This is the 2nd book in the Healing Wounds Series but can be read as a standalone.
What a buzz it is to be young, bright, and successful and have the world at your feet. A man who loves you and the universe looks like it was made just for you. But one slip, one fall and it all crashes around your feet like a damn earthquake destroying everything good in your path. In the blink of an eye, the world is working against you and you question… What did I do to deserve this? Why me? Why now? The memories of my university days haunt me and every day I wish I could turn back the clock. Do things differently and not devastate everything good in my life. But the funny thing with time is it doesn’t stand still. It moves on, it only goes forward. But when you’ve broken the heart of the one man you ever loved you realise time is not a healer it’s a vault. It keeps all your secrets and then when you least expect it. It opens the door and shows them to the world. My broken heart, my broken body and my broken life… I don’t know if he will ever forgive me for doing the unforgivable but in time I hope and pray I get the chance to say those two words… I’m Sorry. Danika xxx This book may contain triggers for some readers.
The topics covered in this book are deeply traumatic and contain medical references to hyperthyroidism and perinatal psychosis, depression and unwanted pregnancy.
It also contains scenes of a sexual nature and also contains scenes of violence and people trafficking. If any of these scenes may cause you distress or offend you this book may not be for you.
OMG... OK, when I saw the list with the MCs for this series I was "who are they?" Yes, I'm very bad with names. Sure I already knew who Danika is... 🙈 But I totally forgot it. As I said, I'm sooo very bad with names... While I read book 1 I "remembered", it would be very very strange if I still didn't know who Danika is 🤣 But what I didn't expect was THAT. No, really, this book was a complete surprise for me... Again it shows what an amazing imagination and fantasies Martina has. The action isn't high in this book. Sure, they still talk about the things the McGarry's do, but neither Danika nor Aiden are members of the Star Gazers, so they don't get involved much in their work. I say "not much", so, there is a little bit. Aiden is such a WONDERFUL dad. God. I'm no author and will never be, therefore I can't describe Aiden in a way that would do him justice. So I just say WOW. His little Gem Stone is everything to him 😍 And Danika? I felt sooo sorry for her. I don't want to think about what she went through. It was a really hard time 😟 The end of the book is so f***ing cute. I hate that I can't write about it... I would love to, but no, I definitely don't do that. And don't forget to get the bonus, WOW... McGarry potential... 🔥🔥🔥
I'm not sure if I should say that, but there are again scenes, I have to laugh so much. I just say 🐷🐷🐷. I know it's not really funny, but it also is... 🙈 Especially because it gets mentioned in so many ways 🤣
I can't say it too often, I highly recommend all books by Martina. And I recommend reading the books all in order. Start with "The Moral Compass" and then with "The Healing Wounds". You would miss too much because they are so extremely interconnected. But SOOO good 🤩
Broken is the second book in The Healing Wounds series. (Even though not necessary, I recommend reading Damaged first as Danika first appears here).
Aiden and Danika's story is one of young love, heartbreak, loss and second chances. Their story will have you yelling at them, crying with them, laughing with them and barracking for them. Have your tissues ready and be prepared to not do anything but devour this book as you won’t want to put it down.
Broken is a fantastic read which I cannot recommend enough.
This is book 2 in the healing wounds series. I didn't think they could get any better but with each book, I read by this author, they just keep getting better. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and my review just isn't enough to do it justice, I don't know what I can say or do to get people to read it, because until you have read them you just wouldn't understand.
Absolutely brilliant, A really sad and heart-wrenching story that spans over 6 years of heartbreak. I like how the chapters are past and present so you get Danika and Aiden's story from both POVs. It's very deep and a complex story that takes you through Danika's health issues in a lot of detail which in my opinion helps you understand why she did what she did and to be quite honest how she was feeling and it gives you all the feels😭😭 Take note of the warnings if you have triggers and you will definitely need tissues. This book is absolutely brilliant and it's so well written in so much detail you feel everything that Danika and Aiden are going through, you wont always like them or agree with what they do. If you haven't read any of Martina's books I would start at the beginning with West (The Moral Compass Series Book 1).
I loved Aiden and Danika's story. Definitely made my eyes wet a few times. Very strong characters with defined personalities from the youngest to oldest. This author gets better and better with every book.
I knew Danika's book had to be good, but I was not prepared for the heart-rending journey she had to take. Do yourself a favor and read this book. Be prepared to think Aiden is the greatest man ever.
Before we start… yes, you could read this as a standalone title and you’ll love it… but I strongly suggest that you read the Moral compass series first and then definitely Damaged. It’s not essential… but you will get far more out of this story if you have a complete understanding of this family.
We met Danika a few books ago in the Moral Compass series. She’s the half sister of Sutton, and daughter of one of the most influential men in the Star Gazers, a powerful vigilante group of people who save those who need saving.
This book starts with Danika’s backstory and it’s far from what I expected. It’s actually pretty traumatic. I’d got totally the wrong impression of her until this book and I’m pleased to say that now I know everything about her, I actually really like her.
We’d heard nothing of her former boyfriend Aiden until this book, and once the story plays out, we understand why.
This is a heartfelt, emotionally charged story that really has you feeling every raw emotion from both sides of their relationship.
As they try to rebuild their lives they discover that all is not what it appears on the surface in so many ways. Priorities change. Trust is tested. But mostly a family is reunited and made stronger than anyone could have ever imagined.
Great characters. Deep and meaningful storylines and to top it all off… a cute as a button little Gem that just melts your heart. She has her daddy wrapped around her little finger… and he loves it.
Simply amazing. Can’t wait to read the next part now. Another fantastic read, Martina. Love, love, love it!!!
♥️♥️This is the best book from Martina Dale so far!♥️♥️. It is 5⭐, I would give another 5⭐ for the main medical theme!
I felt so broken for Danika, when you strugle but don't know why, when you want to feel something but can't 😭😭 and noone can see and help!! (Perinatal depresion in the conection with another illness are very rare discussed in the society and it is a pitty that so many women suffer without help) But fortunately Danika meets the right people and gets help.
Martina did a great job to include this theme in the story and it is a beutifull story of two people who after few years apart get another chance. But after their hearts have been broken beyond repair can they heal again?
Danika accepted her conditions and learned to live with her diseas. But she misses two most important people in her live. And fortunately she gets another chance to be happy. Aiden is a hot male character 🌶️🌶️🥵 and has bonus points from me for creating and imaginary relationship of Gemma and Danika without knowing if they are going to meet and be together ♥️♥️♥️. Gem is the most important human in his live.
After meeting Danika again he knows he didnt stop loving her. But can he forgive Danika? Can she explain her resons for leaving them? Will he accept her healt condition?
This is the second book of the series The Healing Wounds Series, can be read as standalone. (but it would be shame to miss Mateo and Daisy 😉).
This is my honest ARC review, many thanks to Martina.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thanks Martina for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.
This is family's story and for those that have read South, East, North, West and Daisy's story you will be familiar with Danika.
Danika is summers half sister and the daughter of mark who is head of techno labs. In this story we get to go right back to beginning fi when Danika was in college. She met the love of her life in Aiden he stole her heart and her mind but falling pregnant was not in Danika's plans at a young age. She wanted to make something of herself, she wanted to run technolabs and falling pregnant out all that in jeopardy.
Aiden is strong, charismatic and love Danika with everything he has, so when she tells him she is pregnant he wants to be there to support her and the baby but Danika has other ideas and this puts a huge wedge between them one that changes their future forever.
So much happens in this story that by spilling it on here I would be ruining it. It's a brilliant story that keeps you gripped with all the ups and downs. It also brings to light health issues that we don't even think about or understand and helps us see that we sometimes need to stop and think before we judge.
I loved Danika, Aiden and Gems story it was just wonderful and I never wanted it to end.
go get this book now and read.
My Overall Rating is 5 💋💋💋💋💋 My Character Rating is 5 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ My Smut Rating is 3 🍆🍆🍆 My Angst Rating is 3 😬😬😬
I don't know where to start. I connect with this book so deeply I can't even begin to explain it. Danika is a character we met in Damaged and previously in the Moral compass series . I was not her greatest fan when I read damaged but dear god this character just feels like part of me now . Her story of lost love , complex medical conditions hits me hard. I seriously cried loads . Aiden, what a guy! don't get me wrong I was not always his biggest fan but when everything is revealed I fell in love with him. He and Danikas relationship is complex the challenges they face are real. Martina Dale had managed to beautifully intertwine the reality of living with a hidden illness into this story giving readers an emotional picture from everyone's perspective from medics, to the person suffering to the impacts this has on relationships and families. while also keeping the romance suspense and spice that we have come to love from this author .The HEA is just perfect and honestly I will miss these two. I wish I could re read this for the 1st time again.
this was a powerful, emotional, steamy romantic second chance love story, that raises awareness of soo many unknown and misunderstood hidden illnesses. Congratulations Martina Dale on another exceptional story.
So I dived into this book not really a fan of Danika as I had thought she had eyes on Mateo (you need to read Damaged first)
Oh, how wrong was I. Within the first couple of chapters my view had changed and I was most DEFINITELY in camp Danika. Feeling like I was living her life, made me read through water!!! Her physical health and mental health issues, made me want to jump into the book and give that girl some love and hugs. At that point her parents didn’t appear to be too supportive and my heart ached for all she was carrying alone.
Then there was Aiden, a young guy left bereft with heartache but having to step up to his responsibilities. When he mentioned he only dated a girl once as he didn’t want to break anyone’s heart when the love of his life returned, I just knew he was a keeper.
Bringing them back together seemed a fluke, but Martina Dale had it all mapped out, thankfully.
There were ups and downs. Lots of steamy sexy time (Aiden is most definitely an ALPHA) and laughs and love.
I think this is up there with West as one of my favourites.
Congratulations Martina, another excellent book. They just need getting better.
Wow. I knew I'd enjoy this book, because all of Martina's books have definitely ticked all the boxes, and are firmly in my re-read pile for life.
I wasn't prepared for just how intense and emotional this book would be, although I knew even the most sensitive of subjects would be handled with respect and reverence. Danika, who I wasn't sure if I even liked from Daisy and Mateo's book, really won me over, because once I was able to see and understand the hell she'd been through, every one of her actions previously made a lot more sense.
She's a fighter, and a queen, for everything she fights every day, and rises to every challenge. A role model for so many women!
Aiden, okay, so I liked him from the first page, and my like grew to love so fast. He's intense, and fiercely loyal, and even pushed to his limits, he can't help but love. Martina writes the most amazing men, because they're possessive and obsessive about their women, but in the sweetest and most passionate way. Aiden was all of this and so much more.
Can't wait for more of Martina's books, because she never fails me. I totally recommend this book and all those that came before it!
Broken is the perfect title for this book as the intense emotional goodness broke me while experiencing it all. Danika is a complex girl with a lot against her & all I wanted to do was hug her in the worst way throughout, and Aiden, the boy who was her match in every way & just what the doctor ordered. It's hard to write this review since it has to be vague so I don't give anything away, and I won't despite the fact that I want to give every last amazing detail away. There's so much going on, and the tough issues are handled with such class that I found myself completely blown away with it all. The moment I opened it up, I was down for the count until I had devoured every last page because I needed to know there was light at the end of the tunnel so seriously, don't sleep on Broken, as everyone needs it in their lives, and frankly, Martina Dale is such a talent that I'll never be the same since I honestly felt I just lived through everything with Danika & Aiden! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
The first half of Danika and Aiden’s story is so heart wrenching, they were young, in love and had everything going for them but their lives get turned upside down spectacularly and they are left broken.
Seven years later and they are brought back together. Although Aiden is angry and Danika is scared they never got over one another and cannot ignore their feelings but it’s not an easy road to reconciliation. There’s a lot Danika has to share with Aiden about the past and why she didn’t reach out to him again and she will need to share her biggest secret with her family and friends.
I was easily drawn back into the world of the Star Gazers and loved being back with the characters. As with all Martina’s books the inevitable twists and turns meant this was a fast paced page turner. I really enjoyed Danika & Aiden’s story, they truly do have a rollercoaster of a journey. I felt heart break, hope, anxiety and happy relief as their passion and love for one another won.
This book lived up to its name. I was broken reading it. Danika and Aiden were broken in every sense of the word. After an event that changes their life and turns everything upside down where they don’t know which way to turn. But Danika makes a decision which she ultimately regrets but life throws her a bone and a second chance.
As with every Martina book I flew through it they are such easy reads with relatable characters, even though the back story is so emotional and I was clutching my chest with the raw emotion that was put in there were moments of humour. I would say the first part of this book is hard reading and will pull on your heartstrings but we are put back together with the second half and by the end I was smiling it was the perfect ending for the most perfect couple.
I have read every book in this series and the Moral Compass Series. Danika and Aiden’s book definitely has become one of my favorites. The story is refreshingly unexpected and takes a different turn than most books by focusing on mistakes made from both mental and physical illnesses. It shows the devastating impact of your choices while in crisis while allowing for restoration and an emotional recovery. This book had me in tears, laughing and rejoicing. With every book Mrs. Dale proves herself more than just an author, she is a storyteller. She creates strong connections between her characters and her audience. She uses stories like Danika and Aiden’s to showcase both the vulnerable and resilient side of humanity.
She has quickly become one of my favorite writers.
Oh my! What a ride this book was! We already met Danika in previous books and I really didn't like her. But in this book.... my heart just broke for her. So much she's been through. And Aiden... hello single dad!
Aiden has been living in Australië for quite a while after he left the UK.
I really want to tell more about this book, but I'll probably give too much away. But the s scenes... holy moly! I loved the plots and twists, specially when Danika's father had a little talk with Aiden at the end. I did not see that one coming!
This book is a stand alone, but I really and I mean REALLY suggest you reading the Moral Compass series first and then Damaged, book 1 of this series as a lot of persons of those books will be in this one as well.
(ARC REVIEW) I knew going into this book that it would be emotional but I wasn't as prepared as I thought. The title just gives you a glimpse of what to expect. Aiden and Danika were an amazing couple but their challenges together and separately are anything but easy. When I read the book before that Danika was a side character and I was not a fan of hers. This book broken showed her differently and it cracked my heart but it did heal me. While reading you will see and understand why Aiden is broken. You will be angry with him. This book will break you but in the end, it will mend your heart and put a smile on your face.
This was such a beautiful and heart wrenching story! At first, it is really hard to understand Danika, and why she does what she does. But Martina writes her struggles so beautifully and flawlessly that I was feeling what Danika felt, and I was not prepared to relate to Danika as much as I did! Aiden was made so much sexier by his ability to step up and do what he needed to do for his family, including taking the job he really did not want, to secure their future. Thankfully Danika gets a second chance with Aiden, and the wonderful Gem. Their passion for each other is clear, and the steam was whew, so perfect for the story! So much passion, hope, and action make this a must read!
This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is Danika and Aiden’s journey. My heart broke for Danika, as she accepts her illness and luckily, she meets the correct people who give her the help she needs. Hats off to Aiden who steps up to the plate for his family. After being apart can Aiden forgive Danika? This is a beautifully written emotional roller coaster, with trauma, heartbreak, violence, secrets, second chances, healing, passion, and love, which leads to a tragic, unpredictable, and heartwarming page turner. Be aware of the trigger warning for some readers! I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I totally loved Danika's and Aiden's story. I'll be first to admit that I didn't care for Dan in the beginning of this book. I also wondered about the quality of socialized medicine as I felt some issues would have been addressed with proper prenatal care. Without giving anything away, I loved that the characters from the moral compass series is in here as well. The story is well written, emotional and I thought that character development was spot on. A total winner in my book. I would highly recommend! I received an advanced copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Well. What an emotional read. But a beautiful story of care, happiness, redemption, family and ultimately lots of love and support. I won't lie at the beginning my heart was torn to pieces. So many highs and lows. And ups and downs. I'll be honest I didn't like Danika much from the other books. But I now adore her. And that ending. Absolutely beautiful 😍 Another amazing book by this super talented lady!
Wow what a heartbreaking story Danika and Aiden’s story pulled so many strings first angry then wow once you know what’s going on I just wanted to cuddle them and tell them it’s ok. The love and devotion in this book is amazing. I don’t want to go through the whole blurb because you just need to read it get your tissues ready.
Martina you have done it again ❤️❤️🔥 I knew how good North,South, East and West was but this series is also amazing. Thank you again for letting me read for you.
What an awesome story. I wasn't a fan of Danika from the glimpse we've had of her previously so I was keen to read her story. This is such an emotional story with so much going on and very heart moving. It's full of secrets and deception and of course everything will come out. This is also STEAMY hot hot hot!!! Make sure you download the epilogue at the end of the book, you don't want to miss that!
This is book 2 of The Healing Wounds series by Martina and I’ve got to say after the first book I didn’t like Danika’s character much at all, so I was a bit apprehensive to see which direction Martina took her character.
After reading the book all I can say is WOW, you get a real insight into how and why Danika is how she is and her belief that she doesn’t deserve to be happy is heartbreaking when you know the reason why.
Added into this is the love of her life, Aiden and the promise of the life that she could have had if only things had been different. The story follows how they strive to find their way to a happily ever after.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster and though you haven’t got to read the first book I would recommend it.
Oh Martina you had me so conflicted and completely heartbroken at the beginning but then you took me on journey and all that was forgotten.
This was a book about second chances, forgiveness, friends and family. Everybody needs an Aiden in their lifes! I can't decide if I'm sold on Danika but her story was both heartbreaking and eye opening.
As always seeing glimpses of the Mcgarry family makes you smile.