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Broken
It’s my senior year of college.
I should be having the time of my life.
Going to the club, downing too many shots of cheap tequila.
A different guy warming my bed every weekend.
Instead, I’m stuck with a new roommate.
Cameron Conrad.
Stubborn. Cocky. Overprotective.
Sure, he’s here because someone is sending death threats again.
But do I really need a constant babysitter?
One who calls me Sunshine and breaks down my carefully curated walls?
I’m not a damsel in distress.
I have a target on my back, true, but I want Cameron nowhere near the crosshairs.
He deserves a happily ever after.
And riding into the sunset isn’t in my future.
Someone’s coming for me.
Ready or not.
___
Praise for Burned
“From the first moment I read this book, I knew I was going to love it. When I tell you guys it’s been written to perfection… I can’t wait to read the books [A.J.] is going to release in the future!” -tanyareads_
“I enjoyed this debut novel so much! It was sweet, steamy, and suspenseful. It was one I didn’t want to put down once I started reading. Highly recommend!”
-Kristie, Amazon reviewer
“Writing like this is enriching for the soul.” -Toni, Amazon reviewer
I should be having the time of my life.
Going to the club, downing too many shots of cheap tequila.
A different guy warming my bed every weekend.
Instead, I’m stuck with a new roommate.
Cameron Conrad.
Stubborn. Cocky. Overprotective.
Sure, he’s here because someone is sending death threats again.
But do I really need a constant babysitter?
One who calls me Sunshine and breaks down my carefully curated walls?
I’m not a damsel in distress.
I have a target on my back, true, but I want Cameron nowhere near the crosshairs.
He deserves a happily ever after.
And riding into the sunset isn’t in my future.
Someone’s coming for me.
Ready or not.
___
Praise for Burned
“From the first moment I read this book, I knew I was going to love it. When I tell you guys it’s been written to perfection… I can’t wait to read the books [A.J.] is going to release in the future!” -tanyareads_
“I enjoyed this debut novel so much! It was sweet, steamy, and suspenseful. It was one I didn’t want to put down once I started reading. Highly recommend!”
-Kristie, Amazon reviewer
“Writing like this is enriching for the soul.” -Toni, Amazon reviewer
- GenresFriends To Lovers
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2022
14 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book just as much as book 1. I still think the author has a beautiful writing style and everything fits together just so. I love how close this group of friends is and how they have each others backs no matter what. (I do strongly recommend reading these books in order to best understand the characters and events discussed.)
This story brought out some mixed emotions in me, some I can’t discuss without spoilers, so I’ll keep those to myself. The FMC kept pushing him away because she was afraid he’d be in danger because of her, but when she finally allowed him in, someone from her past showed up. I sympathized with the MMC feeling as if he wasn’t good enough for her, and I also understood why he was so worked up about her renewed friendship with someone she had loved in her past. I didn’t understand how she couldn’t see what an issue it was for her new bf.
Even though I figured the mystery part of it out like halfway through, I still enjoyed seeing how everything played out and finding out WHY. It was really very tragic and finding out the why of it was one of the things I had mixed emotions about.
At times I felt the spice was a bit much, but overall I felt the plot was well rounded.
My Rating: 5/5. Spice: 4/5.
Tropes & CW’s 👇
- Friends to lovers
- Some forced proximity
- Stubborn FMC
- Protective MMC
- Found family/tight knit friend group
- He calls her ‘Sunshine’
- University life
- Baseball ⚾️
- Clothing designer
- Third act breakup
- Past trauma
- Stalking (not by the MMC)
- Gunshot injuries
- Attempted knifing
- Mention of domestic abuse
- Mention of miscarriage
Quotes 👇
“If you’re feeling sad or mad or anything else, you gotta talk it out or else it’ll fester into something ugly.”
“Every fall is a chance to rise.”
“You’re the one I want kicking me in my sleep and hogging the covers.”
This story brought out some mixed emotions in me, some I can’t discuss without spoilers, so I’ll keep those to myself. The FMC kept pushing him away because she was afraid he’d be in danger because of her, but when she finally allowed him in, someone from her past showed up. I sympathized with the MMC feeling as if he wasn’t good enough for her, and I also understood why he was so worked up about her renewed friendship with someone she had loved in her past. I didn’t understand how she couldn’t see what an issue it was for her new bf.
Even though I figured the mystery part of it out like halfway through, I still enjoyed seeing how everything played out and finding out WHY. It was really very tragic and finding out the why of it was one of the things I had mixed emotions about.
At times I felt the spice was a bit much, but overall I felt the plot was well rounded.
My Rating: 5/5. Spice: 4/5.
Tropes & CW’s 👇
- Friends to lovers
- Some forced proximity
- Stubborn FMC
- Protective MMC
- Found family/tight knit friend group
- He calls her ‘Sunshine’
- University life
- Baseball ⚾️
- Clothing designer
- Third act breakup
- Past trauma
- Stalking (not by the MMC)
- Gunshot injuries
- Attempted knifing
- Mention of domestic abuse
- Mention of miscarriage
Quotes 👇
“If you’re feeling sad or mad or anything else, you gotta talk it out or else it’ll fester into something ugly.”
“Every fall is a chance to rise.”
“You’re the one I want kicking me in my sleep and hogging the covers.”
August 30, 2023
3.5⭐️ - Cameron and Lucy are definitely a cute friends-to-lovers. I definitely enjoyed the book, looking back though, seems unrealistic and ruins it a little, but well done overall.
Lucy and Cameron have been flirty friends lurking around each other for ages. Both enjoying casual hookups, neither is interested in being in a relationship. This is until Violet and Liam get together, and bring their circle of friends even closer together. With the added complication of being best friends with a couple that are engaged, everyone is hesitant to encourage them to act on their feelings.
When things start acting up with Lucy, after having her apartment broken into, Cameron moves into her apartment to help keep her safe. Taking their time getting into the physical side of things, they couple find it hard to ignore the strong pull they have to each other. Eventually falling in love, despite all the baggage they both carry, things go from bad to worse on the front of the danger she’s in.
Only issue with this book is how unrealistic is seems to me. Having just had the issues with Violet in the last book, the idea of a criminal out to get you and a stalker in the same year and in the same area just seems statistically unlikely. Obviously it’s a book, but it made the story seems off to me. Overall I did like the book though, definitely recommend.
Lucy and Cameron have been flirty friends lurking around each other for ages. Both enjoying casual hookups, neither is interested in being in a relationship. This is until Violet and Liam get together, and bring their circle of friends even closer together. With the added complication of being best friends with a couple that are engaged, everyone is hesitant to encourage them to act on their feelings.
When things start acting up with Lucy, after having her apartment broken into, Cameron moves into her apartment to help keep her safe. Taking their time getting into the physical side of things, they couple find it hard to ignore the strong pull they have to each other. Eventually falling in love, despite all the baggage they both carry, things go from bad to worse on the front of the danger she’s in.
Only issue with this book is how unrealistic is seems to me. Having just had the issues with Violet in the last book, the idea of a criminal out to get you and a stalker in the same year and in the same area just seems statistically unlikely. Obviously it’s a book, but it made the story seems off to me. Overall I did like the book though, definitely recommend.
December 18, 2022
the mcs, electrifying. the plot, impeccable. the side characters, amazing. the spice, chefs kiss. all the fine details, perfection.
so book 1 in the white plains series (burned) had me in a chokehold but BROKEN oh my. nothing could’ve prepared me 4 wht i read. IT WAS SO FREAKING AMAZING n it did not disappoint at all🙌🏽
i adore lucy. i love tht she’s trying to protect all those around her even tho she’s the one in danger. she’s fearless, strong & pure hearted.
cameron. u could jus see how attentive he is. the way he’s so able to understand & rly see lucy. the adoration & love he has for her is so cute man. and let’s talk ab the way he’s protective & possessive of his girl😭also let’s mention the fact tht he’s educated on books👀I AM IN LOVE W THIS MAN.
the boutique scene, thts all imma say🤭
but seeing them together was so beautiful. the undeniable connection between them was electric. i cried whn cameron confessed whn he fell in love w lucy & whn lucy finally said those three words back🥹
so book 1 in the white plains series (burned) had me in a chokehold but BROKEN oh my. nothing could’ve prepared me 4 wht i read. IT WAS SO FREAKING AMAZING n it did not disappoint at all🙌🏽
i adore lucy. i love tht she’s trying to protect all those around her even tho she’s the one in danger. she’s fearless, strong & pure hearted.
cameron. u could jus see how attentive he is. the way he’s so able to understand & rly see lucy. the adoration & love he has for her is so cute man. and let’s talk ab the way he’s protective & possessive of his girl😭also let’s mention the fact tht he’s educated on books👀I AM IN LOVE W THIS MAN.
the boutique scene, thts all imma say🤭
but seeing them together was so beautiful. the undeniable connection between them was electric. i cried whn cameron confessed whn he fell in love w lucy & whn lucy finally said those three words back🥹
December 14, 2022
A.J. Ray sure has a way of writting a story that's spicy with a little mystery that keeps you coming back for more.
I loved this book! Cameron is the ultimate book boyfriend, even more so with him already knowing other book boyfriends. He's such a sweet, loving, kind hearted man that you can't help but fall for the more you read.
Lucy is a strong, amazingly ambitious and very cautious women who tries to keep herself from falling for Cameron. Which, with all that I've already said is nearly impossible. But, with good reason, Lucy doesn't want to drag him into her mess of a life.
Reading about Cameron falling more and more in love with Lucy and with how well A.J. writes the spice, this was amazing! But the kicker is the mystery! I'm not usually one for mystery in my romance. But there's just something about how A.J. writes it that draws you in and keeps you riveted. An absolute fantastic read!!
I loved this book! Cameron is the ultimate book boyfriend, even more so with him already knowing other book boyfriends. He's such a sweet, loving, kind hearted man that you can't help but fall for the more you read.
Lucy is a strong, amazingly ambitious and very cautious women who tries to keep herself from falling for Cameron. Which, with all that I've already said is nearly impossible. But, with good reason, Lucy doesn't want to drag him into her mess of a life.
Reading about Cameron falling more and more in love with Lucy and with how well A.J. writes the spice, this was amazing! But the kicker is the mystery! I'm not usually one for mystery in my romance. But there's just something about how A.J. writes it that draws you in and keeps you riveted. An absolute fantastic read!!
December 16, 2022
Broken Book Two in the White Plains Series by AJ Ray
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Lucy never lets any man get close to her. After she was threatened in her past she knew it was best to keep men at a distance. Cameron wants to be there for Lucy. He has always felt a spark and has always been drawn to her. When strange things start happening around them both will Lucy trust Cameron to never leave her or will she start building her walls back up again? You will just have to read to find out! This is a friends to lovers, steamy, cinnamon roll with a dirty mouth MMC, and suspenseful book you do not want to miss!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Lucy never lets any man get close to her. After she was threatened in her past she knew it was best to keep men at a distance. Cameron wants to be there for Lucy. He has always felt a spark and has always been drawn to her. When strange things start happening around them both will Lucy trust Cameron to never leave her or will she start building her walls back up again? You will just have to read to find out! This is a friends to lovers, steamy, cinnamon roll with a dirty mouth MMC, and suspenseful book you do not want to miss!
April 7, 2023
I am absolutely hooked by AJ and her words! I just can't get enough of her stories.
This is the second book in her White Plains series and I LOVED it so much!!
Cameron and Lucy are so awesome. I love their relationship and the friendship that they build on.
Cameron is so sweet and loving, I just adore him and his personality.
Lucy has so much on her shoulders and has too always keep her guard up. She lets very few people close to her. But can she resist Cameron?
This book is so good and has some suspense, lots of loyalty and some steam... You will love this couple as much as I do!
This is the second book in her White Plains series and I LOVED it so much!!
Cameron and Lucy are so awesome. I love their relationship and the friendship that they build on.
Cameron is so sweet and loving, I just adore him and his personality.
Lucy has so much on her shoulders and has too always keep her guard up. She lets very few people close to her. But can she resist Cameron?
This book is so good and has some suspense, lots of loyalty and some steam... You will love this couple as much as I do!
December 18, 2022
Wow
I am so loving this author. I need Tyler's book now please. This book was perfectly written. I'm sad it ended. I want more. I never write about the book because I'm always afraid i'll give something away. But I will definitely say thus book is a must read and you will love it just like I did.
I am so loving this author. I need Tyler's book now please. This book was perfectly written. I'm sad it ended. I want more. I never write about the book because I'm always afraid i'll give something away. But I will definitely say thus book is a must read and you will love it just like I did.
January 11, 2023
I loved this second book seriously. Cameron and Lucy's story was so dark and twisty, and I just loved it. I didn't quiet expect the twist and I oh man it totally gave me all the feels. what a fantastic series and I can't wait for more !!
March 19, 2023
This is book 2 in the series and it definitely didn't disappoint. Cam falls for Lucy first and hard but Lucy is reluctant to start anything. Lucy has a dark past and didn't want him involved. They go through some things and get their HEA. Ready for book 3 and Mr Tyler!
May 9, 2023
Loved
This is a great read, and I can't wait for Tyler. The love they have for each other is amazing even tho it was a hard ride to get there.
This is a great read, and I can't wait for Tyler. The love they have for each other is amazing even tho it was a hard ride to get there.
July 29, 2023
I loved Cam but he doesn't take Storms spot.
December 15, 2022
If you like a good suspense and spicy romance, you have to read this series. This is book 2 in the White Plains series and although I really enjoyed Burned, Broken stole my heart.
A great plot that will keep you on your toes, two immensely lovable characters (one extra gold star to Cameron for being such an amazing cinnamon roll 😍), people you’ll hate, things that will make you cry and others that will make you smile goofy smiles. This book is a real page turner.
I have a soft spot for interconnected stories so I’m always super stoked to see previous characters again. It’s like visiting old friends.
𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
❤️🩹Suspense and mystery
❤️🩹Spicy romance
❤️🩹Cinnamon rolls MMC
❤️🩹Who did this to you
❤️🩹Small town / college romance
❤️🩹Friends to lovers
❤️🩹Found family
❤️🩹He fall first
❤️🩹Dual POV
❤️🩹An ending that will utterly blow you away
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 💧💧💧
𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿
A great plot that will keep you on your toes, two immensely lovable characters (one extra gold star to Cameron for being such an amazing cinnamon roll 😍), people you’ll hate, things that will make you cry and others that will make you smile goofy smiles. This book is a real page turner.
I have a soft spot for interconnected stories so I’m always super stoked to see previous characters again. It’s like visiting old friends.
𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
❤️🩹Suspense and mystery
❤️🩹Spicy romance
❤️🩹Cinnamon rolls MMC
❤️🩹Who did this to you
❤️🩹Small town / college romance
❤️🩹Friends to lovers
❤️🩹Found family
❤️🩹He fall first
❤️🩹Dual POV
❤️🩹An ending that will utterly blow you away
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 💧💧💧
𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿
December 16, 2022
Move over other book boyfriends because Cameron Conrad just move into first place. I love his sense of humor. He feels like he is so down to earth and caring. It probably helps that he has a big family with sister!
Lucy is such a spitfire and she totally belongs to Cameron even before she knows it. I love that he call her sunshine! Sure Lucy has a past like anyone and she struggles to except happiness.
There were so many great spicy moments between them! I loved every minute of it!! Ahh I am totally swooning over Cam!!
Your going to need to read this book asap!
Lucy is such a spitfire and she totally belongs to Cameron even before she knows it. I love that he call her sunshine! Sure Lucy has a past like anyone and she struggles to except happiness.
There were so many great spicy moments between them! I loved every minute of it!! Ahh I am totally swooning over Cam!!
Your going to need to read this book asap!
December 15, 2022
This book had me on the edge of my seat!! The twists and turns will have you in a choke hold. Our MFC Lucy isn't ready for a relationship, but Cameron comes in and just knocks down her walls. Cameron just can't stop himself from falling for Lucy first, and will do everything in his power to show her how much he cares. A highly recommended read from this author
April 23, 2023
What's to say about Lucy and Cameron - SO GOOD TOGETHER!!!
It's like he can see her - only her. He protected her, stood by her and never let her down.
Loved the growth of this relationship, the love and then the ultimate tragic events that happen and lead to their HEA!!
It's like he can see her - only her. He protected her, stood by her and never let her down.
Loved the growth of this relationship, the love and then the ultimate tragic events that happen and lead to their HEA!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews