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The Hounds #1
The Piece You Broke
Two years ago, I lived a hellish life where happily ever afters happened to everyone else, never me. Until he came.
He was an alpha wolf shifter, rich, the most handsome man I’d ever seen in my life…and a monster a million times worse than the past I left behind.
His years of abuse finally break me, but when I least expect it, I’m impossibly free when I should be dead.
Keep running, Saige, I tell myself. Maybe then you’ll find a safe place to hide.
I never expect to run into three men with secrets, shadowed eyes, and damaged souls. With them I can almost believe they will protect me from a past that continues to hunt me.
With them, maybe I’ll be safe.
**This is the first book in a slow burn adult paranormal romance. The heroine will end up with multiple love interests who fall hard for her, one by one. Due to darker themes that may be triggering for some, please see preface for list of possible triggers. Recommended for readers 18+
He was an alpha wolf shifter, rich, the most handsome man I’d ever seen in my life…and a monster a million times worse than the past I left behind.
His years of abuse finally break me, but when I least expect it, I’m impossibly free when I should be dead.
Keep running, Saige, I tell myself. Maybe then you’ll find a safe place to hide.
I never expect to run into three men with secrets, shadowed eyes, and damaged souls. With them I can almost believe they will protect me from a past that continues to hunt me.
With them, maybe I’ll be safe.
**This is the first book in a slow burn adult paranormal romance. The heroine will end up with multiple love interests who fall hard for her, one by one. Due to darker themes that may be triggering for some, please see preface for list of possible triggers. Recommended for readers 18+
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2022
1178 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
November 26, 2022
The heroine was an idiot who made one poor decision after another. Good looking guys were her weakness. She has no survival instincts. I could not continue reading. The heroine’s ridiculous choices were annoying.
August 7, 2022
The writing's good, the stuff with Rylan and his pack was exciting and when Saige does what she does on the bridge I loved watching her take action to change her situation.
Then she meets Simon and I'm like, 'that was far to easy,' but I'm going with it.
But then he's out of the picture and it went down hill from there. Saige just wanders around from place to place waiting to be saved despite saying she's not looking for a hero. Aden helps her but all the good things he does come down to him being drawn to her, and I'm left wondering if he'd be a nice guy if there wasn't a chance of sex. Kade is a dick with a dick who's quick to get into fights. Dariel is just toxic.
I just can't get over the fact that the best guy in the book died in the hospital parking lot.
The biggest thing that I just couldn't get over, though, is the way the fallout of rape just never seems to be dealt with. Saige has issues with seeing everyone as a threat and self worth issues and that's sort of dealt with, but rape gives you hella issues with consent during sex and a week after getting out of a terrible situation she's in what feels like a really twisted sexual relationship without ever actually agreeing to it and being told what to do and that 'she wants it,' and it and it just feels... Blegh!
Then she meets Simon and I'm like, 'that was far to easy,' but I'm going with it.
But then he's out of the picture and it went down hill from there. Saige just wanders around from place to place waiting to be saved despite saying she's not looking for a hero. Aden helps her but all the good things he does come down to him being drawn to her, and I'm left wondering if he'd be a nice guy if there wasn't a chance of sex. Kade is a dick with a dick who's quick to get into fights. Dariel is just toxic.
I just can't get over the fact that the best guy in the book died in the hospital parking lot.
The biggest thing that I just couldn't get over, though, is the way the fallout of rape just never seems to be dealt with. Saige has issues with seeing everyone as a threat and self worth issues and that's sort of dealt with, but rape gives you hella issues with consent during sex and a week after getting out of a terrible situation she's in what feels like a really twisted sexual relationship without ever actually agreeing to it and being told what to do and that 'she wants it,' and it and it just feels... Blegh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2022
WOW!!! If you want a book that gives you all the feels look no further!!! "The Piece You Broke" is definitely filled with Emotions, Heartache, Fear and Angst.
Saige's story pulls at your heart strings. This poor girl can't catch a break. Suffering at the hands of an abusive father she thought her luck would change for the better when she was rescued by a Handsome, Rich, Charming Alpha Wolf named Rylan. Rylan made all of her dreams come true until they became her nightmares. Abused by her father. Abused, Tortured and passed around Rylan's Pack like a piece of meat all because he couldn't change her into a wolf has left Saige damaged and a little broken.
Saige is constantly on the run. After a near death accident almost cost her, her life and she knows it's only a matter of time before Rylan comes looking for her. On the run again she meets Aden who knows in his gut that he needs to save her. He offers her safe passage and tells her about "The Hounds". Aden knows that Saige belongs to them but he also knows that she is terrified and on the run from something.
Aden - A human with a hero complex
Kade - Womanizing, Alcoholic Wolf Shifter
Dariel - A Moody, Angry Alpha Wolf with an unstable Wolf.
There is definitely a connection between Saige, Aden, Kade and Dariel but they have a lot of obstacles to overcome before they can come together. Saige knows that her time is running out and she needs to flee before Rylan and his Pack finds her but something is holding her back.
Will The Hounds be enough to keep Saige safe? Will Saige be the missing piece they need to make their family complete?
Saige's story pulls at your heart strings. This poor girl can't catch a break. Suffering at the hands of an abusive father she thought her luck would change for the better when she was rescued by a Handsome, Rich, Charming Alpha Wolf named Rylan. Rylan made all of her dreams come true until they became her nightmares. Abused by her father. Abused, Tortured and passed around Rylan's Pack like a piece of meat all because he couldn't change her into a wolf has left Saige damaged and a little broken.
Saige is constantly on the run. After a near death accident almost cost her, her life and she knows it's only a matter of time before Rylan comes looking for her. On the run again she meets Aden who knows in his gut that he needs to save her. He offers her safe passage and tells her about "The Hounds". Aden knows that Saige belongs to them but he also knows that she is terrified and on the run from something.
Aden - A human with a hero complex
Kade - Womanizing, Alcoholic Wolf Shifter
Dariel - A Moody, Angry Alpha Wolf with an unstable Wolf.
There is definitely a connection between Saige, Aden, Kade and Dariel but they have a lot of obstacles to overcome before they can come together. Saige knows that her time is running out and she needs to flee before Rylan and his Pack finds her but something is holding her back.
Will The Hounds be enough to keep Saige safe? Will Saige be the missing piece they need to make their family complete?
August 7, 2022
Saige has had a really hard life. From an abusive father to an abusive fated mate, she can't win. After running from the man who abused her, she meets Aden, Kade, and Dariel- the hounds. During the extent of the book, she's having the fight of her life. This book is about how broken people can make each other whole.
A long time ago, we realized that the girl who would complete us wouldn’t be someone who’d never known pain or hurt. How could she understand us if she’s never known darkness, when what lives inside us is mostly shadows?
This book has many triggers: sexual abuse, suicide, abuse from a parent, mental illness, and violence. It's full of despair, but also hope. Hope that one day, things may get better. Hope that you'll meet your person (or persons) eventually- even if you've lived through hell and bad experiences.
I adore Saige. She's strong even when she's weak. Aden, her human friend, is a sweetheart who just wants to help her. Kade is the womanizer- Saige and him have instant attraction. Dariel on the other hand... that's a hate/hate relationship. I can't wait to read the next book to see how that will be cleared up. I knew a cliffhanger was coming but I was still unprepared!
This is my first read by Marleigh Kassidy and it will not be my last. If I could give ten stars, I would.
A long time ago, we realized that the girl who would complete us wouldn’t be someone who’d never known pain or hurt. How could she understand us if she’s never known darkness, when what lives inside us is mostly shadows?
This book has many triggers: sexual abuse, suicide, abuse from a parent, mental illness, and violence. It's full of despair, but also hope. Hope that one day, things may get better. Hope that you'll meet your person (or persons) eventually- even if you've lived through hell and bad experiences.
I adore Saige. She's strong even when she's weak. Aden, her human friend, is a sweetheart who just wants to help her. Kade is the womanizer- Saige and him have instant attraction. Dariel on the other hand... that's a hate/hate relationship. I can't wait to read the next book to see how that will be cleared up. I knew a cliffhanger was coming but I was still unprepared!
This is my first read by Marleigh Kassidy and it will not be my last. If I could give ten stars, I would.
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August 11, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/29/2023)! 🎁
July 31, 2022
Saige has been used and abused for years, when she feels like she only has one way out, things don’t turn out the way she expected. On the run, and being hunted, she finds help from 3 guys who are struggling with their own darkness. I liked Saige, and seeing her start to grow more confident - of course this ends on a cliffy - I was expecting something like it to happen, but I really didn’t want it to end there. I will definitely be looking for book 2 ;-)
February 25, 2023
Mixed feelings
While this is usually my jam, I’m not sure I liked this book. I’m all for a story following a FMC who got dealt the worst hand and still managed to find her HEA but Saige got on my nerves with all the self-sacrificing. Yes she trusted the wrong person and paid for it. But I’m disappointed that she wouldn’t accept help if only to get shoes (would be helpful to escape but maybe that’s just me). I hadn’t initially planned on reading book 2 but after that ending I’m curious.
While this is usually my jam, I’m not sure I liked this book. I’m all for a story following a FMC who got dealt the worst hand and still managed to find her HEA but Saige got on my nerves with all the self-sacrificing. Yes she trusted the wrong person and paid for it. But I’m disappointed that she wouldn’t accept help if only to get shoes (would be helpful to escape but maybe that’s just me). I hadn’t initially planned on reading book 2 but after that ending I’m curious.
November 4, 2024
This series so far is promising.
I’m not liking how much the other guys talk about their loved one from before. I also don’t like knowing about the stuff Kade does with woman he’s been with.
Other than those few things, I’m hoping the fmc grows more of a backbone. I can already tell Saige’s journey in book 2 is not going to be pretty.
I’m not liking how much the other guys talk about their loved one from before. I also don’t like knowing about the stuff Kade does with woman he’s been with.
Other than those few things, I’m hoping the fmc grows more of a backbone. I can already tell Saige’s journey in book 2 is not going to be pretty.
July 1, 2025
DNF
Just couldn't get into it. The beginning was okay and then it just was taking too long to get to the point.
Just couldn't get into it. The beginning was okay and then it just was taking too long to get to the point.
September 5, 2022
This was good.
Rtc
Umm...
I totally forgot what this book was about... and I read it like a week ago.
I can't remember why I liked it so much.
I'm kind of embarrassed cause I'm blanking pretty hard.
I know the heroine was abused and ran away.
But thats about all I remember.
So, yeah.
I shouldn't be so hasty when rating books, it seems.
Rtc
Umm...
I totally forgot what this book was about... and I read it like a week ago.
I can't remember why I liked it so much.
I'm kind of embarrassed cause I'm blanking pretty hard.
I know the heroine was abused and ran away.
But thats about all I remember.
So, yeah.
I shouldn't be so hasty when rating books, it seems.
September 7, 2023
2/5 stars
I struggled with this book. Now don’t get me wrong I really liked the MC and she is so strong. The two star rating isn’t for the characters but instead for the plot. I immediately called the ending, I knew that would happen and I really just didn’t like it.
I only really liked Aden. He was the only nice one, and I think that it shows a lot. Yes the other guys come along in the upcoming books, but I don’t care enough to read them. Why do I have to go through THREE books for me to like some of the guys that she is supposed to end up with.
I also just wasn’t a fan of some of the things that went down in this book. So it is safe to say that I won’t be continuing on with the series.
I struggled with this book. Now don’t get me wrong I really liked the MC and she is so strong. The two star rating isn’t for the characters but instead for the plot. I immediately called the ending, I knew that would happen and I really just didn’t like it.
I only really liked Aden. He was the only nice one, and I think that it shows a lot. Yes the other guys come along in the upcoming books, but I don’t care enough to read them. Why do I have to go through THREE books for me to like some of the guys that she is supposed to end up with.
I also just wasn’t a fan of some of the things that went down in this book. So it is safe to say that I won’t be continuing on with the series.
September 8, 2023
This book was a disappointment. Saige started out being terrified of the guys even being in the same room with her. All of a sudden, with no logical reason, she decided that she was unafraid of Kade despite his violent behaviour, his obvious dislike of her and his constant sexual innuendos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2023
Good but brutal!
Read the trigger warnings because there are a lot here!
I felt so bad for Saige😭 leaving an abusive father to fall in the clutches of an abusive pack! The poor girl is totally traumatized and I really want to read about her healing and finding happiness but with the cliffy...I guess the second book will be ruthless☹️😭
Impossible not reading the next one!
Read the trigger warnings because there are a lot here!
I felt so bad for Saige😭 leaving an abusive father to fall in the clutches of an abusive pack! The poor girl is totally traumatized and I really want to read about her healing and finding happiness but with the cliffy...I guess the second book will be ruthless☹️😭
Impossible not reading the next one!
August 6, 2023
DNF - Finished 100% of the first book, 81% of the second book
The FMC has no sense of self-preservation. She just continues to make bad decisions throughout. I don't know. I just didn't vibe with her. I also didn't vibe with the MMCs. They just weren't that likeable. They were confusing and one of them was literally acted like he hated the FMC.
The beginning was sooooooo good. So I Am pretty sad that it didn't continue on that strong path. I kept reading hoping I would get into it again but unfortunately I didn't.
The FMC has no sense of self-preservation. She just continues to make bad decisions throughout. I don't know. I just didn't vibe with her. I also didn't vibe with the MMCs. They just weren't that likeable. They were confusing and one of them was literally acted like he hated the FMC.
The beginning was sooooooo good. So I Am pretty sad that it didn't continue on that strong path. I kept reading hoping I would get into it again but unfortunately I didn't.
November 16, 2023
This book has a lot of heavy content in it, so read the TW well before you dive in.
For me, I found I mostly just didn't like the characters in this book. How do you like the whole when you don't like the pieces?
I liked the idea, but that's about it.
I found the writing and story deteriorated throughout the book, with the last 1/4 of it being pretty rushed and eye roll worthy.
It did end in a cliffhanger, and I did start book 2, so the author did something right at least.
Unfortunately, I'm giving up book 2 at 5% .
But I digress, this book had a lot of negative heavy content. It's not really a romance, at least not yet, despite the little bit of sex that happens at the end.
I feel like she's so messed up from the years of abuse that she's got no business being anywhere near a romance anyways, which just ends up tying back in to me not liking these characters.
So yeah, just not my cup of tea I guess.
For me, I found I mostly just didn't like the characters in this book. How do you like the whole when you don't like the pieces?
I liked the idea, but that's about it.
I found the writing and story deteriorated throughout the book, with the last 1/4 of it being pretty rushed and eye roll worthy.
It did end in a cliffhanger, and I did start book 2, so the author did something right at least.
Unfortunately, I'm giving up book 2 at 5% .
But I digress, this book had a lot of negative heavy content. It's not really a romance, at least not yet, despite the little bit of sex that happens at the end.
I feel like she's so messed up from the years of abuse that she's got no business being anywhere near a romance anyways, which just ends up tying back in to me not liking these characters.
So yeah, just not my cup of tea I guess.
July 31, 2022
That girl you yell at on telly
This heroine has no survival skills, she doesn't plan anything just runs barefoot with no money again and again. She's being hunted but keeps going to the same places, surely the first plan would have been to go far far away not work in a bar of all places. TSTL
This heroine has no survival skills, she doesn't plan anything just runs barefoot with no money again and again. She's being hunted but keeps going to the same places, surely the first plan would have been to go far far away not work in a bar of all places. TSTL
November 26, 2022
Not in the right mindset to read this because rylan was delicious and i want him very bad im just saying
September 18, 2025
Dnf
1st, let me just say that i read another RH by this author called Liar Byrd. That was a 4 star read. It was almost perfect (in my opinion). I'm seriously dying for book 2.
So I decided to try to read some other books from the same author, hoping to fill that void.
It did not.
Lord, the Mc"s in this book. Sigh.
First off, the Fmc starts off working at a diner when her abusive, alcoholic father stores in & attacks her, then her future wolf boyfriend? Mate? He comes in & sweeps her off her feet only it turns out they arent mates, he's a wolf shifter & he's extremely cruel- like straight up horror type cruel & his pack of men are just as bad.
Fmc spends 2 years being beaten, whipped, raped, hunted & chased in the woods by her alpha & his pack of 20 men. She is malnourished (starved) and covered in scars, traumatized & suicidal, she legit attempts suicide in the first few chapters.
Now the author does something more than once in this book that I hated & that was bring in multiple men with heavy hints of a possible love match only to be red herrings..
The mate shifter aymt the beginning, Simon the terrific dr that saves her before being g brutally murdered (i nearly dnfed right there is was so headtbroken) and the 2nd Dr named Harley. Im really confused by the emphasis the author placed on him in particular. Maybe he pops up later in the series?
Honestly, the Fmc was dumb. Like TSTL kind of dumb. She manages to lose the wallet of cash & cards that the Dr gave her in the first hour of being on the run (his car, too).
She ends up in a grocery store where she's filling up a shopping bag with stuff she doesn't even need or want - like cat food? Why? That she honestly wasted money again, why?
Don't even get me started on the mmcs. Jfc, were they terrible. Within the first hour, 1 of them is fantasizing, f-cking her in the ass - AS SHE IS STILL COVERED IN BANDAGES & WEARING A HOSPITAL GOWN! And smelling like the pxss she stepped in (this is mentioned like 7 times in 2 chapters, enough already).
The only mmc that treats her ok is Aden, a sweet heart for her. Kade is a huge manwhore, like 21 women a week manwhore & thats how he first sees the Fmc. He's got a near naked girl dancing for him. Btw he treats women that he buts horribly, almost psycho towards them when they've done nothing wrong.
All 2 of the 3 guys were skeevy & sexually thinking about her while she's traumatized & and she's just dumb. One minute she's terrified the next shes like I want a job. Mind you, she's got sprained everything, bruised ribs, etc, but she's 1 of those stupid, won't ask, won't accept help, I want to pay my own way type of dumb fmcs.
Honestly, she came across as a substitute for the last girl they shared that broke the men & fractured their friendship.
And now I'm so worried about book 2 of Liar Byrd, sigh. That book was SO good..
They were total green flags but super protective of the fmc in that book. I didn't like anyone in this book except the poor Dr & Aden.
1st, let me just say that i read another RH by this author called Liar Byrd. That was a 4 star read. It was almost perfect (in my opinion). I'm seriously dying for book 2.
So I decided to try to read some other books from the same author, hoping to fill that void.
It did not.
Lord, the Mc"s in this book. Sigh.
First off, the Fmc starts off working at a diner when her abusive, alcoholic father stores in & attacks her, then her future wolf boyfriend? Mate? He comes in & sweeps her off her feet only it turns out they arent mates, he's a wolf shifter & he's extremely cruel- like straight up horror type cruel & his pack of men are just as bad.
Fmc spends 2 years being beaten, whipped, raped, hunted & chased in the woods by her alpha & his pack of 20 men. She is malnourished (starved) and covered in scars, traumatized & suicidal, she legit attempts suicide in the first few chapters.
Now the author does something more than once in this book that I hated & that was bring in multiple men with heavy hints of a possible love match only to be red herrings..
The mate shifter aymt the beginning, Simon the terrific dr that saves her before being g brutally murdered (i nearly dnfed right there is was so headtbroken) and the 2nd Dr named Harley. Im really confused by the emphasis the author placed on him in particular. Maybe he pops up later in the series?
Honestly, the Fmc was dumb. Like TSTL kind of dumb. She manages to lose the wallet of cash & cards that the Dr gave her in the first hour of being on the run (his car, too).
She ends up in a grocery store where she's filling up a shopping bag with stuff she doesn't even need or want - like cat food? Why? That she honestly wasted money again, why?
Don't even get me started on the mmcs. Jfc, were they terrible. Within the first hour, 1 of them is fantasizing, f-cking her in the ass - AS SHE IS STILL COVERED IN BANDAGES & WEARING A HOSPITAL GOWN! And smelling like the pxss she stepped in (this is mentioned like 7 times in 2 chapters, enough already).
The only mmc that treats her ok is Aden, a sweet heart for her. Kade is a huge manwhore, like 21 women a week manwhore & thats how he first sees the Fmc. He's got a near naked girl dancing for him. Btw he treats women that he buts horribly, almost psycho towards them when they've done nothing wrong.
All 2 of the 3 guys were skeevy & sexually thinking about her while she's traumatized & and she's just dumb. One minute she's terrified the next shes like I want a job. Mind you, she's got sprained everything, bruised ribs, etc, but she's 1 of those stupid, won't ask, won't accept help, I want to pay my own way type of dumb fmcs.
Honestly, she came across as a substitute for the last girl they shared that broke the men & fractured their friendship.
And now I'm so worried about book 2 of Liar Byrd, sigh. That book was SO good..
They were total green flags but super protective of the fmc in that book. I didn't like anyone in this book except the poor Dr & Aden.
October 17, 2022
I think my heart shattered when I was reading this book. It's filled with so many emotions, including heartache, fear, angst. You won't know which end is up when you're reading this, and be begging for book 2.
Saige, our FMC has been dealt a crappy hand in life. She has an abusive father who has been making her suffer for many years, unfortunately her luck didn't change much. When she was rescued by a rich, handsome alpha wolf named Rylan. Saige thought her nightmares were over when Rylan came into her life. This wasn't the case, she was living a new nightmare with Rylan's pack, and she becomes a little bit more broken.
After a near death experience, Saige knows that she needs to run, and hopefully run far enough away so that Rylan's pack can't find her. She meets Ader who's a human, that wants to help her, and informs her about "the Hounds". She then meets Kade - a womanizer and alcoholic wolf shifter & Dariel - a broody, angry alpha, with an unstable wolf.
These 4 have so much to go through, even though they have a connection, they've gone through so much already that they have to surpass first. Saige is still in danger from Rylan and his pack finding her, will she stay safe?
Saige, our FMC has been dealt a crappy hand in life. She has an abusive father who has been making her suffer for many years, unfortunately her luck didn't change much. When she was rescued by a rich, handsome alpha wolf named Rylan. Saige thought her nightmares were over when Rylan came into her life. This wasn't the case, she was living a new nightmare with Rylan's pack, and she becomes a little bit more broken.
After a near death experience, Saige knows that she needs to run, and hopefully run far enough away so that Rylan's pack can't find her. She meets Ader who's a human, that wants to help her, and informs her about "the Hounds". She then meets Kade - a womanizer and alcoholic wolf shifter & Dariel - a broody, angry alpha, with an unstable wolf.
These 4 have so much to go through, even though they have a connection, they've gone through so much already that they have to surpass first. Saige is still in danger from Rylan and his pack finding her, will she stay safe?
September 15, 2023
Skeeved tf out by the "love interests" perving on Saige the moment they see her. She's malnourished, obviously injured, terrified, and all they can think about is how they'll eventually f*ck her. They see her as nothing more than a sexual object (same as Rylan) and frankly, a substitute for their ex.
Also, the fmc has been through years of severe sexual abuse and suddenly she's dtf with these guys??? Hello? Does this author know ANYTHING about trauma or PTSD? Obviously not.
Honestly, I thought that the doctor and the surgeon at the hospital would be love interests. The doctor, Simon, was WAY more likeable than any of the mmcs. 2/3 of them are the absolute worst.
I made it around 70% before DNF because of the way the story forced sexual attraction on a deeply traumatized fmc.
When authors have a fmc that's been sexually traumatized immediately have sex like it's nothing it's a slap in the face to people that have been through shit. LEARN ABOUT TRAUMA/PTSD IF YOU'RE GOING TO WRITE ABOUT IT.
Sorry about the caps but this is a serious issue in romance novels and it needs to stop.
Also, the fmc has been through years of severe sexual abuse and suddenly she's dtf with these guys??? Hello? Does this author know ANYTHING about trauma or PTSD? Obviously not.
Honestly, I thought that the doctor and the surgeon at the hospital would be love interests. The doctor, Simon, was WAY more likeable than any of the mmcs. 2/3 of them are the absolute worst.
I made it around 70% before DNF because of the way the story forced sexual attraction on a deeply traumatized fmc.
When authors have a fmc that's been sexually traumatized immediately have sex like it's nothing it's a slap in the face to people that have been through shit. LEARN ABOUT TRAUMA/PTSD IF YOU'RE GOING TO WRITE ABOUT IT.
Sorry about the caps but this is a serious issue in romance novels and it needs to stop.
October 11, 2023
The dark themes were not executed well - personal opinion here.
There is a lot of focus on how good looking the FMC is. It feels inappropriate when reading it - she is in the hospital, or in hospital gown and bandages (malnourished, scars etc) but when a man (any man) sees her he thinks wow 👌 😍. The sole focus of the FMC is just her physical features, and it really takes away from the story especially one with such heavy themes. An example, the FMC was sexually trafficked by her mate to rest of his pack. She was physically and sexually abused. After she gets away from that situation she meets a guy (while dressed in hospital gown) and willingly goes with him to his bar. When she walks in she sees a topless woman in a thong dancing for a man cast in shadows, and she turns breathless and wants to meet him. Seriously, someone that was sexually assaulted for years would think that and not try to get away from there....
The story could have been more if the focus was on PTSD and FMC true emotional and physical wellbeing. As opposed to how good looking the males are and what a stunner the FMC is, regardless of the hospital accessory or physical abuse she carries.
There is a lot of focus on how good looking the FMC is. It feels inappropriate when reading it - she is in the hospital, or in hospital gown and bandages (malnourished, scars etc) but when a man (any man) sees her he thinks wow 👌 😍. The sole focus of the FMC is just her physical features, and it really takes away from the story especially one with such heavy themes. An example, the FMC was sexually trafficked by her mate to rest of his pack. She was physically and sexually abused. After she gets away from that situation she meets a guy (while dressed in hospital gown) and willingly goes with him to his bar. When she walks in she sees a topless woman in a thong dancing for a man cast in shadows, and she turns breathless and wants to meet him. Seriously, someone that was sexually assaulted for years would think that and not try to get away from there....
The story could have been more if the focus was on PTSD and FMC true emotional and physical wellbeing. As opposed to how good looking the males are and what a stunner the FMC is, regardless of the hospital accessory or physical abuse she carries.
January 29, 2024
This book was okay I guess. If you like damsels in distress who do the same stupid shit over and over again. Also, the connection of the love interests in this story didn’t make a lot of sense. It’s a she falls for them one at a time but the dude who has been taking care of her isn’t the one she falls for first? Instead it’s the dude who sits in the corner hidden in shadows after maybe a handful of words are exchanged. It would make more sense if the character had been bold at all throughout but she wasn’t. Also, Dariel is annoying as a love interest! I know it’s a reverse harem romance but more time can actually be spent on character development and plot development. Things were hinted at and loosely referenced but nothing every really fully panned out. The angst between the guys doesn’t make a ton of sense based on the tidbits that have been shared. And okay I can see them finding her at the hospital but I imagine it’d take a lot more time to find her at that bar and the apartment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2022
Wow! This is an emotional read which will tug at your heartstrings and give you all the feels. Sage is such a fab FMC, she’s had a difficult childhood and has been abused for most of her life. She’s excited by the prospect of her luck changing when she meets Rylan. Unfortunately, she ends up in a worse situation than she started with! Saga goes on the run to escape it all, she meets Aden, kade and Dariel. These men aren’t perfect and have their own history. There is a lot of steamy action, angst, drama. Loved this. the author does justice to a lot of tricky issues associated with trauma. Really well written and worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2022
Wow - such a deep, heart breaking and warming first book
This is a 5 star review all the way - the FMC is coming around after suffering so much trauma and you can slowly see her getting stronger despite her demons.
She can be a little frustrating due to some of her responses (some reviews say she is naïve and keeps running and is stupid?) but her responses/actions are really normal for someone who has been through what she has - and when in her POV you can feel every part of it -
Great first book, recommend - not a lot of steam, definitely slow burn, there is a bit of a rush at times and I feel there could be a little more fleshing out of the characters for the boys but overall super good
This is a 5 star review all the way - the FMC is coming around after suffering so much trauma and you can slowly see her getting stronger despite her demons.
She can be a little frustrating due to some of her responses (some reviews say she is naïve and keeps running and is stupid?) but her responses/actions are really normal for someone who has been through what she has - and when in her POV you can feel every part of it -
Great first book, recommend - not a lot of steam, definitely slow burn, there is a bit of a rush at times and I feel there could be a little more fleshing out of the characters for the boys but overall super good
January 4, 2023
I liked this book. At least it kept my interest the entire way through.
However, I just kept waiting for something different. It had the same old "round and round we go" plot. She's abused by abuser #1, she's saved by saviour #1, she's abused again by abuser #2, she runs, she's saved again by saviour #2, she runs, she's saved by saviour #3, she's not abused, she runs again, and at the end abuser #2 steals her back. I can only imagine the same not-so-merry go round in the next book so I'm going to pass.
That said, there's a lot of action and interesting characters with back stories we still don't know much about. If you don't get annoyed with the circular plot then I think there's enough mystery to keep you interested in book 2. I would recommend it overall.
However, I just kept waiting for something different. It had the same old "round and round we go" plot. She's abused by abuser #1, she's saved by saviour #1, she's abused again by abuser #2, she runs, she's saved again by saviour #2, she runs, she's saved by saviour #3, she's not abused, she runs again, and at the end abuser #2 steals her back. I can only imagine the same not-so-merry go round in the next book so I'm going to pass.
That said, there's a lot of action and interesting characters with back stories we still don't know much about. If you don't get annoyed with the circular plot then I think there's enough mystery to keep you interested in book 2. I would recommend it overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
Spoiler
I did not finish this book...and ima tell you why.
The plot, everything about the main girl..the beginning everything was good. It got you hooked. I had to stop at 80 something percent because she basically does a 360 and has sex with one of the wolves. I know she said she ain't scared, she ain't scared but couple minutes before that...she was almost attacked by the other wolves from his pack...then couple hours before that she saw one of the guys that made her life miserable.
I would've hoped she tried to escape the scenario that she's in...and the pack would've brought her back or something but...no. She just fucks one of the pack members? Is she really traumatized? I would be if I endured what she has.
I did not finish this book...and ima tell you why.
The plot, everything about the main girl..the beginning everything was good. It got you hooked. I had to stop at 80 something percent because she basically does a 360 and has sex with one of the wolves. I know she said she ain't scared, she ain't scared but couple minutes before that...she was almost attacked by the other wolves from his pack...then couple hours before that she saw one of the guys that made her life miserable.
I would've hoped she tried to escape the scenario that she's in...and the pack would've brought her back or something but...no. She just fucks one of the pack members? Is she really traumatized? I would be if I endured what she has.
July 31, 2022
Finding your safe place
Saige has escaped from he** and finally has freedom even though it comes with looking over her shoulder. She comes across the hounds (Aden, Kade, and Dariel) who then she might be the answer or possibly more trouble.
I felt bad for Saige she had so many losses and I really wanted her to win. The author teased us a couple of times. Even though the guys are a bit rough around the edges ( some more than others) I think those are the type of people she could identify with. I enjoyed the characters and am looking forward to learning more about each of their pasts.
Saige has escaped from he** and finally has freedom even though it comes with looking over her shoulder. She comes across the hounds (Aden, Kade, and Dariel) who then she might be the answer or possibly more trouble.
I felt bad for Saige she had so many losses and I really wanted her to win. The author teased us a couple of times. Even though the guys are a bit rough around the edges ( some more than others) I think those are the type of people she could identify with. I enjoyed the characters and am looking forward to learning more about each of their pasts.
September 5, 2022
I saw this advertised in a reader group on Facebook and knew it was something I needed. And I was right. I sat and read this in one go, just wishing it was longer because I need more.
Saige has had an awful life. She’s gone from one abusive household to another, and ends up on the run. Throughout the book we see Saige battling with what she’s been through, trying to overcome it all and also gain some of herself back. The guys she ends up finding a safe haven with, aren’t exactly the heroic type. Each are battling their own inner demons, but maybe they can overcome things together?
We just touched the surface on all of them and I wasn’t ready for it to end 😭
*heed the trigger warnings*
Saige has had an awful life. She’s gone from one abusive household to another, and ends up on the run. Throughout the book we see Saige battling with what she’s been through, trying to overcome it all and also gain some of herself back. The guys she ends up finding a safe haven with, aren’t exactly the heroic type. Each are battling their own inner demons, but maybe they can overcome things together?
We just touched the surface on all of them and I wasn’t ready for it to end 😭
*heed the trigger warnings*
June 6, 2023
So not what i was expecting
This book blew my mind. The angst roller coaster was in full tilt. Paige just turned of age ready to face the world on her own, away from her abusive father. When Rylan steps in to protect her from one of her father’s rant. She believes she found her chance. But fate is never what it seems. Years later paige is still with Rylan but not due to lack of trying but Rylan wont let her. She makes 1 last ditch effort to escape. With danger learking around every corner and life experience teaching her shifters cant be trusted.. can she risk having faith in 3 brothers whom want to share her burden?
This book blew my mind. The angst roller coaster was in full tilt. Paige just turned of age ready to face the world on her own, away from her abusive father. When Rylan steps in to protect her from one of her father’s rant. She believes she found her chance. But fate is never what it seems. Years later paige is still with Rylan but not due to lack of trying but Rylan wont let her. She makes 1 last ditch effort to escape. With danger learking around every corner and life experience teaching her shifters cant be trusted.. can she risk having faith in 3 brothers whom want to share her burden?
July 30, 2023
The intensity
I am in awe of this story about a woman who struggles with trauma while trying to escape the pack of an obsessive man determined to own her. The details are not as intense as I was expecting for a dark read filled with drama, loss, and a range of problems, but it is still an emotional pull that many can feel.
Saige is such a great character and watching her change from an anxiety driven young woman and transforming into a more confident person who battles her past with help. It is admirable to say the least, emotional too.
Be sure to read the triggers, as this isn't a book for everyone.
I am in awe of this story about a woman who struggles with trauma while trying to escape the pack of an obsessive man determined to own her. The details are not as intense as I was expecting for a dark read filled with drama, loss, and a range of problems, but it is still an emotional pull that many can feel.
Saige is such a great character and watching her change from an anxiety driven young woman and transforming into a more confident person who battles her past with help. It is admirable to say the least, emotional too.
Be sure to read the triggers, as this isn't a book for everyone.
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