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Far from Ruined #3
Every Mended Heart
Two broken souls searching for hope. One love that redeems them both.
After everything Silas and Ben have fought for, it seems the true battle has only just begun. As rumors spread through the school, Silas's already strained relationship with Ben starts to crack from the added pressure. His personal bully is back and determined to tear Silas down at every turn. And when Ben’s plans send him back to California, it might be the final fracture that shatters them for good.
Silas’s life is spiraling out of control, and the relationships he has come to rely on are put to the ultimate test. When the worst happens and his world completely falls apart, Silas must find the inner strength to not only survive but to forgive. Because love isn't about what we deserve, and being broken doesn't mean we're ruined.
Join Ben and Silas in the heart-wrenching conclusion to their hard-fought love story. Happily-ever-afters are for fairytales, but love is love is love, and it's always worth fighting for.
After everything Silas and Ben have fought for, it seems the true battle has only just begun. As rumors spread through the school, Silas's already strained relationship with Ben starts to crack from the added pressure. His personal bully is back and determined to tear Silas down at every turn. And when Ben’s plans send him back to California, it might be the final fracture that shatters them for good.
Silas’s life is spiraling out of control, and the relationships he has come to rely on are put to the ultimate test. When the worst happens and his world completely falls apart, Silas must find the inner strength to not only survive but to forgive. Because love isn't about what we deserve, and being broken doesn't mean we're ruined.
Join Ben and Silas in the heart-wrenching conclusion to their hard-fought love story. Happily-ever-afters are for fairytales, but love is love is love, and it's always worth fighting for.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2021
16 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Nik Knight
30 books595 followersNik Knight (they/them) is a born and bred Hoosier living in a top-secret location in Europe. They are a single parent to two wonderful gremlins, and they write love in all its forms.
When they aren’t busy adulting, Nik can be found in their writing nook, typing away as their fingers turn to nubs.
When they aren’t busy adulting, Nik can be found in their writing nook, typing away as their fingers turn to nubs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 23, 2023
Every Mended Heart is the concluded story in the Far From Ruined trilogy that perfectly ends Ben and Silas's love story. Their story has been filled with angst and trauma and this entry is no different and brings a more bittersweet tone and arc for the characters.
I was surprised at the final direction of this story, but I appreciated this final chapter that focuses on these complicated characters and makes their well-deserved HEA completely worth all the pain.
Overall I enjoyed this story and appreciated the complex narrative that was told honestly and true to Ben and Silas's characters. I loved this story and loved getting this final entry.
I was surprised at the final direction of this story, but I appreciated this final chapter that focuses on these complicated characters and makes their well-deserved HEA completely worth all the pain.
Overall I enjoyed this story and appreciated the complex narrative that was told honestly and true to Ben and Silas's characters. I loved this story and loved getting this final entry.
January 6, 2024
After reading spoilers, I went into this last installment with some reluctance. I loved the mutual pining between Silas and Ben in Every Broken Thing and the lovestruck beginnings of their relationship in Every Hidden Truth. The undercurrent of angst from what happened to Silas in the first book and to both Silas and Ben in the second book was always there, but it never came across as too much and felt mostly plausible. In this book, it became too much. Too much pain, too much trauma, too much grief and too much flowery language to describe it all. The worst part was that 75% of it was completely unnecessary and could have been removed without taking anything away from the story. Instead, I was left feeling so bad for Ben and Silas that I didn't even care if they were together or not. I would have been fine just knowing that they were safe and in therapy.
As a whole, I'd have to say that I liked this series, but I didn't love it. I enjoyed Silas' sass and inappropriate lack of a filter, especially in contrast to Ben's modesty. I thought they spoke and acted like teenagers, dumb decisions and all. Once they got together, they were super cute and sweet and I loved their awkward "I saw you naked" moments. The side characters were likable, though incredibly ancillary. The inner monologue gave me some trouble, veering deeply into woe-is-me territory at times. I was also a bit put off by some of Silas' more misogynistic thoughts in the first two books. There was a lot of "crying like a girl" and "don't be a pussy" and "take it like a man". I don't know if the author received some constructive criticism between the second and third books, but those sentiments were noticeably less frequent in this one and I appreciated that. The epilogue almost convinced me to tack on an extra star, but the preceding drama was so overwrought and contrived that I just couldn't.
As a whole, I'd have to say that I liked this series, but I didn't love it. I enjoyed Silas' sass and inappropriate lack of a filter, especially in contrast to Ben's modesty. I thought they spoke and acted like teenagers, dumb decisions and all. Once they got together, they were super cute and sweet and I loved their awkward "I saw you naked" moments. The side characters were likable, though incredibly ancillary. The inner monologue gave me some trouble, veering deeply into woe-is-me territory at times. I was also a bit put off by some of Silas' more misogynistic thoughts in the first two books. There was a lot of "crying like a girl" and "don't be a pussy" and "take it like a man". I don't know if the author received some constructive criticism between the second and third books, but those sentiments were noticeably less frequent in this one and I appreciated that. The epilogue almost convinced me to tack on an extra star, but the preceding drama was so overwrought and contrived that I just couldn't.
December 19, 2023
When I say I want angst. When I say I want it to hurt. This book is exactly what I mean.
This may have one of the hardest fought HEAs I’ve ever read. It was worth every ounce of pain. The love I have for Ben and Silas is so consuming. Their love and pain for each other ran so much deeper than high school or being only 18/19. Their love transcended their age. And yet they were so brutally young and filled with sadness and fear. Neither felt deserving of the love they had for the other. Their love made them feel whole but also broke their hearts.
This book is filled with overwhelming tragedy. I mean, how much can two people handle? This one has some major TWs and if you’re brave, this is worth it. It’s worth all of the pain to get to the end. I could’ve read more than just 3 books about Silas and Ben!! I will love them forever.
This may have one of the hardest fought HEAs I’ve ever read. It was worth every ounce of pain. The love I have for Ben and Silas is so consuming. Their love and pain for each other ran so much deeper than high school or being only 18/19. Their love transcended their age. And yet they were so brutally young and filled with sadness and fear. Neither felt deserving of the love they had for the other. Their love made them feel whole but also broke their hearts.
This book is filled with overwhelming tragedy. I mean, how much can two people handle? This one has some major TWs and if you’re brave, this is worth it. It’s worth all of the pain to get to the end. I could’ve read more than just 3 books about Silas and Ben!! I will love them forever.
May 21, 2024
I was so excited to be able to listen to the audiobook to finish Silas and Ben’s story. This is the third book in a trilogy and it must be read in order. This entry was a lot more angsty than I was expecting. If you think their final story will be smooth sailing think again! This was probably the most angsty part of the trilogy for me.
This was still mainly a story from Silas’ POV with the epilogues from Ben’s. My heart hurt for them so much during this book for so many different reasons. Just seemed to be one hardship after another for these two. There were spicy times but all very glossed over.
There were definitely some things that I didn’t expect to happen either. The epilogue really threw me for a loop. Realizing it’s a YA book it does make sense to me but it made their HEA a little harder to believe.
Overall though I really enjoyed this trilogy. If you are in the mood for a super angsty, high school romance I definitely recommend these books!
This was still mainly a story from Silas’ POV with the epilogues from Ben’s. My heart hurt for them so much during this book for so many different reasons. Just seemed to be one hardship after another for these two. There were spicy times but all very glossed over.
There were definitely some things that I didn’t expect to happen either. The epilogue really threw me for a loop. Realizing it’s a YA book it does make sense to me but it made their HEA a little harder to believe.
Overall though I really enjoyed this trilogy. If you are in the mood for a super angsty, high school romance I definitely recommend these books!
April 18, 2023
Oh how I love this series! Excellent conclusion to a fantastic YA story of love, laughter, sweetness, loss, trauma, friends and enemies. Book 3 of 3, all books are important to the plot and relationship and must be read in order.
Excellent angsty story of first love and how cruel the world can be. The characters are so well written, the author did an exceptional job for creating a cast of friends that were playful, sincere, genuine, honest and caring. This third book was an emotional rollercoaster, I cannot say enough about how well it was written, the flow, the pacing, everything was top tier. I was heartsore through most of this book, the fall was hard after so much sweetness and connection in the second book, the boys struggled with so much, angst at its finest.
Be ready to get emotional, don’t read prior to a zoom call like I did. :) this series is beyond amazing, the characters are wonderful, everything is so well done. These are very large books and I got to the end before I was ready.
And that epilogue? It tore me apart then put me back together all in the space of one chapter. The book itself ends in a HFN as they head off to college, the epilogue gives us the HEA.
Excellent angsty story of first love and how cruel the world can be. The characters are so well written, the author did an exceptional job for creating a cast of friends that were playful, sincere, genuine, honest and caring. This third book was an emotional rollercoaster, I cannot say enough about how well it was written, the flow, the pacing, everything was top tier. I was heartsore through most of this book, the fall was hard after so much sweetness and connection in the second book, the boys struggled with so much, angst at its finest.
Be ready to get emotional, don’t read prior to a zoom call like I did. :) this series is beyond amazing, the characters are wonderful, everything is so well done. These are very large books and I got to the end before I was ready.
And that epilogue? It tore me apart then put me back together all in the space of one chapter. The book itself ends in a HFN as they head off to college, the epilogue gives us the HEA.
October 25, 2021
So this book is the final installment in the Far from ruined series.
This series was highly enjoyable and one I would recommend if you are into angsty, though sweet, YA story's with sexy times that are not fade to black. It's all there, on page, and it's hot!
This book can't be read as a standalone - this series is a trilogy that starts with the first book Every Broken Thing and is about Ben and Silas, two different guys, but both have quite a lot of baggage they carry around. There's been past hurt for both of them, and they try to find some comfort together. They first become friends, but the attraction is there quite instantly, though Silas tries to deny it at first. Ben saved him when he was harassed by one of his bully's, but it's a shameful experience to Silas, one he's willing to forget as soon as possible. But there comes a moment in which he no longer is able to deny his growing attraction to Ben, feelings even.
In the first book there's hardly more than the exchange of a kiss, but in the second book Every Hidden Truth sparks are flying, and they become very close. Everything looks great, until something awful happens to them. Book 3 continues where we left off in the second book. The terrible thing that happened to them leads to other terrible things and at one point I thought it was a bit too much drama to overcome one person. It served a purpose, in the end, but still...I do think this book could have done with a little less. There were moments I wanted to grab Silas and slap some sense in him, because Ben was hurting too. Dear, sweet Ben, who only tried to do good and made one mistake. I admit, it was not 'just' a mistake, but still...Silas could have been a little more understanding and a little less selfish.
But all in all, it's heartbreaking, and I do advise you to keep your tissues at hand!
The epilogue was beautiful, exactly what this story needed to end with. I really love the writing, and I am sure to pick up other books by Nikole Knight as well.
The second book was my favorite of this series, because it has the most beautiful moments between Ben and Silas. All in all, this was an entertaining series, one I highly recommend!
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
This series was highly enjoyable and one I would recommend if you are into angsty, though sweet, YA story's with sexy times that are not fade to black. It's all there, on page, and it's hot!
This book can't be read as a standalone - this series is a trilogy that starts with the first book Every Broken Thing and is about Ben and Silas, two different guys, but both have quite a lot of baggage they carry around. There's been past hurt for both of them, and they try to find some comfort together. They first become friends, but the attraction is there quite instantly, though Silas tries to deny it at first. Ben saved him when he was harassed by one of his bully's, but it's a shameful experience to Silas, one he's willing to forget as soon as possible. But there comes a moment in which he no longer is able to deny his growing attraction to Ben, feelings even.
In the first book there's hardly more than the exchange of a kiss, but in the second book Every Hidden Truth sparks are flying, and they become very close. Everything looks great, until something awful happens to them. Book 3 continues where we left off in the second book. The terrible thing that happened to them leads to other terrible things and at one point I thought it was a bit too much drama to overcome one person. It served a purpose, in the end, but still...I do think this book could have done with a little less. There were moments I wanted to grab Silas and slap some sense in him, because Ben was hurting too. Dear, sweet Ben, who only tried to do good and made one mistake. I admit, it was not 'just' a mistake, but still...Silas could have been a little more understanding and a little less selfish.
But all in all, it's heartbreaking, and I do advise you to keep your tissues at hand!
The epilogue was beautiful, exactly what this story needed to end with. I really love the writing, and I am sure to pick up other books by Nikole Knight as well.
The second book was my favorite of this series, because it has the most beautiful moments between Ben and Silas. All in all, this was an entertaining series, one I highly recommend!
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
February 18, 2023
4.5⭐️ Woof this book hurt. Infinite angst and pain. Silas and Ben go through so much in this final book it’s difficult to believe they’ll end up whole and together at the end. (They do, but by the skin of their teeth.)
I loved this series. It felt like a mix between When You Come Back to Me by Emma Scott and Lost Boys by Jessie Walker. Highly recommend if you love painful stories.
I loved this series. It felt like a mix between When You Come Back to Me by Emma Scott and Lost Boys by Jessie Walker. Highly recommend if you love painful stories.
October 16, 2021
TRIGGER WARNING: This book features on page sexual assault, car accident resulting in death, death of parent, mentions of suicide, past references to child abuse, and homophobia/homophobic language.
Nikole Knight finishes off the Far From Ruined trilogy in a finale that had me crying at one point. However, Silas and Ben's story continues to have as much heart and beauty as it has since book one and continues to be beautifully written.
After Eric Boyt sent pictures of them having sex to everyone in the school at the end of the last book causing Silas having to come forth about Boyt's attempted assault, cracks have formed in their relationship. Silas blames Ben for making him speak up, for everyone knowing what he's been through, even though he doesn't want to blame Ben. The relationship is on thin ice and both boys are deperately clinging to what they want - each other - while trying to navigate the landmines that fill their day to day life after Boyt's latest attack.
This book is honestly harder to get through for me than the others, but at the same time I did NOT want to put it down. The light hearted moments of romance in book two are fewer, but they still exist. The chemistry between the two boys still crackles. They are still realistic eighteen year olds handling stuff that is far out of their depth in a way that feels very much like an eighteen year old would.
But damn was it painful.
This book took me on a full emotional roller coaster, but I was incredibly satisfied with how it ended. Not only would I recommend this book and this series to people, I already have.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR FOR HONEST REVIEW **
Nikole Knight finishes off the Far From Ruined trilogy in a finale that had me crying at one point. However, Silas and Ben's story continues to have as much heart and beauty as it has since book one and continues to be beautifully written.
After Eric Boyt sent pictures of them having sex to everyone in the school at the end of the last book causing Silas having to come forth about Boyt's attempted assault, cracks have formed in their relationship. Silas blames Ben for making him speak up, for everyone knowing what he's been through, even though he doesn't want to blame Ben. The relationship is on thin ice and both boys are deperately clinging to what they want - each other - while trying to navigate the landmines that fill their day to day life after Boyt's latest attack.
This book is honestly harder to get through for me than the others, but at the same time I did NOT want to put it down. The light hearted moments of romance in book two are fewer, but they still exist. The chemistry between the two boys still crackles. They are still realistic eighteen year olds handling stuff that is far out of their depth in a way that feels very much like an eighteen year old would.
But damn was it painful.
This book took me on a full emotional roller coaster, but I was incredibly satisfied with how it ended. Not only would I recommend this book and this series to people, I already have.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR FOR HONEST REVIEW **
March 19, 2023
I really wish the author would make a book 4 out of the epilogue or perhaps a novella to fill in that time gap. There is so much that could have been (or needed to be) explored with the info dropped there. Not to mention, it would have been lovely to see if the friends from high school were still around as well. In other words, while the epilogue was lovely, it left me really, really unfulfilled.
August 25, 2023
I finished this entire series in 2 days and it tore my freaking heart out. In the best way. I just finished this book and I already want to re-read them all. Such a beautiful, painful, heart-breaking story!!! Even in the epilogue there were unexpected twists that made me gasp and cry. UGH so good.
November 1, 2021
This was a tough book to get through. There was so much hurt in this. Heartbreaking in almost the whole thing. At first, it was alright, and then it was sooo sooo rough, and really barely got better until the end. I loved this series, and I was so happy that Silas and Ben finally, finally got the HEA we all wanted for them. It was beautiful, messy and just so real. It was a bit OTT, but it is also a novel about how to overcome traumas and how to do this when you are a senior in high school. It is tough, and Nikole did not shy away from this at all. There are some serious triggers in this book, so please read the warnings. I adored both Silas and Ben and honestly could not hope for anything better than their epilogue. I loved how we got a bit of Ben's POV again. It was wonderful. Definitely recommend this series. It was amazing.
ARC provided and this is my honest review.
ARC provided and this is my honest review.
May 17, 2024
Adored 90% of this. Especially the breakup and how they both acted through that. It was too real! Been there, done that. Also weirdly LOVED Eli. He’s awesome. I hope she wrote a series of books with him as the protagonist.
I will admit that later in when the blows kept coming one after another I was like “how much tragedy can one person go through in a year?!” And started to get a little burned out emotionally. I also wish it had ended with them leaving for college. I wanted to have a damn unambiguous happy ending, or at least an optimistic one, after all the trauma. But learning they grew apart in college and broke up for 8 years was a bummer.
But still this series is amazing and I was absolutely riveted. Read all 3 books back to back over a couple of days and completely neglected my responsibilities. So thank you to Nikole Knight for giving me such a wonderful & moving story!
I will admit that later in when the blows kept coming one after another I was like “how much tragedy can one person go through in a year?!” And started to get a little burned out emotionally. I also wish it had ended with them leaving for college. I wanted to have a damn unambiguous happy ending, or at least an optimistic one, after all the trauma. But learning they grew apart in college and broke up for 8 years was a bummer.
But still this series is amazing and I was absolutely riveted. Read all 3 books back to back over a couple of days and completely neglected my responsibilities. So thank you to Nikole Knight for giving me such a wonderful & moving story!
January 15, 2025
5/5 stars! This is the final installation in the Far From Ruined series by author Nik Knight. They did an amazing job of updating this series from it's earlier publication and expanding Silas and Ben's story in a way that was satisfying but still true to the original work. I was really excited to get the chance to finish this story, as book 2 has a hefty cliffhanger. There is a lot more angst in book 3 than the first two stories and I found myself deep in my feelings, wanting to comfort both of them. Surprisingly, the story didn't end up where I thought it would, but I liked it. Thank goodness for HEAs because my heart needed a break. Loved finishing their story and will definitely read more by this author.
February 2, 2025
Last part of an intense series full of traumatic events. Silas and Ben were often supportive of each other, but also had some really strong moments where they broke each other more than they already were. They were learning to be adults at the same time as learning to cope with all the trauma that had happened and new appalling events in this book. The ending was somewhat unexpected and more a potential happiness, but that did leave the whole story feeling even more realistic.
February 19, 2025
It's a 3.5 stars rounded up to 3, although I feel like it deserves more than that. I might change it to 4 stars later. Sigh. This last book broke my heart many times, and I feel like it wasn't mended back after each one. It feels bittersweet. I was totally not expecting the direction this would go. I'm the type of reader who doesn't read CWs because I usually don't need them and prefer to be surprised - be it in a good or bad way. But I read them for this one just out of curiosity. That still didn't prepare me for what I was about to find here. As a disclaimer, I didn't read the old version, the review is about the 2025 edition.
The third book continues the story of Silas and Ben as a couple, after the devastating event from Every Hidden Truth. They're trying their best to support each other, although it isn't easy at all. They're both in a dark place, and it would take a lot of time and space to recover. Unfortunately, the fight for justice isn't over yet, and this creates tension between the two of them.
This book pissed me off more than once, but also made me sad to the point of crying. Books don't usually make me cry, and I only mention this to emphasize how much it got to me. I really appreciate stories that get strong reactions out of me. It's something I always look for in my readings, so this one did a fantastic job in playing with my feelings. The sentimental aspect was masterfully done, the emotional punches were done really well, so much that it hurt.
I think it did a lot of great things and if it was Silas' story alone, I would give this 5 stars without a second thought. He has grown a lot, and he faces a lot of challenges here, but he manages to always survive. I love how resiliant he is and how much he tried to stay afloat.
However, my problem starts with Ben. There's a lot of good he did in this book, and while his mistakes were less in number, they weren't small ones. Before I start ranting, I need to mention that I love complex characters and dynamics, and I don't think a book is bad just because the MCs are flawed. On the contrary. It's interesting to see how the Ben we see here is different from the one we encounter in the previous books. There were some hints, but I thought he was better than that, and I guess that was my own mistake. Expecting a lot from an 18 year old guy.
Despite how others might think, I'm not necessarily mad about the . Yes, I was angry as fuck on behalf of Silas, it disappointed me so much that I had to stop reading for a bit. I'm always interested in unhealthy/toxic dynamics, so that's not exactly my problem. The issue is that I felt that there weren't really lasting consequences in their relationship and Silas gave in sooner than I wanted. Despite me not wanting them together at that moment, I was hoping for a proper redemption/groveling, but I felt that it was rushed. I liked that Ben supported Silas even at the hardest moments, but I would've preferred for them to take more time for themselves. This becomes even more annoying because then Silas starts . I was disappointed not only on Ben, but Silas too.
Besides my annoyance with those major elements, I was still ready to embrace the ending and their decissions, because both fought to become better and specifically Silas - agaisnt everything that came onto his way. But then that last chapter sort of ruined them for me, again. Honestly, , but the fact that after everything, we got that abrupt chapter as the last? I'm usually fine with any type of ending, but here I don't think it was done right or even necessary. I can't just be okay when the story tells me how things became after that year. Did it feel realistic? Absolutely and I appreciate that, but after accepting Ben and Silas as two again, now I have to accept another big thing that happened in their relationship and it wasn't shown? Nope. I was tired.
Enough ranting. This was a rough book, and I think people that need it should definitely check the content warnings. I felt a lot of love for Silas. Who would've thought he would end up as my favorite instead of Ben, when at the beginning it was the opposite. I think both are very brave, and ultimately, this book did more good than bad. I just wish some details went in a different way, if this were longer and the characters took the space they vere much needed, it would've left a better taste in my mouth. I still liked it a lot, I just feel torn about the execution of that one big thing. For the rest of the plot, it felt satisfying and I'm going to miss these guys, even if they made me want to pull off my hair in this book lol. It was an incredible journey and I don't regret picking up this trilogy. It's still amazing.
-I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: first person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Dynamic:
The third book continues the story of Silas and Ben as a couple, after the devastating event from Every Hidden Truth. They're trying their best to support each other, although it isn't easy at all. They're both in a dark place, and it would take a lot of time and space to recover. Unfortunately, the fight for justice isn't over yet, and this creates tension between the two of them.
This book pissed me off more than once, but also made me sad to the point of crying. Books don't usually make me cry, and I only mention this to emphasize how much it got to me. I really appreciate stories that get strong reactions out of me. It's something I always look for in my readings, so this one did a fantastic job in playing with my feelings. The sentimental aspect was masterfully done, the emotional punches were done really well, so much that it hurt.
I think it did a lot of great things and if it was Silas' story alone, I would give this 5 stars without a second thought. He has grown a lot, and he faces a lot of challenges here, but he manages to always survive. I love how resiliant he is and how much he tried to stay afloat.
However, my problem starts with Ben. There's a lot of good he did in this book, and while his mistakes were less in number, they weren't small ones. Before I start ranting, I need to mention that I love complex characters and dynamics, and I don't think a book is bad just because the MCs are flawed. On the contrary. It's interesting to see how the Ben we see here is different from the one we encounter in the previous books. There were some hints, but I thought he was better than that, and I guess that was my own mistake. Expecting a lot from an 18 year old guy.
Despite how others might think, I'm not necessarily mad about the . Yes, I was angry as fuck on behalf of Silas, it disappointed me so much that I had to stop reading for a bit. I'm always interested in unhealthy/toxic dynamics, so that's not exactly my problem. The issue is that I felt that there weren't really lasting consequences in their relationship and Silas gave in sooner than I wanted. Despite me not wanting them together at that moment, I was hoping for a proper redemption/groveling, but I felt that it was rushed. I liked that Ben supported Silas even at the hardest moments, but I would've preferred for them to take more time for themselves. This becomes even more annoying because then Silas starts . I was disappointed not only on Ben, but Silas too.
Besides my annoyance with those major elements, I was still ready to embrace the ending and their decissions, because both fought to become better and specifically Silas - agaisnt everything that came onto his way. But then that last chapter sort of ruined them for me, again. Honestly, , but the fact that after everything, we got that abrupt chapter as the last? I'm usually fine with any type of ending, but here I don't think it was done right or even necessary. I can't just be okay when the story tells me how things became after that year. Did it feel realistic? Absolutely and I appreciate that, but after accepting Ben and Silas as two again, now I have to accept another big thing that happened in their relationship and it wasn't shown? Nope. I was tired.
Enough ranting. This was a rough book, and I think people that need it should definitely check the content warnings. I felt a lot of love for Silas. Who would've thought he would end up as my favorite instead of Ben, when at the beginning it was the opposite. I think both are very brave, and ultimately, this book did more good than bad. I just wish some details went in a different way, if this were longer and the characters took the space they vere much needed, it would've left a better taste in my mouth. I still liked it a lot, I just feel torn about the execution of that one big thing. For the rest of the plot, it felt satisfying and I'm going to miss these guys, even if they made me want to pull off my hair in this book lol. It was an incredible journey and I don't regret picking up this trilogy. It's still amazing.
-I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: first person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Dynamic:
February 2, 2024
Woah. I don't even know how to properly review this without giving details away - but I will try my best. This is a trilogy. All three books follow the same couple, make up one complete story, and need to be read in order. So if you're here and you haven't read book 1 - go back.
Since this is the final book, I'm going to recap my thoughts on the Trilogy as a whole.
This is such an emotionally charged and angsty journey. Our main characters, Ben & Silas, are young - around 17/18. I loved the writing style. Everything about this felt real. The author did a fantastic job of capturing the emotions, behavior, and reactions indicative of their age. This is a very slow burn with heavy emotional themes and trauma spread throughout.
Every Broken Thing (Book 1) introduces us to our characters. We get to witness a building friendship that stems from a traumatic event. We watch these boys as they learn to trust each other, as they navigate their developing feelings, and stumble through High School life. This definitely has a coming of age vibe. There is immense pining, build up, and tension in this first book.
Every Hidden Truth (Book 2) allows us to fall in love with Ben and Silas as they fall in love with each other. And then, we get to witness everything crumble around them. There is an external conflict that weighs heavy on this story, and being that the characters are so young - they do not always handle things well. Book two left my heart aching for them.
Every Mended Heart and the conclusion to this story blew me away. I thought I was heartbroken after book two, well - my poor heart had no idea what was coming. This was the most gut-wrenching book of the three. I sobbed through most of it. If it could happen, it did - and yet it all still felt so realistic. I swear there were moments I thought this author was trying to kill me. These beautiful boys do get a hard fought and absolutely earned HEA.
A few things of importance - This trilogy is heavy. It explores SA, mental illness, bullying, death, grief (I'm sure I'm missing things). But it was all handled in such a realistic and sensitive manner. The spice level is not high, in fact - book one doesn't have any at all. With that being said, there was so much story here that I didn't feel like it was missing. And we do get some as the story progresses, it's just not at the forefront.
If you enjoy being totally wrecked (apparently I do) and then put back together in the best way - I highly recommend reading this. I have been unable to stop thinking about it since I finished.
Since this is the final book, I'm going to recap my thoughts on the Trilogy as a whole.
This is such an emotionally charged and angsty journey. Our main characters, Ben & Silas, are young - around 17/18. I loved the writing style. Everything about this felt real. The author did a fantastic job of capturing the emotions, behavior, and reactions indicative of their age. This is a very slow burn with heavy emotional themes and trauma spread throughout.
Every Broken Thing (Book 1) introduces us to our characters. We get to witness a building friendship that stems from a traumatic event. We watch these boys as they learn to trust each other, as they navigate their developing feelings, and stumble through High School life. This definitely has a coming of age vibe. There is immense pining, build up, and tension in this first book.
Every Hidden Truth (Book 2) allows us to fall in love with Ben and Silas as they fall in love with each other. And then, we get to witness everything crumble around them. There is an external conflict that weighs heavy on this story, and being that the characters are so young - they do not always handle things well. Book two left my heart aching for them.
Every Mended Heart and the conclusion to this story blew me away. I thought I was heartbroken after book two, well - my poor heart had no idea what was coming. This was the most gut-wrenching book of the three. I sobbed through most of it. If it could happen, it did - and yet it all still felt so realistic. I swear there were moments I thought this author was trying to kill me. These beautiful boys do get a hard fought and absolutely earned HEA.
A few things of importance - This trilogy is heavy. It explores SA, mental illness, bullying, death, grief (I'm sure I'm missing things). But it was all handled in such a realistic and sensitive manner. The spice level is not high, in fact - book one doesn't have any at all. With that being said, there was so much story here that I didn't feel like it was missing. And we do get some as the story progresses, it's just not at the forefront.
If you enjoy being totally wrecked (apparently I do) and then put back together in the best way - I highly recommend reading this. I have been unable to stop thinking about it since I finished.
June 1, 2024
This one really got to me (an audio review)
When I first met Nikole Knight, she was the author of some dark paranormal books where death and destruction reign. I got used to it – some of it horrific. When I realized she was putting a YA series into audio, I was genuinely curious. Generally, I don’t read YA, but I’m always game to try something new. The first two books in the series were certainly entertaining. Sometimes painful and definitely raw. Much the way high school is for many students. Plenty of us ‘unpopular’ kids have horrible memories we just want to forget.
Still, I was willing to sink into Silas and Ben’s world one final time to find out what happened to this cute couple. Last we’d left them, Silas’s tormentor had taken a picture of the couple having sex and had given it to a young woman who had spread it around the school. Adults don’t always handle things in the right way, and things remained unresolved at the end of the last book. Like I said, I was curious what would happen next.
This book picks up where the last left off – with the devastating consequences of that massive breach of trust. Silas finally has to return to school and it’s bad. Then he and Ben have a typical teenage fight over typical teenage crap and a misunderstanding leads to them breaking up. Then the unthinkable happens. The trigger warning hints to it, but I don’t want to give it away in case you didn’t read it or didn’t figure it out. But tragedy strikes one of the boys and the other does everything in his power to help. Man, I shed some tears over this audio.
Also, things come to a head with Silas’s bully/abuser. As with everything in this book, the resolution is messy. And painful. And at least one moment of ‘yeah, that wouldn’t likely have happened but give the writer artistic license’. But raw as well.
I had a sense that Ben and Silas were on their way to difficult times. Being in college is tough enough – even when your boyfriend is on the same campus. A hundred miles apart is pretty brutal.
This book, however, ends on an almost unexpectedly sweet note. Blue moon ice cream and all.
Nick Newport did a great job narrating the series and I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up more books by him. Of course, I’ll grab everything Nikole Knight audio out there. I recommend not just this book, but the entire series.
When I first met Nikole Knight, she was the author of some dark paranormal books where death and destruction reign. I got used to it – some of it horrific. When I realized she was putting a YA series into audio, I was genuinely curious. Generally, I don’t read YA, but I’m always game to try something new. The first two books in the series were certainly entertaining. Sometimes painful and definitely raw. Much the way high school is for many students. Plenty of us ‘unpopular’ kids have horrible memories we just want to forget.
Still, I was willing to sink into Silas and Ben’s world one final time to find out what happened to this cute couple. Last we’d left them, Silas’s tormentor had taken a picture of the couple having sex and had given it to a young woman who had spread it around the school. Adults don’t always handle things in the right way, and things remained unresolved at the end of the last book. Like I said, I was curious what would happen next.
This book picks up where the last left off – with the devastating consequences of that massive breach of trust. Silas finally has to return to school and it’s bad. Then he and Ben have a typical teenage fight over typical teenage crap and a misunderstanding leads to them breaking up. Then the unthinkable happens. The trigger warning hints to it, but I don’t want to give it away in case you didn’t read it or didn’t figure it out. But tragedy strikes one of the boys and the other does everything in his power to help. Man, I shed some tears over this audio.
Also, things come to a head with Silas’s bully/abuser. As with everything in this book, the resolution is messy. And painful. And at least one moment of ‘yeah, that wouldn’t likely have happened but give the writer artistic license’. But raw as well.
I had a sense that Ben and Silas were on their way to difficult times. Being in college is tough enough – even when your boyfriend is on the same campus. A hundred miles apart is pretty brutal.
This book, however, ends on an almost unexpectedly sweet note. Blue moon ice cream and all.
Nick Newport did a great job narrating the series and I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up more books by him. Of course, I’ll grab everything Nikole Knight audio out there. I recommend not just this book, but the entire series.
January 22, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Ahhhh i was NOT a fan of Silas in this. I mean, I understood his 18yo mind as being in progress, but the level of messy in Every Mended Heart pushed me over the threshold and i was unfortunately having none of it. I found the angst and drama tolerable in the first two books, even though it triggered me to within an inch of my life. But a lot of this installment just wasn't for me. The vibe was self-destructive, emo, and unkind. And while I get why the overall tone was a giant "FK U" to self awareness, i just didn't like how squirmy this portion of Silas and Ben's journey made me feel. It was a bit too much for me.
And then the middle of the book happened and ruined my face as i ugly cried and puffed up like a red eyed blowfish with a broken heart. It was devastating...and now i feel like crying again because it really fkin hurt. But there was a lot of healing happening in the latter part of this story, and even if it did come from weathering the most awful storms, i still appreciated the emotional and relationship growth Silas and Ben had undergone. Ben's arc was particularly well done and i felt for him the most. Especially because i learned everything about him through Silas' pov, and that boy was messy as fk and Ben still showed up. Child's an angel straight up.
Their HEA was a mature one and it was lovely. But, respectfully, having to go through the challenging ups and downs in the life of these HS seniors who have been through some of the worst experiences life could deal a young person, made me pretty tired and I'm honestly glad it's over.
This was an emotional series that would be a slam dunk for readers who fk with young love, angsty teens, life-changing trauma and everything in between! Personally, i prefer Knight's playful side so i'll be looking forward to whatever else they release in the future that boosts happy, because Far From Ruined was a hard love journey that made my heart super achy and so i think i'm good for sad love stories for the rest of the year...and maybe a little while longer after that, just 'cause this one really hurt.
Ahhhh i was NOT a fan of Silas in this. I mean, I understood his 18yo mind as being in progress, but the level of messy in Every Mended Heart pushed me over the threshold and i was unfortunately having none of it. I found the angst and drama tolerable in the first two books, even though it triggered me to within an inch of my life. But a lot of this installment just wasn't for me. The vibe was self-destructive, emo, and unkind. And while I get why the overall tone was a giant "FK U" to self awareness, i just didn't like how squirmy this portion of Silas and Ben's journey made me feel. It was a bit too much for me.
And then the middle of the book happened and ruined my face as i ugly cried and puffed up like a red eyed blowfish with a broken heart. It was devastating...and now i feel like crying again because it really fkin hurt. But there was a lot of healing happening in the latter part of this story, and even if it did come from weathering the most awful storms, i still appreciated the emotional and relationship growth Silas and Ben had undergone. Ben's arc was particularly well done and i felt for him the most. Especially because i learned everything about him through Silas' pov, and that boy was messy as fk and Ben still showed up. Child's an angel straight up.
Their HEA was a mature one and it was lovely. But, respectfully, having to go through the challenging ups and downs in the life of these HS seniors who have been through some of the worst experiences life could deal a young person, made me pretty tired and I'm honestly glad it's over.
This was an emotional series that would be a slam dunk for readers who fk with young love, angsty teens, life-changing trauma and everything in between! Personally, i prefer Knight's playful side so i'll be looking forward to whatever else they release in the future that boosts happy, because Far From Ruined was a hard love journey that made my heart super achy and so i think i'm good for sad love stories for the rest of the year...and maybe a little while longer after that, just 'cause this one really hurt.
January 31, 2025
So much angst and heartbreak in this final book
The first book started with a shocking scene that had me horrified and hooked from the very beginning. The second book continues on from the first, ending on a bit of a cliffhanger after a terrible shock for the MCs, and this one picks up from that ending. Although this features young adults (eighteen year olds), this is not a YA story per se, dealing with some very serious situations throughout the series. Please heed the trigger warnings. This is a revised edition of a 2019 release and is the last of a trilogy starring Silas and Ben.
There's a lot of angst for both Silas and Ben, their teenage selves going through all the usual teenage ups and downs but they also have to deal with so much more. Honestly, I was almost afraid to turn each page for fear of what would happen next. If I shed tears while I'm reading, it's usually crying with laughter, like I did with both of Nik's books out so far in their Passing Through Cafe series. This book actually provoked sad tears and I had to put the book down for a while to compose myself before continuing. Silas had my heart more than ever. He went through so much and it was almost unbearable to read at times.
The pseudo-closed door theme continued in this book, as in other two, with enough detail given to understand what's happening in the bedroom betweent Silas and Ben and, while other scenes are more detailed in contrast, I liked that Nik kept those intimate moments between them private.
The whole series was an emotional read, with very adult subjects throughout and Nik didn't pull their punches at all from the first page to the very last.
As with the other two books, the whole story is told by Silas, except for the last chapter where Ben is the narrator.
The first book started with a shocking scene that had me horrified and hooked from the very beginning. The second book continues on from the first, ending on a bit of a cliffhanger after a terrible shock for the MCs, and this one picks up from that ending. Although this features young adults (eighteen year olds), this is not a YA story per se, dealing with some very serious situations throughout the series. Please heed the trigger warnings. This is a revised edition of a 2019 release and is the last of a trilogy starring Silas and Ben.
There's a lot of angst for both Silas and Ben, their teenage selves going through all the usual teenage ups and downs but they also have to deal with so much more. Honestly, I was almost afraid to turn each page for fear of what would happen next. If I shed tears while I'm reading, it's usually crying with laughter, like I did with both of Nik's books out so far in their Passing Through Cafe series. This book actually provoked sad tears and I had to put the book down for a while to compose myself before continuing. Silas had my heart more than ever. He went through so much and it was almost unbearable to read at times.
The pseudo-closed door theme continued in this book, as in other two, with enough detail given to understand what's happening in the bedroom betweent Silas and Ben and, while other scenes are more detailed in contrast, I liked that Nik kept those intimate moments between them private.
The whole series was an emotional read, with very adult subjects throughout and Nik didn't pull their punches at all from the first page to the very last.
As with the other two books, the whole story is told by Silas, except for the last chapter where Ben is the narrator.
January 31, 2025
How the hell do I review this deeply moving story without giving away any or too many details?
I’m not sure I can. I looked at the blurb again to see what was revealed.
I’ll try to stick to that information.
Even his safest place, his bedroom, isn’t that anymore. Silas is broken, and Ben is not better.
After their privacy is violated and exposed by Silas’ bully and assailant, Silas is lost, and Ben is just as lost.
Silas is so angry and blames the one he loves. Silas’ feelings are confusing the shit out of him, and not only him but also Ben and me.
Silas is losing the grip. He’s so angry.
As if it wasn’t enough already, Ben was gone to California for the weekend to friends (and ex!). After a devastating revealing call, Silas is done, done, done! And oh boy a cruel feisty Silas pops up.
Life has to go on, right? It cost Silas every strength he could find to continue with his life.
Ben wasn’t in a better condition.
“God, I hated him so much. Almost as much as I loved him.”
Believe me when I say it was an impressive, read, highly emotional. And as if Silas didn’t have it already tough enough, another disaster happens.
There are many significant moments I won’t reveal. Read it yourself. Moments I wept until I had no tears left. But there’s also refreshing sarcasm and downright absurd silly humor, I smiled hard.
It was harsh at times. But don’t fear, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and life really does go on!
The writing was superb, vivacious, and compelling, nothing sugar-coated, it was real, and every high and low was palpable.
The trauma both boys have been through felt as it should, oppressive, and burdensome, the author did an amazing job!
The characters and story development, in other words, the whole story were excellently developed.
Highly recommended!!
Review also on Love Bytes
I’m not sure I can. I looked at the blurb again to see what was revealed.
I’ll try to stick to that information.
Even his safest place, his bedroom, isn’t that anymore. Silas is broken, and Ben is not better.
After their privacy is violated and exposed by Silas’ bully and assailant, Silas is lost, and Ben is just as lost.
Silas is so angry and blames the one he loves. Silas’ feelings are confusing the shit out of him, and not only him but also Ben and me.
Silas is losing the grip. He’s so angry.
As if it wasn’t enough already, Ben was gone to California for the weekend to friends (and ex!). After a devastating revealing call, Silas is done, done, done! And oh boy a cruel feisty Silas pops up.
Life has to go on, right? It cost Silas every strength he could find to continue with his life.
Ben wasn’t in a better condition.
“God, I hated him so much. Almost as much as I loved him.”
Believe me when I say it was an impressive, read, highly emotional. And as if Silas didn’t have it already tough enough, another disaster happens.
There are many significant moments I won’t reveal. Read it yourself. Moments I wept until I had no tears left. But there’s also refreshing sarcasm and downright absurd silly humor, I smiled hard.
It was harsh at times. But don’t fear, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and life really does go on!
The writing was superb, vivacious, and compelling, nothing sugar-coated, it was real, and every high and low was palpable.
The trauma both boys have been through felt as it should, oppressive, and burdensome, the author did an amazing job!
The characters and story development, in other words, the whole story were excellently developed.
Highly recommended!!
Review also on Love Bytes
May 22, 2024
I have to rate this highly, even though I flat out hated parts of it, simply because it got into my head so much and made me so angry and upset. The bad books are the ones you simply don't care about. Books that leave you raging at the author? Well I guess at least I'm invested, right?
I listened to this title on audio, yet again expertly narrated by the wonderful Nick Newport, and he did a fantastic job. I've said from the start I love this series and want to relisten (I already listened to the first one twice) but I don't think I'll listen to this again just cos it is SO angsty. Every Mended Heart is pretty much unrelenting angst, lightened only by Silas' superb one-liners, and the angst even extends to the first epilogue, which absolutely broke my heart and made it hard to believe in their HEA. I guess it's realistic, but the epilogue is like a story in its own right, and if you're gonna drop bombshells like that I need you to unpack a bit more. It could easily have been a fourth book, although even more heartbreaking than this one, but I need more love with the heartbreak. It's called Every Mended Heart but mine isn't mended!
However, by any objective standard, this is an excellent book and series. Like many YA books, it's way more stressful and angsty than adult romances, but I fully bought into Silas and Ben, and all the side characters too. To the extent I was a little sad some of them weren't followed up with. Shout-out to Eli- he's a great character and I actually bonded with him a little in this book, which I wasn't expecting. And if Nikole Knight chose to write more in this world, or even give Eli his own book, I would absolutely read it, because apparently I'm an emotional masochist.
I listened to this title on audio, yet again expertly narrated by the wonderful Nick Newport, and he did a fantastic job. I've said from the start I love this series and want to relisten (I already listened to the first one twice) but I don't think I'll listen to this again just cos it is SO angsty. Every Mended Heart is pretty much unrelenting angst, lightened only by Silas' superb one-liners, and the angst even extends to the first epilogue, which absolutely broke my heart and made it hard to believe in their HEA. I guess it's realistic, but the epilogue is like a story in its own right, and if you're gonna drop bombshells like that I need you to unpack a bit more. It could easily have been a fourth book, although even more heartbreaking than this one, but I need more love with the heartbreak. It's called Every Mended Heart but mine isn't mended!
However, by any objective standard, this is an excellent book and series. Like many YA books, it's way more stressful and angsty than adult romances, but I fully bought into Silas and Ben, and all the side characters too. To the extent I was a little sad some of them weren't followed up with. Shout-out to Eli- he's a great character and I actually bonded with him a little in this book, which I wasn't expecting. And if Nikole Knight chose to write more in this world, or even give Eli his own book, I would absolutely read it, because apparently I'm an emotional masochist.
June 1, 2024
I don’t even know where to begin with this. Part three of a series that just really really puts you through all the angst and then some. Do not read this if you haven’t read books one and two - it does not stand alone. As with the others head the TW because it will absolutely rip your heart out and not be put back together until basically the epilogue. There is sexual assault, physical assault, ptsd, on page death of a parent, hx of death of a parent by suicide, relationship cheating, we were on a break cheating, child abandonment, child abuse, a skosh of alcoholism - just really if you think it and its badness it’s probably referenced somewhere in these books. That being said Silas and Ben do finally get their HEA and it’s as messy and real and wonderful as you could hope. I will say there are again some audio changes / rewrites from the text so you cannot switch back and forth between reading and listening or you’ll get very confused. There was a semi substantial change in the relationship in between Silas and his mother between the text and the audio version. While harsher, I do prefer the original text but you can decide for yourself. Otherwise most major concepts remain consistent. I also prefer the pacing of the epilogue in the original text with a slight backstory on Silas and Ben’s reunion as adults whereas the audio really had two separate epilogues and two points in time. Again, neither really change the content just the focus and pacing. But boy oh boy you’re going to need a nap when this one is through because it will leave you rung out. I loved them all.
February 16, 2025
This final installment of Silas and Ben's coming-of-age journey wrecked me like no other book has in a long time. My heart broke, I cried multiple times, and I raged at the unfairness of what life had in store for these boys. There are moments of this story that I don't even want to think about now -- the bitterness, pain, and devastation too overwhelming in their intensity. But my emotional connection to these characters is also what made this book so special to me. It was because I cared that I felt their struggles so deeply, and it was because I loved them that I could hold onto their small moments of happiness and joy in the midst of everything else. I keep thinking back to the way Silas described himself and Ben, "broken and scarred but not ruined", and isn't that true of all of us? Isn't there something bittersweet and heartbreakingly wonderful about seeing two survivors survive life's trials? I can't in good conscience call this a happy story -- it's not -- but it was beautiful, impactful, and hopeful. It showcased the power of familial love and friendship, it took me on the topsy turvy journey of first love, and it was a rallying cry for justice even when the odds are stacked against you. This book was so much bigger than two high schoolers falling in love, and yet it was their love that anchored the rest of the narrative and left me hopeful and at peace with the epilogue. I'm in awe of the way Nik Knight transformed these characters from boys to men, and their journey is going to stay with me for a long while.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 18, 2025
I have to rate this highly, even though I flat out hated parts of it, simply because it got into my head so much and made me so angry and upset. The bad books are the ones you simply don't care about. Books that leave you raging at the author? Well I guess at least I'm invested, right?
I've said from the start I love this series and want to reread but I don't think I'll revisit this again just cos it is SO angsty. Every Mended Heart is pretty much unrelenting angst, lightened only by Silas' superb one-liners, and the angst even extends to the first epilogue, which absolutely broke my heart and made it hard to believe in their HEA. I guess it's realistic, but the epilogue is like a story in its own right, and if you're gonna drop bombshells like that I need you to unpack a bit more. It could easily have been a fourth book, although even more heartbreaking than this one, but I need more love with the heartbreak. It's called Every Mended Heart but mine isn't mended!
However, by any objective standard, this is an excellent book and series. Like many YA books, it's way more stressful and angsty than adult romances, but I fully bought into Silas and Ben, and all the side characters too. To the extent I was a little sad some of them weren't followed up with. Shout-out to Eli- he's a great character and I actually bonded with him a little in this book, which I wasn't expecting. And if Nikole Knight chose to write more in this world, or even give Eli his own book, I would absolutely read it, because apparently I'm an emotional masochist.
I've said from the start I love this series and want to reread but I don't think I'll revisit this again just cos it is SO angsty. Every Mended Heart is pretty much unrelenting angst, lightened only by Silas' superb one-liners, and the angst even extends to the first epilogue, which absolutely broke my heart and made it hard to believe in their HEA. I guess it's realistic, but the epilogue is like a story in its own right, and if you're gonna drop bombshells like that I need you to unpack a bit more. It could easily have been a fourth book, although even more heartbreaking than this one, but I need more love with the heartbreak. It's called Every Mended Heart but mine isn't mended!
However, by any objective standard, this is an excellent book and series. Like many YA books, it's way more stressful and angsty than adult romances, but I fully bought into Silas and Ben, and all the side characters too. To the extent I was a little sad some of them weren't followed up with. Shout-out to Eli- he's a great character and I actually bonded with him a little in this book, which I wasn't expecting. And if Nikole Knight chose to write more in this world, or even give Eli his own book, I would absolutely read it, because apparently I'm an emotional masochist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 6, 2023Okay, so this book would have been perfect if not for the car accident, for two reasons: first of all, it seemed very gratuitous and it looked to me that the author took it as an easy escape to resolve Ben and Silas' breakup without them having a real confrontation (Silas ends up in the hospital and in the post-accident grieve/trauma/state of mind just forgives Ben and says he wants to be boyfriends again. There wasn't even some kind of "I could have lost it all, I have to enjoy what I have while I still can" epitomy, and not even a reflection on Silas's last discussion with his father about Ben. Silas was just sad and decides to get Ben back because why not.
And, secondly: I really don't like how Silas' dad death was handled. Again, it didn't contribute much to the plot since we barely get any grieving apart from one or two breakdowns. I recognize I might be a tad angry because I really liked Charlie and his death was a punch in the gut, but honestly? I wouldn't be angry if his death had had any repercussions at all in the book. But the truth is that no one, not even Silas, seemed to care that much that his father was dead. So why make him die? It didn't make Silas grow as a character, it didn't affect the development of the relationship between him and Ben, or between him and literally anyone in the book. Its only purpose was, apparently, to get rid of the mother, who really could have not appeared at all in the books and would have not made a difference.
And, secondly: I really don't like how Silas' dad death was handled. Again, it didn't contribute much to the plot since we barely get any grieving apart from one or two breakdowns. I recognize I might be a tad angry because I really liked Charlie and his death was a punch in the gut, but honestly? I wouldn't be angry if his death had had any repercussions at all in the book. But the truth is that no one, not even Silas, seemed to care that much that his father was dead. So why make him die? It didn't make Silas grow as a character, it didn't affect the development of the relationship between him and Ben, or between him and literally anyone in the book. Its only purpose was, apparently, to get rid of the mother, who really could have not appeared at all in the books and would have not made a difference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
NiK really loves putting their readers with emotional roll a coaster. Silas needs all the hugs in the world. I adore the fact Ben is trying to help; however, the boy needs to give Silas time to process everything. Silas’s bully/tormentor really needs to meet Karma in the worst way possible. People like that disgust me to my very core. Overall, I was okay with how the story ended but I wish the characters were given more. So I’m giving it 4.5 stars.
This book starts off strong with a a bunch of emotional trauma. Silas and Ben have been rocky since the whole incident in the principal office. Silas is still angry with Ben for forcing his hand, and Ben is mad at Silas for lying with about the last assault that happened. To make things even more difficult for both of them the picture circling the school is adding more fuel to the fire. Now Ben is going on the schedule trip to California. Leaving Silas alone admits the chaos. When Ben comes back things hit their breaking point, and they both officially break up. If that was not enough Silas and his Father end up in a car accident. It does not end well.
It takes Silas a long while to heal from what has happened. Then he finds the courage to help someone going through the same things he did and still is. All of it comes to a head that puts Silas back in the hospital. During all this Ben and Silas end up back together. They don’t stay that way, and it leads to a bitter sweet ending. I was okay with the ending, since I was not expecting a fairytale ending.
This book starts off strong with a a bunch of emotional trauma. Silas and Ben have been rocky since the whole incident in the principal office. Silas is still angry with Ben for forcing his hand, and Ben is mad at Silas for lying with about the last assault that happened. To make things even more difficult for both of them the picture circling the school is adding more fuel to the fire. Now Ben is going on the schedule trip to California. Leaving Silas alone admits the chaos. When Ben comes back things hit their breaking point, and they both officially break up. If that was not enough Silas and his Father end up in a car accident. It does not end well.
It takes Silas a long while to heal from what has happened. Then he finds the courage to help someone going through the same things he did and still is. All of it comes to a head that puts Silas back in the hospital. During all this Ben and Silas end up back together. They don’t stay that way, and it leads to a bitter sweet ending. I was okay with the ending, since I was not expecting a fairytale ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2024
MM College series conclusion
This is not a standalone book; you need to read or listen to books one and two before starting this one.
High Schooler Silas is attacked by a bully. Ben and Silas are in a relationship, but the outside world decides to throw everything at them.
The characters are well-defined, and you can relate to them easily. You feel like you know these two boys and want to wrap them up and protect them from the high school bullies and life in general.
This book made me cry on several occasions. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed this journey through the three books. It's a must-read/listen.
Nick Newport's narration was clear and precise, and I only had to speed up to 1.20 on Audible, which is my norm.
Every Mended Heart
Far From Ruined, Book 3
By: Nikole Knight
Narrated by: Nick Newport
Series: Far from Ruined, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.35 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
This is not a standalone book; you need to read or listen to books one and two before starting this one.
High Schooler Silas is attacked by a bully. Ben and Silas are in a relationship, but the outside world decides to throw everything at them.
The characters are well-defined, and you can relate to them easily. You feel like you know these two boys and want to wrap them up and protect them from the high school bullies and life in general.
This book made me cry on several occasions. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed this journey through the three books. It's a must-read/listen.
Nick Newport's narration was clear and precise, and I only had to speed up to 1.20 on Audible, which is my norm.
Every Mended Heart
Far From Ruined, Book 3
By: Nikole Knight
Narrated by: Nick Newport
Series: Far from Ruined, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.35 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
February 19, 2023
"Every Mended Heart" received FOUR stars.
This was a rough series to get through. The anxiety from what would Boyt do next was a lot, but I’m glad I read it. And that Boyt got what he deserved.
I absolutely love Ben and Silas’s relationship. I really liked the realistic epilogue of Ben and Silas’s breaking up and then getting back together. I especially enjoyed the entrance of a baby Charlie. 🥰
It’ll take a long time to forget these two characters and their story. ❤️
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
This was a rough series to get through. The anxiety from what would Boyt do next was a lot, but I’m glad I read it. And that Boyt got what he deserved.
I absolutely love Ben and Silas’s relationship. I really liked the realistic epilogue of Ben and Silas’s breaking up and then getting back together. I especially enjoyed the entrance of a baby Charlie. 🥰
It’ll take a long time to forget these two characters and their story. ❤️
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
THIS BOOK HURT.
Oh my, I openly cried, I sobbed, I had to stop reading so I could breath and grab tissues. And you know how hard for me it is to cry when reading? A lot! I'm always looking for good angsty, moving books, but I'm always left disappointed with recs. NOT THIS SERIES.
It was so sad, so gut wrenching. I finished reading a week ago and as I'm writing this I feel like crying. When a book (and a series) is able to touch me like that I cannot give any less than 5 stars because it makes an impact on me, it will be something I'm gonna remember.
Overall:
Book 1 - Slow burn but with a good pace that didn't bother me at all to not have spicy.
Book 2 - Silas and Ben falling in love was so well then, they read like their age. Ben is a sweetheart.
Book 3 - Pure pain, so many ups and downs. Silas is a force to be reckoned with. And like the rest of the series, a truly believable end, when life happens, people change when they growth up and they SHOULD experience life, but that doesn't mean that love dies.
Oh my, I openly cried, I sobbed, I had to stop reading so I could breath and grab tissues. And you know how hard for me it is to cry when reading? A lot! I'm always looking for good angsty, moving books, but I'm always left disappointed with recs. NOT THIS SERIES.
It was so sad, so gut wrenching. I finished reading a week ago and as I'm writing this I feel like crying. When a book (and a series) is able to touch me like that I cannot give any less than 5 stars because it makes an impact on me, it will be something I'm gonna remember.
Overall:
Book 1 - Slow burn but with a good pace that didn't bother me at all to not have spicy.
Book 2 - Silas and Ben falling in love was so well then, they read like their age. Ben is a sweetheart.
Book 3 - Pure pain, so many ups and downs. Silas is a force to be reckoned with. And like the rest of the series, a truly believable end, when life happens, people change when they growth up and they SHOULD experience life, but that doesn't mean that love dies.
January 6, 2022
This series wrecked me a little bit. The first book started out more on the lighthearted side with a lot of banter and funny moments, and each progressive book got more angsty and heartbreaking, but also impossible to put down. It was really well written and I loved Silas and Ben. I laughed out loud with Silas and his snarky comebacks, and Ben really was so sweet.
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