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Unbreak Me
They were supposed to be together forever. That was the plan, but through a cruel twist of fate the night before their three-year anniversary, Tex Davis lost the one man he would ever love, Memphis King. A year has passed and he still hasn’t been able to move on. Everyone tells him it’s time, but what do they know? Memphis was his partner in love and life. Losing him, broke Tex.
Tex has been given an opportunity to move from New York to Seattle. His friends and family are encouraging him to take it, but he has already decided to decline the offer because that would mean leaving Memphis behind.
Then something happened.
Whether it be fate or something else, Memphis came back to him. Tex’s first love is supposed to help him move on, but not even Memphis can bring himself to force Tex to let him go.
Is it so wrong to want to spend forever with the person you loved most? Both hearts are begging to be unbroken.
Tagline:
Two broken hearts, one wandering soul.
Tex has been given an opportunity to move from New York to Seattle. His friends and family are encouraging him to take it, but he has already decided to decline the offer because that would mean leaving Memphis behind.
Then something happened.
Whether it be fate or something else, Memphis came back to him. Tex’s first love is supposed to help him move on, but not even Memphis can bring himself to force Tex to let him go.
Is it so wrong to want to spend forever with the person you loved most? Both hearts are begging to be unbroken.
Tagline:
Two broken hearts, one wandering soul.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2019
32 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Maria Vickers
46 books394 followersMaria Vickers is a bestselling and award-winning author who currently resides in St. Louis, MO with her pug, Spencer Tracy. She has always had a passion for writing and after she became disabled in 2010, she decided to use writing as her escape. Life is about what you make of it, you have to live it to the fullest no matter the circumstances.
From a young age, she has always loved books and even dreamed of being an author when she was younger. Growing up in the Navy, she used to weave tales for her siblings and her friends about anything and everything. And when she wasn't creating her own stories, she had a book in her hand. They transported her to another world. She hopes that her readers will have the same experience when reading her stories, and that, in some way, they can relate to her characters.
Getting sick changed her life forever, but it also opened doors for her that she thought would always be out of reach.
From a young age, she has always loved books and even dreamed of being an author when she was younger. Growing up in the Navy, she used to weave tales for her siblings and her friends about anything and everything. And when she wasn't creating her own stories, she had a book in her hand. They transported her to another world. She hopes that her readers will have the same experience when reading her stories, and that, in some way, they can relate to her characters.
Getting sick changed her life forever, but it also opened doors for her that she thought would always be out of reach.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 16, 2019
Reviewed for She's A Lip Biter
This book was a hard book for me to read, I don't really get along with a 3rd person perspective in a book but I got used to it. Now this book came at a really tough time for me. As I began to read my Gramps sadly passed and I sort of grieved along with Tex and Memphis.
I totally sympathised with Tex in parts and in others I wanted to shake him and tell him to put on his big boy pants and just Live. To live for them both. But sometimes grief just won't allow it. Tex, Memphis and the whole of the families are all effected and it shows in the story.
This story is a weird one for me. It very much like Ghost. I haven't read a book like this before and although a little strange for me. I do recommend it, maybe because I could relate to the grief and pain. Know it's not a happy ride. It will break you.
This book was a hard book for me to read, I don't really get along with a 3rd person perspective in a book but I got used to it. Now this book came at a really tough time for me. As I began to read my Gramps sadly passed and I sort of grieved along with Tex and Memphis.
I totally sympathised with Tex in parts and in others I wanted to shake him and tell him to put on his big boy pants and just Live. To live for them both. But sometimes grief just won't allow it. Tex, Memphis and the whole of the families are all effected and it shows in the story.
This story is a weird one for me. It very much like Ghost. I haven't read a book like this before and although a little strange for me. I do recommend it, maybe because I could relate to the grief and pain. Know it's not a happy ride. It will break you.
March 29, 2019
Multiple Reviews Below
3Stars
This book was a hard book for me to read, I don't really get along with a 3rd person perspective in a book but I got used to it. Now this book came at a really tough time for me. As I began to read my Gramps sadly passed and I sort of grieved along with Tex and Memphis.
I totally sympathised with Tex in parts and in others, I wanted to shake him and tell him to put on his big boy pants and just Live. To live for them both. But sometimes grief just won't allow it. Tex, Memphis and the whole of the families are all affected and it shows in the story.
This story is a weird one for me. It very much like Ghost. I haven't read a book like this before and although a little strange for me. I do recommend it, maybe because I could relate to the grief and pain. Know it's not a happy ride. It will break you.
Reviewed by Donna
3.5Stars
3.5 stars for me this was an emotional read, a well written story about love, loss, heartbreak and never losing the one that completes you! I can't say much more without giving away the story. I'll just finish by saying it's a great glimpse into life, death and beyond.
Reviewed by Nat
3Stars
This book was a hard book for me to read, I don't really get along with a 3rd person perspective in a book but I got used to it. Now this book came at a really tough time for me. As I began to read my Gramps sadly passed and I sort of grieved along with Tex and Memphis.
I totally sympathised with Tex in parts and in others, I wanted to shake him and tell him to put on his big boy pants and just Live. To live for them both. But sometimes grief just won't allow it. Tex, Memphis and the whole of the families are all affected and it shows in the story.
This story is a weird one for me. It very much like Ghost. I haven't read a book like this before and although a little strange for me. I do recommend it, maybe because I could relate to the grief and pain. Know it's not a happy ride. It will break you.
Reviewed by Donna
3.5Stars
3.5 stars for me this was an emotional read, a well written story about love, loss, heartbreak and never losing the one that completes you! I can't say much more without giving away the story. I'll just finish by saying it's a great glimpse into life, death and beyond.
Reviewed by Nat
March 20, 2019
After finishing Unbreak Me I just sat and thought it over and over ..Its that kind of book that draws you into every page every word, after I had to reflect.
This book warrants a 5 star .
Tex and Memphis are heading towards their three year anniversary .
Memphis owns his own construction business and is completely outgoing while Tex a computer nerd is not .
It is always the differences between two people that makes a relationship work and in this case that is true.
I found this book extremely well written that I was hooked completely hooked.
Your pulled into their lives straight from the beginning, the journey the author takes you on is real you can feel the anxiousness of Tex feel what he is going through.
The guys have substance so much that you can feel them, their love of each other shines .
What happened will changed their lives ..
No spoilers at all just you definitely won't want to miss out on the book.
This is the first book I have read of Maria Vickers and it certainly will not be the last ...
This book warrants a 5 star .
Tex and Memphis are heading towards their three year anniversary .
Memphis owns his own construction business and is completely outgoing while Tex a computer nerd is not .
It is always the differences between two people that makes a relationship work and in this case that is true.
I found this book extremely well written that I was hooked completely hooked.
Your pulled into their lives straight from the beginning, the journey the author takes you on is real you can feel the anxiousness of Tex feel what he is going through.
The guys have substance so much that you can feel them, their love of each other shines .
What happened will changed their lives ..
No spoilers at all just you definitely won't want to miss out on the book.
This is the first book I have read of Maria Vickers and it certainly will not be the last ...
April 4, 2019
It's hard to even come up with words to explain how much I loved and enjoyed Unbreak Me by Maria Vickers. Tex & Memphis's story is a heartbreaking tale of love, loss and trying to regain life after losing your soulmate. I want to get into the storyline but then I don't want to give away a single thing about the book because I loved the journey I was taken on. While reading this story all I could think about was how this story would translate to a play beautifully. Unbreak Me is one of my Top Reads of 2019, grab it today and fall for Tex and Memphis like I did!
March 17, 2019
Tex and Memphis have been together for three years. They have an argument that has Memphis running out of their apartment. When he is hit by a car and dies, he leaves Tex all alone. Unable to let Memphis go he can’t move on. Becoming a ghost in his own life.
Trying to cope with the year anniversary of Memphis leaving him, Tex starts to get glimpses of something just out of his reach. When he realizes what he is seeing he has hope that quickly turns into more pain. Afraid that Memphis is really there and terrified that he’s not.
This is a story of a man in pain and a ghost, trying to make sense of the impossible. Neither wanting to let go.
This was an odd book to me. I liked it, but at the same time I felt outside the story. Like I couldn’t really connect to Tex’s pain. The love story, told in flashbacks was at times both hot and funny. I’ve never read a story quite like this one. It was a 3.5 star read for me but I rounded up to 4.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Trying to cope with the year anniversary of Memphis leaving him, Tex starts to get glimpses of something just out of his reach. When he realizes what he is seeing he has hope that quickly turns into more pain. Afraid that Memphis is really there and terrified that he’s not.
This is a story of a man in pain and a ghost, trying to make sense of the impossible. Neither wanting to let go.
This was an odd book to me. I liked it, but at the same time I felt outside the story. Like I couldn’t really connect to Tex’s pain. The love story, told in flashbacks was at times both hot and funny. I’ve never read a story quite like this one. It was a 3.5 star read for me but I rounded up to 4.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
April 2, 2019
This review where do I begin...... I really loved it. It was a weird for me because it is about a couple and one of them dies and the other can't move on. Tex is lost in his life after losing the love of his life Memphis in a car accident. Tex has stopped living and his friends and family want him to move on. It has been a year and he has a chance for a job change and he doesn't take it because he can't leave Memphis. He needs him to breath and eat and sleep and to just simply live.
Then some funny things start to happen and Tex starts to see and hear Memphis and he knows he can't leave. He is so much happier now and he has gotten his life back and he knows it's all because Memphis came back to him as a ghost.
But His friends and family are worried about him and want him to move on but he refuses especially since he has Memphis back. Oh and the ending I will just say HOLY HADES that ending is incredible!
Then some funny things start to happen and Tex starts to see and hear Memphis and he knows he can't leave. He is so much happier now and he has gotten his life back and he knows it's all because Memphis came back to him as a ghost.
But His friends and family are worried about him and want him to move on but he refuses especially since he has Memphis back. Oh and the ending I will just say HOLY HADES that ending is incredible!
March 13, 2019
4 Cranky Stars
The book will break your heart right out the gate. You go on this journey of loss with Barney (AKA Tex) and Memphis. You want to yell at Tex that he needs to live for them both but also know grief has its own time schedule. Tex is going through the motions and barely surviving. His family and even Memphis family is trying to help him along, but he is stubborn and not having it. When he starts getting visits by someone, he starts to question it all. How long can one grieve and what does it take to move on?
It’s hard to write this review. It’s a story of true love and loss. It’s about how your brain copes with such trauma. It was hard for me to get in a rhythm of reading it cause it’s in third person but once I got a lock on it I read this story in one day. It’s heartbreaking with aww shucks moments. Just give it a try and go into it with an open mind. Some parts had my mouth hanging open and me muttering oh no I refuse to believe this. Does that spark your interest? I hope it does!
The book will break your heart right out the gate. You go on this journey of loss with Barney (AKA Tex) and Memphis. You want to yell at Tex that he needs to live for them both but also know grief has its own time schedule. Tex is going through the motions and barely surviving. His family and even Memphis family is trying to help him along, but he is stubborn and not having it. When he starts getting visits by someone, he starts to question it all. How long can one grieve and what does it take to move on?
It’s hard to write this review. It’s a story of true love and loss. It’s about how your brain copes with such trauma. It was hard for me to get in a rhythm of reading it cause it’s in third person but once I got a lock on it I read this story in one day. It’s heartbreaking with aww shucks moments. Just give it a try and go into it with an open mind. Some parts had my mouth hanging open and me muttering oh no I refuse to believe this. Does that spark your interest? I hope it does!
March 21, 2021
Unbreak me too, please!
I wasn't ready for the gut puch I got from this book in the early chapters. I listened to it on audio and I had to get back and re-listen again because I was sure I heard things wrong, but sadly, no. This book starts on a really heartbreaking scene, and it gets just more sad chapter after chapter.
I didn't know what to expect from the storyline and didn't know how it will end?
And when I thought the starting scene was sad, that's nothing on the ending... Okay, not the end, end, but toward the ending. It was a rollercoaster I didn't know I bought ticket for. Wow!
Memphis and Tex's story was so good and so heartbreaking. The end scene was sweet, but holyhell, the road to that end! Loved listening to this audio! And I had to re-listen to some scenes because I wasn't sure I heard them right... LOL
I wasn't ready for the gut puch I got from this book in the early chapters. I listened to it on audio and I had to get back and re-listen again because I was sure I heard things wrong, but sadly, no. This book starts on a really heartbreaking scene, and it gets just more sad chapter after chapter.
I didn't know what to expect from the storyline and didn't know how it will end?
And when I thought the starting scene was sad, that's nothing on the ending... Okay, not the end, end, but toward the ending. It was a rollercoaster I didn't know I bought ticket for. Wow!
Memphis and Tex's story was so good and so heartbreaking. The end scene was sweet, but holyhell, the road to that end! Loved listening to this audio! And I had to re-listen to some scenes because I wasn't sure I heard them right... LOL
March 13, 2019
This book was an emotional rollercoaster.
Would you be able to move on with life of something happened to the other half of your soul?
One night is the horror story when Tex is fighting with his boyfriend in the eve of their third anniversary. The heated argument is out of control so Memphis storms out of their apartment. Rex know something is not right so he starts to chase Memphis, until he sees in the street that Memphis is gone.
A year later on the anniversary of his lovers death, he starts to hear him. But He's not sure if he's real.
His encounters become more vivid until he realizes that Memphis is really there talking to him. He can see him. But life is still moving around Tex and he is going to have to make some choices. But, Memphis knows that Tex is going to have to move on. He encourages Tex to see what's there to move on.
Would you be able to move on with life of something happened to the other half of your soul?
One night is the horror story when Tex is fighting with his boyfriend in the eve of their third anniversary. The heated argument is out of control so Memphis storms out of their apartment. Rex know something is not right so he starts to chase Memphis, until he sees in the street that Memphis is gone.
A year later on the anniversary of his lovers death, he starts to hear him. But He's not sure if he's real.
His encounters become more vivid until he realizes that Memphis is really there talking to him. He can see him. But life is still moving around Tex and he is going to have to make some choices. But, Memphis knows that Tex is going to have to move on. He encourages Tex to see what's there to move on.
March 21, 2019
Heart felt and heart wrenching
This book left me emotionally raw. I cried so hard though most of this book. Maria outdid herself with the emotion in this. “Sometimes it only takes a moment”, to fall in love, find your soul mate, and to completely change your life. This is a story of soul deep love, tragedy, and second chances. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy, you’re going to need them, but I promise the end will make it all worth it.
This book left me emotionally raw. I cried so hard though most of this book. Maria outdid herself with the emotion in this. “Sometimes it only takes a moment”, to fall in love, find your soul mate, and to completely change your life. This is a story of soul deep love, tragedy, and second chances. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy, you’re going to need them, but I promise the end will make it all worth it.
March 17, 2019
I'm sitting here tears running down my face and writing this review. This book will haunt me...never have I read a book that I was such a sobbing mess with every chapter I read. This story was overwhelming and the love that Tex and Memphis shared was allconsuming. This story broke my heart right at the beginning and it slowly mend it back together. I don't want to give away the plot but if you don't read this story I can guarantee you'll regret it. READ IT - trust me!
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads***
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads***
April 18, 2021
A Loving Haunting (an audio review)
This book starts out with a fight that culminates in an accident and one of the main characters dying. Most of the rest of the book is the surviving main character working through his grief at the one-year mark of that death. This, I could relate to. Losing a loved one is painful at the best of times. But to feel guilt over that death is overwhelming and debilitating. Tex’s pain was real to me.
Then, something happens.
Suddenly Memphis is back. Clearly he’s a ghost, but he’s real enough to Tex. So Tex immerses himself in the memories and obsesses with living every moment with Memphis, often to the detriment of his life in the real world. But when Memphis encourages Tex to move forward, Tex is resistant. He has Memphis back, so what else could he possibly need?
To this point, I’m like, uh, okay, this is a paranormal romance. And I couldn’t see how a happy ending between Memphis and Tex was possible, given one of them was, uh, dead.
Then the author pivoted, changed things up and…I felt cheated. Like what I’d just endured wasn’t real. Have to say, that didn’t sit well with me. But hey, it looked like I was going to get my happy ending after all. So, cheated or not, I was placated.
Now, I have to discuss the head hopping in this book. Some authors do this amazingly well, but most don’t. Unfortunately it wasn’t done well in this book. I often struggled to know whose head I was in. This was especially frustrating in the opening scene when I had no grasp of the characters. To jump back and forth so frequently meant I never immersed myself in the story. I never felt grounded. I’ve read thousands of romances and this is not a favorite method of story telling for me.
What did I like? The emotion. The depth of feeling. The tangibility of Tex’s grief. I also liked the narrator, Andrew Joseph Perez. He did a good job, although it would have been helpful to have a bit more differentiation between Tex and Memphis – might have helped with the head hopping.
I wanted to like this book, and there were certainly parts I did. I think each reader needs to make their own judgement and if you’re game, there’s lot of good stuff in this – the emotional arcs were strong and the narration was good.
This book starts out with a fight that culminates in an accident and one of the main characters dying. Most of the rest of the book is the surviving main character working through his grief at the one-year mark of that death. This, I could relate to. Losing a loved one is painful at the best of times. But to feel guilt over that death is overwhelming and debilitating. Tex’s pain was real to me.
Then, something happens.
Suddenly Memphis is back. Clearly he’s a ghost, but he’s real enough to Tex. So Tex immerses himself in the memories and obsesses with living every moment with Memphis, often to the detriment of his life in the real world. But when Memphis encourages Tex to move forward, Tex is resistant. He has Memphis back, so what else could he possibly need?
To this point, I’m like, uh, okay, this is a paranormal romance. And I couldn’t see how a happy ending between Memphis and Tex was possible, given one of them was, uh, dead.
Then the author pivoted, changed things up and…I felt cheated. Like what I’d just endured wasn’t real. Have to say, that didn’t sit well with me. But hey, it looked like I was going to get my happy ending after all. So, cheated or not, I was placated.
Now, I have to discuss the head hopping in this book. Some authors do this amazingly well, but most don’t. Unfortunately it wasn’t done well in this book. I often struggled to know whose head I was in. This was especially frustrating in the opening scene when I had no grasp of the characters. To jump back and forth so frequently meant I never immersed myself in the story. I never felt grounded. I’ve read thousands of romances and this is not a favorite method of story telling for me.
What did I like? The emotion. The depth of feeling. The tangibility of Tex’s grief. I also liked the narrator, Andrew Joseph Perez. He did a good job, although it would have been helpful to have a bit more differentiation between Tex and Memphis – might have helped with the head hopping.
I wanted to like this book, and there were certainly parts I did. I think each reader needs to make their own judgement and if you’re game, there’s lot of good stuff in this – the emotional arcs were strong and the narration was good.
April 7, 2019
Unbreak Me was not at all what I expected from reading the blurb. This book was a definite surprise. There is no way not to spoil this book if I even come close to describing what happens in this book.
This book was definitely one that was interesting enough and very surprised with the twists this story takes.
I did struggle with the constant switching of POV's in this story between paragraphs. I never really knew who was thinking and when.
Unbreak Me is a fast read about love and regret. I enjoyed this book and definitely cried a bunch about this story.
This book was definitely one that was interesting enough and very surprised with the twists this story takes.
I did struggle with the constant switching of POV's in this story between paragraphs. I never really knew who was thinking and when.
Unbreak Me is a fast read about love and regret. I enjoyed this book and definitely cried a bunch about this story.
March 24, 2019
What would you do if your soulmate died?
Tex and Memphis get in a fight, Memphis leaves to clear his head but gets hit by a car. After a year Ted's family pushes him to move on. This was a wonderfully written story. Everyone grieves in their own way, and who is to say it's been long enough. I highly recommend this book!
Tex and Memphis get in a fight, Memphis leaves to clear his head but gets hit by a car. After a year Ted's family pushes him to move on. This was a wonderfully written story. Everyone grieves in their own way, and who is to say it's been long enough. I highly recommend this book!
April 19, 2021
this was sexy and amazing.. so much fun.. and heartbreaking.. the grief was overwhelming... it was perfect.. wow.. then the love.. its all wonderful! i loved it
April 16, 2021
3.5 stars
I’m not even sure where to start with this one. I do love hurt-comfort romances and was intrigued by the blurb as well as the opportunity to try a new author and narrator. Overall, I enjoyed the story in Unbreak Me. If you’re looking for a cathartic cry, this one could definitely be the read to provide just that.
The story makes a sudden impact early on, then details a loved one trying to cope with the loss of their soul mate while braving the mundane aspects of day-to-day life and the barrage of family and friends encouraging him to heal and move forward. The pain Tex experiences without Memphis is understandable and in many ways palpable. I liked that Unbreak Me was raw and went a different way than many of the romances that deal with a partner’s death tend to. I also liked the couple together, at least in the pieces where we got to experience their relationship when it was healthy and vibrant. And yet…it took me a while to sink in and finish this one.
While the story itself is emotional and definitely makes you appreciate the days you have with your loved ones, I didn’t feel as in touch with the book or characters as I expected given the subject. For one, the writing and point-of-view style was a little different for me. I don’t have a specific preference for first person versus third person, but the omniscient third person point-of-view switching midway through a scene often left me with a “who/what was that” feeling or even rewinding to make sense of a poignant part. The story also felt a bit disjointed at times. Though it made sense to a degree given Tex’s grief and random memories of happier times, the interjections of silly or cheesy parts into emotional scenes would jar me out of the experience. All in all, none of this was bad or made me reluctant to continue in the least, I just think it prevented me from being fully immersed in the emotion of the story. Narrator wise, I was happy with the tone, style, and performance, and wouldn’t hesitate to pick up more of his works in the future.
Then there’s the ending. It totally threw me. While I hadn’t quite fully connected to the story, Unbreak Me had me in tears a few times, particularly toward the end, meaning the resolution held a big surprise I hadn’t anticipated. At first, I was a little confused and on the fence about the direction it took, but as I reflected and the epilogue ended, I realized it made the entire story that much more powerful. Unbreak Me is certainly unique among hurt-comfort romances or those detailing a character’s grief in a number of ways and I would recommend it to those readers who seek out such tropes.
*ACX promo code received by Gay Book Promotions*
I’m not even sure where to start with this one. I do love hurt-comfort romances and was intrigued by the blurb as well as the opportunity to try a new author and narrator. Overall, I enjoyed the story in Unbreak Me. If you’re looking for a cathartic cry, this one could definitely be the read to provide just that.
The story makes a sudden impact early on, then details a loved one trying to cope with the loss of their soul mate while braving the mundane aspects of day-to-day life and the barrage of family and friends encouraging him to heal and move forward. The pain Tex experiences without Memphis is understandable and in many ways palpable. I liked that Unbreak Me was raw and went a different way than many of the romances that deal with a partner’s death tend to. I also liked the couple together, at least in the pieces where we got to experience their relationship when it was healthy and vibrant. And yet…it took me a while to sink in and finish this one.
While the story itself is emotional and definitely makes you appreciate the days you have with your loved ones, I didn’t feel as in touch with the book or characters as I expected given the subject. For one, the writing and point-of-view style was a little different for me. I don’t have a specific preference for first person versus third person, but the omniscient third person point-of-view switching midway through a scene often left me with a “who/what was that” feeling or even rewinding to make sense of a poignant part. The story also felt a bit disjointed at times. Though it made sense to a degree given Tex’s grief and random memories of happier times, the interjections of silly or cheesy parts into emotional scenes would jar me out of the experience. All in all, none of this was bad or made me reluctant to continue in the least, I just think it prevented me from being fully immersed in the emotion of the story. Narrator wise, I was happy with the tone, style, and performance, and wouldn’t hesitate to pick up more of his works in the future.
Then there’s the ending. It totally threw me. While I hadn’t quite fully connected to the story, Unbreak Me had me in tears a few times, particularly toward the end, meaning the resolution held a big surprise I hadn’t anticipated. At first, I was a little confused and on the fence about the direction it took, but as I reflected and the epilogue ended, I realized it made the entire story that much more powerful. Unbreak Me is certainly unique among hurt-comfort romances or those detailing a character’s grief in a number of ways and I would recommend it to those readers who seek out such tropes.
*ACX promo code received by Gay Book Promotions*
October 10, 2019
Ok, so I don’t know what to do as far as this book. A part of me is so pissed off but I can’t tell you why, because it will give it all away. I will tell you, this book is an emotional roller coaster from hell and I had to give it 5 stars, because the writing is just that damn good. But oh my gah. I bawled, I raged, I went through every emotion in this book and when you read it, you’ll see why. You’ve definitely got to read it.
Tex and Memphis were arguing, unfortunately on the night of their third anniversary. Over something misconstrued. And misunderstood. The bad part is both of them were planning to propose tonight but the fight got in the way. After being falsely accused of cheating, Memphis stormed out. And that was the last time Tex saw him alive. When he got to the scene, all he saw was his best friend and lover under a sheet and blood everywhere. No one could console him. Even a year later, he still can’t stop grieving. Everyone keeps telling him to move on and blah, blah. And he’s trying, but he has to do it in his own way. And maybe his own way isn’t good enough for everyone else but it is for him at the moment. Until he thought he was losing his mind when he started hearing Memphis speak to him again. No one else could hear or see him. Just Tex. Everyone else thought he was losing it and needed help. Everyone except their friend Jordan. And even their weird next door neighbor told him he needed to take his time. When he finally realized it really was Memphis, he was ecstatic but angry too. Happy his lover was there to speak to him but angry because he couldn’t hold him or love him and he knew he’d have to give him up all over again. When does the grief ever finally end? And how can his heart even remotely heal when Memphis is back. But as a ghost.
Ok, so I will tell you this much. There is a surprise twist ending at the end of this book. And thank goodness for that, because it was the only thing keeping me from throwing my Kindle. For real. The emotions are so real in this book. Oh gah. I just can’t explain it correctly. It’s hell on Earth and you will bawl like a baby, but at the same time it’s so good. I don’t know what else I can say without giving anything away. Or anymore than I already may have. But I will tell you it’s worth it. It’s a damn good book and I may be scarred for life but it’s more than worth it. I hope you guys enjoy it. These two had a love like you wouldn’t believe. And….just give it a shot.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Tex and Memphis were arguing, unfortunately on the night of their third anniversary. Over something misconstrued. And misunderstood. The bad part is both of them were planning to propose tonight but the fight got in the way. After being falsely accused of cheating, Memphis stormed out. And that was the last time Tex saw him alive. When he got to the scene, all he saw was his best friend and lover under a sheet and blood everywhere. No one could console him. Even a year later, he still can’t stop grieving. Everyone keeps telling him to move on and blah, blah. And he’s trying, but he has to do it in his own way. And maybe his own way isn’t good enough for everyone else but it is for him at the moment. Until he thought he was losing his mind when he started hearing Memphis speak to him again. No one else could hear or see him. Just Tex. Everyone else thought he was losing it and needed help. Everyone except their friend Jordan. And even their weird next door neighbor told him he needed to take his time. When he finally realized it really was Memphis, he was ecstatic but angry too. Happy his lover was there to speak to him but angry because he couldn’t hold him or love him and he knew he’d have to give him up all over again. When does the grief ever finally end? And how can his heart even remotely heal when Memphis is back. But as a ghost.
Ok, so I will tell you this much. There is a surprise twist ending at the end of this book. And thank goodness for that, because it was the only thing keeping me from throwing my Kindle. For real. The emotions are so real in this book. Oh gah. I just can’t explain it correctly. It’s hell on Earth and you will bawl like a baby, but at the same time it’s so good. I don’t know what else I can say without giving anything away. Or anymore than I already may have. But I will tell you it’s worth it. It’s a damn good book and I may be scarred for life but it’s more than worth it. I hope you guys enjoy it. These two had a love like you wouldn’t believe. And….just give it a shot.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
March 31, 2021
Audio-books tend to amplify both the good and the bad in written tales. In this case, the chapters dealing with Tex’s overwhelming grief seemed to go on and on beyond what seemed reasonable. And having the character complain that people are telling him that his grief will lessen and that he must move on (when I was thinking the exact same thing) actually caused me to chuckle.
Perhaps this would have been less of an issue if we knew more about the couple before Memphis’s death. I love to fully envision in my head a story that I’m reading, as it unfolds – even more so an audio-book. That was made difficult here. I knew so little about the main characters. Who was older? What were their comparative builds? What did they do in their together time when they were both alive? How did they generally relate? We’re told repeatedly that Memphis was Tex’s split apart and yet we’re not really shown that aspect of their relationship, either pre- or post-mortem.
Moreover, we’re given very little detail that helps get us emotionally invested in liking either of the characters. All we get at the outset is a heated argument (based on an unexplained misunderstanding) followed by six chapters of keening before the relationship details start to be filled in.
I sometimes get really tired of modern authors’ perceived need to hook us with climactic action before even introducing us to their characters. Can they not realize that we’ll care more about people we’ve come to know a bit? Knowing more about the characters also facilitates showing over telling. And I, like most readers, find being shown something immeasurably more interesting than being told about it. It’s often the little inconsequential details of a tale that provide the hooks that snare a reader’s interest. When climactic action occurs too quickly the author hasn’t had the time necessary to set those hooks.
This story also violates some of the conventions of para-normal fiction in ways that don’t really add to the tale. As a ghost, Memphis seemed entirely too “normal” and not nearly enough “para.” Memphis can be much more corporeal than what one usually finds in ghost stories. Memphis’s ability to so closely approach his former corporeal self undermines the whole grief aspect of the story. (Particularly when apparently he can still be the penetrative partner in anal sex with his widower.) Also jarring to me was Memphis being described as having bodily reactions when in theory at any rate he’s no longer in a body. Can someone still take your breath away when you are no longer breathing?
But more importantly, how can Tex go right back to bewailing his separation from Memphis after just having sex with, what is apparently, a full-body apparition of him?
Andrew Joseph Perez does a wonderful job in reading the book in what appears to be his maiden outing as a book narrator. His overall pacing is good, the tenor of the dialogue varies enough to easily identify which character is speaking and non of the characters, male or female come off as being poorly acted.
Perhaps this would have been less of an issue if we knew more about the couple before Memphis’s death. I love to fully envision in my head a story that I’m reading, as it unfolds – even more so an audio-book. That was made difficult here. I knew so little about the main characters. Who was older? What were their comparative builds? What did they do in their together time when they were both alive? How did they generally relate? We’re told repeatedly that Memphis was Tex’s split apart and yet we’re not really shown that aspect of their relationship, either pre- or post-mortem.
Moreover, we’re given very little detail that helps get us emotionally invested in liking either of the characters. All we get at the outset is a heated argument (based on an unexplained misunderstanding) followed by six chapters of keening before the relationship details start to be filled in.
I sometimes get really tired of modern authors’ perceived need to hook us with climactic action before even introducing us to their characters. Can they not realize that we’ll care more about people we’ve come to know a bit? Knowing more about the characters also facilitates showing over telling. And I, like most readers, find being shown something immeasurably more interesting than being told about it. It’s often the little inconsequential details of a tale that provide the hooks that snare a reader’s interest. When climactic action occurs too quickly the author hasn’t had the time necessary to set those hooks.
This story also violates some of the conventions of para-normal fiction in ways that don’t really add to the tale. As a ghost, Memphis seemed entirely too “normal” and not nearly enough “para.” Memphis can be much more corporeal than what one usually finds in ghost stories. Memphis’s ability to so closely approach his former corporeal self undermines the whole grief aspect of the story. (Particularly when apparently he can still be the penetrative partner in anal sex with his widower.) Also jarring to me was Memphis being described as having bodily reactions when in theory at any rate he’s no longer in a body. Can someone still take your breath away when you are no longer breathing?
But more importantly, how can Tex go right back to bewailing his separation from Memphis after just having sex with, what is apparently, a full-body apparition of him?
Andrew Joseph Perez does a wonderful job in reading the book in what appears to be his maiden outing as a book narrator. His overall pacing is good, the tenor of the dialogue varies enough to easily identify which character is speaking and non of the characters, male or female come off as being poorly acted.
April 16, 2021
Audiobook review:
Performance – 4
Story – 4.5
Overall – 4
This was a hard one to rate.
I’m not sure how I feel about this book. The story sucked me in and kept me captivated to the point that I listened to it straight through. For that reason, it’s getting 4.5 starts from me. I’m rounding down instead of up though. I totally wasn’t expecting what happened and I’m not really sure how I feel about it. I was so invested in this story and then to find out was kind of a WTF moment. To the author’s credit, there was a fair amount to come after the WTF and I loved how it all resolved. If Maria Vickers was looking for WTF reactions from readers/listeners she definitely got it from me. This was the first book I’ve read by her and I thought the writing was really good. I’d be willing to read another book by her.
This was also the first audiobook I’ve listened to by Andrew Joseph Perez. He did a good job with the different voices he used and I was able to tell who was speaking without any problem. This appears to be his only MM audiobook and I only find 3 other books on Audible UK unless he also performs under a different name. I would be happy to listen to more books if he does additional MM titles.
A copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author/narrator.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Performance – 4
Story – 4.5
Overall – 4
This was a hard one to rate.
I’m not sure how I feel about this book. The story sucked me in and kept me captivated to the point that I listened to it straight through. For that reason, it’s getting 4.5 starts from me. I’m rounding down instead of up though. I totally wasn’t expecting what happened and I’m not really sure how I feel about it. I was so invested in this story and then to find out was kind of a WTF moment. To the author’s credit, there was a fair amount to come after the WTF and I loved how it all resolved. If Maria Vickers was looking for WTF reactions from readers/listeners she definitely got it from me. This was the first book I’ve read by her and I thought the writing was really good. I’d be willing to read another book by her.
This was also the first audiobook I’ve listened to by Andrew Joseph Perez. He did a good job with the different voices he used and I was able to tell who was speaking without any problem. This appears to be his only MM audiobook and I only find 3 other books on Audible UK unless he also performs under a different name. I would be happy to listen to more books if he does additional MM titles.
A copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author/narrator.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
March 24, 2019
Let me say from the outset that while I was riveted by this book from beginning to end, it is not always an easy read. One of the main themes is grief - never a comfortable topic. Grief is so often a soul-destroying emotion, it feeds off itself and crushes its sufferers. To grieve is vital, but finding a way to move on, to untangle ourselves from its clutches takes time and that time is different for everyone.
Tex and Memphis shared something so profound it actually transcended death... leaving Tex in a quandary, and in a way reminded me of Truly Madly Deeply. How do you even begin to start again? For Tex that was the challenge, one he isn't ready for, might never be ready for, and while his family and friends only want the best for him, found it hard to respect that he needed to do it his way.
Unbreak Me is beautifully written, and the scenario is handled with sensitivity. As ever with Ms Vickers' books, Tex and Memphis are surrounded by a great cast of well developed, fascinating characters. There are many tear-jerking moments, but this is balanced with plenty of humour, love and hope. Tex and Memphis will steal your heart, shred it and put it back together... not once but several times - but it is so very worth it!
Tex and Memphis shared something so profound it actually transcended death... leaving Tex in a quandary, and in a way reminded me of Truly Madly Deeply. How do you even begin to start again? For Tex that was the challenge, one he isn't ready for, might never be ready for, and while his family and friends only want the best for him, found it hard to respect that he needed to do it his way.
Unbreak Me is beautifully written, and the scenario is handled with sensitivity. As ever with Ms Vickers' books, Tex and Memphis are surrounded by a great cast of well developed, fascinating characters. There are many tear-jerking moments, but this is balanced with plenty of humour, love and hope. Tex and Memphis will steal your heart, shred it and put it back together... not once but several times - but it is so very worth it!
April 7, 2019
My 3.5 Star review
This book comes out of the gate strong. Right from the very beginning you get this massive heartbreak that has you thinking what have I signed up for here!! It's a very emotional start and things just get more intense from there. I read the book description and I still was not prepared for this book. There are a lot of twists and surprises that keep it interesting and flowing. I had some trouble connecting with the characters themselves. The book focuses on the characters situation so I didn't really connect with the characters themselves. There are a few things that a characters says repetitively that also kept me from really falling into it. I can't give examples because it gives away a vital part of the story. Overall I enjoyed this book . It was something different from what I have been reading so I enjoyed the change.
This book comes out of the gate strong. Right from the very beginning you get this massive heartbreak that has you thinking what have I signed up for here!! It's a very emotional start and things just get more intense from there. I read the book description and I still was not prepared for this book. There are a lot of twists and surprises that keep it interesting and flowing. I had some trouble connecting with the characters themselves. The book focuses on the characters situation so I didn't really connect with the characters themselves. There are a few things that a characters says repetitively that also kept me from really falling into it. I can't give examples because it gives away a vital part of the story. Overall I enjoyed this book . It was something different from what I have been reading so I enjoyed the change.
March 18, 2021
This book is a testament to the power and endurance of love, a heartbreaking story of loss and finally of hope. Anyone who's been there knows that everyone grieves differently and there is no time limit on when things happen. Here, Tex's friends and family mean well but they can't see why one year isn't enough for him to move on in some way. They push him to relocate, but before he can something magical happens. You'll wonder all kinds of things as you read this - is Tex losing his grip on reality, are there really ghosts, can two people love each other so much "reality" can be suspended? You'll need to read this to find out. I'm not sure I would recommend this for someone whose loss is still raw or recent but then again who is to say where comfort might be found. Each reader will need to make up their own mind. Do, however, read it at some point.
April 5, 2019
Beyond emotional!
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster like no other. I was a crying mess from the first page on. My heart was hurting for Tex and Memphis. This love story is unlike any other story I have read. Its beautiful, heart breaking and even made me smile. Memphis with his wit is out of this world. His cheesy lines had me laughing hysterically. The chemistry between Tex and Memphis is incredible and so strong. The book does take an unexpected turn towards the end.
This was my first read by Maria Vickers and I am floored. The story was not rushed at all and really pulls at all your emotions. A box of Kleenex is a must when reading this book. I'm looking forward to reading Jordan's story.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster like no other. I was a crying mess from the first page on. My heart was hurting for Tex and Memphis. This love story is unlike any other story I have read. Its beautiful, heart breaking and even made me smile. Memphis with his wit is out of this world. His cheesy lines had me laughing hysterically. The chemistry between Tex and Memphis is incredible and so strong. The book does take an unexpected turn towards the end.
This was my first read by Maria Vickers and I am floored. The story was not rushed at all and really pulls at all your emotions. A box of Kleenex is a must when reading this book. I'm looking forward to reading Jordan's story.
April 1, 2019
Unbreak Me was written with such vivid and raw emotions it left me with an ache in my chest for the loss that Tex was going through. He felt like he was living in a nightmare every day as he tried to figure out how to live after losing the love of his life. He had to deal with the guilt he felt but the hardest emotion seemed to be the emptiness in his life and in his soul.
This is a beautifully written story about a couple with such a strong soulful love and deep connection that you couldn’t see how they could live without the other. Grab the tissues before you read page one and keep the box close at hand. You will need them.
This is a beautifully written story about a couple with such a strong soulful love and deep connection that you couldn’t see how they could live without the other. Grab the tissues before you read page one and keep the box close at hand. You will need them.
April 3, 2019
4.5 Stars
This book is by a anew to me author and I will definitely be reading more from her. Oh my goodness I cried and I’m not talking the delicate kind, I ugly cried. This book is a roller coaster of deep emotions- hope, love, humor and grief. The all consuming love that Tex and Memphis share is breathtaking not even death can keep this couple apart. It’s a journey of how the one left behind can “move” on with soul crushing guilt and grief. I highly recommend getting your tissues ready for this book, you won’t have dry eyes. I can’t wait to see what this author does to top this book!
This book is by a anew to me author and I will definitely be reading more from her. Oh my goodness I cried and I’m not talking the delicate kind, I ugly cried. This book is a roller coaster of deep emotions- hope, love, humor and grief. The all consuming love that Tex and Memphis share is breathtaking not even death can keep this couple apart. It’s a journey of how the one left behind can “move” on with soul crushing guilt and grief. I highly recommend getting your tissues ready for this book, you won’t have dry eyes. I can’t wait to see what this author does to top this book!
April 11, 2019
Amazing! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. I love to read Maria Vickers stories. This story is about Tex and Memphis. I was a crying mess from the beginning. Unbreak Me was written with such vivid and raw emotions. There are many tear-jerking moments, but this is balanced with plenty of humor, love and hope. Tex and Memphis will steal your heart. Unbreak Me is a well written fast moving story that will remind you just how precious love really is! You HAVE to get this ONE! It will tear your heart apart then put it back together again. I HIGHLY recommend this one to YOU! Keep up the amazing work Maria.
review by Chantelle
review by Chantelle
June 15, 2019
Amazing! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. I love to read Maria Vickers stories. This story is about Tex and Memphis. I was a crying mess from the beginning. Unbreak Me was written with such vivid and raw emotions. There are many tear-jerking moments, but this is balanced with plenty of humor, love and hope. Tex and Memphis will steal your heart. Unbreak Me is a well written fast moving story that will remind you just how precious love really is! You HAVE to get this ONE! It will tear your heart apart then put it back together again. I HIGHLY recommend this one to YOU! Keep up the amazing work Maria.
March 17, 2021
Thank you for the ARC, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Narrator Andrew Joseph Perez brought this book alive with such a emotional and physical struggle of each side of characters that you can feel Tex's pain and Memphis's frustrations. Okay wasn't excepting the emotional impact right from the start. The overall book was very well written that keeps you interested from page to page, as you get to know all the wonderful if irrational take from side characters. After all everyone grieves in their own different ways.
March 24, 2021
I’m reviewing the audio edition. I spent most of this book either in tears or almost in tears. Just before their three year anniversary an accident causes loss of one of these guys. The remaining can’t move on from this loss. He actually ends up seeing and talking to his ghost. The pain he goes through is awful yet so real. This story held my attention and the flow is consistent. The narration by Andrew Joseph Perez is so well done I could hear the pain, joy and so many other emotions in this story. I want to thank Gay Book Promotions for the opportunity to hear this story.
June 16, 2021
Absolutely Brilliant 💞💞
Simply Amazing loved it... Couldn't put it down my first book by Maria vickers and I wasn't disappointed broke my heart when on Tex & Memphis 3rd year anniversary there's an accident and Memphis is killed and Tex can't move on its so beautiful & Heartbreaking not been able to deal with losing him wanting him back so helpless wanting to give up and be with him but something stops him he feels him with him these two are soul mates meant to be together. Brilliant Recommend so much 💞💞
Simply Amazing loved it... Couldn't put it down my first book by Maria vickers and I wasn't disappointed broke my heart when on Tex & Memphis 3rd year anniversary there's an accident and Memphis is killed and Tex can't move on its so beautiful & Heartbreaking not been able to deal with losing him wanting him back so helpless wanting to give up and be with him but something stops him he feels him with him these two are soul mates meant to be together. Brilliant Recommend so much 💞💞
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