Saving Us

Broken #2

by Heather D'Agostino

Our lives are filled with moments… Some that define us, and some that change us.

Madison Kennedy has been running from her past for years. She never thought any man could love her after Richard spent years tearing her down.

Then she met Cole…

Cole Walker did the unthinkable to protect his family, and has been carrying his secret deep inside himself since he was a teen.

What happens when the one we love pushes us to open those long buried fears? Will it make us stronger? Will it break us farther? Will we fight for the future we deserve?

Can Cole convince Maddie that she’s worth saving, or will fear step in and cause her to run? Find out in Saving Us.

Genres: Romance

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 2015

About the author

Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.

She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.

She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, two dogs, and three cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the dance studio, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’.

You can follow her here:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/H.DAgostino.Author

Twitter: @hdagostino001

Website: http://hdagostinobooks.weebly.com

Reader Group/ Street Team on Facebook:
Heather’s Hotties: https://www.facebook.com/groups/87786...

Reviews

[Ink Angels Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ink Angels Book Blog received an ARC of Saving Us in exchange for an honest review.

D'Agostino has done it again, hooked me with another great book, that is! Saving Us picked up right where you might expect, in the clutches of the major cliffhanger from the first book in the series, Irreparably Broken. Though, I love the suspense D'Agostino adds to this series, I cannot hide my relief that things seemed to smooth out rather quickly for Cole and Maddie.

And then the twist. I did not expect this book to end with a cliffhanger, but I have to say this one is even bigger than the first. This Ink Angel is excited to see what happens next.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Man!!!

If you ever think life would stay the same you're wrong ;) Someone will always throw a wrench 🔧 in and them your life upside down :) Keep reading ;)

[Melinda ~ Twinsie Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

Heather has done it again. She has a way of ending a story that has your heart stopping and leaves you needing more because you have to know that things will work out. She did that to me in Irreparable Broken when Richard, Maddie's Ex, attempted to take Cole out.

Now that Richard is going to stand trial for what he did he tries to get in Madison's head. Maddie blames herself for everything and pushes Cole away thinking he is safer without her. However, Cole's best friend, Wes *sigh*, gets involved and Maddie doesn't stand a chance.

Maddie finally tells her story and I want to jump in the book give her hugs and hold her hand through everything she has to deal with. I was so proud of her at the trial to face her fears and the monster face to face. We also see glimpse of Cole's past what he went through and how Wes and him grew close as kids more like brothers than friends and still are to this day.

Just when I thought things were going to get better Richard starts his head games. Cole's sister, Angela, came in town and is helping take care of Cole when Richard starts threatening everyone Maddie knows. Well taking no chances Cole assigns Wes bodyguard duty on Angie. Well Angie is none to pleased with her brother or her new shadow. WOW can you feel the tension in the air because I sure can. Angie wants Wes to look at her as a woman and not as Coles baby sister. So now she is on a mission to make Wes Jealous.

The ending I have no words I stared at the last page for minutes after reading the last line. OH NO! Not this not now. What just happened?!?! Heather has such a way with Cliff hangers and it’s a good thing I have My Broken Angel ready to go. Oh lands I need to know if things will work out, what's going to happen! UGH these endings are Killers.

A few of my favorites:

“I know,” I gazed down at her and placed a kiss on her forehead. “We can’t go this long apart again. I’ve missed you too much to lose this ever again. Promise me that you’re going to stop running. Promise me we’re not ever going to lose this connection we have.”

“I’m drowning the bad. I’m gonna fill you with so much good that the bad doesn’t have any room.”

Cole’s need to put me first was one thing that made me open up and let him in. He always knew what I needed at just the right time, and I wondered how I’d ever be able to explain what that meant to me.

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHUT. THE. FRONT. DOOR!

BEST ENDING EVER...................


I beta read this book for the author for an honest opinion.

Did ya read Irreparably Broken?? Then you KNOW how it ended right??? Well let me say that our dear author still kicks butt in this book and leaves us WANTING AND WAITING for book 3!! She is a really mean lady in case you didn’t know…but I still love her like a sister from another mister.

So this book starts with Maddie a mess and hiding from Cole. She is going to push him away so as to keep him safe from Richard. (In case you didn’t know ,this is the hashtag for this book #DieRichardDie) Well that doesn’t last long as they soon find themselves back together thanks to the meddling of Wes, Cole’s best friend/Brother from another mother. Also I am claiming #TeamWes and you ladies better keep your hands OFF!! Right Heather? Right? I get Wes right?? PA-LEASE!!!!!!!!

So Cole is really laying his heart out for Maddie and letting her know that she is it for him. Maddie finally tells Cole, and us readers, about the LAST TIME with Richard. OMG I don’t know if I was mad at the world for letting that stuff happen or Mad at Heather for letting it happen to Maddie!! LOL AS much as Maddie is opening up, our Cole is hiding his demons from childhood that shows us the bond between him and Wes.

So as you can expect, Richard (#DieRichardDie) causes a lot of drama for Maddie and even goes to trial to DEFEND the attack on Cole. Well I was never as proud of Maddie as I was the day she looks Richard in the eye and tells her story…her truth….her abuses. YAY MADDIE!! BUUUUT in true Heather form, will she let this book end nice and HEA …NOPE, she gives us a gut wrenching cliffy….Ladies, it might be worse than the last book and it is a killer ending.

The side story for this book is Wes and his demons/ex-girlfriend who destroyed his heart. Plus, I am loving the spunky Angela, Cole’s sister, who moves in with Cole after her life falls apart. The scene with the two frenemies talking about what Angela catches Wes doing on the sofa…Omg soooooooo funny!!

[Roz {from Wicked Babes Blog Reviews} · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gifted an Advanced Readers Copy for an honest review.

In Saving Us, the story picks up with Maddie and Cole after the crazy cliffhanger at the end or Irreparably Broken. I was definitely anxious to get into the story and see how things would unfold in their relationship. The frustrating part about this novel for me was that it seemed like too much was happening in one book. With the direction this story is going, I understand that Heather was trying to set up her plot for book three. However, there was so much squeezed into this story, and it was happening so fast, it took away from the believability factor. Things seemed to be handled with more care in book one than in book two.

I'm a huge fan of dialogue. I really am--but there is something to be said for narrative paragraphs. The depth that I was looking for in book one was lacking even more in book two. The dynamics in the relationship between Maddie and Cole, Cole and Angela, and Cole and Wes felt under appreciated. There's just so much baggage in each of those relationships that I got frustrated with the ease at which certain situations were handled. Conflict came and went and I had a hard time tracking why characters were acting a certain way, considering what I knew about them. I just think it could have been smoother and more believable had I had more explanation; if I had the chance to be in Cole and Maddie's heads more than in their dialogue.

Aside from the disconnect I felt in this story, it did leave the door wide open for another novel. I will say that nothing that bothered me in this novel would hinder me from seeing how the story ends. Heather is very good at leaving you wanting more.

[Jennifer Zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets a 4.5 from me as you HAVE to read book 1. This book picks up right where 1 leaves off. Cole has been stabbed, Maddie is back in a hole, and Richard is in charge. Can they finally find their way?
Maddie cant believe she has let Cole get injured because of her. She knew Richard was in charge. How could she have fooled herself into thinking otherwise? She has known shed never be able to have a "normal" life. And now Theres more people pulled into her dangerous situation.... Coles sister Angela has her own problems, and as she starts to take care of Coles wounds he fins out why she really came home. And then theres Wes, Coles best friend. Wes also owns the fight club where Maddie has been learning to take care of herself. She knows she must shut out Cole for his own protection, but it gets both harder and easier each day. Then one day she cant avoid Cole any more. So she listens as he tells his story. And she realizes shes holding back for the wrong reasons. Cole needs her as much as she needs him.
As Richard makes his presence more and more known, even showing up and sending gifts, Cole and Maddie realize he isnt playing right now. Richard goes so far as to bring Angela into his threats. Maddie can only barely keep her head above water as she fights through all her memories, and everything happening now.
AGAIN this book leaves off at a bad place. I enjoy cliff hangers but do not care for books that end in the middle of a scene. This one is at least a little better than the first ending.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
WARNING: This book has scenes that contain domestic violence including sexual assualt.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Us by Heather D'Agostino is the second book in her Broken series. This is the concluding book in Cole and Madison's touching story.

When we met Madison she was skittish and afraid but with Cole's help she's learning to handle things herself. We learn some more about Cole's past and his friendship with Wes as well as get to meet COle's sister Angela. Without delivering any spoilers, the conclusion was dramatic and angsty and a bit suspenseful. Abuse can come in many forms and should never be taken lightly.

Again told in dual POV, the pacing of this book picked up compared to the last one and flowed really well.

The Series:

[Avid Reader Amy's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

Saving Us picks up where Irreparably Broken left off. Maddie is struggling with the aftermath of Richard reappearing and attempting to wreak havoc on her life. Maddie ultimately blames herself. She feels that by being around Cole and the others made them targets for Richards’s attacks. I love Maddie’s character and in this book she is at a crossroads in her life. She can either allow Richard to win or she can fight back and take control of her life. I am glad that she chooses to fight. That girl needs happiness.
We find out more about Cole’s past in this book. In the first book we could piece together what we thought had happened but in this one the author gives us the story. Cole had a hellish upbringing at the hands of his father. When you find out what Cole did, you understand why he did it. He had to save his family, even if it meant he went down for it. When we learn about Cole’s past we are given glimpses at Wes’. He and Cole have been through a lot together and it is good to finally find out more about them. The new addition of Cole’s sister Angela to the mix, is setting up a storyline that I can not wait to read.
D’Agostino proves again that she knows what she is doing when it comes to writing compelling romances. I look forward to reading more books from this author.

[Eva Mcfarden · Rating 4 out of 5]

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4.75 stars




An incredible story told with every emotion compelling you to keep reading.

After enduring her ex's abuse for years, Maddie has taken the first step toward finding herself again.

Now facing the truth of how her ex, Richard, is still controlling her life, she steps away from the one person she trusts. After Richard shoots Cole, Maddie pulls away from her life with Cole, to protect him. Richard pushes this when he tells her, Cole is not who you think he is.

Keeping to herself at work and home, her progress of moving on with her life has come to an end. Feeling the guilt, shame and humiliation from the recent events, she has walked away from herself and everyone else.

Cole is stuck, he doesn't know what he should do. He knows he wants Maddie, but he's afraid when he tells her what he did in his past, she will never come back.

Hope, faith, love and sacrifice are the emotional pulls through out this story. Watching each character process their own feelings from their past to their present. This is a compelling journey for all this story's characters pasts and presents and it will keep you enthralled to the end.

[Books 2 Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Broken Series, and the next part in Maddie and Cole's story. Okay so this book picks up where Irreparably Broken ends. I will be honest, I was a little annoyed with Maddie at the start of this book; I understood that she was trying to protect Cole, but I didn't agree with the way she went about it. Cryptic? maybe, but I don't do reviews with spoilers, I will say that she does redeem herself.

This book was shorter than the first, but was no less intense. There were plenty of angst filled pages and the author built the suspense at just the right pace. My views on the characters have remained the same throughout, Cole is definitely someone I would be proud to call a friend.

I felt that this book focused more on Cole's past, and to say my heart hurt for the boy that he was would be an understatement. I am so glad he had a great friend growing up, someone that was there for him and helped him to become the man that he is today. It just makes me want to know more about Wes. Talking about Wes, in this book his character brought a few much needed laughs.

Again another great read, and another cliff hanger ending...argh. Luckily My Broken Angel is already waiting for me.

B2B Lesley

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recently on my blog The Book Beacon, I reviewed Book 1: Irreparably Broken. Saving Us is the second installment to the story. I thought it was the conclusion (as mentioned in the official blurb) to the series, but there is more in store for Maddie, Cole, Wes, and Angela.

Book 2 begins 3 weeks after Book 1 ends, and both Maddie and Cole are miserable. There is a lot of drama in this one: breakups, reunions, heated arguments, courtroom drama, family secrets... We also get to know Wes and Angela better as they also have some personal baggage to deal with. Richard is a great villain, and he knows how to manipulate and intimidate Madison. She has to decide which voice to listen to: Cole's Richard's or her own. Usually when faced with "flight or fight," Madison runs. Her relationship with Cole inspires her to fight for a future, but Richard brings his A game in keeping her down.

Some of my issues with the first book carry over into this one, but overall I did enjoy Saving Us. It is about a couple in search of a fresh start while healing from past experiences. The author tees up some good stuff for Book 3, and I look forward to reading more about Wes and Angela.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY. FREAKING. COW!!! Heather is one of my absolute favorite authors and since book one ended in such a dang cliffhanger (I was yelling at her when I finished it) I jumped at the chance to beta read for this one. I had such high expectations for this book because book 1 was AMAZING. I can honestly say that she far exceeded my expectations because this one was even more amazing than the first and I truly didn't think that was possible. Maddie and Cole are one of my favorite book couples ever and this series is one I will add to my paperback bookshelf. I love that the characters are so well developed and the author writes them in such a way that you feel as though they are your best friends. Not to mention the secondary characters are such a huge part of this book and add another level to it. I can't wait to read Wes' book because quite honestly I think he has quite the story to tell. This series, actually let me rephrase, every book that Heather writes are all MUST reads. This book deserves more than just 5+++ AMAZEBALLS stars!!

Review by Tabitha

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Us picks up where book one leaves off. Cole is recovering from his encounter with Maddie’s ex. Maddie backs away because she thinks that’s how she can protect Cole.

While book one had a focus on Maddie working through her past issues, book two is more about Cole facing his past. He and Maddie do realize they need each other through the tough times they’re facing. And their love grows strong as they go up against Maddie’s ex.

Strangely enough I ended up loving the side characters in this book a lot. Wes, who we knew from book one, is Cole’s best friend and boss. We also get to know Cole’s sister Angela. I adore the two of them and can’t wait for book 3 which shifts to their story.

The plot was good. I did like this better than book one. I felt like there was more emotional processing and growth in the characters than I felt in book one. Even though I didn’t connect strongly with the main characters, I still enjoyed their story.

[Lita Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Us (Broken, #2) by Heather D’Agostino picks up where book 1 left off. Richard had stabbed Cole while he and Madison where in the club. Now Cole is trying to recover but instead of Madison aka Maddie taking care of him Cole’s sister is. Maddie has decided to stay away from Cole for his own safety and to keep Richard from causing any more damage. Once Cole and Maddie are able to find their way back to each other Cole now has to get his best friend and boss Wes to help him keep not only Maddie safe but his sister Angela from the threats made by Richard. In this story we learn there is or was something going on between Angela and Wes. We are given just enough to want to know what happened between them. At first I was mad with Maddie in the way she was acting towards Cole but you just can’t help loving them two. I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. I give this story 4 stars. This story ends in cliffhanger which has you wanting to read the next book ASAP.

[Kelly with Sugar Shack Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the way we all were left hanging with Irreparably Broken I was dying to read Saving Us!! Heather is one of my absolute favorite go to authors and she definitely once again blew me away!!

This story for me was filled with so much emotions and all the back and forth that Maddie went through just broke my heart. For me Maddie and Cole are characters that you are hoping for them to get their happy ending, together! The chemistry between these two characters is amazing, along with some drama and angst you can't go wrong!!

Heathers writing and adding some plot twists worked perfectly in Saving Us. Of course we were left hanging and now once again dying for the next one.

I would definitley recommend this book to everyone. Heather is an amazing writer and I can't wait for all that she has to come in the future!

[R.C. Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this story more. After reading book one, I was looking forward to this novel because I wanted to see how things would resolve. Irreparably Broken ended so abruptly and and there was no way I was going to abandon Maddie and Cole's story; but this book moved so quickly that I think concepts were skimmed over and plot development suffered a little bit. One thing was happening right after another without really exploring why. I wanted more depth. The potential was there but it wasn't taken advantage of. That bothered me.

Having said that, the story does pick up right where Irreparably Broken left off. I was definitely interested enough to stay invested. There is also great potential for another story and I'm curious to see how Heather unpacks a different relationship with Wes and Angela while cleaning up the seemingly never ending conflict that haunts Cole and Maddie.

[Sarah Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a bit longer to read this book than I would've liked due to family commitments and I really wanted to finish it....I think this book was better than the first one you could just see how much Maddie had grown as a person and how much stronger she was and I really liked her. Domestic abuse is a hard subject to write about on its own as it is but I really think Ms D'Agostino really does it justice, I loved Cole and I love how he protected her and loved her even with his own past!!! Wes was just fab and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Until I started the broken series I'd never read anything from this author but I've already added 4 books to my tbr of hers :) that list just gets longer and longer this is definitely one author i'll be following!!!

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I had this book to carry straight on from the first, I don't think I would have coped if id had to wait long for this book. I had very high hopes for this book as book one blow me away, and I definitely weren't disappointed one bit, this book is even better than the first if that's even possible. the same fantastic characters that you met and fell in love with in the first book just get better in this book. the secondary characters pay a huge part in this book as well which helps bring the story together nicely. I definitely cant wait to read the next book and more from this author.

highly recommended

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[Sarah Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for an honest Review from the Author and Enticing Journey

This picks up straight after Irreparably Broken's cliffhanger.

You find out more of Cole's story, you think you have an idea after the first book but knowing is so emotional and you love him more.

Loved the side characters more in this book, Wes and Angela, and can't wait to read what happens with them.

Jesus another cliffhanger bigger then the first! Pure Evil/Genuis

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[Hopelessly Hooked on Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Cole and Maddie in book one, and book two was no different. I was kinda upset at Maddie for treating Cole like that, because all Cole wanted was to love her and help her. But because of Maddie's past with Richard, I knew she had a hard time believing in the good of a man.
The end of this book is, well, it sucks, because it is a HUGE cliffhanger and I am not very good with cliffhangers!!! But I cannot wait to find out what happens

[Kristi Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!

I love Cole and Maddie. They are so good together, how they fill in the cracks of each other souls. Cole teaching Maddie that she is a beautiful loving person and her teaching him that his childhood did not make him a monster.
Heather has done such a wonderful job at showing just how these two wonderful people keep touching each other's souls.
Once again Heather is the master at leaving you panting for the next book in the series!!

[Helen Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 Saving us

Maddie and Cole were taking things slow in there relationship but with her ex threatening to undo all of that to get Maddie back where she belongs he goes to the extreme and Maddie feels guilty about what happened to Cole on a night out due to her ex she can't face Cole. Until one day when she meets wes who has been Coles best mate for years after Maddie talks to wes she thinks that her and Cole can be together but will it turn out like that for them?

[Marcie Wegner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Heather D'Agostino did it again. The characters became even more complete in book 2 of the Broken series, Saving Us. My children had to wait for dinner because I was so engrossed in the book. The story was that well written. But then she leaves us hanging AGAIN. I cannot wait for the next book to come out to find out what happens. Can't you write any faster?

[Shaunna Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison is hiding from everything. Richard is in jail, and she's not sure if hes going to stay in or get out. Cole is trying to hold everything together now that Maddie has left him. Cole wants to protect his family and Maddie more than ever now. Will Maddie give in to Cole, or will Richard destroy her even more?

[Stacy Chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a cliff hanger...

This series has been one twisty after another. I loved that everything is going well in Maddie and Coles relationship, finally. I really like Wes' character and I am realty looking forward to reading his and Angela's story.I am glad how this book ended for Richard, but I am eager to see what happens next.

[Katharine Cordy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole has to tell his secret so Madison can know what her ex is trying to do. I think this book shows how broken both of them really are. There are more flashbacks to both of their abuse.
I'm completely drawn into this world. It shows so much truth to what can go on in relationships like this. I can feel them trying to heal and understand each other. Very well done.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather I must compliment you on another well written book. You had me hooked and dragged in from the start. I never expected that spiff hanger. Wow! On to the next one.

[Sandra Flannery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving us

Saving Us was a great read. I really enjoyed the story and can not wait to read the next book!

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the story Cole and Maddison ride a emotional roller coaster. Maddie annoyed me at times but only because she couldn't see past her nose!
Love the introduction into Angela's life to come!

[Jules M. Swyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 2 of Maddie & Cole’s story...pretty good read. Will continue to Book 3.