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Up In Lights
Back On Me: A Dark Romantic Thriller
Back on Me is a dark romantic thriller and Part Two in the Below the Pulse duet.
I had survived the unimaginable.
Twice.
Not even death wanted me.
And now I was just a tattered canvas, the jagged remains of their torture.
They broke me.
And he destroyed me.
But you see, everyone always underestimates the broken.
I was built on strength and pain.
Forced to withstand the relentless blade of my demons.
And my sharp edges, the very ones they carved, had every intention to slice back twice as deep.
THAT WAS MY PROMISE.
Below The Pulse must be read prior to Back On Me.
I had survived the unimaginable.
Twice.
Not even death wanted me.
And now I was just a tattered canvas, the jagged remains of their torture.
They broke me.
And he destroyed me.
But you see, everyone always underestimates the broken.
I was built on strength and pain.
Forced to withstand the relentless blade of my demons.
And my sharp edges, the very ones they carved, had every intention to slice back twice as deep.
THAT WAS MY PROMISE.
Below The Pulse must be read prior to Back On Me.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2024
4 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Menegon
4 books69 followersC.L. Menegon writes chilling romantic thrillers and gritty suspense. Her stories harbor a plethora of cut-throat emotions, each weaving you through a web of twists and turns, tragedy and angst, with a sprinkling of hope. Her writing has been described as raw, darkly disturbing, and beautifully poetic, encompassing vivid imagery and thrilling intensity.
C.L. lives in Australia.
@clmenegonauthor
clmenegonauthor.com
C.L. lives in Australia.
@clmenegonauthor
clmenegonauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 12, 2024
What are f*cking words.
Back On Me picks up right where Below the Pulse left off and man, it is not for the faint of heart.
This book was harrowing, raw, emotional, dark, and beautifully heartbreaking. The first half of the book had me gasping for air. I felt every damn thing. Though through all that, we were able to witness the love, healing, and growth for these characters. I’ve never felt so happy for fictional characters finally getting their well deserved ending.
I don’t want to say anything else, because like I’ve said before and will continue to say again, I need everyone to pick up this series. C has a way of weaving words and creating stories that will stay with you. The way she’s able to bleed her heart and soul out into these pages. You’ll feel it all.
*ARC for honest review.
Back On Me picks up right where Below the Pulse left off and man, it is not for the faint of heart.
This book was harrowing, raw, emotional, dark, and beautifully heartbreaking. The first half of the book had me gasping for air. I felt every damn thing. Though through all that, we were able to witness the love, healing, and growth for these characters. I’ve never felt so happy for fictional characters finally getting their well deserved ending.
I don’t want to say anything else, because like I’ve said before and will continue to say again, I need everyone to pick up this series. C has a way of weaving words and creating stories that will stay with you. The way she’s able to bleed her heart and soul out into these pages. You’ll feel it all.
*ARC for honest review.
February 11, 2024
Heartbreaking, Amazing Read!
Words fail me to describe not only how great this book was, but all of these books. The rollercoaster ride you will take when reading this story will bring you to new heights and new lows. This is the conclusion of Cherry and Harlen’s story. It also brings some peace to the story of Cherry and Tyler because his story also somewhat wraps into this one and it definitely impacted Cherry in a tremendous way. Cherry literally goes to hell and back while Harlen suffers through his own version of hell. But they are both fighter and fight did they do to get back to one another. Urgh, this is an epic book hangover that I am left with and I just love it! I wish I could start all of these books from scratch to experience them just 1 more time.
Words fail me to describe not only how great this book was, but all of these books. The rollercoaster ride you will take when reading this story will bring you to new heights and new lows. This is the conclusion of Cherry and Harlen’s story. It also brings some peace to the story of Cherry and Tyler because his story also somewhat wraps into this one and it definitely impacted Cherry in a tremendous way. Cherry literally goes to hell and back while Harlen suffers through his own version of hell. But they are both fighter and fight did they do to get back to one another. Urgh, this is an epic book hangover that I am left with and I just love it! I wish I could start all of these books from scratch to experience them just 1 more time.
February 10, 2024
“𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭.”
Usually I’m pretty damn good at writing reviews but this book has me at a lost for words. I don’t think anything I write in this post will be able to do this book justice because it truly is one of a kind. 🥹🩷
Back On Me is part 2 of Cherry and Harlen’s story. After an utter tragedy that leaves Cherry having to fight for her life, strength in taking her next breath, finding her resilience to push through and trust again whilst also being so full of rage for the world that seems to wrong her at every turn. The world can be a dark place especially with what Cherry has been out through but with the love of her brother Keaton, her found family she knows she can take one step at a time, there is no rush in feeling what she has to feel to truly process her emotions before she is out for blood. And ohhhhh my god, was I here for it! 🩸
For such a darkly disturbing book.. it was hauntingly beautiful and I caught myself smiling many times. I think through darkness you can find the light, if you choose to… and Cherry did that ✨. The scenes with all of the characters from past books literally made my heart swell with pride. I love them all so much, the way they were there for everything Cherry and Harlen faced was EVERYTHING.
All of the twists and revelations will have you gasping for air, on the edge of your seat and in a ball of tears. The way C.L added in these sweet revelations will have you in a snotty mess because they are some of the most beautiful sentences I have EVER had the pleasure of reading. “𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘴… 🌹” (IYKYK). Thank you for gracing our pages with these, C. I felt your entire heart and soul in this book. I know these characters would give you the jackets off their back because girl… you have done them proud.
If you haven’t added this duet to your TBR yet (Below the Pulse and Back On Me) but love dark deep emotional romance thrillers then you are simply missing out. This is some of the most incredible writing you will ever have grace your pages.
Happy release day beautiful. You should be so proud of your accomplishments and the incredible story you have created in this duet. For someone who reads 100 plus books a year.. I can honestly say I don’t know how I’ll ever get over this duet and I don’t think anything will be able to compare.. well it’ll be pretty damn hard to 😂🙌. Please take a chance on this duet and add it to your TBR today or better yet, jump online and download it onto your Kindle right now (yes, it’s on KU) or get the paperbacks (available today… squeeeals 😍) they will also look super pretty on your shelves.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ infinity stars!!
February 14, 2024
“Stitching a physical wound stings a little, but the festering inside doesn’t stop. It rots and decays the living. And somehow, we have to learn to live with that. Somehow, we have to find a reason to take our next breath…The world is ugly enough. Hold space for the brave. We are doing the best we can.”
OMG! WOW! I knew going into the continuation of Cherry’s story that I was going to be broken once again, but I wasn’t prepared to be flayed alive by the utter devastation, trauma and emotional heartache that she put me through. I wasn’t prepared for how much her story would bring me to my knees and have me continually sobbing as she relived her trauma over and over again. Cherry’s story is raw, brutal, gut-wrenching and not for the faint of heart. This amazing author holds nothing back and forces us to face Cherry’s trauma alongside of her. We are in this together.
“Cuts, lacerations and tears will all eventually heal. Scars will be left in the wake of the ones that were carved into my flesh deep enough. Only the way they tore me apart, from the inside, that…I will never heal from. I wanted to step outside of my mutilated body…I wanted to leave it behind.”
Cherry is fierce, brave, and an insanely strong woman to be able to try to put herself back together again after almost losing her life in the most horrific and unimaginable of ways. She faces the darkness head-on and pushes through it even when it tries to pull her back in. The emotional turmoil she goes through while healing and keeping her secrets gutted me deeply alongside of her. But the immense amount of love, healing and forgiveness surrounding her as she finally lets some of her secrets go, brought her closer to finally having the happiness she deserved.
“Harboring my sinister nightmare was an unruly beast and most days I felt like I was at the bottom of a deep well screaming, and the morbid sound had no resounding impact.”
The poignant and poetic word weaving once again brings all the anger, pain, hurt, passion and love to life and makes it so that we feel each and everything these characters go through.
“I’m a broken, fragile little moth disintegrating in the dark.”
This story was heartbreakingly beautiful, darkly disturbing and insanely emotional. It kept me on the edge of my seat, sobbing uncontrollably and gasping for air. Once I started, I was obsessed and there was no way I was putting this one down until I was sure Cherry got her happy ending. But even at the end I knew that this is one story that will stay with me forever.
OMG! WOW! I knew going into the continuation of Cherry’s story that I was going to be broken once again, but I wasn’t prepared to be flayed alive by the utter devastation, trauma and emotional heartache that she put me through. I wasn’t prepared for how much her story would bring me to my knees and have me continually sobbing as she relived her trauma over and over again. Cherry’s story is raw, brutal, gut-wrenching and not for the faint of heart. This amazing author holds nothing back and forces us to face Cherry’s trauma alongside of her. We are in this together.
“Cuts, lacerations and tears will all eventually heal. Scars will be left in the wake of the ones that were carved into my flesh deep enough. Only the way they tore me apart, from the inside, that…I will never heal from. I wanted to step outside of my mutilated body…I wanted to leave it behind.”
Cherry is fierce, brave, and an insanely strong woman to be able to try to put herself back together again after almost losing her life in the most horrific and unimaginable of ways. She faces the darkness head-on and pushes through it even when it tries to pull her back in. The emotional turmoil she goes through while healing and keeping her secrets gutted me deeply alongside of her. But the immense amount of love, healing and forgiveness surrounding her as she finally lets some of her secrets go, brought her closer to finally having the happiness she deserved.
“Harboring my sinister nightmare was an unruly beast and most days I felt like I was at the bottom of a deep well screaming, and the morbid sound had no resounding impact.”
The poignant and poetic word weaving once again brings all the anger, pain, hurt, passion and love to life and makes it so that we feel each and everything these characters go through.
“I’m a broken, fragile little moth disintegrating in the dark.”
This story was heartbreakingly beautiful, darkly disturbing and insanely emotional. It kept me on the edge of my seat, sobbing uncontrollably and gasping for air. Once I started, I was obsessed and there was no way I was putting this one down until I was sure Cherry got her happy ending. But even at the end I knew that this is one story that will stay with me forever.
February 11, 2024
I have no idea how to put into words how much I adore Cherry and Harlens story! Back on me is part 2 of their story you do need to read “below the pulse” first! And do note both these books are not for the faint hearted so check trigger warnings beforehand.
It’s a story of heart break, pain, trauma, rawness, family, love, growth, healing! It hurts but it’s also so beautiful! The found family side of this had my heart soaring I absolutely adored it!
Cherry and Harlen are one of those couples that they can’t exist without each other and I love that! They both have suffered at the hands of other people they carry a lot of pain and darkness but with each other they bring out so much light in one another.
One thing I loved was how cherrys journey and healing was never rushed and everything she felt was validated. I don’t want to say too much because it will spoil a lot of “Below the pulse” if you haven’t read it. The twists and revelations will have you gasping for air and on the edge of your seat.
Cherry was put through hell and her strength is unbelievable i absolutely adore her she is sassy, badass, strong and an absolute gem she’s my absolute favourite!
Harlen owns my heart he comes across so tough but his heart is so pure and so full of love how he speaks to Cherry just melts me.
C i absolutely adore you your writing just leaves me in awe every single time you truly pour everything into these stories and I’ll forever love them! Cherry and Harlen has buried themselves into my heart, I’m so sad their story is over but my heart is so full that they found their peace and found the happiness they deserve! They honestly deserve the world!
I cried so much through this book I cried hurting for Cherry but I cried with so much happiness seeing her healing and seeing her get the family she needed/deserved
Chase and keaton i need their stories! I love all these boys but I have to say… Rusty oh my god what an absolute gem of a man he is the sweetest! He is a dad to all of them and it made my heart so full!
It’s a story of heart break, pain, trauma, rawness, family, love, growth, healing! It hurts but it’s also so beautiful! The found family side of this had my heart soaring I absolutely adored it!
Cherry and Harlen are one of those couples that they can’t exist without each other and I love that! They both have suffered at the hands of other people they carry a lot of pain and darkness but with each other they bring out so much light in one another.
One thing I loved was how cherrys journey and healing was never rushed and everything she felt was validated. I don’t want to say too much because it will spoil a lot of “Below the pulse” if you haven’t read it. The twists and revelations will have you gasping for air and on the edge of your seat.
Cherry was put through hell and her strength is unbelievable i absolutely adore her she is sassy, badass, strong and an absolute gem she’s my absolute favourite!
Harlen owns my heart he comes across so tough but his heart is so pure and so full of love how he speaks to Cherry just melts me.
C i absolutely adore you your writing just leaves me in awe every single time you truly pour everything into these stories and I’ll forever love them! Cherry and Harlen has buried themselves into my heart, I’m so sad their story is over but my heart is so full that they found their peace and found the happiness they deserve! They honestly deserve the world!
I cried so much through this book I cried hurting for Cherry but I cried with so much happiness seeing her healing and seeing her get the family she needed/deserved
Chase and keaton i need their stories! I love all these boys but I have to say… Rusty oh my god what an absolute gem of a man he is the sweetest! He is a dad to all of them and it made my heart so full!
February 11, 2024
"I’ve never been strong enough to welcome death. I’ve survived it too many times now that I’m starting to think no one wants me—not even my pending grave."
Cherry's story is a heartbreaking one. She's beautifully broken. She's lost so many people and been left alone for so long. She learned to survive the only way she knew how. The trauma she endured over the 7days she was missing was so difficult to read. It was even more difficult to watch her get triggered and completely close in on herself.
"I can never catch a fucking break. Everywhere I turn, trauma is there waiting to eat me alive."
She struggled so hard and tried to deal with it all on her own because who did she have? Her brother has been in and out of her life, Harlen left her, her parents are gone.... She suffered alone and it was fucking heartbreaking to watch. I cried multiple times through this book because it's just so raw and gut wrenching. I felt Cherry's emotions. I felt her loneliness, her distrust in everyone, her pain and sorrow. God it was rough.
"I survived in the darkness, and I will dance in it too."
Cherry is a phenomenal, well developed character. She learns to own her trauma and survive another day. The tension between her and Harlen was intoxicating. Their relationship soared through the first book. I was waiting to see how he would show up in this one. His reappearance was done so well. I hated Harlen, just as Cherry did BUT as you continue to read their story you learn why certain decisions were made. Although his decision destroyed her, we get a glimpse into what it did to him as well.
This book comes full circle. There's a phenomenal redemption arc, glorious revenge, and so much raw beauty. Cherry and Harlen's story is dark but I promise there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much to the author for sharing their story with us. It was absolutely incredible.
Cherry's story is a heartbreaking one. She's beautifully broken. She's lost so many people and been left alone for so long. She learned to survive the only way she knew how. The trauma she endured over the 7days she was missing was so difficult to read. It was even more difficult to watch her get triggered and completely close in on herself.
"I can never catch a fucking break. Everywhere I turn, trauma is there waiting to eat me alive."
She struggled so hard and tried to deal with it all on her own because who did she have? Her brother has been in and out of her life, Harlen left her, her parents are gone.... She suffered alone and it was fucking heartbreaking to watch. I cried multiple times through this book because it's just so raw and gut wrenching. I felt Cherry's emotions. I felt her loneliness, her distrust in everyone, her pain and sorrow. God it was rough.
"I survived in the darkness, and I will dance in it too."
Cherry is a phenomenal, well developed character. She learns to own her trauma and survive another day. The tension between her and Harlen was intoxicating. Their relationship soared through the first book. I was waiting to see how he would show up in this one. His reappearance was done so well. I hated Harlen, just as Cherry did BUT as you continue to read their story you learn why certain decisions were made. Although his decision destroyed her, we get a glimpse into what it did to him as well.
This book comes full circle. There's a phenomenal redemption arc, glorious revenge, and so much raw beauty. Cherry and Harlen's story is dark but I promise there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much to the author for sharing their story with us. It was absolutely incredible.
February 11, 2024
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒅𝒖𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆.
★★★★★
wow. just wow. i knew c l menegon was going to nail the final book of harlen and cherry but this is something else.
back on me is many things. intoxicating. driven. gut wrenching. dark. thrilling.
i completed this book in less than 24 hours; although my goodreads might say otherwise since i am always late to update my reading status. back on the fact, this book is what i call the perfect conclusion to harlen and cherry's story. i am so happy that they finally found their closure. especially cherry, she deserves the entire world even though the world has been cruel to her. their chemistry? off the chart. had to physically fan myself even tho it's chilly af. it's like one can't exist without the other and i am here for these kind of couples 😭
and keaton? oh he can 🤰 me whenever and wherever he wants.
back on me is also emo af. and no i am not kidding. there are some scenes that will actually tear your hearts apart and make you cry and realise how cruel this world is. It will also make you filled with the hunger for revenge on behalf of cherry and everyone who suffered.
i don't want to dive in much cause it might spoil below the pulse for you. but you can't read this without the reading the book prior to this. you can still read below the pulse as a standalone. remember to read the tws. and i hope you all read this book because it's unique and thrilling and deserves as much recognition as possible.
also, petition for the author to write keaton's book because our skinner definitely deserve one 😮💨❤️🔥
thank you c.l. menegon for providing me an arc copy of this book in exchange for a review <3
★★★★★
wow. just wow. i knew c l menegon was going to nail the final book of harlen and cherry but this is something else.
back on me is many things. intoxicating. driven. gut wrenching. dark. thrilling.
i completed this book in less than 24 hours; although my goodreads might say otherwise since i am always late to update my reading status. back on the fact, this book is what i call the perfect conclusion to harlen and cherry's story. i am so happy that they finally found their closure. especially cherry, she deserves the entire world even though the world has been cruel to her. their chemistry? off the chart. had to physically fan myself even tho it's chilly af. it's like one can't exist without the other and i am here for these kind of couples 😭
and keaton? oh he can 🤰 me whenever and wherever he wants.
back on me is also emo af. and no i am not kidding. there are some scenes that will actually tear your hearts apart and make you cry and realise how cruel this world is. It will also make you filled with the hunger for revenge on behalf of cherry and everyone who suffered.
i don't want to dive in much cause it might spoil below the pulse for you. but you can't read this without the reading the book prior to this. you can still read below the pulse as a standalone. remember to read the tws. and i hope you all read this book because it's unique and thrilling and deserves as much recognition as possible.
also, petition for the author to write keaton's book because our skinner definitely deserve one 😮💨❤️🔥
thank you c.l. menegon for providing me an arc copy of this book in exchange for a review <3
February 14, 2024
Im starting to think cl has a knack for writing books that stay with you i think about the up in lights series constantly it never leaves my brain so its hard to rank favourites because every story on there own is so strong and honestly just phenomenal but ‘back on me was different’ i will never be the same person i was before reading cherry and harlens story but specifically this book.
Cl’s writing always leaves me shocked.I’m always taken aback by just how deeply her words resonate with me and how her stories literally make me feel alive. Recently hasn’t been the best I’ve been on autopilot just trying to survive but as soon as i started reading back on me i knew.i knew this book was going to just change me and it did,its so hard to convey just how hard hitting this book was.
During the first 40% of this book i cried almost every page and yes because this book is a sad Oh im talking gut wrenching but mostly because the way cl writes is just so raw and real you cant help but be moved by her words you cant help but deeply feel what the characters are going through. I wont lie there were parts where i wasn’t sure if i could keep reading especially in the beginning,cherrys story is bottomline soul shattering but her story is so important and im thankful it was written i saw parts of myself alot in cherry so shes definitely one of my favourites in the series. And the way the topic of trauma was handled in this book was honestly just beautiful
And i must say cl is truly a genius the way literally every single detail connected in the end it truly felt like the perfect conclusion to cherry and harlen.I adored this couple so much its always hard to move on from the up in lights couples but i had such an experience with these two.
Im excited for whats in store next for this series its quickly becoming an all time favourite series i will be taking to the grave (also i need chases book like i need air) 🖤
Cl’s writing always leaves me shocked.I’m always taken aback by just how deeply her words resonate with me and how her stories literally make me feel alive. Recently hasn’t been the best I’ve been on autopilot just trying to survive but as soon as i started reading back on me i knew.i knew this book was going to just change me and it did,its so hard to convey just how hard hitting this book was.
During the first 40% of this book i cried almost every page and yes because this book is a sad Oh im talking gut wrenching but mostly because the way cl writes is just so raw and real you cant help but be moved by her words you cant help but deeply feel what the characters are going through. I wont lie there were parts where i wasn’t sure if i could keep reading especially in the beginning,cherrys story is bottomline soul shattering but her story is so important and im thankful it was written i saw parts of myself alot in cherry so shes definitely one of my favourites in the series. And the way the topic of trauma was handled in this book was honestly just beautiful
And i must say cl is truly a genius the way literally every single detail connected in the end it truly felt like the perfect conclusion to cherry and harlen.I adored this couple so much its always hard to move on from the up in lights couples but i had such an experience with these two.
Im excited for whats in store next for this series its quickly becoming an all time favourite series i will be taking to the grave (also i need chases book like i need air) 🖤
February 11, 2024
5⭐️ to this beautiful book! the conclusion to cherry & harlen’s tortured tale was nothing short of spectacular 🩵🍒
- rockstar hero
- dancer heroine
- dark romantic suspense
- MC element
- second chance romance
having survived the unimaginable, cherry thought she’d seen the worst hell had to offer after her week of torment. but that was nothing compared to the pain she felt when harlen turned his back on her and left her to the wolves. when her hurt calcifies, spurring her on her quest of freedom and vengeance, she vows to make those who hurt her pay—even the man she loves.
this was the perfect ending to the gritty, haunting story C.L. began in ‘below the pulse.’ it’s full of anguish and pain, redemption and revenge, but above all, hope. cherry’s story is a promise that all survivors can heal, even if it’s not a linear path and looks different than others’.
the suspense carried through from the last book. learning the identities of cherry’s tormentors and their ties to all the pain cherry and harlen have weathered over the years had my jaw on the floor! the twists in this book were unreal!!
cherry was—and always has been—such a fierce heroine. having endured the fires of hell, she has a spine of steel, and bites back harder and more viciously than before. watching her heal and slowly transform was such a beautiful process. i loved her reclaiming her role as a dancer, opening up her club, and watching her relationship with ty and cam deepen. harlen was beautifully broken, pining after cherry. it hurt to see him so adrift without her, but their reunion was everything. i’m so happy these two got the happy ending they deserved! 🥹🩵
- rockstar hero
- dancer heroine
- dark romantic suspense
- MC element
- second chance romance
having survived the unimaginable, cherry thought she’d seen the worst hell had to offer after her week of torment. but that was nothing compared to the pain she felt when harlen turned his back on her and left her to the wolves. when her hurt calcifies, spurring her on her quest of freedom and vengeance, she vows to make those who hurt her pay—even the man she loves.
this was the perfect ending to the gritty, haunting story C.L. began in ‘below the pulse.’ it’s full of anguish and pain, redemption and revenge, but above all, hope. cherry’s story is a promise that all survivors can heal, even if it’s not a linear path and looks different than others’.
the suspense carried through from the last book. learning the identities of cherry’s tormentors and their ties to all the pain cherry and harlen have weathered over the years had my jaw on the floor! the twists in this book were unreal!!
cherry was—and always has been—such a fierce heroine. having endured the fires of hell, she has a spine of steel, and bites back harder and more viciously than before. watching her heal and slowly transform was such a beautiful process. i loved her reclaiming her role as a dancer, opening up her club, and watching her relationship with ty and cam deepen. harlen was beautifully broken, pining after cherry. it hurt to see him so adrift without her, but their reunion was everything. i’m so happy these two got the happy ending they deserved! 🥹🩵
February 11, 2024
This was one of those books that I was eagerly waiting to arrive, but at the same time I was dreading it knowing what was to come! I do mean that in the best way!
Once again, I have no words. How do you write a review for something that was just written so well? Harlen and Cherry went through H3ll, past it and back again! You do need to be mindful of the triggers, because this really is dark. I think I have said this before, and I will say it again, C.L writes with emotion, and you can tell that she pours so much into these stories, that you almost feel everything her characters are feeling, they hurt, you hurt, they break, you break, It makes for such a good story and just shows how fantastic of a writer that she is.
This was heartbreaking story that had me reaching for the tissues numerous times, but it was also full of hope and love. Having read the previous three books in this series, it was emotional and heartwarming to see them rally around Cherry and be there for support.
Cherry was an incredibly strong character with everything that she has been through, she is an inspiration and I am so glad she made it. Harlen was sweet and patient, he never pushed and just wanted to be there for Cherry.
The twists and turns that you don’t see coming as well will leave you shocked and speechless. C.L does a brilliant job with all the little details which makes her stories more.
This duet will stay with me for a long time to come and C.L has been one of my go-to authors since I Read Because you said. Once again you have delivered a masterpiece! Thank you so very much! I am looking forward to seeing what's to come!
Once again, I have no words. How do you write a review for something that was just written so well? Harlen and Cherry went through H3ll, past it and back again! You do need to be mindful of the triggers, because this really is dark. I think I have said this before, and I will say it again, C.L writes with emotion, and you can tell that she pours so much into these stories, that you almost feel everything her characters are feeling, they hurt, you hurt, they break, you break, It makes for such a good story and just shows how fantastic of a writer that she is.
This was heartbreaking story that had me reaching for the tissues numerous times, but it was also full of hope and love. Having read the previous three books in this series, it was emotional and heartwarming to see them rally around Cherry and be there for support.
Cherry was an incredibly strong character with everything that she has been through, she is an inspiration and I am so glad she made it. Harlen was sweet and patient, he never pushed and just wanted to be there for Cherry.
The twists and turns that you don’t see coming as well will leave you shocked and speechless. C.L does a brilliant job with all the little details which makes her stories more.
This duet will stay with me for a long time to come and C.L has been one of my go-to authors since I Read Because you said. Once again you have delivered a masterpiece! Thank you so very much! I am looking forward to seeing what's to come!
February 13, 2024
🌶🌶🌶/5
Going into the conclusion of Cherry and Harlen's story, I knew this was going to be devastating. But, this story destroyed me and ripped me apart from the inside out and put me back together in ways I couldn't even imagine.
This story picks off exactly where we left off in Below The Pulse. This is book 2 in this duet and is not a standalone, so reading Below The Pulse first is a must in order to really understand Cherry and Harlen's story. After the traumatic events of book 1, Cherry is left struggling with the demons that are trying to drag her beneath the waves and trying to find a way to live with her past.
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒅𝒖𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆."
Cherry's story is one of absolute resilience. The journey this character went through to reclaim herself and her life was absolutely empowering, but also so raw and heart wrenching at the same time. C.L.'s storytelling and writing is done in a way in which these characters really come to life off the pages and their emotions and inner turmoils are felt deep within us. Cherry and Harlen both exhibited how healing is never a straight path. There will be ups and downs in the healing process and no two people will go through this journey in the same way and C really showcases that in this book.
Cherry and Harlen have had such a rough and tumultuous road to get to where they are now but they have always been endgame. I am sad to see their story conclude but their fight is something that I know I will carry with me long after the last word has been read. C, you knocked it out of the park with this one 💙❤️
Going into the conclusion of Cherry and Harlen's story, I knew this was going to be devastating. But, this story destroyed me and ripped me apart from the inside out and put me back together in ways I couldn't even imagine.
This story picks off exactly where we left off in Below The Pulse. This is book 2 in this duet and is not a standalone, so reading Below The Pulse first is a must in order to really understand Cherry and Harlen's story. After the traumatic events of book 1, Cherry is left struggling with the demons that are trying to drag her beneath the waves and trying to find a way to live with her past.
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒅𝒖𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆."
Cherry's story is one of absolute resilience. The journey this character went through to reclaim herself and her life was absolutely empowering, but also so raw and heart wrenching at the same time. C.L.'s storytelling and writing is done in a way in which these characters really come to life off the pages and their emotions and inner turmoils are felt deep within us. Cherry and Harlen both exhibited how healing is never a straight path. There will be ups and downs in the healing process and no two people will go through this journey in the same way and C really showcases that in this book.
Cherry and Harlen have had such a rough and tumultuous road to get to where they are now but they have always been endgame. I am sad to see their story conclude but their fight is something that I know I will carry with me long after the last word has been read. C, you knocked it out of the park with this one 💙❤️
March 4, 2024
This was one of those books that I was eagerly waiting to arrive, but at the same time I was dreading it knowing what was to come! I do mean that in the best way!
Once again, I have no words. How do you write a review for something that was just written so well? Harlen and Cherry went through H3ll, past it and back again! You do need to be mindful of the triggers, because this really is dark. I think I have said this before, and I will say it again, C.L writes with emotion, and you can tell that she pours so much into these stories, that you almost feel everything her characters are feeling, they hurt, you hurt, they break, you break, It makes for such a good story and just shows how fantastic of a writer that she is.
This was heartbreaking story that had me reaching for the tissues numerous times, but it was also full of hope and love. Having read the previous three books in this series, it was emotional and heartwarming to see them rally around Cherry and be there for support.
Cherry was an incredibly strong character with everything that she has been through, she is an inspiration and I am so glad she made it. Harlen was sweet and patient, he never pushed and just wanted to be there for Cherry.
The twists and turns that you don’t see coming as well will leave you shocked and speechless. C.L does a brilliant job with all the little details which makes her stories more.
This duet will stay with me for a long time to come and C.L has been one of my go-to authors since I Read Because you said. Once again you have delivered a masterpiece! Thank you so very much! I am looking forward to seeing what's to come!
Once again, I have no words. How do you write a review for something that was just written so well? Harlen and Cherry went through H3ll, past it and back again! You do need to be mindful of the triggers, because this really is dark. I think I have said this before, and I will say it again, C.L writes with emotion, and you can tell that she pours so much into these stories, that you almost feel everything her characters are feeling, they hurt, you hurt, they break, you break, It makes for such a good story and just shows how fantastic of a writer that she is.
This was heartbreaking story that had me reaching for the tissues numerous times, but it was also full of hope and love. Having read the previous three books in this series, it was emotional and heartwarming to see them rally around Cherry and be there for support.
Cherry was an incredibly strong character with everything that she has been through, she is an inspiration and I am so glad she made it. Harlen was sweet and patient, he never pushed and just wanted to be there for Cherry.
The twists and turns that you don’t see coming as well will leave you shocked and speechless. C.L does a brilliant job with all the little details which makes her stories more.
This duet will stay with me for a long time to come and C.L has been one of my go-to authors since I Read Because you said. Once again you have delivered a masterpiece! Thank you so very much! I am looking forward to seeing what's to come!
February 12, 2024
"I did this for me. For the girl who still felt the tug of rusted chains at her wrists. For the girl who had everything taken from her. I wanted my power back. And I had fucking found it."
I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of C.L. Menegon's newest musician standalone book, Back on Me (book four in the Up In Lights Series).
Back on Me is the final part of Cherry and Harlen's chilling, dark romantic thriller duet and picks back up where we left off in Below the Pulse.
I cannot put into words how much I loved Back on Me. Cherry and Harlen's story utterly consumed me from start to finish. Their story is so hauntingly, heartbreakingly, beautiful and will always stay with me.
I am in constant awe of C.L. Menegon's writing. It is so emotional, raw and gritty that you can tell that she has poured her absolute heart and soul into this heartbreakingly beautiful story. She is not afraid to write the story how it needs to be. She also knows how to take you on one hell of a ride.
Cherry went through absolute hell, and my heart broke for her so many times. How much pain and suffering can one person endure?
I am in complete awe of Cherry's strength, especially after everything she has endured. I am so glad she found a reason to keep taking her next breath.
I do not want to give too much away, so I will end it here. But if you enjoy dark reads, I highly recommend C.L. Menegon's books.
Thank you so much to C.L. Menegon for the ARC 💙
* Below the Pulse must be read before Back on Me *
⚠️ * Please check the trigger warnings before reading! * ⚠️
I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of C.L. Menegon's newest musician standalone book, Back on Me (book four in the Up In Lights Series).
Back on Me is the final part of Cherry and Harlen's chilling, dark romantic thriller duet and picks back up where we left off in Below the Pulse.
I cannot put into words how much I loved Back on Me. Cherry and Harlen's story utterly consumed me from start to finish. Their story is so hauntingly, heartbreakingly, beautiful and will always stay with me.
I am in constant awe of C.L. Menegon's writing. It is so emotional, raw and gritty that you can tell that she has poured her absolute heart and soul into this heartbreakingly beautiful story. She is not afraid to write the story how it needs to be. She also knows how to take you on one hell of a ride.
Cherry went through absolute hell, and my heart broke for her so many times. How much pain and suffering can one person endure?
I am in complete awe of Cherry's strength, especially after everything she has endured. I am so glad she found a reason to keep taking her next breath.
I do not want to give too much away, so I will end it here. But if you enjoy dark reads, I highly recommend C.L. Menegon's books.
Thank you so much to C.L. Menegon for the ARC 💙
* Below the Pulse must be read before Back on Me *
⚠️ * Please check the trigger warnings before reading! * ⚠️
February 11, 2024
After reaching the end of Below The Pulse I couldn't wait for more of this story! I immediately started looking forward to this continuation. I started reading it and back in the Up In Lights world I went! I enjoyed this second installment in this duet so much!
Cherry and Harlen's journey continues! These two souls colliding was only the beginning. After everything that's happened, Cherry is dealing with the aftermath of it all. What all is in store next for her and Harlen?
Just like in book one, From beginning to end Cherry and Harlen put my heart through it all and I could feel every bit! I didn't know how everything would play out for Cherry and Harlen which pulled me even more into their journey. Cherry was so tough and real to me and I truly felt for her. I was cheering her on all throughout. I loved that I went through SO much with these characters throughout!
From the depths of emotions and darkness to the chemistry, Cherry and Harlen's far from easy duet is one that gets you right in the chest.
With Back On Me, Ms.Menegon created a great duet that pulls you in with the realness, grips you with the darkness, and has your heart feeling it all! There is such beauty and rawness to this author's writing and her words always pull me in every time. I can't wait to read what she brings our way next! Definitely check this duet / series out!
Be sure to read the author's note for triggers.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Cherry and Harlen's journey continues! These two souls colliding was only the beginning. After everything that's happened, Cherry is dealing with the aftermath of it all. What all is in store next for her and Harlen?
Just like in book one, From beginning to end Cherry and Harlen put my heart through it all and I could feel every bit! I didn't know how everything would play out for Cherry and Harlen which pulled me even more into their journey. Cherry was so tough and real to me and I truly felt for her. I was cheering her on all throughout. I loved that I went through SO much with these characters throughout!
From the depths of emotions and darkness to the chemistry, Cherry and Harlen's far from easy duet is one that gets you right in the chest.
With Back On Me, Ms.Menegon created a great duet that pulls you in with the realness, grips you with the darkness, and has your heart feeling it all! There is such beauty and rawness to this author's writing and her words always pull me in every time. I can't wait to read what she brings our way next! Definitely check this duet / series out!
Be sure to read the author's note for triggers.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
February 16, 2024
Words that hold such emotion! 4.5⭐ read
That is C.'s style — raw, painfully beautiful yet realistic and has such an understanding. Just reading the authors note, I was utterly speechless, in awe and felt so seen. I paused, reread it again before I started to read. It was that beautiful! I needed a minute for it to sink in.
Descriptive imagery from neon lights, down to physical feelings. Her writing is gritty, palpable. I've said this with the whole series and it stays true with Back On Me, gritty and raw. Everything you want and expect in a dark suspense romance.
Back On Me is so much more than a continuation of Cherry and Harlen's story. The underlying themes, specifically on self-reflection, self-love, strength, courage, honesty, the inner battle trauma causes but the overall power you have to become and want more is written so beautifully.
The aspects of suspense and thrill, will keep you on edge. There are a few twists that I did not see coming!
The definition of family is deep in this story. It is more than found family. It is first loving yourself, learning to love yourself to let others in and once you do, you hold on tight. You experience this deeper connection through both Cherry and Harlen's perspectives and it is filled with so much love, depth, admiration and acceptance.
This book holds so much weight — it's a story that lingers days after you finish, but most importantly it's a story that needs to be read. Beautifully tragic with a full circle happy ending.
That is C.'s style — raw, painfully beautiful yet realistic and has such an understanding. Just reading the authors note, I was utterly speechless, in awe and felt so seen. I paused, reread it again before I started to read. It was that beautiful! I needed a minute for it to sink in.
Descriptive imagery from neon lights, down to physical feelings. Her writing is gritty, palpable. I've said this with the whole series and it stays true with Back On Me, gritty and raw. Everything you want and expect in a dark suspense romance.
Back On Me is so much more than a continuation of Cherry and Harlen's story. The underlying themes, specifically on self-reflection, self-love, strength, courage, honesty, the inner battle trauma causes but the overall power you have to become and want more is written so beautifully.
The aspects of suspense and thrill, will keep you on edge. There are a few twists that I did not see coming!
The definition of family is deep in this story. It is more than found family. It is first loving yourself, learning to love yourself to let others in and once you do, you hold on tight. You experience this deeper connection through both Cherry and Harlen's perspectives and it is filled with so much love, depth, admiration and acceptance.
This book holds so much weight — it's a story that lingers days after you finish, but most importantly it's a story that needs to be read. Beautifully tragic with a full circle happy ending.
February 11, 2024
Back On Me by C.L. Menegon
In the fourth installment of the “Up In Lights” series, “Back On Me” continues the enthralling and tragic journey of Cherry and Harlen. Their passionate duet unfolds against the backdrop of fame, music, and secrets. As the music industry swirls with intrigue, Cherry and Harlen grapple with their past, their desires, and the haunting melodies that bind them.
C.L. Menegon masterfully weaves suspense, romance, and raw emotion into a symphony of words. The characters leap off the page, their vulnerabilities and strengths laid bare. The tension between Cherry’s haunting past and Harlen’s brooding charisma keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The vivid descriptions of concert halls, backstage drama, and the electric chemistry between Cherry and Harlen create an immersive experience. The author’s prose dances like a melody, evoking both heartache and hope.
Cherry is beautifully broken, lost, and alone. Yet she emerges from the pages not merely as a character but as an entity—fractured yet resilient. Her evolution is not witnessed but felt –a testament to her indomitable spirit and the talented author who wrote her.
Cherry’s and Harlen’s romance was intoxicating, heavy and emotional. The passion was amplified, every moment echoing with intensity. Don’t walk, run to this story.
In the fourth installment of the “Up In Lights” series, “Back On Me” continues the enthralling and tragic journey of Cherry and Harlen. Their passionate duet unfolds against the backdrop of fame, music, and secrets. As the music industry swirls with intrigue, Cherry and Harlen grapple with their past, their desires, and the haunting melodies that bind them.
C.L. Menegon masterfully weaves suspense, romance, and raw emotion into a symphony of words. The characters leap off the page, their vulnerabilities and strengths laid bare. The tension between Cherry’s haunting past and Harlen’s brooding charisma keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The vivid descriptions of concert halls, backstage drama, and the electric chemistry between Cherry and Harlen create an immersive experience. The author’s prose dances like a melody, evoking both heartache and hope.
Cherry is beautifully broken, lost, and alone. Yet she emerges from the pages not merely as a character but as an entity—fractured yet resilient. Her evolution is not witnessed but felt –a testament to her indomitable spirit and the talented author who wrote her.
Cherry’s and Harlen’s romance was intoxicating, heavy and emotional. The passion was amplified, every moment echoing with intensity. Don’t walk, run to this story.
February 14, 2024
I literally didnt think i could love this series anymore and boy was i wrong. I 👏🏻LOVED👏🏻THIS👏🏻BOOK👏🏻SM👏🏻
Incredible. The writing, the story, the journey, the characters, the cameos, the healing, the QUOTES, the DIALOGUE, the interactions the relationships the friendships the dancing and details and suspense and plot twists and just-✋🏻✋🏻😫😫1000000000000000/10
C- you did it again. Another FANTASTIC BOOK.
Those who get it, GET IT. OBSESSSED
Mild spoiler? Probably not but
I LOVE TYLER 🤣😭😭 MYY MAN!!!! I LOVE CHERRY, I LOVE CAM!!! I LOVE HARLEN! I LOVE RUSTY AND KEATON AND CHASE AND HARM AND ASH !!! I LOVE EVERYBODY
Cherry is a WARRIOR. I love love love how she is so strong but still feels everything. Shes a crier shes a feeler yet still fierce.
Harlen.. aka GOLDIE.. cant get enough of him and cherry. Theyre so great together.
The sibling and parent relationships in this book and below the pulse are seriously 100/10! Such a nice change of pace to find books where the family ties are “healthy” and loving. Rusty and keaton are everything.
I am dying DYING for chase’s story though. We get so much chase these past few books.. what is YOUR STORY SON?! Im so invested.
Once again — I LOVE TYLER!!!! 🗣️🗣️🗣️ hahaha
Go read it yall. Just go read it.
Incredible. The writing, the story, the journey, the characters, the cameos, the healing, the QUOTES, the DIALOGUE, the interactions the relationships the friendships the dancing and details and suspense and plot twists and just-✋🏻✋🏻😫😫1000000000000000/10
C- you did it again. Another FANTASTIC BOOK.
Those who get it, GET IT. OBSESSSED
Mild spoiler? Probably not but
I LOVE TYLER 🤣😭😭 MYY MAN!!!! I LOVE CHERRY, I LOVE CAM!!! I LOVE HARLEN! I LOVE RUSTY AND KEATON AND CHASE AND HARM AND ASH !!! I LOVE EVERYBODY
Cherry is a WARRIOR. I love love love how she is so strong but still feels everything. Shes a crier shes a feeler yet still fierce.
Harlen.. aka GOLDIE.. cant get enough of him and cherry. Theyre so great together.
The sibling and parent relationships in this book and below the pulse are seriously 100/10! Such a nice change of pace to find books where the family ties are “healthy” and loving. Rusty and keaton are everything.
I am dying DYING for chase’s story though. We get so much chase these past few books.. what is YOUR STORY SON?! Im so invested.
Once again — I LOVE TYLER!!!! 🗣️🗣️🗣️ hahaha
Go read it yall. Just go read it.
October 13, 2025
It brought me back, just to ruin me again
I’m not going to lie — this one took me a minute to sink into. I kept wanting more of Cherry in her element, standing tall in The Barbed Cherry, the world she built from her own blood and heartbreak. There’s so much potential in that space — I wanted to see her own it, to see the full fire of who she’s become.
But once it hit… god, it hit. The second half ripped me apart in the best and worst ways. The raw, exposed pain between Harlen and Cherry — the way their histories tangled long before either of them even knew it — it’s haunting. It’s tragic. It’s beautiful. When those threads finally come together, it doesn’t just give you goosebumps, it shreds you.
And now I’m left needing more. Chase — the soul-deep best friend with a voice that could break hearts — and Rusty — the broken, brutal father who somehow still loves harder than anyone else — both deserve their stories told. I don’t even care if it’s the same world or a spin-off; I just need more.
A solid 4 stars — not because it wasn’t enough, but because it hurt just right. This book left me raw, hollow, and somehow still craving another round of heartbreak.
I’m not going to lie — this one took me a minute to sink into. I kept wanting more of Cherry in her element, standing tall in The Barbed Cherry, the world she built from her own blood and heartbreak. There’s so much potential in that space — I wanted to see her own it, to see the full fire of who she’s become.
But once it hit… god, it hit. The second half ripped me apart in the best and worst ways. The raw, exposed pain between Harlen and Cherry — the way their histories tangled long before either of them even knew it — it’s haunting. It’s tragic. It’s beautiful. When those threads finally come together, it doesn’t just give you goosebumps, it shreds you.
And now I’m left needing more. Chase — the soul-deep best friend with a voice that could break hearts — and Rusty — the broken, brutal father who somehow still loves harder than anyone else — both deserve their stories told. I don’t even care if it’s the same world or a spin-off; I just need more.
A solid 4 stars — not because it wasn’t enough, but because it hurt just right. This book left me raw, hollow, and somehow still craving another round of heartbreak.
February 4, 2024
𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒏 𝑴𝒆 𝒃𝒚 𝑪.𝑳. 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒈𝒐𝒏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5
❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️
🍒This is the second book in a duet 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒖𝒍𝒔𝒆 must be read first. If you haven’t read 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒖𝒍𝒔𝒆 this review will contain spoilers.🍒
This picks up right where 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒖𝒍𝒔𝒆 left off. Cherry has just survived the worst, and is in the hospital. Unable to bear being there any longer , she knows she needs to leave. She feels abandoned by everyone, and needs a new start.
While rebuilding her life, Cherry starts to find a new “normal” again, but is haunted by her trauma. Another tragedy brings Cherry home, and back into her best friends’ lives again. Having her best friends back, brings her some peace, but what she really wants, is revenge.
I am so sad Cherry & Harlan’s story is over, but they’ll forever have a piece of my heart. I feel so connected to Cherry, and her healing brought me some as well. Thank you C.L. Menegon for writing words that allowed me to breathe again. I’m forever grateful for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5
❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️
🍒This is the second book in a duet 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒖𝒍𝒔𝒆 must be read first. If you haven’t read 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒖𝒍𝒔𝒆 this review will contain spoilers.🍒
This picks up right where 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒖𝒍𝒔𝒆 left off. Cherry has just survived the worst, and is in the hospital. Unable to bear being there any longer , she knows she needs to leave. She feels abandoned by everyone, and needs a new start.
While rebuilding her life, Cherry starts to find a new “normal” again, but is haunted by her trauma. Another tragedy brings Cherry home, and back into her best friends’ lives again. Having her best friends back, brings her some peace, but what she really wants, is revenge.
I am so sad Cherry & Harlan’s story is over, but they’ll forever have a piece of my heart. I feel so connected to Cherry, and her healing brought me some as well. Thank you C.L. Menegon for writing words that allowed me to breathe again. I’m forever grateful for you.
February 9, 2024
This book killed me and brought me back to life again.
.
CL Menegon writes raw, painful, shockingly realistic stories that have you experiencing every second of each character’s journey with them.
.
Every time I finish one of her books I need a full three days for my heart and Brian to recover before I’m capable of picking up another (and I LOVE this). Back on Me is no exception!
.
Back on Me is the highly anticipated sequel to Below the Pulse and should not be read as a standalone novel. Did I stay up until 4am during my busies work week of the year to read it? Yes. Do I regret that? Not even a little.
.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
Read if you like:
🩵 Life and Love After Trauma
♥️ Mental Health Rep
🩵 Rockstar x Dancer
♥️ Romance Found in the Darkness
🩵 I’ll Take Your Pain
.
I love Caleb. Why must you keep making me fall in love with all the side characters. I’ll just be over here anxiously wondering if if I will ever get their books 🙈🙈🙈🙈
.
⚠️ READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
.
CL Menegon writes raw, painful, shockingly realistic stories that have you experiencing every second of each character’s journey with them.
.
Every time I finish one of her books I need a full three days for my heart and Brian to recover before I’m capable of picking up another (and I LOVE this). Back on Me is no exception!
.
Back on Me is the highly anticipated sequel to Below the Pulse and should not be read as a standalone novel. Did I stay up until 4am during my busies work week of the year to read it? Yes. Do I regret that? Not even a little.
.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
Read if you like:
🩵 Life and Love After Trauma
♥️ Mental Health Rep
🩵 Rockstar x Dancer
♥️ Romance Found in the Darkness
🩵 I’ll Take Your Pain
.
I love Caleb. Why must you keep making me fall in love with all the side characters. I’ll just be over here anxiously wondering if if I will ever get their books 🙈🙈🙈🙈
.
⚠️ READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
February 13, 2024
where do i even start? i’m truly lost for words. this book left me shattered, broken yet reborn and hopeful. i freaking loved it. Harlen and Cherry’s story is not an easy one to read—it’s grim, haunting and disturbingly dark. at times i found myself needing to put the book down just so i could breathe before resuming through the heartache. the found family dynamic was so strong and every scene with all the characters together felt like a breath of fresh air amongst all the pain. it truly felt like i was experiencing all the emotions and twisting revelations alongside Cherry which made everything all the more emotional. and although the miscommunication trope is frustrating to read, this book made me realise that it is a very human response, on both sides, especially when tangled with the dark claws of trauma. and that end scene? don’t talk to me. i am still not okay. it was so precious and such a full circle moment, i couldn’t have imagined it any other way.
— this is part two within duet! BELOW THE PULSE must be read first. check trigger warnings before you read.
*gifted arc copy.
all thoughts/feelings are my own.
• emotional storyline
• thriller vibes
• found family
• trauma healing
— this is part two within duet! BELOW THE PULSE must be read first. check trigger warnings before you read.
*gifted arc copy.
all thoughts/feelings are my own.
• emotional storyline
• thriller vibes
• found family
• trauma healing
April 25, 2024
If I'm sure about one thing it's this: I adore Cherry and Harlens duet with all my heart.🍒❤️🔥
In fact, I love every book @clmenegonauthor wrote in this series.
The themes are extremely dark and the writing reads like a movie!
Each book is about a rockstar and their journey for success and love.
But this one was especially heart wrenching with a beautiful ending.
If you love very dark themes in your book please read this!
I absolutely love it and @clmenegonauthor for writing these difficult situations and turning them into love stories about struggle, trauma, and healing.
You're amazing and I can't wait for the next book.❣️
✨All are available on Kindle Unlimited
+ They have spice🌶️💋
🏍️ Biker Club
🍒Sassy FMC
💀Touch Her and ☠️
🌊Dr0w ning /Saving Her
💃🏼Spicy Dance Meet Cute
🩰 Ballerina FMC
In fact, I love every book @clmenegonauthor wrote in this series.
The themes are extremely dark and the writing reads like a movie!
Each book is about a rockstar and their journey for success and love.
But this one was especially heart wrenching with a beautiful ending.
If you love very dark themes in your book please read this!
I absolutely love it and @clmenegonauthor for writing these difficult situations and turning them into love stories about struggle, trauma, and healing.
You're amazing and I can't wait for the next book.❣️
✨All are available on Kindle Unlimited
+ They have spice🌶️💋
🏍️ Biker Club
🍒Sassy FMC
💀Touch Her and ☠️
🌊Dr0w ning /Saving Her
💃🏼Spicy Dance Meet Cute
🩰 Ballerina FMC
February 11, 2024
“Her demons were mine, and I would carry the weight of them until the day I fuc*ing died”
I knew this book would be everything!! I knew it would wreck me but I truly wasn’t prepared for the heaviness it was going to deliver. Heaviness for the pain and burdens Cherry and Harlen had to carry, heaviness from the trauma and heaviness because it’s over. I truly think that is what hurts my heart the most is my time is over with these two. I will carry Cherry and Harlen close to me forever. This was my most anticipated read of 2024 and everything about it was beyond my expectations. I truly don’t think anything will come close to topping this book this year maybe even ever. Cherry survived the unimaginable her trauma was gut wrenching I cried at every turn in this story! She climbed from the pits of hell and was the ultimate survivor!! Harlen made the ultimate sacrifice to save her dignity but the grief and guilt nearly crushed him. These two traveled a soul crushing road to get back to each other. Nothing was easy about it but they were always each others end game. The little details and connections to each other’s story shocked me to my core but solidified they were destined for each other! My chasing the storm men and their ladies couldn’t be any more perfect in this story too. The way they are there for each other in every way imaginable just floods my heart with love! The way they carried Cherry and picked her up when she when she needed it most was everything she needed to help her heal. This book deserves way more than 5 stars!!
I knew this book would be everything!! I knew it would wreck me but I truly wasn’t prepared for the heaviness it was going to deliver. Heaviness for the pain and burdens Cherry and Harlen had to carry, heaviness from the trauma and heaviness because it’s over. I truly think that is what hurts my heart the most is my time is over with these two. I will carry Cherry and Harlen close to me forever. This was my most anticipated read of 2024 and everything about it was beyond my expectations. I truly don’t think anything will come close to topping this book this year maybe even ever. Cherry survived the unimaginable her trauma was gut wrenching I cried at every turn in this story! She climbed from the pits of hell and was the ultimate survivor!! Harlen made the ultimate sacrifice to save her dignity but the grief and guilt nearly crushed him. These two traveled a soul crushing road to get back to each other. Nothing was easy about it but they were always each others end game. The little details and connections to each other’s story shocked me to my core but solidified they were destined for each other! My chasing the storm men and their ladies couldn’t be any more perfect in this story too. The way they are there for each other in every way imaginable just floods my heart with love! The way they carried Cherry and picked her up when she when she needed it most was everything she needed to help her heal. This book deserves way more than 5 stars!!
February 10, 2024
“When you have listened to your demons, your trauma for so long, it’s hard to believe that maybe there is an entirely different narrative.”
_
Back On Me is raw, heavy and deeply emotional. You will hurt reading this…. a lot. You will break and heal right alongside these characters.
C.L. Menegon shows us, through Harlen and Cherry’s story, that every one processes, grieves and heals from trauma in such different ways. There is no right or wrong way; there is no time limit and it can be beautifully messy.
C.L. has once again poured so much heart and soul into these characters to give such a deep and authentic story. I am so sad to be at the end of Harlen and Cherry’s journey, but these two babies deserve their peace.
C.L. has fast become one of my favourite authors through her lyrical writing style, strong female characters, swoon-worthy male characters and her heart wrenching stories. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
_
Back On Me is raw, heavy and deeply emotional. You will hurt reading this…. a lot. You will break and heal right alongside these characters.
C.L. Menegon shows us, through Harlen and Cherry’s story, that every one processes, grieves and heals from trauma in such different ways. There is no right or wrong way; there is no time limit and it can be beautifully messy.
C.L. has once again poured so much heart and soul into these characters to give such a deep and authentic story. I am so sad to be at the end of Harlen and Cherry’s journey, but these two babies deserve their peace.
C.L. has fast become one of my favourite authors through her lyrical writing style, strong female characters, swoon-worthy male characters and her heart wrenching stories. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
February 10, 2024
You know those books that live with you for a long time?! That you’ll randomly think of.. and wish you could re-read for the first time?!
Yeah.. This duet is that.
Everything that Cherry has gone through, the absolute worst things imaginable for a person… and the way she comes out of it.. It’s heartachingly beautiful.
Harlen.. sweet sweet Harlen. I love his patience with Cherry. I love that he doesn’t make her feel worse or guilty for her trauma and her reactions. He’s there, unconditionally. I’m obsessed with him. Her peace is all he wants.
This duet is dark and some of it is hard to read, but it’s absolutely 100% worth it. Check your triggers before diving in!
I had the honor of reading this as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion. Read this book. It’s a must.
Yeah.. This duet is that.
Everything that Cherry has gone through, the absolute worst things imaginable for a person… and the way she comes out of it.. It’s heartachingly beautiful.
Harlen.. sweet sweet Harlen. I love his patience with Cherry. I love that he doesn’t make her feel worse or guilty for her trauma and her reactions. He’s there, unconditionally. I’m obsessed with him. Her peace is all he wants.
This duet is dark and some of it is hard to read, but it’s absolutely 100% worth it. Check your triggers before diving in!
I had the honor of reading this as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion. Read this book. It’s a must.
February 16, 2024
𝖡𝖺𝖼𝗄 𝗈𝗇 𝖬𝖾 𝗉𝗂𝖼𝗄𝗌 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗎𝗉 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗐𝖾 𝗅𝖾𝖿𝗍 𝗈𝖿𝖿 𝗂𝗇 𝖡𝖾𝗅𝗈𝗐 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖯𝗎𝗅𝗌𝖾. 𝖥𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗌𝗎𝗋𝗏𝗂𝗏𝖺𝗅 𝖿𝗋𝗈𝗆 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗉𝖺𝗌𝗍 𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗎𝗆𝖺𝗌, 𝖢𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝗌𝗁𝗈𝗐𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗀𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗌𝗍𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗀𝗍𝗁𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗇𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝗇𝖺𝗏𝗂𝗀𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝖼𝖺𝗋𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖺𝗋𝖾𝗇’𝗍 𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗎𝗋𝖿𝖺𝖼𝖾.
𝖤𝗆𝗈𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝖺𝗅 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖻𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗁𝗍𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗅𝗒 𝖻𝖾𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗂𝖿𝗎𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗈𝗂𝗇𝖾 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝖾𝗌 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗅 𝖻𝖺𝖼𝗄 𝗈𝖿 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾.
𝖧𝖺𝗋𝗅𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖢𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝗐𝗈 𝖻𝖾𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗂𝖿𝗎𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝗌𝗈𝗎𝗅𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗉𝖺𝗂𝗇𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝗉𝖺𝗌𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗉𝗋𝖾𝗌𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗐𝗋𝖺𝗉𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆 𝗍𝗈𝗀𝖾𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝖻𝖺𝗋𝖻𝖾𝖽 𝗐𝗂𝗋𝖾 𝗇𝗈 𝗆𝖺𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝗆𝗎𝖼𝗁 𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗁𝗎𝗋𝗍𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋, 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗋𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗌𝗇𝖺𝗉.
𝖳𝗐𝗂𝗌𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗎𝗋𝗇𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗃𝖺𝗆 𝗉𝖺𝖼𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝖾𝗆𝗈𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝖺𝗅 𝗆𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌, 𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗌𝖾𝗑𝗒 𝗌𝗉𝗂𝖼𝗒 𝗆𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗌 𝗐𝖾𝗅𝗅. 𝖨 𝖼𝗋𝗂𝖾𝖽, 𝗅𝖺𝗎𝗀𝗁𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗀𝗈𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝗀𝗋𝗒 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖨 𝖿𝖾𝗅𝗍 𝖺 𝗌𝖾𝗇𝗌𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗉𝖾𝖺𝖼𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖧𝖺𝗋𝗅𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖢𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗋𝗒. 🥹😭
𝖤𝗆𝗈𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝖺𝗅 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖻𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗁𝗍𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗅𝗒 𝖻𝖾𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗂𝖿𝗎𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗈𝗂𝗇𝖾 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝖾𝗌 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗅 𝖻𝖺𝖼𝗄 𝗈𝖿 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾.
𝖧𝖺𝗋𝗅𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖢𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝗐𝗈 𝖻𝖾𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗂𝖿𝗎𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝗌𝗈𝗎𝗅𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗉𝖺𝗂𝗇𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝗉𝖺𝗌𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗉𝗋𝖾𝗌𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗐𝗋𝖺𝗉𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆 𝗍𝗈𝗀𝖾𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝖻𝖺𝗋𝖻𝖾𝖽 𝗐𝗂𝗋𝖾 𝗇𝗈 𝗆𝖺𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝗆𝗎𝖼𝗁 𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗁𝗎𝗋𝗍𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋, 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗋𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗌𝗇𝖺𝗉.
𝖳𝗐𝗂𝗌𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗎𝗋𝗇𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗃𝖺𝗆 𝗉𝖺𝖼𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝖾𝗆𝗈𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝖺𝗅 𝗆𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌, 𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗌𝖾𝗑𝗒 𝗌𝗉𝗂𝖼𝗒 𝗆𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗌 𝗐𝖾𝗅𝗅. 𝖨 𝖼𝗋𝗂𝖾𝖽, 𝗅𝖺𝗎𝗀𝗁𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗀𝗈𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝗀𝗋𝗒 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖨 𝖿𝖾𝗅𝗍 𝖺 𝗌𝖾𝗇𝗌𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗉𝖾𝖺𝖼𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖧𝖺𝗋𝗅𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖢𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗋𝗒. 🥹😭
February 13, 2024
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
The author's note in the beginning regarding the contents of this book surely is important to remember when diving into this one. Below the Pulse was definitely one of my favorites of 2023, and this one is special in a totally different way.
Wow! All that Cherry has endured ... just heartbreaking. It is so raw, so real ... and so necessary for, not only Cherry, but all of us who read the last book.
The first half of the book may seem slow, but it leads up to the ending. I was happy that those who needed closure, got closure.
*I do wonder if we would ever get a book featuring Chase?
The author's note in the beginning regarding the contents of this book surely is important to remember when diving into this one. Below the Pulse was definitely one of my favorites of 2023, and this one is special in a totally different way.
Wow! All that Cherry has endured ... just heartbreaking. It is so raw, so real ... and so necessary for, not only Cherry, but all of us who read the last book.
The first half of the book may seem slow, but it leads up to the ending. I was happy that those who needed closure, got closure.
*I do wonder if we would ever get a book featuring Chase?
February 19, 2024
this series continues to never disappoint. i was worried SICK that i was gonna have to wait longer for this book to come out after i absolutely devoured this entire series, but thank goodness i didn’t
check the trigger warnings son. similar to my review of tied in leather
but WOW. this book is beautifully tragic, just like the rest of the books in this series. cherry’s trauma is absolutely heartbreaking and it feels like you are experiencing every single emotion with her. frustration, sadness, anger, guilt, joy, you name it. but harlen stood by her side through it all and my god that’s a man. stunning.
check the trigger warnings son. similar to my review of tied in leather
but WOW. this book is beautifully tragic, just like the rest of the books in this series. cherry’s trauma is absolutely heartbreaking and it feels like you are experiencing every single emotion with her. frustration, sadness, anger, guilt, joy, you name it. but harlen stood by her side through it all and my god that’s a man. stunning.
February 6, 2024
The way I needed this book!!! Cherry’s journey back to life in Below the Pulse really inspired me. I was obsessed with finding out how her journey would continue with Back on Me. I needed to know that Cherry would make it back to herself. Her journey broke me in the best way. She fought with everything she had and left it all in the past. I love that she finally gets the revenge she needed and was able to find the truth she longed for. This book hits hard, but in the absolute best way. CL Menegon knocked out another masterpiece!!
February 10, 2024
The writing, the emotion you feel reading Cherry and Harlen's story. The gut-wrenching moments, You felt like you were there with them living in their lives and feeling every thing the way they do.
The plot twists and the story line had me on the edge the whole time and how it all comes together was a true masterpiece.
I don't think I will get over this series. Ever. It's buried deep in my heart and will remain there till the end.
And the side characters!! I’m absolutely feral over Keaton! And I’m so obsessed with Caleb!!
The plot twists and the story line had me on the edge the whole time and how it all comes together was a true masterpiece.
I don't think I will get over this series. Ever. It's buried deep in my heart and will remain there till the end.
And the side characters!! I’m absolutely feral over Keaton! And I’m so obsessed with Caleb!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews