Beautifully Broken

Beautifully Broken

by Michelle Heard

I've been on the run for the past seven years until there's no corner on this god-forsaken planet left for me to hide.
No one with Ellison blood in their veins is allowed to live, and I'm the last one left.

Captured, I'm kept in a container waiting for my death sentence to be carried out. I’m tortured and beaten within an inch of my life when he walks right into my hell.
No one knows who he works for, only that he leaves no one alive. But for some unknown reason, he doesn't end my miserable life.

Instead, he takes me, and I don't know which is worse… the death sentence hanging over my head or being at his mercy. 


Suspense Romance / Dark Romance - COMPLETE STANDALONE.
Previously published as ‘PREDATOR.’

WARNING:
This book contains subject matter that may be sensitive for some readers. There is dark and triggering content between these pages related to graphic rape and violence. 18+ only. Please read responsibly.


This is Cara’s story.
Her trauma and her journey of healing are the main focus of this book.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Abuse, Contemporary, Suspense, Contemporary Romance

429 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2016

About the author

Michelle Heard is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #3 Bestselling romance author.

She writes emotional heart-shattering stories with a whole lot of Mafia & Romance that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. Every book has an unexpected twist that will show the strength of the characters.

Before becoming an author, Michelle had a career in banking. She lives in South Africa with her son, Sheldon, who's also her right-hand man when it comes to all things publishing, and her daughter-in-law, Tayla, who's her best friend.

Reading Order on AMAZON


STANDALONE NOVELS:
***Mafia & Bratva Romance (in order)***

THE SAINTS SERIES:
Merciless Saints - Damien Vetrov
Cruel Saints - Lucian Cotroni
Ruthless Saints - Carson Koslov
Tears of Betrayal - Demitri Vetrov
Tears of Salvation - Alexei Koslov

THE SINNERS SERIES:
Taken By A Sinner - Nikolas Stathoulis
Owned By A Sinner - Liam Byrne
Stolen By A Sinner - Gabriel Demir
Chosen By A Sinner - Luca Cotroni
Captured By A Sinner - Viktor Vetrov


THE CORRUPTED ROYALS SERIES:
Destroy Me - Misha Petrov
Control Me - Nikolai Vetrov
Brutalize Me - Armani De Santis
Restrain Me - Maxim Levin
Possess Me - Alek Aslanhov


SERIES (In Order):

ENEMIES TO LOVERS SERIES:
***College & New Adult Romance***

Heartless - Carter & Della
Reckless - Logan & Mia
Careless - Jaxson & Leigh
Ruthless - Marcus & Willow
Shameless - Rhett & Evie

TRINITY ACADEMY SERIES:
***College Romance***

Falcon - Falcon & Layla
Mason - Mason & Kingsley
Lake - Lake & Lee
Julian - Julian & Jamie
The Epilogue

THE HEIRS:
***College & New Adult Romance***

Coldhearted Heir - Hunter & Jade
Arrogant Heir - Jase & Mila
Defiant Heir - Kao & Fallon
Loyal Heir - Forest & Aria
Callous Heir - Noah & Carla
Sinful Heir - Tristan & Hana
Tempted Heir - Christopher & Dash
Forbidden Heir - Ryker & Danny


SOUTHERN HEROES SERIES:
***Suspense Romance***

The Ocean Between Us – Aiden & Emma
The Girl In The Closet – Cole & Birdie
The Lies We Tell Ourselves – Alec & Reece
All The Wasted Time – Wyatt & Scarlett
We Were Lost – Zac & Chloe


OTHER STANDALONE NOVELS:

Not My Hero - Dark YA Romance

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Suspense Romance / Dark Romance - COMPLETE STANDALONE. Previously published as ‘PREDATOR.’

I read 'Predator' back in 2016 and I loved it then, I even think it was this book which made me fangirl this author and I haven't stopped reading her books since. So without a doubt it just made sense to delve back into this world again and yet again it cemented why I love this author as much as I do. The dark and grit she brings us readers always reels me in, its why I keep coming back for more.

Her balance between dark and light is perfect, this book for me was perfection, the healing process our heroine went through felt so real, I connected fully, their connection was believable and I loved the slow build up they underwent before they delved further.

                  

[juli✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝟯.𝟮𝟱 / 𝟱 ✩

❝I’m so sorry I didn’t get to you in time.❞
❝Bruises heal,❞ she whispers. She gives my shoulder a squeeze. ❝They didn’t kill me. You came in time, Damian.❞

ᴍᴏᴏᴅ ᴍᴜꜱɪᴄ °
— ʀᴜɴᴀᴡᴀʏ


❛Beautifully Broken❜ is definitely a book worth checking out and I for one could not put it down. Moreover, Cara is one of the most resilient heroines I have ever read about, and I respect the ever-loving hell out of her.

Nevertheless, ❛BB❜ as a whole was bleak as fuck.

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off so well.. I was sucked in because it’s been awhile since I read a angsty book. And I loved how it was going.

Cara on the run for 7 years because of something that her uncle made her do, and she’s found and beaten and raped. We see what happens to her the shell of a woman and she gets rescued by Damian who wasn’t there for her just at the right time. The way he act with her was alittle cold, because we see him later on in the story so sweet to another girl he rescued and like the h he was so sweet understanding all that but with her cold and standoffish. Even if in his POV he was smitten by her and wanting to protect her. I didn’t feel that when they were together. Even later down the road he tried to warm up being sweet but the push with her SA.. had me go meh.

So yeah was disappointed near 60% and on.. might read the next one in this series but if the men are like Damian and not at least caring it’s probably this series I didn’t connect with.

Angst, om drama, no cheating, drama, sexy times, no virgins


Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶

Slow burn
Push away from both
Violence
Murder
Mentions of trafficking
Miscarry
No condom
Trauma
PTSD
Sexual assault
Abuse
Hea

[Helen Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Broken is just as heartbreakingly beautiful as the cover and the title imply. Cara has been on the run for seven years since criminals murdered her parents in cold blood. When they finally catch up to her, she’s nearly broken by the time Damian rescues her. Ever since a tragic end befell someone he once loved, he’s worked to rescue kidnap victims and to return them to their families. But Cara doesn’t have a family, and after one look into her eyes, he’s compelled to keep her.
This book is a story of survival and healing. While it’s tough to get through at parts, the story is ultimately uplifting and rewarding. The heroine’s PTSD is honest and realistically portrayed, and her journey to recovery is gradual, with many setbacks. This book is a standalone, and I’m not sure if the other two in the series are interconnected with this one. I can’t wait to find out!

[Ashleyjo · Rating 1 out of 5]

The prologue doesn’t set a good tone for this book. I understand she’s only 18, injured, and just traumatically lost her parents, but if your uncle shoves a passport and money at you and tells you that “they’ll kill” your ass, too, if you don’t run and keep running….. well, traumatized or not, your natural instincts would be to ask WHO, WHY!! Not just stare off into space as he walks away.

^ The entire mystery is in that SAF, TSTL shit, which doesn’t work for me. This is the mentality the FMC has…

It doesn’t help to question something you can’t change. It’s better to just accept that it’s the way my life is going to be.

I’ve come to the conclusion life is not meant to be understood – trying will only drive you insane. Life is just meant to be lived, every day a new day with its own problems.

She just leaves her home and spends the following seven years running << not knowing why or who she’s even running from.

Once she’s kidnapped, the author doesn’t pull any punches with the violence. The FMC is beat and sexually assaulted. She’s a captive in the true, not glorified, sense.

Enter the MMC to save her. Sadly, that’s where the story goes downhill.


It’s painfully slow, getting bogged down in the same inner thoughts on repeat. Again, I get that she’s traumatized, but writing the same mindset over and over and over with a little different wording each time isn’t engaging! We just keep backtracking instead of moving forward. It’s 40% and months have passed with NOTHING happening… mope around, eat, shower, nap, look at one another, blah blah blah blah. I’d be willing to bet that 100 showers and meals are within the pages of this book.

The dialogue is horrid. It’s stilted. It’s unnatural. It has zero emotion. Robots have more depth. And, if he asks her one more f’ing time if she’s okay… I may scream.

The play-by-play flashbacks from multiple angles - her mind, his mind, the camera. It’s not that they’re dark, disturbing… it’s that we already know this. We know what happened to her. So, why slow the pacing down even more with on-page recounts of what’s already been read?

The final straw is 43%. His dead girlfriend mixed with him wanting her because no one else does…. Yeah, that’s not romantic. It’s not endearing. It’s not anything. It’s like taking a stray toothless cat in with the mange and nursing and finding it beautiful simply because you saved it, not for what it is.

Combine ^^ that with her continued TSTL - I think I’ll run away now BS.

Done. DNF.

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 "I live you!!!" stars***



"I'm shattered to the bone.
It feels like my soul weighs a ton, dragging me under the wave of emptiness that keeps crashing over me."

I'm so happy for the rebranding of this book, cause it gave me the opportunity to read this beautiful, even though heartbreaking story...
I love and trust Michelle Heard's storytelling... She is always delivering simple, but in a way unique stories and she is touching the dark side with such a magnificent way...
She is making the heroes feelings yours and that's an amazing talent. Don't you think???
Even though, Cara's feelings were soul deep full of heartache and depression, I wouldn't change anything in this experience!!!

"There's no escaping this nightmare..."

Poor Cara!!! That girl's world turned upside down when she was eighteen and for the rest seven years she was in a constant run...
But then, they found her and a real hell started for her...
She was beaten and violated and she was one breath away from death when Damian found her and saved her...
A man with only one purpose in his life and from that moment, Cara became his only focus...
But the road to recovery and trust is too long and you have to be patient if you want to find a shred of light into the absolute darkness...

"It feels like I'm already dead because they killed my will to live."

"I have to protect her because no one else will."

This was a very difficult journey of a girl who lost herself because of the cruelity of others...
But she was lucky that a man like Damian was by her side to fight along her side...
Inevitable feelings got in the way, but healing was the most important thing...

"You're either a fighter or a nobody..."
"I want to be a fighter."
"Then fight, Cara... I'll be there every step of the way to help you."

I loved Cara so deeply... Her pain became mine...
I just wanted to hug her and shelter her for the evil of this world...
She was such a strong and beautiful creature... She was truly beautifully broken...
As for Damian??? He was the epitome of stength and patience... You couldn't not fall for him...
He was the man that someone like Cara needed by her side...
These two were perfectly broken together!!! The only sure thing is that Cara and Damian will stay unforgettable to me!!!

"I see the most beautiful fucked up woman, and you're perfect. You're so beautifully broken, and it makes me want to keep you."

Honestly, this is one of the most beautiful books of this author...
It's talking about inner strength... About two broken souls that found each other in a tragic way...
About a connection on a deeper level...
This is a story that deserves to be heard and you deserve to freakin' listen!!!
Just leave every hesistation out of the door and go for it!!!

"Don't let them make you feel worthless because, to me, you're fucking priceless."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tense, emotional story of loss, abuse, and survival is compulsive reading.

I love Damian; he’s a man on a mission, and Cara is another victim in a long line that he saves. They have pasts that have left them damaged and alone; pasts that echo into their present and their future. But right from the start, there’s something between these two, an unwanted and unexpected attraction, that has implications for both their lives going forward.

There are plenty of warnings about this book and the sensitive nature of some of the material. However, it would be fair to say this story doesn’t dwell on the bad stuff; it mostly focuses on the aftermath. This is more about coming to terms with past grief and abuse, and finding the strength to overcome and go on regardless.

The author evokes so many opposing emotions in the characters and readers alike. At varying times, I felt both happiness and sadness, and a myriad of responses in between. Ultimately, this is a story about surviving the very worst in humanity, discovering the very best in the darkness, and fighting to step into the light…I read an earlier version of this book, and I received an early copy of this revised story from the author.

[Leeann Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Beautifully Broken Stars

Its very seldom that i come across a book that moves my soul. This book is about the journey to rediscovering yourself after life has taken everything from you.

Cara has this inner strength that I can only dream bf having, after everything that she's been through in her life to come out fighting it moves you. Her emotions can be felt as if they were my on that's how well this story was written. Cara is one of my all time favorite heroines .

Damian, were do i even start with this tall hunk of awesomeness. Damian has his own demons that he has to fight and overcome, he vowed to never get involved in a relationship again, but he didn't expect Cara. The way he was able to coat her back to life and help her heal from her physical and emotional injuries was just beautiful.
These two character will always have a special place in y heart.

I highly recommend this book .

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully Broken by Michelle Heard is one of the most raw and gritty romance I have ever read. It was dark and twisted but it was also about hope and new beginnings. A gripping tale of resilience and love.
.
Cara has been snatched away from her life to be thrown into chaos. Running from shadows. Used. Abused. Traumatised. Broken. And then rescued by a man on a mission. Damian. He didn't know that Cara would make him feel everything while shutting down herself. But the dangers are far from over. The people who hurt her are in pursuit of her whereabouts again. And may be even Damian cannot save her.
.
This story has really sensitive and dark topics so hear trigger warnings before proceeding. The author didn't hold back when describing the pain Cara went through. My heart breaks for her and I am also admiring how she overcame the hurdles. It was not easy for her. The pain was heartaching. But she endured and survived. Damian isn't exactly the usual man. He is deep in the world where the dark side of humanity rules and he is always on rescue mission. So he has certain hardness and edgy feeling. But their connection is special and the hard work was worth it. It was very emotional and sometimes hard to read. But I would say you need to read it to experience a very real journey from the dark to the light.
.
Michelle Heard knows how to deliver extreme emotions with extreme effect and Beautifully Broken was the best example.
.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better the second time around…

This is a revamped, rewritten version of a story written by this author years ago. What hasn’t changed from Predator to Beautifully Broken is its lasting punch…

This read started with an emotional high that never eased. Kind of ironic as Cara met him when she was at the lowest she’d ever been. He entered her life and she was afraid. Afraid of everything and everyone one, afraid to hope…

This was an incredible read with characters that once again captured my attention and never let go. I cried with Cara, I raged, I felt helpless… Yet I hoped her situation, her life, would change for the better… And I wanted to trust him too…

Please read the trigger warnings carefully as nothing was hidden. Every step of the way was laid out with brutal honesty yet incredible human-ness. A life with trauma and tragedy can still be good… There is hope… An amazing read! ~Diane, 5 stars

[Bookaholic Shaima · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♾️

This book was such a tough journey.
I loved every broken, scared, scarred part of it.
It was like I said EPIC.

I would love to insist on checking the TW ⚠️ upfront.

Because it was descriptive and raw and from the heart.
The main characters went through hell and back ( literally ) to get to where they were supposed to be. It's story of survivor and a savior who loved every inch of that broken soul and did his best to mend it back to perfection even if that perfection is imperfect in the most beautiful way.

( I'm going to use the initial main characters names , cause boy!!! They went through some 🤭)
Cara and Damian were so pot and kettle, the way Damian took matter in his hands, the way he nursed Cara back to health and life. The push and pull . Everything .
I want to sum it up by saying read it because I highly recommend it .
So beautiful and emotional I had to tab evey single page ( 🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️), the amount of annotations are how I showed my love back . this book's quotes Are still coursing though my brain.
Here's one

❝ I'm starting to see. I'm beginning to hear and ... Feel... Way too much.
I'm too alive for all the pain inside of me. It gives the trauma something to feed on, something to destroy. ❞

- beautifully broken.

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Heed the spoiler warnings because this book does feature sexual assault and flashbacks. Personally I found this book to be rather heartbreaking. Not only does the heroine continually get bitch slapped by that thing called life, she also is put through some horrible shit and still by the end has no full understanding why. The most we learn is her father and uncle got mixed up with the mafia and even almost ten years later they haven't forgotten about her. Just carrying the blood of her father is enough to keep a bullseye on her back. I can't quite blame her for being a bit inept when it came to her safety when we learn she's not even sure all these years later that her parents are even dead. I can't imagine the mess her mind must be to be on the run all alone from mysterious strangers for unknown reasons at 18. Then she's caught and assaulted still with no answers. When the hero rescues her I didn't love his aloof behavior especially when later on in the book we witness that he does have a sweet side. I just didn't love how cruel and abrupt he was with her even when he didn't know the full extent of what happened to her. I'm all for tough love when it's necessary but given what she went through I wish he would have treated her with more fragility. I don't remember reading the older version of this book so I can't really compare the two but this was a decent read about a broken heroine who falls for her rescuer.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, intense, emotional. Dark themes.



New title and new content.
I previously read this book in 2016 with a different title. I loved Damian and Cara's story then and still love it now. It was that long ago since I read the first edition that it was like reading a whole new story for me, I had completely forgotten how raw, intense and addictive this story was.

Kidnapped, beaten, raped..., Cara from the age of eighteen became a pawn for the mafia and was paying for her Uncles sins until she was rescued by Damian. It does go into brief details and it isn't nice but it makes you realize what Cara actually went through while she was a captive and why it took her so long to heal.

A cleaner, a protector, a man of strength and valor, Damian became Cara's hero when he rescued her and he became a vessel that brought healing to her after all the horrendous things she had been through. Damien helped her to see life was worth living again.

A moving story, a story of survival, grit, determination, bravery and weaved throughout the plot is also a story of love, trust, and healing.

"I live you, Cara"
Her eyes dart back to mine, and then I see the confusion wash over her features.
"Love is too much like hate. They're emotions that come and go. Life, now that's a different ball game. You only get one life"
Leaning down a little I stare into her eyes.
"I live you, Cara. You are my life."

A brilliantly written story that I am so glad I revisited.

[booklover1816 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book by this author and I am HOOKED! Her writing, creativity, and passion is astounding! This book was darker and heavier, but oh so good!
Cara goes through so much in this book. First with her parents dying at 18, being on the run for 7 years, and then getting kidnapped?! Can this girl ever catch a break?
Now Damian is literally the best. The way he cares and is so patient with her is literally the sweetest 🥹 I honestly love him so much.
Although this book is darker, the way Damian and Cara both care and love each other makes it so worth the read!!

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I finally got to read this book, talk about a heart wrencher. Please take the warnings seriously as it definitely isn't an easy read but that's what makes it even more special.
Will the female main character be able to move on from being so beautifully broken more than once, or are her pieces too broken to fit back together?
Although the subject matter was tough to read the author handled it with class, so I definitely recommend.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 BEAUTIFUL RAW STARS!! This story was painfully beautiful...Cara is so strong in her journey. My heart will never be the same and I loved every moment. Michelle Heard's storytelling will engrave itself on your heart.

[Camii · Rating 3 out of 5]

Si estan por leer este libro quiero aclarar que las advertencias no estan solo de decoración y que realmente la protagonista pasa por momentos muy duros en su vida y este libro trata temas muy fuertes y delicados.

Cara lleva años huyendo de algo que para ella no tiene nombre ni rostro, lo único que sabe es que sus padres fueron asesinados y que para mantenerse segura tiene que huir y vivir alerta pero un día sus defensas bajan y su vida cambia para siempre cuándo es atrapado por un hombre horrible y vive un infierno en vida 💔.

Damian llega a su vida a rescatarla sin saber que la mujer que salvo es un cascarón de lo que solía ser, ella está rota porque rompieron su espíritu al abusar de ella y golpearla hasta el cansancio, pero ella le hace sentirse protector y hara de todo para que vuelva a vivir.

El libro se centra en el dolor de Cara y su nueva vida, ella tiene que aprender a vivir con el dolor de lo que le pasó y el primer paso fue el más difícil porque no le fue fácil aceptar su abuso y mucho menos olvidar lo que le hicieron, los temas se trataron bien y me gusto que Damian siempre fuera paciente con ella ayudándola a sanar de a poco sin presiónes, siempre con amabilidad y nunca la trato como si estuviera rota, siempre la alento a vivir nuevamente sin dejar que su pasado la trague en su oscuridad, eso fue algo lindo porque el realmente la amaba y por eso se quedo a su lado y no como su salvador si no como el hombre que la ama.

La historia tiene una locura de cosas que te hacen sentir angustiada todo el tiempo en especial la historia de Cara 🥺, al final ambos supieron sanar y soy feliz porque ambos encontraron paz y un futuro nuevo para ser felices 🫂♥️

[jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC provided for an honest review*

Beautifully Broken was such an emotional rollercoaster!! The main character goes through so much pain and I just wanted to hug her.

I really liked that this story focused a lot more on Cara and how she becomes stronger after being so broken. It’s about how she overcomes the moments that seem to break her and she becomes stronger in the end. Her character is honestly so strong. I just love the way she keeps on moving forward. Cara deserves nothing but happiness. With Damian he became so intriguing to me. I liked the way he really cared for Cara and was able to help her overcome any challenge. I enjoyed reading their moments because you see just how deeply they both feel and the connection they begin to form is just everything.

*** WARNING***
This book contains subject matter that may be sensitive for some readers. There is dark and triggering content between these pages. 18+ only. Please read responsibly.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly what a start to this incredible story. Yes, there are warnings about triggers and it’s good that they are there, but I honestly felt the writing was well balanced and the situation handled well.

Cara is an innocent victim who learns in an extremely hard way how life can be a battle and you need to build up your inner strength to survive it. Damien is a saviour who is strong and protective, however, he finds himself in an emotional minefield with Cara and that tests him. Their journey isn’t easy at any stage but the title is apt because it is so true.

The intensity of the emotions that were invoked by this story are so incredible it is hard to describe it adequately. This author literally reached in, took my heart in her literary hands and squeezed it as tight as possible—especially for Cara! Just how much one person can go through, is thoroughly tested that’s for sure.

Absolutely amazing descriptions are all through this book making it easy to visualise each scene and feel what each character is experiencing. For example: “I wake up feeling like a piece of chewed gum, sticky and stretched too thin.”—Cara.

This author tackled such hard issues head on and came out triumphant with this incredible story, I applaud her for her writing brilliance.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully broken is beautifully heartbreaking and inspiring.
What do you do when you loose everything... including your sense of self?
Cara is truly an inspiration. Her inner strength and her ability to survive... against all odds. What a heroine.
Damian is everything you want in a hero... including him not seeing himself as a hero... it’s just something he needs to do.
These two together send warmth straight to your heart.
Cannot believe it’s taken me this long to read this book.
Beautifully broken is an amazing read. This book broke me and showed me that you can overcome anything if someone believes in you and you believe in yourself.

[Stital · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, tense and incredibly emotional, Beautifully Broken is a truly beautiful story.

To me, Michelle's greatest talent is in managing to perfectly capture the depth and power of human emotions. Her books always manage to move me, touching my heart and soul and this one hit me deep. It's such a heartfelt and raw story of survival and the strength that Cara shows through her journey to rediscover who she is and learn how to be happy despite her loss and trauma is incredibly inspiring.

5 stars and an ocean breeze

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and Beautiful.. Just how I love Michelle's books.

Cara is just beautiful.. with everything she has been thru in her life.. and Damien is everything she didn't know she needed..

Michelle writes beautiful, dark, twisted.. keeping you on the edge till the very last word... I don't think there is any book of Michelle's that I've read that I didnt love.. Phenomenal Job!!

[Clayr Catherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING! It was packed with action, suspense and really pulled at the heartstrings.

Cara has been on the run for a long time. It hasn't been easy, but this was the only way to survive…

When her luck runs out, Cara has given up hope…

Will she survive the hell she’s found herself in?

*This story is not for the faint hearted. It is DARK*

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS



Star Rating : 4.5/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : None

Hero : Damian

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 5/10

Heat Rating : 5/10

Triggers Involved : Non Con Scene in detail , Kidnapping , Dark , Trauma

Overall Opinion :
Omg. This story broke my heart so bad. What Cara went through was something that no one should ever go through. I am glad that she found Zane who made her whole because the woman deserves it all. This one was a dark romance standalone with a lot of triggers as it has a full on assault scene in detail.

The emotions in this book, in fact in every book by this author are nothing like I have ever read before. I make sure to always read her books in a single sitting because they just hook me in so bad! Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people out there!

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[Catreena · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN - Previously published 'PREDATOR'
Re-edited
Michelle Heard
#arc #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #romance
#DarkSuspenseRomance #standalone #triggers #trauma #abuse #violence

POV:Dual                  Her Protector
Cara & Damian

When Cara was 18, her life was great, loving parents, heading off to College. Then in a blink of an eye, her world is turned upside down. Waking up in hospital after a boating accident being told that her parents didn't make it, her Uncle telling her, with no explanation, to leave the country, not to stay in one place long, just to keep moving so that 'they' won't find her, giving her a temporary passport and a new ID, leaving her alone.

It's been 7 years, numerous crappy jobs and towns later. When she's leaving her current job she's snatched right off the street. Kidnapped, have the people behind her parents deaths finally find her?
They beat and violate her brutally, breaking her. When she thinks that there's no hope left for her, she's saved by a scary looking guy.
Even though she's been saved, she feels like she can never trust again. She's empty, a broken shell.

Damian is a 'cleaner'. Saves victims that have been kidnapped, for a price, kills the bad guys, handing over the victims to their loved ones, who have paid for his services.
But Cara's not a paid job, he just happened to have been on that group of baddies trail, he couldn't leave her to go her own way. He feels terrible for not getting there sooner.
Treading carefully with her, he helps her heal. She's suffered so much at those monsters hands.

Time passes and Cara falls into a routine with Damian, no longer terrified of him. He's beginning to become her safe haven. He's adamant in helping her overcome her ordeal.
But she's already stayed too long, it's time to move on. So she takes off in the middle of the night. A kind woman takes her under her wing.
Not only has Damian found her, so have the people who are after her.
So they're both on the road.
Her emotions are all over the place, feeling like she doesn't deserve to live, this isn't living. Feeling dead inside.
Damian shouldn't be helping her. He should be living his life with someone who deserves him, not her. She can't ever do a relationship.
Damian never thought that there'd be a woman out there that would make him feel this way. Knowing that there'll never be a relationship between them. He'd settle for just having her in his life.

Will she come to terms and face her feelings for Damian, and start to enjoy life again?

Damian is so patient with Cara, healing her mind, body and soul. Always thinking of her well being.

This was such an emotional read.

Cara is so strong, Damian is just amazing with her.

*Arc provided for an honest review

[Linda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My sweetheart,” the man coos at the girl. “Daddy?” “Everything’s going to be fine, sweetheart,” Tears start to burn in my eyes at the emotion weighing heavy in the room. Then it feels like something dies in me. I’m not sure what it is, but I feel lost without it. “No one came for me,” “Cara, look at me. I came for you.”

Wow! Beautifully Broken is a heartbreaking story of loss, in varying forms. It’s not a hearts and flowers story, it’s real, raw and the authors words bleed onto the page. Ms Heard rips your heart to shreds and somehow manages to sew it back together by the end of this book. This story makes you ponder about situations, outcomes and what if’s. A trigger warning and subject matter that was treated with utmost respect and written with the perfect balance between actual and the readers imagination. Emotional connection with the characters had me experiencing nervousness, apprehension, fear and extreme sadness.

Cara finds herself in a predicament none of us would choose. Almost broken, but she opts to grow and gain strength as a result. It’s not easy and realistically she stumbles and makes some bad choices along the way. We need more men in the world like Damien, he is patient, kind and an absolute saint. He gives her a gentle nudge if needed, knows when to give her space and when to just be there for her.

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard for me to write this review as my emotions are on a rollercoaster ride. This story completely obliterated my heart and put it back together again. I really wish I could give it more than five stars as it rightfully deserves so much more than that. It’s a story of perseverance, redemption and hope. Please note this story is not for the feint of heart. There are parts that will rip you apart and make you cry, but when it all comes together, it is a story of which I will never forget.

Cara is a young woman who has undergone things no human being should ever have to. She has dealt with so much heartache and sadness that I just wanted to wrap her in my arms and give her a huge hug. So when Damian comes into her life I hoped and prayed that he could help her heal and show her that there is goodness in life. While Cara is unsure of him and untrusting, she knows deep down that he will keep her safe. Their relationship starts out very rough, but as you read, you just know that these two will somehow end up together. Damian is kind, patient and loving with Cara and only wants to protect her and keep her safe, anything beyond that is a bonus. And as for Cara, she is beautiful and may be a bit broken, but I just knew in my heart that she would overcome all that has happened and will be a survivor.

This story is so much more about two people thrown together in a tough situation. It’s about two people coming to terms with their lives and each other. Words cannot fully express how incredible this story is and how everyone needs it in their life. Pure brilliance.

[Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a handful of books by Michelle Heard, but it has been awhile. I was curious on what she would bring to us with Beautifully Broken that was previously released as Predator. Oh my… I was left speechless, broken, and emotionally in despair for Cara. That girl goes through so much and the pain is unbearable. Michelle writes with such conviction that you can’t help feel what the characters feel. This story is dark and heart shattering. I was not sure how I was going to survive through this book.

Our sweet protector Damian… the patience this man has amazed me. The way Cara changed him for the better was unbelievable. The highs and lows. The move one step forward and fall three steps back was stuck in a loop. I really could not see a HEA. But Michelle Heard does it! She will turn something horrific into something that is Beautifully Broken. It is a read that has triggers for some readers. It is not a story for all, but it is a story that promises the sun will always come up.

[Zetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara – oh my heart hurts – she’s gone through so much that people never even experience in one lifetime – it felt like enough to fill 100 lifetimes. Her actions, reactions and journey to finding some kind of normal felt so realistic. This story doesn’t shy away from the reality of trauma and that there is and never will be a quick fix to heal especially from all that she went through. She’s one of a kind and I’m glad that I got the opportunity to read this story.

Damian – what can I say? His heart is huge! He’s caring, thoughtful and so so so so sweet. He’s so careful to try and not trigger Cara because he doesn’t want her to have to relive the trauma. His fierce nature of being protective makes my heart happy – he’s so persistent in looking after her in the best way but also allowing her to dictate the pace. What more can you ask for? He’s definitely the right person for Cara – 100%.

Definitely recommend this story – pick it up! You won’t regret it!

[Hanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when it was previously written in 2016 under the title of Predator.
I loved it then.
Reread it now with the new title Beautifully Broken and still love it.
I think this book (previous version) is how I found this outstanding author.
This book is powerful and intense.
It again had me gripped from start to finish
So emotional and brought out so much feelings in me.
It’s raw and gritty and gut wrenching.
Parts are dark and devastating.
But in true Michelle Heard style there is light at the end of this dark seemly hopeless tunnel.
Damian and Cara are two broken damaged souls.
That bring life and light to each other.
They find solace and comfort together.
So after the heartbreak and anguish, tears and sadness this amazing author turns all this into something beautiful and heartwarming.