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The Bay Boys #3
Beyond Broken
"You want a taste of what I can give you? Well, you know what, princess?" he sneered. "Get in the fucking line.”
Words that describe Caleb Montgomery: sinfully erotic, unbearably cold, beautifully devastating. Once upon a time, Maddie Ashby thought that he was the man of her dreams. But the boy with obsidian eyes that she’d once adored is long gone, replaced by a man whose broken past has molded and shaped him into someone unrecognizably cruel and hardened.
One mistake brings them together. Another will change both of their lives forever.
Note: Intended for mature audiences over 18+. This is a STANDALONE novel and can be read on its own even though it’s part of a series. No cliffhanger!
Words that describe Caleb Montgomery: sinfully erotic, unbearably cold, beautifully devastating. Once upon a time, Maddie Ashby thought that he was the man of her dreams. But the boy with obsidian eyes that she’d once adored is long gone, replaced by a man whose broken past has molded and shaped him into someone unrecognizably cruel and hardened.
One mistake brings them together. Another will change both of their lives forever.
Note: Intended for mature audiences over 18+. This is a STANDALONE novel and can be read on its own even though it’s part of a series. No cliffhanger!
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2016
19 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 6, 2016
I really like Kindle Unlimited - it's given me the opportunity to try books I probably wouldn't bother with, and some of these books have been gems. This is one of those. I haven't read the first two books in the series and although this in no way affected my enjoyment of Beyond Broken, I'm going to go and read them. I really liked the author's style of writing.
I had a feeling going in that Caleb was going to be an epic tool, and was he ever. I had a few of those "oh no, he did NOT just say that" moments but as the layers of his suit of armour were peeled away I got to see the real Caleb. Sweet, caring, considerate, loyal and oh so vulnerable and broken. He had reasons why he struck out before he was hit, and rightly or wrongly for me this excused his "moments" and I ended up absolutely loving him to bits.
Maddie was the perfect heroine for Caleb. Sweet, understanding, patient and although naive still stood up for herself and fought for what she wanted.
I wanted an epic grovel, and whilst he explained why he did what he did she SHOWED he was sorry, and worked so hard to win her back. That was a total win for me.
Ms Winters, I need to know more about Peter, please please give him a story.
4.5 what a surprise that was stars
I had a feeling going in that Caleb was going to be an epic tool, and was he ever. I had a few of those "oh no, he did NOT just say that" moments but as the layers of his suit of armour were peeled away I got to see the real Caleb. Sweet, caring, considerate, loyal and oh so vulnerable and broken. He had reasons why he struck out before he was hit, and rightly or wrongly for me this excused his "moments" and I ended up absolutely loving him to bits.
Maddie was the perfect heroine for Caleb. Sweet, understanding, patient and although naive still stood up for herself and fought for what she wanted.
I wanted an epic grovel, and whilst he explained why he did what he did she SHOWED he was sorry, and worked so hard to win her back. That was a total win for me.
Ms Winters, I need to know more about Peter, please please give him a story.
4.5 what a surprise that was stars
September 13, 2016
Ok I liked this book and after all the reviews on it, I was convinced it would be a keeper for me but although this book is good and it's deal with deep issues, I felt a little detached from the characters.
I can't explain it really.
Even when he was describing what happened when he was 16, I was like an observer to his recollection and not a participant.
A great story makes me feel it.
I wanted to feel it! I needed to feel it but somehow I felt nothing.
I think he is so detached from his emotions that maybe I was left feeling this detachment?!
This book has all the things I love in it but somehow it was not packing the punch I expected.
Maybe my expectation were too high? I don't know.
Don't get me wrong the book was a good read just not a keeper for me.
I just don't think the characters had the stuff to grow together. If not for the baby, I don't think this couple would even be together.
It's all a moot point now as this is their story.
Also, I just thought that her never telling him about her crush on him was weird. And although the bondage thingy was understandable given his pass, their first time read like a rape scene to me.
I know it's not, but just the way he used her and tied her up ( her being a virgin and all) I was left with a strong distaste for him and their intimacy.
That maybe a factor in my enjoyment of this book also.
Glad I read it but something was missing.
Would recommend for those who enjoy BDSM and darker themes.
I can't explain it really.
Even when he was describing what happened when he was 16, I was like an observer to his recollection and not a participant.
A great story makes me feel it.
I wanted to feel it! I needed to feel it but somehow I felt nothing.
I think he is so detached from his emotions that maybe I was left feeling this detachment?!
This book has all the things I love in it but somehow it was not packing the punch I expected.
Maybe my expectation were too high? I don't know.
Don't get me wrong the book was a good read just not a keeper for me.
I just don't think the characters had the stuff to grow together. If not for the baby, I don't think this couple would even be together.
It's all a moot point now as this is their story.
Also, I just thought that her never telling him about her crush on him was weird. And although the bondage thingy was understandable given his pass, their first time read like a rape scene to me.
I know it's not, but just the way he used her and tied her up ( her being a virgin and all) I was left with a strong distaste for him and their intimacy.
That maybe a factor in my enjoyment of this book also.
Glad I read it but something was missing.
Would recommend for those who enjoy BDSM and darker themes.
April 19, 2016
So let me start by saying that I loved every one of Emilia's books so far. There's just something about her heros that makes you fall in love with them so easily after just a couple of pages.
Beyond Broken was no exception. I fell for Caleb pretty fast.
I mean, who doesn't love a mysterious, tattooed hot as hell broken bad boy..right?! I know I do!
This book starts with our heroine's car breaking down in the middle of nowhere. Luckily Maddie is able to find a garage nearby. To her suprise the owner of the garage is no other than her old high school crush Caleb. Old sparks fly...
...sadly only for Maddie, because Caleb doesn't even recognize her.
But that's the least of Maddie's problems. When Caleb tells her that it's going to cost her almost $800 to fix her car she doesn't know what to do. This is when she comes up with the idea to pay off her debt by helping Caleb out with his bookkeeping.
Caleb doesn't make it very easy for Maddie with his attitude and all. Nevertheless, there's just something about her that draws him towards Maddie. She may be the first woman that is able to break down those walls he has built around him.
This was definitely one of my favorite parts of this book. How Maddie slowly breaks down those walls and becomes more and more important to Caleb. Even though he would never admit it.
.It could all be so easy ...but it rearly is. So when Maddie and Caleb find themselves in a life changing situation, is this fragile bond between them going to be enough?
*Sigh* I really loved Maddie and Caleb's story. Although Adam is always going to be my favorite BAY BOY!
**Sorry Caleb! :)**
I can't believe this was the last book in the Bay Boys series. I'm definitely going to re-read these books.
Thanks again Emilia, for giving me an arc. You're the best!
December 27, 2018
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Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Maddie): 5/5
Hero (Caleb): 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Grovel: 5/5
Cheating: none
HEA: yes with babies!
Triggers: past sexual abuse
Average score: 5/5
Best Lines: “I need you to not give up on me,” he told her. “Because I won’t ever give up on us.”
Worst Lines: H to h: “I haven’t kissed a woman in almost eight years.” Her brows drew, struggling to process his words. “But I have fucked a lot of women in eight years.”
Personal Review:
This was an emotional love story between a headstrong virgin and a brooding hero with an awful childhood and their difficult road to love.
As much as the hero was an ass to the heroine, I understood why he was that way and I fell in love with his vulnerability AND his commitment.
Random Ramblings:
•Loved the h’s sass in the beginning
•Great book cover!
•I want to read more about Peter
Overall Feeling:
I am completely in love with both the h and H
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Maddie): 5/5
Hero (Caleb): 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Grovel: 5/5
Cheating: none
HEA: yes with babies!
Triggers: past sexual abuse
Average score: 5/5
Best Lines: “I need you to not give up on me,” he told her. “Because I won’t ever give up on us.”
Worst Lines: H to h: “I haven’t kissed a woman in almost eight years.” Her brows drew, struggling to process his words. “But I have fucked a lot of women in eight years.”
Personal Review:
This was an emotional love story between a headstrong virgin and a brooding hero with an awful childhood and their difficult road to love.
As much as the hero was an ass to the heroine, I understood why he was that way and I fell in love with his vulnerability AND his commitment.
Random Ramblings:
•Loved the h’s sass in the beginning
•Great book cover!
•I want to read more about Peter
Overall Feeling:
I am completely in love with both the h and H
September 17, 2021
My third reread and Caleb will always be one of my favourite heroes
I don't usually read about bad boys unless I 'm rebellious. I like my heros classy with suits and interesting jobs. Not precisely with a huge bank account and private jets but the kind of guys that give you no choice but to love them even when they are rude and ruthless. But this Caleb is just indescribable.
My Caleb
When her car broke down on the road, Madie had to find a way to get back home. She lost her wallet and her phone was dead and she didn't even know where she was. She had to find a towing company and a phone to call her brother Thomas. When she stepped on the Montgomery Restoration & Repair Territory she didn't think that she would see Caleb, her crush from high school but This Caleb was not her Caleb. This man was ruthless, rude and frightening.
My Maddie
Caleb was so messed up. He had lived a hell of a life full of abuse, hate and betrayal and besides all that hell, he lost his beloved uncle.
But one day the same life that put him in hell brought him Maddie as a recompense to all he had to go through.
NO!!! Caleb was not ready for that innocent face with freckles. what Madie is bringing with her scared him to death. HE HAD TO FIGHT HER fiercely. He had to fight his feelings for her.
"What I feel for you scares me".
Yeah, Caleb was the bad boy who swears every two seconds. He was full of shit and had a horrible past but Maddie saw in his eyes things he couldn't see himself. She saw a caring and a protective man and she had no options but to fight for him against him and win his heart because he was every thing she wanted from life.
That was an amazing book. My first to Emilia Winters but definitely not the last.
I don't usually read about bad boys unless I 'm rebellious. I like my heros classy with suits and interesting jobs. Not precisely with a huge bank account and private jets but the kind of guys that give you no choice but to love them even when they are rude and ruthless. But this Caleb is just indescribable.
My Caleb
When her car broke down on the road, Madie had to find a way to get back home. She lost her wallet and her phone was dead and she didn't even know where she was. She had to find a towing company and a phone to call her brother Thomas. When she stepped on the Montgomery Restoration & Repair Territory she didn't think that she would see Caleb, her crush from high school but This Caleb was not her Caleb. This man was ruthless, rude and frightening.
My Maddie
Caleb was so messed up. He had lived a hell of a life full of abuse, hate and betrayal and besides all that hell, he lost his beloved uncle.
But one day the same life that put him in hell brought him Maddie as a recompense to all he had to go through.
NO!!! Caleb was not ready for that innocent face with freckles. what Madie is bringing with her scared him to death. HE HAD TO FIGHT HER fiercely. He had to fight his feelings for her.
"What I feel for you scares me".
Yeah, Caleb was the bad boy who swears every two seconds. He was full of shit and had a horrible past but Maddie saw in his eyes things he couldn't see himself. She saw a caring and a protective man and she had no options but to fight for him against him and win his heart because he was every thing she wanted from life.
That was an amazing book. My first to Emilia Winters but definitely not the last.
April 12, 2017
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Ages of H and h: Maddie is 25 and Caleb is 28?
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings:
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: Yes
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
This was a rollercoaster of a ride. Caleb is horrible, I can't deny that but I understood why he kept pushing Maddie away. I like how Maddie pushed to let herself in but then stepped because it wasnt fair that she kept having her heart trampled on. Definitely will be re-reading again.
Ages of H and h: Maddie is 25 and Caleb is 28?
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings:
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: Yes
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
This was a rollercoaster of a ride. Caleb is horrible, I can't deny that but I understood why he kept pushing Maddie away. I like how Maddie pushed to let herself in but then stepped because it wasnt fair that she kept having her heart trampled on. Definitely will be re-reading again.
April 26, 2016
DNF @ 53%.
The H was so mean. He deliberately said such cruel things to the h and she just put up with it. I got so tired of his mood swings. By the way, he wasn't a possessive H either. The first sex scene was awful and not hot or romantic. Then the way the H responded afterwards and when the h told him the big news was really bad. I don't understand how a guy treating a girl poorly is considered romantic.
The H was so mean. He deliberately said such cruel things to the h and she just put up with it. I got so tired of his mood swings. By the way, he wasn't a possessive H either. The first sex scene was awful and not hot or romantic. Then the way the H responded afterwards and when the h told him the big news was really bad. I don't understand how a guy treating a girl poorly is considered romantic.
June 22, 2017
DNF - I can't believe this is the book with the highest ratings in the series.
Caleb Montgomery is an asshole and a fucking moron who got molested in the past so he decided that all women deserve to be treated like trash and oh boy, he does treat them like that all the time. However, it's not as if women are his only target because he lashes out at his coworkers and friends as well. His traumatic past does not excuse his nasty behavior imo, on the contrary - it's an insult to all of the victims out there who do not act like morons but ask for professional help instead.
Maddie Ashby is a doormat who gets all horny when he treats her like garbage so I guess they are suited for each other.
The author was unable to provide any kind of romance (because the hero has been a jerk from the very beginning) and the only way she managed to keep them together is by bringing Maddie's pregnancy into the story. Of course, Caleb continued to treat her like garbage and yell at her like a moron even after that.
And I can't even start with cheesy lines and "heartwarming" exchanges seconds after he's finished talking to her like shit.
My favorite part was when Maddie told him she was pregnant and his response was: "Is it mine?" Yep.
What kind of people get off to this stuff? Incredulous.
Caleb Montgomery is an asshole and a fucking moron who got molested in the past so he decided that all women deserve to be treated like trash and oh boy, he does treat them like that all the time. However, it's not as if women are his only target because he lashes out at his coworkers and friends as well. His traumatic past does not excuse his nasty behavior imo, on the contrary - it's an insult to all of the victims out there who do not act like morons but ask for professional help instead.
Maddie Ashby is a doormat who gets all horny when he treats her like garbage so I guess they are suited for each other.
The author was unable to provide any kind of romance (because the hero has been a jerk from the very beginning) and the only way she managed to keep them together is by bringing Maddie's pregnancy into the story. Of course, Caleb continued to treat her like garbage and yell at her like a moron even after that.
And I can't even start with cheesy lines and "heartwarming" exchanges seconds after he's finished talking to her like shit.
My favorite part was when Maddie told him she was pregnant and his response was: "Is it mine?" Yep.
What kind of people get off to this stuff? Incredulous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2016
SOME SMALL SPOILERS
This was a pleasant surprise. I went in not expecting much and was really only going to start reading because my hubby was watching basketball and I had nothing else to do LOL
I'm glad I read it! I thought both H/h were great characters. Yes, Hero is a bit of a jerk at the beginning but once you get his backstory you somewhat understand why.
I tend to have a hard time finding heroines I truly enjoy. I find that some authors try to write heroines as sassy but they come across as more bitchy then anything else. The heroine in this book is amazing! She has a backbone, doesn't take the Hero's shit but isn't a bitch about it.
Only thing I would have liked is maybe Hero coming around before he finds out about the pregnancy. Although we do get told he missed heroine when they were apart.
This was a pleasant surprise. I went in not expecting much and was really only going to start reading because my hubby was watching basketball and I had nothing else to do LOL
I'm glad I read it! I thought both H/h were great characters. Yes, Hero is a bit of a jerk at the beginning but once you get his backstory you somewhat understand why.
I tend to have a hard time finding heroines I truly enjoy. I find that some authors try to write heroines as sassy but they come across as more bitchy then anything else. The heroine in this book is amazing! She has a backbone, doesn't take the Hero's shit but isn't a bitch about it.
Only thing I would have liked is maybe Hero coming around before he finds out about the pregnancy. Although we do get told he missed heroine when they were apart.
January 1, 2019
I really hate to give this such a low rating especially since I actually finished the book but I can't give this more then 2 stars.
My first issue other then expecting a different story all together was the style of writing. I've read plenty of 3rd person and while no they are not my favorite, I have liked and even loved a few. However I didn't like this style, it just didn't work well for me.
Im not sure if I read a review or possibly confused this book summary for a similar but different one, but when I started reading it I was expecting well, something different. Mostly I was expecting Caleb to be this rich boy player asshole. While he did end up being wealthy he was far from what you would consider a "rich boy". Though he'd been with many women he certainly wasn't a "player", and lastly he was far more then just an asshole. I think Caleb is one of the few male leads I actually didn't like, regardless of how much crap they pulled. I felt he was well, childish to put it plainly.
I also felt this underlying attempt at a FSOG feel. *Moms a drug whore who OD's when he was a small child, he's sexually abused by older women at a young impressionable age, ends up with an aversion to being touched, and somehow ends up with a bondage kink.*
I will say their first time was a breath of fresh air however. 99.9% of lost virginities you read about these days are better then the sex most adults are having on there best romp. Don't get me wrong the expected multiple orgasms(I believe it was 5 or 6)came later, but their first time together was super short, super painful, and she didn't even get close to enjoying it. So yeah that was a breath of fresh air and as accurate as you could expect.
*Warning spoilers below*
But then all of a sudden she was pregnant. I really feel other stuff could've been left out and replaced with things like the couple weeks before she took a test to keep you in the story. Instead it was a chapter about Caleb and Peters issues and then BOOM white stick pink lines. And while I am a HUGE sucker for unplanned pregnancies, HUGE sucker, this one actually disappointed me and was actually the beginning of the end for me.
This was where the inconsistencies began.
Now if you are a female or have ever gone through sex Ed you learn that when you conceive you are pregnant. But also you are actually only "pregnant" for 38 weeks of the 40 week term. The first 2 being your body preparing for baby(ovulation)before the conception. So when almost 2 months after *the sex*, she finds out she's pregnant, I believe she even said it had been 7 weeks and 3 days, this being time she hasn't seen or heard from Caleb. When she does tell him it's a few days later so by this time over 8 weeks of no contact and she is at least 10 weeks pregnant.
Now if you keep these time stamps in mind through out, they don't add up. Nor is the 20 pounds she's gained by week 22 okay, any doctor would be shitting a brick with that amount of weight gain especially on a small framed healthy female. I was honestly waiting for the twins bomb because showing as much as she apparently was, on top of that weight gain, and not only her feeling movement but him being able to feel it on the outside, twins would have to be the only explanation. Which leads me to believe the author has either never had a child/ been around a pregnant person or meant to add 2 months on this fictional pregnancy where these things would actually make sense.
I will give kudos to Maddie for in fact leaving Caleb like she should've. I was actually dreading the "I refuse to give up on him" speech that more then surprisingly never came. She realized she was worth more and said you know what, bye Felicia. That was probably my favorite part of the story, that she stuck to her guns and did it, didn't just threaten and cave on the "broken" man.
The ending was good, also completely unexpected. Kinda had me worried, but it was good, it cleared up everything and brought them back together. Though I will admit to skimming through a lot of it and really only reading major points, so maybe it I shouldn't give it that much credit but it was again a 3 star for me.
And then the epilogue happened and holy mother of gawd run ons.
*"He’d said it when their daughter, Kinsley, was born on a sunny August afternoon, when he’d proposed to Maddie, tucked in a cozy cabin during a snowstorm on their first vacation together, when Maddie had received her Master’s degree last June, during their vows when they got married almost a year ago, and every single day in between."*
At first I was like holy hell that was an adventurous sunny August afternoon. Giving birth in a cabin, while being proposed to, during a snow storm, on their first vacation together, where she was also receiving her degree AND- oh wait last June?
That was my thought process. At which time I had to go back and reread. And the story was officially done for me.
My first issue other then expecting a different story all together was the style of writing. I've read plenty of 3rd person and while no they are not my favorite, I have liked and even loved a few. However I didn't like this style, it just didn't work well for me.
Im not sure if I read a review or possibly confused this book summary for a similar but different one, but when I started reading it I was expecting well, something different. Mostly I was expecting Caleb to be this rich boy player asshole. While he did end up being wealthy he was far from what you would consider a "rich boy". Though he'd been with many women he certainly wasn't a "player", and lastly he was far more then just an asshole. I think Caleb is one of the few male leads I actually didn't like, regardless of how much crap they pulled. I felt he was well, childish to put it plainly.
I also felt this underlying attempt at a FSOG feel. *Moms a drug whore who OD's when he was a small child, he's sexually abused by older women at a young impressionable age, ends up with an aversion to being touched, and somehow ends up with a bondage kink.*
I will say their first time was a breath of fresh air however. 99.9% of lost virginities you read about these days are better then the sex most adults are having on there best romp. Don't get me wrong the expected multiple orgasms(I believe it was 5 or 6)came later, but their first time together was super short, super painful, and she didn't even get close to enjoying it. So yeah that was a breath of fresh air and as accurate as you could expect.
*Warning spoilers below*
But then all of a sudden she was pregnant. I really feel other stuff could've been left out and replaced with things like the couple weeks before she took a test to keep you in the story. Instead it was a chapter about Caleb and Peters issues and then BOOM white stick pink lines. And while I am a HUGE sucker for unplanned pregnancies, HUGE sucker, this one actually disappointed me and was actually the beginning of the end for me.
This was where the inconsistencies began.
Now if you are a female or have ever gone through sex Ed you learn that when you conceive you are pregnant. But also you are actually only "pregnant" for 38 weeks of the 40 week term. The first 2 being your body preparing for baby(ovulation)before the conception. So when almost 2 months after *the sex*, she finds out she's pregnant, I believe she even said it had been 7 weeks and 3 days, this being time she hasn't seen or heard from Caleb. When she does tell him it's a few days later so by this time over 8 weeks of no contact and she is at least 10 weeks pregnant.
Now if you keep these time stamps in mind through out, they don't add up. Nor is the 20 pounds she's gained by week 22 okay, any doctor would be shitting a brick with that amount of weight gain especially on a small framed healthy female. I was honestly waiting for the twins bomb because showing as much as she apparently was, on top of that weight gain, and not only her feeling movement but him being able to feel it on the outside, twins would have to be the only explanation. Which leads me to believe the author has either never had a child/ been around a pregnant person or meant to add 2 months on this fictional pregnancy where these things would actually make sense.
I will give kudos to Maddie for in fact leaving Caleb like she should've. I was actually dreading the "I refuse to give up on him" speech that more then surprisingly never came. She realized she was worth more and said you know what, bye Felicia. That was probably my favorite part of the story, that she stuck to her guns and did it, didn't just threaten and cave on the "broken" man.
The ending was good, also completely unexpected. Kinda had me worried, but it was good, it cleared up everything and brought them back together. Though I will admit to skimming through a lot of it and really only reading major points, so maybe it I shouldn't give it that much credit but it was again a 3 star for me.
And then the epilogue happened and holy mother of gawd run ons.
*"He’d said it when their daughter, Kinsley, was born on a sunny August afternoon, when he’d proposed to Maddie, tucked in a cozy cabin during a snowstorm on their first vacation together, when Maddie had received her Master’s degree last June, during their vows when they got married almost a year ago, and every single day in between."*
At first I was like holy hell that was an adventurous sunny August afternoon. Giving birth in a cabin, while being proposed to, during a snow storm, on their first vacation together, where she was also receiving her degree AND- oh wait last June?
That was my thought process. At which time I had to go back and reread. And the story was officially done for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2016
I loved this book! Maddie is a character who always sees the good in people, even when they try to hide who they are, but she's also got quick wit and a great sense of humor. Despite Caleb's initial impression that Maddie is irresponsible, she proves to be anything but. She's definitely got her goals and plans for her life, but a mistake involving her car is all it takes to change the course of her life.
I will say that you might have the strong urge to choke Caleb out during the first half of the book, simply because of his behavior towards Maddie. He's the very definition of hot and cold with her, yet she somehow manages to see through the layers that is Caleb to the man she knows is there. He's a man who does NOT trust easily, and trusts women even less. But the more you learn about his past, the easier it is to understand why he's built a fortress around himself and doesn't allow himself to believe that he could have something good and beautiful in his life. And while he seems reluctant, almost rude to Maddie, he soon finds that he's drawn to her more than he likes.
I thought the issue involving the sexual abuse was an interesting story arc, I've not read a book that features that type of abuse committed against the victim. It took Caleb a good long while to finally understand that Maddie didn't feel pity for him and what happened, but that she was outraged on his behalf that he suffered time and time again by some of those who claimed they cared for him. Once he realized that she wasn't disgusted by what happened when he was younger, it seemed as if he finally allowed himself to believe in her feelings for him. Caleb's big turning point in acknowledging his feelings for Maddie was when she needed emergency surgery, and the subsequent talk he had with her mother.
I enjoyed the way the story wrapped up with everyone happy and coupled together.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
I will say that you might have the strong urge to choke Caleb out during the first half of the book, simply because of his behavior towards Maddie. He's the very definition of hot and cold with her, yet she somehow manages to see through the layers that is Caleb to the man she knows is there. He's a man who does NOT trust easily, and trusts women even less. But the more you learn about his past, the easier it is to understand why he's built a fortress around himself and doesn't allow himself to believe that he could have something good and beautiful in his life. And while he seems reluctant, almost rude to Maddie, he soon finds that he's drawn to her more than he likes.
I thought the issue involving the sexual abuse was an interesting story arc, I've not read a book that features that type of abuse committed against the victim. It took Caleb a good long while to finally understand that Maddie didn't feel pity for him and what happened, but that she was outraged on his behalf that he suffered time and time again by some of those who claimed they cared for him. Once he realized that she wasn't disgusted by what happened when he was younger, it seemed as if he finally allowed himself to believe in her feelings for him. Caleb's big turning point in acknowledging his feelings for Maddie was when she needed emergency surgery, and the subsequent talk he had with her mother.
I enjoyed the way the story wrapped up with everyone happy and coupled together.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
April 18, 2016
3 stars. This book was only okay for me. This is Maddie and Caleb's story. Maddie has liked Caleb since high school, but he doesn't remember her when she ends up with car trouble in his mechanic garage. He is a jerk to her and she can't afford to pay her car repairs so he has her work off her bill by doing bookkeeping in the office. She continues to pine after him even though he treats her like dirt. Then Caleb has a past of being abused by women in his life so we are supposed to forgive him for his behavior and believe he's changed, but I just couldn't do it. Maddie is very whiny and came off immature and a doormat. Caleb was a huge jerk for most of the book and pushed her away most of the time. I didn't really like him at all and I didn't really believe that he loved her and that their HEA was going to work out. The story was interesting and the writing wasn't bad. I just didn't love the characters. This was my first book by Emilia Winters and I will probably give her books another chance.
April 12, 2016
4 1/2 stars, I loved this one. Crazy possessive hero, and a sweet, smart heroine. I love a "jerk" hero (and don't get it wring ladies he is a jerk)who turns it all around is brought to his knees when the heroine comes into play. Now don't get me wrong the hero has to change and grovel, and the heroine can't be a doormat but there's nothing like it to me. This has a really great story and it was written really, really well. I didn't want to put this book down once I started it. This book is safe for anyone wondering but there are some triggers with the heroes past. His story is heartbreaking but the heroine and him are so perfect and beautiful together. He grows leaps and bounds in this book and seeing his growth was just another amazing thing about this book. This is one of those books you don't want to end but also can't stop reading. Loved it!
May 1, 2016
Panty Scorching-3
Storyline-3.5
Angst-3
Tissues-2
Overall Rating-4
Kindle eARC
Reviewed by Stephanie
This is book three in the Bad Boys series by Emilia Winters but can be read as a stand- alone. Maddie has had a shitty night and to top it off her car breaks down in the middle of no-where and she doesn’t have her wallet or her cell phone to even call anyone to come to help her out. So what’s a girl to do? The only thing she can, suck it up and start walking in her super high heels. Like a light in the dark she stumbles upon Montgomery Restoration and Repair and by some miracle they are still open and she pleads her case to an older man working. But when he calls the boss down to help her out Maddie is suddenly transported back in time when she comes face to face with a boy who is now a man she thought she would never see again.
“Maddie felt as though she was seeing a ghost. Caleb Montgomery. Almost ten years later, here he was...”
Maddie isn’t all that surprised when Caleb doesn’t recognize her, he may have been one of her older brother’s closest friends but it has been ten years and she doesn’t look the same. Neither does he, he looks better, way better. Like that’s even possible. He also looks pissed off. Caleb doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the damsel in distress on front of him. Women like her are a waste of time, hell all women as far as he is concerned are. They are only good for one thing and he isn’t interested, no matter how hot she may look in her heels.
“You’re just some irresponsible, spoiled, desperate little girl, wanting a taste of what I can give you. Well, you know what, princess? Get in the fucking line.”
When Caleb gives Maddie the news on her much her car will cost to get fixed she knows she can’t afford it and her pride keeps her from asking for help from her family but that doesn’t keep her from coming to an agreement to work the money off doing the books for Caleb’s shop. The sexual chemistry between these two is intense and the more time these two spend together it turns into a push and pull scenario. Maddie deeply cares for Caleb and always has. But Caleb doesn’t do relationships for a reason. Something terrible happened to him in his past that has left him a broken man. Maddie heard the rumors when Caleb sort of just vanished towards the end of high school but had always hoped they weren’t true. She vows to not give up on him and to help him heal. As much as he pushes her away she pushes back. Soon the wall he has built around his heart starts to crack and it’s for sure not an easy road for them and they fight like hell to get where we want them to go.
“I need you to not give up on me, “Because I won’t ever give up on us.”
This was my first read by this Author and I really enjoyed it. It did start out a little slowly for my liking but once it picked up it didn’t stop. I really loved how Maddie was a strong, confident character who knew what she wanted out of life and wasn’t afraid to fight for it. I totally loved Caleb, who doesn’t love a beautiful broken man. You just want to climb right into the story and try to fix him right along with Maddie. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
“Loving someone is a good thing. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Storyline-3.5
Angst-3
Tissues-2
Overall Rating-4
Kindle eARC
Reviewed by Stephanie
This is book three in the Bad Boys series by Emilia Winters but can be read as a stand- alone. Maddie has had a shitty night and to top it off her car breaks down in the middle of no-where and she doesn’t have her wallet or her cell phone to even call anyone to come to help her out. So what’s a girl to do? The only thing she can, suck it up and start walking in her super high heels. Like a light in the dark she stumbles upon Montgomery Restoration and Repair and by some miracle they are still open and she pleads her case to an older man working. But when he calls the boss down to help her out Maddie is suddenly transported back in time when she comes face to face with a boy who is now a man she thought she would never see again.
“Maddie felt as though she was seeing a ghost. Caleb Montgomery. Almost ten years later, here he was...”
Maddie isn’t all that surprised when Caleb doesn’t recognize her, he may have been one of her older brother’s closest friends but it has been ten years and she doesn’t look the same. Neither does he, he looks better, way better. Like that’s even possible. He also looks pissed off. Caleb doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the damsel in distress on front of him. Women like her are a waste of time, hell all women as far as he is concerned are. They are only good for one thing and he isn’t interested, no matter how hot she may look in her heels.
“You’re just some irresponsible, spoiled, desperate little girl, wanting a taste of what I can give you. Well, you know what, princess? Get in the fucking line.”
When Caleb gives Maddie the news on her much her car will cost to get fixed she knows she can’t afford it and her pride keeps her from asking for help from her family but that doesn’t keep her from coming to an agreement to work the money off doing the books for Caleb’s shop. The sexual chemistry between these two is intense and the more time these two spend together it turns into a push and pull scenario. Maddie deeply cares for Caleb and always has. But Caleb doesn’t do relationships for a reason. Something terrible happened to him in his past that has left him a broken man. Maddie heard the rumors when Caleb sort of just vanished towards the end of high school but had always hoped they weren’t true. She vows to not give up on him and to help him heal. As much as he pushes her away she pushes back. Soon the wall he has built around his heart starts to crack and it’s for sure not an easy road for them and they fight like hell to get where we want them to go.
“I need you to not give up on me, “Because I won’t ever give up on us.”
This was my first read by this Author and I really enjoyed it. It did start out a little slowly for my liking but once it picked up it didn’t stop. I really loved how Maddie was a strong, confident character who knew what she wanted out of life and wasn’t afraid to fight for it. I totally loved Caleb, who doesn’t love a beautiful broken man. You just want to climb right into the story and try to fix him right along with Maddie. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
“Loving someone is a good thing. It’s a beautiful thing.”
March 22, 2016
5 stars
So it was a long wait for this book but it was definitely worth the wait! This is the third book in the series (although really it's the fourth because the Rebound series is the first book) and we finally get women hating Caleb's story, and I have to say it was amazing. I loved the story and the fact the with Caleb and his problems the author has addressed an issue in society that is rarely brought up because surely it couldn't happen that way. So while we often see the reverse of Caleb situation in books I thought the fact that this book tackled it from the reverse was a great way to highlight that it does happen. I loved the characters and the fact that we got to see our old favourite, I also loved the new ones and I hope Peter and maybe even Thomas get their own stories! You don't need to read the books previous to this story but you will want to once you have read this story. I would highly recommend this book if you like romances with a little darkness but a very happy (and deserved) ending.
So it was a long wait for this book but it was definitely worth the wait! This is the third book in the series (although really it's the fourth because the Rebound series is the first book) and we finally get women hating Caleb's story, and I have to say it was amazing. I loved the story and the fact the with Caleb and his problems the author has addressed an issue in society that is rarely brought up because surely it couldn't happen that way. So while we often see the reverse of Caleb situation in books I thought the fact that this book tackled it from the reverse was a great way to highlight that it does happen. I loved the characters and the fact that we got to see our old favourite, I also loved the new ones and I hope Peter and maybe even Thomas get their own stories! You don't need to read the books previous to this story but you will want to once you have read this story. I would highly recommend this book if you like romances with a little darkness but a very happy (and deserved) ending.
June 22, 2016
4.5 stars
February 27, 2017
This book was EVERYTHING! I absolutely fell in love with Caleb and Maddie, and I must say they quickly became my favorite couple in the Bay Boys series. I truly loved seeing both of the character's personalities blossom as the pages turned and it made it seem like I was growing along with them. One of my favorite parts of this series is the true friendship that this group has, both the men and the women. It is very hard to come by a book that can prove the true meaning of friendship and this series did just that. Emilia did such a wonderful job of incorporating true, and real life struggles into this story without making it seem cheesy, or play out in an overdone fashion. Many times, it is easy to suspect exactly where the plot is going to go, but Emilia had a way of setting up the scenes just so, so that her readers were always engaged in the story! I'm a huge fan of her writing and cannot wait to see what other projects she has in store in the future.
September 24, 2017
When I read about the hero of this book in Electric, I was interested. Hero into bondage/kink? Sign me up! But he was a asshole with a terrible past, and while that helped understand him, he was still an ass. And I guess I've read too much erotica, because waiting until more than halfway before we get to some light bondage was too much. Nearly DNF, I just ended up skimming most if it.
September 28, 2024
DNF @26% was so annoyed I read a summary and was glad I didn’t finish it cause wtf
Trauma doesn’t justify you being a terrible person to the people you claim to care about…
The h was a push over and it pissed me off so bad because the the H is gonna be such an ass the h can’t be a literal door mat cause then that’s not a relationship it’s bullying.
Trauma doesn’t justify you being a terrible person to the people you claim to care about…
The h was a push over and it pissed me off so bad because the the H is gonna be such an ass the h can’t be a literal door mat cause then that’s not a relationship it’s bullying.
May 15, 2020
I’m not sure how I feel. There was things I liked, things I didn’t like, things I really liked, and things I really didn’t like. But, I guess it all worked out in the end?
I really just wish we saw move from Peter. He was literally the only reason I kept reading at one point.
I really just wish we saw move from Peter. He was literally the only reason I kept reading at one point.
October 27, 2020
The hero spent most of the book pushing her away, bringing her close, then pushing her away. It was so frustrating.
I really liked both the hero and heroine so I kept reading even though I wanted him to get his act together.
I really liked both the hero and heroine so I kept reading even though I wanted him to get his act together.
November 27, 2021
Sorry but didn’t feel the love or romance,
She took it all, and that was a lot to take! He is bad…
If she didn’t get pregnant, there’s no HEA,
She left ( thank fuc…) and he did nothing,
Again, I’m here for the grovel other reviewers said it was good but I didn’t read any… sorry!
She took it all, and that was a lot to take! He is bad…
If she didn’t get pregnant, there’s no HEA,
She left ( thank fuc…) and he did nothing,
Again, I’m here for the grovel other reviewers said it was good but I didn’t read any… sorry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2018
A very meh 3 stars.
September 4, 2025
3.7 ⭐️
March 23, 2016
I love a story that has a hot alpha male, lost of angst, twists & turns, that tests your emotions; makes you FEEL!
Caleb’s past is dark, he trusts no one but a few of his close buddies. He’s angry, bitter and hurt by those he’s loved, crushed and overcome with the recent loss of his uncle who left him a business to run and a house; the house he hated to be in.
Driven by his sordid past, Caleb has no interest to be in any relationship, all sexual conquests are bound so as to not touch or kiss him. Never sleeping with the same woman twice and making no excuse for his self gratification.
At twenty-five, Maddie’s a strong intellectual woman focused on finishing school and starting her career. She’s always held a burning flame for her high school crush and no one else has ever measured up.
When her car breaks down and she walks to the nearest garage for help, you can imagine her surprise when she finds her high school crush Caleb; the boss and owner although he doesn’t remember her and he’s mean and bitter towards her. Being bogged down with getting the business books in order, Caleb reluctantly goes and picks up Maddie’s car to fix only to find out that she doesn’t have the money to pay for the repairs. Maddie offers to organize the books in exchange for the car repairs.
Spending time with Caleb in his office sparks the flame she’s carried for him since high school despite his gruff attitude towards her.
The more time they spend together the more their attraction for each-other increases. Caleb keeps insulting Maddie, keeps pushing her away because she keeps getting the upper hand on him. Caleb doesn’t like it so he takes advantage of her attraction to him and plays her, finds her annoying and stubborn, he has no trust in women, wants nothing in his life that could hurt him further, so he keeps everyone at arms length. But his fantasies of Maddie are becoming an obsession and he’s not sure how much long before he gives in. Remembering the boy she crushed on, Maddie’s determined to find him again and lets his attitude towards her roll off her shoulders.
It’s only when Maddie has a date that Caleb tries to sabotage that things get real between them and spirals out of control.
Weeks pass and Caleb’s mood deteriorates. Caleb finds Peter, the shy scared teenager that has been helping out in the shop since before his uncle passed hiding out in the shop’s utility closet with bruises to his face. Knowing Peter’s home life is grim Caleb takes him home and gives him the escape and safe haven Peter desperately needs.
A common interest brings Caleb and Maddie together again, but words spoken send Caleb off the deep end. Maddie is hospitalized and Caleb realizes what she means to him however it’s too late, Maddie has given up on her fantasy of a life with Caleb, tired of fighting for something he will never give her.
The tables turn, now it’s Caleb wanting a relationship with Maddie. She may have given up on him but he would not give up on her. Why would he, Maddie is the only person in the world who completely understands him.
In the Epilogue that is two years later, we hear how Peter has fared and find out that he is in school in LA. He now has a girlfriend named Beth which I hope we learn more about in their own story. We hear how Caleb’s buddies are doing with their significant others that we have read about in other Emilia Winter’s books and perhaps we will get another story between Maddie’s brother Thomas and her best friend Kyra. But most of all we find that Caleb has found what he was looking for all along!
Loved the story-line, the characters were believable; the sexiness of Caleb was on point. The chemistry between Caleb and Maddie was smoking hot!
The part with Peter, my heart broke for him. I wanted to jump into the page and give him a hug.
The epilogue was great; we get hear about everyone mentioned in the story and how they are doing. If you’ve read previous books of the author, you will be thrilled to get their updates.
But most of all you get to hear how Caleb and Maddie are doing and the ending will leave you smiling and despite being beyond broken you experienced what Caleb found.
For me, this story is the best one by Emilia Winters! Great Job!!!
Caleb’s past is dark, he trusts no one but a few of his close buddies. He’s angry, bitter and hurt by those he’s loved, crushed and overcome with the recent loss of his uncle who left him a business to run and a house; the house he hated to be in.
Driven by his sordid past, Caleb has no interest to be in any relationship, all sexual conquests are bound so as to not touch or kiss him. Never sleeping with the same woman twice and making no excuse for his self gratification.
At twenty-five, Maddie’s a strong intellectual woman focused on finishing school and starting her career. She’s always held a burning flame for her high school crush and no one else has ever measured up.
When her car breaks down and she walks to the nearest garage for help, you can imagine her surprise when she finds her high school crush Caleb; the boss and owner although he doesn’t remember her and he’s mean and bitter towards her. Being bogged down with getting the business books in order, Caleb reluctantly goes and picks up Maddie’s car to fix only to find out that she doesn’t have the money to pay for the repairs. Maddie offers to organize the books in exchange for the car repairs.
Spending time with Caleb in his office sparks the flame she’s carried for him since high school despite his gruff attitude towards her.
The more time they spend together the more their attraction for each-other increases. Caleb keeps insulting Maddie, keeps pushing her away because she keeps getting the upper hand on him. Caleb doesn’t like it so he takes advantage of her attraction to him and plays her, finds her annoying and stubborn, he has no trust in women, wants nothing in his life that could hurt him further, so he keeps everyone at arms length. But his fantasies of Maddie are becoming an obsession and he’s not sure how much long before he gives in. Remembering the boy she crushed on, Maddie’s determined to find him again and lets his attitude towards her roll off her shoulders.
It’s only when Maddie has a date that Caleb tries to sabotage that things get real between them and spirals out of control.
Weeks pass and Caleb’s mood deteriorates. Caleb finds Peter, the shy scared teenager that has been helping out in the shop since before his uncle passed hiding out in the shop’s utility closet with bruises to his face. Knowing Peter’s home life is grim Caleb takes him home and gives him the escape and safe haven Peter desperately needs.
A common interest brings Caleb and Maddie together again, but words spoken send Caleb off the deep end. Maddie is hospitalized and Caleb realizes what she means to him however it’s too late, Maddie has given up on her fantasy of a life with Caleb, tired of fighting for something he will never give her.
The tables turn, now it’s Caleb wanting a relationship with Maddie. She may have given up on him but he would not give up on her. Why would he, Maddie is the only person in the world who completely understands him.
In the Epilogue that is two years later, we hear how Peter has fared and find out that he is in school in LA. He now has a girlfriend named Beth which I hope we learn more about in their own story. We hear how Caleb’s buddies are doing with their significant others that we have read about in other Emilia Winter’s books and perhaps we will get another story between Maddie’s brother Thomas and her best friend Kyra. But most of all we find that Caleb has found what he was looking for all along!
Loved the story-line, the characters were believable; the sexiness of Caleb was on point. The chemistry between Caleb and Maddie was smoking hot!
The part with Peter, my heart broke for him. I wanted to jump into the page and give him a hug.
The epilogue was great; we get hear about everyone mentioned in the story and how they are doing. If you’ve read previous books of the author, you will be thrilled to get their updates.
But most of all you get to hear how Caleb and Maddie are doing and the ending will leave you smiling and despite being beyond broken you experienced what Caleb found.
For me, this story is the best one by Emilia Winters! Great Job!!!
March 13, 2017
Best book of the series!
Wow it was emotional rollercoaster ride.....loved it
Wow it was emotional rollercoaster ride.....loved it
March 12, 2017
hero's a major jerk though I understood where he's coming from but he's still a jerk!
May 1, 2016
Beyond Broken by Emilia Winters
Panty Scorching-3
Storyline-3.5
Angst-3
Tissues-2
Overall Rating-3.5/4
This is book three in the Bad Boys series by Emilia Winters but can be read as a stand- alone. Maddie has had a shitty night and to top it off her car breaks down in the middle of no-where and she doesn’t have her wallet or her cell phone to even call anyone to come to help her out. So what’s a girl to do? The only thing she can, suck it up and start walking in her super high heels. Like a light in the dark she stumbles upon Montgomery Restoration and Repair and by some miracle they are still open and she pleads her case to an older man working. But when he calls the boss down to help her out Maddie is suddenly transported back in time when she comes face to face with a boy who is now a man she thought she would never see again.
“Maddie felt as though she was seeing a ghost. Caleb Montgomery. Almost ten years later, here he was…”
Maddie isn’t all that surprised when Caleb doesn’t recognize her, he may have been one of her older brother’s closest friends but it has been ten years and she doesn’t look the same. Neither does he, he looks better, way better. Like that’s even possible. He also looks pissed off. Caleb doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the damsel in distress on front of him. Women like her are a waste of time, hell all women as far as he is concerned are. They are only good for one thing and he isn’t interested, no matter how hot she may look in her heels.
“You’re just some irresponsible, spoiled, desperate little girl, wanting a taste of what I can give you. Well, you know what, princess? Get in the fucking line.”
When Caleb gives Maddie the news on her much her car will cost to get fixed she knows she can’t afford it and her pride keeps her from asking for help from her family but that doesn’t keep her from coming to an agreement to work the money off doing the books for Caleb’s shop. The sexual chemistry between these two is intense and the more time these two spend together it turns into a push and pull scenario. Maddie deeply cares for Caleb and always has. But Caleb doesn’t do relationships for a reason. Something terrible happened to him in his past that has left him a broken man. Maddie heard the rumors when Caleb sort of just vanished towards the end of high school but had always hoped they weren’t true. She vows to not give up on him and to help him heal. As much as he pushes her away she pushes back. Soon the wall he has built around his heart starts to crack and it’s for sure not an easy road for them and they fight like hell to get where we want them to go.
“I need you to not give up on me, “Because I won’t ever give up on us.”
This was my first read by this Author and I really enjoyed it. It did start out a little slowly for my liking but once it picked up it didn’t stop. I really loved how Maddie was a strong, confident character who knew what she wanted out of life and wasn’t afraid to fight for it. I totally loved Caleb, who doesn’t love a beautiful broken man. You just want to climb right into the story and try to fix him right along with Maddie. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
“Loving someone is a good thing. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Panty Scorching-3
Storyline-3.5
Angst-3
Tissues-2
Overall Rating-3.5/4
This is book three in the Bad Boys series by Emilia Winters but can be read as a stand- alone. Maddie has had a shitty night and to top it off her car breaks down in the middle of no-where and she doesn’t have her wallet or her cell phone to even call anyone to come to help her out. So what’s a girl to do? The only thing she can, suck it up and start walking in her super high heels. Like a light in the dark she stumbles upon Montgomery Restoration and Repair and by some miracle they are still open and she pleads her case to an older man working. But when he calls the boss down to help her out Maddie is suddenly transported back in time when she comes face to face with a boy who is now a man she thought she would never see again.
“Maddie felt as though she was seeing a ghost. Caleb Montgomery. Almost ten years later, here he was…”
Maddie isn’t all that surprised when Caleb doesn’t recognize her, he may have been one of her older brother’s closest friends but it has been ten years and she doesn’t look the same. Neither does he, he looks better, way better. Like that’s even possible. He also looks pissed off. Caleb doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the damsel in distress on front of him. Women like her are a waste of time, hell all women as far as he is concerned are. They are only good for one thing and he isn’t interested, no matter how hot she may look in her heels.
“You’re just some irresponsible, spoiled, desperate little girl, wanting a taste of what I can give you. Well, you know what, princess? Get in the fucking line.”
When Caleb gives Maddie the news on her much her car will cost to get fixed she knows she can’t afford it and her pride keeps her from asking for help from her family but that doesn’t keep her from coming to an agreement to work the money off doing the books for Caleb’s shop. The sexual chemistry between these two is intense and the more time these two spend together it turns into a push and pull scenario. Maddie deeply cares for Caleb and always has. But Caleb doesn’t do relationships for a reason. Something terrible happened to him in his past that has left him a broken man. Maddie heard the rumors when Caleb sort of just vanished towards the end of high school but had always hoped they weren’t true. She vows to not give up on him and to help him heal. As much as he pushes her away she pushes back. Soon the wall he has built around his heart starts to crack and it’s for sure not an easy road for them and they fight like hell to get where we want them to go.
“I need you to not give up on me, “Because I won’t ever give up on us.”
This was my first read by this Author and I really enjoyed it. It did start out a little slowly for my liking but once it picked up it didn’t stop. I really loved how Maddie was a strong, confident character who knew what she wanted out of life and wasn’t afraid to fight for it. I totally loved Caleb, who doesn’t love a beautiful broken man. You just want to climb right into the story and try to fix him right along with Maddie. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
“Loving someone is a good thing. It’s a beautiful thing.”
April 20, 2016
This book fell between I really liked and it was amazing so I gave it 4.75 stars and rounded up. There are so many authors that even those I like I sometimes forget about. I forgot about EW and one of my favorite geeks, Alex, from
.
This book and this hero, Caleb, make you take a deep breathe here and there because there are some dark, painful moments. Caleb and Maddie have that auto-repair, car broken down at night, meet although they met years ago in high school but Caleb doesn't remember. Maddie's had a crush on Caleb forever. I was seriously concerned she was going to be a doormat for Caleb but was pleasantly surprised she showed quiet strength in the face of his massive I AM KING OF THE A-HOLES behavior. She knows any relationship with Caleb is going to require work and patience which she isn't afraid of. She also knows there may be a point where even she can't fight hard enough for both of them and may have to walk away.
Caleb is the hero that is an ass to everybody, doesn't bother to hide it, and it's hard to find redemptive qualities in. Credit to EW for giving me glimpses of what makes Caleb a good guy and why his close friends and employees are loyal to him. And more credit to EW for giving us Caleb's dark history which explains everything. What Caleb went through as a boy and then the bullsh*t from other women in his life makes sense why he is who he is today. To say Caleb's had a hard life filled with some ugly moments is an understatement.
Maddie and Caleb together are light and dark, sweet and angry, but they work together. She continues to bend for Caleb but there's an inner strength in her that is definitely needed to make this relationship work. There's a constant fight to keep Caleb with her in the present and not go to the dark side of his past or who he thinks he is or isn't.
While there is definitely drama in this story I don't feel like I was being buried by an avalanche of angst. This is a well-written story with solid character development and a relationship that I cheered for. If anybody deserved a freakin' HEA it was these two. When I finished the last page I literally sighed because it was everything Caleb and Maddie deserved.
Highly recommend this story.
. This book and this hero, Caleb, make you take a deep breathe here and there because there are some dark, painful moments. Caleb and Maddie have that auto-repair, car broken down at night, meet although they met years ago in high school but Caleb doesn't remember. Maddie's had a crush on Caleb forever. I was seriously concerned she was going to be a doormat for Caleb but was pleasantly surprised she showed quiet strength in the face of his massive I AM KING OF THE A-HOLES behavior. She knows any relationship with Caleb is going to require work and patience which she isn't afraid of. She also knows there may be a point where even she can't fight hard enough for both of them and may have to walk away.
Caleb is the hero that is an ass to everybody, doesn't bother to hide it, and it's hard to find redemptive qualities in. Credit to EW for giving me glimpses of what makes Caleb a good guy and why his close friends and employees are loyal to him. And more credit to EW for giving us Caleb's dark history which explains everything. What Caleb went through as a boy and then the bullsh*t from other women in his life makes sense why he is who he is today. To say Caleb's had a hard life filled with some ugly moments is an understatement.
Maddie and Caleb together are light and dark, sweet and angry, but they work together. She continues to bend for Caleb but there's an inner strength in her that is definitely needed to make this relationship work. There's a constant fight to keep Caleb with her in the present and not go to the dark side of his past or who he thinks he is or isn't.
While there is definitely drama in this story I don't feel like I was being buried by an avalanche of angst. This is a well-written story with solid character development and a relationship that I cheered for. If anybody deserved a freakin' HEA it was these two. When I finished the last page I literally sighed because it was everything Caleb and Maddie deserved.
Highly recommend this story.
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