Battered and Bruised, but Not Broken

by T.L. Travis, Piper Kay

Battered & bruised, but not broken is an erotic, male/male, gay romance novel. It’s the culmination of two lost souls finding what they didn’t know they were looking for.

Hunter is an ex-con, always in the wrong place at the worst times which is how he landed in prison. He’s looking to start anew when in walks Elliott.

Timid and sheltered Elliott has his life in order. Or so he thinks, that is until Hunter introduces him to a whole new world.

Both are battling past demons, but what happens when their worlds collide?

Genres: M M Romance, LGBT, Gay

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2017

About the author

TL Travis is the published author of a plethora of LGBTQ+ Erotica and Romance musings that have earned her a “Best Selling Author” flag in the US as well as Internationally.

In her spare time, when she’s not weaving steamy webs, she enjoys fishing, wine tasting and people watching. Everyone has a story to tell, half the fun is conjuring what it is.

TL’s surrounded by her 4-legged rescue family, her sons and adorable grandson.
She will continue saving furry friends in need for as long as she can. Tl would like to remind you to “Adopt, not shop.” Saving that lost soul may very well save yours.

tltravis@tltravis.com
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Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

What the hell did I just read and where the f*ck do I start?



Would it be with the "NEVER" ......

“I NEVER do this for anyone, and it’s kinda messing up my head, but here goes…”

“This is not me, I never go down on anyone first, personal rules, and one I’ve never broken. Until now”

“I’ve never flirted a day in my life, it was like my dick was leading me, and my brain went numb.”

Or the corny/cheesy ......

“I’m about to shred the zipper straight out of my jeans”

“Sorry, I was about to rip my dick a new one”

“He dives deeper, tongue fucking me, and I melt, like butter on a hot summer day. I’m a puddle of human mush, a slave to his magical tongue sliding in and out of me”

“but all I can think about is filling his sweet pie hole with my come which is promptly coming to fruition”

“He digs his fingers into my hips as I begin to work myself up and down him. Riding him like the prized stallion he is to me”

I mean seriously who writes this stuff? I kept thinking this is a parody piece or a tongue in cheek kinda take on things but it just didn't stop. Page after page.....

“Ding, ding, ding, winner, winner, chicken dinner! I’m well on my way to making this an orgasmic oral experience he’ll never forget”

The pièce de résistance is page 290/291. It is absolute and absurd gold!! I could keep going but ......



2 stars

[booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW**
I've read almost every book each of these authors have published and when I found out they were co-writing I couldn't wait to read what they'd come up with!
I thought Hunter & Elliot were fantastically written characters. Even though neither of their pasts were the best, they made the most of what life handed them. Yes, Hunter didn't exactly make the right choices BUT, had he not have gone down the path he did, he'd have never have met sweet, loving, caring Elliot whose compassion and understanding not only frightens Hunter but also brings out the best in him too.
I felt that the story line really worked and although the subjects covered regarding their pasts were of a darker nature, the way the authors wrote them was brilliantly executed and had just the right amount of humour to break up the seriousness of it all when things were getting tense.
This really was a roller coaster read as far as emotions are concerned and I definitely got teary eyed a few times.
What I really liked was how Elliot's Granny was with Hunter, accepting him at face value.
This was, overall, an absolutely brilliant read that will leave your emotions 'Battered and bruised but not broken' xx

[Tracy Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh... Awe the feels. Loved this book! I'm here in tears. So many sweet, hot & heartfelt moments in there. I love Hunter & Elliot so hard. They both had it hard for awhile when they were younger but they hung in there & I'm so glad they found each other! :) Thanks for sharing their story. <3. A Must Read!!!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter is an ex-convict but in reality a good man. He’s trying to get his life together and go forward but being an ex-con isn’t a label anyone recovers from easily. He was cast out from his family for being gay.
Elliott is a man in his early 20s who lives in his grandmother’s basement. She loves him unconditionally and he loves helping her. So each man has some baggage.
As both men meet and find something to like (and dislike) about one another it’s an up and down sort of relationship. Both men see themselves as having been mistreated and not given a fair shake in life. Neither sees himself as broken, which is absolutely the truth.
I loved watching these men grow up together, although they are very much adults when they meet. Sometimes childhood just gets skipped. Good story.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is why I love Piper Kay and TL Travis. Their characters are so real and the emotions so deep. Like us Hunter and Elliot have been banged up in life but they are strong. First fighting alone then finding strength to stand together. I love how the authors showed Hunter growing to trust. The scene with Granny where they talk about Hunter moving from where he had been living was utterly beautiful. There are a lot of times when Elliot's good character comes through but none are stronger than that last scene with his mom. I love this book so much. Still wiping tears as I write this. Loved every page, every word, and every tear I shed. This is another example of why I'm a fan for life. Piper Kay and TL Travis show their strength and love of life here and nothing shines brighter.

[Wendy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that goes from zero to ZOOM it is hard rough sad soft and loving, it does have a sexy side so be prepared for some hot sex, the 2 main characters while seemingly to have divergent personalities come together to form a better team showcasing the best sides of each other. Not to long but long enough to get a whole picture including accepting people for who they really are, while not fitting the mold works. A First time to Read of Piper Kay, I plan to try some of her other works TL Travis I have read all her books love them.

[Sue bowdley · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW**

I'll admit I've not heard of TL Travis till Piper mentioned this book....I love Piper's work no question and although I'll say this isn't my favourite it was a really emotional read....Hunter and Elliot are just perfect together and help each other over their pasts......Elliot's granny was so good to Hunter and even Elliot's mum redeemed herself.....A great read of two broken men who find each other and help each other to heal...and the Epilogue was epic x

[W.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating
5 out of 5 Hearts

I received an ARC e-copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.


What an Incredible Story!!

Is it possible to overcome the negative baggage life throws at you and truly enjoy life again?

This is a well written story full of emotions, I was enraptured by the characters and their past. The way Hunter and Elliott interact with each other is so refreshing and endearing.

The characters and their back stories are believable, likable and well developed.

Hunter - an ex-convict going through the hoops of his parole, guarded.
Elliott - a shy young man who has his stuff together, protected.

The story moved me as these two men embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Going through some twisted events and unforgiving turns. I do not use spoilers in my review as it ruins the story for some. I rooted for them as the story unfolded.

I recommend this story to those who like STEAM in their reads.

Well Done!

[Lauri James · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS AN AWESOME BOOK We first meet Hunter at lights out in a prison cell. He has many demons, is released sleeping in a gross motel. He works at a dead end temp job enough to satisfy his PO. He decides being a lone wolf is best for staying out of trouble. Since its the weekend its time to go to the club I love Hunters internal dialogue especially when a hot young thing with golden curls walks in. Not really Hunters type but what the hell. Their first sexual encounter was hot the alpha male was surprised. Elliott is also another person who has been damaged brutally by his father and in a way his mother. These two incredible men come together as though the universe knew these two need each other to learn to live again. As they learn so much about each other , learning to trust learning that walls are not necessary to Hunters life because he has Elliott. Hunter has a family now in Elliott's Granny who took him in.Can I just say that the ending has been something I've been hoping to read more of and I got the best ending ever

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 star review written for The Blogger Girls.

This was a sweet story about an ex-con who gets a second chance at life and a shy geeky guy who gives him that chance but gets one of his own in return. Both have their reasons for feeling battered and bruised, but once together, they no longer feel broken.

Hunter is recently released on parole and trying to put his life together by keeping his nose down and flying under the radar as much as possible. He meets Elliott one night at a club where they share a steamy anonymous hookup where Hunter breaks a few of his rules for Elliott but the night ends without either getting any info. Elliott also broke out of his usual shell that night, and they both regretted not getting names and numbers.

Fortunately, they run into each other again when Hunter interviews for a position at the same company where Elliott works. They take that opportunity to swap info and go on a date, and their friendship/relationship moves on from there. Little by little, though it all happens very quickly, Elliott breaks past Hunter’s walls as their trust grows. Despite the initial hesitations, these guys are at the I love yous in what feels like the span of a weekend or at most a few weeks.

Elliott lives with his granny ever since his father almost killed him when he found out Elliott was gay. He’s a super shy nerdy type with a huge heart and a lot of love to give. Thankfully, he finds that in Hunter, who was just the right person for Elliott, since Hunter’s family basically disowned him after his trouble with the law. So, these guys made up their own little family with each other, Elliott’s awesome granny, and eventually, Elliott’s mom.

I enjoyed the dual point of view in this story and thought that was well done. It didn’t have oodles of angst, despite the potential given the backgrounds of these two. It ended up being a really sweet story of second chances where each person brought something to the relationship that made that possible. I would definitely read something else by these two authors again in the future.

[T.M. Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Reviewed: Battered and Bruised, But not Broken
Author: by Piper Kay , T.L. Travis
Publication Date: 8/16/2017
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 4 Stars


REVIEW

I enjoyed the chemistry between Elliott and Hunter.
Hunter is broken and doesn't think he is worthy but innocent Elliott will show him all he has looking him right in the eye.

Elliott had a time also while growing up with an abusive father who was a homophob.

I love how easy Elliotts granny makes these guys feel.

“I read this book via Kindle Unlimited.”

Piper Kay

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Two almost complete opposites who somehow work together. From their first encounter there is explosive chemistry! I have one complaint, I needed more!! Hunter and his tough guy exterior and tragic past together with Elliott and his mostly put together life is a combination that melts my heart. The way they interact and protect each other in their own ways is so sweet. And Elliott's grandma! She is something else. Would love to see an extended story from these two!

[Shaztwirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok.

Bad boy redeemed, hardly a new trope but two interesting characters. The story felt rushed, 1st person point of view not helping in that respect as it made me feel like I was reading a journal. I think it's sentences repeatedly starting with pronouns that give narrative an immature feel.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep, deep chemistry

This book does have a high heat factor, and it also tells a great story. Two pluses in my opinion. I love a good, and I mean good MM romance, and this story works. Especially when opposites attract, and these two could not be more opposite. It was well written as Hunter and Elliot have their first encounter. Something changes in both of them, and it continues on. There is growth within the characters and the relationship. A great chemistry, one where you just want them to get together. I think an added plus is there are two authors for this story, and it takes a lot of talent to combine writing styles in order to make a story work, and be seamless, and this was.

[Joshua Rook · Rating 5 out of 5]

In love with this book. I could not put it down.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

**THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED TO NERD GIRL IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***.

Battered and Bruised but not Broken by Piper Kay and TL Travis is a good stand-alone novel about two men who are lost, and find themselves in each others arms.

This is a M/M erotica novel that seriously steams up the screen. Each has tragedies in their past, and both Hunter and Elliott must learn to put their pasts behind them and learn to trust, and to trust in their newfound love.

A few humorous points, and the absolute unconditional love keep the story from being truly dark. Enjoy this love story. I did.

*Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***

[Valerie Degeorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the most heartfelt reads that I have read thus far.

While reading this story I experienced so many emotions transpiring between the two main characters Hunter and Elliot , we witness both with similar troubled hurtful pasts and how each dealt with what happened in their lives.

Hunter was forced to live on his own with some choices that were not favorable and led him to build walls around himself leaving him unable To. trust anyone or allow himself to feel good enough.

Elliot endured pain in the worst of ways but was fortunate to turn his life around with the help of his granny ( who by the way is such an important and fun part of this story ) but has left him shy and vulnerable yet strong in other ways.

I loved that this story was told in dual POV and we witness two different author's writing styles with each of their characters yet when put together they blended so well and the flow of the story was flawless.

This story deals with very deep matters that unfortunately happen in our society daily, just being yourself can alienate you and possibly get you killed .... but Piper and TL both managed to brilliantly draw us in to give us a beautiful story of healing and self worth and yes the title Battered and Bruised But Not Broken holds so true.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, it's beautiful, heartfelt and so well written.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battered and Bruised, but Not Broken is an exquisite tale. TL Travis and Piper Kay have completely wowed me.

Hunter, and ex con who's on parole, is struck dumb when he first sees Elliott. The attraction is immediate and strong. After a hot hook-up, they meet again when Hunter applies for a job.

Their story is full of extreme heartache, as well as many heartfelt moments. They experience considerable pain and hurt and each has scars that bear the weight of their past.

Hunter is an amazing character. As he's falling for Elliott, he's terrified to reveal his past. He's afraid of rejection, as no one ever stays. Elliott is stunning and marvelous character. At 23, he's still a virgin. He's also suffered tremendous amount of pain in his past.

The couple fall hard and fast. Each has a lot of secrets to unveil, and a lot of scars to explain. First though, Elliott needs to break through Hunter's walls.

I love that Hunter and Elliott learn to trust one another. In fact, at the beginning, they place an enormous amount of trust in each other physically. It takes longer for the trust to be placed in other ways.

Battered and Bruised, but Not Broken hits on the importance and power of finding someone who loves who unconditionally. It's a tender story of pain, love, and acceptance. I highly recommend it.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY ABOVE AND BEYOND

What a fantastic, hard core story of absolute unconditional love. Hunter is a young man with nothing. No hope, no prospects and no sense of self. The only thing he does have is a criminal record and probation. Elliott is a college graduate with a tech security job. He has a troubled past, is very insecure and lives in an apartment in his Granny's basement. These two deeply troubled, untrusting young men meet by chance or fate in a bar neither have ever been to. These characters are complicated and their stories are tragic but together they are INCREDIBLE. This story was a mix of the magnificent writing styles of Piper Kay and TL Travis. I gotta say this is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING story about unconditional love and understanding. The super hot insta-wet moments, curl your toes and your hair. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!

[Mary Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet book...

I really liked this book...Sometimes life is pretty bad...And I know it is sometimes hard to make it thru a day a month a year or a lifetime but I loved this book because it gives us hope of finding a Ell or Hunter

[Candice · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 Stars

No! This was painful to get through, but I did it. This was my 2nd Kay book and it will be my last.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was stuck, I love sex m/m which delivered. My issue was the was not much of a plot to the sex. Im ata 3.5 stars.

[Paula´s Brief Review]

No consigue que me atraigan ni la historia ni los MC.

[Olivia Y De La Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! 💜

What an amazing story of two people who felt broken. Who found each other and fell in love no matter what was in their past. Loved granny. The author has me hooked from beginning to end.

[S.L. Perrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heartfelt story of two lost and broken souls. They find each other, and each introduce the other to a new world of possibilities. One, trying to over come his own fears of letting himself trust, while the other tries desperately to hold on to the life he could have while overcoming his past.
The fact that two people author this story is amazing. You get a different personality from each character and neither blends into that mold that happens so often in other books. They maintain their individual identities.
This is not my usual genre, and I was given an ARC for an honest review. That being said, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance.

[Patrice Leonard]

DNF at 20%

This book was just, ugh! The MC's were annoying and unlikable. They acted and talked like they were pre-teens and trust me, it wasn't cute and/or funny. It was awful. The whole book, at least what I read of it, had a complete immature overtone that I just couldn't get past. I didn't have much hope that that would change with the rest of it, so the DNF happened.
I usually enjoy this author's work, so I was really disappointed here. It won't keep me from reading other books by this author, but this one was just....I can't even.