck in Alabaster Penitentiary for over five years and make strong connections with other inmates and guards. I loved getting this added perspective with the story and the added perspective on events that occurred in Distorted. There are some shocking reveals that left me gasping. a

Overall Fragments is an epic read that left me wanting more from these two. Their journey to a HEA is complicated and intense but made me so happy at the end while keeping me invested in the next entries of this highly addictive series.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story***

[Rina Pride · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the books in this series that I read, this was the one I liked least (that doesn't mean the book was bad). Rating 4 for fragments, another well-written book by Nyla k!

I love sex scenes, but I think that Nyla k exaggerated a little in the scenes in this book, I understand that one of the protagonists is addicted to sex and totally out of control when he sees dick, but he's still overkill.

I liked Luthor from the first moments he appeared in the story, with Ren it was different. Ren only gained my appreciation halfway through the story. He's not an easy character to like.

I only liked Ren when he decided to be something better than a dick taker 😅

We'll see what will happen in the next books, so far the first book continues to be my favorite because of the plot twist it had in it. Nothing beats the first book and my face when I saw it Dash discovering the truth .

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 5 out of 5]

MM Romance
Prison Debauchery
NOT A STAND-ALONE
5 Stars ⭐️


I didn’t give two shits about this couple so imagine my surprise when I absolutely loved everything about this book and stayed up all night to read it. Two 5 star books in a row? I don’t even recognize myself 🤣 Anyway, I laid there on the couch reading it with the biggest smile on my face, giggling, kicking my feet in the air and gushing over these two delightful morons. The toxic, obsessive possessiveness between the two of them was everythinggggg and they matched each other’s level of crazy which I loved the fuck out of. Even when they “hated” each other they were looking out for each other’s best interests and I ate this shit up.

”Hands folded in his lap, sitting on my bed, he looks like the tastiest, most innocent little snack ever. So sweet… Pure and unsullied in so many ways. Maybe some people would want to preserve that. But not me. I want to be all manners of bad with him, for him… on him. Shit, I probably sound so toxic, but I want to ruin everything about this boy so he’s mine forever.”

I don’t know what I liked more tbh. The nicknames for each other, Ren meeting Lex the first time and becoming so fucking smitten with this shy virgin that he lost all his chill and is instead doing dorky hand gestures that are supposed to be waves 🤭🤭 or the denial mixed with jealousy Lex had been harboring all along until he finally can’t keep it in anymore and screams
“I want to chop their hands off so they can’t touch you, pluck their eyes out so they can��t look at you… Rip their goddamn tongues out so they can never speak another word to you again.” awww sweet boy 💗🫶🏻💗

Nyla K can write some fuck hot sex scenes but this book was another level. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel Ren fucking everything and everyone but omg the proxy stuff was so fucking hot. The fact everyone who fucked him was Lex in his mind made it that much hotter. And then the sex between Ren and Lex was so fucking good. Chapter 26 was just 🥵🥵🥵🥵 The fact they could even share a first together when it came to sex was amazing. And who knew Lex was this virginal but dirty talking sex fiend? Fuck so good! I can only hope she chooses some hot af narrators for that audiobook because I want it just for the sex scenes, all 2000 of them 🤭🤭 I’d totally be down to listen to the duo who did For The Fans Nyla, just saying!!

Also, Nyla K’s attention to detail is fan-fuckin-tastic because this ripped the doors off book 1, Distorted, in a completely new way and revealed some serious WTF moments. I hated that book when I read it but I almost need to go back because it puts things in a new perspective like Dash’s whole relationship with “his officer”. Fucking wild. Thank god I buddy read this with someone (🫶🏻) who remembered Distorted because it’s been years since I read that train wreck and it felt like this weird fever dream where important info was just sitting there on the edge of my periphery but I couldn’t latch onto it. I would have been more confused than I already was 😂

Going forward I can’t say I’m super excited for the next book because for most of this one I didn’t realize Kang and Byron were even the same person 🙄🤣 so a book about him? Ehhh. In my defense, there are 576447 different names in this and at some point they were just all the same guy to me 😂😂😂 However, with Kang’s love interest being a tad psychotic, I’m hoping for something darker, maybe a little unhinged. And, I’m sooo curious to learn more about The Ivory after this book because well…I can’t say, spoilers. 🤐🤭

And lastly, thank you for reading this with me Mug 🫶🏻🫶🏻 I can’t wait to read the next one together. It said 2024 so fingers crossed 🤞🏻 it comes out soon 💗💗

[Mug · Rating 5 out of 5]

LEX AND REN ARE SOOOO DOWN BAD FOR EACH OTHER THE WHOLE TIME😩😩😩 literally the most intoxicating push and pull, even when they hate each other they’re still obsessed and latched on to each other, possessive af, like they can NEVER let each other go no matter what, they’re codependent and toxic and manipulative at times but they literally can’t breathe without each other, like literally everything they fucking do is about each other i swear, they are desperately in love and it drives them crazy and i was screaming the entire time!!!!! nyla also did the damn thing with these sex scenes, they were fuckhot and dirty and sweet and passionate and just ugh😍😍😍😩😩😩🥵🥵🥵

i’m glad i was emotionally prepared for lots of sex on page with others but i honestly didn’t mind it as much as i thought i would, in fact i kinda loved it all💀…..i mean at one point ren screams at lex “you will never get over me. i’ll bend over for every motherfucker in this place until you fucking come back to me!!!” like how is that sexy af and why am i eating this right tf up🤣🤣🤣 but it was and over the course of the book, they actually progressively get a little less toxic and a whole lot sweeter, like i was sat cheesing like a moron half the time bc they’re literally soo fucking cute!!!!! like they’re actually adorable and the fact that ren gets all of lex’s firsts and lex even gets a first from ren🥺🥺🥺🥺 and the nickname sweet flame🥺🥺🥺🥺 fireworks over the ocean🥺🥺🥺🥺 GOODBYE I AM DECEASED😩😩😩😩😩 dash telling ren “he’s never not reaching for you, even if it hurts”😭😭😭 this convo:

“You’re a hot mess, Warren.”
He nods. “The messiest.”
“And the hottest.” My mouth sweeps into a smile while we kiss slowly. “Are you my mess?”
“All yours,” he murmurs. “You’re like my housekeeper.”🤭🥺😩

lex telling ren “no one’s ever belonged to anyone harder than you belong to me”🥺🥺🥺 like godddddddd plssss they’re soulmates and they’re sooo fucking smitten and i love them!!!!!🥺🥺🥺

it also got super exciting at the end with lex and his homemade computer and the storm and the state of the island when they escaped….like the overarching plot had my eyes glued to the page….also every single clue and nugget of info that we learned about the ivory ATE DOWN BAD😩 i want his book asap, except it’s kang and trevel’s book next and idk how i feel about them rn bc they weren’t exactly likable….

also shoutout to megan for making my first buddy read so much fun!!!!🤗💓💓🙌

[lakshmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I love when you talk nerdy to me.”

it took me to read the entire book to realize that I didn’t love this one. From a relationship pov this was A MESS. I also HATED THE FACT THAT EACH BOOK IS LONGER THAN THE LAST. like how is that even possible??? I see them being happy and realize that it’s literally only 68% in???

💗spoiler💗
Honestly, with ren’s sex addiction being a genuine issue, I kind of knew that cheating would be there, especially with the hints from the previous books but what happened between him and the ivory? in the end?? I don’t know how I can move past that? Like it wasn’t even discussed with lex so yeah there’s that.

“His lips quirk, and he huffs. “It was because I could pretend you were punishing me. I wanted it to be you every time, but I also wanted you to be… hurting me. Fucking me up, because that’s what I deserve. For… fucking you up so much.”


but the series overall is shaping up to be sooo addicting. I love all the characters and their friendships and new found flames. I’m so excited to read kang’s book because he’s an intriguing character and the way things ended with him and the rest of the gang has got my interest PEAKED 👀

“The best way to get people to drop their guard is to act like you’re dropping yours.”

the struggles between ren and lex were quite realistic, with them being fugitives and all that fun stuff. So I’m pretty torn between 2 or 3 stars 🤔 because I mean, I loved velle, rook, JOY, FELIX and Lem so so much💗💗

“And I hate myself for still being able to hurt you without even hurting you.”

[Erika Braga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally read this series 2 years ago but somehow I NEVER reviewed or put here on Goodreads. So just know this is not new to me. I am just patiently waiting for the other 2 books in the series.



I REALLYYYYY liked ! I enjoyed Distorted, loved Joyless and Brainwashed . But one thing had been a constant throughout those books, I REALLY REALLY LOVED LUTHOR AND REN and I was dying to read their story and it did NOT disappointed. The angst, the want, the desire, the love, the betrayal and distrust was all so well done. I love LUTHOR so so so so much, he is SO baby girl and probably the ONLY inmate that didn’t deserve to be there and was truly innocent and a good person. Ren is the character I loved to hate him and than I loved him again, as a complex character that he is it is not possible to only love him. But one thing for him was real from the beginning and it was his obsession, possession and love for LUTHOR, he was fucked up and that’s when you hate him because LUTHOR didn’t deserve the disrespect and all, but REN couldn’t let him go since the first day he set eyes on him. In his twisted crazy fucked way, all he did in his mind was for LUTHOR or about him. You can’t help but love him. He ACHES for LUTHOR in a way you barely see so well described in books. The sexual tension between them is WOWWWWWW ! So out of this entire series, this one was the book for me.❤️

[♡ cal ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

❝ No matter how toxic it is, how codependent and confusing and downright fucking stupid, I could never leave Ren. Ever.
I´ll be right here in this prison for as long as he´s here. I´ll fucking die here in this concrete tomb, with him. Because I know he would do the exact same thing for me. ❞

i am deceased. hands down, fragments is the best book so far in this series. hyping myself up for book 6, ivory, as the final installment. as for this one? it was this fcking rollercoaster of emotions for me. i initially thought it was going to suck because the earlier books were really great in pulling the crazy type of romance. and when i say crazy, i mean unhinged dangerous characters who are falling in love. in this book? it was a complete 100% of romance between the mcs, lex and ren. it was this good slowburn, opposites attract, back and forth kind of romance. we got ren who was this sex addict slash sex worker slash arsonist who fell in love with lexington aka the straight tech whiz guy for alabaster pen. the biggest win this book has for me was that the crazy shit was happening around our characters and not between them. it was a breath of fresh air after reading the first two books. lastly, i love how the characters valued their friendship with the other characters from the previous books! but the big villain will be the one concluding the story for the alabaster penitentiary in the next book. wondering how it all will go down.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pros: interesting characters and storyline
Cons: dragged out over 700+ pages. 4th time reading this same timeline of one year in the prison. The scenes with Dash which reveal more to his story are happening too late, I feel we needed this as book 2. By this time I’m over the Dash storyline and the scenes feel repetitive and unnecessary. I loved these two in book one but we have already seen so much of them, so much of their story was rehashed and drawn out. Could have been really good if the author could bear to cull some of their words.

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I didn’t know either… Is this it?? I thought love was supposed to be all shiny and vibrant, warm and freeing and good. Not painful and full of anguish, second-guessing and insecurity. If this is really love, then love sucks balls."

Fragments is the fourth book in the fabulous Alabaster Penitentiary series by the wonderful Nyla K. This is Ren and Luthor's story, but as always in this series there is an over-arching story twisting and wending its way through every book, so in every instalment you get answers to lingering questions from the previous books - and then a shed-load more questions moving on to book 5!

We already had a snapshot view of Ren and Luthor from the previous books, and in particular the sexual favours Ren dishes out like candy in the prison to get what he wants, but the complexity of his character and all of the whys behind the actions were revealed in Fragments. I adored Ren. And what an absolute cinnamon roll Luthor is!

These two certainly had to jump through some fiery hoops on a lonnnnggg road to reach their hard won HEA, but it was so worth it! I don't feel as though this is the last we have seen of these boys in the series,and I really hope they have a part to play in the build up to the finale....

As always, check the author's notes and website if you have any concerns about some of the darker themes in the book (yes, this IS a dark romance series, so no surprise we have dark themes) and then enjoy!

I can't wait for Byron and Fenwick's story next in Shadowman - I can feel it's going to be soooo good....

"My face shifts, and I peer up at the figure, now standing right beside me. It’s the new guy… #102. His irises shine down at me, and I’m instantly held still, just like when he came up to us the other day. It was the first time I saw him, this new inmate who popped out of nowhere with his peculiar eyes the shade of indigo. They’re practically purple. Very odd. And he clearly isn’t shy with the eye contact."

5 locked-down, steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[LifeReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was so excited for Ren and Lex book, and its a beast of a book. I will be brief as this book is hard not to spoil.

Just a warning in case you not aware, this is not dark like Distorted and Brainwashed. I have to say Brainwashed is still my fave book of Nyla’s.

Ren and Lex relationship was always an intrigue in the other books and they are a complex couple. I did struggle with them at points but it was great to see a HEA.

The story in general to the plot of AP had a few moments of anxiety in desperation of wanting to know what and where this is all going as have more questions.

Also, was super happy seeing Dr Love and Felix.

[Lauri MissDysfunktion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fragments is book four in the Alabaster Penitentiary series.

I am absolutely shook by this book. I'm struggling to put the words together properly to express how much I loved this book. In true Nyla fashion it's a rollercoaster of emotions and I'm not even kidding. The emotions in this book are palpable, they characters will have you in an absolute chokehold and take along for the ride.

This story spans years so in some scenes we get to go right back to beginning with Dash, like we have in previous books but as I always say a different narrative always brings new elements. It builds the story so much more.

Ren and Luthor, their relationship always intrigued me right from the beginning of the series so I really did this eat this like it was the last piece of cake! I don't want to spoil their story so I'm keeping it brief but even moment of their journey is so worth it!

If you haven't started Alabaster Penitentiary this is your sign! Start it now, I promise you'll be in for the best ride!

[CC · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t have any expectations of loving this book after I LOVED Distorted and Brainwashed so much, but I didn’t think it was going to end up being such a huge disappointment.

The plot had me frustrated. We already went over the events in Distorted in both Joyless and Brainwashed. There was no need to go over the same story a 3rd time. I wish Fragments would’ve just picked up at the middle/end of Brainwashed.

Lex’s and Ren’s past could’ve been summarized in a prologue. It wasn’t that interesting to begin with.

The second chance romance was lackluster.
Lex was an angsty virginal moody teen and Ren the c*mdumpster of the prison. Aside from some lust, I didn’t see any romantic chemistry between them. I just wanted to Lysol wipe down Lex every time he came into contact with Ren. I guess I wanted an unapologetic sex positive Ren instead of a sex addict Ren.

If I could split this book into two sections for ratings, I would give the first 60% of this book 1 DNF star and the last 40% 5++ stars.

I really hope to enjoy the next book and it’s not another rehash of past events from book 1, but I can’t say I am excited about Trevel and Byron :-(

[Milo (if lost, return to hot fictional character) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is so fucked up but it makes me giggle and kick my feet so i’m not complaining

[Jess Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

F*ck it felt good to be back at Alabaster Penitentiary where the inmates are just as toxic as they are hot, and the secrets aren't the only things you have to watch out for...

Nyla's books always transport me and take me on a journey I never expected but I had my skepticisms about Fragments. Not because I didn't believe in the power of Nyla and her words but because I never really connected with Ren. He was the catalyst for so much destruction but then the minute I am done with him he does something surprising and reels me back in just enough to keep me interested.

Lex has always had my heart though because while he was the smartest of them all, except maybe our resident serial killer he had this softness to him as well. I knew that with all he put up with from Ren there had to be so much more to their story than what we had already been told. And I was right because while we got a bunch of answers and bits filled in from the previous books what we got was not at all what I was thinking. I like to call that the "Nyla Effect" because no matter what you think is coming, I can most certainly guarantee that you are wrong.

While Fragments was not as dark as Distorted or Brainwashed that doesn't mean this was an easy journey. As with all of Nyla's books if nothing else gets you know the emotions will cut your heart out once if not twice. This one was a test of my patience, but this book was a beast and while I devoured it fast, even for me, I was experiencing the gamut of emotions. From sorrow for Lex and anger at Ren but then it was just the all over emotions. Not to mention that EASTER EGG!!! And the damn secrets! Gah, just when I felt like I had a bit of grasp on the situation it was like SECRET, oh wait here is another one and one last one for funsies. Then, THAT ENDING! The lead up for the next book and so much more!

While I haven't mentioned it the spice was top notch and the "baby boy" moments hell, I got all up in my feelings over that because OF COURSE!! It had the signature Nyla spice we have all grown to love and just a touch of the twisted because as I've said, it is Nyla. I can't recommend this book enough if you have fallen in love with the Alabaster Penitentiary series. And if you are a new reader, go back to the beginning and start with Dash's book. You won't regret it.

I've tried to keep this review as spoiler free as possible because I don't want to give anything away and if you are going to read this book just as with the others, do it blindly. Make sure the reviews you are reading are spoiler free and remember CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS! I feel like I say this too much but oh well. The author doesn't deserve a bad review because you didn't check your triggers and you don't deserve to be triggered because you didn't educate yourself.

*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to erase all the others who came before me… Pun intended.

🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 4/5

What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ Dark
🖤 Friends to Lovers
❤️ Forced Proximity
🖤 Virgin/Sex Addict
❤️ Bi Awakening

There are no heroes in this world. Just villains with a better disguise.

𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘

Having absolutely loved the previous books in the series, I was waiting patiently for Ren and Lex, catching glimpses in the other books and wondering how it would all play out. Nyla has such a unique way with words that have me feeling I've been transported to another world and I am always so reluctant to leave back to reality, this book being the most I felt this with! A connective mess of intertwining lines, these two were a puzzle from the start and it was marvellous seeing their life outside the penitentiary as well as inside, and how these two polar opposites click in the best of ways. This book was thick and I really love a good thick book, means more time spent with the characters, and I still did not want to leave them at the end of this one. Super complex characters, I felt a world of emotions towards them both, and of course the twisting wild story the book throws us, was a plot full of drama and depth and so much delicious spice. I was left feeling like a different person and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Vivi · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

“We’re all fucked up in one way or another... The losers, the misfits, the weirdos.
Why not wear our scars on the outside, for the world to see?
After all, it’s our pain that makes us what we are…
Invincible.”


I really enjoyed this book!

This is Luthor and Ren's book, depicting their complex relationship and feelings, BUT it still follows the continuous flow of happenings in Alabaster Penitentiary, SO the books of this Series HAVE to be read in Order.

Ren has MANY issues. He is pretty Messed UP! (I do think he has Sociopathic tendencies...)

“When everyone projects their negative images of you all the time, it makes it damn near impossible to see yourself as anything else.”

“You’re only good at being bad.
This is who you are…
Burn it all down.”




I absolutely Adored how Ren fell crazily in Love, inexpectedly, upon meeting (and getting to know) Lex, in prison.

“You’re cute,” (...) “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you… I definitely didn’t expect to in prison.”

I adored that although a bit excessive, obsessive and possessive, Ren's feelings for Lex were always true; and he was always so protective of him.

“Lexington is sexy as hell, and sweet, and smart. Funny, loyal, very introspective. He’s shy and kind-hearted and three years younger than me, meaning he is exactly the opposite of every guy I’ve ever hooked up with in my life.
And I’m fucking obsessed.”

“...he’s the only person I’ve ever felt direct empathy for, and for the life of me, I still don’t truly understand it. From the moment we met, it was like my soul reached out and grabbed onto him, clutching with desperate, greedy fingers, trying frantically to smoosh him in and make him a part of me.”





Full Review to come...


***************************

August, 17th, 2023:



The book has been published!



Will be reading it real soon! 😁


***************************

December, 18th, 2022:

'Coming in 2022'...











Can't wait to read this book... Please be released soon 🙏

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren & Luthor have intrigued me since the first AP book when we were introduced to them and I’m SO GLAD we finally got their story, and BOY was it WORTH!!! IT!!!

I loved the timeline of this book, from getting more back story of dash, to learning about their time before being in AP, to seeing their growth together. My heart is just so full.

“But just know, every moment I’m with you… is fireworks over the ocean.”

The love. The care. The admiration. It’s. So. Good.

NYLA YOU KILLED IT YET AGAIN!
I haven’t cried so much over a book in a loooooong time, and this book was so, so, so good that I would give a kidney up if I could to read it again for the first time.

**please check TWs before reading, and please read the series in order 🫶🏼**


***Patreon ARC read***

[Ezra · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

Oh, Ren and Lex, those
crazy super villains. Sweet flame and his hot computer nerd.
This is book 4 in the Alabaster Penitentiary Series.

I've always been intrigued about these two and their backstory and dynamic so happy to finally get to this part of the AP saga.

Pros:
- Nyla's unique writing style
- lots of smut, drama, action and mystery
- Lex and Ren's journey is great!
- found family made in prison
- more parts of the story are provided to fill in the overall timeline, e.g., Dash and Kemper's story
- We got some guest appearances (I won't spoil it).

Cons:
- Nyla's unique writing style
- This book is waaaaay too long
- some of the filled in storyline has come too late e.g. Dash and Kemper's story and it was repetitive
- Timeline jumps got confusing.

I'm glad I read it (and am now up to date)as this series has a special place in my heart as the first MM Series I read when getting into MM books.
But for me, it wasn't the strongest. Distorted is my fave.

I look forward to Shadowman and The Ivory's book!

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Fragments
Author: Nyla K.
Genre: MM Romance
Type: Book 4 of 6 from Alabaster Penitentiary series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:




The years at Alabaster Penitentiary weren't so bad for Lexington (Luthor) Deon, except when it came to Warren (Ren) Xavier, who made it his mission to own Lex's heart. However, Ren's reputation might lead them nowhere.



I've loved Lex since book one and felt protective of him, especially given his concern for others' welfare. I appreciated that we get to see a different side of Ren with his vulnerabilities.

He’s my constant, no matter how crazy he makes me, and how much it sometimes kills to be around him, like his proximity is laced with toxic fumes.

The first half of the book felt slow, with unnecessary info already presented in previous books. The plot picked up after that, becoming truly engaging around the 70% mark. Fortunately, a lot happened after that point, taking some unexpected directions.

Fragments is a story of ambition and resilience. It would appeal to readers who enjoy MM romance in a prison setting.



Books in the series:




⛓️🔒⛓️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . ⛓️🔒⛓️




For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:



For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.

[Ashley⛓️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far my favorite book of the series thus far. I absolutely loveddddddd Ren and Lex. Their story was complex and hilarious and heartbreaking and made me wanna throw my kindle and cry and laugh. Truthfully all the emotions. Incredibly well done. Nyla always blows me away. I’ve read a handful of her books now and her writing is seriously top tier. Best I’ve ever read.

I’m so sad to say goodbye to these boys. I love this series so much. I’m excited for the next installment.

[☆Kylie☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember this being very sad, I didn't really remember it

[My Dark Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lex and Ren... sigh... I was really fucking excited to be back in the AP world and I’ve come to love these guys so much I can’t even express it. Ren and Lex though, how do I sum their complex and broken and utterly beautiful relationship up in a short review? But that is what I will do because explaining this book without the others in the series is pretty impossible. We get some more insight to some of the stuff going on in the previous 3 books so you just need to read them. Unless you’re sensitive and have triggers... anyway...

While this book wasn't as dark as the others but outright joyful, I have to say I really enjoyed Ren and Lex's push and pull (Ok, now I just feel like I'm using Nyla K book titles) and undeniable attraction.
The story line was kinda endering with some naughty but under it all is a broken boy and and his struggle to find real connections outside of sex and another who has no sexual experience being pursued by the most sexual person around... but with emotions and butterflies and some really funny diaglog. I have to say Nyla is a gifted writer so I always enjoy her books because they always take me is a different direction then I might have expected and she fules the fire with spicy scenes and naughty endevores, that no doubt has you heating up. BUT... I will say this, Brainwashed is still my favourite book in the series.

I love that we are getting a look into the Double Edged world again too. That was a treat!

And that cliffhanger. Well, now we just have to wait and see don't we?

5 stars for the writing and sweet and toxic relationship between Ren and Lex
3 spicy chilis for the swat and naughty all thrown in there.

[Kim Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I'm hyped for this series should be studied 😅 and finally I was able to read about Ren (Warren) & Luthor (Lexington) I wanted to know what their deal was since finishing Distorted 💥

Don't get me wrong, I loved every book from this series so far, but I was a huge fan of Ren since I first read about him. The way his character was described.. I just knew there was more to it than it first seemed. And boy, what a story! Can we all agree that Luthor is actually a sweet baby who deserves all the love he gets? Learning about his story made me so sad, honestly. He deserves everything 🤧

Oh, and the ending? Perfect, I really didn't expect to see these three again 🤭

This was a wild ride y'all, and I'm assuming Shadowman isn't any less wild, so excited to dive into that one asap ❤️‍🔥

[Dana | Rainbow Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet me at the fireworks, baby. That's how I'll find you.

Out of all of the Alabaster Penitentiary books, this was the one I was most looking forward to, especially with the snippets of Luthor (Lex) and Ren that we've seen in previous books. OH BOY, it did not disappoint!

The Fragments timeline begins sometime before Dash's arrival at AP, and continues a few months past the ending of Brainwashed. There are quite a few time jumps and flashbacks weaved in to the story as well, which may feel chaotic for some readers, but I personally enjoyed it. We get to see a little bit of Ren & Luthor before their arrest, their 'meet-cute' and what led to the tension between them in the present day, and then the unfolding of current events.

Ngl, this book hurt at times, and it's certainly not a conventional love story. Ren in particular is a complicated character - deeply flawed, troubled, and self-destructive - and he inevitably sweeps poor Luthor up in his destruction too. In previous books, Ren is portrayed as APs resident slut with a strange obsession, but there is so much more going on beneath the surface, which we get to see here. I fell in love with his character, flaws and all, and even ended up relating to him on a few levels. Which was... unexpected.

Luthor is just the sweetest, most kind hearted criminal you'll ever meet, and his character really complimented Ren's well. I loved the shy virgin vibe he had going for him, but don't be mistaken, that boy has a filthy mouth on him. I mean...



Their chemistry was absolutely on fire, more so than any other couple in the AP universe so far. When you can feel a connection through the page, you know that the author has done them justice, and Nyla definitely has. Even when things between them are rocky, there is always a palpable level of devotion and adoration - an unwavering need to be close to each other - it was beautiful.

These boys go through so much together to reach their HEA, but believe me when I tell you, it is so worth it. You will probably hate Ren a few times, but keep going, and you’ll realise like Luthor that he is worthy of love. Their story is definitely an 'against all odds' kind of tale, and it will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout. It even had me tearing up a couple of times, which is unheard of.

Honourable mention for the Double-Edged cameos too - we could all use a little more of Tauren, Cyrus, and Colson, so it was a nice addition to the story.

A lot of questions from previous books are answered throughout this story, particularly relating to Dash, but just as many new questions arise. I love how all of the different books intersect to form a bigger picture, and I definitely can't wait to read more. Things at AP are thoroughly fucked by the end of this book, and left on a bit of a cliffhanger, so be warned.

All in all, I have no choice but to give this 5/5 because it's easily the best AP novel so far, and it hit me in the feels. It was chaotic, steamy, romantic, the plot was great, and it took so many unexpected turns. It may be a 700 page novel, but it didn't feel like it. It was everything I wanted, and more.

"But just know, every moment I’m with you… is fireworks over the ocean.”

[alex :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolute perfection. i loved ren and lex together, especially during their toxic stages. i skipped the previous two books to get to this one and now i can happily leave this series alone. they were the ONLY couple i cared about and this didn’t disappoint one bit

[Kymmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these two with my whole heart 🥹🥹

[Monikat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books that take place in a penitentiary have to be long for you to actually experience the enclosure. This book was a beast, and I feel like a huge weight got lifted the moment I finished it. A true marathon.
I wanted to love it more , it had it's faults but that doesn't take away the fact that I'm wanting to go back for more. Hurry up Nyla K. I need the next book(s).

THOUGHTS as reading:

It's a long book. it had to be. it makes you feel like you're in there doing time with them. slow paced and yet fast and with the back and forth timeline you need to keep up yet hanging on waiting for it all to catch up and finally move on.
I think it's one of those books that you have to be devoted to the series and aware of where it all takes place because it is in fact a difficult read. everything is difficult in this series but still is so unique in all its ideas. sometimes almost paranormal you just have to go with it and somehow I can't put the books down.
I'm invested.

At 25% of the book. I couldn't say that I like either one of the main characters. Without judging Ren for his sexual preferences, all joy to him for liking sex no problem there, But I sort of do fault him for not showing love and respect in a way that Lex can feel as real. Ren is too manipulative and deceptive. I understand his antihero qualities but at the moment he is still very unlikable. He has nothing to lose, he just gives himself away.
This is resolved in the 'see how you'd like if I did this to you' scene, but still, things aren't right because now Lex is being weird.

It's a long book and has many milestones to hit since it touches on Dash's story from different p.o.v.s and at 50%-ish we're just getting started.

63% of a long AF book and it's chugging along slowly. They've finally gotten together (I wasn't really rooting for them, I just don't care) and are now silly roleplaying🤔, major eye roll.

At this point I'm only reading for the different p.o.v for what happened in the previous books. Trying too get as much info as possible. This particular love story just doesn't hold me like the other three books did.🙃😕
And then all hell breaks loose......

[ꪖꪶꫀ᥊ⅈડ ꪆৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️