Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
We were strangers.
Two people on different paths that were never meant to cross.

He saved me.
I ruined her.
We had no control.
We were powerless against fate.
It wasn’t wrong, it wasn’t right, but it was real.
Ours was a toxic love. So lethal it was destined to ruin us both, and it did. In the end, everything went wrong for all the right reasons.
Our lives divided. But our love would be infinite.

A forbidden crush.
A destructive romance.
A fierce love.


Roamyn & Alison
An Unguarded Novel

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2016

8 people are currently reading
543 people want to read

About the author

Ivy Stone

25 books131 followers
"Mother. Lover. Dreamer."

Ivy Stone is an Australian author. She is a self-confessed lover of alpha males and happily ever afters. Getting lost in a fictional world is how she discovered her passion for writing. When she isn’t daydreaming up new romantic stories she’s likely to be found spending time with her family.

Ivy writes sexy romance and is the author of the Unguarded series. She also loves to hear from her readers.

You can contact her here:
www.authorivystone.com
Email- ivystoneauthor@gmail.com
Facebook author page- https://www.facebook.com/authorivystone
Twitter- https://twitter.com/ivystoneauthor
Instagram- https://instagram.com/authorivystone/
Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/authorivyst...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
83 (47%)
4 stars
57 (32%)
3 stars
28 (16%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,318 reviews13.7k followers
February 21, 2016
4.5 Stars

He wasn't supposed to show up on that bridge.
He wasn't supposed to fill me with a slither of hope, for more, for different. But he did.


When I read Exposed last year, I knew two things immediately:
1. I found myself a new author to read
and
2. I desperately needed Ali and Roamyn's story

The set up for their book sounded utterly delicious, in a super angsty and tortured way. Clearly this couple had a backstory that I needed to know about.
He fought for the both of us. He pulled away. I pushed back. We're a mess. Reckless. Beautiful. Destructive. And I've never wanted anything more in my life.


Ali is not the typical heroine you'd find in books. She's a tortured soul; a drug addict, a stripper, a woman that put her sister through hell and back in the first book. You know that there must be a good reason for her to have become the woman that she is now, and that is the story that Divided gives you.

This book takes you back all the way to the beginning. To the night that changed Ali irrevocably. To the night that is the sole reason for who she is today. Her backstory was utterly gut wrenching and heart breaking. I wasn't sure from reading the first book and seeing Ali's behavior if I'd connect with her as a heroine. I knew I was curious about her as a secondary character, but was she a strong enough character to hold her place as the heroine of the story. I can safely tell you that she was and more...
You're not lost. You just haven't found yourself yet.

Roamyn is twelve years older than Ali. But what her sister and Roamyn's best friend don't know, is their history goes back years. He first met her when she was just a broken little girl. But that meeting, that one fateful night, changed the course of both their lives.

Roamyn and Ali's story is not an easy one. It's filled with heartbreak and pain. It's angsty and gritty. It's basically everything I love in my romance and Ivy Stone serves it up brilliantly.

Roamyn is not a perfect man. He struggles with his connection to Ali, and the age difference is just a small reason why. Their relationship is a slow burn built up over several years. But when these two finally do get together? They're combustible!
Seven fucking years." He breathes out through each thrust...
"You're worth every excruciating second of the wait."


While Divided focuses on a different couple from the first book and their HEA, do yourself a favor and read the series in order. While the author does a fantastic job giving you the backstory along with any details you may have missed without having it sound redundant, it helps to read Exposed first. It gives you the bones of the backstory of Ali and her sister. I highly recommend you read that first.

As for Divided? I loved it just as much as the first book. It had just that right amount of angst and grit that I come to crave in my books. If you're looking for a gritty and sexy romance with imperfect characters that are simply perfect together, you've found your next read.

Beta reading for the lovely Ivy Stone

Find me on:
Follow me on facebook Follow Me on Twitter blog
Profile Image for Amber.
1,275 reviews33 followers
February 7, 2016
Divided is a phenomenally exquisite story that will rip the chains surrounding your soul and watch you soar on wings of hope. Through the passionate and unwavering love that permeates every word, you will never be able to doubt the incredible impact that a real and true love can have on every aspect of a life in need. No matter how dark the path becomes that you find yourself walking, never doubt that the light of hope can always find and shine its warmth and healing on your cold and lifeless heart. No one is ever a hopelessly lost soul as long as they still desire to be saved and changed.

Alison made one benign yet crucial decision that plunged her life into a darkness she could never have imagined in her worst nightmares. The darkness permeated every aspect of her life until there was nothing that was left untouched. By the time, she realized what had happened and why, she was fighting to keep any semblance of dignity, sanity, and hope alive. When she no longer believed that she would ever see or experience an honest love or a real reason to live again, she meets Roamyn. He breathed a life-sustaining hope into her bruised and battered soul, and he ingrained himself into her very being. Years went by before they met again, and in all that time, it was his kind words of encouragement and sincerity that kept her going every day. Would Fate right the egregious wrong that was done to Alison, or would she find herself facing an even worse future?

My heart was literally destroyed by all that Alison was forced to endure. None of it was her fault, but what really knocked the breath from my lungs was the way that she gracefully and magnificently faced everything. She discovered what it was that made her who she was. She found the source of her inner strength and perseverance that few ever come to truly understand. She came through her nightmare a person who was incredibly stronger, undoubtedly more loving, and absolutely breathtaking. Roamyn was forced to walk a different yet similarly dark path, but he had the benefit of being surrounded by people who loved and cherished him. Yet he knew there was a piece of his soul that was missing. That piece was filled by Alison even if he spent all of his energy denying it and pushing her far away. Watching these two repel and attract each other felt as if I was watching a very painful ping pong game involving two vulnerable and battered hearts.

Ivy Stone has shocked and delighted my heart with this astounding continuation of her incredible story that started in Exposed. This book moved meticulously back through the past, carefully venturing into the present, and then took off full force into the future as seamlessly as possible. I was completely entranced by the wonderful meshing and passionate blossoming of this epic story. There were more twists and turns then I could keep count of and everything felt completely real. What an impossibly perfect journey that rocked me to my core and yet kept asking more from me along the way! I will never be able to forget these amazing characters and this spectacular storyline!! This is an author that has ingrained her brilliant words and unbelievably beautiful heart into my very soul.
Profile Image for Komal Chandwani.
Author 3 books98 followers
March 5, 2016
My words truly won't be doing justice to this beautifully written story because this story deserves so much more appreciation than I can offer. When I first read Ivy's Exposed, I knew it was trouble because Ivy's writing is like an addiction. I want to keep coming back to her stories.

Divided broke me, crushed me, and then made me whole. And I would go through this again if I've to. This story shows us perspectives, morals that a normal person may doubt in the real world. But trust me, when I put myself in the shoes of these characters, I no longer feel like myself. It's like I am living their story, breathing the same air as they do.

The story of Roamyn and Ali is perfect for us. But it's flawed in their reality. They've worked through their flaws and risen again. The sun comes up only after darkness. And I like the symbolism of Phoenix Tate, it's perfect. (Not revealing who Phoenix is. For that, you MUST read the story).

Ali is a drug addict, but she somehow finds a reason to live. And that reason is given to her by Roamyn. Roamyn seeks revenge, he is sucked into the darkness, but Ali is his light on the other side of the tunnel.

There were instances in the story where I just wanted to smack Roam on his head downside up because of his stupidity. But there were also moments when I felt his heart shatter and all I wanted to do was hug him, hold him close. For the first time, I had difficulties in picking the sides throughout the story. I just couldn't decide on whose side I wanted to be, Roam or Ali.

Ivy has done a brilliant job, the hard work is actually oozing out from this story. It is not just her hard work, but her determination and true feelings that have been reflected in this story.

It's a broken tale, a crush in the past, confrontations, secrets, revelations and so much more. I couldn't say goodbye to the characters, I never will. The day when I first read Ivy's work, I knew in my heart that she is going to be my favourite author in the top five. I love her, adore her, and that's what her work reflects.

Her writing is flawless. Ivy's words hit you in all the writing place. Yes, they hit you, punch you in the gut because you feel every damn word. Even if you wanted to turn off you emotional switch, you wouldn't be able to do it, that's how fantastic Divided is. You'd want to feel every bit of it even if it breaks you down, tears your walls apart.

I highly recommend this book to all the readers out there. This book deserves to be on the bestsellers list.
Profile Image for Once.
2,344 reviews81 followers
February 21, 2016
Alison has had a hard life, she has seen so much for someone her age, been through just as much. At times she has wanted to give up, thinking that was her only out. One night when she wanted to end it all she meet Roamyn, a man who helped her see that she didnt need to end her life, that things could get better. Roamyn like Alison has lived through some life changing situations, but he never had any answers to his issues. Alison and Roamyn meet that one night and then dont see each other again for years.

What I enjoyed most about Divided is when Alison puts her mind to something she tries her best to follow through, she wants her sister to be proud of her and she wants something with Roamyn but wants to get herself better before she puts herself out there. She lives day by day to get better from the hard life she has lead, and it isnt always easy and there will be problems along the way! But with Roamyn by her side she feels she can do anything.

This book is fantastic, if you enjoy books with dangerous mafia families, dangerous situations where you have to fight for your life and to get where you want to be, some unexpected news added in the mix, a love story with a twist, and family and friends that will do anything for you, even save your life when you dont think they are even around anymore.

http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2016...
Profile Image for MJ Symmonds.
1,105 reviews19 followers
February 23, 2016
This is Ali & Roamyn's story. This book will rip your heart to shreds!! It is a beautiful mess. This book deserves every one of the beautiful, golden 5 stars I have given it!!

Ali is a girl you will root for despite her flaws and self destructive behaviour. Roamyn is the guy you want to be yours.

Ali was betrayed at a young age by someone she trusted & believed in. She was turned into someone she doesn't like very much. They say when you hit rock bottom there is no where to go but up. Not in Ali's case, she is in a bottomless pit looking up at the underbelly of rock bottom. She feels there is nothing else for her and decides to "fix" things herself. An unexpected encounter with a stranger gives Ali something to hold onto. Lets her feel that there may be something more out there for her.

Her voice shimmers through the air, breaking the silence. "Do you ever wonder how it's possible to feel so alone in a city so full of people?" I answer without thought. "All the time"

Roamyn will never forget the young girl he meet late one night and no amount of searching turns up a trace of her. Fast forward years later and the girl that haunts him shows up in the most unlikely of places. She is no longer a girl & even though he knows it's wrong he is inexplicably drawn to her.

I rub the shadow on my jaw and hope I haven't fucked everything up. "You're not lost. You just haven't found yourself yet". Her eyes gloss over and tears begin to build. "I don't want to find myself. I don't want to remember."

Is it possible to help someone who is on one side of the law. The same law that you vowed to uphold and honour? Can Roamyn help pull Ali out of her depths of despair & can two people whose lives intersect under some very strenuous circumstances become the piece that they each are missing. Can Roamyn and Ali both put to rest the ghosts of their individual pasts to come together as one or will they both end up destroying each other?

"You're wrong, Detective Tate. I have a feeling you'd be worth... Every. Single. Second. But you're chasing after the wrong girl if you think you can use me as a pawn in your game of get the bad guys."

This book is so raw and gritty. It will pull at your heartstrings and lead you on an emotional roller coaster ride.

His voice brings me peace.
His touch sparks life inside of me.
But so much still divides us.
I'm twenty-two. He's thirty three.
I'm a recovering drug addict. He's a cop
We're a match made in mayhem. A beautiful mess.

While Roamyn is the heartthrob, kickass hero of this story Ali is is one badass heroine. She may have been kicked and beaten down in life but she is a fighter. The times may get tough & she may not think she can endure it but she bears down & takes it head on like a trooper.

This book is a must read but if you read it you have to start at Exposed. Even though this is based on two different main characters the story intertwines & continues from Exposed.

**ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own thoughts & feelings on the book.**
Profile Image for EscapeNBooks.
809 reviews
Read
February 22, 2016
3.5-4 stars

Divided by Ivy Stone is book two in the Unguarded Novel Series. It is a taboo, mafia romance that sizzles.

Alison and Roamyn have both known pain in their lives. Each have suffered from the hand of violence and lost a part of themselves to that thief. Roamyn is the good guy looking to vindicate others. Alison is just trying to end the misery in which she is forced to live, until she meets him and he gives her a resin to fly.

This series is my first opportunity to read a book by Author Ivy Stone. I must say that I had no idea what to expect going in, but was taken prisoner by the opening chapter of Divided. Told in dual points of view, Divided was an intriguing story with twists and turns throughout. There were a few times when the story line took a shift, and I felt it necessary to look back at the last few pages to see if I'd missed something. However, this did not detour be from finishing, as the characters compelled me to finish their story. So glad to have had the opportunity to read.
Profile Image for Laura .
370 reviews27 followers
February 23, 2016
I don't think I've ever read something this fast but oh sweet Jesus.

Ivy Stone just took my heart and made my cry and feel everything in this book.
Is not only the forbbiden attraction, the crime... Is about how intrinsically are connected Alison and Roamyn, fighting for an attraction, that was born in a unfaithful night.

This book managed to grab me with its twists, a hero who wanted to make everything better, a heroine who wanted to scale from her destructive life. Two souls finding each other in the dark, igniting a bright light healing souls and scars.

The longing and the chemistry was something that made me understand they way they needed to be together, it was deepest. A unique connection that found its way to connect to save two broken souls.

*arc copy in exchange of an honest review*
Profile Image for Cindy.
192 reviews
April 6, 2016
When Exposed (Unguarded 1) ended the way it did, I knew I needed more especially the connection between Roamyn and Alison, but I wasn’t ready for my heart breaking with their story.

After reading Divided, I am still struggling with just the right words to describe how much I loved it. I had many emotions after reading Divided especially after reading Ali and Roamyn’s backstory which had me in tears. Ivy did a great job writing about certain topics which hit very close to home.

Roamyn and Ali story was heartbreaking, beautiful and real.

Words cannot express how well written Divided was. If you have not read this book, you should. Loved every word, Ivy!
Profile Image for LunalandBooks.
99 reviews27 followers
February 22, 2016
I received a copy of Divided by Ivy Stone in exchange for an honest review.

This book is 100% heartbreaking and soul destroying. The pain and sadness Ali suffers will truly make you cry your eyes out.
This book is angsty and gritty but when Roamyn and Ali get together their chemistry will set fire to your kindle.

Ivy Stone has shocked me and broken me. However, Ivy knows how to put a person back together and that is what will stay with you long after you finish this wonderful story.

I was completely entranced by this slow burn romance and you will fall in love with the characters almost effortlessly.

I would certainly recommend this book and the amazing author behind it.
Profile Image for Carly Carter.
22 reviews
February 23, 2016
From the moment I finished reading the final pages of Ivy Stone’s debut novel Exposed I have been dying for the chance to get my hands on to this story. Roamyn and Ali’s story. Two characters who stole my heart and have stayed with me, always in the back of my mind while I’ve waited for the moment to learn more about them.

Divided is Book #2 in the Unguarded Series and has left me simply blown away. I knew this story was going to be brutal from the get go. The life that we learnt had been Ali & Lindsey’s upbringing had been one of heartbreak, brutality and hard choices. The scars were already there in book one, the pain Ali’s addiction was masking already eluded to, but nothing could prepare me for the pure evil that this girl faced at the hands of people she had sort protection from.

As a reader it’s not very often that a story elicits such strong feelings of protectiveness, heartache and anger for a character, like I did towards Alison Jenkins and it speaks volumes for the quality of Ivy Stone’s writing and her amazing ability to create such captivating three dimensional characters. This girl is a warrior and this story is a journey. Taking us over the span of seven years all while maintaining a fast paced and captivating storyline we see a young girl with nothing left to lose and the young detective who wants nothing more than to save her.

Roamyn Tate is a tortured soul in his own right, his whole life has been marred with an urgency for revenge towards the man responsible for ripping away everything he loved and cherished. It is the ever present drive that lead him to join the police force and the unwavering force to bring down the evil that run deep within the streets of New York City. He never knew what it would mean for his life when he crossed paths with Alison Jenkins one night on the Brooklyn Bridge. He could see she was in dire need of help, that she was at crossroads and that she was close to giving up and he knew he couldn’t walk away until he had done whatever her could to give her hope. What he didn’t know is that, that one interaction, that one night of conversation with a tortured addict would leave a permanent mark on his heart and soul and forever bind his fate with hers.

“He runs as deep as the scars etched into my skin and blood in my veins. Once he’s wrapped around me, on top of me, inside of me, I’ll never be able to let him go.”

These two are the most imperfect perfection as a pairing. With every wrong choice that pushed them apart was a connection that pulled them back together. With all the stakes against them, theirs was so much more than just a physical attraction. He was her rock, the tiny glimmer of hope that she held onto in her darkest times. The little voice inside of her head to not give up on herself. And to him she was everything, the beautiful tortured soul, that reflected back at him a pain and loss that resonated deep within his soul and spurred him on to not only succeed in what he had set out to do to save himself but to more importantly save her too.

The introduction of more secondary characters as well as so much more of the lives of the characters we already know and love and the ever-growing involvement of the Misery Angels Motorcycle Club to the upcoming storyline brings the Unguarded Series to a whole new level. This story just keeps getting better and better. It answers the questions that we were left wanting to know more about from Exposed as well as stirring a whole new level of anticipation for what will happen next.

This book is an exciting sign of the levels and abilities of a new writer that we have nowhere near seen the last of. I am so excited to see where the Unguarded Series takes us next, on top of what other projects we might see come from Ivy Stone in the future. Congratulations Ivy on another great release.

I received an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

★★☆ 5 Amazing Stars ☆★★
Reviewed by Carly Carter

Buy it
Read it
Love it
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
February 9, 2016
Title:Divided
Author: Ivy Stone
Series: Unguarded Series, Book #2
Publisher: KDP
Release Date: February 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 330
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

We were strangers.
Two people on different paths that were never meant to cross.

He saved me.
I ruined her.
We had no control.
We were powerless against fate.
It wasn’t wrong, it wasn’t right, but it was real.
Ours was a toxic love. So lethal it was destined to ruin us both, and it did. In the end, everything went wrong for all the right reasons.
Our lives divided. But our love would be infinite.

A forbidden crush.
A destructive romance.
A fierce love.



“She’s like the moon, a part of her is always hidden. Her smile never reaches her eyes. Her skinny frame is slipping away to nothing but skin and bones.”

5 rip my heart out stars! This book takes you on a ride of emotions….hold on tight!

Never before have I been so engrossed in a book. Toxic love has never seemed so d@mn beautiful! Alison and Roamyn are so perfect together! Her dark path and journey to him is heartbreaking, and nothing you’d ever wish upon anyone. This book literally ripped my heart out of my chest, stomped on it and then tied it back up into a pretty bow…...I was hooked and I’m not afraid to admit it!! This book and series is so worth the read!!

Review_Mel

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club description
Profile Image for Beauté De Livres  (Vivian Freeman).
226 reviews23 followers
February 22, 2016
Divided, is a book that I have been waiting for from the moment I read the last words of Exposed. Knowing it would be about Ali and Roamyn had my excitement levels through the roof. I knew they had a connection and I knew they had a past BUT, what I didn’t know was that both these characters were going to break my heart. The backstory given to this damaged couple is tainted the whole way through. Living under a veil of darkness, it is a painful, yet an eye opening journey to get to the light. Filled with lies, secrets, heartache and unimaginable strength Ali and Roamyn will no doubt be you new favourite couple.

Divided takes readers back to the very beginning of Ali and Roamyn’s relationship. From how they met, to the reasons they lost touch and to the present day. As in Exposed, Divided continues with the good guys versus the bad guys story line. With Roamyn’s beliefs, morals and ethics being tested at every single turn, Ali’s less than wholesome life is killing her slowly. As they try to find a way where their world’s can coexist; the underground world has other plans and a life together seems impossible.

Exploring the world of addiction, abandonment, violence and retribution, Ivy Stone has continued with the fast, adrenaline induced pace set in Exposed. Through Ali and Roamyn, Stone realistically portrays the impact and the seriousness of being stuck on the wrong side of the tracks. And through the chemistry, passion and determination, Stone has also emphasized how inspiring the light at the end of the tunnel can really be.

With every hurdle bigger than the last Divided is a collection of right and wrong choices. In a gut-wrenching story of survival versus a lifetime of heartache and loss Ali and Roamyn are the perfect example of endurance. Together or apart Ivy Stone has given her characters, depth, independence and hope. Wishing that love conquers all, Stone and the Unguarded Series will have readers hooked, right till the very end…
Profile Image for Kathryn Linke .
2,116 reviews24 followers
May 2, 2016

'Divided' is the second book in the unguarded series, by Ivy Stone. This book could be read as a standalone, but several parts in this book and the first overlap from different points of view and you will understand more of the context and some remarks from reading them both in the correct order. The first book leaves off with a revelation that is a bit of a cliffhanger. Unlike many books this book does not start off where we left off, it goes back in time so that we gain a greater understanding of Ali's history and how she came to have a substance abuse problem and how she and Roamyn met.

This is one of those books that gives you the 'feels' its heartbreaking and you feel so much. It deals with some hard hitting issues, domestic violence, abuse, and drug use and addiction. The characters in this book are complex, yet likeable and you really connect with them. This one is a tear jerker. There are some serious twists and turns in this book that keep you thoroughly engaged and entraced and on the edge of your seat.

Ali and Roamyn share an intense connection and chemistry and it leads to some seriously hot scenes. They are two broken souls who find solace in each other. I really enjoyed reading this book from the dual points of view from both the hero and the heroines perspective.

Although this book is a romance, it also incorporates a perfect blend of suspense, and angst. I loved that Lindsay and Mason were included in this book as well and that their story continued and that we got to see more of Cassidy appearing in this volume as well.

I thoroughly recommend this book to fans of the romantic suspense genre. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but to be honest this one is better. I couldn't put this book down and read it in one sitting. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Ivy Stone, seems to like to drop a 'bomb' right near the ending of the book that leaves you wandering and wanting more!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
February 22, 2016
Exposed (the first book) was so intense that I wasn't sure that the author could hit a higher level, but she rose to new heights with Divided. Make no mistake, I LOVED the first book, but I'm completely blown away by this story. Alison was betrayed by the family that took her and her sister in when they had no one, in the worst way possible. All because she made the choice not to leave with her sister. Now she chases the high that numbs her to the pain of her nightmare life, and has just resigned herself that she will never be able to get away. She meets Roamyn when she decided to end it all on a bridge, and he saved her. The strong connection left them powerless against fate, and turned into a toxic love it tried to ruin them completely throughout the years. With their lives divided, will their love be strong enough to be left standing in the rubble of destruction?

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW! I'm positive that I won't be able to convey properly, just how awesome this story is with my review, as it's EPIC! The character development is fantastic, with rock star secondaries. A fast paced, dark, intense, and very well written story line that flows perfectly. By the time I finished it, I found myself emotionally, and physically exhausted. Ivy Stone's brilliant writing style, once again, took me far into her world, and as I finished the last page I had to remind myself of where I really was. She hooked me from the first paragraph, ripped out my heart, and played keep away with said heart cover to cover. The twists and turns led to intensity that made it hard to breathe on more than one occasion. I CANNOT WAIT to see what she comes up with for the next book, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Book Loving Fairy-Blog.
1,263 reviews31 followers
February 20, 2016
5 Stars

This is book two in the Unguarded Series, and wow did she do a great job with this story!!

When Roamyn Tate spotted the girl crying on the Brooklyn Bridge, his first instinct is to turn the other way, but when he sees her remove her shoes he jumps into action. He talks her down and they end up sitting on the bridge for most of the night. While Roam enjoyed talking to this young girl, Ali, he also discovers she's a junkie. This girl has baggage that Roam can't handle, especially if she doesn't want to change it. For the next month he returns to the bridge in hopes of finding her. But she never comes back.

Ali Jenkins life took a nose dive when her sister left her with the Marinos when she was only 15. At that point she became the plaything for Lucio Marino. But even in the fog of her drug induced numbness and the constant beatings, she never forgot the man that showed her kindness on the bridge that night she wanted to end it all. Their paths cross many times throughout the years and each time is more gut wrenching than the last.

I loved this book! The story is wonderfully written and I enjoyed it even more than the first book in the series. The characters backgrounds will break your heart but their strength and courage will give you hope. The author recommends reading book one first, and because I'm totally anal about book series, I did. However I don't think it was necessary to read book one to thoroughly enjoy Divided. I cannot wait for book 3!!!

~ Renee
Profile Image for Books 2 Blog.
1,494 reviews19 followers
April 22, 2016

5 star

I wholeheartedly loved this book and the series as a whole. This is book two in the Unguarded Series by author Ivy Stone, and is Roamyn and Alison's story; we were treated to glimpses of their relationship in Exposed, and I was eager to read more about this couple.

First off I will say that I love this author's writing style, she takes the time to ensure her characters are all really well developed which helps you to connect to them and really feel as though you are living through their pain and happiness. Her ability to pull you in to the book with vivid descriptions of sights, sounds and smells is for want of a better word, amazing. I felt as though I had been transported into the book, and I loved every second of my journey.

Roamyn and Alison don't have an easy relationship, without giving away spoilers I will say that they met under difficult circumstances and for the next 7 years flit in and out of one another's lives. Neither had easy childhoods and both have demons they need to fight to be able to move forward in their lives and to learn to let love in. Both these characters are feisty, strong willed and on occasion, stubborn, oh so stubborn!

This book will hit all the right spots, there are plenty of nail biting gritty moments, but they are equally balanced with lots of love and laughter and family. New friendships are formed and old ones cemented. This book does have a little twist or two, and I am happy to say I did not see them coming.

Overall I loved this book and can't wait for boom three in the series.

B2B Lesley
Profile Image for Sarah Dale.
3,175 reviews77 followers
May 3, 2016
️⭐️⭐️⭐️ARC Recieved for an honest review

Another fabulous read by Ivy Stone. This story really did put me through the ringer telling Alison's story. This poor girl had been through so much from a young age your heart broke for her.

Through circumstances beyond her control Alison was thrown into a seedy ugly side of life of the family she thought she was safe and being looked after by. Her sister wanted her to leave with when she left but she stayed out of loyalty and the outcome was nearly a decade of darkness, pain and abuse. When she hits an all time low and considers jumping from a bridge she meets Roamyn, he breaks through that darkness giving her hope. Unfortunately it's years before their paths cross again but neither had forgotten the other one.

As more is revealed over what Alison has had to endure it destroys you and this was so brilliantly written, you get her pain with her. With the hope Roamyn gives her she finally starts living and dragging herself from the darkness and it's lovely to see her blossom into
A strong vibrant woman. Reading the battle between these 2 as they fight their feelings for each, is enthralling, they mistakenly believe it's the wrong time together instead of getting all the hints that fate is throwing their way. They are much stronger together then apart.

I love how this book is written from dual POV, it really gives an insight into their demons, their fight for each other and the depth of their feelings.

Can't wait to read the next book, Cassidy and Trey's story.
Profile Image for Jaime Fertal.
334 reviews9 followers
February 15, 2016
Alison has had a hard life, she has seen so much for someone her age, been through just as much. At times she has wanted to give up, thinking that was her only out. One night when she wanted to end it all she meet Roamyn, a man who helped her see that she didnt need to end her life, that things could get better. Roamyn like Alison has lived through some life changing situations, but he never had any answers to his issues. Alison and Roamyn meet that one night and then dont see each other again for years.

What I enjoyed most about Divided is when Alison puts her mind to something she tries her best to follow through, she wants her sister to be proud of her and she wants something with Roamyn but wants to get herself better before she puts herself out there. She lives day by day to get better from the hard life she has lead, and it isnt always easy and there will be problems along the way! But with Roamyn by her side she feels she can do anything.

This book is fantastic, if you enjoy books with dangerous mafia families, dangerous situations where you have to fight for your life and to get where you want to be, some unexpected news added in the mix, a love story with a twist, and family and friends that will do anything for you, even save your life when you dont think they are even around anymore. If you enjoy stories like this, then Divided is a must!!

I received and ARC for my honest review!
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,920 reviews118 followers
February 23, 2016
4.5 Stars!

Once again, Ivy Stone knocked me on my as$ and gave me one killer. I really enjoyed book one in this series and with an ending like we got, I was super excited for book two, to see where this author took us. And Divided definitely did not disappoint at all. In book one we got to meet sexy Mason and the sassy Lindsay. And now it is time for Roamyn & Alison to tell their delicious story.

What a ride... and I totally knew it was going to be because I am telling y'all.... in book one there was lots of backstory I wanted and lots of angst I knew I needed to be a part of. And I was totally right in such a good way. This book was sexy, sweet, passionate, crazy good, intense, suspenseful, powerful, emotional, and had tons of twists and turns. Once I started, I didn't stop until the last word.

This is Roamyn & Alison's story. Their story is not easy. In fact, it was downright difficult to read at times. Their story was full of ups and downs. Their story was full of unrelenting desire. Their story was one that was full of pain but raw passion. They will break your heart, work on your soul, then put you back together. I loved Roamyn and Alison and wouldn't have had them any other way.

I recommend this book.

Review Post---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2016...
Profile Image for Erica.
1,311 reviews32 followers
February 22, 2016
4.5 stars
I'm one of the few that did not read Exposed prior to Divided, now that I have I need to go back and read it asap.
Divided is Alison and Roamyn's story.
Alison is a girl who had a rough childhood, was taken in by someone who appeared a saint to the young girl only to be the worst kind of man.
On a particularly horrific night for her she finds herself on a bridge contemplating ending it all.
Roamyn happens to be out jogging, thinking he should mind his own business, the cop in him refuses to leave her there. He sits and talks with her, convincing her that no matter how bad it is there's always hope.
Alison heads back into the hell that her life has become, meanwhile unbeknownst to her, she's giving Roamyn an eyeful at the strip club.
While on the job Roamyn tries to save Alison, to get her out and keep her safe only she's not ready to walk.
Can Roamyn save her from the evil that controls her world? Can Alison overcome her own demons to try to have a somewhat normal life?
I loved Roamyn, he's the right balance of alpha and heart. Always keeping Alison's safety as top priority, going above and beyond to get her the help she needs.
I also loved that Alison, no matter what her frame of mind, tried to keep moving forward.
This was my first Ivy Stone read but I'm definitely hooked and ready for the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Kathy.
133 reviews
April 19, 2016
This book hooked me right from the very beginning. I just couldn’t put it down, and since I have read the first book in this series
She differently DID NOT disappoint in her second.
This story of Alison Jenkins and Roamyn Tate,
takes you on a very emotional journey as these two try to find what their looking for, in life, in love and in each other.
You see Alison Jenkins started out being raised within the mafia family of drugs, sex and corruption. She has seen and done things that a girl so young should never have to experience in her young life, one that she’s so badly wants out of, enough to end it.
That is until she meets Roamyn Tate, a cop, who talked her off that bridge, gave her hope, and made her feel again. But he too has his own demons to face. Seeking revenge of the one who destroyed his family.
While one is trying to survive and the other is sworn to protect. In the end, everything went wrong for all right reasons. Their lives divided, but their love was fierce.
These two show it’s not about where you come from its about where you want to be.
This story, ripped me apart, tore me down, and brought me back together again.
Ivy Stone, does a fantastic job of writing Alison and Roamyn story that it catches you emotionally.

Review by Christi for Two Feisty Angels and A Devil Blog
Profile Image for Judy.
1,793 reviews
May 14, 2016
This is book 2 in the Unguarded series. You need to read book one before you read this one. It's so good!

WOW...just WOW! I enjoyed book 1, but I think I enjoyed this one more! This story focuses on Ali and Roamyn (Mason's partner). What poor Ali went through, is almost unbearable! It definitely will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you captivated from page 1!

She was taken in by someone after her mother died, that she thought she could trust. But, the things he put her through and did to her!! She decided death would be better than the life she's living now and was going to jump off a bridge. She just couldn't take it any longer.

Roamyn is jogging and sees someone possibly going to jump from a bridge? His cop instincts jump into action and he tries to talk her down. He succeeds and can't get Ali off his mind...for 4 years! He searches for her and can't find her...until one day there she is!!

Can Roamyn save her from the life she leads or is she doomed, no matter what?

LOVED this book so much! It had all the great elements that I enjoy in a book!! There's so many twist and turns, terror, jaw dropping moments and sexiness!! I look forward to reading more by Ivy Stone!

Copy received in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
Profile Image for Debb.
105 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2016
Ivy Stone has done it again, not only has she drawn you into a world where trying to survive everyday life, love and heartbreak. Ali is such a lovable character even with her flaws, your sharing everything she feels.
Alison (Ali) Jenkins has seen far too much, a young girl should ever have to see. So when her path crossed with Detective Roamyn Tate it just adds another layer to what she’ll have to survive.
Roamyn Tate has had his fair share of torment, vowing to bring down the person who destroyed his family.
When the two meet its fireworks and destruction!

“This moment would define our futures, what comes next.
Two paths, two options.
But only one ending to ensure Ali’s safety.”

Ali ~ “He’s my heart. My soul. My kryptonite. He’ll be my undoing.”

I was blown away by heart felt emotion pouring from Ivy into this book, not only has Ivy brought another extremely well written next book in her Unguarded series.
She is becoming as an up and coming author to watch out for, one who I will enjoy reading for some time.
If you haven’t read Ivy before, you best start with Exposed, then Divided.
I loved reading both, and happy to recommend them.
Profile Image for Dayreader Reviews.
791 reviews63 followers
February 10, 2016
Before I read Divided I had just finished Exposed and I am so glad I did not have to wait to continue reading because I needed to know more about Roamyn and Ali’s relationship!! I am extremely happy I was given the change to read this series and fall in love with another author. Ivy Stone wrote an incredible book about a woman who had a mother as an addict and who herself became an addict, and boy was it a powerful book! Ivy had already pulled me in with Exposed but after I read Divided I was in love with these characters! Be prepared to be shocked from some awful things that happen to Ali and her sister, along with a very upsetting childhood that Roamyn survived.

I had my breathe taken away at the cliffhanger of Exposed, but when reading Divided you get all your pieces put together, with a few more questions that seems to lead into book 3. This book was an experience I very much appreciated reading! Ali and Lindsey went through some pretty crazy things in this book that left my mouth wide open after reading and not to mention this CLIFFHANGER!!! I am ready to read book 3 I am so excited! 5 Stars to Divided by Ivy Stone for my favorite read of 2016, so far.
Profile Image for The Saucy Owl.
29 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2016
I loved this book! The first one was great, gritty and hot, this one promises just the same and, oh boy, does it deliver!
I always thought Alison was a lot weaker than Lindsay but if there is one that this book has set out to prove, it's that this isn't the case. Alison lives through torture that most would buckle under, her drug problems are her coping method and without it she'd have broken a long time ago.

A lot of this book, about 55%, covers what the other book did but from Alison and Roamyns POV. I enjoyed it but part of me was so desperate to get to the point the last book left off! It's great to hear their story and I loved finding more out about their relationship, they have so much history and they are both perfect for each other.

I enjoyed the unexpected twist in this book, the story went in a great direction, I was thoroughly gripped! Obviously the thing I love most with a gripping plot is some hot sex! Roam is a mega hotty!!! I love how caring but dominant he is and his dirty talk is just..YUM!

Ivy is a great writer, her stories flow so well and the action is described brilliantly. I can't wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Heidi Sturgess.
1,126 reviews20 followers
March 12, 2016
I was given an ARC by Author Groupies in exchange for a honest review.


The blurb actually captures "Divided " to perfection

After a nail biting last few chapters of "Exposed " I couldn't wait to get I to the story behind the story of Ali and Roamyn!

Seems their history goes way back.....

We meet a 15 year old Ali at the end of her rope and she's ready to end it all and my heart just aches for her fortunately Roamyn isn't the right place at the right time to talk her down and that's the start of their relationship....

I found myself reaching for my kleenex and I'm not sure my shattered Hertfordshire ws going to make this read.... Roamyn reveals his childhood to us, let's say I was a blubbering snotfest and leave it at that.

My heart missed a beat or 2 when Roamyn's past collides with his present and future....

In a nutshell "Divided" is a mirror of "Exposed" BUT we get to experience it through the eyes and hearts of Ali and Roamyn. They may have had an intense and rocky start and journey but they both have the HEA they deserve

Holding my breath for "Abandoned" things ended on a bit of a tight rope for me in Divided.
Profile Image for Renee.
211 reviews30 followers
October 27, 2016
This is the second book in the Unguarded Series and it is important to read Exposed before this one. While I liked Mason and Lindsey, I loved Roamyn and Alison. Whatever it was that I felt was lacking in the first book, I found in this one. I am not sure if Ivy's writing and storytelling improved or if it was the characters themselves that I was more drawn to. In Exposed, the reader was clued in on the fact that Roamyn and Ali had a past, but I was somewhat surprised at the amount of history between the two and how far back it actually went. After the ending of Exposed, I was itching to pick up right where it left off. It did not. A lot of time was spent covering their history and the events that happened in Exposed, but from Roamyn and Alison's perspectives. While I was anxious to get to the part where the story left off, I realized after finishing the book how important it was that their stories were told. I was also happy to see more surprising twists and more of the Misery's Angels. It looks like Cassidy and Trey will get their story and considering how this book ended, I couldn't be more excited to continue this series!
334 reviews
Read
February 12, 2016
Ivy Stone is an author that can weave such strong feelings into each character. It take super talent to write a story that builds the anxiety and tension between two characters that feels like a bomb waiting to detonate.
Allie appeared to be a bit selfish in the last book. In this book, we really see and are made to understand the reason for her choices...and the fact is that she is actually puts her loved ones first with every decision she makes. I love that Ivy has written a very flawed character that needs time to fix what is broken.
Roamyn feels strongly for Allie, and you can just feel the pull between the two characters.
Roamyn goes through some rough times himself, and I love that Allie can be his sunshine after he has helped her through so much.
I loved that we got to see the other characters throughout the book.
The story does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it is just a nice Segway to the next book/story for Trey and Cassidy.
Great Job Ivy Stone! You have me waiting for the next one...patiently impatiently!
Profile Image for Tracy Supple.
170 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2016
You know you've read an amazing book when a week after finishing it your still struggling to find the perfect words to describe how much you loved it.

I'm not going to lie this book has all the feels and at times it will leave you feeling raw it will have you swooning but most of all you will fall in love with Roamyn and Ali's story .

Divided is not a love story of all hearts and flowers it's a story of two people who have been through hell and back to try find that special soul crunching love that we all wish to have at some point in life.

Ivy Stone my god woman you absolutely blew me away with Roamyn and Ali's story. I'm highly anticipating your next book because you have a way of writing that just sucks people in from the first page.

This is definitely worthy of more than 5stars in my opinion but you don't have to take my word for it just get one clicking and read it and find out for yourself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.