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"But God, those days when I would wake up to one of the more horrific nightmares, days that would leave me riddled with such pain, anger, and guilt. Days when not only the nightmares clung to me, but the memories I have worked so hard to bury, come out to play. They dance through my brain taunting me, reminding me of my worth, my brokenness, my failures. They follow me all day, leaving me in a fog of nothingness. Those days are the worst. They are days of choices. Choose to wrap my car around a tree, or not. To take too many of those sleeping pills or throw them all away. To slice, or not to slice. Days when I would do anything at all to make the pain stop. To physically remove the memories from my brain. There's no other way to purge them from my system.
Today is a day of choices. To jump, or not to jump."
This is the heartbreaking short story of Ella's struggles with her mental health, anxiety, and severe depression. She hits rock bottom, finds a lifeline, and fights tooth and nail to get better. Will she find her happily ever after?
This is a short Prequel/Novella that sets the reader up for the series, Los Diablos Syndicate. Please read this Novella FIRST, in order for the next book to make sense.
Today is a day of choices. To jump, or not to jump."
This is the heartbreaking short story of Ella's struggles with her mental health, anxiety, and severe depression. She hits rock bottom, finds a lifeline, and fights tooth and nail to get better. Will she find her happily ever after?
This is a short Prequel/Novella that sets the reader up for the series, Los Diablos Syndicate. Please read this Novella FIRST, in order for the next book to make sense.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2022
423 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 29, 2024
Overall, I liked this, very short and to the point. I didn't feel like this needed to be its own little book. Could have been put in the first book, maybe just a chapter to explain everything. Check the TW
February 25, 2023
Crash is a Prequel Novella for the beginning of Los Diablos Syndicate series by Bex Dawn.
TW:
Depression, anxiety, talks of suicide/suicide attempt, darkness, therapy/group therapy, mental illness, talk of self-injurious, self-harm.
TW:
Depression, anxiety, talks of suicide/suicide attempt, darkness, therapy/group therapy, mental illness, talk of self-injurious, self-harm.
August 14, 2023
Wow! I read this book in one sitting. This book really pulled on my heart strings for poor Ella. This book is the “Prequel Novella for the Los Diablos Syndicate Series!”
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January 1, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/9/2022)! 🎁
November 28, 2022
Perfect prequel novella. This is exactly what I want in an insta-love / insta-connection: both people feel an indescribable pull towards the other that they both acknowledge and are aware doesn't make sense.
Loved the character line drawings that go along with each chapter. Perfect illustration to accompany the vibes.
Loved the character line drawings that go along with each chapter. Perfect illustration to accompany the vibes.
August 11, 2024
Short novella to prepare you for the series. Definitely made me want to read more. I do think it could’ve been shortened and added to the beginning of the first book as a prologue.
April 14, 2025
"Today is a day of choices. To jump, or not to jump."
When two individuals on a path of self-destruction meet, the outcome is something of a second chance.
My heart broke for Ella and Redwood, I cried throughout the entirety of Crash and loved every gut-wrenching moment.
" '… A stranger that I feel more connected with than I do anyone in my life for some reason. But I do think there is a reason. There's a reason we were both there at the same moment…' "
Thumbelina and Redwood, forever in harmony and their hearts, despite their parting ways.
A fantastic start to the series, and I can't wait to continue with Burn!
When two individuals on a path of self-destruction meet, the outcome is something of a second chance.
My heart broke for Ella and Redwood, I cried throughout the entirety of Crash and loved every gut-wrenching moment.
" '… A stranger that I feel more connected with than I do anyone in my life for some reason. But I do think there is a reason. There's a reason we were both there at the same moment…' "
Thumbelina and Redwood, forever in harmony and their hearts, despite their parting ways.
A fantastic start to the series, and I can't wait to continue with Burn!
October 15, 2024
Ella is ready for the pain to stop and she is determined to end it now. She leaves letters to her loved ones and sets out to Golden Gate Bridge to jump off the side and freefall into oblivion. What she wasn't counting on was that when she reached her ideal spot there was already someone there. A dark and handsome man who seemed to be wrestling with his own demons. Ella decides to offer him a jumping buddy even while the man changes his mind entirely. And as repayment for Ella saving his life, he wants to give her the same reason to live as she gave to him. But can this chance encounter actually give Ella a reason to keep on going?
This was a nice and short prequel to a series I plan to start reading. It is hard to get a gauge with how the author truly writes with such a small snippet but it did give an interesting premise. I do wonder what comes into play later with Thumbelina and Redwood. Are they going to be major parts of the series or just a foot note that provides some information for other characters?
So far, I am liking what has been written. I do kinda wish it were attached to the first book as a prologue so that it was easier to judge the work as a whole. As it stands all I can go off is that the premise is good and the characters are sweet. I will be severely sad if Redwood isn't featured in the series.
September 1, 2022
I think this was first when I fell in love with Ella, and realized that I see some bits of myself in her. My heart really broke for her, and there were some moments that made me teary eyed.
This Novella does exactly what you expect it to do, draws you in! I was immediately drawn into Ella's story and wanted to know more about her and her mysterious friend. I like that they're there for the same reason and decide to help each other out, and Ella makes good on her promise.
There are definitely triggers for anyone that's dealt with depression or su1icide, so make sure you head the TW in the front of the book. I also like that Bex doesn't make Ella "all fixed" within the book, it's overtime and she may not ever be okay fully. Which is normal and how its written is extremely tasteful.
Ella consciously chooses to make choices that make her happy and bring more joy into her life. Can't wait for the rest of this series!
This Novella does exactly what you expect it to do, draws you in! I was immediately drawn into Ella's story and wanted to know more about her and her mysterious friend. I like that they're there for the same reason and decide to help each other out, and Ella makes good on her promise.
There are definitely triggers for anyone that's dealt with depression or su1icide, so make sure you head the TW in the front of the book. I also like that Bex doesn't make Ella "all fixed" within the book, it's overtime and she may not ever be okay fully. Which is normal and how its written is extremely tasteful.
Ella consciously chooses to make choices that make her happy and bring more joy into her life. Can't wait for the rest of this series!
May 23, 2023
Beautifully tragic
This is my first time reading this author. I've had this in my reading list for a while and wow, what a captivating start to this series. The writing is absolutely gripping. I often have a hard time getting into a new series, but that wasn't the case here. I gobbled this up and immediately launched into the official book one. I'm sure this has been said but I'll do my part and clarify that most of the main characters in this series have a seriously messed history full of child assault, trafficking, abuse. It's not all fade to black. There is graphic recall, nightmares, trauma. Some of it was very disturbing and I had to skip over it. Consider this a strong warning.
This is my first time reading this author. I've had this in my reading list for a while and wow, what a captivating start to this series. The writing is absolutely gripping. I often have a hard time getting into a new series, but that wasn't the case here. I gobbled this up and immediately launched into the official book one. I'm sure this has been said but I'll do my part and clarify that most of the main characters in this series have a seriously messed history full of child assault, trafficking, abuse. It's not all fade to black. There is graphic recall, nightmares, trauma. Some of it was very disturbing and I had to skip over it. Consider this a strong warning.
April 4, 2022
Crash will have you all up in your feelings!!
Crash is the intro novella to the Los Diablos Syndicate series.
Ella has had so much darkness in her life and can't find her way out. When she decides to give up, she is saved by a stranger while also saving him. Redwood and Thumbelina are what they call each other and they help each other plan their futures out. When it comes time to part ways, neither one wants to let go, but they know they dont have a choice.
"When the timing is right, we'll be back."
This was an emotional one! I was glued to the pages and I am so freaking excited for this series!!!
Crash is the intro novella to the Los Diablos Syndicate series.
Ella has had so much darkness in her life and can't find her way out. When she decides to give up, she is saved by a stranger while also saving him. Redwood and Thumbelina are what they call each other and they help each other plan their futures out. When it comes time to part ways, neither one wants to let go, but they know they dont have a choice.
"When the timing is right, we'll be back."
This was an emotional one! I was glued to the pages and I am so freaking excited for this series!!!
April 19, 2024
uggg so good could not put this down to save my life. so we have two sad souls who just happen to meet at a jumping bridge. will our mmc Redwood is sitinging there deciding what he wants to do when our mfc Thumbllina just happens to shock him and say "do you need a jumping partner" umm wow ok sao he goes to sand and his big ass just about goers ovverrrrrrrr she saves him. so they walk off and talk when he decides that fate bought you in my world once maybe it can again when he has his crap togther. hes a bad boy who thinks he saving him they make a list of evey thing that she can do and insted of tellin her his name he said just cakll me REDWOOD
this is a DARK ROMACE THIS IS THE PREQUIL OF THE SERIES LOS DIABLOS ITS a revers harem , mafia/gang mfmmmm
this is a DARK ROMACE THIS IS THE PREQUIL OF THE SERIES LOS DIABLOS ITS a revers harem , mafia/gang mfmmmm
April 14, 2022
This was the first novella I picked up in a long time and it did exactly what it was supposed to...make me crave the next book! The story of Ella and a mystery man who will later be revealed in the first full length novel Burn by Bex Dawn. This was a quick read that gives us the background we need to pick up their story in the future. It was hot, intense and very emotional for such a quick read. SO SO good! Be warned if you have triggers to read the intro/trigger warnings first as it jumps right into dark content.
"He's built. He's wide, strong and beautiful. He's so much bigger than me that I really should be afraid of him. But I know a man doesn't have to be huge to be scary. Tormentors come in all shapes and sizes."
Cannot wait to read the read of Ella and Redwoods story in the Los Diablos Syndicate full length novels.
"He's built. He's wide, strong and beautiful. He's so much bigger than me that I really should be afraid of him. But I know a man doesn't have to be huge to be scary. Tormentors come in all shapes and sizes."
Cannot wait to read the read of Ella and Redwoods story in the Los Diablos Syndicate full length novels.
August 23, 2022
This books is everything! From someone who works in the Mental Health field, you immediately get insight to our young heroine’s trauma, fright and the evilness she has and is enduring. But all that changes for her, when she meets Redwood her beautiful stranger. The two strangers lean on each other and save each other from a world that is full of evil and pain by helping each other plan their future. I am in awe of Bex Dawn and so excited to have found her. I can’t wait for Burn the first book in the Los Diablos Syndicate.
September 30, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Today is a day of choices. To jump, or not to jump
Crash is a short Prequel/Novella that sets you up for the Los Diablos Series.
It is the heartbreaking story of Ella and her struggles with her mental health. As she hits rock bottom, she finds herself in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge, expecting to end her pain and suffering. What she didn’t expect, though, was to meet her lifeline in the same place trying to do the same thing. They have an instant connection and find comfort in one another. However, nothing is as it may seem.
As short as the novella is, it’s quite heavy, so please read your trigger warnings before diving in.
I love this series so much and highly recommend it!
- TRIGGER WARNINGS -
Talk of Self-harm // Suicide Attempt/Thoughts // Mental Illness // Therapy // Depression/Anxiety
Today is a day of choices. To jump, or not to jump
Crash is a short Prequel/Novella that sets you up for the Los Diablos Series.
It is the heartbreaking story of Ella and her struggles with her mental health. As she hits rock bottom, she finds herself in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge, expecting to end her pain and suffering. What she didn’t expect, though, was to meet her lifeline in the same place trying to do the same thing. They have an instant connection and find comfort in one another. However, nothing is as it may seem.
As short as the novella is, it’s quite heavy, so please read your trigger warnings before diving in.
I love this series so much and highly recommend it!
- TRIGGER WARNINGS -
Talk of Self-harm // Suicide Attempt/Thoughts // Mental Illness // Therapy // Depression/Anxiety
December 2, 2022
TW/Tropes: Self-injurious behavior/self-harm, Suicide talk/thoughts/attempts, therapy, depression/anxiety, physical and mental abuse, gaslighting, death/murder, drug/alcohol abuse, talk of addiction
This is a prequel novella and not a standalone. This short story will sets us up for the full-length, Burn. Burn is the first book of the Los Diablos Syndicate, a Dark Why Choose Romance Series. We meet Ella & “Redwood” on the worst day of their lives. They help each other overcome their initial decision with planning out their separate future even though they don’t want to part ways.
This is a prequel novella and not a standalone. This short story will sets us up for the full-length, Burn. Burn is the first book of the Los Diablos Syndicate, a Dark Why Choose Romance Series. We meet Ella & “Redwood” on the worst day of their lives. They help each other overcome their initial decision with planning out their separate future even though they don’t want to part ways.
August 16, 2023
Great prequel! A lot of character development in a few pages!
I love Bex Dawn and I knew I'd want to read this series because her writing is flawless. This is a prequel and it's not something to skip if you want to read the series. I really felt her emotions and her sadness. The way she and he were drawn together but separated. She's courageous and decided to actually live not just not die..she did it for herself because he met her at the perfect moment for them both! Well onto the series because I can't wait to see if the cliffhanger is who I hope it will be...never know!
I love Bex Dawn and I knew I'd want to read this series because her writing is flawless. This is a prequel and it's not something to skip if you want to read the series. I really felt her emotions and her sadness. The way she and he were drawn together but separated. She's courageous and decided to actually live not just not die..she did it for herself because he met her at the perfect moment for them both! Well onto the series because I can't wait to see if the cliffhanger is who I hope it will be...never know!
August 30, 2022
This book was an emotional Rollercoaster, and it was a freaking prequal, Bex know how to emotionally destroy you in the best way possible. I really felt Ella's pain, been there done that. Maybe because it was close to home for me that I got so fucked up, but it also helped me heal a little, because I've stood there. Anyways as enough about me. Nonetheless you need to read this novella! Bex you did it and I love you for that!
July 9, 2023
This is a prequel novella to the Los Diablos series. I absolutely loved it! Its a heart breaking yet hopeful backstory for our fmc. I cant say much more without giving spoilers! Like, I literally just personally cant go on without spilling everything! If you are wanting to read the Los Diablos series you absolutely have to read this first. The whole series so far is phenomenal! Im totally in love with all the MCs and the plot is fantastic!
September 4, 2024
Great start to a promising series
I found this series through another author, and went in blind. I took a look at a few of the key themes and went yes please. Was not disappointed. Absolutely blown away by the impact of this small little novella. So much in so little. Read the trigger warnings, I didn't but if you need them I suggest you do for this one. My weekend will be spent binging this series!
I found this series through another author, and went in blind. I took a look at a few of the key themes and went yes please. Was not disappointed. Absolutely blown away by the impact of this small little novella. So much in so little. Read the trigger warnings, I didn't but if you need them I suggest you do for this one. My weekend will be spent binging this series!
August 3, 2023
We just finished Crash by @bexdawnwrites and we loved it! This was an incredible start to the Los Diablos Sydicate series! We are so excited to continue this series! We are pre ordering the set for when we go to @litlowcountry ! So excited!!! Also PLEASE check trigger warnings for this one!! Here are some of our favorite quotes!
.
.
“We’re getting the fuck off this bridge, together, now. I’m not jumping, you’re not jumping. You saved me, and now I’m saving you. We leave together,” he demands, as if leaving with a complete stranger is no big deal. I guess, after the last ten minutes of our lives, we’re not exactly strangers anymore. So, I do the only thing that feels right. I reach out, and I take his hand.”
.
.
“I don’t buy that shit for a second. You have so much compassion in you that it radiates off your skin like sunlight. You are a sunshiny person, you’re just weighed down by bullshit. You’re going to let the bullshit go and work on a bright ass future. Tell me, Thumbelina. Tell me all your dreams, mi pequeño sol.” Mi pequeño sol. My little sun.”
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.
Our rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
.
.
“We’re getting the fuck off this bridge, together, now. I’m not jumping, you’re not jumping. You saved me, and now I’m saving you. We leave together,” he demands, as if leaving with a complete stranger is no big deal. I guess, after the last ten minutes of our lives, we’re not exactly strangers anymore. So, I do the only thing that feels right. I reach out, and I take his hand.”
.
.
“I don’t buy that shit for a second. You have so much compassion in you that it radiates off your skin like sunlight. You are a sunshiny person, you’re just weighed down by bullshit. You’re going to let the bullshit go and work on a bright ass future. Tell me, Thumbelina. Tell me all your dreams, mi pequeño sol.” Mi pequeño sol. My little sun.”
.
.
Our rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
August 17, 2023
amazing!
I was captivated right from the start. It got me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I was seriously getting annoyed whenever someone talked to me because they were interrupting the most catching book I’ve read in a long time! I think I would honestly read this series over and over again, and I’ve only read the novella so far!
I was captivated right from the start. It got me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I was seriously getting annoyed whenever someone talked to me because they were interrupting the most catching book I’ve read in a long time! I think I would honestly read this series over and over again, and I’ve only read the novella so far!
February 4, 2024
Loved it. For such a short novella it smoothly went through the story line without being rushed or jumping from one thing to another.
It gutted me at the end that they had to walk away from each other! I will definitely be reading the Syndicate series!
Thank you for getting me out of a lil book slump
Xo
It gutted me at the end that they had to walk away from each other! I will definitely be reading the Syndicate series!
Thank you for getting me out of a lil book slump
Xo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2025
Not including the sneak peak for Burn, this is basically 55 pages detailing the day that Ella attempted suicide and was saved by a hot mystery man she dubs Redwood. I'm not sure how important it is to read this before actually starting the series. It's not bad but if you have any trauma that is triggered by the themes in this, I don't think it's worth reading.
April 26, 2022
short little novella
This is a look into what I think is going to be an amazing series. This novella hooks you right away and you would never know this is a new author series as it feels like she’s been writing for a lifetime.
This is a look into what I think is going to be an amazing series. This novella hooks you right away and you would never know this is a new author series as it feels like she’s been writing for a lifetime.
July 25, 2022
Prequel - 5 stars
The prequel is 5 stars. The introduction to the MFC and "Redwood" as characters is phenomenal. This prequel needs to be read before the book to truly understand the MFC's mindset.
The prequel is 5 stars. The introduction to the MFC and "Redwood" as characters is phenomenal. This prequel needs to be read before the book to truly understand the MFC's mindset.
October 8, 2022
Good
Ella (Thumbalina) and the one she saved.
They saved each other.
Suicide, anxiety and depression.
It started out slow.
It talks of hopes and dreams.
Read this prequel then onto the first book in the series.
Ella (Thumbalina) and the one she saved.
They saved each other.
Suicide, anxiety and depression.
It started out slow.
It talks of hopes and dreams.
Read this prequel then onto the first book in the series.
November 27, 2022
“Thumbelina” and “Redwood”
I really enjoyed this short novella and the review to book 1. I was a little nervous about starting a new series by Bex Dawn as I’ve been loving my Italian Mafia boys. But this glimpse into Los Diablos has me sold. Now time for the next one. 🤓
I really enjoyed this short novella and the review to book 1. I was a little nervous about starting a new series by Bex Dawn as I’ve been loving my Italian Mafia boys. But this glimpse into Los Diablos has me sold. Now time for the next one. 🤓
November 30, 2022
beautiful
🥺🥺🥺 there’s not much to say about this novella! It sets up such a bond between these two that words can’t express. Different & could be triggering so check those but really really beautiful!
🥺🥺🥺 there’s not much to say about this novella! It sets up such a bond between these two that words can’t express. Different & could be triggering so check those but really really beautiful!
December 17, 2022
Definitely read this novella prior to the series! It sets up a lot for the characters and the history. Lots of triggers in this book but is essential to the FMC’s journey. This author has a great talent for drawing you in and making you feel for the characters on a deep level.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews