Healing Souls

Beautiful Souls #2

by Jessa L. James

Grayson
It’s been six months since Harley bolted, and everyone’s been on edge. Six months of worry, strain, and unanswered questions about a girl we barely know but are all drawn to like moths to a flame. So when Harley shows back up unexpectedly, our entire world is shifted on its axis, and everything we’ve ever known changes.
Above all else, she’s changed. What was once fragile and broken is now tough and sharp, and there’s a new fire and determination in her eyes that didn’t exist before.
I know my brothers well enough to see that as each day passes, the connection between the four of us deepens, and I know Harley feels it too. Ryker is head over heels for her, Cade is in denial and pushes away, and I’m conflicted. Pain, trauma, and suspicion bubbles near the surface, and I just don’t know if she’ll ever fully trust us.

Harley
Life isn’t like the fairytales I used to believe in. There was never any hero to rescue me. After years of torture, I used what little strength and bravery that wasn’t beaten out of me and saved myself from hell. I set my course on revenge, letting rage fuel my actions, taking me back to the very place that fractured my soul.
But now I’m facing the unexpected, and nothing is as it seems. Answers to the questions that burned inside of me for three long years are only leading to more uncertainty, more unknowns, and more anger.
I’m afraid of everything I’m feeling now. The anger, the hate, the fear. I’m afraid of the consequences of opening myself up to the three boys that are chiseling cracks into my walls and seeping into my heart. And above all, I’m afraid of myself.
But I’m being drawn to them all, powerless to stop it. Like an ember catching a breath of air, something sparks inside of me. Something new.
Can they be what heals me?
Or will they be my final undoing? This is the second book in the Beautiful Souls series. It can not be read as a standalone. You must read book one first. This book does end on a cliffhanger. The final book in the series will have an HEA. This is a dark why choose romance with graphic sexual content and is not suitable for those under the age of 18. A list of trigger warnings can be found at the beginning of the book.

Genres: Dark Romance, High School

413 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2023

Reviews

[Brooke *✩‧₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this series(but not the cliffhangers lol jkjk they suck you back in!). The main characters do annoy me a bit but they are teens so it makes sense because there’s other POVs of other characters and they act their age. Can’t wait for the next book to be released.

[Angel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Idk about this series.
Part of me likes it but the other part is a bit bored.
I know it says it is a slow burn but, there is slow and then there is glacier.

Also, back to the cum vs come debated.
This author apparently noun vs adjective are not in her vocabulary.
But, what do I know?

I cannot help but be a stickler about this!

Anywho, I may check out the next book... Idk... We shall see.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75⭐️

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good!!

This was such a good installment, so much happens, ww get some answers and a lot more questions and Harley starts to learn to trust and lean on her boys. A bit more spice as their relationships grow. I love the slow pace and organic progression of their relationships, although I have to wonder if Noah may end up joining the harem.

[Kassey J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm on pushed 294 and gotta say this fmc is getting on my last damn nerve.  The author is trying to make it to where the fmc is a bit more immature because of life circumstances but shes really just writing her to be dumb and stupid and the other side fmc aint no better imo. The situation was a hard one but her sperm donor done what was needed but the author writing it like hes a rapiist is erking me so fuckin bad its unreal. I cant stand the fmc at all but I get what the author was trying to do but it sucks and is literally pushing me to dnf this book. Secondly, the fmc has only been away from her bad situation for a month or so but can start training thats bs. The author should of looked into the long term effects of starvation and constant beatings. The chick would literally need rehabilitation for at the bare minimum a year. The atrophy in the muscles would literally stop the fmc from doing much of anything except resting and maybe slight exercise not no damn training for hours and running for a full hour after a few months. I get this is fiction but if your going to write a dark book atleast have some factual shiit added in. Because I can only "open" my mind so much when reading. Also If your going to be writing about actual dark traumatic shiit some stuff needs to be built in fact not fiction.... Another problem why tf did it take her so long to tell them about the last 3 yrs?!?! Its took so fuckin long its unreal. Urgh as I write this its literally pushing me over the edge. Imma skip around some chapters and see if I want to continue this road or not.


I made it 20% into the second book(skipping pages). It seems the other characters get where sperm donor is coming from so that a plus but I literally cant anymore. This could of been a good series in my opinion but it fell short to me. But it might not to you so if you want gove it a try but im over it....

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Healing Souls” is the second book in the “Beautiful Souls” series and picks up right after the cliffhanger that ended book one. Everything came back quickly for me, making it easy to jump right back into the story again.

The title of this book is chosen perfectly, because this book is all about healing from the past, finding a way through the memories, and finding a way (back) to the people that love you. I believe the author did well, showing the road through healing, and all the hurdles that pass on the way to get there. She doesn’t take the easy road, doesn’t change our fmc into a badass overnight, but stays true to the characters and their personalities.

I enjoyed the relationship building in this second book, and how the multiple POV helped in understanding these characters’ thoughts and doubts. I’m starting to see how these young people connect with each other, and how their little family can fit within the bigger MC family. I’ll be honest, there was a time I was wondering about two other male characters, but I’m currently guessing they’ll have to find their own little spitfire along the way.

The cliffhanger to part two wasn’t unexpected, so that softens the blow a little bit, but I’m quite sure I’ll still remember all about it once book three comes out. And isn’t that the perfect type of cliff; where you don’t have to do a reread, and can jump right back in again? I’m already looking forward to it!

[Christina Yau · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this picks up exactly where book 1's cliff hanger ends! Harley our fmc is at the club trying to get her vengeance. Worlds collide and she just shows up where the mmc's Cade, Ryker and Greyson are... they had been searching for Harley since she disappeared... Harley learns that everything is not how it seems and the events of this book will have you in your feelings... there are morally grey characters, found family, learning to trust, ptsd, panic attacks and so much more! Harley is a beautifully broken teen who is trying to figure out life while navigating her trauma while learning about her own darkness. There are so many layers to the story that are all interconnected that you're drawn in from the start. Never a moment where you're not like damn who is it!?!? The evil in the book is mysterious and heart wrenching because of the things you learn. There are moles, betrayals and unknowns in the story. As you think Harley is finding a moment of peace and sense of belonging while navigating her new found strength and darkness she has BAM 💥 we are thrown an unimaginable unseen event! What would you do to save someone you're learning to love? The book ends on a cliff hanger begging for more!

[Jjs_booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. First I loved the first book and the second is so much better. We ended with Harley showing up to shoot her dad then she gets shot. After is a mess of Rage understanding he has a daughter and the heartbreak of him trying to be a father but her not accepting it. Harley of fining out that what she thought she knew may not be right. And the guys still doing whatever they need to be by her side.

Being able to read the angst of everyone trying to navigate this situation was amazing. Everyone is trying to be what they think is best but in all actuality nobody knows the best way. I also loved seeing Harley, being the badass she is but also showing the lasting trauma that lingers. and the guys!! Ryker is absolutely team Harley, man is in love with her and I can’t get enough. Grayson is still the sweet shy boy that is the calm in her storms and Cade too a while to pull his head out of his butt, but showed that she is his world. Also love the little confusing attraction between Ryker and Grayson.
It does end in a cliffhanger but I cannot wait until the next book.

[bookvibes.with.lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIBES:
🖤 Revenge
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Why Choose
🖤 Motorcycle Club
🖤 Book Two (Beautiful Souls Series)

THOUGHTS:
❤️ This book picks up right where book one left off.
❤️ Harleys journey of healing, finding her strength, and building her relationships with her found family is really highlighted in this book. I love how we get POVs from not only Harley but all the characters that are helping her find her way and getting to see their internal struggles as well.
❤️ The relationship dynamic between Harley, Ryker, Cade, and Greyson is a uniquely beautiful one. They all make one another whole and find strength from each other. I am so happy that we finally got some action between Harley and the boys.
❤️ I love Rage's redemption story in this book.
❤️ Like book one, this book does end on a cliffhanger, setting book three up for major MC drama and characters fighting for their lives. I am so ready for book three now!
❤️ I definitely recommend this book. If you like MC books, why choose, slow burn, and characters you grow attached to and want to see their growth, check this series out.

[Torri Valderrama · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up right where Fractured Souls left off. Harley has to learn to trust and with the help of the boys, she can begin to heal. We get more background on the boys and I still absolutely love Ryker, Greyson and Cade. The friendships and relationships these four are building is going to be beautiful at the end.

Jessa L. James really has a way to make us readers feel all the emotions of the characters throughout the book. Much like the first book, this one is a rollercoaster of feelings and then we get hit by a cliffhanger that has me so nervous about what will happen in book 3.

I am looking forward to seeing what will be thrown our way in the next book. I am hoping for more healing, a growth in trust between Harley, the boys and Rage, but I am also expecting for more heart-wrenching moments to occur.

[Queen Meega · Rating 4 out of 5]

amazing read but disappointing ending

Loved this book and the character building that was happening. I love how much Harley grew getting to know her new family. Would have been a 5, but I hated the cliff hanger. Typically I’m okay with them, but they need to leave me in suspense wanting more. This book just ended making it seem like the ending was rushed and not fully developed. I’m still excited to follow Harley and her boys journey in the next book, but the ending of this was disappointing.

[Nicole Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been so excited for this second installment of this series. This one picks up right where book 1 left off.

This one is all about the healing of Harley and the boys trauma. Slowly but surely they start the journey of healing together. I love Harley so much, for all this poor girl has been through I admire her and her inner strength.

This one was a little slow for me tho. The first book had so much happening and going on, that this one just was hard for me to get into. Overall a 3.5 rounded up to a 4 for me.

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. It was so easy picking up the story from the first book. Harley has become so strong and courageous. Still struggling with what has happened to her but also not letting it keep her down. I love how Ryker, Cade and Greyson are so protective over her. Rage is trying hard to go a Harleys pace since finding out she is his daughter. He will get everyone who has ever messed with. The club is showing Harley what family is and how everyone will be there for each other. This is helping her healing journey. Can’t can’t wait for book 3. Just love this series.

[Edjanowenyahoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

confusing???

I have read 2/3 in this series. And so far am confused about where the author is taking me. She is constantly using both biker name/birth name so I am having an issue with that. She has recapped parts off and on throughout the book and yet still has not answered any key elements like what happened to Tammy first son. Or in this last book who was Daniel parents. Who was he getting his marching orders from. Will read the 3rd to see if she wraps up any of these and several more components to this story line.

[Kayla Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite series I have read. I have re-read it so many times and I cannot wait for the conclusion of this series. Jesse’s writing is amazing and the story telling is so unique.

Harley’s story is heartbreaking and I have loved watching the growth she has had since book 1. The guys are great and I love their relationship with Harley and each other. I am so excited to get answers for the questions with the last books. They all definitely end on huge cliff hangers that keep you on the edge of your seat until you read the next book.

[Lilimomlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second book of her Beautiful Souls Series, Jessa does a wonderful job of showing the growth of her characters and taking you on that journey with them.

The story starts right after the first book ended and we learn lots of background stories mixed with trauma healing, family finding, heartbreak and some more nefarious things.

It hooked me from the start and Jessa's writing makes you feel like you live life side by side with the characters. The burn is still slow, but very befitting to the story. I really like the main characters and some side characters and same goes to the other direction. Can't wait to see where the story will take us!

This is a slow burn, why choose series with some serious triggers, so please do read the list before diving in.

[Miruru Shouting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as book 1, lots of hurt/comfort for our broken FMC that is back for vengeance and is not as helpless as she was in book 1. Harley was separated from our guys but now they've found each other again and there's more focus on relationship building and how they all fit into the MC family.

Very fitting title for both book 1 and 2 (amazing covers too!).

Ends on another cliffhanger, so can't wait for the next book in the series.

[luli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,8/4
it didn’t have much effect as the first one but it was nice knowing new things that changed a lot of things in the story
really enjoyed having multiples POVs from people that aren’t harley or the love interests
felt that we missed some action although this book is important so we can feel what harley feels and really try to connect the stories and uncover everything in a speed that represents how difficult is that process for the characters
i think that’s it

[coffeeinlibraries · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I love Jessa’s storytelling ability and absolutely loved the first book, this specific book had a lot of repetitive conversations just worded differently from each character. The pacing was off as well for me and I struggled to stay interested for the most part.

However, the cliffy regained my interest last second so I’ll be revisiting this book when the next comes out!

[Athena Que Será, Será · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stay alert for TWs!
Tags: abuse, biker-mc-club, child_abuse_alert, damaged-broken_hero, damaged-broken_heroine, dark-romance, friends-to-lovers, high-school, om_drama, possessive-mine-mine-mine, psychos-in-love, read, rh-biker-motorcycleclub, rh-contemporary, scarred-heroine, strong-fmc-heroine, teenage-romance, virgin-heroine

[Angela Marsh · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Scooby Gang-lite

Good grief, all these people are TSTL. They have an actual original thought of "gee, that seems suspicious, I should tell the others about it" and then put it off for another day. Then everyone is shocked when something bad happens! I can't continue this series, it just keeps getting more and more ridiculous.

[SaDonna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beware this book does end with another cliffhanger!!! My oh my, Jessa's mind and creativity is incredible. Sweet Harley and all that she has been through. That girl needs her own superheros, which I think she has found with her trio. You will go through all the emotions with this book.

[Tayloura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoy this series so far. I really like that it picked up where it left off but the story and character development is really taking off. I will say that I’d like a little bit more of the trauma faced by our fmc but overall I am enjoying the story.

[Heather Arbuckle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

Wow! So once again, we have a cliffhanger but for this series I will not even complain! The author was able to weave so much twists and turns into this book that I never excepted! I love learning more about Harley, Ryker, Grayson and Cade pasts!

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I CANT WAIT, ITS GONNA KILL ME

I absolutely fell in love with this story. It’s one of the hardest I’ve ever read. I wish I would’ve saw that it wasn’t finished yet because now I’m just going to be struggling waiting for the next book. 10/10

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing Souls: A Dark Why Choose Romance: Beautiful Souls Book 2

I'm absolutely loving the darkness of this book and praying that Harley gets her revenge for her mom and herself.
Amazing 5 Star read that leaves you hooked throughout and wanting more.

[Kimberly Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

very gripping

A great book, kept me wanting more. The character development is soooo good as is the world building. These characters are so great, and seeing everything unfold as it is, is so interesting.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was action-packed and had several unexpected twists! I couldn’t put this book down and I’m dying to dive into book 3 to know what happens next.

I loved Harley. She is getting stronger and I love the dynamics between her and the guys. I absolutely love the guys!!!

[Abby Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good

This series is so good. The first book they built so much back story that is so intricate. The book it was nice to see the relationship building. They had to leave it on a cliffhanger… this is slowly becoming one of my favorite series!

[Danya Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the relationship and bond the boys have with each other and how they care so much for Harley. I cannot wait to see how this story develops.