Avery - I’m Avery Carmichael.This is my story and how I fell in love with a man who only knew how to love fiercely. So fiercely you had to feel it to believe it. He let his guard down with me. I was his sun, his star, his home...only I made a choice that shattered him more than life ever could. The worst thing is if you asked me if I would do it again, my answer would be yes.
I LOVED this book!!! It’s freaking amazing book. Nathalie Hill has a very good writing style. I loved the love between Avery and Dominic. I loved them so much as a couple and how they support each others. They were really unique characters. Dominic had a bad childhood and he had darkness inside, but Avery saved him with her love. Their love was so strong and they had plans for their future. But someone destroyed their plans. The ending completely destroyed me. I didn’t really expect such an end. I was crying…
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Skimmed through most of the last half. That the writing borders illiteracy in places is a significant deterrent, but the book was just bad. I've read better plots on a pack of bog roll.
This is another 'novel' that smacks of being dreamt up by a woman-child who clearly hasn't clocked the difference between love and toxic codependency, or learned that true love has nothing to do with sexual chemistry.
Love story? I don't think. Not only does sex every few scenes make for a boring read, how often a couple shags and how well they do it doesn't mean jack. It doesn't mean they are soul mates. It means they are horny and like to fuck and are too immature to grasp that sexual desire is fleeting and not the foundation on which a healthy relationship is built.
But then, these fools are hardly healthy so it's not like they have a shot for the long-term, anyway. They are married, but so what? Their union is based on hormones and head games.
Also, I'm repulsed by any heroine who claims to be strong but needs coddled by a man, and who equates possessiveness and dominance as evidence of passion rather than the signs of a pathetically insecure man. Any bloke who needs that much control and who has so little sense of humour he can't take a bit of teasing without dishing up 'punishment' is no man at all. Any penis-bearing human who dared smack me during sex, handle me with excessive roughness, order me around or attempt to restrain me in any way would find himself eligible for mezzo-soprano in the bloody Metropolitan Opera by the time I finished with him.
And I don't care how hot and fit a hero is, I need a man to be intelligent enough to have mastered actual communication, not use his erection to speak for him or behave like a neanderthal with the same rudimentary excuse for a brain. This type of OTT idiocy is the reason present-day Alpha males are the equivalent of Cro-Magnon man.
This book is smut and outlandish dram-o-rama worthy of hormonally charged adolescents, that features emotionally - and possibly mentally - challenged main characters. No thanks. I'm at max capacity for having my intelligence and digestion insulted.
Obvs, part 2 is out of the question.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow - I absolutely loved this book. Avery and Dominic had an all consuming love from the moment their eyes met. They were so close that they could not tell where one started and the other ended. But will great love comes great sorrow and bad things usually happen to good people. This book had me on the edge of my seat from the opening pages and the ending left me wanting more. With beautifully written characters and emotions flowing with each turn of the page this was a fabulous read. I cannot wait for the next book.
**** I READ THESE TOGETHER SO I REVIEWED THEM AS ONE ****
Shattered Hearts is broken into two parts with Avery being novella one and told from her POV and Dominic is novella two and told from his. Avery and Dominic are soulmates and very much in love despite the odds against them. Dominic was from the wrong side of the tracks and Avery had to make the choice of her family or the man she loves. Together they have a beautiful life until something tears it apart.
This is one of those reviews that are difficult to write because while there are some things that I really liked about the story there are also some that I really didn't. However, detailing these things would be spoilers so I'm going to tread lightly.
The sweeping and all-consuming romance between Avery and Dominic is beautifully depicted. Their interactions showcase two people who are meant for each other. Avery is strong-willed, smart, an easy match for her over-the-top alpha husband. She is the balance in his life, the one who keeps him on an even keel. Dominic is a doting husband who can't quite believe that the woman who loves him is the one he deserves. He carries his past like an albatross, ever weighing him down.
The first part of the duet is almost exclusively Avery and Dominic's relationship with each other and with the handful of friends they share. There are small snippets of the story's conflict scattered here and there but nothing that I could point to and anticipate what was to come. There is a lot of time spent the couple's life and what it took for them to build it. It is not until the last three chapters that actions outside of the couple come into play, leaving a cliffhanger ending to the first book.
The second book opens a long while later. I understand why the author needed to do this as there are factors that needed to fit, but the time span rankled. Dominic's decisions rankled. It's hard to explain in a review why because in doing so it would reveal major plot points, which I loathe to do. There is a lot more of the conflict action in this second book, some of which, I feel, should have been explored more in book one or the author should have made this one complete book versus two.
Overall, it's a good read. Avery and Dominic are solid characters and the premise of the story is interesting.
From the moment that they met Avery and Dominic knew they had just stumbled onto something special, something that was worth fighting for and hanging out to. So they grabbed a hold of one another and never let go, and it cost Avery dearly. But she didn't care though, she was in love and that was all that mattered, Dominic was everything she needed.
Their love was the bone-deep kind of love, the kind that took root in the soul, and would never be uprooted. But sometimes life and the heart don't agree...
This beautifully penned love story captured my attention from the very first page, and had me completely entranced until the last. This one is a killer on the emotions, you can feel the love these two have for one another constantly radiating from the pages. But they also harbor a overwhelming sense of pain from their pasts that will do a number on your heart too. There is no way that you will be able to walk away from this one without feeling something, it's gut-wrenching words had the tears welling and my heart in my throat for most of the way through. And the story doesn't end here, there is a book two, with what I am assuming, is filled with many more heart torturing chapters. Not sure my poor heart can handle much more, hopefully there is some happiness ahead! Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
I was fortunate enough to read this book twice. Once under the old name and pen name and now, after the author has done amazing things with it and made it impossibly better. This is the story of two people who loved deeply against all odds. They are each other's breath. He takes the time to look into her eyes every time he sees her so he can make sure that sparkle that is there just for him still shines bright. She is his light that holds the dark of his past at bay. She is his everything. This story has so many things going on, things that when it happens it isn't looked on as important. There are nuggets dropped throughout the story that will become very important later. You can't help but love and respect these two for all they do and what they are, it just is.
This author though, she gets it. She may be new to the world of an author but she knows how to tell a story so that it snatches you in and holds you prisoner until the last line. It isn't a standalone so don't freak out when you get to the end and your world stops and you have to get the next book because every word is needed, every action vital, every emotion mandatory. Remember that your kindle is not the enemy and throwing it, damaging it means you can't finish the story, and you don't want anything to cause that. Get your tissue and your fan because as emotional as it is Dominic doesn't always have the words that his heart feels for his wife. These two are passionate. Their love is true . . . until they shatter.
This is a hot and steamy love story where you can absolutely feel the deep and yes, intensely fierce love from Dominic for Avery. She in turn revels in his love, and chose him when her family issued an ultimatum.
Written from Avery’s POV, it is a very succinctly sounding voice that could almost be considered aggressive, which didn’t match the bookish nerd character. Or perhaps it was the almost economic use of words, that made it seem like reading a diary to me. It’s not until you reach the end of the duet that you’ll understand the writing style, and you’ll need to give it some thought to fully understand it. It doesn’t detract from Avery and Dominic’s story in any way because I was already absolutely invested.
And, holy crap, what a story. I was wrapped up in the world that Avery and Dominic had created together. Her absolute unconditional love and admiration for her husband was felt right through to my soul. Things didn’t always add up, and I started to make notes of the odd sounding comments that Avery was telling me as I read through. Then came that heart-breaking cliff-hanger ending.
If you’re like me, and hate cliffies with the blazing passion of a thousand suns, buy both in this duet at the same time, or go get it straight away. It’s already released, and you’ll be thankful you won’t have to wait.
Highly recommended romance with an extra large helping of steam and suspense. 4 Stars.
This is the love story of Dominic and Avery Stone where twenty-five year old Avery tells this story almost completely from her perspective. This is an intense love story that shows great depth and passion.
Dominic is an alpha male who literally worships the ground his wife walks on. Never believing he was good enough for her was something Avery worked hard to break down. She had the capacity to love and care for others with a fullness that was all encompassing, no matter if you were her student, friend or partner.
To be honest I found this story a little slow going to begin with but I understand why the need for the relationship background- now that I have finished. Be aware there are many, many emotions you will experience reading this story from delight to despair.
I am so pleased the second book, Dominic, is available to read now, phew! I need to know what happens in this amazing story.
This series is amazing. The first book Avery is her and Dominic's story told from her point of view. And wow what a story it is . Their love is something very special. Something you only find once in a lifetime. Avery and Dominic are the perfect couple. Dominic is a op working on a tough case. Avery is there for him no matter what and knows that there is something going on. One day everything changes for them. But will it really be the end for these two? This storyline was amazing. So well written. There was times I wanted to cry, scream at my kindle and throw it. But you could truly feel the chemistry and love between these two. Didn't like the ending as it left me hanging but an amazing must read.
This book is one that draws you in, but due to events that happen you hate it!
This book had me in tears of happiness, frustration and absolutely shattered!
This book took me on a ride and things I never saw coming happened. You WILL need kleenex, so.drying to protect your e-reader (might I suggest bubble wrap) and drink or your choice (not necessarily alcoholic, might I suggest something to help you relax, tea maybe?)
The chemistry between Dominic and Avery is absolutely amazing.
So.... I found this book quite hard to get into. At 15% I was seriously debating continuing- I found the writing a bit stilted and choppy. HOWEVER, after talking with a friend- I picked it back up and zoomed through the rest of the story. The journey Dominic and Avery went through was ugly (in a good way), steamy and gritty. Some people will cry, some will be heartbroken and lost but ultimately I think this is a story you should take a chance on. I'm diving into Dominic now because I NEED ANSWERS!
I love a book that has characters that fall in love with each other instantly because there is such a thing. Dominic and Avery had a special connection from the start and it was a beautifully written book that had my time 100% invested.
We get to feel these characters, the ups and downs and the hurdles they had to go through to make their love survive.
I thought they were strong characters and the writer did one heck of a job with this novella.
Avery and Dominic have a once in a lifetime love. Him from the wrong side of the tracks and her from a world that couldn't see past his last name. Despite the differences, they made it. They were going to have it all. Dominic loves with his whole being but thinks he is unworthy. Avery is out to prove him wrong. This tale takes you on a heartbreaking ride and finishes in the second book, Dominic. A pretty good read.
Absolutely loved this book. This is my first time reading anything from this author and I’m not disappointed. The authors writing style is phenomenal she captures the characters and their story in such a way that pulls you in and you feel every emotion bleeding off of every page. Avery and Dominic are opposites in every way but are so perfect for each other. Can’t wait to read ‘Dominic’, Book two of this Duet!!🖤🖤
A debut novel? Wow. I inhaled this in one sitting.
Avery and Dominic. Two different backgrounds. A love so fierce and strong.
I’m not saying anything about the storyline. I feel you need to read it yourself.
This is a well written beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time. The author succeeded in pulling at my heart strings throughout. Can’t wait to jump into Dominic.
5* Dominic is presumed to be the typical bad boy his parents into drugs and booze. Avery is the quiet but beautiful book nerd. He takes one look and knows shes his life. From the day he demands she goes with him to the prom they become inseparable. But fairytales aren't always forever. I really couldn't put this book down a new author for myself and I already have Dominic book ready to read
This is a new to me author. I can truly say I loved this book. Dominic and Avery had such a very unique love for one another one that everyone wishes they had. They conquered all of the trials and turmoil that lead them to love one another fully. I loved this book and can't wait to read Dominic's story.
omg this book was so heart breaking! i had tears in my eyes reading it! they are a couple with there whole lives ahead of them. until one day a accident happens that could take it all away. a must read for sure.
Nothing is as it seems. This is a new to me author and one I am already hooked on. I was pulled in from page 1 and cannot wait to start book 2 as my head is swirling with so many questions. Definitely a must read.
Buckle up for a heartbreaking emotional rollercoaster. Avery and Dominic are so special. Their love is deep and strong, like their souls were meant to be. I loved these two. Their story is beautiful and tragic.
This is told in two parts Avery and then Dominic and I loved it even she’d some tears this story dragged me through the ringer don’t want to give spoilers away but definitely recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
She is a teacher and her husband is a police officer. They have this unique chemistry and it is hot. He is very protective and he wants to make sure she is taken care of. She learns something and it is so good the ending you will need tissues
Dominic and Avery have an amazing story, that will pull our heart in every direction from laughing to breaking down in tears. it has deep emotions, a twisty plot, and great characters who make you want more from beginning to end! I received an arc of this story that i happily reviewed
What a whirlwind of a read! Seriously, I was sucked in from the very beginning of this book and I could not put it down. An all consuming love... two people meant for one another but nothing is really as it seems. I cannot wait to dive into part two of this duet!
This is the first part of a duet. Avery and Dominic’s story is heartbreaking, and hauntingly beautiful. This is well written, and I cannot wait to read the next book.
My heart is broken as I write this. I love Dominic and Avery! It kills me to think about Juliet! I have to read Dominic right now. This book was brilliantly written!