Cracked & Crushed

The Sacred Hearts MC #3

by A.J. Downey

Wedding days are supposed to be perfect, until the groom decides to walk away…

Hayden Michael’s life didn’t go as she’d planned, and her wedding day was just the icing on the cake. But somehow, Reaver was there. Sweet, funny, caring Reaver, with eyes like the bluest skies in winter, and a smile that took her breath away.

He’s the club’s enforcer, the one they call on when they need something to be done quickly, quietly, efficiently, and with no trace left behind. It’s kept his monster in check… for the most part. But seeing Hayden crushed is not something he can just take care of, at least not in the sense he’s used to.

When he whisks her away on her honeymoon, removing her from her normal, she finds herself free to actually blossom.

Genres: Romance, Menage, Erotica, Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Fiction, BDSM

318 pages, ebook

First published December 9, 2014

About the author

A.J. Downey is a Pacific Northwest girl living in an East Tennessee world who finds inspiration from her surroundings, through the people she meets, and likely as a byproduct of way too much caffeine. She specializes in real and relatable romance stories featuring that real-life kind of love that everyone craves.

You can find her on Facebook at facebook.com/authorajdowney

Reviews

[Shanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 55% I will start by saying I loved book 1 & 2 of this series. I am so confused by book 3. The editing was bad with the spelling and the exclamation points. And the characters were so confusing to me. Reaver was soft and not at all what I expected based on the first two books. I just smiled at her, my most enigmatic smile Huh! Her intended hadn’t touched her in forever,” Not her douche bag ex fiancé. Her intended? Again Huh! What biker talks this way?

Hayden’s first time with Reaver is with Cutter. Say What!?! In a different setting this would work but they just met and all of sudden Reaver trusts him with her? Reaver tells her basically at the beginning of the book he is in love with her. He fell in love with her a year ago and wants all of her. Why the fuck is he sharing her? I don’t understand this character at all. I also couldn’t really tell if Hayden was attracted to Cutter. This was a strange ménage.

Bottom line this book is a struggle I gave it a good go but I can’t continue.

I would just like to note I hardly ever mention book covers. I have liked the other two covers in this series. Hayden and Reaver look 17 on this book cover so that was confusing. I feel so lost with this book.

*For details on how I rate or review my books please see my profile*

[Chanelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

What's with the random threesomes? No. If you're some alpha male supposedly in love with some girl, you don't then share them for your first time at it!

If some guy told me he loved me, then was all like "yeah have sex with this guy too" I'd be like err jog on.

Please....for the love of romance....stop with the random threesomes!!!

DNF!

[JTM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the read for this third installment of the Sacred Hearts series. What I like about the series is the author is quick to get out her books- no waiting a year or even six months for the next book! No cliffhangers! No calling it a series but really they are serial books! Each book is about a different couples journey to love.

OK rant over, sorry. In this book you get your hot biker Reaver, who has been in love with Hayden for a year, when the book opens on her wedding day to douchbag Andy. Its a wickedly, delicious story of two people from opposite worlds falling in love and lust with each other as they live their lives. Reaver was Hayden's dark and twisty knight in leather, denim and knives.

Thankfully the author doesn't bog down the plot with too much sexy time where the relationship and plot suffers. There is menage between Reaver, Hayden and Cutter. I'm usually not a fan of menage unless its a permanent menage but this was done well and sexy with all parties giving consent.


I received this arc from the author in exchange for a honest review.

[Tate · Rating 3 out of 5]

argh... I don't know.. i have no feels after reading this book.... I loved the 1 and 2 but this... I actually skimmed quite a bit trough and I could not connect with characters... and I loved Reaver before!!! all I'm so broody and secretive was gone.. It was meh read for me... and the book cover? like honestly I never have problems with them, never judge cover but whats inside, but this one?? I'm sorry....

image:

this gif has more emotion then me while reading this...
so I''l give 2.5 stars just because I loved the first two...

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER TO MY FELLOW GOODREADER
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants and swearing.

Hayden Michaels is engaged to be married to a man that is hardly around. She spends her time working as an interior decorator or spending time with her best friend Ashton. Since Ashton is the Old Lady of a Sacred Hearts MC member, Hayden has embraced their world as well. One of the most important days in her life has come. Hayden is to become a wife. It all happened so fast. The pause. The rejection. The realization. The one man that is always in the back of her mind is the one left picking up the pieces. Hayden will never be the same.

"My first thought was that if I had to choose a life with you in it versus one without, that it wasn't really any choice at all. That I'd rather walk out into the surf and drown myself than live a life without you in it."

27 year old Rhett "Reaver" Butler is the Treasurer for the Sacred Hearts MC. He is best friends to Trigger and his Old Lady Ashton. The moment Reaver saw Ashton's new best friend, he fell deep into love. For over a year he has watched from a distance as she became engaged, withdrawn and planned to become another man's wife. As that day finally came, no one would has anticipated she be left at the alter. Reaver swooped in and decided he was going to be the one to piece her back together.

"There were some things in life, some people you met and connected with that just fit. Like peanut butter and jelly, we went together. I felt it in the deepest part of me. When we were together it was fated, meant to be and when we were apart, that gnawing angry desire pushing me to find her and be with her, near her, hovering over her and protecting her was too strong to ignore."

Cliffhanger – no (book #3 of series)
POV - Hayden & Reaver

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars

Overall, it was a compelling story. I have 2 minor gripes though, 1.) I didn't get the connection between the Reaver I got from from the previous book to the Reaver I got here. Yes from his POV I somewhat understood why he is the way he is but it felt like I was reading about a totally different character than who i expected. His thought processes lacked the grit & badassedness that should have been natural for a biker. 2.) Reaver confessed his love early in the book, I have no problem with this - their relationship has been developing for quite a while. What I didn't get was how he was ok with sharing Hayden with Cutter, whom he just met, on their first intimate encounter. Reaver was alpha possessive but that ménage threw me for a loop. In saying that, I very much enjoyed the story, I was impressed with the character development and the plot was engaging. I love this authors style of writing & look forward to the next release from her.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER TO THOSE READING MY REVIEW:
This review is my personal opinion, it may contain swearing, quotes, rants, and spoilers!!!
READ AT YOUR OWN RISK....

I received this book in exchange for an honest review!

I have put off leaving my review on this book for a couple of days because I just honestly don't know what to say. It was absolutely one of the best I have read this year. Reaver and Hayden have so much chemistry, even though this book is less MC and more dedicated to the couple I still loved it. Reaver showed Hayden his absolute darkest side and she still loved him. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves to read. A.J. Downey I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!!!!!! YOU ROCK! ;-)

[Jessica Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I totally love this series:) I started with the first two books and burned through them in two days. This book was no different. The characters are awesome and engaging. The story keeps you interested and at no point is there a spot where you feel like you can put the book down and walk away. Reaver and Hayden are great and their story is easy to fall in love with. You become attached to them and you are rooting for them the entire time.
I was given this book in exchange for a review and I can honestly say that I would absolutely recommend this book! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

[Dallison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cry Baby cry baby. I got so fed up with all the crying I just want to throw the book away. Not as good as the first 2 books at all. 2.5 stars. Almost did not finish it! Mad as hell the book took the direction it did. What happened to Reaver putting a hurting on Andy and his douchy friends? WTH!! He got away with hurting the love of his life too easy. That last turn with slutty Shelly crying when she was raped and not going the direction I wanted was so foolish. I saw her getting that treatment a mile away, the girl is a whore. Mind you no means no but I did not care what happened to her, I wanted revenge on what Andy did to cry baby.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Where do I begin....love the series...gets better & better!! So many characters with so many different personalities! Great character development. I hope Cutter gets a book :). I could not put it down. Touching, heart felt, "family" bond, hot hot, tattoo alpha mc males ....hmmmm love love this series!! Can't wait for more! Definitely would recommend this book & author :) I did receive a free copy for my honest review.

[Despina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I just finished Cracked and Crushed and I am happy I did. This was seriously a good story. It's not for everyone because H is a bit creepy but can I say in a good way? I think the author did a great job in helping me to fall in love with Reaver and Hayden. When I first read the blurb I thought, nope, not for me, yet I felt compelled to try the excerpt, and just like that I was hooked. It is and is not your typical romance/ MC story. But if your curious, try it.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book in the series so far! I totally love Reaver! I just wish that Reaver's likes had been explored a little more in depth but I like the kinky stuff what can I say? LOL This is by far one of the best series that I've read and I can not wait for the next one (yeah I know it will be months). And you will never guess Reaver's name hahaha! Great job A.J.!

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

You sort of saw this one coming, little hints in the last 2 books. I did love how Reaver stepped up to take care of Hayden when the bad happened. He made sure others dealt with the big things, talked to her father, then got her away where she could lick her wounds.

The time spent in FL was good for them both. It allowed them to talk and get to know each other well and for Hayden to realize that Reaver was there for her always, she just didn't see it. The other MC brought an interesting dynamic, loved how they got along especially Reaver and Cutter.

After they got back home things seemed to keep going great for Reaver and Hayden. It was only when Hayden was forced to see in reality things she been told that she freaked out. The thing is what Reaver did was a-ok in my book, as was Hayden's freak out. I think had Reaver had time to clean up things would have been better.

The time the spent apart was good for them. It made both of them realize what was important. I loved how this one ended, it was perfect for these 2!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Reaver and Hayden's story! And that ending couldn't have been more perfect!!!

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Tip: I HIGHLY recommend you read this series in order and DON'T skip or skim. This book, even the short novella, holds a lot of information and it all is one continuous story in regards to the danger Sacred Hearts are in with the Suicide Kings. The S.K MC shows up in book 2 and carries the series out into book 6. I wouldn't claim any book in this series to be a standalone, especially book 3.5 - so much NEW stuff happens to carry the story forward.


I liked:
1. Reaver saving the day
2. Cutter
3. The ending was interesting, but worked for this couple
4. The Sacred Hearts MC club


I really didn't want to read this story when I learned about Reaver's bedroom antics and the threesome. I'm glad I didn't skip it. I learned a lot about Reaver in this story that I wouldn't have learned in other stories. So much was going on with the club and Reaver- definitely not a story to miss.

Reaver has been in love with Ashton's best friend, Hayden, for over a year. However, she's involved with another man and is set to be married to him. The story opens with the case of: Wedding gone wrong. Reaver is there to save the day and whisk the bride away. He takes her on her honeymoon and things become intimate with them- and Cutter.

At first, I wasn't thrilled about the Cutter moments - however, it in the end I was okay with it. It wasn't about being dirty, raunchy or anything else. It was about showing Hayden: love, affection, attention, that she was beautiful and worth so much more than she gives her self credit for.

The Suicide Kings are up to more antics and Reaver has a lot going on in his personal life and in his head to deal with. Can Hayden deal with it all and come out winning on the other side?

Shelly is back in this story and something bad happens which has a negative impact on Hayden and Reavers relationship. Will the MC be able to make things right for Shelly, as best as they can, and will Reaver be able to fix his relationship with several people?

This story had some editing issues again and I was over a few words the author loves to use in this series. Otherwise, I liked it but Reaver's "interest" in the bedroom really bothered me.

Reading Order:
1. Shattered & Scarred
2. Broken & Burned
3. Cracked & Crushed
3.5 Masked & Miserable
4. Tattered & Torn
5. Fractured & Formidable
6. Damaged & Dangerous: The Sacred Hearts MC Book VI

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. From following A.J Downey's facebook page I gather that there were a lot of unhappy people with it. Now, keep in mind (at least on amazon) there was a warning about the book. If you didn't heed to the warning you have nobody to blame but yourself. That said, this is the story about Reaver and Hayden. Hayden is crushed when she is left at the alter and her crazy mother insisted on having a gigantic wedding. Her douche bag husband to be leaves her with the parting words of he never loved her. She was just convenience, she was what was expected. Graduate college, marry someone, have kids. Now no girl/woman wants to hear that. That would crush anyone. It doesn't matter that he had cheated on her and she forgave him or that he was always traveling and never really home that made her closest friend question whether or not Hayden was doing the right thing. Her friends love and supported her. When Hayden gets left Reaver steps up to the plate to take care of her and takes her on the honeymoon so that she has a few days to regain herself before the reality that her life is now a disaster. Both have been attracted to each other for quite some time but Hayden was taken and Reaver respected that. Reaver is an extremely intense guy. We have known that from the other books that we have read in this series. To those readers that where surprised and didn't like this......Have you read the other two books? Reaver likes blood play and like fear. Both can be healthy when both parties understand the risk as with any type of BDSM. This just happens to be on the more extreme side with out a middle ground. We meet another MC in Florida where the happy couple was to take their honeymoon. Now can I just say I would love to see a series about this MC. Holy cow. Friendships and relationships are formed. Life goes on.

I really liked this book. It fit well within the series. There was a lot of really good sexy sexy stuff even with the BDSM. But those threesome scenes where HOT! Had my panties melting and wishing I was in that man hotness sandwich. I also found a lot of the unexpected in this book, and that was a very good surprise. I didn't see what was coming around the corner and I love that. I was very surprised at the end of the book because while I knew there was a HEA something had to tear them apart for them to get back together that I simply didn't see. I also really hope that we get a DRAGON story. That would be good. I also can't wait for the next book and will no doubt be as good as the rest of the books.

Head the warnings people. They are there for a reason. You have nobody to blame but yourself if you didn't read the warning and things came out of left field for you. While everyone is entitled to their opinion READ THE WARNINGS.

[Liz johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to DNFd, at aroud 48%, when the ménage started, I just could not understand the reasoning for this, for either Reaver or Hayden.

I have not read the previous books in this series, but judging from some reviews Reaver's character is different in this book than in the previous ones. I was expecting a badass biker but he was quite soft in his thought processes. I had no problem with him expressing his love for Hayden early on, or for his being caring to her needs after the disaster her life has become. However his solution to this was just weird to me. Hayden expresses that she fancies him, he shows her his scary and sadistic side and also tells her some scary stuff. Hayden lets him know by both her physical reaction and also,later, verbally that she is attracted to his sadistic side. Many times he asks her if she trusts him and she says yes. So...... why does he decide the only way to progress the relationship and heal Hayden is by her sleeping with another, or even many other men. Why does he decide the man she does this with should be a stranger they have known only about 24 hours. Also, it is only because this stranger, Cutter, invites him to partake, that it turns into a ménage.
Why does he think this is what she needs to get over her feelings of inadequacy, when he loves her and his possessive of her?
I was less than impressed that he was willing to let her marry another man in the first place, but fine, he was going to be a martyr, because he did not feel worthy. But passing her around other men and trusting this particular man, why? Because he likes knives too and is in an MC? No, not impressive, not good enough reasoning for me.
Why would Hayden be up for this anyway? I would have been more impressed if she had given both men a good talking to about the real nature of respect and trust and worked out her relationship with Reaver. I am sure Cutter was gorgeous and she will probably meet a lot more gorgeous men in years to come, so is she going to pass herself around them top, as long as Reaver gives permission? Yuck, this is cold and calculated, it is not romance.
So I have probably missed out on some good knifey sex and bonding between her and Reaver, but I was put off by their behaviour. I understand previous books might be better, but ménage scenes might be a norm in these books, so I probably wont bother reading them.

[Rachel Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I can’t tell if you’re the storm or my shelter from it…” -Hayden (Kindle Location 1639).

Hayden, Ashton’s friend from Shattered & Scarred, is ready on her wedding day to wed Andy and forget all about the mysterious man from the Sacred Hearts MC she had her eyes on, Reaver. When she gets left at the altar, the only person who can get her back on her feet is Reaver. He takes her on her honeymoon and they both learn that they can balance each other and that they are good for one another. It isn’t just Hayden who has been through tough times, Reav has his own past troubles to deal with.

Reaver has been the most difficult character for me to get behind, to sympathize with, and to like. He is the most intense character, the most rough, the most animalistic and barbaric. Reaver is the violent one, the one who will take revenge far enough that even the other characters question him. Reaver is also the most sexually deviant from the pack (thus far) and his different kind of sexual appetite scares Hayden at times.

Hayden is the all-around cool girl. Sure, she gets left at the altar and is depressed and sad, but she’s up for anything! Anyone who can have a good time (at least some of the time) on their own Honeymoon for a wedding that didn’t actually happen, is a happy person indeed. Hayden is up for Reaver and his eccentricities. She’s up for MC life. She’s a trooper and fun to watch grow and blossom under Reaver’s protection and love.

I liked Downey’s re-iteration of the phrase “You trust me Doll?” by Reaver to signify their love.

I haven’t mentioned before but I really like how Downey’s covers are unique to the romance genre, they aren’t just bare chested men. Just like her stories aren’t just sex and romance, but also involve a larger story and the bigger picture of the Sacred Hearts MC.

[Book Fancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

Reaver’s story….YES!!!! I’ve been intrigued with Reaver since meeting him in the first two books. He’s different, and I knew he had a story to tell. And boy did he definitely have a story to tell! He has a monster that lives inside his head. This, of course, is a good thing for the club. They know just who to call when they have a job that needs to get done. However, it’s not always a good thing for Reaver to have to live with. He fights his inner demon on a constant basis.

We have also met Hayden in the previous books. Hayden is engaged to be married and thinks she has a life full of happiness in front of her. But on her wedding day, things don’t go exactly as planned. Reaver is there to pick up the pieces and whisk Hayden away. He knows it’s his perfect opportunity to get closer to Hayden. While getting to know each other better, Hayden discovers that sweet and funny Reaver also has a dark side. Hayden has to decide if she’s strong enough to accept Reaver, dark side and all.

I’ve said this before, but I am absolutely in love with this series! I love how the men have such a strong brotherhood bond. I can’t wait until some of the others get their own books. I am especially looking forward to Zander’s book! AJ Downey has a great writing style and sucks me into the pages time after time. If you’re looking for a great mc series to read, then I definitely recommend The Sacred Hearts series!

[SandyL · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review*

I enjoyed this book! This is the third book in the Sacred Hearts MC series. Reaver, treasurer and "other" for the Sacred Hearts MC, has been in love with Hayden since he met her a year ago. But she was engaged to be married to another guy, so he kept his distance. When Hayden's fiancé says he doesn't want to marry her DURING their ceremony, Reaver is the one to rescue her. He swoops in and takes her down to FL, where she was supposed to have her honeymoon. Hayden realizes she is also attracted to Reaver, and they begin a relationship. Reaver has a dark side, and is really, really into knives. The story is interesting and exciting, with a meet-up with the president of an MC in Florida, a threesome, playing with knives and some other stuff that goes down. It took me a little while to get into the book, but once I did I was hooked! I haven't read the first two books yet, and although I'm sure it would have been helpful for the back story, I didn't feel lost in reading this one first. I am looking forward to reading the beginning books in this series!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed it, I devoured the first two in the series and this was no different.

I found it a complete change of pace from the other two, less of an MC book and more of an emotional love story. I loved how open Reaver was, usually a character with such a dark side is the strong silent type, doesn't talk about feelings etc etc but this wasn't the case.

The first part of the book was handled beautifully, I loved the deep connection to Hayden Reaver showed and then later in the book how truly dark he could be! I guess the only thing stopping me giving it 5 stars was it wasn't as gritty as I would have liked, nevertheless it was all kinds of awesome!

Can't wait for book 4.

[Ashley Boone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in advance for my review. I want to start by saying the I love Reaver. He has been my favorite character since the beginning. I would have liked to have seen a confrontation with Hayden and Aimee. I would have enjoyed seeing Hayden put her in her place. Also I would have enjoyed reaver being a little more possible over Hayden. I feel as though he was a little to carefree at times with her. But other then that I loved this book. This is probably my favorite series to read. I cannot wait for the next one!

[Audrey-jo Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free for my honest review. I honestly love this book. It's very well written where you can feel the characters and really understand them. I like how the book changes points of view of the 2 main characters so you really know how each character feels. They each have their own issues that they need to work out and its wonderful to see that process and them doing it together I love Reaver from the first 2 books in the series and am so happy he go this own book. The story fits him and is wonderful, plus you get to learn his real name! :)

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Loved it! Storyline was engaging, emotional, intense, hot and dark along with some self-discovery, trust and love. Reaver is a sexy badass biker. He's funny, sweet, in love with Hayden and will do anything to protect her including from his darkness and kink. After being left at the alter and rescued by Reaver, Hayden realizes there's more to him than what she seen. Their characters have steamy chemistry and passion along with a sizzling threesome with Cutter. Despite not personally enjoying parts of Reaver's kink, it was a good book and I give it 5 stars.

[Kendra Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!!!!! I fell in love with reaver in the first book and have been waiting for his!!! I am not disappointed!! It was everything I expected and more! I was a little disappointed that so much of the book took place outside of the club but I couldn't be to upset because she introduced cutter and I loved him!!! This book was just great!!! I'm sad I'm finished with it!!! I hope there will be more sacred hearts to come!!!

[Juuli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too tired and confused to write something sensible. I liked some parts of the story and disliked the others. The hero was scary as hell. The heroine's tears actually turned him on. And he hugged her when she really needed it. And he liked knives. And he drove nine hours to save her from a bad situation. And he was such a sweetheart. And a total bastard.
I believe this book goes to the "mindfuck" category.

[Tara Werkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I received a free copy for my review and let me tell you I loved the first 2 books by Aj but Reaver is by far my favorite character I couldn't wait for his and Hayden's story and I WAS NOT disappointed !!!! Can't wait for the next book !! Way to go Aj again you rocked my world !!!

[Vera Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing!

Reader and Hayden are great together.A hot alpha biker who has a darker sexual appetite with a good heart,who doesn't want it.A woman who needs her heart back.Put this together with a biker family and it's a great read.Love the Sacred Hearts MC.Good job A.J. Downey

[Fatima McKindra · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED. IT. I'm in awe...I read a LOT of romance/erotica and this series just has all of the elements that I really, REALLY like! The characters are well developed. The plots are engaging and believable. The romance is both sweet and hot. Just really good telling of a tale. Congratulations on a job well done Ms. Downey. Please keep 'em coming!

[Belinda Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING yet again!!!!!!

Third book in and it just keeps getting better and better.

"Doll" was left shattered on whats was supposed to be her day only for Reaver to come in and sweep her off her feet.

I am so happy that some questions from the previous 2 books were finally answered, and you finally got to see into Reavers mind.

Am really looking for the next installment