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Fractured Mind
I’d forgotten my past.
But he hadn’t forgotten me...
There was a life before the accident—a life that vanished when amnesia erased my first twelve years of memories.
With Mom burying her secrets in a bottle, I was left to piece together the fragments of my childhood on my own.
Now, back in the town where I was raised, I’m finally uncovering long-buried truths that shake the very foundations of my reconstructed memories.
I’m no longer the person I once was, and neither is my childhood best friend, Ashton De Santis. Ashton, now a fierce bare-knuckle fighter, protective and intense, slowly reintroduces me to our shared past. It’s hard to ignore the spark of old feelings, but as our chemistry reignites, I can’t shake the fear of getting burned.
Wanting Ashton is a risk I can’t afford. Losing him a second time could haunt me forever.
But he hadn’t forgotten me...
There was a life before the accident—a life that vanished when amnesia erased my first twelve years of memories.
With Mom burying her secrets in a bottle, I was left to piece together the fragments of my childhood on my own.
Now, back in the town where I was raised, I’m finally uncovering long-buried truths that shake the very foundations of my reconstructed memories.
I’m no longer the person I once was, and neither is my childhood best friend, Ashton De Santis. Ashton, now a fierce bare-knuckle fighter, protective and intense, slowly reintroduces me to our shared past. It’s hard to ignore the spark of old feelings, but as our chemistry reignites, I can’t shake the fear of getting burned.
Wanting Ashton is a risk I can’t afford. Losing him a second time could haunt me forever.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2025
3 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Bianca Lee Ward
15 books87 followersBianca is an Australian romance author with a love of culinary adventures and a playlist for every mood. She enjoys exploring themes of identity, personal growth, and resilience in her work—with a little spice on the side. When she isn’t lost in storytelling or absorbed in her latest read, Bianca can be found watching true crime stories and documentaries.
Bianca's previous pen name was Bianca Lee.
Bianca's previous pen name was Bianca Lee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 22, 2025
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
🌀'𝐅R𝐀C𝐓U𝐑E𝐃 𝐌I𝐍D'🌀 Is a full length friends to lovers romance book by new to me author Bianca Lee Ward. 'Spoken in dual perspectives.' 'C𝐇A𝐑A𝐂T𝐄R𝐒' Mia & Ashton.
The cover caught my eye straight away, so I fully blame that on my shotgun purchase, no reviews, only ratings, so to say I went in blind, I literally did..This pulled me in from the get go, and I can honestly say I really enjoyed this oneAnd I don’t regret it..
A girl with no past
A boy who’d wait forever
An incident which washed her memories away. Leaving a clean slate behind.
A mother who’d ceased to live and found solace at the bottom of a bottle.
Mia had to go to school, support them both and work, struggling under everything that was required of her.
Until her nana whom she never knew existed brought her back to her hometown where she belonged in Crown Village.
It was hard watching Mia navigate these new surroundings, these past friends who knew her but she didn't know them. When new situations arose where she was out of her element and had to trust those around her.
I loved this tight knit groups dynamic and how they enfolded her in a tight cocoon, protected her, showered her with love, they never forgot her.
'𝙼𝚢 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚗, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚊𝚐𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚗𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚒𝚎𝚌𝚎 𝚋𝚢 𝚙𝚒𝚎𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝'
A boy who she only remembered in her dreams..These two were as close as two best friends could be, inseparable, their mothers were best friends so it was just natural that they would also gravitate towards each other.
March 28, 2025
Well, this was a balm for my hurting soul.
I was ready for shit to hit the wall. I was prepared for some triggering stuff. Fortunately, this is a safe read (well, at least for me). Plus, this reminded me of those old 2010s NA vibes with a group of misfits and a girl who can't catch a break with how many guys chasing after her. Like come on! Add some childhood love trope? Fuck! My heart is healed.
I was ready for shit to hit the wall. I was prepared for some triggering stuff. Fortunately, this is a safe read (well, at least for me). Plus, this reminded me of those old 2010s NA vibes with a group of misfits and a girl who can't catch a break with how many guys chasing after her. Like come on! Add some childhood love trope? Fuck! My heart is healed.
January 25, 2025
Another ARC read from the author.
This is maybe book 4.5 in the MC series, I'm not sure, it's connected, but not.
This is Mia and Ashton's story. It's a somewhat unique tale, with Mia having no recollection of her life before she was twelve. So when her Nana turns up out of blue, informing her that her mum is in rehab, she's obviously dubious.
Mia goes with her Nana, back to the town she grew up in, and finds a whole new life she can't remember, one in which the boy she's always loved is waiting for her. Ashton has done it tough too, not knowing what happened with Mia and her mum after Mia's accident.
Secrets are revealed, clarifying Mia's past and what really happened to her.
Really enjoyable story!
This is maybe book 4.5 in the MC series, I'm not sure, it's connected, but not.
This is Mia and Ashton's story. It's a somewhat unique tale, with Mia having no recollection of her life before she was twelve. So when her Nana turns up out of blue, informing her that her mum is in rehab, she's obviously dubious.
Mia goes with her Nana, back to the town she grew up in, and finds a whole new life she can't remember, one in which the boy she's always loved is waiting for her. Ashton has done it tough too, not knowing what happened with Mia and her mum after Mia's accident.
Secrets are revealed, clarifying Mia's past and what really happened to her.
Really enjoyable story!
January 22, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ for me!
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this gem!
I wanted to start by saying the premise and story line of Fractured Mind was really what kept me going. There was a lot more potential that I was expecting, which is why it was only a 3.5 for me.
Mia was in an accident that resulted in memory loss. Everything before the incident was forgotten, and the life her and her mother lived for 6 years after that was difficult and poor. I would’ve liked to have read about their lives a bit more before her nana “saved” her. You get small glimpses throughout the book, but there could’ve been a more solid basis to grow from.
Once Mia is living in Crown Village again, she is essentially “forced” into old friendships with people she doesn’t remember, without them doing any kind of work to earn her trust. I found that Mia was so quick to forget her best friend from the life she knew (only read about him 2-3 times in the entire book) before her life was taken over again.
While I understand that the people she grew up with still remembered her, there wasn’t really a reason for Mia to jump right into that world. Not one character actually built her trust or talked to her to understand what exactly she’s been through. She was just dragged to all these different events, and when she expressed her nervousness, she was basically told “it’ll be fine just trust me”.
Anyways, my overall opinion is that although the book was a quick and easy read, there were a lot of details that were left out/could have been explained further that would’ve given this book a lot more sustenance and much more enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this gem!
I wanted to start by saying the premise and story line of Fractured Mind was really what kept me going. There was a lot more potential that I was expecting, which is why it was only a 3.5 for me.
Mia was in an accident that resulted in memory loss. Everything before the incident was forgotten, and the life her and her mother lived for 6 years after that was difficult and poor. I would’ve liked to have read about their lives a bit more before her nana “saved” her. You get small glimpses throughout the book, but there could’ve been a more solid basis to grow from.
Once Mia is living in Crown Village again, she is essentially “forced” into old friendships with people she doesn’t remember, without them doing any kind of work to earn her trust. I found that Mia was so quick to forget her best friend from the life she knew (only read about him 2-3 times in the entire book) before her life was taken over again.
While I understand that the people she grew up with still remembered her, there wasn’t really a reason for Mia to jump right into that world. Not one character actually built her trust or talked to her to understand what exactly she’s been through. She was just dragged to all these different events, and when she expressed her nervousness, she was basically told “it’ll be fine just trust me”.
Anyways, my overall opinion is that although the book was a quick and easy read, there were a lot of details that were left out/could have been explained further that would’ve given this book a lot more sustenance and much more enjoyable.
January 28, 2025
Get your tissues ready for this emotional rollercoaster. Mia lost the first twelve years of her memory and has gone back to her hometown to piece together what she can. She reconnects with Ashton and their journey truly begins as she uncovers truths about her past. This is by far one of the most epic stories I have read in a while. The characters draw you deep into the story and Ward's writing is so descriptive that you feel everything that is going on as it unfolds on the pages. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
February 5, 2025
3⭐️ 1🌶️
When 18-year-old Mia’s alcoholic mother doesn’t return home after a night out, she’s shocked to find a grandmother she never knew existed on her doorstep. Her mother has entered rehab, and Mia is sent to live with her Grandma in a coastal town she once called home—but has no memory of. A traumatic accident six years ago left Mia with amnesia, but as she reconnects with old friends, she slowly begins to piece together the past she lost.
The premise of “Fractured Mind” had so much potential. I love an amnesia mystery and I was drawn in right away by the mystery of Mia’s memory loss. Unfortunately, I felt the story fell a bit flat. The reveals, while interesting, unfolded a bit quickly, and the book lacked the textbook climax and resolution.
While the story didn’t fully work for me, there were still aspects I enjoyed. The found family vibes of Mia’s high school friends, and Ruby was a standout character—the kind of best friend everyone deserves. The villain (Maree) was one you love to hate, and the “touch her and die” trope brought just the right amount of protective tension.
If you’re looking for a contemporary high school romance with a hint of mystery, Fractured Mind might be worth checking out!
Special thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
When 18-year-old Mia’s alcoholic mother doesn’t return home after a night out, she’s shocked to find a grandmother she never knew existed on her doorstep. Her mother has entered rehab, and Mia is sent to live with her Grandma in a coastal town she once called home—but has no memory of. A traumatic accident six years ago left Mia with amnesia, but as she reconnects with old friends, she slowly begins to piece together the past she lost.
The premise of “Fractured Mind” had so much potential. I love an amnesia mystery and I was drawn in right away by the mystery of Mia’s memory loss. Unfortunately, I felt the story fell a bit flat. The reveals, while interesting, unfolded a bit quickly, and the book lacked the textbook climax and resolution.
While the story didn’t fully work for me, there were still aspects I enjoyed. The found family vibes of Mia’s high school friends, and Ruby was a standout character—the kind of best friend everyone deserves. The villain (Maree) was one you love to hate, and the “touch her and die” trope brought just the right amount of protective tension.
If you’re looking for a contemporary high school romance with a hint of mystery, Fractured Mind might be worth checking out!
Special thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 14, 2025
The premise of this story drew me in, the plot and everything had such good potential.
Mia was in an accident that erased her memories of her life beforehand and 6 years later after trying to support her alcoholic mother and thinking she has no family her nana comes back into the picture and brings her back to where she grew up. All of her friends come back into the picture along with her best friend Ashton, who we quickly see is/was more than that.
Overall I did enjoy the story but it felt like there could have been so much more details but also less details? We got a lot of information and scenes that felt like they were just filling space when I just wanted to know more about the MC’s.
We don’t get to learn much about Mia’s past and it feels like a wasted opportunity.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
Mia was in an accident that erased her memories of her life beforehand and 6 years later after trying to support her alcoholic mother and thinking she has no family her nana comes back into the picture and brings her back to where she grew up. All of her friends come back into the picture along with her best friend Ashton, who we quickly see is/was more than that.
Overall I did enjoy the story but it felt like there could have been so much more details but also less details? We got a lot of information and scenes that felt like they were just filling space when I just wanted to know more about the MC’s.
We don’t get to learn much about Mia’s past and it feels like a wasted opportunity.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
February 4, 2025
2.75 🌟
This was a cute and quick read with no unnecessary drama or third act break. Also my first book from the author.
My issue with this one is characters are forgotten, probably I don't quite get the WC dynamic as I haven't read the other books, sometimes many things happen and nothing at the same time, some scenes could've been skipped and wouldn't affect the rest of the story. For me the character but especially the MC lacked of depth and personality, I would've liked a bit more if the FMC memory loss thing got more background as in a closer look of her memories or something with major significance.
TW.
Alcoholism, mention of blood, mention of death, mention of drugs.
This was a cute and quick read with no unnecessary drama or third act break. Also my first book from the author.
My issue with this one is characters are forgotten, probably I don't quite get the WC dynamic as I haven't read the other books, sometimes many things happen and nothing at the same time, some scenes could've been skipped and wouldn't affect the rest of the story. For me the character but especially the MC lacked of depth and personality, I would've liked a bit more if the FMC memory loss thing got more background as in a closer look of her memories or something with major significance.
TW.
Alcoholism, mention of blood, mention of death, mention of drugs.
January 22, 2025
A very good book. An alcohol problem actually helped Mia get her life back somewhat. The life that was shattered by a horrific accident that tore apart many lives. High school is tough enough when you know people, it is even tougher when you don't even know yourself. All types of things shape our lives fortunately sometimes we can recover and bounce back. This is a very good book, I also like the extra story line toward the end. A very good read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2025
3,5 stars
I was attracted by the description of the book and the name of the author because I have already read several of her books. In the beginning, the story was very interesting, but as the story progressed, it became more and more difficult to read, somehow it felt rushed and forced. Maybe it's just me because I don't read YA books, I just don't like them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was attracted by the description of the book and the name of the author because I have already read several of her books. In the beginning, the story was very interesting, but as the story progressed, it became more and more difficult to read, somehow it felt rushed and forced. Maybe it's just me because I don't read YA books, I just don't like them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 23, 2025
She continues to have this dream night after night with no clue who the guy is. Loved the book cover it got my attention from the beginning. Can’t imagine loosing your memory and realizing the best things were kept from you? It’s a slow beginning but hang on tight because it all comes together tied in a big bow at the end!!
January 22, 2025
Such a beautiful cover for such a good book.
I really like Mia and Ashton's story. Ruby is my kind of bestie 😊 And of course a shout out for all the guys. Love how everybody has their own distinct personality but it doesn't change their friendship.
I really like Mia and Ashton's story. Ruby is my kind of bestie 😊 And of course a shout out for all the guys. Love how everybody has their own distinct personality but it doesn't change their friendship.
January 24, 2025
Screaming. Crying. Throwing up.
Hands down, this is the first book that has ever made me feel so many emotions. I was heavily invested in these characters. Please tell me there's going to be more?! I need more. I read it in one night. Crying my eyes out at some points. Hit me right in the feels.
Hands down, this is the first book that has ever made me feel so many emotions. I was heavily invested in these characters. Please tell me there's going to be more?! I need more. I read it in one night. Crying my eyes out at some points. Hit me right in the feels.
February 3, 2025
This was extremely bingeable but lacked a cohesive plot. The story jumped all over the place and nothing really happened. I kept waiting for a big reveal or a third act breakup and nada. Good for a quick, predictable NA romance.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2025
So relatable especially for all the lonely souls out there who struggle with connecting to the world and making new friends. This was a good emotional read. I really enjoyed it. Great character connection and i just felt so in the moment in the whole book.
January 27, 2025
I really liked Mia and Ashton's story. It pulls at your emotions and leaves you wondering why some things happen to people.
It’s slow in the beginning but, it all comes together when Mia comes back to town with her nana.
This to me is more of a YA book than anything.
It’s slow in the beginning but, it all comes together when Mia comes back to town with her nana.
This to me is more of a YA book than anything.
February 7, 2025
The story begins when 18 year old Mia gets a surprise of her lifetime when her grandparents appear at her doorstep and has her live with them back at their home in a coastal town where she used to grow up. Her grandparents tell her that her alcoholic mother has checked herself into rehab and they are there to help her. Due to a tragic accident that happened 6 years ago, Mia lost all memory of her past, her past when she lived with her grandparents and past friends she made. As she lives with her grandparents in their coastal home, memories come back and piece back together a puzzle of the past she lost.
The premise of "Fractured Mind" pulled my interest in and was drawn into the story, however I would say that the overall story fell flat. In the beginning the book I really liked the development of Mia's character, but as you read further into the book it felt rushed and forced. I felt like this book had the suspense in the beginning, but the pacing of the book overall felt too rushed and readers lost that suspense. There were certain parts of the book that I was thinking to myself, "I wish it was longer and the author gave us more".
I do like how the author gave each character a good storyline and it made me love them. I really enjoyed the friends-to-lovers romance when it came to Mia and Ashton. It was nice and refreshing to see how their friendship grew throughout the book where they used to be best friends, but because of her amnesia she has no recollection of that. It was fun to watch her memories come back and slowly piece together how they were friends and how they reconnect with each other.
Overall, I would say this book was good in terms of character development, but the plot overall was in a way fractured? There wasn't a clear plot, the story overall lacked the suspense and it felt rushed in the end.
Thank you again NetGally and Bianca Lee Ward for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
The premise of "Fractured Mind" pulled my interest in and was drawn into the story, however I would say that the overall story fell flat. In the beginning the book I really liked the development of Mia's character, but as you read further into the book it felt rushed and forced. I felt like this book had the suspense in the beginning, but the pacing of the book overall felt too rushed and readers lost that suspense. There were certain parts of the book that I was thinking to myself, "I wish it was longer and the author gave us more".
I do like how the author gave each character a good storyline and it made me love them. I really enjoyed the friends-to-lovers romance when it came to Mia and Ashton. It was nice and refreshing to see how their friendship grew throughout the book where they used to be best friends, but because of her amnesia she has no recollection of that. It was fun to watch her memories come back and slowly piece together how they were friends and how they reconnect with each other.
Overall, I would say this book was good in terms of character development, but the plot overall was in a way fractured? There wasn't a clear plot, the story overall lacked the suspense and it felt rushed in the end.
Thank you again NetGally and Bianca Lee Ward for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
February 23, 2025
Fractured Mind has a coming-of-age feel to it, revolving around the past and present life of eighteen-year-old Mia.
We start off with Mia waiting for her alcoholic mother to come home. As worry sets in, Mia hears a knock on the door and is suddenly thrown into a life she lived once before but has no recollection of.
Mia was in an awful car accident at the age of 12. When the pain becomes unbearable, Mia’s mother quickly moves them both away from their luxurious lifestyle. While her mother gets care in rehab, Mia moves in with her grandmother and is reintroduced to the close friends she had prior to the accident.
Mia navigates her new/old life by getting acquainted with friends that already know everything about her, and rekindling a flame that only had a chance to spark before she moved.
This is a unique story that revolves around Mia’s memory loss and how she navigates life while being the only one that doesn’t remember anything before the age of twelve. There’s romance, danger, suspense, and all the trial and tribulations of modern-day high school.
However, I have one big issue with this book. Fractured Mind romanticizes possessive male behavior. I don’t think it’d stand out as much if written twenty years ago, but this aggressive jealousy is off-putting, and I think Mia deserves better. I also wish we got an update at the end on Mia's best friend before she moved back in with her grandmother.
On the flip side, I really appreciated that all the kids had a different plan after high school. I’m so used to seeing college being the obvious choice for all high school grads, it’s nice to see some different options.
I feel this story fits on the cusp of the older young adult/younger new adult genre. Overall, I enjoyed this read. It read at a nice pace and held my interest, I’d recommend it to anyone entering the new adult genre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We start off with Mia waiting for her alcoholic mother to come home. As worry sets in, Mia hears a knock on the door and is suddenly thrown into a life she lived once before but has no recollection of.
Mia was in an awful car accident at the age of 12. When the pain becomes unbearable, Mia’s mother quickly moves them both away from their luxurious lifestyle. While her mother gets care in rehab, Mia moves in with her grandmother and is reintroduced to the close friends she had prior to the accident.
Mia navigates her new/old life by getting acquainted with friends that already know everything about her, and rekindling a flame that only had a chance to spark before she moved.
This is a unique story that revolves around Mia’s memory loss and how she navigates life while being the only one that doesn’t remember anything before the age of twelve. There’s romance, danger, suspense, and all the trial and tribulations of modern-day high school.
However, I have one big issue with this book. Fractured Mind romanticizes possessive male behavior. I don’t think it’d stand out as much if written twenty years ago, but this aggressive jealousy is off-putting, and I think Mia deserves better. I also wish we got an update at the end on Mia's best friend before she moved back in with her grandmother.
On the flip side, I really appreciated that all the kids had a different plan after high school. I’m so used to seeing college being the obvious choice for all high school grads, it’s nice to see some different options.
I feel this story fits on the cusp of the older young adult/younger new adult genre. Overall, I enjoyed this read. It read at a nice pace and held my interest, I’d recommend it to anyone entering the new adult genre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 25, 2025
This is a Friends To Lovers Romance Novel and it is Mia and Ashton’s story. Mia and Ashton have history because at one time they were best friends with feelings starting to develop only for it to all fall apart and now they meet again but it isn’t without it’s own problem and complications. Mia was in a serious accident that gave her amnesia which took away twelve years of her memories and her mom kept all the secrets to herself and drowned herself in to drinking herself into oblivion leaving Mia to not only have to care for herself, pay the bills and keep working hard without knowing what happened in her past until one day she gets a visitor who says that she is her Nana which shocked Mia because her mom always told her that they had no family and that is how Mia ended up living in Crown Village while her mom was in rehab. Mia is a quiet and reserved person so meeting new people were a big problem even with her friends from years ago who she didn’t remember but was now spending time with while also getting to know Ashton again which seems important to her. The more time that Mia and Ashton spend together the deeper there feelings for each other grows stronger but will it be enough for them to have a future together that they always wanted but was taken away from them for so many years with Mia’s accident and memory loss. This book will take you on a rollercoaster ride of so many emotions and I loved how all the friends were so close and would do anything for each other regardless of the situation or consequences involved because they always had each other’s backs. I read this book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down and felt like I was living through all the ups and downs and everything with them and the outcome was exactly what I was hoping for them. I can’t wait to read more books by this author in the future.
January 30, 2025
A relatively low angst, new adult book with a focus on friendship and second chances.
This book wasn't what I was expecting, but it was a nice read. It held enough hints of spice, intrigue, and danger that added the right flavor to kick the story just past a coming of age feel and launched it into a grittier new adult romance. Yes, I'm going to admit that I kept expecting huge twists, or big struggles that happen with new adult fiction. There is something emotionally exciting about the huge emotions contained within those books. However, that's not saying that the characters contained within these pages aren't emotional, but on the pendulum scale from one to ten, this book simmered at a steady five.
Mia returns to the town of her youth, but the big twist is she suffered a brain injury six years ago and has no memory of living there. Ahhh, poor Mia hasn't gained a single recollection of who she was before the accident. So when Mia moves back home, her best friends; Ruby, Jackson, and most importantly Ashton remember her. Add in Levi and Roman and the friend group is fun and constantly there to support Mia as she tries to fit back in and find out who she is.
This is a story about second chances for family, friends, and for love. It's also a big story about forgiveness and everything that holds when it comes to second chances. Like I said above, it was a story I wasn't expecting, but overall, I was very pleasantly surprised.
Thank you to BookSirens for the advance review copy and all opinions are my own.
This book wasn't what I was expecting, but it was a nice read. It held enough hints of spice, intrigue, and danger that added the right flavor to kick the story just past a coming of age feel and launched it into a grittier new adult romance. Yes, I'm going to admit that I kept expecting huge twists, or big struggles that happen with new adult fiction. There is something emotionally exciting about the huge emotions contained within those books. However, that's not saying that the characters contained within these pages aren't emotional, but on the pendulum scale from one to ten, this book simmered at a steady five.
Mia returns to the town of her youth, but the big twist is she suffered a brain injury six years ago and has no memory of living there. Ahhh, poor Mia hasn't gained a single recollection of who she was before the accident. So when Mia moves back home, her best friends; Ruby, Jackson, and most importantly Ashton remember her. Add in Levi and Roman and the friend group is fun and constantly there to support Mia as she tries to fit back in and find out who she is.
This is a story about second chances for family, friends, and for love. It's also a big story about forgiveness and everything that holds when it comes to second chances. Like I said above, it was a story I wasn't expecting, but overall, I was very pleasantly surprised.
Thank you to BookSirens for the advance review copy and all opinions are my own.
February 17, 2025
A teenage romance. Mia moved away with her mother at 12 years old and now returns 6 years later. Her old friends are there and have been waiting for her return, but her long term memory loss has its problems. Ashton is her longtime friend and has been waiting for her return. A relationship rekindled definitely has its moments. She hasn't had a boyfriend, whereas he has had plenty of one to one with War Brothers MC older club women. There is a small reference to this, then it is ignored and unexplained or expanded on why Ashton chose this route. The association with the MC is kept to the background of fighting and the sex and romance is described within the late teen angst of young love, younger friendship, jealous school girl admirers, but it seems nothing is likely to derail this couple.
Her mother's behaviour is inexcusable because she failed to admit her issues and the consequences of her actions. It was good to read how Mia reacts and responds to holding her accountable. Everyone seems to know what happened except for Mia and the missing years should not be glossed over, so there seems to be unasked questions. Mia just accepts it all without seeking to delve further late teens are becoming the young adults.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her mother's behaviour is inexcusable because she failed to admit her issues and the consequences of her actions. It was good to read how Mia reacts and responds to holding her accountable. Everyone seems to know what happened except for Mia and the missing years should not be glossed over, so there seems to be unasked questions. Mia just accepts it all without seeking to delve further late teens are becoming the young adults.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2025
Quick Summary: A missing past romance
My Review: Fractured Mind by Bianca Lee Ward is a 2025 contemporary romance. It is being promoted as a friends to lovers romance novel.
About the Book: "I’d forgotten my past."
In My Own Words: A high school senior with amnesia returns to a family and friend group she never knew about. As she tries to make sense of what happened to her, she falls in love again with someone from her past.
My Final Say: This read much like an intro to a NA series. The characters were dark and broody, which proved to be interesting. The amnesia hook was attractive, but it ended up not going in the direction I anticipated. The problematic or haunting areas of some of the characters definitely got my attention, however, it seems more will have to be uncovered in future books. I can imagine how some of it will play out. All in all, it was a pretty okay read.
Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: T/NA
Status/Level: 🧡
Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op), and to NetGalley for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I appreciate the opportunity to review this work.
My Review: Fractured Mind by Bianca Lee Ward is a 2025 contemporary romance. It is being promoted as a friends to lovers romance novel.
About the Book: "I’d forgotten my past."
In My Own Words: A high school senior with amnesia returns to a family and friend group she never knew about. As she tries to make sense of what happened to her, she falls in love again with someone from her past.
My Final Say: This read much like an intro to a NA series. The characters were dark and broody, which proved to be interesting. The amnesia hook was attractive, but it ended up not going in the direction I anticipated. The problematic or haunting areas of some of the characters definitely got my attention, however, it seems more will have to be uncovered in future books. I can imagine how some of it will play out. All in all, it was a pretty okay read.
Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: T/NA
Status/Level: 🧡
Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op), and to NetGalley for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I appreciate the opportunity to review this work.
February 23, 2025
Fractured Mind is a suspenseful and definitely a page-turning friends-to-lovers romance. This book follows the journey of Ashton and Mia. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both Ashton and Mia as well as seeing their story unfolding throughout the pages of the book. I couldn’t get enough of their fantastic story and was slightly saddened when it came to an end because I didn’t want it to. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. The chemistry between Ashton and Mia is undeniably irresistible to the point where neither one of them could no longer ignore the fact that they have feelings for one another. I absolutely enjoyed getting to know both Ashton and Mia as well as seeing their friendship turn into something more serious throughout the pages of the book. Author Bianca Lee Ward continues to prove to me what a phenomenal author, storyteller and writer she is with each book that I have read by her thus far. I’m looking forward to seeing what she will create and write for her next book. Fractured Mind is definitely a recommended friends to lovers romance for anyone to checkout and give it a read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2025
New Adult is not typically a genre I would seek out first from my TBR list. Fractured Mind was a beautiful story with intriguing characters. I hope this evolves into a series because there are so many great side stories to tell from this group of friends.
Mia is moved back to her hometown that she left after a horrible accident that caused her to lose her memory. Struggling to care for herself and her alcoholic mother for the last six years with out a memory of any friends or family. Her Grandmother comes to save her when she learns her mother is in jail because of a DUI and is being sent to rehab.
She is brought back to the place where it all happened without any memory of how it happened. Her friends immediately embrace her back into the fold. It is beautiful and painful all at the same time. The evolution of her relationship with her Nana, Mother and her once best friend Ashton is a lot to handle.
I do love that she didn't just magically get her memory back after 6 years but she does put the pieces together on some recurring dreams she wasn't able to understand.
ARC Read for Net Galley and Bianca Lee Ward
Mia is moved back to her hometown that she left after a horrible accident that caused her to lose her memory. Struggling to care for herself and her alcoholic mother for the last six years with out a memory of any friends or family. Her Grandmother comes to save her when she learns her mother is in jail because of a DUI and is being sent to rehab.
She is brought back to the place where it all happened without any memory of how it happened. Her friends immediately embrace her back into the fold. It is beautiful and painful all at the same time. The evolution of her relationship with her Nana, Mother and her once best friend Ashton is a lot to handle.
I do love that she didn't just magically get her memory back after 6 years but she does put the pieces together on some recurring dreams she wasn't able to understand.
ARC Read for Net Galley and Bianca Lee Ward
March 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. You feel for Mia, dealing with her memory loss since the accident, on top of which her mother's alcohol abuse. She working as well as going to school to help out with the home finances. But when she gets a knock on the door, she is in for a big surprise, when her Nana, someone she didn't remember, is standing on the doorstep waiting to take her home to care for her.
There Mia finds out about another life she had and lost. When her friends find out she is back in town, they are there immediately, picking up as though she never left.
Mia is navigating her way through life, the life long friendships she is having to re-learn, and the one that most matters to her, Ashton, her life long best friend, which was turning into something more just as her accident happened.
Ashton can't believe he has her back, it hurt him deeply when she suddenly left after her accident. It felt like he lost her twice, once through the memory loss and secondly when moving. He doesn't want to push but his girl is back and this time he is hoping it's for good.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There Mia finds out about another life she had and lost. When her friends find out she is back in town, they are there immediately, picking up as though she never left.
Mia is navigating her way through life, the life long friendships she is having to re-learn, and the one that most matters to her, Ashton, her life long best friend, which was turning into something more just as her accident happened.
Ashton can't believe he has her back, it hurt him deeply when she suddenly left after her accident. It felt like he lost her twice, once through the memory loss and secondly when moving. He doesn't want to push but his girl is back and this time he is hoping it's for good.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2025
Fractured Mind by Bianca Lee Ward is a book that begins with a playlist! Which is awesome! It also goes well with the teenaged main characters Mia and Ashton.
Mia learns her mom got a DUI and went to a rehab clinic. A lady that says she is her grandma is now in charge of Mia. Mia is supposed to be able to know if this is true but she can't as she was in an accident that gave her amnesia.
Her grandmother is wealthy and enrolls her in the local high school, one Mia has been to before but doesn't remember. She meets, or re-meets Ashton, who used to be her best friend, and who she instantly feels a connection with. She just wishes she could remember.
Ashton's life hasn't been the same since Mia left. They used to be inseparable and then Mia's accident happened and her mom wisked her away. Despite looking for her everywhere he couldn't find her. But he isn't the man he used to be when she left, and doesn't remember him. Will she still like him now? Despite who he has become?
Thank you Bianca for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
Mia learns her mom got a DUI and went to a rehab clinic. A lady that says she is her grandma is now in charge of Mia. Mia is supposed to be able to know if this is true but she can't as she was in an accident that gave her amnesia.
Her grandmother is wealthy and enrolls her in the local high school, one Mia has been to before but doesn't remember. She meets, or re-meets Ashton, who used to be her best friend, and who she instantly feels a connection with. She just wishes she could remember.
Ashton's life hasn't been the same since Mia left. They used to be inseparable and then Mia's accident happened and her mom wisked her away. Despite looking for her everywhere he couldn't find her. But he isn't the man he used to be when she left, and doesn't remember him. Will she still like him now? Despite who he has become?
Thank you Bianca for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
April 16, 2025
The synopsis of this story really drew me in and is what carried the story and my interest until the end.
I enjoyed Ashton and Mia, together they brought some heat and Ashton had a protective side for Mia that was touch her and I'll hurt you. They were best friends to lovers and there's a sense that they were always destined to be more but they were so young at the time. Mia's accident gave her the chance to fall in love all over again but I kind of wanted more Mia and Theo too.
I really liked that there were some twists and turns as the story unravelled.
There's not much insight to Mia's old life and I'm not sure if I thought this was a clever tactic to give a sense of being with her and her memory loss or if it was just missing.
Mia seemed to be shoved back into her old life a bit too quickly for me and considering there was such a large part of her life she didn't remember these people were essentially strangers. At times I felt she was paraded around like a trophy by her friends as if to say look who's back we don't care she's been gone for 6 years and doesn't really know who we are.
Her mother turned to alcohol but redeemed herself slightly towards the end.
Overall I enjoyed this book and would read more from the author in the future.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
I enjoyed Ashton and Mia, together they brought some heat and Ashton had a protective side for Mia that was touch her and I'll hurt you. They were best friends to lovers and there's a sense that they were always destined to be more but they were so young at the time. Mia's accident gave her the chance to fall in love all over again but I kind of wanted more Mia and Theo too.
I really liked that there were some twists and turns as the story unravelled.
There's not much insight to Mia's old life and I'm not sure if I thought this was a clever tactic to give a sense of being with her and her memory loss or if it was just missing.
Mia seemed to be shoved back into her old life a bit too quickly for me and considering there was such a large part of her life she didn't remember these people were essentially strangers. At times I felt she was paraded around like a trophy by her friends as if to say look who's back we don't care she's been gone for 6 years and doesn't really know who we are.
Her mother turned to alcohol but redeemed herself slightly towards the end.
Overall I enjoyed this book and would read more from the author in the future.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
June 21, 2025
The premise of this one? Totally my vibe. A coming-of-age romantic drama with a splash of suspense? Say less—I’m in. And to be fair, the beginning delivered. It pulled me in right away and had me going “okay, we’re onto something here.”
But… somewhere along the way, that suspensey magic fizzled out. 😬 The pacing felt way too fast—like we were just speed-running through moments I wanted to linger in. Scenes ended before they really got the chance to hit emotionally, and I kept wishing things would slow down a bit.
That said, I really liked the main characters and the friend group dynamics. The chemistry was there, the vibes were strong—but we only scratched the surface. I wish we got to really dig into who they are beneath the surface.
Overall? I enjoyed parts of it, but I wanted more time to feel the story, not just fly through it.
But… somewhere along the way, that suspensey magic fizzled out. 😬 The pacing felt way too fast—like we were just speed-running through moments I wanted to linger in. Scenes ended before they really got the chance to hit emotionally, and I kept wishing things would slow down a bit.
That said, I really liked the main characters and the friend group dynamics. The chemistry was there, the vibes were strong—but we only scratched the surface. I wish we got to really dig into who they are beneath the surface.
Overall? I enjoyed parts of it, but I wanted more time to feel the story, not just fly through it.
January 25, 2025
This book has a great premise and I really had high hopes for it. I had a really difficult time with how quickly and easily Mia went along with things. For example, some lady claiming to be your grandmother shows up at your house and says your mom is in rehab and without question you pack up your life and get in the car to move in with her?!?! If there was a bit more time developing the character relationships and story it would have gone a LONG way. I felt like the story was rushed and to be honest it gave me whiplash. I really liked the characters and wanted so much more out of them. Overall it was a sweet book with endearing characters.
Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest review.
January 28, 2025
ARC Review
The premise for this story really captured my attention as it was definitely up my alley. This is a coming of age, romantic drama with a bit of suspense thrown in.
The beginning started really strong, it captured your attention from the get go and left you wanting to know more. However as the story went on we lost a lot of that suspense. The pacing for this book is the main thing that let it down as I feel like everything happened really quickly and I found myself wanting the scene to last longer.
I really enjoyed the main characters and the dynamic between the whole friend group but I wish we got to explore them in more depth.
Thank you again Net Galley for this arc copy in exchange for an honest review
The premise for this story really captured my attention as it was definitely up my alley. This is a coming of age, romantic drama with a bit of suspense thrown in.
The beginning started really strong, it captured your attention from the get go and left you wanting to know more. However as the story went on we lost a lot of that suspense. The pacing for this book is the main thing that let it down as I feel like everything happened really quickly and I found myself wanting the scene to last longer.
I really enjoyed the main characters and the dynamic between the whole friend group but I wish we got to explore them in more depth.
Thank you again Net Galley for this arc copy in exchange for an honest review
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