Pieces of Us

by Taylor Blackthorne

She wants a second chance at love with the one man that ever made her feel safe, but another lurks in the shadows, threatening to take it all away.

At seventeen years old, Ember knew she wasn’t ready to be a mother. It’s been fifteen years since she gave up her baby in an attempt to escape her abusive ex. Ember’s traumatic past collides with her present when her first love, Harley, reenters her life.

As their second-chance at love flourishes, her obsessive ex, Dean, escalates his stalking. Harley won't walk away this time, leaving Ember vulnerable to Dean’s torment. Using his experience from his former profession as a Special Forces operator, Harley must race against time to save Ember and eliminate the threat to their future once and for all.



Will he be able to save her this time?

Genres: Dark

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

Reviews

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the artwork for this book and i was invested!! We have Ember who had to do something in her teen life give up a child now she's grown and still dealing with her ex who degrades her and stalks not in a good way. She remeets a old boyfriend Harley at her sisters BBQ. And things sorta pick up between the 2 the only real reason they broke up was because of her brother. Who? Was only mentioned one time and that's all. No bad blood between them.
Harley was everything you wanted in a man. He was thoughtful, protective and understanding he made sure Ember was taken care. Making sure her ex didn't hurt her. It was alot of tension when the ex came around but Harley did not back down!!

The couple did have there miscommunication when Harley did alittle hiding about her Saftey-so which I got both sides. The drama the tension was so good. And THE SPICE!!!
💦💦💦💦 that man knew how to work it.

We do have some side characters and secerts? I wanna know what's going on with Atlas and Chase?

No ow/tiny om drama, no cheating (between mains), slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶.5


Prologue
Praise kink
Brat vibes
Anal play
Drugging
Cheating (not between mains)
Interpersonal violence
Murder
Teen pregnancy
Kidnapping
Rape/noncon (by the ex off page and flashbacks)
Hea
Epilogue

[Brie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️’s- •⛓️HAPPY RELEASE DAY⛓️•

Thank you @authortaylorblackthorne for giving me the chance to read your book early! Ember and Harley’s story was so incredibly written and you should be so so so proud of yourself!

This book was full of such emotions, love, heartbreak, and amazing family. Ember is such a strong FMC, from her teenage trauma, all the way up to everything she faces as an adult. Harley has quickly moved into a TOP book boyfriend spot because uhhhh…hello! We love an obsessed but sweet and soft man! He will do literally anything for Ember.

Their chemistry and love is definitely something I will remember for awhile 🩶

[Sam Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this story, I can’t help but sit here and think about what I missed between side characters and a potential plot hole 🕳️ during a certain event. Although, It would make sense if that certain issue pops up in a second book for these characters. I definitely need more info with things coming to light towards the end of the book because trying to figure out what’s going on with a few different characters is tripping me up 😅

If you’re looking for a second chance romance with insta love, dark themes, trauma and trigger warnings then this is for you! 🖤

[Kayla Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally got this book as a ARC but life threw a curve ball and I’m finishing it now. 😅
I knew when I started this book I was going to fall in love with Ember and Harley. And oh boy did I!😋 I laughed I cried I got HOT!🥵 Ember is a smart, strong, and incredibly sexy woman. Harley? Wowza, tattoos, sexy banter, and special ops gahlee it doesn’t get much better than that. “Pretty girl” had me drooling along with all his other pet names he had for Ember.🤤 The plot was endless and I was at the edge of my seat not knowing what would happen next. 🖤

[Isla Starling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading this debut!

When I say I loved it from page one, I mean it. I felt so deeply for the FMC & the MMC is everything and then some 🖤

[Megan Scholer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was this written by a 16 year old?

How does this have 4 stars? Are people just ignoring the plot holes and poor writing? The instalove is ridiculous and I’m supposed to believe these characters are in their 30s? Only character I liked was the baby because she had no dialogue. Don’t waste your time. -4/5 stars.

[Amy Alessandri · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️🖤❤️ The Short & Sweet Review:
I had a great time reading this and couldn’t put it down. The little things that threw me off or took me out of it ended up winning my overall appreciation and I found myself loving the imperfections of this. The story was unique in that I’ve never read anything like this particular storyline where the FMC gave her baby up for adoption when she was a teenager. A great read if you’re looking for: action packed, fast paced, Golden Retriever with a second chance at love, endless comfort and patience, spicy spice, and a helluva chaotic good time where you might scratch your head a few times but you’ll be so proud of the FMC and her Happily Ever After.

It writes like a true tragic story with a revisionist happy ending and I truly hope the real “Ember” got her happily ever after with the same love, support, books, and delicious coffee.

P.S. The Sea Lady Coffee made me laugh out loud. Standing ovation for that line. 👏👏👏

……………………………………………….

🖤❤️🖤 Long Review

The questions that often took me out of the story or baffled me:
•Didn’t delete social media accounts? Facebook??
•Didn’t report Dean hacking her social media/harassing for 15 years? (I was hoping for some attempts 😬)
•Where is her brother, Reed?
•What happened to Reed?
•Did I miss what happened with Reed?
•Her parents didn’t kick Dean out knowing he was abusing her? 😡
•Ember and Charlee becoming BFF so quickly? (I’m choosing to believe the author gave anyone identifying with Ember a hopeful best case scenario in this situation 👯‍♀️)
•Wasn’t a 2nd person mentioned in the kidnapping scene with the Caravan? (I could’ve sworn a second person was described driving away with Dean and Ember??? 🤔)
•Mrs Philch / Mrs Phelps? (Editing error ✍️ )
•Having unprotected sex when Harley is aware of her past? (My brain thought they would be more transparent/communicative regarding this area considering her past experiences with sex and her pregnancy)

My unnecessary grievances are subjective and I can respect Ember’s decisions even if I didn’t understand them. I just found it wild that if she was being consistently harassed/stalked/having her social media accounts hacked for 15 YEARS, I assumed she filed some reports in that time OR would’ve deactivated her Facebook🤷🏻‍♀️

It was great to read Ember receiving nothing but love, patience, protection, and selfless care from Harley.

So yeah, I hope my ridiculously long review actually proves how much I enjoyed/cared about this story overall and my gripes don’t come across as insulting or unappreciative of the heart that went into writing this. I truly do appreciate how the author provided all of the best for Ember at every turn 🩷

AAAANNNDDD I am left obsessing over Chase and Atlas. 🥵 👏💓🔥 What is going on there?! I need to know what is going on!! Are Chase and Atlas together? What is happening?! I need answers! 🤣

[Tinaj Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad debut book for a new author. The story is fast paced and action packed. There were a few minor editing issues and story inconsistencies but they did not take away from the story. Pieces of us is Ember and Harley’s story. The ending was perfect. I love the relationship between Ember and her sister. I am left wondering if there will be another book with the sister’s story. Possibly including Chase.

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing debut from the author! Dark contemporary romance with tropes like second chance, brother’s best friend, stalker ex and bookstore spice.

This was an emotional read, especially towards the end, and this really made me feel for the characters. The FMC, Ember, went through so much in her life, but she always stayed strong and never gave up.

The relationship development between Ember and Harley was so sweet and they truly were perfect for each other. Loved seeing the strong bond Ember had with her sister and niece.

I can’t wait to read more!


“We can go anywhere you want, pretty girl.”
“I would never do such a childish thing as tease my sister and her boyfriend about being late to dinner, because they couldn’t keep their filthy mittens off of each other.”
“He cooks, and does the dishes. Better lock that shit down quick, my dude.”
“If you ever learn anything about me, it should be not to fuck with my coffee.”
“Do I need to show you how bad you want me, you little fucking brat?”
“Thank you for making me forget, even for a minute.”


I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.

[Brittany Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fast paced second chance romance and I was here for every second of it.

Ember our FMC is finally back in her home town to help her sister while her husband goes on deployment. She’s spent a decade running and hiding from her stalker and abuser not letting anyone in.

When she shows up to her nieces birthday she sees him. Harley her first boyfriend and a man shes drawn to despite everything.

But the problem is her stalker is also aware shes returned to her home town. So what happens when shes slowly letting Harley in but her stalker is sending photos of them together? And what happens when Harley realizes she’s in more danger than she realizes?

You’re gonna have to read to find out. This pulled on so many heart strings for me. Please check your triggers as there are some heavy situations.

What you can expect:

🖤Second Chance
✨Brothers Best Friend
🖤Hand Necklaces
✨Biker MMC
🖤Book lover FMC
✨Spicy time in a bookstore
🖤Revenge plots
✨Adult Napping
🖤Stalker in not the good way
✨Touch Her and ☠️

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!!! I went in totally blind when the author asked for beta readers and I am so glad I did. The relationship between Harley and Ember will make you believe in love again. I love Atlas and Ember’s sisterly relationship and I love Harley’s relationship with Ember’s family. I admire the strength we see in Ember, she never gives up and consistently fights for her healing. I reallt admire Harley and how much he loves Ember. When her entire journey wraps up at the end, I was sooo happy about the outcome.

Written with raw grit & emotion and drawn from personal experiences, this story will make you feel every emotion until you get to the HEA.

Some Tropes/Content Warnings (everything is on page but ranges in the level of graphic content):
•Touch her & dīe
•Second chance
•Teenage pregnancy
•Adoption
•Found family
•Always been you
•Secrets
•Stąlkįng
•Domestic vīolęnce
•Mürdęr
•Rāpę/dub-con

[Brit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ember’s story is raw, heartbreaking, and painfully real—a girl who made an impossible choice at sixteen, only to spend the next sixteen years living with the ghosts of it. The world judged her, stalked her, and scarred her. But when Harley walks back into her life, everything changes.

He’s not just the boy she once knew—he’s a man forged from his own pain, quiet but fiercely protective, patient enough to let Ember breathe again, and brutal enough to destroy anyone who dares hurt her. Their connection is heavy with history, guilt, and second chances that burn hotter than first love ever could.

The trauma runs deep, but the devotion runs deeper. Harley doesn’t try to fix her—he anchors her, showing her what love looks like when it’s unconditional, messy, and healing all at once.

This isn’t a fairytale. It’s a resurrection. A dark, gut-wrenching, and beautiful story about forgiveness, redemption, and the kind of love that claws its way out of the ashes.

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could rate higher I would 100%

I LOVED Harley, he was the perfect mix of obsessed and possessive with golden retriever energy and SUCH A SOFITE 🫶🏼

I adore and respect Ember and her strength with everything she went through and I'm so happy she got her HEA 🥹

The spice was so spicy I actually had to put the book down for a bit because the jealousy of ember in chapter 16 got to me, especially this part:

"Without another word, he slips the mask back over his head. “Do I need to show you how bad you want me, you little fucking brat?” he says as he walks towards me."

I MEAN CAN YOU BLAME ME?! and did I mention he was in a ghost face mask!? my weakness 😩

✨mask kink activated ✅✨

This is honestly up there with EOD trilogy for me. I have a feeling I'm going to keep coming back to this story and these characters for a long time.

I cannot wait to read what's next from Taylor blackthorne 🫶🏼

[Michaela Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good god I ate this book up and left no crumbs it was amazing I was hooked from chapter one and could not put it down I loved it sooooo much!! It’s made me cry made me laugh so much had me kicking my feet it had everything to love about it. Embers inner monologue had me dying every time freaking hilarious she was soo funny. Ember was an amazing FMC she was strong and loyal and loving even after what she went through and ahh Harley beautiful MMC definitely book boyfriend material loyal to a fault sooo caring and protective. His nickname for ember amazing ! Because who does love being called pretty girl 😉🤤 the story a the plot was truly great it was a fun read it was emotional, spicy, funny all the characters were great !!

[Shelbi Prouty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pieces of Us by Taylor Blackthorne is one of those books that quietly pulled me in and before I realize it, I was completely wrapped up in the story. It’s beautifully written with just the right balance of emotion, tension, drama, suspense, and second-chance romance that makes it so easy to keep reading “just one more chapter.”

And the spice? Truly spicing. Not just thrown in for shock value—every scene feels intentional, connected to the characters, and perfectly timed. It adds to the story instead of distracting from it, which I loved. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

By the time I reached the end, I felt so connected Ember & Harley! For a debut, this is such a strong, confident start. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on whatever Taylor Blackthorne writes next. 🖤

[Lynnmarie542_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book—it had me hooked from page one, and I love when that happens!
Ember and Harley’s relationship development was everything, and Ember’s bond with Atlas was fierce and beautiful, it honestly made me miss my own sister.

Also, I wanted to jump into my Kindle and punch Dean right in the face.

Thank you so much for the ARC! What an incredible debut. I can’t wait to see what you write next!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hey, pretty girl” 🥵 What an awesome debut! I truly loved Ember & Harley’s love story. I feel like from start to finish you become so emotionally invested with Ember and her backstory and instantly get attached to Harley too as you dive more into this book. I absolutely loved the connections with the other characters especially Ember’s sister. Definitely made me feel all the feels in the best way 🖤

[Tessa Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review* As soon as I saw this book I knew I had to read it, when I got the email that I was accepted to ARC read it I was so excited! I was in a bit of a reading slump but I devoured this book, I read it within a few hours because I just couldn't put it down! The characters and banter are a stroke of genius! And "Pretty girl" omg😍 Harley is an absolute King! This is definitely a book I'll recommend to everyone as well as reread it!

[Becca :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh I freakin love this story and its characters so much. This one made me cry multiple times, laugh like a maniac, giggle and kick my feet, yell and scream (f u dean), and last but most importantly it made me truly enjoy every second I was reading. I can feel Taylor’s love and soul in every word written and cannot share my love for this one enough.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a 5 out of 5 stars for me!
It got all the feelings out of me! The way Harley and Ember is perfect for each other has my whole heart! 🫶🏼
Oh the man Harley is! He literally has all the patience in the world for Ember - especially with all the shit she goes through! She deserves the world and Harley is just ready to give her everything and more!
I love love love this book!

[Paige Seldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, first off I loved this book! I was hooked from the first chapter and loved getting to know the characters. Pieces of Us made me feel so many emotions, if you’re looking for an emotional read this is the one! Reading the characters getting there happily ever after at the end filled me with joy, especially with the events in the book. I can’t wait to see what else Taylor brings out!

[Shelby (spice.girlsbookstore) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this is Taylor’s debut novel. I really loved the story and Ember. She is so relatable and her inner commentary made me laugh out loud so many times in just the first few chapters. Harley and his protective personality and motorcycle can hit it anytimeeeeee.

There were so many moments in this that my heart was squeezing and I was in tears. I can’t wait for more.

[Jojobean_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Who doesn't love second chances, touch her and d!e?
A man willing to cross all the boundaries to make sure his lady is safe?
Don't even get me started on the ovary warming scenes of him holding and taking care of a baby 😭

This was a sensational debut novel from Taylor and I am looking forward immensely to whatever comes next
This

[Marissa Merwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel did not disappoint♡ fast paced - there was always something happening to keep me on my toes. the relationship between Ember and Harley will have your heart melting and the sorrow that is experienced is so raw. the spice was also perfect. Really hoping for another book because its so easy to fall in love with the characters!

[mrsbattle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I loved the names. I loved how much of a ride or die Harley is for Ember and just their relationship as a whole. everyone is so close knit and there for each other. (also f dean)

[Mariah Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading this book early!
I loved this book it was well written with raw emotion. You can feel all the emotions. This is a second-chance dark romance story I would definitely recommend. But make sure to read the trigger warnings!

[Britt Buschbacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!

This book is absolutely amazing start to finish. They characters have depth, the story is amazing. Its a must read! I couldn't put this book down. I'm excited to see this authors next work of art.

[Kim Aponte-Ortiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I DNF’ed after half way through…Ember was too naive and juvenile. Same situation with Harley writing her a note and being embarrassed about it..are yall still 15? Or grown adults?! I liked the plot but just couldn’t finish reading it bc the characters/writing was too annoying for me.

[Tesla Mcelhaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!!! This was such an amazing read!! I want a Harley in my life!!! I need to know what happened to Atlas!! Hope there will be more!! 😍😍

[Megan Opliger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. it had me on my toes, crying, and all the emotions altogether. it was an good book! I loved it.