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Soul #1
Broken Soul
Years ago he tried to break me.
Now, five men are piecing together the shattered pieces of my soul.
When I’m brutally attacked and find myself in the hospital, old memories are unburied. Memories of pain, torture, and an agony I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
I thought I’d finally begun to heal from my past trauma, but I didn’t know what healing was until I met them. The five protective men who infiltrated my life and dissipated the darkness of my past.
Flynn, the EMT who saved my life. His smile alone is capable of eddying a room with light.
Heath, the retired MMA fighter who owns a gym aimed to help abused women like myself. He makes me feel safe and protected, as if nothing can harm me when I’m in his presence.
Owen, the compassionate doctor who fixed me up and gave me a home. He’s the unofficial leader of the group…and he won’t let you forget it.
Kyle, the skilled, ex-army sniper who can’t decide what to do with me but desires me just as fiercely as I do him. And finally,
Silas, the gruff, bossy asshole who makes my heart flutter with just a single word.
The five of them saw something in me—something worth saving—and I’ll be damned if I don’t repay their generosity.
But when my past comes knocking on my door, will I be strong enough to fight back and save myself and the men I’m growing to love? Or will my soul remain broken?
This book contains some cliffhangers, not all plots get resolved in this book. It is a reverse harem where the heroine ends ups with at least three of the guys.
CONTENT WARNING: This book contains graphic and frankly violent scenes, including rape, physical and emotional violence, animal abuse, and psychological turmoil. Please don’t take this warning lightly. It’s brutal at times and I don’t want anyone to be harmed from the words I’ve written. If you or someone you know needs help, please know you’re worth it! National Abuse Hotline 800-799-SAFE
Now, five men are piecing together the shattered pieces of my soul.
When I’m brutally attacked and find myself in the hospital, old memories are unburied. Memories of pain, torture, and an agony I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
I thought I’d finally begun to heal from my past trauma, but I didn’t know what healing was until I met them. The five protective men who infiltrated my life and dissipated the darkness of my past.
Flynn, the EMT who saved my life. His smile alone is capable of eddying a room with light.
Heath, the retired MMA fighter who owns a gym aimed to help abused women like myself. He makes me feel safe and protected, as if nothing can harm me when I’m in his presence.
Owen, the compassionate doctor who fixed me up and gave me a home. He’s the unofficial leader of the group…and he won’t let you forget it.
Kyle, the skilled, ex-army sniper who can’t decide what to do with me but desires me just as fiercely as I do him. And finally,
Silas, the gruff, bossy asshole who makes my heart flutter with just a single word.
The five of them saw something in me—something worth saving—and I’ll be damned if I don’t repay their generosity.
But when my past comes knocking on my door, will I be strong enough to fight back and save myself and the men I’m growing to love? Or will my soul remain broken?
This book contains some cliffhangers, not all plots get resolved in this book. It is a reverse harem where the heroine ends ups with at least three of the guys.
CONTENT WARNING: This book contains graphic and frankly violent scenes, including rape, physical and emotional violence, animal abuse, and psychological turmoil. Please don’t take this warning lightly. It’s brutal at times and I don’t want anyone to be harmed from the words I’ve written. If you or someone you know needs help, please know you’re worth it! National Abuse Hotline 800-799-SAFE
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2019
355 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
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August 6, 2020Meh writing and bad editing. No paragraph nor timeline, everything just melts together and makes it difficult to read or just pay attention to the story.
But I did go full panic attack after an explicit rape scene in the prologue and I wish I had an IV hiding in my bathroom to overdose on anxiety meds.
Fun times. Next time I might just pay attention to the reviews.
Surprise, surprise, I will not be reading the next book.
But I did go full panic attack after an explicit rape scene in the prologue and I wish I had an IV hiding in my bathroom to overdose on anxiety meds.
Fun times. Next time I might just pay attention to the reviews.
Surprise, surprise, I will not be reading the next book.
July 5, 2020
DNF 48%
Okay so the idea of the book wasn't bad, but the execution of it was. There was no character building, and from what I could tell no character development either.
For what the main character went through, realistically no one who went through that, would be completely comfortable hugging and sitting in the laps of Men they met either 2 minutes ago or the previous day. They also wouldn't want to cuddle with a man they've known for 2 days.
I felt like the author used the FMC's trauma just to add drama. No emotional burdens were really present, only a handful of times. Which is, again, unrealistic.
So overall, I personally didn't enjoy it. It could also use some editing.
The only thing that made even the slightest bit of sense was when she told them that she wasn't ready for a relationship. Although she contradicted her statement several times by her actions and body language, she at least was aware that she wasn't in the right mind set to enter a relationship. I stopped reading because she told all the men her trauma after knowing most of them for a day. You don't just share that stuff openly, people who are raped often feel ashamed and scared and won't just share that with practical strangers.
It got some good reviews, so maybe the ending is good. I just can't force myself to read this any longer.
Okay so the idea of the book wasn't bad, but the execution of it was. There was no character building, and from what I could tell no character development either.
For what the main character went through, realistically no one who went through that, would be completely comfortable hugging and sitting in the laps of Men they met either 2 minutes ago or the previous day. They also wouldn't want to cuddle with a man they've known for 2 days.
I felt like the author used the FMC's trauma just to add drama. No emotional burdens were really present, only a handful of times. Which is, again, unrealistic.
So overall, I personally didn't enjoy it. It could also use some editing.
The only thing that made even the slightest bit of sense was when she told them that she wasn't ready for a relationship. Although she contradicted her statement several times by her actions and body language, she at least was aware that she wasn't in the right mind set to enter a relationship. I stopped reading because she told all the men her trauma after knowing most of them for a day. You don't just share that stuff openly, people who are raped often feel ashamed and scared and won't just share that with practical strangers.
It got some good reviews, so maybe the ending is good. I just can't force myself to read this any longer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2021
The premise is very similar to books like Peyton's Path (by SM Olivier), Pieces of Us (by Kerry Taylor), and Cardinal Bird (by Mia Smantz) -- an FMC with trauma in her past, no family and nowhere to go, taken in by a group of men who eventually become her harem. Unfortunately those three series do it better than this one by Cindy Pike.
The writing needs more polish or editing. Sometimes the characters' responses seemed odd or over the top. Like, when she calls Kyle to get her from the hospital, his response was just crazy. She knows him because he was a patron of the restaurant where she was waitressing and they'd had some conversations but they were not particularly close. Yet when she calls him, the first thing he says is:
If they're just casual friends who only met when he came to the restaurant and had brief chats during those times, there's no reason for her to have called him immediately when she was injured, and he didn't have a right to expect that. She also didn't owe him any explanations. So his demand was really odd and did not fit the nature of the relationship that she described.
Then we have the response of the other guys the moment they see her and how battered and bruised she is.
Silas: When Silas' eyes finally land on me, they start a cold white-hot burn. He looks back to Owen and his jaw muscle is ticking double time. "Tell me whoever did this to her is eating his meals through a straw."
Heath: When he sees me, he seems to swell with tension. His face turns red and he looks like he might explode, I brace for impact and it's a good thing I do. "Tell me you were in a car accident and that's why you're hurt. If someone did this to you, I'm going to kill that motherf*cker!" He bellows at us but I know he's talking about me.
Does this not strike you as odd and over the top? You see a battered and bruised woman and you immediately launch into an aggressive rant? Especially when you don't know her and haven't even been introduced to her?
Another odd thing that I noticed was the use of the word 'yell'. The author seems to like this word; it's used 15 times in this book, but 'yell' is an extreme response: raising one's voice in anger, frustration, pain. Sometimes I felt that the character was more fearful, worried, or shaken, and 'yelling' did not seem the appropriate response.
A third odd thing was the guy who attacked her at the bar just roughed her up and didn't attempt to sexually assault her, but then vandalised her car. It was very odd behaviour and didn't match with a the profile of a man who had felt belittled and wanted to revenge himself on a woman and prove himself to be powerful and superior.
And for a traumatised, battered woman to be okay with all these strange guys hugging her a day or two after the incident... well... exactly how realistic was that? I could understand her trusting Kyle because she already knew him, although that was a bit of a stretch since it hadn't been a close friendship. And maybe it makes sense for her to trust Owen, since he was the doctor who attended to her in hospital. But Heath, Silas, and Flynn?
There were also continuity issues, like, she has a broken kneecap and she's told to stay off her feet and she herself tells Kyle it's going to take six weeks to heal. But after the first day, she seems to be happily hobbling all over the place. Not even using crutches, because she says she can't use crutches due to the hairline fracture in her right shoulder. Also, she has a panic attack in the bathroom and Kyle is with her, he calls Own and Flynn and basically tells them to bust down the door to get into his house because he can't heave Nora. But later Nora finds out that they all have keys to each other's houses and place of business, so why would they have needed to bust the door down?
Finally, the dialogue wasn't bad but it was occasionally awkward. It often didn't sound natural or didn't flow naturally. We didn't need to hear Nora tell the detectives what happened, because we had already experienced the incident through her eyes earlier, so the retelling was redundant. The detective's response was stilted: "You have my condolences that this happened to you and my partner and I will do all in our power to catch this guy. You've been very helpful, thank you." No one talks this way in real life.
In general, I liked all the characters and I liked the concept of the five men taking Nora under their wing, caring for her and looking out for her. But the execution could have been better.
The writing needs more polish or editing. Sometimes the characters' responses seemed odd or over the top. Like, when she calls Kyle to get her from the hospital, his response was just crazy. She knows him because he was a patron of the restaurant where she was waitressing and they'd had some conversations but they were not particularly close. Yet when she calls him, the first thing he says is:
"You have five seconds to explain to me why I'm picking you up from a hospital without any knowledge of you needing to be there. And I swear to God Nor, if you're hurt, I'm gonna be pissed that you didn't call me sooner."
If they're just casual friends who only met when he came to the restaurant and had brief chats during those times, there's no reason for her to have called him immediately when she was injured, and he didn't have a right to expect that. She also didn't owe him any explanations. So his demand was really odd and did not fit the nature of the relationship that she described.
Then we have the response of the other guys the moment they see her and how battered and bruised she is.
Silas: When Silas' eyes finally land on me, they start a cold white-hot burn. He looks back to Owen and his jaw muscle is ticking double time. "Tell me whoever did this to her is eating his meals through a straw."
Heath: When he sees me, he seems to swell with tension. His face turns red and he looks like he might explode, I brace for impact and it's a good thing I do. "Tell me you were in a car accident and that's why you're hurt. If someone did this to you, I'm going to kill that motherf*cker!" He bellows at us but I know he's talking about me.
Does this not strike you as odd and over the top? You see a battered and bruised woman and you immediately launch into an aggressive rant? Especially when you don't know her and haven't even been introduced to her?
Another odd thing that I noticed was the use of the word 'yell'. The author seems to like this word; it's used 15 times in this book, but 'yell' is an extreme response: raising one's voice in anger, frustration, pain. Sometimes I felt that the character was more fearful, worried, or shaken, and 'yelling' did not seem the appropriate response.
A third odd thing was the guy who attacked her at the bar just roughed her up and didn't attempt to sexually assault her, but then vandalised her car. It was very odd behaviour and didn't match with a the profile of a man who had felt belittled and wanted to revenge himself on a woman and prove himself to be powerful and superior.
And for a traumatised, battered woman to be okay with all these strange guys hugging her a day or two after the incident... well... exactly how realistic was that? I could understand her trusting Kyle because she already knew him, although that was a bit of a stretch since it hadn't been a close friendship. And maybe it makes sense for her to trust Owen, since he was the doctor who attended to her in hospital. But Heath, Silas, and Flynn?
There were also continuity issues, like, she has a broken kneecap and she's told to stay off her feet and she herself tells Kyle it's going to take six weeks to heal. But after the first day, she seems to be happily hobbling all over the place. Not even using crutches, because she says she can't use crutches due to the hairline fracture in her right shoulder. Also, she has a panic attack in the bathroom and Kyle is with her, he calls Own and Flynn and basically tells them to bust down the door to get into his house because he can't heave Nora. But later Nora finds out that they all have keys to each other's houses and place of business, so why would they have needed to bust the door down?
Finally, the dialogue wasn't bad but it was occasionally awkward. It often didn't sound natural or didn't flow naturally. We didn't need to hear Nora tell the detectives what happened, because we had already experienced the incident through her eyes earlier, so the retelling was redundant. The detective's response was stilted: "You have my condolences that this happened to you and my partner and I will do all in our power to catch this guy. You've been very helpful, thank you." No one talks this way in real life.
In general, I liked all the characters and I liked the concept of the five men taking Nora under their wing, caring for her and looking out for her. But the execution could have been better.
September 7, 2021
The premise is very similar to books like Peyton's Path (by SM Olivier), Pieces of Us (by Kerry Taylor), and Cardinal Bird (by Mia Smantz) -- an FMC with trauma in her past, no family and nowhere to go, taken in by a group of men who eventually become her harem. Unfortunately those three series do it better than this one by Cindy Pike.
The writing needs more polish or editing. Sometimes the characters' responses seemed odd or over the top. Like, when she calls Kyle to get her from the hospital, his response was just crazy. She says she knows him because he was a patron of the restaurant where she was waitressing and they'd had some conversations but they were not particularly close. Yet when she calls him, the first thing he says is:
If they're just casual friends who only met when he came to the restaurant and had brief chats during those times, there's no reason for her to have called him immediately when she was injured, and he didn't have a right to expect that. She also didn't owe him any explanations. So his demand was really odd and did not fit the nature of the relationship that she described.
Then we have the response of the other guys the moment they see her and how battered and bruised she is.
Silas: When Silas' eyes finally land on me, they start a cold white-hot burn. He looks back to Owen and his jaw muscle is ticking double time. "Tell me whoever did this to her is eating his meals through a straw."
Heath: When he sees me, he seems to swell with tension. His face turns red and he looks like he might explode, I brace for impact and it's a good thing I do. "Tell me you were in a car accident and that's why you're hurt. If someone did this to you, I'm going to kill that motherf*cker!" He bellows at us but I know he's talking about me.
Does this not strike you as odd and over the top? You see a battered and bruised woman and you immediately launch into an aggressive rant? Especially when you don't know her and haven't even been introduced to her?
Another odd thing that I noticed was the use of the word 'yell'. The author seems to like this word; it's used 15 times in this book, but 'yell' is an extreme response: raising one's voice in anger, frustration, pain. Sometimes I felt that the character was more fearful, worried, or shaken, and 'yelling' did not seem the appropriate response.
A third odd thing was the guy who attacked her at the bar just roughed her up and didn't attempt to sexually assault her, but then vandalised her car. It was very odd behaviour and didn't match with a the profile of a man who had felt belittled and wanted to revenge himself on a woman and prove himself to be powerful and superior.
And for a traumatised, battered woman to be okay with all these strange guys hugging her a day or two after the incident... well... exactly how realistic was that? I could understand her trusting Kyle because she already knew him, although that was a bit of a stretch since it hadn't been a close friendship. And maybe it makes sense for her to trust Owen, since he was the doctor who attended to her in hospital. But Heath, Silas, and Flynn?
There were also continuity issues, like, she has a broken kneecap and she's told to stay off her feet and she herself tells Kyle it's going to take six weeks to heal. But after the first day, she seems to be happily hobbling all over the place. Not even using crutches, because she says she can't use crutches due to the hairline fracture in her right shoulder. Also, she has a panic attack in the bathroom and Kyle is with her, he calls Own and Flynn and basically tells them to bust down the door to get into his house because he can't heave Nora. But later Nora finds out that they all have keys to each other's houses and place of business, so why would they have needed to bust the door down?
Finally, the dialogue wasn't bad but it was occasionally awkward. It often didn't sound natural or didn't flow naturally. We didn't need to hear Nora tell the detectives what happened, because we had already experienced the incident through her eyes earlier, so the retelling was redundant. The detective's response was stilted: "You have my condolences that this happened to you and my partner and I will do all in our power to catch this guy. You've been very helpful, thank you." No one talks this way in real life.
In general, I liked all the characters and I liked the concept of the five men taking Nora under their wing, caring for her and looking out for her. But the execution could have been better.
The writing needs more polish or editing. Sometimes the characters' responses seemed odd or over the top. Like, when she calls Kyle to get her from the hospital, his response was just crazy. She says she knows him because he was a patron of the restaurant where she was waitressing and they'd had some conversations but they were not particularly close. Yet when she calls him, the first thing he says is:
"You have five seconds to explain to me why I'm picking you up from a hospital without any knowledge of you needing to be there. And I swear to God Nor, if you're hurt, I'm gonna be pissed that you didn't call me sooner."
If they're just casual friends who only met when he came to the restaurant and had brief chats during those times, there's no reason for her to have called him immediately when she was injured, and he didn't have a right to expect that. She also didn't owe him any explanations. So his demand was really odd and did not fit the nature of the relationship that she described.
Then we have the response of the other guys the moment they see her and how battered and bruised she is.
Silas: When Silas' eyes finally land on me, they start a cold white-hot burn. He looks back to Owen and his jaw muscle is ticking double time. "Tell me whoever did this to her is eating his meals through a straw."
Heath: When he sees me, he seems to swell with tension. His face turns red and he looks like he might explode, I brace for impact and it's a good thing I do. "Tell me you were in a car accident and that's why you're hurt. If someone did this to you, I'm going to kill that motherf*cker!" He bellows at us but I know he's talking about me.
Does this not strike you as odd and over the top? You see a battered and bruised woman and you immediately launch into an aggressive rant? Especially when you don't know her and haven't even been introduced to her?
Another odd thing that I noticed was the use of the word 'yell'. The author seems to like this word; it's used 15 times in this book, but 'yell' is an extreme response: raising one's voice in anger, frustration, pain. Sometimes I felt that the character was more fearful, worried, or shaken, and 'yelling' did not seem the appropriate response.
A third odd thing was the guy who attacked her at the bar just roughed her up and didn't attempt to sexually assault her, but then vandalised her car. It was very odd behaviour and didn't match with a the profile of a man who had felt belittled and wanted to revenge himself on a woman and prove himself to be powerful and superior.
And for a traumatised, battered woman to be okay with all these strange guys hugging her a day or two after the incident... well... exactly how realistic was that? I could understand her trusting Kyle because she already knew him, although that was a bit of a stretch since it hadn't been a close friendship. And maybe it makes sense for her to trust Owen, since he was the doctor who attended to her in hospital. But Heath, Silas, and Flynn?
There were also continuity issues, like, she has a broken kneecap and she's told to stay off her feet and she herself tells Kyle it's going to take six weeks to heal. But after the first day, she seems to be happily hobbling all over the place. Not even using crutches, because she says she can't use crutches due to the hairline fracture in her right shoulder. Also, she has a panic attack in the bathroom and Kyle is with her, he calls Own and Flynn and basically tells them to bust down the door to get into his house because he can't heave Nora. But later Nora finds out that they all have keys to each other's houses and place of business, so why would they have needed to bust the door down?
Finally, the dialogue wasn't bad but it was occasionally awkward. It often didn't sound natural or didn't flow naturally. We didn't need to hear Nora tell the detectives what happened, because we had already experienced the incident through her eyes earlier, so the retelling was redundant. The detective's response was stilted: "You have my condolences that this happened to you and my partner and I will do all in our power to catch this guy. You've been very helpful, thank you." No one talks this way in real life.
In general, I liked all the characters and I liked the concept of the five men taking Nora under their wing, caring for her and looking out for her. But the execution could have been better.
October 9, 2019
Good but...
Felt like some things were missing. My biggest issue with the story is that Nora overheard a conversation Silas had and assumed it was about her. This caused her to run. While she later feels bad about it and changes her assumption that the conversation was not in fact about her, she doesn't discuss the issue with her guys at any point during the book. I enjoyed the premise of this story and like the characters themselves, but I felt like I didn't get enough information about the guys backstory. I'm hoping that future storylines will clear up the muddied storyline.
Felt like some things were missing. My biggest issue with the story is that Nora overheard a conversation Silas had and assumed it was about her. This caused her to run. While she later feels bad about it and changes her assumption that the conversation was not in fact about her, she doesn't discuss the issue with her guys at any point during the book. I enjoyed the premise of this story and like the characters themselves, but I felt like I didn't get enough information about the guys backstory. I'm hoping that future storylines will clear up the muddied storyline.
August 1, 2019
Wow.
This book blew my mind. I've read slot of TH novels and this one will definitely but home for a lot of readers. An excellent debut novel from Cindy Pike! I look forward to the next book in the series.
This book blew my mind. I've read slot of TH novels and this one will definitely but home for a lot of readers. An excellent debut novel from Cindy Pike! I look forward to the next book in the series.
March 30, 2020
2,5 stars ish
I would have liked if she discussed what she heard Silas say and not just continue on with everything aka life and assume that it´s about her maybe or if it was lay it on the table. I also felt it was too fast when the guys took an interest it just didn´t feel realistic ya know
I would have liked if she discussed what she heard Silas say and not just continue on with everything aka life and assume that it´s about her maybe or if it was lay it on the table. I also felt it was too fast when the guys took an interest it just didn´t feel realistic ya know
May 30, 2022
I just couldn’t get past the choppy story. It jumped from one thing to another and made no sense. It could be a really interesting story but there needs to be information tying key people and events together.
Read
August 6, 2020DNF 24% yeah no.
Sorry book its both of us 😕
Sorry book its both of us 😕
April 25, 2023
You know, this would have received five stars from me if not for the I sane grammar issues and errors!
"who's" vs "whose"
"Their, there, they're"
Come on... These are such common mistakes. Easy ones to fix but no one ever calls them out while proof reading. Stop being pussies and tell the authors they fucked up, so they can fix them!!!
And yes, it was an authors error...you will see early in. Trust me.
Ok, that all said... I like the story and would recommend it to ppl that want an extremely slow snail paced burn book. Well, less than that speed.
But it's a nice character build to work into the next book...I hope anyway, since I just bought the next book lol!
"who's" vs "whose"
"Their, there, they're"
Come on... These are such common mistakes. Easy ones to fix but no one ever calls them out while proof reading. Stop being pussies and tell the authors they fucked up, so they can fix them!!!
And yes, it was an authors error...you will see early in. Trust me.
Ok, that all said... I like the story and would recommend it to ppl that want an extremely slow snail paced burn book. Well, less than that speed.
But it's a nice character build to work into the next book...I hope anyway, since I just bought the next book lol!
December 26, 2021
:( I don't want to DNF after finally finding a book with doctors but it is not well done.
I don't like it when the world is set in a "real world" no magic no nothing, and the story turn too irrealistic. Like what are the odds that these 5 guys will instantly fall for a girl they literally just met and is broken physically and emotionally... I mean if the story woul have at least wated for her to give them a reason to fall in love with her. But nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not even time to get to know her and boom they are in love... what?
They even make her part of their familiy just lile that... ugh
Also nora's personality and the things she says just make me cringe so much... I am sooo embarrassed for her everytime she opens her mouth...
I wish this could have been good because I looooveeee when the h portrais doctors :((
I don't like it when the world is set in a "real world" no magic no nothing, and the story turn too irrealistic. Like what are the odds that these 5 guys will instantly fall for a girl they literally just met and is broken physically and emotionally... I mean if the story woul have at least wated for her to give them a reason to fall in love with her. But nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not even time to get to know her and boom they are in love... what?
They even make her part of their familiy just lile that... ugh
Also nora's personality and the things she says just make me cringe so much... I am sooo embarrassed for her everytime she opens her mouth...
I wish this could have been good because I looooveeee when the h portrais doctors :((
October 8, 2019
Not for the faint of heart...but so worth it!
My heart was broke a and shattered throughout this book but the ride was well worth it. The warning at the beginning of the book is no joke. There is so much raw emotion that accompanies the story that I found myself sucked in from the beginning and shocked when I got to the last page because I need to know what happens next. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book!!
My heart was broke a and shattered throughout this book but the ride was well worth it. The warning at the beginning of the book is no joke. There is so much raw emotion that accompanies the story that I found myself sucked in from the beginning and shocked when I got to the last page because I need to know what happens next. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book!!
October 9, 2019
*flips table* tf
Slowburn. Contemporary. Rh. 5? Guys. Reluctants in sharing. FMC POV only. Dude wtf was that ending. It just ended. No info or anything. Oy. Whatever it happened. Ok so our FMC deals with assault and PTSD/flashbacks that comes with it. To help is 5 hotties that she just met. They are all easy to love but not to keen on the sharing bit. So if you want your drama with your guys. 👍 A good read.
Slowburn. Contemporary. Rh. 5? Guys. Reluctants in sharing. FMC POV only. Dude wtf was that ending. It just ended. No info or anything. Oy. Whatever it happened. Ok so our FMC deals with assault and PTSD/flashbacks that comes with it. To help is 5 hotties that she just met. They are all easy to love but not to keen on the sharing bit. So if you want your drama with your guys. 👍 A good read.
August 9, 2019
Heartbreaking story of a woman who was broken multiple times and still has the strength to put herself back together. The five men she surrounds herself with help her heal, and remain by her side when the world keeps kicking her down. I'm ready for her to be able to finally have her happy ever after!
September 1, 2019
Broke
Oh my goodness, this story......man.
First let me say this: Please make sure you read the author's Trigger Warning.
Now that that's out of the way, man this was one crazy good story. Poor Nora goes through so much hell, but ends up meeting these guys that just fold her into their lives. And man that cliffhanger, I need more. I need to know what happens.
Oh my goodness, this story......man.
First let me say this: Please make sure you read the author's Trigger Warning.
Now that that's out of the way, man this was one crazy good story. Poor Nora goes through so much hell, but ends up meeting these guys that just fold her into their lives. And man that cliffhanger, I need more. I need to know what happens.
October 28, 2019
Where's number 2!
Holy cliffhanger!!!! That was like the climax and then bam! Done!! Very good read, definitely recommend!! I would like to point out though that there are some word errors, especially the way Ms Like utilizes the word "retort". Not once was it used correctly, but other than that a very good read!
Holy cliffhanger!!!! That was like the climax and then bam! Done!! Very good read, definitely recommend!! I would like to point out though that there are some word errors, especially the way Ms Like utilizes the word "retort". Not once was it used correctly, but other than that a very good read!
October 29, 2019
It's got a few issues but the overall story was pretty good
I'm not a first person fan and I'll be honest it started off rough (if you can see my notes author) the story line is pretty good but the conversation at the beginning is wrong and the story has gaping holes. I'd read the second though because it all got better farther in the story.
I'm not a first person fan and I'll be honest it started off rough (if you can see my notes author) the story line is pretty good but the conversation at the beginning is wrong and the story has gaping holes. I'd read the second though because it all got better farther in the story.
August 2, 2019
EPIC NEW SERIES!!!
This book will have you in tears and laughs. Cindy has a way of capturing you with her words and makes sure you keep wanting more! Cannot wait to see where this goes!!
This book will have you in tears and laughs. Cindy has a way of capturing you with her words and makes sure you keep wanting more! Cannot wait to see where this goes!!
August 3, 2019
Sucks you in
Very dark and disturbing storyline, sucks you in with the strong characters. Really good start, looking forward to the next addition and I really hope I am wrong in who I think is the stalker.
Very dark and disturbing storyline, sucks you in with the strong characters. Really good start, looking forward to the next addition and I really hope I am wrong in who I think is the stalker.
August 15, 2019
Wow
This was an amazing book! I connected with the characters right away. Not having any trauma like that depicted , I was able to understand what it must be like and how strong people must be to make it through. I can’t wait to see how the series develops!
This was an amazing book! I connected with the characters right away. Not having any trauma like that depicted , I was able to understand what it must be like and how strong people must be to make it through. I can’t wait to see how the series develops!
February 18, 2023
Broken Soul by Cindy Pike **/*****
#KindleUnlimited #Reviews
Triggers: Rape, Flashbacks, Assualt,
Subgenres/ Tropes: RH Contemporary, FMMMMM, Saviours
Spoilers Possible
So I had very high hopes for when I started this book. Honestly when I first read the summary I thought, bring on all the trauma and emotional rebuilding. However this book severely fails at that. Yes the initial rape scene is quite graphic which I liked but we didnt really get to go along with FMC as she gets free and begins to heal. It just fast forward some years (never says how many) to her being attacked once more by someone else. This attack however is glossed over and almost instantly we begin the healing process from both attacks. The “healing” all happens off book and the coping mechanisms only come up when needed and are sometimes never revisited. I have to say that most of this book felt very needless and unreal. Most of the MMC were okay but none of them nor their relationships drew me in and made me hope for an HEA. Honestly most of this book was blah except for the stalker psycho. The identity of the stalker psycho was the only reason I continued reading this series (since no one would say who it was in their reviews, rude!) We do find out in book two who it is and yes it is exactly who you think it is.
There were many issues throughout besides just not getting what I was hoping for. The grammar and spelling in this book was atrocious (which as you can tell from this review I’m not super good at so that's saying something that I’m complaining about it). The time seemed to flow with no rhyme or reason. Sometimes I thought we were still on the same day only to find out it was a week later and so on. I still don't really fully grasp the time between when the guys brought her back and her magically being mostly healed from injuries that were supposed to take 6 weeks to heal. Like what happened in that time? There were also many times when the author used words or phrases that either didn't make sense or would never actually be thought of. The dialog, my god, the dialog was so bad most of the time I was cringing and wondering wtf.
Things I did like:
Slow burn- Like really fucking slow, no one had sex until the very end of book 2. Which I felt was very fitting for the trauma that the FMC has been through
Character growth- While there wasn't much character growth for any of the MC’s, the FMC did have a small amount in accepting not being alone any more and some fight. Which if I’m being honest is very realistic though I’m not sure how this leads the miraculous HEA so quickly but whatever.
Ebook:
Audiobook:
Author’s Website:
Bonus Content:
Goodreads Review:
#KindleUnlimited #Reviews
Triggers: Rape, Flashbacks, Assualt,
Subgenres/ Tropes: RH Contemporary, FMMMMM, Saviours
Spoilers Possible
So I had very high hopes for when I started this book. Honestly when I first read the summary I thought, bring on all the trauma and emotional rebuilding. However this book severely fails at that. Yes the initial rape scene is quite graphic which I liked but we didnt really get to go along with FMC as she gets free and begins to heal. It just fast forward some years (never says how many) to her being attacked once more by someone else. This attack however is glossed over and almost instantly we begin the healing process from both attacks. The “healing” all happens off book and the coping mechanisms only come up when needed and are sometimes never revisited. I have to say that most of this book felt very needless and unreal. Most of the MMC were okay but none of them nor their relationships drew me in and made me hope for an HEA. Honestly most of this book was blah except for the stalker psycho. The identity of the stalker psycho was the only reason I continued reading this series (since no one would say who it was in their reviews, rude!) We do find out in book two who it is and yes it is exactly who you think it is.
There were many issues throughout besides just not getting what I was hoping for. The grammar and spelling in this book was atrocious (which as you can tell from this review I’m not super good at so that's saying something that I’m complaining about it). The time seemed to flow with no rhyme or reason. Sometimes I thought we were still on the same day only to find out it was a week later and so on. I still don't really fully grasp the time between when the guys brought her back and her magically being mostly healed from injuries that were supposed to take 6 weeks to heal. Like what happened in that time? There were also many times when the author used words or phrases that either didn't make sense or would never actually be thought of. The dialog, my god, the dialog was so bad most of the time I was cringing and wondering wtf.
Things I did like:
Slow burn- Like really fucking slow, no one had sex until the very end of book 2. Which I felt was very fitting for the trauma that the FMC has been through
Character growth- While there wasn't much character growth for any of the MC’s, the FMC did have a small amount in accepting not being alone any more and some fight. Which if I’m being honest is very realistic though I’m not sure how this leads the miraculous HEA so quickly but whatever.
Ebook:
Audiobook:
Author’s Website:
Bonus Content:
Goodreads Review:
April 2, 2020
I'm giving this book 2 and a half stars. It would rate higher, but I had problems with some of the story. First, the trigger warnings include the phrase "animal abuse," but that does not necessarily mean that an animal will be killed. That does happen in this book, and I'm angry about it. I usually avoid all books where an animal is killed. My other two issues are the lack of editing (which is needed badly in this book) and a plot thread that was simply dropped and never again addressed.
The plot thread that was dropped was regarding a conversation the main character overheard one of the guys having on the phone early in the development of the RH. She heard his words, got upset, and then nothing came of it. She never asked him, she never told anyone else, and she didn't even hold a grudge. If the words he said were actually about her and not a misunderstanding (which is what I suspect), then she absolutely SHOULD hold a grudge! They were horrible words and a horrible thing to say and if he really feels that way then he should NEVER be a member of her RH! Yet, she just ignores it and eventually never brings it up again (to herself, since she never brings it up to anyone else at all.)
The editing issues are numerous. The English major in me is just dying to do it for free and email the new copy to the author! There were so many typos where words were left out or extra words were inserted and made the sentence senseless. There were issues with tense. Some sentences were past tense and some were present, but they were all jumbled up together like a space/time paradox. At one point they had the dogs searching for a "dong" in the backyard, which I can only assume was really supposed to be a "kong" or a "bone?"
The plot itself was a good idea. It just needs some polishing to make it better. Also, the trigger warnings for those who can't handle the deaths of animals should be updated. I honestly would have skipped this book if I had known that "animal abuse" really meant "animal murder." Seriously, that was just awful.
Yet, I will still read the next book when it is available because at this point I want to know who done it. (Although I have my suspicions.)
Trigger Warning: A dog will be murdered in this book, and he is an awesome dog. Additionally, the opening chapter is pretty horrible. The MC's past in this book is spelled out pretty explicitly in the first chapter. It's not like most RH/Savior books where the MC has a bad past that comes out in flashbacks. This author writes out all of the trauma as a Prologue and then gets into the modern day.
The plot thread that was dropped was regarding a conversation the main character overheard one of the guys having on the phone early in the development of the RH. She heard his words, got upset, and then nothing came of it. She never asked him, she never told anyone else, and she didn't even hold a grudge. If the words he said were actually about her and not a misunderstanding (which is what I suspect), then she absolutely SHOULD hold a grudge! They were horrible words and a horrible thing to say and if he really feels that way then he should NEVER be a member of her RH! Yet, she just ignores it and eventually never brings it up again (to herself, since she never brings it up to anyone else at all.)
The editing issues are numerous. The English major in me is just dying to do it for free and email the new copy to the author! There were so many typos where words were left out or extra words were inserted and made the sentence senseless. There were issues with tense. Some sentences were past tense and some were present, but they were all jumbled up together like a space/time paradox. At one point they had the dogs searching for a "dong" in the backyard, which I can only assume was really supposed to be a "kong" or a "bone?"
The plot itself was a good idea. It just needs some polishing to make it better. Also, the trigger warnings for those who can't handle the deaths of animals should be updated. I honestly would have skipped this book if I had known that "animal abuse" really meant "animal murder." Seriously, that was just awful.
Yet, I will still read the next book when it is available because at this point I want to know who done it. (Although I have my suspicions.)
Trigger Warning: A dog will be murdered in this book, and he is an awesome dog. Additionally, the opening chapter is pretty horrible. The MC's past in this book is spelled out pretty explicitly in the first chapter. It's not like most RH/Savior books where the MC has a bad past that comes out in flashbacks. This author writes out all of the trauma as a Prologue and then gets into the modern day.
September 18, 2020
Alright.
I enjoyed Broken Soul. But the biggest thing I need to say is this: The first chapter is a “shown” 3 day period of FMC being held captive, emotionally controlled and raped and beaten. The second chapter starts off several years later with a build up to the nighttime where she is attacked (though no mention of rape) and beaten (less detailed than the first, but still huge TW).
I found some inconsistencies in the book that disrupted the natural flow as well as problems with the harem being too alike and the MC plus reader barely knowing anything about them.
inconsistency 1. 70% sure she had a ex military self defense teacher at a gym she attended but after second attack the harem wants her to join a gym and she acts like shes never done it before?
inconsistency 2. One interaction led her to run away due to what she overheard and misinterprets. The next interaction between them is confessing love interest.
The harem blended together (except 2) and there was not much quality to their relationships. Even with side characters.
FMC has triggers and problems which is a good thing. Her character development was more told then shown, but it is there.
The BEST thing about this book is that it is almost completely shown, not told. It was interesting and easy to keep up (knowing the days, locations, surroundings and events). No huge time skips except for the first one, which is not labeled.
The book ended on a not so happy cliffhanger, but it is small. I think it is actually too small. I don’t feel the need or want to read the next book.
I enjoyed Broken Soul. But the biggest thing I need to say is this: The first chapter is a “shown” 3 day period of FMC being held captive, emotionally controlled and raped and beaten. The second chapter starts off several years later with a build up to the nighttime where she is attacked (though no mention of rape) and beaten (less detailed than the first, but still huge TW).
I found some inconsistencies in the book that disrupted the natural flow as well as problems with the harem being too alike and the MC plus reader barely knowing anything about them.
inconsistency 1. 70% sure she had a ex military self defense teacher at a gym she attended but after second attack the harem wants her to join a gym and she acts like shes never done it before?
inconsistency 2. One interaction led her to run away due to what she overheard and misinterprets. The next interaction between them is confessing love interest.
The harem blended together (except 2) and there was not much quality to their relationships. Even with side characters.
FMC has triggers and problems which is a good thing. Her character development was more told then shown, but it is there.
The BEST thing about this book is that it is almost completely shown, not told. It was interesting and easy to keep up (knowing the days, locations, surroundings and events). No huge time skips except for the first one, which is not labeled.
The book ended on a not so happy cliffhanger, but it is small. I think it is actually too small. I don’t feel the need or want to read the next book.
September 23, 2020
So this book went from the heroine being a tuff chick to zero confidence. I am understanding of her circumstances but there was a part in the book we’re she over heard silias on the phone instead of clarification she ran away and they never had a talk about it which is weird to me .
Like are you not gonna discuss the elephant from that convo she over heard . Kyle needs space totally get that but the guys feel so submissive to her to were they crawl on the floor .
I was only gonna rate it 1 star but the end teared me up that bishop was killed . (In my head well I was reading I was like something is gonna happen to those dogs and you’d think they have money but no security or cameras and boom they got the dogs )
I’m going to try to read the rest of the series . I understand rape and trama are not a joke but this first book felt weird like at the beginning when Nora was already living by her self she mentioned she had a personal trainer for self defense ect . The guys come in and it’s like let’s get you a personal trainer in self defense and I’m like ....... Um ok .
I will read the rest of the series who knows maybe it will get better in characters development ?!
Oh well on to the next book !
Like are you not gonna discuss the elephant from that convo she over heard . Kyle needs space totally get that but the guys feel so submissive to her to were they crawl on the floor .
I was only gonna rate it 1 star but the end teared me up that bishop was killed . (In my head well I was reading I was like something is gonna happen to those dogs and you’d think they have money but no security or cameras and boom they got the dogs )
I’m going to try to read the rest of the series . I understand rape and trama are not a joke but this first book felt weird like at the beginning when Nora was already living by her self she mentioned she had a personal trainer for self defense ect . The guys come in and it’s like let’s get you a personal trainer in self defense and I’m like ....... Um ok .
I will read the rest of the series who knows maybe it will get better in characters development ?!
Oh well on to the next book !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2022
Mending your soul
I so far love this story. I'm not usually a slow burn reader I love the hot sexy connection with the guys but with her trauma I understand it and actually love it. I love how the author takes it slow and shows true PTSD from the abused she endured. It's so real like. And that's what I love about it. The slow build up for it. I love that they are all friends. Usually I like when they all live together. I'm sad that the 1st guy she new is having a hard time with Shari her. I hope he gives it a chance with her and the guys. It's only going to start probs if he doesn't. I have a feeling that jealousy is going to rear It's ugly head soon cause they only 2 that seems to be fully on board was Dr Sexy Owen and his side kick EMT Fynn. Wowsa to in the med field lol. I can see that Silas and Heath are going to be the ones having and issue even tho they are willing to try. I just hope Kyle gets on board cause she is his Rock. And being friends isn't going to cut it when he will keep seeing them with his friends. I have faith tho. So hopefully it works out with all of them. Time will tell I'm the next books. So while this one is done I'm off to the next one. Ps I feel like it's her ex roommate that is doing all this stuff.
I so far love this story. I'm not usually a slow burn reader I love the hot sexy connection with the guys but with her trauma I understand it and actually love it. I love how the author takes it slow and shows true PTSD from the abused she endured. It's so real like. And that's what I love about it. The slow build up for it. I love that they are all friends. Usually I like when they all live together. I'm sad that the 1st guy she new is having a hard time with Shari her. I hope he gives it a chance with her and the guys. It's only going to start probs if he doesn't. I have a feeling that jealousy is going to rear It's ugly head soon cause they only 2 that seems to be fully on board was Dr Sexy Owen and his side kick EMT Fynn. Wowsa to in the med field lol. I can see that Silas and Heath are going to be the ones having and issue even tho they are willing to try. I just hope Kyle gets on board cause she is his Rock. And being friends isn't going to cut it when he will keep seeing them with his friends. I have faith tho. So hopefully it works out with all of them. Time will tell I'm the next books. So while this one is done I'm off to the next one. Ps I feel like it's her ex roommate that is doing all this stuff.
August 29, 2020
Slow going but intriguing
My favorite part of this story is that the main character is on a journey of healing. She went through something pretty traumatic and is now processing and is trying to heal. Sometimes she does well and sometimes she has panic attacks. This helps others who go through trauma not feel so alone. Alot of stories jump all the journey and go straight to healed like the trauma never happened.
I dont like Kyle. I did but just because she doesnt want to be exclusive with him is no reason not to be her friend.
I also dont like that she gives up her entire identity to people she doesnt know. This is someone who supposedly is untrusting.
She also mentions early in the story she has no friends at all but then when shes in the hospital she knows kyle and well enough to have his number and for him to pick her up.
Also wouldnt she have been learning self defense at the gym she originally went to?
Minor plot holes comparatively but plot holes nonetheless.
Also by the end of book one she is still single.
My favorite part of this story is that the main character is on a journey of healing. She went through something pretty traumatic and is now processing and is trying to heal. Sometimes she does well and sometimes she has panic attacks. This helps others who go through trauma not feel so alone. Alot of stories jump all the journey and go straight to healed like the trauma never happened.
I dont like Kyle. I did but just because she doesnt want to be exclusive with him is no reason not to be her friend.
I also dont like that she gives up her entire identity to people she doesnt know. This is someone who supposedly is untrusting.
She also mentions early in the story she has no friends at all but then when shes in the hospital she knows kyle and well enough to have his number and for him to pick her up.
Also wouldnt she have been learning self defense at the gym she originally went to?
Minor plot holes comparatively but plot holes nonetheless.
Also by the end of book one she is still single.
May 6, 2021
An enjoyable read if you’re in the mood for RH tropes and not thinking too hard about details. BEWARE the trigger warnings! Most are vivid and detailed on page either real time or flashbacks, not just quick mentions. (If on page sexual assault is an issue but can handle mostly vague references to past trauma, skip the prologue)
Pros (and tropes): Independent FMC, overprotective harem. A very good representation of the realties of PTSD, trauma, anxiety and re traumatization. Really loved reading a group of guys with a deep understanding of trauma and triggers, and the fact the author didn’t let any of it magically go away.
Cons: Could use a good edit. Lots of plot holes. Strangers to insta lust and a LOT of trust/dependence verging on unbelievable. Character’s low point at the 80% is mark was pretty rushed and then everyone just instantly moved past it without consequences that really drew away from how well the difficulties of the first part were done. Last 20% almost feels like would be better start to the next book.
Pros (and tropes): Independent FMC, overprotective harem. A very good representation of the realties of PTSD, trauma, anxiety and re traumatization. Really loved reading a group of guys with a deep understanding of trauma and triggers, and the fact the author didn’t let any of it magically go away.
Cons: Could use a good edit. Lots of plot holes. Strangers to insta lust and a LOT of trust/dependence verging on unbelievable. Character’s low point at the 80% is mark was pretty rushed and then everyone just instantly moved past it without consequences that really drew away from how well the difficulties of the first part were done. Last 20% almost feels like would be better start to the next book.
June 12, 2024
Couldn't connect
I can't fault the actual writing of this book however, I couldn't connect with the characters. Contemporary RH's are my favorite type books to read, but I need them to make more sense.
It just seems inexplicable that these 5 friends all fall for a girl who has been beaten and somewhat traumatized. I get Kyle's interest. He's known Nora for a year and has always had a romantic interest in her, although he thought it was unrequited. But as soon as the other 4 guys meet her, they want her immediately?! She's bruised and beaten and hasn't even said anything, and these guys hug her and vow to protect her? Yeah, it's just not believable.
Also, Nora is so contradictory. At the beginning of the book, she says how she can't trust anyone, and how 90% of people are horrible, but immediately trusts 4 strangers and allows them to hug her and carry her places? She's also very immature for a 22ish woman. Who says good goodness? It's repeated frequently and makes her sound like she 5!
Unfortunately, I won't be continuing to book 2.
I can't fault the actual writing of this book however, I couldn't connect with the characters. Contemporary RH's are my favorite type books to read, but I need them to make more sense.
It just seems inexplicable that these 5 friends all fall for a girl who has been beaten and somewhat traumatized. I get Kyle's interest. He's known Nora for a year and has always had a romantic interest in her, although he thought it was unrequited. But as soon as the other 4 guys meet her, they want her immediately?! She's bruised and beaten and hasn't even said anything, and these guys hug her and vow to protect her? Yeah, it's just not believable.
Also, Nora is so contradictory. At the beginning of the book, she says how she can't trust anyone, and how 90% of people are horrible, but immediately trusts 4 strangers and allows them to hug her and carry her places? She's also very immature for a 22ish woman. Who says good goodness? It's repeated frequently and makes her sound like she 5!
Unfortunately, I won't be continuing to book 2.
September 28, 2021
I tried… I really really did. DNF 21%. Maybe my expectations are too high. I get so irritated with the “I’m all about you but not really” guys. You have the friend- saying he’ll sleep on the floor if she doesn’t want him in bed with her, but he has to stay close. Taking away her choice. The doctor, going out of his way to treat her “special” when in reality real physicians wouldn’t act like this. Hell, after my own surgery I told a male nurse I literally did not care if he helped me get dressed and he still got a female nurse to help me and I hadn’t been violently assaulted. 🙄And then he’s like “what caused him to attack you?” Even his line of questioning suggests she did anything to cause it. Taking away her choices, making her assault about him by the whole “I just had to tell you how I feel” shit after you’ve told her she’ll be staying with you for weeks? NAH controlling jerk masquerading as a hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2022
Good start!
First, please pay particular attention to the trigger warnings because let me say that the prologue is brutal and horrendous. Not for faint heart!
Anyway, Broken Soul is totally my type of book and I enjoyed it a lot: a broken FMC, Nora, who met five hot men ready to help her fighting PTSD and protect her at any cost, and of the guy not really into RH and being an assh*le...classic.
The description of Nora's trauma and panic attacks are very realistic. Nora is a likeable character and from the beginning you will like her and cry with her. She has to endure so much! The guys are interesting characters as well with their own story, past trauma, etc. It's interesting reading about their developement and how their relationship will grow.
I just have to say that this book/serie remembered me a lot about the Pieces of Us serie but maybe in less brutal🧐
Ready for the next book!
First, please pay particular attention to the trigger warnings because let me say that the prologue is brutal and horrendous. Not for faint heart!
Anyway, Broken Soul is totally my type of book and I enjoyed it a lot: a broken FMC, Nora, who met five hot men ready to help her fighting PTSD and protect her at any cost, and of the guy not really into RH and being an assh*le...classic.
The description of Nora's trauma and panic attacks are very realistic. Nora is a likeable character and from the beginning you will like her and cry with her. She has to endure so much! The guys are interesting characters as well with their own story, past trauma, etc. It's interesting reading about their developement and how their relationship will grow.
I just have to say that this book/serie remembered me a lot about the Pieces of Us serie but maybe in less brutal🧐
Ready for the next book!
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