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The Dillon Sisters #2
Damaged
I’m effed up. A hot mess. Haunted.
Damaged.
But he doesn’t think so.
He thinks my imperfectness is what makes me perfect. He loves my flaws. My quirks.
My scars.
He wants to protect me. See me happy. Make me alive. He wants to give me everything I need, no matter how twisted and wrong and depraved.
He needs me to need him.
Which makes me wonder…
Is he damaged, too?
Warning: Recommended for readers 18+. This beautifully damaged romance deals with seriously heavy topics, such as depression, anxiety, violence, and self-harm. Be advised. And be mindful and kind to your own mental health.
Damaged.
But he doesn’t think so.
He thinks my imperfectness is what makes me perfect. He loves my flaws. My quirks.
My scars.
He wants to protect me. See me happy. Make me alive. He wants to give me everything I need, no matter how twisted and wrong and depraved.
He needs me to need him.
Which makes me wonder…
Is he damaged, too?
Warning: Recommended for readers 18+. This beautifully damaged romance deals with seriously heavy topics, such as depression, anxiety, violence, and self-harm. Be advised. And be mindful and kind to your own mental health.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2021
1119 people are currently reading
2792 people want to read
About the author
Layla Frost
27 books3,420 followersGrowing up, Layla Frost used to hide under her blanket with a flashlight to read the Sweet Valley High books she pilfered from her older sister. It wasn’t long before she was reading hidden Harlequins during class at school. This snowballed into pulling all-nighters after the promise of “just one more chapter”.
Her love of reading, especially the romance genre, took root early and has grown immeasurably until it was time to write her own stories.
When she's not writing, Layla Frost is an insomniac with a deep love of iced coffee, tchotchkes, plants, and her hens. She's also the world's okayest mom, but her kids think she's cool... ish.
Her love of reading, especially the romance genre, took root early and has grown immeasurably until it was time to write her own stories.
When she's not writing, Layla Frost is an insomniac with a deep love of iced coffee, tchotchkes, plants, and her hens. She's also the world's okayest mom, but her kids think she's cool... ish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
May 1, 2021
5 Angel of Mercy Stars ⭐
Here's the beauty of reading a book with no expectations, they normally surprise you in the best possible way. Since I struggled with the first book in this interconnecting duet, I feel like a hypocrite loving Damaged so much.
A fucked-up worshiper praying at the altar of a damaged goddess.
Briar Dillon is broken. Not just troubled or depressed, but a step away from quitting life. With a past that has tainted her soul, hanging in there is no longer an option. Even with the love and support of her sister and therapy, there's just no fixing her.
Alexander Thornton is a tech mogul that crosses paths with Briar. Unbeknownst to her, she immediately becomes his obsession. He sees the despair she can't hide and it reels him in. He knows exactly what she needs.
She was wilting, her stem unable to shoulder the burden of the world. It was time.
He initially tries to befriend her, but when that fails, well Alexander will have to connect with Briar on her level. Where Briar intends on tapping out completely, Alexander has no intentions of letting her go. Even if it means inserting himself into her life and providing her what she craves for release.
“I don’t want out, and neither do you. You want this just as badly as I do. And not just for me to fuck you and cut you. Though I’ll do the first every damn chance I get.” He tightened his hold on my thigh, making my wounds burn. “And the other any time you really need it.”
Some people need physical pain to feel and heal. There are so many triggers in this book but all I felt was love and understanding in all its distorted glory. Briar deserved happiness and love which meant a lifeline in the form of her dark angel Alexander. Their methods were unconventional but darkly beautiful. Think what you will. 🖤
Here's the beauty of reading a book with no expectations, they normally surprise you in the best possible way. Since I struggled with the first book in this interconnecting duet, I feel like a hypocrite loving Damaged so much.
A fucked-up worshiper praying at the altar of a damaged goddess.
Briar Dillon is broken. Not just troubled or depressed, but a step away from quitting life. With a past that has tainted her soul, hanging in there is no longer an option. Even with the love and support of her sister and therapy, there's just no fixing her.
Alexander Thornton is a tech mogul that crosses paths with Briar. Unbeknownst to her, she immediately becomes his obsession. He sees the despair she can't hide and it reels him in. He knows exactly what she needs.
She was wilting, her stem unable to shoulder the burden of the world. It was time.
He initially tries to befriend her, but when that fails, well Alexander will have to connect with Briar on her level. Where Briar intends on tapping out completely, Alexander has no intentions of letting her go. Even if it means inserting himself into her life and providing her what she craves for release.
“I don’t want out, and neither do you. You want this just as badly as I do. And not just for me to fuck you and cut you. Though I’ll do the first every damn chance I get.” He tightened his hold on my thigh, making my wounds burn. “And the other any time you really need it.”
Some people need physical pain to feel and heal. There are so many triggers in this book but all I felt was love and understanding in all its distorted glory. Briar deserved happiness and love which meant a lifeline in the form of her dark angel Alexander. Their methods were unconventional but darkly beautiful. Think what you will. 🖤
April 19, 2021
.
Wow, this was not what I was expecting. So much darker than I anticipated and with elements that squeezed my heart and others that ramped up the angst level. This felt like I was experiencing an emotional war and I loved every moment of it.
Ms. Frost presented this heroine’s issues in such a way that I was pulled completely into Briar’s life to the point that I felt her pain and struggles, along with the despair. I must confess, it was written in a manner that I literally felt the suffocating weight of Briar’s desperation.
Alexander was an amazing hero, with his full on protective mode as well as his delicious instinct to possess Briar, in the very best of ways. I adored him on so many levels. Definitely a hero you have to get to know on your own to truly appreciate how unique he is.
While this has a darker, heavier feel to a good portion of it, I loved how this author conveyed the changes within Briar as the story progressed. Soon I was smiling at her little quips and small antics and in awe how this book effortlessly took me through such a wide range of emotions.
Wow, this was not what I was expecting. So much darker than I anticipated and with elements that squeezed my heart and others that ramped up the angst level. This felt like I was experiencing an emotional war and I loved every moment of it.
Ms. Frost presented this heroine’s issues in such a way that I was pulled completely into Briar’s life to the point that I felt her pain and struggles, along with the despair. I must confess, it was written in a manner that I literally felt the suffocating weight of Briar’s desperation.
Alexander was an amazing hero, with his full on protective mode as well as his delicious instinct to possess Briar, in the very best of ways. I adored him on so many levels. Definitely a hero you have to get to know on your own to truly appreciate how unique he is.
While this has a darker, heavier feel to a good portion of it, I loved how this author conveyed the changes within Briar as the story progressed. Soon I was smiling at her little quips and small antics and in awe how this book effortlessly took me through such a wide range of emotions.
April 19, 2021
Okay, first thing you need to do, if you haven't already, is go read Deathly by Brynne Asher. What Layla Frost and Brynne Asher did with this duet was fucking incredible.
I'm a huge Asher fan and this is my first (but definitely not last) Frost book. Thank you so much Brynne for introducing me to this new author who I can now add to my binge list.
Deathly and Damaged run side by side in a timeline, and though you can probably read either one first, I would definitely start with Deathly. I think going in having Aria's backstory for Briar truly makes this book so much more powerful.
I won't lie, I totally went into this book thinking I knew exactly how it was going to play out, and what style it was going to be. Boy was I fucking wrong. This book had me so up and down. One minute my heart is breaking for Briar and then her internal dialogue would have be laughing out loud.
Like Deathly you really need to go in blind for this, but let me give you a little tid-bit. If I ever meet Alexander, he is going to need a restraining order because I'm going STALK THE FUCKING SHIT OUT OF THAT MAN UNTIL HE LOVES ME! He is everything you don't want to love in your book boyfriend, but you can't fucking stop.
This book definitely has some serious triggers with cutting and depression. But it is done so well that even the more sensitive reader can tolerate it in my opinion.
Oh and it is hot AF!!! I'm 100% positive I need sexual manipulation in my life.
That's it, that is all I can tell you without ruining it. Just know you won't regret the ride these two take you on. These two ladies blend these books so fucking brilliantly that you can almost forget it is two different authors.
Well fucking done ladies! Now do it again!
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ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a huge Asher fan and this is my first (but definitely not last) Frost book. Thank you so much Brynne for introducing me to this new author who I can now add to my binge list.
Deathly and Damaged run side by side in a timeline, and though you can probably read either one first, I would definitely start with Deathly. I think going in having Aria's backstory for Briar truly makes this book so much more powerful.
I won't lie, I totally went into this book thinking I knew exactly how it was going to play out, and what style it was going to be. Boy was I fucking wrong. This book had me so up and down. One minute my heart is breaking for Briar and then her internal dialogue would have be laughing out loud.
Like Deathly you really need to go in blind for this, but let me give you a little tid-bit. If I ever meet Alexander, he is going to need a restraining order because I'm going STALK THE FUCKING SHIT OUT OF THAT MAN UNTIL HE LOVES ME! He is everything you don't want to love in your book boyfriend, but you can't fucking stop.
This book definitely has some serious triggers with cutting and depression. But it is done so well that even the more sensitive reader can tolerate it in my opinion.
Oh and it is hot AF!!! I'm 100% positive I need sexual manipulation in my life.
That's it, that is all I can tell you without ruining it. Just know you won't regret the ride these two take you on. These two ladies blend these books so fucking brilliantly that you can almost forget it is two different authors.
Well fucking done ladies! Now do it again!
Instagram | My Blog | Facebook
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2021
I was skeptical of reading Damaged. I wasn’t a fan of the first book in the duet. I needed to know what happened with Blair; I kept an open mind and went in. I knew going in it was going to more heavy and dark; I didn’t expect the majority of the book to be. I am not complaining; it’s part of the storyline and would negatively alter the book if it wasn’t.
Damaged is not what I expected. It’s so much more. Focused around mental health and the journey of feeling alive again. I love this book. I cried, laughed, and loved. Alexander is the best hero I have read in a while, and I am in awe of Briar's strength. There are some twists. I did see one coming and suspected another one. Only a tiny part of the second one. Plus so steamy. It’s freaking hot. I am down for sexual manipulation.
I will give a warning there are some triggers, so if your faint of heart, this book is not for you, and that is okay. But if you’re not, give this book a try. It’s my hidden gem. On my dark scale it’s medium grey.
Damaged is not what I expected. It’s so much more. Focused around mental health and the journey of feeling alive again. I love this book. I cried, laughed, and loved. Alexander is the best hero I have read in a while, and I am in awe of Briar's strength. There are some twists. I did see one coming and suspected another one. Only a tiny part of the second one. Plus so steamy. It’s freaking hot. I am down for sexual manipulation.
I will give a warning there are some triggers, so if your faint of heart, this book is not for you, and that is okay. But if you’re not, give this book a try. It’s my hidden gem. On my dark scale it’s medium grey.
April 27, 2021
I have to admit, this was nothing like I expected. This author has a fun, quirky sense of humor about her books that I absolutely adore. While that humor is still found in Damaged, this was way darker than I was expecting. Damaged really is nothing like her other books and I do recommend reading the warning in the blurb.
For me, that warning in the blurb was the hardest part of the book for me. When you have someone in your life that has a form of mental illness, it does make it very hard to want to read about it. At first I struggled because of that. I'm no quitter though and I finished the book and I'm glad I did.
To me the hardest part was the beginning. You are so much in the thoughts of Briar and those thoughts were uncomfortable and made me sad. I won't say it immediately got better once Alexander showed up, but the more you get with these two, the more I fell for their disfunction.
It really goes to show that growth in a character can completely change things. I didn't like the beginning but I LOVED the ending. This was a completely unexpected read.
For me, that warning in the blurb was the hardest part of the book for me. When you have someone in your life that has a form of mental illness, it does make it very hard to want to read about it. At first I struggled because of that. I'm no quitter though and I finished the book and I'm glad I did.
To me the hardest part was the beginning. You are so much in the thoughts of Briar and those thoughts were uncomfortable and made me sad. I won't say it immediately got better once Alexander showed up, but the more you get with these two, the more I fell for their disfunction.
It really goes to show that growth in a character can completely change things. I didn't like the beginning but I LOVED the ending. This was a completely unexpected read.
April 22, 2021
4 Stars
I really liked this one! It had enough suspense to really keep me guessing and keep me on my toes, and I'm so glad everything turned out the way it did. It's definitely darker and I legit wasn't expecting some of THAT👀 but I can't say I didn't like it🤷
The only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5, was because some of the POV switches left the story a bit disjointed at times. Some things were also just a bit rushed and maybe forced a bit, so it was just a little underwhelming in certain scenes. But besides those, I really did enjoy the story and I so hope Layla writes more books like this (although I love her current ones too), there was just something that set this apart from her other books and combined with Deathly, it's definitely one of my favorite duets.
*ARC Provided In Exchange For A Honest Review*
I really liked this one! It had enough suspense to really keep me guessing and keep me on my toes, and I'm so glad everything turned out the way it did. It's definitely darker and I legit wasn't expecting some of THAT👀 but I can't say I didn't like it🤷
The only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5, was because some of the POV switches left the story a bit disjointed at times. Some things were also just a bit rushed and maybe forced a bit, so it was just a little underwhelming in certain scenes. But besides those, I really did enjoy the story and I so hope Layla writes more books like this (although I love her current ones too), there was just something that set this apart from her other books and combined with Deathly, it's definitely one of my favorite duets.
*ARC Provided In Exchange For A Honest Review*
May 2, 2021
3,5. This wasn’t what I thought!
But was good!
But was good!
August 3, 2021
AHHHHHH THIS ONE I LOVEEEE!!!! Warning there are some heavy topics in this one and few things that should not be okay but it's hot lol. This is the 2nd book in this duetish.. this one was done by layla and I loveee it so much!!
We saw some of Blair in her sisters book and well she isn't alll there sometimes she's a hot mess going to therapy for her well self harm.. and other things going on in her mind. And she bumps into Alex a tech guy who well is pretty high up the food chain and gotta say I loveee Alex he was everything Blair needed he had his own darkness but then together was so good they balanced eachother. And the steam 🔥🔥🔥
Ugh these two were very steamy and bloody.. we saw other "WTF" MOMENTS and no one.. gets in Alex way when it comes to his girl Blair.
Low angst, Tiny om drama (her doc), no cheating, Slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Prologue
Slow-instaburn
Mentions of Cancer
21h/31H
Suicidal/self harm
Push away from h
Anxiety
Knife kink
Choking kink
No condom
Masturbation
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
We saw some of Blair in her sisters book and well she isn't alll there sometimes she's a hot mess going to therapy for her well self harm.. and other things going on in her mind. And she bumps into Alex a tech guy who well is pretty high up the food chain and gotta say I loveee Alex he was everything Blair needed he had his own darkness but then together was so good they balanced eachother. And the steam 🔥🔥🔥
Ugh these two were very steamy and bloody.. we saw other "WTF" MOMENTS and no one.. gets in Alex way when it comes to his girl Blair.
Low angst, Tiny om drama (her doc), no cheating, Slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Prologue
Slow-instaburn
Mentions of Cancer
21h/31H
Suicidal/self harm
Push away from h
Anxiety
Knife kink
Choking kink
No condom
Masturbation
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
June 5, 2021
He’s fucking up my whole system five stars! 🌟
So happy I decided to savior this one instead of consuming it in one read. In love with Alexander and how devoted he was to B! B is so badass. LOVE LOVE LOVE HER AND HER STRENGTH.
So happy I decided to savior this one instead of consuming it in one read. In love with Alexander and how devoted he was to B! B is so badass. LOVE LOVE LOVE HER AND HER STRENGTH.
April 26, 2021
Just when I thought Deathly (the other book in this unbelievable duet) by Brynne Asher was dark and twistedly tantalizing in waltzes Layla Frost and her half of the duet.
Holy Hell, I can’t even tell you how many emotions I went through in this book! I felt every bit of depression, darkness and hope that Briar and Alexander shared with us.
Briar is beyond Damaged and she has every right to be as broken as she is. Alexander, who’s a little messed up himself, OK a lot messed up, has a history if his own. They come together with a depth of passion and darkness that many “normal” people wouldn’t be able to come back from, yet they survive because they have each other.
~Melanie💜
Holy Hell, I can’t even tell you how many emotions I went through in this book! I felt every bit of depression, darkness and hope that Briar and Alexander shared with us.
Briar is beyond Damaged and she has every right to be as broken as she is. Alexander, who’s a little messed up himself, OK a lot messed up, has a history if his own. They come together with a depth of passion and darkness that many “normal” people wouldn’t be able to come back from, yet they survive because they have each other.
~Melanie💜
April 18, 2021
PRE-ORDER
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Damaged is the second book in The Dillon Sisters series and while it could be read as a standalone I think you definitely need to read Deathly by Brynne Asher first to get the full story. In this book we learn more about Briar and her tech-genius mystery man Alexander. I honestly didn't expect their story to turn out anything like it did but I absolutely loved it.
Like the title, Briar was damaged and had a lot to work out but I really loved her character. There was such raw emotion that was evident on every page and it wasn't an over the top kind of emotion which made it all the better. Layla Frost amazed me with the flawless way she portrayed Briar's pain without dramatics and it had me gripping my Kindle dying to see how everything would play out.
As for Alexander, well I think he's best left a mystery and you'll just have to meet him yourself to get the full effect of his character. What I will say is that he had some swoony moments at the most unsuspecting times and I enjoyed that.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Damaged is the second book in The Dillon Sisters series and while it could be read as a standalone I think you definitely need to read Deathly by Brynne Asher first to get the full story. In this book we learn more about Briar and her tech-genius mystery man Alexander. I honestly didn't expect their story to turn out anything like it did but I absolutely loved it.
Like the title, Briar was damaged and had a lot to work out but I really loved her character. There was such raw emotion that was evident on every page and it wasn't an over the top kind of emotion which made it all the better. Layla Frost amazed me with the flawless way she portrayed Briar's pain without dramatics and it had me gripping my Kindle dying to see how everything would play out.
As for Alexander, well I think he's best left a mystery and you'll just have to meet him yourself to get the full effect of his character. What I will say is that he had some swoony moments at the most unsuspecting times and I enjoyed that.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Read
September 9, 2022Damaged is LIVE and on Kindle Unlimited!
And don't forget to read Deathly: The Dillon Sisters, the other standalone book in this duet about two sisters.
April 24, 2021
Hauntingly beautiful. Those are the two words that come to me when I think about this amazing and broken story. This line sums up the entire book for me personally, “A f*cked-up worshiper praying at the altar of a damaged goddess.”, it really says it all, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Darkly seductive with intense emotion, that will leave you unraveled and seduced by this beautifully broken story. This book will stay with you long after you’ve read it, it gripped my heart like no other. The intense emotions are very real, and not easily forgotten. So heartbreaking and heartfelt. Dark fairy tale indeed.
Briar is Aria’s sister from Deathly by Brynne Asher, and yes I highly suggest you read it as well, not because you need too for this book, but because it is just as amazing as this one. And then you too will get pulled into the dark grip of the Dillon sisters. Two damaged princesses getting their own dark fairy tales.
Safe read, with a hauntingly beautiful storyline. Two souls, that complete each other in a way that most can’t truly understand, with so much seductive heat. He truly sees her, all of her, and loves every bit of her. An epilogue with multiple timelines, and a well deserved hea.
Briar is Aria’s sister from Deathly by Brynne Asher, and yes I highly suggest you read it as well, not because you need too for this book, but because it is just as amazing as this one. And then you too will get pulled into the dark grip of the Dillon sisters. Two damaged princesses getting their own dark fairy tales.
Safe read, with a hauntingly beautiful storyline. Two souls, that complete each other in a way that most can’t truly understand, with so much seductive heat. He truly sees her, all of her, and loves every bit of her. An epilogue with multiple timelines, and a well deserved hea.
October 29, 2022
I’d been saving this book for a while, because I LOVE Layla Frost and I LOVE this trope, and it did not disappoint!
I read this book before reading Deathly (I haven’t read it yet, but I will soon!) and the authors weren’t lying when they said that you could read the books in either order. I think this one was technically published second, but I wasn’t at all confused while reading this one.
This book beautifully approaches the heroine’s mental health struggle. It’s not glamorized, and it comes across as authentic. She isn’t “fixed” by the love of a man, but it does give her something to try hard to get better for. There’s also a fabulous suspense plotline with some great twists in the plot that I didn’t see coming. This book was definitely darker than I was expecting! Check out the trigger warnings– though they’re a little spoilery, and I recommend you don’t unless you need to! This isn’t quite a spoiler, but I thought I’d throw it in here because I know it’s a trigger for a lot of people–Even though she works at a shelter, no animals get hurt in this book.
Trigger warnings:
HEA:
I read this book before reading Deathly (I haven’t read it yet, but I will soon!) and the authors weren’t lying when they said that you could read the books in either order. I think this one was technically published second, but I wasn’t at all confused while reading this one.
This book beautifully approaches the heroine’s mental health struggle. It’s not glamorized, and it comes across as authentic. She isn’t “fixed” by the love of a man, but it does give her something to try hard to get better for. There’s also a fabulous suspense plotline with some great twists in the plot that I didn’t see coming. This book was definitely darker than I was expecting! Check out the trigger warnings– though they’re a little spoilery, and I recommend you don’t unless you need to! This isn’t quite a spoiler, but I thought I’d throw it in here because I know it’s a trigger for a lot of people–Even though she works at a shelter, no animals get hurt in this book.
Trigger warnings:
HEA:
April 25, 2021
This is easily one of the best books I've read this year!! Oh my gosh I can't even describe how freaking amazing it was. Can I have Alexander as my own personal stalker?
Y'all need to go read this book as soon as you can!!
**full RTC
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Y'all need to go read this book as soon as you can!!
**full RTC
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
April 21, 2021
This book took me a little longer to read than normal. It has some seriously heavy subject matter in it. Depression and anxiety are NO JOKE. Add in everything else Briar Dillon has been through in her young life and you have a recipe for some messed up headspace.
The way Ms Frost wrote about the twisty thorns of anxiety and the elephant that sat on Briar’s chest was precisely what so many of us readers can identify with. The almost crippling loops that go around and around in your head that send you into a tailspin you can’t control. The writing was so vivid and accurate. Writing about a character that has a mental illness and doing it well is rare and Ms Frost has done it perfectly.
Add in Alexander, the possessive billionaire that falls for Briar, our beautiful broken little flower. Who at first glance seems like the all American wholesome tech nerd. Looks can be deceiving. Alexander has secrets of his own too.
Damaged was the perfect completion of the Dillon sisters duet. I really can’t wait to see if these two amazing authors team up again AND if so, what they will write next. It will be hard to top this.
The way Ms Frost wrote about the twisty thorns of anxiety and the elephant that sat on Briar’s chest was precisely what so many of us readers can identify with. The almost crippling loops that go around and around in your head that send you into a tailspin you can’t control. The writing was so vivid and accurate. Writing about a character that has a mental illness and doing it well is rare and Ms Frost has done it perfectly.
Add in Alexander, the possessive billionaire that falls for Briar, our beautiful broken little flower. Who at first glance seems like the all American wholesome tech nerd. Looks can be deceiving. Alexander has secrets of his own too.
Damaged was the perfect completion of the Dillon sisters duet. I really can’t wait to see if these two amazing authors team up again AND if so, what they will write next. It will be hard to top this.
May 22, 2023
*2021 read
❝ People always say that suicide is selfish. Which, honestly, is the worst, most counterproductive thing to say to someone who is already struggling. Because for so many, our demons tell us it’d be better for everyone else if we were gone. Piling on to that guilt just feeds those horrible feelings. It reaffirms the twisted belief that we’re burdens to our loved ones. ❞
Belated book review.
From 2021 top 10.
One of the best heroes, Alexander was "GOALS" .
I feel like I finally found my self-help book ( with extra 🌶️🌶️🌶️ ) I literally feel less fucked up. (It's a good thing ❤️❤️)...
I'm just here sitting in a corner cursing myself !!why the hell did I wait this long to read it.
Anyway!!! Better later than never.
✅OTT J/P heroes(and I mean Literally Over the top.
✅Stalker
✅ Obsessed ( both heros and heroines 👌)
✅ Spice 🌶️🌶️🔥🥵🥵🍯 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
✅5stars 🔥🔥
✅ Delicious.
Highly recommend.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Note:deals with sensitive topics ( self-harm, suicidal thoughts, mental illness)
And I swear that trigger made me feel more accepted and understood than I ever been.
❝ People always say that suicide is selfish. Which, honestly, is the worst, most counterproductive thing to say to someone who is already struggling. Because for so many, our demons tell us it’d be better for everyone else if we were gone. Piling on to that guilt just feeds those horrible feelings. It reaffirms the twisted belief that we’re burdens to our loved ones. ❞
Belated book review.
From 2021 top 10.
One of the best heroes, Alexander was "GOALS" .
I feel like I finally found my self-help book ( with extra 🌶️🌶️🌶️ ) I literally feel less fucked up. (It's a good thing ❤️❤️)...
I'm just here sitting in a corner cursing myself !!why the hell did I wait this long to read it.
Anyway!!! Better later than never.
✅OTT J/P heroes(and I mean Literally Over the top.
✅Stalker
✅ Obsessed ( both heros and heroines 👌)
✅ Spice 🌶️🌶️🔥🥵🥵🍯 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
✅5stars 🔥🔥
✅ Delicious.
Highly recommend.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Note:deals with sensitive topics ( self-harm, suicidal thoughts, mental illness)
And I swear that trigger made me feel more accepted and understood than I ever been.
April 23, 2021
Briar and Alexander have sailed into my top spot for 2021 with Layla Frost's Damaged, and a Dark love meant for the ages!
Briar and Alexander are not perfect, but they bring out the more perfect parts in each other and for that alone they are my favourite couple this year! There are are always dark characters we see bits of ourselves in, and when the author does a fantastic job of ensuring that those bits are handled with care, and still can be seen genuinely by the audience - that is the mark of a master storyteller!
Alexander is... WOW! Y'all, I thought no one could touch Deathly's Brand, but he topped him with all his dark and DARKER bits! His exchanges with Briar even before they are them, hell his exchanges with... others (I could tell you, but that would ruin it all!)
The suspense in Damaged is entirely different from Deathly, and I found it brilliant! I loved where Layla started with both characters, the honesty of how Briar feels about all the side characters floating around her, and her own mental health. The sex is OFF THE CHAIN!! If you like yours dark and a little ki*ky, then Damaged is absolutely going to do it for you! This book is definitely designed to make you think, but it's going to keep you busy being hot and bothered while you're getting there!!
☆☆☆10 FANTASTICALLY DARK STARS for my favourite book this year!!☆☆☆
Briar and Alexander are not perfect, but they bring out the more perfect parts in each other and for that alone they are my favourite couple this year! There are are always dark characters we see bits of ourselves in, and when the author does a fantastic job of ensuring that those bits are handled with care, and still can be seen genuinely by the audience - that is the mark of a master storyteller!
Alexander is... WOW! Y'all, I thought no one could touch Deathly's Brand, but he topped him with all his dark and DARKER bits! His exchanges with Briar even before they are them, hell his exchanges with... others (I could tell you, but that would ruin it all!)
The suspense in Damaged is entirely different from Deathly, and I found it brilliant! I loved where Layla started with both characters, the honesty of how Briar feels about all the side characters floating around her, and her own mental health. The sex is OFF THE CHAIN!! If you like yours dark and a little ki*ky, then Damaged is absolutely going to do it for you! This book is definitely designed to make you think, but it's going to keep you busy being hot and bothered while you're getting there!!
☆☆☆10 FANTASTICALLY DARK STARS for my favourite book this year!!☆☆☆
April 17, 2021
Damaged, by Layla Frost, is part of a duet about the Dillon sisters (the other book being Deathly by Brynne Asher). I can’t say that it’s the second book, because honestly it doesn’t matter which book you read first (but you will most definitely devour both). Ms Frost has stepped outside of her “norm” with this dark-ish, twisted, absolutely brilliant work of art! There truly is no way to describe the awesomeness that is Damaged, without giving away what makes it awesome. So I’m not even going to try. Just know that once you pick up these books, you won’t be able to put them down!
Briar and Alexander’s relationship is like an onion. That’s a terrible analogy, but honestly it’s the most appropriate. You have to peel it away, layer by layer, to see what lies beneath. And when you finally get to the center....well, I’ll leave that as a little surprise. Just know that the journey to get there is unbelievable!
Ms Frost has always (in my opinion) been an incredible writer, but she completely blew me away with Damaged. It is truly a cut above the rest. The subject matter is serious, but the snark and the banter were so perfectly written that is dissipated some of the heaviness. That said, if you are a fan of both of these authors, be on the lookout. Hula Hoops and chickens! Enough said!!
Briar and Alexander’s relationship is like an onion. That’s a terrible analogy, but honestly it’s the most appropriate. You have to peel it away, layer by layer, to see what lies beneath. And when you finally get to the center....well, I’ll leave that as a little surprise. Just know that the journey to get there is unbelievable!
Ms Frost has always (in my opinion) been an incredible writer, but she completely blew me away with Damaged. It is truly a cut above the rest. The subject matter is serious, but the snark and the banter were so perfectly written that is dissipated some of the heaviness. That said, if you are a fan of both of these authors, be on the lookout. Hula Hoops and chickens! Enough said!!
April 17, 2023
Check triggers before reading this! I’m dead inside so nothing about this bothered me but it’s definitely not for everyone so proceed with caution.
I adored Briar and Alexander’s connection! This is very focused on mental health awareness which I loved. The negative aspects aren’t talked about enough and this does it so well without being too harmful. Briar is an absolute badass and I love her.
I adored Briar and Alexander’s connection! This is very focused on mental health awareness which I loved. The negative aspects aren’t talked about enough and this does it so well without being too harmful. Briar is an absolute badass and I love her.
May 11, 2021
Yes, there was a warning. But I had read the other book in the series by Brynne Asher, and while that has a rather disturbing twist, I handled it (and she is an author I enjoy).
Not so here. I was so nauseated by the time I got to 25%, I had to stop. Wish I hadn't been reading it in bed, as I really struggled to get certain images out of my head while trying to go to sleep!
I am not a psychologist and I don't pretend to understand what drives people to self-harm, or how it could be sexually arousing, but it was hard for me to stomach.
Add the pyschotic male MC to the mix, and it just seemed like everything was thrown into the pot and put on to cook. It was a mishmash of violence, murder and brutal sex. I tried this author twice before this, because she seems popular, but those books didn't appeal. Simplistic story arc, lots of sex- not especially sensual or arousing, either- and drama all over the place. Writing average.
This one confirmed it. Really not for the squeamish!
I. Just. Could. Not.
Not so here. I was so nauseated by the time I got to 25%, I had to stop. Wish I hadn't been reading it in bed, as I really struggled to get certain images out of my head while trying to go to sleep!
I am not a psychologist and I don't pretend to understand what drives people to self-harm, or how it could be sexually arousing, but it was hard for me to stomach.
Add the pyschotic male MC to the mix, and it just seemed like everything was thrown into the pot and put on to cook. It was a mishmash of violence, murder and brutal sex. I tried this author twice before this, because she seems popular, but those books didn't appeal. Simplistic story arc, lots of sex- not especially sensual or arousing, either- and drama all over the place. Writing average.
This one confirmed it. Really not for the squeamish!
I. Just. Could. Not.
April 17, 2021
Just when I thought Deathly (the other book in this unbelievable duet) by Brynne Asher was dark and twistedly tantalizing in waltzes Layla Frost and her half of the duet.
Holy Hell, I can’t even tell you how many emotions I went through in this book! I felt every bit of depression, darkness and hope that Briar and Alexander shared with us.
Briar is beyond Damaged and she has every right to be as broken as she is. Alexander, who’s a little messed up himself, OK a lot messed up, has a history if his own. They come together with a depth of passion and darkness that many “normal” people wouldn’t be able to come back from, yet they survive because they have each other.
Holy Hell, I can’t even tell you how many emotions I went through in this book! I felt every bit of depression, darkness and hope that Briar and Alexander shared with us.
Briar is beyond Damaged and she has every right to be as broken as she is. Alexander, who’s a little messed up himself, OK a lot messed up, has a history if his own. They come together with a depth of passion and darkness that many “normal” people wouldn’t be able to come back from, yet they survive because they have each other.
April 23, 2021
Damaged by Layla Frost caused extensive damage to my heart and soul with the brutally honest writing, captivating feels and heartbreaking angst. But it also healed me from the core as this dark romance was also a tale of true love, inspiration and resurrection.
This is the second book of Dillon Sisters duet and each book is about a sister. You must read first book Deathly by Brynne Asher first to avoid spoilers and confusion. Also please read the trigger warning and act accordingly. Briar Dillon is broken. She suffers from severe depression and anxiety that makes every moment of her life a struggle. She is fighting everyday. But Alexander Thornton, the tech mogul who donated generously to the treatment centre she attends, doesn't think so. He is obsessed and it's his mission to bring her soul back to life.
This story is mostly written from Briar's POV and some from Alexander's POV. I feel it was necessary as we needed to see and feel all the chaos going in her head. Honestly I don't think anyone who has not suffered from anxiety or depression can fully understand the impact but the author wrote so brilliantly and comprehensively. The pain. The confusion. The fear. The hopelessness. The need to let it go yet feeling guilty of hurting the loved ones. All is here. Her mind is dark place. But it's not what defines her. It's her sass. It's her mostly inappropriate sense of humor. It's her resilience and tenacity. It's her compassion and love. These are what makes Briar a queen. With crooked crown.
Alexander is exactly what she needed. The therapy and the sessions can do only that much when she feels out of control everytime. This goregous, bossy, confident and arrogant man took control over her convoluted thoughts and in process, gave back her sanity. Their love isn't sweet and soft. It's messed up. Violent. Raw. That cut and bleeds and heals. Alexander isn't the white knight. He is the antihero and the dark angel. His actions will make you stop and question but you cannot escape his charisma. He brought together all the pieces of Briar and loved every single of her imperfect piece. Like Briar accepted his darkness and his brand of crazy. My heart swelled and died a thousand deaths and it was so worth every tear!
Damaged by Layla Frost consumed me. This is a riveting dark romance with a storm of emotions , fire of passion and heart wrenching characters you will fall in love with.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
This is the second book of Dillon Sisters duet and each book is about a sister. You must read first book Deathly by Brynne Asher first to avoid spoilers and confusion. Also please read the trigger warning and act accordingly. Briar Dillon is broken. She suffers from severe depression and anxiety that makes every moment of her life a struggle. She is fighting everyday. But Alexander Thornton, the tech mogul who donated generously to the treatment centre she attends, doesn't think so. He is obsessed and it's his mission to bring her soul back to life.
This story is mostly written from Briar's POV and some from Alexander's POV. I feel it was necessary as we needed to see and feel all the chaos going in her head. Honestly I don't think anyone who has not suffered from anxiety or depression can fully understand the impact but the author wrote so brilliantly and comprehensively. The pain. The confusion. The fear. The hopelessness. The need to let it go yet feeling guilty of hurting the loved ones. All is here. Her mind is dark place. But it's not what defines her. It's her sass. It's her mostly inappropriate sense of humor. It's her resilience and tenacity. It's her compassion and love. These are what makes Briar a queen. With crooked crown.
Alexander is exactly what she needed. The therapy and the sessions can do only that much when she feels out of control everytime. This goregous, bossy, confident and arrogant man took control over her convoluted thoughts and in process, gave back her sanity. Their love isn't sweet and soft. It's messed up. Violent. Raw. That cut and bleeds and heals. Alexander isn't the white knight. He is the antihero and the dark angel. His actions will make you stop and question but you cannot escape his charisma. He brought together all the pieces of Briar and loved every single of her imperfect piece. Like Briar accepted his darkness and his brand of crazy. My heart swelled and died a thousand deaths and it was so worth every tear!
Damaged by Layla Frost consumed me. This is a riveting dark romance with a storm of emotions , fire of passion and heart wrenching characters you will fall in love with.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
April 27, 2021
It Broke My Brain!
What an incredible story, and so unexpected!
First and most important; if you have not, go and read Deathly by Brynne Asher. The Sinister Sisters have collaborated on this series, and it’s recommended to read Asher’s book first. Besides, its freaking killer. Also, a word of warning to readers, this is an 18+ recommend readers with strong scenes of depression, self-harm and anxiety.
Damaged, no other title could have fit more. I consumed this book faster than I have some of my favorite books. Briar is a kindred soul and her beautiful war is one I relate to so much. Alexander; the hot-tech nerd that understands her better than she understands herself. Alexander is more than her knight in shining armor come to save her, he’s her sun, moon, and stars, he’s the lifeline that she so desperately needs. It’s hard to find words to express the caliber of this book.
Page after page, reading more and more of Briar’s pain, her struggle, her suffering, her panic and guilty; it’s pulsating. The intensity of their bond, how he knows just what to do to pull her out of the all-consuming fear and anxiety….
In one word, this book is intense.
Frost has taken a piece of her soul and given it to us, you can tell by the writing and the emotion the book will pull from you. When finishing it, my hands were shaking and my mind was numb, its exhilarating. From all the drama and struggle, you still get the giggles and happy moments with the couple, you get cute puppies and moments that make you smile as you turn the page.
You get it all.
Just get the book and see for yourself!
Chefs Kiss to the Authors!
What an incredible story, and so unexpected!
First and most important; if you have not, go and read Deathly by Brynne Asher. The Sinister Sisters have collaborated on this series, and it’s recommended to read Asher’s book first. Besides, its freaking killer. Also, a word of warning to readers, this is an 18+ recommend readers with strong scenes of depression, self-harm and anxiety.
Damaged, no other title could have fit more. I consumed this book faster than I have some of my favorite books. Briar is a kindred soul and her beautiful war is one I relate to so much. Alexander; the hot-tech nerd that understands her better than she understands herself. Alexander is more than her knight in shining armor come to save her, he’s her sun, moon, and stars, he’s the lifeline that she so desperately needs. It’s hard to find words to express the caliber of this book.
Page after page, reading more and more of Briar’s pain, her struggle, her suffering, her panic and guilty; it’s pulsating. The intensity of their bond, how he knows just what to do to pull her out of the all-consuming fear and anxiety….
In one word, this book is intense.
Frost has taken a piece of her soul and given it to us, you can tell by the writing and the emotion the book will pull from you. When finishing it, my hands were shaking and my mind was numb, its exhilarating. From all the drama and struggle, you still get the giggles and happy moments with the couple, you get cute puppies and moments that make you smile as you turn the page.
You get it all.
Just get the book and see for yourself!
Chefs Kiss to the Authors!
April 27, 2021
Every Rose has its thorns
Damaged was a tough read but in a good way. I really loved reading this book! This book was about raw and real feelings, looking at flaws and scars - emotional and physical. Through all of that though learning how to accept them and love yourself for you not for anyone else’s expectations or because society said so.
I don’t think this book is for the faint of heart, there are some topics and scenes that can be hard or triggering for others to read. I wasn’t bothered by it but I could see how others might be.
Briar Dillon is a woman who has had to endure more in her lifetime than any one person should. She has experienced things in her life that had damaged her and left her needing to heal. She promised her sister, the psychologist, that she’d get help and go to therapy. One day she runs into Alexander Thornton. Alexander is a loaded nerd tech with secrets and is immediately hooked when he sees Briar.
This is a dark romance full of obsession, dark secrets and truths, and love that has thorns but once you get past the twisted stem every flower is beautiful and different.
Damaged was a tough read but in a good way. I really loved reading this book! This book was about raw and real feelings, looking at flaws and scars - emotional and physical. Through all of that though learning how to accept them and love yourself for you not for anyone else’s expectations or because society said so.
I don’t think this book is for the faint of heart, there are some topics and scenes that can be hard or triggering for others to read. I wasn’t bothered by it but I could see how others might be.
Briar Dillon is a woman who has had to endure more in her lifetime than any one person should. She has experienced things in her life that had damaged her and left her needing to heal. She promised her sister, the psychologist, that she’d get help and go to therapy. One day she runs into Alexander Thornton. Alexander is a loaded nerd tech with secrets and is immediately hooked when he sees Briar.
This is a dark romance full of obsession, dark secrets and truths, and love that has thorns but once you get past the twisted stem every flower is beautiful and different.
April 18, 2021
Damaged by Layla Frost is like nothing she had written before. It is utterly fantastic!!! I couldn’t put it down. This book is about Briar and Alexander and they are just perfect for each other. This book really gets down to who they are. I would go into about the book because it’s best to go in blind. This book has romance, suspense and is all around fantastic.
April 18, 2021
How can you fix yourself when you’re completely shattered? When all your powers have been stolen and you’re completely out of control. Is it OK to let someone fix you? Someone who is just as broken as you?
Holy dark sh!tballs! Damaged is an intense, insta-lust. This is not the usual Layla Frost we know and love. This was darker, more desperate, and heartbreakingly beautiful all at the same time. Briar was so fantastic! Sweet, insecure, and so wonderfully snarky all at the same time. Her relationship with her sister is tragically complex, but at its core, undyingly faithful. Alex is so protective and alpha, but also obsessive, scary, and actually kind of psycho... all at the same time. Somehow, they are exactly what the other one needs. They both feed and fill the dark places in the others’ souls, making them complete. I absolutely loved this story and if you can tolerate some pain with your kink, you’ll absolutely love it too!
Holy dark sh!tballs! Damaged is an intense, insta-lust. This is not the usual Layla Frost we know and love. This was darker, more desperate, and heartbreakingly beautiful all at the same time. Briar was so fantastic! Sweet, insecure, and so wonderfully snarky all at the same time. Her relationship with her sister is tragically complex, but at its core, undyingly faithful. Alex is so protective and alpha, but also obsessive, scary, and actually kind of psycho... all at the same time. Somehow, they are exactly what the other one needs. They both feed and fill the dark places in the others’ souls, making them complete. I absolutely loved this story and if you can tolerate some pain with your kink, you’ll absolutely love it too!
April 18, 2021
I thought I was shocked and dumbfounded after reading Deathly by Brynne Asher, book 1 in the Dillon Sister Duet, but Damaged had me messed up and then surprisingly satisfied. Like in my review for Deathly, I am not going to say too much so I won’t spoil anything, but just know if you think you know where Briar and Alexander’s story is going to take you, just be prepared! Like the blurb and the title says, Briar is damaged, she is constantly told she is but it is Alexander that sees all of her; the good, the bad and the ugly (not that Briar could ever be ugly, but you know what I mean). And as you delve into their story, you are a witness to every emotion and pain they both go through but you also see how incredibly perfect they are for each other. Briar’s turmoil is so raw and absolutely gut-wrenching and Alexander is just as damaged but what they give to each other is exactly what the other needs and maybe a little bit of hope. Now it's been established that this is dark, darker than anything this author has ever written but there are some light moments sprinkled throughout which evens things out a bit. The writing is also top-notched and powerful, there were so many moments where I actually felt what Briar was feeling.
These two books can definitely be read as a stand-alone but you would really miss out on these incredible sisters, who are absolutely dedicated to each other, and the men who they love and love them back whole-heartedly. In reading these books, you will be taken on an incredible ride, with twists and turns and emotions all over the place. They are a must-read and I highly recommend them.
These two books can definitely be read as a stand-alone but you would really miss out on these incredible sisters, who are absolutely dedicated to each other, and the men who they love and love them back whole-heartedly. In reading these books, you will be taken on an incredible ride, with twists and turns and emotions all over the place. They are a must-read and I highly recommend them.
November 5, 2023
MCs:
- Alexander, 31
- Briar, 21
Book info:
- Age gap
- Stalking
- Mental health rep
- Self harm
- Suicide
- Body dysmorphia
- Violence
- Parent abandonment
- Cancer
- No cheating, opd, third act breakup
- Non-virgin MCs
- HEA (married and pregnant)
I think this was the first time I read from this author, and I don't know what to expect. Which really surprised me in a good way.
Briar had cancer when she was 16, and her parents were selfish assholes who didn't want to do anything with her during her medication. Her mom is a witch who physically, mentally, and emotionally abused her. Her dad was neglectful and didn't even visit her in the hospital. With their rejection and constant belittlement, she started to have anxiety and depression; she even started harming herself. Five years later, she successfully survived the cancer. But she became this lost young woman who's always on edge and has been continuously battling with her mental health. Luckily, she has her sister, Aria, who has been with her since the very start. She helped Briar as much as she could, and Briar was grateful but also felt guilty because she thinks she's a burden to her.
Anyway, therein enters Alexander, a billionaire tech mogul who donated a huge amount of money to a center where Briar had her weekly meetings with her support group. He saw her and was intrigued by the sadness and pain in her eyes. Wanting to know more about her and her routine, he then starts to stalk her. Aside from being a tech mogul, he's also a part-time vigilante. I think it's safe to say he's a serial killer, but those people kind of deserve their deaths. He kills the vilest scum of the earth, rapists, murderers, pedophiles, and many more.
So one night, Alexander B&E in Briar's apartment, wanting to honor her wish to die. But he changed his mind and didn't go through with it. At this moment, his interest in her turns into a full-blown obsession. And this is how they started spending time together.
I liked the fact that the mental issue was represented as accurately as possible. Though I know mental health struggles aren't the same for everyone, I feel like I understand them better because of this story. I appreciate that the author didn't make Briar look cured just because she found someone who accepted and loved her, flaws and all. She's still had her bouts of anxiety, but she's now handling it way better, mainly because she found stability and has support.
I loved an OTT MMC who didn't bat an eye to protect and care for the FMC, and Alexander did just that. Of course, he's a stalker, but this is fiction, so he could get a pass. 😂 But this is one of those times, that I support the invasion of someone's privacy. If he didn't do what he did, he would never get past Briar's wall, and she would kick him out the curb the moment her issues and insecurities started to make her doubt herself again. He didn't give her so much space to overthink things, and when the niggling doubts started to surface, he always assured her of his love, devotion, and obsession. I loved him being so possessive of her.
There are a lot of triggering contents in the story, and although this is less than 300 pages, I felt so exhausted reading all the things that happened here. The topics were too heavy at times, and I'm really in awe of how Briar won most of her battles. She's so resilient and selfless. I know fighting her demons isn't an easy task, but she does it all the time because she doesn't want to leave her sister. Aria stood with her all the time, so she wants to do the same for her. And there's nothing more selfless than that kind of love.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the story. Though there's a lot of push and pull on Briar's side (mainly because of her issues), I was glad Alexander stood his ground and didn't give up. I appreciate even more the HEA of these two. They deserve it, and although they're fucked in their own way (their words), they owned it and made something beautiful out of it.
Anyway, this is worth reading, imo. But readers must check their trigger warnings.
- Alexander, 31
- Briar, 21
Book info:
- Age gap
- Stalking
- Mental health rep
- Self harm
- Suicide
- Body dysmorphia
- Violence
- Parent abandonment
- Cancer
- No cheating, opd, third act breakup
- Non-virgin MCs
- HEA (married and pregnant)
I think this was the first time I read from this author, and I don't know what to expect. Which really surprised me in a good way.
Briar had cancer when she was 16, and her parents were selfish assholes who didn't want to do anything with her during her medication. Her mom is a witch who physically, mentally, and emotionally abused her. Her dad was neglectful and didn't even visit her in the hospital. With their rejection and constant belittlement, she started to have anxiety and depression; she even started harming herself. Five years later, she successfully survived the cancer. But she became this lost young woman who's always on edge and has been continuously battling with her mental health. Luckily, she has her sister, Aria, who has been with her since the very start. She helped Briar as much as she could, and Briar was grateful but also felt guilty because she thinks she's a burden to her.
Anyway, therein enters Alexander, a billionaire tech mogul who donated a huge amount of money to a center where Briar had her weekly meetings with her support group. He saw her and was intrigued by the sadness and pain in her eyes. Wanting to know more about her and her routine, he then starts to stalk her. Aside from being a tech mogul, he's also a part-time vigilante. I think it's safe to say he's a serial killer, but those people kind of deserve their deaths. He kills the vilest scum of the earth, rapists, murderers, pedophiles, and many more.
So one night, Alexander B&E in Briar's apartment, wanting to honor her wish to die. But he changed his mind and didn't go through with it. At this moment, his interest in her turns into a full-blown obsession. And this is how they started spending time together.
I liked the fact that the mental issue was represented as accurately as possible. Though I know mental health struggles aren't the same for everyone, I feel like I understand them better because of this story. I appreciate that the author didn't make Briar look cured just because she found someone who accepted and loved her, flaws and all. She's still had her bouts of anxiety, but she's now handling it way better, mainly because she found stability and has support.
I loved an OTT MMC who didn't bat an eye to protect and care for the FMC, and Alexander did just that. Of course, he's a stalker, but this is fiction, so he could get a pass. 😂 But this is one of those times, that I support the invasion of someone's privacy. If he didn't do what he did, he would never get past Briar's wall, and she would kick him out the curb the moment her issues and insecurities started to make her doubt herself again. He didn't give her so much space to overthink things, and when the niggling doubts started to surface, he always assured her of his love, devotion, and obsession. I loved him being so possessive of her.
There are a lot of triggering contents in the story, and although this is less than 300 pages, I felt so exhausted reading all the things that happened here. The topics were too heavy at times, and I'm really in awe of how Briar won most of her battles. She's so resilient and selfless. I know fighting her demons isn't an easy task, but she does it all the time because she doesn't want to leave her sister. Aria stood with her all the time, so she wants to do the same for her. And there's nothing more selfless than that kind of love.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the story. Though there's a lot of push and pull on Briar's side (mainly because of her issues), I was glad Alexander stood his ground and didn't give up. I appreciate even more the HEA of these two. They deserve it, and although they're fucked in their own way (their words), they owned it and made something beautiful out of it.
Anyway, this is worth reading, imo. But readers must check their trigger warnings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2021
How do I even describe how much I loved this book without spoiling it? I mean, it’s a little dark with lots of deep shadows in some parts. Shadows that hide the things that should go bump in the night, but only for some unfortunate souls. There’s a bit of pain, hopelessness, agony, and yet, redemption and hope at the same time. How the heck is that, you wonder? Well, that’s just the magic of Briar and Alexander. They’ve both got secrets and need time to tell them all. They’ve both got fears and quirks beyond what some may consider “normal”, and that’s fine. Because all of their parts fit perfectly and manage to create the perfect story and life full of everything they need and were afraid to reach out to take for themselves. And that epilogue? Yeah. It was just perfect.
Layla outdid herself here. It’s not quite her normal style, but it’s just as fantastic as her other work. It pairs perfectly with Brynne Asher’s Deathly, without ever once feeling repetitive or boring. In fact, neither book spoils the other. And because of that, I’d love to see more of this sorcery that became a story (or stories) I was unable to put down.
Like with Deathly, you’re best off enjoying the ride that is Briar and Alexander’s story. There’s no need to skip ahead because all will be answered in time and some of it will be totally unexpected. So find a comfy spot to read, clear some time for peace, and fall in love with Briar and Alexander like I did. You won’t regret it.
Layla outdid herself here. It’s not quite her normal style, but it’s just as fantastic as her other work. It pairs perfectly with Brynne Asher’s Deathly, without ever once feeling repetitive or boring. In fact, neither book spoils the other. And because of that, I’d love to see more of this sorcery that became a story (or stories) I was unable to put down.
Like with Deathly, you’re best off enjoying the ride that is Briar and Alexander’s story. There’s no need to skip ahead because all will be answered in time and some of it will be totally unexpected. So find a comfy spot to read, clear some time for peace, and fall in love with Briar and Alexander like I did. You won’t regret it.
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