Beyond Repair

Broken Girl #1

by Annie Hughes

Lydia Baker is returning home, despite being less than welcome and less than excited about it. The last time she was in the nosy little town of Park Bay, she was being shipped off to the looney-farm by her own father. Her best friend, Kate, is the only reason she’s going back, and Lydia is determined more than ever to fix herself and stop relying so completely on her friend. Which would be
easier if Kate’s judgmental cousin wasn’t in town too and if he didn’t make her drool so damn much.

Callum Reeves hasn’t seen his cousin, Kate, in eight years. Returning home was meant to be the easy comfort that he needed after losing his high flying job in LA, and consequently, his high flying girlfriend. A new job, his hometown, and finally
surrounded by what he knows. It would be perfect if it wasn’t for Kate’s nutjob best friend always being around. Her mood changes as often as her hair colour – which is a lot- and all Callum wants to do is strangle her. That is when he’s not
thinking about how good she’d look in his bed.

He hates her. She isn’t too fond of him either. He’s a straight-laced townie she can’t understand, and she’s crazy and broken in ways he can’t imagine. Their curiosity for one another has them discovering things they never knew about themselves as well as each other.

With the entire town watching every move that’s made, Lydia’s ever growing insanity, and Callum’s job with the enemy, what’s the worst that could happen?

WARNING: for mature readers only. Contains profanity, smut, scenes of a sensitive nature, and oodles of poor decisions

Genres: Mental Health, Contemporary

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2016

About the author

writes as A.J. Love

Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can honestly say that I've never met someone quite like Lydia before, but I wish I had. She was awesome to read about. She was funny, quirky, smart as heck, self-aware, and she had a mental illness. Unfortunately that illness was starting to rule her life and we, the readers, had front row seats to her suffering. Luckily throughout it all she had an amazing support network with her BFF Kate, Kate's husband, Joe, her Uncle Roy, and surprisingly... Callum. I say surprisingly because at first he came off as judgmental and had to have his blinders forcibly removed. Once he came to appreciate Lydia and her limitations, he became a huge part of her circle. Sadly, none of them were able to truly help her.

I can't wait to dive in to book two. I need to know the true extent of the evil Lydia had to endure from her father. Were her meds being messed with? I feel like there's a lot of deception hidden within the plot and I hope it all comes to light in the next book. Did anyone else think her doctor was acting fishy??? I'm also hoping for something romantic to FINALLY spark between Callum and Lydia. There's a heck of a lot of chemistry so I'm expecting big things *hint hint*

Release Date: February 9th, 2016
Genre: Contemporary
POV: Dual - 1st person
Steam: 3.5 out of 5
Book Type: Book 1 of the Broken Girl series

[Helen Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a duology by AJ love AKA Annie Hughes
Lydia is such a fantastic and dynamic heroine. She’s loud, quirky, lovable, and she suffers from mental illness. She hasn’t had an easy life, and she spends a lot of her time masking how she’s truly feeling-when she can. This is a romance, and her blossoming relationship with her best friend’s cousin is very slow burn. He hates her at first–because he doesn’t understand her. As the book progresses, he gradually grows to care for her and appreciate her uniqueness. That said, I wasn’t super crazy about Callum. He’s not nearly as well fleshed out as Lydia. He’s arrogant and a smidge annoying. I’m hoping that his personality will grow as much depth as Lydia’s in the second book. Otherwise, it feels like one of the most fascinating heroines I’ve read in a long time will settle for one of the most boring heroes.
Nevertheless, this book gets 4 stars for Lydia’s awesomeness.
HEA at the end of the duology?Yes

[Ellie Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even. This book. It totally owned me. You can't help but love and hate so many of the character. But Lydia... my Lyds. Just WOW! Annie Hughes has totally rocked this book and taken her writing to a new level.
This book will suck you in, and it will suck you dry. The emotion, the humour, and the devastation. All of it. I can't say much more because I don't want to leave any trace of a spoiler, but even if you buy no other book in 2016, you should buy this one.

[T from Istria 💛💚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, mostly because the h was such a personality but not really a romance? Or? Both sleep with other people, H not a hero in any way, and no HEA. Tragic.
Cliffhanger ending.

[T.A. McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I wasn't expecting. It was a story line that Ive read before....but none of the other books that Ive read have left me feeling like this one did. This story tested me, leaving me feeling like I had run a marathon...but in a good way! The way it was written took me straight into Lydia's head...and thats not an easy place to be. Between her random thoughts and ever changing topics I felt as though I was truly living it through her...thats how well it was written.
My loyalties in this book flip flopped all over the place...and that also happened with my hate of people. There are people in this story that need a good kick in the...areas we won't mention and then people who changed so much I fell in love with them. Saying this Im not happy that the next part isn't ready yet...I was left with so many questions, so much doubt about whats about to happen...and I want to see who I will want to kick in the arse!!

This is a strong story by Annie, and one that will take a lot out of you to read...but it is totally worth it...totally!!

[Allana Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! what can I say about this book?!
Not a lot if I'm honest... not that it's a bad book, but that I don't think I can find the words to give it the justice it deserves. It was that amazing!
Lydia is amazing! I love her, broken on the inside but never let's it show on the outside. only a few people know the reason for the way she is.
Callum, he was just ... ugh! I loved him, even when he was being a judgemental a-hole.
also... what's with that ending?!
I need the next one asap!
The whole book had me in it's clutches! I was drawn in from page one, it kept me hooked! I'm just annoyed R/L got in the way otherwise I would have finished it earlier!
I laughed, I cursed and I cried... OMG did I cry!
well done Annie ❤

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure where to start processing everything this story made me feel and that's because Annie nailed everything so perfectly. Writing isn't easy to begin with and when you choose to bring something as huge as mental illness into it, I can only imagine it makes it harder to write because you want to do it justice and Annie did just that. Not only do you read the struggles on the page but you feel them in your heart and soul. There is something very magical in the way this story is written and the way you are pulled so far into the story that you feel like you are living and breathing it.

I felt immediately drawn to Lydia, she completely bewitched me and I fell in love with her, so hard! I felt everything she was going through and dealing with just radiate from Annies words. I love that she's quirky and even when she's losing herself in the black abyss that is her mind and thoughts she still shows tremendous strength. With her best friend by her side she can overcome just about anything and their friendship shows just how far you will go for people you care about, especially to protect them. Then there's Callum! Oh boy what a lead male. He will have all the ladies swooning and drooling! Especially as the further into the story you get.

This really is one of those books that you pick up and it completely floors you with how good it is and just how much impact it will have on you. For me it's made a lasting impression, one I won't be able to easily forget!

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title:Beyond Repair
Author: Annie Hughes
Series: Broken Girl Book 1
Publisher:Dedicated Ink
Release Date: 2-9-16
Genre(s): Romantic Comedy
Page Count: 182
Heat Level: 1 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...

Beyond Repair by Annie Hughes was a 5 star rollercoaster read.
Romance, Humor, Hot Alpha, Strong female

“You may not like me, but you’ll never hate me more than I already hate myself”

This is Lydia and Callum’s story told in alternating POV.
You can’t help but be immediately drawn into Lydia’s life. She has just moved back home to be with her best friend, Kate. When she get’s to Kate’s house she see’s Callum, Kate’s cousin and they seem to have a connection.

Callum has just moved back also and is visiting Kate when Lydia drops in. He’s always disliked Lydia feeling like she always dragged Kate into trouble and was a bad influence.

As the story moves forward Callum and Lydia seem to connect and start to build a friendship. He learns the truth about Lydia and understands her struggles a lot more. An oh my, the next twist really threw me but really answered some questions that I had.

“People judge what they are too small to understand”

There is so much more to this great read. A few more twists and the humor was great. I loved Lydia’s no holds barred comments, they were classic. She pretty much tells it like she sees it and doesn’t care who hears it. “I’m good, chill. I’m as happy as a whore in a crack-house” Loved it! There is a HUGE cliffhanger that really threw me emotionally. I’m still trying to absorb exactly what happened. Beyond Repair by Annie Hughes is a 1-click must read. Thank you for the great read.


ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
AMAZON ASIN: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B...

SCORES
PLOT:5
CHEMISTRY:4
PACING:4
ENDING:5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:4

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can a book be so funny, yet so serious at the same time? I have no idea, but Annie Hughes has done it with Beyond Repair. This book was fantastic. It pulled me in, made me laugh, made me cry and left me heart broken.

Lydia is a girl with issues. Her mental illness is explored not only through her eyes, but also the perspective of Callum. Cal is the cousin of Lydia's best friend. He knows Lydia, but has never really known the real girl until they both return to their small home town. Secrets from the past are exposed, relationships built, until Callum realizes that he has only seen what others wanted him to see. He opens his eyes and looks at Lydia with a new light.

All the seriousness of dealing with mental illness and other confronting issues is lightened by the humor that Lydia seeps into almost every scene. Often she makes fun of her illness; "I like Aiden. He is alright, as guys go. He doesn't care that I am nuts, as long as my mouth is on his nuts. I make a promise to myself to make sure his nuts are definitely not near my mouth in the foreseeable future. After that, who knows? I can't make that kind of commitment." Other times it is just her quirky personality that made me giggle; "I'm not sure how long I spent contemplating my life on the toilet, but all hell seems to have broken loose in my absence. I'm actually a little disappointed that they didn't wait for me."

The characters and flow of story make this book special. I fell in love with Lydia right away. She thinks that she is weak, but she isn't. The flow of the story is just right, nothing is rushed and the characters relationships are developed authentically.

I eagerly anticipate the release of book 2 in the series, Beyond Bruised, when this story continues.

[Cat Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book.

Well, damn. This book is one that leaves you laughing, crying, and bordering on some sort of book withdrawal breakdown. (Don't let that stop you though, cause it's worth it).

For a book that involves so much intensity, insecurity and fear, I have to say it also made me wanna piss myself laughing through the majority of the story! Not many authors can successfully blend the darkness in some subjects, with such humour and just generally laugh my arse off - I think I snorted, moments. But Annie did, and she did it so fucking well it makes me want to cry and read it all over again.

In a world that still gets so hesitant and angsty about any mental health illnesses, this is the sort of book people need to be reading. You get such an in depth, tragic view inside of Lydia, that you can feel every change in emotion, every bump in the road, and you can just understand what she's feeling, and why she is. I mean yeah, she's an awesome kind of crazy when it comes to her humour, but I mean the part of her that feels broken, lost and unloved. I can easily say that she's stole many hearts with her story thus far, and I can't wait to read what happens next!

There will be characters you completely fall in love with.
There will be characters that you want to personally dismember, painfully.
There will be moments that make you cry with all your heart.
There will be moments that make you laugh so hard a little bit of wee comes out.
There will be moments that make you want to scream, out loud, in frustration, and possibly wake up your neighbours.
You also might get a little horny.

So basically, buy this bloody book.

BAPS Book Blog x

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimenty copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.

This book was amazing it deals with the tough subject of mental health and pulled me in immediately its an emotional journey and secrets and lies are revealed it was one of those books I had to read in one sitting I didn't want to put it down until I reached the end.

Lydia Baker is returning home after a few years away, after her father had, had her admitted to a mental facility she definitely doesn't get a warm welcome home and isnt at all excited to be there. Her reason for coming back is her best friend Kate she wants to fix herself and show Kate that she doesn't need to relay on her all the time.

Callum Reeves is also coming back to his home town he's Kate's cousin, he's lost his job and wants a fresh start and he's not a fan of Lydia he's really judgemental of her when he hasn't even got all the facts of things that were happening when they were all growing up.
Over time secrets and lies are revealed and Callum see's a new side to Lydia and they start to forge a close friendship but when Lydia begins to withdraw into her self and her friends fear she is on her way to a breakdown will he betray Lydia in the worst way possible and is there more to Lydia's illness than meets the eye.

This book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger and I have to say I'm desperate to find out what's going to happen next.

[Pamela Stallings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gutted me like ripped my heart out and stomped on it. Bravo to Annie Hughes if I could I'd give her a standing ovation, it is that great of a book. The characters are just so real and I just love the friendship between Lydia and Kate. I can't tell you how much I loved Lydia. I can't imagine what she goes through all day. Mental illness is a taboo subject that a lot of people tend to stay away from but Annie tackles it head on and I promise you it will break your heart seeing Lydia suffer.

At first I thought why does Callum hate Lydia so much but I can see where he's coming from. He has no clue about all the secrets around him. I loved that there is plenty of sexual tension in this book between Callum and Lydia but they don't give in and instead they build a friendship. I think that's what really killed me at the end because I knew there was a true friendship there. The banter between these two is hilarious, you can really feel the chemistry.

So much happens in this book, I read it in one night I just had to see what happens next. After that ending I was left literally speechless. I need this next book like I need air to breathe. Absolutely amazing job Annie Hughes if I could give it more than 5 stars I would.

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alpha, Beta and ARC provided by the author. After me begging to get the early copies.

Standing ovation. This book. Damn. Annie you overdid yourself. There is not enough words in English or in Polish to describe how (insert common F word) amazing this book is. Once I finished it (don't remember if it was first or fifth read as the reaction was pretty much the same) I was speechless. I just can't understand how in one person's mind such a brilliant story can be born.

Annie just created a masterpiece. Hands down, up...whatever. This is THE BEST BOOK so far for this year. She managed to write a romance story where a main character has mental issues. And let me tell you that: Lydia kicks serious asses. You are just not able to not feel what she feels, what she is going through and see the world through her eyes. That's how good Miss Hughes is. And the other party involved? Is a damn asshole who always believed Lydia was a troubled kid who created and pulled his cousin into mess.

I would love to tell you more but damn I will spoil the fun of discovering this story by yourself.

Just go and READ. NOW.

Not enough stars to give.

5 <3

[Leigh Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie hughes your a genius ...I want to shout about this book from the rooftops .

Lydia and her story will have you stepping in to her shoes but hold on to your seat because she'll also have your head spinning and your heart about to burst from your chest and your sides aching with the highly amusing way her thoughts are processed . you'll also need some tissues because it's one hell of a ride .

Wanna ride this roller coaster read ?? add this to your TBR it's not to be missed !!!!

I can't wait for the next book I need it like yesterday already .....

Annie Hughes "bravo" take a bow lady this is an awesome read !!!

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first book by this author that I've read and wow, what a read !! I loved and hated some of the characters, switching between them with every page I would read. the story line was fantastic and very well written. I was totally hooked reading this book, I just couldn't put it down until id finished it. the author has a fantastic style of writing which left me wanting more and more at the end. this book is one of those books that will remain with you long after you have read it. I definitely cant wait to read more from this author in the future.

highly recommended

https://www.obsessedbookreviews.com/

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely cannot wait for book 2. Lydia was just an awesomely damaged character. She was broken and hurting, but she was strong, loyal and funny. Annie Hughes writing really struck me. This is the first time I've read a book that made me feel the anxiety the way the character felt it. I read this all in one night because I could not wait to find out what was coming next. The ending just totally gutted me and left me feeling so raw and emotional. I can't wait to see where book 2 picks up and if Callum and Lydia will ever be together!

[Laura Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished Beyond Repair by Annie Hughes last night and OH MY GOD! It was amazing. Love Lydia & Callum - how Annie mixed serious mental health issues with a cracking love story and still managed to make it hilarious I'll never know but it just works! Fully recommend x

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

A very emotional roller coaster this book is. What an ass of a father Lydia has, and what wonderful friends she has to help her deal with all this. I'm hurting for Callum as what he has to do is the worst. Can't wait to read the next to find out more

[Hayley Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read - I was totally hooked and loved all the characters!!! I need more Annie Hughes!!! The sexual tension sizzled and the characters were human dealing with real issues

Fab read - I will be looking for more fro this author

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

See Mommy's Naughty Playground for review.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

⎯» Rating: 4 Stars
⎯» Genre: Contemporary Romance
⎯» POV: Dual—First Person

❥

“Crazy and love don’t mix very well together, it’s a universal fact. I came to terms with the knowledge I’m probably going to die alone a long time ago. Doesn’t mean it sucked any less though.”

❥

This book was without a doubt a page-turner. Lydia was an exceptionally well-written heroine, who I fell in love with, broken pieces and all.

The story follows Lydia as she returns to her hometown of Park Bay; a place she describes as filled with people “conditioned to look past all the fucked-up things that happen.” One of these people is Callum, the cousin of Lydia’s best friend Kitty, who—after the loss of his job and girlfriend on the same day—decided to move back home.

Whilst Lydia grew up aware and exposed to the corruption of the town, Callum didn’t. But the more time that he spends getting to know the real Lydia, the more obvious it becomes that she’s not the person everyone believes her to be. And if he was wrong about her, what else is he wrong about?

"There is nothing wrong with Lydia," she says, through gritted teeth. "She has a personality disorder, and some other stuff. It isn't her fault. She just sees the world differently, better than most actually. Assholes like you are the reason she had to move away and leave behind the only person that ever gave a damn."

As the daughter of the town's “beloved” mayor, nobody ever considered the possibility that Lydia’s erratic behavior was anything other than her being a “spoilt, attention seeking brat.” It never occurred to them that she was struggling with mental illness, and a toxic home life. Instead of helping her, they turned their backs on her.

"‘Have you ever asked yourself why she was always trying to run away? Or why she spent so much time at our house? Or why I found her unconscious with her veins gaping open?’

‘I don't know, Kate. She was a messed-up kid.’"

The way that Annie Hughes wrote Lydia’s mental illness was brilliant. She submerged us readers directly into the chaos of her mind, allowing us to feel Lydia’s emotions—frustration, anger, loneliness, and despair.

“It sucks me into its black hole without any word of warning, sucker punching the wind out of me at the most inconvenient times.”

I’m personally a big believer in the de-stigmatization of mental health. That being said, I think that this story is a great step toward doing so.

“Mental illness is kind of a taboo subject. People are too narrow-minded to open themselves up to the many wonders of the dysfunctional brain; mine especially it seems.”

Ms. Hughes did an impressive job educating readers on the complexities of mental illness. Additionally, I felt the way that Lydia’s character addressed Callums questions and misconceptions of her diagnoses was done well.

“Just because I'm a complete headcase, doesn't mean I'm not a smart headcase.”

“The official diagnosis I've been given is Schizoid Personality Disorder, and before you ask, no that's not the same as schizophrenia. I don't have multiple personalities; I have one very antisocial one. I also have psychosis, meaning I perceive and interpret things differently to most.

"What everyone sees as me being a bitch, mean, or whatever, that's the personality disorder. Blunt, honest, emotionless."

This is a story that I definitely recommend giving a chance.

❥

"A ship only sinks when the water around it gets in."

❥

⎯» Labels:
•Book One in Duet
•Cliffhanger
•M-F Romance
•Hate-to-Love
•Heroine w/ Mental Illness
•Ignorant Hero
•Hero Works for Enemy
•Misunderstood Heroine
•Small Town
•Corruption Leaders
•Cover-up

⎯» Triggers:
•Child Abuse and Neglect
•Rape, Sexual Assault
•Suicide Attempt, Suicidal Thoughts
•Forced Institutionalization
•Mental Illness
•Toxic and Manipulative Relationships
•Substance Abuse
•Medical Malpractice

—————————— ❂ ——————————

[Lady Living In Bookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Repair was one of those books that reignited my love for books. Seriously. The story of Lydia Baker wasn’t what I expected, but once again I went in blind with no idea f what I would be faced with...
Lydia is a shiny, positive, confident and generally awesome, and what’s best? She knows it and flaunts it! ;) But sadly, that’s not all the time, thanks to a disease she’s lived with from a young age...

Excerpt:
Lydia Baker might be a few things, but she’s the most confident person I know. She wears her individuality like a f-#k!ng neon sign, and doesn’t give a sh@t whether you like it or not. She’ll shove it down your throat anyway, and make you choke on her madness.

Lydia has known nothing but judgement and is used to being disregarded or looked at strangely in her small town, the town her father is Mayor of, but after being sent away, all the family she knows is her best friend, Kitty. But she comes back larger and more hilarious than life...

Excerpt:
Judiciary populum intelligere minore sunt - People judge what they are too small to understand

A beautifully told, funny at moments but also thought provoking and emotive story of mental health disorders and how they affect others as well as those we love around us. It really made me acutely aware of the complexities of mental health and the knowledge the author wrote into this story just blew me away.

Excerpt
This is what I hate the most about my illness. It sucks me into its black hole without any word of warning, sucker punching the wind out of me at the most inconvenient times. It seems to be getting worse. I’m finding it harder and harder to pull myself together and act like a normal human being. I can feel the people around me, feel all of their stares cutting through me like a sharp knife. Their judgement is threatening the tiny pieces of string that stop me from falling apart.

Callum Reeves was about to be brought into the circle of friends and get to know Lydia better than most, but could he fix her or was she truly beyond repair?

Excerpt:
She’s perfect. Every last inch of her is absolutely perfect and I can’t have her. I can’t have her because she’s broken, and I have no idea how to fix all the things that are wrong with her.

Annie Hughes is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, after having read a couple of her books last year. I can’t wait to continue with the second book in Broken Girl called Beyond Bruised!

[Mrsandmother · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Repair is one of those books that sucks you in from the very first page.

Lydia Baker is my hero. Seriously.
She has the biggest heart and loves those closest to her fiercely.
And what this young woman goes through fighting her own mind everyday is heartbreaking.
Nobody "gets" Lydia apart from her best friend Kate and her husband Joe.

She's had a rough childhood with a father who plays on her mental health problems. I despised her father and the way he treated her. She is also misunderstood by Kates cousin Callum. He's always thought she was just 'crazy' and 'unhinged'. But as he spends more time with Lydia, and dark secrets come to light, he realises that maybe Lydia is the one who's been making the most sense all along.

I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. It deals with mental health in such a raw, honest way, that I shed afew tears as I watched Lydia struggle.

The ending just about broke my heart. You could feel all of the pain and hurt falling off the pages as Lydia reached breaking point and those she loved battled to try and protect her in the only way they knew how.
Gritty, deep and highly emotional, I cannot wait to read the conclusion to this series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really on the fence about this one. Yes, it tackled issues that usually get ignored but it made for uncomfortable reading. I think because some were willing to use Lydia's mental illness against her and I didn't like this element at all. Whilst there is another installment, I felt we didn't get the full picture which made it even more difficult to understand and swallow. I felt as helpless as Lydia when reading it which means that the author did her job well but with the general lack of understanding from some around her, particularly Callum, it made the whole read very uncomfortable. But then discussing mental health, whilst improving, still makes some people very uncomfortable because of a lack of understanding around it. So whilst writing this and expressing my thoughts about it my views are changing as the author has challenged me to look at my views of mental health.

[K.M. Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

This is the first book that I've read by this author so I had no idea what to expect.
I've read so many deep, dark books lately, so when I started this book it was a welcome change. It is also different to read a book from the POV of someone with mental health issues.
Immediate thoughts as the book starts is fun, lighthearted read, but then we get to know the "real" Lydia. Why she behaves the way she does, and what makes her tick.
I want to jump into the book and murder her evil father. This book ends on a cliff hanger and immediately you're left wanting to jump into book 2.
I am not sure if this is a début novel, but I felt there was quite a few typo errors that had me rereading a few sentences, hence why I knocked a star off my review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

FML! When you're trying to get your reading addiction under control and then come across this book. I loved it. I love that this author dug deep into mental health. Lydia, complicated, outspoken, hot mess and I completed love her. Callum, douchebag who redeemed himself (sorta... after a while? lol). I was really envious of Kate and Lydia's friendship, Friend-soulmates are hard to find. I could not put this book down. End on a cliffy but good thing the next book is out. Sleep deprived Steph is going to bed now.

[Sarah Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel broken after reading that.

What the hell! I cried through most of that. I've literally sat up all night, as I couldn't put it down. I have no first hand experience with mental health issues, but by God did Annie do a stand up job. I am absolutely heartbroken here. I gripped me from page one. It isn't even over yet either. I am reeling after that ending. Man, I feel like a hot mess. You must read this!

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This story, well what can I say, I started out believing what everyone else in the book thought. But as I got to know Lydia I realized that wasn't the case. Loved the story and the characters.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

So this is the first book I have read by this author and it was AMAZING!!!!! Absolutely brilliant, I’m now downloading book 2 as I HAVE to find out what’s happening

[Reflections of a Book Geek · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 holy shit stars

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

I had just finished reading The Sound Of You by Annie Hughes earlier today and immediately started Beyond Repair. I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as The Sound Of You but I have to admit I found this one just as good! The two books are totally different but both equally as amazing!

Lydia was such a badass chick, I completely loved her from the first moment she bursts into the scene in this book. She was such an amazing character and had me in stitches with her inner and outer monologue! Her struggles were tremendous and I wanted to be able to just jump into this book and help her through them. I felt like Lydia was a part of me reading this story and I have to admit she is my favourite heroine I have ever read!

Callum was a completely different kettle of fish, I hated him in the beginning, the way he called Lydia names and treated her was disgraceful and I wanted to throat punch him on more than one occasion!! I did soften towards him at times in the story but I'm back to hating his guts again. He will need to do a lot in the next book to redeem himself for me.

The characters in this book were so well developed, they played off each other flawlessly and I loved the dynamic between Lydia and Kate.

The book touched along some pretty sensitive topics but it showed how a person can still function and also the struggles people deal with in real life.

This book was laugh out loud funny in parts and cry your eyes out sad at others. The story was gripping and had me clutched in its hook from the very first word. Annie Hughes has quickly became a favourite and I will be waiting on tender hooks for her next work of art!

I can't wait for more Lydia!!! #hairyfairy