Disconnect

by M.F. Moody

Is it better to stay, or simply walk away?

A new day, a new dawn. But when the shadowy poison from your nightmares follows you into your waking world, can you ever truly escape?

A new life, a new love? When two battered souls are drawn to one another, only together can they smooth their ragged edges into something beautiful.

A lost soul, a found truth. Secrets and lies can destroy, and not all who wander are lost. Finding their way home will be the ultimate test.


This book contains content that some readers may find upsetting or triggering. There is a warning just prior to Chapter 1 which mentions the type of content, and where it is located within the book.

Genres: Contemporary, Slow Burn

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2021

About the author

M.F. Moody is a purveyor of Contemporary, Rom-Com, Dark, Mafia, Fantasy, Paranormal, LGBTQ+, RH/Poly, and Sci-Fi Romance novels. She has a vivid and active imagination, is often blunt to the point of brutality, has a dark and warped sense of humour, absolutely no filter, no shame, is an absolute genre whore, and aspires to the giddy heights of the gutter.

M.F. Moody is married to a VERY understanding man, and together they have a boy-child, 3 cats, and apparently WAAAAY too many books and alcohol, especially as she’s the only one who drinks. Although really, is there such a thing as having too many books? And as for the alcohol, well, she’s Australian. They live in a little corner of Kent in the UK, and she enjoys confusing the locals with her accent and colloquialisms, reading, coffee, wine, reading, baking, sleeping, and did we mention reading?

Reviews

[Tawny Oakland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story yanked my heartstrings out of my chest, stomped on them, repeatedly, then sewed them back in, complete with a bow... Reading books about domestic violence can be hard, for whatever twisted reason it's always been my favorite trope. I dove in and binged this book in a single afternoon, once I started I couldn't put it down. Reading Allee's story made you feel every emotion from her embarrassment, and triumph over basic work encounters to every blow and cut of the terrible abuse she suffered. I know some people are triggered by books like this, to each their own, but I think we need more of them. This story is raw, unfiltered, and there aren't many fade-to-black moments of the horrors of what some people endure in abusing relationships. While I use books as an escape as much as any avid reader I find it refreshing to read a story that so clearly shows the harsh realities along with the HEA. For this book to be based around the video game industry was just icing on the cake, I love books that draw attention to the industry. The section that was written from Piddle's POV was masterfully done, it was a sweet surprise that I have never seen in another book. So what I am saying is you really need to go read this story!!!

[Danielle White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disconnect had me glued to my chair right from the start, I couldn’t put it down. Such an emotional and inspiring book. A really great read. Would recommend to all my friends and family

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, real, and utterly unforgettable. Disconnect isn’t just a story you read it’s one you feel in your bones. I wasn’t prepared for how deeply this book would affect me. From page one, I was completely pulled incompletely immersed in Allee’s world. It’s emotional, intense, and impossible to put down.

Allee’s journey is raw and brutally real. You feel every bit of her pain, her quiet victories, and the heartbreaking lows she endures. Her story isn’t easy and it shouldn’t be. It shines a light on the kind of abuse that’s often brushed under the rug. There are no fade to black moments here. Moody doesn’t flinch away from the hard parts, and because of that, the healing and hope feel that much more powerful.

I know books like this can be triggering, and that’s fair. But I also think we need more stories like this ones that don’t look away. Ones that tell the truth and still find space for strength, resilience, and love. Stories that shine a light into the darkest corners, that validate the voices of survivors, and that don’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths of abusive relationships. Because this isn’t just fiction this is someone’s reality, and it deserves to be told. As an avid reader who often turns to books for escape, I found it refreshing and deeply moving to read something so grounded in emotional truth, but still able to deliver a well earned HEA. The fact that it all takes place in the video game industry? Loved it. That setting added such a unique, authentic layer to the story.

Also I have to shout out the section from Piddle’s POV. what a surprise. I’ve honestly never seen that done before, and it added so much heart. It caught me off guard in the best way.

This review is 100% voluntary, written by a very emotional fangirl who couldn’t put this book down, processing a book I can’t stop thinking about. If you’re looking for something that will move you. Something powerful, thought provoking, and unapologetically honest. Then this the book for you!

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never had the chance to read the original version of this, but I am so glad that this book has been republished. I normally read a lot of dark romance, so I’m not unaware of how violent the genre can be, but I liked how much difference this book felt than the normal contemporary dark romance feels… normally I can feel like the world I’m reading about is completely disconnected from the one that I live in, but this one was so honest and heart wrenching. I felt every single inch of the abuse Allee went through in her relationship and trying to get out of it… My DV situation wasn’t that bad but it was still terrifying and extremely hard to get out of. I loved the different POVs and I love how the FMC had more than just the MMC as her support system. Also, my heart absolutely broke when we got to Piddle’s POV but I loved hearing from the cat! That needs to happen more often in books.
Idk what MF Moody will give us next but I can’t wait to read it!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story will yank your heartstrings, snap them repeatedly, then sew them back in. I binge-read this book in a single afternoon; once I started, I found that I couldn't put it down. Reading Allee's story will make you feel every emotion, from her embarrassment and triumph over basic work encounters to every blow and cut of the terrible abuse she suffered. Some people may be triggered by books like this, but I think we need more of them to highlight the torment that some people go through. This story is raw, unfiltered, and there aren't many fade-to-black moments of the horrors of what some people endure in abusing relationships. Whilst many people use books as an escape, I did find it refreshing to read a story that so clearly shows the harsh realities along with the happy ever after. So I can say this: you really need to go read this story!!

[Shirley Monas · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read by this author and I enjoyed it. I believe this is also the first book published by this author. Characters were well developed. There were a few phrases that went over my head but that’s because the book is written in Australian English which is also a first for me. As someone from the US, I didn’t struggle with the geography of Australia and locations mentioned didn’t throw me out of the story. This book talks a lot about the FMC’s battle to leave her ex and how she escaped. Hope she picked up the pieces and thrived after being suffocated. It was a good ending although I much preferred if the ex had a different outcome.

[FluffPandas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible - but jarring! this is not for the feint of heart

So I loved this, however the rollercoaster it took me on both took me away from reality and grounded me so abruptly my lungs could've collapsed.

This was a breathtaking novel, with topics that are not the norm and quite sensitive, however it approached them with character and emotion, whilst still underlining the hard realities that came with them.

I loved this intense read and it was super emotional and perhaps one of the most hard fought HEA's I have ever read but that made it all the more sweet.

No one deserves a HEA like our lovely battered FMC.

[Laci Steimel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read! A perfect combination of romance and thriller/suspense! I absolutely adore Allee, amd how she grew throughout the story, and came into her own. She chose her own styles, and personality, and embraced her freedom. Even though she was still afraid. I also love how sweet Noah is, and even if he was not the best at learning a out her past, he more than made up for it! Definitely suggest checking triggers, had a couple heart breaking scenes that had me in tears, but they definitely filled out the plot and made me feel the story that much more. Fantastic read!

[Juanita Mullens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Im still emotional from Piddles chapter. At first I didn't think I could read it. The story was just so interesting that I was able to get over what I didn't like. (Which was only how it's written)( Meaning I think it's like a narrator is telling the story, not the characters) Sorry I don't know exactly what that is called. Regardless it didn't matter, because it's a powerful story. It's so heartbreaking, it's horrifying, it's sad! Also beautiful, steamy, sweet, Powerful. It's a story that needs to be read!

[Cristal Juarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intense and raw look into what many go through at the hands of their abusers. There are trigger warnings. Read them! This book was a very good read and I enjoyed it. Allee is a strong survivor who moves many times to escape her abusive fiancé. Find love again and some great friends that help her start to heal. I love the name of her kitty and I was saddened to hear of what happened to Piddle, but happy she survived. Start is worst of the worst and Noah is a life saver for Allee. I totally recommend this book.

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! What a great and emotional read this was. I was not expecting this book to affect me so, but it has. I loved it!! What and intense read, and yes I would give a trigger warning. As this book covers what can happen at the hands of your abuser. Well written and fast paced, I just could not put this book down.

Alice my girl, she tried to escape her abusive ex by moving, but he always found her. She needed help and found it. In a new love, and friendships. Her story is one of grit and strength and maybe just a happy ending.

[katy andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alle is desperately trying to escape an abusive relationship and when she finds out she's not safe again her boss Gareth helps her start a new life, again. Determined to make the most of this new opportunity Allee finds herself and Piddle in a new place with no support system, making an instant enemy on her first day things aren't looking good. But things take a turn and she finds a support system she was never expecting and decides she isn't going to run anymore.

Lovely book, deals with some heart-breaking themes but love conquers all!

[Jasmine Voosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Disconnect', by M.F. Moody was quite the read. These topics are harsh and difficult to read and experience as a reader. It definitely brings the emotion. At the same time, this author has the uncanny ability to take care of the reader while having us feel these emotions. This becomes an almost safe space, and I love that. I am definitely going to be checking more from this author in the future!

[Amy Judkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the book I have been looking for! I absolutely loved how the romance combined the suspenseful parts tied together seamlessly.
The way Author M.F. Moody developed her characters was so well done you actually feel like you knew these people and with that your emotions will be a complete roller coaster of highs and lows.
I will suggest going over all of the trigger warnings prior to reading as there are some sensitive subjects covered.
Kudos Author M.F. Moody on such a wonderful read!!

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a tough one to get through due to the subject matter and the themes that kept on arising through the pages of this story. Beware- it is dark! The MFC is dealing with an abusive and toxic Ex and her freedom will not be easily won. This story was gripping, of only for the fact you are rooting for thr MFC and want to know her next move. Great storytelling.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing, raw, and emotional story. I was caught up in this book from the first page until the last…I couldn’t put it down. It’s dark, thrilling, with trauma, tragedy, violence, and full of drama, secrets, danger, and twists. I loved Noah and Allee and they were great together. A brilliant read and one I recommend.

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allee's story will definitely touch yyour heart. We get a story that doesn't shy away from the abuse that she goes through and the struggles that she faces. We get to see how what was done to her and the healing it takes makes her all that much stronger. Love the darker themes and couldn’t put down.

[Theresa Masker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure where to go with this one. It was powerful. Guy wrenching. I don't know if I could have endured what Allee did with her ex. This is quite possibly one of the darkest books I have read. That didn't deter me from reading it though. Darkness and all it was a great story. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark and gripping suspense that was emotional, brutal and shocking at times. Allee moves away from her abusive ex to a new job with her adorable cat, Piddle.The story shows exactly what she went through. I loved the friends she found and the support she received. Her romance with Noah was wonderful. A great read.

[April Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disconnect is the type of book that will suck you in! I couldn’t put this story down… I ended up reading it in one sitting because I had to know how it ended. The FMC is dealing with a VERY abusive ex and I admire her strength throughout the entire book. Please pay attention to the trigger warnings because this is a dark story.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah- just know this book has some dark times, but Allee, the FMC, has guts. The abuse she endures, and gets out of, stalking, awesome new friends who have her back and Noah. Noah and Allee are so good together- oh and Piddles too!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

"People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it"

Allee’s story is sad. She endured a lot at the hands of Stuart. She ended up coming out stronger at the end when she realized just how many people she had to protect her & was able to move on with her new love.

[Mrs A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book had me in the feels. Was so emotional and well written. Loved how the main character growth is chronicled and the rollercoaster she had to endure to get her well deserved hea. Nice little twist at the end.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

You can always count on a book by MF Moody to draw you in from the start. Allee's story was no different. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and when I had to put it down, I was unable to stop thinking about the storyline and characters.

[Christine Fass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a little hard to read at times, but ultimately worth it. Allee went through horrific abuse. I loved seeing her work through leaving her abuser and trying to heal. I was blown away by this book.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They may be the ideal for each other but it is not going to be easy as nightmares are becoming real. There are some trigger warnings that you need to note just in case. A very powerful and wonderful read

[Rosa Dunahue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Allee’s journey. It is a story about her surviving domestic abuse. It is dark and twisted. And for some hard to read so check the triggers on this one. But if you make it to the end you will see her get the hea she deserves.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping dark romance - a rollercoaster tale. Includes drama, danger, tragedy, trauma, trigger situations, violence, secrets, lies, truths, emotions, inteactions, and twists. Raw and explicit.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book full of emotion. I like seeing Allee slowly coming into her own and learning to trust and love again.