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Beautiful Souls #1
Bared Souls
Alma Weber
He told me that he’d destroy me. I knew he wasn’t lying, and I loved him anyway. I believed in love—in him. I just wasn’t prepared to carry the weight of his demons.
I wanted forever with him, but life showed me love was temporary, and forever was a dream.
Despite everything that happened, even now, I wouldn’t change any of it.
For a love to have the capacity to destroy you, it has to be extraordinarily powerful—and that kind of love is impossible to walk away from.
Leo Harding
I warned her that I’d ruin her. I knew that I’d taint her innocence with my bad intentions.
I was weak.
She was perfection.
I was nothing.
The truth is that I loved her, and I selfishly wanted to hold on—to her, to the man she had made me, to the life we could have. I wanted to dance with her in the light despite knowing that the darkness would find me anyway.
Heartbreak was inevitable.
Yet I held on to the sliver of hope that I was wrong, that love really was enough.
Destiny isn’t something I buy into, but she makes me want to believe.
***Intended for readers 18+ due to mature content.
He told me that he’d destroy me. I knew he wasn’t lying, and I loved him anyway. I believed in love—in him. I just wasn’t prepared to carry the weight of his demons.
I wanted forever with him, but life showed me love was temporary, and forever was a dream.
Despite everything that happened, even now, I wouldn’t change any of it.
For a love to have the capacity to destroy you, it has to be extraordinarily powerful—and that kind of love is impossible to walk away from.
Leo Harding
I warned her that I’d ruin her. I knew that I’d taint her innocence with my bad intentions.
I was weak.
She was perfection.
I was nothing.
The truth is that I loved her, and I selfishly wanted to hold on—to her, to the man she had made me, to the life we could have. I wanted to dance with her in the light despite knowing that the darkness would find me anyway.
Heartbreak was inevitable.
Yet I held on to the sliver of hope that I was wrong, that love really was enough.
Destiny isn’t something I buy into, but she makes me want to believe.
***Intended for readers 18+ due to mature content.
411 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2020
519 people are currently reading
4429 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Wade
44 books1,119 followersEllie Wade resides in southwest Michigan with her husband, three young children, and two dogs. She has a Master’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University and is a huge University of Michigan sports fan. She loves the beauty of her home state, especially the lakes and the gorgeous autumn weather. When she is not writing, you will find her reading, snuggled up with her kids, or spending time with family and friends. She loves traveling and exploring new places with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
September 17, 2020
4,5 ❤️🖤❤️💔💧⚡️💔⚡️💧🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️
Leo + Alma = 💞
Deeply emotional, beautiful and heartbreaking love story...
Leo and Alma met in college and had a crazy palpable attraction, so much drawn toward one another.
Their journey was filled with exceptional love, regardless its winding course.
They were just meant for each other❣️
Alma was smart, beautiful and brave. She was Leo’s soul.
Leo was an amazing character, kind soul, a fighter, and his love for Alma was ineffable. The feelings they shared were gripping but also challenging.
However, he was trying to cope with a lot of demons.
“We live our love story every day. It’s one of forgiveness and hope and a love that transcends pain, a love that heals and gives life.” Leo
Their relationships with their families were not great at all, leaving them with either sad or painful experiences.
Each one for different reasons though...
“Perhaps our shattered pasts are to thank for us coming together. None of it makes sense, and yet it’s entirely perfect in its dysfunction.” Leo
Leo’s struggle was intense, heart wrenching and devastating. He was fighting so hard that at a point he was so exhausted where his thoughts were very dark...
“The greatest gift I can give her is a life without me.” Leo
But Leo was a fighter and had Alma by his side. He was trying to focus on everything about her that was pure and good, letting her light drown out his dark.
The author’s writing was simple but riveting, the flow was engaging and captivating, the romance and love of Leo and Alma was soul consuming.
Leo broke my heart piece by piece and within the few last chapters shuttered it completely...
“I will love you forever.” Leo 💔💔💔
Leo + Alma = 💞
Deeply emotional, beautiful and heartbreaking love story...
Leo and Alma met in college and had a crazy palpable attraction, so much drawn toward one another.
Their journey was filled with exceptional love, regardless its winding course.
They were just meant for each other❣️
Alma was smart, beautiful and brave. She was Leo’s soul.
Leo was an amazing character, kind soul, a fighter, and his love for Alma was ineffable. The feelings they shared were gripping but also challenging.
However, he was trying to cope with a lot of demons.
“We live our love story every day. It’s one of forgiveness and hope and a love that transcends pain, a love that heals and gives life.” Leo
Their relationships with their families were not great at all, leaving them with either sad or painful experiences.
Each one for different reasons though...
“Perhaps our shattered pasts are to thank for us coming together. None of it makes sense, and yet it’s entirely perfect in its dysfunction.” Leo
Leo’s struggle was intense, heart wrenching and devastating. He was fighting so hard that at a point he was so exhausted where his thoughts were very dark...
“The greatest gift I can give her is a life without me.” Leo
But Leo was a fighter and had Alma by his side. He was trying to focus on everything about her that was pure and good, letting her light drown out his dark.
The author’s writing was simple but riveting, the flow was engaging and captivating, the romance and love of Leo and Alma was soul consuming.
Leo broke my heart piece by piece and within the few last chapters shuttered it completely...
“I will love you forever.” Leo 💔💔💔
December 10, 2021
DNF
Oh God! This book is bad! I hate piling up to my DNF shelved. I picked Bared Souls because of the cover. And I read many good reviews on goodreads. I am so wrong! Never judge the book by it's cover. The story seems to be written with no ounce of transition between one scene to another. The dialog is like copy and paste from another book.
The writing style is horrible. I was forcing myself to finish the book. But I found myself losing interest quickly. I even fell asleep while listening to the audiobook.
Bad choice.
2 stars
Oh God! This book is bad! I hate piling up to my DNF shelved. I picked Bared Souls because of the cover. And I read many good reviews on goodreads. I am so wrong! Never judge the book by it's cover. The story seems to be written with no ounce of transition between one scene to another. The dialog is like copy and paste from another book.
The writing style is horrible. I was forcing myself to finish the book. But I found myself losing interest quickly. I even fell asleep while listening to the audiobook.
Bad choice.
2 stars
February 5, 2022
not this making me SOB, omg I'm devastated
October 15, 2020
I have no words -- only tears. This was one of the saddest - but beautiful - books I've read in a long while. A new to me author whose writing is simple but thorough. The story definitely packs a gut-wrenching punch. The love story is totally consuming. The only thing left to say is that it left too many unanswered questions for a reader who needs full closure -- thus the four-star review.
September 16, 2020
Call me crazy I like reading ending before reading the whole book. I like happy ending even is not realistic.
Spoiler alert:
Hero died and h pregnant.
Here the letter he wrote to his wife:
My dearest Alma,
You’re asleep, drunk off of sugar from our excessive fudge-tasting, and I’m sitting here, watching you breathe, thankful for every breath. The diamond ring I gave you circles your finger, and I’ve never felt more happiness. In all my life, I never thought I would find someone as perfect as you, and I never thought you’d love me back.
Knowing that you’re going to be my wife someday is so overwhelming. I can barely process it all. Yet it’s true. I’m going to marry you, Almalee Hannelda Weber, and cherish every piece of you for the rest of my life.
My existence hasn’t been easy, but knowing that I get to finish this journey with you makes it all worth it. Any amount of time that I get with you is priceless. If everything I went through led me to you and our life together, I can’t regret any of it. I’d go through it all again just to get another hour with you. Your soul gives mine life. Your love gives me purpose. You give me everything.
Last year, I told you that I didn’t think I was long for this world, and it upset you a great deal. I mentioned that when I look into the future, all I see is blackness, and that’s still true. If you’re reading this letter, it means that I’m gone. I really hope that I’m wrong, and you’re reading this letter with a silver bun
atop your head, swinging on our porch swing, surrounded by our grandchildren.
I hope I’m wrong, Alma. I truly do. More than anything, I want a long life with you. I want to experience everything this world has to offer. I want the house, the pets, the kids, the adventure, the grandchildren—THE LIFE.
From a very young age, I’ve accepted the fact that I’m going to die young. Most children dream into the future. They can envision what their life is going to be like. I’ve never had that ability. My future is unknown; it’s a blackness that I can’t predict. I don’t see myself old and gray with a grand kid on my lap, but I do see you that way.
Now that I’ve found you, the thought of leaving you terrifies me, and I want more than anything to be wrong. I will do everything in my power to stay with you, Alma. I will. But if my fate is a short one, I need you to know that you’ve made it enough.
I know I tell you all the time, but I don’t think you quite grasp how much I love you. There aren’t sufficient words that could ever describe it. The closest I can come is to say that I was dying, and you gave me life. I was suffocating, and you gave me air. I was drowning, and you pulled me from the depths of despair. I owe everything I am to you, and I’ll pay that debt with my love.
I can face whatever tomorrow brings because I had today. One day of your love is enough. You are my everything. And if you’re reading this letter and you’re younger than eighty, I’m sorry for leaving you too soon. Please forgive me. Please move on. Love again. Promise me you’ll be happy again. The only thing that terrifies me more than losing you is leaving you alone and sad.
I want you to be happy. You deserve a life bursting with love. You made all of my dreams come true. Know that I was filled with joy and love and gratitude for every day that I got with you.
True love, like ours, transcends time and space. Even if I’m not physically here, I’m still loving you from afar. If you need me, close your eyes and look within. I’ll be there. My love will always be there because you own every piece of it.
I love you forever.
Leo
Spoiler alert:
Hero died and h pregnant.
Here the letter he wrote to his wife:
My dearest Alma,
You’re asleep, drunk off of sugar from our excessive fudge-tasting, and I’m sitting here, watching you breathe, thankful for every breath. The diamond ring I gave you circles your finger, and I’ve never felt more happiness. In all my life, I never thought I would find someone as perfect as you, and I never thought you’d love me back.
Knowing that you’re going to be my wife someday is so overwhelming. I can barely process it all. Yet it’s true. I’m going to marry you, Almalee Hannelda Weber, and cherish every piece of you for the rest of my life.
My existence hasn’t been easy, but knowing that I get to finish this journey with you makes it all worth it. Any amount of time that I get with you is priceless. If everything I went through led me to you and our life together, I can’t regret any of it. I’d go through it all again just to get another hour with you. Your soul gives mine life. Your love gives me purpose. You give me everything.
Last year, I told you that I didn’t think I was long for this world, and it upset you a great deal. I mentioned that when I look into the future, all I see is blackness, and that’s still true. If you’re reading this letter, it means that I’m gone. I really hope that I’m wrong, and you’re reading this letter with a silver bun
atop your head, swinging on our porch swing, surrounded by our grandchildren.
I hope I’m wrong, Alma. I truly do. More than anything, I want a long life with you. I want to experience everything this world has to offer. I want the house, the pets, the kids, the adventure, the grandchildren—THE LIFE.
From a very young age, I’ve accepted the fact that I’m going to die young. Most children dream into the future. They can envision what their life is going to be like. I’ve never had that ability. My future is unknown; it’s a blackness that I can’t predict. I don’t see myself old and gray with a grand kid on my lap, but I do see you that way.
Now that I’ve found you, the thought of leaving you terrifies me, and I want more than anything to be wrong. I will do everything in my power to stay with you, Alma. I will. But if my fate is a short one, I need you to know that you’ve made it enough.
I know I tell you all the time, but I don’t think you quite grasp how much I love you. There aren’t sufficient words that could ever describe it. The closest I can come is to say that I was dying, and you gave me life. I was suffocating, and you gave me air. I was drowning, and you pulled me from the depths of despair. I owe everything I am to you, and I’ll pay that debt with my love.
I can face whatever tomorrow brings because I had today. One day of your love is enough. You are my everything. And if you’re reading this letter and you’re younger than eighty, I’m sorry for leaving you too soon. Please forgive me. Please move on. Love again. Promise me you’ll be happy again. The only thing that terrifies me more than losing you is leaving you alone and sad.
I want you to be happy. You deserve a life bursting with love. You made all of my dreams come true. Know that I was filled with joy and love and gratitude for every day that I got with you.
True love, like ours, transcends time and space. Even if I’m not physically here, I’m still loving you from afar. If you need me, close your eyes and look within. I’ll be there. My love will always be there because you own every piece of it.
I love you forever.
Leo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2020
Excuse me while I continue to bawl into some tissues. This book. My heart. My soul. I am seriously broken after reading this story. It is one of those loves that will consume you and be all encompassing. This to me was such a raw and powerful story of love, life, heartbreak and soulmates. I felt so wrapped up in this tale of Alma and Leo that I did not want to let go. Wade created something that is pure magic. It felt real and so much more.
This story between Alma and Leo is that first love. Fighting those emotions. That push and pull of college drama. But to me it was so much more. Alma is trying to not be her parents. She wanted to prove herself to the world and make it a better place. Leo was so wrapped up in the darkness of his past that it was consuming his future. The way that his history molded their future was literally the most gut wrenching thing ever. But I adored how much Leo was a fighter for Alma. He wanted to be better. As this story flows, there are a lot of ups and downs that you want to yell at both Alma and Leo. There will be moments that you will bawl, that you will swoon. Trust me. I did. But their story is something for the ages!
Overall, this book is something that really hits you hard with the emotions. I still don’t cry a whole lot with books, but I had tears streaming down my face as I finished this story. The passion, the romance, the impactful moments. It will break you but mend you at the same time. The flow of the story and the build of the characters as well as the side ones, keeps you fully engrossed the whole time and honestly, not wanting to put it down. I know this story may not be for some, but to me, this is a story that deserves to be read because of how real it felt. It hits home in so many ways that this love story needs to one clicked. I cannot say enough about how much this story consumed me!
This story between Alma and Leo is that first love. Fighting those emotions. That push and pull of college drama. But to me it was so much more. Alma is trying to not be her parents. She wanted to prove herself to the world and make it a better place. Leo was so wrapped up in the darkness of his past that it was consuming his future. The way that his history molded their future was literally the most gut wrenching thing ever. But I adored how much Leo was a fighter for Alma. He wanted to be better. As this story flows, there are a lot of ups and downs that you want to yell at both Alma and Leo. There will be moments that you will bawl, that you will swoon. Trust me. I did. But their story is something for the ages!
Overall, this book is something that really hits you hard with the emotions. I still don’t cry a whole lot with books, but I had tears streaming down my face as I finished this story. The passion, the romance, the impactful moments. It will break you but mend you at the same time. The flow of the story and the build of the characters as well as the side ones, keeps you fully engrossed the whole time and honestly, not wanting to put it down. I know this story may not be for some, but to me, this is a story that deserves to be read because of how real it felt. It hits home in so many ways that this love story needs to one clicked. I cannot say enough about how much this story consumed me!
September 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bared Souls by Ellie Wade absolutely shattered me. This story put me through every emotion imaginable, and I might have stared at the wall more times than I would like to admit while reading. It is raw, heartbreaking, and so beautifully written that I could not stop turning the pages even when my heart hurt.
The moment I finished, I immediately downloaded book two because there is no way I can walk away from these characters. This book is a roller coaster in the truest sense, and it left me completely wrecked.
Make sure to check your content warnings before diving in, but if you are ready for a story that will break you, Bared Souls is it.
Bared Souls by Ellie Wade absolutely shattered me. This story put me through every emotion imaginable, and I might have stared at the wall more times than I would like to admit while reading. It is raw, heartbreaking, and so beautifully written that I could not stop turning the pages even when my heart hurt.
The moment I finished, I immediately downloaded book two because there is no way I can walk away from these characters. This book is a roller coaster in the truest sense, and it left me completely wrecked.
Make sure to check your content warnings before diving in, but if you are ready for a story that will break you, Bared Souls is it.
October 13, 2020
5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
I cannot put into words how I feel about Bared Souls. To see how emotionally raw this story made me; please watch my Kindle Clear Out Vlog.
Video review available in Week 40: Sep 27 – Oct 3 weekly book reviews and Kindle Clear Out Readathon Vlog.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
I cannot put into words how I feel about Bared Souls. To see how emotionally raw this story made me; please watch my Kindle Clear Out Vlog.
Video review available in Week 40: Sep 27 – Oct 3 weekly book reviews and Kindle Clear Out Readathon Vlog.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
September 26, 2020
OMG WTF did I just read..... Holy Hades and everything in between. I mean I was a bawling mess after I read this book. Leo and Alma are an amazing couple and I mean amazing. They tore my heart out with the love they have and the emotions they shared. I have never read a story that had me on cloud nine one minute then had me on cloud zero the next.
Leo messed up and wanted to walk away from Alma but she was his one true love. He had issues with his family and wanted to shield her from it all but Alma kept coming back and loving him despite what he did to her. That is an all consuming love she has for him and he finally realizes it. Although Alma had her issues she never stop loving Leo because he was the one for her and there was no one else.
This is a must read with a box of tissues as you are going to need them.
Leo messed up and wanted to walk away from Alma but she was his one true love. He had issues with his family and wanted to shield her from it all but Alma kept coming back and loving him despite what he did to her. That is an all consuming love she has for him and he finally realizes it. Although Alma had her issues she never stop loving Leo because he was the one for her and there was no one else.
This is a must read with a box of tissues as you are going to need them.
Want to read
September 15, 2020SPOILERS. DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS.
June 3, 2021
Nooooo, it can’t be so! Definitely tears. I have to think about this for a little while. Read this in a day because I loved Leo and Alma. It took a lot out of me. A story about addiction is always a tough one to read. But, Ms. Wade writes an exceptional love story! Why did I wait so long to read this one? Just so many books out there I guess…
November 26, 2025
This was beautiful, and tragically soul crushing. 😭
July 30, 2021
It does not have a HEA. But it looks like the second book there is a new H but same h.
This books was heartbreaking but it was a really good read. My heart broke for H. He was really struggling. I hated his whole family.
This books was heartbreaking but it was a really good read. My heart broke for H. He was really struggling. I hated his whole family.
August 10, 2021
Honestly I’m at a loss of words. Heartbreaking but beautiful at the same time. Narration was AMAZING. Story was amazing. Definitely scared to read this author again because I’m still hysterical crying as I write this review, but wow the writing had me completely immersed in Alma and Leo’s story up until the very last word. Amazing, but truly heartbreaking. If sad stories aren’t your thing, you may want to steer clear of this one. Buttttt, if you don’t mind your heart ripped out, cut up into tiny pieces, then put back together (barely), and taped up with a little bandaid….. this book is definitely for you!
March 21, 2024
Found and ordered on TikTok, this was my first by Ellie Wade. SPICY 🌶️ AND RAUNCHY 🫣🥵 to say the least. But also a Romance that ripped my heart apart, mended it, only to completely shred it to pieces again. Physically cried out loud!!! Some of it was cliche, but it didn’t even matter. A story about two very different people coming together as true soul mates.
My favorite fortune cookie quote 🥠 :
“You may love many people but only one will burn into your soul forever” (172).
😭😭😭❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥💔
This book took over my life and had me thinking of both Alma and Leo day and night!
My favorite fortune cookie quote 🥠 :
“You may love many people but only one will burn into your soul forever” (172).
😭😭😭❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥💔
This book took over my life and had me thinking of both Alma and Leo day and night!
January 8, 2023
Just wanted to let everyone know it’s been almost two years and i randomly still think about this book about once or twice a month. Arghhh!
August 1, 2021
This book was epic fantastic well written and so heartbreaking yet uplifting as well alma and Leo story was so beautiful made me wanted to cry 😢
June 7, 2025
“I don’t want the darkness to win. I want to dance with you in the light.”
This story follows Alma, who comes from a dysfunctional family but is determined to make something of herself. She decides to move out and go to college, where she meets the broody MMC, Leo. From the start, Alma gets under his skin—but Leo is too broken to believe he can be loved. The question is will he end up breaking her?
What an emotional rollercoaster. I did not see that plot twist coming toward the end. I should have cried, but I was too shocked—my jaw was on the floor. I truly didn’t expect that to happen.
I loved Alma and Leo together. Leo has a lot of demons to battle from his past. The back and forth between them, always being drawn to each other, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. Alma was a light to Leo in the darkness. She was strong. This story might break your heart, but I believe fate plays a role—and by the end, even though it hurt, I still felt happy.
Since this is a duet, I have a feeling I know who the next book’s love interest might be. Lastly, the audiobook is fantastic—I’m really looking forward to picking up the next one!
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle / Audiobook
Pages: 413
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 49mins
Narrators: Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book One In The Beautiful Souls Collection
Tropes or Themes: College, Opposites Attract, Good Girl Bad Boy, Surprise Pregnancy, Nightmares, Soulmates, Tension, Chemistry, Letters, Alcohol, Addiction, Injury, Pregnancy, Accident, Death, Grief, Medical Content, Sexual Content and Virgin
Mentions: Suicide, Drugs and Child Abuse.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
This story follows Alma, who comes from a dysfunctional family but is determined to make something of herself. She decides to move out and go to college, where she meets the broody MMC, Leo. From the start, Alma gets under his skin—but Leo is too broken to believe he can be loved. The question is will he end up breaking her?
What an emotional rollercoaster. I did not see that plot twist coming toward the end. I should have cried, but I was too shocked—my jaw was on the floor. I truly didn’t expect that to happen.
I loved Alma and Leo together. Leo has a lot of demons to battle from his past. The back and forth between them, always being drawn to each other, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. Alma was a light to Leo in the darkness. She was strong. This story might break your heart, but I believe fate plays a role—and by the end, even though it hurt, I still felt happy.
Since this is a duet, I have a feeling I know who the next book’s love interest might be. Lastly, the audiobook is fantastic—I’m really looking forward to picking up the next one!
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle / Audiobook
Pages: 413
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 49mins
Narrators: Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book One In The Beautiful Souls Collection
Tropes or Themes: College, Opposites Attract, Good Girl Bad Boy, Surprise Pregnancy, Nightmares, Soulmates, Tension, Chemistry, Letters, Alcohol, Addiction, Injury, Pregnancy, Accident, Death, Grief, Medical Content, Sexual Content and Virgin
Mentions: Suicide, Drugs and Child Abuse.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
January 25, 2021
Now having finished Bared Souls, I understand the broad range of ratings. It seems like a book you either really love or not. However, I'm in the middle. There were parts I really enjoyed especially Alma and Amos's friendship. As well as her time with roommate Quinn. Part of me thought that perhaps Alma would have to choose between Amos and Leo at some point and I was happy that she didn't, truth be told.
The romance that is Alma and Leo was actually kind of beautiful. She was his savior of sorts and he made her feel like anything was possible and that she truly found the person who would love her in lieu of her upbringing. Despite both of them coming from dysfunctional families, they made it work even with all the stops and starts and Leo being genuinely nasty to Alma early on.
One part that bothered me was that we are introduced to Amos as a truly important part of Alma's life and yet as time went on, he faded into the background. Sure she was involved heavily with Leo but the progression of time towards the last 25% of the book went too quickly for my tastes.
In addition, since were treated to both POVs, why couldn't we have gotten a short chapter from Leo when things started to spiral? Why do we and Alma have to guess as to what may have happened during what must have been some truly difficult and desperate moments? That made zero sense to me.
I will say that reading the author's notes at the end, and knowing she had first-hand knowledge of what addiction looks like gave parts of this book that I had questioned as to its authenticity, a realism I appreciated after the last words were read. Maybe if I had known that from the start, I would have been able to accept some of the incredulous instances with Leo that much more.
Did I tear up a bit at the end? Sure. But none of this story made me the sobbing mess so many seemed to be. But I will say I am curious as to the next book and I will consider giving it a go. Call me crazy lol
In the meantime, this one had potential but in the end, missed the mark for me and it's a 2.5 stars at best.
The romance that is Alma and Leo was actually kind of beautiful. She was his savior of sorts and he made her feel like anything was possible and that she truly found the person who would love her in lieu of her upbringing. Despite both of them coming from dysfunctional families, they made it work even with all the stops and starts and Leo being genuinely nasty to Alma early on.
One part that bothered me was that we are introduced to Amos as a truly important part of Alma's life and yet as time went on, he faded into the background. Sure she was involved heavily with Leo but the progression of time towards the last 25% of the book went too quickly for my tastes.
In addition, since were treated to both POVs, why couldn't we have gotten a short chapter from Leo when things started to spiral? Why do we and Alma have to guess as to what may have happened during what must have been some truly difficult and desperate moments? That made zero sense to me.
I will say that reading the author's notes at the end, and knowing she had first-hand knowledge of what addiction looks like gave parts of this book that I had questioned as to its authenticity, a realism I appreciated after the last words were read. Maybe if I had known that from the start, I would have been able to accept some of the incredulous instances with Leo that much more.
Did I tear up a bit at the end? Sure. But none of this story made me the sobbing mess so many seemed to be. But I will say I am curious as to the next book and I will consider giving it a go. Call me crazy lol
In the meantime, this one had potential but in the end, missed the mark for me and it's a 2.5 stars at best.
October 16, 2023
I just had to write a review for this book. This book completely destroyed me. I don't normally read books that centre around addiction, there is just something in me and them that I can't handle. It may have to do with my job, because I've never personally dealt with the effects of addiction but it is a major trigger for me. BUT, this book was incredible. The story was heart wrenching and soul crushing but I needed to see it through. It will crush you and i'll be honest it'll only uplift you briefly to crush you again. Have faith though, I had to or I didn't know how I was going to recover, Alma's story isn't all heartbreak.
Leo is....god how do I explain him, he's imperfectly perfect. Jeez just writing about him brings tears to my eyes. This man is Broken, with a capital B, he has gone through so much in his young life and hardly any of it is good. Until Alma. This man loves Alma and it is beautiful, it's incredible that a man who was shown no love in his life has the power to show Alma the amount that he does. Alma didn't have much in the way of goodness in her life either but where Leo was destroyed irrevocably by his trauma, Alma embraced it and didn't allow it to define her, she tried that much harder to be better and never let it drag her down. This is by no way a judgement on Leo, he had no one growing up, no one. Alma had her soulmate Amos, without him she would not have survived, I fully believe that.
But the passion and love between Alma and Leo is otherworldly, just reading about it sparks envy. To experience just a fraction of that love in your lifetime would be completely life changing. I'm glad it exists for some people out there.
Just to note, you have to read the second book in the Beautiful Souls series, you have to read Alma's conclusion. It will sew your heart up with only minimal scarring.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful book Ellie. It was truly a work of art, even with all the tears I shed.
Leo is....god how do I explain him, he's imperfectly perfect. Jeez just writing about him brings tears to my eyes. This man is Broken, with a capital B, he has gone through so much in his young life and hardly any of it is good. Until Alma. This man loves Alma and it is beautiful, it's incredible that a man who was shown no love in his life has the power to show Alma the amount that he does. Alma didn't have much in the way of goodness in her life either but where Leo was destroyed irrevocably by his trauma, Alma embraced it and didn't allow it to define her, she tried that much harder to be better and never let it drag her down. This is by no way a judgement on Leo, he had no one growing up, no one. Alma had her soulmate Amos, without him she would not have survived, I fully believe that.
But the passion and love between Alma and Leo is otherworldly, just reading about it sparks envy. To experience just a fraction of that love in your lifetime would be completely life changing. I'm glad it exists for some people out there.
Just to note, you have to read the second book in the Beautiful Souls series, you have to read Alma's conclusion. It will sew your heart up with only minimal scarring.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful book Ellie. It was truly a work of art, even with all the tears I shed.
October 16, 2021
Bared Souls - Beautiful Souls
So much heart and beautiful, bared soul in these words, you can feel the love and pain dripping off the pages. Very moving story, thank you for sharing. Perfect title. So very sorry to hear about your fathers demons and passing.
So much heart and beautiful, bared soul in these words, you can feel the love and pain dripping off the pages. Very moving story, thank you for sharing. Perfect title. So very sorry to hear about your fathers demons and passing.
November 12, 2020
Disappointed. But more so than the fake reviews was the removal of all the comments I made on the fb advertisements because it wasn’t positive. Not a fan of the book or the author now.
November 24, 2020
I’m lost for words. What a beautiful and heartbreaking story. I love Alma & Leo so much! Tears were shed. Emotions were strong.
January 27, 2021
So many mixed emotions for this book, but sorry the ending made it lose a star. 2 1/2 stars really.
April 16, 2024
WOW WOW WOW WOW! That’s all I can say! When I had about 20 pages left of this book, I went online and ordered the rest of the series. Best book I’ve read so far in 2024!!
May 27, 2024
This was my first book of Ellie wade and I can’t even begin to applause 👏 what a wonderful angst filled heartbreaking story!
July 22, 2025
Wow! I went in completely blind. I found it in the audible plus category and I’m so glad I did. The story was real and heart breaking. Expect to cry. The only issue I had was that it wasn’t narrated in duet and there wasn’t enough chapters for Leo. I wanted to know what was going on in his head during his struggles. I think that was a big missed opportunity especially since he was an addict and it was a BIG part of the story. God they were end game whyyyyy’d you do that Ellie? 😫😫😫
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
✨Drug Addiction
✨Death of a loved one
✨Childhood abuse (mental, physical, and sexual) mentioned but not in explicit detail.
I’m for sure going to read book 2.
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
✨Drug Addiction
✨Death of a loved one
✨Childhood abuse (mental, physical, and sexual) mentioned but not in explicit detail.
I’m for sure going to read book 2.
September 8, 2025
Everything was going along beautifully, I was loving this. My first book by this author! OMG the love, the lust, the friendships, the history! The accident-nothing could break this couple. I was so happy for them.
Then the author wrote what she wrote about Leo. 😭 @authorelliewade what did I do to you?? Why did you rip my heart out then put it back with a teeny tiny band aid??
Then the author wrote what she wrote about Leo. 😭 @authorelliewade what did I do to you?? Why did you rip my heart out then put it back with a teeny tiny band aid??
June 6, 2024
This book was almost perfection, but there were certain aspects keeping me from giving it a 5 star rating... The heaviest one, I suppose, being Leo's back story
May 1, 2023
ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝟏.𝟐𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐫 (h) was ready to begin her college experience but never expected she would meet her soulmate on campus or know firsthand the consequences of loving him. 𝐋𝐞𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 (H) has lived a rough life, so when he meets Alma, he wants to hold on to her for a brief glimpse of happiness, even if he knows it might be a fleeting moment.
༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰
In the most respectful way, the characters had no chemistry, and the relationship between the two made no sense. I often wanted to DNF because it was so bad, but I continued to see if it would somehow get better. It didn’t. I’m not sure how we’re supposed to believe they were soulmates when they had no emotional connection, and the relationship felt forced. Alma first meets Leo when she bumps into him on her way to the restroom, and he’s completely rude, then walks away. Realistically, how am I supposed to believe he fell for her when they did not even have a meaningful conversation? She apologized, and that was that. The next time they see each other at a frat party, he makes fun of her because she’s a virgin; he then walks her home, where he kisses her for the first time. Again, they bumped into each other outside the restroom ONCE, so how was that memorable enough to seek her out at the frat party?
The writing was just bad, and I tried hard to love the relationship, but it was instant lust, love… all the instances. He starts commenting on how he loves things about her…like, why are you talking about love when you’ve known each other less than a day. The worst part is that they wholeheartedly believe they are each other’s soulmates and destined to be together. She had more chemistry with her best friend. Then they’re dating for TWO DAYS, and she lashes out because he’s not ready for kids and marriage. That was my last straw, and when I stopped caring for the two, it was a mess of dialogue. She can expect him to commit to a two-day relationship and confirm that he wants it all with her. Alma was expecting too much, and she was a bit manipulative when she threatened to end things because he didn’t like the same things as her; she made him change his mind.
Leo was just as manipulative because once they got together, he would want to monopolize all her time. When she went to exchange Christmas gifts with Amos, he wanted her to stay, but she set boundaries. Worse, she left her best friend early because Leo needed her. He was too dependent, and when she wasn’t around, he would make it seem like he would end it all. Then, he was found in a crack house, and she broke up with him because he was in a bad place. I can write a whole essay about how bad the two were. The characters were flawed but expressed no personal growth, and that’s the main issue. They were childish and had no business in a relationship until they worked on themselves. If they had to be with each other to be sane, they didn’t need to be with each other. It was not a story I was invested in, and I had many issues with the two.
I wish we had seen Leo's recovery process and how he dealt with rehab because he deserved that recovery. It was more telling that he got better, but it's not simple. It wasn't easy to see his ending because he deserved time with his child, despite my not liking the relationship's timeline. I wonder what the breaking point for Leo was and why he felt the urge to use it again after four years. I understand that not every story has a happy ending, especially when someone is struggling with addiction, but it just hurt to see that he spiraled again and no one knew.
*. ⋆𝐎͢𝐕͢𝐄͢𝐑͢𝐀͢𝐋͢𝐋͢
I’m disappointed in the outcome, but I expected it. However, I wish the characters had possessed more growth individually and as a couple.
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐫 (h) was ready to begin her college experience but never expected she would meet her soulmate on campus or know firsthand the consequences of loving him. 𝐋𝐞𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 (H) has lived a rough life, so when he meets Alma, he wants to hold on to her for a brief glimpse of happiness, even if he knows it might be a fleeting moment.
༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰
In the most respectful way, the characters had no chemistry, and the relationship between the two made no sense. I often wanted to DNF because it was so bad, but I continued to see if it would somehow get better. It didn’t. I’m not sure how we’re supposed to believe they were soulmates when they had no emotional connection, and the relationship felt forced. Alma first meets Leo when she bumps into him on her way to the restroom, and he’s completely rude, then walks away. Realistically, how am I supposed to believe he fell for her when they did not even have a meaningful conversation? She apologized, and that was that. The next time they see each other at a frat party, he makes fun of her because she’s a virgin; he then walks her home, where he kisses her for the first time. Again, they bumped into each other outside the restroom ONCE, so how was that memorable enough to seek her out at the frat party?
The writing was just bad, and I tried hard to love the relationship, but it was instant lust, love… all the instances. He starts commenting on how he loves things about her…like, why are you talking about love when you’ve known each other less than a day. The worst part is that they wholeheartedly believe they are each other’s soulmates and destined to be together. She had more chemistry with her best friend. Then they’re dating for TWO DAYS, and she lashes out because he’s not ready for kids and marriage. That was my last straw, and when I stopped caring for the two, it was a mess of dialogue. She can expect him to commit to a two-day relationship and confirm that he wants it all with her. Alma was expecting too much, and she was a bit manipulative when she threatened to end things because he didn’t like the same things as her; she made him change his mind.
Leo was just as manipulative because once they got together, he would want to monopolize all her time. When she went to exchange Christmas gifts with Amos, he wanted her to stay, but she set boundaries. Worse, she left her best friend early because Leo needed her. He was too dependent, and when she wasn’t around, he would make it seem like he would end it all. Then, he was found in a crack house, and she broke up with him because he was in a bad place. I can write a whole essay about how bad the two were. The characters were flawed but expressed no personal growth, and that’s the main issue. They were childish and had no business in a relationship until they worked on themselves. If they had to be with each other to be sane, they didn’t need to be with each other. It was not a story I was invested in, and I had many issues with the two.
I wish we had seen Leo's recovery process and how he dealt with rehab because he deserved that recovery. It was more telling that he got better, but it's not simple. It wasn't easy to see his ending because he deserved time with his child, despite my not liking the relationship's timeline. I wonder what the breaking point for Leo was and why he felt the urge to use it again after four years. I understand that not every story has a happy ending, especially when someone is struggling with addiction, but it just hurt to see that he spiraled again and no one knew.
*. ⋆𝐎͢𝐕͢𝐄͢𝐑͢𝐀͢𝐋͢𝐋͢
I’m disappointed in the outcome, but I expected it. However, I wish the characters had possessed more growth individually and as a couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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