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Don't Let Me Break
Marley Carter has always lived her life in the shadows where few people see her and only the monsters in her head keep her company. All that changes when Sebastian Levy barges into her life.Somehow, she’s caught his attention. No matter how hard she tries to avoid him, he’s always there, trying to drag her out of her dark world. Even after seeing all the hidden sides of her, he still won’t give up. And what’s worse, he’s starting to make her want things. Things she never thought she needed or deserved.But loving Marley is dangerous business. Sebastian might want her for himself, but the monsters in her past refuse to let her go. And they’re willing to do anything to keep her chained in their lair.
- GenresContemporaryHumor
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2021
100 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Linda Verji
30 books189 followersBooks. Books. Books.
I love looking at them, smelling them, reading them, carrying them, writing them.
I have an addiction. Someone help me.
I'll read anything from historical romance to fast action thrillers, gritty urban to fantasy.
When it comes to writing, I'm more of a romance gal. Expect admirable heroines, swoony gentlemen and some r-rated fun.
I love looking at them, smelling them, reading them, carrying them, writing them.
I have an addiction. Someone help me.
I'll read anything from historical romance to fast action thrillers, gritty urban to fantasy.
When it comes to writing, I'm more of a romance gal. Expect admirable heroines, swoony gentlemen and some r-rated fun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 20, 2021
When I tell you this author put her foot into this story. I’ve read several books by this author and this new series is by far her best book. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.
There’s so much to this story but the gist is that we meet Sebastian who has just started his new job in Philadelphia. One night while working late he meets his meek mild mannered video editor Marley. That night Sebastian saves Marley from a deadly attack by a masked assailant. Sebastian soon learns after the attack that Marley is truly not who she seems and that the mild mannered video editor is full of secrets.
I could not put this book down, the author grips you from the very beginning with Marley’s early childhood trauma. You also get a realistic understanding of how people with trauma and mental health issues fear people finding out. On the flip side you get to see the stress and fear of family members as well. Nothing is just thrown out there and glossed over, you get fully invested in every character and you want each person to win. Not only does the author deep dive into trauma and mental health you also see how that trauma can also evolve into addiction issues.
A mystery is also taking place in the background and I will say that this was the first suspense/thriller that I didn’t figure out the plot halfway through the book. Overall, this was a 5 star read that I highly recommend, the epilogue was one of the best parts of the story and I can’t wait to read Kenny’s story because sis deserves a happily ever after ending.
There’s so much to this story but the gist is that we meet Sebastian who has just started his new job in Philadelphia. One night while working late he meets his meek mild mannered video editor Marley. That night Sebastian saves Marley from a deadly attack by a masked assailant. Sebastian soon learns after the attack that Marley is truly not who she seems and that the mild mannered video editor is full of secrets.
I could not put this book down, the author grips you from the very beginning with Marley’s early childhood trauma. You also get a realistic understanding of how people with trauma and mental health issues fear people finding out. On the flip side you get to see the stress and fear of family members as well. Nothing is just thrown out there and glossed over, you get fully invested in every character and you want each person to win. Not only does the author deep dive into trauma and mental health you also see how that trauma can also evolve into addiction issues.
A mystery is also taking place in the background and I will say that this was the first suspense/thriller that I didn’t figure out the plot halfway through the book. Overall, this was a 5 star read that I highly recommend, the epilogue was one of the best parts of the story and I can’t wait to read Kenny’s story because sis deserves a happily ever after ending.
September 12, 2021
Wow. There aren’t enough stars to give this magnificent book. Ms. Linda Verji wrote a verified masterpiece.
Sebastian is absolute perfection. He is not just a sexy alpha, but he’s also kind, thoughtful, sensitive, respectful, and understanding. He unconditionally loves Marley despite her illness.
Marley is a tortured soul that has yet to get a handle on her psychological issues. She was weak, timid, and a pushover in the beginning. With the love and support of Sebastian, she became more confident and more encouraged to heal from her mental illness, as opposed to simply living with it.
Wonderful, tender, heartwarming romance. Highly recommended.
Sebastian is absolute perfection. He is not just a sexy alpha, but he’s also kind, thoughtful, sensitive, respectful, and understanding. He unconditionally loves Marley despite her illness.
Marley is a tortured soul that has yet to get a handle on her psychological issues. She was weak, timid, and a pushover in the beginning. With the love and support of Sebastian, she became more confident and more encouraged to heal from her mental illness, as opposed to simply living with it.
Wonderful, tender, heartwarming romance. Highly recommended.
September 27, 2021
A Wild One!
This is my first read of this author, and I was expecting nunna this! Whew, this story was wild af! I am in no way mocking mental illness cause that ish is real, but chile, it takes a real man to be with a woman who has carried lifelong trauma that manifested into coping mechanisms that we never saw coming.
This story is more suspenseful, IMO, than romantic. The love between Marley and Sebastian is a slow burn, so don't expect insta love and hella sex cause this ain't the one. This story focuses heavily on one woman's journey with mental illness and not overcoming it but confronting it and managing it because there's no cure, and I appreciate that the author didn't romanticize it.
There are many twists and turns and didn't see that coming, so if you're looking for something different, this is the one. Looking forward to Kenny's story (assuming that there will be one based on the "Book 1" title and a few clues in the ep.)
This is my first read of this author, and I was expecting nunna this! Whew, this story was wild af! I am in no way mocking mental illness cause that ish is real, but chile, it takes a real man to be with a woman who has carried lifelong trauma that manifested into coping mechanisms that we never saw coming.
This story is more suspenseful, IMO, than romantic. The love between Marley and Sebastian is a slow burn, so don't expect insta love and hella sex cause this ain't the one. This story focuses heavily on one woman's journey with mental illness and not overcoming it but confronting it and managing it because there's no cure, and I appreciate that the author didn't romanticize it.
There are many twists and turns and didn't see that coming, so if you're looking for something different, this is the one. Looking forward to Kenny's story (assuming that there will be one based on the "Book 1" title and a few clues in the ep.)
September 18, 2021
Interesting concept for the female protagonist, but I don't think Linda Verji research enough on the topic of multiple-personality disorder.
The plot is cliché, your usual traumatic WOC meeting a white love interest who is emphasized heavily as "handsome." 'Cause outside of the keyword "handsome," the love interest is as bland as dry cheese. Hell, I even forget about the white love interest's name because he's so bland.
Anyway, the novel is nothing interesting. It's something for you to pass the time by, other than watching paint dry on the wall.
The plot is cliché, your usual traumatic WOC meeting a white love interest who is emphasized heavily as "handsome." 'Cause outside of the keyword "handsome," the love interest is as bland as dry cheese. Hell, I even forget about the white love interest's name because he's so bland.
Anyway, the novel is nothing interesting. It's something for you to pass the time by, other than watching paint dry on the wall.
October 4, 2021
This is the second out of the five books I read by this author that had built a story from an implausible point. What the hell happened in that trial that made an obvious case of self defense due to domestic abuse result in the main character's mother dying in prison? The reasons that the book provided for this injustice was soooooo flimsy!! The book mentioned that the father was popular in the community and took the mother to an unlicensed doctor that would treat her bruises without any records on her abuse, but were there no investigators or forensics at the crime scene to figure out that that these women were fighting for their lives that night? The dad hit the feeble mom with his fists to the point that her lip was busted and her nose was bloodied! The dad hit the daughter with his fists as well, did the investigators not find any swelling from all of these punches? The house sounded like it was torn apart during the fight. The book failed to mention whether any of this was considered in the trial and then you have the mother asking for her daughters not to testify and I'm supposed to just go with that and enjoy the rest of this book?
And because of this weird premise, you have Marley the main character, running scared of a crackhead because she feared that the police would find out who killed the father? I just about threw my tablet. This and the thirsty, catty co-workers not noticing a relationship building between the boss and Marley (even though they eat lunch together every day), and other silly decisions that every character made throughout this book really ruined the story for me. What kept me from giving this book one star was that I was still entertained and just had to know who was going after Marley in the end.
And because of this weird premise, you have Marley the main character, running scared of a crackhead because she feared that the police would find out who killed the father? I just about threw my tablet. This and the thirsty, catty co-workers not noticing a relationship building between the boss and Marley (even though they eat lunch together every day), and other silly decisions that every character made throughout this book really ruined the story for me. What kept me from giving this book one star was that I was still entertained and just had to know who was going after Marley in the end.
August 24, 2021
When new editor in chief Sebastian saves meek video editor Marley from an attacker in the parking garage, he's immediately enamored with her. There's more to Marley than meets the eye but that doesn't deter Sebastian. While trying to get closer and understand Marley and her mysteries, there is someone after her working in the shadows.
This book too me by surprise! I'm huge on the this theme usually but this was written so well. I'm usually not into the meek h but I found myself loving when Marley was around way more than Hazel. Sebastian was so understanding and sweet, I couldn't get enough! I also did not see it coming when the person behind the threat was revealed.
I love a good epilogue and this one was so so satisfying. Check this one out!
This book too me by surprise! I'm huge on the this theme usually but this was written so well. I'm usually not into the meek h but I found myself loving when Marley was around way more than Hazel. Sebastian was so understanding and sweet, I couldn't get enough! I also did not see it coming when the person behind the threat was revealed.
I love a good epilogue and this one was so so satisfying. Check this one out!
October 17, 2021
This book is so good I reread a few chapters because I didn't want it to be over. This author takes some tropes that I normally roll my eyes at and flips them on their head. I hope the second book of this series is just as good.
September 1, 2021
Unexpected
I have read several books by Linda Verji. She is a gifted author and her books always entertain. However, while entertaining, Don't Let Me Break was also educational and heartbreaking. The book's description did not hint to the ride we were about to take. Marley was broken when she met Sebastian.... But he didn't try to FIX her he just made his place in her broken spaces.
I have read several books by Linda Verji. She is a gifted author and her books always entertain. However, while entertaining, Don't Let Me Break was also educational and heartbreaking. The book's description did not hint to the ride we were about to take. Marley was broken when she met Sebastian.... But he didn't try to FIX her he just made his place in her broken spaces.
April 21, 2022
this book was confusing… and honestly more than a little unsettling. namely the idea that DID can be cured by “love” and the whole premise of her killing her father. the whole idea of her only have two “alters” and just how the DID was described felt wildly inaccurate. alters aren’t personalities they are completely different beings. her brain was fractured and never morphed into one identity but this book portrayed it off as “personalities”
as i don’t have DID i can’t say for sure how in accurate it is but it feels harmful to me.
as i don’t have DID i can’t say for sure how in accurate it is but it feels harmful to me.
September 22, 2021
Whew..glad that's over...
What a rollercoaster! The story held triggers for me as I grew up in a household where Mom & all 7 siblings suffered from Dads domestic violence for years. None of our brains splintered the way Marleys' did but we all carry the scars inside & out and will to our graves. I started to put this one down and shelve or delete it but decided not to push it away because of the emotions it brought up. But after several awkward attempts I pushed through to the end. I cheered for Marley one minute then jeered the next. I did not guess the antagonist like I normally do. And there are glaring editing issues which is why I gave it 4 stars and not 5.
But there is good character development and the tale steadily picks up steam.
Despite all of my cracks I'm grateful that I didn't have Marleys. I've always dreaded the thought of not being in control of my faculties. Its probably why I have never been drunk or high on anything. This is the first book I've read by this author. She did a great job of deconstructing a complicated cause and effect that held my interest. Well done!👍
What a rollercoaster! The story held triggers for me as I grew up in a household where Mom & all 7 siblings suffered from Dads domestic violence for years. None of our brains splintered the way Marleys' did but we all carry the scars inside & out and will to our graves. I started to put this one down and shelve or delete it but decided not to push it away because of the emotions it brought up. But after several awkward attempts I pushed through to the end. I cheered for Marley one minute then jeered the next. I did not guess the antagonist like I normally do. And there are glaring editing issues which is why I gave it 4 stars and not 5.
But there is good character development and the tale steadily picks up steam.
Despite all of my cracks I'm grateful that I didn't have Marleys. I've always dreaded the thought of not being in control of my faculties. Its probably why I have never been drunk or high on anything. This is the first book I've read by this author. She did a great job of deconstructing a complicated cause and effect that held my interest. Well done!👍
November 1, 2022
A very slow start, but not too bad at the end….
With a VERY slow start and a different type of story, I almost several times elected not to finished it but when an author is gifted or better yet very good with the pen, leaving one of their books in the middle part is impossible; hence this book!!!!
Marley and Sebastian were the best ever. Slow and cute but like I say, even though I am not a fan of mental problems (and that’s because I am not educated enough on the subject) nor am I a fan of psychological issues and all that but this was informative and entertaining ….
The 2nd book is out in this series, about the Carter Sisters and I am going to take the plunge and read it but no promises are made, that I would finish it. It’s already not like another Sebastian making it having my #1 genre (bwwm) to be entertained by, but Kenny also has a lot of issues…
With a VERY slow start and a different type of story, I almost several times elected not to finished it but when an author is gifted or better yet very good with the pen, leaving one of their books in the middle part is impossible; hence this book!!!!
Marley and Sebastian were the best ever. Slow and cute but like I say, even though I am not a fan of mental problems (and that’s because I am not educated enough on the subject) nor am I a fan of psychological issues and all that but this was informative and entertaining ….
The 2nd book is out in this series, about the Carter Sisters and I am going to take the plunge and read it but no promises are made, that I would finish it. It’s already not like another Sebastian making it having my #1 genre (bwwm) to be entertained by, but Kenny also has a lot of issues…
September 16, 2021
Fantastic!!!
I absolutely loved Marley and Sebastian’s story. I’m looking forward to Kenny’s story as well. I loved that the characters were not perfect and that though there was drama I loved have they talked through their issues and not jump to conclusions or go through the old breakup then make up routine. It was perfect, the drama the love the sex, everything I look for in a book this was it. I won’t more of Marley and Sebastian, maybe even their future kids lives and how they cope with it. Thank you for this lovely story, I highly enjoyed reading it and smiled a whole lot through it. Fantastic read.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I absolutely loved Marley and Sebastian’s story. I’m looking forward to Kenny’s story as well. I loved that the characters were not perfect and that though there was drama I loved have they talked through their issues and not jump to conclusions or go through the old breakup then make up routine. It was perfect, the drama the love the sex, everything I look for in a book this was it. I won’t more of Marley and Sebastian, maybe even their future kids lives and how they cope with it. Thank you for this lovely story, I highly enjoyed reading it and smiled a whole lot through it. Fantastic read.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
September 26, 2021
In shock!!!
Wow!!!! All I can say is Wow!! This is my first time reading a book by this author and I’m just in awe. What a page turner!! Like I would have never guess the situation in this book but that alone intrigued me. After reading someone else review I was like ok this is one of those types of books where the heroine is trying to deal with the sins of the past. Nope totally wrong. Never expected to go the way that it did. And I’m still in shocked about the climax. Did not see that coming at all. Now I’m ready for Kenny story!!
Wow!!!! All I can say is Wow!! This is my first time reading a book by this author and I’m just in awe. What a page turner!! Like I would have never guess the situation in this book but that alone intrigued me. After reading someone else review I was like ok this is one of those types of books where the heroine is trying to deal with the sins of the past. Nope totally wrong. Never expected to go the way that it did. And I’m still in shocked about the climax. Did not see that coming at all. Now I’m ready for Kenny story!!
April 2, 2022
umm wow… this one was fricken crazy but so so good! going into this book, i seriously thought it was gonna be a cute and fluffy office romance but oh my lord was i WRONG! this totally gave me whiplash but in the best way. the plot was so crazy but so amazing, i was constantly on the edge of my seat. it shed light on mental illness and i absolutely loved it. this is a great book to pick up if you are a psychological and suspenseful romance lover. it is such a wild ride but so damn worth it, i swear!
September 16, 2021
Flaws and All
I loved this story! Marley Carter was living a shadow of a life. She went along with everything so as not to draw attention to herself. She finally had a job she loved, friends and a sister who adored her. Then one day, while leaving work late, Marley was attacked! Someone tried to kill her. Marley's mind couldn't handle the stress of the event, so it shut down. When her mind rebooted, Marley was nowhere to be found... but Hazel was!
I loved this story! Marley Carter was living a shadow of a life. She went along with everything so as not to draw attention to herself. She finally had a job she loved, friends and a sister who adored her. Then one day, while leaving work late, Marley was attacked! Someone tried to kill her. Marley's mind couldn't handle the stress of the event, so it shut down. When her mind rebooted, Marley was nowhere to be found... but Hazel was!
August 28, 2021
Overall a good read
Not sure how much I can reveal but the main topic of this book is handled rather well based on my limited knowledge. A few sections of the story dragged but for maybe 2 or 3 pages here and there. Kenny's drinking is a little suspect taking into account what I can't reveal but I'm looking to the next story of this series.
Not sure how much I can reveal but the main topic of this book is handled rather well based on my limited knowledge. A few sections of the story dragged but for maybe 2 or 3 pages here and there. Kenny's drinking is a little suspect taking into account what I can't reveal but I'm looking to the next story of this series.
September 24, 2021
Interesting concept
Interesting concept, my first reading something involving personality disorders. Marley made me want to smack her upside the head but I could get where she was coming from and Sebastian was a lovely book bf, I’m going to read Kennedy’s story to see her fallout and rebuild from their childhood.
Interesting concept, my first reading something involving personality disorders. Marley made me want to smack her upside the head but I could get where she was coming from and Sebastian was a lovely book bf, I’m going to read Kennedy’s story to see her fallout and rebuild from their childhood.
October 23, 2021
Very good
I am truly glad I stumbled on this book. I wasn't sure if I was going to read it but the prologue had me hooked. It got better and better. I loved it and NIW I have to purchase it because it's keeper. What I loved is it wasn't filled with page after page of sex scenes. The story itself was so intriguing. I loved Sebastian and Marley. I loved her sister too. Awesome
I am truly glad I stumbled on this book. I wasn't sure if I was going to read it but the prologue had me hooked. It got better and better. I loved it and NIW I have to purchase it because it's keeper. What I loved is it wasn't filled with page after page of sex scenes. The story itself was so intriguing. I loved Sebastian and Marley. I loved her sister too. Awesome
October 26, 2021
Wow
That is all I can say. I didn't want to believe there was a perfect book out there, but this book is pretty darn close. I absolutely love Sebastian and the love he had for Marley. Marley is a complex woman but I love her all the more for it. Kenny... We all need a big sister like her. So looking forward to reading her story.
That is all I can say. I didn't want to believe there was a perfect book out there, but this book is pretty darn close. I absolutely love Sebastian and the love he had for Marley. Marley is a complex woman but I love her all the more for it. Kenny... We all need a big sister like her. So looking forward to reading her story.
June 8, 2022
Beautiful Love Story
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. LV’s portrayal of a person diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D) followed the Diagnostic Statistical Manual’s description accurately. But, what I truly appreciated was how she dealt with the stigma regarding mental illness and demonstrated how love exists for everyone! Well done!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. LV’s portrayal of a person diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D) followed the Diagnostic Statistical Manual’s description accurately. But, what I truly appreciated was how she dealt with the stigma regarding mental illness and demonstrated how love exists for everyone! Well done!
October 11, 2022
3.5/5 Very much a slow burn love story. Sebastian was very patient and understanding in his efforts to pursue Marley. The whole thing with their mother being in jail was super irritating though because there was no way that should've happened like that. I was also a little annoyed with Marleys sister, she treated her like she was more frail than necessary.
August 25, 2021
Wow!
I had no idea that this book was going to go in the way that it went. Completely different from anything I have ever read before! Without giving it away, I totally recommend this!
I had no idea that this book was going to go in the way that it went. Completely different from anything I have ever read before! Without giving it away, I totally recommend this!
August 27, 2021
Absolutely fantastic
This was a well written book that deals with mental disorders. Hats off to this author on how skillfully she maneuvered this topic. It was on point. Now, for the heroine, she tested my patience several times and I fell totally in love with the guy.
This was a well written book that deals with mental disorders. Hats off to this author on how skillfully she maneuvered this topic. It was on point. Now, for the heroine, she tested my patience several times and I fell totally in love with the guy.
August 31, 2021
OMG!!!
This book was all that and then some. It had me having the same feelings as the author. But it also ad me LOL as well. I can't wait for Kenny's story. But I would have loved to find out if she stayed at her job and how her co-workers treated her after everything
This book was all that and then some. It had me having the same feelings as the author. But it also ad me LOL as well. I can't wait for Kenny's story. But I would have loved to find out if she stayed at her job and how her co-workers treated her after everything
September 3, 2021
OMG!
What a book! I felt for the three main characters. Marley, Kenny, and Sebastian each had traumatizing childhoods, but came out of in their own way! Sebastian is love for Marley was so amazing and I truly look forward to Kenny's story! Good job Ms. Verji!
What a book! I felt for the three main characters. Marley, Kenny, and Sebastian each had traumatizing childhoods, but came out of in their own way! Sebastian is love for Marley was so amazing and I truly look forward to Kenny's story! Good job Ms. Verji!
September 4, 2021
I loved this story!!! it had the feels, just the right amount of drama and characters you rooted for. I know I'm reading a great book when the characters become so real to me and this was a great book.
September 6, 2021
Read it, so good
This was such a great story… all of my emotions came out. So heartwarming. Marley and Sebastian… he loved her despite herself and her problems, but he had problems too. Read this book, you will not be disappointed.
This was such a great story… all of my emotions came out. So heartwarming. Marley and Sebastian… he loved her despite herself and her problems, but he had problems too. Read this book, you will not be disappointed.
September 7, 2021
I haven’t read many stories with characters like Marley. It was well written and I really enjoyed the various relationships and the fact that this story had various facets - suspense, romance, sibling love. It was an all around enjoyable read
September 25, 2021
3.5 Good plot with a few twists and turns - it moved along swiftly and I found the premise intriguing.
The opening descriptions of the characters and their traits were a bit clunky but apart from that it was a page turner and well executed.
The opening descriptions of the characters and their traits were a bit clunky but apart from that it was a page turner and well executed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews