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The Sacred Hearts MC #5
Fractured & Formidable
She’s Fractured…
Mandy Price is best friends with Everett, the Ol’ Lady to the Sacred Heart’s VP, and roommates with them both… No one would guess that the preacher’s daughter could have such a dark secret, but Mandy had a big one. The product of a broken childhood, Mandy lives a fractured existence. She maintains the outward appearance of normalcy, that everything is just fine, when nothing could be further from the truth. Ever the dutiful daughter, she returns to her father’s church and his table every Sunday. Trouble is, things are growing worse not better as Mandy grows into her own. It’s becoming harder and harder to maintain appearances on a daily basis and Mandy is definitely feeling the strain.
He’s Formidable…
Revelator has had his eye on the innocent redhead from the moment he first saw her. Too much has been getting in the way of him pursuing the angel, prospecting for the club taking up just too damned much of his time. He was fully patched now, still, just when he was getting ready to make a move, that’s when his shop came down around his ears. Faced with rebuilding from the ground up, he’s decided that if he has to start from the beginning, he might as well go all in. If starting over is what has to happen then the life he plans on building from here on out definitely has his Red by his side and no one else’s.
It doesn’t take Rev long to find out what his girl is hiding, and when he does, someone is going to find out just how formidable he can be, not just in body, but in mind and with his brother’s backing…
Mandy Price is best friends with Everett, the Ol’ Lady to the Sacred Heart’s VP, and roommates with them both… No one would guess that the preacher’s daughter could have such a dark secret, but Mandy had a big one. The product of a broken childhood, Mandy lives a fractured existence. She maintains the outward appearance of normalcy, that everything is just fine, when nothing could be further from the truth. Ever the dutiful daughter, she returns to her father’s church and his table every Sunday. Trouble is, things are growing worse not better as Mandy grows into her own. It’s becoming harder and harder to maintain appearances on a daily basis and Mandy is definitely feeling the strain.
He’s Formidable…
Revelator has had his eye on the innocent redhead from the moment he first saw her. Too much has been getting in the way of him pursuing the angel, prospecting for the club taking up just too damned much of his time. He was fully patched now, still, just when he was getting ready to make a move, that’s when his shop came down around his ears. Faced with rebuilding from the ground up, he’s decided that if he has to start from the beginning, he might as well go all in. If starting over is what has to happen then the life he plans on building from here on out definitely has his Red by his side and no one else’s.
It doesn’t take Rev long to find out what his girl is hiding, and when he does, someone is going to find out just how formidable he can be, not just in body, but in mind and with his brother’s backing…
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2015
122 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Downey
93 books1,137 followersA.J. Downey is a Pacific Northwest girl living in an East Tennessee world who finds inspiration from her surroundings, through the people she meets, and likely as a byproduct of way too much caffeine. She specializes in real and relatable romance stories featuring that real-life kind of love that everyone craves.
You can find her on Facebook at facebook.com/authorajdowney
You can find her on Facebook at facebook.com/authorajdowney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 7, 2015
I'm giving this book a five star rating, but seriously, I am still crying!!! That was just mean!!!!!!!
July 7, 2015
I need the next one!
Mandy met Zandor fourteen months ago and thought they shared a connection. But when he didn't answer her calls or show up for dinner as planned, she figures she thought wrong and avoids him. But when Zandor finally realizes what he let go of all those months ago, she won't be able to get rid of him-and she won't want to.
This was a sweet romance with tough characters that overcome life's struggles with the help of their chosen family. I liked Zander's character and how dedicated he was to Mandy. He was a really sweet and caring guy behind his tough exterior, and I liked seeing what he would do for his girl.
I did have some issues with the book though, and found myself skimming to get it over with. I didn't feel any connection to Mandy's character and found her boring. Her whole family situation was understandable but it came up in the story only once or twice then was resolved rather quickly and in a way that didn't satisfy my reading needs. I felt like her issues were pushed aside and over with so that the Club issues could take over the focus, but by that point I was already bored with the story.
Apparently I have a new pet peeve because this is the second book I've read recently where no condom use has annoyed me. Usually it doesn't but the heroine had an inner dialogue where she even told herself she knew there was a risk and then still did not use one. Come on, now!
"Still want me to get one?"
I thought about it and shook my head. I knew there was still a risk but the moment called for this, for us to simply be, and I was okay with that.
I will most likely go on and read the next book in this series because of my need to know what is going to happen. I liked the plot and the overall story but it just didn't grab my attention and there were a few too many things that annoyed me. The ending just made me roll my eyes, but I have high hopes for the next book since I liked the first books in the series a lot.
April 27, 2015
AJ Downey has done the impossible and made me ugly cry. I have loved her books since book one of the series. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC before my preorder came in. I am so glad I did. The series finally gets to Zander and Mandy, which we watch their fumbles and lack of anything but lusty looks in the series. The series is at a point where there is a lot happening and AJ writes real people going through real emotions. Just when you think happily ever after is finally happening, my girl AJ rips it away. I feel like my heart was ripped out, stomped on, then put back in and stroked lovingly. Crazy right? Well expect it when you read this book. I cried myself to sleep last night....and books just do not do that me....ever. that is how amazingly well written and emotional this book is.
July 8, 2015
****SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT!!****
OH... MY... GOD!!!!
Why? I just have to ask... Why?
I had to literally put my iPod down and walk away because I was so heartbroken!! I cried so much reading this book I'm surprised my iPod doesn't have water damage!!
I love you, your writing and this series, but right now I'm still in shock and a little upset with you. However, I won't go into a huge rant because -
A. I respect you enough to private message you to yell at you (lol) admit it that made you laugh!!
and
B. Not everyone has read the book and I don't want to spoil anything for them!!
(I know it's just a book, but I feel like these character part of me and my life because I've read about them... It's almost as if they were real, but I know they aren't. Still, it's hard to read things like this and not be emotionally torn up... Or am I the only one who feels this way?!) I seriously hope not!
OH... MY... GOD!!!!
Why? I just have to ask... Why?
I had to literally put my iPod down and walk away because I was so heartbroken!! I cried so much reading this book I'm surprised my iPod doesn't have water damage!!
I love you, your writing and this series, but right now I'm still in shock and a little upset with you. However, I won't go into a huge rant because -
A. I respect you enough to private message you to yell at you (lol) admit it that made you laugh!!
and
B. Not everyone has read the book and I don't want to spoil anything for them!!
(I know it's just a book, but I feel like these character part of me and my life because I've read about them... It's almost as if they were real, but I know they aren't. Still, it's hard to read things like this and not be emotionally torn up... Or am I the only one who feels this way?!) I seriously hope not!
July 9, 2016
5 Heart Breaking Stars
I'm glad that Zander and Mandy found love but damn. I don't know what to say.
It's heart breaking for sure and I don't understand why author would do that. Sigh.
“I love you until forever.” I told her and she smiled, face crumbling with yet more tears as she nodded between my hands.
“I love you until forever too.”
Forever never sounded so good.”
I'm glad that Zander and Mandy found love but damn. I don't know what to say.
It's heart breaking for sure and I don't understand why author would do that. Sigh.
“I love you until forever.” I told her and she smiled, face crumbling with yet more tears as she nodded between my hands.
“I love you until forever too.”
Forever never sounded so good.”
May 5, 2016
Spoiler Alert
Well the book was excellent but how the hell does A.J. Downey kill off Reaver I hated that crap he has been around since book 1 and I loved him. I'm glad Zander and Mandy get there happy ever after or they do for now.
Well the book was excellent but how the hell does A.J. Downey kill off Reaver I hated that crap he has been around since book 1 and I loved him. I'm glad Zander and Mandy get there happy ever after or they do for now.
October 24, 2018
I really liked how Zander finally pulled his head out of his ass and went after Mandy. He had no issues letting her know why he waited and how he would never let her be unimportant again. He managed this by his own actions and by pulling in the MC and showing Mandy that she was wanted there as well.
I was glad that there wasn’t any relationship drama because there was a whole lot of drama with the MC and their on-going beef with the Suicide Kings. Things were bad before, but with this book things escalated to horrible, so very horrible! Big prices were paid, one price in particular I’m a bit pissed at the author about. There are going to be HUGE ramifications from what happened in this book. I can’t wait to read the next books to see what the fall out is. I can only imagine it will be harsh due to the actions of Thirteen at the end.
I was glad that there wasn’t any relationship drama because there was a whole lot of drama with the MC and their on-going beef with the Suicide Kings. Things were bad before, but with this book things escalated to horrible, so very horrible! Big prices were paid, one price in particular I’m a bit pissed at the author about. There are going to be HUGE ramifications from what happened in this book. I can’t wait to read the next books to see what the fall out is. I can only imagine it will be harsh due to the actions of Thirteen at the end.
November 1, 2020
WOW! I loved Mandy and Rev's story! These two were beautiful together once Rev got his head out of... well you get my drift! There were parts of this story that really had the tears flowing and others where I wanted to scream, but overall it was a fantastic book!!!!
August 2, 2019
Easy read
If you want an easy read with a little bit of an edge then this may be good. The characterisation was ok as was the storyline. Nothing to angst just an easy read.
If you want an easy read with a little bit of an edge then this may be good. The characterisation was ok as was the storyline. Nothing to angst just an easy read.
October 9, 2015
I'm lucky enough to be one of A.J.Downey's Beta readers.
Zander/"Revelator" and Mandy. This couple met in Broken & Burned as Mandy is Everett's best friend. Sparks flew between them but as Zander became a prospect, and the repercussions of a certain Lake Trip started to affect all those around him, Mandy was humiliated as she was forgotten about.
Now a full patch member with his life back on track, Zander aims to win Mandy back, but will she forgive and forget just like that. She certainly won't make it easy for him, that's for sure.
Mandy however, has her own problems to deal with. Despite moving in with Everett and Dray, she keeps going home every weekend and the problems continue. Zander and Dray are onto her though, and whether she wants them to or not, they are going to help her. She is after all, "family".
Although I have thoroughly enjoyed every other book in this series, this is the first one to make me feel so emotional. Shattered & Scarred was my favourite before because the story stayed with me for so long. Fractured & Formidable may be my new favourite, or at least tie with S&S, because not only is Zander and Mandy's story an emotional one, the events happening outside their relationship will drag you through everything from happiness and amusement, to anger and sadness and basically a box or two of tissues.
Be warned, this one is a tearjerker.
AJ has done it again though, a fantastic instalment in The Sacred Hearts MC series.
Zander/"Revelator" and Mandy. This couple met in Broken & Burned as Mandy is Everett's best friend. Sparks flew between them but as Zander became a prospect, and the repercussions of a certain Lake Trip started to affect all those around him, Mandy was humiliated as she was forgotten about.
Now a full patch member with his life back on track, Zander aims to win Mandy back, but will she forgive and forget just like that. She certainly won't make it easy for him, that's for sure.
Mandy however, has her own problems to deal with. Despite moving in with Everett and Dray, she keeps going home every weekend and the problems continue. Zander and Dray are onto her though, and whether she wants them to or not, they are going to help her. She is after all, "family".
Although I have thoroughly enjoyed every other book in this series, this is the first one to make me feel so emotional. Shattered & Scarred was my favourite before because the story stayed with me for so long. Fractured & Formidable may be my new favourite, or at least tie with S&S, because not only is Zander and Mandy's story an emotional one, the events happening outside their relationship will drag you through everything from happiness and amusement, to anger and sadness and basically a box or two of tissues.
Be warned, this one is a tearjerker.
AJ has done it again though, a fantastic instalment in The Sacred Hearts MC series.
April 20, 2015
I was lucky enough to win an ARC of Fractured & Formidable. This book is a MUST READ for those who love The Sacred Hearts MC series. I couldn't wait to dig in to this book and get back to all my friends at the MC (Reaver, Hayden, Trigger, Ash, Dray, Evy, the whole crew!). Once I started, I just couldn't put it down! Like all of A.J.'s books, she jumps right back in to where we left off and keeps going full force until your fingers cramp from flipping pages.
The best part of this series are the friendships and families built up within the MC. The feelings A.J. develops between her characters and us only continue to build in this installment of the series. I laughed and cried while clinging to the story and characters that are at the heart of the series.
Don't miss this one!
And thank you A.J.!! :)
The best part of this series are the friendships and families built up within the MC. The feelings A.J. develops between her characters and us only continue to build in this installment of the series. I laughed and cried while clinging to the story and characters that are at the heart of the series.
Don't miss this one!
And thank you A.J.!! :)
September 19, 2018
If you have not read any of the other books in this series start now and don't read my review. Just know that this whole series will rock you to the core, and personally I would t want it any other way!
Tears!!! Big wracking sobs!!! That's what I had to go through to finish this book. I am so sad right now!
This was the best and saddest book of the series and I have to say I am afraid of what is to come. The plot thickens and I anxiously await another installment so I can see what the hell happens next. Reaver was probably my favorite character from the MC men and I am so sad to see him go but I know that there is a reason for it.
Tears!!! Big wracking sobs!!! That's what I had to go through to finish this book. I am so sad right now!
This was the best and saddest book of the series and I have to say I am afraid of what is to come. The plot thickens and I anxiously await another installment so I can see what the hell happens next. Reaver was probably my favorite character from the MC men and I am so sad to see him go but I know that there is a reason for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2016
I loved this book and hated it also. Loved to see Rev and Mandy get together. Sweet love story! Hated what happened to three of the characters - especially one. I balled like a baby - haven't cried that hard reading a book since Show the Fire - Signal Bend Series & Calm & Story - The Night Horde SoCal by Susan Fanetti. I love that a book can capture me that hard but at the same time I hate seeing some characters go - but it is a reality in the MC life. Anyway, looking forward the next book and hopefully the end of the Suicide King C..ts!!!!!
July 1, 2015
I've never wanted to truly cry when reading a book, but A.J. Downey has almost made the impossible happen. This book is mixed with sadness, heartbreak, and a love so pure it seems to be the only brightness in this book. I loved it even though a few parts ripped me to shreds. I will forever be a fan and can't wait to see how the main subplots winds down in the next book.
August 15, 2015
Zander and Mandy's love story was ok, a bit sappy for my liking though. That being said, they're a good add to the series mix. I would have liked a little more interaction with key series' characters before all the drama hit, but I absolutely adore Ms. Downey for her "no one's safe" writing style in the second half of this book, very "Game of Thrones"-esque.
August 1, 2015
Ok am I the only one that thinks he who died will come back?? I dont think hes dead! I may be holding out false hope but she wasn't allowed to look in the coffin or see him after he died!! I reckon hes gonna go under cover!!! Please please I so dont want him to have died!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2015
Heart broken!! I feel like I have lost someone I know and am grieving. What an emotional ride. I can't wait to see how things wrap up in the final book. What an amazing series. One of my favorites.
December 23, 2017
Let me tell you people are so upset about her killing off three major characters I don't see it that way yes with Chandra I was upset, but not so much with Rever and Grinder (hope they are really dead) didn't really care too much for those two. Grinder thought it was ok to try and put himself on Shelly just because she was once a sweetbutt, he didn't care that 1. It was thanksgiving, 2 she had been raped and 3 it wasn't a party where she came to get down and dirty but Shelly pulls her weight doing the books and helping with cleaning, cooking etc. That bothered me that he tried to force himself on her at a time like that. As hard as it would be on Hayden I think she would be better off without Reaver sad as that sounds. But no such luck. But heck no not with Cutter, just eww that man can't be trusted. And for the love of anything please stop using anyways as a word, here or there once in a while but the over use is killing me. ugh. But the storyline is a good one even with the grammar issues. Still with the really short men I wonder how they ride bikes so easily as short as they are, especially with someone on the back of the bike.. A man would have to be really hot for me to give him a second look when he dresses like a street punk. cut off shorts to below the knee and long johns even for furneral services he can't dress with respect? But Mandy and Rev story was sweet.
June 8, 2018
Well this was one hell of a tear jerker! The horrible shit that happens in this book, the lives lost due to this stupid MC war with the Suicide Kings is just fucking atrocious!!! What I don't understand is why these Suicide Kings are hell bent on avenging a man who brutally raped women? I guess the fact that most of their members are rapists says a whole lot, which is why I just like the Sacred Hearts so much, because they never hurt women or children, never!
With that being said, Zander and Mandy's story was pretty typical. Nothing phenomenal, nothing magical, it just was. I think the cutest thing with this couple was the height difference, like with Shelly and Ghost, both women were so much taller than their men and while its a bit strange I thought that change in dynamic was pretty cool. Zander and Mandy were cute together, she really needs to grow a back bone, she's to sensitive and fragile which is just plain at odds with her almost six foot height, other than that their story was cute.
So who is betraying the club? Who could have hurt these people the way they did? Who? I, for one, can't wait to find out!!!
With that being said, Zander and Mandy's story was pretty typical. Nothing phenomenal, nothing magical, it just was. I think the cutest thing with this couple was the height difference, like with Shelly and Ghost, both women were so much taller than their men and while its a bit strange I thought that change in dynamic was pretty cool. Zander and Mandy were cute together, she really needs to grow a back bone, she's to sensitive and fragile which is just plain at odds with her almost six foot height, other than that their story was cute.
So who is betraying the club? Who could have hurt these people the way they did? Who? I, for one, can't wait to find out!!!
April 15, 2018
Great MC
Love this series of MC brother from book 1 you read about all the brother they all make a little appearance we have read about Rev as a prospect then finally get his patch and he does not let us down with the alpha protectiveness that make up Scared hearts. Maddie was feed up with her home life and Rev was there to help the push and pull towards their HEA I highly recommend this book and author
Love this series of MC brother from book 1 you read about all the brother they all make a little appearance we have read about Rev as a prospect then finally get his patch and he does not let us down with the alpha protectiveness that make up Scared hearts. Maddie was feed up with her home life and Rev was there to help the push and pull towards their HEA I highly recommend this book and author
March 16, 2023
Don’t bother
I don’t leave 1 star reviews. I’d rather leave no review than 1 star.
I’m not sorry for leaving this one. You can’t write a series and then kill off 3 main characters in one single book. And I’m not buying any explanation of moving a story forward. You don’t do this to readers.
And it’s painfully obvious the direction one of the main character’s spouse is going to turn - ridiculous.
I don’t leave 1 star reviews. I’d rather leave no review than 1 star.
I’m not sorry for leaving this one. You can’t write a series and then kill off 3 main characters in one single book. And I’m not buying any explanation of moving a story forward. You don’t do this to readers.
And it’s painfully obvious the direction one of the main character’s spouse is going to turn - ridiculous.
April 12, 2023
What could go wrong with with a preachers daughter and a burly biker? Well, a lot could go wrong but Revelator and Mandy try their best to make things right and work out. It took some time to get together and to figure things out but it was so worth the wait. This is an emotionally intense, captivating and beautiful journey to go on. I enjoyed everything about this story.
November 19, 2016
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Why. Why did you do that? That was my favorite character out of the whole series and you just.....why????? I would stop reading and boycott the rest of the series but you write too damn good to just stop. BUT WHY?!!!!! I cried..........
Why. Why did you do that? That was my favorite character out of the whole series and you just.....why????? I would stop reading and boycott the rest of the series but you write too damn good to just stop. BUT WHY?!!!!! I cried..........
May 8, 2017
Omg I seriously think you just broke my heart. I've sobbed!
Why? Why did you have to do that to reaver and Hadley? They should of got their happy ever after!
Poor chander and Doc! This story nearly broke me!
Why? Why did you have to do that to reaver and Hadley? They should of got their happy ever after!
Poor chander and Doc! This story nearly broke me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2018
Mandy&Zander
An odd couple if there ever was one. These two come together through mutual friends. After some hurt, and trust issues that are back on track. The tragedy that strikes the Sacred Heart Family will have you spinning.
An odd couple if there ever was one. These two come together through mutual friends. After some hurt, and trust issues that are back on track. The tragedy that strikes the Sacred Heart Family will have you spinning.
January 1, 2019
Good
The book started out good, but was really slow getting started. Had it kept going like that, I would have given it a 3 star, however, it really took off and kept on going. So, a 4star it got. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
The book started out good, but was really slow getting started. Had it kept going like that, I would have given it a 3 star, however, it really took off and kept on going. So, a 4star it got. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 21, 2019
Keeps getting better
Wow. This series just keeps getting better. This book was heavy. Not a light read but soooooo good. I was about in tears with this one. No spoilers but get the Kleenex out.
Wow. This series just keeps getting better. This book was heavy. Not a light read but soooooo good. I was about in tears with this one. No spoilers but get the Kleenex out.
November 26, 2021
Pretty good read. The H/h fall in love pretty quick. Drama with rival club killing 3 mc. Reaver, Grinder and Chandra. h ends up pregnant. Ends with the men sending the women to Florida so they can get revenge on rival club.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2022
LOVED IT!
Thank god I love Ms AJ Downing and her storytelling!, and I say that because I dislike cliffhangers😣 I am so into the series, that I can't wait to get my hands on the book!
Thank god I love Ms AJ Downing and her storytelling!, and I say that because I dislike cliffhangers😣 I am so into the series, that I can't wait to get my hands on the book!
January 17, 2023
devastating
Another beautifully written story. I’m still emotionally wrecked by a main characters death. For me it was the equivalent of Opie dying from SOA. I will admit the loss of this character overshadowed the main love story but still worth 5 stars
Another beautifully written story. I’m still emotionally wrecked by a main characters death. For me it was the equivalent of Opie dying from SOA. I will admit the loss of this character overshadowed the main love story but still worth 5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews