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Broken #1
Broken
Mama didn’t come home.
Daddy liked to hit.
Brothers followed suit.
So I ran.
I ran from that life.
I ran from myself.
I ran into him.
I have no experience with the game board we’re playing on, and that makes this a lethal game. One wrong move and my heart could land in the fire he’s created inside me. Worse, it could lead my past to his doorstep and it won’t just be my blood that taints this floor.
I should run. I need to run.
My father is the devil in a flesh suit, he won’t be happy until he paints this town red for my betrayal.
I should run. I need to run.
Because despite my feelings for Parker Hayes, the devil is coming and he wants what’s his.
Daddy liked to hit.
Brothers followed suit.
So I ran.
I ran from that life.
I ran from myself.
I ran into him.
I have no experience with the game board we’re playing on, and that makes this a lethal game. One wrong move and my heart could land in the fire he’s created inside me. Worse, it could lead my past to his doorstep and it won’t just be my blood that taints this floor.
I should run. I need to run.
My father is the devil in a flesh suit, he won’t be happy until he paints this town red for my betrayal.
I should run. I need to run.
Because despite my feelings for Parker Hayes, the devil is coming and he wants what’s his.
740 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2017
1706 people are currently reading
2360 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Messe
7 books415 followersI'm a fun loving book dragon who has the ability to make sailors blush with colorful language and obscene gestures. I love reading, mostly romance, young adult and new age. I'm a part of a BANGerangin' book club that is guaranteed to be better than yours. I like to spend my days wondering around department stores while reading erotica out loud, scaring the piss out of people, and playing "The floor is lava". (Adulting is lame.)
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Follow Me on Facebook:
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My Reader's Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/29384...
Follow Me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ellie.messe.1
Follow Me on Instagram: @EllieMesse.Author PLEASE NOTE @EllieMesseAuthor is a dead account.
Or visit www.elliemesse.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 459 reviews
July 30, 2019
'BROKEN' is the first book in Ellie Messe's 'Broken' series. In this we meet Haley and the Hayes boys (Parker & Drew).
I'd been struggling for a while lately, picking up books (and arcs) and they just haven't been pulling me in and I've put them down after a few chapters. If this was a reading funk I wanted out of it! And thank god this was the book that pulled me out!!
A while back this one was recommended to me, so without further ado I jumped into it and never looked back!! As soon as I started this I was pulled into the storyline, I even managed to get another reader hooked into it. Both of us loving the two boys.
New to me author
Non arc
Get me out of this funk!!
This pretty much ticked all my boxes, slightly dark, the storyline pulls you in straight away, the heroine is feisty with a mouth on her like a sailor. But the boys wrung out all the feels! These two brothers will hit you right in the heart, one becomes our heroines best friend, the other becomes her everything. But their journey is rocky, nothing runs smoothly when you’re on the run.
There were layers upon layers to this story. Haley is beyond broken, on the run from the devil and her siblings who would prefer it if she was six feet under, she doesn't think she is worthy of being loved, until she meets the Haye's boys who take her under their wings and protect her and show her that she is worthy of love, of being a best friend. A from rags to riches kind of story that pulled on my heart strings.
Parker will have you swooning
Drew will have you in stitches.
December 26, 2017
I wrote it so obviously I’m going to give it 5 stars! 😂
March 29, 2024
“You can't blow up a bus.”
“What?!” I shriek. Looking back at the attendant, “He’s kidding.”
“Thank God, you found her before she could BLOW UP A BUS!” Drew screamed the last part.
My eyes grow to the size of saucers.
“That’s like a federal crime to say shit like that! Stop it, before we all get arrested because of your stupid mouths.”
“Did you find her?” Josh rushes through the station door. “I got her note about the bus!”
Despite it being quite an emotionally heavy book (the cover and the blurb are quite telling), I added the above example to show that it does have funny moments as well. This whole scene did make me laugh.
For context, she was running away and ended up at a Bus terminal. This was at the very start of the book so it’s not really a spoiler. The banter was consistently funny and it was great to see these easy friendships between characters. Most of the comic relief was attributed to Drew (her best friend) who thrived in all social situations and revelled in making things awkward for the FMC. He was always a very dependable sidekick.
I was only 6% in before there was a scene that got me crying. I’m overly emotional though, so that may not be the case for everyone 😂 There are some pretty heavy scenes in this book, especially conversations that happened between the FMC and her brother. If you have read Binding 13, it’s the same kind of relationship that Shannon had with her eldest brother, except this relationship is slightly strained because of the abuse they both suffered.
The first 🌶️ scene ended with a fade-to-black. I am most definitely not a fade-to-black girl … nope. If this was going to be a frequent occurrence, I probably would have stopped reading at 10%. Thankfully the author put an end to that. We are all adults here, this isn’t a hallmark movie.
Sidenote - She was 18 and he was 24, which I think was a good age gap.
Another sidenote - The way she made tea should be a criminal offence! I can’t repeat what she did, but I need Josh to buy her a kettle.
The MMC was pretty adorable. He seemed to always say the right things. He was constantly supportive, funny, patient, understanding and didn’t give up on her even though she was constantly pushing him away.
Despite all of these very true points, I did stop at 66% 🥲
There are reasons …
For me, her evasive nature was a little grating. It was like when a friend says “I have a secret’, then you respond with ‘what is it’ and then they respond with ‘I can’t tell you’. This was constant. Why have you brought this up if you can’t tell me? I understand the sense of mystery that was trying to be created, but it was getting irritating and I needed more conclusions to things.
She suffered a lot of abuse, but her explanation of it was a little confusing. I think she alluded to a lot and then swiftly shut it down, so you're left constantly wondering what she was talking about. There seemed to be no resolution, the topics were just dropped. It started going downhill for me when the dad showed up, as he was adding to this already super cryptic plot and I was out of guesses.
Of what I read this was still a good book and exceeded what I thought I was going to read. I just don’t have the patience to try and decipher all these secrets that I think should already have been revealed. Just give me something.
I need a book similar to this now, just with a few less plot twists.
“What?!” I shriek. Looking back at the attendant, “He’s kidding.”
“Thank God, you found her before she could BLOW UP A BUS!” Drew screamed the last part.
My eyes grow to the size of saucers.
“That’s like a federal crime to say shit like that! Stop it, before we all get arrested because of your stupid mouths.”
“Did you find her?” Josh rushes through the station door. “I got her note about the bus!”
Despite it being quite an emotionally heavy book (the cover and the blurb are quite telling), I added the above example to show that it does have funny moments as well. This whole scene did make me laugh.
For context, she was running away and ended up at a Bus terminal. This was at the very start of the book so it’s not really a spoiler. The banter was consistently funny and it was great to see these easy friendships between characters. Most of the comic relief was attributed to Drew (her best friend) who thrived in all social situations and revelled in making things awkward for the FMC. He was always a very dependable sidekick.
I was only 6% in before there was a scene that got me crying. I’m overly emotional though, so that may not be the case for everyone 😂 There are some pretty heavy scenes in this book, especially conversations that happened between the FMC and her brother. If you have read Binding 13, it’s the same kind of relationship that Shannon had with her eldest brother, except this relationship is slightly strained because of the abuse they both suffered.
The first 🌶️ scene ended with a fade-to-black. I am most definitely not a fade-to-black girl … nope. If this was going to be a frequent occurrence, I probably would have stopped reading at 10%. Thankfully the author put an end to that. We are all adults here, this isn’t a hallmark movie.
Sidenote - She was 18 and he was 24, which I think was a good age gap.
Another sidenote - The way she made tea should be a criminal offence! I can’t repeat what she did, but I need Josh to buy her a kettle.
The MMC was pretty adorable. He seemed to always say the right things. He was constantly supportive, funny, patient, understanding and didn’t give up on her even though she was constantly pushing him away.
Despite all of these very true points, I did stop at 66% 🥲
There are reasons …
For me, her evasive nature was a little grating. It was like when a friend says “I have a secret’, then you respond with ‘what is it’ and then they respond with ‘I can’t tell you’. This was constant. Why have you brought this up if you can’t tell me? I understand the sense of mystery that was trying to be created, but it was getting irritating and I needed more conclusions to things.
She suffered a lot of abuse, but her explanation of it was a little confusing. I think she alluded to a lot and then swiftly shut it down, so you're left constantly wondering what she was talking about. There seemed to be no resolution, the topics were just dropped. It started going downhill for me when the dad showed up, as he was adding to this already super cryptic plot and I was out of guesses.
Of what I read this was still a good book and exceeded what I thought I was going to read. I just don’t have the patience to try and decipher all these secrets that I think should already have been revealed. Just give me something.
I need a book similar to this now, just with a few less plot twists.
November 27, 2017
Woah !!!! Broken is a book that will have you reading and consuming each page until it’s done. This is probably one of the longest books I’ve read but the writing in this book is absolutely amazing.
Ellie Messe comes out with a bang. I’m blown away by just how amazing this book was. Every detail is so meticulous you can’t tell that this book was written with emotion.
The flow of this book is amazing and even though it’s long there isn’t one moment where I wasn’t completely engrossed in it.
The heroine is broken and her past is horrifying, her scars are skin deep and I found myself gripped with how she would overcome and escape those demons.
I won’t go into too many details because it’s definitely a book you need to experience for yourself.
There’s pain, there’s laughter, there’s suspense and heart stopping romance. This book has a bit of everything. The story telling is just amazing and I’m sure I sound like a broken record but dayummm Ellie Messe knows how to write a book that will have you clinging to every word.
Some parts in this book had me in awe because the writing was just so damn good.
This is a knockout debut and I’m definitely excited to see what’s next.
Ellie Messe comes out with a bang. I’m blown away by just how amazing this book was. Every detail is so meticulous you can’t tell that this book was written with emotion.
The flow of this book is amazing and even though it’s long there isn’t one moment where I wasn’t completely engrossed in it.
The heroine is broken and her past is horrifying, her scars are skin deep and I found myself gripped with how she would overcome and escape those demons.
I won’t go into too many details because it’s definitely a book you need to experience for yourself.
There’s pain, there’s laughter, there’s suspense and heart stopping romance. This book has a bit of everything. The story telling is just amazing and I’m sure I sound like a broken record but dayummm Ellie Messe knows how to write a book that will have you clinging to every word.
Some parts in this book had me in awe because the writing was just so damn good.
This is a knockout debut and I’m definitely excited to see what’s next.
December 4, 2017
This book had me consumed from page one. Consumed. Hooked. You name it, I felt it!
Haley was a brilliant heroine. I felt every emotion throughout her story. She was strong, independent and knew what she had to do survive. Parker was definitely my favourite in this story. He was quiet, but when he spoke, my goodness did he say something worthwhile. He was incredibly sexy and it was mega swoonworthy in his efforts towards Haley.
Their story was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was on the edge of my seat at certain points and was a pile of mush through others.
The secondary characters in this book were excellent. I loved Drew, he was my favourite best friend every and I can't wait til he gets his own book! I would also LOVE a short story or something on Kaylan (don't ask for much do I :D)
This book wormed it's way into my heart and was the perfect way to end my year. It was my favourite book and best debut of 2017 by far!
Haley was a brilliant heroine. I felt every emotion throughout her story. She was strong, independent and knew what she had to do survive. Parker was definitely my favourite in this story. He was quiet, but when he spoke, my goodness did he say something worthwhile. He was incredibly sexy and it was mega swoonworthy in his efforts towards Haley.
Their story was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was on the edge of my seat at certain points and was a pile of mush through others.
The secondary characters in this book were excellent. I loved Drew, he was my favourite best friend every and I can't wait til he gets his own book! I would also LOVE a short story or something on Kaylan (don't ask for much do I :D)
This book wormed it's way into my heart and was the perfect way to end my year. It was my favourite book and best debut of 2017 by far!
April 17, 2018
Dnf at 65%
So, yeah.. I'm among the people who think that this book started so strong at the beginning but lost its way towards the end.
I'm not going to talk about the grammatical mistakes or the misplaced punctuation because the author already warned us in the book's introduction about that. What confused me, was why force the story to such a length where it could've been 40 to 50% shorter and way more enjoyable.
So, yeah.. I'm among the people who think that this book started so strong at the beginning but lost its way towards the end.
I'm not going to talk about the grammatical mistakes or the misplaced punctuation because the author already warned us in the book's introduction about that. What confused me, was why force the story to such a length where it could've been 40 to 50% shorter and way more enjoyable.
November 24, 2017
You can run, but you can’t hide from the engulfing storm of emotions in Broken. Along the way you will experience love, hope, and trust just to be hunted down by hatred, fear, and betrayal. When you’ve reached the end and finally stopped running-you will demand more from the talented Ellie Messe.
🙌🏻❤️🙌🏻💔🙌🏻❤️🙌🏻 AMAZING!!!
Initial Reactions:
*I think I’m in love with Haley, this bish is my spirit animal.
*Parker...🔥🔥🔥🔥 hot mama
*Drew-everything he says and does has me FREAKING DYING, found my favorite. Dibs.
*Hate her, hate him, MEGA HATE THAT BLONDE ONE GAAAHHHHH
*LOL that stalking scene 😂😂😂😭❤️
*CAROUSAL SCENE GAAAAAAH 😭😭
*NOOOOOOOOO AHHHHHHH OMGGGGGGGGG
*I need the next book NOW!
🙌🏻❤️🙌🏻💔🙌🏻❤️🙌🏻 AMAZING!!!
Initial Reactions:
*I think I’m in love with Haley, this bish is my spirit animal.
*Parker...🔥🔥🔥🔥 hot mama
*Drew-everything he says and does has me FREAKING DYING, found my favorite. Dibs.
*Hate her, hate him, MEGA HATE THAT BLONDE ONE GAAAHHHHH
*LOL that stalking scene 😂😂😂😭❤️
*CAROUSAL SCENE GAAAAAAH 😭😭
*NOOOOOOOOO AHHHHHHH OMGGGGGGGGG
*I need the next book NOW!
April 11, 2018
Where to start, Broken is my favourite book of the year, in fact I would go so far to say it’s my favourite read of this genre in a long time. Haley feels like she is unworthy of being loved, after escaping a life of horrific torture. She has had a life full of abandonment. Then she meets the Hayes boys.
Drew is absolutely hilarious, seriously belly laughing funny. He is Haley’s BFF the first she’s ever had and her rock, then she meets Parker and her world is turned upside down. So much love and affection and hot steamy sex.
Haley’s story brought me to ugly tears, some of her feelings I could relate to which tore at my soul.
Ellie Messe has seriously blown my heart and soul with this book I don’t want to give any spoilers so I all I am going to say is BUY THIS BOOK. release day is the 22nd December if you don’t buy it I will hunt you down and force you to buy it 😂 jokes (or is it)
A message for Ellie Messe - Thank you so much for letting me read the ARC copy. I laughed, I panicked, I cried and I swooned. I can not wait for the next book xx
Drew is absolutely hilarious, seriously belly laughing funny. He is Haley’s BFF the first she’s ever had and her rock, then she meets Parker and her world is turned upside down. So much love and affection and hot steamy sex.
Haley’s story brought me to ugly tears, some of her feelings I could relate to which tore at my soul.
Ellie Messe has seriously blown my heart and soul with this book I don’t want to give any spoilers so I all I am going to say is BUY THIS BOOK. release day is the 22nd December if you don’t buy it I will hunt you down and force you to buy it 😂 jokes (or is it)
A message for Ellie Messe - Thank you so much for letting me read the ARC copy. I laughed, I panicked, I cried and I swooned. I can not wait for the next book xx
December 27, 2017
This is a debut book and wow! Ellie Messe has blown my frigging mind.
I am in love with this book. I went through so many emotions. I laughed, cried, laughed again, fell in love, got my heart broken. And, I couldn't get enough of this book.
The characters, the way the author tells this story, I was hooked from the very first sentence. Haley is my bookwife. I loved everything about her, her heart, her flaws, how naive she was, who she was, what she represented. I didn't expect everything this book, this story brought to the table. It was written with such detail, such thought. I can close my eyes right now and picture everything that was described, shown, and spoken about in this story.
I loved Drew, even when I wanted to junk punch him. Loved Parker, Josh, and the rest of the crazy family. They were just everything. This was so much more than a "love story".
Read it... I sure can't wait for more by this author.
I am in love with this book. I went through so many emotions. I laughed, cried, laughed again, fell in love, got my heart broken. And, I couldn't get enough of this book.
The characters, the way the author tells this story, I was hooked from the very first sentence. Haley is my bookwife. I loved everything about her, her heart, her flaws, how naive she was, who she was, what she represented. I didn't expect everything this book, this story brought to the table. It was written with such detail, such thought. I can close my eyes right now and picture everything that was described, shown, and spoken about in this story.
I loved Drew, even when I wanted to junk punch him. Loved Parker, Josh, and the rest of the crazy family. They were just everything. This was so much more than a "love story".
Read it... I sure can't wait for more by this author.
December 21, 2017
A debut author. Wow. The author hit the ball outta the park with this one. Pure perfection.
Haley’s such a brilliant character. She’s so strong and courageous. My heart broke for her. Parker is awesome. I want my own Parker. Along with the main characters we have some wonderful secondary characters that added so much more to the story.
This book sucked me in from start to finish. It’s a big read which I was super happy about. I loved how it pulled on so many of my emotions. Great praise to the author for a wonderful debut novel. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Haley’s such a brilliant character. She’s so strong and courageous. My heart broke for her. Parker is awesome. I want my own Parker. Along with the main characters we have some wonderful secondary characters that added so much more to the story.
This book sucked me in from start to finish. It’s a big read which I was super happy about. I loved how it pulled on so many of my emotions. Great praise to the author for a wonderful debut novel. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 21, 2023
Three weeks into January and I’ve finally finished my first book of the year!! I went through the most frustrating book slump, and I hope finishing this book is the end of it- I have a reading goal to accomplish!
Haley is running from her family and the abuse she’s been forced to live through. Purchasing the first bus ticket available finds her in Phoenix, Arizona where she meets the Hale family. She gets a little reprieve, living freely, making friends with some really good people. But then someone from her past finds her, and her options are to stay and fight with her new family by her side, or run again and protect them all from her past.
This long book is filled with wonderful characters that I really enjoyed. Josh and Maria are loving “parents”, Josh taking to Haley immediately, always there to help in any way he can while being step in father to his nephews Parker and Drew. Maria, filling in mom’s shoes with her love and patience. Parker was top tier boyfriend material- his patience, kindness, thoughtfulness, and maturity exactly what Haley, and Drew, needed. Drew was the comedic relief everybody is looking for, and I loved him for it. Haley was the feisty, independent, strong leading female that survives her torture and picks up her own pieces. She was stubborn as all hell, but it was a needed quality with the life she’s lived. Haley’s heart is huge behind her ten foot bullet proof cement walls. You can’t help but want the best for her.
This was an angsty read. A step forward, two back. The bulk of it is Haley running from her past, trying to save those that she’s too scared to admit she loves. I was fine with that, but the ending was so abrupt. We’ve gone through 600 pages of her fighting the love she was given, the love she felt, then BOOM- problem solved and HEA. My only complaint is that after that many pages of patient reading we weren’t given more time to really see Haley “Ryan’s” father and brothers go down. There wasn’t really closure with her mother, her brother, Kaylan, returns out of nowhere, and our HEA is just thrown on our lap. I would’ve enjoyed this so much more if those things were drawn out more. I’d read another hundred pages or so for the satisfaction. Maybe it’s in the next book, but after receiving an HEA, I’m not too interested in reading the next book.
Anyway, 3.75-4 stars on this one. The ending felt short changed.
Haley is running from her family and the abuse she’s been forced to live through. Purchasing the first bus ticket available finds her in Phoenix, Arizona where she meets the Hale family. She gets a little reprieve, living freely, making friends with some really good people. But then someone from her past finds her, and her options are to stay and fight with her new family by her side, or run again and protect them all from her past.
This long book is filled with wonderful characters that I really enjoyed. Josh and Maria are loving “parents”, Josh taking to Haley immediately, always there to help in any way he can while being step in father to his nephews Parker and Drew. Maria, filling in mom’s shoes with her love and patience. Parker was top tier boyfriend material- his patience, kindness, thoughtfulness, and maturity exactly what Haley, and Drew, needed. Drew was the comedic relief everybody is looking for, and I loved him for it. Haley was the feisty, independent, strong leading female that survives her torture and picks up her own pieces. She was stubborn as all hell, but it was a needed quality with the life she’s lived. Haley’s heart is huge behind her ten foot bullet proof cement walls. You can’t help but want the best for her.
This was an angsty read. A step forward, two back. The bulk of it is Haley running from her past, trying to save those that she’s too scared to admit she loves. I was fine with that, but the ending was so abrupt. We’ve gone through 600 pages of her fighting the love she was given, the love she felt, then BOOM- problem solved and HEA. My only complaint is that after that many pages of patient reading we weren’t given more time to really see Haley “Ryan’s” father and brothers go down. There wasn’t really closure with her mother, her brother, Kaylan, returns out of nowhere, and our HEA is just thrown on our lap. I would’ve enjoyed this so much more if those things were drawn out more. I’d read another hundred pages or so for the satisfaction. Maybe it’s in the next book, but after receiving an HEA, I’m not too interested in reading the next book.
Anyway, 3.75-4 stars on this one. The ending felt short changed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2017
I'm drawing a blank because there's so much I want to say but I don't want to take away from your own experience! GAH! What if I said, "Just read it! You won't be disappointed!" will that work? ;-)
New authors are my favorite! Why you ask? Because they take you on a journey you never expected. You have no idea who they are. How they portray themselves on social media, etc. You don't know their writing style. They are literally an open book. They are taking a huge risk!! All in the hope that the characters talking in their head will be accepted by you, loved by you, and remembered by you. Ellie Messe took that risk and I'm telling you she is not to be missed! Sure, new authors can be hit or miss. She is one that is a hit you don't want to miss!!
She wrote with great character development. Her main female character, Haley aka Ryan is one that you can relate to. She's had a horrible childhood. She runs from it to find a great group of people. One of them is her male best friend, Drew. Who just happens to have a hotter brother named Parker! YUM-MY Who might be swoon-worthy and say all the right things! *sigh*
BUT know that everyone has a past and many have one that will haunt them. What happens when you run away only to be found by those you ran away from? Read BROKEN to find out!!
While reading Broken you will have many emotions throughout. The one thing that had me turning pages faster than a NASCAR driver was the suspense! My mind couldn't process the little snippets of Haley's past fast enough. I wanted so bad to jump to the end just to know how it all ended, but you cannot get to the end without going on the journey first.
New authors are my favorite! Why you ask? Because they take you on a journey you never expected. You have no idea who they are. How they portray themselves on social media, etc. You don't know their writing style. They are literally an open book. They are taking a huge risk!! All in the hope that the characters talking in their head will be accepted by you, loved by you, and remembered by you. Ellie Messe took that risk and I'm telling you she is not to be missed! Sure, new authors can be hit or miss. She is one that is a hit you don't want to miss!!
She wrote with great character development. Her main female character, Haley aka Ryan is one that you can relate to. She's had a horrible childhood. She runs from it to find a great group of people. One of them is her male best friend, Drew. Who just happens to have a hotter brother named Parker! YUM-MY Who might be swoon-worthy and say all the right things! *sigh*
BUT know that everyone has a past and many have one that will haunt them. What happens when you run away only to be found by those you ran away from? Read BROKEN to find out!!
While reading Broken you will have many emotions throughout. The one thing that had me turning pages faster than a NASCAR driver was the suspense! My mind couldn't process the little snippets of Haley's past fast enough. I wanted so bad to jump to the end just to know how it all ended, but you cannot get to the end without going on the journey first.
December 22, 2017
I have to admit, just reading the blurb I was a little hesitant to read this book. Not normally one of my go to genres. I'm so thankful that not only I had to opportunity to read this, but that I took the chance to step out of my comfort zone and give it a chance. Such an amazing story, amazing characters and such a fantastic writing style. I was willing to forgo all responsibilities and human contact just to stay in this book. I laughed, cried, swooned, yelled out and basically felt like I had run a marathon after I was done. You would never know that this is a new author and I see a wonderful future ahead for her. This book by far has become one of my favorites for the year.
July 23, 2018
FIVE HEADY STARS
What a steamy surprise! I picked this book up on a whim. I had never heard of the author but the cover and intro intrigued me enough to download. (I'm all for a writer that gives zero f--ks 😆) The only thing that made me hesitate was the 600 page shocker for a contemporary romance. I could see where the author was coming from in keeping two novels one. So if anyone else is daunted by the number of pages, don't worry! Just think of it as two books in one. It's seriously worth the read. I was even a bit sad when it ended.
What a steamy surprise! I picked this book up on a whim. I had never heard of the author but the cover and intro intrigued me enough to download. (I'm all for a writer that gives zero f--ks 😆) The only thing that made me hesitate was the 600 page shocker for a contemporary romance. I could see where the author was coming from in keeping two novels one. So if anyone else is daunted by the number of pages, don't worry! Just think of it as two books in one. It's seriously worth the read. I was even a bit sad when it ended.
November 26, 2017
This beautifully broken love story of Haley and Parker kept me captivated and intrigued. I could not put it down and was up till the middle of the night taking in their story! It brought me tears, laughs and even anger! This is a must read and cannot wait till Ellie continutes their story!
January 28, 2018
So..I have notes.
1- This book was probably 30% longer than it needed to be. There were pointless scenes and more sex scenes than were needed. Starts out interesting enough but quickly turns into sexsexsexSEXsex, Haley running away, Parker professing his love for the hundreth time, more sex, dumb fighting because Haley wont answer any questions, Haley running away again, sex in a new state!, some actual gritty stuff that we were all waiting for and then it ends. By 89% nothing had been resolved yet and I was really worried it was going to be a cliff hanger (that would have made me SO mad). Oh and the actual resolve/justice happens off page! So we as readers don't really even get satisfaction of reading how the bad guys get caught-it's just an after thought of 'oh yeah...this is what happened to the bad guys'...ugh.
2- There were quite a few grammar/punctuation errors throughout the book (a few made me have to reread the sentence because the punctuation was in the wrong place, making it hard to read).
3- Borderline instalove. Parker and Hayley meet and basically fall in love with each other in a week..maybe? I dunno, it was hard to tell because the time frame in the book is not a long period of time, yet the book dragggggssss on and on.
4- By just 12%, it was clear that this book is made up of every cliche 'romantic/hot' character encounter the author could think of. As soon as Haley and Parker meet, there is the 'hot club dance scene'...you know the one: where the characters are obviously attracted to one another and end up grinding all over each other practically having sex on the dance floor, yet not quite. Then oops! Haley's key is somehow missing so she is 'forced' to sleep in Parker's apartment in the 'characters are forced into the same living situation' cliche...but it doesn't end there! Nope, there is the 'hot shower scene' where Parker takes a shower while he thinks she is sleeping so he's walking in nothing but a towel and Haley can't take her eyes off him...so naturally he puts on a show for her. Then, OF COURSE he doesn't do the nice guy thing and sleep on the couch..nope they end up sleeping in the same bed. (This is all on the same damn night mind you) Oh, I'm not done. Over the next few scenes, we have the 'bathing suit shopping' scene which unnecessarily has Haley shopping for suits so that the guys can ogle her. Then the 'pool scene' where the guys, again, ogle her. Then the 'Pool hall scene' where I immediately knew that either the two of them were going to start making out on the pool table or there was going to be a 'teach her how to play' scene (they end up making out). There was also the 'makeover the hot girl' scene. See what I mean? After a while I started playing a game to see what other cliche scenes I could predict. One or two of these are usually fine in a book, but adding all of them? It becomes less hot, and more comical.
5-Drew and Haley's relationship was a weird one. I get that he was supposed to be her best friend but the amount of comments he had on how hot she was and how he continuously walked in on them having sex was just...odd. Like, if I had any desire to read his book (I don't), I would not be surprised one bit if he was harboring secret feelings for her. He also took her to get a makeover and to get a bathing suit...two things most guys would not be remotely interested in doing.
6- Parker was written as this nice guy...but he has some REAL problematic scenes that I just could not deal with. Haley gives a wasted Drew a peck on the lips to get him to go to sleep after his birthday and Parker gets REALLY angry with her, drags her out into the middle of nowhere, has forceful sex with her to 'remind her who she belongs to'. And THAT is the scene where she decides that she 'definitely loves him'. Girl....
7-Haley is an exhausting character. I get that she has her demons and she has her reasons for not talking but OH MY GOD- stop running and just freaking tell someone what is going onnn!! Every other scene is her running away or being stubborn by not accepting other people love her. By 80% we still didn't have direct answers to the questions everyone asks her and it was so exhausting to read. Maybe it wouldn't have been if this book, as I said above, was 30% shorter.
I had more thoughts than I thought I did, looking at my notes throughout the book haha. I will admit it was a struggle to not DNF this book but I made it!
1- This book was probably 30% longer than it needed to be. There were pointless scenes and more sex scenes than were needed. Starts out interesting enough but quickly turns into sexsexsexSEXsex, Haley running away, Parker professing his love for the hundreth time, more sex, dumb fighting because Haley wont answer any questions, Haley running away again, sex in a new state!, some actual gritty stuff that we were all waiting for and then it ends. By 89% nothing had been resolved yet and I was really worried it was going to be a cliff hanger (that would have made me SO mad). Oh and the actual resolve/justice happens off page! So we as readers don't really even get satisfaction of reading how the bad guys get caught-it's just an after thought of 'oh yeah...this is what happened to the bad guys'...ugh.
2- There were quite a few grammar/punctuation errors throughout the book (a few made me have to reread the sentence because the punctuation was in the wrong place, making it hard to read).
3- Borderline instalove. Parker and Hayley meet and basically fall in love with each other in a week..maybe? I dunno, it was hard to tell because the time frame in the book is not a long period of time, yet the book dragggggssss on and on.
4- By just 12%, it was clear that this book is made up of every cliche 'romantic/hot' character encounter the author could think of. As soon as Haley and Parker meet, there is the 'hot club dance scene'...you know the one: where the characters are obviously attracted to one another and end up grinding all over each other practically having sex on the dance floor, yet not quite. Then oops! Haley's key is somehow missing so she is 'forced' to sleep in Parker's apartment in the 'characters are forced into the same living situation' cliche...but it doesn't end there! Nope, there is the 'hot shower scene' where Parker takes a shower while he thinks she is sleeping so he's walking in nothing but a towel and Haley can't take her eyes off him...so naturally he puts on a show for her. Then, OF COURSE he doesn't do the nice guy thing and sleep on the couch..nope they end up sleeping in the same bed. (This is all on the same damn night mind you) Oh, I'm not done. Over the next few scenes, we have the 'bathing suit shopping' scene which unnecessarily has Haley shopping for suits so that the guys can ogle her. Then the 'pool scene' where the guys, again, ogle her. Then the 'Pool hall scene' where I immediately knew that either the two of them were going to start making out on the pool table or there was going to be a 'teach her how to play' scene (they end up making out). There was also the 'makeover the hot girl' scene. See what I mean? After a while I started playing a game to see what other cliche scenes I could predict. One or two of these are usually fine in a book, but adding all of them? It becomes less hot, and more comical.
5-Drew and Haley's relationship was a weird one. I get that he was supposed to be her best friend but the amount of comments he had on how hot she was and how he continuously walked in on them having sex was just...odd. Like, if I had any desire to read his book (I don't), I would not be surprised one bit if he was harboring secret feelings for her. He also took her to get a makeover and to get a bathing suit...two things most guys would not be remotely interested in doing.
6- Parker was written as this nice guy...but he has some REAL problematic scenes that I just could not deal with. Haley gives a wasted Drew a peck on the lips to get him to go to sleep after his birthday and Parker gets REALLY angry with her, drags her out into the middle of nowhere, has forceful sex with her to 'remind her who she belongs to'. And THAT is the scene where she decides that she 'definitely loves him'. Girl....
7-Haley is an exhausting character. I get that she has her demons and she has her reasons for not talking but OH MY GOD- stop running and just freaking tell someone what is going onnn!! Every other scene is her running away or being stubborn by not accepting other people love her. By 80% we still didn't have direct answers to the questions everyone asks her and it was so exhausting to read. Maybe it wouldn't have been if this book, as I said above, was 30% shorter.
I had more thoughts than I thought I did, looking at my notes throughout the book haha. I will admit it was a struggle to not DNF this book but I made it!
December 4, 2017
** Provided on behalf of the author for an honest review **
** Review by Gayle from Bloggers From Down Under **
I came across the synopsis all by accident and I have to say it completely grabbed me. So there was no question in my mind that I wanted this novel in my life. A debut novel from this author, there was no expectation from me at all, because how do you expect from it when it's a first....You can't...So for me it was a case of simply going in blind, and hoping that it would live up to the little I knew about it.
What I got was an absolute soul crushing, all consuming heart felt read that quite frankly left me speechless.
In this perfectly written novel, we are introduced to Haley. A young girl running from a past that not any one of us could imagine. A traumatic history forever ingrained into Haley not only psychologically but also physically. She carries the scars not only from within, but she carries them on the outside. Constantly shielding herself so nobody can discover her secrets. Constantly spinning a tale of lies just so she can protect the ones she now calls family, and to also protect the man who has captured her heart....Parker Hayes.
Haley....A girl so broken that she cannot believe that someone could love her. She's too broken, too shattered. The pieces of her will never heal.
But he does.
Parker will do anything he can to protect her, to shield her, to love her.
But at what cost?
Can Parker keep Haley safe?
What happens when the monsters start lurking?
What will they ask of Haley?
Will Haley agree to their terms so she can keep Parker and her new family safe?
Will Haley survive the evil from her past, or will she be lost to them forever?
A powerful read that as stated before captured my heart and soul. Raw, highly confronting, thought provoking, traumatizing, dark, twisted, gut wrenching, breathtakingly beautiful. These are just a few words that come to mind when reflecting back on Broken.
A debut novel that I cannot fault one bit.....Sheer perfection in my eyes.
Thank you so much Ellie Messe for giving all of us readers such a thought provoking, and put quite simply a brilliant read. Haley, Parker and the gang will stay with me always.
And can I just finish off by saying this....Look out for Drew people I think we will be seeing more of him....What an absolute ripper of a guy!!
5 stars.
** Review by Gayle from Bloggers From Down Under **
I came across the synopsis all by accident and I have to say it completely grabbed me. So there was no question in my mind that I wanted this novel in my life. A debut novel from this author, there was no expectation from me at all, because how do you expect from it when it's a first....You can't...So for me it was a case of simply going in blind, and hoping that it would live up to the little I knew about it.
What I got was an absolute soul crushing, all consuming heart felt read that quite frankly left me speechless.
In this perfectly written novel, we are introduced to Haley. A young girl running from a past that not any one of us could imagine. A traumatic history forever ingrained into Haley not only psychologically but also physically. She carries the scars not only from within, but she carries them on the outside. Constantly shielding herself so nobody can discover her secrets. Constantly spinning a tale of lies just so she can protect the ones she now calls family, and to also protect the man who has captured her heart....Parker Hayes.
Haley....A girl so broken that she cannot believe that someone could love her. She's too broken, too shattered. The pieces of her will never heal.
But he does.
Parker will do anything he can to protect her, to shield her, to love her.
But at what cost?
Can Parker keep Haley safe?
What happens when the monsters start lurking?
What will they ask of Haley?
Will Haley agree to their terms so she can keep Parker and her new family safe?
Will Haley survive the evil from her past, or will she be lost to them forever?
A powerful read that as stated before captured my heart and soul. Raw, highly confronting, thought provoking, traumatizing, dark, twisted, gut wrenching, breathtakingly beautiful. These are just a few words that come to mind when reflecting back on Broken.
A debut novel that I cannot fault one bit.....Sheer perfection in my eyes.
Thank you so much Ellie Messe for giving all of us readers such a thought provoking, and put quite simply a brilliant read. Haley, Parker and the gang will stay with me always.
And can I just finish off by saying this....Look out for Drew people I think we will be seeing more of him....What an absolute ripper of a guy!!
5 stars.
December 3, 2017
I think I am totally Broken...
Heart Stopping...
Emotional....
Heart Breaking...
Suspenseful...
Sexy...
Raw...
Romantic...
Just a few things that came to my mind while reading Broken. This book captured my heart from the beginning and held it until the end. Page after page I was drawn into the story of Haley and her struggles.
Jeez, my heart shattered into a million pieces for Haley. What a strong and shattered individual she is. The tug or war she had with herself was so hard to read because you knew she wanted to go one way but felt what she was doing was her only choice. Totally vague I know but seriously it would ruin the book if I told you more. My heart just broke for her.
Oh and h@ll I totally need and want a Parker in my life. Whether Haley wanted to hear it or not he would say the most romantic and panty melting things to her. Total swoon worthy. #ParkerIsMine #IveClaimedHim
“I want you today, I want you tomorrow, I want you in a week, a month, a year from now because you are worth it.”
I mean come on how can you not fall in love with Parker and his sweet talking words. He is the quiet, sexy ones but those are usually the ones you have to watch out for.
Haley ran away from her old life that was filled with hurt, sadness and so much more to find a family and friends she only wishes she can keep. When her past catches up to her hard decisions need to be made and she has to chose which way to go.
This is my first book by Ellie Messe and will definitely not be my last. Her words brought me into the story and I felt like I was right there with everyone page after page. Broken is a definite must read!
Heart Stopping...
Emotional....
Heart Breaking...
Suspenseful...
Sexy...
Raw...
Romantic...
Just a few things that came to my mind while reading Broken. This book captured my heart from the beginning and held it until the end. Page after page I was drawn into the story of Haley and her struggles.
Jeez, my heart shattered into a million pieces for Haley. What a strong and shattered individual she is. The tug or war she had with herself was so hard to read because you knew she wanted to go one way but felt what she was doing was her only choice. Totally vague I know but seriously it would ruin the book if I told you more. My heart just broke for her.
Oh and h@ll I totally need and want a Parker in my life. Whether Haley wanted to hear it or not he would say the most romantic and panty melting things to her. Total swoon worthy. #ParkerIsMine #IveClaimedHim
“I want you today, I want you tomorrow, I want you in a week, a month, a year from now because you are worth it.”
I mean come on how can you not fall in love with Parker and his sweet talking words. He is the quiet, sexy ones but those are usually the ones you have to watch out for.
Haley ran away from her old life that was filled with hurt, sadness and so much more to find a family and friends she only wishes she can keep. When her past catches up to her hard decisions need to be made and she has to chose which way to go.
This is my first book by Ellie Messe and will definitely not be my last. Her words brought me into the story and I felt like I was right there with everyone page after page. Broken is a definite must read!
December 23, 2018
You know that book that completely grabs you and you just silently tell yourself one more chapter. You're up into the wee hours of the morning still reading that one more chapter. Your eyes are so gritty feeling because you've strained them, you are so sleep deprived.
Broken is so captivating that it sucks you in and without being aware, you've read all night. Your emotions are all over the chart and you have to take a break in fear of constantly yelling dumbass and waking up the whole house.
Ryan has to get away from the childhood hell that she lives in. So when a "gift"was handed to her, she takes it and runs...
A year later we meet Haley. She's made a decent living for herself. She has her best friend Drew. She works two jobs and even has a nice one bedroom apartment. Everything is going well. Despite her friendship with Drew she's managed to keep everyone at a friendly distance. That is until she meets Parker, Drew's older brother. The chemistry between these to charters is instant and combustible. They can't deny the attraction. Parker thinks everything is going great until Haley's past catches up with her. This is the part that you start telling yourself one more chapter.
Your taken on such an overwhelming ride with this book. Ive went through laughing, face fanning, scared for them moments, to wanting to slap some sense into the both for their outright hard headed ways.
I could literally right a book for this book but its the first in awhile thats had me staying up and all in my feelings.
Broken is so captivating that it sucks you in and without being aware, you've read all night. Your emotions are all over the chart and you have to take a break in fear of constantly yelling dumbass and waking up the whole house.
Ryan has to get away from the childhood hell that she lives in. So when a "gift"was handed to her, she takes it and runs...
A year later we meet Haley. She's made a decent living for herself. She has her best friend Drew. She works two jobs and even has a nice one bedroom apartment. Everything is going well. Despite her friendship with Drew she's managed to keep everyone at a friendly distance. That is until she meets Parker, Drew's older brother. The chemistry between these to charters is instant and combustible. They can't deny the attraction. Parker thinks everything is going great until Haley's past catches up with her. This is the part that you start telling yourself one more chapter.
Your taken on such an overwhelming ride with this book. Ive went through laughing, face fanning, scared for them moments, to wanting to slap some sense into the both for their outright hard headed ways.
I could literally right a book for this book but its the first in awhile thats had me staying up and all in my feelings.
January 29, 2018
2.5 stars.
Ugh, so I'm really torn here. This book had my interest until about 60% and then everything started to fall apart for me. I appreciate lengthy books, and this was definitely one of them (600-ish pages). But what was once enjoyable banter between characters, soon became one repeated and never-ending conversation after another. I ended up skimming the last 15% (because by that point I was already pot committed and just needed to finish). The redundancy became borderline unbearable, to the point where I was rolling my eyes and saying “Oh My GOD Haley! Stay or go, just make a damn decision already”. It’s weird because I enjoyed every other character (sans bad guys) in the book except Haley. She took stubbornness to a level I couldn’t have imagined before this and it kept the story from progressing.
And now for something I never thought I’d actually say... the dialogue was far too crass. It often felt very awkward and amateur. So much of it was unnecessary and dumbed-down the story.
But here’s the thing... with all that negativity I just threw out here, I’d probably read this author again. I think this might be her debut novel, and with that in mind, the potential was there. Like I said, she had me invested for well over 300 pages. This author has obvious talent, just needs to work out some kinks.
Ugh, so I'm really torn here. This book had my interest until about 60% and then everything started to fall apart for me. I appreciate lengthy books, and this was definitely one of them (600-ish pages). But what was once enjoyable banter between characters, soon became one repeated and never-ending conversation after another. I ended up skimming the last 15% (because by that point I was already pot committed and just needed to finish). The redundancy became borderline unbearable, to the point where I was rolling my eyes and saying “Oh My GOD Haley! Stay or go, just make a damn decision already”. It’s weird because I enjoyed every other character (sans bad guys) in the book except Haley. She took stubbornness to a level I couldn’t have imagined before this and it kept the story from progressing.
And now for something I never thought I’d actually say... the dialogue was far too crass. It often felt very awkward and amateur. So much of it was unnecessary and dumbed-down the story.
But here’s the thing... with all that negativity I just threw out here, I’d probably read this author again. I think this might be her debut novel, and with that in mind, the potential was there. Like I said, she had me invested for well over 300 pages. This author has obvious talent, just needs to work out some kinks.
October 15, 2023
I really, really wanted to enjoy this book, but I checked out mentally at 30% and almost entirely skimmed to the end. Basically DNF'd it.
I try not to be harsh in my ratings or comments on a book, because I know how much work goes into writing. This book could be vastly improved by a tough edit.
I try not to be harsh in my ratings or comments on a book, because I know how much work goes into writing. This book could be vastly improved by a tough edit.
November 27, 2017
Holy Hell what can I say about this book that can truely show how good this book was. I went into this book like I do most, blind. This time being because this is a debut for this author, so I have not read anything by her previously. What I found once i started reading was a book that I could not put down till I was at the end. And even at the end I was wanting more. Each of the characters were ones that grabbed you and held on to you till the last page. There wasn't a part of this that didn't keep me on the edge of throwing my phone/e-reader. I found myself wanting to grab Haley and hold her and tell her that everything was going to be alright, and that there is a way out for her. Then I would then keep reading and want to grab Haley again and shake her till she opens her eyes and sees what is in front of her. Each of the characters are ones that I want to know more about and want their stories as well. This was a first for this author and by the way that I loved this book, will not be the last for her.
December 18, 2017
They found her...she did everything to hide her identity. How did this happen? She was sooo careful. She used a fake name, gave a different birthday, didn't even use her social security and moved far away...but the found her anyway!!
"Mama didn’t come home.
Daddy liked to hit.
Brothers followed suit.
So I ran.
I ran from that life.
I ran from myself.
I ran into him."
Broken really sucked me right in and kept me wanting more. The beginning of the book kept me on the edge of my seat and then when she started her new life, I actually got sooo consumed into her new life and was just loving it, and then when they found her I gasped like I was watching a thriller..lol Soo all those feelings of helplessness came back and you are hoping she will get away again, but be able to keep her new friends she had just made..Goodness I really enjoyed Broken.
I gave Broken 4 iScream Cones. This was my first read by Ellie Messe and I have a new author I will be stalking in the future!!!
"Mama didn’t come home.
Daddy liked to hit.
Brothers followed suit.
So I ran.
I ran from that life.
I ran from myself.
I ran into him."
Broken really sucked me right in and kept me wanting more. The beginning of the book kept me on the edge of my seat and then when she started her new life, I actually got sooo consumed into her new life and was just loving it, and then when they found her I gasped like I was watching a thriller..lol Soo all those feelings of helplessness came back and you are hoping she will get away again, but be able to keep her new friends she had just made..Goodness I really enjoyed Broken.
I gave Broken 4 iScream Cones. This was my first read by Ellie Messe and I have a new author I will be stalking in the future!!!
August 3, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! The entire story is told in Haley's POV. She's a great protagonist, and her backstory is quite heartbreaking. The novel itself is a little long--but this really gave me the chance to get to know and fall in love with her new family--particularly her best friend Drew and her love interest, Parker. I absolutely adored the little bonding scenes, like when Drew and Haley go shopping for ugly Christmas sweaters.
There are comments about the typos in this book, but, honestly, they weren't that bad. It needs a little cleaning up, but in my opinion, the errors didn't affect the flow or readability. I've read (and enjoyed) self-published books that need a lot more editing than this one.
There are comments about the typos in this book, but, honestly, they weren't that bad. It needs a little cleaning up, but in my opinion, the errors didn't affect the flow or readability. I've read (and enjoyed) self-published books that need a lot more editing than this one.
February 9, 2018
Absolutely loved this!! Do not miss this wonderful book!
I freaking loved this so much. The storyline, the characters, the well written scenes. The fun banter between them and the sexy times, oh lord were they hot! But in all, I seriously could not put it down until I finished, loved it so much
I freaking loved this so much. The storyline, the characters, the well written scenes. The fun banter between them and the sexy times, oh lord were they hot! But in all, I seriously could not put it down until I finished, loved it so much
January 3, 2018
Broken
I was so surprised by this author.. I was told about this book New Years Eve!! I bought it New Years Day!!!! And sooooo very glad I did... This author had a very well developed story.. Had me laughing one minute and in tears the next.. I'm so very I started my new year off reading a new author to me!!! I can't wait for the next book!!!!! I hope the wait isn't long!!!
I was so surprised by this author.. I was told about this book New Years Eve!! I bought it New Years Day!!!! And sooooo very glad I did... This author had a very well developed story.. Had me laughing one minute and in tears the next.. I'm so very I started my new year off reading a new author to me!!! I can't wait for the next book!!!!! I hope the wait isn't long!!!
October 3, 2023
Dear lord that was utter trash, 600 pages?!? This could have been a good book if we had cut at least 300 pages out. Drew and Haley were insufferable, I wanted to throw my phone against my wall at least 18 times
December 3, 2023
gah. Honestly, I feel like this had a lot of potential, the actual matter of the book could have made for something really amazing, but for me it fell a little bit flat (this is just my opinion). And no one is more surprised than me! Because I expected to like this, based on what I heard, and I actually had really high expectations going in (that may be part of the problem...) and then I was kind of waiting... and feeling slightly disappointed (for my own reasons). Kudos to the author anyhow, for her book and everything, there are pros and cons to everything:)
I think it is a matter of personal preference, there are a number of reasons this wasn't my cup of tea, and because (this is going to sound confusing but) I spent an atrocious amount of money on this, I will politely list them.
1. The usage of vocabulary/the language/the writing was slightly clunky to be fully honest. This was definitely not my main issue and I am generally not one of those people who gets super hung up on crucifying writing or writing style (in MOST cases), and I did try to look past it, however it was something that was consistently present. So its getting a mention.
2. the focus on fmc Haley's issues with feeling unloved/unworthy of love/belonging/sense of community (well that one was okay actually)/being 'good enough'/etc. and that whole journey (obviously this was a big part of the book in a way, and it was not a bad thing - but I found it a little jarring at times considering the more pressing issues - you know, the whole threat to their lives?? The constant danger. Very real danger..... And I felt like that constant looming danger that was really in a huge part of the book was not properly addressed, and this was somewhat because the aforementioned focus came at the cost of properly fleshing out the whole... huge danger to everyone's lives.... and ramifications of it. And Haley's actual abuse and trauma was also not sufficiently addressed for my liking (it was dealt with admittedly, however not in my preferred manner nor to my preferred extent) - especially in the communication aspects. For me, there were not enough discussions between Haley and other characters such as Parker, Drew. And obviously there WERE some discussions, but I was NOT a fan of those; they were not healthy or proper or sensitive (in fact a lot of the characters eg. Parker showed horrible insensitivity imo.... throughout.... so did everyone else.....) - and I understand heat of the moment discussions are simply not going to be it --- but then I do expect a REAL discussion - in the future. Yeah, that.. never happened. At least not in the way I would have liked it.
3. ^ Going off 2. I found it hard to accept a lot of the characters because of certain things they did / their lack of sensitivity - including the love interest, Parker. Maybe I am being TOO harsh, since I know most people disagree with me probably, he was NOT terrible, but there were a lot of times where I was going no no no NO and that feeling did not end up going away... leaving me with not the greatest impression of Parker . Yes, he helped Haley a lot with her 'emotional journey'. He did not really help Haley with the PHYSICAL journey she was on (of trying to SURVIVE!!) (which yeah, was not exactly his fault but that bothered me!) - he did not really help Haley the WAY I WANTED HER TO BE HELPED BASICALLY. Just. I have a DIFFERENT preference that's all, and it was just different to what I was expecting. Anyway as a result I wasn't fully sold on the romance which detracted from my reading experience as that was a significant plot. Also Drew supposed to be this really funny/great character.... I wasn't sold on that either, unpopular opinion! I guess its just my personal preferences. To me, (full disclosure) it was coming off more bland/straight up insensitive rather than light hearted/funny, I think I was not in the right frame of mind for this / not really my vibe at the moment??? It's not that I don't GET humour or something, I've read a lot, and I've read a lot of awesome side characters/best friends/funny best friends etc. this one just wasn't my favourite, and that's totally okay!
4. Okay, plot-wise I was hurting a little bit, and I kind of felt a serious lack of fleshing out/having a fully developed plot. Don't get me wrong, there was definitely stuff on the page and I sensed the makings of it for sure, but I just needed a bit MORE, a little EXTRA. It's not a pacing issue or anything - there's a ton of super slow books, super long books, largely uneventful books that I've read and often still managed to enjoy just BECAUSE, and I happily looked past the relatively uneventful first half/part of this book with relative ease. Not an issue, I CAN vibe. But then - the core plot/background with Haley's family was not sufficiently developed (for me). We eventually got an explanation of what happened to her (sort of), but motive... don't get me wrong, I get 'psychopathy' but even with that, I did need a little bit more connection with the characters to be provided (even the psycho ones). EG. what's the story with her father? why does he hate the mother? what did she do? why did she leave (I can infer the obvious somewhat - but it's never really explored at all) (there's no conversation) like really what IS his story?? and the brothers?? what is THEIR story (because we get absolutely nothing there). How come Kaylan is not like them/so different/played a different role? Is it PURELY because of their looks?? Do their looks automatically assign them into roles of 'perpetrator' and 'victim' based of who they LOOK like? is it an age thing? but what HAPPENED? what are the EXPERIENCES there. maybe these questions are sort of obvious, and I'm not really explaining myself well, but I felt like the antagonists were not well enough explained - I could have used a little more in that respect, and that would have definitely gone a long way in terms of making things more realistic as well. This way, we were left with a situation that was slightly cartoon villain - granted, very very evil cartoon villain (though I was still hating on the villain - so the author was able to evoke some emotion!!) And it doesn't need to be a grand saga or exposition or backstory - some tactfully placed sentences in the right spots can tell a lot as well. Not to mention the ending ----SPOILER ------------------------------ which was a bit.... sudden and desperate seeming? Like oh the police from THIS state isn't corrupt or whatever so yay jail! Don't get me wrong, I was happy, like yay! Let's go justice! But.... I did feel a little bit like, really??? Why didn't we do that earlier?? Because we felt like our problems were insurmountable?? .... anywho that's just my feelings!
I can understand where people come from in their opinions and really enjoying this, and I definitely agree that it had a lot of potential - of that, there's no doubt. But it wasn't really to my personal tastes, hopefully its different for you! :)
I think my expectations or imagination played a part in my reading experience of this too, I was expecting something slightly different so that coloured my view! A lesson I repeatedly learn - don't go making castles in the air (about books!), don't go in with lots of preconceived notions (about books!) its not very helpful :)
I think it is a matter of personal preference, there are a number of reasons this wasn't my cup of tea, and because (this is going to sound confusing but) I spent an atrocious amount of money on this, I will politely list them.
1. The usage of vocabulary/the language/the writing was slightly clunky to be fully honest. This was definitely not my main issue and I am generally not one of those people who gets super hung up on crucifying writing or writing style (in MOST cases), and I did try to look past it, however it was something that was consistently present. So its getting a mention.
2. the focus on fmc Haley's issues with feeling unloved/unworthy of love/belonging/sense of community (well that one was okay actually)/being 'good enough'/etc. and that whole journey (obviously this was a big part of the book in a way, and it was not a bad thing - but I found it a little jarring at times considering the more pressing issues - you know, the whole threat to their lives?? The constant danger. Very real danger..... And I felt like that constant looming danger that was really in a huge part of the book was not properly addressed, and this was somewhat because the aforementioned focus came at the cost of properly fleshing out the whole... huge danger to everyone's lives.... and ramifications of it. And Haley's actual abuse and trauma was also not sufficiently addressed for my liking (it was dealt with admittedly, however not in my preferred manner nor to my preferred extent) - especially in the communication aspects. For me, there were not enough discussions between Haley and other characters such as Parker, Drew. And obviously there WERE some discussions, but I was NOT a fan of those; they were not healthy or proper or sensitive (in fact a lot of the characters eg. Parker showed horrible insensitivity imo.... throughout.... so did everyone else.....) - and I understand heat of the moment discussions are simply not going to be it --- but then I do expect a REAL discussion - in the future. Yeah, that.. never happened. At least not in the way I would have liked it.
3. ^ Going off 2. I found it hard to accept a lot of the characters because of certain things they did / their lack of sensitivity - including the love interest, Parker. Maybe I am being TOO harsh, since I know most people disagree with me probably, he was NOT terrible, but there were a lot of times where I was going no no no NO and that feeling did not end up going away... leaving me with not the greatest impression of Parker . Yes, he helped Haley a lot with her 'emotional journey'. He did not really help Haley with the PHYSICAL journey she was on (of trying to SURVIVE!!) (which yeah, was not exactly his fault but that bothered me!) - he did not really help Haley the WAY I WANTED HER TO BE HELPED BASICALLY. Just. I have a DIFFERENT preference that's all, and it was just different to what I was expecting. Anyway as a result I wasn't fully sold on the romance which detracted from my reading experience as that was a significant plot. Also Drew supposed to be this really funny/great character.... I wasn't sold on that either, unpopular opinion! I guess its just my personal preferences. To me, (full disclosure) it was coming off more bland/straight up insensitive rather than light hearted/funny, I think I was not in the right frame of mind for this / not really my vibe at the moment??? It's not that I don't GET humour or something, I've read a lot, and I've read a lot of awesome side characters/best friends/funny best friends etc. this one just wasn't my favourite, and that's totally okay!
4. Okay, plot-wise I was hurting a little bit, and I kind of felt a serious lack of fleshing out/having a fully developed plot. Don't get me wrong, there was definitely stuff on the page and I sensed the makings of it for sure, but I just needed a bit MORE, a little EXTRA. It's not a pacing issue or anything - there's a ton of super slow books, super long books, largely uneventful books that I've read and often still managed to enjoy just BECAUSE, and I happily looked past the relatively uneventful first half/part of this book with relative ease. Not an issue, I CAN vibe. But then - the core plot/background with Haley's family was not sufficiently developed (for me). We eventually got an explanation of what happened to her (sort of), but motive... don't get me wrong, I get 'psychopathy' but even with that, I did need a little bit more connection with the characters to be provided (even the psycho ones). EG. what's the story with her father? why does he hate the mother? what did she do? why did she leave (I can infer the obvious somewhat - but it's never really explored at all) (there's no conversation) like really what IS his story?? and the brothers?? what is THEIR story (because we get absolutely nothing there). How come Kaylan is not like them/so different/played a different role? Is it PURELY because of their looks?? Do their looks automatically assign them into roles of 'perpetrator' and 'victim' based of who they LOOK like? is it an age thing? but what HAPPENED? what are the EXPERIENCES there. maybe these questions are sort of obvious, and I'm not really explaining myself well, but I felt like the antagonists were not well enough explained - I could have used a little more in that respect, and that would have definitely gone a long way in terms of making things more realistic as well. This way, we were left with a situation that was slightly cartoon villain - granted, very very evil cartoon villain (though I was still hating on the villain - so the author was able to evoke some emotion!!) And it doesn't need to be a grand saga or exposition or backstory - some tactfully placed sentences in the right spots can tell a lot as well. Not to mention the ending ----SPOILER ------------------------------ which was a bit.... sudden and desperate seeming? Like oh the police from THIS state isn't corrupt or whatever so yay jail! Don't get me wrong, I was happy, like yay! Let's go justice! But.... I did feel a little bit like, really??? Why didn't we do that earlier?? Because we felt like our problems were insurmountable?? .... anywho that's just my feelings!
I can understand where people come from in their opinions and really enjoying this, and I definitely agree that it had a lot of potential - of that, there's no doubt. But it wasn't really to my personal tastes, hopefully its different for you! :)
I think my expectations or imagination played a part in my reading experience of this too, I was expecting something slightly different so that coloured my view! A lesson I repeatedly learn - don't go making castles in the air (about books!), don't go in with lots of preconceived notions (about books!) its not very helpful :)
December 22, 2017
GUYS, I FOUND ONE. One of those books that you can jump into and spend a whole day lost in? One of those books that you can start and just KNOW it is going to emotionally wreck you while it also throws you into a plot that you can't turn away from. This is one of those.
Not only did I get lost and fall in love with these characters, I also hurt so forcibly while reading.
The author tells you at the start that she put it all on the table with this book. Pushed everything in the plot to the limits and went with it. It shows chapter after chapter and my goodness, it works magnificently.
This book is a long one, I read REALLY fast and it still took me most of the day. I LOVE how long it was. I felt like he length in this book really let you get into the post and fall in love with the characters. Sure, she could have cut it in half and done two, or even just cut a ton out, but had she done that the book wouldn't have been half as good as it was.
and it was GOOD.
Really good. Top books fo the YEAR good.
If this is her throwing it all to the limits, I hope she does it on ever other book she writes because I was IN IT.
Buy on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BkueVV
Add to Goodreads
Synopsis:
Mama didn’t come home.
Daddy liked to hit.
Brothers followed suit.
So I ran.
I ran from that life.
I ran from myself.
I ran into him.
I have no experience with the game board we’re playing on, and that makes this a lethal game. One wrong move and my heart could land in the fire he’s created inside me. Worse, it could lead my past to his doorstep and it won’t just be my blood that taints this floor.
I should run. I need to run.
My father is the devil in a flesh suit, he won’t be happy until he paints this town red for my betrayal.
I should run. I need to run.
Because despite my feelings for Parker Hayes, the devil is coming and he wants what’s his.
April 9, 2018
My new favorite book. Even it was 600+ pages haha.
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