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Heavy Hearts #1
Heavy
They see my smiles. Fake!
They see my confidence. It's an act!
They see my control. It's the mask I wear!
I can never tell anyone about my vile truth. The shame and disgust I carry are becoming too much, and I'm struggling to hold it all together. But while I seem to be able to fool my friends, the new boy isn't so easily fooled.
When bearing the burden becomes too much, the vile truth is all that is left.
I am Lexi West, and this is my nightmare!
***Heavy is the first book in the Heavy Hearts series, and does end on a cliff-hanger. PLEASE NOTE: Heavy is a dark contemporary romance that contains subjects that may be triggering to some readers, including, but not limited to: abuse, non-consensual acts, demeaning acts, and emotional and physical blackmail.
They see my confidence. It's an act!
They see my control. It's the mask I wear!
I can never tell anyone about my vile truth. The shame and disgust I carry are becoming too much, and I'm struggling to hold it all together. But while I seem to be able to fool my friends, the new boy isn't so easily fooled.
When bearing the burden becomes too much, the vile truth is all that is left.
I am Lexi West, and this is my nightmare!
***Heavy is the first book in the Heavy Hearts series, and does end on a cliff-hanger. PLEASE NOTE: Heavy is a dark contemporary romance that contains subjects that may be triggering to some readers, including, but not limited to: abuse, non-consensual acts, demeaning acts, and emotional and physical blackmail.
354 pages, ebook
Published November 25, 2020
680 people are currently reading
1258 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Jane Duncan
5 books470 followersSarah JD, also known as Sarah Jane Duncan, is a dark romance author living in Australia with Mr Duncan who stole her off the market back in high school.
Sarah can be found in her writing room plotting out her next smut filled romance filled with angst, violence, and themes so dark you should probably question why you love it so much.
Sarah writes about strong females who have to fight against the odds to find their power, their voice, and their truth. Her heroines possess the strength that only comes from being a survivor, and through their trauma, battles and struggles, they learn to trust again, and find love.
There’s nothing easy about their stories. They are hard, gritty, and painfully heartbreaking at times. But what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? And when you throw in a swoon worthy guy, or an alphahole that you just want to slap, but also fall to your knees and obey, it’s the recipe for a rollercoaster ride.
So buckle up. Read the warnings. And let yourself get lost in the dark stories Sarah creates.
Sarah can be found in her writing room plotting out her next smut filled romance filled with angst, violence, and themes so dark you should probably question why you love it so much.
Sarah writes about strong females who have to fight against the odds to find their power, their voice, and their truth. Her heroines possess the strength that only comes from being a survivor, and through their trauma, battles and struggles, they learn to trust again, and find love.
There’s nothing easy about their stories. They are hard, gritty, and painfully heartbreaking at times. But what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? And when you throw in a swoon worthy guy, or an alphahole that you just want to slap, but also fall to your knees and obey, it’s the recipe for a rollercoaster ride.
So buckle up. Read the warnings. And let yourself get lost in the dark stories Sarah creates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
February 18, 2021
AH! So I read the blurb, but it doesn’t do the book justice! SO good! Heavy is a fitting title because this is definitely a heavy read! The FMC is so strong yet so vulnerable (rightfully so!). I cannot say enough good things about this book! I cannot wait for the next book!
February 19, 2021
I was a bit apprehensive going into this one if I'm being completely honest. The blurb and the trigger warnings were quite cryptic to me. So I kinda went into this one a bit blind, but wow. This book was, is it too clichè if I say heavy? It was the kind of book that you're not sure you're ready for and then smacks you in the face and you can't put it down!
The trigger warning is definitely needed, there were some scenes which really affected me, and I'm not used to actually feeling triggered when reading, this is just testament to Sarah's amazing writing and story telling. The genre and the situations in the novel just feel so relevant and current, issues of mental health and feelings of abandonment, betrayal, abuse, struggling, never feeling like you deserve anybody or you'll drag people down if you left them in, they're such raw emotions and you can really feel them radiating off the pages! Completely gobsmacked at how this novel made me feel. Kudos Sarah!
Lexi is a teenage girl who has experienced more in a short 17 years than anybody should ever experience in a lifetime. My heart actually hurt for her. She refuses to let people see the real her, she struggles mentally, and she just has the weight of the world on her shoulders. That is until Ayden turns up, someone whom also has a dark past and previous trauma, and its like he's got tunnel vision for her. He sees through everything and manages to embed himself in her life, and thank God he does! Ayden is such a beautiful MC, the most patient, understanding, compassionate and sweetest guy I think I've ever read! He can relate so much to Lexi and is there with her through it all!
The ending of this book was insane, I got myself so wound up with what happened! But look, this is book 1 in the Heavy Hearts series, so we expected a cliff hanger, but its going to be a painful wait until book 2 comes out!
The trigger warning is definitely needed, there were some scenes which really affected me, and I'm not used to actually feeling triggered when reading, this is just testament to Sarah's amazing writing and story telling. The genre and the situations in the novel just feel so relevant and current, issues of mental health and feelings of abandonment, betrayal, abuse, struggling, never feeling like you deserve anybody or you'll drag people down if you left them in, they're such raw emotions and you can really feel them radiating off the pages! Completely gobsmacked at how this novel made me feel. Kudos Sarah!
Lexi is a teenage girl who has experienced more in a short 17 years than anybody should ever experience in a lifetime. My heart actually hurt for her. She refuses to let people see the real her, she struggles mentally, and she just has the weight of the world on her shoulders. That is until Ayden turns up, someone whom also has a dark past and previous trauma, and its like he's got tunnel vision for her. He sees through everything and manages to embed himself in her life, and thank God he does! Ayden is such a beautiful MC, the most patient, understanding, compassionate and sweetest guy I think I've ever read! He can relate so much to Lexi and is there with her through it all!
The ending of this book was insane, I got myself so wound up with what happened! But look, this is book 1 in the Heavy Hearts series, so we expected a cliff hanger, but its going to be a painful wait until book 2 comes out!
March 30, 2021
The title of this books fits it perfectly. This book gripped me by the heart strings and never let go. This book pulls you deep into Lexi’s life & struggles. Lexi is so strong and yet she doesn’t even realize it. Ayden is ready to help fight her demons however he hasn’t finished fighting his own. This book was hard to put down but every now and then you just need to breath to get through the next chapter/chapters. I am so excited for book 2. Will start that book once my tears dry and I can see properly. I am totally on Lexi’s side.
August 30, 2021
Wow Lexi
This book is not rainbows and sunshine but it is entertaining. She makes so many mistakes but some of that is due to her upbringing. Thank goodness for noisy neighbors.
This book is not rainbows and sunshine but it is entertaining. She makes so many mistakes but some of that is due to her upbringing. Thank goodness for noisy neighbors.
March 21, 2021
This was a very dark book and before yoh read it you should read the trigger warnings.
But apart from that this book was so good. It sucked ne right in. It has a nice plot and lots of action. The right amount of romance and sexy scenes!
But apart from that this book was so good. It sucked ne right in. It has a nice plot and lots of action. The right amount of romance and sexy scenes!
September 12, 2022
Okay so I started with the Kitten series. You can totally read that first and still be enthralled in Lexi’s world. The only thing i’d say I know for sure is how her Ayden end.
I was enchanted from the beginning. It was wild ride and it kept getting more suspenseful. I have questions i’m hoping are answered as I keep reading the series!
Obsessed will be adding to the paperback collection
I was enchanted from the beginning. It was wild ride and it kept getting more suspenseful. I have questions i’m hoping are answered as I keep reading the series!
Obsessed will be adding to the paperback collection
May 13, 2024
4 ⭐️ for now. That may change. Was it a literary masterpiece, no. Did it suck me in and dagger me in the heart, yes. Gut wrenching! Dark themes so check triggers. Emotionally invested in Lexi and Aydens journey 😭💔.
September 7, 2022
I was absolutely looking forward to reading this book, but I didn’t realize just how much I would love it and the way it broke my heart! Well done on the cliffhanger, it had me in tears, and I immediately ran for book 2.
Our fmc Alexis is obviously weighed down by shame and fear, keeping all her secrets locked up tight until everything at home starts to unravel. The chaos she endures in her young life at the hands of her family is heartbreaking and very depraved. This book is dark, so if triggers are an issue for you make sure to know your limits before you read. I love that the author writes about such heavy topics, and gives us a glimpse into the mind & thoughts of the abused.
It shows their vulnerability and the mindset they’re in while making decisions. My emotions were definitely pushed and pulled and very uncomfortable. Heartbreaking. Fearful. Angry. Sad.
I recommend this book with caution to the trigger warnings by the author. Know your limits before reading.
Our fmc Alexis is obviously weighed down by shame and fear, keeping all her secrets locked up tight until everything at home starts to unravel. The chaos she endures in her young life at the hands of her family is heartbreaking and very depraved. This book is dark, so if triggers are an issue for you make sure to know your limits before you read. I love that the author writes about such heavy topics, and gives us a glimpse into the mind & thoughts of the abused.
It shows their vulnerability and the mindset they’re in while making decisions. My emotions were definitely pushed and pulled and very uncomfortable. Heartbreaking. Fearful. Angry. Sad.
I recommend this book with caution to the trigger warnings by the author. Know your limits before reading.
February 18, 2021
There are truly no words to describe the words inside this book. The title portrays it perfectly. Heavy is an understatement. Trying to describe the things Lexi has been through and continues to go through is devastating. Ok let me first say this book was amazing. I don't tend to go for m/f that much anymore but I really wanted to read this one. It just pulled me in right from the start and just made me want to pluck Lexi out of the book to come live with me. She has been abused, betrayed, laughed at, and subjected to things no one should ever be. But she maintains this innocence about her that is just inspiring. The people that are supposed to never break that trust, are the ones who broke her but she still keeps fighting. She then meets Ayden. Ayden speaks to her darkness and he gets her to start to trust again. Even with all of the drama and scary situations, she still believes in love. Let me rephrase. She wants to TRY to believe in love again but this is starting to prove hard as well. Ayden is also someone with a past as well and something devastating happens that is now pushing the limits of everything that is holding them together. It ends on a pretty big cliffhanger and I was left reeling. This made me question everything. Are they strong enough? What is going to happen? I need to know now and that is what makes this book so good. It is dark, twisted, full of triggers and everything I never know I needed. I cried, got angry, pretty much went through all of the emotions. This book will bring it out of you. Make sure you are home when you read this. You will need a Kleenex, and maybe a stiff drink after you are done..A MUST READ
January 14, 2021
Soul-Crushingly Addictive
I came into this blind.
To say that I didn’t expect what this book gave me is an understatement. Yes, I read the blurb. But good lord did Sarah blind-side me with the level of intense emotions and complexities of this story!
That being said, Heavy IS a heavy read. Do not go into this lightly. It is an addictive, heart-wrenching story that captures the infinite struggles of a girl who has perfected the lie of a smile. This story not so delicately rips the rose colored glasses off. As basic as that is, it’s all I can give you in order for this story to hit you the way it deserves.
Not only did Sarah do such an amazing job of grabbing the reader’s attention to the story itself, but she gave an actual physical need to be there with the characters. She took a hold of my empathy switch and turned it to an all time high. I felt every single demon Lexie fought along the way and I CAN NOT wait to see who she becomes.
I don’t have enough good things to say about this book, and I know I could rave forever with how I’m feeling about it right now. All I can say is to give this book a chance. Each and every word was written with intent. You WILL NOT regret it!
I came into this blind.
To say that I didn’t expect what this book gave me is an understatement. Yes, I read the blurb. But good lord did Sarah blind-side me with the level of intense emotions and complexities of this story!
That being said, Heavy IS a heavy read. Do not go into this lightly. It is an addictive, heart-wrenching story that captures the infinite struggles of a girl who has perfected the lie of a smile. This story not so delicately rips the rose colored glasses off. As basic as that is, it’s all I can give you in order for this story to hit you the way it deserves.
Not only did Sarah do such an amazing job of grabbing the reader’s attention to the story itself, but she gave an actual physical need to be there with the characters. She took a hold of my empathy switch and turned it to an all time high. I felt every single demon Lexie fought along the way and I CAN NOT wait to see who she becomes.
I don’t have enough good things to say about this book, and I know I could rave forever with how I’m feeling about it right now. All I can say is to give this book a chance. Each and every word was written with intent. You WILL NOT regret it!
December 29, 2021
Heavy is definitely a perfect title for this book.
Alexis's world is definitely falling apart. Those who are meant to be there for her are letting her down and letting the monsters into her life.
Bad things and heartbreaking situations keep happening and the new boy Ayden can see the pain in her eyes.
This story just broke my heart and made me fall in love with a new book boyfriend that falls in love hard and will do whatever he can to save his girl.
Life is definitely not easy and these two definitely have a huge amount of drama and pain that needs to be worked through and I am desperate to read the next book and see what comes next.
Be prepared this book does end with an amazing, heart stopping, scream at the author and throw your Kindle across the room cliffhanger and I am now about to slide into Sarah's dm's and beg for the next book.
Alexis's world is definitely falling apart. Those who are meant to be there for her are letting her down and letting the monsters into her life.
Bad things and heartbreaking situations keep happening and the new boy Ayden can see the pain in her eyes.
This story just broke my heart and made me fall in love with a new book boyfriend that falls in love hard and will do whatever he can to save his girl.
Life is definitely not easy and these two definitely have a huge amount of drama and pain that needs to be worked through and I am desperate to read the next book and see what comes next.
Be prepared this book does end with an amazing, heart stopping, scream at the author and throw your Kindle across the room cliffhanger and I am now about to slide into Sarah's dm's and beg for the next book.
March 6, 2021
Sarah is a new to me author and also still fairly new to the book world herself, so I had no expectations going into this but I gotta say it was well worth diving in blind because I loved it!
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I wasn’t expecting the emotional intensity so that was a welcome surprise. The characters were well written and developed. Their journey together and individually was incredible to read. It was such a page turner with so many highs and lows that I was captivated. There wasn’t a moment where the story was stagnant. The flow was nice and was easy to read. The plot was well written and clear to follow. The world was a little vague here and there but I enjoyed it all the same.
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I can’t wait to discover more by Sarah and I need more of this because I love when a book grips you emotionally and takes you on a ride. I love when story’s impact you in some way and this one was no exception. Well done!
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I wasn’t expecting the emotional intensity so that was a welcome surprise. The characters were well written and developed. Their journey together and individually was incredible to read. It was such a page turner with so many highs and lows that I was captivated. There wasn’t a moment where the story was stagnant. The flow was nice and was easy to read. The plot was well written and clear to follow. The world was a little vague here and there but I enjoyed it all the same.
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I can’t wait to discover more by Sarah and I need more of this because I love when a book grips you emotionally and takes you on a ride. I love when story’s impact you in some way and this one was no exception. Well done!
March 17, 2021
I am a huge fan of dark books and this certainly was right up that alley. I was in awe of how much pain and suffering a 17 year old girl could possibly had gone through in her only 17 years of life.
When Lexi and Ayden meet, he instantly becomes her crutch. She leans on him and he allows it because he totally can relate to how she is feeling.
I felt as broken as the main female character did because I can't imagine how it feels to have to go through everything she has gone through in her young life. I would certainly hate to have to fend for myself at such a young age in such a dangerous world.
I can't wait for the 2nd installment to continue this ride with Lexi and Ayden.
5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
When Lexi and Ayden meet, he instantly becomes her crutch. She leans on him and he allows it because he totally can relate to how she is feeling.
I felt as broken as the main female character did because I can't imagine how it feels to have to go through everything she has gone through in her young life. I would certainly hate to have to fend for myself at such a young age in such a dangerous world.
I can't wait for the 2nd installment to continue this ride with Lexi and Ayden.
5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
February 17, 2021
Stephannie's 5 Star Review: Alexis or Lexi's world is definitely falling apart around her but no one can see that because she seems fine from the outside looking in. The new boy in school Ayden can see her pain and becomes her rock. Bad things just keep on happening to Lexi and with no one to trust she turns to Ayden.
Heavy is heavy. It is perfectly written to make you addicted to it. This story is heart-wrenching and captures you. I read it cover to cover and need and want more. The cliffhanger broke me and I am at a loss for what will come next. This is an amazingly written story that calls to you.
Heavy is heavy. It is perfectly written to make you addicted to it. This story is heart-wrenching and captures you. I read it cover to cover and need and want more. The cliffhanger broke me and I am at a loss for what will come next. This is an amazingly written story that calls to you.
February 16, 2021
Heavy is true to its name in every sense of the word. I cried through most of it. So a huge box of tissues is a must.
It's filled with lots of twists and turns with a cliffhanger from hell. So prepare yourself to wait for book two. But I have no doubt it will be worth it.
There's so much I want to say but I'm afraid it will give things away and there's no way I'm putting spoilers in this review! If I have to suffer heartbreak mixed with happy tears and ugly cries, then you do too!
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
It's filled with lots of twists and turns with a cliffhanger from hell. So prepare yourself to wait for book two. But I have no doubt it will be worth it.
There's so much I want to say but I'm afraid it will give things away and there's no way I'm putting spoilers in this review! If I have to suffer heartbreak mixed with happy tears and ugly cries, then you do too!
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
March 26, 2021
This book is intense! It’s definitely named “Heavy”
For a reason. Poor Lexi is a teen who legitimately everyone has failed and/or abused. She finally finds her safe and happy place with Ayden and his family but Ayden’s got demons of his own. The issues that these two face both separately and together seem insurmountable, and you will be sucked into their world rooting for them both. Lexi is headed for disaster at the moment and I’m eager to get to the next book where I’m crossing my fingers for an HEA for her!
For a reason. Poor Lexi is a teen who legitimately everyone has failed and/or abused. She finally finds her safe and happy place with Ayden and his family but Ayden’s got demons of his own. The issues that these two face both separately and together seem insurmountable, and you will be sucked into their world rooting for them both. Lexi is headed for disaster at the moment and I’m eager to get to the next book where I’m crossing my fingers for an HEA for her!
January 6, 2021
I just finished Heavy, and words are failing me.
This book is black as night, with solid, amazing, and realistic characters.
I felt like I was there with Lexi.
I panicked with her.
I hid with her.
I laughed with her.
I dared hope with her.
One thing is certain; if you’re not reading the book you’re missing out!
This book is black as night, with solid, amazing, and realistic characters.
I felt like I was there with Lexi.
I panicked with her.
I hid with her.
I laughed with her.
I dared hope with her.
One thing is certain; if you’re not reading the book you’re missing out!
April 1, 2021
Grab the tissues!
This book is a soul crushing read that will make you ugly cry. It also leaves you hanging for the rest of Lexi's story. She's a damaged character who is unbelievably strong. Bring on book number 2!
This book is a soul crushing read that will make you ugly cry. It also leaves you hanging for the rest of Lexi's story. She's a damaged character who is unbelievably strong. Bring on book number 2!
January 16, 2021
What a talented author you are Sarah I really enjoyed the book it kept me reading can’t wait to read more of Lexis story great work.
December 9, 2023
This is my first book from this author and I have to say how have I not heard of Sarah Jane Duncan before!!! This book is fantastic! And the title says it all yes it's a Heavy read but by gosh it gets you in all your feels.
Lexi oh gosh my heart breaks 💔 for this poor girl! I don't know how she stays strong throughout this story, her life is tough and she goes thru the mill. Her mother is an addict, her father doesn't want to know, and is always "away for work" then we have her half brother Mike who is currently living with her , he's just been released from prison......he's physically abusing Lexi and you can tell he wants to take it further too, she desperately wants to get away from her life but doesn't know how or what to do Then she meets the new guy in town Ayden and omg!!! He's lush!! He instantly feels a connection with Lexi and she does with him too.
Ayden also has a dark past it's painful and it brings them closer! Can Ayden save Lexi from her current situation? Can they save each other from their own demons? Honestly this is a super fantastic story and I can't wait for book two!!
Lexi oh gosh my heart breaks 💔 for this poor girl! I don't know how she stays strong throughout this story, her life is tough and she goes thru the mill. Her mother is an addict, her father doesn't want to know, and is always "away for work" then we have her half brother Mike who is currently living with her , he's just been released from prison......he's physically abusing Lexi and you can tell he wants to take it further too, she desperately wants to get away from her life but doesn't know how or what to do Then she meets the new guy in town Ayden and omg!!! He's lush!! He instantly feels a connection with Lexi and she does with him too.
Ayden also has a dark past it's painful and it brings them closer! Can Ayden save Lexi from her current situation? Can they save each other from their own demons? Honestly this is a super fantastic story and I can't wait for book two!!
September 20, 2022
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
WOW!! This book was so amazing and definitely a roller coaster of emotions!! The main emotion is heartbreak 💔 In reading Lexi’s story, you wonder how she could possibly stay so strong, and deal with her extremely hard life alone. It’s so heartbreaking!! Lexi is an amazing FMC 💙 I applaud Sarah JD for writing Lexi’s story so realistically, and writing such a wonderful story ♥️ I absolutely fell in love with Ayden 🤩 Lexi also had a fantastic, and protective group, of guy friends 😍 I wasn’t too crazy about her group of girl friends. They were a little catty and selfish. Even Lexi’s best friend was a little self centered, but she was a teenager, with her first boyfriend. Lexi’s family are horrible horrible people!! I can’t wait to read Book 2!!
Lexi is a popular teenager, who seems to have it all. She’s got the same group of friends shes had since childhood, but unfortunately Lexi has to wear her mask of secrets. Her mother is an addict, who neglects her, her father is always gone for “work,” and her half brother is currently living at her house, since being released from prison. He’s also the biggest drug dealer in town. Mike, Lexi’s brother, physically abuses her and really wants to sexually abuse her, too. Ayden, the new boy in school and one of Lexi’s friend’s cousin, feels a connection with Lexi. They both connect with each other right away. Ayden sees Lexi’s pain, because he also has a painful and dark past. Can Ayden and Lexi save each other from the other’s demons…..🖤
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🖤
WOW!! This book was so amazing and definitely a roller coaster of emotions!! The main emotion is heartbreak 💔 In reading Lexi’s story, you wonder how she could possibly stay so strong, and deal with her extremely hard life alone. It’s so heartbreaking!! Lexi is an amazing FMC 💙 I applaud Sarah JD for writing Lexi’s story so realistically, and writing such a wonderful story ♥️ I absolutely fell in love with Ayden 🤩 Lexi also had a fantastic, and protective group, of guy friends 😍 I wasn’t too crazy about her group of girl friends. They were a little catty and selfish. Even Lexi’s best friend was a little self centered, but she was a teenager, with her first boyfriend. Lexi’s family are horrible horrible people!! I can’t wait to read Book 2!!
Lexi is a popular teenager, who seems to have it all. She’s got the same group of friends shes had since childhood, but unfortunately Lexi has to wear her mask of secrets. Her mother is an addict, who neglects her, her father is always gone for “work,” and her half brother is currently living at her house, since being released from prison. He’s also the biggest drug dealer in town. Mike, Lexi’s brother, physically abuses her and really wants to sexually abuse her, too. Ayden, the new boy in school and one of Lexi’s friend’s cousin, feels a connection with Lexi. They both connect with each other right away. Ayden sees Lexi’s pain, because he also has a painful and dark past. Can Ayden and Lexi save each other from the other’s demons…..🖤
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🖤
September 13, 2022
4,5⭐
It's easy to smile when the world in front of you is cheerful, untroubled. It's easy to let yourself go, to believe in others, to live peacefully. It's easy to look strong as the secrets pile up more and more, trying to defeat the walls created around them. False! Nothing is easy for Alexis when she stops pretending. Once she crosses the threshold of what she once called "home". Where instead of a family, a full table and happy memories, darkness, indifference, her worst nightmares await.
She can lie to the whole world, but that doesn't make her any less vulnerable. And it's precisely what others don't see that draws Ayden to her. Because two similar souls, who have known pain and transformed it into strength, will always know how to recognize each other. They know how to heal each other's wounds, how to fill gaps with love, seal promises with a simple handstreight . It doesn't matter how much time passed since their paths have crossed. Their bond is stronger than any reasoning.
But what if, just when Lexi finds a serenity never felt before in Ayden's arms, the past comes back to destroy them once and for all? When happiness has an unaffordable price to pay?
This novel has kept me in suspense for most of the time! The author's writing style is full of descriptions, emotions, it leads you into the lives of the protagonists page after page, as they struggle together to stay afloat. As the title implies, their experience is not easy, even if in this first volume the attention is focused much more on Alexis. Get ready, this is just the beginning of their intense and tormented history. I can't wait to continue reading it.
It's easy to smile when the world in front of you is cheerful, untroubled. It's easy to let yourself go, to believe in others, to live peacefully. It's easy to look strong as the secrets pile up more and more, trying to defeat the walls created around them. False! Nothing is easy for Alexis when she stops pretending. Once she crosses the threshold of what she once called "home". Where instead of a family, a full table and happy memories, darkness, indifference, her worst nightmares await.
She can lie to the whole world, but that doesn't make her any less vulnerable. And it's precisely what others don't see that draws Ayden to her. Because two similar souls, who have known pain and transformed it into strength, will always know how to recognize each other. They know how to heal each other's wounds, how to fill gaps with love, seal promises with a simple handstreight . It doesn't matter how much time passed since their paths have crossed. Their bond is stronger than any reasoning.
But what if, just when Lexi finds a serenity never felt before in Ayden's arms, the past comes back to destroy them once and for all? When happiness has an unaffordable price to pay?
This novel has kept me in suspense for most of the time! The author's writing style is full of descriptions, emotions, it leads you into the lives of the protagonists page after page, as they struggle together to stay afloat. As the title implies, their experience is not easy, even if in this first volume the attention is focused much more on Alexis. Get ready, this is just the beginning of their intense and tormented history. I can't wait to continue reading it.
September 13, 2022
I knew while I was reading The Insatiable series that Lexi’s story was something I had to go back and read, and I’m so freaking glad that I finally started it!!
This book was incredible!! It captured my interest from the very first page and I absolutely devoured it!!
It’s one thing after another in this book for poor Lexi, and it feels as though she’s being attacked from all sides. Complicated doesn’t even begin to describe Lexi’s family. She’s dealing with an overwhelming amount of challenges on so many levels, and I’m a sucker for that kind of dark and twisted drama!
Thinking back on everything that happened in this book, I can’t even properly put into words how much I enjoyed it all! (That might be kind of a depraved thing to say, considering the dark themes that take place throughout this book, but I can’t help it! It’s what my black heart likes!) I also really loved going back to the beginning of Lexi and Ayden’s story - them meeting for the first time and getting to know one another, then watching their chemistry develop and their relationship start to grow! I loved it all!
And I knew this book would end on a cliffhanger, but I certainly wasn’t expecting that ending!! I can’t wait to keep reading to find out what happens next!!
I loved this story more than I can possibly describe! It’s only book 1 in the series and I’m already blown away! Can’t wait to get started on book 2 immediately!
This book was incredible!! It captured my interest from the very first page and I absolutely devoured it!!
It’s one thing after another in this book for poor Lexi, and it feels as though she’s being attacked from all sides. Complicated doesn’t even begin to describe Lexi’s family. She’s dealing with an overwhelming amount of challenges on so many levels, and I’m a sucker for that kind of dark and twisted drama!
Thinking back on everything that happened in this book, I can’t even properly put into words how much I enjoyed it all! (That might be kind of a depraved thing to say, considering the dark themes that take place throughout this book, but I can’t help it! It’s what my black heart likes!) I also really loved going back to the beginning of Lexi and Ayden’s story - them meeting for the first time and getting to know one another, then watching their chemistry develop and their relationship start to grow! I loved it all!
And I knew this book would end on a cliffhanger, but I certainly wasn’t expecting that ending!! I can’t wait to keep reading to find out what happens next!!
I loved this story more than I can possibly describe! It’s only book 1 in the series and I’m already blown away! Can’t wait to get started on book 2 immediately!
September 13, 2022
Ummmm, I am going to state that Heavy by Sarah Jane Duncan is one of the hardest, darkest, and emotionally heaviest books I have read this year. Was it good? Well, good would be a gross understatement. It was brilliantly written and plotted to say the least. In all honesty, I couldn’t finish it in one sitting. It required breaks, otherwise, I could get overwhelmed with all the spiraling, mental anguish and intense emotions portrayed. The cliffhanger was brutal so it will be distressing to wait for the second book.
September 11, 2022
Stephannie's 5-Star Review: Alexis or Lexi's world is definitely falling apart around her but no one can see that because she seems fine from the outside looking in. The new boy in school Ayden can see her pain and becomes her rock. Bad things just keep on happening to Lexi and with no one to trust she turns to Ayden.
Heavy is heavy. It is perfectly written to make you addicted to it. This story is heart-wrenching and captures you. I read it cover to cover and need and want more. The cliffhanger broke me and I am at a loss for what will come next. This is an amazingly written story that calls to you.
Heavy is heavy. It is perfectly written to make you addicted to it. This story is heart-wrenching and captures you. I read it cover to cover and need and want more. The cliffhanger broke me and I am at a loss for what will come next. This is an amazingly written story that calls to you.
March 20, 2023
LOL by no means is this a well written book but it was entertaining to read. It was hard to put down because there's some pretty heinous shit that happens to the MC but damn the writing is like subpar at best. It's helpful that this character is in high school but the way this comes off is extremely immature and simple.
-"It's a little unnerving the effect this guy has on me. I like I could tell him anything, even though I don't really know him. Sure, he's hot, but so was Ted Bundy, and he was a serial killer! "
My personal beef with Ted Bundy being considered hot strikes again. Like WTF?!?!? TED BUNDY IS NOT HOT. Can we all stop pretending this is true? It shows more about the author than it does anything else, honestly.
-"The gentle squeeze of Ayden's hand in mine reminds me he has my back, and I swallow the lump in my throat before speaking, reluctantly re-telling the nightmare I would rather bury deep and never speak of again.
When my girly emotions show, Ayden rubs my back, trying to soothe away the tears."
Why the hell is it considered "girly" to be upset about your half brother trying to rape you and beating you the fuck up and everyone in your family hating you? It's just so fucking childish.
The misogny in this book is strong.
"I try to think of something special to write back to the boys. It’s kind of weird that I want to send them a special message, but to the girls, I felt the opposite. Girls are bitches. Well Tasha Pritchard is anyway. The boys, though, they are different. Yes, they flirt with me. Yes, they make innuendos and inappropriate comments, but I know they don’t mean any harm by it."
It's the same rhetoric over and over again. It's exhausting.
You guys wouldn't understand, but she's just not like other girls. She listens to dark and edgy music like panic at the disco no one understands her especially shallow, bitchy girls.
-"It's a little unnerving the effect this guy has on me. I like I could tell him anything, even though I don't really know him. Sure, he's hot, but so was Ted Bundy, and he was a serial killer! "
My personal beef with Ted Bundy being considered hot strikes again. Like WTF?!?!? TED BUNDY IS NOT HOT. Can we all stop pretending this is true? It shows more about the author than it does anything else, honestly.
-"The gentle squeeze of Ayden's hand in mine reminds me he has my back, and I swallow the lump in my throat before speaking, reluctantly re-telling the nightmare I would rather bury deep and never speak of again.
When my girly emotions show, Ayden rubs my back, trying to soothe away the tears."
Why the hell is it considered "girly" to be upset about your half brother trying to rape you and beating you the fuck up and everyone in your family hating you? It's just so fucking childish.
The misogny in this book is strong.
"I try to think of something special to write back to the boys. It’s kind of weird that I want to send them a special message, but to the girls, I felt the opposite. Girls are bitches. Well Tasha Pritchard is anyway. The boys, though, they are different. Yes, they flirt with me. Yes, they make innuendos and inappropriate comments, but I know they don’t mean any harm by it."
It's the same rhetoric over and over again. It's exhausting.
You guys wouldn't understand, but she's just not like other girls. She listens to dark and edgy music like panic at the disco no one understands her especially shallow, bitchy girls.
February 27, 2021
Heavy is the first book in the Heavy Hearts Series by Sarah Jane Duncan. It is narrated through the eyes of Lexi West. Heavy is a dark contemporary romance that contains subjects that may be triggering to some readers. Long story short this book does live up to it’s title so be prepared.
It has taken me a long time to write this review because it was hard to find the right words to describe how this book made me feel. What I can say is that this book absolutely wrecked me and I certainly won’t be forgetting it anytime soon. This story is extremely heartbreaking, gut wrenching, intense, emotionally raw and disturbing all at the same time.
Lexi is definitely one of the strongest female characters that I have met so far and I am in awe of just how amazing she is especially after everything that she has been through. It was hard to watch her continuously be let down by every adult in her life especially her parents who should have been protecting her. I absolutely loved Ayden and how beautiful his heart was. The way he cared and protected Lexi so fiercely was very heartwarming to watch.
The book finished with a brutal cliffhanger that tore my heart right out. I don’t know what is going to happen in the next book but I have hope that there is some sort of redemption from the author after what happened in that cliffhanger. Please fix what you did!! (insert crying face here). I look forward to reading the next book.
I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
It has taken me a long time to write this review because it was hard to find the right words to describe how this book made me feel. What I can say is that this book absolutely wrecked me and I certainly won’t be forgetting it anytime soon. This story is extremely heartbreaking, gut wrenching, intense, emotionally raw and disturbing all at the same time.
Lexi is definitely one of the strongest female characters that I have met so far and I am in awe of just how amazing she is especially after everything that she has been through. It was hard to watch her continuously be let down by every adult in her life especially her parents who should have been protecting her. I absolutely loved Ayden and how beautiful his heart was. The way he cared and protected Lexi so fiercely was very heartwarming to watch.
The book finished with a brutal cliffhanger that tore my heart right out. I don’t know what is going to happen in the next book but I have hope that there is some sort of redemption from the author after what happened in that cliffhanger. Please fix what you did!! (insert crying face here). I look forward to reading the next book.
I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
August 30, 2021
Currently at 29%. There are too many inconsistencies in this book. "Lexi" is able to get special locks on her bedroom door and just bills it to her dad's secretary, yet somehow she's starving all the time and without food? Your dad is well off enough to where you can just bill stuff to him and he pays it without a thought but you can't order in groceries, go to the store, order in pizza and bill that to him as well? Also, she's supposedly terrified of her brother yet willing to risk his wrath to steal weed to get answers to a question that doesn't matter? NOTHING changes for her whether she knows whether or not she was the one to vandalize the school on the night she couldn't remember. Yet somehow it was worth risking her psychopath/rapist brother's attention to find this out? Seemed like an EXTREMELY small payout for the risk that she was taking, which just didn't make sense for her to be so terrified of him. Then she goes and gets high AGAIN, you know, the reason why she had to steal weed to get info in the first place. What happens? You guessed it, she had ANOTHER night she couldn't remember. Now some of this could be chalked up to her being a traumatized teenager but when you have her expressing her disgust over other people who do drugs, I find it hard to forgive her hypocrisy. She also has this self-loathing thing going on that doesn't match with her lack of accountability for her choices. She literally blames the guy who invited her in to the party for HER deciding to get wasted and high that second time. It's HIS fault for inviting her inside. What!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2021
If the shoe fits...Heavy is definitely how my heart felt reading this book. Book one in the Heavy Hearts series by Sarah Jane Duncan, Heavy is an emotional rollercoaster of a book. Full of angst, heartbreak, and drama, this story intense, raw, real and gritty, I couldn't help but cry whilst reading it, it was that good.
In this story, Lexi's life is crumbling around her. With absent parents and a half brother willing to do more harm than good, she feels alone. Yes she has friends, but she likes to keep her home life separate, afraid of the judgment and criticism that may come if anyone knew the truth about her home life. That is until she meets the new kid Ayden. The cousin of one one of her good friends, Ayden quickly infuses himself into their group and into Lexi's life. She's never had the kind of reaction to any boy the way she does to Ayden. She feels a connection with him, and even though no one knows about her family drama, Ayden clearly sees her struggling with something. Instead of running away, Ayden stands solid next to her, helping her through her hard times. Being the new kid, why is Ayden so supportive and understanding of Lexi's situation? Is he really just a good guy or does he have motive? Is Ayden hiding his own darkness and secrets?
Wow, this book absolutely blew me away. I don't want to say any more except I need more!
In this story, Lexi's life is crumbling around her. With absent parents and a half brother willing to do more harm than good, she feels alone. Yes she has friends, but she likes to keep her home life separate, afraid of the judgment and criticism that may come if anyone knew the truth about her home life. That is until she meets the new kid Ayden. The cousin of one one of her good friends, Ayden quickly infuses himself into their group and into Lexi's life. She's never had the kind of reaction to any boy the way she does to Ayden. She feels a connection with him, and even though no one knows about her family drama, Ayden clearly sees her struggling with something. Instead of running away, Ayden stands solid next to her, helping her through her hard times. Being the new kid, why is Ayden so supportive and understanding of Lexi's situation? Is he really just a good guy or does he have motive? Is Ayden hiding his own darkness and secrets?
Wow, this book absolutely blew me away. I don't want to say any more except I need more!
February 28, 2021
Heartbreakingly beautiful!
WOW! I am blown away after finishing this story. Heavy is the perfect title for this book because it’s dark, raw, gritty and damn heavy. This is not an easy story to read as it is filled with gut wrenching pain, anger, hate, and ugly twisted people. We are drawn into a young woman’s world of depression and pain and the need to hide behind a fake smile in order to survive each and every day.
Alexis’ story will fill you with such heartache for her. She is in such darkness with demons she cannot control that she can’t see the light when it is shining directly on her. Those people that are supposed to take care of her and protect her can also be the demons that linger in the shadows waiting to strike. I cried so many times for Alexis and I just wanted to reach in and rescue her. At times my stomach was in knots with what was going on around her and I felt every emotion she was going through.
Ayden is Alexis’ twin flame. They share some of the same kind of darkness in their lives and have this need to be together to conquer their demons. Their story is not all happiness as demons always come knocking on their door.
Brilliantly written story filled with such intense emotions and passion that it consumed me, ripped my heart out and left me gasping for breath in the end.
This is one story you will not regret reading!
WOW! I am blown away after finishing this story. Heavy is the perfect title for this book because it’s dark, raw, gritty and damn heavy. This is not an easy story to read as it is filled with gut wrenching pain, anger, hate, and ugly twisted people. We are drawn into a young woman’s world of depression and pain and the need to hide behind a fake smile in order to survive each and every day.
Alexis’ story will fill you with such heartache for her. She is in such darkness with demons she cannot control that she can’t see the light when it is shining directly on her. Those people that are supposed to take care of her and protect her can also be the demons that linger in the shadows waiting to strike. I cried so many times for Alexis and I just wanted to reach in and rescue her. At times my stomach was in knots with what was going on around her and I felt every emotion she was going through.
Ayden is Alexis’ twin flame. They share some of the same kind of darkness in their lives and have this need to be together to conquer their demons. Their story is not all happiness as demons always come knocking on their door.
Brilliantly written story filled with such intense emotions and passion that it consumed me, ripped my heart out and left me gasping for breath in the end.
This is one story you will not regret reading!
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