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The Broken Boys #3
Blinded by the Light
- Melissa⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To the outside world, he’s a protector, capable of ‘fixing’ anything; to me, he’s a murderer. Then I get to see another side of him, a glimpse beneath his Ironman persona, and it changes everything.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But he’d been my dad’s best friend and is twice my age. So I walked away. ⠀⠀
Fate had other ideas, and he found me again. Twice. Now I'm standing here.
His Queen of Hearts.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
He offered me the world. Promised me a future.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But then he was gone, leaving me to fight the monsters alone. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What will it take for him to realize that he doesn’t need to save the world?⠀
And what happens when the one thing that threatens us the most is the one thing he can’t fix?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Thomas⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I met someone once. I promised to burn down the world to protect her, but she didn’t need me. She was strong, beautiful, fiercely independent… oh, and half my age. So I went back to doing what I did best; protecting the world from monsters. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Except fate had other ideas and I found her again. Twice. The second time holding the life of my best friend in her hands. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Lissa. My Queen of Hearts. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Can I keep her safe when the shadows from my past step up to claim her? ⠀⠀
My job is to protect people. I failed once, but I won’t let it happen again. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her from them. No matter what. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But what if the thing that threatens her the most is out of my control and unfixable? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Did I wait a decade for her, only to lose her like this?
To the outside world, he’s a protector, capable of ‘fixing’ anything; to me, he’s a murderer. Then I get to see another side of him, a glimpse beneath his Ironman persona, and it changes everything.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But he’d been my dad’s best friend and is twice my age. So I walked away. ⠀⠀
Fate had other ideas, and he found me again. Twice. Now I'm standing here.
His Queen of Hearts.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
He offered me the world. Promised me a future.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But then he was gone, leaving me to fight the monsters alone. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What will it take for him to realize that he doesn’t need to save the world?⠀
And what happens when the one thing that threatens us the most is the one thing he can’t fix?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Thomas⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I met someone once. I promised to burn down the world to protect her, but she didn’t need me. She was strong, beautiful, fiercely independent… oh, and half my age. So I went back to doing what I did best; protecting the world from monsters. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Except fate had other ideas and I found her again. Twice. The second time holding the life of my best friend in her hands. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Lissa. My Queen of Hearts. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Can I keep her safe when the shadows from my past step up to claim her? ⠀⠀
My job is to protect people. I failed once, but I won’t let it happen again. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her from them. No matter what. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But what if the thing that threatens her the most is out of my control and unfixable? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Did I wait a decade for her, only to lose her like this?
- GenresDark RomanceContemporary
368 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2022
90 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Esme Taylor
15 books93 followersEsme is a 40 something romance author from the North East of England. She started writing romance during lockdown and developed a love of crafting stories about tattooed broken boys and the relationships that help them heal. Esme writes all sorts of tropes, but one theme runs through her books - love comes in all shapes and sizes and her stories celebrate that.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 9, 2022
I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. I have read the other books in this series and although it can be read as a stand alone, I believe you get a better understanding of the minor characters if you've read the other books.
This book is set over many years, which enhances the characters as you watch them grow and change. I think this makes them more believable and gives them greater depth. I particularly liked Melissa as she was stubborn, strong-willed and a brat at the beginning. So it was very interesting to see how she changed and also what traits remained. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I thought it was well written. I'm looking forward to reading the next book from this author!
This book is set over many years, which enhances the characters as you watch them grow and change. I think this makes them more believable and gives them greater depth. I particularly liked Melissa as she was stubborn, strong-willed and a brat at the beginning. So it was very interesting to see how she changed and also what traits remained. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I thought it was well written. I'm looking forward to reading the next book from this author!
February 22, 2022
I have been lucky enough to read this entire series, and I have loved each book! Esme's writing style captures your full attention from the start. The emotions this book pulled from me were powerful. In the beginning, I was hurting right along with both Tom and Melissa. They both had demons and hardships that they were dealing with separately that really showed us how both characters grew and changed throughout the book. The suspenseful scenes had me on the edge of my seat and flipping through the pages even faster. And then finally, happiness. Being on the journey with Tom and Melissa, it warmed my heart when they finally reached their happiness.
The passion has to have it's own section. Esme knows how to turn up the spice in her books, and it just keeps getting better and better. The chemistry between Tom and Melissa will have your heart racing and you switching on your A/C units.
I recommend this book, and the entire series to any romance lover!
The passion has to have it's own section. Esme knows how to turn up the spice in her books, and it just keeps getting better and better. The chemistry between Tom and Melissa will have your heart racing and you switching on your A/C units.
I recommend this book, and the entire series to any romance lover!
February 27, 2022
I was so happy to finally read about Thomas and his love interest in book 3 of the Broken Boys series! Finally getting to know why Thomas acted the way he did in the first 2 books.
I love a good age gap romance and this one was done so well! Melissa came into Thomas's life when she was young and they weren't ready so they continued on with their lives until it was time for them to "be" together! There was plenty of suspense, action, and lots of steamy scenes that was so hot. I highly recommend this book and the whole series!!
I love a good age gap romance and this one was done so well! Melissa came into Thomas's life when she was young and they weren't ready so they continued on with their lives until it was time for them to "be" together! There was plenty of suspense, action, and lots of steamy scenes that was so hot. I highly recommend this book and the whole series!!
February 22, 2022
Esme Taylor’s Blinded by the Light had me gripped from the first page.
The story of Melissa and Tom and their journey is filled with suspense, humour, emotion and red hot romance.
Esme’s ability to bring the characters to life had me laughing out loud, crying with laughter and wanting to read more and more.
The are unexpected twists and turns that keep you second guessing.
Beautifully written and a highly recommended read.
The story of Melissa and Tom and their journey is filled with suspense, humour, emotion and red hot romance.
Esme’s ability to bring the characters to life had me laughing out loud, crying with laughter and wanting to read more and more.
The are unexpected twists and turns that keep you second guessing.
Beautifully written and a highly recommended read.
February 9, 2022
My first book by this author. This is 3rd in a series but can read as a standalone however I do plan to go back and read the first two books. I enjoyed this as there is so much going on. The chemistry in this age gap story is HOT! The story involves abuse and human trafficking. Along with some sizzling sex we also get mystery and suspense as the story proceeds. A great read.
February 28, 2022
excellent
This grabs your attention from the first page to the last. Blinded by the light takes you on adventure of sizzling love with twist and turns
Your emotions will be all over the place because the characters are written so well you feel what each feels. A must read
This grabs your attention from the first page to the last. Blinded by the light takes you on adventure of sizzling love with twist and turns
Your emotions will be all over the place because the characters are written so well you feel what each feels. A must read
February 12, 2022
I got this book as an advanced reader copy.
Great novel from this author. This was my first time reading her work.
I liked T. He was pretty engaging as a Hero.
Lissa was fun, and sassy.
I like the angst of the two, and the twists and turns. It was engaging, and the scenes were 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
Looking forward to seeing more from this author. :D
Great novel from this author. This was my first time reading her work.
I liked T. He was pretty engaging as a Hero.
Lissa was fun, and sassy.
I like the angst of the two, and the twists and turns. It was engaging, and the scenes were 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
Looking forward to seeing more from this author. :D
February 23, 2022
Couldnt put it down
This book was a real page turner for me and the first book I've read of Esme's, and definitely not the last!
I fell in love with Melissa and Tom right from the beginning and couldnt wait to see how their relationship developed and what drama would unfold.
Definitely worth the read, you wont regret it!
This book was a real page turner for me and the first book I've read of Esme's, and definitely not the last!
I fell in love with Melissa and Tom right from the beginning and couldnt wait to see how their relationship developed and what drama would unfold.
Definitely worth the read, you wont regret it!
February 23, 2022
Another great read!
Lissa and Thomas were another great read by this new author! She really brought the steam out in this book, congratulations on bringing the action, love and hotness!
Looking forward to reading more from this author!
Lissa and Thomas were another great read by this new author! She really brought the steam out in this book, congratulations on bringing the action, love and hotness!
Looking forward to reading more from this author!
February 28, 2022
I love this books so much
March 1, 2022
I have no words.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
This book actually broke me.
I don't think I've sobbed so hard.
I smiled. I laughed. I screamed. I cried.
My heart was in my mouth for most of this book. If weren't being ripped out and trampled on.
So many twists and turns.
So much pain and heartbreak. What an emotional rollercoaster.
Seeing Thomas and Lissa grow made my heart melt.
And that Epilogue....really weren't expecting that but ❤
Esme you are so special. I absolutely loved it!!
Wow. Wow. Wow.
This book actually broke me.
I don't think I've sobbed so hard.
I smiled. I laughed. I screamed. I cried.
My heart was in my mouth for most of this book. If weren't being ripped out and trampled on.
So many twists and turns.
So much pain and heartbreak. What an emotional rollercoaster.
Seeing Thomas and Lissa grow made my heart melt.
And that Epilogue....really weren't expecting that but ❤
Esme you are so special. I absolutely loved it!!
February 11, 2023
This is the last of The Broken Boys trilogy and it doesn't disappoint. We Met Thomas in Breaking the Ice and throughout the series he has been there protecting his friends. He is now keeping a promise to a friend to watch over his family when he is gone. As time passes he begins to see the child Melissa has grown into a woman he could love but she is too young. As the years pass and they are thrown together again they both are drawn by each other but Melissa has too much she wants to achieve and she wants to do it herself. Fate is a powerful force and time and love bring them together despite the age gap. Thomas's job brings many enemies and threatens to destroy everything he has waited for all those years. He is in danger of losing everything and has to finally except he can't protect everyone and sometimes life is just unfair and he cannot always stop the monsters invading his life.
This is a love story built over many years and I love the way that all of the characters from the whole series each have their own story. but are interwoven through each book. They have built a family of epic proportions and they are going to be the ones who may eventually save Thomas and make him see he could have it all.
This whole series is fabulous so do yourself a favour and go back to the beginning ans.d read all 3 books.
This is a love story built over many years and I love the way that all of the characters from the whole series each have their own story. but are interwoven through each book. They have built a family of epic proportions and they are going to be the ones who may eventually save Thomas and make him see he could have it all.
This whole series is fabulous so do yourself a favour and go back to the beginning ans.d read all 3 books.
June 19, 2022
I really liked this one. I think it wrapped the trilogy nicely and I'd 100% read it again. THAT BEING SAID... there was some weird parts.
I legitimately almost DNF'd towards the beginning because Melissa is painted as just insufferable. There isnt more reasoning added to like her until later on. So push through the hard to read beginning, it gets good.
The previous books it is heavily implied that Thomas is seeing someone and that it's Melody and it's apparently not. It was like a thread that was going to be a plot but was scrapped.
She names the baby Blake Melody. Blake makes sense. But she hated her mother. The reasoning of her having loved her once is a big, weird stretch.
There were a few typos and such that I marked as content errors with Kindle. Honestly, more than average. I can't remember if it's this book or one if the previous that two major errors in the first sentence of the chapter. Commas in the middle of words and letters entirely missing from two letter words. Stuff you would expect a basic spell check to have caught. So it really did need some more editing.
Overall, I'm huge into the whump!trope. You give me a story where people are constantly getting hospitalized and add in some groveling and I'm happy.
I legitimately almost DNF'd towards the beginning because Melissa is painted as just insufferable. There isnt more reasoning added to like her until later on. So push through the hard to read beginning, it gets good.
The previous books it is heavily implied that Thomas is seeing someone and that it's Melody and it's apparently not. It was like a thread that was going to be a plot but was scrapped.
She names the baby Blake Melody. Blake makes sense. But she hated her mother. The reasoning of her having loved her once is a big, weird stretch.
There were a few typos and such that I marked as content errors with Kindle. Honestly, more than average. I can't remember if it's this book or one if the previous that two major errors in the first sentence of the chapter. Commas in the middle of words and letters entirely missing from two letter words. Stuff you would expect a basic spell check to have caught. So it really did need some more editing.
Overall, I'm huge into the whump!trope. You give me a story where people are constantly getting hospitalized and add in some groveling and I'm happy.
February 11, 2024
A-MAZ-ING
I’m not sure what to say about this book, it was just… well it was….I’m speechless!
In Viking and Etta’s story Thomas was a bit in an alpha hole and causes them so much pain - needlessly I have to say.
In Kill and Red’s story, Thomas started to redeem himself and I started to like him.
Enter Thomas (Ironman) into his own story and wow, he was one 🥵 alpha, who wanted to save everyone.
Enter Melissa, Lissa, Queen of Hearts and what a feisty, independent, strong woman she is. Not only does she get sent away to school after her dad dies, but then she supports herself all through university to become a doctor and not just any doctor, a heart specialist.
The story of Ironman and his Queen was off the scale with smutty moments but also had my heart in my mouth at times and inside I was screaming NO! There were cameo appearances from the Viking where I thought my stomach wouldn’t stop churning. The scene with Red and how devastated she was.
Like I say, not sure I can find all the words, but this one Esme Taylor you knocked out of the ball park.
Definitely 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’m not sure what to say about this book, it was just… well it was….I’m speechless!
In Viking and Etta’s story Thomas was a bit in an alpha hole and causes them so much pain - needlessly I have to say.
In Kill and Red’s story, Thomas started to redeem himself and I started to like him.
Enter Thomas (Ironman) into his own story and wow, he was one 🥵 alpha, who wanted to save everyone.
Enter Melissa, Lissa, Queen of Hearts and what a feisty, independent, strong woman she is. Not only does she get sent away to school after her dad dies, but then she supports herself all through university to become a doctor and not just any doctor, a heart specialist.
The story of Ironman and his Queen was off the scale with smutty moments but also had my heart in my mouth at times and inside I was screaming NO! There were cameo appearances from the Viking where I thought my stomach wouldn’t stop churning. The scene with Red and how devastated she was.
Like I say, not sure I can find all the words, but this one Esme Taylor you knocked out of the ball park.
Definitely 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 15, 2022
Very Wattpad-y
It would’ve been better if the 7 years before the main plot were written as a memory instead of present. I hated the sudden 4 and 2 year jumps in between. I didn’t like how before we meet her we are told by him that she’s a spoiled brat and he can’t wait until she’s gone, but then he meets her and his dick gets hard and suddenly he talks as if he’s always had a special place for her in his heart which is simply not true (if we take his thoughts before sees her as accurate). Also her mother (who seems as a nice woman, and has issues with a relationship with her daughter) suddenly starts doing drugs??? And Tom fires her??? He says he’ll monitor her so she’s safe and not snitching on him, but we never get told what happened to her???
A lot of loopholes, and sudden changes in peoples personalities. It’s like the author doesn’t know and understand her characters. It feels like it’s a first book this author wrote.
Dnf at 46%
Because of unnecessary drama/new dramatic plot🙄
It would’ve been better if the 7 years before the main plot were written as a memory instead of present. I hated the sudden 4 and 2 year jumps in between. I didn’t like how before we meet her we are told by him that she’s a spoiled brat and he can’t wait until she’s gone, but then he meets her and his dick gets hard and suddenly he talks as if he’s always had a special place for her in his heart which is simply not true (if we take his thoughts before sees her as accurate). Also her mother (who seems as a nice woman, and has issues with a relationship with her daughter) suddenly starts doing drugs??? And Tom fires her??? He says he’ll monitor her so she’s safe and not snitching on him, but we never get told what happened to her???
A lot of loopholes, and sudden changes in peoples personalities. It’s like the author doesn’t know and understand her characters. It feels like it’s a first book this author wrote.
Dnf at 46%
Because of unnecessary drama/new dramatic plot🙄
September 24, 2023
Another fantastic captivating read from Esme!
Following on from Billy' s story I was hesitant to read Thomas's story, as he has become one of my favourite charts in this series! I am so glad I chose to continue to read it and understand Thomas need to protect those he loves, however he takes it to a whole new level! Esme please continue to write your an amazing writer, as I have now read all your books so question is how long to the next one ...
Following on from Billy' s story I was hesitant to read Thomas's story, as he has become one of my favourite charts in this series! I am so glad I chose to continue to read it and understand Thomas need to protect those he loves, however he takes it to a whole new level! Esme please continue to write your an amazing writer, as I have now read all your books so question is how long to the next one ...
October 28, 2022
meh
Unfortunately it’s a dnf for me. Not bad. Not great. This was just meh and so hard to get through. I made it I think 45% of the way and just have to call it quits. I do believe some people will love this story, it’s just not vibing with me.
Unfortunately it’s a dnf for me. Not bad. Not great. This was just meh and so hard to get through. I made it I think 45% of the way and just have to call it quits. I do believe some people will love this story, it’s just not vibing with me.
May 29, 2023
4,25 ✨
April 25, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fantastic read in this fabulous series. It is angsty and frustrating at times but so worth it in the end.
Fantastic read in this fabulous series. It is angsty and frustrating at times but so worth it in the end.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews