Broken But Breathing

Jinx Tattoos #2

by Shyla Colt

It’s time to move on.
You’ve grieved enough.
I’m worried about you.

Estelle Noll has heard the same things repeatedly for the past two years. How can one put a timeline on recovery from total devastation? She lost the love of her life, child, and home in one day. Broken, depressed, and lost, she battles her way from the darkness and begins to piece together a new life. Xavier “Snake” Kolton is everything her husband wasn’t—tattooed, bold, dirty talking, and free-spirited. He makes her feel alive for the first time since the tragedy. Can the M.C. Vice President ever be more than a passing phase?

Xavier “Snake” Kolton knows what it feels like to lose. The Vice President of the Wild Ones MC has spent years dedicated to nothing but his brothers and their commitment to bettering the community. When the fragile, curly-haired blonde woman comes into his life, feelings long dormant to him awaken. Can this woman who’s lost more than anyone ever should handle his lifestyle. Should he even ask her to?

Genres: Romance, Emotional, Motorcycle, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance

Unknown Binding

First published March 29, 2016

About the author

Shyla Colt is the sassy USA Today Bestselling author of the popular series Kings of Chaos and Dueling Devils M.C. This genre-hoppers stories feature three of her favorite things: strong females, pop culture, and alternate routes to happy ever after. Listening to her Romani soul, she pens from the heart, allowing the dynamic characters, eccentric interests, and travels as a former flight attendant to take her down untraveled roads.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, this mid-west girl is proud of her roots. She used her hometown and the surrounding areas as a backdrop for a number of books. So, if you're a Buckeye, keep an eye out for familiar places.

As a full-time writer, stay at home mother, and wife, there's never a dull moment in her household.
She weaves her tales in spare moments and the evenings with a cup of coffee or tea at her side and the characters in her head for company.

You can interact with Shyla Colt online via her website
www.shylacolt.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorshyla.... and
Twitter: @shylacolt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shylacolt/

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Left it at 55%.

I couldn't deal with this book.

Estelle and Xavier (a.k.a. Snake) lost their both families.

Estelle's lost was an accident, but Xaviers' not.

In my opinion, the H in this book was too focused on his past. I felt that him and the h didn't have a real connection at all. He wanted revenge so bad that he was too blind to analyze about what really happened with his family.

The reason I stopped reading wasn't because of o/w or cheating; it was because the H would go to the h only when he felt like drowning. And that wasn't just for me.

While you're reading the book you feel like the h can't develop her feelings for the H at a normal pace because he isn't that honest with her.

What I really didn't like of this book was this:
So they met in a support group for survivors or something like that. I did like that the H was possessive of the h in the beginning. The H and the h become support buddies. But then I felt like the connection between them was fading. I felt like the H was just using the h to forget for a moment about his family (not in a sexual way), because when he was alone, he couldn't stop thinking about his ex-wife (who was murdered by a group of men from the KKK) and his little girl whom the H thought was dead (until I stopped reading. I didn't really find out if she was alive). I was okay with all of this because if that would happen with my family, I would try to find their murderers too. But when the H had these thoughts I was hoping he would reach for the h because he felt confused and broken. Also in some parts the H couldn't stop comparing his ex-wife and the h. Dude, they are two different people! The h didn't do that thank God.
The H owns a club (he's the V.P. of a M.C.). H hires the h but she doesn't know he owns it, the H just lets her think he works there. The President's baby sister works there. I didn't like her actually. She walked and talked like she owned the whole M.C. men, she even threatened the h not to hurt the H. Like, bitch, who the fuck are you?
I didn't hate nor like the h. In my opinion she was so naiive. I felt like she was really trying to feel something deeper for the H, but at the same time I think the H was trying not to get too involved with her, even though he looked for her when he "couldn't deal" with anything anymore. WHY DIDN'T YOU LOOK FOR HER WHEN YOU HAD THE TINY LITTLE NEGATIVE THING IN YOUR FUCKING HEAD? That's why I felt like the h was trying to feel more for him than him for her. h definitely wasn't pushing as hard as H was.
So overall, what made me stop reading was the connection between h and H. It was like fading after the first encounter.
I just think H was more focused on revenge than on the h.

For safety gang: H was not celibate. I don't really remember if the h wasn't but I think she was because it had only been two years since her husband's death. She was pregnant during the tornado so she lost her baby. There was a scene that made me feel slightly uncomfortable; H was with the president's baby sister in an office and when she walked away: "...and walked out of the room with her full hips swaying. Dressed in a pair of skintight jeans with bedazzled pockets and a white T-shirt that stood out against her mocha-colored skin, she was as sexy as she was sassy. She wore her dark locks in a faux curly Mohawk that highlighted her oval-shaped face, high cheekbones, and full red lips. If he hadn’t been blinded by grief when he first joined, he would’ve gone after her. Now, she was like a sister. Besides, he liked his face the way it was. Her overprotective brother would demolish anyone who tried to do more than flirt with his baby sister." Come fucking on. The author didn't have to add this for fuck's sake!
It was mentioned (from the H himself and other person) that he was practically with a lot of women after the death of his wife.

Please keep in mind that I stopped reading at 55% so I'm giving my opinion of what I only read.

[Iman]

Got it cause I was curious, but I cannot get into the story.
So DNF at 35%.

[Mizz · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Wasn't really feeling this book - at times it was too fast paced and other times I was just confused

Side note: what the fuck is up with the awful tattoos on the book cover?!

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Broken But Breathing
Series: Jinx Tattoos Book 2
Author: Shyla Colt
Publisher: Hot Ink Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: March 24, 2016
Genre(s): MC Romance
Page Count: 204 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
Blurb:

It’s time to move on.
You’ve grieved enough.
I’m worried about you.

Estelle Noll has heard the same things repeatedly for the past two years. How can one put a timeline on recovery from total devastation? She lost the love of her life, child, and home in one day. Broken, depressed, and lost, she battles her way from the darkness and begins to piece together a new life. Xavier “Snake” Kolton is everything her husband wasn’t—tattooed, bold, dirty talking, and free-spirited. He makes her feel alive for the first time since the tragedy. Can the M.C. Vice President ever be more than a passing phase?

Xavier “Snake” Kolton knows what it feels like to lose. The Vice President of the Wild Ones MC has spent years dedicated to nothing but his brothers and their commitment to bettering the community. When the fragile, curly-haired blonde woman comes into his life, feelings long dormant to him awaken. Can this woman who’s lost more than anyone ever should handle his lifestyle. Should he even ask her to?

**** Broken But Breathing is Book Two in the Jinx Tattoo Series but is a STAND ALONE novel

Review:

This is a pull at your heart, twist is up in a ball, and make you feel good type of book. My heart broke for these two tragic lives, and rejoiced that they could help one another get over the loss of their loved ones.
The plot of this story has Estelle going through the motions of life after a tornado rips apart her home and takes her husband and unborn child in the process. She meets Xavier “Snake” Kolton at a support group. He has also lost people that he loves. His wife and child were murdered during a hate crime. Now they offer support to one another in friendship. This really was a beautiful story. The chemistry between Estelle and Xavier starts off as a spark and builds into an electrically charged romance. This book easily holds your attention with its fast pace. These characters develop and grow as life puts different obstacles in their way. This book also has a sweet and beautiful ending. Warning have some tissues at the ready.

SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars




Review Copy of Broken But Breathing provided by the Shyla Colt for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title:Broken but Breathing
Author:Shyla Colt
Release Date:March 2016
Genre(s):Contemporary Romance
Page Count:150
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

It’s time to move on.
You’ve grieved enough.
I’m worried about you.

Estelle Noll has heard the same things repeatedly for the past two years. How can one put a timeline on recovery from total devastation? She lost the love of her life, child, and home in one day. Broken, depressed, and lost, she battles her way from the darkness and begins to piece together a new life. Xavier “Snake” Kolton is everything her husband wasn’t—tattooed, bold, dirty talking, and free-spirited. He makes her feel alive for the first time since the tragedy. Can the M.C. Vice President ever be more than a passing phase?

Xavier “Snake” Kolton knows what it feels like to lose. The Vice President of the Wild Ones MC has spent years dedicated to nothing but his brothers and their commitment to bettering the community. When the fragile, curly-haired blonde woman comes into his life, feelings long dormant to him awaken. Can this woman who’s lost more than anyone ever should handle his lifestyle. Should he even ask her to?

Review:
“He gripped her hips and lifted her to him, swallowing her protests down. She gasped. He took advantage of the opening, plunging his tongue into her sweetness. She had a complex flavor that hinted at alcohol and dessert. Two of my favorite things. Her fist pounded his back. He stroked her tongue with his, and she melted against him, wrapping her legs around his waist, and fisting his cut. He hummed his approval.”

5 broken stars!! This book had me crying, fanning myself and gasping for more!! It’s so beautiful!

Estelle has just gotten over the worst two years of her life. She lost her unborn child and the love her life in a tornado. And she’s still trying to figure out how to move on and start over. But how long does this take a person, is there a given time? She’s urged to go to a grief support group, where she meets the sexy Snake. He’s there grieving the loss of his wife and daughter, who were killed by the KKK. Both of these two are suffering from devastating losses and somehow manage to find each other. And while she’s trying to grieve, she can’t help but fall for the bad boy with tattoos and a beard. And while Snake isn’t used to caring for anyone, since the loss, but his MC; he finds himself falling for this innocent girl. Can these two get over their grief and find love in each others arms or will it be too much for them both?

This book is emotional and so gripping!! You feel for both Estelle and Snake and the loss they are going through! I found myself constantly crying and then fanning myself!! Snake is one sexy bad boy, and I’m ready to call him mine!!


ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club

[Brandy Castenada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken but Breathing by Shyla Colt is the 2nd book in the Jinx Tattoos series but can be read as a standalone. I would definitely place this as one of my top reads this year. This series is so awesome! If you haven’t read the series, it won’t keep you from enjoying this book. However, you need to read the 1st book as well. I really liked this book it was very interesting and captivated my attention right away.I think Shyla Colt did an amazing job not only writing this story, but also in developing each character. The book was gorgeously written and sexy as hell with a bunch of funny, lovable characters that will keep you entertained until the very last page.The characters in this story were easy to like. Estelle Noll lost the love of her life, child, and home in one day. Broken, depressed, and lost, she battles her way from the darkness and begins to piece together a new life. Xavier “Snake” Kolton is everything her husband wasn’t tattooed, bold, dirty talking, and free-spirited. He makes her feel alive for the first time since the tragedy. Xavier “Snake” Kolton knows what it feels like to lose. The Vice President of the Wild Ones MC has spent years dedicated to nothing but his brothers and their commitment to bettering the community. This book had me on the edge of my seat it was amazing and incredibly sexy that makes you feel so much. Every page is more wonderful than the other. Xavier “Snake” Kolton and Estella captivated me completely from the very start and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I adored Xavier “Snake” Kolton and Estella 's story and all the craziness they had to go through to be together. This was a beautifully written romance. and it highly recommend picking up a copy today.

[Renee Entress · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain and grief, a second chance at love, racism, and heartbreak.

This is Estelle and Xavier (Snake)’s story. It’s been years since she lost her family in suck a horrible tragedy. She was referred to a support group where she meets Snake. He is the opposite of her late husband. But he is the only person who makes her feel. Snake lost his family in a horrible hate crime. Now he is living until he can get revenge for his family. He is Estelle’s support but he is afraid that if she knew all his secrets she would no longer even be his friend. Can he keep her close and still get the revenge on those he lost? What happens when the revenge he wants comes at a cost? Is he willing to barter with the enemy? What is he could get a piece of his sanity back? Can he let the past go or will he need Estelle to help him though his discussion? What happens when to severely broken people take a second chance on each other? Will they be able to heal the past hurts? Or will the muddy relationship just lead to false expectations? Who should come first his friend or his club?

I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.

[Kali McQuillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 This book starts with devastation, grief, loss and heartache but you get to watch love grow and flourish.

When you're living your dream and it's ripped away from you in an instant how do you go on? Learning to live with their devastating losses Snake and Estelle make it through day by day. Snake has his club that keeps him busy and his mind off of his past. Estelle is learning who she is and making steps to be who she's going to be, she can't be who she was.

From the first time that they meet, Snake makes Estelle feel safe. He wants to protect her and they're there for each other, whatever the other may need. They don't make a likely couple from the outside but it's what's on the inside that draws them together. If you're looking for insta-love you won't find it here. You get to watch their love grow from friendship and flourish from there.

The story flowed well and it kept me wanting to read and find out what was going to happen. There's a twist in the story that I wasn't expecting.

[Crissy Sutcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Jinx Tattoos Series, but it could totally be a standalone. Snake went through a type of hell NO ONE should ever have to endure. Heartbroken and full of hatred for what had been done to him he joins an MC. Es went through another nightmare all her own. She lost everything in that tornado and had a hard time coming to terms. They met at a grief session and became each other's support. This book will make you cry, smile, then cry again. Shyla knows how to make you feel every emotion that she has written within the pages of this book. Can Es and Snake find their way back to love?

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good book with a good storyline. A great example of how you can have it all again after you think you've lost everything!!!

Full review to come.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snake and Estelle met when they were both grieving. They decided to be each others support when the memories were to much to deal with.
Snake really didn't think he would ever hear from Estelle again given his background. It wasn't long before she called and needed him to get her through a rough patch.
What started off as friends turned into something they didn't expect.
I loved seeing how they relied on each other. Estelle brought out a softer side of Snake. This story had a twist that was a nice surprise.
The one thing I didn't understand was when Mike, the MC Pres, jumped Snake's ass for no apparent reason. Plus when the reason came to light it didn't make sense. Why couldn't he just be up front and tell him his concerns instead of coming across as a asshole.
Otherwise great story.

[Sarah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so perfect. While reading I experienced every emotion ranging from extreme sadness, including tears, to extreme happiness. There was romance and some anger thrown in as well to provide the balance this book needed to become extraordinary!!! There were were twists and turns between Snake and Estelle that really helped take the book to the next level all while drawing me in deeper to the storyline. The steamy parts of the story were very well written and added more depth to an already deep story. The world building and characters were so well done that I could actually picture the book come to life in my head as I read page after page!! I have truly fallen in love with Shyla Colt and will look for more of her books to read going forward!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snake and Estelle are two broken individuals who are products of a tragic past. Snakes started with a brick thrown into his window and a cross burned on his lawn compliments of the KKK. They killed his wife, left him for dead and took away his daughter. Estelle's trauma is the result of a tornado that swept through their town killing her husband and taking her daughter leaving her devastated and loss. Thanks to a support group these two meets and a relationship was forged between them. As it builds Snake will get news that his daughter is alive and was illegally adopted. Will he be able to get her back, and will he and Estelle finally become a family? This story has so many twists and turns that will have your emotions all over the place.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was an emotional roller coaster. Estelle is working through her grief of losing her husband and her child in a tornado. Xavier (Snake) was the target of a hate crime because his wife was black and his child was mixed. Snake and Es meet in a support group. They became their support buddy. Both are trying to heal from the loss of a loved one. The love between these two characters is a build up of trust. Having each others back when life gets difficult. They have an instant connection even though they were from different backgrounds. I loved the story and the obstacles they worked through together. They found that it's OK to love again. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Xavier (Snake) and Estelle have both suffered unbearable losses and while attending group grief counseling, they meet and become friends. The first half of this book is almost too and unnecessarily slow. I nearly gave up, you almost lost me. Yes, there are some editing issues, which I found frustrating. But finally the story picks up and becomes an interesting read. The characters were compelling, there was chemistry, sizzle, and more. But the story was in serious need of professional editing to tighten up the book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier and Estelle's story will take your heart on an emotional ride that will twist it with pain and then takes of turn that will lead to the healing it needs, to find that through the darkness there is a light.

Estelle lost everything she had and loved when a tornado struck her town. Xavier lost his wife to the hate of other. When they meet in a support group, the connection they have slowly helps them rebuild from the pain and to find love and happiness again.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both characters had a traumatic past with the lost of their loved ones. While in a support group, Estelle meets Snake and they both bond over their lost. I like that they both have such a great love and support for each other no matter how tough the situations were. Plus add in a twist that brings the past back to Snake’s present and things got even more interesting in this story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estelle is reborn from the ashes of tragedy, it's taken it's time but she at last is moving forward. Xavier-Snake, is also dealing with tragedy but they forge a simple 'buddy' support system for each other and start moving forward. Survival is what it's all about until the past comes calling and others start looking into your business. A great story. Very moving.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snake and Estelle meet a grieving counseling group after experiencing loss of their loved ones. Together they find a calm and ease to speak about their past, but could something else bring them closer? Well written emotionally driven read, the story and characters draw you in and hold your attention through out.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good story and an emotional one at that. This is a well written story with wonderful characters that kept me invested from beginning to end. I experienced the ups and downs along with the story, but I liked it a lot!!! No Spoilers!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Quenita Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rivoting

Had me from the first sentence, I always enjoy Shyla's MC book, from #1 til now, not so thrilled abt. The ghost books. She is a very talented writer, May God continue to bless gift.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken But Breathing is the second book in the Jinx Tattoos series. I so loved this book. I was caught up with Snake and Estelle's story. The struggle was sad and beautiful at the same time. I enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in Jinx Tatoos Series. It was a joyful read. The protagonists are intriguing and well developed. Supporting cast is always fun. In short, a must read series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason I gave the story four stars is because it was written in the third person point of view which is a deal breaker for me. This was another strong read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful!!°

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken

Two broken people supporting them through grief finds love and healing. As they both move on and find love together.

[Melyssa Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Broken but Breathing
Author: Shyla Colt
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone Series (Jinx Tattoos #2)
Rating: ★★★★★

Review



I’ve had the pleasure of reading previous works by this author and she’s always kept my engaged, and presented characters and a story that is unique and makes me feel. So, going into this one, I had the same expectation and I wasn’t let down in the slightest.

I think what got me most about this story, is that the way in which these two characters meet, isn’t something that I’ve read before. It was such a uniquely meeting, one that given their reasons for being there, seemed to just make as much perfect sense as them being together as a couple did the more time they spent together.

Who better to understand the struggles, pain, sadness and loss that comes when you lose someone, or even multiple someone’s that you love, than someone that has either just happened into the same type of situation or that has been facing the same things for some time.

And that is exactly what happened here between Estelle and Xavier.

With the care that the author took with these two, what they essentially became to each other in the beginning and what changed as time wore on, it made for an incredible journey. One that I laughed in, cried in and rejoiced in. What you think is a biker/mc read, turns into something else. Something more.

Making this book exceed any expectations I had, giving me so much more in the process.

A quick paced, emotionally impactful read that at times read very realistically, with characters that you couldn’t help but root for in terms of a happy ending, both together and separately is what you’ll be getting when you pick this book up. I only hope you enjoy the journey of Estelle and Xavier as much as I did.

My thanks to the author and all others involved in letting me read an advanced copy of this. Their journey one that I’m very thankful I was a part of.

[Confessions_of_a_Serial_Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Broken but Breathing is a classic tale of essentially triumph over tragedy. Both of the main characters have had their worlds torn apart - quite literally in Estelle's - and are trying to come to terms with how to move on.

We first meet Estelle and Snake together in a grief meeting. They become a support system for each other. Estelle is attempting to join the lan of the living after losing her husband, home and unborn child. Snake is still coming to terms with losing his wife to a hate crime and never knowing what happened to his baby girl.

One thing that I really loved about this book was the slow-burn on the road to love between Snake and Es. There is no insta-action which would have really did an injustice to the story and characters.

Now, why if I liked the story would I give it a lower rating? One fact being the editing and formatting. Normally I take into consideration that it is in fact an ARC and they aren't always 100% ready to launch. Understandable. Unfortunately when there are page breaks in the middle of dialog and chapters with alternating POVs have paragraphs bleed over from the previous chapter, it makes clear reading a bit daunting at times. When I saw that there was no notation that this was an un-proofed copy and it did have 'final' listed, I went on amazon and bought a copy. Much to my dismay, It was the same

The story itself which had great bones, really could have been longer given the material it handled, but that it just my opinion.

This is the first book that I have read by this author so I never read book one in the Jinx Tattoo series. Imagine my surprise when there was nothing regarding the series name. I figured that there would be some kind of name tie in, or someone would work at a tattoo shop. The name was just a bit...weird for me I guess. Maybe if I had read book 1 I would have been more in the loop.

This is my confession: All and all a decent read if you can overlook some of the flaws. Even without the editing i'm not sure my score would have been higher.

[Kiki Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Originally Posted on Kiki's Kinky Picks**
3.5 stars

Broken But Breathing by Shyla Colt was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. I’m glad I read this second book in the Jinx Tattoos series.

Snake fascinated me in the first book in this series, Enzo, even though he didn’t play a huge part. There was obviously a lot more going on beyond the surface of this bad boy.

Man, was I right.

Snake and Estelle have both suffered extreme and brutal losses that broke their spirits. Having lost so much, it has taken them years to be anywhere near ready to move on but they help each other get there.

First, will you please look at this cover? Gah, it’s so sexy. I just love it.

Okay, back to the story.

The first half is a little slow but it really helps build the two main characters. You really get to know Snake and Estelle, their grief, and their fight to find a new normal. One of my favorite things was how they both changed so much because that’s what happens in real life. When something traumatic happens to you, you can’t ever go back to who you were before.

I would have liked a little more development for the rest of the members of the Motorcycle Club, but I suppose the series isn’t actually about them. Then again, there really isn’t anything about the tattoo shop either.

Also, just as I would be really getting into the flow of things there’d be an editing issue that would trip me up. Not so many that I had to stop reading or anything, but enough to be annoying. I assume the copy I received to review was the final draft, however it still needed a good and thorough proofing.

For as emotional and angsty as Broken But Breathing could be, there were bright spots of humor and hope. Even though it needs a little tightening up in the editing department, I still quite enjoyed Snake and Estelle’s story. Their broken puzzle pieces fit each other perfectly and it was satisfying to read about their Happily Ever After.

Copy provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Nadia Debowska-Stephens (Obsessed by Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."

Two broken but still breathing souls are drawn together maybe by fate or maybe by sheer chance and together they embark on a journey. The road is long and wearisome but can they learn to lean on each other? Estelle survived an act of God whilst get husband and unborn child wasn't as fortunate. Struggling each day with her survivor's guilt and her loss she has become a ghost of the woman she used to be. Pushed into making changes she joins a grief group and it's altogether more than she expected. Snake was the sole survivor of a vicious hate crime that left him for dead and his wife murdered. His daughter could not be found in the ashes and he has struggled with the need for vengeance ever since. As VP of the MC he has bided his time until the most opportune moment to take his revenge in blood. Can the broken stranger help him out his demons to rest?

By supporting each other they talk small steps to recovery, grieving and learning how to be someone new as the pain of loss forever changes you. Although different reasons they have experienced the same kind of loss that their family and friends just can't comprehend. Slowly they strip back the hurt and reveal something raw...but can the overcome their pasts? Do they want a future, together?

Snake is all kinds of phwoar, instantly drawn to the petite polar opposite of his wife he relishes the spark buried beneath her grief. Estelle is shocked by how easily she is at ease with the rough and ready biker and something just clicks. Their story is beautifully crafted and this is the first time I have read anything by this author. I was blown away. Sucked in the MC connection I got a lot more than I bargained for. Eloquent and emotional this is a five star must read.

~*~ Obsessed by Books copy given in exchange for an honest review ~*~