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Harmonized in Hiding #1
Lying Lyrics
There was nothing quite like having that certain itch to watch over your shoulder. A waiting time bomb that could go off at any random minute because he could find me. He, the man that ruined my life with his charming smiles and thoughtful gifts.
Bently Baker, the most known popstar in recent years, was the misery of my existence. To the world, he was a breath of fresh air. To me, he was the cinching anxiety swarming my lungs.
After two years of his abuse, I finally worked up the nerve to escape. Going somewhere remote would be my best option to lay low and let him forget me.
Deep down, I knew he’d never stop looking for me because his egotistical urge to win was too great. His obsession with controlling me would lead as his general on this path of war, so I’d have to live a simple life with few people around me to know who stood in my shadow.
Small towns were rumored for romance, but I vowed to steer clear of that forever… until a lost little girl leads me to three men who make my heart thrum a little faster than I’d like. With the promise of food and shelter in exchange for nannying, how could I refuse when I didn’t have a dollar to my name?
WARNING: This story contains domestic violence and PTSD in the present. If you are triggered by descriptive DV scenes but would still like to read Gemma’s journey, skip chapter two. Her journey will have flashbacks and triggers throughout the book.
Bently Baker, the most known popstar in recent years, was the misery of my existence. To the world, he was a breath of fresh air. To me, he was the cinching anxiety swarming my lungs.
After two years of his abuse, I finally worked up the nerve to escape. Going somewhere remote would be my best option to lay low and let him forget me.
Deep down, I knew he’d never stop looking for me because his egotistical urge to win was too great. His obsession with controlling me would lead as his general on this path of war, so I’d have to live a simple life with few people around me to know who stood in my shadow.
Small towns were rumored for romance, but I vowed to steer clear of that forever… until a lost little girl leads me to three men who make my heart thrum a little faster than I’d like. With the promise of food and shelter in exchange for nannying, how could I refuse when I didn’t have a dollar to my name?
WARNING: This story contains domestic violence and PTSD in the present. If you are triggered by descriptive DV scenes but would still like to read Gemma’s journey, skip chapter two. Her journey will have flashbacks and triggers throughout the book.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2022
306 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
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October 28, 2022I really feel like the brutality of the rape (in chapter two) doesn't need to be included in this story, plus it's a cliffhanger? To be fair, it is warned about, but it was supremely violent and I was expecting like, a slap or two--not what was actually doled out. After reading through chapter four, I think I'm going to sit on this one. Its focus is more on traumatic fiction than romantic love, and I'm not saying that it's bad for a story, or even the genre, but it is a lot.
Both eyes open guys.
Both eyes open guys.
October 22, 2022
I'm conflicted on this book.
While the actual story itself wasn't bad, this book was in desperate need of editing.
There were so many typos... like.. A LOT.
Wrong words used that looked like they closely resemble the spelling of the correct word, misspelled words, missing words altogether, and sometimes extra words that don't belong.
Another issue, for me, was the sentence structure sometimes. They were written in a way that made it confusing to understand what was attempting to be conveyed. I noticed that more times than not it was like this because maybe the author wanted the sentence to be longer? I don't know.
This book was sometimes hard to read because of these issues.
The story itself was interesting. I ended up skimming a little as I got closer to the end because, honestly, this book could have been half the length that it was and it still would have accomplished what it set out to do. There was a lot of unnecessary details, over explanations, repetitiveness, and exposition.
Those first few chapters, though sometimes hard to read, really grasped my attention. Unfortunately, after that it kind of goes downhill from there. About halfway through I knew how book one was going to end so I got to have my "A-ha!" moment that, of course, had everyone staring at me like I'd lost my damn mind.
No one told them to pay attention to me, so they can fork right off.
Anyways.
What I really liked about this is I found the heroine to be mostly believable.
She didn't see the guys and instantly go all goo-goo for them because they were hunky or start ogling them like man candy. She was really reserved and conscientious of the fact that she had just lived through a traumatic experience and the last thing she needed to be worried about was having the coitus or any of the stuff leading up to it.
I liked that. I can't tell you how many books I've read where the h gets out of a bad relationship/traumatic situation and then within hours/days/weeks, she's all smitten kitten like over a new guy; abusive partner all but forgotten.
It doesn't work like that in real life and I find it extremely annoying in books and its enough to make me disconnect from the MC and the story altogether.
Early in the book she made it clear that she was not interested nor was she open to any kind of romantic entanglements.
Of course I snorted at that, because Duh. It's a RH book.
Honey, you're gonna get all the *wink* romance *wink*.
So yeah. She was believable as an abuse victim for the most part. There were a few moments where she mouthed off a little to people and I was like.. huh. Then I was like, you go girl!
Not really, but you get the gist.
Although I thought it would be out of character, people heal differently and maybe for her, speaking her mind and standing up for something she felt passionately about was a part of her healing. So... I judged her for like 2.3 seconds and then was like "Self: stop judgin' folks."
I don't really know where I want to go with how many stars to give this. I think based on the story alone, I'd go with 3 stars.. but the editing
We'll see.
While the actual story itself wasn't bad, this book was in desperate need of editing.
There were so many typos... like.. A LOT.
Wrong words used that looked like they closely resemble the spelling of the correct word, misspelled words, missing words altogether, and sometimes extra words that don't belong.
Another issue, for me, was the sentence structure sometimes. They were written in a way that made it confusing to understand what was attempting to be conveyed. I noticed that more times than not it was like this because maybe the author wanted the sentence to be longer? I don't know.
This book was sometimes hard to read because of these issues.
The story itself was interesting. I ended up skimming a little as I got closer to the end because, honestly, this book could have been half the length that it was and it still would have accomplished what it set out to do. There was a lot of unnecessary details, over explanations, repetitiveness, and exposition.
Those first few chapters, though sometimes hard to read, really grasped my attention. Unfortunately, after that it kind of goes downhill from there. About halfway through I knew how book one was going to end so I got to have my "A-ha!" moment that, of course, had everyone staring at me like I'd lost my damn mind.
No one told them to pay attention to me, so they can fork right off.
Anyways.
What I really liked about this is I found the heroine to be mostly believable.
She didn't see the guys and instantly go all goo-goo for them because they were hunky or start ogling them like man candy. She was really reserved and conscientious of the fact that she had just lived through a traumatic experience and the last thing she needed to be worried about was having the coitus or any of the stuff leading up to it.
I liked that. I can't tell you how many books I've read where the h gets out of a bad relationship/traumatic situation and then within hours/days/weeks, she's all smitten kitten like over a new guy; abusive partner all but forgotten.
It doesn't work like that in real life and I find it extremely annoying in books and its enough to make me disconnect from the MC and the story altogether.
Early in the book she made it clear that she was not interested nor was she open to any kind of romantic entanglements.
Of course I snorted at that, because Duh. It's a RH book.
Honey, you're gonna get all the *wink* romance *wink*.
So yeah. She was believable as an abuse victim for the most part. There were a few moments where she mouthed off a little to people and I was like.. huh. Then I was like, you go girl!
Not really, but you get the gist.
Although I thought it would be out of character, people heal differently and maybe for her, speaking her mind and standing up for something she felt passionately about was a part of her healing. So... I judged her for like 2.3 seconds and then was like "Self: stop judgin' folks."
I don't really know where I want to go with how many stars to give this. I think based on the story alone, I'd go with 3 stars.. but the editing
We'll see.
July 4, 2025
3⭐️ those first few chapters were absolutely ROUGH, and I was super sad for Gemma and everything she endured. But then as I kept reading, everything else felt like i was driving down a long street with nothing to look at but grass. Idk 😭 i wasn’t extremely enamored with the book but I did like the slow build of the found family in this & the ending did get me, so now i want to see what happens in book 2😭
February 7, 2023
Good start
The last 3 years of Gemma’s life have been truly horrific and my heart broke for her. I was glad that she found the strength to leave and that she met so many wonderful people who listened and believed.
I was hoping to get more on the relationship front. Not necessarily anything romantic as it would be way too soon but just more direct interactions with the guys.
I liked the characters and how Gemma stood up for them. I would definitely choose her in my corner (especially with how she treated Gabe). My hope is for the bad guys to get what they deserve in the next book.
My first book by this author and I enjoyed it.
The last 3 years of Gemma’s life have been truly horrific and my heart broke for her. I was glad that she found the strength to leave and that she met so many wonderful people who listened and believed.
I was hoping to get more on the relationship front. Not necessarily anything romantic as it would be way too soon but just more direct interactions with the guys.
I liked the characters and how Gemma stood up for them. I would definitely choose her in my corner (especially with how she treated Gabe). My hope is for the bad guys to get what they deserve in the next book.
My first book by this author and I enjoyed it.
June 26, 2025
3 ⭐️
Yeah … it was okay. Definitely on the shorter side compared to what I usually read and while the premise had potential, I just didn’t feel that strong connection to any of the characters. The opening scene is very intense … thankfully the author does include a trigger warning which is absolutely necessary. I wouldn’t say it was bad, just not super memorable for me.
Yeah … it was okay. Definitely on the shorter side compared to what I usually read and while the premise had potential, I just didn’t feel that strong connection to any of the characters. The opening scene is very intense … thankfully the author does include a trigger warning which is absolutely necessary. I wouldn’t say it was bad, just not super memorable for me.
April 11, 2023
DNF 42%
Not bad but I lost interest as it was too predictable🤷🏻♀️
Not bad but I lost interest as it was too predictable🤷🏻♀️
September 10, 2022
Four stars!
My review would have been five stars, if not for the cliffhanger. I can't stand them! That being said, this was a great start to a really good story. I really liked the guys and absolutely love Elias. Gamma is such a loving and strong woman. I hope Bentley gets what's coming to him! I will definitely read the next part of the story, and hope there is an ending.
My review would have been five stars, if not for the cliffhanger. I can't stand them! That being said, this was a great start to a really good story. I really liked the guys and absolutely love Elias. Gamma is such a loving and strong woman. I hope Bentley gets what's coming to him! I will definitely read the next part of the story, and hope there is an ending.
February 7, 2025
the plot itself wasnt bad, but goodness callum pmo a lot and also SO MANY GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. overall it was okay though, i enjoyed it. i like gemma and justin’s relationship
March 23, 2023
was ok but
Everything come together way to easy. FMC needed to escape and every time she needed to do something it was like a fairy godmother just poof, obstacle handled. It just wouldn’t happen like that if it was true life.
Everything come together way to easy. FMC needed to escape and every time she needed to do something it was like a fairy godmother just poof, obstacle handled. It just wouldn’t happen like that if it was true life.
September 7, 2023
"There's a line between victim and survivor that I was taught a long time ago. You can choose to suffer each day and accept others pity, or you can choose to move on each day, accepting their help." book 1 page 141
**Review Shared for duet**
Gemma has spent the last two years in an abusive relationship with Pop Star Bentley Baker. He has done everything he can to make sure that Gemma can't tell anyone what he is doing and can't run from him. But when he takes things too far by violently sexually assaulting her and cutting out her birth control, she knows it's now or never, she has to run. With no one to call due to Bentley making sure she has no one else left in her life, she finds a note that her best friend left her for when Gemma finally saw what she did. It gives her an address of where to run to when she admits she needs help. While Gemma makes her escape she is able to find friends along the way that help protect her and get her to where she needs to go without Bentley catching on too fast. But when she arrives at the address in Montana she finds out her best friend died nine months ago in an accident. Luckily, there are supportive people in the town as well that help give her safety and a new start. Among those are Callum, Elias, and Angel. Callum lost his wife this past year and has struggled with his teenage son Justin and three year old daughter Hallie, luckily Gemma has connected with the both of them and is in the perfect situation to become a live in nanny. Gemma seems to be everything this family needs, filling a gap and helping them heal in ways no one else could. But Gemma still has a past, and Bentley isn't one to give up so easily. It won't be long until her past catches up, putting Callum and his family right in the line of fire.
**Spoilers Ahead**
I rated the first book four stars and the second three. Usually I review books and share the review and rating for the entire series but I couldn't with this one. It started off so strong. I loved the character development, the plot was super interesting and kept you intrigued, but the second book fell a little short for a few reasons. This is where the spoilers come in... Callum blames Gemma for his kids getting shot at, which... okay fair. But also, supposedly you love this woman, and it's not like he didn't know she was running from someone that had hurt her. So why was he sooo shocked? I guess maybe it was that it was worse than she let on but I don't know... she was pretty freaking traumatized. And Callum acted like a complete d*ck. Which led to her falling into the hands of her abuser for WEEKS. And there was literally no groveling. He apologized and that was it. He was so hurtful towards her and it felt like it was either rushed or she did deserve to be blamed by something that wasn't her fault. And she literally saved his kids and was willing to sacrifice herself for them but nope. She needs to leave? Ugh. Also, the entire resolution was just sooo out there. Like these literal cowboys come to the city and shoot up a penthouse. No one even thinks about calling the cops with all the evidence. Like, I get that the justice system sucks. If there were a mafia book or something, yeah, makes sense they would go on a killing spree to save her. But it literally was just so out there that it took away from the resolution. (Elias excluded of course because of his military and PTSD background, that's believable.) And they just get away with it.... I was rolling my eyes the whole time.
**Review Shared for duet**
Gemma has spent the last two years in an abusive relationship with Pop Star Bentley Baker. He has done everything he can to make sure that Gemma can't tell anyone what he is doing and can't run from him. But when he takes things too far by violently sexually assaulting her and cutting out her birth control, she knows it's now or never, she has to run. With no one to call due to Bentley making sure she has no one else left in her life, she finds a note that her best friend left her for when Gemma finally saw what she did. It gives her an address of where to run to when she admits she needs help. While Gemma makes her escape she is able to find friends along the way that help protect her and get her to where she needs to go without Bentley catching on too fast. But when she arrives at the address in Montana she finds out her best friend died nine months ago in an accident. Luckily, there are supportive people in the town as well that help give her safety and a new start. Among those are Callum, Elias, and Angel. Callum lost his wife this past year and has struggled with his teenage son Justin and three year old daughter Hallie, luckily Gemma has connected with the both of them and is in the perfect situation to become a live in nanny. Gemma seems to be everything this family needs, filling a gap and helping them heal in ways no one else could. But Gemma still has a past, and Bentley isn't one to give up so easily. It won't be long until her past catches up, putting Callum and his family right in the line of fire.
**Spoilers Ahead**
I rated the first book four stars and the second three. Usually I review books and share the review and rating for the entire series but I couldn't with this one. It started off so strong. I loved the character development, the plot was super interesting and kept you intrigued, but the second book fell a little short for a few reasons. This is where the spoilers come in... Callum blames Gemma for his kids getting shot at, which... okay fair. But also, supposedly you love this woman, and it's not like he didn't know she was running from someone that had hurt her. So why was he sooo shocked? I guess maybe it was that it was worse than she let on but I don't know... she was pretty freaking traumatized. And Callum acted like a complete d*ck. Which led to her falling into the hands of her abuser for WEEKS. And there was literally no groveling. He apologized and that was it. He was so hurtful towards her and it felt like it was either rushed or she did deserve to be blamed by something that wasn't her fault. And she literally saved his kids and was willing to sacrifice herself for them but nope. She needs to leave? Ugh. Also, the entire resolution was just sooo out there. Like these literal cowboys come to the city and shoot up a penthouse. No one even thinks about calling the cops with all the evidence. Like, I get that the justice system sucks. If there were a mafia book or something, yeah, makes sense they would go on a killing spree to save her. But it literally was just so out there that it took away from the resolution. (Elias excluded of course because of his military and PTSD background, that's believable.) And they just get away with it.... I was rolling my eyes the whole time.
March 15, 2024
My notes from reading:
-Needs editing for typos
-Don’t love the “whore” language, especially by Angel about his own sister
-Way too short of a time frame for proper relationships to form
-A colt is a male horse, filly is a girl
-I didn’t like how they were talking about “breaking in” the horse, if a horse is trying to get you off their back that badly, you haven’t done enough training on the ground
-The writing around her secret past is too obvious
-“Dark shadowing” used to frequently
-How would she automatically know that Elias had PTSD? She made some pretty big assumptions about what caused his PTSD
Read the second one as well, I thought it would be Bently who killed Callum’s wife and I was almost correct 🤷🏼♀️
-Needs editing for typos
-Don’t love the “whore” language, especially by Angel about his own sister
-Way too short of a time frame for proper relationships to form
-A colt is a male horse, filly is a girl
-I didn’t like how they were talking about “breaking in” the horse, if a horse is trying to get you off their back that badly, you haven’t done enough training on the ground
-The writing around her secret past is too obvious
-“Dark shadowing” used to frequently
-How would she automatically know that Elias had PTSD? She made some pretty big assumptions about what caused his PTSD
Read the second one as well, I thought it would be Bently who killed Callum’s wife and I was almost correct 🤷🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
Emotional Read
This was an emotional journey. The story was well done and I loved the characters that we were supposed to love and hated the ones we were supposed to hate (like really despise).
I really liked the story but make sure to check your TW because there is some tough stuff that the FMC goes through.
***SPOILER BELOW***
I am probably not continuing though, because I really can’t get behind this pregnancy trope. I am not a fan to begin with, but the fact that her abuser is the one that got her pregnant, I just can’t stand it. Up until that, I really enjoyed the book. I’m sure the second one will be just as good if you don’t mind how this first one ends.
***SPOILER END ***
Overall I liked this book.
4⭐️
This was an emotional journey. The story was well done and I loved the characters that we were supposed to love and hated the ones we were supposed to hate (like really despise).
I really liked the story but make sure to check your TW because there is some tough stuff that the FMC goes through.
***SPOILER BELOW***
I am probably not continuing though, because I really can’t get behind this pregnancy trope. I am not a fan to begin with, but the fact that her abuser is the one that got her pregnant, I just can’t stand it. Up until that, I really enjoyed the book. I’m sure the second one will be just as good if you don’t mind how this first one ends.
***SPOILER END ***
Overall I liked this book.
4⭐️
August 13, 2022
Emotional support needed
Put a finger down if you read a book that emotionally destroyed you, gave you hope and started to heal you then just destroys you all over again. *puts a finger down*
This was so well done, such emotion all through out. MFC Gemma (never Gem) endures the worst, she doesn't give up, she escapes for a new life. She meets some maybe just as broken, that need just as much care and they all start to heal together.
I don't know why I didn't expect a cliffhanger but I didn't and I cried, because of the situation and because it ended and book 2 isn't out yet.
Thank you Ashley, it was tragically beautiful and I can't wait for book 2
Put a finger down if you read a book that emotionally destroyed you, gave you hope and started to heal you then just destroys you all over again. *puts a finger down*
This was so well done, such emotion all through out. MFC Gemma (never Gem) endures the worst, she doesn't give up, she escapes for a new life. She meets some maybe just as broken, that need just as much care and they all start to heal together.
I don't know why I didn't expect a cliffhanger but I didn't and I cried, because of the situation and because it ended and book 2 isn't out yet.
Thank you Ashley, it was tragically beautiful and I can't wait for book 2
December 6, 2025
This was soooo bad. It was all "talk" instead of "show"
The inner monolog of the characters is so cringy and unrealistic. A woman fleeing her abuser isn't sitting there thinking about statistics of abused women and noticing how other women just seem to understand the situation of those abused. And then when she first meets the kids she immediately is offering advice and thinking about how the little girl will need to be taught stranger danger at some point. The writing was choppy with grammar errors and words out of order. Its been quite a while since I hated a book this much. I dnf at about 60%.
The inner monolog of the characters is so cringy and unrealistic. A woman fleeing her abuser isn't sitting there thinking about statistics of abused women and noticing how other women just seem to understand the situation of those abused. And then when she first meets the kids she immediately is offering advice and thinking about how the little girl will need to be taught stranger danger at some point. The writing was choppy with grammar errors and words out of order. Its been quite a while since I hated a book this much. I dnf at about 60%.
August 16, 2022
I absolutely loved this story. It was fantastic. Right from the start I was drawn into Gemma’s story wanting to know what was going to happen and how it would unfold. From the first page I was rooting for her to succeed and find a life she would be proud of. Ashley did a fantastic job writing a story with PTSD and DV, I can see how well it was thought out and made the story so well rounded. The men.. Oh the men.. Angel, Cal, and Elias are written brilliantly. I can’t wait to see where the story will continue to go. I would definitely recommend reading this book.
December 31, 2022
4/5 stars
This book was hauntingly beautiful. It deals with very heavy topics, but I feel they are dealt with in a pretty positive way. This book is about the characters learning how to deal with their trauma, and trying to grow from their past, and how to move on to their future.
There were some things I really did not like about the book, like the ending, and getting POV’s for asshole’s perspective. I really don’t know if I can even move on to the next book, or if I can stomach it…
Overall it really was a beautiful book, and I love the kids <3
This book was hauntingly beautiful. It deals with very heavy topics, but I feel they are dealt with in a pretty positive way. This book is about the characters learning how to deal with their trauma, and trying to grow from their past, and how to move on to their future.
There were some things I really did not like about the book, like the ending, and getting POV’s for asshole’s perspective. I really don’t know if I can even move on to the next book, or if I can stomach it…
Overall it really was a beautiful book, and I love the kids <3
October 19, 2022
For the women who risk and deserve it all.
There are a few triggers you need to know about before you start, because the content about regarding it is detailed and as a consequence, disturbing. It doesn't just lightly touch over it. It happens, present tense. And the main one is domestic abuse. And I mean the whole package. Then we have PTSD present in multiple characters, with episodes that recur multiple times over the course of the book. Please look after yourself.
Gem was a woman who escaped a powerful, powerful man. The way he was written was purely psychotic, purely evil. I could feel Gem's fear as my own. The repulsiveness of his character whenever he drew near. The threat his words carried. How inescapable he felt when there were so many people who not only knew what he was doing, but supported his actions. Gem's bravery was truly to be admired, and worth every tear spent anxiously grieving her situation, and praying that safely, she would make it out.
I admire the people who helped her. I admire their bravery when it costed them.
The way her abuse was written was validating. It wasn't over-exaggerated and made into something that it wasn't. It was her fear that emphasised it. It was the constant shadow of her trauma hanging over her that made it feel so real, that made her bravery more admirable, that made it all the more heartbreaking when it seemed she was finally making a breakthrough only for that massive cliffhanger at the end.
Anyway, Gem was amazing. She was written beautifully, her character was so genuine and likeable.
Something that was also pretty good was Justin, a teen kid. Of course, we love our little one, but having Justin around validates teen children, because they're often cast aside when they're one of the most complex, real, misunderstood people, and his grief was portrayed excellently. His relationship with his Dad was so real and Gemma's advice to improve it was often such a huge reflection of what so many children can relate to and so many parents need to hear. It did not need to become philosophical like that, but it did and it worked. And we can't forget Justin's bestie. I won't spoil it, but what Gem wanted to do with their home was such a critical part in building her relationship and trust with everybody, and propelling them from friendship into something more. The execution was brilliant, and transitioned Gem from a worker to a genuine part of the family so well, as well as giving opportunity for feelings to develop.
Overall, I'm hanging on for the next one. My heart hurts when I remember the ending, and I need to know what happens next as soon as possible! Will definitely be revisiting soon.
Oh, forget to add.
The guys are hot af.
They're all sweethearts, too. So jump on it.
There are a few triggers you need to know about before you start, because the content about regarding it is detailed and as a consequence, disturbing. It doesn't just lightly touch over it. It happens, present tense. And the main one is domestic abuse. And I mean the whole package. Then we have PTSD present in multiple characters, with episodes that recur multiple times over the course of the book. Please look after yourself.
Gem was a woman who escaped a powerful, powerful man. The way he was written was purely psychotic, purely evil. I could feel Gem's fear as my own. The repulsiveness of his character whenever he drew near. The threat his words carried. How inescapable he felt when there were so many people who not only knew what he was doing, but supported his actions. Gem's bravery was truly to be admired, and worth every tear spent anxiously grieving her situation, and praying that safely, she would make it out.
I admire the people who helped her. I admire their bravery when it costed them.
The way her abuse was written was validating. It wasn't over-exaggerated and made into something that it wasn't. It was her fear that emphasised it. It was the constant shadow of her trauma hanging over her that made it feel so real, that made her bravery more admirable, that made it all the more heartbreaking when it seemed she was finally making a breakthrough only for that massive cliffhanger at the end.
Anyway, Gem was amazing. She was written beautifully, her character was so genuine and likeable.
Something that was also pretty good was Justin, a teen kid. Of course, we love our little one, but having Justin around validates teen children, because they're often cast aside when they're one of the most complex, real, misunderstood people, and his grief was portrayed excellently. His relationship with his Dad was so real and Gemma's advice to improve it was often such a huge reflection of what so many children can relate to and so many parents need to hear. It did not need to become philosophical like that, but it did and it worked. And we can't forget Justin's bestie. I won't spoil it, but what Gem wanted to do with their home was such a critical part in building her relationship and trust with everybody, and propelling them from friendship into something more. The execution was brilliant, and transitioned Gem from a worker to a genuine part of the family so well, as well as giving opportunity for feelings to develop.
Overall, I'm hanging on for the next one. My heart hurts when I remember the ending, and I need to know what happens next as soon as possible! Will definitely be revisiting soon.
Oh, forget to add.
The guys are hot af.
They're all sweethearts, too. So jump on it.
"You employ me to tend to your kids. I'm doing my job. If you have an issue with me advocating for them, then fire me. I will not half-ass my role for you to feel better! Your kids are too amazing to be structured any different than they already are."
October 28, 2022
Goodreads cover is wrong.
Gemma is a great character and I really love how she can see things from others perspective like Justin and Gabe needing each other. I don't enjoy that it ended in a cliff hanger, and I really hate the EX.
The engagement ring (torture devise) was clever, I wouldn't have thought to add it to a story.
Its slow and I could have dont without the POV of other characters. Still lost of mystery to solve.
Gemma is a great character and I really love how she can see things from others perspective like Justin and Gabe needing each other. I don't enjoy that it ended in a cliff hanger, and I really hate the EX.
The engagement ring (torture devise) was clever, I wouldn't have thought to add it to a story.
Its slow and I could have dont without the POV of other characters. Still lost of mystery to solve.
October 6, 2022
holy crap what did I read
This book was intense. Holy moly just no words. Make sure to read the trigger warning this one does go into some details. The beginning is virtual to see all that Gemma has survived. Then we get to happier moments and the ending that leaves your mouth hanging open…what a crazy ride.
This book was intense. Holy moly just no words. Make sure to read the trigger warning this one does go into some details. The beginning is virtual to see all that Gemma has survived. Then we get to happier moments and the ending that leaves your mouth hanging open…what a crazy ride.
October 21, 2022
I loved a lot about this book
I was loving this book. Even the obvious need for editing and the occasional inner dialogue that seems preachy didn’t stop the great characters from shining through. But (spoiler) why did it become about a surprise pregnancy? It’s practically immaculate conception and the trope is so overdone.
I was loving this book. Even the obvious need for editing and the occasional inner dialogue that seems preachy didn’t stop the great characters from shining through. But (spoiler) why did it become about a surprise pregnancy? It’s practically immaculate conception and the trope is so overdone.
December 24, 2022
Enjoyable read
I quite enjoyed this one, but a couple parts weren’t really realistic, and some were a bit preachy or there for drama but not handled or mentioned afterwards. So if you don’t take the book too serious, it’s a good enough read.
Another round of editing would also be very welcome as I did notice quite some typos and mistakes.
I quite enjoyed this one, but a couple parts weren’t really realistic, and some were a bit preachy or there for drama but not handled or mentioned afterwards. So if you don’t take the book too serious, it’s a good enough read.
Another round of editing would also be very welcome as I did notice quite some typos and mistakes.
January 4, 2023
Brilliant
I love the mind of Ashley Amy. And all the different characters she makes come alive and this book isn't any different.
The characters and storyline had me hooked from the start and they completely different to anything she has written before.
The story itself is written perfectly and goes in-depth about the many things a woman can go through.
I love the mind of Ashley Amy. And all the different characters she makes come alive and this book isn't any different.
The characters and storyline had me hooked from the start and they completely different to anything she has written before.
The story itself is written perfectly and goes in-depth about the many things a woman can go through.
June 24, 2023
It's an ok story. Sad of course.
I understand what other reviewers are talking about with the grammar errors and missing or were my words used.
I'm not sure what it is about the story but I am having trouble connecting to the characters.
Like it's missing the link that ties it all together...
Does that make sense?
I understand what other reviewers are talking about with the grammar errors and missing or were my words used.
I'm not sure what it is about the story but I am having trouble connecting to the characters.
Like it's missing the link that ties it all together...
Does that make sense?
August 13, 2022
Gutted!
Gemma is so strong and so brave! I read this book in one sitting, and now I have to try to be patient for book 2. Healing has begun, emotionally and physically, for pretty much all the characters, but it is definitely far from complete.
Gemma is so strong and so brave! I read this book in one sitting, and now I have to try to be patient for book 2. Healing has begun, emotionally and physically, for pretty much all the characters, but it is definitely far from complete.
September 19, 2022
Intense story featuring explicit DV, PTSD and trauma. From the start you feel connected to Gemma in her fight for freedom. I love how she connects to the guys via the kids. I don't understand all her choices in regards to sharing her story more, but that doesn't detract from the story.
October 31, 2022
There was a TW for DV and PTSD but there should have been one for SA as well, especially considering how explicit it was.
Few things throughout that just didn't add up for me. That ending had was gut wrenching.
Few things throughout that just didn't add up for me. That ending had was gut wrenching.
July 30, 2023
good but until
Spoilers ahead cause I wish someone put this review for me.
This book has an abuse pregnancy trope. Really killed my whole like of the book. Up until the end it was good and I won’t be reading book two now.
Spoilers ahead cause I wish someone put this review for me.
This book has an abuse pregnancy trope. Really killed my whole like of the book. Up until the end it was good and I won’t be reading book two now.
January 20, 2024
As usual I am conflicted how to rate the book. I liked the plot but the writing was kinda dull. Gemma was a bit of a know-it-all in what concerned the kids. The burn is understandably super slow but everyone should beware the triggers.
April 7, 2024
It's good!
It is good and I do like the bulk of the storyline. Bentley is clearly unhinged and putting kids in the path of that without being honest with their guardian's is a bit unsettling for me. There were spelling errors as well.
It is good and I do like the bulk of the storyline. Bentley is clearly unhinged and putting kids in the path of that without being honest with their guardian's is a bit unsettling for me. There were spelling errors as well.
May 15, 2024
So good!
I have been in a book slump for weeks And I read this entire book in one day! It was so good! And I am so glad the next book is out because I would be Devastated if it wasn't!
I have been in a book slump for weeks And I read this entire book in one day! It was so good! And I am so glad the next book is out because I would be Devastated if it wasn't!
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