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Piecing It Together
One love.
One betrayal.
One last chance to put the pieces back together.
Gracie learned early on that love never comes easy, but Braxton challenges that truth when he stumbles into her life. He carefully dismantles the walls she’s built around her heart, and she lets him, convinced he is worth the risk.
Braxton knows at first glance that Gracie is his—the person who will become his everything. They begin building a life together, based on trust, loyalty, and love.
Until the past rears its head. Gracie watches on as Braxton makes a choice that throws their life into turmoil, leaving her devastated by the betrayal. She walks away, and he is faced with one last decision.
Fight for the woman he still loves, or let his past win?
One betrayal.
One last chance to put the pieces back together.
Gracie learned early on that love never comes easy, but Braxton challenges that truth when he stumbles into her life. He carefully dismantles the walls she’s built around her heart, and she lets him, convinced he is worth the risk.
Braxton knows at first glance that Gracie is his—the person who will become his everything. They begin building a life together, based on trust, loyalty, and love.
Until the past rears its head. Gracie watches on as Braxton makes a choice that throws their life into turmoil, leaving her devastated by the betrayal. She walks away, and he is faced with one last decision.
Fight for the woman he still loves, or let his past win?
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2026
152 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 27, 2026
Not gonna explain much since my lovely friend Alina has already explained and wrote a very detailed review for this; go read it 💜
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Have to include this review since it made me laugh 🤣
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Have to include this review since it made me laugh 🤣
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 30, 2026
I really enjoyed this. The ow was a snake and I loved to hate her. Brax the H who developments an emotional affair after a traumatic accident pushes h Gracie away while she warns him to stop communicating with ow. OW is the younger sister of his friend. He doesn't listen. Did I think he was redeemable? Absolutely! Both characters for me had flaws they needed to overcome, and it showed with how they weren't always honest with each other. Definitely moreso Brax hence him confiding in ow instead of his girlfriend. They seperate. Brax continues with overcoming his trauma with help from his family and therapy and is celibate. While Gracie leaves and starts hooking up with her ex. Which you're probably scratching your head somewhat, but it made sense for her character seeking comfort and validation from someone she was comfortable with after losing trust in the man she fell in love with. Once she's back Brax and her start reconciling. Overall it was enjoyable, and I think this is this author's best work so far. I look forward to reading more stories in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2026
I’m really into the angsty, OW, emotional cheating trope right now. If you don’t like that genre, you’ll hate this with the passion of 1000 fiery suns. I live for those gut punches, so I loved it.
Spoilery thoughts…
I really liked that it showed us this couple loved up at the beginning. Often in these tropes they drop you right into the heartache and I feel it makes it harder to root for the couple.
I did have grave reservations for the for first 40% and didn’t think the hero would be redeemable, especially after reading some other reviews. However, he turned it around for me and I was happy with their HEA.
I absolutely loved how she wrote the OM drama. It was enough to drive the MMC crazy for all that he lost, but it wasn’t a true love triangle. More FWB, and I dug that.
I didn’t like how the FMC started acting like a martyr towards the end in taking partial responsibility for their relationship problems. I didn’t agree at all. She may have had some of her own issues regarding her family, but the destruction of the relationship was ALL on him. I thought her decision to cut and run was 100% valid.
I really hope she’s writing Nick’s story, sounds juicy. Plus there are definite open ends I want to see resolved.
Overall good read. Thanks for the push, Nikki! ❤️
Spoilery thoughts…
I really liked that it showed us this couple loved up at the beginning. Often in these tropes they drop you right into the heartache and I feel it makes it harder to root for the couple.
I did have grave reservations for the for first 40% and didn’t think the hero would be redeemable, especially after reading some other reviews. However, he turned it around for me and I was happy with their HEA.
I absolutely loved how she wrote the OM drama. It was enough to drive the MMC crazy for all that he lost, but it wasn’t a true love triangle. More FWB, and I dug that.
I didn’t like how the FMC started acting like a martyr towards the end in taking partial responsibility for their relationship problems. I didn’t agree at all. She may have had some of her own issues regarding her family, but the destruction of the relationship was ALL on him. I thought her decision to cut and run was 100% valid.
I really hope she’s writing Nick’s story, sounds juicy. Plus there are definite open ends I want to see resolved.
Overall good read. Thanks for the push, Nikki! ❤️
Read
March 26, 2026This is a contemporary second chance romance that deals with some distressing themes. Please read and take care of your mental health before all else.
Explicit language and sexual themes
References to childhood trauma, with emotional neglect
Child death—off-page, described in dialogue
Themes of PTSD
Physical assault and violent language
Emotional affair
The Hero has an emotional affair of sorts with a childhood friend, while they are broken up, the heroine seeks comfort with her ex. No details.
The Hero isn't with anyone else in the time of separation.
Explicit language and sexual themes
References to childhood trauma, with emotional neglect
Child death—off-page, described in dialogue
Themes of PTSD
Physical assault and violent language
Emotional affair
The Hero has an emotional affair of sorts with a childhood friend, while they are broken up, the heroine seeks comfort with her ex. No details.
The Hero isn't with anyone else in the time of separation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2026
⚠️MAJOR SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW⚠️
The H, Braxton is a firefighter. He endures a major trauma at work and chooses to keep his struggles to himself including keeping his girlfriend in the dark. At the same time his ex interest (not ex girlfriend) returns after 4 years away. She is also his best friend’s little sister. He feels confused and leans into her when he shouldn’t. He 100% emotionally cheats and lies to the h, Gracie, several times. He also shares his trauma with the OW. He absolutely does wrong. He deserves a long separation, therapy, coming clean, lots of grovel… etc. However the reason this book is a 3 for me is because the h runs away and sleeps with another man. I know this is an unpopular opinion but it ruined the book for me. I couldn’t get past it. I am not being sexist or misogynistic, I dislike this in any character, male or female. She didn’t bother to have a discussion with him she just took off and landed in bed with her ex. Then brings her ex back with her, he lives in the house that was their dream house and helps fix it up. I just couldn’t enjoy the book with this added part. No sex I would’ve rolled with it just fine. I like this writer and will continue to read her work. My rating is solely based on my enjoyment level, not her quality.
The H, Braxton is a firefighter. He endures a major trauma at work and chooses to keep his struggles to himself including keeping his girlfriend in the dark. At the same time his ex interest (not ex girlfriend) returns after 4 years away. She is also his best friend’s little sister. He feels confused and leans into her when he shouldn’t. He 100% emotionally cheats and lies to the h, Gracie, several times. He also shares his trauma with the OW. He absolutely does wrong. He deserves a long separation, therapy, coming clean, lots of grovel… etc. However the reason this book is a 3 for me is because the h runs away and sleeps with another man. I know this is an unpopular opinion but it ruined the book for me. I couldn’t get past it. I am not being sexist or misogynistic, I dislike this in any character, male or female. She didn’t bother to have a discussion with him she just took off and landed in bed with her ex. Then brings her ex back with her, he lives in the house that was their dream house and helps fix it up. I just couldn’t enjoy the book with this added part. No sex I would’ve rolled with it just fine. I like this writer and will continue to read her work. My rating is solely based on my enjoyment level, not her quality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2026
Oh The Cheated On FMC Didn't Want HER Issues To Impact Their Relationship
Wow, I was really crying eatching he rbe gaslit by everyone around he rinto introjecting her pain and pretending that it will heal her.
Thats so misogynistic and toxic.
I didn't see him surrender control once, he kept making decisions over and over.
"I don't want to be angry anymore." Awk how many women with Mother Wounds has the author gaslit over the years I wonder.
Therapy makes men who are willing to publically neglect you, worse.
We know this already.
Tch whatever.
Cant wait until we stop pretending therapt fixes this.
Wow, I was really crying eatching he rbe gaslit by everyone around he rinto introjecting her pain and pretending that it will heal her.
Thats so misogynistic and toxic.
I didn't see him surrender control once, he kept making decisions over and over.
"I don't want to be angry anymore." Awk how many women with Mother Wounds has the author gaslit over the years I wonder.
Therapy makes men who are willing to publically neglect you, worse.
We know this already.
Tch whatever.
Cant wait until we stop pretending therapt fixes this.
March 27, 2026
This is the 3rd cheating book I've read in the last two months where the hero emotionally cheats (and maybe kisses the OW, but no p-in-v action), so then the heroine goes off and fucks her ex while the hero is waiting around for her to make up her mind if she's going to forgive him.🙄
Unpopular opinion, but I HATE that. Way to lose the moral high ground.😏👍
March 25, 2026
IN LOVE with this book. Going back to reread immediately.
March 6, 2026
Loved this book! I had to force myself to put the “book” down at 3 am so that I could get some sleep. It’s hard to find a good betrayal/grovel book that focuses on the parts of that trope that interest me the most and this book definitely was spot on. It didn’t start at or skim over the betrayal. It lead up to it perfectly. The author wasn’t redundant, great characters that you feel invested in and can relate too, perfect amount of humor, grovel, and ending. I didn’t give 5 stars bc it’s EXTREMELY difficult and rare for me to give.
April 1, 2026
Good angst! The OW Christmas scene was so freaking entertaining!!
I loved how the Hs family really stood by the h.
The pacing on this one was kind of weird though. The timeline felt a little wonky, I had no idea they were split up for as long as they were lol. It kind of felt like no time had passed at all or like time stood still. Idk, just kind of off in the execution for me. It got laggy in parts too especially after she came back from her hometown and the H was giving her space and when they start really coming back together again. He played things very safe here. I wanted more from this bit—more development, more action from the H, more emotion from the h. We moved from scene to scene, week to week just too fast for me to get invested. I wanted to see how played out but I was more engaged with the first half than I was with the second half.
I hope we get Nicks story soon! If things are going the way I think they’re going then his book is going to be fun!
I loved how the Hs family really stood by the h.
The pacing on this one was kind of weird though. The timeline felt a little wonky, I had no idea they were split up for as long as they were lol. It kind of felt like no time had passed at all or like time stood still. Idk, just kind of off in the execution for me. It got laggy in parts too especially after she came back from her hometown and the H was giving her space and when they start really coming back together again. He played things very safe here. I wanted more from this bit—more development, more action from the H, more emotion from the h. We moved from scene to scene, week to week just too fast for me to get invested. I wanted to see how played out but I was more engaged with the first half than I was with the second half.
I hope we get Nicks story soon! If things are going the way I think they’re going then his book is going to be fun!
March 27, 2026
4 1/2 stars. One of my favorite tropes. H withdraws from his girlfriend h when a first love comes back to town. The H is a firefighter who experienced trauma at the scene of a car accident. He tries to deal with it on his own despite many offers of support because he doesn't want to appear to be weak. The h works in a florist and settled in the small town looking for community, friends and a family that she didn't experience growing up. She thought she had found it with the H and his warm family until the OW who he once thought he loved returns after four years. The OW is mean to the h and insinuates herself back into the H's life. Likely suffering from PTSD, the H enters into an emotional affair with the OW despite warnings from the h and others. Everything comes to a head on Christmas and the h ends it. She leaves town for a few months to find herself and reconnects with her ex. It feels like the stories of some of the characters will be continued in future books.
March 27, 2026
Braxton and Grace
I'm a huge fan of this author, Ms. Madden. I love her writing!
If you want OW drama, angst and a huge betrayal, then this is for you! I like be how you get the gut-wrenching punch and the OW drama from the beginning. She doesn't give up and knows exactly what she's doing. Her responded and planned meetings. And our H as messed up as he was knew exactly what he was doing. The lies, half truths it always comes out.
But that Christmas scene was brutYal!! And that was the tipping point for everyone. It changed everything for everyone. Friendships were list and new ones gained. H knew things had to change if he wanted h back.
I will say I loved, loved this one!! Highly recommend
I'm a huge fan of this author, Ms. Madden. I love her writing!
If you want OW drama, angst and a huge betrayal, then this is for you! I like be how you get the gut-wrenching punch and the OW drama from the beginning. She doesn't give up and knows exactly what she's doing. Her responded and planned meetings. And our H as messed up as he was knew exactly what he was doing. The lies, half truths it always comes out.
But that Christmas scene was brutYal!! And that was the tipping point for everyone. It changed everything for everyone. Friendships were list and new ones gained. H knew things had to change if he wanted h back.
I will say I loved, loved this one!! Highly recommend
April 2, 2026
Maybe it’s just me but. Got bored with this one .When his ex crush shows up he gets all googly eyed . The ow starts sewing seeds of discord. The H is a dumb firefighter! Don’t get allup in my biddness for telling the truth! He keeps falling I to hugs and kisses. The fmc breaks up with him and he sees the light. Grovel grovel he.
March 26, 2026
The h let the H back into her life because she was traumatized by an attack at her place of business not because he earned it. That’s such weak writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Critiques indépendants
another boy mom author babying a cheater and justifying his actions, don't get me started on the reviews calling the fmc strong 😐😐
can't believe i wasted precious sleeping hours for this crap
Almost 500pages of Baxton being a damn baby, and what's worst is that the author used a real serious thing that firefighters go through to justify his cheating and make Grace forgive him.
Baxton went through a traumatic event where a baby died on him, cue him telling EVERYONE except for his gf Grace, then comes Paisley aka his old love who left him for college right after he confessed his feelings.
his first time seeing Paisley after 4 years and this man was STAR STRUCK, he was literally eyeing her up like a fucking puppy, he fucking he hesitated to tell her he loved Grace and we're meant to believe he genuinely had no feelings for Paisley ( who i'll start calling Pea cuz her name is annoying)
Anyways, he completely humiliated Grace with his reaction to pea and everyone noticed how hurt she was except for him.
Days later Grace confronts him because he never told her about his history with his beloved Pea and she says she's not comfortable with him hanging out with her especially Alone, and she wants him to be honest with everytime he sees Pea, so Baxton feeling terrible and guilty promises her that he will not see Pea alone again, but then what does he proceed to do? See Pea alone repeatedly and even taking her out on a date and using her as an emotional crutch and going as low as to tell her personal things about Grace which grace herself had trouble telling HIM.
This man has a full blow emotional affaire with Pea, he even cuddles her during their movies date.
Fast forward to when everything blew up and grace leaves him, this man spends the ENTIRE book playing baby " i have trauma, i needed someone and that someone was Pea, poor me, boohoohoo"
what's even more disgusting is that for a split second he did consider setting boundaries with Pea, but then she said she's lonely and friendless and it was enough for this man to completely forget he had a girlfriend because of course pea mattered more than Grace.
this man was seeing a damn therapist for his " trauma" so he had no reason or justification for cheating on grace with Pea.
apart from the author victimizing the cheater, this book had way too many people involved, because why is the entire town up in their business sticking their noses where it doesn't belong?
anyways fast forward 2 months of Grace being away staying with a friend, she comes back, she gets attacked by a robber, Baxton takes care of her, she forgives him, they're back together.
he literally sweettalked his way back with 0 grovel and actions.
and for this author to frame this book as " emotional " cheating is absolute BS, Baxton touched Pea intimatey, they held hands and cuddled for HOURS while watching movies, this has crossed to a physical relationship and from his reaction to their touching it would have 100%without a shadow of a doubt have evolved to a sexual affaire in a few weeks max.
and this dumbass was shocked when people were telling him he fucking cheated?
following quotes is how he spoke about Pea and what he did with her:
Paisley huffs, a finger twirling in a long strand of her hair. “You know why I had to,” she chides gently. “I was only eighteen, and you told me the day before I left. I couldn’t just put my future on hold for what we might have been.”
Braxton looks at her, his jaw taut with tension. “I never should have said anything.”
“I’m glad you did.” Paisley angles her body toward him, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. A sharp pinch has me looking down, finding my own hands fisted, nails biting into my palms. I don’t blink, waiting for Braxton to pull away, to put distance between them, but he doesn’t move.
Encouraged, Paisley shifts even closer, barely a breath between their bodies. “I know I told you not to wait for me, but I guess I kind of hoped you would.”
“It’s been four years, Paisley,” Braxton protests, but the strength is missing from his words. Her hand lifts from his arm to his chest, pressing right over his heart—an intimate touch that has my throat going impossibly tight. “You never even came back to visit.”
“I know.” She ducks her head. “If I came home, I might never have gone back.”
“Paisley…”
“Do you love her?” she rushes out.
I hold my breath, waiting, but the silence stretches out too long. “Of course I love her,” he retorts, his tone defensive, and my heart drops. He steps away from her, running a hand through his dark hair, and her shoulders slump.
“Oh…”
this was their first meeting and should have been his first red flag, AND the fmc's red flag when he hesitated to say he loved her
Paisley.
It was like someone tipped a bucket of icy water over me when she appeared in that doorway tonight, leaving me breathless and shocked. It cleared my mind for the first time in two weeks, sending me straight back to a time when Paisley had been…everything to me.
I’ve missed you.
The quiet words, whispered in my ear as she hugged me, had sent shivers rippling down my spine, and for a second, I was unable to tell the difference between past and present, the two of them merging together.
Paisley was the first person I ever loved—or thought I loved, I guess. But as she stood there, smiling at me, it felt like every single feeling I ever had for her rushed back to the surface, reminding me of a time when I didn’t have to worry about nightmares and the bruises under my girlfriend’s eyes.
this was him thinking of Pea while sleeping next to Grace btw about his feelings for Pea and feeling them all again when he saw her 🤢🤢
Gracie shifts, a soft sigh leaving her lips, and my throat goes tight. I shouldn’t be thinking of another woman while I’m lying in her bed, and I hate myself for doing it to her. I moved on from Paisley a long time ago.
When I saw her the other night, it was like stepping through a time warp, and for a split second, it sent me back to a time where those feelings were crystal clear and sharp. I remember how everything felt simpler, more exciting, and how Paisley’s eyes would lock with mine across a room—like we had a secret only the two of us knew
Paisley reaches across the table and pulls my hand off my mug, her cool fingers gripping mine. I stare at where they’re joined, knowing I should pull away, but feeling numb enough that I just…don’t.
We got halfway through the second movie, and she leaned over her armrest, laying her head on my shoulder.
“You don’t mind, do you?” she murmured.
My breath caught, my mind screaming with warning, but I shook my head. “It’s fine,” I heard myself telling her, even as her palm slid against mine, our fingers tangling. I stared down at where our hands are resting against my thigh, her palm dry and…different in mine.
I swallowed thickly, dragging my attention back to the movie, pretending like I couldn’t feel her hairs tickling my jaw or the warmth of her body seeping into mine.
🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢
I could explain away trauma-dumping on Paisley after she appeared right after my counseling session, but there was no way to explain how I ended up in a movie theater with her, our hands clasped and her head on my shoulder. And then, facing an hour drive home to get to my girlfriend, who was probably worried as hell about me, and I couldn’t even turn the engine on.
“This makes me feel like even more of an asshole, but—”
“You liked her paying attention to you,” Nick cuts in. “It soothed the rejection from years ago.
I don’t understand,” Gracie continues quietly, voice trembling, “how you could so easily dismiss me when I told you how she made me feel.” She drops her eyes, shoulders dropping so low that it seems like she might sink into the ground under our feet. “You didn’t see what you were doing to me. You didn’t want to see it.”
Gracie scoffs. “She told you that she wished you would have waited for her, and you wanted me to come around? You cuddled her,” she accuses with a dark scowl. “You held her hand!”
Each accusation whips out at me, flaying me open. “I did,” I admit. “It was after that first counseling session. I was out of my mind and looking for any kind of a distraction. I had to drive home, and I—” I duck my head, pressing my temple to hers. “I couldn’t face getting in a car and driving. Not after reliving what happened to Allison.”
Allison is the baby that died and he is STILL using her as an excuse till like 80% .
and to top it all off the author had the fmc take some of the blame at the end 😂😂 she literally LITERALLY did nothing wrong except take him back, yet she's taking the blame??
“I’ll never give pieces of myself to someone else. They belong to you.”
My heart feels like it might burst out of my chest, thinking about everything that’s happened to get us to where we are. I know the blame doesn’t solely lie on Braxton’s shoulders, or even Paisley’s, but I have hope now that we are capable of moving past everything to create something new together.
is this what we're applauding women for and calling thems strong? for finding the heart to accept disrespect and forgive cheating? blaming herself for his immorality?
and what i found funny is that in the last chapter she was on the phone with her mom ( who's a bitch) and he took the phone away from her and told the mom to never contact her again, who the fuck gave him the right? he was equally as emotionally abusive of Grace as her parents were. he was neglectful, prioritized someone else, lied to her, cheated on her, gaslit her, lashed out on her... so what makes him worth forgiving and audacious enough to think he's better than the mom and needs to protect Garce from her?
Safety:
- emotional cheating with his old love and crossing to physically
-owd: Paisley
-omd : grace's ex nolan but it was honestly nothing, like if you can write cheating man at least give us juicey omd
- seperation : Baxton is celibate AS HE SHOULD, Grace slept with her ex once when she was away😐😐 it could have been more than once but whatever.
can't believe i wasted precious sleeping hours for this crap
Almost 500pages of Baxton being a damn baby, and what's worst is that the author used a real serious thing that firefighters go through to justify his cheating and make Grace forgive him.
Baxton went through a traumatic event where a baby died on him, cue him telling EVERYONE except for his gf Grace, then comes Paisley aka his old love who left him for college right after he confessed his feelings.
his first time seeing Paisley after 4 years and this man was STAR STRUCK, he was literally eyeing her up like a fucking puppy, he fucking he hesitated to tell her he loved Grace and we're meant to believe he genuinely had no feelings for Paisley ( who i'll start calling Pea cuz her name is annoying)
Anyways, he completely humiliated Grace with his reaction to pea and everyone noticed how hurt she was except for him.
Days later Grace confronts him because he never told her about his history with his beloved Pea and she says she's not comfortable with him hanging out with her especially Alone, and she wants him to be honest with everytime he sees Pea, so Baxton feeling terrible and guilty promises her that he will not see Pea alone again, but then what does he proceed to do? See Pea alone repeatedly and even taking her out on a date and using her as an emotional crutch and going as low as to tell her personal things about Grace which grace herself had trouble telling HIM.
This man has a full blow emotional affaire with Pea, he even cuddles her during their movies date.
Fast forward to when everything blew up and grace leaves him, this man spends the ENTIRE book playing baby " i have trauma, i needed someone and that someone was Pea, poor me, boohoohoo"
what's even more disgusting is that for a split second he did consider setting boundaries with Pea, but then she said she's lonely and friendless and it was enough for this man to completely forget he had a girlfriend because of course pea mattered more than Grace.
this man was seeing a damn therapist for his " trauma" so he had no reason or justification for cheating on grace with Pea.
apart from the author victimizing the cheater, this book had way too many people involved, because why is the entire town up in their business sticking their noses where it doesn't belong?
anyways fast forward 2 months of Grace being away staying with a friend, she comes back, she gets attacked by a robber, Baxton takes care of her, she forgives him, they're back together.
he literally sweettalked his way back with 0 grovel and actions.
and for this author to frame this book as " emotional " cheating is absolute BS, Baxton touched Pea intimatey, they held hands and cuddled for HOURS while watching movies, this has crossed to a physical relationship and from his reaction to their touching it would have 100%without a shadow of a doubt have evolved to a sexual affaire in a few weeks max.
and this dumbass was shocked when people were telling him he fucking cheated?
following quotes is how he spoke about Pea and what he did with her:
Paisley huffs, a finger twirling in a long strand of her hair. “You know why I had to,” she chides gently. “I was only eighteen, and you told me the day before I left. I couldn’t just put my future on hold for what we might have been.”
Braxton looks at her, his jaw taut with tension. “I never should have said anything.”
“I’m glad you did.” Paisley angles her body toward him, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. A sharp pinch has me looking down, finding my own hands fisted, nails biting into my palms. I don’t blink, waiting for Braxton to pull away, to put distance between them, but he doesn’t move.
Encouraged, Paisley shifts even closer, barely a breath between their bodies. “I know I told you not to wait for me, but I guess I kind of hoped you would.”
“It’s been four years, Paisley,” Braxton protests, but the strength is missing from his words. Her hand lifts from his arm to his chest, pressing right over his heart—an intimate touch that has my throat going impossibly tight. “You never even came back to visit.”
“I know.” She ducks her head. “If I came home, I might never have gone back.”
“Paisley…”
“Do you love her?” she rushes out.
I hold my breath, waiting, but the silence stretches out too long. “Of course I love her,” he retorts, his tone defensive, and my heart drops. He steps away from her, running a hand through his dark hair, and her shoulders slump.
“Oh…”
this was their first meeting and should have been his first red flag, AND the fmc's red flag when he hesitated to say he loved her
Paisley.
It was like someone tipped a bucket of icy water over me when she appeared in that doorway tonight, leaving me breathless and shocked. It cleared my mind for the first time in two weeks, sending me straight back to a time when Paisley had been…everything to me.
I’ve missed you.
The quiet words, whispered in my ear as she hugged me, had sent shivers rippling down my spine, and for a second, I was unable to tell the difference between past and present, the two of them merging together.
Paisley was the first person I ever loved—or thought I loved, I guess. But as she stood there, smiling at me, it felt like every single feeling I ever had for her rushed back to the surface, reminding me of a time when I didn’t have to worry about nightmares and the bruises under my girlfriend’s eyes.
this was him thinking of Pea while sleeping next to Grace btw about his feelings for Pea and feeling them all again when he saw her 🤢🤢
Gracie shifts, a soft sigh leaving her lips, and my throat goes tight. I shouldn’t be thinking of another woman while I’m lying in her bed, and I hate myself for doing it to her. I moved on from Paisley a long time ago.
When I saw her the other night, it was like stepping through a time warp, and for a split second, it sent me back to a time where those feelings were crystal clear and sharp. I remember how everything felt simpler, more exciting, and how Paisley’s eyes would lock with mine across a room—like we had a secret only the two of us knew
Paisley reaches across the table and pulls my hand off my mug, her cool fingers gripping mine. I stare at where they’re joined, knowing I should pull away, but feeling numb enough that I just…don’t.
We got halfway through the second movie, and she leaned over her armrest, laying her head on my shoulder.
“You don’t mind, do you?” she murmured.
My breath caught, my mind screaming with warning, but I shook my head. “It’s fine,” I heard myself telling her, even as her palm slid against mine, our fingers tangling. I stared down at where our hands are resting against my thigh, her palm dry and…different in mine.
I swallowed thickly, dragging my attention back to the movie, pretending like I couldn’t feel her hairs tickling my jaw or the warmth of her body seeping into mine.
🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢
I could explain away trauma-dumping on Paisley after she appeared right after my counseling session, but there was no way to explain how I ended up in a movie theater with her, our hands clasped and her head on my shoulder. And then, facing an hour drive home to get to my girlfriend, who was probably worried as hell about me, and I couldn’t even turn the engine on.
“This makes me feel like even more of an asshole, but—”
“You liked her paying attention to you,” Nick cuts in. “It soothed the rejection from years ago.
I don’t understand,” Gracie continues quietly, voice trembling, “how you could so easily dismiss me when I told you how she made me feel.” She drops her eyes, shoulders dropping so low that it seems like she might sink into the ground under our feet. “You didn’t see what you were doing to me. You didn’t want to see it.”
Gracie scoffs. “She told you that she wished you would have waited for her, and you wanted me to come around? You cuddled her,” she accuses with a dark scowl. “You held her hand!”
Each accusation whips out at me, flaying me open. “I did,” I admit. “It was after that first counseling session. I was out of my mind and looking for any kind of a distraction. I had to drive home, and I—” I duck my head, pressing my temple to hers. “I couldn’t face getting in a car and driving. Not after reliving what happened to Allison.”
Allison is the baby that died and he is STILL using her as an excuse till like 80% .
and to top it all off the author had the fmc take some of the blame at the end 😂😂 she literally LITERALLY did nothing wrong except take him back, yet she's taking the blame??
“I’ll never give pieces of myself to someone else. They belong to you.”
My heart feels like it might burst out of my chest, thinking about everything that’s happened to get us to where we are. I know the blame doesn’t solely lie on Braxton’s shoulders, or even Paisley’s, but I have hope now that we are capable of moving past everything to create something new together.
is this what we're applauding women for and calling thems strong? for finding the heart to accept disrespect and forgive cheating? blaming herself for his immorality?
and what i found funny is that in the last chapter she was on the phone with her mom ( who's a bitch) and he took the phone away from her and told the mom to never contact her again, who the fuck gave him the right? he was equally as emotionally abusive of Grace as her parents were. he was neglectful, prioritized someone else, lied to her, cheated on her, gaslit her, lashed out on her... so what makes him worth forgiving and audacious enough to think he's better than the mom and needs to protect Garce from her?
Safety:
- emotional cheating with his old love and crossing to physically
-owd: Paisley
-omd : grace's ex nolan but it was honestly nothing, like if you can write cheating man at least give us juicey omd
- seperation : Baxton is celibate AS HE SHOULD, Grace slept with her ex once when she was away😐😐 it could have been more than once but whatever.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off, I love this story! This is going in my coveted “will read again” pile. It has that beautiful combination of angst, passion, emotional turmoil, and humor. Mackenzie Madden has a way of not only getting the reader invested in the hero and heroine but also the supporting characters. Don’t mistake that for meaning the supporting characters take over the story, because they do not, but they enrich the story the way you want your supporting characters to do.(however, on a side note some of the side characters will be getting their own stories, and if they weren’t I would be camped out on the author’s lawn demanding it LOL even if her lawn was in Antarctica! )
Themes that I love that are in this story:
My initial interest in this story came from the fact that the ow was not only an unrequited love for the H, but it was the whole she is like a “sister” to me trope! Those little “sisters” can cause a lot of destruction
Overheard and uncovered
Micro cheating-emotional only
Supportive family and friends(but they call you out on your crap)
Om drama….but the good kind
Second Chances
OW DRAMA:
BFF baby sis(she is the one that got away, but is now back to stake a claim)
She seems sweet, but is up to no good, but hero is blinded
Sows seeds of doubt in heroine
Has secrets that get exposed, and she goes down!!!
So here is a general overview: Gracie is our heroine, and she has been with Braxton our hero for almost 2 years. They do not officially live together yet, but they are looking for a home in the small town that Brax has always lived. Meanwhile, they spend as much time together as possible when he is not on firefighting duty, and she is not working at the floral shop. In flashbacks we see how they met and their cute interactions with each other. We also get some of the passionate scenes that will have you tilting your phone so no one can take a look!
Gracie has trust issues. Her parents were never affectionate and were always worried about the optics. A child was inconvenient, unless they could use her as a trophy or status symbol of some sort. Braxton’s family is warm and inviting. His dad(Stephen) is a a retired firefighter, his mom(Raewyn)a SAHM and his younger sister is currently in college. They love Gracie with all their heart, and when Braxton screws up they do not abandon Gracie. They support her while giving their son support he needs as well.
Braxton’s parents are very good friends with Nick, his bff’s parents(Esther and Joseph). It so happens that Nick has a younger sister Paisley. Braxton’s unrequited love interest. She dismissed him and his feelings 4 years ago, and hasn’t seen him since. She is back in town and staying for good. She is ready to put down roots. The problem is she is “rooting” for a taken a man. The man whose heart she broke once. The man who is currently looking for a house with his girlfriend. Paisley is quite sure his feelings for her can be resurrected, and she goes all out!
Meanwhile, Braxton is fighting some internal demons that have nothing to do with unrequited childish -love. Yet Paisley represents a time in his life that was carefree and simple, before there were grown up responsibilities and boo boos that could be cured with a bandaid and a kiss. Nope, life has gotten very real for Braxton, and his inability to deal with it head on has resulted in a fracture within his relationship with Gracie.
What unfolds is a series of events and betrayals. The betrayals by Braxton are not loud or in your face. They are silent, and insidious. It is what he doesn’t say, or what he purposely withholds. It is his actions or inactions. The events are often calculated by the ow. She knows how to take a situation and make it, shall we say, questionable! She says things, she does things, and to some it may seem innocent, just a friend reconnecting with a friend, an ear for listening. Nothing wrong with that, right? This combined with Braxton pulling away emotionally for other reasons not connected to h or ow, create the perfect storm. It sows the seeds of mistrust. By the time Braxton gets hit with the full impact of his mistakes, and how many boundaries were crossed, it is too late. Gracie leaves him, and she does some reconnecting of her own👀.
When Gracie returns to their small town several weeks later, she is renewed and reenergized even though she still has a broken heart. During this time Braxton started getting some much needed help. He also realized that in order to win back Gracie he needed to fix what he had broken. IT helps that he has such a wonderful family, I would take him back just for them alone lol!
I realize I am leaving out the nitty gritty and spoilers. I can tell you I had the opportunity to read this story a couple of different times. The first time I read it, it was chapter by chapter drops. I got all my coworkers involved as I retold them the latest chapter. They would ask for updates(even the guys in my department lol)The second time I read it , the story was complete with chapters being reworked. I thought I loved the story the first time, but the second time put it in a whole different category. There was no skimming, I was glued to it like the first time. Why? Well for one, the author puts forth a lot of heart in the story without it becoming a Hallmark special of the week. I loved most of the characters she wrote about and the ones I didn’t love, I wasn’t supposed to! She also infuses humor throughout. The characters felt real and authentic, not caricatures of people! I had many LOL moments. In addition to this she did not shy away from the passionate moments as well! It was, um, great to see Braxton and Gracie connect in all ways 😜She also infused the very real issues of stress, and intense moments that can mess with a person’s mind to the extent that they are able to go through the motions of living, but miss out on essential cues. Especially men who are often told to suck it up! Not all things are meant to be dealt with on your own, and yes even though it may be obvious to open up to the one you love the most it doesn’t always happen that way. (Bartenders and hairdressers can attest to that!) Mackenzie Madden also kept up the pace in this book. In stories you expect that there is the rising action(angst galore) leading to the confrontation, and then there is the aftermath, the time where the character needs to make amends. Sometimes an author can lose their readers a little bit in the aftermath. That was not the case here at all. And she did not need to add little tricks or unnecessary drama(however, there was still some drama, and the comeuppance! I do so love a comeuppance) Basically this story had me hooked from the beginning to the end. Finally, one of the most prevalent features in this story is love. I always felt Braxton’s love for Gracie even when he was being completely stupid, mainly because I knew he was struggling. I also felt Gracie’s love for Brax. In addition to this the supporting characters, such as his parents and Nick were so forthright and loving. I don’t know how many more books I will end up reading this year….but I already know that this is in my top 5 favorites! I don’t care what comes out, this will not relinquish its spot!
Themes that I love that are in this story:
My initial interest in this story came from the fact that the ow was not only an unrequited love for the H, but it was the whole she is like a “sister” to me trope! Those little “sisters” can cause a lot of destruction
Overheard and uncovered
Micro cheating-emotional only
Supportive family and friends(but they call you out on your crap)
Om drama….but the good kind
Second Chances
OW DRAMA:
BFF baby sis(she is the one that got away, but is now back to stake a claim)
She seems sweet, but is up to no good, but hero is blinded
Sows seeds of doubt in heroine
Has secrets that get exposed, and she goes down!!!
So here is a general overview: Gracie is our heroine, and she has been with Braxton our hero for almost 2 years. They do not officially live together yet, but they are looking for a home in the small town that Brax has always lived. Meanwhile, they spend as much time together as possible when he is not on firefighting duty, and she is not working at the floral shop. In flashbacks we see how they met and their cute interactions with each other. We also get some of the passionate scenes that will have you tilting your phone so no one can take a look!
Gracie has trust issues. Her parents were never affectionate and were always worried about the optics. A child was inconvenient, unless they could use her as a trophy or status symbol of some sort. Braxton’s family is warm and inviting. His dad(Stephen) is a a retired firefighter, his mom(Raewyn)a SAHM and his younger sister is currently in college. They love Gracie with all their heart, and when Braxton screws up they do not abandon Gracie. They support her while giving their son support he needs as well.
Braxton’s parents are very good friends with Nick, his bff’s parents(Esther and Joseph). It so happens that Nick has a younger sister Paisley. Braxton’s unrequited love interest. She dismissed him and his feelings 4 years ago, and hasn’t seen him since. She is back in town and staying for good. She is ready to put down roots. The problem is she is “rooting” for a taken a man. The man whose heart she broke once. The man who is currently looking for a house with his girlfriend. Paisley is quite sure his feelings for her can be resurrected, and she goes all out!
Meanwhile, Braxton is fighting some internal demons that have nothing to do with unrequited childish -love. Yet Paisley represents a time in his life that was carefree and simple, before there were grown up responsibilities and boo boos that could be cured with a bandaid and a kiss. Nope, life has gotten very real for Braxton, and his inability to deal with it head on has resulted in a fracture within his relationship with Gracie.
What unfolds is a series of events and betrayals. The betrayals by Braxton are not loud or in your face. They are silent, and insidious. It is what he doesn’t say, or what he purposely withholds. It is his actions or inactions. The events are often calculated by the ow. She knows how to take a situation and make it, shall we say, questionable! She says things, she does things, and to some it may seem innocent, just a friend reconnecting with a friend, an ear for listening. Nothing wrong with that, right? This combined with Braxton pulling away emotionally for other reasons not connected to h or ow, create the perfect storm. It sows the seeds of mistrust. By the time Braxton gets hit with the full impact of his mistakes, and how many boundaries were crossed, it is too late. Gracie leaves him, and she does some reconnecting of her own👀.
When Gracie returns to their small town several weeks later, she is renewed and reenergized even though she still has a broken heart. During this time Braxton started getting some much needed help. He also realized that in order to win back Gracie he needed to fix what he had broken. IT helps that he has such a wonderful family, I would take him back just for them alone lol!
I realize I am leaving out the nitty gritty and spoilers. I can tell you I had the opportunity to read this story a couple of different times. The first time I read it, it was chapter by chapter drops. I got all my coworkers involved as I retold them the latest chapter. They would ask for updates(even the guys in my department lol)The second time I read it , the story was complete with chapters being reworked. I thought I loved the story the first time, but the second time put it in a whole different category. There was no skimming, I was glued to it like the first time. Why? Well for one, the author puts forth a lot of heart in the story without it becoming a Hallmark special of the week. I loved most of the characters she wrote about and the ones I didn’t love, I wasn’t supposed to! She also infuses humor throughout. The characters felt real and authentic, not caricatures of people! I had many LOL moments. In addition to this she did not shy away from the passionate moments as well! It was, um, great to see Braxton and Gracie connect in all ways 😜She also infused the very real issues of stress, and intense moments that can mess with a person’s mind to the extent that they are able to go through the motions of living, but miss out on essential cues. Especially men who are often told to suck it up! Not all things are meant to be dealt with on your own, and yes even though it may be obvious to open up to the one you love the most it doesn’t always happen that way. (Bartenders and hairdressers can attest to that!) Mackenzie Madden also kept up the pace in this book. In stories you expect that there is the rising action(angst galore) leading to the confrontation, and then there is the aftermath, the time where the character needs to make amends. Sometimes an author can lose their readers a little bit in the aftermath. That was not the case here at all. And she did not need to add little tricks or unnecessary drama(however, there was still some drama, and the comeuppance! I do so love a comeuppance) Basically this story had me hooked from the beginning to the end. Finally, one of the most prevalent features in this story is love. I always felt Braxton’s love for Gracie even when he was being completely stupid, mainly because I knew he was struggling. I also felt Gracie’s love for Brax. In addition to this the supporting characters, such as his parents and Nick were so forthright and loving. I don’t know how many more books I will end up reading this year….but I already know that this is in my top 5 favorites! I don’t care what comes out, this will not relinquish its spot!
March 27, 2026
Piecing It Together
Sterling Protectors Book #1
Mackenzie Madden
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Assault
🚩Armed Robbery
🚩Death of Child
Tropes:
💕MF Romance
💕Small Town
💕OW Drama
💕Betrayal to Grovel
💕HEA
💕Part of a Series (Book #1)
💕Found Family
**********************************************************************
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES
Quote:
"Yes. We'll take it slow, but...Take me on a date, and we'll go from there."
Summary:
FMC and MMC are about to buy a home together and continue building their lives together. The ow (his best friend's sister} returns to town. Combine that with issues due to the MMCs job and it breaks the couple up. Eventual HEA.
Review:
This story was all that and then some. It draws you in from the start. You know the MMC is going to mess up but you pray he doesn't. The stakes are too high. I loved the MMCs family and how they rallied around the FMC. I loved that the FMC had moments with her ex-boyfriend instead of wallowing.
This authors stories keep getting better and better. I look forward to reading more of her stories.
Grovel to HEA Romance Authors Recommendations:
Groveltohea (Wattpad Author)
Maya Alden
Natasha Anders
Cate C Wells
Christine Michelle
BIBLIODARLING | BOOKISH LIFE, TBRs & READING CHALLENGES GROUP (GOODREADS)
https://www.goodreads.com/group/invit...
*****************************************************************************
FOLLOW ME ON:
INSTAGRAM📢
https://www.instagram.com/bibliodarling/
SUBSTACK
https://bibliodarling.substack.com
TIKTOK📢
https://www.tiktok.com/@bibliodarling...
WATTPAD📢
BiblioDarling (@BiblioDarling) - Wattpad
INKITT📢
https://inkitt.com/BiblioDarling
Sterling Protectors Book #1
Mackenzie Madden
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Assault
🚩Armed Robbery
🚩Death of Child
Tropes:
💕MF Romance
💕Small Town
💕OW Drama
💕Betrayal to Grovel
💕HEA
💕Part of a Series (Book #1)
💕Found Family
**********************************************************************
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES
Quote:
"Yes. We'll take it slow, but...Take me on a date, and we'll go from there."
Summary:
FMC and MMC are about to buy a home together and continue building their lives together. The ow (his best friend's sister} returns to town. Combine that with issues due to the MMCs job and it breaks the couple up. Eventual HEA.
Review:
This story was all that and then some. It draws you in from the start. You know the MMC is going to mess up but you pray he doesn't. The stakes are too high. I loved the MMCs family and how they rallied around the FMC. I loved that the FMC had moments with her ex-boyfriend instead of wallowing.
This authors stories keep getting better and better. I look forward to reading more of her stories.
Grovel to HEA Romance Authors Recommendations:
Groveltohea (Wattpad Author)
Maya Alden
Natasha Anders
Cate C Wells
Christine Michelle
BIBLIODARLING | BOOKISH LIFE, TBRs & READING CHALLENGES GROUP (GOODREADS)
https://www.goodreads.com/group/invit...
*****************************************************************************
FOLLOW ME ON:
INSTAGRAM📢
https://www.instagram.com/bibliodarling/
SUBSTACK
https://bibliodarling.substack.com
TIKTOK📢
https://www.tiktok.com/@bibliodarling...
WATTPAD📢
BiblioDarling (@BiblioDarling) - Wattpad
INKITT📢
https://inkitt.com/BiblioDarling
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mackenzie Madden continues to be a favorite author of mine. Once again she has written a book I love! 💜 She knows how to write emotional betrayal better than just about anyone! This one provides an emotional gut punch. The betrayal is brutal, but the ensuing grovel and then redemption and HEA really made up for it. Braxton showed real emotional growth. While he made multiple selfish mistakes that he wrapped up in “protecting” Gracie, he did come around and finally treat her as the queen he should have from the beginning.
My heart hurt for Gracie and I wanted to punch Braxton for being so blind where his best friend’s sister was concerned. The OW drama was on point! I’d say that Paisley’s manipulation of him was deft, however anyone with any kind of emotional maturity would have seen what she was doing and how it hurt Gracie. The things he hid from Gracie and shared with a woman who was not his girlfriend were inexplicable to me. He even gave the snake ammunition to use against Gracie! I loved the Christmas scene! It was one of the sweetest takedowns I have ever read! I actually cheered in the middle of my living room! It was très magnifique!
I loved Braxton’s family! Stephen and Raewyn were the best parents and I loved them unofficially adopting Gracie into their family! I was so glad they stuck by her, because Gracie did not need any more rejection in her life after dealing with her own biological family. They took care of her and loved her in a way that she needed in her life.
Braxton made soooo many mistakes. I did not think I could ever forgive him for not sharing important details of his life with Gracie and not being honest with her. Lying by omission is still lying. He did not protect Gracie as he should. He definitely does learn from his mistakes, though. I never doubted his love for Gracie, even when he showed the emotional intelligence of a potato. His trauma did actually start softening me towards him, especially when he actually sought help. I went from wanting to hurt him to wanting to hug him.
This was an excellent start to a new series! I love the characters and I can’t wait to read more of their stories! There are still so many more stories to tell about the people of Sterling!
My heart hurt for Gracie and I wanted to punch Braxton for being so blind where his best friend’s sister was concerned. The OW drama was on point! I’d say that Paisley’s manipulation of him was deft, however anyone with any kind of emotional maturity would have seen what she was doing and how it hurt Gracie. The things he hid from Gracie and shared with a woman who was not his girlfriend were inexplicable to me. He even gave the snake ammunition to use against Gracie! I loved the Christmas scene! It was one of the sweetest takedowns I have ever read! I actually cheered in the middle of my living room! It was très magnifique!
I loved Braxton’s family! Stephen and Raewyn were the best parents and I loved them unofficially adopting Gracie into their family! I was so glad they stuck by her, because Gracie did not need any more rejection in her life after dealing with her own biological family. They took care of her and loved her in a way that she needed in her life.
Braxton made soooo many mistakes. I did not think I could ever forgive him for not sharing important details of his life with Gracie and not being honest with her. Lying by omission is still lying. He did not protect Gracie as he should. He definitely does learn from his mistakes, though. I never doubted his love for Gracie, even when he showed the emotional intelligence of a potato. His trauma did actually start softening me towards him, especially when he actually sought help. I went from wanting to hurt him to wanting to hug him.
This was an excellent start to a new series! I love the characters and I can’t wait to read more of their stories! There are still so many more stories to tell about the people of Sterling!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me start this review by saying I love some ow drama. It makes my heart race and my blood pound and my Apple Watch rail at me that I might need emergency medical attention bc my pulse rate just spiked like crazy. Piecing it Together takes a typical ow drama trope and turns the reasoning on its head for the *why* of it that the MMC keeps messing up. I don’t want to spoil it, but I always appreciate different takes. It shows creativity and uniqueness, which can be hard to find for betrayal/grovel books.
Gracie, our h, has not had a steady past of love, but Braxton steals her heart and she loves him. Gracie has been embraced whole heartedly into his family and the beautiful town they live in. They’re living their best lives together when Braxton faces a tragic situation that knocks him completely off his axis. He can’t find a way to move forward and he looks for support in the wrong person. A childhood friend named Paisley (or Crazley as I like to call her) that he used to have a major crush on. Obviously, Paisley didn’t return Braxton’s feelings their entire childhood or he wouldn’t be with Gracie now. Braxton, being in emotional turmoil, and spinning out of control, leans on the comfort that Paisley offers him when she conveniently happens to be near somewhere he is. Cue eye roll.
As I’m sure you can imagine, things spiral out from there and Gracie is left heartbroken by Braxton’s choices. I really loved Gracie strength and belief in herself and what she deserved, because some people with her background might overlook red flags so they don’t lose their found family and the town they love, along with their partner. But not Gracie. Gracie was done. She tries and tries and tries to be there for Braxton, but he won’t lean on her. He sees it as a burden, but Braxton can’t find his way out of the darkness he’s in. I loved that particular aspect of the ow drama, that it wasn’t just a guy being stupid and thinking noooo I wouldn’t cross a line like that. There were deep wounds from the awful experience Braxton and that doesn’t excuse it, but it’s also a reason grounded in reality and something I could see happening.
A slippery slope still, but with a pivotal moment that starts the snowball downhill, rather than the typical some girl from his past showed up to town and he high tailed it after her forgetting the love of his life until he didn’t lol.
Braxton and Gracie find their way back to each other so beautifully after all the chaos and somehow, Madden always manages to make me forgive them!
Gracie, our h, has not had a steady past of love, but Braxton steals her heart and she loves him. Gracie has been embraced whole heartedly into his family and the beautiful town they live in. They’re living their best lives together when Braxton faces a tragic situation that knocks him completely off his axis. He can’t find a way to move forward and he looks for support in the wrong person. A childhood friend named Paisley (or Crazley as I like to call her) that he used to have a major crush on. Obviously, Paisley didn’t return Braxton’s feelings their entire childhood or he wouldn’t be with Gracie now. Braxton, being in emotional turmoil, and spinning out of control, leans on the comfort that Paisley offers him when she conveniently happens to be near somewhere he is. Cue eye roll.
As I’m sure you can imagine, things spiral out from there and Gracie is left heartbroken by Braxton’s choices. I really loved Gracie strength and belief in herself and what she deserved, because some people with her background might overlook red flags so they don’t lose their found family and the town they love, along with their partner. But not Gracie. Gracie was done. She tries and tries and tries to be there for Braxton, but he won’t lean on her. He sees it as a burden, but Braxton can’t find his way out of the darkness he’s in. I loved that particular aspect of the ow drama, that it wasn’t just a guy being stupid and thinking noooo I wouldn’t cross a line like that. There were deep wounds from the awful experience Braxton and that doesn’t excuse it, but it’s also a reason grounded in reality and something I could see happening.
A slippery slope still, but with a pivotal moment that starts the snowball downhill, rather than the typical some girl from his past showed up to town and he high tailed it after her forgetting the love of his life until he didn’t lol.
Braxton and Gracie find their way back to each other so beautifully after all the chaos and somehow, Madden always manages to make me forgive them!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gracie and Braxton are planning to get married and buy a house. All is going well until a family friend, that Braxton used to have a crush on, shows up. Gracie overhears their conversation during a family dinner that included Braxton's parents, Braxton's best friend and his parents, and Parsley (her name is Paisley but those of us that follow on Mackenzie's FB group renamed her Parsley) who is his best friend's sister. Gracie is wary of Parsley and rightly so because Braxton starts to distance himself from Gracie. Braxton suffers a traumatic situation on the job and starts to spiral, enter Parsley who manipulates and fabricates situations where she just happens to be where Braxton is and be a shoulder to lean on.
Gracie asks for transparency and boundaries where Parsley is concerned, and Braxton promises to give her that. But he lies, break promises, erases boundaries, and just disrespects Gracie. There comes the breaking point where Gracie has enough and just left.
What I love about this story:
Braxton's parents - they love Gracie and support her choices. They also love their son and provide support and love to him as well but not in any way that dishonors Gracie.
Braxton's best friend - he does not support how his sister, Parsley, and his parents treat Gracie and he makes sure Braxton know that his actions are unacceptable as well.
Gracie - though her family is toxic, I loved how she was able to find her inner strength, know her worth, and become unwilling to accept Braxton's treatment anymore.
Braxton finally seeks and accepts help to heal from his trauma and cut the toxin from his life.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Gracie asks for transparency and boundaries where Parsley is concerned, and Braxton promises to give her that. But he lies, break promises, erases boundaries, and just disrespects Gracie. There comes the breaking point where Gracie has enough and just left.
What I love about this story:
Braxton's parents - they love Gracie and support her choices. They also love their son and provide support and love to him as well but not in any way that dishonors Gracie.
Braxton's best friend - he does not support how his sister, Parsley, and his parents treat Gracie and he makes sure Braxton know that his actions are unacceptable as well.
Gracie - though her family is toxic, I loved how she was able to find her inner strength, know her worth, and become unwilling to accept Braxton's treatment anymore.
Braxton finally seeks and accepts help to heal from his trauma and cut the toxin from his life.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rumpel and her Firefighter
A wonderful book from an awesome author who is finding her feet from Wattpad and Patreon to Kindle. The world building is vivid and enthralling with a great range of side characters that are so supportive and grounding in their quest to help our two leads. The story underlying the tale is deliciously poignant, angsty and riveting, begging you to dive in and travel along with the journey.
Gracie has had a tough home life that has caused her to not ask for help and keep people at a distance, until she fell all-in with Braxton. Then he took the stable floor out from under her and left her hurting, confused, with her walls becoming impenetrable steel and shutting her found family out.
Braxton is a firefighter who has suffered a catastrophic event and with keeping his head buried in the sand, he mistakenly shares pieces of himself with the wrong woman. This sets the stage for their long and involved journey, through all the angst and heartbreak to a very believable and hard-won HEA.
From soulful and teary moments and heartbreaking drama to loving values - this tale made me face a gamut of emotions and is told with heart and heat. The words of this tale simply reinforced the strength and endurance of all the much-loved characters in this world.
This was an amazing tale crafted by a wonderful author and I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me. I thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
A wonderful book from an awesome author who is finding her feet from Wattpad and Patreon to Kindle. The world building is vivid and enthralling with a great range of side characters that are so supportive and grounding in their quest to help our two leads. The story underlying the tale is deliciously poignant, angsty and riveting, begging you to dive in and travel along with the journey.
Gracie has had a tough home life that has caused her to not ask for help and keep people at a distance, until she fell all-in with Braxton. Then he took the stable floor out from under her and left her hurting, confused, with her walls becoming impenetrable steel and shutting her found family out.
Braxton is a firefighter who has suffered a catastrophic event and with keeping his head buried in the sand, he mistakenly shares pieces of himself with the wrong woman. This sets the stage for their long and involved journey, through all the angst and heartbreak to a very believable and hard-won HEA.
From soulful and teary moments and heartbreaking drama to loving values - this tale made me face a gamut of emotions and is told with heart and heat. The words of this tale simply reinforced the strength and endurance of all the much-loved characters in this world.
This was an amazing tale crafted by a wonderful author and I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me. I thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy
I had the privilege of beta reading Piecing It Together, and I absolutely loved it.
From the very beginning, the story pulled me in. Gracie and Braxton are beautifully written characters, each carrying their own struggles and emotional weight. Watching their journeys unfold and slowly intertwine was incredibly engaging.
One of the things I appreciated the most was the beautiful and realistic portrayal of Braxton as a firefighter and the mental struggles that can come with that profession. It felt very authentic and added an important layer of depth to his character.
Gracie is such a strong and resilient protagonist, and I love a strong female character. Despite her own family trauma, she had the courage to walk away when she felt betrayed, and that made her character even more powerful. At the same time, I appreciated that she was able to recognize that some of her reactions were influenced by her own past. The story does a great job showing that Braxton made his own choices and that those choices were separate from her trauma.
I also liked seeing Braxton work on himself and try to grow from his mistakes. That journey of accountability and growth added a lot of emotional depth to the story.
Overall, this is a very emotional, character-driven story about healing, accountability, and love. The characters feel real, flawed, and human, which makes their journey even more meaningful.
If you enjoy romance stories with depth, strong characters, and emotional growth, this is definitely a book worth reading.
From the very beginning, the story pulled me in. Gracie and Braxton are beautifully written characters, each carrying their own struggles and emotional weight. Watching their journeys unfold and slowly intertwine was incredibly engaging.
One of the things I appreciated the most was the beautiful and realistic portrayal of Braxton as a firefighter and the mental struggles that can come with that profession. It felt very authentic and added an important layer of depth to his character.
Gracie is such a strong and resilient protagonist, and I love a strong female character. Despite her own family trauma, she had the courage to walk away when she felt betrayed, and that made her character even more powerful. At the same time, I appreciated that she was able to recognize that some of her reactions were influenced by her own past. The story does a great job showing that Braxton made his own choices and that those choices were separate from her trauma.
I also liked seeing Braxton work on himself and try to grow from his mistakes. That journey of accountability and growth added a lot of emotional depth to the story.
Overall, this is a very emotional, character-driven story about healing, accountability, and love. The characters feel real, flawed, and human, which makes their journey even more meaningful.
If you enjoy romance stories with depth, strong characters, and emotional growth, this is definitely a book worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Piecing It Together is such a heart-wrenching yet beautiful story about Gracie and Braxton. I originally read it on Wattpad, and even then it completely pulled me in—but this updated version adds so much more depth and emotion. Even if you’ve read the original, it’s absolutely worth the reread.
Braxton is a firefighter struggling after a devastating call that really shakes him. Instead of leaning on Gracie, the person who loves him and wants to support him, he turns to someone from his past—his childhood best friend, Paisley. While everyone around him can see that he’s spiraling, Braxton refuses to face it or get the help he clearly needs.
Paisley (the OW) quietly takes advantage of his vulnerability, inserting herself into his life in ways that feel intentional and manipulative. Gracie sees what’s happening and asks for something completely reasonable—boundaries. But even when Braxton tries, he ultimately falls short, and that’s what makes everything hurt even more.
What really stood out was Gracie’s journey. She’s dealing with her own past trauma, yet she still tries to be there for Braxton until she realizes she’s losing herself in the process. Watching her take a step back, reflect, and choose her own peace was honestly one of the most powerful parts of the story. Her growth felt real, emotional, and so well-earned.
This story is full of love, pain, and hard choices, and it doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of relationships. It completely pulls at your heartstrings, but in the best way. I highly recommend it!
Braxton is a firefighter struggling after a devastating call that really shakes him. Instead of leaning on Gracie, the person who loves him and wants to support him, he turns to someone from his past—his childhood best friend, Paisley. While everyone around him can see that he’s spiraling, Braxton refuses to face it or get the help he clearly needs.
Paisley (the OW) quietly takes advantage of his vulnerability, inserting herself into his life in ways that feel intentional and manipulative. Gracie sees what’s happening and asks for something completely reasonable—boundaries. But even when Braxton tries, he ultimately falls short, and that’s what makes everything hurt even more.
What really stood out was Gracie’s journey. She’s dealing with her own past trauma, yet she still tries to be there for Braxton until she realizes she’s losing herself in the process. Watching her take a step back, reflect, and choose her own peace was honestly one of the most powerful parts of the story. Her growth felt real, emotional, and so well-earned.
This story is full of love, pain, and hard choices, and it doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of relationships. It completely pulls at your heartstrings, but in the best way. I highly recommend it!
March 24, 2026
I loved this book! It follows Gracie and Braxton as they’re building a life together, Everything feels solid at first—until Paisley returns. When Gracie overhears a conversation, the first cracks in their relationship start to show.
After a traumatic experience at work as a firefighter, Braxton struggles to cope. Gracie tries to be there for him, but instead of leaning on her, he keeps confiding in the worst possible person—Paisley. Their past connection complicates things, and Paisley takes full advantage of his vulnerability every time he turns to her instead of his partner.
Gracie keeps trying. She supports him, asks for boundaries, and gives him the benefit of the doubt. But every time Braxton chooses to confide in Paisley, she feels herself slowly losing who she is in the process. When he continues to break the boundaries she’s asked for, Gracie finally reaches her limit and walks away.
Only after losing her does Braxton finally wake up and realise the damage he’s caused—and that he needs real help if he wants any chance of putting the pieces back together and fighting to get Gracie back.
What I really loved was Gracie’s strength. Despite growing up without a very loving family, she knows her worth and refuses to stay where she isn’t respected. I also loved the found family element with Braxton’s family and how they supported Gracie and stood by her when things fell apart.
Highly recommend this book!
After a traumatic experience at work as a firefighter, Braxton struggles to cope. Gracie tries to be there for him, but instead of leaning on her, he keeps confiding in the worst possible person—Paisley. Their past connection complicates things, and Paisley takes full advantage of his vulnerability every time he turns to her instead of his partner.
Gracie keeps trying. She supports him, asks for boundaries, and gives him the benefit of the doubt. But every time Braxton chooses to confide in Paisley, she feels herself slowly losing who she is in the process. When he continues to break the boundaries she’s asked for, Gracie finally reaches her limit and walks away.
Only after losing her does Braxton finally wake up and realise the damage he’s caused—and that he needs real help if he wants any chance of putting the pieces back together and fighting to get Gracie back.
What I really loved was Gracie’s strength. Despite growing up without a very loving family, she knows her worth and refuses to stay where she isn’t respected. I also loved the found family element with Braxton’s family and how they supported Gracie and stood by her when things fell apart.
Highly recommend this book!
March 27, 2026
good story
I enjoyed this story but it was a little too long with some very repetitive dialogue between same characters. FMC and MMC were excellent and their growth was fantastic . I really loved to story up until about 60% then it dragged for me I needed some more closure with his therapy. When Gracie came back why wasn’t Bridget around.
Loved all the side characters and their story lines can see some other stories coming.
Some minor spoilers for me
Seriously the daughter disappears for 4 years and never came home from college not even summer break… big plot hole for me
Paisley leaving same time as Gracie was a little too far fetched. Why would she leave if Gracie was gone again doesn’t make sense. She would have then tried for Brax her leaving was too convenient.
And the whole other mother drama was also just a little too OTT
The redemption for this one was awesome. Yes he screwed up and was emotionally micro cheating. He had trauma and dealt with it poorly. Extreme grovel was needed due to her childhood trauma.
And there was a comment Brax made toward the end that kind of baffled me he said he never used condoms well before Gracie and that kind of made me feel like it was a typo where it should have said always before Gracie so kind of extreme ick factor if he never uses condoms not a fan of that line.
I enjoyed this story but it was a little too long with some very repetitive dialogue between same characters. FMC and MMC were excellent and their growth was fantastic . I really loved to story up until about 60% then it dragged for me I needed some more closure with his therapy. When Gracie came back why wasn’t Bridget around.
Loved all the side characters and their story lines can see some other stories coming.
Some minor spoilers for me
Seriously the daughter disappears for 4 years and never came home from college not even summer break… big plot hole for me
Paisley leaving same time as Gracie was a little too far fetched. Why would she leave if Gracie was gone again doesn’t make sense. She would have then tried for Brax her leaving was too convenient.
And the whole other mother drama was also just a little too OTT
The redemption for this one was awesome. Yes he screwed up and was emotionally micro cheating. He had trauma and dealt with it poorly. Extreme grovel was needed due to her childhood trauma.
And there was a comment Brax made toward the end that kind of baffled me he said he never used condoms well before Gracie and that kind of made me feel like it was a typo where it should have said always before Gracie so kind of extreme ick factor if he never uses condoms not a fan of that line.
March 28, 2026
Originally read on Wattpad/Patreon.
Cheating = H becomes emotionally involved with OW who was his crush when he was younger. He shares his life and problems with the OW while shutting out the h...Definite emotional cheating that the OW wants to turn into physical.
h sees H with OW = when H and OW first see each other after years apart, it is like the h does not even exist to the H anymore and h has to watch the H get all starry-eyed and nostalgic for the OW. h sees them together at times when the H tends to focus on the OW and NOT the h.
OW drama = OW actively encourages the H to avoid the h and only interact with her. OW plants herself in places the H will be to force them to spend time together. OW makes cutting remarks to the h and the H does not stop the OW or defend the h. OW deals a harsh blow to the h/H relationship where the h feels it is a death blow and the H feels it is significant but not over (he's wrong). Comeuppance? OW just moves along with her life in another place once she gets put in her place by her family.
Grovel = h moves back to where her ex lives and they re-ignite a relationship that is really only for comfort rather than for anything long term. H remains celibate and goes into therapy. h eventually moves back and H works though word and deed to grovel. It is a good one too.
Cheating = H becomes emotionally involved with OW who was his crush when he was younger. He shares his life and problems with the OW while shutting out the h...Definite emotional cheating that the OW wants to turn into physical.
h sees H with OW = when H and OW first see each other after years apart, it is like the h does not even exist to the H anymore and h has to watch the H get all starry-eyed and nostalgic for the OW. h sees them together at times when the H tends to focus on the OW and NOT the h.
OW drama = OW actively encourages the H to avoid the h and only interact with her. OW plants herself in places the H will be to force them to spend time together. OW makes cutting remarks to the h and the H does not stop the OW or defend the h. OW deals a harsh blow to the h/H relationship where the h feels it is a death blow and the H feels it is significant but not over (he's wrong). Comeuppance? OW just moves along with her life in another place once she gets put in her place by her family.
Grovel = h moves back to where her ex lives and they re-ignite a relationship that is really only for comfort rather than for anything long term. H remains celibate and goes into therapy. h eventually moves back and H works though word and deed to grovel. It is a good one too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is one emotional read. Gracie has not had an easy life and all she wants his a family of her own. Her parents are terrible people who have emotional abused her for all of her life. When she meets Braxton and they fall in love she thinks she has finally found the family that she craves.
Enter Braxton's childhood friend otherwise know as the other woman. Braxton makes mistake after mistake with the final result being that Gracie walks away. Let me be clear Braxton has his own issues he is a firefighter who has suffered trauma and he does not deal with it in a heathy way at all.
Gracie is a strong character that you are going to fall in love with. She has been through a lot and when she is betrayed she walks away even though it was hard. Braxton eventually realises his mistakes and gets himself into threapy.
The question is can they find their way back to each other after everything that has happened. What I loved most about this book is that all of the characters including the supporting cast were well rounded. The story moved along at a decent pace and there was not one moment when I felt a disconnect from the story.
If you love a good dose of betrayal with a decent grovel this one is for you.
Enter Braxton's childhood friend otherwise know as the other woman. Braxton makes mistake after mistake with the final result being that Gracie walks away. Let me be clear Braxton has his own issues he is a firefighter who has suffered trauma and he does not deal with it in a heathy way at all.
Gracie is a strong character that you are going to fall in love with. She has been through a lot and when she is betrayed she walks away even though it was hard. Braxton eventually realises his mistakes and gets himself into threapy.
The question is can they find their way back to each other after everything that has happened. What I loved most about this book is that all of the characters including the supporting cast were well rounded. The story moved along at a decent pace and there was not one moment when I felt a disconnect from the story.
If you love a good dose of betrayal with a decent grovel this one is for you.
March 31, 2026
This was a train wreck extraordinaire and a little bit too long. It took forever to read. I really cried in this one. The hero was an idiot and he totally pulled back from the heroine and let another woman in. Not all the way but enough to really hurt her. She was his teenage crush but they never hooked up. He told her he loved her but she went away to college and didn't come back for four years and now she wants him and she plays dirty. The hero let her too. There is so much stupidity in this book and it really angsted me out. I loved his family though. I would have kept them too. His mom is just amazing. Dad too. I really liked his best friend nick too. He was Paisley brother but he told the H he was being an idiot! While they broke up, she hooked up with her ex boyfriend for a weekend it sounded like and they had sex. good sex too according to her. I was not happy with that. I want them both to be celibate but what can I say. He seemed tone a good guy too. The whole book was good. Except the non celibate thing but it was too late in the book and I had to finish it. I wish that hadn't happened. But Braxton stayed celibate and went to counseling and put in the work. He really did love her. He was just dumb to let an old crush distract him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
* Standalone
* Betrayal and Grovel
* Emotional Affair
* Mental health discussions and PTSD themes
* HEA between original couple
* FMC Gracie x MMC Braxton
If you haven't read Maackenzie's stories before i would highly recommend it.
Honestly thought I wasn't going to forgive Braxton for his role in breaking Gracie but his growth after losing her really showed his potential.
Gracie ergh my heart goes out to her, shes been searching for familial bonds and when she finally thinks she found it its swept out from under her. Her safety her belonging her love is stolen from her and she is left to pick up her own life and grow. What I loved about Gracie is her strength she had been emotionally betrayed before by her parents but she knew her worth and demanded it from Braxton.
This story was roughly 470ish pages, there are stories out there where I think this could have been shorted. But this book every page was captivating.
Favourite quote:
“Trusting him does not make you wrong or stupid or whatever. Him abusing that trust? That makes him an asshole..."
* Betrayal and Grovel
* Emotional Affair
* Mental health discussions and PTSD themes
* HEA between original couple
* FMC Gracie x MMC Braxton
If you haven't read Maackenzie's stories before i would highly recommend it.
Honestly thought I wasn't going to forgive Braxton for his role in breaking Gracie but his growth after losing her really showed his potential.
Gracie ergh my heart goes out to her, shes been searching for familial bonds and when she finally thinks she found it its swept out from under her. Her safety her belonging her love is stolen from her and she is left to pick up her own life and grow. What I loved about Gracie is her strength she had been emotionally betrayed before by her parents but she knew her worth and demanded it from Braxton.
This story was roughly 470ish pages, there are stories out there where I think this could have been shorted. But this book every page was captivating.
Favourite quote:
“Trusting him does not make you wrong or stupid or whatever. Him abusing that trust? That makes him an asshole..."
March 27, 2026
Oh poor firefighter🥹 he’s so pitiful in his trauma that he accidentally entered in an emotional affair🤧
It’s not as if his girlfriend wasn’t supportive and loving him all throughout.
It’s not as if he doesn’t have a therapist to sort out all of his trauma.
No no it’s not that! He simply wants the world to revolve around him and his trauma and to boot his fragile ego and his trauma. Of course! It’s not his fault. At. All!!!
In fact I’m gonna say it’s the girlfriends’s fault for falling short of licking the H’s shoes! She can’t even do one thing right. So for me this poor pooooor trauma-full firefighter hero is in all his rights to have his emotional affair! Fair is fair 😤
I mean even the heroine admitted it’s not his fault in the end, that it’s both of them, they are both the reason why HE cheated. So understanding of her to be honest. So plus points for the doormat heroine for being pathetic enough to admit that! 🫶
It’s not as if his girlfriend wasn’t supportive and loving him all throughout.
It’s not as if he doesn’t have a therapist to sort out all of his trauma.
No no it’s not that! He simply wants the world to revolve around him and his trauma and to boot his fragile ego and his trauma. Of course! It’s not his fault. At. All!!!
In fact I’m gonna say it’s the girlfriends’s fault for falling short of licking the H’s shoes! She can’t even do one thing right. So for me this poor pooooor trauma-full firefighter hero is in all his rights to have his emotional affair! Fair is fair 😤
I mean even the heroine admitted it’s not his fault in the end, that it’s both of them, they are both the reason why HE cheated. So understanding of her to be honest. So plus points for the doormat heroine for being pathetic enough to admit that! 🫶
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