A woman traumatized by her past, beaten, battered, and unwilling to trust.
A man held captive by his greatest failure, lost, and self-destructive.
Letters that unexpectedly bind them together.
Is their bond strong enough to survive each other?
As a web of deceit is revealed, will they be able to determine what’s real, and what’s worth fighting for? Or will they crumble under the weight of secrets that cut too deep?
Can Miller forgive himself and move beyond his fear of failing the one he loves?
Can Hadley accept the love she desperately wants but doesn’t believe she deserves?
K J Bell currently lives in California with her husband and three children. As a mother of three, when she’s not writing, she’s usually carting one of her children to their various activities.
She enjoys reading, and music, and is equally addicted to both.
Writing is a passion she simply can’t live without.
She loves hearing from her readers and can be found on various social media sites
5++++ INCREDIBLE Stars! And yes, I'm using shouty capitals!!! I promise this is one read you won't want to miss out on!
I was lucky enough to read this book in its early stages and instantly fell in love with its original storyline and brilliant characters. KJ Bell's writing has amazing flow and I was sucked in from the get go, I needed to know where the story was going. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that Ms. Bell surprised me at every single turn, I had no idea what she was going to hit me with next.
I adore the characters KJ Bell creates and the characters in Cut Too Deep is no exception. So many incredible characters, I felt like I knew them all. Hadley is beautifully written, so damaged yet so full of inner strength. I loved watching her grow. Miller Genetti *swoon* is the perfect amount of sexy strong alpha male mixed with loving tenderness. Gavin Blake and Ethan Blackstone make way for the new man in town because you gents have some competition! Mac, every girl needs a best friend like Mac, someone to take you dancing ;-) I want a Mac! Then there's La Familgia, FABULOUS! I want more of this family. The way they care for their own, the hilarious banter... Again I say, FABULOUS!
Cut Too Deep took me on a crazy emotional journey that, at times, had my heart tearing in two. Learning Hadley's story and all she endured was positively heartbreaking. Watching her try to move forward from her past had me cheering for her. Miller is dealing with his own battle, one of the many reasons I love this honourable man. There were so many twists and turns that I did not see coming. Ms. Bell kept me on the edge of my seat, alway engaged with the story and it's characters.
Packed full of heartache, mystery and suspense. Cut Too Deep has a healthy dose of angst and lots of HOT sexual tension! It's a beautiful story about survival and love. If you are looking for a story that will take you on a fabulous emotional ride without leaving you emotionally wrecked, a story that will grab hold of your heart and won't let go. Cut Too Deep is just what you are looking for in your next read.
Too many young women suffer the horrors of Rape, Incest and Abuse - and MEN suffer these same horrors. Please help fund The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) with your purchase of Cut Too Deep. Thank you! As a firm believer that more needs to be done to prevent sexual assault as well as bring offenders to justice, KJ Bell is donating a percentage of week one sales for Cut Too Deep to rainn.org. RAINN The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is an American anti-sexual assault organization, the largest in the United States.
RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims, and to ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
About Cut Too Deep:
A woman traumatized by her past, beaten, battered, and unwilling to trust.
A man held captive by his greatest failure, lost, and self-destructive.
Letters that unexpectedly bind them together.
Is their bond strong enough to survive each other?
As a web of deceit is revealed, will they be able to determine what’s real, and what’s worth fighting for? Or will they crumble under the weight of secrets that cut too deep?
Can Miller forgive himself and move beyond his fear of failing the one he loves?
Can Hadley accept the love she desperately wants but doesn’t believe she deserves?
Title: Cut Too Deep Author: K.J. Bell Release Date: May 27, 2014 Rating: 4.00 – 4.50 stars – really good!!! Cliffhanger: No/Standalone Spoiler-free Review
Hadley is a women with a past full of violence and dysfunction. Her abusive father kills her mother, and she kills her dad in self-defense. Her life went from bad to worse. Hadley is placed in custody as a ward of the state since no other family wanted to take her in. Her guardian turns out to be an abusive child molester who brutally attacks her. Hadley’s life spiraled out of control for many years after losing her family, her dreams and herself. She managed to keep herself together as best as she could to become functioning adult. Hadley collected quite a few emotional battle scars over the years and hasn’t been able to let anyone into her life. She lusts after a beautiful man she sees in her office building. They exchange glances in the elevator day after day for years. Miller is a successful CEO with a dark and dangerous past. Hadley and Miller finally meet after exchanging letters. Can she finally let love in? Is Miller, who he says he is? Will his love be enough to save her from her from her menacing guardian who has come back to claim Hadley as his property he bought from the Russian mob?
Cut Too Deep deals some heavy topics like rape and sex trafficking...but it is not written in extreme detail. The story started out a little slow for me up until I reached 30% of the way in. I ended up enjoying this second chance romance. There were so many good twists and turns. I would have liked to have had a bit more from Miller’s big secret reveal. There was all this build up to and feels like should have been more about it. Overall, this book was well written, and the plot had reminded me of little of a cross between Sempre & The Girl Who Kicked a Hornets Nest. Cut Too Deep was my first K.J. Bell book and going to be not my last. One click this one!
A review copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
That synopsis grabbed my attention and I knew this book would be something I would love. It even ended up surprising me and I love when that happens.
So Hadley works in a building where she comes across a very good looking man. Her past makes her afraid to approach him though so she just watches him from afar, for years. Until one day she slips up and he talks to her. The excerpt I have below is from her first encounter with Miller, so make sure you read that!
So Hadley doesn't realize but Miller has watched her watching him as well. He knows there is something keeping her away, so he waits patiently for her to be the one to come to him. He doesn't want to spook her.
Then the un-thinkable happens. He is being held in Thailand by a group of people for something he has and refuses to give up. It is broadcasted on TV and they ask that people write to Miller to help make his captivity better. So Hadley writes him a letter that she has no intention on sending. However, somehow that letter disappears and a couple days later she gets a response from Miller. But in that letter, he propositions her for letter sex. Hadley is repulsed and writes him to let him know he is a pig.
This is where we start to get pieces of the puzzle about Hadley's past. And we see that Hadley and Miller are connected by their pasts. Through letters and text messages, they fall slowly in love with each other.
This beautifully written story is one that will stick with me for a long time. It's so different from what I've read in the past and it's so refreshing to have a story that's fresh and new. KJ Bell knows how to weave a very intracate web full of twists and turns that I did not see coming at all!
What an amazing story of survival. I absolutely loved this story and let me just say one word...MILLER!
This book had twists and turns that kept me glued to the page and every time I had to put the book down (damn those kids for needing to eat) I was rushing back to see what happened next.
Full review to come... This is one of those books I wish I could unread to experience all over again for the first time. I'm seriously still absorbing it. Review to come soon.
K.J Bell is BRILLIANT! One of my TOP FAVORITE READS of 2014!!! Have you ever read a book that just stays with you? This is definitely one of those books. My fear is that my review won’t do this story any justice. Hadley hated her memories, but most days, they were the only reminder she was still alive Hadley is a survivor. Not only is survivior but she has somewhat defied the odds of how she ended up. Most girls who go through what she has gone through become, hookers, druggies, or end up in jail or dead/ She has a decent paying job and lives on her own. She is smart and beautiful and she keeps people at a distance. She trusts no one and fears intimacy and men, but that doesn’t keep her from watching Miller from a distance. He makes her feel alive and he intrigues her but she will never, ever speak to him. While her breathtaking beauty attracted him, the wounded soul that shined in her eyes worried him. She visibly guarded her heart. The thought something awful had happened to her left Miller with an unsettling feeling. Miller is a good looking playboy. A different woman on his arm practically every night; He is successful, and he is flattered and intrigued by the shy girl who watches him and he wants her. When he takes a business trip that puts him in danger; Hadley writes him a letter she never intends to send but he gets it anyway. It is through these letters that their friendship and then feelings for each other grow. The thing is, Miller has a secret and this secret can shatter what he and Hadley have built. Hadley has a difficult time accepting love from others, love that everyone knows she deserves. Miller’s ghost haunt him and he fears he will fail again. “That’s not me. How can I offer you light when I’ve spent my entire life in the dark?” “You’re my stars, my sunset, and my light at the end of the tunnel. Please, let me love you.”
When everything surfaces, Miller sees that he may lose the one person he has been waiting for his entire life. Hadley realizes that nothing was as it seemed and that truth for her is possibly the most traumatic event of her life as she knows it. Allow yourself to feel. I won’t hurt you, and I would never intentionally cause you pain or suffering. I want to know why you hurt, and I want to take it all away.
I am surprised by Hadley’s character. Most in her position would have thrown in the towel and would have become just another statistic. Not only is she smart and beautiful, she is determined. She has taken responsibility of her life. She has a job, she has even made a few friends and she is in therapy. Although the feelings that Miller seems to bring out in her confuse and scare the hell out of her, she still tries to see it through. She wants normal but she also needs to be in control of her life- she refuses to fall victim again. Miller’s character was great. He is your typical rich playboy but he also has his share of secrets, secrets that haunt him. When he is faced with someone from his past, he knows he needs to be honest so that things can work for the future. This story tore me up in all the great ways. You have a damaged person, one who feels undeserving and learns to let others love her. The moral of her story is that cycles can be broken and that your past doesn’t have to define the person you become. You have that power to be better and to make yourself and your future better. Miller taught that family is family no matter the blood that runs in your veins. He also learned that people can’t be saved, if they aren’t willing to save themselves. The other thing is that honesty, as hard as the truth maybe is the best way to go. Relationships, friendships, these things can’t and won’t survive if you don’t have honesty. I thought the scenes were sexy for their particular relationship and it was done very tasteful. I thought the way they communicated prior to seeing each other in person was awesome and romantic and a little hot. K.J. Bell did a fantastic job on such sensitive issues. I adored all of the characters. They each played their roles perfectly. This story has all of the emotions. FANTASTIC!!!
As a blogger, cultivating relationships with authors, fellow bloggers and even our followers is an absolute must. And as many authors as I have met, there are only few that I would consider friends. KJ Bell has been one of those authors since go. I have admired her work, every since sentence and the emotions she has stirred in me with each novel.
I have to admit, I read so many books that sometimes characters get lost in the shuffle. Every one of KJ's characters have meant something to me. I eagerly await "Tug" the story of Aidan from her "Irreparably Broken" series. So when I get an email from KJ asking me to beta read her new standalone "Cut Too Deep," to say I was intimidated would be an understatement.
What if I didn't like it? What if I couldn't separate it from her works that I did love? So, to dispel these issues right now, I loved this book from the word go. Hadley and Miller share a connection so deep and ridiculously amazing, there were honest to god scenes that brought tears to my eyes.
this was such a captivating heart wrenching story! there are few books where when I'm done I think I need a sequel. this had a great ending and it fulfilled everything,I just want more more of their future ya know.please please consider writing more even if it's just a novella! Top 5 fav books ever!!!
Synopsis: A woman traumatized by her past, beaten, battered and unwilling to trust. A man held captive by his greatest failure, lost and self-destructive. Letters that unexpectedly bind them together. Is their bond strong enough to survive each other? As a web of deceit is revealed, will they be able to determine what’s real, and what’s worth fighting for? Or will they crumble under the weight of secrets that cut too deep? Can Miller forgive himself and move beyond his fear of failing the one he loves? Can Hadley accept the love she desperately wants but doesn’t believe she deserves?
Review: “I found you, Love.” He stared a Hadley intently, speaking with conviction. “You are my other half and now I am whole”
This was a great read. I really jumped into the story and was hooked from the beginning. Hadley starts out as a delicate young woman but by the end of the story she is strong, brave and fearless. Her journey is inspiring and way heroic. Story lines that have broken down characters worry me that they will stay that way and not grow but that was not the case with Hadley. She went through a horrible childhood and it only continued to get worse with her teen years but she ended up being strong and fighting her own battle.
“Well, I am angry. I’m angry that this is the first assumption people make when a woman claims sexual assault, that as a society we blame the victim. I didn’t turn him in sooner, because he used his power over me to manipulate me, to convince me no one would believe me. Did you hear me? That no one would believe me? After close to four years since he’s touched me, when I finally find the courage to speak out, the media proves him right. No one believes me, but rather throws out unfounded accusations. Why now? Many of you wonder. In the words of a very good friend, I can reach at least one other victim, it will be worth it. If one person hears my story and speaks out or fights back, so they don’t have to live with the haunting memories, then every moment of hell that man put me through will have been worth it. My name is Hadley Walker, and I am not afraid.”
Miller was a great main man. He was strong and wanted to protect Hadley but he respected her and let her handle things her way. He was the rich business man with the mysterious back ground that I never saw coming. His family was in the “business” and he chose to stay on the outside unless he really needed their help. As for his family I really enjoyed them. I’d love to see a series that tell each of their personal stories.
This was a standalone book and I felt the story was wrapped up perfectly. I didn’t have the need to know more because I felt like everything was said that needed to be. There were so many unexpected connections and things that happened throughout the story. I’m usually really good at figuring out story lines but a lot of it I didn’t see coming. If stories from other characters continued I’d love for Hadley and Miller to pop up in those so I can know how they are doing. And I can’t forget Hadley’s friend, Mac. He was a great friend. He got her to open up and she began to blossom. He helped Hadley to remember her dream of becoming a dancer with even knowing it. He took her out, became confidant and became her best friend.
Skyscraper by Demi Lovato was the song Hadley danced to in a rehearsal and I don’t think there could have been a better song chosen. It describes the story perfectly. I could imagine her dancing to that song and it was beautiful.
“You can take everything I have You can break everything I am Like I’m made of glass Like I’m made of paper Go on and try to tear me down I will be rising from the ground Like a skyscraper”
I can't get enough of Miller!!!! Finding love in an unlikely and unexpected place. I love when I can get lost in a book that doesn't have the cookie cutter book boy with the cookie cutter sex scenes and the cookie cutter HEA. KJ Bells's CUT TOO DEEP had me turning the page from the very first chapter. The initial relationship between Miller and Hadley developed over letters. Although the physical attraction may have already been there, the emotional connection between the two became the foundation for their relationship. I really appreciated this aspect of the story. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against sex in a book. In fact I love those books. But if a story doesn't warrant those torrid F* scenes then don't put them in. Yay for KJ Bell for not just adding gratuitous sex for the sake of a sale. It also is much more difficult to write a story than it is to write sex. We all know how sex ends. Do you know how the story ends? But speaking of sex... those moments between Hadley and Miller were so sensual and truly loving. Hadley had a very dark past before Miller and there is no way she would have just jumped into bed with him-- no matter how hot this gorgeous Italian made man was. Cut Too Deep was well thought out and flowed well following the characters secrets. The twist in the story was good. Mac, Hadley's best friend-- I loved his character. he was a great friend that also added some lightness to the story (Hadley's backstory is quite heavy). I really hope there will be a follow up book that will feature Mac. I think that Cut Too Deep, displayed KJ Bell's writing talent well. She is able to write with a sincerity that is both beautiful and sexy. I love that she was able to write about an atypical book boy. He was mature (in his 30's), he worked hard for his money (not just some random billionaire alpha) and family was extremely important to him. Taking care of his own. Hadley was not a pushover or some meek female m/c. She was fun, not overtly beautiful per se (unassuming beauty) and didn't need to rely on a man to get on with life. Cut Too Deep was a well written story and characters. It is definitely worth the time to read.
I rarely not finish a book, and can count the times this has happened on one hand. I had my reasons. I started reading this book twice, with a two week break, and took it right from the top my second time around, thinking it might have been my mood that affected me negatively the first time. But I found myself irritated by the same things once again and there wasn't enough for me in the characters or the story to keep me sufficientlly engaged.
I felt bad, as I always do, because the promise of this synopsis is a good one, and the storyline was very promising and could probably have been excellent were it not for the proverbial 'nails on the blackboard'.
To me, the writing sounded a tad pretentious from the beginning. Normally that doesn't bother me too much, but when the elaborate sentence structures and rich word choices are riddled with simple mistakes and punctuation errors, along side a couple of blatant - slap your forehead- booboos, it just looks silly. Really, really silly. When you spend a lot of time trying to beautify and 'frill up' the language you choose to use to tell your story, at the very least make sure it is properly edited! Normally I don't hack into that very hard, but this was an open door........
The story was slow in developing, so much is intangible, that by the time (twice) I got to the 50% mark, I STILL felt I didn't have a good grasp on the characters, the relationships between the various people, the meaning of the story, the direction...... It was all still too fleeting. Truthfully, it was too easy to close the book at the 57% mark.
I know people who have finished and RAVE about this book and perhaps, if I had been able to ignore those damn nails on the blackboard, I might have been able to drag myself over the hump. But for now I will simply accept that although my tastes are wide and varied, on occasion I will bump into a book that simply doesn't click. It doesn't necessarily say anything about me, OR about the book or writer. It simply says it wasn't a match......
This book intrigued me from the blurb. I read it from start to finish in one day. I loved everything about it. The Characters, the plot, the pace. Everything was just right.
This book can be upsetting if you don't like hearing about child abuse. Its a bit violent in parts but in context with the story. Its full of angst, suspense, violence and emotional moments.
Hadley is a woman who has survived her past. And what a past she had. after witnessing a murder that she had to defend herself in, then placed in the foster care system. She has to fight for a normal life. Then she meets Miller Genetti.
Miller Genetti has it all, money, a successful business and is extremely Hot and Sexy. After he gets to know Hadley all bets are off.
This book is amazingly written. It compells you from the first page. You wont want to put it down. The pace and flow are perfect. I was devastated when it ended.
I love Hadley's character. She is someone from the beginning that you root for. If anyone deserves a break its her. I wont lie, this book will pull at your heartstrings dramatically for Hadley. Its heartbreaking.
I loved Miller's character, hes an alpha male that is the perfect man for Hadley.
This book has all the correct amount of angst and suspense. This book needs to be added to your "TBR" pile. But be warned you will need the usual supplies.
This book is amazingly written, a compelling storyline, stunning characters, Its exceptional.
I give this book 5/5 stars. And 5/5 for movie moments.
If you are looking for a fluffy, sweet, easy read, this is not the book for you. However, I strongly suggest everyone put this book on their TBR list right now!! I started out not really into the book. I mean there was nothing wrong with it, I just thought oh it's gonna be an ok book. Man, was I WRONG!!! This book is amazing!! Hadley is written as a true survivor who has experienced more abuse and heartache than any one person should ever experience. She starts out being very closed off, doesn't do anything except work and go home. She stays closed up in her apartment and doesn't have any friends. Then, we see her slowly come out of her shell and really shine in large part to her coworker who becomes her best friend and then because of Miller. Miller is a self made millionaire and "playboy" if you will. Sounds typical I know, but he is not your typical hero. I can't go into too much detail without giving anything away, but this book had so many turns and ups and downs that I did not see coming. It was really a great book!! I had never heard of this author before I read this book, but I will be following her and keeping up with what she publishes for sure. You have definitely earned a new fan Ms. Bell!!! I am rating this book 5+ AMAZEBALLS stars!!!
I was gifted a copy in exchange of an honest review. REVIEW BY TABITHA
Cut Too Deep is a riveting tale about a young broken and traumatized woman who has a hard time to move forward and learn to live again. A young woman who has to discover that she is worth loving‚ that she deserves love and happiness and that she is strong. And a tale about a man with his own demons and secrets that haunt him. A man who will also discover the healing power of love. A tale about two flawed souls destined to be together.
Hadley and Miller´s journey just grabs you right from the start. Twists and turns surprised me more than once and had me hooked even more. Both of them have incredibly developed depth that was there every part of the way.
This novel is absolutely amazing. It was beautifully written with so many things amazingly blended together: dramatic angst‚ mystery‚ suspense‚ secrets‚ passion between the lead characters. All of this made this story a consuming read that delivered on fully.
Totally loved it. A marvelous novel.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review<<<
While I liked the story, I didn't love it. Same can be said about the characters. There wasn't anything about them that excited me. There was chemistry between Hadley and Miller, but not enough that would have firecrackers going off. There are a couple of scenes where the couple have sex, but if you're looking for anything descriptive you won't find it here. I did think the story dragged on a bit as it felt longer 417 pages. I love reading novels with several POV's. The issue here is that the POV would change from one paragraph to the next. There was no symbol, extra spaces, names, or even a new chapter to show that the POV changed. I find this to be quite irritating.
I wish the novel was proofread as it seems only Spell-Check was utilized as there were a few homophones used incorrectly. Instead of "your," "you're" would be used, and so-forth. Not a deal breaker, but still, is it too much for novels to be proofread?
This is a fabulous story about overcoming your past and finding happiness. And really, how could you not with Miller's attention? Hadley is an inspiring heroine who is getting on with her life after an unspeakable childhood (the stats in the back of the book are scary and mind boggling). As their mutual attraction heats up through love letters and texts, I fell in love with Miller right along with her. Yum. An emotional roller coaster in the best way possible! Loved it!
Woah did not expect this story to be so good!! Really thought it was gonna be some depressing story! Kj Bell is brilliant the story lines are awesome!! Loved Miller and Hadley!
Hadley is traumatized by her past, she has been beaten, battered and is unwilling to trust anyone but herself, can she overcome her fear and learn to love and trust someone other then herself?
Hadley works for a design company but she hides her potential within herself and corrects other peoples work.
Here you get introduced to Mac, while Hadley doesn't have many friends, Mac has managed to worm his way through some of her defenses and it's helps that they both lust after the same man, Miller, who just so happens to be our leading man!
You see, Hadley stalks him, not in a way that she follows him home, sneaking around in a dark raincoat type of idea or outside his favorite restaurant type of thing, more like she cyber stalks him, checking out his pictures from the latest gala.
She just happens to be doing this one Mac stops by her desk to see if she had worked up the courage to talk him yet, of she hasn't yet but hey a girl can dream right?!
Mac really tries to persuade her to talk to him but she just can't muster up the strength to do it.
Hadley comes across as the girl next door, shy, quiet but she hides a devastating secret inside of her, can she dare to let her real persona shine through? The side that loves to dance.
Mac tells Hadley to meet him for lunch at the deli, this is where we get our first encounter of Miller.
Hadley Walker fumbled around in her purse and searched for her ringing phone as she walked to toward the elevator. Had she been paying attention, she wouldn't have been anywhere near Miller Genetti. She wouldn't have stumbled backward, nearly falling on her as. Her ankle wouldn't be swelling to what felt like twice it's normal size. And she most definitely would not be standing here with her cheeks on fire and her mouth hanging open!!
This had me laughing, we have all been in these situations, to busy looking through a bag and not taking notice of what we are doing or where we are, I know I have.
This makes Hadley more normal, someone we can relate to in this circumstance.
"This can't be happening. God, please let the earth open up and swallow me".
I was in tears of laughter here, I couldn't help it, I flt so sorry for Hadley, but Miller seems to take it all in his stride "Miss, are you coming?"
Here Hadley had to drag her wondering gaze from his trousers stopping on his rugged and handsome face.
Miller has scar, similar to Hadley's , and she seeks it out, it starts in the middle of his chin and it goes under his jaw, it intrigued her.
Miller's scar was thicker and more prominent, reflected a whisper of imperfection on an otherwise perfect male specimen.
I think This makes Miller more desirable, the jagged imperfection of him, it adds a mysterious allure to him.
She often wondered how he had got a scar a like that but she dared not ask him about it, in truth she never dared to speak to him, period.
"Miss" Miller repeated, "are you coming?" Hadley wonders "am I coming?" Of course, Miller meant into the elevator but Hadley takes it as a double meaning, who wouldn't?!! I know I certainly would!
Miller had caught the meek lamb watching him many times. Never had she been brave enough to approach him. He allowed her to pretend her appreciation of him went unnoticed as he was enjoying the game between them.
Hadley's shyness overcomes her and she doesn't get into the elevator with him. Miller feels the urge to gently embarrass her a little more, "You have a little drool".
Now poor Hadley's discomfiture shines through here, and who could blame her?!
I felt very sorry for her here, she doesn't know how to flirt with someone like Miller, who goes hand in hand with sex, a bit like cookies and milk go hand in hand.
Hadley has had troubled upbringing but her fantasies about the CEO of Genetti industries were baffling, you see, Hadley didn't have sex, neither does she want to.
Prior to her self-elected celibacy, poor Hadley partook in enough sex to last a lifetime, mostly in foster care, with boys who took turns with her.
She was brutally raped, repeatedly so she has no concept of how a loving relationship can be. as she didn't bother to say no, it never worked.
Your heart will break here, she is carrying all this hurt inside of her, believing she is too broken to be loved or even deserves to be loved.
She is haunted by her past and even lets her past dictate her present life in all that she does, even as an adult, she is determined not to get involved with men, thinking this will protect her broken heart, and who can really blame or pass judgement on this choice she has made?
She made this choice for self-preservation, but she was bothered about the feeling that were consuming her for Miller, he rendered her powerless and she didn't like feeling like this, it terrified her.
Even though Hadley hates her memories they are proof that she was still alive and a lot stronger then she gives herself credit for.
During the course of her work day she receives a text from Mac asking her to meet for lunch.
Hadley was on her way to meet to Mac for lunch when she bumps into Mr irresistible himself, Miller! Hadley stops dead in her tracks as the air goes whooshing out from her lungs.
Miller asks her "Are you coming this time?", as he grins that killer smile of his just because he knows the effect it has on her. "I do believe you declined earlier today" "What? Oh, yes."
Hadley stares down at her pumps as she steps into the cramped space. "Lobby?" His deep voice inquired sending chills down Hadley. "Yes"
As the elevator makes it descent towards the lobby, the elevator makes one last stop so three men and two women step in chatting almost themselves , Miller takes this opportunity to slide behind Hadley.
When the elevator shifted abruptly shifts, balance fails Hadley and she fell against Miller. His arms intentionally slip around her waist as he steadies he, his pushes his hips forward while their predicament still allowed him to do so. Her eyes widened when she felt his unmistakable erection pressed against her lower back, with his hands molded to both sides of her waist, she heard his breathing as his lips came close to her ear. His minty breath, like a magic potion, embraced her skin and froze her "Can you feel that?"
The attention to detail here had me swooning, I wanted to be in that elevator!
Hadley practically fell out of the elevator after that encounter and went off to her lunch date where she waited for Mac.
Mac asks her if she was free to go out that night, "What are you doing tonight?" "Not much, hanging at home, why?" "Do you wanna hang with me?" "Sure, I'd love to go out",
Here Hadley couldn't help but hesitate with her answer, but if she didn't take a chance, friendship would always be sidelined by pathetic excuses, she would always be alone.
I feel for here, she is taking a huge risk and it does pay off! I was so happy I actually let a little squeal for her.
After work Mac arranges to pick her up from her place and go from there. As they drove through Broadway, heading toward Midtown Hadley couldn't resit asking where they were going. Mac just smiles and answers her with a not yet, a mischievous smile on his face.
They in companionable silence for several miles until she heard the familiar thump of base. "A warehouse party? That's where you wanted to bring me"?
This here gets Mac worried, "Don't get all twisted yet it's not a warehouse party per se"
She doesn't believe him but soon Mac works his magic and she dives in there bumping grinding with the best of them.
Hadley soon begins to realize that she can open up to Mac, slowly but surely he builds up her confidence, he doesn't pressure her or force anything on her, which she appreciates, it means more to her then she will or can admit. She found someone she could actually call friend.
She does break my heart, will Hadley ever be able to open up? She deserves love and friendship, but she needs to fight those inner demons of her past so you can move on with her future and be happy.
As she goes about her normal work routine something catches her attention, Miller has been detained in Thailand for reasons unknown, Hadley doesn't know what to do! The reporter is saying to write in, to boost his spirits, she is torn, does or doesn't she do it?1
She asks Mac for advice and of course he say's yeah go for it, but she still doubts it, she lingers on the idea but in the end she caves!
She writes him letter and takes it to work with intending to never mail it but somehow it gets mailed, who is the mystery mailer of her letter? This sends her into her panic, she didn't want to it, but she manages to convince herself that he won't write back to her, but he does, repeatedly. and this is where another friendship blooms.
They write back and fourth for awhile getting to know each but Miller has hunch that he already knows his lamb but are his suspicions correct?
He thought he knew Hadley. Though not a common name, Miller had accepted her sharing name with someone from his past as coincidental. It was her eyes, and the sadness in them that led him to have a private investigator look into her a couple of weeks before his trip. He wasn't ready to share his suspicions with cousin, her, or anyone else until he confirmed them. If she was the girl from his past, then she was not a lamb afraid of a wolf. She was far more skittish than that, and no doubt feared everything and everyone.
What does this mean for Hadley? What does it mean for Miller?
Hadley just carries on her regular routine, completely unaware of Miller's suspicions.
She decides to go for lunch in the park, when she gets surround by park pigeons. She knew from experience how bold they were but she stubbornly bit into her bar, chewing and taunting them, this was a bad move on her part, they did not appreciative being teased and made this fact known by flapping their wings at her!
She tried to shoo them away but that clearly does not work and angers them more!
I couldn't help but laugh out loud here, who hasn't been accosted by these birds?
As Hadley relents and tosses her bar towards them, there was a remaining bird near by who deiced to show his displeasure. 'Great! First they steal my my food then one shits on me!
I was in stitches, tears were rolling down my cheeks, you could fell her displeasure towards the creature rolling off her!!
Hadley seems to be coming on in leaps and bounds, her friendship with Mac and Miller improving, but will this last?
Can their two worlds collide?
Miller is a man held captive by his failures but letters bind him.
Is their bond strong enough to survive each other and the outcomes?
Can Miller forgive himself and move beyond his fear of failing the one he loves?
Can Hadley accept the love she desperately wants but doesn't believe she deserves?
This book was a page turner for me, don't miss it!
4 Love Letter Stars Copy Provided by Author for Honest Review
Hadley has the world’s biggest crush on Miller Genetti, then again, who doesn’t? The best and brightest part of her day is when he she catches a glimpse of the CEO hottie. Like a stalker, Hadley can’t get enough. But Hadley has never said a word to Miller and she never plans to. Sometimes fate has other plans.
After a scary debacle in Thailand, Miller is detained by authorities and Hadley is more than worried she’s lost her chance to get to know him. This is where my favorite part of the book comes in. Is there anything more romantic than getting to know someone via personal letters, in Miller’s case, that’s his only mode of communication and Hadley is the only one he wants to talk to. The letters between Hadley and Miller -eventually text messages- were oftentimes romantic but still outwardly hilarious, and in Miller’s case they bordered on X-rated.
It’s very clear Hadley has demons in her past, some even haunting her still. Throughout the course of the book we learn more about Hadley’s past and what haunts her. At this point there are some graphic and mildly disturbing moments Hadley suffered, so the weak hearted may need to skip this one.
I loved the connection between Hadley and Miller. Unlike most stories, Miller and Hadley don’t experience insta-love since Miller is being held across the world. There relationship builds slowly and more deeply since we all know it’s easier to be honest on paper or with a keyboard. This type of build-up is just what she needs. Her past keeps her from building any relationships and the anonymity and fear for Miller allows her to earn his trust without being overwhelmed by his presence. The same can’t be said for his return home. **wink, wink**
Hadley was a very interesting character. With the limited but sometimes scary details of her past she was easy to like. Even with shadows chasing her, Hadley is passionate about what she does, especially when she is dancing. Though she carries a blanket of guilt around she refuses to blame anyone else. At times I wanted to strangle her to fight more, not give in and let her life be controlled. But Hadley keeps herself in a corner, with her eyes pointed each direction. Miller also blames himself for issues that are out of his control. When he blamed himself for , I wanted to shake him. No matter what she did in the end it was her decision and he just couldn’t see that. Then again the reasons for his being in Thailand in the first place were rather shocking. But at the end of the day Miller is more than a privileged CEO. He cares about taking care of his loved ones in any way he can and it’s rather admirable the lengths he will go to.
The shocking moments don’t end there. Miller feels like he knows Hadley. She reminds him so much of someone he used to know. Luckily Miller has connections and the drama keeps comin’. The end was even more shocking and disturbing than I expected. Emotions were all over the place and I just wanted Hadley and Miller to get the HEA they deserved. There may not have been high-speed car chases but my adrenaline was pumping just the same.
Overall I enjoyed Cut Too Deep. This was my first from author KJ Bell but certainly not my last. The dual POV’s and natural flow of the story made it easier to connect with the characters and keep me interested. There were a few parts that were predictable and others such as Miller’s family connections seemed forced but still played well within the storyline. Hadley and Miller are two long lost souls that unfortunately have to suffer until they once again find each other but once they do, the sky’s the limit. I wasn’t overwhelmed with the conclusion of the story but I thought the re-emergence of a minor character really helped everything come full-circle and offer both the characters and reader’s a believable and happily, ever after.
This is a story of redemption. A woman so broken, battered, raped and abandoned. This is Hadley Walker. It seemed no matter how far ahead she got something knocked her back down.
She didn't want much
just to dance
and find love
but who would want damaged goods?
No way she could afford dance school. Not at her dead end job!
She found joy in eye fucking Miller Genetti.
*SWOON*
She was his stalker, but not in a creepy way. She was infatuated with him and Googled the shit out of him daily. He was the CEO of Genetti Industries and he worked in her building.
Rich
Sexy
and nothing short of a man Whore.
I'm sure I would be doing the exact same thing if Channing worked in my building. No, I'm sure I would have attacked him but anyways back to Miller!
A strange situation brought these two together. They began to communicate via letters and texts. As they became closer, I began to wonder how they would interact once in the same room being so different. Although Miller was a prestigious business man, he was also suffering and somewhat broken. They found something in one another's presence that couldn't be ignored.
They needed each other!
This story truly comes full circle in both of their lives.
KJ Bell has done it again. What has she done you ask? She has written another fabulous story! I’ve been a fan of this author for a while now. And after reading Cut Too Deep, it gives me good reason to be. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Every time I read a book written by Ms. Bell, it never fails, I get sucked right in and my whole world revolves around the story and its characters. Her style of writing flows so smoothly, and before you know it, you’ve read well over 100 pages - love that.
The author does a great job at creating strong characters. I always feel connected to them, and I can’t help but fall in love with them. Her characters in past novels have always stuck with me long after I’m done with the book. And that is exactly how it was with Cut Too Deep. When I was not reading, I always found myself thinking of Miller & Hadley, wondering what they were going to do next. I couldn't wait to get back to them. The passion between these two was so strong and palpable. I loved watching as their love for each other grew with the letters they exchanged from thousands of miles away. Not only were the main characters amazing, the secondary ones were equally wonderful – especially Mac. Miller’s family is quite lovable, too. :)
►Miller Genetti – sexy, powerful, protective, respectful, romantic & caring… I don’t know about you, but his name is enough to give me goose bumps. He says just the right things at exactly the right times.
**Texts between Miller & Hadley**
H: You’re different, too. I’ve never met someone I wanted to try with. You’re confident strength pulls me in, but scares me at the same time. The gentle, tender side of you when we write makes me forget I’m afraid. I think maybe you’ve had your heart broken. Am I right? M: Yes, but before you worry, I’m over her. H: If I’m being honest, it bothers me. M: I appreciate your honesty, but it was a long time ago. She was the wrong girl for me. H: How do you know? M: Because I wouldn’t change for her. H: Would you, for me? M: Oh, Love. I already have. (swoon)
►Hadley – suffered terribly as a little girl, as a teenager, and into her adult life. She will capture your heart as she struggles to overcome and be the strong woman she’s always wanted to be.
Is there romance in this story? Yes. Is this story much deeper than a romance? Definitely. Is it full of suspense? Twists & turns? Absolutely! And the author covers some pretty touchy subjects – physical abuse, sexual abuse, human trafficking – but she she approaches these topics, in my opinion, delicately and with grace.
This book has parts that will: -bring a tear to your eye -make you happy -have you biting your nails (a lot) -have you downright pissed off -and sometimes make you smile or laugh
This gets FOUR powerful & emotion-packed stars from me! Please read this book!
In short, Hadley has had a crap life. She lived with an emotionally and physically abusive father who targeted both her and her mother until a tragic night when, at the age of eight, she found herself thrust into a foster care system that placed her in homes that perpetuated and worsened the cycle of abuse. While not all of the placements were in unhealthy environments, the nice homes were overshadowed by an abusive court-appointed guardian who used his position of authority to force her into a sexual relationship. When the reader first meets Hadley, it is glaringly obvious that while she has survived the wretched situation of her life, she has not thrived. And while her first meeting with Miller was intense, the tampon incident made the scene feel real and made me chuckle. As much as Miller’s sexual intensity frightens her, it also draws her to him and seeing him is the highlight of her day … and has been for three years. Unbeknownst to Hadley, Miller is just as aware of her as she is of him, but he is a patient man who recognizes her wounded soul and knows he must tread lightly.
When the author takes the story in a direction that enables Hadley to get to know Miller via letters and text messages, I was quite impressed. It was an original idea (at least one I have never encountered) and did not feel contrived considering who Miller is. As we learn throughout the book of all the little things that had to occur for their relationship to develop the way it did, I again felt the realism of the book. I will admit that I was surprised that the story occurred within the time frame of a year as there are so many things that Hadley had to endure and got to enjoy, that it felt longer time-wise. Because of the way their relationship developed, the reader is well into the book (close to 60%) before the two have sex. Readers with a sensitivity to sexual assault should proceed with caution as it is a topic in the book, but should also be aware that none of the sex scenes are described in a detailed or graphic nature.
While I enjoyed reading Cut Too Deep and liked the characters immensely, something fell a bit flat and kept this from being a great read for me. It wasn’t until the final couple of chapters that I realized what it was – for me, the transition from the author’s narrative to the character’s dialogue and internal thoughts was not smooth. Did this interfere with the flow of the story? Occasionally. Did it make this a bad read? Absolutely Not! I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of Ms. Bell’s work. There are so many connected sub-plots that run throughout the book that it is difficult to discuss specifics without taking the risk of revealing potential spoilers so I will simply leave it as saying that Cut Too Deep was a solid read
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!