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Heaven and Hell Club #1
Broken
Rule #1: Keep running.
Jag’s rules have kept him safe and free since he escaped conversion therapy, but that was before he walked into Heaven and Hell. A no-strings fling with the club owner, Michael, turns into so much more as Jag finds himself breaking one rule after another.
Michael hasn’t been able to commit to anyone since his partner died, until Jag walks into his club. Falling in lust with the elfin young dancer is easy, and his heart is quick to follow.
Michael gives Jag a reason to stay, but fear rules Jag’s heart more than love. Despite his deepening feelings for Michael, Jag knows he can’t stay. Can he?
**Contains adult themes, content, and language.**
Jag’s rules have kept him safe and free since he escaped conversion therapy, but that was before he walked into Heaven and Hell. A no-strings fling with the club owner, Michael, turns into so much more as Jag finds himself breaking one rule after another.
Michael hasn’t been able to commit to anyone since his partner died, until Jag walks into his club. Falling in lust with the elfin young dancer is easy, and his heart is quick to follow.
Michael gives Jag a reason to stay, but fear rules Jag’s heart more than love. Despite his deepening feelings for Michael, Jag knows he can’t stay. Can he?
**Contains adult themes, content, and language.**
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2019
158 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Colette Davison
66 books432 followersI'm an indie author from the UK, who writes contemporary and paranormal M/M romance. My books have flawed characters, happy endings, and lots of heart.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 28, 2023
By all means, have tissues on hand. This has hurt sooo bad. 🤧 It grabbed me from the first moment and didn't even let go, even the constant drying away of tears couldn't keep me from staring at the words.
All he wanted, more than anything else, was to stop being afraid. 😭😭😭
TRIGGERS: forced conversion therapy - It's in the past, but Jag will talk about it eventually ... so it really hurts. I hate these parents 😡😡😡
The relationship is a bit much insta-ish, but that's supposed to be the point, to express how much Jag and Michael are attracted to each other and just can't help but get involved with each other for more than sex. The emotional connection and intensity are just awesome.
Right from the start, Jag should have avoided those tender, post-sex moments. That very first time, he should have got dressed and not sat on Michael’s lap. 🥰
“I don’t need saving,” he whispered harshly. “I don’t need protecting.”
“But you do need to be held,” Michael said. “Let me hold you.” 😍
Jag’s anxiety and paranoia are set in contrast to his ability to still find some humor and fun. And it is amazing how sensitive he is with Michael.
“You’ll always love Edward. One day, you’ll find someone else you want to settle down with, but that won’t change how you feel about Edward. You’ll just make room in your heart for someone else.” 🌸 🌈🌸
Well and I love the sexual dynamic between the two, you have to read it if you want to understand that 😉
All he wanted, more than anything else, was to stop being afraid. 😭😭😭
TRIGGERS: forced conversion therapy - It's in the past, but Jag will talk about it eventually ... so it really hurts. I hate these parents 😡😡😡
The relationship is a bit much insta-ish, but that's supposed to be the point, to express how much Jag and Michael are attracted to each other and just can't help but get involved with each other for more than sex. The emotional connection and intensity are just awesome.
Right from the start, Jag should have avoided those tender, post-sex moments. That very first time, he should have got dressed and not sat on Michael’s lap. 🥰
“I don’t need saving,” he whispered harshly. “I don’t need protecting.”
“But you do need to be held,” Michael said. “Let me hold you.” 😍
Jag’s anxiety and paranoia are set in contrast to his ability to still find some humor and fun. And it is amazing how sensitive he is with Michael.
“You’ll always love Edward. One day, you’ll find someone else you want to settle down with, but that won’t change how you feel about Edward. You’ll just make room in your heart for someone else.” 🌸 🌈🌸
Well and I love the sexual dynamic between the two, you have to read it if you want to understand that 😉
Read
May 26, 20202.5 stars.
Jag's constant rules, pushing away and on the run from his parents (he's twenty years old FFS) got old after going round and round and not really getting anywhere. Sadly this didn't live up to the promise of the blurb and it should have. I mean ... hurt/comfort. age gap, on the run, bossy in the bedroom twink, pole dancer .... yeah the blurb had everything going for it but the execution just didn't cut it for me, because instead I got a TSTL fool that was so deep in his own damn head he couldn't see past the end of his nose! And when we did get something (aka throwing it all together at the end) it was too little and way too late.
Jag's constant rules, pushing away and on the run from his parents (he's twenty years old FFS) got old after going round and round and not really getting anywhere. Sadly this didn't live up to the promise of the blurb and it should have. I mean ... hurt/comfort. age gap, on the run, bossy in the bedroom twink, pole dancer .... yeah the blurb had everything going for it but the execution just didn't cut it for me, because instead I got a TSTL fool that was so deep in his own damn head he couldn't see past the end of his nose! And when we did get something (aka throwing it all together at the end) it was too little and way too late.
January 4, 2024
This was a sweet story about two guys who in the end are exactly what each other needs. Michael is the Heaven and Hell club owner who has had a difficult time finding a new relationship since he lost, Edward, the love his life. He's somewhat careful with his feelings because of that, but he is definitely interested in the new pole dancer, Jag. Jag is a young man (25) who has been on the run from his family for 10 -years. His parents were not supportive or understanding at all about his sexuality and forced into conversion therapy. They're rich and have endless resources to back this venture. Why they continue this after Jag is an adult is unclear, but it plays a major role in how Jag lives his life. He has been going from job to job and only staying long enough to make enough money and move on hoping to stay ahead of anyone his parents have hired to find him.... but this stop is different. He is definitely interested in Michael, but there is his plethora of "rules" that he lives by faithfully and have saved him several times. Michael is happy to go along with whatever limitations Jag puts on their budding relationship even though he is not normally a “no strings” type of guy. Of course, feelings grow and convincing must be done to get Jag to see they could actually have something more. Michael was exactly what Jag needed in that he never pressured him until it was safe to do so, and he always made it clear the ball was always, in Jag’s court. Likewise, Jag ended up being that bit of sunshine that Michael needed to jump start his feelings all over again. We learn enough details about Jag’s past to understand why this is the way his journey started out, but his own rules that he follows has gotten him stuck in a rut. Michael helps him see that as an adult the laws have changed and now gives his parents much less, if any, control over him, and he no longer needs his rules or needs to ever leave again. Mac, Michael’s best friend and employee, was a great side character, and I’ll read more about him and his partner in the next book. While I wasn’t completely wowed by this story, it was still an enjoyable and easy read.
February 23, 2019
I read Broken and from the second paragraph I was invested, it’s hard to get a reader that soon. I knew this book would break the readers as much as Jag he believes he is broken, only to put them back together with the reading of this young man’s story. Michael is as broken as Jag in different ways, I loved the back story of this couple, I love how well its described. Jag has a quiet strength about him, his unwillingness to be further broken by his own admission by having his rules. His rules have protected him. It was running for so long, running from his parents' belief he was ill, and to keep him running was wrong about them, but that’s the psychological damage of conversion therapy. It doesn’t just break the young ones who are there, and for the time they are there. It’s the long-standing psychological damage it leaves them with. That makes this so diabolical and wrong, being gay is not a mental Issue and the sooner many medical professionals know this, maybe then the barbaric practices will be stopped. Writing about this is needed, since many need to read something like this. I love the way Jags mind works, in conjunction with the therapy, it wouldn’t have been easy to write for a character like this, so the author has done a great job. While still keeping the book readable and relatively light. The feeling of Jag being sectioned was enough to keep him on the run, this alone is shown that the damage done to his mind through that therapy. I Liked the way this author showed the character still is not “cured” now he knows he doesn’t have to run. To show Jag still has issues and still suffering from his past, showing he was naïve yes, and brought on by a stronger fear was acceptable. Now giving himself permission to feel loved and able to stay. The fight or flight instinct is hard to write for and this author done a great job. Some authors get this part wrong. It's alright to feel now Jag but also knowing your safe. I loved this story I know the readers will love it and maybe a best seller it’s a great read. And hot enough to light up your kindles.
April 21, 2019
4 angsty stars
This one felt like it reached into my body, tore my heart out and wrenched it dry, just to be certain it broke my heart. Lol...
Joking aside, I expected some amount of angst but not at the level it actually delivered. It wasn’t angst between the MCs but the author (who’s new to me) did a really good job in making you feel for Jag. It’s a simple story, one where we don’t relive Jag’s horrific conversion therapy days but still the vague picture painted was enough to really break my heart. So kudos to the author for that!
I will admit though, it didn’t feel like a British author. It lacked all the slang words that is so common when reading British novels that I was confused when they used pounds instead of dollars. The bedsit did clue me in some but otherwise, it was indistinguishable as a being set in the UK. Not sure if that’s good or bad. Just an observation, in the least 😬
I also like that there’s no perfect resolution to Jag’s...problem? Predicament? I won’t spoil it but suffice to say, I liked that the author didn’t just piece together a hasty resolution to tie everything neatly in a bow.
All in all, I’m mighty impressed with this author and this story!
This one felt like it reached into my body, tore my heart out and wrenched it dry, just to be certain it broke my heart. Lol...
Joking aside, I expected some amount of angst but not at the level it actually delivered. It wasn’t angst between the MCs but the author (who’s new to me) did a really good job in making you feel for Jag. It’s a simple story, one where we don’t relive Jag’s horrific conversion therapy days but still the vague picture painted was enough to really break my heart. So kudos to the author for that!
I will admit though, it didn’t feel like a British author. It lacked all the slang words that is so common when reading British novels that I was confused when they used pounds instead of dollars. The bedsit did clue me in some but otherwise, it was indistinguishable as a being set in the UK. Not sure if that’s good or bad. Just an observation, in the least 😬
I also like that there’s no perfect resolution to Jag’s...problem? Predicament? I won’t spoil it but suffice to say, I liked that the author didn’t just piece together a hasty resolution to tie everything neatly in a bow.
All in all, I’m mighty impressed with this author and this story!
March 13, 2019
Początek typowy, młody mężczyzna przejeżdża do miasta, zatrudnia się u drugiego Pana, i jak to mówią oderwać się od siebie nie mogą. Jag ma tajemnice ... i dopiero w drugiej połowie dowiadujemy się jaką. Powiem tyle, nie pamiętam książki, która nie pozwolił mi pójść spać. Tej się udało. Polecam!!!
May 3, 2023
El libro no aporta nada nuevo, da la sensación de ya leído y es bastante repetitivo pero el final me encantó, típico de cómo dos adultos lo solucionarían, nada de dramas, llantos, flores y anillos.... "¡soluciones prácticas y realistas al poder!"
Solo por eso 3 ⭐
Solo por eso 3 ⭐
May 14, 2020
3.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
Jag's running, he's not planning on stopping but...
He's getting tired and when the sexy owner of the club he's working at shows an interest in him...one that Jag returns, he may not be willing to stop but maybe...just maybe, he could slow down for a while.
Michael's been on his own since loosing Edward the love of his life. Not that he hasn't tried but the right person just doesn't seem to be there for him...not until Jag. Jag may be young but he's had to endure his own heartaches and pain making him a lot wiser than someone of his years should be. Jag's not looking for a relationship but a bit of no strings attached sex with the attractive older club owner would suit him just fine as long as none of the rules get broken because Jag's rules are what keep him safe.
Overall, I liked Jag and Michael together. Given Jag's past he needed someone who had the maturity to be patient and understand that while Jag wasn't totally broken, it's still going to take him some time to get regain a healthy out look about the world and himself. But in spite of what he'd been through Jag was also able to help Michael find a better out look when it came to the loss of Edward. Not only did he help Michael see that it was ok to grieve but that it was ok for him to still love Edward even though he was moving on and had found room in his heart to love Jag too.
In some ways 'Broken' was a bit out of the ordinary in terms of a book with this type of setting. I was expecting some background to be laid with other characters such as some of the dancers and even the punters (Brit speak for 'customers) but for the most part things were confined to Jag, Michael, Michael's best friend Mac and his partner and even their on page inclusion was very limited. While this worked in some ways in others I felt like the characters were a bit flat. I like it when I get to see interaction between not just the MCs but with other secondary characters and I found it strange that there really wasn't any. I mean really Michael's a bar owner and there was never really a conversation between him and any of his employees other than Matt or Jag or any of the customers. The same with Jag we got to see him talking to Michael and Matt that's it. We were told that he talked to other dancers but we never got the conversations. I'm not saying that there needed to be a lot of talk between Michael and/or Jag and other people just that some would have seemed a bit more natural.
And before I forget just one itsy, bitsy note about Jag's parents...these are the poster parents for how not to parent...basic rule of thumb people if your kid's first instinct is to run from you. You're definitely doing things wrong...I'mma just sayin'.
Minor niggle aside I enjoyed listening to the audio book for this story. Piers Ryman was the narrator and while he is a new to me narrator, I do have a couple more books narrated by him on my audio book shelf that I'm looking forward to enjoying soon and one of them might just happen to be the second book in 'The Heaven and Hell Club' so who know's with any luck we'll get to see more Michael and Jag giving their characters a chance to develop more depth. I'd like top see how things progress between these two now that Jag's decided to stop hiding from his parents and stay in one place to make a life for himself.
Maybe not a Canada Day fireworks kind of start for this series but definitely solid enough that I'm curious enough to stick around to see what's coming next and then as with every new series I'll see where things go from there.
******************************
Jag's running, he's not planning on stopping but...
He's getting tired and when the sexy owner of the club he's working at shows an interest in him...one that Jag returns, he may not be willing to stop but maybe...just maybe, he could slow down for a while.
Michael's been on his own since loosing Edward the love of his life. Not that he hasn't tried but the right person just doesn't seem to be there for him...not until Jag. Jag may be young but he's had to endure his own heartaches and pain making him a lot wiser than someone of his years should be. Jag's not looking for a relationship but a bit of no strings attached sex with the attractive older club owner would suit him just fine as long as none of the rules get broken because Jag's rules are what keep him safe.
Overall, I liked Jag and Michael together. Given Jag's past he needed someone who had the maturity to be patient and understand that while Jag wasn't totally broken, it's still going to take him some time to get regain a healthy out look about the world and himself. But in spite of what he'd been through Jag was also able to help Michael find a better out look when it came to the loss of Edward. Not only did he help Michael see that it was ok to grieve but that it was ok for him to still love Edward even though he was moving on and had found room in his heart to love Jag too.
In some ways 'Broken' was a bit out of the ordinary in terms of a book with this type of setting. I was expecting some background to be laid with other characters such as some of the dancers and even the punters (Brit speak for 'customers) but for the most part things were confined to Jag, Michael, Michael's best friend Mac and his partner and even their on page inclusion was very limited. While this worked in some ways in others I felt like the characters were a bit flat. I like it when I get to see interaction between not just the MCs but with other secondary characters and I found it strange that there really wasn't any. I mean really Michael's a bar owner and there was never really a conversation between him and any of his employees other than Matt or Jag or any of the customers. The same with Jag we got to see him talking to Michael and Matt that's it. We were told that he talked to other dancers but we never got the conversations. I'm not saying that there needed to be a lot of talk between Michael and/or Jag and other people just that some would have seemed a bit more natural.
And before I forget just one itsy, bitsy note about Jag's parents...these are the poster parents for how not to parent...basic rule of thumb people if your kid's first instinct is to run from you. You're definitely doing things wrong...I'mma just sayin'.
Minor niggle aside I enjoyed listening to the audio book for this story. Piers Ryman was the narrator and while he is a new to me narrator, I do have a couple more books narrated by him on my audio book shelf that I'm looking forward to enjoying soon and one of them might just happen to be the second book in 'The Heaven and Hell Club' so who know's with any luck we'll get to see more Michael and Jag giving their characters a chance to develop more depth. I'd like top see how things progress between these two now that Jag's decided to stop hiding from his parents and stay in one place to make a life for himself.
Maybe not a Canada Day fireworks kind of start for this series but definitely solid enough that I'm curious enough to stick around to see what's coming next and then as with every new series I'll see where things go from there.
******************************
March 15, 2019
This book is just beautiful!!
Jag has gone through so much and it hurts me to read about the shit he had to go through because of who he is. It might have hit me a bit harder because I haven't come out to my parents yet(even though I've dreamt all the different scenarios) and what he went through could be one of those scenarios.
Michael is an amazing character. He is really understanding and never pushed Jag. He is everything Jag needed and more. They might not be perfect on their own but they are perfect together. They are flawed and real.
This book made me tear up. I could feel Jag's pain and helplessness. This is my first book by this author and I can't believe I've never read any of her books before. This book is simply amazing!! And I love Jag and Michael so much!
Highly recommended
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review
Rainbows and Sunshine
Jag has gone through so much and it hurts me to read about the shit he had to go through because of who he is. It might have hit me a bit harder because I haven't come out to my parents yet(even though I've dreamt all the different scenarios) and what he went through could be one of those scenarios.
Michael is an amazing character. He is really understanding and never pushed Jag. He is everything Jag needed and more. They might not be perfect on their own but they are perfect together. They are flawed and real.
This book made me tear up. I could feel Jag's pain and helplessness. This is my first book by this author and I can't believe I've never read any of her books before. This book is simply amazing!! And I love Jag and Michael so much!
Highly recommended
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review
Rainbows and Sunshine
February 24, 2019
I loved Jag
This was another great story by Colette Davison. It's a great character driven, emotion filled storyline and of course it incorporates dance. Jag and Michael were amazing characters as they both worked to bring down Jag's walls, theirs was a hard journey but it was so worth the effort.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
This was another great story by Colette Davison. It's a great character driven, emotion filled storyline and of course it incorporates dance. Jag and Michael were amazing characters as they both worked to bring down Jag's walls, theirs was a hard journey but it was so worth the effort.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
August 9, 2020
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/05/19/...
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
March 14, 2019
This was a sweet story about two guys who end up being exactly what each other needs. Michael is the club owner who has had a difficult time finding a new relationship since he lost the love his life. He is a bit gun shy with his feelings because of that, but he is definitely interested in the new dancer, Jag. Jag is a young guy who has been on the run from his family for years since he came out and was forced into conversion therapy. For some reason (I have no recollection about why they are still expending so many resources to go after him), they continue to try and track Jag down, again, not sure what the purpose is, but it plays a major role in how Jag now lives. He has been living on the streets going from job to job, only staying long enough to make some money and hopefully stay ahead of anyone trying to track him down. He is definitely interested in Michael, but his no-strings rule is in effect for a reason.
Michael is happy to go along with whatever limitations Jag puts on their “relationship” even though he is not normally a “no strings” type of guy. Of course, feelings grow and convincing must be done to get Jag to see they could actually have something more. Michael was exactly what Jag needed in that he never pressured him until it was safe to do so, and he always made it clear the ball was in Jag’s court. Likewise, Jag ended up being that sprinkle of sunshine that Michael needed to jump start his feelings all over again. We don’t really get too many details about Jag’s past, and much of the story takes place at the club in the present time. Michael’s best friend and employee was a great side character, and I’d love to read more about him and his partner. All in all, while I wasn’t completely wowed by this story, it was quite an enjoyable and easy read.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
March 2, 2019
Emotionally healing and well written, this story sweeps you away and takes you on a journey of self discovery and love.
Jag has been on his own since he was 16. Now 20, he's made up a few rules to live by. Rules to keep him safe. Rules to keep him sane.
Michael is the owner of a pole dancing workout center by day, a gay night club by night. When a young, hot new dancer waltzes into his bar and asks for a job, he gets more than he bargained for.
Jag had such a painful past that traumatized him and made him fear intimacy, attachment, friendship, and finding a place to call home. His character was so deep and rigid, yet he somehow managed to wear his heart on his sleeve. He was an amazing character and I loved that he found himself and learned how to let go and heal.
Michael was truly everything. He gave and gave without taking and showed Jag what life could be like if he was willing to give up running. He was written so well, satisfyingly so.
I truly enjoyed their story. I would have liked a bit more information regarding the outcome of the letter home, and maybe a bit more of the friendships that were created with the other dancers. It felt a bit like Jag would have been more emotionally grounded with that piece as more than an afterthought.
Overall, I really loved reading Broken and truly felt involved in their story. A great read.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Jag has been on his own since he was 16. Now 20, he's made up a few rules to live by. Rules to keep him safe. Rules to keep him sane.
Michael is the owner of a pole dancing workout center by day, a gay night club by night. When a young, hot new dancer waltzes into his bar and asks for a job, he gets more than he bargained for.
Jag had such a painful past that traumatized him and made him fear intimacy, attachment, friendship, and finding a place to call home. His character was so deep and rigid, yet he somehow managed to wear his heart on his sleeve. He was an amazing character and I loved that he found himself and learned how to let go and heal.
Michael was truly everything. He gave and gave without taking and showed Jag what life could be like if he was willing to give up running. He was written so well, satisfyingly so.
I truly enjoyed their story. I would have liked a bit more information regarding the outcome of the letter home, and maybe a bit more of the friendships that were created with the other dancers. It felt a bit like Jag would have been more emotionally grounded with that piece as more than an afterthought.
Overall, I really loved reading Broken and truly felt involved in their story. A great read.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
March 9, 2019
DNF @ 54%.
There is a distinct lack of personality coming from both MCs. Michael is hot and sad (because of his partner dying 6.5 years ago). Jag is hot and sad (because his parents sent him to conversion therapy and now he's constantly on the run after escaping). That's about it, as far as personality goes.
Then there is all the dance talk. There's a lot of pole dancing moves used... I looked up the first few online but got tired of that rather quickly. And on top of that, there is a lot of describing of body positions and transitions. I can't visualize things, so I just ended up skimming over all those parts, which there were a fair bit in the first few chapters.
At the 54%, almost the entirety of the story has taken place within Heaven & Hell. There are a few scenes at Jag's bedsit and one at the grocery store. The rest is dancing at the bar, sex at the bar, repeat.
Then there is little things like in Chapter 16, when Jag muses that he doesn't know how long ago Michael's partner died, even though Michael told him in Chapter 10 that he died 6.5 years ago.
Overall, the plot and the characters are too dull to what to continue with the other 46%.
There is a distinct lack of personality coming from both MCs. Michael is hot and sad (because of his partner dying 6.5 years ago). Jag is hot and sad (because his parents sent him to conversion therapy and now he's constantly on the run after escaping). That's about it, as far as personality goes.
Then there is all the dance talk. There's a lot of pole dancing moves used... I looked up the first few online but got tired of that rather quickly. And on top of that, there is a lot of describing of body positions and transitions. I can't visualize things, so I just ended up skimming over all those parts, which there were a fair bit in the first few chapters.
At the 54%, almost the entirety of the story has taken place within Heaven & Hell. There are a few scenes at Jag's bedsit and one at the grocery store. The rest is dancing at the bar, sex at the bar, repeat.
Then there is little things like in Chapter 16, when Jag muses that he doesn't know how long ago Michael's partner died, even though Michael told him in Chapter 10 that he died 6.5 years ago.
Overall, the plot and the characters are too dull to what to continue with the other 46%.
March 8, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I’ve always been a fan of stories that take place in a club atmosphere. Not only do you get the main characters, but you get a nice cast of supporting characters and a setting where exciting things can happen (as well as romance). When I read the blurb for Broken, I grabbed it up and was excited to get to reading. I did feel like a few things were a little off, but I still enjoyed this book very much.
Both Jag and Michael were sympathetic characters…good, nice men who had gone through some terrible things in their lives. Michael lost the man who he’d thought he’d spend the rest of his life with, and Jag lost his family and any sense of security he had when he’d come out and been sent to conversion therapy, and when he finally trusted someone, that someone betrayed him.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I’ve always been a fan of stories that take place in a club atmosphere. Not only do you get the main characters, but you get a nice cast of supporting characters and a setting where exciting things can happen (as well as romance). When I read the blurb for Broken, I grabbed it up and was excited to get to reading. I did feel like a few things were a little off, but I still enjoyed this book very much.
Both Jag and Michael were sympathetic characters…good, nice men who had gone through some terrible things in their lives. Michael lost the man who he’d thought he’d spend the rest of his life with, and Jag lost his family and any sense of security he had when he’d come out and been sent to conversion therapy, and when he finally trusted someone, that someone betrayed him.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
March 5, 2019
A beautiful, astounding story!!
I absolutely loved this!! Colette has written it with such compassion that I could actually feels Jag's thoughts and emotions, especially when thinking of the consequences to breaking his own rules. It's so heartbreakingly sad that someone's life and choices can alienate families so much. However, the strength, love and hot chemistry between the characters, outweighs the heartbreak perfectly.
I know this is a fictional story, but I couldn't help ponder about this happening in real life! I hope that books like these can open people's minds to have compassion, even if not complete personal understanding. A truly beautiful love story. Highly recommended.
I absolutely loved this!! Colette has written it with such compassion that I could actually feels Jag's thoughts and emotions, especially when thinking of the consequences to breaking his own rules. It's so heartbreakingly sad that someone's life and choices can alienate families so much. However, the strength, love and hot chemistry between the characters, outweighs the heartbreak perfectly.
I know this is a fictional story, but I couldn't help ponder about this happening in real life! I hope that books like these can open people's minds to have compassion, even if not complete personal understanding. A truly beautiful love story. Highly recommended.
March 10, 2019
The main issues for me were that -
The MCs lacked any chemistry
The narrative pretty much consisted of tell not show
The primary drama arc did not ring true
Sadly, Broken didn't work for me but there's plenty of love for the book on here, take my review as you will.
Longer review on blog
The MCs lacked any chemistry
The narrative pretty much consisted of tell not show
The primary drama arc did not ring true
Sadly, Broken didn't work for me but there's plenty of love for the book on here, take my review as you will.
Longer review on blog
February 25, 2019
Broken by Colette Davison is an intriguing lovestory between Jag and Michael. Two men who are broken in very different ways but together are perfect. I loved watching the evolution of their connection. They work together and tear down walls, taking what they can, while they can. This story - it brought on do many emotions. Beautiful, heartbreaking, captivating, touching... this book and the love of the characters is worth the read.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
April 20, 2019
This was fairly middle of the road for me. Dealing with characters who’ve been through conversion therapy is always a delicate subject but here the romance just fell flat. Jag felt way too young emotionally to be an equal partner for Michael and the ILY’s came way too fast. Add to that a boatload of telling and not showing, and you get a bit of a miss for me.
May 12, 2020
I’m a bit late to the party with this series, but with the recent release of Book 2, Forgotten, I just KNEW I had to play catch-up before picking it up. No reading out of sequence for me this time, no siree! *shakes head*
*sniffs*
*sighs*
I was an emotional wreck at the end of Jag and Michael’s story. Talk about emotional wringer!
I literally sobbed my little heart out. The Mommy thought she was going to have stage an intervention *snorts*. Poor woman has a lot to put up with when I’m living between the pages of a book. Some stories just consume you, don’t they? (Please don’t say it’s just me!)
Can you imagine living your life in constant fear and always having to look over your shoulder? Me either! That is no way to live. Well, this is Jag’s reality. Will his arrival at Michael’s club change all that?! Pfft, like I’m going to give the story away *smirks* I know, I’m awful... *snorts*
I love how Michael isn’t without his own demons either. The heart is a fragile thing and it takes great courage to open it once more to possibilities especially following loss.
Both of these characters touched me in ways (oi, enough of that nonsense!) that I find hard to put into words. The emotional connection, and the intensity of said connection, between Jag and Michael was one that I, as a reader, will never forget.
And don’t even get me started on the pole dancing scenes! Google (other internet search providers are available) was my friend when it came to researching terminology. These scenes came alive in my mind – raw, beautiful, and inherently masculine. They took my breath away. Okay, I confess to ‘maybe’ having to peel my tongue away from the roof of my mouth.
What’s that?
Incorrigible, you say. Guilty as charged *smirks*.
Colette Davison has woven together a beautiful and heart-rending tale that shows even when you think you are broken beyond repair fate may decide otherwise.
Sheesh, if this was the state of me after Book 1, I’ll have to be girding my loins for Book 2! Pray for me, peeps. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.
*sniffs*
*sighs*
I was an emotional wreck at the end of Jag and Michael’s story. Talk about emotional wringer!
I literally sobbed my little heart out. The Mommy thought she was going to have stage an intervention *snorts*. Poor woman has a lot to put up with when I’m living between the pages of a book. Some stories just consume you, don’t they? (Please don’t say it’s just me!)
Can you imagine living your life in constant fear and always having to look over your shoulder? Me either! That is no way to live. Well, this is Jag’s reality. Will his arrival at Michael’s club change all that?! Pfft, like I’m going to give the story away *smirks* I know, I’m awful... *snorts*
I love how Michael isn’t without his own demons either. The heart is a fragile thing and it takes great courage to open it once more to possibilities especially following loss.
Both of these characters touched me in ways (oi, enough of that nonsense!) that I find hard to put into words. The emotional connection, and the intensity of said connection, between Jag and Michael was one that I, as a reader, will never forget.
And don’t even get me started on the pole dancing scenes! Google (other internet search providers are available) was my friend when it came to researching terminology. These scenes came alive in my mind – raw, beautiful, and inherently masculine. They took my breath away. Okay, I confess to ‘maybe’ having to peel my tongue away from the roof of my mouth.
What’s that?
Incorrigible, you say. Guilty as charged *smirks*.
Colette Davison has woven together a beautiful and heart-rending tale that shows even when you think you are broken beyond repair fate may decide otherwise.
Sheesh, if this was the state of me after Book 1, I’ll have to be girding my loins for Book 2! Pray for me, peeps. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.
March 23, 2019
AN INSPIRING STORY
Where to begin. Michael is an established club owner, former dancer and widower. He's fair, straight forward and always puts his dancers first. Jag is a young, incredible dancer, who exhibits talent that is unmatched. His control over his body is seduction in motion. He is a mystery and an enigma. As this story unfolds it becomes inspiring. As you see the struggle that Jag and Michael go through with and for each other, you become a witness to true unconditional love. To true unconditional trust. This is a beautiful story about all their fears being laid bare and how they over come them. Colette Davison writes about dance in such a way that I can clearly see each move and expression. I was inspired by this story and these characters. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!
Where to begin. Michael is an established club owner, former dancer and widower. He's fair, straight forward and always puts his dancers first. Jag is a young, incredible dancer, who exhibits talent that is unmatched. His control over his body is seduction in motion. He is a mystery and an enigma. As this story unfolds it becomes inspiring. As you see the struggle that Jag and Michael go through with and for each other, you become a witness to true unconditional love. To true unconditional trust. This is a beautiful story about all their fears being laid bare and how they over come them. Colette Davison writes about dance in such a way that I can clearly see each move and expression. I was inspired by this story and these characters. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!
March 27, 2020
Broken was beautiful and heart breaking. I loved Jag's character and hated what had happened to him. But I also loved watching him find himself again and get over his brokenness. Michael's character was also so very sweet and I adored how he cared for Jag.
April 10, 2019
*** 4.5/5 Stars ***
Rule number one: keep moving.
Rule number two: tell no one.
Rule number three: no freebies; he’d pay his way.
Rule number four: don’t get attached to anyone.
Rule number five: set boundaries.
For four years Jag had survived by sticking to the rules he made to keep him safe.
Another thing he learned after escaping from the hell he’d been through is ‘trust no one’ and he’d learned that the hard way, when a ‘friend’ had betrayed him in exchange for money…
On his run, Jag wanted to be able to have a home and a job and not have to constantly look over his shoulder. He wanted someone he could love and hold on to. Someone he could trust. He wanted to feel safe and live without fear.
Then he meet Michael…
Jag saw desire in the way Michael look at him on the first day they met when he came to Heaven and Hell to become one of the dancer at the club owned by Michael. At first, Jag only want to ‘use’ Michael for his own pleasures by seducing the older guy for some meaningless sex before he move again for another run. But then he realize that he started to growing fond of Michael….
For a few minutes at least, he needed to be in someone’s arms. He needed to be held and comforted. He wanted to feel the man’s arms around him and forget how awful things were, how lonely he was, how empty and meaningless his life had become…
Michael made him feel worthy and wanted for more than just sex. He made him feel loved…
Jag then started lowering his guards, breaking one rule after another and risked himself for another danger that shadowing his path…
But could he trust Michael after what he’d been through in the past? Will Michael’s unconditional love could make him stop from running? Will he be brave enough to anchored his life to Michael heart? Or could this already broken soul worth Michael love?
Because for once…
Just for once he want to be free…
Because he really want to stay…
“You’re not broken.” Jag’s eyes filled with sadness, his lips, moist and glistening from Michael’s kisses, downturned. “Yes, I am. But I think you’re putting me back together again, bit by bit.”
Michael shook his head. “No. I’m helping you put yourself back together.”
“You make me happy. You make me feel worthy.”
I must admit I’m sold to the blurb instantly and have the feeling that this book will gonna be something, but I didn’t expect that the story will be THIS GOOD. I thought it would be another cliché story about a young pool dancer who fall for the club owner that twice his age mix with some hot smexy sex scenes. But when I’m digging more deeper to the story I found out that the story is far from cliché.
The way the author picturing Jag’s mysteriousness, anxiety and paranoia are enough to intrigued me and made me engaged to the story since the very first page. How the author woven the interactions by mix the emotional connections between the two main characters with the fragile feels both MC have and all the baggage from their past had made this story succeed playing the reader emotions until the very last page.
Broken come with the raw emotions that will broke your heart but at the same time will also warm your heart….
Recommended!
March 5, 2019
Poor Jag is on the run from his abusive family. So, caught up with paranoia and the thought of being forced back in the grasp of his family and more conversion therapy. He has built walls so high that they would make the Great wall of China look like a miniature model. He lives strictly by a set of rules. Well live would be an over statement. Realistically he exists under his rules. Not allowing himself to get friendly with anyone else let alone romantic. Constantly on the move to avoid being found by his family.
Then he gets a job at Michaels Heaven and Hell, Pole dance club. And suddenly there’s feelings that he has not allowed himself to feel in a long time. But can he risk breaking his rules, having done so before and been sold out.
Michael the club owner, can’t help falling for the angelic new dancer. The fact that Jag is so closed and mysterious, only makes him want to be with Jet even more.
You can not help fall in love with both characters, but especially Jag, who does not see his own strength, having survived the abuse and coped with living alone, drifting from city to city. He has finally found a decent boss that against all his efforts he falls in love with.
The ability Jag must still find some humor and fun is amazing. And the way Michael respects Jag’s privacy and does not push him for answers is amazing.
There is so much emotion in this story, that I wanted to go and hunt Jag’s parents down and have them hung drawn and quartered. The very people who are supposed to love and protect Jet betray him in the worst possible way.
I found the story gripping, sitting on the edge of my seat pushing for Jet to find the inner strength stay with Michael and fight for the freedom and happiness he deserves.
As a reader you are about to have your heart torn apart and slowly mended, so make sure you have plenty of tissues handy.
I have read all of Colette’s books and each and everyone has been amazing, with characters you grow to love and connect to. But she has really pulled some heavy punches with this powerful book. And this is my favorite read so far this year.
Then he gets a job at Michaels Heaven and Hell, Pole dance club. And suddenly there’s feelings that he has not allowed himself to feel in a long time. But can he risk breaking his rules, having done so before and been sold out.
Michael the club owner, can’t help falling for the angelic new dancer. The fact that Jag is so closed and mysterious, only makes him want to be with Jet even more.
You can not help fall in love with both characters, but especially Jag, who does not see his own strength, having survived the abuse and coped with living alone, drifting from city to city. He has finally found a decent boss that against all his efforts he falls in love with.
The ability Jag must still find some humor and fun is amazing. And the way Michael respects Jag’s privacy and does not push him for answers is amazing.
There is so much emotion in this story, that I wanted to go and hunt Jag’s parents down and have them hung drawn and quartered. The very people who are supposed to love and protect Jet betray him in the worst possible way.
I found the story gripping, sitting on the edge of my seat pushing for Jet to find the inner strength stay with Michael and fight for the freedom and happiness he deserves.
As a reader you are about to have your heart torn apart and slowly mended, so make sure you have plenty of tissues handy.
I have read all of Colette’s books and each and everyone has been amazing, with characters you grow to love and connect to. But she has really pulled some heavy punches with this powerful book. And this is my favorite read so far this year.
May 12, 2019
“When everything is made to be broken... I just want you to know who I am”
This is a really beautiful, thrilling, passionate story about finding confort and love and happiness when everything else seems to fade, and you just don’t have the strenght to fight anymore. Is about surviving, but also discovering that sometimes, even though all you see is evil and pain, a beautiful archangel might save you.
Jag and Michal are instant attracted to each other, from the very first moment they meet. Jag is running from something, and live by his rules: not to stay for long in a place, don’t get attached to anyone and never ever tell about the past. In order to keep living, he gets Jobs pole dancing in nightclubs. Michael is the club owner who hires Jag, and just right then wants to know more about him, help him in some way, anyway. His guts tell him that there’s something the Young dancer is not telling him, and he wants to know what. But never holding him or forcing him against his wishes, never “clipping his swings”. And from this point, all changes for them.
Along the lines we know more about the duo, and is impossible not to feel their sorrow, and cheer for them. Jag is used to the no strings way of life, while Michael craves more a steady and intimate relashionship. As they get to know each other more, and it becomes more than just a business agreement, the rules start to change, the desire grows, and It’s only a matter of time to see how they’ll handle it all, without giving out much – and feel “vulnerable” in a kind of way. Who will let go and just enjoy....
Their chemestry is unreal, they’re magnets when around each other! It’s hot, sensual, and so, soooooo sexy that you’ll definately want to read it again! Trust me, is f*cking hot all the way... All the attraction , plus sexy music and erotic dance: you can't go wrong with that!
Colette wrote a beautiful and magnific story,, the kind you can’t put it down and make you want even more ❤❤ And this definately goes to the reread list 🤩
This is a really beautiful, thrilling, passionate story about finding confort and love and happiness when everything else seems to fade, and you just don’t have the strenght to fight anymore. Is about surviving, but also discovering that sometimes, even though all you see is evil and pain, a beautiful archangel might save you.
Jag and Michal are instant attracted to each other, from the very first moment they meet. Jag is running from something, and live by his rules: not to stay for long in a place, don’t get attached to anyone and never ever tell about the past. In order to keep living, he gets Jobs pole dancing in nightclubs. Michael is the club owner who hires Jag, and just right then wants to know more about him, help him in some way, anyway. His guts tell him that there’s something the Young dancer is not telling him, and he wants to know what. But never holding him or forcing him against his wishes, never “clipping his swings”. And from this point, all changes for them.
Along the lines we know more about the duo, and is impossible not to feel their sorrow, and cheer for them. Jag is used to the no strings way of life, while Michael craves more a steady and intimate relashionship. As they get to know each other more, and it becomes more than just a business agreement, the rules start to change, the desire grows, and It’s only a matter of time to see how they’ll handle it all, without giving out much – and feel “vulnerable” in a kind of way. Who will let go and just enjoy....
Their chemestry is unreal, they’re magnets when around each other! It’s hot, sensual, and so, soooooo sexy that you’ll definately want to read it again! Trust me, is f*cking hot all the way... All the attraction , plus sexy music and erotic dance: you can't go wrong with that!
Colette wrote a beautiful and magnific story,, the kind you can’t put it down and make you want even more ❤❤ And this definately goes to the reread list 🤩
March 3, 2019
Jag is broken. Running from his parents who placed him in conversion therapy because he was gay. Running from someone he thought he could trust. Running from his memories. Living by his own set of rules that had protected him for years.
Michael owns a club that is a safe haven for gay men. They dance and he pays them fairly and protects them. Not allowing anyone to force them into doing something they don’t want to do.
When Michael give Jag a safe place to work and live he thinks maybe he will be safe for a while before he needs to run again. He didn’t know that by allowing Michael in a little bit that the man would take over his heart.
This was a sad story about a young man who was hurt beyond understanding by his family. The author did a nice job of depicting his uncertainty and pain and his unwillingness to let anyone in. She gave him Michael as a way to start healing. Nicely done.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Michael owns a club that is a safe haven for gay men. They dance and he pays them fairly and protects them. Not allowing anyone to force them into doing something they don’t want to do.
When Michael give Jag a safe place to work and live he thinks maybe he will be safe for a while before he needs to run again. He didn’t know that by allowing Michael in a little bit that the man would take over his heart.
This was a sad story about a young man who was hurt beyond understanding by his family. The author did a nice job of depicting his uncertainty and pain and his unwillingness to let anyone in. She gave him Michael as a way to start healing. Nicely done.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
March 5, 2019
Delightful, poignant, steamy, heartbreaking and soul healing journey to trust and love. Oh my happy heart i loved this story. I laughed and i cried and i will carry the heart of these MC's with me for a long time. The writing was beautiful and so compelling. The story-line flowed and was engaging.
Jag and Michael are two halves of a whole and this is an amazing story about how trust can change two lives. I really enjoyed both MC's and i loved the romance of so many of the scenes that were created so beautifully.
There are some very painful scenes in this book and i would recommend reading the trigger warnings. However each memory and experience leads to understanding the conflict and makeup of Jag and Michael.
This is a beautiful read and i highly recommend it!!
Jag and Michael are two halves of a whole and this is an amazing story about how trust can change two lives. I really enjoyed both MC's and i loved the romance of so many of the scenes that were created so beautifully.
There are some very painful scenes in this book and i would recommend reading the trigger warnings. However each memory and experience leads to understanding the conflict and makeup of Jag and Michael.
This is a beautiful read and i highly recommend it!!
March 18, 2019
Jag is such a pure wholesome soul and you just want to protect him from the very beginning. He was very relatable even if you hadn’t been through what he had been through.
Michael was the best knight in shining armor that Jag could’ve asked for. He was everything he didn’t even know he needed and it was great seeing their relationship blossom.
This is all the right amount of angsty pining and heart breaking back story to make for a great read.
Grab a tissue or two, you might need it.
*i received an ARC of this book for my honest review*
Michael was the best knight in shining armor that Jag could’ve asked for. He was everything he didn’t even know he needed and it was great seeing their relationship blossom.
This is all the right amount of angsty pining and heart breaking back story to make for a great read.
Grab a tissue or two, you might need it.
*i received an ARC of this book for my honest review*
March 7, 2019
You know what, I absolutely loved reading this - it was emotional it was cute it was adorable it was sweet it was intense it was just everything you want in a book - I thought perhaps maybe Jag's climax could have been a bit more interesting but honestly I wasn't mad at any of it .. and beautiful writing - I'll definitely be getting more of this authors work
March 11, 2019
Great book. Great storyline.
It's an emotional read. What Jag has gone through is awful and heartbreaking. He's a great character, well written. Both MC are wonderful together.
The end was a bit fast, not enough closure.
It's an emotional read. What Jag has gone through is awful and heartbreaking. He's a great character, well written. Both MC are wonderful together.
The end was a bit fast, not enough closure.
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