Her boyfriend is in prison. His gang promised they'd look after her... Then they dumped a violent, unwanted stranger in her home without even telling her his name.
THE FERAL FUGITIVE & THE RELUCTANT REFUGE
Sawyer accepted the gang life, and everything that came with it. When her boyfriend went to prison his gang promised to look after her. They then dumped a wounded, wanted, violent stranger in her home and told her to keep him there, and keep him happy.
Join them on a tale of dark romance, forced proximity, and the exceptionally dangerous ex-military man they stranded her with as they navigate lust, love, and loyalties.
Wife & Husband Authoring Duo Independently Publishing Dark & Pitch Black Romance
The pair started their journey as soulmates in 2011, and as authors in early 2025, after years of obsession with Dark Romance. It quickly turned into a passion, with their first two novels being published in 2025 to some fantastic reviews.
Now with another project in the works, and a few more in the pipeline, the pair are set to continue carving out their little piece of the dark romance world, together.
This was bloody fantastic. I couldn't put it down. I loved both the main characters in this and their banter and connection was so well done. It was fast paced, dark, funny and wholesome. Highly recommend! I need more Sawyer and Nik though, like tomorrow.
“How do you transport a man the size of a Nissan Micra up a flight of stairs when you weigh the same as a moped”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Right so I finished reading Broken on a train to Manchester and was left staring out of the window (for good reasons) for far longer than is socially acceptable, and poor old Stanley (the stranger who found himself sat next to me) had absolutely no interest in what I had to say about this book….rude I know!!
So now I’ve had 24 hours since finishing Broken, I’ve managed to find all of my human words to write the review.
JH Norris will confirm that my initial comment was “what the helly” and I stand by it. 239 pages of the funniest chaos I have read in the longest time.
Fast paced, good plot, phenomenal characters and all the spicy spice that I know even had Stanley blushing. Honestly someone needs to find me a Sawyer in the real word because everyone needs a bestie like her. Her inner and mostly outer monologue had me giggling LOUDLY. The banter between Sawyer and Nik even when murderous is exceptionally funny I literally could not get enough of this duo!
The writing was my favourite part, no pomp or ceremony, written as if the story was being told by my mate and I genuinely LOVED that. It was real and unapologetically itself!
Every page was a joy! A great book written by the best kind of people!!! Get it on your TBRs immediately!
Favourite Quotes: - “Is the temperature okay for you?” I ask kind of absent-mindedly. Yes, Sawyer, because all gangland killers have the same skin sensitivity as newborn babies.” - “Sawyer, sweetie, honey, little darling, this is a murder scene. You cannot sit and swoon because he called you beautiful before making dead guy dead” - “Am I walking like a human? How do you walk again?” and then you realise you’ve also forgotten how to breathe. So you breathe deeper, and now your underwire is digging into your chest and just exacerbating things.” - “And yet, the man who nearly bludgeoned me with his penis twelve hours ago......has still not shared his name...”
This book completely owned me from beginning to end. I had the privilege of reading it first as a beta reader and then again as an ARC reader, and I can honestly say I’ll probably read it a third time just because I can’t let Nik and Sawyer go. Sawyer’s story broke my heart. After such a difficult childhood and carrying those scars into adulthood, watching her navigate life felt so real and emotional. Then Nik literally crashes into her world, and from that moment on I was hooked. He is everything Sawyer never knew she needed. He sees her, understands her, and loves every part of her without hesitation. Nik is the definition of a perfect book boyfriend, attentive, patient, supportive, and completely devoted. I loved that he never tried to change Sawyer or take away her choices. Instead, he stood beside her, letting her find her own way while loving her wholeheartedly through it all. The dynamic between these two was absolutely everything. The chemistry, the tenderness, the healing, and the way they fit together made this story impossible to put down. Nik and Sawyer have officially claimed a permanent place in my heart, and I have no doubt other readers will fall in love with them too. An unforgettable read that I’ll happily revisit again and again.
Sawyer has no luck with men starts off she going to the court hearing of her boyfriend and yes he's guilty
She has no education no job so she has to rely on the group of men to survive but men have always been the issue dad use to sa and boyfriend didn't last long before Turing her neck green brown and yellow
One day of quite and comfort eating, Harry turns up and say you need to let this man live with you
With no choice as they are both hostages they form a aggremnt of rules where he cooks and feed her vegetables and she dose the cleaning they share the tv custody he share his love of hockey with her
But first she has to help him to shower and find he has no clothing so a pink pastel hoodie with cupcakes will have to do
There was loads of little one liner joke throughout this book that just made it so much more enjoyable for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Everything about this book sounded like something I would absolutely devour..
Mafia, revenge, morally fmc,touch her and 💀… seriously, what’s not to love?
Unfortunately, I struggled with this story the pacing was just entirely too slow for me, and I kept waiting for something to happen that would finally pull me into the story… but that didn’t happen
I even read up a few chapters and found somethings that things pick up much later, and event then I tried to go back to push through until I couldn’t anymore..
And as much as I hate to say it, I ultimately decided to DNF. 🤦🏽♀️
I’m genuinely grateful to the author for the opportunity to read this story. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.
I’ve never enjoyed a Dark Romantic comedy like this! I devoured, just lapped this sh*t up, Sawyer is the definition of a woman finding her strength and self worth again. My heart was ripped out of my chest, I was gut punched and I was put back together again watching Sawyer navigate the cluster F**k of a situation she had 0 control over, I loved forced proximity and this was written in so well. Nik is everything she needed, his trauma helped him save her, while sawyer might be quickly infatuated with Nik, he’s all about her, the quiet giant who will ruin anyone who hurts her. Being 230 something pages I felt the plot moved along perfectly, not wasting time dragging in situations, not chapters of self pity and just enough glimpse of the toxicity her ex bought to the relationship, the plot twist and the ending, chefs kiss…. Maybe room for a book two, even though all eyes are on the brief meet with Liska, the strongest woman who isn’t going to let you sit in self pity and she absolutely isn’t going to have you half arsed love your man. You’re in or you’re out. Really well done. Strong recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Broken follows the story of Sawyer and Nik and their complicated relationship. This is a very on the edge of your seat. You don't know which way the story is going to go. Really good read. Might be dark for some. I loved it. I read this as a ARC reader.
Swayer. Oh, that poor baby. 💔 This girl has been dragged through hell since childhood, and “Daddy” is an absolutely disgusting excuse for a human being. And don’t even get me STARTED on the disgusting nature of his “work”. 🤢
I’ll admit, at first, Swayer came across as annoyingly selfish, and I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of her. But girl, GET YOUR LIFE! You go, QUEEN! 👑🔥
Learning the truth about her life made me rethink every single one of my first impressions of Swayer. Suddenly, the things I’d questioned began to make sense, and my heart hurt for the girl behind the person I’d initially judged.
Then Nik is quite literally thrown onto her perfect kitchen table, and her entire world is ripped out from underneath her. Ooooooh, BOY! 😂🔥 But as it turns out? It’s ripped apart for all the right reasons.
Because Nik? NIK. 🖤
This man is a god in his own right, wielding unholy power, yet somehow, with all that darkness and power, he is so impossibly, devastatingly perfect for Swayer. It’s as though his entire existence was moulded to fit hers. Their lives were entwined from the very beginning, without either of them ever knowing it. Two different sides of the same coin. Salt to her pepper. And every single cell in that man’s body feels as though it was made to understand, read, and unravel every part of Swayer.
HE WAS MADE FOR HER. And I will not be taking questions at this time. 😭🖤
I’ve been lucky enough to experience this book as a beta reader rather than simply picking it up as an ARC. I’ve had the privilege of following its journey from those raw, first written words all the way through to its finalised form. I’ve watched it evolve, and I’ve been there for the journey.
And do you know what?
There has never been a single moment when I haven’t enjoyed every word I’ve read.
Getting to witness a story grow from its earliest beginnings into the finished book is a privilege in itself, and being part of this particular journey has been something special.
This book has had me feeling ALL the things, and I wouldn’t change a single second of it. 🖤
And GOOD LORD, THE SPICE! 😂🔥🥵
The hard, violent, painfully blissful, toe-curling kind of spice that has you questioning your own ability to form a coherent thought! 🫠 But beneath all that deliciously feral intensity, there’s something so much deeper happening between these two.
Because both Swayer and Nik carry trauma. Heavy trauma. The kind that doesn’t simply disappear because life moves on. They carry it in different ways, and beneath the power, the passion, and all that beautifully unhinged chemistry, there are two people who have been through hell in their own right.
And when Swayer begins to realise just how much pent-up trauma Nik has been carrying for years, something about their intimacy takes on an entirely different meaning.
She’s not just seeing the god of unholy power. She’s seeing the man beneath it all. The hurt he’s carried, the weight he’s been holding, and the things he has kept buried for far too long.
These two aren’t just burning each other up; they’re seeing each other in ways that go far beyond the physical.
And THAT is what makes the combination of their darkness, their trauma, their connection, and their absolutely feral chemistry hit so hard. 🖤🔥
Honestly, I came for the story, stayed for the characters, and somewhere along the way, Nik became everybody’s problem. 😂🥵
Poor Sawyer. This girl has been through enough already, and then her boyfriend’s gang decides to dump a wounded, dangerous man in her house and basically tells her to deal with it. Like WHAT?!
And then there’s Nik. Big, broody, intimidating, and a man of very few words. But underneath all that? There’s so much more to him, and I really loved getting to see those different sides of him.
The chemistry between these two was SO good! I loved the tension, the banter, and the way their relationship slowly developed into something more. They both have so much trauma from their pasts, and watching them find some comfort in each other was honestly really sweet. Nik’s protective side? Yeah, I was here for it.
Sawyer’s backstory absolutely broke my heart. The more I learned about what she’d been through, the more I understood why she was the way she was. I loved seeing her finally start standing up for herself and realizing that she deserved so much better than the life she’d been living.
Now, as much as I enjoyed these two, there were a few things that kept this from being a higher-rated read for me.
The biggest was how quickly some of the danger and suspense played out. Things would suddenly get intense, and then just as quickly, everything seemed to be resolved. I wanted a little more buildup, a little more explanation, and honestly just more time for certain moments to really hit. Some of the twists definitely caught me off guard, but I feel like they could’ve packed a bigger punch.
That being said, the dark humor had me laughing, the spice was SPICING, and Sawyer and Nik had some genuinely sweet moments that I loved. I also really enjoyed how completely ridiculous some of their interactions were.
I just wish certain parts of the plot had been fleshed out a little more because I think it would’ve made such a difference. Sawyer and Nik definitely made this one worth reading, though!
I was so lucky to be given an advanced reader copy of this book and I'm in LOVE with Sawyer and Nik. This is one of the best dark romance books I've ever read. At the beginning I was nervous to start as I was expecting lots of heartbreak but thankfully there was none in this story. I love how devoted and obsessed Nik was with Sawyer from the beginning and I loved their whole grumpy/Sunshine personalities. If I was Sawyer I'd never stop jumping that perfect man. He's officially on my fictional husband's list and I need a physical copy of this book to add to my bookshelf as this book left a big impression on me.
I devoured it whole and could not put it down. The ending was so satisfying and that plot twist at the end had me shocked. I had no idea Harry was ykw (not spoiling anything for new readers) my heart goes out to strong Sawyer for everything she went through between her childhood and Dan but still made it out strong as ever. Nik came into her life at just the right moment and saved her life while turning it upside down in the best ways.
I need to read more books from J. H. Norris asap cuz I'm hopelessly in love and I was truly so honoured to be apart of this books journey. I also loved the scenes with the Bastards. They seemed cool and interesting and I would love to read a story of theirs sometimes.
I wish I could give this story more than 5 stars cuz it deserves all the stars in the world. This book made my heart fall in love with it and beat harder each time while reading it. I'm so glad I never missed reading this fantastic book. Sawyer and Nik will forever hold a special place in my heart.
From the very beginning, you know Sawyer is trapped.
A single flashback is enough to show she’s had a rough childhood, and it almost feels like she doesn’t even know who she is anymore. She just does what she’s told.
Then there’s Nik…Big. Hulking. Silent. Broody.
He doesn’t waste words, and even though he barely says much, somehow every single thing he does say lands exactly where it needs to.
Their chemistry is this quiet, simmering pull that becomes ridiculously addictive. You know that whole two tortured, broken souls gravitating towards each other with an unstoppable magnetic pull?
Yup. That’s them.
“Hey, Little Darling…”
The tension between these two is almost feverish. Nik is so controlled, always holding himself back just enough to make the anticipation unbearable.
And then:
“Pspspsps”
I was completely gone!!!
The first time they finally collide? Completely intoxicating. There’s so much emotion wrapped up in the way they claim each other, and that part absolutely worked for me. Although… I wouldn’t have said no to a little more detail. I do love a thoroughly descriptive scene. (IYKYK)
The glimpses into Sawyer’s childhood were heartbreaking and had me feeling very stabby-stabby towards her “daddy.”
One thing I did struggle with was the danger side of the story. There’s quite a big jump when it comes in, and then everything turns around very quickly without much explanation behind it.
But the reveal of who “Daddy” actually was? Yeah… I did not expect that. I’d already assumed he was firmly part of Sawyer’s past, so that definitely caught me off guard.
Broken is a dark romance that had me hooked from start to finish!!
I absolutely loved the relationship between Sawyer and Nik! The banter between them was so good and the tension kept me wanting more, especially with it being just so British. Nik is exactly the kind of morally grey MMC I love. He’s protective, would do anything for Sawyer and I love the way it’s put across. He’s not big on words but his actions show how far he’s willing to go. Also shoutout Liska for being my favourite side character!
The flashbacks into Sawyer’s childhood were also a really nice touch. They gave more insight into everything she’d been through and made seeing her growth throughout the book even more meaningful.
For me, the ending was done so well! Seeing Harry and Dan finally get what was coming to them was so satisfying. But one moment that really stood out was Sawyer finally being able to put Reddy bear away because she was no longer scared. Such a small moment that showed just how far she’d come and I absolutely loved it!
Overall, this book had everything I love in a dark romance. The tension, the banter, a protective morally grey MMC and characters you genuinely root for. I loved seeing Sawyer finally get the happiness and security she deserved.
Thank you to the authors for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoy my madness. Oh I absolutely loved this book!!! An absolute 10/10 for me. I loved Nik and Sawyer's story and how they came to be. "Demon Edition Deadpool"~Sawyer "She’ll crave me like I crave her."~Nik "No amount of hot makes up for that amount of crazy. He will tear you limb from limb."~Sawyer I admire Sawyer and how she kept going even when things got tough. I love that she was really just there for the ride. My heart breaks for her childhood and what she went through and then what she went through in her adulthood. Sawyer is sarcastic, absolutely funny, and very very committed to being herself. I love that even though she doesn't know who Nik is at first it doesn't stop her from annoying him. And I love how after everything happens she gets her happiness. I loved Nik and how sassy and sarcastic he was, especially with Sawyer. I love how to learned to read her moods and how to calm her down. I love that he respects her "no" and never crosses a line. I love how protective he was of her to the point of going after Harry. I did not like Harry's trick with Dan...like at all. I love that after everything is done Nik takes measures to make sure Sawyer has her happiness. I WAS NOT READY FOR THAT PLOT TWIST!!!!! This was a great book to show that even when broken you still have rights, and that you're still a human that matters.
I have been very lucky to be an ARC reader for Broken!
It's a dark romance comedy, and it definitely had me giggling!
Not only did this book make me laugh, but it also made me angry about how the FMC, Sawyer, has been treated. The flashbacks are heartbreaking, too.
I loved seeing how Sawyer is with the MMC, Nik, especially when he's cooking. Being annoying is me all over with my fiancé!
Broken had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I kept wanting to pick it back up and find out more about how their relationship would grow and how the other situations would play out.
Through being an ARC reader, I've discovered a new author whose books I will definitely be reading in the future, and hopefully I'll be lucky enough to be an ARC reader for them again!
I feel like this book could work as a standalone, but we could also get a sequel or even a prequel. Personally, I'd love both a second book and a prequel!
As always, please check the trigger warnings. My tastes and what I'm comfortable reading might not be for everyone, but if you enjoy this genre, I think you'll love Broken!
My heart ached for Sawyer throughout this entire journey, the sheer amount of trauma and emotional turmoil she had to endure at the hands of the men in her life was heartbreaking. It felt like she was constantly being pushed to her breaking point with nowhere left to turn, and the weight of her struggles really resonated with me. Thankfully, she had Reddy by her side the entire time, acting as a vital anchor when everything else in her world was falling apart.
Then there is Nik, who completely stole the show. He is the ultimate broody book boyfriend the perfect blend of intensity and hidden softness. The chemistry between him and Sawyer was absolutely palpable, leaping off the pages and keeping me glued to the story from start to finish. Watching him step up to provide such unwavering support during her most vulnerable moments was incredibly touching and made their bond feel so earned and authentic. I genuinely loved this story and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an emotional, high stakes romance!
A little slow to start but it really picked up. Fast paced, unique plot and well developed characters. Your heart breaks for Sawyer’s past. I do wish we got a little bit more of Nik’s pov. Sawyer’s inner monologue was my favorite part. She is hilarious, witty and sarcastic. The twist at the end I did not see coming during the meeting at the club. Makes a lot of sense though. I do wish we got a bit more HEA but overall an enjoyable read.
“What you want, what you can take, and what is truly given, are not the same thing.”
“I’d rather sit on a sledge hammer and put my tits in bear traps than deal with this shit.”
“the hitman’s whore and I wear it like a fucking crown when it feels like this.”
“Die on my feet rather than live on my knees.”
• Forced Proximity • Morally Grey MMC • Touch Her and Die • Obsessed & Possessive • Only Soft for Her • He Falls First • Grumpy x Sunshine • Bratty, Witty, Strong FMC • Ex-Military MMC
Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
Broken. The Feral Fugitive and the Reluctant Refuge. My thoughts about Sawyer and Nik in Broken.
Favorite quotes: « It happening to him, doesn’t undo it from happening to you » in chapter 1.
Chap 15. « No bullet holes in the bathroom » Oh dear god! This is excellent.
I really loved Sawyer and Nik. Individually they are both super likable. Sawyer because she is smartass but also insecure. Nik because he is just hilarious, even when he doesn’t talk. And when he finally talks or when we’re in his head, he’s just a huge green flag disguised as a grump. Green flag because of how he reacts to a few things : not taking advantage of Sawyer, about consent, about everything he notices silently. Together, they make sense in the story. It works for me. Probably because of the amount of observing Nik does. (It feels that Nik is the adult in the relationship.)
I loved Broken. It’s fast paced, stays interesting. I would have liked more of it. Fingers crossed for more books by JH Norris.
"I hate him. I love him. Im glad he's gone. I miss him"
"There were plenty of fun times, good times, wild times, hard times"
I Loved the whole dynamic between sawyer and nik and having both of their pov helped build this story of how they felt about each other.
The story is easy to read and written well. The idea that Sawyer has been brought up in the business by an awful man and then past on to an another equally as awful one while never really understanding the extent of what they do is how i imagine it being for some women involved in that world. I am so thankful that a man like Nik came along to save her and help her realise her worth.
My only criticism is that I just wanted more tbh. I want to know what happens next and how their characters and story develops. Hopefully you'll write another about sawyer and nik so I can find out!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The banter between our two MCs was absolutely hilarious, I could not get enough of them. The instant devotion Nik showed alongside his attention to detail was something so beautiful that usually get overlooked. Sawyers history was heartbreaking I felt every emotion with her. The author was fabulous at showing us what she went through with the little flashbacks we were given throughout the book.
If you enjoy some fast paced chaos fuelled emotion and revenge by this one’s for you!
My only BEEF/question with this book and I say this with love, how did Nik get there so quickly. I don’t understand he got the voicemail and then what he was just there?!?! I do with we got abit more interaction and information on that night otherwise NO NOTES, this was fab.
I really enjoyed this one! 🖤 Sawyer and Nik were so good together, and I loved their chemistry and banter. Sawyer's inner monologue was honestly hilarious, and she had me laughing so many times!
My heart broke for Sawyer and everything she'd been through. I loved seeing her slowly find her confidence, and Nik's protective but surprisingly sweet side had me melting. 🥹
There was plenty of spice, dark humor, and some twists I definitely didn't see coming! I do wish some of the suspense had been explored a little more, as a few things felt resolved too quickly. I also would've loved more of Nik's POV!
Overall, such a fun and entertaining read! Sawyer and Nik definitely made this one worth reading. 💕
Broken is a dark romance that will pull you in and have you devouring it, unable to put it down.
I fell in love with Sawyer instantly, her chaotic energy being so relatable but her fierce attitude even with everything she had been through was truly inspiring.
Nik, what a man - looks like a red flag but is a total green flag that makes you swoon.
Their banter was top tier, connection unreal and the tension was perfection.
It's fast paced, dark and twisty and all connects so so well. I loved how some of the darker themes were handled - delicately but done in a way that the impact was still there.
I honestly just could not put this down and it was a brilliant read. I definitely need more. Highly recommend!!
"I brush my hair behind my ear and blush. Sawyer, sweetie, honey, little darling, this is a murder scene. You cannot sit and swoon because he called you beautiful before making dead guy dead, and because he said dead guy’s blood looks good on you."
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader and I can't thank you enough for the opportunity! Now, I love the way this book is written, there is no hiding that this is a written by Brits, typical British humour!
Sawyer baby, you did the right thing.. I understand your confusion of feelings, but Nik - he is your forever..
I loved the little turn of events that happen, it keeps you on your toes. You can feel anger, sadness, spice 👀 and also have a good laugh at the same time whilst falling in love with the characters.
This was my first read by J. H. Norris.... I really enjoyed Broken.
I absolutely loved the banter between Nik and Sawyer. Their back-and-forth had me wanting to keep turning the pages just to see what smart comment Nik would come up with next. 😅
The forced proximity, danger, and dark romance were the perfect combination to keep me hooked and wanting more.
One thing I loved about this story is how it reminds you that, at the end of the day, a woman who has been hurt will have the final say!
Definitely an author I’ll be looking forward to reading more from!
Wow, where do I even begin with this book? This was such a raw, emotional and heartbreaking read. There were parts of this story that really hit home for me, moments that touched on feelings and emotions I know all too well. Some parts were honestly hard to read, not because of the writing, but because they felt so close to home. It’s one of those books that makes you stop, think and just sit with your emotions for a little while. This wasn’t just another book for me. It was a story that touched me on a personal level, and I know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
WOW! WOW! WOW! I could not put this down!!! I was hooked instantly!
Nik, you walking talking red flag, but actually turns out to be a total GREEN FLAG. You made me angry, laugh and swoon! Sawyer girl, you need therapy! I loved her instantly, chaotic energy, full of attitude but so relatable!
From the first page, it was straight into the story and action. I did not want to put this down! It’s all I thought about when working 😂 it’s fast paced, connected perfectly, dark and twisty and well written!
I had the honor of reading *Broken* as an advanced reader copy, and I was proud to be on the street team and ARC team for this book. This book had me from the first page until the last.
Nik and Sawyer have a great relationship with wonderful banter. He stood by her despite her upbringing and loved her wholeheartedly, without judgment — who doesn't love a man like that! They are perfect together. It is 100% a reread for me! Now y'all go check it out!
While I thought the premise of this book had potential, unfortunately, it wasn’t quite the right fit for me. I found myself wanting a little more character development and emotional depth throughout the story. The relationship moved rather quickly, and I struggled to fully connect with the characters and their journey. I think a little more buildup would have helped the story feel more natural and made those emotional moments more impactful for me.
I read Broken in one day and loved it. Poor Sawyer has been hurt her whole life and still finds strength to chose herself. Nik is the best bad guy ever and devastatingly good at unaliving every threat. He is her best match and it was sp fun to see how he went from mute stranger to comforting backpack.