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Rebels of Sandland #3

Fractured Minds

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Finn Knowles

The rebel without a voice. That’s me.

But just because I choose to keep quiet, doesn’t mean there isn’t a raging fire burning inside. Still waters run deep, after all, and there’s a lot of secrets I’ve kept hidden from the world.

Art has always been my escape from the evil that’s tried to drag me down.

It was all I had.

Until her.

Effy Spencer is like nobody I’ve ever met, but everything I’ve ever wanted.

In my dreams, I’m her whole world. In reality, I’m her worst nightmare.

I can’t let my darkness drown her. That’s why I stay away. That, and the fact that he’s back now, and he’s going to destroy my life if it’s the last thing he does.

Effy Spencer

Finn Knowles doesn’t need to say a word to let me know what’s truly in his heart. I see it every day in the beauty of his painting, the honesty in his eyes, and the goodness of his soul.

It breaks my heart that he can’t see it too.

He doesn’t think he’s worthy of love, of someone’s time or patience.

He doesn’t realise how special he really is.

But I do, and I’m nothing if not stubborn.

Finn thinks he can hide away from the world, but he can’t hide from me. I’m going to show him how amazing he is and how much he means to me, even if it’s the last thing I do.

Fractured Minds is a New Adult Romance and the third instalment in the Rebels of Sandland series from Nikki J Summers. Each book can be read as a standalone, but it will enhance the overall experience if you read Renegade Hearts and Tortured Souls first.
Finn’s story contains situations of a violent and sexual nature. Therefore, it is only suitable for readers 18 years+. Please take note of the trigger warnings.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2021

168 people are currently reading
2200 people want to read

About the author

Nikki J. Summers

19 books1,540 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
Profile Image for Crystal (Crystalreads2).
970 reviews993 followers
May 24, 2021



Oh my, Finn, How much I love thee. Eddy and Finn are made for each other. Eddy is the light to Finn’s Darkness. So far, this is my favorite book in the series.

Finn’s background gives us an insight as to why he is who he is and his talented artistic side, and how he expresses himself. The adults in his life failed him as a child, and some continue to fail him; he has demons that weigh heavy on him and having a hard time moving forward. Both Effy and Fin have loved each other for years, both shy.


Their story is beautiful. I did have some white lash between the push/pull, but again we wouldn’t have a study, but when eggs fully open up, it was terrific. There is a mystery, blackmail, tragedy, child abuse, and so much more; Finn’s back story is horrible, and I just wanted to adopt him.

I look forward to Zak’s book to see what happens; next. I also gave a feeling Liv is going to blow it up. That girl is hell on heels.
Profile Image for M.
726 reviews310 followers
October 3, 2021
Finn and Effy... All the feels!!

I am so glad that I have more of Finn Knowles in my little heart. He didn't have much of a voice in the previous books, but his art spoke volumes and for him, that was plenty. This story we get to see a side of him that shows exactly why he expresses his emotions through his beautiful and sometimes twisted artwork. We see what is behind his actions and why is so closed off. Why he doesn't let many people in to his world, into his heart. Many aren't worth his love. Well, there is one...

𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑰 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚.

Finn had so many demons to overcome. So much from his past was weighing on his mind, his heart, his soul. He has the best of friends that would never let him get too far in the depth of darkness that he couldn't pull himself out though.

He also had sweet, selfless Effy Spencer fighting for him behind the scenes. He could feel her want, her love, her need, her everything. They were two souls silently grasping on to their love... waiting for the right time for the other to be ready to have it and share it. To fully embrace it.

Ahhh, their love story was so beautiful. I loved watching them be able to fully and openly show their emotions for each other. Finn was a total book boyfriend material. His love was what dreams are made of.

𝑰 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆.

I loved the mystery and twists in this book. I can't wait for the Zak's book and Liv is gonna be something else!! I hope the Renaissance Men make appearances in it! Would love to read about them more!
Profile Image for Jasmine.
581 reviews876 followers
April 1, 2022
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Just...bear with me. Be gentle with me."
I stroked her face and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
"I don't know how to be any other way."

Ahhhhh, I'm utterly speechless after savoring this beautiful story about Finn and Effy. Fractured Minds is what captures my undivided attention in the first place and it's also the main reason why I pick this series up when I read and fall in love with the synopsis of this book right away. Better yet? Finn and Effy's story is by far the MOST UNFORGETTABLE romance I've ever read. EVER. Their love is so pure and emotion so raw that I literally have no words to describe how much I adore and admire them. *teary eyes*
It wasn't enough, so I clicked the radio on, and James Arthur singing, "Say You Won't Let Go," made me bawl my eyes out all over again as I sang along to every word.
As I pulled up to a junction, I noticed a familiar graffiti tag on the side of an old building. Ahead of me was one of Finn's masterpieces, and what I saw made my skin go cold and realisation blare within me like a siren. There was a little boy holding a blanket, about to wrap it around a little girl that sat cowering on the floor, wrapped up in barbed wire that pierced her skin and made her bleed. The boy wanted to protect her, make her safe, but his blanket wouldn't help when she was already trapped within the grip of the fierce spikes. Finn's work was always a reflection of how he felt, and what was happening in the world around him. And I knew right then that this was his sister, Alice, and Finn, in all his innocence, was trying to save her.

Finn is an artist and as someone who's always appreciated good artistry in books, I've never read anything so vividly depicted like the masterpieces in Fractured Minds. Frankly, I have never been impressed by a fictional character before until Finn. He's dark and broody, but also unbelievably thoughtful and tender where Effy is concerned.

Speaking of Effy, ugh, don't get me started. She's probably the SWEETEST person I've ever known and I desperately want to be her friend in real life. I love how she always puts Finn before herself and actually cares about him when no one in his life ever does. This story contains some seriously ugly parts of reality but at the same time, those imperfections highlight the beauty in life quite flawlessly.

All in all, Finn and Effy's story is a MUST READ, guys!! Nikki J. Summers is as lovely and caring as Effy and I'm beyond honored to have met her (virtually) in the book community. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND Fractured Minds and the rest of the Rebels of Sandland trilogy!!! Seriously, y'all are missing out if you haven't picked this book up or at the very least, added it to your TBR. You can thank me later. *wink* Anyways, thank you, Nikki, for introducing Ryan, Emily, Brandon, Harper, Finn, and Effy to all of us readers. We really are the luckiest bookish peeps in the world! *sending big hugs*
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,554 reviews82 followers
April 18, 2021
***4,5 "The game of consequences!!!" stars***

AVAILABLE NOW



"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist." {Charles Baudelaire}

What a wild ride was that!!! Wild and emotional!!!
I have loved the Renaissance boys and I'm always eager to be pulled into their world and learn more about them. And, yes, Finn's turn had finally come!!!
This shy and quiet boy had broken my heart in million pieces and I couldn't love him more after witnessing his truths...
Add to that, some crazy things that had happened to him and bang... I was captivated by the whole scenery!!!

"This is your waking nightmare, one that you will never be free from. Not until we ste you free."

Finn is the quiet one of the bunch...
He is the sensitive one that he is showing his feeling through his art...
He is the one who have been in love with Effy for a long time while never making a move toward her.
He is the one with the secrets...
And he is about to collide with his ugly past!!!

"The secret that had eaten away at me over the years had finally destroyed my life."

OMG!!! Honestly, I don't know from where to start...
Art was the only way for Finn to be healed. That and Effy. But he knew that Effy was too good for him and he just tried to make the right thing and to not ever pulled her into his ugly life.
From time to time he was slipping, but life had a way to remind him that it was better to stay away from her. Especially now that a man from the past had come back to haunt him...

"She was the only one I ever wanted to be around, and the one person I had to push away."

Poor Effy had loved Finn for a very long time as well. She was just craving his affection, but he was always cold and detached in front of her. And when he is showing her some affection, her heart beats wildly and hope is taking root inside of her, but he is shattering it every single time before it bloom full forced.
She can't take it anymore and while she knows she has to stay away from the heartache that he is giving her, she can't seem to do it... But lately, things are starting to get complicated...

"I always knew he was my soulmate, I just had to wait until his soul was ready to meet mine."

Well, I loved Finn and Effy so much. They were good for each other...
She had faith in him, even when he didn't believe in himself.
But the truth is that their romance had taken a back seat on everything that had happened in here, cause Finn's life turned out to be a crazy mess and while he was trying to protect his loved ones, he was creating a bigger mess...
I won't lie to you that the story turned out a little bit scary, but hell, I loved it!!!

"I'm protecting you from the darkness."
"Your darkness doesn't scare me."
"It scares me. It scares me that it might drag you down too."
"Then join me in the light."


I loved that I saw the rest of the boys and how their lives had turned out....
I loved that I saw their girls again...
I know that Brandon wasn't my favorite boy in the first book, but he is my favorite now and in here, he proved for once again who he is... He is a great man and an amazing friend. What he did for Finn was everything.
And I'm in agony for Zack's story after what had happened in here...

"You're our brother. They hurt you, they hurt us too."

Also, in here, we have met some new boys that even though they are scary motherfuckers, they intrigued me so much and I'm so happy that I found out that their stories will come in our way at some point...
Be prepared, cause except our lovely Renaissance boys, the Soldiers of Anarchy had come to stay and it will be wonderful to witness the rival between these two crews...
OMG, Nikki!!! You have me obsessed with your characters and your stories!!! Can't wait for more!!!

"Buckle up, Olivia. I'm coming -ready or not- to claim what's rightfully mine. You." {Adam}

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for annasbook nookk.
956 reviews75 followers
April 2, 2021
It feels like I've waited forever waiting for Finn and Effy's story, but it's here and i loved it.
Finn is a beautiful, turmoiled and scared man and Effy is a pretty, joyful and bright woman.
The connection between the two was just beautiful.
So much emotion in this book i cried twice!!!
It was a powerful book which i couldn't put down.
Finn trying to hide his secrets with a mouth opening ending.
There's plenty of dark triggers which Nikki warns us of.
Roll on the next one.
Profile Image for Shedevilreads Bookstagram.
2,142 reviews107 followers
April 26, 2023
Fractured Minds by Nikki J Summers is a new adult romance and the third instalment in the Rebels of Sandland series. Each book can be read as a standalone, however the books are interconnected so I would highly recommend reading them in order.

The book does come with a caution/warning "Finn’s story contains situations of a violent and sexual nature. It also includes references to child abuse that some may find difficult to read. Therefore, it is only suitable for readers 18 years+. Please take note of the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book."

I absolutely love Nikki's books! She does an amazing job pulling you into the story and making you feel the characters emotions. I knew Finn's story would break my heart, but I was so happy to see him give into his feeling for Effy. I loved getting both of their points of views throughout the story. It really brought the story to life.

I would highly recommend this book if you love new adult romances, contemporary romance, or romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Andrea Wimmer.
486 reviews40 followers
March 23, 2021
Think about all the emotions there is, doubled in intensity and going through your heart one after the other until you can’t stop tears...

Yes, this is how I feel right now after reading Finn and Effy’s story. A New Adult story full of suspense, heartbreak and whay really means to accept each other’s past and help each other heal from it.

There is a strong trigger warning you should consider before reading this book (DM me if you want to know more), but I can assure you, even though it’s a really difficult topic, the way you see Finn and Effy walking their way out to their happy ending will bring tears to your eyes.

Finn and his sister Alice had a terible secret they’d been holding since they were kids, something very painful and difficult that had been hunting them and sadly is coming back now they’re older, keeping Finn away from Effy’s love.

Finn just wanted him and his sister to be at peace. He was the most protective and fiercely loyal person in the world. He wanted to defend Alice and protect Effy, even if it was going to break his own heart. He wanted to be strong for everyone, be the rock everyone leaned on.

Effy was so freaking sweet, empathetic, patient and understanding. She knew Finn’s initial rejection had a good reason. His love for her was so obvious and she was able to feel it and wait for him until he was ready. She helped him to make the burden he was carrying a little lighter and never gave up on him.

The emotions these two made me feel were so strong, their live was so beautifully described in each of the awful situations they had to go through. It really made an impact in my heart to see them crying together and fighting against such terrible situation together at the same time they were discovering so many beautiful things life brings with the first love. This made the steamy scenes even more romantic and meaningful.

At the end if the book, I shed tears of joy, because I had no doubt they deserve to be together.

Big thanks to the author for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tasha.
125 reviews435 followers
March 30, 2021
This books continues the Sandland series that Nikki created. It continues where book two left off and is telling us the story of Finn. Quiet, artistic, traumatized Finn. Where Brandon's story in book two was a bit dark and violent being that he's a boxer, this is filled with more emotional pain from Finn's past. The trauma from it making him the way he is... Quiet, closed off, wary of others outside of his small circle of friends.

As much as this is Finn's story, its Effy's (I love that name) as well. They have been in love with each other forever. But Finn's trauma and just timing never added up for them. When an accident happens and Finn is put in the hospital, Effy is there for him. And I think the accident makes her fully see how much she loves Finn and doesn't want to waste anymore time not being with him.

The trauma from his past is out of jail and back in his and his sisters life. His sister wants to move on so she literally moves. (Everything that happens with his sister in the past is a pretty big part of the book so I don't want to spoil it).

This book has a trigger warning for abuse and violence so take that into consideration when deciding to read this book. That aspect and the introduction of a new gang, who is very violent, definitely makes this book a tad darker than Nikki's other books in this series. So if dark, triggering and more emotional isn't for you maybe skip this one.

But if you can handle it, I highly recommend reading it. Effy and Finn's love story was really sweet. Very much soulmates finally coming together. And I can not wait for Liv and Adam's story! Ooooooooooo please let it be nice and dark and edgy!
Profile Image for Yami’s Bookshelf.
443 reviews93 followers
April 10, 2021
This book begins with a bang! I love how the author gives us flashbacks of the stories behind the Renaissance boys and the girls they grew to love throughout the years.

I enjoyed Finn and Effy’s story, but I was not in love with it as much as Ryan and Brandon’s stories. The first two books had a lot of bullying and spunk which I’ve grown to enjoy from Nikki’s books.

I loved the build of this Rebels of Sandland world and these characters, so you are emotionally invested in each and their relationships.

They are all broken in some way and hurting.

I give my props to Nikki. She is a spectacular writer and can’t wait to read Zak’s story, as well as new upcoming series with Liv and Adam.
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,622 reviews151 followers
April 2, 2021
Oh Nikki what have you done to me I guess you did warn us to be prepared. From the start this book packs a punch the emotions I felt whilst reading are many and varied. Books can take you on an adventure and sweep you up so you become immersed in the characters lives and this story did that for me.

This is Finn and Effy's story but it is also in part Alice's one too. Nikki has a trigger warning in this book for a reason what Finn and Alice go through is shocking and heartbreaking. When a difficult subject is part of a book the characters involved can make you feel different things and I felt a level of anger I rarely feel. Finn is one of the most protective selfless and stubborn characters but his capacity to love is huge. I loved that Effy was written as such a strong empathetic person who's love for Finn trumped everything, she saw beneath the mask to his pain and would not let go. The fact this is a first love for both of them made this all the more poignant with love scenes that were steamy and romantic.

The ending of the story left me hopeful and with a sense of satisfaction at the conclusion. We know what's next and I cannot wait.
Profile Image for Emma.
706 reviews7 followers
March 28, 2021

This is the Third book in the Rebels of Sandland.
Renegade Hearts and Tortured Souls must be read first.

“She was bright, light, every colour there ever was, and the rest of the world was dull and grey compared to her.”

What a refreshing read that was.

It was so nice to read a guy who isn’t like the rest. Finn is shy, closed off, nervous, he's a very uneasy person but he is the sweetest guy. I absolutely adore him.

After a awful childhood and home life, he has pushed away the one person who he needs the most and that is Effy. She is his light. She is very Similar to Finn but much more confident and she wants him but he can’t be with her yet, he has to fight his demons first.
And what demons they are. From the beginning of this book Finn and his sister Alice’s story ripped my heart out, they have been keeping a secret. It’s a big one, I haven’t read this plot before. It’s very intense and it did make me feel uneasy. Saying that Nikki has written it so well, it’s very powerful and heartbreaking.

This is definitely a story that needs to be read.

I’m super excited for what else is to come.
I loved all the characters in this book. I’m desperate to know Zak story 🖤

Oh and I need The Soldiers of Anarchy like now.!! 😂
I can’t wait for Liv’a and Adam’s book.!!

There are three things that are certain in this life. Death. Taxes. And the fact that if want something, I will fucking get it. And I want her.
Profile Image for Siobhan (Bookish Vibes).
878 reviews35 followers
April 1, 2021
I loved everything about this book. From the the gorgeous cover to the heartbreaking story, it was all just perfection. I knew Finn's story would get me all emotional and I wasn't wrong. This is a story of overcoming obstacles, healing and feeling worthy of love.

Finn had a truly heartbreaking childhood and it affected him in every aspect of his life. He is the epitome of a tortured artist. He is shy, awkward and terrible at communicating but expresses himself beautifully through his art which is displayed all over the walls and abandoned buildings of Sandland. He is sweet and kind and would do anything for his friends. Effy sees all of this and has loved Finn for years. But they have a long road to their much deserved HEA with Finn fighting his demons and trying to make peace with his past.

While this can be read as a standalone, I would definitely recommended checking out Renegade Hearts and Tortured Souls first to get a better picture of the characters and their overall story.

Profile Image for Robyn G.
Author 1 book47 followers
March 15, 2021
Finn and Effys story you best buckle up and get ready to feel all the emotions.
You'll be standing there holding your breath and trying not to blink at some points because you don't want to miss a single detail!
Finn was definitely more emotional and raw compared to the others, crazy considering Brandon's story was intense but damn Finn was something else.
Finn was unlike any character I've read before. He's not one of those alpha crazied guys, he's more of the silent types but we all knew how Finn was so it would of been a shock to see him do a complete 180 and change into this over obsessive alpha-hole!

I'm absolutely dying with excitement for what's to come!
The next level is in sight!
Profile Image for Lucy Joyeux (Gazikova).
191 reviews51 followers
April 29, 2021
I've got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have to rate this book 3.8 stars (so I will give it 4). I really liked it and the plot, but the parts that I love the most were missing, which is NOT a bad thing!

This book started with a heartbreaking story and me reading it before going to bed didn't help at all. I know it was a necessary add and to be honest I think that set the emotions for the whole book!

I have to say that Finn's story is the most emotional one out of the three so far! Brandon had it hard and it's my favourite book by Nikki, but Finn's story was hard to read at times.

Now to this story.

As heartbreaking as this story starts it turns slightly lighter with each chapter until our breaking point where Finn has to choose either himself or his friends and soulmate. Now we would say the choice is easy, right? But think for a second and tell me who would you choose if push come to shove?

In all three books I love how supportive the guys and girls are towards each other! You have a problem? Let us help you solve it! That's the kind of friendship we are all, at the end of the day, looking for.

I loved Effy! She's genuine, sweet and innocent but can be a total opposite sometimes! She sees Finn the way no one else does and understands him almost better than he does himself.

The ending got me broken for them! Happy for Brandon and Harper thought and their twins! I can't wait to see the rest of the series + the new series involving Brinton's guys!
Profile Image for Tempest Phan.
Author 3 books77 followers
May 19, 2021
“Be gentle with me.”
I stroked her face and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I don’t know how to be any other way.”

Gahhhhh.

I’m completely shattered. My heart is in a million pieces on the floor. What a devastating, breathtaking, gorgeous work of art. The emotions dripped from every single word in this book. The push and pull between the leads was delicious torment.

Now, it took me a bit longer to finish FRACTURED MINDS because 1) life got in the way and 2) it is a little darker (not too dark, but dark enough, so heed those trigger warnings, friends) than what I am used to reading.

But as always, Nikki Summers’s writing is exquisite; every twist and turn in the plot pure perfection; so many unforgettable supporting characters (many already beloved, and some new) swaggered across the page; and oh god, Finn. Finn.

And here I thought Brandon was my fave Renaissance Man. Well, I was wrong. Finn is everything I love in my heroes. Broken. So freaking broken. So freaking strong in his vulnerability. And so freaking head-over-heels in love with the sweet, sweet Effy that my heart hurt for them.

But it all works out!! Promise. And now? Now we wait for the next installment (Zak? Pretty please?).
Profile Image for Becca - beckys.bookish.life.
257 reviews57 followers
April 28, 2023
This book is definitely my favourite so far in this series. It has a much darker tone than the first two books and the characters seem a lot more mature as well.
Finn’s story is quite heartbreaking and he is very expressive about this in his art which I thought was a great touch. The relationship in this is very sweet despite everything Finn is dealing with and Effy is the light to Finn’s darkness.

This book also shows how this series and The Soldiers of Anarchy series link up. After having now read this one, I would definitely recommend reading the first three books in this series and then picking up the other series starting with The Psycho. I think if I had have read it this way instead of starting my journey out with The Pyscho, I would have appreciated the events at the beginning of The Psycho a lot more!
220 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2021
Finn gave me all the feels. Who thought finns story is going to be better than brandon. Don’t mind me brandon ( i still love you the most). Effy is amazing, how could she be so sy as well as bold and UNDERSTANDING, she is no drama girl and call bullshit on bullshit. I love her. Nikki clearly write the silent longing of them clearly, i felt so bad for them. I really love the valantine cards. Not giving much spoilers, ITS SUCH A GOOD BOOK I WANT MORE OF FINN AND BRANDON.


** recieved arc in exchange of honest review.
Profile Image for Erin Knuth.
315 reviews8 followers
May 3, 2021
I'm not much into darker-themed romance, but I always make an exception for this author's books. Finn's story is heartbreaking. It's the darkest of the series, yet still punctuated by light. The light comes from a love that's lasted years, unwavering friends, second chances. You will WORK emotionally for that happy ending - and it's not a true ending. There is more to come and I am here for it.
Profile Image for Becca.
1,031 reviews12 followers
March 21, 2021
Well that was great! I didn’t realize it was a part of a series so I’m going to have to go back and read the rest , most especially if they see anything like this one! Intrigued by this motley crew of characters
Profile Image for E.J. Frost.
Author 31 books642 followers
April 8, 2021
Cried so many tears!

Finn just broke my heart. I knew he would from the previous books, but reading it in all its grit and glory had me absolutely bawling. Read this book. That is all.
Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Kathy.
12 reviews
June 12, 2021
Book #3 continues the emotional journey this time between Finn and Effy! Fantastic series! Thanks Nikki! Loved all 3 and ready for #4.
Profile Image for Sarah (lou_reads_romance).
1,286 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2021
This book is so much more than just Finn’s story. The heartbreakingly real storyline that is so often left undiscovered in real life, is so perfectly portrayed by Ms Summers. There is no shying away from the awfulness. The writing is so brilliantly poignant in that the less graphic the details the more profound the effect this book has.
We come to learn the layers of Finn’s personality and the reasons behind his need to create art. His attraction to Effy is one he can’t possibly allow himself to pursue when he feels he is not worthy of her light and laughter... not wanting to drag her into his darkness.
But Effy is just perfect for him.... she won’t let him fester or hide... she is a beautifully determined young woman and her sights are set on Finn whether he is ready for her or not!!
As with Ryan and Brandon’s stories, the dialogue is fantastic and plentiful, the suspense and drama kept me absolutely hooked and the sweet and steamy romance was just the cherry on the top of this Rebels of Sandland sundae!!
Mmm and what an intriguing epilogue.....a whole new twisted bad boy to be tamed... can’t wait...bring it on Nikki J 😊
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,389 reviews41 followers
April 3, 2021
5 FRACTURED HEART STARS!! My poor heart is fractured...Finn and Effy, these two went through so much. The feels are off the charts in this story....the author poured tears, smiles, LOVE and hurt on every page. It took me two days to be able to write this review and my words will not do it justice. Read this book.
Profile Image for Sara.
219 reviews65 followers
March 27, 2023
The record for most consecutive 5 star ratings by the same author was previously 4 books and it was held by Sophie Lark's Kingmaker series. And since this is my 5th Nikki J Summers book I was curious to see it the record would be broken. I should have known Nikki would smash it cause that is absolutely what she did. New official record set.

Finn was a sweetheart. He loved Effy from the first time he saw her. He was willing to love her from afar if it meant she would be safe. And isn't that the purest form of love, when you're willing to give up your own happiness for someone else's.

Of course Effy didn't accept that and the love between them was amazing. Finn's gift of the valentine's cards is probably my favorite gesture of love. Finn's past was so tragic and I'm happy he has Effy to show him how much he deserves love. Cause if anyone does it's him.

Brandon continued to steal my heart, and the decision by Nikki J Summers to make him the father of two girls is so adorable.

Also fun to see the Soldiers of Anarchy in this which was my first books by this author. Adam and Liv's book is still one of my all time favorites.

Now I just have to wait for Zak's story.
Profile Image for Lindsey Powell.
Author 33 books511 followers
March 20, 2021
Fractured Minds.
One hell of a story.
You know, Brandon was always going to be hard to top but Nikki J brought her A-game with Finn’s story, and he’s just as smoking hot as Brandon.

Here we have a guy who is more reserved, quieter, but one that packs a hell of a punch and makes you feel EVERYTHING.
The emotion of this story had me devouring the pages. My heart has a place for Finn and Effy, and this story shows that sometimes the quiet ones turn out to be the strongest.

Highly recommended.
Five stars.
Well done Nikki J on another FANTASTIC book!
Profile Image for Shauna McDonnell.
Author 5 books155 followers
April 7, 2021
Can we have a standing ovation?

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Nikki J Summers has outdone herself with this masterpiece. From the moment I met Finn Knowles in Renegade Hearts, I began my descent.
It's always the silent ones that grip my heart and refuse to let go. Finn was no exception, dear God, that boy tore the heart right out of my chest, and I let him.

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With lines like -- "In my dreams, I was her everything. In reality, I was her nightmare." and "But my favourite smile of all is the one I see when you see me. That's my smile." -- I was a goner.

As for Effy!!! Yes, yes, yes!!!! She is the kind of heroine I adore. She is strong but not overbearing. She loved every single part of my broken Finn, and I loved her for it. Her caring strength was exactly what Finn needed, and bit by bit, she brought our hero into the light, again. Not to mention, her love for Finn bound off the pages!

"I needed to listen to the other sounds he made, not just his voice. I had to listen to the meaning behind his actions, his expression, his body language, and his art."

HERE FOR IT!

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Finally! That Ending!

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Nikki J Summers! How could you do that to me! I. AM. NOT. OKAY!!!!!!

I need Zak, and I need him NOW!!
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,823 reviews45 followers
March 30, 2021
I seriously could not wait to dive into Finn and Effy’s story! The first two books in this series started my addiction and now I crave every word, needing to find out more about each character and see what’s in store for the Rebels of Sandland.

Finn was such a mystery, but regardless of his apparent shyness and social awkwardness, Effy was entranced by him, and we soon find out that he’s just as entranced by her.

With a heart crushing past and the inability to see any good in himself, he seems to think she’s better off not getting close to him. “She was the only one I ever wanted to be around, and the one person I had to push away.”

Wanting to avenge the wrongs from his childhood, Finn end up heading down a dark path of no return. He ends up seeking refuge in the light and warmth he gets from Effy, bonding them in a way neither thought was possible.

Nightmarish, shocking and scary, there were some hard scenes to read. Luckily there was enough sweet, sexy and romantic dispersed throughout to get me through all the hold your breath, edge of your seat suspense!

Most surprising of all was that Epilogue...just you wait!
Profile Image for Lyndsey Miller.
178 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2021
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Steam:🔥🔥 2/3
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Okay so I think that everyone knows that I am obsessed with this series. The Renaissance men are *chefs kiss* utter perfection. Once I start these books, I just have to devour them. Incredible.

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Effy is amazing, I just loved her. Her quiet strength is so beautiful. I love that she is just so wholesome and lovely. She is the perfect match for Finn. Plus I love their friend group, they are just the perfect balances for each other.

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Finn, ugh what a sweet baby angel. The things that he has gone through have really done a number on him. The fact that he has been through so much and still has such a kind heart and sweet nature is amazing. He truly is a beautiful soul, his gestures to Effy had me melting into a puddle.

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Effy and Finn are just it for each other, period. They have souls that are so deeply connected and will withstand the test of time. I loved seeing more of all the Sandland characters we have met and loved. That being said, Nikki introduced us to Adam and his clan, holy shit y’all, I am ready to dive off the deep end with these boys and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with.
Profile Image for Yames Bond.
904 reviews14 followers
April 1, 2021
4🍭🍭🍭🍭

Spanish & English ARC Opinion

ENG ::

Nikki J Summers is an espectacular author that always has me wrapped with her work, from the writing style to the characters, who are always lovable unforgettable because of their depth and complexity.

Every book in the series has all of that and a plus: an amazing world made by books that contain original stories different from everything else previously read. Finn’s story is no exception, having delicate topics and handing them beautifully.

With a very emotional ride, we live trough Finns’s torments and his and Effy’s feelings. Their love has angsty moments, swoony kisses and an epic love. We also get introduced to the Soldiers, who promise to bring lots of mayhem. There are plot twists that we never saw coming and our favorite Renaissance guys, Ryan and Brandon, keep giving us their stories and Zak keeps being an enigma.

Random fact: I love Liv! Can’t wait for her story 💜

ESP ::

Nikki J Summers es una maravilla de escritora. Cada cosa que publica, me atrapo por completo, desde sus palabras y estilo de escritura hasta sus personajes, quienes tienen mucha complejidad y profundidad. Cada libro incluye todos estos elementos más un extra: el mundo creado en los libros es excelente y completamente original. Cada texto incluye una historia diferente y no se parece a nada que yo haya leído antes.

El libro de Finn está súper emocional. Tiene temas complicados y él experimenta muchos tormentos, aparte de los sentimientos que Effy y él tienen el uno por el otro. Hay angustia, romance y muchos momentos divinos entre ellos. También conocemos a los “Soldiers”, una banda de otro pueblo que promete causar todo tipo de conflictos.

Como siempre, hay muchos twists inesperados y seguimos viendo cómo evolucionan las historias de los favoritos: Brandon y Ryan, Renaissance guys. Zak sigue siendo un misterio y mi consentida de la serie, Liv, aparece haciéndome reír y diciendo frases épicas. ¡Me urge su libro!
Profile Image for Talula.
372 reviews
April 6, 2021
This is my first book by Nikki J Summers, man did she deliver.
This is Finn and Effy's romance, their romance was sweet. The book was dark and emotional raw.
Finn's sister (Alice) had experience trauma when she was younger and Finn wasn't able to protect her. He's always carried a guilt and he decides to get revenge which doesn't turn out well form him. When he discovers Alice isn't safe any longer he goes to warn her only to find himself cornered by The Soldiers of Anarchy. Now he must play their sick game to keep Alice and his secret hidden.
Finn's always kept Effy at a distance not wanting her to see his darkness. Effy has always been waiting for Finn to see she could handle it as long as she had him. Finn and Effy's were so sweet even with the craziness around them. They truly love one another and stuck together.
This book was fantastic it was fast pace and kept me at the end of my seat. I can't wait for more!!
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