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Pieces of Us
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?
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?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2025
11 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 31, 2025
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 🩶
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 🩶
January 7, 2026
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. 🖤
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. 🖤
January 16, 2026
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! 🖤
If you’re looking for a second chance romance with insta love, dark themes, trauma and trigger warnings then this is for you! 🖤
October 30, 2025
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 🖤
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 🖤
November 16, 2025
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.
January 22, 2026
❤️🖤❤️ 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 intention is to NOT victim blame at all - any person in Ember’s position should absolutely have control of their life and decide what is best for them 💗 My minor 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 hard work that went into writing this. I truly do appreciate the heart that went into this and 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! 🤣
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 intention is to NOT victim blame at all - any person in Ember’s position should absolutely have control of their life and decide what is best for them 💗 My minor 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 hard work that went into writing this. I truly do appreciate the heart that went into this and 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! 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2025
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.
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.
November 2, 2025
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 ☠️
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 ☠️
October 23, 2025
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
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
November 9, 2025
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.
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.
November 1, 2025
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 !!
November 3, 2025
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. 🖤
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. 🖤
October 27, 2025
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!
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!
November 4, 2025
“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 🖤
November 6, 2025
*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!
October 26, 2025
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.
November 1, 2025
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!
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!
November 2, 2025
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!
November 6, 2025
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.
There were so many moments in this that my heart was squeezing and I was in tears. I can’t wait for more.
November 28, 2025
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
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
November 30, 2025
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!
October 29, 2025
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)
November 2, 2025
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!
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!
November 30, 2025
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.
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.
November 7, 2025
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!! 😍😍
November 8, 2025
I love this book. it had me on my toes, crying, and all the emotions altogether. it was an good book! I loved it.
December 2, 2025
𝕻𝖎𝖊𝖈𝖊𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝖀𝖘
ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ
ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ʜᴇʀ & ᴅ!ᴇ
ᴛᴇᴇɴᴀɢᴇ ᴘʀᴇɢɴᴀɴᴄʏ
ᴀᴅᴏᴘᴛɪᴏɴ
sᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ
ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ
ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs ʙᴇᴇɴ ʏᴏᴜ
sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛs
sᴛᴀʟᴋɪɴɢ
ᴅᴠ
ᴜɴᴀʟɪᴠɪɴɢ
ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ
ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ʜᴇʀ & ᴅ!ᴇ
ᴛᴇᴇɴᴀɢᴇ ᴘʀᴇɢɴᴀɴᴄʏ
ᴀᴅᴏᴘᴛɪᴏɴ
sᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ
ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ
ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs ʙᴇᴇɴ ʏᴏᴜ
sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛs
sᴛᴀʟᴋɪɴɢ
ᴅᴠ
ᴜɴᴀʟɪᴠɪɴɢ
December 14, 2025
I will come back with a more put together review.
But that fact I stayed up until 4am to finish the book should speak for itself!
DEVOURED
But that fact I stayed up until 4am to finish the book should speak for itself!
DEVOURED
November 6, 2025
I read this so fast just addicted to fmc and mmc. I really hope that there will be more to come from this author. Also with this book I desperately want to read more about the other characters; so I hope that there are more books coming out
January 13, 2026
I'd like to start by thanking Taylor for trusting me with this ARC!
This is an indie debut, and it feels personal in the quiet, vulnerable way...like someone telling you something true and hoping you’ll hold and consider it carefully. Knowing this story is loosely inspired by the author’s own experience with teenage pregnancy adds so much weight to Ember’s journey, and that honesty is what stayed with me most!
Ember is trying to live her life forward while her past keeps reaching for her. An abusive ex who won’t let go. A child she loved enough to give up. A first love who re-enters her life and accidentally lights a fuse. The tension builds slowly and painfully, and it feels rooted in VERY real fear and VERY real emotion.
What I appreciated most is the heart of this story. You can feel how much the author cares...about Ember, about the choices she made, about the idea that survival doesn’t always look clean or heroic.
It’s messy. It’s complicated. It’s human.
There are moments where the writing still feels like it’s finding its footing, but it never felt careless to me...just like the early work of someone with a story to tell and a voice that’s still growing into itself. And honestly, that kind of growth excites me more than perfection ever could.
This book won’t be for everyone, but I’m really glad it found me. I believe it will mean a lot to the right reader, especially anyone who loves emotionally driven stories about resilience, healing, and choosing yourself again and again.
I’ll absolutely be watching to see what Taylor writes next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (Rounded up, with love)
This is an indie debut, and it feels personal in the quiet, vulnerable way...like someone telling you something true and hoping you’ll hold and consider it carefully. Knowing this story is loosely inspired by the author’s own experience with teenage pregnancy adds so much weight to Ember’s journey, and that honesty is what stayed with me most!
Ember is trying to live her life forward while her past keeps reaching for her. An abusive ex who won’t let go. A child she loved enough to give up. A first love who re-enters her life and accidentally lights a fuse. The tension builds slowly and painfully, and it feels rooted in VERY real fear and VERY real emotion.
What I appreciated most is the heart of this story. You can feel how much the author cares...about Ember, about the choices she made, about the idea that survival doesn’t always look clean or heroic.
It’s messy. It’s complicated. It’s human.
There are moments where the writing still feels like it’s finding its footing, but it never felt careless to me...just like the early work of someone with a story to tell and a voice that’s still growing into itself. And honestly, that kind of growth excites me more than perfection ever could.
This book won’t be for everyone, but I’m really glad it found me. I believe it will mean a lot to the right reader, especially anyone who loves emotionally driven stories about resilience, healing, and choosing yourself again and again.
I’ll absolutely be watching to see what Taylor writes next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (Rounded up, with love)
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