Battered Souls

The Broken #2

by Shae Ruby

What if there were two devils all along?

Hallie Cox is desperate to start over. She's determined to further the space between herself and the twisted life she's always lived, but Zayne makes that impossible. The demons that possess him are getting more difficult to exorcise, and with every disappointment, her faith in him wanes. As they crash and burn together, she begins to wonder if broken things can truly be mended.

Will the secrets haunt her or hunt her?

Damien barrels his way into her life when her heart is in ruins, confusing her all the more. Her obsession with Zayne hasn't faded, but her feelings for this new flame overwhelm her. As they get to know each other, something seems amiss about Damien. When the skeletons in his closet light the match that burns them down, she no longer knows who to trust. She can't move past the fact that he's not as he seems, even though he's shown her that he'll stop at nothing to keep her safe.

When they all hit rock bottom, who will get out?

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Crime, Abuse, Smut, Mental Health

491 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2022

About the author

Author of dark romance & toxic love.
Sometimes diverse.

International Bestselling Author in five different countries, Shae Ruby spends their time writing, mostly queer, books that make you feel. Shae's stories come from deep within their bleeding heart, and they let the drops flow into their words.

Shae is represented by Lunar Literary Agency.

For all subsidiary rights, contact Angie Ojeda-Hazen.

Connect with me!

Facebook Reader Group: rubysdarkling

Facebook Page: authorshaeruby

Instagram: @authorshaeruby

TikTok: @authorshaeruby

Goodreads: authorshaeruby

Goodreads: authorshaeruby

Reviews

[Cia Petrichor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caution: Readers should absolutely pay close attention to the content warnings for this series, especially this one. It lives up to its name as a dark romance and contains very dark/potentially triggering content.

Holy sh!t, I loved the first book even after it lived up to its namesake and shattered my heart, but this? Battered Souls took everything I loved from book one and kicked it up several notches (even with the things that made me want to kick certain characters in the gonads, looking at you boys) and I’m left literally shaking. Bravo, Shae, because my soul feels wrecked after that high-octane ride from the highest highs to the very depths of rock bottom.

Seeing Hallie and Zayne’s tumultuous love story turned tragedy was intense, but Damien added a new dynamic I didn’t know was needed. He shook everything up in the best and worst possible ways. Because just when I felt hope that Hallie might finally find the love she deserves and escape Zayne’s toxic bonds, shit hit the fan in a big way and it became a matter of holding on tight as all of their lies and plans blew up in their faces.

Shae is incredible at showing the gritty reality of addiction, mental health, toxic love that doesn’t let you go, trauma and the sometimes impossible journey to healing, the emotional wreckage of hurt and broken people, and the spice? Don’t get me started on the spice. Shae had to deal with me yelling in all caps at certain scenes that I was so pissed to find hot, but lord this woman has a way with words. Talk about chewed up, spit out, and begging for more 🥴 I suspected certain twists were coming, but that cliffhanger was no less brutal.

Wow. Talk about a brutal book hangover headed for me now. It’s going to be a hell of a wait for book three, but Shae has earned a loyal fan out of me. Just like Hallie, these characters have their hooks in deep. I can’t help but care about them and root for them to come out from the other side with their lives—and battered souls—intact.

Disclaimer: I received a free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are entirely my own!

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️

Hot and suspenseful too!

Oh my gosh. That cliffhanger at the end… wow. Things really took a turn in this second book. I am so nervous, but also so ready for book 3!

We got another love interest thrown into the mix and I had iffy feelings about him from the start. I am loyal to Zayne, personally. Even though I know he and Hallie are toxic, I also understand they both have struggles with their mental health. I really just want them both to get to a place where they’re better for themselves and each other.. 😞

Unfortunately the plot THICKENS big time and the ending of this one has me both not wanting to read book 3 while also DYING to read book 3. I am SO nervous. 🫣

[Courtney Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝑩𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒔✨

Caution for people struggling with their mental health - please take caution reading this book. It is a dark MASTERPIECE but might be too heavy for people that are currently struggling.

That being said - HOLY WOW THIS BOOK. Shae does such an amazing job at capturing addiction and how it affects everyone around them.I loved this so much, it’s unlike any book I’ve read. I thought I would stay loyal to Zayne but my heart is saying DAMIEN baby.

The ending of this book hints that the next book is going to be A LOT DARKER and I’m absolutely here for it. I CANNOT WAIT!!!

𝑻𝒓0𝒑𝒆𝒔:
🖤 DARK Romance
🖤 Toxic Love Triangle (Done Right)
🖤 SPICY
🖤 Obsessed Addict MC
🖤 Cartel Motorcycle Daddy MC
🖤 Multiple POV
🖤 Plot Twists

"My heart would stop in my fucking chest if I lost you."

"Don't let me get too close, babe. I always break my favorite toys."

"Take what you need from me"

"You look at him like he's your salvation even though he's not. But me? I'm your fucking ruin."


There are a lot of TWs, so please check those.

[Marielli (lellireads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You look at him like he’s your salvation, even though he’s not. But me? I’m your fucking ruin.”

Her writing has improved so much in this book! The characters have gained a deeper development and the story was even more unputdownable.

I kinda knew about the new main character being introduced in this book and his role in it, and I was legitimately intrigued by that. I didn't know how the author would handle it, given the nature of Zayne and Hallie's relationship. Based on that, I was a little confused about how Hallie got so interested in Damien since she was so obsessed with Zayne. It seemed out of character for her. Not that I'm complaining, good for her. As the story was being unfolded, it gets clearer.

Damien was a very welcome addition to the plot. From the beginning, we already knew something was up with him, it is only a matter of what. I also liked that Damien called Hallie out on her shit, especially her double standards. He's unapologetically himself and holds himself accountable for his actions.

You know, Zayne isn't inherently bad. He's an addict and toxic, but he's not a bad person. I'm not sure if we can say the same about Damien. He's most definitely a morally grey character. I couldn't help but be entranced by him. He was a way more complex character. And he was nice to Hallie. Yeah, he was doing the bare minimum, but I'm a whore for the whole "he's bad to everyone but her". It doesn't hurt he's fucking hot, goddamn. Also, the slooooow burn! It has paid off, though.

But seriously, are we supposed to like Zayne or even empathize with him? I just had no patience for him for the most part of the book. For real, I just wanted Hallie to dump him already. Can anyone please tell me I'm not alone in this? Despite what he claims, he has never chosen Hallie. And I'm not sorry for what Damien did to him. I think the author really wanted us to hate Zayne, at least a little. She actually accomplished that with me, to the point I just wanted to skip his chapters sometimes. I just wanted him to get his head out of his ass and prioritize her for once. But I can see he is on his way to redeem himself in the next book. At least I hope so.

Hallie in this book has made a 180-degree turn, sorta. She's different from that girl in Shattered Hearts. We got to see more of her personality, which was good, I missed that in the first book. Yet, she was more co-dependent on Zayne than ever. Also, it was nice when she realized she was addicted to Zayne. The analogy of drug addiction was really fitting in that context.

I was sure that Damien would disappoint me by the end of the book, but who ended up disappointing me was Hallie. Bitch, what the hell? I can't for the life of me understand why she pulled that number.

Throughout the book, some hints lead me to believe that the story was going to follow a certain path toward the end, but it didn't. I'm glad for it, though, it added new layers to the story. I was in the dark once again and my heart was racing. For real, the last 25% of the book was thrilling, I couldn't stop reading. I had my suspicions about who it was all along, but fuck I wished I was wrong. Nevertheless, with that many things have made sense. Honestly, I'm scared shitless of what is to come.

There are some plot holes that bugged me, though. Believe me when I say that I don't enjoy paying attention to these details, but it is what it is.

1) She doesn't have nightmares anymore? Is the medicine working? She's just stopped complaining about them all of a sudden. If I haven't read the first book, I wouldn't say the nightmares were an issue to her whatsoever. To be fair, she mentioned it briefly toward the end, but considering how important the nightmares were in the first book, I don't feel it was enough.
2) I really want to understand how Zayne has not given Hallie any STI. I don't believe for a minute he's clean.
3) The story's time frame is confusing. The timeline of some events doesn't add up. I had to turn off my brain to that, otherwise, I wouldn't be able to fully enjoy the story.

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️/ 4 🌶️

Ugh. This series is really putting me through the fucking wringer.

All three of these characters need actual jail time for how toxic they are! The toxicity in this series is honestly fucking worse than Magnolia Parks, and I never thought I’d see the day where I can say that lol (take that as you will and proceed with caution because this author really “goes there”). I appreciated how this author seamlessly transitions the tone of the novel from a messy/angsty little love triangle to a full out suspenseful thriller. One thing to note is that the writing isn’t any better here. If anything, there was a bit of a noticeable dive in quality…

Still hate Zayne with all my heart, that’s the worse book boyf to have ever existed, I will admit that his chapters were kinda hard to read. I remain undecided on my feelings on Damien, I feel like I need to learn a bit more about him and tbh I wasn’t really feeling the chemistry with him and Hallie. Maybe this is further developed in the next book? Hallie….never have I had more confusing feelings on an FMC. She’s the epitome of a dumb b*tch, and I really don’t say that lightly. But she’s also strong and resilient and a survivor. Idk my feelings are all over the place with this group of characters. Will be reading the final book in the trilogy.

[Shanna Stanley-Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review:

Holy mother of obsession and blatant fuckery. This was a wild ride. In the beginning I was a little concerned because everything pretty much already happened and I “figured out” the ending but wait…. No! Shae decided to make sure if Hallie hurt that we felt it bone deep too. The story just keeps diving and you’re on this free fall to rock bottom but every time you think okay, it’s time to pick up the pieces and put it all back together… there’s more…. I’m usually not a fan of crime lord stuff but it wasn’t the major spotlight so I was good with it up til the end. It does leave off without closure and make you want the final book so be warned!

So a few highlights:

Addiction. If you are fighting it, this is not for you. If you don’t understand it, read and absorb please. It gives a very real and descriptive perspective of exactly how it is. I never would have known any of that personally but reading it I decided to ask my husband about who is an ex addict and he confirmed she hit it pretty spot on from the highs and lows and withdrawal and recovery. All the recovery. The book gave us a lot to talk about and I respect him and everyone else who is in recovery and still fights that addictive personality daily so much more.

Depression. Yes. It’s a real thing. I really loved her descriptions of the lows and how all rational thoughts just evade. Some parts of the book may seem like they are reaching but when you have someone like Hallie who knows that low, sometimes any dopamine hit they can get will do. It’s a total trauma response and it’s very real and very scary. (As stated in many other places-> read the trigger warnings and take them seriously)

Spice. Can I just say though that I love me some Damien. Screw Zayne and all his childish BS. I don’t care if the boy is pretty and working on it. Damien is next level yummy. I ate up all the chemistry between him and Hallie. The spice scenes are all well worth it although, and you can roll your eyes at me when you read the whole book if you want, my fav one is on the hood of the car at the beginning. There I said it. Argue away lol.


This book will make your heart hurt and your head spin and it’s so so with the time. Come get lost with Hallie and Zayne and Damien.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️
4/5🌶️

Dark Toxic Romance

Tropes:
-Love Triangle
-Obsessive MMC's
-Toxic Relationships

"You look at him like he's your salvation, even though he's not. But me? I'm your f-king ruin."

We get a new MMC!! & the back and forth between the two guys is giving me whiplash, in the best way. This book is super heavy on the triggers so please don't go into this series/book blind. I REPEAT DO NOT GO INTO THIS SERIES BLIND.

"Sometimes I like the pain. Sometimes it reminds me I'm alive."

These characters are completely BROKEN in everyway. The author does an amazing job at making you feel all the pain and emotions as you read. I've cried, I've laughed, I've gotten so frustrated to the point I wanted to scream.

"I want my battered soul to find some pinks and purples and oranges, to heal just a little bit."

If you're looking for something dark, toxic, and emotional I highly recommend.

[Danyel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damien was a hard character. While I loved him it was hard for me in spots. But I genuinely love the complexity of him. Originally thinking he’s morally grey (very true to that) and thinking wow okay.

I will admit I felt a tad confused in this book until way way later.

I wish the mom had more parts in the 1st book to maybe connect the storyline a little better. I absolutely loved the twists of it but just finding out sections I felt as though I’d wish there was more connection.
But I do appreciate being kept in the dark about the true nature of stuff.

Damien is an amazing read. I didn’t initially care for him and Hallie. But overtime I started to see he was so important. And good.

[Mihaela Popova · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ I have mixed feelings about this .. I loved the first book, but this one just went into a completely different direction. One minute I was reading about two twisted, damaged souls falling in love and crying my eyes out, and then all of the sudden it’s the Mexican cartel, shootings, kidnapping and just tooo much shit.. 🤷🏻‍♀️

And don’t even get me started on Zayne.. I was actually rooting for him and now I can barely stand him. 🥹

I love Damien though!!! 🫶🏻

“You look at him like he’s your salvation, even though he’s not. But me? I’m your fucking ruin.” 🥵

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review 📚- ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Battered Souls is the sequel to Shattered Hearts and a dark, toxic romance. It follows Zayne and Hallie after the events of Shattered Hearts and where they go from there. This is a series you can’t read out of order or else it will make no sense. Check trigger warnings for addiction, self harm, mental health, assault and violence.

What I liked:
•Hallie standing a bit more for herself
•Damien clearly has some flaws here but treats Hallie a whole lot better
•That Zayne’s recovery is not just easy and pure forward momentum.
•Shae Ruby knows how to do spice 🌶️🌶️

What I didn’t like:
•In Shattered Hearts, I felt for Zayne. I was cheering for him and he had so many redeeming moments. In this one, nothing about him made me cheer for him. It made it harder to see how Hallie would still want him. Some scenes he actively grossed me out.
•Whereas book 1 was all about gut wrenching emotion, this one requires you accept the far fetched. I don’t want to spoil it but crime lords and the ending were not where I saw things headed.
•I think it was a bit drawn out. Some of the back and forth became a bit repetitive and drew me out of the story a bit.

If you are looking for a dark, steamy, twisted, rollercoaster of a read, Battered Souls comes out December 21, 2022.

[Stefani Tomova · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn’t really hit the same way the first one did for me. The love triangle felt a bit awkward and unnecessary. I’m completely color blind when it comes to Zayne – he’s a walking red flag, but for some reason I still kind of love him.
Damien is still a bit of a mystery. I’m not sure how I feel about him yet, and I didn’t really buy the spark between him and Hallie.
Hallie made some frustratingly bad decisions, but at the same time, she’s clearly been through a lot and kept going. She’s strong, but also reckless – I couldn’t decide if I admired her or was just constantly annoyed.
All in all, I finished the book with mixed emotions and not much clarity about how I really feel about the characters

[Lamaya ꨄ︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Arc review*

Please check tws as the material written is not for everyone. If you’re not into the dark side, this book and book one is not for you.

Shattered hearts and battered souls took me on an endless emotional roller coaster. It’s dark, there are lies, there are secrets, and it sucks you in. This book tugged at my heart. These characters clearly need help and better people surrounding them.

I really enjoy the author’s writing style and I am looking forward to reading more.

[bookdiaryofyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first 60% of this book so much! After that so much happened at once but on the other hand nothing happened. So i was a little confused!
At this point i'm angry with all the characters so hopefully everyone will redeem themselves in book 3!
And the cliffhanger i had a feeling!!!
I did overall love this book but my heart is still in book 1!

[Jenessa Kohler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending 😭😭 cliffhanger!!!

[Poupi Mali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second part of a trilogy. It can’t be read as a standalone.

As if the toxic relationship between Zayne and Hallie wasn’t enough, Damien now enters in the dance.
The story completely shifts in the middle of the book. The toxicity is replaced by a tense plot around Hallie.

At some point, I was a bit lost in the timeline. Some parts didn’t feel logical to me.
But still.
It’s too late for me, I’m hooked.
I have to know. And I know I won’t like it.

Please read the TW below. This is important.
This book had me put it on hold a few times to digest all the information.

Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug abuse, Drug use, Murder, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, and Addiction
Minor: Trafficking

[xtina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to come back to this review because what the hell happened to Zayne and Hallie from book one?! There is zero chemistry between Damien and Hallie, Zayne has spiraled hard and I didn't need a whole chapter in explicit detail of him cheating on Hallie during a drug binge to understand his spiral, and Hallie is literally a doormat. I mean she was a good bit in book one but this was a whole new level. I loved book one because beyond all their toxicity and damage you felt their connection and rooted for them despite it all. They had small moments where you felt for them and saw them for who they really are, and that's relatable. I felt nothing for these characters by the end of this book.

I really enjoyed the first half of this book and the direction it was going but that second half was a huge struggle and made little sense.

[Hannah Blankenship · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know this was a love triangle whenever I first started the series. The first one really kept me entertained and interested but this one honestly just dragged for me in a lot of ways. It felt repetitive and it kinda steered way off base towards the end to where I felt like I was reading a totally different book.

[erin | sinfulshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book broke me..in the most beautiful way 💔😭

“𝗜 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲.”

💔💉|| 𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆
⚠︎ check TWs | 18+ content ⚠︎

📖 Battered Souls by Shae Ruby (The Broken; Book Two)
Star Rating: 5/5 ★★★★★
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
available on KU ☑
couple: Zayne x Hallie x Damien
POV: Multi/1st

• forced proximity
• love triangle
• betrayal & heartbreak
• thrilling and captivating plot
• a truly unexpected ending with a killer cliffhanger
• hand necklaces
• mafia vibes

Before I start this review, I’d like to say that this book has very dark material that can be very triggering / disturbing. It is a BEAUTIFULLY written book, but please check triggers and proceed with caution. Your mental health matters. 🤍

This book…oh my gosh. I read Shattered Hearts a while ago and loved it and I’m not sure why it took me so long to read book two but now that I have, I’m even more in love. Battered Souls is a beautifully written page turner full of love, lust, pain, betrayal & forgiveness. It WILL rip your freaking heart out, and leave you feeling broken for a bit. It is so worth it though.

The push and pull between Hallie and the two MMCs is absolutely ADDICTING. Zayne, with his struggle with addiction, is such a sophisticated character that really buries himself in your heart even when you know he shouldn’t. Damien is the morally grey love interest (so hot 🥵) who doesn’t know how the heck to be the good guy, but he’s TRYING SO HARD to be that for her.

The story had me completely sucked in and the complexity and detail of each character made everything so much more real to me. The FMC being a nurse spoke to me personally, how she was always caring for everyone but herself. Every twist and turn had me on the edge of my seat and that ending absolutely wrecked me. I was not expecting it and I will be reading book three immediately. I need to know what happened, my heart is breaking not knowing.

Amazing freaking progression in writing from the author from book one to book two. I loved this, even though it broke me. Wish me luck reading book three, I have tissues sitting waiting next to me. 🫶

[JD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Battered Souls by @ Shae Ruby
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

“𝕀’𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦, ℍ𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕖.”
“𝕀’𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕪 𝕓𝕣𝕠𝕜𝕖𝕟,” 𝕀 𝕥𝕒𝕦𝕟𝕥
“𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥’𝕤 𝕒 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖?”

The second installment in The Broken series has even more darkness, heartache, and suspense. The first half of the book was annoying, I literally hate Zayne. Listen I love a possessive asshole and maybe a tiny bit of groveling?.. sure. But he’s a little bitch and weak as fuck with his constant crying and begging for her not to leave him after HE continuously fucks up?? 🤮It’s a turn off for me. I literally couldn’t take anymore, he has ZERO redeeming qualities in my opinion. The spice was amazing, I could have did without spice of him cheating though, like why?
Thank God for Damien coming in the picture. I love a good love triangle, although after reading the second half I’m not so sure! Jesus it picked up and didn’t slow down and that cliffhanger!? 🤯

I don’t really have a lot of respect for Hallie she’s EXTREMELY weak, almost no redeeming qualities there either. I get it because she’s been abused and lived through terrible things however I would have loved to see her overcome some of it and grow a back bone. There’s a lot of constant inner dialog that’s repetitive that I had to just glance over as well that had me rolling my eyes🙄
The writing tho is absolutely amazing still. I literally couldn’t stop reading. Shae writes mental health and addiction in an hauntingly, beautiful way, that doesn’t glorify it but instead sheds light on the issues we all have probably experienced or felt in some way if not the same.

💔HEAVY drug use- In detail
💔Mental Illness (anxiety, cutting, depression)
💔Addiction
💔Obsession
💔Abuse (Emotional & Physical
💔Mafia & Cartel
💔Violence
💔Love Triangle


“𝕀𝕥’𝕤 𝕒𝕝𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕒𝕤 𝕚𝕗 𝕨𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕟’𝕥 𝕖𝕩𝕚𝕤𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕙 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣, 𝕤𝕠 𝕙𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕕𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕣𝕠𝕜𝕖𝕟 𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖, 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕔𝕦𝕥 𝕙𝕚𝕞, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕡𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤.”

“𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕓𝕝𝕖𝕞 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕔𝕒𝕟’𝕥 𝕜𝕖𝕖𝕡 𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕦𝕡 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕚𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕦𝕥𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 ���𝕠𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕀 𝕕𝕠, 𝕀 𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕒 𝕗𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕪 𝕠𝕨𝕟”

[alex (existential crisis™️) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Thank you to Shae for giving me an ARC to this book because i had questions that needed to be answered💘

CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS PLEASE‼️

Okay, firstly i’d like to just say that this is like a very toxic version of twilight.

Secondly, i don’t even feel one ounce of sadness for what happened to Hallie at the end (except for the fact it was who shall not be named and i’m not talking about voldemort).

Thirdly… I hate that i can’t just immediately go to book 3 so i’m going to go cry in a corner right now.


now onto the review


They’re back and they’re more toxic than ever. Listen, you thought it was bad in book 1. IT GOT SO MUCH WORST. I felt bad for Hallie in book 1 because she really got the short end of the stick but in the beginning if book 2 she decided that this was her villain origin story and honestly, i’m here for it. (well was).

I LOVED that Hallie set some boundaries with Zayne. HATED that this boundaries were not being enforced as much as id want them to be.

I hated Damien at first but then he started opening his mouth and i started listening. he said some thing that i could get behind and he showed a level of care and patience with Hallie that was baffling especially in some of the crap she did. But just like all men in this book he’s a tad bit unhinged.

This book was like being on drugs. It had plot twists, twists and turns. There were highs, there were lows. There were a lot of things happening, and i have to say that i was cackling while reading this book at 3am because of the drama.

I feel like this book really showed you that it’s not all black and white. Life isn’t some HEA, and nothing is easy when you’re battling with demons no one can see. It shows that someone can be good but can be just as bad for you. The person you love can cause the most pain and be very manipulative. and also that sometimes you need to be the bad guy, or align yourself with a ‘bad guy’ who has your best interest at heart.

Days later and this book is still fresh in my mind. I love it.

[Breaaaannna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was luckily chosen to receive an ARC of this novel. It was soooooo good to me. Honestly, it was hard to put down once I started reading. I loved how we got the POV from Damien, Zayne, & Hallie. I figured it would only be the normal two from the first novel and we luckily got to read from Damien’s POV also. This author is so great at descriptions in her novels. While reading this book, I felt as if I was right there watching everything happen. I really appreciate the mental health issues that are touched on during this novel as someone that’s suffered with mental health before( those parts become very relatable). Throughout the first part of the novel, I wanted redemption for zayne but kept rooting for Hallie to choose Damien. She has such a strong personality, career, she’s really a great person & she deserves way better than a suffering addict in my opinion. The twist about the merchandise the cartel wanted had my mind like whaaaaaat just happened omg!!!! I hate Hallie feeling like she has to choose between Zayne and Damien because I know she truly cares for them both. & let’s not talk about the sexual scenes!!! They were so well written and spicy!!! Reading this book truly made me have a soft spot for Zayne and Damien and had me feeling like I was the one with the choice lol. Overall this was a really great read for me, I didn’t want it to end & im super bummed that the next novel isn’t coming out until later in 2023 lol. I was not ready for the cliffhanger, so eager to read more in this series.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call my therapist!

The emotional trauma I feel right now... Omg, I don't even know what to say without giving the book away. First & foremost, Zaddy Damien is a WHOLE snack! I'm always going to love our first love Zayne but Damien is for me. Hallie makes me want to slap the h3ll out of her, like you can't be that dumb! The plot is absolutely amazing and makes you want to keep turning the page to see what happens next. The mafia aspect of it is amazing and so much action! I can't get enough of the different POV's, I love hearing everyone's thoughts and different perspectives. All I can say is, if you love a toxic and dark romance then what are you waiting for! Shae Ruby did not disappoint with book one or two and I'm impatiently waiting for book three cause I need to know what happens next with all my unanswered questions. Also, the spice is fire!

Please check the TW's before you read because this series is very dark and might not be for everyone!

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm not sure why I’m continuing this series… it’s not my cup of tea that’s for sure…. I do not like the drug needle sharing business and i like that type of read. It’s dark and emotional and I’m not here to read that kind of stuff. It’s intense and i like to read east reads…. Too close to real life situations with drug use and all that no thanks…

Hallie is not a strong FMC at all and I’m not here for it.. Zane goes on a drug bender and she lets him treat her like trash, hurt her, say nasty shit to her, time Ana again and say he doesn’t love her… then the next sentence he’s saying how she’ll never leave him bc he loves her 🙄🙄 and then the next thing you know he’s having sex with two other druggies while shooting up!!! Gtfoh..


Another thing that really pissed me off is that at no point in time did anyone mentioned have safe sex……. Like daybed going around with OW using the same needle together and have ong unprotected sex and then going back to Hallie…… F that!

[Montana Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sorry… let me go pick my kindle up from across the room where I just threw it. OH MY GOD. The rollercoaster of emotions I went through with this damn book. You can’t trust anything or anyone. Everyone is lying, even to themselves.

Once again, Shae Ruby’s way of describing the struggles and challenges with mental illness and addiction was so beautifully written, it was tragic.

I can’t begin to explain how on edge I was reading this book. I wanted to both read it quickly to get my answers while also being terrified where the story would end. And the ENDING… I was so shocked that after I picked my jaw up off the floor and my kindle that I had thrown across the room— I immediately downloaded book 3. Which if I were to guess will be filled with more darkness, heartache and suspense than the first two books combined.

Off to read I gooooo

[Lex · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started this series, I had NO IDEA it was going in this direction. I’m not sure how I feel about it. Not sure how to rate it. I thought we were going to continue the story between the MC’s, same story line but with added drama from a third character. I’m not sure the turn that the book took really goes with the first book. But I do enjoy the way this author writes. I also enjoyed that the first book & the first half of the second book were a different take on dark romance compared to the typical dark romance. Yes the characters are toxic, yes they have major issues but it’s a breath of fresh air when every other dark romance is pretty much the same book but different characters. So seeing this went in the same direction halfway through the second book… idk.

[Kaity Den Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this amazing book, Battered Souls, as an ARC! This book is the sequel to Shattered Hearts. Release date for this is 12/21! This book made my dark heart cry. A LOT. So let’s talk about it. 😉

***May contain spoilers***

This book follows Hallie and Zayne from Shattered Hearts. Zayne has gotten clean for Hallie and they now live together. Hallie is continuing her classes and also works as a nurse in the ICU. One of her residency classes she is paired up with Damien to do their last project. Damien is a handsome man with bright blue eyes that Hallie thinks hates her. Turns out he was distancing himself for a reason… Anyways, Damien and Hallie get closer. During that time Zayne relapses and falls back into his old ways. Hallie’s heart can’t take it anymore so she goes on a mental health vacay with Damien to Colorado. And this is where shit REALLY hits the fan. Hallie finds out that Damien is not who he seems to be.. And her relationship with Zayne is holding on by a thread.

This book sucked me in and I am guilty to say that I definitely neglected mom duties while reading this. Every twist and turn was perfect. This does leave off on a cliff hanger though. Grab a box of tissues and get ready to scream in frustration because this book will put you through the wringer. In a good way. 😏

Fave quote: “You need to stop getting on your fucking knees for men, Hallie.” Damien yanks me up from the ground. “And start making them get on their knees for you.”

Plot: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 4/5🌶️
Overall: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Rileyreads11_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shae!

Oh my gosh this book takes you on a JOURNEY!!

This is the perfect perfect second book! It followed Hallie and Zayne’s toxic love and addiction for each other. But also introduced someone new 🥵.

Shae has me scream crying and everything in between I was so invested!

Shae did absolutely amazing on showing the journey of someone with mental health as well as someone with Addiction issues. I felt everything Zayne ans Hallie felt and wanted to shake them at times but also give them a big hug. I can’t wait to see where the next book goes!!!
♾️/5 ⭐️
10000/5🥵

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super excited to get this arc after devouring the first book.
This book is not for the faint of heart or easily triggered when I say this book is a rollercoaster I mean it in the best sort of way. The twists and turns that go along with it will definitely leave you wanting more. The spice is turned all the way up and the characters flow together so perfect it's hard to put it down. This book is worth not only an ebook version but would be a perfect addition to your physical collection.

[Marrit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I- WHAT?!

'I used to tell myself that nightmares are just that, bad dreams that you can wake up from, run away from.Turns out that sometimes you live them.'

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rollercoaster did not end like at all. 🤣☝🏽