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Fragments of You

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From USA Today Bestselling Author Melissa Toppen comes a brand-new, standalone, love triangle romance that explores the complexities of first love and what it means to truly follow your heart.

Time is a funny thing. It keeps moving even when it feels like everything around you stops. It is the catalyst for everything. How we grieve. How we heal. How we live. Time was the one thing I tried but could never escape.
Days passed in his absence. Months. Years. And I stood still. Stuck in the past. Paralyzed by the memory of him.

Nash Ketter had been my whole world for as long as I could remember. The person I loved with my entire being. He was the sun, the moon, and the stars. He was everything. And then one day, he was gone… Just like that. Like he had never existed at all. But I knew he had because I still carried fragments of him with me every single day—a reminder of what we had, and what he left behind.

I was so sure I would never find love again after that, that no one could fill the gaping hole Nash had left behind, but Felix Jensen changed all that. He was the last person I expected to fall for, but as it turned out, he was exactly what I needed.
He became the soothing balm to my gaping wounds. He became my friend, my confidant, and then eventually he became something more. Where Nash shattered me into a million tiny shards, Felix spent two years piecing me back together. Even though I was never truly whole after that, he never seemed to care. He loved me, and somehow that was enough.

Or at least I thought it was, until Nash stormed back into town after four years like a tornado, overturning all the carefully placed pieces of the life I had built without him. I hated him for what he did. I hated that he came back. But more than anything, I hated how much I didn’t actually hate him at all.

In the game of love and war, there are rarely ever winners. And when secrets are exposed and true intentions are revealed, I realize I stand to lose a lot more than I ever could have imagined possible.


Fragments of You is a complete standalone romance. Tropes included are Second Chance, Friends to Lovers, Love Triangle, and Small Town Romance.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2024

94 people are currently reading
222 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Toppen

55 books1,816 followers
Melissa Toppen is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read.

For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com

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5 stars
117 (39%)
4 stars
70 (23%)
3 stars
79 (26%)
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25 (8%)
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9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,405 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2024
From the moment they first met Nash Ketter became her everything, they spent every waking moment together and were so in tune with one another, nothing could break them apart. That is until the day he left and shattered every part of her heart.

It has taken four long years to try to overcome the void he left in her heart, find her way through the wreckage he left behind, and find the courage to give her heart to someone else. To give her hand to someone else in marriage... well, that is until Nash shows up back in town.

Fragments of You is a heart-wrenching story of lost love, friendship, healing, second chances, and forgiveness. Nash and Paisley found love at a young age and it seemed that their relationship was strong enough to stand the test of time, but Nash was keeping secrets... secrets that eventually tore them apart. Paisley has spent the last few years trying to figure out how to live without the man she thought was her soulmate, the one person she belonged to. And during that time Felix has been her side, as her friend, giving her a shoulder to lean on and giving her a reason to keep putting one foot in front of the other. But little do they know, this perfect little world they have created for themselves is about to be shaken up again. Nash is back and he wants his girl back... question is does she want him?

From beginning to end this one had me fully invested and obsessed with every word, it was utterly mesmerizing. My heart broke right along with our heroines, to find a love like that, think it's the forever kind of love, only to have it taken away. The pain she endured was unimaginable and easily felt. I had tears in my eyes for more than half of this story, sometimes happy tears and sometimes the sad ones, it was such an emotive story. If you like romances that torture the heart then you must give this one a chance, it's words will do a number on your heart for sure! Highly recommend!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,230 reviews60 followers
August 16, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked up *Fragments of You* by Melissa Toppen. Love triangles have never been my go-to, but this book turned out to be so much more than that. It's a heart-wrenching, deeply moving story about second chances and the complexities of love.

Nash and Paisley have been inseparable since they were eight years old, growing from best friends to teenage lovers, and becoming each other's first in every sense of the word. But one fateful night, Nash shattered Paisley’s heart and left their small town, disappearing from her life. Fast forward four years, and just as Paisley is about to marry Felix, Nash’s best friend, Nash reappears, setting the stage for a gripping and emotional journey.

This story masterfully weaves together the past and present, with flashbacks to Nash and Paisley’s relationship before his departure, and the hundreds of letters she wrote to him but never sent. These moments make the story stand out, showing the depth of their connection and the pain of their separation.

Nash's return is both unexpected and filled with intention—he's come back to win Paisley back, unaware that she is on the brink of marrying someone else. Paisley, having spent years trying to move on, finds herself torn between the man who broke her heart and the man who helped her piece it back together. But as secrets, lies, and betrayals start to unravel, the story takes on new layers of complexity.

*Fragments of You* is a slow-burn romance that will tug at your heartstrings. There are moments when you'll find yourself in tears, and others where you'll need to pause just to catch your breath. The final chapters are nothing short of breathtaking, delivering twists you won't see coming. But as you turn the last page and witness the happily ever after, you'll know you've just experienced something truly exceptional.
Profile Image for Melinda.
2,137 reviews20 followers
August 18, 2024
Just wow by Melissa Toppen in Fragments of You from beginning to the end. I loved that we see two sides of Nash and Paisley as young couple in love and now strangers in a way learning to love again.By all counts Nash is and will always be Paisley's true love yet some things are hard to get past especially a broken heart. We see a young girl so in love one minute then the next her life crumble before our eyes. Melissa Toppen really brings out the darkness in her life and yet there is a light in the end but not what she expected. By all counts Felix seems like a good guy but no one can replace your soulmate. The love Paisley and Nash have is one that is beyond the stars and boy seeing them reconnect is hard but suprisingly seems right.Nash is a man who has always loved Paisley but grew up hard with so much hidden demons and secrets. Seeing him struggle and learn to fight through it was remarkable. Here is a man who makes the ulimate decision to protect the woman he loves even from a man like him. This is kind of love that has a deep foundation to grow from a friendship no one can tear apart and a love that comes back in a way that nothing else matters. These two and seeing Nash do what he does will make you fight for him rooting for a reunion that is destined in the stars. Loved it definitely will make you love it, hate it and even make you cry in a way you never saw coming.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
Profile Image for Laurenreadingrecs .
605 reviews39 followers
August 1, 2024
4.5🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

Tropes:
🧡second chance
🖤slow-burn
🧡friends to lovers
🖤love triangle
🧡small town
🖤dual timeline parts

Gosh! I absolutely adored this book by Melissa. I have read a lot of her books and this might be my new favorite from her. This is the story of Paisley, Felix and Nash. This book does touch on some different topics as well.

The Fmc, Paisley, has pretty much been in love with Nash almost her entire life. They really were friends since they were young kids but from that friendship love grew. They just had this connection and as graduation happens, Nash wrecks all their plans and is leaving. Unbeknownst to Paisley, Nash has been fighting a battle, and she doesn’t understand why he’s leaving.

Fast forward 4 years later and Paisley is now engaged to Felix, who grew up with her and Nash, and was Nash’s best friend. Felix is the one that kept her going, he picked up the pieces that Nash left behind..

But now Nash has returned for Paisley… and has learned about her and Felix and it turns into this love triangle but not only that… Nash finally tells Paisley why he had to go, but he’s also harbored a secret about Felix for years… what will happen when Paisley finds out? Will it drive her back to Nash or will she forgive him..

Another emotionally charged book from Melissa
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,837 reviews52 followers
August 13, 2024
Fragments of You is a beautiful experience. I loved this one so much. You feel all the raw emotions that pour out of this one when it comes to Paisley, Nash, Felix and even Celine. This is a love triangle that comes full circle. Paisley and Nash childhood sweethearts and soulmates who thought they would always be together. Nash had a secret and demons of his own that he kept to himself. Paisley loved Nash so hard. You feel the pain Paisley feels as she moves forward. Felix is best friends with Nash who has loved Paisley and holds secrets of his own. Celine is Paisley's younger sister who has crushed on Felix and has her big secret. You feel for Celine and Paisley as everything unfolds once Nash comes back. You feel the struggle Paisley goes through with her heart and who to trust. This is a second chance that pulls at your heart. Nash and Paisley have an epic love that requires a lot of self healing. I love how they reconnect and build something different as their adult selves. Truths come out and you feel for those that cannot be repaired or take time to. I loved this so much. I could not get enough of all the feels. This is an epic love story that pulls at your heart. You need to read this now.
Profile Image for Jeanette Oglesby.
572 reviews16 followers
August 16, 2024
This book was everything that I love in a love triangle. This is by far my favorite trope of all and Melissa Toppen didn't disappointment with Fragments of You. I loved this book so much!! Paisley, Nash, and Felix's love triangle story sucked me in from the very start and didn't let me come up for air until the very end. All the angst, the back and forth, the raw emotions had me feeling all the feels. And I do mean all the feels. I won't say who I rooted for in the end, but I will say that I was a very happy girl in the end. This is one of those books that you can re-read and still fall in love with the characters all over again. I am adding this one to my favorites list for sure. If you haven't read anything by this author, boy are you missing out. Make sure to grab this one or any of her other books. I have yet to read anything from her that I haven't liked.

Happy Reading Everyone!!!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
August 16, 2024
Paisley fell in love with Nash when she was only a child and she believed that any future plans they would have would always include the other until he leaves town, and she is left devastated and trying to find a path forward. It has taken years but with the help of Felix she is preparing to leave Nathan in her past until he comes back looking for a second chance.

She now finds herself torn between her first love who left her with so many questions and her new love who was there for her when Nash was not. As the story unfolds, we realize that there is a lot to be revealed both when it comes to the past, but everyone involved as well.

Paisley takes us on an angst filled journey as secrets are revealed which will shake her world and questioning which man is she destined to be with and who will truly make her happy.
332 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2024
Nash and Paisley have always been together growing and then became more. She always thought they were forever until they weren’t when Nash tells her he’s leaving town…tomorrow, no explanation other than he’s doing it for her. Paisley falls into a deep depression losing her best friend, hears nothing, radio silence. As it approaches two years, Nash’s good friend Felix, playboy reputation, slowly gets her to embrace life again and she falls for him. They are making weddings plans when Nash is back, throwing Paisley into conflicting emotions, how can she love two men at the same time. When a secret comes to light she finds she has to get away from everyone. Melissa again weaves a wonderful story, so many emotions, I loved that she included backstory for us to understand the depth of angst both Nash and Paisley went through.
Profile Image for Jessi.
45 reviews
November 21, 2025
I received this book in a book box subscription.
First read from this author and it was an easy 5 star read for me. Finished in 1 sitting. I wasn’t really sure what to expect going in. AMAZING! I am an absolute sucker for a happy ending and this book did it for me. This is not smut. Pure romance at its rawest, ugliest and finest. Nash Ketter *chef’s kiss*
He was down bad from the start to the end
Should he have run away? No. Did he learn from his mistakes? Yes.
I didn’t want the book to end but I was dying for Paisley to put the man out of his misery.
I will say I hated Celine AND Felix for keeping the fact they slept together for years from Paisley
I loved the character growth from both the MMC & FMC & how they both find themselves before getting back together.
I��d give more than 5 stars if I could.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
August 16, 2024
Nash and Paisley were childhood sweethearts, and she has loved him all her life, and when he leaves she is left shattered. Felix is Nash’s best friend, and he steps in to help piece Paisley’s life back together, and he is the last person she expects to fall for. When Nash arrives back in town, what will happen between them all?
This is a well written emotional roller coaster, with family dynamics, friendships, angst, complex storyline, soulmates, heartbreak, secrets, healing, drama, revelations, twists and turns, challenges, second chances, trust, and a love triangle, which leads to an entertaining small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Shawn.
70 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2024
A story of a love triangle with someone you feel safe with and they put you back together during your darkest days. Then another who was your best friend then became the love of your life then blows up your hopes and dreams. This is what Paisley was dealing with in her life. Nash left and Felix became a friend then her fiancé. This was the calm before the storm. Just when Paisley had made peace with moving on with Felix, Nash comes back to town and he’s looking for Paisley.
I really enjoyed this book. It took off from the first chapter. We also get Nash and Paisley’s back story from the previous years. There were so many layers to this story, it was hard to figure out who to root for. Another wonderful story from Melissa that always will keep the reader riveted.
Profile Image for Lost Within The Pages.
470 reviews8 followers
August 8, 2024
I not sure where to start with this review at all. This book pulled me in from the very start and P letter to Nash in the beginning made you want to know more. However Nash is who made the story truly heartbreaking. Honestly parts of this book had me wanting to slap P or at the very least shake her really hard and tell her to wake the hell up because she was living in delusional state. I absolutely hated Felix I don't know why he just gave off weird vibes (yes I know he is a book character but still) This book was so good and I absolutely could not put it down and I did feel really bad for P when the truth comes out but I think it’s what she needed. I would recommend this book
Profile Image for greenapplemojito.
785 reviews6 followers
November 4, 2024
This book kept breaking my heart and kept trying to mend it back together just like the MCs in the book. I am personally not a fan of two tropes that were involved in this book, but it was a bit of a heavy read and comprised of tropes that I liked, friends to lovers, second chances, dual pov and timeline small town romance. I personally felt that given the feels that were brought out throughout the first part of the book, a bit of details in the third act when she leaves for California would have been good instead of jumping four years ahead and just giving an overview. Otherwise, I think this was a decent read.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,381 reviews67 followers
August 2, 2024
Fragments of You by M. Toppen is a full length, stand alone, friends to lovers, love triangle romance.
A raw and gritty read that deals with some sensitive subjects and is not really for the faint of heart.
Paisley is about to marry Felix when her ex-boyfriend, a boyfriend who broke her heart, comes back and wants her back.
The story is complex, complicated, jumps between past and present, is raw, gritty, but poetic at the same time, spans years. All characters have some grewing up to do, have flaws, are easily to connect with.
Profile Image for Shelley.
265 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2024
This story is told in past and present tense and follows Paisley and Nash as young kids who are friends and end up in love with each other. Until Nash leaves for unknown reasons and breaks Paisley's heart. Paisley is devastated and Nash's best friend Flex is there for her and after a few years, they fall in love. That is until Nash suddenly appears back after 4 years. The truth comes out and you can't help to fall in love with the story. This love triangle is one you will not be able to put down.
648 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2024
I found the conversations to be very repetitive, and the timelines/ages weren’t working for me. For example, Nash leaves at 18 to go be a druggie for 3 years, clean for 1, comes back. He’s max 22. He has no college education and no job as far as I can tell, but he’s somehow now a catch for the FMC? Why should she blow up her life for an unemployed addict (yes, clean for now).

The whole thing with the sister was all kinda of disturbing.

I skimmed a LOT, which tells me I wasn’t loving the book or the characters.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,834 reviews12 followers
August 3, 2024
What an amazing read this was. Nash and Paisley seemed to be destined to be with each other, even at a young age, they fell in love before they even knew what love was. When life took a few unexpected turns, they spent years apart. Not that that stopped their love even a little bit. Heartache loneliness even forgiveness has brought these two back together for the love they always dreamed of having. Absolutely loved this read, once I started it was hard to put it down.
Profile Image for Cassie.
1,559 reviews
August 16, 2024
4.5 Stars!

I am not a fan of love triangles, but this one by Melissa Toppen has opened my eyes to something new. I am happy that I went into this one not knowing what to expect. The characters were well written, the storyline realistic and your could feel the emotions through the words. I loved that Paisley had found peace after such a heartbreaking breakup, Felix was what she needed and treated her so well. The struggle she felt when Nash came back felt real. When secrets were revealed and she shatters once again, I loved how she handles it, that she made her own path and took her time learning to be on her own. But that ending.....PERFECT!
Profile Image for I Dont Get Sundays.
1,020 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2024
This isn't your typical love triangle. Paisley and Nash, man, they are each other's world, until they aren't. Felix stays home and love is found. This story is so detailed with emotion, you really do feel what Paisley is going through. You will hurt for Nash. You will want to hurt Felix while also kinda seeing where he was coming from. This story is complicated. You think of course Paisley will just forgive and be with Nash, but no girl finds herself while she goes through this journey.
Profile Image for Maria Angie Mendoza.
3,175 reviews20 followers
August 16, 2024
Surprisingly epic!
I’ve come to expect the unexpected in this author’s stories in a very pleasant way.
This unique slow burn love triangle was a compelling and emotional story that drew me in from beginning to end.
Told in past and present, these characters were flawlessly created and how their story evolved and developed made their story shine!
What happens you’ll have to read and find out!
4.5 stars!
Profile Image for Renee.
951 reviews5 followers
August 17, 2024
I don't typically like triangles and I normally avoid them. But there was no way I could avoid a book written by Melissa Toppen. She is a favorite author of mine. I'm so glad I read this, even as hard as it was for me. My emotions were all over the place. I cried, I got frustrated, I smiled I cried some more. My heart was involved, I was completely invested in the characters. Definitely a must read.
354 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2024
I loved this book so much!! I truly FELT Paisley’s heartbreak when Nash mysteriously disappeared. Loved how Felix was there to pick up the broken pieces of Paisley’s heart. Brought her back to the land of the living. And then the rollercoaster began for Paisley (and us, the readers!) The ending was absolute perfection!! And that’s all I’m going to say so I don’t spoil anything. Highly recommend this book!!!
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,077 reviews55 followers
August 27, 2024
This book pulled me in from the very start. It was a raw and heartbreaking story.
Paisley is about to get married to Felix, but when someone from her past comes back into her life, it throws everything she thought she knew into a disarray.
As this complex story starts to unravel, you see secrets cone to light, but will true love win.

A great story from Melissa Toppen and one I can highly recommend.
1,497 reviews15 followers
September 1, 2024
I always know that when I pick up a Melissa Toppen book, it's going to tear at the heartstrings. I couldn't imagine being Paisley, having the love of my life leave with no explanation. Devastation didn't began to cover it. Having him return when she's finally happy and moving on...well,, I don't know if I could handle it. The journey of being left and then having to leave to find herself made Paisley's journey fascinating but full of tears all at the same time.
Profile Image for Jill.
299 reviews188 followers
September 28, 2024
A love triangle story about a girl’s first love and his best friend post-heartbreak. I love an angsty story, but I felt like we were told the characters feelings through words when I needed more of their actions and natural conversation. My favorite part was when we caught a glimpse of that during a home demolition scene. I felt like the plot twist was pretty obviously spelled out throughout the book and I didn’t love any of the characters. Overall, a very easy read and a great palate cleaner.
Profile Image for Alana Lewis-Haynes (Smut Lover Reviews).
440 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2024
It really sucks that I didn't like this one but I just couldn't wrap my head around the back and forth between these characters and I just was not invested in the two main characters. I just felt like I barely knew them or their relationship.

The secret that came out about the younger sister just really rubbed me the wrong way it was quite uncomfortable.

The ending through me for a loop as well and left me very confused and just did not seem like it made sense at all
Profile Image for Leslie.
13 reviews
January 25, 2025
So much ick in one book. Blow jobs for drugs, and finances having sex with underage sisters… ew. I came here for a good push and pull love triangle, and romance, not disturbia. Paisley needs to pack her bags and move away to the big city bc this crop of men is not cutting it. DNF- but I skimmed to find out the big secret, even though I knew already. Train wreck. I can’t imagine this book ending well.
6,138 reviews29 followers
August 17, 2024
Love triangle…

This book is messy with its love triangles and unrequited longings. Paisley has been pining for Nash, her first love, like, for years! She finally thinks about moving on with Felix, and nope, she’s sucked right back into Nash when he’s back.

Paisley was often self absorbed.
Borrowed on KU.
Recommend but must be down for a triangle.
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