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Heathens Ink #0.25
Broken Shards
“Stop pretending there’s nothing between us and kiss me already.” ~Johnny
I don’t know what made me so bold, but I can’t find it in me to regret it. I know he’s my brother’s best friend and I know he’s a little too old for me, but he’s the only thing in my life that makes me happy. Between assholes at school and my dwindling self-esteem, when an online friend suggests I try some pills to take the edge off I’m willing to try anything to stop the pain. But every day I feel like I’m falling further down the rabbit hole and I’m not sure even Gage can pull me back up.
“I'm getting ahead of myself, but there's no falling slowly with someone you've known your entire life.” ~ Gage
My feelings for Johnny were unexpected, but once I see them for what they are I can’t deny them. I know Adam might hate me for falling for his younger brother and I know Johnny’s been going through some things lately, but love can conquer anything, right?
WARNING: if you’re already a reader of the Heathens Ink Series this goes without saying, but this story is full-on ugly cry and a HEA isn’t in the cards. For trigger warnings please see the first page.
I don’t know what made me so bold, but I can’t find it in me to regret it. I know he’s my brother’s best friend and I know he’s a little too old for me, but he’s the only thing in my life that makes me happy. Between assholes at school and my dwindling self-esteem, when an online friend suggests I try some pills to take the edge off I’m willing to try anything to stop the pain. But every day I feel like I’m falling further down the rabbit hole and I’m not sure even Gage can pull me back up.
“I'm getting ahead of myself, but there's no falling slowly with someone you've known your entire life.” ~ Gage
My feelings for Johnny were unexpected, but once I see them for what they are I can’t deny them. I know Adam might hate me for falling for his younger brother and I know Johnny’s been going through some things lately, but love can conquer anything, right?
WARNING: if you’re already a reader of the Heathens Ink Series this goes without saying, but this story is full-on ugly cry and a HEA isn’t in the cards. For trigger warnings please see the first page.
74 pages, ebook
First published July 22, 2017
About the author
K.M. Neuhold
104 books3,378 followersK.M.Neuhold has long since been a romance junkie. When she’s not writing she’s reading or spending time snuggling with her husky or her husband. She fell in love with M/M romance last year and hasn’t been able to turn back. There’s nothing she loves more than love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 9, 2019
Update, since this one seems to have gotten some recent bumpage even though the review is older -- I DNFed the very first book in this series for a plethora of issues. This short had redeeming qualities, though!
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3.75 stars. I grabbed this freebie to read before hopping into one of the full-length novels in the series, just to get a sense of the author's style. I'm not going to go into the plot or the trigger warnings, but if you have concerns, just be sure to read the blurb.
The main character broke my heart from the very.first.page. It's the stuff that It Gets Better nightmares are made of, what we fiercely wish we could protect kids from. The writing had a few editing errors, and some of it was OTT or oversimplified. But the character portrayal was vivid, and that's really the main thing I'm looking for when I read. I will definitely dive into the series.
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3.75 stars. I grabbed this freebie to read before hopping into one of the full-length novels in the series, just to get a sense of the author's style. I'm not going to go into the plot or the trigger warnings, but if you have concerns, just be sure to read the blurb.
The main character broke my heart from the very.first.page. It's the stuff that It Gets Better nightmares are made of, what we fiercely wish we could protect kids from. The writing had a few editing errors, and some of it was OTT or oversimplified. But the character portrayal was vivid, and that's really the main thing I'm looking for when I read. I will definitely dive into the series.
nope
March 15, 2019I didn't much care for the .5 prequel but knowing what was revealed about Johnny's fate I'm not going to read this one.
May 5, 2020
Don't look here for a HEA (or even a HFN). This book didn't exactly make me ugly cry, but it certainly punched me in the heart a bit. Since this one is the precursor to one of the MCs in Book 4, I recommend reading them back to back if you don't care about spoiling who ends up with who in the intervening books.
July 25, 2017
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
The cover is fairly plain, but the man in the back corner is captivating. Having read the series from the beginning, I know this is not going to end well, but am interested in reading Gage's back story before SHATTERED PIECES (Heathens Ink, #4) releases.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Alternating first-person POVs
This story takes place pre-Heathens Ink tattoo shop era. Adam and Gage have been best friends since preschool and are currently 20 years old and apprenticing at a local tattoo shop with dreams to open their own place in the future. Adam's younger brother, Johnny, has been crushing on Gage for a little while now and suddenly Gage is seeing Johnny in a not-so-brotherly way. Afraid of Adam's reaction, Gage pleads to keep things discreet.
Johnny's not like the other kids. He's gay. He likes "girly" things. He likes feeling soft and pretty. His struggles in school (high school) add to the stress and he turns to pills. Eventually, even the best intended promises prove ineffectual.
This is a short story, a prelude to Gage's book later on... one that gives you insight and understanding into who he is and what makes him this way. There is no HEA. It does not have a solid conclusion. If you plan to read this series, it is suggested that you read this novella.
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Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.025 ~ Stars: 4
NOTE: Story does contain a lead character under the age of 18, but at or above the state's legal age of consent.
Triggers: Homophobic bullying, attempted sexual assault, substance abuse, suicide
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from InstaFreebie and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
The cover is fairly plain, but the man in the back corner is captivating. Having read the series from the beginning, I know this is not going to end well, but am interested in reading Gage's back story before SHATTERED PIECES (Heathens Ink, #4) releases.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Alternating first-person POVs
This story takes place pre-Heathens Ink tattoo shop era. Adam and Gage have been best friends since preschool and are currently 20 years old and apprenticing at a local tattoo shop with dreams to open their own place in the future. Adam's younger brother, Johnny, has been crushing on Gage for a little while now and suddenly Gage is seeing Johnny in a not-so-brotherly way. Afraid of Adam's reaction, Gage pleads to keep things discreet.
Johnny's not like the other kids. He's gay. He likes "girly" things. He likes feeling soft and pretty. His struggles in school (high school) add to the stress and he turns to pills. Eventually, even the best intended promises prove ineffectual.
This is a short story, a prelude to Gage's book later on... one that gives you insight and understanding into who he is and what makes him this way. There is no HEA. It does not have a solid conclusion. If you plan to read this series, it is suggested that you read this novella.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.025 ~ Stars: 4
NOTE: Story does contain a lead character under the age of 18, but at or above the state's legal age of consent.
Triggers: Homophobic bullying, attempted sexual assault, substance abuse, suicide
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from InstaFreebie and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
October 18, 2020
I am glad I read this at the end of the series. Johnny was a character that was talked about a lot by Adam and Gage and his loss had a huge impact on both of their lives and futures. My heart broke for what Johnny was really going through and it is sad to know that if he had talked to someone or had some of the resources like Rainbow House that his outcome could have been different. But it is an honest and raw short showing how bullying, drugs, and not feeling accepted can lead to hopelessness. And it sets the stage for some choices that Adam and Gage face in the future and why they feel so strongly about helping LCBT+ youth.
June 24, 2018
Damn! As short as this was, it packed a punch! I'm sort of glad i read the trigger warning first , because the end would have hurt more if i hadn't.
May 29, 2018
Good god that was depressing
September 20, 2018
Ok, so I read a couple from this series and realized there was so much I didn't know.... so I'm going back and reading everything in order, so I can be better in the loop.
This one broke my heart.... Johnny, young and confused, wanting to be someone that people don't accept, especially people at his school.... Why did nobody help him until it was too late?
Why didn't teachers pay attention, and why didn't he tell somebody? Surely someone seen the terrible things that these people were putting him through. Sexual assault and extreme bullying.... nobody got in trouble for it?? Ugh, I hate that. I hate when people get away with being terrible people.
It all kind of went warp speed, Johnny and the secret relationship that he had with his crush/brother's older best friend Gage. Gage wanted to keep them a secret until he turned 18 so he could tell his bestie Adam. I didn't agree with that, not because of Adam's age, but because they should've told Adam.
I don't care about the age gap, I was 16 when I married my 21 year old boyfriend.... we had two kids together and it didn't work out, because realistically, it rarely does... but, it was a point in my life where I needed all that, to live and to learn from my mistakes (which he very much was, my children were not).... but, if I didn't learn all the lessons I learned at 16, I wouldn't be the mom and wife I am today.... So... age gap... not a big to me.
I felt for Gage and Adam both, losing someone they both cared about so much. I can't wait to see what's in store for both of them. I hope they both honor Johnny's life and memory the way it should be and I hope everyone who had a part, no matter how small, in his death, pays for it.
Not a happy ending, but I"m hoping for Gage, that he'll get there.
4 stars from me.
This one broke my heart.... Johnny, young and confused, wanting to be someone that people don't accept, especially people at his school.... Why did nobody help him until it was too late?
Why didn't teachers pay attention, and why didn't he tell somebody? Surely someone seen the terrible things that these people were putting him through. Sexual assault and extreme bullying.... nobody got in trouble for it?? Ugh, I hate that. I hate when people get away with being terrible people.
It all kind of went warp speed, Johnny and the secret relationship that he had with his crush/brother's older best friend Gage. Gage wanted to keep them a secret until he turned 18 so he could tell his bestie Adam. I didn't agree with that, not because of Adam's age, but because they should've told Adam.
I don't care about the age gap, I was 16 when I married my 21 year old boyfriend.... we had two kids together and it didn't work out, because realistically, it rarely does... but, it was a point in my life where I needed all that, to live and to learn from my mistakes (which he very much was, my children were not).... but, if I didn't learn all the lessons I learned at 16, I wouldn't be the mom and wife I am today.... So... age gap... not a big to me.
I felt for Gage and Adam both, losing someone they both cared about so much. I can't wait to see what's in store for both of them. I hope they both honor Johnny's life and memory the way it should be and I hope everyone who had a part, no matter how small, in his death, pays for it.
Not a happy ending, but I"m hoping for Gage, that he'll get there.
4 stars from me.
November 5, 2017
Heart-wrenching and Intense
It's hard reading a book were you know the outcome going in, you know there is no HEA. Still knowing all of this this book still gutted me. It also angered me as it showed how time and time again we fell each other. I know this is supposed to be a review and not a rant. Like with so many real life people the signs were all there but know one paid attention. Gage did but he just couldn't believe his Johnny would commit suicide. People wake up we are losing too many people especially our youth to suicide. I'm a 48 year old straight female and this world is too much for me at times I can only imagine how harsh it is for a 13- 25 year old kid especially a LGBTQ kid. Not just to say it's kids it's harsh for any LGBTQ person. I know I went off on a tangent but I also just finished book 4 in this series "Shattered Pieces" and "Liberty" by Seth King so I'm really emotional at this moment.
It's hard reading a book were you know the outcome going in, you know there is no HEA. Still knowing all of this this book still gutted me. It also angered me as it showed how time and time again we fell each other. I know this is supposed to be a review and not a rant. Like with so many real life people the signs were all there but know one paid attention. Gage did but he just couldn't believe his Johnny would commit suicide. People wake up we are losing too many people especially our youth to suicide. I'm a 48 year old straight female and this world is too much for me at times I can only imagine how harsh it is for a 13- 25 year old kid especially a LGBTQ kid. Not just to say it's kids it's harsh for any LGBTQ person. I know I went off on a tangent but I also just finished book 4 in this series "Shattered Pieces" and "Liberty" by Seth King so I'm really emotional at this moment.
September 5, 2018
I’m glad a saved this book to just before Gage’s story. This broke my heart because I knew too many (one is one too many) students like Johnny. Not that they were bullied. I kept my eyes open for those signs, but because you could tell that they were struggling with who they really were. Unfortunately, Johnny’s story is to familiar. High school students that just don’t feel like they fit in. That is why I am thankful that I finished my career at an alternative high school that embraced diversity. But even that didn’t help at times. The problem with suicide is the broken pieces left with the ones that loved you just as you were and felt the horror of not seeing the signs. Yes Johnny slipped into peace but left his loved ones in agony and way to many “what if's”.
The author did a fabulous job with this bittersweet story. I am looking forward to Gage’s HEA after Adam finally was allowing love into his life.
The author did a fabulous job with this bittersweet story. I am looking forward to Gage’s HEA after Adam finally was allowing love into his life.
Read
July 17, 2020I don't know how to rate or review this one. I actually read Gage's story first and expected this to be so heart wrenching. And it is. Johnny just broke me, especially knowing what was coming. Gage, however, despite the "I love yous" that he gives, didn't sit so well. He did hide Johnny for what I considered to be a stupid reason, even as Johnny is getting hurt by it. He said some bad things to Johnny. I don't blame Gage for what happened, but I couldn't love him either. Even sadder for me, it sort of tainted how I looked at him in his book (where I didn't think he was worthy of Beck!). A random note - the way Gage has been for the nine years since Johnny - emotionless, shuttered, feeling nothing - I had expected them to have been together for a while but in reality it was from January to September.
Sad and all too real.
Sad and all too real.
May 14, 2018
I felt I had to read this before I started this series and i'm wondering If I should have waited.....OMG....Gage and Johnny...My heart was in my throat all the way through and although it is a very quick read you could feel the love between them...Poor Johnny goes through hell at school and only feels happy when he's with Gage....But Gage not wanting to tell Adam about his relationship with Johnny I think just pushed him to the edge...No HEA and believe me you will cry...I can't wait to get to book 4 now to see Gage get his HEA....I know he'll always love Johnny but there's someone else out there for him x
August 17, 2017
EMOTIONAL, INTENSE, AND HEARTBREAKING.
I knew going into this one that we would not get a HEA...but you still get a lot of the feels (the sad, ugly cry ones) while reading this short novella. Even though it was heartbreaking, am still glad I read it. To understand Gage more. To have known Jay. I love this series, and if you love these characters as much as I do...I do recommend reading this short novella.
I knew going into this one that we would not get a HEA...but you still get a lot of the feels (the sad, ugly cry ones) while reading this short novella. Even though it was heartbreaking, am still glad I read it. To understand Gage more. To have known Jay. I love this series, and if you love these characters as much as I do...I do recommend reading this short novella.
August 6, 2019
I can't help but feel like this was a bit unnecessary? I liked seeing Gage and Johnny's story, and I knew it was short, but something about it came off as surface level, like being told things as opposed to being shown them. That being said, this is still pretty sad. I'm glad I know Gage gets a HEA later on.
May 25, 2020
I had tears in my eyes while I was reading this. I already knew the outcome, but I didn't know the details. And the details were tough. The young love between Gage and Johnny was bittersweet, especially with the tragic ending looming over them. It broke my heart, but I'm glad I read this short story.
March 9, 2019
This totally broke my heart, normally I don't read books without a HEA but after reading gages and becks story I felt in some ways I owed it to Johnny to read this his story too, although it was hard to read I'm really glad I did, a definite 4 🌟 from me.
January 12, 2020
Ow, just ow. This is not a happy story at all, proceed with caution, there are trigger warnings for a reason.
After reading this I was looking forward to the rest of the series, however I've decided not to finish the series.
After reading this I was looking forward to the rest of the series, however I've decided not to finish the series.
May 26, 2020
This book was so sad. Johnny deserved so much better than he got. He deserved to be happy with Gage. It was a beautifully written story. I wish Johnny had gotten the life he deserved and the happy ending
August 14, 2017
4☆
This story gave me the feels
in the ugly crying kinda way.
This story gave me the feels
in the ugly crying kinda way.
August 21, 2017
Lots of feels for a novella.....totally heartbreaking!!
September 10, 2017
I enjoyed this sweet yet sad story.
October 31, 2017
3.75 stars
December 21, 2017
This short story literally broke my heart...
Awesome read... so heartbreaking...
Awesome read... so heartbreaking...
March 1, 2018
Well-written portrayal of Johnny's feelings without going into so much detail on drug intake suicide that some readers might be turned away.
May 17, 2018
This story has me all finds of fucked up...
May 27, 2018
😩 even though I knew this wouldn’t end in a HEA it still got me.
September 1, 2018
This devastated me. Even though I knew how it ended, it still broke me. I can honestly say though that I feel even stronger for Adam and Gage.
May 2, 2019
I’m absolutely SOBBING. I’m a HEA girl, but I knew before going in that this was not a HEA. But I’m looking forward to reading Gage’s book, where he hopefully will get a HEA
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews