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Fractured #1
Fractured: The Choices He Made
This is the first book in a trilogy following Cecily’s story, and it ends on a cliffhanger.
By the end of the heroine’s journey, she will find her happily ever after with a true hero... not the zero who chooses to cross every possible point of no return.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
He cups my face, his thumb brushing my cheek.
“Come on. You know you’re the only one for me.”
He kisses my forehead.
What would you do if you discovered that your husband of eighteen years was having an affair?
No… don’t answer yet.
Think.
Eighteen years. Not eighteen days.
A history. A family.
There’s a long road between suspicion, the footprints left in the sand, and the devastating truth that the life you knew is already over.
I saw it coming. I felt it in my bones.
Late nights at work. Sleeping at the office.
The distance… the way his eyes could no longer hold mine.
Lipstick stains where they didn’t belong.
Unfamiliar scents clinging to a man who should only ever smell like him and me.
Him & me.
But when a third person enters your marriage…
there’s nothing left to save.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
The Choices He Made is the first book in a trilogy that follows Cecily’s journey. From heartbreak and having her world fractured more than once, to the slow, painful process of rebuilding herself and finding true love. The kind of love powerful enough to reshape worlds and give meaning to every wound left behind.
Described by readers as an unflinching, realistic, and raw exploration of love, betrayal, and the fractures that change everything… the kind of story that cuts deep, lingers, and refuses to release you even after the final page.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ ₊⋆ Cheating
⋆⁺ OWD (Other Woman Drama)
₊⋆ Marriage in Crisis
⋆⁺ Emotional Betrayal
₊⋆ Long-Term Marriage
⋆⁺ Domestic Angst
₊⋆ Moral Ambiguity
This book is intended for readers 18+.
By the end of the heroine’s journey, she will find her happily ever after with a true hero... not the zero who chooses to cross every possible point of no return.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
He cups my face, his thumb brushing my cheek.
“Come on. You know you’re the only one for me.”
He kisses my forehead.
What would you do if you discovered that your husband of eighteen years was having an affair?
No… don’t answer yet.
Think.
Eighteen years. Not eighteen days.
A history. A family.
There’s a long road between suspicion, the footprints left in the sand, and the devastating truth that the life you knew is already over.
I saw it coming. I felt it in my bones.
Late nights at work. Sleeping at the office.
The distance… the way his eyes could no longer hold mine.
Lipstick stains where they didn’t belong.
Unfamiliar scents clinging to a man who should only ever smell like him and me.
Him & me.
But when a third person enters your marriage…
there’s nothing left to save.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
The Choices He Made is the first book in a trilogy that follows Cecily’s journey. From heartbreak and having her world fractured more than once, to the slow, painful process of rebuilding herself and finding true love. The kind of love powerful enough to reshape worlds and give meaning to every wound left behind.
Described by readers as an unflinching, realistic, and raw exploration of love, betrayal, and the fractures that change everything… the kind of story that cuts deep, lingers, and refuses to release you even after the final page.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ ₊⋆ Cheating
⋆⁺ OWD (Other Woman Drama)
₊⋆ Marriage in Crisis
⋆⁺ Emotional Betrayal
₊⋆ Long-Term Marriage
⋆⁺ Domestic Angst
₊⋆ Moral Ambiguity
This book is intended for readers 18+.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 22, 2026
I’ve encountered cheating in books before, but this might be my first in which cheating was the focal point of the book.
I began reading, but soon switched to skimming because I found lots of filler, a minimum of emotional devastation, and many, many detailed descriptions of the sexual exploits of the cheating husband with the predatory Other Woman. Those scenes are preceded, bizarrely, by warnings from the author that the reader is about to encounter detailed descriptions of cheating. Would the reader even be here if they didn’t expect cheating spelled out in capital letters?
To me, it was run-of-the mill, with too much page time describing sex and only paying lip service to emotions, until close to the end when it took a serious turn into contrived, artificial nonsense:
This should have been the first third of a very short novel, but was instead the first novel of a trilogy, mercifully short. I have no interest in continuing.
I began reading, but soon switched to skimming because I found lots of filler, a minimum of emotional devastation, and many, many detailed descriptions of the sexual exploits of the cheating husband with the predatory Other Woman. Those scenes are preceded, bizarrely, by warnings from the author that the reader is about to encounter detailed descriptions of cheating. Would the reader even be here if they didn’t expect cheating spelled out in capital letters?
To me, it was run-of-the mill, with too much page time describing sex and only paying lip service to emotions, until close to the end when it took a serious turn into contrived, artificial nonsense:
This should have been the first third of a very short novel, but was instead the first novel of a trilogy, mercifully short. I have no interest in continuing.
April 1, 2026
This ain’t no romance! And I LOVED IT!
The writing is great and kept me glued to my Kindle until I read the final word.
This is a cheating story through and through. OG Angst whores who need to watch the train wreck in slow-motion may enjoy this. As other reviewers have noted, there is no good explanation for why the MMC broke his vows again and again and again and again and again. He couldn’t even explain it to himself. So what we see in the book is the birth and development of the illicit affair relationship, the FMC’s developing suspicion and then the inevitable confirmation and blowup.
There are many more intimate scenes with the evil OW than with the FMC, fwiw. I know that alone bugs the shit out of some readers, so I thought I’d report that outright.
Readers get to see the MMC lying to himself and his entire family while his family watches, confused, and disintegrates. We see the MMC seemingly revolted by his own actions and yet unable or unwilling to stop them until it’s way too late.
There is some Spectacular comeuppance involved here, but also boatloads of misery for everyone involved. I can’t really say there is a happy ending, either, especially since this one ends in a cliffie.
This FMC is going to rise from these ashes, phoenix-like. I just know that. I’ll Keep reading because it’s that good. I am strictly a vibes reader and this one suited my vibes to a T in this particular season of life. YMMV.
The writing is great and kept me glued to my Kindle until I read the final word.
This is a cheating story through and through. OG Angst whores who need to watch the train wreck in slow-motion may enjoy this. As other reviewers have noted, there is no good explanation for why the MMC broke his vows again and again and again and again and again. He couldn’t even explain it to himself. So what we see in the book is the birth and development of the illicit affair relationship, the FMC’s developing suspicion and then the inevitable confirmation and blowup.
There are many more intimate scenes with the evil OW than with the FMC, fwiw. I know that alone bugs the shit out of some readers, so I thought I’d report that outright.
Readers get to see the MMC lying to himself and his entire family while his family watches, confused, and disintegrates. We see the MMC seemingly revolted by his own actions and yet unable or unwilling to stop them until it’s way too late.
There is some Spectacular comeuppance involved here, but also boatloads of misery for everyone involved. I can’t really say there is a happy ending, either, especially since this one ends in a cliffie.
This FMC is going to rise from these ashes, phoenix-like. I just know that. I’ll Keep reading because it’s that good. I am strictly a vibes reader and this one suited my vibes to a T in this particular season of life. YMMV.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 26, 2026Zero ⭐️ for the MMC/husband and the OW. Their sex scenes were absolutely disgusting (the whole book is about their affair).
I only read this book because I heard there was a new MMC, we saw a little of him in this book and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in the next one.
I also really hope the author makes the cheating husband’s life completely miserable—he does not deserve forgiveness at all.
I only read this book because I heard there was a new MMC, we saw a little of him in this book and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in the next one.
I also really hope the author makes the cheating husband’s life completely miserable—he does not deserve forgiveness at all.
March 19, 2026
This is possibly the best descriptive Marriage In Trouble/Infidelity books written so far IMO.
I originally read on Wattpad and thrilled to see it now on Kindle. It's a trilogy and currently book 1 and 2 are out. I'm anxiously awaiting the final 3rd to see our MFC get her deserved HEA.
The books 1 & 2 cover the MCs relationship beginnings to present, the betrayal in high def from the MMC POV, the suspicion and later evidence by our MFC, the heartbreaking and gut-wrenching confrontation and aftermath, the initial beginnings of comeuppance/ consequences for the cheating husband and mistress as the wife begins rebuilding a life without the man she loved, adored and blindly trusted . We're left at the end of book 2 with a possibility of a bonafide H to enter and I have to say, I CAN'T WAIT! fyi, no date so far for release of 3rd book. However, due to Zarah Lynn's writing, I'm now following her and will be reading her works Past, Present and Future.
5 Emotional, Angst and hopeful HEA for our strong resilient heroine Stars!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I originally read on Wattpad and thrilled to see it now on Kindle. It's a trilogy and currently book 1 and 2 are out. I'm anxiously awaiting the final 3rd to see our MFC get her deserved HEA.
The books 1 & 2 cover the MCs relationship beginnings to present, the betrayal in high def from the MMC POV, the suspicion and later evidence by our MFC, the heartbreaking and gut-wrenching confrontation and aftermath, the initial beginnings of comeuppance/ consequences for the cheating husband and mistress as the wife begins rebuilding a life without the man she loved, adored and blindly trusted . We're left at the end of book 2 with a possibility of a bonafide H to enter and I have to say, I CAN'T WAIT! fyi, no date so far for release of 3rd book. However, due to Zarah Lynn's writing, I'm now following her and will be reading her works Past, Present and Future.
5 Emotional, Angst and hopeful HEA for our strong resilient heroine Stars!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 22, 2026
Hard trilogy to read.
**SYNOPSIS/SPOILERS**
Cecelia and Colin have a great marriage. Steady, a great sex life and two beautiful children. But Colin has a secret…he’s been flirting with his twenty-two year old assistant, Maya. At first…it’s “innocent” enough…he allows the flirtation because it doesn’t cross any boundaries, and he likes the attention. But soon…soon he knows he’s stepping into dangerous territory. Maya seeks him out, they go on long business trips together, and finally the affair begins. Colin tells himself it’s fine. He makes up excuses. He can have his perfect wife, and kids, and his hot assistant (who will do anything in bed that he wants) as well.
Cecilia isn’t stupid. She begins to see the signs. The signs that her amazing husband is cheating on her. She gathers evidence with her best friend Mark. Hotel receipts, gifts, expensive trips, and damning…condoms, lube and sexual aids. She knows he has been cheating on her for months. And when she has the evidence she waits for him calmly and presents it all to him.
Colin is horrified, but not because of the affair, but because he got caught (bastard!). He tells her it was a mistake, that he didn’t mean it. That he’ll stop. That he loves her. But Cecelia is DONE (you go girl!). She tells him to leave, and she files for divorce. The children are wrecked. They’re old enough to understand that something awful happened, especially Ethan, the older brother. Her heard his father talking to his mistress, he knows his dad betrayed them in the worst way. Both Ethan and Alicia (the daughter) want nothing to do with Colin. Colin has imploded his life for an affair that meant nothing to him but sex.
Maya has her own agenda! It turns out that Cecelia’s dad had an affair with Maya’s mom when she was thirteen. When he ended things, her mom committed suicide. She approached Colin wanting to seduce him and destroy his marriage, but she claims she fell in love with him. It’s twisted, she’s a real psychopath!!! She didn’t love him. She systematically set out to destroy Cecelia. She had affairs with married older men before Colin, this was a pattern of breaking up marriages. And the thing is, she has no remorse or guilt. She honestly believes she’s in “the right” and she’d do the same things over again.
I’m telling you the entire trilogy here because I don’t want to write three spoilers and thoughts. So book two dives into life after the divorce. Colin is miserable (he should be!) and it gets worse when Maya tells him she’s pregnant with his child!!! Now he knows he doesn’t have a hope in hell of getting Cecelia or his kids back. Maya continues to harass him, AND Cecelia! She tells Cecelia about her dad’s affair with her mother, and pins all the blame on Cecelia…telling her she couldn’t keep her husband satisfied. Cecelia is strong though. She calls Maya pathetic, and she is, and tells her she shouldn’t be so smug because Colin is a cheating a-hole who even now doesn’t want her. She tells Maya she was just sex, and even that wasn’t enough to keep Maya, then she tells her if she continues to harass her she’ll call the police.
Maya publishes a piece about how she fell in love with Colin, painting Cecelia as the old, vindictive housewife that couldn’t stand to see her husband happy. But it backfire, people call her a whore and homewrecker, and the piece gets suppressed by Cecelia’s friend Mark, and Cecelia’s new admirer business tycoon Alexander.
Alexander has always admired Cecelia, he never crossed any lines because she was married. But the minute she gets divorced he begins to quietly pursue her. He doesn’t try anything romantic, at first, he’s merely her support and a friend. Cecelia grows closer to Alexander, and Colin tries to repair the relationship he has with his now angry and distant kids. Ethan cuts him out of his life, but Alicia still…tries, she still loves her father, even if she hates him too. Maya loses the baby and makes a scene. But Colin is done with her, and cuts her out of his life completely.
Cecelia travels to Spain for work, but also to see Alexander. They begin a slow romantic relationship. Their friendship deepens to love. Alexander shows her what true love, devotion and loyalty are. Colin hates the relationship, and accuses her of cheating on him when they were married. Cecelia laughs and tells him that not everyone is as disgusting as he is. Colin realizes that he has well and truly lost her, and that he was entirely to blame for the mess and implosion of his marriage and life!
Cecelia and Alexander (in the epilogue) get married, and have FOUR MORE CHILDREN! Alicia and Ethan’s relationship with their dad improve, a little. But Alicia now calls Alexander, papa (awe so sweet). Colin has been dating someone for two months but hasn’t told his kids yet, since it’s still casual. Maya’s time in prison is almost done, and her cousin and uncle agree to pick her up from lock up.
**THOUGHTS\OPINIONS**
This was a hard trilogy to read because the on page cheating was explicit. It was also difficult to read because the husband, Colin went into the affair with his eyes wide open, feeling no remorse for his actions, and happily was trying to navigate both of his relationships. It was hard because he had everything, his sex life with his wife was great, still spicy and fun, and yet he actively went into a relationship with his twenty-two year old assistant! WHY?!!! His excuses were so pathetic, his reasoning even more so. I loved how strong Cecelia was, and I loved that she DID NOT GO BACK TO HER CHEATING EX, but found a new, better man!!! I was so happy with her HEA, I would’ve given this five stars if not for 2 things, 1. Colin doesn’t get to be happy, I’m sorry he was DISGUSTING!!! He doesn’t get to be dating someone, even casually at the end of the book. He ought to be lying broke and destitute in some gutter!! Men like him do not deserve a redemption arc. 2. Maya was a psycho!!! I get it, she was traumatized by her childhood, but she felt no remorse or guilt, she even said she’d do everything over again. Why does she get to be picked up by her cousin and uncle after everything? Hell she should’ve been locked up forever, or at least until old age! Frankly she was deranged and dangerous!!! Her patterns show that getting out of prison…she’d do the same things over again, and perhaps this time she’d go even further!!! The author really missed her mark in letting her get out of prison, happily after 8 months! Maya was a crazy lunatic who used, and manipulated people. She didn’t care who she hurt, she just wanted what she felt she was owed. She needed to be locked away for good. Other than these two things, the trilogy was solid, and as realistic as novels of this trope can be. I’m so glad that Cecelia remained, strong, and survived and thrived with a better, handsomer, richer man!!
**SYNOPSIS/SPOILERS**
Cecelia and Colin have a great marriage. Steady, a great sex life and two beautiful children. But Colin has a secret…he’s been flirting with his twenty-two year old assistant, Maya. At first…it’s “innocent” enough…he allows the flirtation because it doesn’t cross any boundaries, and he likes the attention. But soon…soon he knows he’s stepping into dangerous territory. Maya seeks him out, they go on long business trips together, and finally the affair begins. Colin tells himself it’s fine. He makes up excuses. He can have his perfect wife, and kids, and his hot assistant (who will do anything in bed that he wants) as well.
Cecilia isn’t stupid. She begins to see the signs. The signs that her amazing husband is cheating on her. She gathers evidence with her best friend Mark. Hotel receipts, gifts, expensive trips, and damning…condoms, lube and sexual aids. She knows he has been cheating on her for months. And when she has the evidence she waits for him calmly and presents it all to him.
Colin is horrified, but not because of the affair, but because he got caught (bastard!). He tells her it was a mistake, that he didn’t mean it. That he’ll stop. That he loves her. But Cecelia is DONE (you go girl!). She tells him to leave, and she files for divorce. The children are wrecked. They’re old enough to understand that something awful happened, especially Ethan, the older brother. Her heard his father talking to his mistress, he knows his dad betrayed them in the worst way. Both Ethan and Alicia (the daughter) want nothing to do with Colin. Colin has imploded his life for an affair that meant nothing to him but sex.
Maya has her own agenda! It turns out that Cecelia’s dad had an affair with Maya’s mom when she was thirteen. When he ended things, her mom committed suicide. She approached Colin wanting to seduce him and destroy his marriage, but she claims she fell in love with him. It’s twisted, she’s a real psychopath!!! She didn’t love him. She systematically set out to destroy Cecelia. She had affairs with married older men before Colin, this was a pattern of breaking up marriages. And the thing is, she has no remorse or guilt. She honestly believes she’s in “the right” and she’d do the same things over again.
I’m telling you the entire trilogy here because I don’t want to write three spoilers and thoughts. So book two dives into life after the divorce. Colin is miserable (he should be!) and it gets worse when Maya tells him she’s pregnant with his child!!! Now he knows he doesn’t have a hope in hell of getting Cecelia or his kids back. Maya continues to harass him, AND Cecelia! She tells Cecelia about her dad’s affair with her mother, and pins all the blame on Cecelia…telling her she couldn’t keep her husband satisfied. Cecelia is strong though. She calls Maya pathetic, and she is, and tells her she shouldn’t be so smug because Colin is a cheating a-hole who even now doesn’t want her. She tells Maya she was just sex, and even that wasn’t enough to keep Maya, then she tells her if she continues to harass her she’ll call the police.
Maya publishes a piece about how she fell in love with Colin, painting Cecelia as the old, vindictive housewife that couldn’t stand to see her husband happy. But it backfire, people call her a whore and homewrecker, and the piece gets suppressed by Cecelia’s friend Mark, and Cecelia’s new admirer business tycoon Alexander.
Alexander has always admired Cecelia, he never crossed any lines because she was married. But the minute she gets divorced he begins to quietly pursue her. He doesn’t try anything romantic, at first, he’s merely her support and a friend. Cecelia grows closer to Alexander, and Colin tries to repair the relationship he has with his now angry and distant kids. Ethan cuts him out of his life, but Alicia still…tries, she still loves her father, even if she hates him too. Maya loses the baby and makes a scene. But Colin is done with her, and cuts her out of his life completely.
Cecelia travels to Spain for work, but also to see Alexander. They begin a slow romantic relationship. Their friendship deepens to love. Alexander shows her what true love, devotion and loyalty are. Colin hates the relationship, and accuses her of cheating on him when they were married. Cecelia laughs and tells him that not everyone is as disgusting as he is. Colin realizes that he has well and truly lost her, and that he was entirely to blame for the mess and implosion of his marriage and life!
Cecelia and Alexander (in the epilogue) get married, and have FOUR MORE CHILDREN! Alicia and Ethan’s relationship with their dad improve, a little. But Alicia now calls Alexander, papa (awe so sweet). Colin has been dating someone for two months but hasn’t told his kids yet, since it’s still casual. Maya’s time in prison is almost done, and her cousin and uncle agree to pick her up from lock up.
**THOUGHTS\OPINIONS**
This was a hard trilogy to read because the on page cheating was explicit. It was also difficult to read because the husband, Colin went into the affair with his eyes wide open, feeling no remorse for his actions, and happily was trying to navigate both of his relationships. It was hard because he had everything, his sex life with his wife was great, still spicy and fun, and yet he actively went into a relationship with his twenty-two year old assistant! WHY?!!! His excuses were so pathetic, his reasoning even more so. I loved how strong Cecelia was, and I loved that she DID NOT GO BACK TO HER CHEATING EX, but found a new, better man!!! I was so happy with her HEA, I would’ve given this five stars if not for 2 things, 1. Colin doesn’t get to be happy, I’m sorry he was DISGUSTING!!! He doesn’t get to be dating someone, even casually at the end of the book. He ought to be lying broke and destitute in some gutter!! Men like him do not deserve a redemption arc. 2. Maya was a psycho!!! I get it, she was traumatized by her childhood, but she felt no remorse or guilt, she even said she’d do everything over again. Why does she get to be picked up by her cousin and uncle after everything? Hell she should’ve been locked up forever, or at least until old age! Frankly she was deranged and dangerous!!! Her patterns show that getting out of prison…she’d do the same things over again, and perhaps this time she’d go even further!!! The author really missed her mark in letting her get out of prison, happily after 8 months! Maya was a crazy lunatic who used, and manipulated people. She didn’t care who she hurt, she just wanted what she felt she was owed. She needed to be locked away for good. Other than these two things, the trilogy was solid, and as realistic as novels of this trope can be. I’m so glad that Cecelia remained, strong, and survived and thrived with a better, handsomer, richer man!!
April 24, 2026
Cliffhangers ugh
Well we need that going in. At this point I do NOT see him as redeemable what so ever. We will see if the next book can change my mind. I doubt it.
Well we need that going in. At this point I do NOT see him as redeemable what so ever. We will see if the next book can change my mind. I doubt it.
January 26, 2026
I read the full book on wattpad, I’ll review the whole thing when it’s released.
Know that this is a story about an affair from conception to the aftermath. There is a new H and everyone gets their karma deliciously. So if your kink is karma, you’ll love this. I just had to give it 4 stars because I can’t stand Colin.
Know that this is a story about an affair from conception to the aftermath. There is a new H and everyone gets their karma deliciously. So if your kink is karma, you’ll love this. I just had to give it 4 stars because I can’t stand Colin.
February 15, 2026
I was lucky enough to read this in its entirety before it was published. For a first time author, Zarah’s writing both completely blew me away and sucked me into this no holds barred, rage inducing, and heartbreaking depiction of a 6-8 month physical affair from conception to it’s long lasting repercussions for all parties involved.
I’m a very tough critic, as anyone who’s read my reviews on here can tell, especially when it comes to marriage in crisis, infidelity, or second chance storylines. As I read this book while it was first being written, chapter by brutally emotional chapter, I frequently commented on what a crime it would be if the author didn’t publish this masterpiece. So did a great many other readers. Even in its first draft it was incredible. I’ve read a bunch of long time authors who couldn’t pull an ounce of the kind of emotion Zarah can out of her readers. When the time finally came for Fractured (books 1 & 2) to be published on Amazon, I’d never been happier to purchase and support an extremely talented new author.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will say the characters that Fucked Around in book 1 absolutely will get there Find Out consequences galore in book 2, and it is deeply satisfying.
I’m a very tough critic, as anyone who’s read my reviews on here can tell, especially when it comes to marriage in crisis, infidelity, or second chance storylines. As I read this book while it was first being written, chapter by brutally emotional chapter, I frequently commented on what a crime it would be if the author didn’t publish this masterpiece. So did a great many other readers. Even in its first draft it was incredible. I’ve read a bunch of long time authors who couldn’t pull an ounce of the kind of emotion Zarah can out of her readers. When the time finally came for Fractured (books 1 & 2) to be published on Amazon, I’d never been happier to purchase and support an extremely talented new author.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will say the characters that Fucked Around in book 1 absolutely will get there Find Out consequences galore in book 2, and it is deeply satisfying.
March 26, 2026
This is so good, I pulled an all nighter and even started the second. The only negative is the trigger warnings on every chapter written like a mini spoiler. I’ve never seen trigger warnings ongoing in a book before, it became annoying and distracting. Yes, this contains cheating and it is very clear about that at the beginning, so why the ongoing warnings and hand holding on each chapter that contain cheating? If cheating triggers you pass on this. If it doesn’t, I highly recommend this first book of the trilogy. It’s fantastic!
January 27, 2026
Trash the whole book about cheating (duet) and a woman with no brains / survival instinct with this tosser of a loser. Pathetic.
January 29, 2026
If you cannot handle on page cheating move on, this is not the book for you. THAT being said. I loved this book. The heartbreak, rebirth and yes even an unconventional redemption, oh and let’s not forget a twist no one saw coming.
February 13, 2026
❤️
This is a great betrayal book and well thought out plot. He is the worst of THE WORST kind of cheater, but I’m glad she is not a pushover. Can’t wait for the continuation !😁
This is a great betrayal book and well thought out plot. He is the worst of THE WORST kind of cheater, but I’m glad she is not a pushover. Can’t wait for the continuation !😁
Read
January 25, 2026Read the full book on Wattpad. I’ll review the full book when all parts are released. This is just part one and the cheater is busted at the end and the book ends on a cliffhanger.
July 17, 2026
Main trope: This is a cheating story. Book one in a trilogy.
Additional tropes:
✅Other woman drama
Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below. There is a warning right before the spoiler and trigger section so you have the choice to proceed or stop reading.
Summary: Colin and Cecily have been married for years, raising their children and building a life and company together. Colin has always prioritized work over his family, but recently things have gotten worse and Cecily is beginning to suspect there is more going on to the extended work hours.
The other woman is Maya, a new executive assistant who works at Colin’s company and immediately sets her sights on him, using every opportunity to flirt with him and steal away moments alone. One even, after a long day together, Colin gives in to Maya’s seduction and betrays Cecily. This affair is both emotional and physical despite him maintaining to the other woman he never will leave his wife and she shouldn’t expect more than just sex. But Maya is determined to do whatever it takes to keep the man she has fallen for. In the meantime, Cecily finds evidence of the affair and is working on her own plans to expose Colin. This is book one in a trilogy and ends with the start of the confrontation between Cecily and Colin.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
✋
✋
✋
*On page and descriptive cheating, including details of the emotional and physical aspects to the affair.
🌶️:2/5: This refers to the spicy scenes between the main characters. I don’t include scenes where cheating is involved when I do this rating. However if I did, the spice would be a 5 for this one because the cheating scenes are very descriptive.
Final thoughts: If you like a cheating story, this is definitely one to read. It was descriptive and on-page and the author did not shy way from detailing every aspect of the affair. The book ends with the start of Cecily confronting Colin, which has me excited to begin book two to see how that all plays out as well as what the other woman is going to do because it’s clear she is not going to be someone who just goes away with no problem.
Additional tropes:
✅Other woman drama
Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below. There is a warning right before the spoiler and trigger section so you have the choice to proceed or stop reading.
Summary: Colin and Cecily have been married for years, raising their children and building a life and company together. Colin has always prioritized work over his family, but recently things have gotten worse and Cecily is beginning to suspect there is more going on to the extended work hours.
The other woman is Maya, a new executive assistant who works at Colin’s company and immediately sets her sights on him, using every opportunity to flirt with him and steal away moments alone. One even, after a long day together, Colin gives in to Maya’s seduction and betrays Cecily. This affair is both emotional and physical despite him maintaining to the other woman he never will leave his wife and she shouldn’t expect more than just sex. But Maya is determined to do whatever it takes to keep the man she has fallen for. In the meantime, Cecily finds evidence of the affair and is working on her own plans to expose Colin. This is book one in a trilogy and ends with the start of the confrontation between Cecily and Colin.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
✋
✋
✋
*On page and descriptive cheating, including details of the emotional and physical aspects to the affair.
🌶️:2/5: This refers to the spicy scenes between the main characters. I don’t include scenes where cheating is involved when I do this rating. However if I did, the spice would be a 5 for this one because the cheating scenes are very descriptive.
Final thoughts: If you like a cheating story, this is definitely one to read. It was descriptive and on-page and the author did not shy way from detailing every aspect of the affair. The book ends with the start of Cecily confronting Colin, which has me excited to begin book two to see how that all plays out as well as what the other woman is going to do because it’s clear she is not going to be someone who just goes away with no problem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2026
I'm impressed. This from Wattpad? The writing is so good. Anyway read this IF you want pain I'm your stomach bcz this book is FULL betrayal.
⚠️ There's Spoiler⚠️
Like:
🩷 How realistic. Disaster in paradise kind of thing. They have good marriage. There's no problem. No dramatic back story. Actually they're in a happy daily life. But maybe happiness is not enough when it's happened everyday. Bcz it only took a good conversation for OW to destroy it.
🩷 The angst. H love h but he can't stop fucking OW. h of course feel suspicious and frustrated, I can feel her pain, her sadness, loneliness. I actually cry more than once.
🩷 There's warnings in every cheating scene, THANK GOD. It so detailed so you can just skip it if you can't handle it.
🩷 There's a sign that h get new H. Bcz actually what the husband did is unforgivable.
🩷 If it makes you feel better, there's no emotional cheating. Still shitty though 😩
🩷 I love how her son always on her side.
Don't like:
💢 H is a strong businesses man. But he acts like a wishy washy teenager. He cheat, feeling guilty, then he fuck OW again bcz of that guilt (or basically everytime he feels jealous, uncomfortable or ANYTHING he fuck OW again).
💢 I think the new H is 60- something years old. I forget what's h age, maybe 30-40. And of course OW is 25. Yeah I'm petty like that, I want younger new H too, I want same karma for the shitty husband. For the sake of my sanity I will picture John Wick as a new H😩
Anyway Book 1 is all about cheating. H fuck OW then have sex with h. Eat Ow 🐱 then kiss h lips. Just disgusting. I'm looking forward to the 2nd book bcz he's definitely irredeemable. I hope there's big karma for them.
⚠️ There's Spoiler⚠️
Like:
🩷 How realistic. Disaster in paradise kind of thing. They have good marriage. There's no problem. No dramatic back story. Actually they're in a happy daily life. But maybe happiness is not enough when it's happened everyday. Bcz it only took a good conversation for OW to destroy it.
🩷 The angst. H love h but he can't stop fucking OW. h of course feel suspicious and frustrated, I can feel her pain, her sadness, loneliness. I actually cry more than once.
🩷 There's warnings in every cheating scene, THANK GOD. It so detailed so you can just skip it if you can't handle it.
🩷 There's a sign that h get new H. Bcz actually what the husband did is unforgivable.
🩷 If it makes you feel better, there's no emotional cheating. Still shitty though 😩
🩷 I love how her son always on her side.
Don't like:
💢 H is a strong businesses man. But he acts like a wishy washy teenager. He cheat, feeling guilty, then he fuck OW again bcz of that guilt (or basically everytime he feels jealous, uncomfortable or ANYTHING he fuck OW again).
💢 I think the new H is 60- something years old. I forget what's h age, maybe 30-40. And of course OW is 25. Yeah I'm petty like that, I want younger new H too, I want same karma for the shitty husband. For the sake of my sanity I will picture John Wick as a new H😩
Anyway Book 1 is all about cheating. H fuck OW then have sex with h. Eat Ow 🐱 then kiss h lips. Just disgusting. I'm looking forward to the 2nd book bcz he's definitely irredeemable. I hope there's big karma for them.
May 5, 2026
This is a cliff hanger worth reading….
I was quite wary of this book and by passed it several times because, cliffhanger… However, I read this book all the way through so much so my husband had to purchase some TV dinners for dinner…and Yes. We ended up eating at midnight.. no judgement…no real spoiler alerts, but…I truly get why it took a moment for the MFC to realize…because she can still see that his love for her is there in his eyes, her reasoning enabling the main female character to not only doubt herself, but to trust the MMC excuses until…Plus, there’s a moment where you almost feel sympathy for the MMC, because even though a “I want him because” weakens his resolve he is a full participant and is oh so sure he’ll be able to stop 🙄 keeping this a secret and no one will be the wiser…And interestingly other than the discretion the main male character appears to be a really nice guy;making this so much worse. There is a moment of happiness for the main female character when she’s still none the wiser making you really wonder what’s really going on…and loved the trigger alerts 🚨 throughout the book before the trigger…help’s because the way this book is written the reader feels the MMC’s discretion through all of the characters…Excellent read on to the 2nd book… tomorrow though because It’s after 1am and based on the end of this book…I’m in it for the long haul…just the right amount of spice 😉
I was quite wary of this book and by passed it several times because, cliffhanger… However, I read this book all the way through so much so my husband had to purchase some TV dinners for dinner…and Yes. We ended up eating at midnight.. no judgement…no real spoiler alerts, but…I truly get why it took a moment for the MFC to realize…because she can still see that his love for her is there in his eyes, her reasoning enabling the main female character to not only doubt herself, but to trust the MMC excuses until…Plus, there’s a moment where you almost feel sympathy for the MMC, because even though a “I want him because” weakens his resolve he is a full participant and is oh so sure he’ll be able to stop 🙄 keeping this a secret and no one will be the wiser…And interestingly other than the discretion the main male character appears to be a really nice guy;making this so much worse. There is a moment of happiness for the main female character when she’s still none the wiser making you really wonder what’s really going on…and loved the trigger alerts 🚨 throughout the book before the trigger…help’s because the way this book is written the reader feels the MMC’s discretion through all of the characters…Excellent read on to the 2nd book… tomorrow though because It’s after 1am and based on the end of this book…I’m in it for the long haul…just the right amount of spice 😉
April 15, 2026
Husband cheats on wife of 19 years, with a 20 something year old assistant. Wife is totally clueless (because of course why would you think your husband of 19 years would suddenly do this to you).
When she starts having doubts, and starts NOT brushing them off, with help from a friend in IT, she gets access to his emails, phone/text history, receipts - and documented specific purchases (lube, plan b).
She confronts him, he is blindsided and devastated. She tells him to leave and the book ends.
The only reason I rated this 2 stars is because I only read the last couple chapters.
I had this book on my tbr and read comments about the affair, that it was carried out in this book, and the wife didn't find out and/or confront him until the end.
Between the comments I read, and the last few chapters I read, I felt I was sufficiently prepared to go into book 2 - and I am!!! I just started book 2 and plan to read this (hopefully I don't have to skim to the end because then I will definitely not be reading book 3).
I am kind of irritated. Like, couldn't this have been 1 book, without all the
When she starts having doubts, and starts NOT brushing them off, with help from a friend in IT, she gets access to his emails, phone/text history, receipts - and documented specific purchases (lube, plan b).
She confronts him, he is blindsided and devastated. She tells him to leave and the book ends.
The only reason I rated this 2 stars is because I only read the last couple chapters.
I had this book on my tbr and read comments about the affair, that it was carried out in this book, and the wife didn't find out and/or confront him until the end.
Between the comments I read, and the last few chapters I read, I felt I was sufficiently prepared to go into book 2 - and I am!!! I just started book 2 and plan to read this (hopefully I don't have to skim to the end because then I will definitely not be reading book 3).
I am kind of irritated. Like, couldn't this have been 1 book, without all the
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2026
A new fave author... found this story on WP with a group of women who all bonded over dislike of another WP story where the author falsely claimed Zarah Lynn of plagiarism. The other author admitted she never read a single word of Zarah's story, but she posted a comment on her wall on WP that she was contemplating reporting Zarah for plagiarism and having this story removed, then sent her sycophants after Zarah who received nasty messages, all because the other author is jealous that Zarah is a FAR superior author.
I don't have much to say about this series except it's so refreshing to read an author who writes FMCs with spines. Cecily and the kids deserved so much better than they got from Collin, and I'm so glad she confronted him and showed him the proof, then walked away with her head held high and found herself a new and better man. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a strong FMC who knows what she and her kids deserve and refuses to take back a cheating loser and finds her HEA with a better man.
I don't have much to say about this series except it's so refreshing to read an author who writes FMCs with spines. Cecily and the kids deserved so much better than they got from Collin, and I'm so glad she confronted him and showed him the proof, then walked away with her head held high and found herself a new and better man. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a strong FMC who knows what she and her kids deserve and refuses to take back a cheating loser and finds her HEA with a better man.
February 19, 2026
Okay, just not moving forward…
So, I recognize that my rating is not as high as many others. I just can’t stand the main characters. I especially can’t stand a man who will lie to both himself and his wife. I usually like the cheating trope. But, and this is my opinion only, both of these people are weak. The wife, Cecily, won’t face facts. The husband, Colin, is sport fucking. He’s doing it for thrills. He is acting jealous of another man when he’s sticking his appendage into another woman. And the OW, Maya, is a predator. She’s aiming for Colin.
Yes, this cliffy is good, and I’m off to the next book. But… this first book was basically setting up the rest of Cecily’s life after divorce. I know, divorce hasn’t been mentioned explicitly but what else do you think that black dress is about?
Okay for the first in the trilogy. Hopefully this gets better as we move forward.
So, I recognize that my rating is not as high as many others. I just can’t stand the main characters. I especially can’t stand a man who will lie to both himself and his wife. I usually like the cheating trope. But, and this is my opinion only, both of these people are weak. The wife, Cecily, won’t face facts. The husband, Colin, is sport fucking. He’s doing it for thrills. He is acting jealous of another man when he’s sticking his appendage into another woman. And the OW, Maya, is a predator. She’s aiming for Colin.
Yes, this cliffy is good, and I’m off to the next book. But… this first book was basically setting up the rest of Cecily’s life after divorce. I know, divorce hasn’t been mentioned explicitly but what else do you think that black dress is about?
Okay for the first in the trilogy. Hopefully this gets better as we move forward.
January 30, 2026
I read this book in full while it was on WP. It’s raw, it’s messy, the characters are flawed and imperfect. In other words, it’s real. Very, very real. The author manages to place the reader in the shoes of the characters to feel right along with them. Zarah’s writing is fantastic. Her characters and storytelling are the furthest thing from surface level. The KU version was much more streamlined and benefited significantly from the editing.
One thing I will note - this is a book about an affair. This section is only part 1 and deals mostly with the affair and its discovery, not the fallout. If you need to see consequences, wait for book 2 and read them together. There is cheating. It’s on page. There are multiple on page sex scenes with the ow. This is clearly disclosed by the author. Do not read this book and then trash it because it has cheating. You were warned.
One thing I will note - this is a book about an affair. This section is only part 1 and deals mostly with the affair and its discovery, not the fallout. If you need to see consequences, wait for book 2 and read them together. There is cheating. It’s on page. There are multiple on page sex scenes with the ow. This is clearly disclosed by the author. Do not read this book and then trash it because it has cheating. You were warned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2026
Raw, Honest, Emotional
This is a romance book where there’s on page cheating from the MMC. The chapters that contain explicit scenes are well marked, so if the reader finds it difficult or unpleasant to read, they can easily skip them without losing the main plot.
This book was raw, honest, and emotional with real life characters and not just cartoon “good guys” and “bad guys” that this trope often seems to produce.
I loved that there was no struggle in marriage, no external events that can be used as an “excuse” later. Because at the end of the day, some people choose to cheat just because they can.
I loved Cecily, the FMC, and the teenage kids as well! That ‘Hello, Colin’ at the end had me grinning, I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!
This is a romance book where there’s on page cheating from the MMC. The chapters that contain explicit scenes are well marked, so if the reader finds it difficult or unpleasant to read, they can easily skip them without losing the main plot.
This book was raw, honest, and emotional with real life characters and not just cartoon “good guys” and “bad guys” that this trope often seems to produce.
I loved that there was no struggle in marriage, no external events that can be used as an “excuse” later. Because at the end of the day, some people choose to cheat just because they can.
I loved Cecily, the FMC, and the teenage kids as well! That ‘Hello, Colin’ at the end had me grinning, I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!
April 3, 2026
First time reading this author’s work. I rarely give 5 stars but in my opinion this deserves it. Writing about adultery is difficult, especially when it includes on page cheating. This author has done a great job with the topic. And I for one appreciated that each section that included on page cheating was preceded with a warning. I am one of those that chose to skip those sections and it didn’t cause any gaps in the story. Even so, it was a bit difficult to read to the end because the entire book was about how the husband slowly descended into being unfaithful and then how he dug the hole deeper and deeper. As described in the book description it ended with a cliffhanger and I am so glad the second book was already published so I could continue reading right away.
May 4, 2026
Apparently these books were first published on Wattpad and just recently came out on Kindle. I was pleasantly surprised by how good this book is. The author writes natural dialogue so well and she really makes you feel the emotions that the characters are feeling. The betrayal here is so awful and she writes it in detail so if you're not up for reading that then skip this book. It's devastating for Cecely when everything comes to light, but it's also devastating for Collin. He's convinced that he still loves his wife and family and can just have this little side thrill without hurting anyone and when it comes crashing down it hits him hard when he realizes everything he's lost. Let the grovel ensue! I think this was a great start to a series that I will definitely continue reading.
May 12, 2026
I’m suck into this story.
I am so invested in this story and I am also so glad I don’t see a therapist right now because I feel like I would only talk about the rage this book gives me. From the mmc choices (hence the name of the book) to the fact that the FMC gave up HER future goals and set them aside for him and the family. She has been the glue keeping everyone happy and together and HE’S the one that is making these choices!! I also feel like the OM has got some crazy psycho backstory that’s going to come into play BUT STILL he made choices and must now suffer those consequences.
I am so invested in this story and I am also so glad I don’t see a therapist right now because I feel like I would only talk about the rage this book gives me. From the mmc choices (hence the name of the book) to the fact that the FMC gave up HER future goals and set them aside for him and the family. She has been the glue keeping everyone happy and together and HE’S the one that is making these choices!! I also feel like the OM has got some crazy psycho backstory that’s going to come into play BUT STILL he made choices and must now suffer those consequences.
June 17, 2026
4 Stars.
Engaging enough that I finished in one night.
Watching a man succumb to lust was a fascinating endeavor.
And having the cheated-on wife not be insufferable or vilified was a nice change for these kinds of books.
My main complaint was he trigger warnings for cheating within the book right before a cheating scene (??!!) kind of spoils the scene as there now seems to be no illusion for me as the reader that the MMC won’t cheat as I have just been told cheating will take place.
Also the book is marked as a cheating story in the description so WHO are the trigger warnings for ??!!
I am baffled.
But this was forgivable, so I would say this one is worth the read.
Engaging enough that I finished in one night.
Watching a man succumb to lust was a fascinating endeavor.
And having the cheated-on wife not be insufferable or vilified was a nice change for these kinds of books.
My main complaint was he trigger warnings for cheating within the book right before a cheating scene (??!!) kind of spoils the scene as there now seems to be no illusion for me as the reader that the MMC won’t cheat as I have just been told cheating will take place.
Also the book is marked as a cheating story in the description so WHO are the trigger warnings for ??!!
I am baffled.
But this was forgivable, so I would say this one is worth the read.
January 28, 2026
Originally read on Wattpad.
Fantastic story, but a little heavy with seeing the H with the OW...A LOT!
Cheating = H is the classic cheater/cake eater who loves his wife but wants the OW for being the dirty whore he can do whatever he wants to...
h sees H with OW = sees them when they work together, at events etc., and h's intuition is blaring sirens at her with their body language.
OW drama = I know how this story goes and while there is some OW drama in this book, more is to come!!
Great book...SPOILER = h will get a new H....
Fantastic story, but a little heavy with seeing the H with the OW...A LOT!
Cheating = H is the classic cheater/cake eater who loves his wife but wants the OW for being the dirty whore he can do whatever he wants to...
h sees H with OW = sees them when they work together, at events etc., and h's intuition is blaring sirens at her with their body language.
OW drama = I know how this story goes and while there is some OW drama in this book, more is to come!!
Great book...SPOILER = h will get a new H....
February 10, 2026
The level od addiction was through the roof. Now i have to wait until the second book. I love the way the story was conducted, the way she found out was perfect because that is how cheating is found, the wife can always tell. I gave this a very deserved 5 star. I only hope she doesn’t end up with him, that will be a disappointment. The ethan and maya pov was unnecessary but you deal with that. If she ends up with him, its gonna be a 1star because she can’t, he’s a piece of shit. Oh and they are sisters, from an afair her father had in the next book
March 17, 2026
Fractured: The Choices He Made is a compelling read for those who appreciate the cheating trope for the emotional depth and character exploration it can bring. The story takes its time unpacking the mindset and choices of the male lead, allowing readers to truly understand the consequences of his actions. You’ll want to hate him, yet you can’t look away as the impact of his decisions slowly unfolds. Watching the relationships fracture and the fallout build creates intense angst and tension. It had me hooked from the very first page
May 29, 2026
Content warning:
The MMC constantly reaffirms to himself how much he loves his wife. Why then did he embark on this affair? I'll never understand how someone who really loves their SO could ever, ever do this.
I'm glad that every time the MMC claimed what he did as a "mistake" the FMC accurately reminded him it wasn't a mistake - it was a choice.
Please be aware that most of the book is devoted to the affair itself, in great detail. I wish there had been less page time devoted to the husband's activities with the OW.
The MMC constantly reaffirms to himself how much he loves his wife. Why then did he embark on this affair? I'll never understand how someone who really loves their SO could ever, ever do this.
I'm glad that every time the MMC claimed what he did as a "mistake" the FMC accurately reminded him it wasn't a mistake - it was a choice.
Please be aware that most of the book is devoted to the affair itself, in great detail. I wish there had been less page time devoted to the husband's activities with the OW.
February 24, 2026
WOW this is truly addictive
This book is so addictive, trust me once you start you will not be able to put it down. The arrogance and deceit of husband is so selfish and ignorant of his family. Read a lot of these books and in honesty this is in my top 5. I don’t give spoilers but this book will have you on the edge of your seat. Off to buy book 2 thank goodness it’s ready out.
1 click now you will not be disappointed
This book is so addictive, trust me once you start you will not be able to put it down. The arrogance and deceit of husband is so selfish and ignorant of his family. Read a lot of these books and in honesty this is in my top 5. I don’t give spoilers but this book will have you on the edge of your seat. Off to buy book 2 thank goodness it’s ready out.
1 click now you will not be disappointed
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