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Trial by Fire #1
Forged
From USA Today Bestselling Author Cole Denton comes a dark Romantic Suspense series that will keep you clutching your tablet and on the edge of your seat.
What happens when you wake up one day to discover that you’ve been on autopilot your entire life?My life has always been more downs than ups.
Good things rarely knocked on my door.
But hard knocks never failed to kick my ass. Nothing good would ever happen to me.
Even though I was never alone, I was always lonely.
I didn't know exactly what I needed.
Only that I needed something more.Until I saw her. Then I knew.
She was what I needed.
We were perfect. Incendiary.
We were going to be what happily ever afters were about.Then suddenly, we weren’t.Now I'm ten years older.
A hundred years wiser.
Nothing could penetrate my scarred and jaded armor.Until the chance for ‘something more’ presents itself.This is my story...
What happens when you wake up one day to discover that you’ve been on autopilot your entire life?My life has always been more downs than ups.
Good things rarely knocked on my door.
But hard knocks never failed to kick my ass. Nothing good would ever happen to me.
Even though I was never alone, I was always lonely.
I didn't know exactly what I needed.
Only that I needed something more.Until I saw her. Then I knew.
She was what I needed.
We were perfect. Incendiary.
We were going to be what happily ever afters were about.Then suddenly, we weren’t.Now I'm ten years older.
A hundred years wiser.
Nothing could penetrate my scarred and jaded armor.Until the chance for ‘something more’ presents itself.This is my story...
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2019
149 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Cole Denton
47 books632 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author
Cole Denton is an ocean lover who finds joy in almost all physical activities. He is especially passionate about baseball and surfing, indulging in them every chance he gets.
His other passion is writing. It began at a young age and followed him through to his time at a university in SoCal where he majored in screenwriting.
After moving to Sin City, Cole has put his knowledge and talent as a writer to work by pursuing a career as a dark fiction author. Cole is enjoying testing his kinky side, in pursuit of all things pleasurable.
Cole Denton is an ocean lover who finds joy in almost all physical activities. He is especially passionate about baseball and surfing, indulging in them every chance he gets.
His other passion is writing. It began at a young age and followed him through to his time at a university in SoCal where he majored in screenwriting.
After moving to Sin City, Cole has put his knowledge and talent as a writer to work by pursuing a career as a dark fiction author. Cole is enjoying testing his kinky side, in pursuit of all things pleasurable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
August 16, 2022
So, I stumbled onto this book after I had re-read Cole’s story in the last Family Affair anthology, wanting more of that. Yeah, I doubt I could’ve found a book more different than that one.
Honestly, I started this a few months ago and stopped about 15% in. It put me in a very dark place and I couldn’t handle my emotions at that point.
Thanks to my bestie Jessi, I finally agreed to give it another shot. Yeah, it was still depressing, so fucked up and no doubt one of the hardest books I’ve ever read. It’s a rollercoaster of horrifying emotions.
Poor Ryan, goddam I felt so bad for him and everything he endured. I hated that he was so downtrodden, even after he picked his life up and improved it, he still bowed down to people that didn’t deserve him.
So many times, I wanted him to fight back, to fight both his emotional demons and the real ones.
After so much strife, color me shocked how much hope the end offered. I can’t believe I’m so excited for the next book but I really am.
Honestly, I started this a few months ago and stopped about 15% in. It put me in a very dark place and I couldn’t handle my emotions at that point.
Thanks to my bestie Jessi, I finally agreed to give it another shot. Yeah, it was still depressing, so fucked up and no doubt one of the hardest books I’ve ever read. It’s a rollercoaster of horrifying emotions.
Poor Ryan, goddam I felt so bad for him and everything he endured. I hated that he was so downtrodden, even after he picked his life up and improved it, he still bowed down to people that didn’t deserve him.
So many times, I wanted him to fight back, to fight both his emotional demons and the real ones.
After so much strife, color me shocked how much hope the end offered. I can’t believe I’m so excited for the next book but I really am.
February 25, 2020
I received many”warnings” when I said that I started this book. I can certainly understand why someone would want to warn me, but I didn’t need it. This book awakened dormant emotions in me and I found myself in pain along with Ryan. I didn’t look at him as a victim. He is a survivor. Not from the abuse, but from himself. This is a story of redemption, survival, and realization. Victims of abuse don’t want sympathy from people. They want to be able to speak their truth without someone having that “look” on their face. They need to forge their own path, so that they can function with the abuse that grew to be part of who they are. You ask yourself, “why did I allow it even when I knew it was sick?” Well, that’s where the strength starts developing. When you willingly allow things, it begins a process of healing and taking control. You demand a change in the game and you start to say no to certain things. Then it becomes, “I did it because, I see a benefit for me”. That doesn’t make it ok, it’s a step in the healing. This book is a well written, in depth piece of art that will make you face your demons if you have them. It is twisted and sick, but it’s a reality in so many lives. Ryan had an awakening and the moment he wanted better for himself, he could let go of any guilt that this was his fault. His past collided with his future and another person failed him and wanted to use him for what he could give them. The next step in the healing is recognizing that something is missing. What’s missing is the very thing that you ran away from, but it’s different when you seek to find answers, recognizing that you need part of your past because it molded you into who you are, and find a way to have it while feeling safe. When you weave your way through overcoming trauma, you learn so much about yourself. I didn’t know what to expect when I started this journey. Initially, I felt anger, disgust, empathy, connection….so many emotions. I visualized each scene and saw these characters for the sadistic beings that they were. I also saw how Ryan used his situation to become stronger and although he felt defeated along his quest, he found enough strength and courage to find his new normal and function in his chaos. He found release in being able to tell friends his truth and not feel judged. No, don’t hold my hand, don’t say you’re sorry this happened, just listen. It’s funny how when in your honesty, you end up seeing if the person you’re talking to is ok and that’s perfectly normal. Ryan had friends that he finally let in and that in and of itself is healing. I’m looking forward to the second book because there is beauty in release and the thought of Russell helping Ryan, opening his eyes to having what he needs to function in life, is drawing me like a moth to the flame. This is simply brilliant and I couldn’t put it down. Thank you Cole for digging so deep into my emotions that it hurt so good.
March 29, 2020
I love dark, taboo books that push me past the point of comfort. Forged did more than that. Cole Denton took my emotions, placed them on top of the highest mountain and tossed them over the edge!
Ryan Hudson's story was not an emotional roller coaster ride, it was a plunge into the darkness of a different level. It was written in a way that every word I read felt as if they evaporated off the pages and etched themselves into my mind, body, and soul. My heart was broken, I felt the pain and my head screamed. I found myself closing the book and walking away several times and going to a happy place to calm my emotions... I actually stopped in the middle of a chapter and baked a cake (baking makes me happy).
FORGED is not for the faint of heart BUT if you are one that can clear your mind and open yourself to be pushed past your limits then you need to read FORGED!
Ryan Hudson's story was not an emotional roller coaster ride, it was a plunge into the darkness of a different level. It was written in a way that every word I read felt as if they evaporated off the pages and etched themselves into my mind, body, and soul. My heart was broken, I felt the pain and my head screamed. I found myself closing the book and walking away several times and going to a happy place to calm my emotions... I actually stopped in the middle of a chapter and baked a cake (baking makes me happy).
FORGED is not for the faint of heart BUT if you are one that can clear your mind and open yourself to be pushed past your limits then you need to read FORGED!
April 11, 2019
When I say that this book is like nothing I've ever read before, I am not just blowing smoke up your posterior. This coming of age tale has you so twisted up in knots, and grabbing for multiple boxes of tissues, that you won't know whether to sob, cheer, or hug your kindle until it breaks. Personally, I did all of the above! Ryan is a young man that was forged in the fires of hell and came out as one of the most loveable relatable characters I've ever read. I seriously did not put the book down until I read the last line, then immediately rushed my bawling self over to preorder the next book in the series. I need to see where life takes Ryan next. I am officially addicted to Cole Denton!
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July 28, 2019Allright TOD is about 38%. I'm calling it. No clarification on what this book is. Most of the reviews are glowing and very vague so it's nigh on impossible to tell. I still feel really, really distanced because it is almost all tell and no show when it comes to the abuse except a bit of the physical/mental. For me, and YMMV, if you are going dark you need to go all in. If it's just spoken I'm not feeling it. The MC is driving me crazy and not in a good way - at times not even in a sympathetic way. It was ok through high school but once he is in college it turns a bit and I have no earthly clue why he is doing what he's doing. The choices are strange. The behavior is strange. I think I'm writing so much here because I feel like the story is in there mixed up in all this stuff that I cannot get through.
Not saying I wouldn't pick it back up ever- but for now it's too frustrating. Too many jumps and skips, too much tell, too much inconsistency and suspension of belief required here. Not for me. I would love to read the story in the blurb seriously - and have it go to the dark place so I can emotionally invest. I'm one that wants the details - again if you are not (seems to be most readers really just want a gloss over) then this might work for you.
(Original Review around 20% in is below)
I cannot figure out what this is. MF? MM? FFFM?
Having a bit of WTH as I don’t want to read Females at all. This one is all sorts of screwed up and would be perfect but there is not enough description of what is happening so I feel distanced. Every time I think we might get a bit more detail wham it does a sentence or two sum up. I want to see what happens but I’m not sure how much I want to invest if the payout is not MM given it’s not descriptive for the most part. If it’s dark and depraved I want to experience it not just have it referenced and the moved along. For all of you that want just a reference and nothing darker this would be a good choice.
I want to know why this dude has hung around. So far it’s all too far away for me to understand why he is staying given he is in college. It’s just too murky.
Anyone else read both and tell me where this goes?
Not saying I wouldn't pick it back up ever- but for now it's too frustrating. Too many jumps and skips, too much tell, too much inconsistency and suspension of belief required here. Not for me. I would love to read the story in the blurb seriously - and have it go to the dark place so I can emotionally invest. I'm one that wants the details - again if you are not (seems to be most readers really just want a gloss over) then this might work for you.
(Original Review around 20% in is below)
I cannot figure out what this is. MF? MM? FFFM?
Having a bit of WTH as I don’t want to read Females at all. This one is all sorts of screwed up and would be perfect but there is not enough description of what is happening so I feel distanced. Every time I think we might get a bit more detail wham it does a sentence or two sum up. I want to see what happens but I’m not sure how much I want to invest if the payout is not MM given it’s not descriptive for the most part. If it’s dark and depraved I want to experience it not just have it referenced and the moved along. For all of you that want just a reference and nothing darker this would be a good choice.
I want to know why this dude has hung around. So far it’s all too far away for me to understand why he is staying given he is in college. It’s just too murky.
Anyone else read both and tell me where this goes?
July 23, 2022
I've seen the name for Cole Denton for some time now. Stories that make you uncomfortable. Stories that make your heartache. Stories that make an impact. I've been in a bit of a book slump lately and Forged took me right out of it and left me with so many feelings but mostly WTF...
I don't know if I didn't read the blurb properly or if it had been too long since I read the blurb, but I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. I knew early on that Ryan's story was going to be heartbreaking at the best of times and cruel at the worst. His journey throughout Forged left my heart aching to reach out to him and let him know that it would get better and that he was worth loving.
Honestly, there is not much more I can say because I feel like if I do it will give away well, anything. If you can handle the dark themes at play in this novel, you really should give it a read because while Ryan's journey is far from over, we start to see the person he could become. The person he desperately wants to be if he could get over his past, his fears and the notion that there is something damaged about him. Probably going right into book two, Steel because I can't wait to see what happens when Ryan is forced to let his guard down.
I don't know if I didn't read the blurb properly or if it had been too long since I read the blurb, but I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. I knew early on that Ryan's story was going to be heartbreaking at the best of times and cruel at the worst. His journey throughout Forged left my heart aching to reach out to him and let him know that it would get better and that he was worth loving.
Honestly, there is not much more I can say because I feel like if I do it will give away well, anything. If you can handle the dark themes at play in this novel, you really should give it a read because while Ryan's journey is far from over, we start to see the person he could become. The person he desperately wants to be if he could get over his past, his fears and the notion that there is something damaged about him. Probably going right into book two, Steel because I can't wait to see what happens when Ryan is forced to let his guard down.
August 18, 2022
Only The Brave 💔
Blows out a breath. Gosh this was one of the hardest stories I’ve read this year but I’m glad I read it although I nearly stopped at 80% as I didn’t know if my heart could take anymore 🥺 As much as I needed Ryan to escape his horrific life I understood why he couldn’t make that decision to walk away. No matter how depraved his family were some small part of Ryan wanted his family’s love and acceptance.
Thanks DL Howe for the recommendation and for getting me through it 🌷
Blows out a breath. Gosh this was one of the hardest stories I’ve read this year but I’m glad I read it although I nearly stopped at 80% as I didn’t know if my heart could take anymore 🥺 As much as I needed Ryan to escape his horrific life I understood why he couldn’t make that decision to walk away. No matter how depraved his family were some small part of Ryan wanted his family’s love and acceptance.
Thanks DL Howe for the recommendation and for getting me through it 🌷
Want to read
December 3, 2021
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Blurb:
What happens when you wake up one day to discover that you’ve been on autopilot your entire life?
My life has always been more downs than ups. Good things rarely knocked on my door. But hard knocks never failed to kick my ass. Nothing good would ever happen to me.
Or so I thought.
In college I discovered women, and never looked back. But even though I was never alone, I was always lonely.
I didn't know exactly what I needed. Only that I needed something more.
Until I saw her. Then I knew. She was what I needed. We were perfect. Incendiary! We were going to be what happily ever afters were about!
Or so I thought.
Now I'm ten years older. A hundred years wiser. I have survived so many trials by fire, nothing could penetrate my scarred and jaded armor.
Or so I thought.
This is my story...
Merged review:
→ Free for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←
Blurb:
What happens when you wake up one day to discover that you’ve been on autopilot your entire life?
My life has always been more downs than ups. Good things rarely knocked on my door. But hard knocks never failed to kick my ass. Nothing good would ever happen to me.
Or so I thought.
In college I discovered women, and never looked back. But even though I was never alone, I was always lonely.
I didn't know exactly what I needed. Only that I needed something more.
Until I saw her. Then I knew. She was what I needed. We were perfect. Incendiary! We were going to be what happily ever afters were about!
Or so I thought.
Now I'm ten years older. A hundred years wiser. I have survived so many trials by fire, nothing could penetrate my scarred and jaded armor.
Or so I thought.
This is my story...
April 30, 2019
5 Gripping Stars!!!
This debut book is a hit for me and I will be looking out for more from Cole Denton.
Forged starts of Ryan's dark , brutally heart-breaking and very abusive story, everyone who should be part of his safe family environment is sick & twisted using him for their own needs and wants. We follow Ryan through his college years and things seem to improve, he meets some amazing people/friends along the way but gets dragged back down the black hole of hell a few times until he finally says enough is enough and is slowly putting his own desires first.... bring on book 2.
Forged is very well written, deals with some very sensitive issues, has a storyline that is unique and will have you hooked throughout. Highly recommended read but be aware this is a harsh storyline that deals with violent & sexual abuse.
This debut book is a hit for me and I will be looking out for more from Cole Denton.
Forged starts of Ryan's dark , brutally heart-breaking and very abusive story, everyone who should be part of his safe family environment is sick & twisted using him for their own needs and wants. We follow Ryan through his college years and things seem to improve, he meets some amazing people/friends along the way but gets dragged back down the black hole of hell a few times until he finally says enough is enough and is slowly putting his own desires first.... bring on book 2.
Forged is very well written, deals with some very sensitive issues, has a storyline that is unique and will have you hooked throughout. Highly recommended read but be aware this is a harsh storyline that deals with violent & sexual abuse.
April 15, 2019
I went into this book with high expectations which were only partly met.
First, I must commend the writing. If this is Cole's first book and he isn't writing under a pseudonym, I am impressed.
Second, the story is intriguing and had a lot of merit, BUT I felt there were issues with the storytelling and there were jumps, which for me, left other parts of the story rushed or too quickly resolved/unresolved.
Third, the ending annoyed me. I am used to cliffhangers or unresolved storylines but I feel the close of the book was poorly constructed.
Still, I would like to see where the story goes and will read book 2 in the series.
Well deserved 3☆
First, I must commend the writing. If this is Cole's first book and he isn't writing under a pseudonym, I am impressed.
Second, the story is intriguing and had a lot of merit, BUT I felt there were issues with the storytelling and there were jumps, which for me, left other parts of the story rushed or too quickly resolved/unresolved.
Third, the ending annoyed me. I am used to cliffhangers or unresolved storylines but I feel the close of the book was poorly constructed.
Still, I would like to see where the story goes and will read book 2 in the series.
Well deserved 3☆
April 13, 2019
A MUST READ DARK ROMANCE!!
Forged is a realistic and heart-wrenching Dark Romance and this author’s debut release. It was SO much MORE than what I was expecting and hand down the best debut release. I definitely plan to read more from this author in the future and can’t wait to see what else has in store for us.
Forged left my emotions all over the place, towards Ryan’s family and so many emotions for Ryan himself. I can’t wait to see where Ryan’s journey takes him in book two of this series.
Forged is a realistic and heart-wrenching Dark Romance and this author’s debut release. It was SO much MORE than what I was expecting and hand down the best debut release. I definitely plan to read more from this author in the future and can’t wait to see what else has in store for us.
Forged left my emotions all over the place, towards Ryan’s family and so many emotions for Ryan himself. I can’t wait to see where Ryan’s journey takes him in book two of this series.
April 20, 2019
Wow! Intrigued
I must say it was hard at first due to content but it was so real and raw...you feel tormented for Ryan. But the story simply sucks you in and you can’t put the book down. The characters are real and you feel the agony and pain. Even though Ryan has been through hell and back he is still a man looking for something. I am eager to see how his journey progresses in the next book.
I must say it was hard at first due to content but it was so real and raw...you feel tormented for Ryan. But the story simply sucks you in and you can’t put the book down. The characters are real and you feel the agony and pain. Even though Ryan has been through hell and back he is still a man looking for something. I am eager to see how his journey progresses in the next book.
April 13, 2019
Wow, this book touched my heart on so many levels. The writing is superb. This debut novel is dark and emotional. I can see Denton going far!
Ryans story of abuse is a roller coaster of emotions. I was sucked in to the story from page 1. I cant wait for more on Ryan's journey of discovering his true self.
Ryans story of abuse is a roller coaster of emotions. I was sucked in to the story from page 1. I cant wait for more on Ryan's journey of discovering his true self.
August 15, 2023
I’m clueless how to rate this book because although I read this inhumanly fast, I felt like the trauma was too much. But I’m excited to start book two and get to the romance🤞🏻
April 25, 2019
Wow! Is All I Can Say!!
This book has a lot of emotions in it. I felt angry, hatred, sad and pissed off. How is he even standing. He wasn’t protected as a kid and tried to navigate adult life with pushing his past down. I was so glad when he was in high school the teacher recognized the signs and put his father away for abuse. For his mother and brother to treat him like sh**. I’m glad even though he experienced all those horrible things and still wanted better for his life! It’s takes a strong person to overcome that. Definitely a page turner.
This book has a lot of emotions in it. I felt angry, hatred, sad and pissed off. How is he even standing. He wasn’t protected as a kid and tried to navigate adult life with pushing his past down. I was so glad when he was in high school the teacher recognized the signs and put his father away for abuse. For his mother and brother to treat him like sh**. I’m glad even though he experienced all those horrible things and still wanted better for his life! It’s takes a strong person to overcome that. Definitely a page turner.
April 12, 2019
WOW!!!! I absolutely devoured this book and could not put it down. I was on an emotional Rollercoaster the whole time, worrying for Ryan and his physical and mental health. This was so well written, with a story that pulls you in and has you feeling devastated with all the abuse that Ryan had to endure, from those he loved and trusted the most. It was a story about a young Man, trying to find his place and to feel loved, who was so lonely inside dealing with his lot in life.
April 13, 2019
Riveting
This book is very detailed on the life of Ryan leading up to his exploration of the type of life he wants and needs to live. I loved the details and really enjoyed reading this book, even though sometimes I wanted to reach in there and splat the #hit out of his mom and Chad
This book is very detailed on the life of Ryan leading up to his exploration of the type of life he wants and needs to live. I loved the details and really enjoyed reading this book, even though sometimes I wanted to reach in there and splat the #hit out of his mom and Chad
April 20, 2019
This was an emotional, raw yet real story. Your heart goes out to Ryan and all the trials he has been through & is still going through. This book sucks you in to where you can't wait to see what's going to happen next. This was very well written sans I highly recommend it!
Can't wait to see what happens in Ryan's new chapter in his life.
Can't wait to see what happens in Ryan's new chapter in his life.
April 12, 2019
Brilliantly emotional
I seriously can't believe this is his first book! Brilliantly written! My emotions are all over the place. Hate for the family but lots of love for Ryan. I'm definitely waiting for the next book! Cole, you are AWESOME!
I seriously can't believe this is his first book! Brilliantly written! My emotions are all over the place. Hate for the family but lots of love for Ryan. I'm definitely waiting for the next book! Cole, you are AWESOME!
April 13, 2019
Wow. What a fantastic story. This stor6 will test your emotions. I wanted to shake some sense into Ryan and strangle his parents and brother. I am glad Ryan got is education, but his life has been rough, but I think is he on to something which we will find out in the next book.
April 13, 2019
I can see myself reading more of this debut authors books, he has just made a very impressionable mark on my library card. This was a brutally honest account on how one’s life is forged by those who bring us up. I was engaged from the first page until the final page was turned. I felt a roller coaster of emotions from extreme anger, broken hearted and the need to wrap my arms around Ryan and show him some unconditional love.
If there’s one thing we should be able to rely on keeping our best interest at heart, it’s our family. Unfortunately Ryan has a family whose wires are twisted into an ugly, tangled mess. He is pushed around, tormented, bribed and used. Ryan seeks a haven and finds it playing baseball and attending USC. Constant reminders of his life, hold him back and he struggles to open up to anyone.
How is it that we can be surrounded by people and yet feel so alone? He’s not a selfish person Ryan just wants to be like everyone else and find that special someone. It is time to take control of his decisions based on what he wants, not others.
If there’s one thing we should be able to rely on keeping our best interest at heart, it’s our family. Unfortunately Ryan has a family whose wires are twisted into an ugly, tangled mess. He is pushed around, tormented, bribed and used. Ryan seeks a haven and finds it playing baseball and attending USC. Constant reminders of his life, hold him back and he struggles to open up to anyone.
How is it that we can be surrounded by people and yet feel so alone? He’s not a selfish person Ryan just wants to be like everyone else and find that special someone. It is time to take control of his decisions based on what he wants, not others.
June 6, 2020
This book will tear your heart out. I have never been so mad at a book as this one. Ryan has been put through hell by his own family. The things they did to him, the pressure they put on him to continue to do those terrible things. Ryan had been abused since he was young. The entire family participated, mom, dad and brother. The marks, the pain, the horror he went through was so horrific. Thank goodness the dad got sent away but the pain continued. I'm not sure who was the leader of the abuse because the mother was as bad as the dad.
Cole survived, I'm not sure how but he did.
This book is a must read but just be prepared to have your heart touched in so many ways.
Cole survived, I'm not sure how but he did.
This book is a must read but just be prepared to have your heart touched in so many ways.
April 17, 2022
Gruelling Story
WARNING. This story features a child/young adult being subjected to verbal, emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Ryan's teacher spots evidence of physical abuse and the authorities are brought in. Unfortunately, the investigation stops with the arrest of his father and yet, as this harrowing story shows, it isn't always so straightforward. A disturbing examination of how such an upbringing can affect its victims, this is well-written and thought-provoking, and only the hanging ending left me unsatisfied.
WARNING. This story features a child/young adult being subjected to verbal, emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Ryan's teacher spots evidence of physical abuse and the authorities are brought in. Unfortunately, the investigation stops with the arrest of his father and yet, as this harrowing story shows, it isn't always so straightforward. A disturbing examination of how such an upbringing can affect its victims, this is well-written and thought-provoking, and only the hanging ending left me unsatisfied.
May 19, 2020
Beyond Amazing
This story is absolutely off the charts. Before I tell you about the book, I will say I was nervous to read this.The Author absolutely took away my nervousness with this story. I am an absolute Ryan fan. I am so intrigued with him. I can't wait to dive into the next one. The writing and flow of this book is perfect. I absolutely recommend this book.
This story is absolutely off the charts. Before I tell you about the book, I will say I was nervous to read this.The Author absolutely took away my nervousness with this story. I am an absolute Ryan fan. I am so intrigued with him. I can't wait to dive into the next one. The writing and flow of this book is perfect. I absolutely recommend this book.
April 21, 2020
I should have read the blurb or story summary before reading this book so I'd know what to expect.....because HOLY SHIT this is a book is CRAZY! It's about a poor hero who comes from a HORRIBLE, SICK, WACKO family (I'm talking worse than what authors usually try to shock you with). I got so frustrated with him as he kept going back or putting himself in stupid situations. However, the mind is a complex organ and I know what that entails. So I can forgive him and/or also acknowledge that it was the authors choice to... FUCK HIM UP THAT BAD!!! I'm not going to give much of it away. You have to read it for yourself, but just know that it can be difficult to read a lot of the time.
I was SO expecting the usual romance book... (BTW, this is NOT it. And BTW it's M/M).
I was SO expecting the usual romance book... (BTW, this is NOT it. And BTW it's M/M).
Want to read
September 18, 2022Purchased Amazon March 7, 2022
May 31, 2019
OMG, this book blew me away. I had to put it down a few times. My heart hurt for Ryan. What he had to endure from his family was awful. Family is supposed to love and take care of you. But he picked himself up and got on with his life. A few characters I wanted to drop kick. Simply amazing writing Cole. Can't wait for Steele.
May 11, 2019
Couldn't put it down
I have had this book since it was released, as the blurb interested me. I finally started it today and just couldn't put it down. I usually don't leave reviews even if I rate a book. The depth of this stunned me. Even more so because it was written by a new author. It may be dark and possibly be a trigger for some, but it will pull you in and make you feel. I can not rave about this book or author enough!
I have had this book since it was released, as the blurb interested me. I finally started it today and just couldn't put it down. I usually don't leave reviews even if I rate a book. The depth of this stunned me. Even more so because it was written by a new author. It may be dark and possibly be a trigger for some, but it will pull you in and make you feel. I can not rave about this book or author enough!
April 30, 2019
"Only the brave find hope in a second chance."
Wow. Just. Wow. This was such an emotional read and one that totally wrecked me!
Ryan Hudson has it rough. An abusive family who, at every turn, makes him feel like he's to blame for it all. Manipulated by guilt, humiliation and threat of his secrets being broadcast for all to see, Ryan sees no way out. A scholarship might be an answer to his prayers. But every time things start looking up for him, his family has a way of reminding him of who he is and where he came from. Finally some distance from them gives a promise of a new beginning, of love and happiness, of a future he always dreamed of having. But, once again, he realizes his past leaves him in control of nothing. Until friends bring him in to their world -a world of control - of both asserting it and surrendering it. Control. Perfect.
As I said in the beginning, this one totally wrecked me. His family is just so awful and manipulative. My heart broke for Ryan and I so wanted him to get everything he ever wanted. This book is full of triggers so if you are sensitive to sexual, physical and emotional abuse, then tread carefully, or take a pass. But, as difficult as this was to read, solely because of how my chest hurt for Ryan, I cannot wait for book 2. Ryan's gonna be awesome!
Wow. Just. Wow. This was such an emotional read and one that totally wrecked me!
Ryan Hudson has it rough. An abusive family who, at every turn, makes him feel like he's to blame for it all. Manipulated by guilt, humiliation and threat of his secrets being broadcast for all to see, Ryan sees no way out. A scholarship might be an answer to his prayers. But every time things start looking up for him, his family has a way of reminding him of who he is and where he came from. Finally some distance from them gives a promise of a new beginning, of love and happiness, of a future he always dreamed of having. But, once again, he realizes his past leaves him in control of nothing. Until friends bring him in to their world -a world of control - of both asserting it and surrendering it. Control. Perfect.
As I said in the beginning, this one totally wrecked me. His family is just so awful and manipulative. My heart broke for Ryan and I so wanted him to get everything he ever wanted. This book is full of triggers so if you are sensitive to sexual, physical and emotional abuse, then tread carefully, or take a pass. But, as difficult as this was to read, solely because of how my chest hurt for Ryan, I cannot wait for book 2. Ryan's gonna be awesome!
April 13, 2019
Heart breaking yet amazing!!!
I just felt numb when I finished this book because all of my emotions had been sucked out of me. It is a brilliant, very difficult read and although I needed to take breaks from it now and again, it sucked me in from the start and there was no way I wasn't going to finish it. This story took me through so many emotions including sadness, anger, upset, frustration, disbelief.....and I cried! I cried at a lot!! I was so emotionally involved, I even ugly cried at the happy scenes. I think my heart doubled in size for Ryan reading his story. There are trigger warnings at the start for very good reasons, but if you can cope with it, I highly recommend you reading this fantastic story. I'm excited for book 2, Steel.
I just felt numb when I finished this book because all of my emotions had been sucked out of me. It is a brilliant, very difficult read and although I needed to take breaks from it now and again, it sucked me in from the start and there was no way I wasn't going to finish it. This story took me through so many emotions including sadness, anger, upset, frustration, disbelief.....and I cried! I cried at a lot!! I was so emotionally involved, I even ugly cried at the happy scenes. I think my heart doubled in size for Ryan reading his story. There are trigger warnings at the start for very good reasons, but if you can cope with it, I highly recommend you reading this fantastic story. I'm excited for book 2, Steel.
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