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Bullied #2
Pained
Two months have passed since the day I pushed Hayden away. Two months since I found out he loved me and wanted to be with me. I’ve been trying to move on and forget about him, but my heart refuses to listen.
Hayden had almost died saving me. Half of me wants to forgive him for everything and give him another chance. The other half prevents me from doing so, distrusting him and ignoring my heart's desires. Hayden is dark and complicated, and as the days pass, he gets further away from me, ignoring me whenever our paths cross.
I have less than a year before I go to college, and I won't see him ever again. I have to believe I will get over him and move on with my life. I have to believe in my future without him.
Unless he didn't really move on, and our masks are about to fall.
Hayden had almost died saving me. Half of me wants to forgive him for everything and give him another chance. The other half prevents me from doing so, distrusting him and ignoring my heart's desires. Hayden is dark and complicated, and as the days pass, he gets further away from me, ignoring me whenever our paths cross.
I have less than a year before I go to college, and I won't see him ever again. I have to believe I will get over him and move on with my life. I have to believe in my future without him.
Unless he didn't really move on, and our masks are about to fall.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2020
119 people are currently reading
803 people want to read
About the author
Vera Micic
4 books254 followersVera Micic now writes as Vera Hollins.
Check out her new profile to stay up to date with her new and upcoming books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Check out her new profile to stay up to date with her new and upcoming books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
March 22, 2020
3.75 stars
first of all, i just wanna say that whoever made this cover? i love you. this cover is so beautiful goddamn.
but anyways, after reading bullied, i was so excited to read this book because knowing that Hayden (H) and Sarah's (h) story takes place in THREE books, i knew there was gonna be a lot of push and pull here and i wasn't disappointed.
this book is pretty dark and not for everyone because even i was upset with some things and there are tropes here that i found annoying (h doing the chasing, OW drama and h seeing OW and H kissing, bullying, etc.) that may annoy others too, however, i still really liked the story and the writing was really good that it was a page-turner for me.
since the first book ended in a cliffhanger (spoilers!) where Hayden finally gets his head outta his ass and grovels to Sarah and tells her he loves her, Sarah finding out he has borderline personality disorder, Hayden's mom telling her she's too weak to handle him and Sarah listening to his mom and ends up rejecting Hayden and telling him she doesn't care for him... this book focuses on Sarah finally getting HER head out of her ass this time and trying to win Hayden's trust.
— Hayden Black (H)
ok so knowing what he did in the first book and the extent of his bullying, i still low key hated him. i know he has a psychological disorder that greatly affects his actions and behavior but still! i really couldn't forget what he did to her. and he was an asshole throughout most of the book and i hate how he was with the OW, kissing her in front of the h at least 5 times so... it was honestly so hard to like him. but even though i feel this way, i personally love complex characters and Hayden is literally THE definition of complicated and i was all for it. though, when he becomes soft and emotional, and filled with self-loathing and self-hate from all the bullying he did, those are definitely the highlights of the book.
— Sarah Decker (h)
this woman has been through A LOT. the bullying in the first book is one of the worst bullying i've ever read in any book and the fact that she had to endure that for 3 years, while having an abusive neglectful mother? nahh. that's too much suffering for me. i really liked her in the first book tho but here? mehh. i found her annoying mainly because she was doing all the chasing and defending Hayden when he's being an asshole, which I GET.
her maturity and wisdom may lead to others into thinking she's weak and that was my opinion for some of the parts in the book but honestly, this bitch is just TOO FUCKING NICE👏🏼. for once, i wanted her BAD BITCH self to come out and finally fight back, especially when those bitches (spoilers!!) lit her hair on fire and beat her up!! but nope. she stopped Hayden from avenging her. im more petty than her and if that ever happened to me, i literally would've lit their hairs on fire myself, not gonna lie. like, i need bloodshed!! but yeah, Sarah is just too nice and too forgiving that it was just annoying sometimes.
* * *
i really can't wait to read their next book because they're finally a couple there and im really curious as to how their relationship is gonna go since Hayden is so volatile because of his BPD. but for now, even knowing that they're soulmates and meant to be and all that, i still think their relationship is very toxic but i'm still too curious to read if they're gonna work out or not.
* * *
for those who are curious,
tw: SPOILERS
— H made out with OW in front of h a few times:
h had a boyfriend in the beginning too but she broke up with him before the H and OW ended things.
— the OW and the H's ex and two other girls dragged the h in the locker room, held her down and burned her hair off almost close to her scalp and then proceeded to kick her.
— the h's mom's abusive ex boyfriend got out of jail, kidnapped both the h and her mom.
— H being an asshole.
* * *
ARC provided
first of all, i just wanna say that whoever made this cover? i love you. this cover is so beautiful goddamn.
but anyways, after reading bullied, i was so excited to read this book because knowing that Hayden (H) and Sarah's (h) story takes place in THREE books, i knew there was gonna be a lot of push and pull here and i wasn't disappointed.
this book is pretty dark and not for everyone because even i was upset with some things and there are tropes here that i found annoying (h doing the chasing, OW drama and h seeing OW and H kissing, bullying, etc.) that may annoy others too, however, i still really liked the story and the writing was really good that it was a page-turner for me.
since the first book ended in a cliffhanger (spoilers!) where Hayden finally gets his head outta his ass and grovels to Sarah and tells her he loves her, Sarah finding out he has borderline personality disorder, Hayden's mom telling her she's too weak to handle him and Sarah listening to his mom and ends up rejecting Hayden and telling him she doesn't care for him... this book focuses on Sarah finally getting HER head out of her ass this time and trying to win Hayden's trust.
— Hayden Black (H)
"Without you I'm lost, but with you I'm crushed,
You're my everlasting sorrow and my sweetest rush,
But it doesn't matter that I love you, because after everything
I've done...
...It does sound fake."
ok so knowing what he did in the first book and the extent of his bullying, i still low key hated him. i know he has a psychological disorder that greatly affects his actions and behavior but still! i really couldn't forget what he did to her. and he was an asshole throughout most of the book and i hate how he was with the OW, kissing her in front of the h at least 5 times so... it was honestly so hard to like him. but even though i feel this way, i personally love complex characters and Hayden is literally THE definition of complicated and i was all for it. though, when he becomes soft and emotional, and filled with self-loathing and self-hate from all the bullying he did, those are definitely the highlights of the book.
— Sarah Decker (h)
"This raging guilt was eating me up, messing with my heart and mind, and I didn't know what was right or wrong anymore. I just wanted to be happy."
this woman has been through A LOT. the bullying in the first book is one of the worst bullying i've ever read in any book and the fact that she had to endure that for 3 years, while having an abusive neglectful mother? nahh. that's too much suffering for me. i really liked her in the first book tho but here? mehh. i found her annoying mainly because she was doing all the chasing and defending Hayden when he's being an asshole, which I GET.
her maturity and wisdom may lead to others into thinking she's weak and that was my opinion for some of the parts in the book but honestly, this bitch is just TOO FUCKING NICE👏🏼. for once, i wanted her BAD BITCH self to come out and finally fight back, especially when those bitches (spoilers!!) lit her hair on fire and beat her up!! but nope. she stopped Hayden from avenging her. im more petty than her and if that ever happened to me, i literally would've lit their hairs on fire myself, not gonna lie. like, i need bloodshed!! but yeah, Sarah is just too nice and too forgiving that it was just annoying sometimes.
* * *
i really can't wait to read their next book because they're finally a couple there and im really curious as to how their relationship is gonna go since Hayden is so volatile because of his BPD. but for now, even knowing that they're soulmates and meant to be and all that, i still think their relationship is very toxic but i'm still too curious to read if they're gonna work out or not.
* * *
for those who are curious,
tw: SPOILERS
— H made out with OW in front of h a few times:
"I didn't want to stare, but it was impossible not to when their lips crashed togeter. I was sickened by how passionate it was, but I had to get a grip on myself because he was with her."
h had a boyfriend in the beginning too but she broke up with him before the H and OW ended things.
— the OW and the H's ex and two other girls dragged the h in the locker room, held her down and burned her hair off almost close to her scalp and then proceeded to kick her.
— the h's mom's abusive ex boyfriend got out of jail, kidnapped both the h and her mom.
— H being an asshole.
* * *
ARC provided
November 1, 2020
WTF did I just read??? How did it come from Hayden bullying Sarah in the 1st book to her APOLOGISING for "leaving" him at the very end of the previous book after he finally revealed his feelings? Well, she tried to escape him and this toxic af relationship. Kudos for trying, by the way.
The concentration of psychos in this book is just... astounding. Too much. When I think of it, I cannot even name a single character without some kind of a mental issue. Bullies, sociopaths, murders, good for nothing adults and people with Stockholm syndrome and anger issues. Yep, they are all gathered here at the round table.
Despite Sarah being dumb half the time, she really grew on me. I really respected her decision to break up with her boyfriend Mateo when she realized she isn't over Hayden and not to use him. She was brave protecting her friends.
Hayden kept being an asshole🤦♀️ but what can I say? He is an interesting character. He is EXTREMELY OBSESSED with the heroine which is scary and fascinating. He becomes very protective of the heroine, ready to run over anyone who hurts Sarah.
All in all, lots of drama and brutal bullying (not from the hero thank goodness) and emotional scenes. Sometimes I just wished the author gave Sarah a little break
The concentration of psychos in this book is just... astounding. Too much. When I think of it, I cannot even name a single character without some kind of a mental issue. Bullies, sociopaths, murders, good for nothing adults and people with Stockholm syndrome and anger issues. Yep, they are all gathered here at the round table.
Despite Sarah being dumb half the time, she really grew on me. I really respected her decision to break up with her boyfriend Mateo when she realized she isn't over Hayden and not to use him. She was brave protecting her friends.
Hayden kept being an asshole🤦♀️ but what can I say? He is an interesting character. He is EXTREMELY OBSESSED with the heroine which is scary and fascinating. He becomes very protective of the heroine, ready to run over anyone who hurts Sarah.
All in all, lots of drama and brutal bullying (not from the hero thank goodness) and emotional scenes. Sometimes I just wished the author gave Sarah a little break
June 28, 2020
This book is like an addiction. You can complain as much as you like about the unhealthy relationships, the bullies, and the psychos but one the thing is certain, you won't be satiated till you devour the whole book.
March 30, 2020
“I’m walking on a thin line.
Still searching for any sign.
How do you love and hate?
It sounds like a twisted fate.”
If I had to use one word to describe Pained, it’s intense. It’s so deeply intense that I still have chills running up and down my body. Hollins writes one hell of a follow-up novel. Bullied was just as intense and devastating; but the second book has left me feeling so weak. Yes, that ending left me feeling breathless and I have no idea how I’ll be able to wait that long for the next one!
“ It’s a roller coaster, and you’ll never know
What it’s like to be so high and then fall so low.”
This seemed to be a major theme while reading. So many highs, so many lows—Hayden wanted Sarah...and then he didn’t. So many contradictions he made. But if you’ve read the first book, we all know why Hayden is the way he is. He feels things so much more deeply than your average joe. All his senses are heightened to the max and if truth be told, he’s probably one of the most interesting characters I’ve ever read.
“I accepted him the moment I fell in love with him, but the scars he created in me are too deep.”
Sarah. Sweet, lovely Sarah. What I love most about her, is her resilience and strength to adversity and pain. In the first book, I chalked her up to being weak; even though she’s probably one of the strongest characters present. To go through life believing that you’re nothing, yet still having the strength to treat everyone with kindness even when they don’t deserve it, is admirable. She’s an amazing character that I believe everyone should go ahead and meet.
“You fucked me up. I don’t trust you. For me, you’re like a black stain on a white surface. You aren’t supposed to be here, and you make everything dirty.”
One of the best things about the Bullied Series is all the well rounded characters that embedded themselves into your soul. Yes, your soul! I’ve read these books on Wattpad and have formed such a great connection to them all, that I know by the end of the series, I’ll be weeping with sorrow.
“I’M PAINED, LOSING MY SOUL, UNTIL DARKNESS SWALLOWS ME WHOLE.”
Give this series a chance if you haven’t already. The writing is gripping and so damn intense. There’s that word again. I can’t help but describe this any other way. Read it and see for yourself!
*Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are subjective but my own.
3/19/2020
*********************************************
Update:
About to start reading the ARC version for review. I’m taking down my rating for now. Can’t wait to dive back into Sarah and Hayden’s story! 3-14-2020
**********************************************
I’ve read the Wattpad version. On to the next!
Still searching for any sign.
How do you love and hate?
It sounds like a twisted fate.”
If I had to use one word to describe Pained, it’s intense. It’s so deeply intense that I still have chills running up and down my body. Hollins writes one hell of a follow-up novel. Bullied was just as intense and devastating; but the second book has left me feeling so weak. Yes, that ending left me feeling breathless and I have no idea how I’ll be able to wait that long for the next one!
“ It’s a roller coaster, and you’ll never know
What it’s like to be so high and then fall so low.”
This seemed to be a major theme while reading. So many highs, so many lows—Hayden wanted Sarah...and then he didn’t. So many contradictions he made. But if you’ve read the first book, we all know why Hayden is the way he is. He feels things so much more deeply than your average joe. All his senses are heightened to the max and if truth be told, he’s probably one of the most interesting characters I’ve ever read.
“I accepted him the moment I fell in love with him, but the scars he created in me are too deep.”
Sarah. Sweet, lovely Sarah. What I love most about her, is her resilience and strength to adversity and pain. In the first book, I chalked her up to being weak; even though she’s probably one of the strongest characters present. To go through life believing that you’re nothing, yet still having the strength to treat everyone with kindness even when they don’t deserve it, is admirable. She’s an amazing character that I believe everyone should go ahead and meet.
“You fucked me up. I don’t trust you. For me, you’re like a black stain on a white surface. You aren’t supposed to be here, and you make everything dirty.”
One of the best things about the Bullied Series is all the well rounded characters that embedded themselves into your soul. Yes, your soul! I’ve read these books on Wattpad and have formed such a great connection to them all, that I know by the end of the series, I’ll be weeping with sorrow.
“I’M PAINED, LOSING MY SOUL, UNTIL DARKNESS SWALLOWS ME WHOLE.”
Give this series a chance if you haven’t already. The writing is gripping and so damn intense. There’s that word again. I can’t help but describe this any other way. Read it and see for yourself!
*Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are subjective but my own.
3/19/2020
*********************************************
Update:
About to start reading the ARC version for review. I’m taking down my rating for now. Can’t wait to dive back into Sarah and Hayden’s story! 3-14-2020
**********************************************
I’ve read the Wattpad version. On to the next!
January 28, 2021
FIVE STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It took me awhile to finish this book. It wasn’t because I didn’t like it. I actually liked this waaay more than the first book. It was bc there is a lot going on right now so I’ve been trying to deal with that.
But yeah, I enjoyed this book.
A full review is on the way!
It took me awhile to finish this book. It wasn’t because I didn’t like it. I actually liked this waaay more than the first book. It was bc there is a lot going on right now so I’ve been trying to deal with that.
But yeah, I enjoyed this book.
A full review is on the way!
January 2, 2023
Pained is more of an emotional read than bully romance. In this story, we explore the budding relationship between the heroine, Sarah, and hero, Hayden, in the face of mental illness. Sarah grows stronger yet is still vulnerable, still suffering some bullying and a dysfunctional home life. She begins to form friendships while pursuing her education. Hayden is overcoming his emotional demons though still attracted to Sarah. Creatively, Hayden maintains his difficult persona in the midst of his personal growth and the love affair. Essentially, he is still Hayden.
The book is well-written; character development is excellent. In truth I expected more strength of character at this point of the story, especially from Sarah, particularly in confronting her home life and classmates. While she was no longer a dormant, she was still emotionally crippled. At some point, enough is enough.
The story remains poignant, portraying more drama than a typical enemies to lovers, troubled boy meets troubled girl affair. It draws an emotional investment one might not expect. I could feel the turmoil between the two main characters, leaving me always questioning what would happen next in their volatile relationship. I could also feel the emotional violence from the side characters. I look forward to the developing relationship between Jessica and Blake.
While this book delivers strong feeling and steamy kisses, it is a clean romance that, at this juncture, evokes an absence of sensuality. Still, a great story. I look forward to book 3 and the hopefully the couple's happy ever after.
The book is well-written; character development is excellent. In truth I expected more strength of character at this point of the story, especially from Sarah, particularly in confronting her home life and classmates. While she was no longer a dormant, she was still emotionally crippled. At some point, enough is enough.
The story remains poignant, portraying more drama than a typical enemies to lovers, troubled boy meets troubled girl affair. It draws an emotional investment one might not expect. I could feel the turmoil between the two main characters, leaving me always questioning what would happen next in their volatile relationship. I could also feel the emotional violence from the side characters. I look forward to the developing relationship between Jessica and Blake.
While this book delivers strong feeling and steamy kisses, it is a clean romance that, at this juncture, evokes an absence of sensuality. Still, a great story. I look forward to book 3 and the hopefully the couple's happy ever after.
March 17, 2020
OMG. I thought that Sarah and Hayden finally came togehther and happily living after all. But no. Vera Hollins has to give me a headache. That being said, Vera is such a good author who has the ability to make my so emotional that my tears didn't dry. Every time I turned a page, I didn't want to read further because I would reached the end of the story. I cannot wait for the next book in this serie. Thank you, Vera. You continued again such a amazing journey for Sarah and Hayden that five stars aren't not enough for Pained.
February 18, 2021
I enjoyed this book much better than the last, even though I still wanted to bang my head at times when they kept going round in circles. Every time progress was made it felt like they went back to square one.
It was nice seeing growth from both of them though, and communication is a hot topic of mine.
The plot was far more gripping, with more depth than OTT bully, and that shows the authors growth too.
And that ending.... diving immediately into book three.
It was nice seeing growth from both of them though, and communication is a hot topic of mine.
The plot was far more gripping, with more depth than OTT bully, and that shows the authors growth too.
And that ending.... diving immediately into book three.
August 24, 2021
Oh boy that ending 😭😭😭😰😰😰
December 4, 2021
This story picks up with Sarah dating Mateo much to Hayden's anger. She spends 3 months attempting to make something work out with Mateo but realizes her true feelings are for Hayden. So she breaks up with Mateo who is heartbroken. Hayden, meanwhile ignores Sarah and starts underground fighting to deal with his demons and forget Sarah. Sarah researches BPD and realizes she wants to be with Hayden. Mateo starts a fight with Hayden telling him he doesn't deserve Sarah and that he's the reason for their breakup. He reveals to Hayden that Sarah loves him. Eventually after a series of non-starts, Hayden and Sarah work out their differences and begin a friendly relationship. Hayden admits he's always had feelings for Sarah but doesn't know how to express it appropriately. Sarah is attacked by Christine and Maya and her hair is set on fire. She stops Hayden from retaliating and the attackers are expelled. Sarah and her mom are kidnapped by mom's ex, Brad and taken to his wilderness cabin. Hayden rescues them and Sarah is hospitalized again for her injuries. Hayden tells Sarah he loves her and wants to work on a relationship and gives her his journal for insight into how his mind works. As they leave the hospital, Hayden gets angry with Sarah for interfering and trying to stop him from an underground fight. He yells at her and steps out into the intersection to be hit by a car and goes into a coma for 9 days.
I don't know how much drama this couple has gone through already with attacks from Natalie n Josh, Christine n Maya, Brad, 2 huge car accidents....their whole town seems to be full of sociopaths and bad drivers! Then there's the bullying from Blake and Masen as well. It's really far-fetched. The MS's relationship is also very triggering and anxiety-inducing. I feel extremely anxious for Sarah who has to walk on egg-shells around Hayden for fear of triggering a negative reaction at the drop of a pin. She has to watch what she says and how she acts. She had to be outright rude to poor Mateo and send him away, telling him they can't be friends for fear of provoking Hayden. She's basically caught even more in Hayden's trap and she idiotically smiles through it all and feels justified and reinforced when he gives her crumbs - like a smile, a hug or a small compliment....to her this is lifechanging and worth all the drama. This relationship is TOXIC disguised as the mental health issue of BPD. Normally, I'd ignore this fact because I'm all about fictitious toxic relationships but I have huge reservations because this story seems to idealize and romanticize it and make it seem manageable. This couple is going to have huge, lifelong problems and Sarah will have smile and to bear the brunt of it all.
I don't know how much drama this couple has gone through already with attacks from Natalie n Josh, Christine n Maya, Brad, 2 huge car accidents....their whole town seems to be full of sociopaths and bad drivers! Then there's the bullying from Blake and Masen as well. It's really far-fetched. The MS's relationship is also very triggering and anxiety-inducing. I feel extremely anxious for Sarah who has to walk on egg-shells around Hayden for fear of triggering a negative reaction at the drop of a pin. She has to watch what she says and how she acts. She had to be outright rude to poor Mateo and send him away, telling him they can't be friends for fear of provoking Hayden. She's basically caught even more in Hayden's trap and she idiotically smiles through it all and feels justified and reinforced when he gives her crumbs - like a smile, a hug or a small compliment....to her this is lifechanging and worth all the drama. This relationship is TOXIC disguised as the mental health issue of BPD. Normally, I'd ignore this fact because I'm all about fictitious toxic relationships but I have huge reservations because this story seems to idealize and romanticize it and make it seem manageable. This couple is going to have huge, lifelong problems and Sarah will have smile and to bear the brunt of it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2021
I can’t believe I even wasted my time reading the second book.
1. Can this heroine get any worse? She is ridiculous. I can’t stand the push and pull. Nothing gets resolved. She’s the most annoying.
2. The only thing borderline about the so called hero is his mental and emotional abuse! There is absolutely nothing attractive about him. How can women think it’s okay for guys to go around calling them a bitch, belittling them, fat shaming, etc.
Screw this book. It’s an absolute shame !
1. Can this heroine get any worse? She is ridiculous. I can’t stand the push and pull. Nothing gets resolved. She’s the most annoying.
2. The only thing borderline about the so called hero is his mental and emotional abuse! There is absolutely nothing attractive about him. How can women think it’s okay for guys to go around calling them a bitch, belittling them, fat shaming, etc.
Screw this book. It’s an absolute shame !
March 31, 2020
At the end of Book #1, we saw Sarah making a hard choice to leave Hayden Black and started dating Matteo. Book #2 starts with a past scene of Sarah and her mother Patricia being beaten up by her mother's boyfriend Brad at the time. The book then jumps to three years later which is the present time. Sarah is trying to move on with her life and wishing that her feelings will develop for Matteo but she can't help loving Hayden despite his bullying and treating her terribly. We remember from Book #1 that Hayden has BPD aka Borderline Personality Disorder and Pained focuses more on the emotional level of both Sarah and Hayden. Just as Sarah is getting used to Hayden ignoring her, the bullying starts back up and couldn't have come at the worst time as Brad who turns out to be Coach Benner's brother has turned up in Enfield and wants Sarah's mother back and will do anything to finish what he started before they got him to put away. Pained had an intense bullying scene near the end with Christine. It also focuses on the bullying of two other characters - Blake who is Hayden's friend is bullying a girl named Jessica. I am hoping that Vera will write a book between these two characters as I would like to know more of their backstory as you can tell there is more than meets the eye. Near the end we read as Hayden and Sarah reconnect together as Hayden is going through a "happy personality side" but unfortunately this doesn't end well and the cliffhanger leaves readers hoping this isn't a repeat of the start of Book #1. I am now looking forward to reading Book #3 as this cliffhanger was one that you sucked in your breath as you read. Pained does focus on lots of different triggers e.g abuse- sexual, physical and emotional. It is quite an intense and angsty read, so be prepared before you read.
April 13, 2020
-Jenna, 4 stars
This is the second book ino the Bullied series, starting right where book one left off.
I really enjoyed getting to see a much different view of Hayden in this story. And Sarah is evolving much more into a stronger individual. The story again was emotionally tough to read. It was a roller coaster of extreme ups and downs but written so truthfully and genuinely. There was more action and suspense in this one that kept you at the edge of your seat. Even to the very end you will be biting your fingernails in nervousness.
This is the second book ino the Bullied series, starting right where book one left off.
I really enjoyed getting to see a much different view of Hayden in this story. And Sarah is evolving much more into a stronger individual. The story again was emotionally tough to read. It was a roller coaster of extreme ups and downs but written so truthfully and genuinely. There was more action and suspense in this one that kept you at the edge of your seat. Even to the very end you will be biting your fingernails in nervousness.
February 28, 2021
After getting off the emotional high of book 1, Bullied I jumped right into this one. Pained started off with a strong note. I was looking forward to Sarah moving forward and maybe Hayden getting some help for his issues. But it seemed that we were stuck right back to the beginning of book 1. That was not where I thought Vera would take us. To be honest I was highly disappointed.
I kept reading and I will say Pained did get better to the point that Sarah grew up a little and started doing some research on what Hayden was going through, although I will say that she stayed a lot longer than I think anyone would. I also have to say Pained isn't much of a Bully book as more of an emotional rollercoaster.
I am really hoping the next book brings happiness to Sarah and Hayden.
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I kept reading and I will say Pained did get better to the point that Sarah grew up a little and started doing some research on what Hayden was going through, although I will say that she stayed a lot longer than I think anyone would. I also have to say Pained isn't much of a Bully book as more of an emotional rollercoaster.
I am really hoping the next book brings happiness to Sarah and Hayden.
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April 1, 2020
Vera Hollins is no joke killing me with this series!!! My heart just cannot take anymore!!!
Pained is the second book in the Bullied series and I fell in love with it just as much as the first. Although this book wasn't as heavy on the bullying as what we experienced in Bullying, it still contained so many heart breaking moments.
This series is SO different to all of the other bully books out there. Vera does not shy away from the dark bullying elements and continues to shock you with how cruel, harsh, twisted and depraved others can be.
Hayden...(sigh). There is so much to say about this boy. All we know of him is the dark and twisted side but I LOVE that we start to get to see other sides to him as well. Although, he is an absolute asshole and treats Sarah like absolute crap at times, you cannot help but feel for him. Hayden does not choose to be the way that he is and that is what makes this story different from others.
Sarah. She is by far one of the strongest FMC I have ever read. She deals with so much from so many different people and is surrounded by so much hate and so many horrid people. Even her own waste of space mother (that woman infuriates me!!).
Sarah and Hayden together - omg. I just can't. Their banter! It made my heart so happy!!! But if you are expecting a sappy love story, then this is not the book for you. The cute and loving moments are far between because this love story is absolute toxic chaos. This is not your typical good girl and bad boy story. The emotional and mental struggles they both have are overwhelming and absolutely soul crushing. There is so much push and pull between them it is almost frustrating!!
WTF IS WITH THAT ENDING?!?!?! If my heart was struggling while reading the rest of the book then it is absolutely shattered and bleeding now!! (Ugly cries!). Cliffhanger ending which leaves you with the worst emotional hangover I have possibly ever experienced. I am praying that Damaged (Book 3) is not too far away because I don't know how I will cope in the meantime.
Vera Hollins - Bullied series is an absolute masterpiece!!!
This is one series everyone should read! Absolutely amazing!!! I cannot recommend enough.
**ARC received for an honest review**
Pained is the second book in the Bullied series and I fell in love with it just as much as the first. Although this book wasn't as heavy on the bullying as what we experienced in Bullying, it still contained so many heart breaking moments.
This series is SO different to all of the other bully books out there. Vera does not shy away from the dark bullying elements and continues to shock you with how cruel, harsh, twisted and depraved others can be.
Hayden...(sigh). There is so much to say about this boy. All we know of him is the dark and twisted side but I LOVE that we start to get to see other sides to him as well. Although, he is an absolute asshole and treats Sarah like absolute crap at times, you cannot help but feel for him. Hayden does not choose to be the way that he is and that is what makes this story different from others.
Sarah. She is by far one of the strongest FMC I have ever read. She deals with so much from so many different people and is surrounded by so much hate and so many horrid people. Even her own waste of space mother (that woman infuriates me!!).
Sarah and Hayden together - omg. I just can't. Their banter! It made my heart so happy!!! But if you are expecting a sappy love story, then this is not the book for you. The cute and loving moments are far between because this love story is absolute toxic chaos. This is not your typical good girl and bad boy story. The emotional and mental struggles they both have are overwhelming and absolutely soul crushing. There is so much push and pull between them it is almost frustrating!!
WTF IS WITH THAT ENDING?!?!?! If my heart was struggling while reading the rest of the book then it is absolutely shattered and bleeding now!! (Ugly cries!). Cliffhanger ending which leaves you with the worst emotional hangover I have possibly ever experienced. I am praying that Damaged (Book 3) is not too far away because I don't know how I will cope in the meantime.
Vera Hollins - Bullied series is an absolute masterpiece!!!
This is one series everyone should read! Absolutely amazing!!! I cannot recommend enough.
**ARC received for an honest review**
August 31, 2019
Can anyone tell me when pained will be available to read? Please😣
February 8, 2019
This deserves more than 5 stars. The writing, the plot, THE PAIN. I love it and it’s so beautifully written. I loved the first book and this book found a whole new way to break my heart. I loved watching the changes within Hayden and Sarah as they’d come to deal with their feelings and mental health both separately and together
I also love how this isn’t your typical “innocent girl falls for bad boy who happens to be her school bully” type of book. It is a book about real problems and shows the harsh reality of life, that people normally have run their head and ignore and that’s why I love this book series so god damn much.
I also love how this isn’t your typical “innocent girl falls for bad boy who happens to be her school bully” type of book. It is a book about real problems and shows the harsh reality of life, that people normally have run their head and ignore and that’s why I love this book series so god damn much.
March 20, 2020
Vera has done it again. From the moment I picked up this book, I was hooked. Sarah and Hayden have many challenges that they have to overcome and put their love for each other up to the test but what an amazing journey to watch them overcome and fight against all odds.
This book is extremely emotional and has the ability to make you ugly cry. It is so well written that you are constantly on your toes, flipping pages to find out more and more. I am obsessed with these books and cannot wait for more!!
5 stars baby!
This book is extremely emotional and has the ability to make you ugly cry. It is so well written that you are constantly on your toes, flipping pages to find out more and more. I am obsessed with these books and cannot wait for more!!
5 stars baby!
March 25, 2020
I binged this book. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Man, this author knows how to keep the reader engaged into a story! This poor girl, never got break, my heart was hurting for her. This is fiction and I was completely submerged into her life and what she was going through. This was an amazing story, and I can’t wait to see how it wraps up, in book 3!
January 4, 2023
The story picks up where we left it.
The same angst is embedded in each page of the book. But this time we get a clearer picture inside Hayden’s mind.
Weirdly enough, I found myself giggling and full on laughing at one point. Hayden’s other side of his personality — when he isn’t consumed by his darkness — is so funny.
“You care about me,” I said quietly, my eyes closing by themselves. “No, I’m doing my community service.” He hissed when we moved up the stairs. “Come on, one leg at a time. That’s it.” His hands were so gentle around me. “Of course I do. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t care about you, Sarah.”
There’s a lot of plot development in this book compared to the first one. Not only there’s a build through their on and off relationship (somewhat. if you read it you know what I mean) but we also have what I call a second plot in the background.
So much happened that, I have to admit, at one point it drilling into my brain how ill find impossible, borderline unrealistic, events in the book. I get that it’s a fiction and that plot development is crucial. But sometimes the act of overdoing does the opposite desired effect.
Nonetheless, I adored reading about my babies and I can’t wait to read their last book. Crossing my fingers they’ll get their happy ending or I’ll throw punches!!!
“I always needed you, Sarah,”
Can’t wait to read Jess and Mel’s stories with those two dickheads, too. Because I can already feel my heart softening for them.
Seeing Blake “care” in this book, really altered my brain chemicals.
I’m on Hayden’s bed. My breathing increased. He shifted a bit closer to me, his alluring scent stirring everything in me. Relax, Sarah. Act natural. I erupted in giggles, too nervous and unable to relax. I glanced at him and found him looking at me like I’d gone crazy.
^^^ come on, I laughed so hard at this! She’s so cute.
——————
Relationship: ❤️❤️❤️
Spice: .5
Plot development: 📚📚📚📚
TW: ⚠️⚠️
Heartwarming moments: 🦋🦋
Dark romance: 🖤🖤
Angst:💔💔💔
The same angst is embedded in each page of the book. But this time we get a clearer picture inside Hayden’s mind.
Weirdly enough, I found myself giggling and full on laughing at one point. Hayden’s other side of his personality — when he isn’t consumed by his darkness — is so funny.
“You care about me,” I said quietly, my eyes closing by themselves. “No, I’m doing my community service.” He hissed when we moved up the stairs. “Come on, one leg at a time. That’s it.” His hands were so gentle around me. “Of course I do. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t care about you, Sarah.”
There’s a lot of plot development in this book compared to the first one. Not only there’s a build through their on and off relationship (somewhat. if you read it you know what I mean) but we also have what I call a second plot in the background.
So much happened that, I have to admit, at one point it drilling into my brain how ill find impossible, borderline unrealistic, events in the book. I get that it’s a fiction and that plot development is crucial. But sometimes the act of overdoing does the opposite desired effect.
Nonetheless, I adored reading about my babies and I can’t wait to read their last book. Crossing my fingers they’ll get their happy ending or I’ll throw punches!!!
“I always needed you, Sarah,”
Can’t wait to read Jess and Mel’s stories with those two dickheads, too. Because I can already feel my heart softening for them.
Seeing Blake “care” in this book, really altered my brain chemicals.
I’m on Hayden’s bed. My breathing increased. He shifted a bit closer to me, his alluring scent stirring everything in me. Relax, Sarah. Act natural. I erupted in giggles, too nervous and unable to relax. I glanced at him and found him looking at me like I’d gone crazy.
^^^ come on, I laughed so hard at this! She’s so cute.
——————
Relationship: ❤️❤️❤️
Spice: .5
Plot development: 📚📚📚📚
TW: ⚠️⚠️
Heartwarming moments: 🦋🦋
Dark romance: 🖤🖤
Angst:💔💔💔
October 25, 2021
I would've given it 4 stars if the story ended with this book. Furthermore I going to pretend that it did because I have no intention of reading the next one. Life is simply to short...
Even though the book is not lacking in originality the author overall failed to convey the reason for pull between them. What makes them so perfect for each other to overcome such a huge obstacle. I could buy it if he was smitten with her from the start but his disorder stopped him from pursuing her.. and she somehow knew that he loved her... and then after his brother died he lost his shit for a while...I mean I'm just throwing some brainstorming here... anything would bi more convincing then a story where boy hates a girl from the start and torment her for stealing his brother and she never experience anything good from him but she still fall's in love with him... if that is the case than she is the nutter here not Hayden! This story should be about her disorder as well, what ever that might be...;)
I know that I'm oversimplifying and I get that Sarah is sweet batshirt crazy 🤪 girl... and with a mother like hers she didn't have a chance for normal life and partner choice... but still my point is that the more I read characters and their motives and behaviors made less sense. I get that the author wanted originality but schizofrenie is not the way to go :D
Even though the book is not lacking in originality the author overall failed to convey the reason for pull between them. What makes them so perfect for each other to overcome such a huge obstacle. I could buy it if he was smitten with her from the start but his disorder stopped him from pursuing her.. and she somehow knew that he loved her... and then after his brother died he lost his shit for a while...I mean I'm just throwing some brainstorming here... anything would bi more convincing then a story where boy hates a girl from the start and torment her for stealing his brother and she never experience anything good from him but she still fall's in love with him... if that is the case than she is the nutter here not Hayden! This story should be about her disorder as well, what ever that might be...;)
I know that I'm oversimplifying and I get that Sarah is sweet batshirt crazy 🤪 girl... and with a mother like hers she didn't have a chance for normal life and partner choice... but still my point is that the more I read characters and their motives and behaviors made less sense. I get that the author wanted originality but schizofrenie is not the way to go :D
August 27, 2020
HOLLY HADES..... I can't stop saying this because this book was that and so much more. We continue with Sarah being bullied and Hayden trying to figure things out. He knows that he cares for Sarah but there is still something there that is keeping him away from her. We also learn that Hayden had a mental disorder and he is trying to deal with that.
So Sarah decides to start dating someone and she likes him only her heart belongs to Hayden even after all he has done to her. We get the background story about her mother and her ex boyfriend which made me understand why they moved and why Sarah thought the way she thought. There were times when I wanted to jump in the book and beat the crap out of some characters but they needed to be told and they were.
I need book three like ASAP because I need to find out some things.
So Sarah decides to start dating someone and she likes him only her heart belongs to Hayden even after all he has done to her. We get the background story about her mother and her ex boyfriend which made me understand why they moved and why Sarah thought the way she thought. There were times when I wanted to jump in the book and beat the crap out of some characters but they needed to be told and they were.
I need book three like ASAP because I need to find out some things.
April 1, 2020
Wow ! This is a definite emotional roller coaster of a ride and the push and pull between these characters is intense and the chemistry between these two have sparks flying and just when I thought Sara and Hayden would get a happily ever after boom Vera Hollins puts a twist on it ! 😩 I NEED book 2 ASAP!!! Great read definite must read to all my bully romance lovers and can’t wait for the next book to come !
*** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book ***
*** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book ***
July 13, 2020
I disliked the first book, DNF, but decided to give the second a chance and I was not disappointed. Trouble sure likes to follow poor Sarah, and I would like to see them happy together. The writing's also improved and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 22, 2022
utter chaos but i ate it all up
July 13, 2020
It took me a few days to process this book. I’ve waited so long for this book and omg there are so many feelings
First off, I love how much more comfortable Sarah is getting with Jessica and Melissa. I love seeing them all interact. And Mateo is so sweet with her, giving her time, I feel bad for him when she breaks up with him. Also, on the topic of Mateo, I love how much his Grandpa, Jonathan loves Sarah. At the end when she was in the hospital had me in tears.
On the other hand, her mom is still a POS. I still can’t stand the woman. I hope there is a way she can redeem herself in the next book. I felt bad for her while they were kidnapped and got her kneecaps broken. But then how she treated Sarah when she was in the hospital was awful.
Now on to Hayden. I just love how much he’s grown in this book. He was mean to Sarah, but it was understandable due to what she did and said at the end of the first book. And when he was crying after overhearing what Sarah said about lying that day at the hospital. I love how he finally lets Sarah see the silly goofy side of him. I just love them so much. When they’re in his bedroom finishing up their project, that’s my all time favorite part of the book.
There are so many ups and downs, but they’re getting better. I can’t not wait for Damaged when it comes out.
As always Vera, you write pure magic
First off, I love how much more comfortable Sarah is getting with Jessica and Melissa. I love seeing them all interact. And Mateo is so sweet with her, giving her time, I feel bad for him when she breaks up with him. Also, on the topic of Mateo, I love how much his Grandpa, Jonathan loves Sarah. At the end when she was in the hospital had me in tears.
On the other hand, her mom is still a POS. I still can’t stand the woman. I hope there is a way she can redeem herself in the next book. I felt bad for her while they were kidnapped and got her kneecaps broken. But then how she treated Sarah when she was in the hospital was awful.
Now on to Hayden. I just love how much he’s grown in this book. He was mean to Sarah, but it was understandable due to what she did and said at the end of the first book. And when he was crying after overhearing what Sarah said about lying that day at the hospital. I love how he finally lets Sarah see the silly goofy side of him. I just love them so much. When they’re in his bedroom finishing up their project, that’s my all time favorite part of the book.
There are so many ups and downs, but they’re getting better. I can’t not wait for Damaged when it comes out.
As always Vera, you write pure magic
November 1, 2020
I just love stories that completely grab your attention and refuse to let you go. I was so immersed in Bullied, the first book in the series, that I immediately purchased Pained. We were left with a pretty big cliffhanger, and I felt compelled to find out what happened next. And let me tell you, Pained is emotional and impossible to put down!
I feel connected to Sarah in many ways, and I just hoped that things would get better for her. I wished that she would get stronger and stand up for herself more. I was pleased that she started, but she still has a long way to go.
I also felt heartbroken for Sarah, and I kept hoping that things would be getting better for her. But, sadly that didn’t happen. I just wanted to hug her and tell her to believe in herself. I was happy that Hayden seemed to make a positive turn, although having Borderline Personality Disorder was difficult for them both.
I’m so in love with these characters that I need to read the next book, and I just hope that Sarah and Hayden get the break they deserve!
I feel connected to Sarah in many ways, and I just hoped that things would get better for her. I wished that she would get stronger and stand up for herself more. I was pleased that she started, but she still has a long way to go.
I also felt heartbroken for Sarah, and I kept hoping that things would be getting better for her. But, sadly that didn’t happen. I just wanted to hug her and tell her to believe in herself. I was happy that Hayden seemed to make a positive turn, although having Borderline Personality Disorder was difficult for them both.
I’m so in love with these characters that I need to read the next book, and I just hope that Sarah and Hayden get the break they deserve!
September 27, 2025
Very boring. I didn't even finish.
Also fuck Hayden, he can crawl into a goddamn hole for all I care. I honestly wish I avoided this book and didn't give it a chance. I really wish i didn't waste my time, but anyways, let me explain why I only read a few chapters and decided to just say... fuck it, I'm done with this book.
This book is a devastating and irresponsible continuation of the toxic foundation established in the first. I must stress that this book deserves no more than 1 out of 5 stars because its central message is a profound betrayal of the reader and the heroine. The entire purpose of this book is to systematically destroy the possibility of a healthy life for Sarah and violently force her back into the orbit of her abuser, Hayden.
The opening chapters immediately establish the toxic narrative trajectory. In Chapter 1, Sarah is shown finally establishing a life: she has loyal friends and a kind, attentive boyfriend, Mateo. Yet, the entire chapter works overtime to undermine this peace. Despite Mateo being "thoughtful" and treating her "like an angel," Sarah is consumed by guilt, admitting it’s "unfair" to be with him while she still harbors conflicting feelings for Hayden—the criminal who physically assaulted her. The scene where she is in Hayden’s presence is agonizing: she is hurt and rejected when he ignores her, and even when he intervenes to stop a minor bully from pushing a drink on her, he turns and calls her a "slut" and a "cheater," snarling that he wants to "crush" her more than ever. The narrative introduces a manufactured, twisted longing in the heroine to justify her obsession with the man who hates and abuses her, rather than with the man who loves her.
This internal confusion is then dragged through Chapter 2. Sarah’s life is shown to be objectively improving: the bullying has stopped, her grades are good, and she has friends. But the narrative relentlessly focuses on the one thing that is "wrong, wrong, wrong"—her feelings for Hayden. The chapter introduces Christine, a former friend who physically attacks Sarah and vandalizes her locker with the word "Slut," the same word Hayden just used. Yet, the narrative quickly shifts Sarah's concern away from this immediate, new abuse and back to Hayden. She agonizes over his indifference, questioning why Christine used that word, and worrying about Hayden's distant treatment, completely neglecting the threat from Christine. This structure tells the reader that the heroine’s greatest fear is not the violence she endures, but the lack of attention from her abuser.
This toxic groundwork culminates in the final, unconscionable push to destruction. In Chapter 3, the narrative sets up Sarah's kind, stable boyfriend, Mateo, for failure, making Sarah's inability to fully trust him—due to years of trauma—seem like her critical failure. This manipulation culminates when Sarah, driven by a deeply ingrained need to protect others, abandons Mateo to use the pepper spray she bought for her own self-defense to save Hayden from a parking lot brawl. What is the consequence of her selfless act? Not gratitude, but contempt. Hayden’s response is one of unbridled rage and disrespect, screaming that she is stupid and declaring, "You’re definitely not my savior!" This criminal abuser is telling his victim that her attempt to protect his life means nothing, while simultaneously making Mateo's anger at her running off seem like jealousy. This is narrative gaslighting at its most vicious.
This emotional trauma then explodes in Chapter 4, where the book completes its moral collapse. Sarah is consumed by raging guilt after seeing Hayden’s dark poetry, believing that her decision to set a necessary boundary was a "careless, cruel mistake" that might have triggered him. This moment is utterly repugnant because the book is demanding that the victim take responsibility for the emotional stability of the criminal who sexually assaulted her. The author uses the shield of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) to facilitate this blame shift, even employing the revelation of Hayden's father's BPD-related suicide to manipulate the reader into pitying the attacker and excusing his crimes. Let this be clear: BPD is not a free pass for committing violence and assault! This manipulative misuse of mental illness is dangerously stigmatizing and deeply irresponsible. This entire, emotionally manipulative process ultimately pushes Sarah to the predictable, awful conclusion: she leaves Mateo because the guilt and confusion finally make her believe she still loves Hayden. This is not a choice born of healing; it is a traumatic regression that proves the series' sole, destructive purpose. When you consider that the second bully, Blake, who brutally assaulted Jessica, is also set up to be her love interest later, the conclusion is undeniable: this series demands that victims embrace their trauma and love their abusers. This is a total moral failure that promotes dangerous, toxic ideas about love and accountability.
What is truly TERRIFYING is seeing the high ratings and massive popularity this series has achieved. Its success is a direct reflection of how uneducated many people remain about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The book's central premise—that Hayden's cruel, calculated, and criminal actions are justified because of his BPD and "intense emotions"—is a dangerous, irresponsible lie. This narrative is not only factually wrong but actively stigmatizing. It reinforces the damaging misconception that individuals living with BPD are inherently violent, malicious, or incapable of being held accountable for their actions. By using BPD as a simple, tragic excuse for a sadist, the author exploits a serious mental health condition to create cheap drama, teaching readers that emotional instability absolves abusers and that victims are responsible for managing their partner's illness. This book should be avoided.
Also fuck Hayden, he can crawl into a goddamn hole for all I care. I honestly wish I avoided this book and didn't give it a chance. I really wish i didn't waste my time, but anyways, let me explain why I only read a few chapters and decided to just say... fuck it, I'm done with this book.
This book is a devastating and irresponsible continuation of the toxic foundation established in the first. I must stress that this book deserves no more than 1 out of 5 stars because its central message is a profound betrayal of the reader and the heroine. The entire purpose of this book is to systematically destroy the possibility of a healthy life for Sarah and violently force her back into the orbit of her abuser, Hayden.
The opening chapters immediately establish the toxic narrative trajectory. In Chapter 1, Sarah is shown finally establishing a life: she has loyal friends and a kind, attentive boyfriend, Mateo. Yet, the entire chapter works overtime to undermine this peace. Despite Mateo being "thoughtful" and treating her "like an angel," Sarah is consumed by guilt, admitting it’s "unfair" to be with him while she still harbors conflicting feelings for Hayden—the criminal who physically assaulted her. The scene where she is in Hayden’s presence is agonizing: she is hurt and rejected when he ignores her, and even when he intervenes to stop a minor bully from pushing a drink on her, he turns and calls her a "slut" and a "cheater," snarling that he wants to "crush" her more than ever. The narrative introduces a manufactured, twisted longing in the heroine to justify her obsession with the man who hates and abuses her, rather than with the man who loves her.
This internal confusion is then dragged through Chapter 2. Sarah’s life is shown to be objectively improving: the bullying has stopped, her grades are good, and she has friends. But the narrative relentlessly focuses on the one thing that is "wrong, wrong, wrong"—her feelings for Hayden. The chapter introduces Christine, a former friend who physically attacks Sarah and vandalizes her locker with the word "Slut," the same word Hayden just used. Yet, the narrative quickly shifts Sarah's concern away from this immediate, new abuse and back to Hayden. She agonizes over his indifference, questioning why Christine used that word, and worrying about Hayden's distant treatment, completely neglecting the threat from Christine. This structure tells the reader that the heroine’s greatest fear is not the violence she endures, but the lack of attention from her abuser.
This toxic groundwork culminates in the final, unconscionable push to destruction. In Chapter 3, the narrative sets up Sarah's kind, stable boyfriend, Mateo, for failure, making Sarah's inability to fully trust him—due to years of trauma—seem like her critical failure. This manipulation culminates when Sarah, driven by a deeply ingrained need to protect others, abandons Mateo to use the pepper spray she bought for her own self-defense to save Hayden from a parking lot brawl. What is the consequence of her selfless act? Not gratitude, but contempt. Hayden’s response is one of unbridled rage and disrespect, screaming that she is stupid and declaring, "You’re definitely not my savior!" This criminal abuser is telling his victim that her attempt to protect his life means nothing, while simultaneously making Mateo's anger at her running off seem like jealousy. This is narrative gaslighting at its most vicious.
This emotional trauma then explodes in Chapter 4, where the book completes its moral collapse. Sarah is consumed by raging guilt after seeing Hayden’s dark poetry, believing that her decision to set a necessary boundary was a "careless, cruel mistake" that might have triggered him. This moment is utterly repugnant because the book is demanding that the victim take responsibility for the emotional stability of the criminal who sexually assaulted her. The author uses the shield of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) to facilitate this blame shift, even employing the revelation of Hayden's father's BPD-related suicide to manipulate the reader into pitying the attacker and excusing his crimes. Let this be clear: BPD is not a free pass for committing violence and assault! This manipulative misuse of mental illness is dangerously stigmatizing and deeply irresponsible. This entire, emotionally manipulative process ultimately pushes Sarah to the predictable, awful conclusion: she leaves Mateo because the guilt and confusion finally make her believe she still loves Hayden. This is not a choice born of healing; it is a traumatic regression that proves the series' sole, destructive purpose. When you consider that the second bully, Blake, who brutally assaulted Jessica, is also set up to be her love interest later, the conclusion is undeniable: this series demands that victims embrace their trauma and love their abusers. This is a total moral failure that promotes dangerous, toxic ideas about love and accountability.
What is truly TERRIFYING is seeing the high ratings and massive popularity this series has achieved. Its success is a direct reflection of how uneducated many people remain about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The book's central premise—that Hayden's cruel, calculated, and criminal actions are justified because of his BPD and "intense emotions"—is a dangerous, irresponsible lie. This narrative is not only factually wrong but actively stigmatizing. It reinforces the damaging misconception that individuals living with BPD are inherently violent, malicious, or incapable of being held accountable for their actions. By using BPD as a simple, tragic excuse for a sadist, the author exploits a serious mental health condition to create cheap drama, teaching readers that emotional instability absolves abusers and that victims are responsible for managing their partner's illness. This book should be avoided.
March 31, 2020
Truly amazing!
When I first read the first book, I thought that nothing can beat it, but I was so wrong!
This book is even better, because we finally get to see a big part of the darkness inside Hayden. I felt all of Sarah's emotions and I found myself even laughing and cursing!
I would recommend this book to anyone who is into deeply emotional romance books. I'm a teenager (16yrs old) and I think it's pretty suitable for this age as well, because it deals with more than BPD, it also deals with low self-esteem and depression.
All in all, read this book, you won't regret it!
P.S. Can't wait for "Damaged" to come out!
When I first read the first book, I thought that nothing can beat it, but I was so wrong!
This book is even better, because we finally get to see a big part of the darkness inside Hayden. I felt all of Sarah's emotions and I found myself even laughing and cursing!
I would recommend this book to anyone who is into deeply emotional romance books. I'm a teenager (16yrs old) and I think it's pretty suitable for this age as well, because it deals with more than BPD, it also deals with low self-esteem and depression.
All in all, read this book, you won't regret it!
P.S. Can't wait for "Damaged" to come out!
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