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Axel
He lets the darkness consume him. He is rugged, hot-headed and trapped in the ghost of a memory.
She chooses to live in the light. A young woman risking it all to move on from her past...
X is a professional fighter running from a dark past. His true identity is a mystery. The only battle he’s ever lost is the one within himself. He uses alcohol, drugs and violence to dull the pain and anger that consume him. His rage keeps everyone at arm's length. What happens when he runs into a girl with a past so dark even he can’t turn his head?
Aly is running away from a family whose evil she can’t see until the innocence she has always held onto is ripped from her.
As their worlds collide, Aly finds her life in danger and must rely on X to save her from the ghosts of her past.
Can Aly ever escape her former life? Is she right to trust X, or is she placing herself in even more danger by letting him in?
The heart is a hard thing to heal.
Trigger Warning: Abuse.
UPDATED EDITION, including a BRAND NEW bonus scene at the end!
She chooses to live in the light. A young woman risking it all to move on from her past...
X is a professional fighter running from a dark past. His true identity is a mystery. The only battle he’s ever lost is the one within himself. He uses alcohol, drugs and violence to dull the pain and anger that consume him. His rage keeps everyone at arm's length. What happens when he runs into a girl with a past so dark even he can’t turn his head?
Aly is running away from a family whose evil she can’t see until the innocence she has always held onto is ripped from her.
As their worlds collide, Aly finds her life in danger and must rely on X to save her from the ghosts of her past.
Can Aly ever escape her former life? Is she right to trust X, or is she placing herself in even more danger by letting him in?
The heart is a hard thing to heal.
Trigger Warning: Abuse.
UPDATED EDITION, including a BRAND NEW bonus scene at the end!
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2017
33 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Bry Ann
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 15, 2017
The story of Axel and Aly was unlike anything else I’ve ever read before. It was a combination of several subgenres and I think that helped it to be not only unique, but refreshing.
Ever since he was a little boy, X had anger issues. After being diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder, he understood why he raged but nothing but fighting helped him to control it. After living through a tragedy, he used alcohol, drugs and sex to get through life. He was so far from familiar to a girl like Aly.
Aly was your typical good girl. Coming from a strict Christian household, she was feeling stifled. Wanting to discover herself away from her home, she ventures to another city. On her travels she meets X, a man that calls to her in every way. What happens when her past comes to haunt her? Will X be able to let go of his own demons long enough to fight hers?
The author really drew me into this story. I felt a lot of compassion for both characters and was eager for some form of justice to those who were against them. The suspense elements were done really well and I was able to get caught in each moment. I was screaming for Aly to get free and for X to save the day. When an author can get me to that point, you know the story’s got guts.
Release Date: November 21, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 1.5 out of 5
Type: Standalone
Ever since he was a little boy, X had anger issues. After being diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder, he understood why he raged but nothing but fighting helped him to control it. After living through a tragedy, he used alcohol, drugs and sex to get through life. He was so far from familiar to a girl like Aly.
Aly was your typical good girl. Coming from a strict Christian household, she was feeling stifled. Wanting to discover herself away from her home, she ventures to another city. On her travels she meets X, a man that calls to her in every way. What happens when her past comes to haunt her? Will X be able to let go of his own demons long enough to fight hers?
The author really drew me into this story. I felt a lot of compassion for both characters and was eager for some form of justice to those who were against them. The suspense elements were done really well and I was able to get caught in each moment. I was screaming for Aly to get free and for X to save the day. When an author can get me to that point, you know the story’s got guts.
Release Date: November 21, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 1.5 out of 5
Type: Standalone
February 20, 2018
Review to come soon!
Hey fellow nookwhores! You can find me here
Hey fellow nookwhores! You can find me here
June 14, 2018
Dark Christian Romance????
It was seriously the worst thing I have ever read. Felt like it was written by a bipolar teenager mid seizure. No sex scenes between the h and H as the h is a Christian but yet the h is beaten and almost raped numerous times. Perhaps they were looking to create a new genre? I would shelf it Dark Christian Romance(kind of but not really) with no editing.
It was seriously the worst thing I have ever read. Felt like it was written by a bipolar teenager mid seizure. No sex scenes between the h and H as the h is a Christian but yet the h is beaten and almost raped numerous times. Perhaps they were looking to create a new genre? I would shelf it Dark Christian Romance(kind of but not really) with no editing.
November 6, 2017
I had the great privilege of reading Axel before he was released. I couldn’t be happier. I went in with an open mind and I’m glad I did. I haven’t read a story like Axel and Aly’s, ever! I could feel Aly’s emotions from the very beginning and Axels frustrations. I loved that you knew why Axel was the way he was from the very beginning. There was no reading and reading to figure it out. It really formed who he was the rest of his life. I was rooting for Aly from the very beginning. Although I didn’t see her hardship coming, it definitely formed who she became. When they met it was good and bad and it took a while for them to come together but when they did, it’s amazing! I couldn’t picture two better people together. Ying and yang! She compliments him and vice versa and they overcome so much together that it makes their story that much more beautiful! Axel respects Aly and Aly keeps her beliefs and in the end, Axel does everything perfectly! It’s a wild ride they take together but they both come out stronger and more emotionally bonded! It’s a definite must read!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 8, 2018
Axel is a YA story that includes serious issues from suicide to physical abuse. I adored Aly and even though she was sheltered age still tried and held her head high. Axel/X is mysterious and any 99% of the time but when he does care he can be gentle. There was so much emotional turmoil between these two. I appreciated X parent for stepping up and how everything unfolded. Love will always be a powerful emotion. This was definitely the story of two people that are completely opposite saving each other.
This book was well paced and well written. This book does cover some serious topics and doesn't candy coat what happens, there are moments that are raw and gritty.
***Reviewed by Christiann***
This book was well paced and well written. This book does cover some serious topics and doesn't candy coat what happens, there are moments that are raw and gritty.
***Reviewed by Christiann***
January 28, 2018
Different from what I normally read, but good!
This book was recommended to me by my best friend who knows the author personally. I gotta say this story is different from what I normally read but it was really good. I have never read a book where the main character was a boxer. The story was intense and dark at times but also emotional and heartwrenching as well. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, it was a page turner. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This book was recommended to me by my best friend who knows the author personally. I gotta say this story is different from what I normally read but it was really good. I have never read a book where the main character was a boxer. The story was intense and dark at times but also emotional and heartwrenching as well. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, it was a page turner. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
December 28, 2017
I loved the story line of this book! It was a new twist to the bad boy good girl romance. I didn’t see the ending coming and that was a great surprise!
You won’t be disappointed in their story. I stayed up and read it all in one night because I really wanted to see what happened to Aly. I was sucked in right away!
You won’t be disappointed in their story. I stayed up and read it all in one night because I really wanted to see what happened to Aly. I was sucked in right away!
December 8, 2017
What a RUSH!
Axel by Bry Ann was a dark, thrilling, love story that gave me heart palpitations from start to finish.
Axel and Aly’s chemistry was so gripping, and intense it gave me goosebumps.
It’s one wild ride, that I didn’t expect coming!
A definite must read.
Axel by Bry Ann was a dark, thrilling, love story that gave me heart palpitations from start to finish.
Axel and Aly’s chemistry was so gripping, and intense it gave me goosebumps.
It’s one wild ride, that I didn’t expect coming!
A definite must read.
November 11, 2017
This book was very close to home for me. I didn't want to put it down. It was a roller coaster type of book but I loved it and I will be buying it for sure. (less)
November 24, 2017
I want to thank you guys for picking up this book. This book is like my baby. Each character is a small piece of me.
X is the anger I never get to express.
Aly is the good side of me. My faith.
Their love is the type of love and respect for another individual I hope to have some day.
Enjoy and honestly thank you! <3
X is the anger I never get to express.
Aly is the good side of me. My faith.
Their love is the type of love and respect for another individual I hope to have some day.
Enjoy and honestly thank you! <3
January 11, 2018
This was a really interesting reread. New author for me and I enjoyed the writing style and overall story. There are issues here and there. The formatting was off and hopefully fixed in completion of this book. Also some of the characers didn’t have complete backstories. I just felt like they were missing parts of themselves I’d like to know more about. Perhaps there will be more in the future that will get into these guys better. But the story was fun and the plot was good with twists!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
January 7, 2018
This is a new Author for me and I'm so glad I took the chance on her. I'm loving the dark reads and this was no different. although with a different take on dark it did not mess with book. it flowed and kept me reading. I love angst and twists and turn. this book had all that. this won't be the last book I read by this Author. very pleasantly surprised.
December 18, 2017
I don't know who I wanted to hug more in this story. These two could not have been more different but they were made perfectly for each other. To say X had anger issues is an understatement but the more you learn of his background the more you come to sympathize with him. Life has been rough but at least he had fighting to turn to. It seemed to soothe him when nothing else would. Aly was everything good but even good girls need a change. That change came when she finds X. This man was unlike anyone she knew and she wanted to know more. Could these two overcome their past in order to find happiness they both deserve or will their demons win again? This book was unlike anything I have read before. The twists were new and interesting and kept me second guessing through out. I love when a book can take a hold of you and draw you into it with each page and this one definitely does that.
May 1, 2022
I honestly do not know what to say. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars like I was itching too, was because of the ending. I love dark romances, I love the realism in them, showing people that nothing is ever like in the movies. However, even though the ending was sweet and romantic, it seemed a bit rushed. It also seemed like it was cut off. I'm not one to tell anyone what they should read, or what they shouldn't, however, if you like dark romances, I suggest you read this book.
December 30, 2017
The AXEL Man Has Cometh
Tons of issues but I don’t mean that terribly for the most part… indeed that’s what makes “Axel” so relatable to people, but this hit me on a personal level. It’s not a title I would have sought out myself, more a right place, right moment sort of deal, much like the characters of Axel and Aly, surprised no one went to AA, ok that was a lame joke, but there are plenty of issues.
This novel covers all of the bases, anger, mental health, sex, religion, but in a more realistic way than a standard all you need is love campaign, though there is a sweet love story from the protagonists. It doesn’t make any particular group look bad; I mean religious people often don’t like to be portrayed negatively and given specific events that have been unfolding around sex and such as I said this book points them out for all to see. I wish that were all I saw because I can’t give this book five stars right off the bat, but I’ll explain that soon enough.
Axel is a coming of age story as well, the difference between strong children and broken men, going into more of the latter when it comes to the heroes. It’s the realism that’s the real crux of the story, and that should scare a lot of people in a way when you think about it, and you will be long after you finish reading. The ending is a bit rushed as if you can’t tell how this is going to end; don’t get me wrong it’s an original story but easy to predict mostly and the surprises appear out of left field talking about WTF.
If you don’t want to head further in just know that Bry Ann is a hell of a writer, and I would admittedly delve into her work; not right away but I’m glad I did. Also if you like to think you’re without any particular sin you probably won’t like it but Axel, Aly, alright.
The good news is I can’t automatically place it in one particular genre and while the concept is somewhat familiar other than The Twilight Zone or the nightly newscast I can’t compare it to anything. Most of the characters find themselves out while others just drift with the barest of motivations but every persona should want something, and this delivers.
Messed up boy, good girl with twisted history sounds about right, also throw in a bit of Thirteen Reasons Why (so I found a comparison), and you have the story. Axle has anger issues, gets into boxing, and mental problems notwithstanding he has every reason to be pissed at the world. Aly, the proper religious girl with her growing anger at events but she refuses to let them consume her. Also, she was lost throughout the book not that you can blame her. A couple that is just perfect together, and I could relate to Axel on a mental level and anybody else will, with the past that haunts him.
His parents are well thought out, two people who just want the best for their son, but Aly’s weren’t so much, then again does this book need even more anger, still in a right way. None of the villains were spectacular other than the; you had a sister, I want the girl, this is a perfect life, reminiscent of The Count of Monte Cristo, or how the enemy of my enemy friendship, Axel with Aly, Ryan with Brandon. Other characters seemed just to pop in and what I mean is maybe there should be sort of a drifting in rather than a teleportation if that makes any sense at all.
For a book with so many psychological aspects there is a character here, or there I would have liked to learn more about instead of just the appearance and the disappearance of her. No character is wasted though, and the evolution of the protagonists is well paced beginning to end.
I’ll try to keep any spoilers small, no promises but if you don’t wish to proceed, a solid four stars but barely because of one critical aspect. As for my insights well, I feel a type of way about this title as I do with any other work read but as for my own opinion?
More often than not I blame myself and not the author, I received a free copy for my honest review, but my Kindle has a habit of making things disappear so being a man of my word I purchased a copy from Amazon since I lost the file. Now that should show that I think this work is promising and enjoyable but then I ask, did the author or the editor not know how to use a spacebar? I would blame my Kindle, but with the novels, I’ve stocked. I have never seen this many words just smashed together. I would be ashamed to share it with a friend even with the satisfying storyline and for all its merits and if a hard copy shares the same faults, I *shiver*.
I could have done with some vivid and hardcore descriptions, not Bry Ann’s fault but I think I belong to a specific genre and when I get used to that “type” of writing you find yourself craving more. Namely for me the romance and lack thereof, Axel and Sarah, Aly and Axel, Sarah and Ryan, Aly and Brandon but that’s just me, and it is somewhat refreshing to see Aly stick to her morals. The ending though seen, just barreled on me so quickly, I have done worse in my writing, and for the back end of the book, everything was predictable except for the sister who was just, whoa.
Four stars for significant spacing errors and a bit of an unfinished backstory here and there, I’m almost sliding back to three, but the story is fantastic if you can hang in there. Too bad Santa didn’t bring me a punching bag for Christmas, with my issues and another finished book, punches just seem right, The AXEL Man Has Cometh.
Tons of issues but I don’t mean that terribly for the most part… indeed that’s what makes “Axel” so relatable to people, but this hit me on a personal level. It’s not a title I would have sought out myself, more a right place, right moment sort of deal, much like the characters of Axel and Aly, surprised no one went to AA, ok that was a lame joke, but there are plenty of issues.
This novel covers all of the bases, anger, mental health, sex, religion, but in a more realistic way than a standard all you need is love campaign, though there is a sweet love story from the protagonists. It doesn’t make any particular group look bad; I mean religious people often don’t like to be portrayed negatively and given specific events that have been unfolding around sex and such as I said this book points them out for all to see. I wish that were all I saw because I can’t give this book five stars right off the bat, but I’ll explain that soon enough.
Axel is a coming of age story as well, the difference between strong children and broken men, going into more of the latter when it comes to the heroes. It’s the realism that’s the real crux of the story, and that should scare a lot of people in a way when you think about it, and you will be long after you finish reading. The ending is a bit rushed as if you can’t tell how this is going to end; don’t get me wrong it’s an original story but easy to predict mostly and the surprises appear out of left field talking about WTF.
If you don’t want to head further in just know that Bry Ann is a hell of a writer, and I would admittedly delve into her work; not right away but I’m glad I did. Also if you like to think you’re without any particular sin you probably won’t like it but Axel, Aly, alright.
The good news is I can’t automatically place it in one particular genre and while the concept is somewhat familiar other than The Twilight Zone or the nightly newscast I can’t compare it to anything. Most of the characters find themselves out while others just drift with the barest of motivations but every persona should want something, and this delivers.
Messed up boy, good girl with twisted history sounds about right, also throw in a bit of Thirteen Reasons Why (so I found a comparison), and you have the story. Axle has anger issues, gets into boxing, and mental problems notwithstanding he has every reason to be pissed at the world. Aly, the proper religious girl with her growing anger at events but she refuses to let them consume her. Also, she was lost throughout the book not that you can blame her. A couple that is just perfect together, and I could relate to Axel on a mental level and anybody else will, with the past that haunts him.
His parents are well thought out, two people who just want the best for their son, but Aly’s weren’t so much, then again does this book need even more anger, still in a right way. None of the villains were spectacular other than the; you had a sister, I want the girl, this is a perfect life, reminiscent of The Count of Monte Cristo, or how the enemy of my enemy friendship, Axel with Aly, Ryan with Brandon. Other characters seemed just to pop in and what I mean is maybe there should be sort of a drifting in rather than a teleportation if that makes any sense at all.
For a book with so many psychological aspects there is a character here, or there I would have liked to learn more about instead of just the appearance and the disappearance of her. No character is wasted though, and the evolution of the protagonists is well paced beginning to end.
I’ll try to keep any spoilers small, no promises but if you don’t wish to proceed, a solid four stars but barely because of one critical aspect. As for my insights well, I feel a type of way about this title as I do with any other work read but as for my own opinion?
More often than not I blame myself and not the author, I received a free copy for my honest review, but my Kindle has a habit of making things disappear so being a man of my word I purchased a copy from Amazon since I lost the file. Now that should show that I think this work is promising and enjoyable but then I ask, did the author or the editor not know how to use a spacebar? I would blame my Kindle, but with the novels, I’ve stocked. I have never seen this many words just smashed together. I would be ashamed to share it with a friend even with the satisfying storyline and for all its merits and if a hard copy shares the same faults, I *shiver*.
I could have done with some vivid and hardcore descriptions, not Bry Ann’s fault but I think I belong to a specific genre and when I get used to that “type” of writing you find yourself craving more. Namely for me the romance and lack thereof, Axel and Sarah, Aly and Axel, Sarah and Ryan, Aly and Brandon but that’s just me, and it is somewhat refreshing to see Aly stick to her morals. The ending though seen, just barreled on me so quickly, I have done worse in my writing, and for the back end of the book, everything was predictable except for the sister who was just, whoa.
Four stars for significant spacing errors and a bit of an unfinished backstory here and there, I’m almost sliding back to three, but the story is fantastic if you can hang in there. Too bad Santa didn’t bring me a punching bag for Christmas, with my issues and another finished book, punches just seem right, The AXEL Man Has Cometh.
February 9, 2019
Axel, a young man who has to learn how to live his life on his own after a terrible, life altering incident happens in his life. After he reacts to an incident that he walks up to his life will change forever. Is he meant to be alone for his entire life, or will he find that someone who will heal his heart and soul?
Aly, a young woman who has to leave her home to find herself and a life that will heal her. After growing up in a small town she decides to leave for the big city of Seattle because it’s not too far away from home, but it’s far enough that she will be on her own and hopefully find her true self.
I am not sure how Bry Ann comes up with her stories, where they come from, or how she is able to write such a wonderful story about such a painful, emotional, and heart-wrenching subject, but she does such a great job with them.
This story tore my heart out of my chest, the same way that most of Bry Ann’s books have done to me, but it was put back by the end of the book. I loved how these two characters grew throughout this book and were able to find each other and a happy life.
I have now read all of Bry Ann’s books that I can get my hands on and I have to say that she has quickly become a favorite author of mine. I give this story a 5-star review and heartily recommend that you read it and all of Bry Ann’s books. Just be warned that they are emotional, angsty, and heart-wrenching even though they do have a happy ending. Bry Ann’s dedication in this book even had me in tears.
Aly, a young woman who has to leave her home to find herself and a life that will heal her. After growing up in a small town she decides to leave for the big city of Seattle because it’s not too far away from home, but it’s far enough that she will be on her own and hopefully find her true self.
I am not sure how Bry Ann comes up with her stories, where they come from, or how she is able to write such a wonderful story about such a painful, emotional, and heart-wrenching subject, but she does such a great job with them.
This story tore my heart out of my chest, the same way that most of Bry Ann’s books have done to me, but it was put back by the end of the book. I loved how these two characters grew throughout this book and were able to find each other and a happy life.
I have now read all of Bry Ann’s books that I can get my hands on and I have to say that she has quickly become a favorite author of mine. I give this story a 5-star review and heartily recommend that you read it and all of Bry Ann’s books. Just be warned that they are emotional, angsty, and heart-wrenching even though they do have a happy ending. Bry Ann’s dedication in this book even had me in tears.
January 15, 2018
When Axel was a teenager, he lost his best friend Sarah because she killed herself. Already having anger issues, that just pushed him even further, and he ended up spending time in juvie. When he got out, he just wanted to count the minutes until he turned 18 and was able to get out of the small town he was from. When he was able to get out, he turned to boxing.
Aly has always lived in the shadow of her parents. They started becoming very ultra-religious when she was a child, and she has always had to be careful and live under their very strict rules. When she turned 18, she wanted to get away and find herself. She manages to get away from her family and on the train to Seattle, she meets Axel, now going by X who is now a professional boxer. Their paths cross for just a moment, but then nothing else happens for another 2 years.
X and Aly are both very interesting characters and I'm glad to have seen the story go the way that it did in the end. However, I think that the story got a little too convoluted at points. Maybe one fewer twist in the story would've made it a tighter story, in my opinion. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable story.
Aly has always lived in the shadow of her parents. They started becoming very ultra-religious when she was a child, and she has always had to be careful and live under their very strict rules. When she turned 18, she wanted to get away and find herself. She manages to get away from her family and on the train to Seattle, she meets Axel, now going by X who is now a professional boxer. Their paths cross for just a moment, but then nothing else happens for another 2 years.
X and Aly are both very interesting characters and I'm glad to have seen the story go the way that it did in the end. However, I think that the story got a little too convoluted at points. Maybe one fewer twist in the story would've made it a tighter story, in my opinion. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable story.
June 18, 2020
I don’t have much to say about this. I never skim books... unfortunately I did for most of this book.
I did not connect with any of the characters. I’m being generous with 3 stars. Just not my cup of tea. Very, very little romance. The h was always in some type of trouble or recovering from some type of trouble. I found the H to be abhorrent 95% of the time.
I’m just going to end it here.
I did not connect with any of the characters. I’m being generous with 3 stars. Just not my cup of tea. Very, very little romance. The h was always in some type of trouble or recovering from some type of trouble. I found the H to be abhorrent 95% of the time.
I’m just going to end it here.
March 3, 2019
3.85
RTC
RTC
April 20, 2019
I loved Axel. He is a awesome character to fall In love with.
Want to read
May 1, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/1/2022)! 🎁
May 4, 2022
I loved this story it was exciting, and I could not put it down so many twists and turns I love these character's best story I have read in a while just loved it
May 11, 2018
I couldn't put this book down. It was different from my usual reads but I absolutely loved this story - it was tragic and heartwarming at the same time!
Axel is a young boy with anger issues, his first love was ripped away from him after she was raped and committed suicide and he ended up in Juvie for beating her attacker.
Alys comes from a devout christian family with secrets of their own. She decides to leave home to find herself. Her Dad and best friend are totally against the idea and she runs away from both.
She bumps into Axel at the train station who has been released from Juvie and has grown to become a professional boxer called X.
Axel sees the vunerable and naive Ayls and decides to help her. Although they part ways, they find each other again a couple of years later. It is from there that their friendship grows and eventually after more tragic events and secrets are revealed they find love.
Bry Ann weaves a story in a way that captures you, holds you and takes you on a journey through every emotion.
Axel is a young boy with anger issues, his first love was ripped away from him after she was raped and committed suicide and he ended up in Juvie for beating her attacker.
Alys comes from a devout christian family with secrets of their own. She decides to leave home to find herself. Her Dad and best friend are totally against the idea and she runs away from both.
She bumps into Axel at the train station who has been released from Juvie and has grown to become a professional boxer called X.
Axel sees the vunerable and naive Ayls and decides to help her. Although they part ways, they find each other again a couple of years later. It is from there that their friendship grows and eventually after more tragic events and secrets are revealed they find love.
Bry Ann weaves a story in a way that captures you, holds you and takes you on a journey through every emotion.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews