Like everyone else, he let me down, so when he shows back up, our reunion is explosive.
Now that everyone knows the depraved acts I’ve endured, I’m faced with disloyal friends and heinous cruelty when I return to Fox Pines.
I could run. Hide like a coward. But my veins pump with molten determination to take control of my life, and with the support of five boisterous mates and a new quirky friend, I try to ignore the bullying and focus on what really matters.
Staying alive long enough to witness my brother and dad’s demise.
The trouble is, I’m a ticking time-bomb. The anger boiling within me is terrifying, to the point I wonder if I’m just like the monsters in my family. Ayden doesn’t care though, his pursuit relentless as he breaks down my walls, determined to win me back, and keep me safe at the same time.
He may be too late though, as I stare down the barrel of a gun for the second time, I’m left wondering if I’ll ever get the chance to tell him how I really feel.
One Click today to continue the dark and emotionally gripping story about Lexi and Ayden!
***Deep is the second book in the Heavy Hearts series which ends on a cliff-hanger. Please note: Deep is a dark contemporary romance that contains subjects that may be triggering to some readers. Please visit Sarah's website to read the content warning.
Sarah JD, also known as Sarah Jane Duncan, is a dark romance author living in Australia with Mr Duncan who stole her off the market back in high school. Sarah can be found in her writing room plotting out her next smut filled romance filled with angst, violence, and themes so dark you should probably question why you love it so much.
Sarah writes about strong females who have to fight against the odds to find their power, their voice, and their truth. Her heroines possess the strength that only comes from being a survivor, and through their trauma, battles and struggles, they learn to trust again, and find love.
There’s nothing easy about their stories. They are hard, gritty, and painfully heartbreaking at times. But what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? And when you throw in a swoon worthy guy, or an alphahole that you just want to slap, but also fall to your knees and obey, it’s the recipe for a rollercoaster ride.
So buckle up. Read the warnings. And let yourself get lost in the dark stories Sarah creates.
This book gripped me more so than book 1 if the is possible. Just like the title “Deep”, this book just that embedded it’s story deep within me.
Lexi is so strong, dependent and her growth is wondrous to see throughout the story. I am rooting for her.
Now the Lexi pack...what can you say other than DAMN!! Hot, sexy and devoted. I seriously wish this was a reverse harem because she would be one lucky bitch. However Ayden is plenty.
All I can say now is I ABSOLUTELY NEED book 3. I’m in book hangover and need more.
WARNING. Lots of triggers. DO NOT read this book if you have triggers of sexual abuse, child abuse, self harm, etc. This is a VERY emotionally dark book, one that can wake nightmares.
This story of Lexi and Ayden... this book is a story of continued pain and suffering, of betrayal, of acceptance and forgiveness, and of becoming MORE. So much happens, such pain. I haven’t felt more sorrow for a character except one other time, and tears WILL HAPPEN in this book.
This book is intriguing, because we introduce new characters who throw the libido game board everywhere. Heavy was only a MF romance, however hints in this book lead to reverse harem. Sexual tension so thick you have to cut it with a chainsaw. No spoilers, so you’ll have to find out for yourself where this leads!
And the cliffhanger. 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 This cliffhanger gave me literal WTAF vibes. Worse than the first book, I needed to immediately vent to my bookbuddy!
Second book for this author, and you’d NEVER KNOW!!! This is a must read!!!
Story 📖: 5/5!!!!! Heat 🔥: 2.5/5 low on heat, but the romantic interests aren’t settled, so it’s mysterious, and I want more. Darkness 🖤: 10/5 major major trigger warnings! Emotional terrorism!
This is the first books I’ve read by this author and I was gripped from the beginning. This series is amazing, and is filled with so much heartbreak and angst. I can’t wait to read Buried.......I need it now.
I feel ripped apart and made anew! Lexi has now been left to face her "problem" alone, but she is learning she has never will be alone! Her pack has her back!
I loved the boys but watching her other friends turn their back on her was terrible. It rubbed me the wrong way, the whole idea of girls being backstabbers just did not sit right with me.
What an emotional rollercoaster that ended in a cliffhanger. Great follow up to Heavy.
Lexi grows stronger but still has her inner demons to battle as well as the mean girls of her high school. And then of course the threat of her father and brother hangs over head.
I love that fact that this book had more depth and less steam. Don’t get me wrong - there is some heavy, steamy scenes in the book but at least it’s not the focus.
I will say the whole group dynamics is a bit confusing since it’s not a RH but otherwise I love her support system.
Next book is looking good!
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review:
3.5 ⭐️. A bit repetitive in the beginning. The way some of the boys were portrayed at times was irritating! In saying that they are teenagers. I am a sucker for dark, angsty teenage drama. That ending 😭😱. Looking forward to book 3.
How can I even write a review after that cliffhanger? I just finished it and I literally am sitting here with my mouth open. Honestly I had to psyche myself up for this one because Heavy was so emotional and amazing and I had a a feeling this would be the same if not more so./ I was not disappointed. WOW this follow-up to Heavy was emotionally heartbreaking. I wanted to kill Ayden but now I think hes starting to redeem himself.. There was alot going on in this book with all of the side characters. Lexis BFF has turned on her for reasons unknown. We have drug dealers playing nice, all of the guys are being possessive, then we have her dad and mom with the missing file and then the girls at school talking bad about her.. Man its alot but I am here for it. I love that there is so much angst and you dont know whats going to happen.. Man I was hoping maybe it would end up being a ménage or an RH and its weird that it feels like it could be. Its full of suspense, action, emotions. Lexi is fighting back this time. She has so much anger and is just realizing she needs to find a outlet for it. Im happy that she has support. What I will say is most of the time I feel I know whats going to happen in most books....., but with this one, I have absolutely no idea and its refreshing but man oh man that cliffhanger is brutal...THIS IS A MUST read but be warned there are many triggers but its a beautiful story and I so so so hope Lexi gets her HEA. I will be rooting for her!!!
First things first, that was not a cliffhanger. That was leaving me dangling on the edge of a skyscraper! There is so much mystery going on in this book and I am all for it!
My heart Really goes out to Lexi, after everything she has been through she is really struggling with how to deal with her emotions and ends up letting her anger out in not the best of ways. Her pack really does come together to support Lexi and keep her safe from all the threats she has coming at her.
I loved seeing more of Marcus in this book, he is such a loveable character and I cant help but feel really sorry for him that Lexi doesn't return his feelings but in the end I know this is a good thing because of someone else that comes along to rock his world. As for the rest of the guys you can see how much they all like Lexi but are happy to just flirt with her and not take it any further (although I am on team reverse harem.) Lexi only has eyes for one guy in her life and watching them navigate their feelings for each other is a wonderful thing to witness.
Rhys is an amazing new character that I immediately fell in love with, she was a breath of fresh air and I know she is going to be an amazing best friend for Lexi. I get the feeling there is a lot more to her story and I hoe we get more about it in the next book or possible a book of her own.
I was so bored with this book I started reading another. Lexi who is the heroine does the most stupid things imaginable by putting herself in danger so she can get things over with in order to face her step brother not giving a damn what others give up to keep her safe. She is beyond negative and ungrateful.
It's no secret I was riled up after the cliffhanger of book one, Heavy, but thank god Sarah didn't keep us waiting with the start of book 2, we get thrown right back into it, 100mph, but come prepared for another huge cliffy, one that had me screaming "no you can't just leave it there!"
One thing I've now learnt is that I feel like I need some time to emotionally pull myself together after reading Sarah's books. Not every author has that talent of making the reader feel so emotionally involved that they need some reflection time post-read, but everything about the Heavy Hearts series is just so superb and gripping, I can't help but get sucked in and live through every emotion that Lexi, Ayden and the guys are going through!
I love a strong character development, and Lexi is one that just seems to be evolving constantly. We saw her at her lowest in book one, and then we got that intense ending and I was concerned to how things would progress for her, and I'm so happy that we saw her gain a thick skin and fight back just as good as she got! She's learning to let the people close to her in and protect her, as well as protecting herself better. The pull between her and Adyen was making me want to rip my hair out, one thing Lexi will always be is stubborn!
Ayden, despite personal set backs, stays true to the guy we fell for! Still the adoring, protective, possessive beautiful boy, even if from a distance for quite a while. Still going down as one of my most favoured male leads so far this year, I think he is incredible! Oh but can we take a moment to appreciate how hot this guy is when he's angry? A whole new side to him and I am here for it!
Also as if it wasn't enough that he was getting a grip on his own demons, he was doing so whilst enlisting the help of Marcus, Jared, Simon, Shaun and Garrett, who form a support bubble around Lexi and protect her from anything and everything whilst he couldn't be there. I love these guys, their bond and banter was like coming up for fresh air in quite an intense book, they just bring this lightness to it all which makes everything else balance our perfectly. They've all got their own quirks and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a soft spot for Jared.
We get a couple of unexpected occurrences too, like Muz! Who would have even though things would pan out like that with him of all people?! It was the last thing I was expecting and I'm so glad it did happen. Also we get introduced to the most hilarious girl, Rhys. She is a dirty talking, straight up, good for your soul type of friend. I was initially a bit hesitant of her but it took me all of 3 seconds to warm up to her after she had me in stitches. I can't wait to see more of her!
I just love this series so far and I can't wait to get stuck into book 3, Burial, coming soon!! 🖤
OMG, Sarah, what have you done? You completely slayed me with this book. I thought that with this story my ugly cry would have been put to rest after reading Heavy, but no, you took me to that place once again. If you haven't read Heavy, book one in the Heavy Hearts series by Sarah Jane Duncan, then I highly recommend reading that story before starting this book as this story is a continuation. I guarantee that you'll be taken on an emotional rollercoaster, but be warned, there are many triggering factors such as sexual abuse, assault and a lot of internal struggles. Deep continues with both Lexi and Ayden struggling to come to terms with how their relationship was left at the end of book one. Ayden may not be around at first but Lexi is not alone either. She has all her best guy friends keeping watch over her as well as her sweet neighbor Val. She has also become friends with the school's Goth girl, and is becoming stronger, no longer letting the school's mean girls put her down anymore. But underneath the bravado she puts forth, she still suffers with nightmares and has anger problems. What happens when Ayden comes back into the picture? And do we get an appearance from her dad or stepbrother Mike? Gosh this book was good. I was bawling again throughout but loved hearing how she was slowly gathering strength and how her loyal friends always had her back. Even her new friends and an odd acquaintance was there for her in a time of need. I won't say any more about the book except to expect a plot twist and cliffhanger. Something juicy and epic is bound to happen in the next installment and I can't wait to get my hands on that book. Bravo SJD!
UGH!!! I am sitting her trying to write a review for this book and I can’t stop saying WHY – WHY – WHY!!!
OMG! FUCK! I am so torn right now. I haven’t stopped crying and my heart is in so much pain. Right now my head is going over all of the things that this story put me through and I can honestly say YOU BROKE ME SARAH!!! I don’t know if I can hang on for a few months not knowing what is going to happen. I need everyone to be okay. I need things to work out for Lexi. I am stuck on this extremely emotional rollercoaster ride until I get some answers!!!
Lexi may feel broken but she is only getting stronger and stronger every day that she decides to fight. She is turning into one badass woman.
Her pack had me in stitches with their protectiveness and their domineering ways. But they also had me crying – ugly cries – with how much they love Lexi and will do anything for her. The fact that they just know exactly what she needs in her times of struggles and are there for her any time of the day or night. They are truly the best friends anyone could ask for.
This story is absolutely brilliantly written. It’s filled with so much emotion, pain, angst and heartache that it oozes off the pages. You can feel each and every emotion as if it was your own. I am so blown away right now.
The cliffhanger is BRUTAL!!! Definitely be ready for it because it will punch you in the face when you least expect it to. I have been left gasping for breath and begging for more!
It’s official I’m in love with this series! It’s sooooo good. Can’t get enough.
Wow I thought book 1 was amazing but book 2 got even better. I love how the author has created these characters I love them all Lexi has turned into a fighter and I love it
There’s still sensitive triggers in this book
One thing I absolutely adore about this series is how the characters have their own demons, past, baggage etc Where one is going down whether emotionally or physically there is another to support and help them and when they need the same support it’s there
Another about this amazing story is it also opens up on whether your a victim or know of somebody who is a victim that there is people who can help. If your unsure you can go to your friends or a neighbour You be surprised that there is genuine and kind people out there that will help and go above and beyond and you don’t need to doubt yourself or not believe you can get the help. You just gotta try and you will see your not alone
With that it’s beautiful how two souls come together with two completely different past that have caused them so much hurt and trauma
I can’t stop in expressing how so good this series is!
She's the girl who ran away because the guy she trusted turned into a monster. It wasn't his fault but even so...
Now she's alone, afraid and in "The" house where it all began.
Oh my gosh say whaaat..... how did the book seriously end there! auugh!!!
*takes a few deep breaths*
Wowsers what a fantastic continuation of the heavy hearts series!
The first book "Heavy" blew my mind, and this more than followed that theme!
There's dark and possible trigger undertones laced through this book, along with a healthy dose of bullying.
But for every storm cloud there is a silver lining and that comes in the form of her true friends.
Lex is ferocious and almost like a feral animal when the red mist of anger descends upon her, but my gosh if anyone has a reason to act as she does. It is her.
My heart bled for her it really did. She might be down but she's not broken.
I loved everything about this book except for one teeny weenie thing. I hate name dropping of other real books within a book. That to me is a firm no.
If you have read book one "Heavy" then you are going to want this! If you haven't now is a fantastic time to start the series!
Anyways.. Calming myself down. My brain.. fried. Regardless.
I'm low-key upset this isn't a large reverse harem. But like, the stories good so I'm vining regardless. However, Ayden might be great. But my favorite from the start is Muz. I can't NOT love him. He's perfect, kinda crazy, bit gun happy, overall just great. And the whole saving the damsel in distress, color me crazy, I fell in love with him.
If he dies I will throw so many god damn hands. ANYWAYS, this story line is cool. I'm missing so much, there's so much shit going on that I'm getting kind of lost in it, but when you have this many main characters that's bound to happen. Even perfect authors can rarely pull that off, but it's a damn good start man. Now if only I could get some god damn answers.
I need to know what happens to Muz, I need to know how things went with Val, does Ayden get there with the cops in time? Is Abby being threatened by Lexi's brother or someone else? Who the fuck hurt Tasha? What the fuck is going on with Rhys and Marcus? Can I marry Simon AND Muz?
those are just the ones I can think of currently. I have so many.
Deep by Sarah Jane Duncan begins after the heartbreaking cliffhanger in the previous book Heavy. This was another intense, emotionally raw and breath taking book that had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning.
I found Lexi to be stronger than ever but she is filled with rage and the bullies at her school are not helping. I am really interested in finding out what is going on with Abbey and I have a feeling that it is something really bad. After the last cliffhanger I was seriously worried that my boy Ayden wasn’t going to make it and I am incredibly happy to see that he is back. I loved how supportive Marcus, Garrett, Jared, Simon and Shaun are.
Oh my gosh the secrets, the twists and that freaking cliffhanger like wtaf!! I have a feeling that the next book is going to be even more explosive than this one.
I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
CLIFFHANGER! Where do I begin this review?! Deep is the second book in the Heavy Hearts trilogy. Just like Heavy, Deep gets emotionally deep. The mental turmoil that Lexi suffers is pretty darn deep. Her emotions are all over the place, ranging from crying to anger. She struggles to control herself and we see just how torn about everything she is given her home trauma, and now the added Ayden incident.
Ayden. Man my heart goes out to these two. In his depths, he becomes someone else and pushes her away. But he also knows that he needs the help from outsiders to heal and gain control again. He doesn't give up on her though. His heart is set on Lexi. The person who brought him down becomes an unexpected ally in the most dire time of need. But will this sign of good faith be able to save them from the current predicament they're in?
Omg I have been waiting patiently for this book and I’m super excited to finally be reading it.
Wow make sure to have a box of tissues at the ready, it’s so heart wrenching, it’s full of emotions, sad and happy. Poor Lexi, the way she tortures herself thinking she doesn’t deserve the love of the guys or Ayden, it’s awful. She’s so strong and kick ass and she deserves to be happy.
Book 2 is just as intense as the first one and so fast paced. It definitely has a lot going on and it makes me love it so much more.
Cliff hanger ending 😩 oh damn I can’t believe it ended like that! I need book 3 so so bad. I’m going to be torturing myself for ages now, because I need to know what happens haha.
This series very quickly won me over in book 1 'Heavy'. Ayden is definitely high on my list of book boyfriends even though he had a lot of making up to do. Lexi is growing in strength and in her determination to fight and I just love her so much. So many friends and family play amazing parts in this story and they have all started to feel like my friends and family as this series continues. Sarah really knows how to write a cliffhanger and the end of this one had me on the edge of my seat hyperventilating and utterly destroyed. I need to know what is going to happen next desperately.
OMG! I am speechless. I have been (not so) patiently waiting for Deep to release and I was far from disappointed. I’m seriously struggling for words right now.
I absolutely love Sarah Jane Duncan’s power of writing. These books are so easy and smooth to read and the characters are amazing. I sat down reading Deep and didn’t move until I was finished!! I am loving the build up of the storyline and seeing so much development of the books and the characters.
Of course SJD had to torture us with a mind blowing cliffhanger because why not, right? Ah! So damn good!
Deep is book 2 in the heavy hearts series and it is heavy with emotion, pain, suffering and suspense. Lexi is trying to deal with the traumatic events that occurred in book one, luckily she has the support of a great group of friends. I loved the friendships and loving support in this book and boy does this girl sure need it. She is suffering so much inside, my heart broke for her. This book is dark and intense with so many twists you won’t see coming. That ending is a shocker and I can’t wait for the next book.
This is the second book in the Heavy Hearts Series.
If you like a dark romance read then this series is for you. We get a lot more Lexi and Ayden in this book but there is less steam and more story. We also get to see more of Lexi and her relationships with other people.
I’m still confused as to where this series is going. I think Lexi and Ayden are end game but her relationships with the other boys is complicated too... and I can see more than friendship there. Guess I’ll find out in Book Three.
Oh and be warned this one has a ripper of a cliffhanger
I loved this book! A great cliff hanger. Lexi is complicated, human, and strong. You want her to survive and thrive. While I am a huge fan of RH and this book is not, I felt that the friendship with the pack of boys was so good, I didn’t miss the romantic parts with more than one. And that doesn’t mean that the one wasn’t hot. The series is great and can’t wait for the next book.
What a great second book. I love the dynamics between Lexie and the guys . And how great is Rhys. But , what can I say I am secretly hoping and wishing that Lexie ends up with all the guys because I love them so much. What a surprise Muz was in this book. Cannot wait til book 3
Kinda hoping this evolves into a harem dealio then boys are tres devoted I was actually quite sad about Markus cause he was depicted as having been so in love. My heart broke for jar and I'm totally optimistic about Simon too. I'm in deep feels with this amazing series and cannot wait for the next book to be released.
Omg this series has got me good I mean I literally am falling apart tears are streaming and anger is racing, poor lex I mean dam that girls been through some stuff, I really can't wait to read the next book now in fact I needed it like yesterday, what an amazing cliffhanger
Deep Heavy Hearts is the first book I have read by Sarah Jane Duncan as she is a new author for me , but most definitely will not be my last . Once I picked up this amazing book , I could not stop reading . From the minute I started I become so invested in both Lexi and Aydens characters . I guarantee once you start this series , you will get completely hooked. What a emotional rollercoaster. One of the things I loved most was how strong Lexi becomes as the series progresses. There is a cliffhanger and you will be left with many questions, but that only leaves you wanting more . I cannot wait to read book 3
Holy smokes this book was good. I had a hard time putting down. Lexi world is spinning and now with Ayden’s help she lost. Her friends are finally united around. This book was about Lexi growing and over coming what happened. This book leaves of on a major cliffhanger. I can't wait for book three. What does mid 2021 mean? I can't wait.
Poor Lexi I feel for her she is trying so hard to get through everything and I M so proud of the guys for stepping up and helping her I can’t even with tish I want to fight her Rhys is definitely my favorite she is awesome
The 2nd part of this series is just as heavy as book 1. This girl has been through and continues to go through so much. It was nice to see her have more support in this group. Lots of angst, trauma and questions and this ends on yet another killer cliffhanger.