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Flawed

by Kate Avelynn (Goodreads Author)

3.79 of 5 stars 3.79 · rating details · 1,383 ratings · 320 reviews

Sarah O’Brien is alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago — James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely.

Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can...more

Paperback, 336 pages

Published January 22nd 2013 by Entangled Publishing, LLC (first published November 22nd 2012)

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2012 Debut Authors (Young Adult & Middle Grade)

128th out of 794 books — 4,500 voters

TO DIE FOR 2012 - 2013 STAND-ALONES

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Community Reviews

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Nov 25, 2012 Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-want-it-now, november-2012, favorites, crack-books, highly-emotional, new-adult-mature-ya, must-re-read-again

4.75-5 Stars

**WARNING** I’m an emotional wreck and cannot control the verbal vomit that will most likely come out of my mouth. So with that said, the following may contain spoilers and some expletives. You have been warned. Proceed at your own risk :)

You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.

“No, I love you. You’ve never loved me, even though it’s supposed to be me and you, forever.” He reaches for my waist and buries his sticky face in my stomach. “Why c...more

56 likes · like · see review

Feb 19, 2013 Naomi Soraya rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, drama

First half of the book

The decisions they made, although understandable in this abusive family situation

Second half the book picks up pace, their already bitter situation becomes even more heartwrenching

and more despairing, it's a trainwreck waiting to happen..you know it's coming

to the most depressing ending ever

I feel...I don't know, just sad...

34 likes · like · see review

Feb 21, 2013 Rosalinda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: made-me-cry, amazing-writing-style, drama-drama-drama

~~I cannot rate this book but will try my best to review it~~

I finally decided to rate this after 2 days, I cannot get this out of my head so I guess that's a good signal

Why can’t I rate the book? I don’t know, maybe I will be able to do it after a few days but most of the book I felt it was a 3 star book but then the end was a 5 star ending so it’s better if I just don’t rate it because my rating won’t be fair.

This is the story of James & Sarah. To be honest, I think this is their book, Sam w...more

27 likes · like · see review

Feb 19, 2013 Debra rated it 3 of 5 stars

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
You make me happy when skies are grey.
You'll never know, dear, how much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away."

A girl desperately trying to escape her horrible life.

She's trying to escape her abusive father, her uncaring mother and her overprotective brother.

Then she falls in love with a boy...

A boy, who wants nothing more than to make her happy and keep her safe...

But, will her possessive brother and controlling father allow them to be together?...more

22 likes · like · see review

Dec 01, 2012 Keertana rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: why-the-hype

Rating: 2.5 Stars

You need to know straight off the bat that this is one of those reviews you should take with a grain of salt. I read Flawed just after finishing Juliet Marillier’s masterpiece, Daughter of the Forest, and you should know, that reading order did no wonders for this novel. While both novels are vastly dissimilar, they both contain protagonists who have suffered through difficult situations and while Sorcha, the compelling heroine of Marillier’s tale, managed to make me weep and fe...more

23 likes · like · see review

Feb 07, 2013 Clarifina ~Books Are My Drugs~ rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who likes Forbidden or Love's Forbidden Flower.

Shelves: books-i-love-like-chocolate, beautifully-written-books, depressing-as-hell, bad-boy-or-rock-stars-or-nice-jerks, i-was-a-sobbing-mess, messed-with-my-emotions, made-my-heart-hurt, sweet-guys, ya, drama-drama-and-oh-look-more-drama

What can I say really? That Flawed shattered my heart? That I love it despite this fact? What else is new? Okay, so for some of you who don't want to read this book because of the incest factor, please don't be turned off by this. It's not really an incest novel. It's not like Forbidden-although I do think that fans of the novel would enjoy this-because there was no real romance going on between the two of them. I mean, it was kind of like a one-sided thing...

Anyway, Flawed is about tw...more

16 likes · like · see review

Feb 11, 2013 Marina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, food-for-thought, heart-stopping, abused-hero-heroine

So..

After considering the following features you may procede with reading the book:

Overbearing abusive father ex-fighter beating the shit out of his children and his wife.

Possessive brother in love with his sister.

Adorable and protective boy trying to save girl.

Girl torn between avoiding her mental father, disappointing her brother and wanting to be free with boy.

And last but not least:

THE MOTHER OF ALL NON-HEA.

18 likes · like · see review

Nov 23, 2012 Katie(babs) rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: gag-worthy-book

It seems more young adult is tackling a lot more taboo subjects such as incest. We saw this with Tabitha Suzuma’s Forbidden, which is an incestuous romance between a brother and sister, both in high school. That book didn’t work for me for various reasons. When I heard about Flawed, and the possible incestuous implications that may occur about another brother and sister (but this time the sister isn’t interested at all), I would give it a shot. Flawed was a big disappointment, so much so that it...more It seems more young adult is tackling a lot more taboo subjects such as incest. We saw this with Tabitha Suzuma’s Forbidden, which is an incestuous romance between a brother and sister, both in high school. That book didn’t work for me for various reasons. When I heard about Flawed, and the possible incestuous implications that may occur about another brother and sister (but this time the sister isn’t interested at all), I would give it a shot. Flawed was a big disappointment, so much so that it’s the first book I ever sent back to Kindle for a refund.

Flawed was horrid, and it's not because of the possible incest going on. Even the undertones of incest, mainly from James, the overprotective brother to Sarah was more ho-hum and tiresome after a while. The writing was disjointed and the over the top angst and abuse from the alcoholic dad (who lusts after the innocent, virginal Sarah) and druggie mom, who you blink and she’s gone, is so unrealistic. The flip flopping, wish-washy thoughts and feelings of the characters, mainly of James, and especially of Sarah- "I love James, oh no he's icky because he kissed me, but he protects me from incestuous drunk dad," was ridiculous and very grating. Sam, Sarah's knight and savior has some life in him, but he's a wasted character, more wallpaper than anything.

If things had been more subtle with James’ and Sarah's home life and not the non-stop soap opera schlock within these pages, then this would have been so much better poignant and tragic tale the author was probably shooting for.

This needed heavy content editing overall. There's really isn't much of a plot to speak of when it comes down to it. There's a mystery thrown in that makes no sense, and I can't tell you the number of times I rolled my eyes as I read who was responsible for the XYZ's clumsily laid out. The ending that's so shocking really isn't. It's a planned and blatant attempt to shock the reader into some sort of emotional response which fails.

This is one DOA book. It's certainly not worth the $5.99. I've read better, well written and thought provoking self published young adult novels at half the price, and that's saying a lot.

Big pass on this one.(less)

17 likes · like · see review

Jan 03, 2013 Annie Brewer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angst, contemp-romance, death, emotionally-devastating, favorite, new-adult, teen-sex, total-mind-fuck, tough-subject, 2013

OH crap! I want to read this book...but ummm, after reading Forbidden and how it shattered my heart to the point of becoming inconsolable and not able to read another book for like a week, I am so scared to read this. Though these crazy, twisted, sick stories are always the ones that jump out at me and I always take the bait, I am just not sure if I can stomach this one. My heart is fragile as it is. Ugh, maybe I'll give it a chance at some point.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...more OH crap! I want to read this book...but ummm, after reading Forbidden and how it shattered my heart to the point of becoming inconsolable and not able to read another book for like a week, I am so scared to read this. Though these crazy, twisted, sick stories are always the ones that jump out at me and I always take the bait, I am just not sure if I can stomach this one. My heart is fragile as it is. Ugh, maybe I'll give it a chance at some point.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

*SOB SOB SOB* What the fuck was that??????? OMG....O.M.F.G. I can't review this right now. I have to blow my nose ten times and sob on the bathroom floor for a little bit.

~Review soon~

This is going to be a hard review to write. I am still in shock and utter disbelief over this book...the ending. First of all, I want to commend the author for writing about such a taboo subject. I can't imagine how hard it was to write some of these scenes. I read Forbidden and vowed to never read a book like that again. I was tore up for days over that book and though this one is slightly different, it still had the same impact. Forbidden is actually one of my all-time favorite books ever and it happened to be the most devastating read for me as well. But this one was different. I loved it and some parts had me yelling and wanting to reach into my nook and strangle Sarah silly. But honestly, this was a very hard book to read.

We have Sarah. She's about to be a senior in high school, she has one more year to be in the same house as...him. Her sick, asshole abusive father. She only has to endure one more year of his abuse and advances. But it's too much. Can she really survive one more year of his sickish fucked up tirades? *cringes*

James, the savoir...the big brother who would do anything to protect his little sister from their father. Even if it meant locking her up so she can never see the outside world, except for him. When they were little, they made a pact that they would always be together...always stay together and live their lives, well together and she promised to never leave him. Except, both of their meanings differed. Where James wanted more from her than her love as a sister, things got complicated. She loves her brother, more than anyone...but not in the way James assumes. And though she would do anything for him since after all, he did throw himself in front of their father on more than one occasion to save her and for that he had bruises and scars to show the lengths he'd take to save her, it's a different kind of love. And in the end, it doesn't work in his favor.

Sam Donavan...the amazing sweet guy whom I fell for instantly. He is, was I should say James' best friend since they were young. He was always by James's side. But also, he was in love with Sarah for years and never did anything about it...until now. But it might be too late. James has Sarah locked up like a prisoner. He wants to protect her from their father, but ends up wanting her for himself. He doesn't want her talking to his friends, go to college or get a job. He wants to do everything for her and in turn she has to do everything he wants. It's really sad. Sam tried to protect her and save her from all the shit she was forced to endure. But it broke my heart...he did his best. I wanted to punch Sarah on more than one occasion. She was stupid...really stupid. He offered her such an amazing future and he put his own future plans on hold for her. He had such a bright life ahead of him. *takes deep breaths* But he was so set on taking Sarah with him and then....*wipes stupid tears* and then, shit just gets real.

This book pissed me off, moved me, made me swoon, made me cry, made me cringe, made me laugh, made me scream and last but not least, made me die inside. It was so powerful yet so devastating. I wasn't sure which way was up or down. I eventually understood why Sarah did some things but I was still upset with her. Her sick ass father finally got what he deserved, though I think he deserved far worse. Sam's mom was a saving grace in this. OMG, my heart....my fucking heart shattered into little pieces for that woman, yet it seemed to mend the slightest bit as well. James was so sick but my heart was also hurt for him too. It's not exactly his fault he turned out that way. And it just..it was...I just...*deep breaths, deep breaths Annie* I didn't hate him even though I wanted to. I wanted to hate him so bad....*breaths breaths breathe* But in the end, I just sobbed for him...them. All of them. What a clusterfuck of shit they all went through. Seriously.

The end. I can't...but I...it just....Oh GAWD, *sob sob sob* Why??? Whyyyyyyyyy? Though this book was different than Forbidden, it was still the same numb, shocked feeling I felt. I eventually loved the characters and felt for all of them. I wished things had gone differently. I wished some things didn't happen. I wished some things did. I just wish. It's so hard to put into words what this book made me feel. How am I supposed to feel when I can't make sense of it all? Why did she? Why didn't she? Why why why.....that's all I can think. That's the word that comes to mind. But then again, being placed in her shoes,would I have done the same thing? I keep trying to figure that out. I guess in some weird crazy way, there is a happy ending of sort...but not the one we'd expect. Only thing I can say is thank God for Liz.

Well done Kate. This book was hard to get into at first. I was very hesitant to read it but the writing was so real, it pulled me in pretty quick and I couldn't stop thinking about it when I wasn't reading it. So I guess that means something, right? I did enjoy it though, heartbreak and all.(less)

15 likes · like · see review

Dec 29, 2012 Debbie (Cimmaron of Talk Supe) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Originally posted on Talk Supe

I love a book with a happy ending. Life is scary and some really scary shit can happen throughout our whole lives and I just need the affirmation that the characters I've invested my time on end up on a path that leads me to believe that all things will be all right and they end up happy. FLAWED by Kate Avelynn is NOT one of those books that end with a happy ending. Honestly, I am still a little torn up about the ending but that did not deter me from absolutely lovi...more

5 likes · like · see review

Nov 28, 2012 Sanny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: taboo-topics, more-heartbreak-than-i-can-take, dark-disturbing-or-both

I can't rate this right now as my emotions are all over the place.

You told me once, dear, you really loved me

And no one else could come between.

But now you’ve left me and love another;

You have shattered all my dreams."

...neither am I sure where to start on my review, so first things first: this isn't a book I'd recommend - not because it was bad but because it talks about topics that not everyone can deal with.

The first sentence will hook you immediately. After reading that first sentence my min...more

9 likes · like · see review

Dec 12, 2012 Sam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-or-galley, realistic-or-contemporary, other-favourites, romance, made-me-cry

There is a reason, or really, a blend of reasons, why I tend to avoid weighty contemporary subjects like this. At the core of that is the need to escape from real-life issues, to lose myself in a world dissimilar to my own. When Flawed first rose to attention, the mention of possible incest, most definite child abuse, and heavy, forbidden secrets were all aspects that normally would have – should have – had me diving head-first into a different genre. For reasons that still elude me, for reasons...more

25 likes · like · see review

Dec 19, 2012 ShawnaLeAnn [Dreaming In The Pages] rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've got to read this book.
Like yesterday...
My hands are itching here people!

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 08, 2013 Kate Avelynn added it · (Review from the author)

1/8/2013 UPDATE:

YAY!! Paperbacks are shipping and should be popping up in B&N stores around the country soon! If you've been waiting to hold the book, order copies online, or from your local B&N. Thanks for everything guys!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flawe...
http://www.amazon.com/Flawed-Kate-Ave...
http://www.bookdepository.com/Flawed-...

PRINT UPDATE:

The paperback of FLAWED should hit bookstore shelves January 22nd! If you pre-ordered your copy online, you'll likely get it before that...more

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 23, 2012 Liттlє Lαмв rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourites, young-adult, protective-brothers, taboo-love, highschool-romance

**Because of some of the comments that I've seen about this novel, I want to start by saying that this isn't a story about incest. That label feels misleading and many readers will be turned off when they're assuming that this features a romantic relationship between two siblings.**

This is a really, really difficult review to write. Maybe that's fitting because Flawed was a difficult story to read. I think, by looking over the synopsis, the basics of the story are clear. Sarah O'Brien is the vic...more **Because of some of the comments that I've seen about this novel, I want to start by saying that this isn't a story about incest. That label feels misleading and many readers will be turned off when they're assuming that this features a romantic relationship between two siblings.**

This is a really, really difficult review to write. Maybe that's fitting because Flawed was a difficult story to read. I think, by looking over the synopsis, the basics of the story are clear. Sarah O'Brien is the victim of a horrific home life. Her brother James is her savior, taking her pain at one price, her love. All of her love.

Though James certainly has his flaws, and he will make readers all kinds of unsure and uncomfortable, his determination to protect his sister is so endearing. He is a character I both love and hated, one that left me torn and twisted and ripped apart at times. Even if the story is told from Sarah's perspective, readers will connect just as strongly to James, and come to know him just as deeply. A victim of circumstance as much as his sister, and a boy who has given up so much in the name of protecting her, there is still something dark and dangerous about him. Heading down some rough paths of his own, James is as amazing as he is messed up. So he was naturally my favorite character. I loved the way the author made me second guess every motivation he had - caught myself many times thinking, "Did he mean that as a brother.. or much much more? Was nature or nurture responsible for his attitude?"

Sarah is such an exceptionally well done character. A girl who has quite a road in this book, and who weathers it with both grace and mistakes. Her love and devotion for her brother is mirrored back in a way that is both hard to understand at first and not uncomfortable as much as bittersweet, but also something Avelynn does a tremendous job of explaining as things progress. Connected in ways they don't even seem to fully grasp, Sarah and James have a remarkably intense relationship that could not even be put aside at the signs of a broken mind. Maybe she never wants to believe James has a vulnerable side, but if things have been painful for her for over a decade living with a violent father, isn't it logical to assume that James could be suffering from some similar level of pain? (Her constant "I love James, oh no he's icky because he kissed me, but he protects me from incestuous drunk dad," was very grating at times.) But no, Sarah chooses not to think in a direction that would scare her even more. She never lets herself see how all the abuses have been corrupting James until it is too late. His sense of desperation pushes him to risk every bit of himself in his final attempt to ‘make things right’ and I felt totally exhausted and drowned in sadness as I finished the second last chapter of the book.

Sam melts my heart. He is so caring, gentle, and kind. He is everything Sarah needs in life, even if she isn't at a point where she can recognize that yet. He has an understanding of what is happening with their father, but he quickly becomes suspicious of how possessive James is of Sarah. (I wonder if Sam had been feeling obnoxiously fed up with James for a very long time.) James was her rock through all the crappy moments in her life, so she had a hard time seeing the truth for what it was. I guess that was understandable, but it still frustrated me to no ends. I wanted her to open up to Sam when they finally got together or to anyone else for that matter, but she never did. The moments of peace, acceptance and love between Sam and Sarah were truly breath-taking. Even as much as she pushes him away at times, he still refuses to let her go. He knows it's not what she wants.

Now, I also want to briefly talk about the ending. To say that I was perfectly satisfied with it would be the biggest lie ever. No. I was mad, frustrated, enraged and probably wanted to forget I even read the book. And then I thought about it really hard. I realized how much I actually appreciate the ending. It was realistic and consistent with Sarah's character. That is all I have to say. I'm not going to go further to ruin the reading experience for you, but be prepared to be absolutely angry at the ending.

This one had a plot that was the perfect blend of internal, character focused portions, centered mostly on James and Sarah and more specifically all the realizations Sarah comes to, and external things that trigger quite the series of events. During one half of the book I was a sobbing mess and during the other half I was cringing at the cruelty that was Sarah's life. For a short read, it packed a lot of themes, real-life themes that some of us are most probably afraid to think of ; Incest,domestic violence,rape,teenage sex life,drug abuse. Personally, I thought Kate Avelynn handled them flawlessly (Get it? Muaha!). Her prose was simple, but extremely profound.(less)

17 likes · like · see review

Feb 19, 2013 Mistress rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ah, what an ending... it saved this book for me, it was perfect. I think I was hoping way more out of this book from the beginning. I had a hard time really getting into the characters at first, but once I did the book flowed smoothly. When the action picked up around 64% and everything become intense, I really started to love Flawed. I would recommend reading this one if you want to be shocked and have your heart ache. This book is tragic and teaches us about strength.

I haven't been able to ge...more Ah, what an ending... it saved this book for me, it was perfect. I think I was hoping way more out of this book from the beginning. I had a hard time really getting into the characters at first, but once I did the book flowed smoothly. When the action picked up around 64% and everything become intense, I really started to love Flawed. I would recommend reading this one if you want to be shocked and have your heart ache. This book is tragic and teaches us about strength.

I haven't been able to get a thought out of my mind all night after finishing this book, so I have to add it to my review. Don't read this spoiler unless you have read this book already because it will ruin the ending for you. (view spoiler)

Below are alternate endings to Flawed. Alternate ending #1 is how I wish the book ended. Again, I wouldn't read these endings until you finish the book.

http://www.kateavelynn.com/alternate-...

http://www.kateavelynn.com/alternate-...(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 06, 2013 Katee Robert rated it 5 of 5 stars

Holy Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I don't even know where to start.

This book DESTROYED me. Like I'm sitting here, crying in a seriously borderline hysterical manner and I can't seem to stop. That said, just WOW. I was right there with Sarah the entire time. There was no distancing myself from the events of the book, no sitting back and wondering what *I* would have done. I couldn't escape this story if I'd tried.

Read this book. It will devastate you, bring you up, down, and sideways, and at the end...more

7 likes · like · see review

Dec 20, 2012 Cat Russell (Addicted2Heroines) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, highly-recommend

I'll always love you and make you happy,
If you will only say the same.
But if you leave me to love another,
You'll regret it all some day.

Wow. Just wow. I had no idea how dark and powerfully emotional this would be. Flawed is one of those unforgettable stories that stays on your mind long after you've reached the conclusion.

Because of some of the comments that I've seen about this novel, I want to start by saying that this isn't a story about incest. That label feels misleading and many readers w...more I'll always love you and make you happy,
If you will only say the same.
But if you leave me to love another,
You'll regret it all some day.

Wow. Just wow. I had no idea how dark and powerfully emotional this would be. Flawed is one of those unforgettable stories that stays on your mind long after you've reached the conclusion.

Because of some of the comments that I've seen about this novel, I want to start by saying that this isn't a story about incest. That label feels misleading and many readers will be turned off when they're assuming that this features a romantic relationship between two siblings.

Flawed is much deeper and more complex than that. It's about two teenagers struggling to cope with their lives in an environment that's completely broken and lacking in love, suffocating under the weight of their emotional and physical scars. It's about the long lasting effect that hatred and cruelty can have on children and how strongly it influences their own adult lives. It's about the blurring lines between right and wrong and how to say no to the only person who has ever loved you, has ever kept you safe, has ever cared if you lived or died.

Avelynn does a fantastic job at creating characters that stir up a variety of emotions, which is what makes this story so captivating. Love, anger, heartache, adoration, and especially fear and anxiety. Sarah and James' father is an abusive drunk who is constantly searching for an excuse to take his anger and self-loathing out on his children. Each time Sarah was alone in the house with him I was worried and on the edge of my seat, expecting him to hurt her before she could make a quick escape.

As the story progresses, Sarah makes an attempt at independence and begins to want more than just a sheltered life under her brother's protection. But when James realizes that he may be losing her, his actions become desperate and irrational. It all results in an ending that fits the overall feel of this novel, which means that no one should expect a happily ever after.

Flawed was a dark, depressing, uncomfortable, gut-wrenching read that I couldn't put down until it was over. Literally. I finished reading this story at 4:26am and I don't regret one moment of my lack of sleep. (less)

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 27, 2012 Rebekah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fan-girling-ly-fabulous

Review to come once I stop ugly-crying. I don't think a book has ever affected me as much as this one. Literally sat up at almost 4am sobbing :'(

What worked: Flawed is one of those books that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. If there’s one thing I have to say about Kate Avelynn, it’s that she is a first class writer. She will hold your heart in her hand and squeeze it dry. Same goes for your tearducts! Have tissues at the ready and soundproof the room because you’re about to ug...more

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 15, 2013 Teresa Mary Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, netgalley-edelweiss, favorites, ya, contemporary

More Reviews Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives

This is probably the hardest review I have ever had to write, and sitting down to do this has brought tears to my eyes once again. I have lost count of the amount of times I have cried over this book now. There are really no words I can use to truly describe my feelings at the end of Flawed. Flawed pretty much destroyed me and turned me into an emotional wreck. This is not a happy book and the situations are not easy to read, but at the same time I...more More Reviews Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives

This is probably the hardest review I have ever had to write, and sitting down to do this has brought tears to my eyes once again. I have lost count of the amount of times I have cried over this book now. There are really no words I can use to truly describe my feelings at the end of Flawed. Flawed pretty much destroyed me and turned me into an emotional wreck. This is not a happy book and the situations are not easy to read, but at the same time I feel like this book needs to be read.

Flawed is a beautifully told story about broken lives. Two teens who have grown up in an abusive household and have clung to each other because of this. Their relationship is not normal and you cannot expect it to be normal under these circumstances. It is easy to understand how these two would come to rely on each other so heavily and it is hard to fault them for it. While as a reader on the outside it is easy to see what choices the characters should make, it is also easy to understand how these broken people end up making the choices they do. These characters cannot be expected to act in a way that we may deem normal because nothing about their life has ever been normal.

Flawed is not an easy read. It is painful and heartbreaking and uncomfortable at times. However, this is how you should feel while reading this book. It is not a lighthearted book, or a gripping romance, or a book you read when you need a pick me up. No, Flawed is the kind of book you read when you want something truly meaningful and something that will really make you feel. Something that brings heartache and pain, but in the midst of it all there is still some happiness and some hope. Like I said, it is not easy but it is so worth it.

Despite all the pain and heartache in Flawed, there is still a truly sweet romance. In the middle of all the pain, the romance will make you smile. It is young love with all the drama and insecurities that entails, but amplified because of years of pain and abuse. It is the kind of love you will root for from the very beginning. It is also the kind of love that looks past imperfections and obstacles and strives to fully blossom. It really is beautiful to put it simply.

This is a book that has the ability to truly make you stop and think. I had a very hard time processing everything once I finished reading. I was an emotional disaster and I really didn’t know what I was feeling when I closed the book. Devastated? Hopeful? Honestly, I’m still not sure. All I know is that this book made a lasting impression on me and I will not forget this book any time soon. This is a book that will stay with you and the kind of book you use as a standard to compare other books to. It may not be happy and it may not be easy, but it needs to be read.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.(less)

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Dec 06, 2012 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 9-12-anticipated-releases, arcs

There’s a fist-clenching feeling in my stomach, tear pools in my eyes. In the past, select stories have stirred some emotion out of me, mainly mentally with a few shedded tears here and there. This is the first time that a story has moved me to such a degree of physical response. I feel like my emotions are revolting against the floodgate I’ve constructed. It’s hard to describe my feelings towards Flawed without bursting into tears. I sit here wrecked, having had my emotions thrown through the w...more There’s a fist-clenching feeling in my stomach, tear pools in my eyes. In the past, select stories have stirred some emotion out of me, mainly mentally with a few shedded tears here and there. This is the first time that a story has moved me to such a degree of physical response. I feel like my emotions are revolting against the floodgate I’ve constructed. It’s hard to describe my feelings towards Flawed without bursting into tears. I sit here wrecked, having had my emotions thrown through the wringer, and now left with a firm belief that Flawed is one of the most remarkable books I’ve ever read. Devastating and dark doesn’t even begin describe this story, but it’s a good place to start.

Sarah O’Brien’s life is abysmal. Her father’s a monster, a once famed boxer who delegates his time between work at the paper mill, chugging beers and beating his children and wife. His presence was like a dark shadow that Sarah couldn’t escape from, a nightmare replayed over and over again. Sarah’s mother, always high off of this or that medication was useless, unable to help anyone let alone herself. Then there’s James. The constant, shining star in Sarah’s life. All their life, Sarah and James have clung to each other for comfort, support and protection. The bond between these two were nigh impenetrable. That is, until Jame’s instability really came to light, and Sarah found a sense of freedom in Sam’s promises.

Flawed is gut-wrenching and heart-breaking. It was an emotional roller-coaster that kept plummeting down into a dark, dreary tunnel. In a way I’m glad that my job prevented me from reading this whole book in one sitting. If I hadn’t read, breaked, than read some more, I don’t know what state I’d be in. I’m already in an emotional-overload as it is. Every cruel, revolting and downright horrific thing Sarah went through had me clutching tissues and sobbing. There were those cute, hope-filled moments here and there, especially when Sam was involved, but they weren’t enough to lift the sorrow-filled haze clouding my mind.
The moment I saw Flawed I knew I needed to read it, a decision I’ll forever be glad I made. It was an experience never before experienced, and never to be forgotten. Avelynn weaves a story so disturbing yet real that had me rapidly flipping the pages. I was so hooked on Sarah’s story. Every physical and emotional obstacle Sarah went through, just made my hope for her brighter future, that much higher.

Flawed is an easy 5 stakes. The story although, dark and highly controversial, is raw and beautiful. Strip away the abuse, the drug use and tinged hints of incest, and you have a girl just trying to discover who she is and what she wants out of life, and most importantly, realizing that she does deserve a happy ending.

"I have no idea what he sees in me. Strength he says. Beauty. A big heart. I see none of these things. I see fear, flaws, and a heart so full of blackness I can’t give up on my own selfish wants to set him or my brother free."

Flawed is being marketed as a Young Adult book, however I’d argue that it definitely belongs with the New Adult domain. There are a lot of mature scenes and concepts that are most definitely not suited for tweens or younger teens. I’d say 17+ for mature language, scenes including yet not limited to violence, sex, and drugs.(less)

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Nov 22, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Flawed has to be one of the best books I've read this year!! It was emotional, dark, intense book and full of love that it was overwhelming. From the very beginning I was hooked and that first page then went to 80 pages... it was addictive. Flawed was one of the best debuts I've read, and everyone who reads this book will fall in love with the chemistry between the characters and the intense plot. Kate Avelynn is officially one of my favorite authors because now this book will be stuck in my min...more Flawed has to be one of the best books I've read this year!! It was emotional, dark, intense book and full of love that it was overwhelming. From the very beginning I was hooked and that first page then went to 80 pages... it was addictive. Flawed was one of the best debuts I've read, and everyone who reads this book will fall in love with the chemistry between the characters and the intense plot. Kate Avelynn is officially one of my favorite authors because now this book will be stuck in my mind! I still havent started another book!

When it begins we meet Sarah who is definitely a well put together characters, and is ready to move on from her broken family. She goes through this journey and self-discovery that it will blow you away. The close relationship with her brother is definitely uncomfortable at first because of their pact and the agreement that they would never leave each other. Avelynn did an amazing job of describing the relationship between Sarah and James because its an interesting relationship which is also sometimes hard to read without being emotional. Sarah faces a lot of hardships in the novel between her family and also the situations she is faced against. She was a great character and also relatable.

James has to be one of the most complex characters when I was reading because he has a way of grabbing your attention but at the same time, was making certain scenes uncomfortable. He was Very protective of Sarah which was a love and hate relationship. He was to me a broken character with a lot of flaws but at times I just wanted to fix his problems. James is also a victim during the story which is another reason why the reader will feel his pain as well as Sarah's incredible story.

Now to the amazing Sam Donovan *swoon* I think I fell in love with him the first time I read about him. Sam is definitely one man who will make you blush and fall in love because when Sam finally makes a move on Sarah (who has wanted his attention for years) the chemistry between these two makes me want to fall in love. He is another main character that plays a major role in Sarah's life and he was adorble, sweetm and his determination was dearing and made my heart race at times. Same is one of the sweetest boys you will read about, and watching his relationship develop was one of the best parts of reading the book because you see them starting to grow up together. His attention to Sarah makes the reader root for this couple to succeed. There were times that were emotional as well as bringing some tears to my eyes near the ending. But this beautiful book will make an impact on you.

I was in tears involved but when I cry it means I loved the book, and see how connected I was to the characters and seeing the emotions that Sarah was going through. Flawed is definitely flawed but in a good amazing way because I can now say I am addicted to Avelynn writing now! From happiness, laughs and tears to OMG what happened, I did want more. With a great mix of sexiness and the raw emotions that will trigger many events in the book. This book is a MUST read because it is the total package and Flawed is a brillant read that is unputdownable!! (less)

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Nov 23, 2012 Jessirae rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-faves, for-review

Beautiful and devastating all wrapped in one heart shattering, soul moving book. Flawed broke me, crushed me whole and devoured my every being. Kate Avelynn created a book so powerful, so gut wrenching.. nothing will ever be the same.

Sarah O’Brien was the strongest protagonist I have ever encountered in all my time of reading. She wasn’t strong physically, but with years of abuse she had to go through, Sarah endured. She was living a life she didn’t deserve at all, stuck in an impossible situat...more Beautiful and devastating all wrapped in one heart shattering, soul moving book. Flawed broke me, crushed me whole and devoured my every being. Kate Avelynn created a book so powerful, so gut wrenching.. nothing will ever be the same.

Sarah O’Brien was the strongest protagonist I have ever encountered in all my time of reading. She wasn’t strong physically, but with years of abuse she had to go through, Sarah endured. She was living a life she didn’t deserve at all, stuck in an impossible situation with difficult choices to make between the two people that she loved the most. It was all so hard on Sarah and I really felt that pain, the indecision and the stress she was holding on her shoulders. The juggling of protecting herself, her brother, and Sam just took a toll on Sarah and my heart damn near crumbled for her. In the toughest of times, Sarah held out and I truly looked up to the way she loved and cared for James and Sam. I loved Sarah for all that she was and all that she wasn’t and I especially loved her for the choices she made and the fact that she continued to dream, hope and live.  

In so little words, I loved James. I ached for him entirely; that broken boy I wanted to fix from the inside out. As unstable and unpredictable as he was, I could not help but only see the goodness of his intentions and of his heart. He conflicted me, he shook me and made me love and hate him simultaneously. All his life has been devoted to protect and care for Sarah. Everything he had ever done was for Sarah and his unwavering love for her allowed darkness and madness to consume him. James only knew what he had to do to protect Sarah and all he wanted in return was love; love she could not give. And that possessive, all consuming love he had for her was what blew out the last of the bright flame my lovely golden boy had. How do you fix something so broken, so tainted by abuse, alcohol, drugs and fear that only darkness remained? There really is only one answer.. you can’t.

The romance of this book rooted and attached itself to me. I have never felt so intensely for the love that bloomed between Sarah and Sam. It was electric and it was paradise and it was dangerous in so many aspects. For me, the risk was worth it all. Sam opened Sarah’s eyes. His smart, independent, caring, and protective personality awakened Sarah and taught her the true meaning of unconditional love. He gave her happiness and what little freedom she could take. Sarah was his everything, his forever and I truly believed that from the bottom of my heart. This boy.. this great, spectacular, unlike-no-one-in-this-world kind of boy was the sweetest, brightest and selfless being I have ever had the privilege to fall in love with. If there is one true hero in this book, it was Sam Donavan. No questions asked.

I was unprepared for the amount of pain and hurt this book made me feel. I was unprepared for the amount and depth of love I had for every single letter, word, sentence, paragraph, page and chapter. I have never felt so much fear, hot and cold in my heart. I didn’t think I could have ever foreseen it coming at all. This book opened my eyes to the meaning of sacrifices, of choices, and complete devotion. 

Flawed has easily worked its way to being one of the best books I have ever read. The wait was more than worth it and if I had to wait a million years for this book, I would happily do so. Kate Avelynn completely moved me to sobbing tears with her clean, exquisite, and top notch writing. What she created in Flawed was pure emotion, passion and dark tragedy that shattered my heart to tiny painful pieces. It’s the type of book that is too beautiful for words and one that will haunt your very core to oblivion.  

Overall, Flawed was just perfect, flawless and incomparable.

More Reviews on my blog: Words, Pages, and Books (less)

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Feb 20, 2013 Miglet rated it 5 of 5 stars

My thought as I finished, "So that happened."

Crikey.

This is a damn good book that is extremely well-written. Hard to read at times (Maybe all the time? I am not sure of anything right now except how intensely I am feeling and it's this book's fault), but I found it ultimately worth it.

I have never been less happy about an ending though. I mean, not at all happy in any way shape or form. I accept this ending, but I am not getting over it anytime soon.

Emotional devastation gets five stars from...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Renita Pizzitola rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I went back and forth on whether to rate this 4 stars or 5. I LOVED this book...until the end. The story drew me in and I couldn't put it down, but the end crushed me. Which goes to show how well the author developed the characters. If I hadn't fallen in love with the story the ending wouldn't have been so hard to read. I'm an HEA fan myself but no denying this book is amazing. So while I'm bummed with the way it ended it definitely deserves 5 stars.

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 17, 2013 SilkeeeeeeReads rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: emotional-fiction, fm-emotional-oh-holy-hell-i-can, depression, fm-incest, fm-kink, fm-incest-siblings

Well, SH*T! Another one of the dark books that is difficult to review without spoilers. These are very young adults BUT this is NOT something a teenager should read. VERY DARK and depressing. I have no idea how you can read this book without holding your breath during much of this story. That should say a lot about this book since I am an avid dark erotica reader.

Very messed up family. Brother and sister are forced to protect each other from their abusive father.

This is so messed up. The dark er...more

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Dec 07, 2012 Paula HG rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: can-i-lick-the-cover-please

I am very confused right now. I sincerely don't know how many stars I should rate this book. I kind of feel like rating it ONE star for that god-awful ending that screwed up all the good things the book kept hinting at.

This book is about an abusive father, an absent mother and a protective brother who gets... confused with what he feels. It is not a happy story, it is not a faerie-tale with a prince and a happy ending. But it talks about a cruel reality that everyone should be aware of, be it t...more I am very confused right now. I sincerely don't know how many stars I should rate this book. I kind of feel like rating it ONE star for that god-awful ending that screwed up all the good things the book kept hinting at.

This book is about an abusive father, an absent mother and a protective brother who gets... confused with what he feels. It is not a happy story, it is not a faerie-tale with a prince and a happy ending. But it talks about a cruel reality that everyone should be aware of, be it through the news or through a book that is not exactly the worst case scenario (although it is REALLY bad). Everyone should read this kind of book at least once in their lives. This book is not a book you'll read on a sunny day at the beach, this is a book you'll read curled up on your bed, while you eat ice-cream and cry (Did I do that? maaaaaaaaaaay-be).

Sarah was, well, she was weak, she was no person I would like to be, but she was the perfect MC for a tortured and sad story such as Flawed. She was, obviously, very flawed, but I forgave the flaws because Sarah had all the right excuses to be who she was. I admit I was mad every time she was weak and didn't stand up for herself but I kind of understood too.
James was the broken brother I knew he was from the beginning, but it was scary to understand how he became who he was, why he did what he did. I was scared of him, I felt protective of him and I hated him all at the same time, he was really confusing and that was exactly how Sarah felt, and it was creepy to feel what the MC felt.
Sarah's dad... well, I only got one word and it is: EWWWWWW!!
I just wonder, why didn't it all happen earlier?
Sam (MC's love interest): I loved him, his sweetness, his patience, his personality as a whole. He was perfect.

Avelynn has a very good style of writting that sucks you right in and makes you feel and experience everything she's describing. It was definitely creepy and scary to be in Sarah's place, believe me, but it was awesome to be able appreciate Avelynn's writting talent.

My only issue with this book, as I said before, is the ending. I won't spoil it, because it wouldn't be fair, but I was dissapointed. Or hurt. Like I'd been strung along all through the chapters thinking and wishing that maybe...(don't spoil it Paula, don't spoil it!!) to get robbed of a happy ending. Or I guess of the happy ending I WANTED.
I've decided I'll put this book 5 stars, simply because when I can't stop reading a book and it shakes me up really bad, I know the book is GOOD.

WARNING: the violence, language, drug-use and sex-scenes in this book might not be apt to just everyone...(less)

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Dec 03, 2012 Bieke {Istyria book blog} rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, favorites, best-books-ever, reread-worthy, emotional-or-heavy-reads

James is why I never left. I should have left.

God I'm a mess right now. I just finished this book and I'm just so messed up. I don't agree with the ending. Absolutly not. Seriously. This book had me crying even more then The Fault In Our Stars. And that says something.

It broke him, and in turn, he broke us all.

I really loved the characters. I felt what they felt. The relationship Sarah and James have is so unhealthy en just not right. James has a lot of issues. The whole plot is brilliantly w...more

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 23, 2012 Tiffa (TheBritishBookNerd) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, e-books, 2013, reviewed, from-publisher-author, bawled-like-a-baby, e-books-i-own, favourites, contemporary

I was sent a .pdf/e-book ARC of this book by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say, if any of you book lovers out there are deeply affected by very sensitive issues – then I’m sure this book isn’t for you. If however, you’re better at dealing with such subjects I highly recommend this novel - It was incredible. This story is definitely not light and fluffy - it really hurt me to read it at times. There was a constant pain in my chest, and as tears streamed from my e...more I was sent a .pdf/e-book ARC of this book by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say, if any of you book lovers out there are deeply affected by very sensitive issues – then I’m sure this book isn’t for you. If however, you’re better at dealing with such subjects I highly recommend this novel - It was incredible. This story is definitely not light and fluffy - it really hurt me to read it at times. There was a constant pain in my chest, and as tears streamed from my eyes, it felt like my gut was being wrenched out. Am I being a bit dramatic? Maybe so, but this book is not for the faint-hearted. It’s not a book with happily ever-after and a Prince that saves the day. It shows a cruel and nasty reality that many people have to endure.

The novel is told by the main character, Sarah. Her family life is a sham; her dad’s an alcoholic and an ex-boxer. He takes his rage about his fallen career on Sarah, her elder brother James and their mother. This aggression has been going on for as long as Sarah can remember. James tries to take the majority of their father’s punches and blows – to protect his sister. Sarah’s mother is a no-go, no matter how many times she screamed for her mum, she was too busy ignoring her or away in a drug haze. The only person Sarah feels she can turn to is her brother, and is heavily and emotionally tied to James and the guilt that consumes her ties them even tighter together.

Around the time that Sam, James’s best friend and the guy Sarah’s had a crush on for the last 4 years, starts to show interest in her – James becomes unbearably jealous. His feelings of more than ‘brotherly love’ start to show, he wants her all to himself. Sarah however, has begun a relationship with Sam and is falling head-over-heels in love with him. He accepts her for who she is, knows her every flaw and is far-from repulsed by the many scars marring her body. He shows her what real happiness is like and fills a void that her brother has been so desperately trying to fill himself.

I loved Sarah’s character, even though she’s very with-drawn - there was so much depth to her. She was very relatable and as the book progresses, finds herself and what she really wants in life. The close relationship between her and her brother was enough to make anyone uncomfortable. It’s obvious she cares a great deal about him and feels a certain obligation to him for saving her all the time. They’re brother and sister, so that’s okay, right? Even so, their relationship is a very sensitive subject and very emotional.

James’ character I found very interesting, I disliked him a lot, but I also thought he was incredibly well developed and I think you’re supposed to feel some sort of anger and annoyance towards him. I feel that if James wasn’t the way he was – the book wouldn’t be nearly as incredible. Incest is more of a common thing than people realise, and in Sarah and James’ situation, with their complete dependence on each other – I wasn’t surprised that he found himself falling in love with his sister. Overall, James’ character is broken and complex. On one hand I wanted to fall to his side and patch up his wounds, and on the other; I wanted to slap him senseless. Talk about a love hate relationship, right?

As for Sam’s character; I loved him as well – he’s sweet, adorable and loving – what else can you ask for? I was a bit suspicious of his motives at first, his ‘sudden’ attraction to Sarah, seemed a little fishy. However, I’m glad to say I was wrong. The chemistry between Sarah and Sam is enough to set a house on fire, and it was incredible watching them grow together. Watching their relationship develop was one of the best parts of this novel and I was rooting for them from the very start.

When reading certain parts of this book – I wanted to hate it. I really did, but the force and emotion behind the writing in this novel made it impossible too. The end completely crushed and destroyed me. In some ways, I wish it were different – however, the book wouldn’t be as incredible if the ending didn’t happen the way it did either.

On multiple occasions throughout this book, I cried - a lot. I also wanted to tear my hair out and run screaming down the road from my frustration at being an emotional wreck. The story was so heart-wrenching and I really felt connected to the characters and their pain. The entire book was so dark and terrifying at times, yet I couldn’t put it down. I believe the 5/5 star rating was well-earned and doesn’t deserve anything less. I can’t wait to read more from Kate Avelynn, she’s such an incredible writer and I’d read anything else by her in a heart-beat. (less)

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Dec 22, 2012 Jessica (Just a Booklover) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cover-love, arc, i-own-this, entangled, lovelovelove, my-heart-hurts, the-ending-kills-me, favorites

This is probably the hardest rating I've ever had to choose. But...I'm giving it 5 stars. I kind of want to give 4, though, because of that ending. But the book....the book was amazing...I just...OHMYGOSH.

Full review will be posted soon!

~~~

Going into this book, I was prepared to be bombarded with emotions. Good, bad, happy, sad, ALL OF THE FEELS, you know? And...that's exactly what I got. That's exactly what I got and then some. When thinking of the book as a whole, the first word that comes int...more

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About Kate Avelynn

When not devouring books, holding down her editing gig, or attempting to coax life out of the weed patch she calls a “garden,” Kate Avelynn writes dark contemporary YA and NA that blends first love, betrayal, and danger.

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Quotes from Flawed

“This is my first real memory of James. In every memory before that, he’s just a flash of color, a warm body with a blurred face, a comforting voice begging me not to die. When he planted himself between our father and me that day, an eight-year-old with small fists clenched at his sides, I think I fell in love with my brother.” — 11 people liked it

“He stabs his fingers through his drying hair and resumes his pacing. “You think I don’t know this went really fast? I didn’t plan for this to happen. Hell, I didn’t even know if you’d let me talk to you, much less be with you. But then you did and we did and…” He stops in the center of the room and stares at me, his shoulders sagging. “I figured out pretty quick that this is a forever thing for me. I think it has been from the very beginning.” — 8 people liked it

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