What do you think?
Rate this book
Jaded Hollow #1
Beautifully Broken
Pain is something Bailey knows all too well, having endured it since she was a child from those who were supposed to protect her.
Escaping one form of Hell, she finds another with the man she marries.
After years of heinous abuse, tragedy strikes, and Bailey has no choice but to flee.
Jaded Hollow was supposed to be a temporary stop. A place to take a deep breath after months on the run.
What Bailey didn’t count on were the people welcoming her with open arms. Making her feel safe and protected for the first time in her life.
Especially Jaxon Walker. The tattooed bar owner who’s determined to get under her skin and force her to reveal her deepest secrets. Even if it puts everyone she cares about in danger.
Just when Bailey finds the love she’s been searching for her whole life, her past blazes its way into the dream world she’s been living in.
Will Jaxon save Bailey before it’s too late? Or will the evil that is her husband finally finish her off?
Escaping one form of Hell, she finds another with the man she marries.
After years of heinous abuse, tragedy strikes, and Bailey has no choice but to flee.
Jaded Hollow was supposed to be a temporary stop. A place to take a deep breath after months on the run.
What Bailey didn’t count on were the people welcoming her with open arms. Making her feel safe and protected for the first time in her life.
Especially Jaxon Walker. The tattooed bar owner who’s determined to get under her skin and force her to reveal her deepest secrets. Even if it puts everyone she cares about in danger.
Just when Bailey finds the love she’s been searching for her whole life, her past blazes its way into the dream world she’s been living in.
Will Jaxon save Bailey before it’s too late? Or will the evil that is her husband finally finish her off?
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2014
1668 people are currently reading
5588 people want to read
About the author
Alex Grayson
47 books2,535 followersAlex Grayson is the bestselling author of heart pounding, emotionally gripping contemporary romance including the Jaded Series, the Consumed Series, and two standalone novels. Her passion for books was reignited by a gift from her sister-in-law. After spending several years as a devoted reader and blogger, Alex decided to write and independently publish her first novel in 2014 (an endeavor that took a little longer than expected). The rest, as they say, is history.
Originally a southern girl, Alex now lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, two cats and dog. She loves the color blue, homemade lasagna, casually browsing real estate, and interacting with her readers. Visit her website, www.alexgraysonbooks.com, or find her on social media!
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Alex-Grayson...
Amazon author page - http://amzn.to/2x6LcWJ
Twitter - https://twitter.com/AlexGrayson10
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alexgrayson...
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/alexgrayson...
Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/bAxPLf
Website – www.alexgraysonbooks.com
Email – alexg@alexgraysonbooks.com
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alex-...
Book+Main - https://bookandmainbites.com/alexgrayson
Originally a southern girl, Alex now lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, two cats and dog. She loves the color blue, homemade lasagna, casually browsing real estate, and interacting with her readers. Visit her website, www.alexgraysonbooks.com, or find her on social media!
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Alex-Grayson...
Amazon author page - http://amzn.to/2x6LcWJ
Twitter - https://twitter.com/AlexGrayson10
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alexgrayson...
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/alexgrayson...
Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/bAxPLf
Website – www.alexgraysonbooks.com
Email – alexg@alexgraysonbooks.com
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alex-...
Book+Main - https://bookandmainbites.com/alexgrayson
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 536 reviews
September 9, 2016
This story was upsetting, raw and gritty. I personally love darker stories, but the harrowing account of abuse that Bailey survived was difficult to read about. One particularly graphic scene toward the end required me to take a "time out", which almost never happens for me.
Essentially, this is a story about a young woman, Bailey, that is on the run from her abusive husband. With little more than the clothes on her back, she moves from town to town, picking up whatever work she can in order to keep her moving. She's learned the risk of staying in one place too long the hard way. It's a mistake she doesn't plan to make again.
When Bailey finds herself in a small town in Ohio, she is immediately welcomed by the town's friendly residents. Making friends with the waitress she met almost immediately upon her arrival, she is soon hooked up with a job and a place to stay. For the first time in her life, Bailey begins to feel like she might have found a place to fit, where somebody actually cares about her.
After a childhood filled with neglect and abuse while her druggie parents turned a blind eye, and a horrifying marriage, Bailey has some serious self-worth issues. When her new boss, Jaxon, and a variety of other townsfolk take an active interest in her, Bailey is overwhelmed with the support and sense of security she feels. Although she continues to look over her shoulder, she allows herself a bit of a reprieve. She begins to explore her feelings for Jax, even though she doubts she will ever be able to have a "normal" relationship with any man.
If Bailey's husband, Steven, was the epitome of a monster, then Jax was the quintessential knight in shining armor. Quickly sensing Bailey's troubled past, Jax steps into the role of protector. If you love a strong Alpha-male, Jax is your guy.
Although his actions were a bit over-the-top and there was a strong "insta-love" vibe, I absolutely loved his character. As the story unfolds, there are events in Jax's past that explain many of his early actions that seemed over-zealous at the time. He has his own ghosts that haunt him and Bailey's situation brought it back to the surface.
As a heroine, Bailey was someone that I both pitied and admired. If anyone had ever been dealt a bad hand in life, it was her. She had never known anything other than abuse in her life. She endured things that nobody should ever have to, both as a child and as an adult. Yet, she was strong and resilient. She showed such courage and fight, despite everything that she'd endured.
While I was very much absorbed in Bailey's story, there were some things that drove me crazy with this book. There were many times that I found myself skimming, because I was overwhelmed with unnecessary details that didn't add value. It was very frustrating to be on the edge of my seat wondering when Bailey's psycho husband was going to pop out of the shadows, only to have the suspense derailed by detailed descriptions of every room in a house that went on for pages, etc. I really didn't need to know the color of the decor or detailed descriptions of what everyone was wearing, so on and so forth. All of the unnecessary details were distracting and took away from the story.
I also had some reservations about the way things played out toward the end. I guess that it is "technically" a HEA, but I wasn't left feeling very happy. Bailey and Jax get a future together, but that is where the happy ends. I'll just say that it didn't work out so well for everybody else and I was left feeling gutted.
Despite my reservations, I thought this was a great story. It was heartbreaking and difficult to read, but all of the best books make you feel things, whether you want to or not. This book will definitely elicit an emotional response.
That being said, take the disclaimer seriously. There are graphic descriptions of abuse, physical, psychological and sexual, contained in this book. There is an abundance of dark material in this book. Although it isn't gratuitous, in my opinion, it is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Essentially, this is a story about a young woman, Bailey, that is on the run from her abusive husband. With little more than the clothes on her back, she moves from town to town, picking up whatever work she can in order to keep her moving. She's learned the risk of staying in one place too long the hard way. It's a mistake she doesn't plan to make again.
When Bailey finds herself in a small town in Ohio, she is immediately welcomed by the town's friendly residents. Making friends with the waitress she met almost immediately upon her arrival, she is soon hooked up with a job and a place to stay. For the first time in her life, Bailey begins to feel like she might have found a place to fit, where somebody actually cares about her.
After a childhood filled with neglect and abuse while her druggie parents turned a blind eye, and a horrifying marriage, Bailey has some serious self-worth issues. When her new boss, Jaxon, and a variety of other townsfolk take an active interest in her, Bailey is overwhelmed with the support and sense of security she feels. Although she continues to look over her shoulder, she allows herself a bit of a reprieve. She begins to explore her feelings for Jax, even though she doubts she will ever be able to have a "normal" relationship with any man.
If Bailey's husband, Steven, was the epitome of a monster, then Jax was the quintessential knight in shining armor. Quickly sensing Bailey's troubled past, Jax steps into the role of protector. If you love a strong Alpha-male, Jax is your guy.
Although his actions were a bit over-the-top and there was a strong "insta-love" vibe, I absolutely loved his character. As the story unfolds, there are events in Jax's past that explain many of his early actions that seemed over-zealous at the time. He has his own ghosts that haunt him and Bailey's situation brought it back to the surface.
As a heroine, Bailey was someone that I both pitied and admired. If anyone had ever been dealt a bad hand in life, it was her. She had never known anything other than abuse in her life. She endured things that nobody should ever have to, both as a child and as an adult. Yet, she was strong and resilient. She showed such courage and fight, despite everything that she'd endured.
While I was very much absorbed in Bailey's story, there were some things that drove me crazy with this book. There were many times that I found myself skimming, because I was overwhelmed with unnecessary details that didn't add value. It was very frustrating to be on the edge of my seat wondering when Bailey's psycho husband was going to pop out of the shadows, only to have the suspense derailed by detailed descriptions of every room in a house that went on for pages, etc. I really didn't need to know the color of the decor or detailed descriptions of what everyone was wearing, so on and so forth. All of the unnecessary details were distracting and took away from the story.
I also had some reservations about the way things played out toward the end. I guess that it is "technically" a HEA, but I wasn't left feeling very happy. Bailey and Jax get a future together, but that is where the happy ends. I'll just say that it didn't work out so well for everybody else and I was left feeling gutted.
Despite my reservations, I thought this was a great story. It was heartbreaking and difficult to read, but all of the best books make you feel things, whether you want to or not. This book will definitely elicit an emotional response.
That being said, take the disclaimer seriously. There are graphic descriptions of abuse, physical, psychological and sexual, contained in this book. There is an abundance of dark material in this book. Although it isn't gratuitous, in my opinion, it is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Read
February 25, 2016I've teetered back and forth on my capability to read this book since the female MC's domestic abuse, violence, rape, and sodomy of a completely non-consensual nature are detailed graphically over the course of the book and her childhood sexual and physical abuse are spoken of (not detailed graphically) several times.
Triggers First
While I'm an advocate for books that shed light on such traumas for lay people &/or that give hope for those impacted in real life, I also realize that such topics are uncomfortable for many readers and they need to be warned so they can judge their reading capabilities accordingly.
Childhood sexual and physical abuse is a plot point that I don't handle well and try to avoid if at all detailed. The author gives you several flashback nutshell versions of it here with the FMC, but does not actively put the reader in any of the scenes. Basically - Difficult reading, but not graphic. {A special thank you to a special friend; swinging on your branches helped}
Adult physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse of the female MC at the hands of her husband and his friends is a different case. All but one scene is flashback. These are graphic and the reader experiences the abuses alongside the FMC's graphic memories and dreams. The one rape and physical abuse scene set in current time involves the FMC and a secondary female character. <<< Spoiler - it doesn't end well.
I never feel that any of this is done in shock-value style or as an unnecessary TMI event. It's to add context to the depths of depravity and evil she's endured so that her struggle to overcome it - trust, love, and be intimate again - can be understood and felt.
Other triggers - abortion (off-page secondary character action,) miscarriage, & death (on-page secondary character.)
Realism
I looked at several unknown reviews before reading this book. I typically only read friend reviews (if any) before reading a book. Anyway, I noted that several readers said that the abuse here was too fantastical, OTT, soap opera, that a woman wouldn't put up with the degree of it, etc etc etc. Also, complaints that a woman just wouldn't blurt out her traumas the way the FMC did here.
^^^ That is why I ultimately decided to read this book. I needed to see what the fuck kind of abuse could possibly make anyone foolishly think that it was an impossibility to happen or allow and why they wouldn't believe how she "blurted" it out.
^^ To those reviewers, *middle finger raises* SCREW you! If you don't think that what happens to the FMC here happens everyday in households across the globe SILENTLY, then you need to leave the shelter of your 2.1 kid, white-picket house and visit a shelter for battered women or work an emergency room for a day.
As to her "blurting" it out, I suggest you read some studies on the topic. Most long-term abuse victims deny, deny, deny, deny, hide, hide, hide ... And end up blurting out what's happened to them once they find some condition of safety and security, which is exactly what happened in this story!
YES, the abuse here is extreme and REALISTIC, as is her confession of it.
I don't typically berate other reviewers, but giving an opinion on the realism of something and discrediting victim reaction sequences against real life are two very different things.
Other reviewers took issue with the MMC being instantly protective over the FMC. Did these readers not read his own past history with an abused friend? His protective reaction for her as a human makes sense, especially considering he is also attracted to her as a woman.
Jax
Everyone needs a damn Jax in their life:)
Death Scene
I feel the secondary character's death was.., uhm, devalued, perhaps, by the lack of grief written for her vs the relief for the FMC. I get that the author wanted to send a message that victims are not at fault or to blame for third abuser's actions. BUT, in that process the secondary character's death is glossed over and that felt wrong.
Editing
I noticed a good many typos and grammatical errors that could use an editing sweep.
Things I Would Have Liked To Have Known
• what happened to the second man in the cabin scene?
• how her husband tracked and found her?
Otherwise, all plot points line up nicely and are either put to bed well or left open for the secondary character's stories.
TMI At Times
Scene set-ups ie decor and clothes are too detailed and break the story's pace.
Some repetitive thoughts. She's good at reading people, for example. I'm told that multiple times.
Too many emotions described through eye contact. It's fine sometimes, but it's overused and overly relied upon to convey character' feelings and thoughts.
Bottom Line
A hard abuse read. Not everyone here gets a happy ending. Bad shit happens to innocent people. Loved the author note at the end:)
Triggers First
While I'm an advocate for books that shed light on such traumas for lay people &/or that give hope for those impacted in real life, I also realize that such topics are uncomfortable for many readers and they need to be warned so they can judge their reading capabilities accordingly.
Childhood sexual and physical abuse is a plot point that I don't handle well and try to avoid if at all detailed. The author gives you several flashback nutshell versions of it here with the FMC, but does not actively put the reader in any of the scenes. Basically - Difficult reading, but not graphic. {A special thank you to a special friend; swinging on your branches helped}
Adult physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse of the female MC at the hands of her husband and his friends is a different case. All but one scene is flashback. These are graphic and the reader experiences the abuses alongside the FMC's graphic memories and dreams. The one rape and physical abuse scene set in current time involves the FMC and a secondary female character. <<< Spoiler - it doesn't end well.
I never feel that any of this is done in shock-value style or as an unnecessary TMI event. It's to add context to the depths of depravity and evil she's endured so that her struggle to overcome it - trust, love, and be intimate again - can be understood and felt.
Other triggers - abortion (off-page secondary character action,) miscarriage, & death (on-page secondary character.)
Realism
I looked at several unknown reviews before reading this book. I typically only read friend reviews (if any) before reading a book. Anyway, I noted that several readers said that the abuse here was too fantastical, OTT, soap opera, that a woman wouldn't put up with the degree of it, etc etc etc. Also, complaints that a woman just wouldn't blurt out her traumas the way the FMC did here.
^^^ That is why I ultimately decided to read this book. I needed to see what the fuck kind of abuse could possibly make anyone foolishly think that it was an impossibility to happen or allow and why they wouldn't believe how she "blurted" it out.
^^ To those reviewers, *middle finger raises* SCREW you! If you don't think that what happens to the FMC here happens everyday in households across the globe SILENTLY, then you need to leave the shelter of your 2.1 kid, white-picket house and visit a shelter for battered women or work an emergency room for a day.
As to her "blurting" it out, I suggest you read some studies on the topic. Most long-term abuse victims deny, deny, deny, deny, hide, hide, hide ... And end up blurting out what's happened to them once they find some condition of safety and security, which is exactly what happened in this story!
YES, the abuse here is extreme and REALISTIC, as is her confession of it.
I don't typically berate other reviewers, but giving an opinion on the realism of something and discrediting victim reaction sequences against real life are two very different things.
Other reviewers took issue with the MMC being instantly protective over the FMC. Did these readers not read his own past history with an abused friend? His protective reaction for her as a human makes sense, especially considering he is also attracted to her as a woman.
Jax
Everyone needs a damn Jax in their life:)
Death Scene
I feel the secondary character's death was.., uhm, devalued, perhaps, by the lack of grief written for her vs the relief for the FMC. I get that the author wanted to send a message that victims are not at fault or to blame for third abuser's actions. BUT, in that process the secondary character's death is glossed over and that felt wrong.
Editing
I noticed a good many typos and grammatical errors that could use an editing sweep.
Things I Would Have Liked To Have Known
• what happened to the second man in the cabin scene?
• how her husband tracked and found her?
Otherwise, all plot points line up nicely and are either put to bed well or left open for the secondary character's stories.
TMI At Times
Scene set-ups ie decor and clothes are too detailed and break the story's pace.
Some repetitive thoughts. She's good at reading people, for example. I'm told that multiple times.
Too many emotions described through eye contact. It's fine sometimes, but it's overused and overly relied upon to convey character' feelings and thoughts.
Bottom Line
A hard abuse read. Not everyone here gets a happy ending. Bad shit happens to innocent people. Loved the author note at the end:)
March 23, 2015
5 still have a hard time reeling in my emotions stars
First let me just start of by officially announcing Jaxon Walker as candidate for Book Boyfriend of 2015. We may have a winner on our hands here guys!
Although there are some pretty adorable scenes in the book- I must issue a warning: this book is DEF not for the faint of heart! The things that were done to Bailey by her husband are described IN DETAIL and they are not easy to read about! That being said, it definitely gave you insight as to why Bailey is so beyond frightened of men in the beginning of the book! But seriously though, I loved the darkness in the book. Yeah, go ahead and judge me, I dare ya!
So pretty much, my emotions were all over the place while reading.
*in no particular order* I went from being shocked, to feeling all warm and tingly, to cringing, to swooning, to bawling like a baby, and to grinning like a fool MANY times in the book!
Anyways, this is DEF a book to check out if you enjoy a good, dark and emotional romance! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future! :-)
First let me just start of by officially announcing Jaxon Walker as candidate for Book Boyfriend of 2015. We may have a winner on our hands here guys!
Although there are some pretty adorable scenes in the book- I must issue a warning: this book is DEF not for the faint of heart! The things that were done to Bailey by her husband are described IN DETAIL and they are not easy to read about! That being said, it definitely gave you insight as to why Bailey is so beyond frightened of men in the beginning of the book! But seriously though, I loved the darkness in the book. Yeah, go ahead and judge me, I dare ya!
So pretty much, my emotions were all over the place while reading.
*in no particular order* I went from being shocked, to feeling all warm and tingly, to cringing, to swooning, to bawling like a baby, and to grinning like a fool MANY times in the book!
Anyways, this is DEF a book to check out if you enjoy a good, dark and emotional romance! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future! :-)
January 2, 2016
***FOUR STARS***
Shatter Me is right. This story was gripping and very dark. Bailey is a woman who grew up neglected by her parents who were too drugged out of their minds to pay her any attention. She was also repeatedly sexually abused by friends of her drugged out parents, while her parents sat and watched, never lifting a finger to help this little girl as she was molested. Then once she gets away from her ugly childhood, she's wooed by a man whose attention makes her feel special for the first time in her life.
After Bailey's husband beats her to the point of almost killing her, Bailey (with the help and finances of her friend) is able to make a desperate escape from her monster of a husband. Bailey buys an old beat up car, a burner phone and stays on the road until she's absolutely out of money, and forced to find work in order to stay hidden.
Bailey gets a job at the local bar in town, and the bossman, Jaxon finally brings light into this depressingly sad story of Bailey's life. I honestly think I've found my newest book boyfriend in Jaxon. He was amazing. He was so patient and sweet to Bailey. He protected her and was able to bring her out of her shell, and give her confidence for the first time in her life. Bailey was finally able to overcome her fear of men, and learn to love and trust again. I loved Jaxon so much, as well as his sisters and Andrew.
The story took a instant dive back into darkness towards the end of this story, and broke my heart, and after another emotionally gutting ugly scene, these characters were finally able to find their way to a HEA.
As dark as this story got, I did enjoy the ride. Looking forward to discovering Mia's secrets when I read her story in Reclaim Me.
May 8, 2016
I'm glad I read the acknowledgments section before writing this review because I almost started this thing off with asking why the abuse scenes were so graphic. The disclaimer for this book wasn't loud enough so...
IF YOU HAVE TRIGGERS, THIS BOOK MAY NOT BE FOR YOU. TREAD CAREFULLY.
That being said, I wholeheartedly agree with Alex Grayson that "no one should ever be embarrassed or ashamed of being abused." It's true that too many men, women and children face some form of abuse every single day and we as a society need to pay more attention and be prepared to offer our help. This is one of the many reasons why I chose to become a Victims Advocate, because more voices need to be heard and more stories need to be shared.
As for this book, I really did like it. The author did a great job with providing her Bailey character with an abused woman's personality and fears. It's obviously not 100% true to life, but it was enough to make this story work.
Jaxon was freaking amazing!! Tall, built, handsome, tatted and pierced, this man had a heart of gold. His patience and understanding of Bailey and her situation made me squee all over the place. He was protective, kind, patient, considerate, loving, sensitive and fierce all wrapped up in one sweet and delicious package. I wouldn't say he was overly dominant or anything, but one title kept ringing in my head as I was reading this book and that is Soft Alpha. He was strong without being brutish, in control without being domineering.
As much as I liked this story, I had to remove a star for a couple of reasons:
1. There were way too many freaking errors. I swore if I saw one more misplaced comma I was going to freaking hurt someone, which wouldn't be good considering this story's content.
2. I'm sorry but I have to hid this behind a
Enjoy! xo
IF YOU HAVE TRIGGERS, THIS BOOK MAY NOT BE FOR YOU. TREAD CAREFULLY.
That being said, I wholeheartedly agree with Alex Grayson that "no one should ever be embarrassed or ashamed of being abused." It's true that too many men, women and children face some form of abuse every single day and we as a society need to pay more attention and be prepared to offer our help. This is one of the many reasons why I chose to become a Victims Advocate, because more voices need to be heard and more stories need to be shared.
As for this book, I really did like it. The author did a great job with providing her Bailey character with an abused woman's personality and fears. It's obviously not 100% true to life, but it was enough to make this story work.
Jaxon was freaking amazing!! Tall, built, handsome, tatted and pierced, this man had a heart of gold. His patience and understanding of Bailey and her situation made me squee all over the place. He was protective, kind, patient, considerate, loving, sensitive and fierce all wrapped up in one sweet and delicious package. I wouldn't say he was overly dominant or anything, but one title kept ringing in my head as I was reading this book and that is Soft Alpha. He was strong without being brutish, in control without being domineering.
As much as I liked this story, I had to remove a star for a couple of reasons:
1. There were way too many freaking errors. I swore if I saw one more misplaced comma I was going to freaking hurt someone, which wouldn't be good considering this story's content.
2. I'm sorry but I have to hid this behind a
Enjoy! xo
March 7, 2016
I have very mixed feelings about this book. It contains a lot of unnecessary brutality, although not too descriptive, but right through until the end. Similar to Enslaved (The Life of Anna, #1) by Marissa Honeycutt - if you loved her book, you probably will love this one. I don't mind abuse, I love The Beast And Me (The Beast And Me, #1) by D. S. Wrights, but it's more twisted and a more psychological and not brutal for the sake to be shocking.
Warning:
The story in its development is neatly wrapped and very predictable because the author increases the description around the people that will get involved in a dramatic way. But it's still not a story that I would recommend for people who scare and overly worry about stories easily, because the contents of this book, and the initial ending are very dark and too disturbing for the faint hearted. And it's definitely not a book for people who went through abuse themselves, although the character development might be inspiring for people who went through similar situations.
However, the story has some issues. An abuse victim like Bailey is usually driven by shame first and by protectiveness second. Not telling her loved ones about the threat would be also because of shame. I had problems believing the protectiveness Bailey here. Her explanations of not telling didn't make any sense to me.
Even worse though is a tremendous plot hole that I cannot ignore because it's part of the main plot:
Only the story around Bailey and her protective love Jaxon gets neatly double-wrapped with shiny ribbons... the whole package. But other stories stay unexplained. I would have loved to hear the story behind Mac and Mia. That' being said: Bailey's and Jaxon's story is just too perfect when everything else is not.
Additional to that Alex Grayson is overly descriptive regarding houses and their interior, clothing, food and so on. The same goes for sex scenes. They were too analytical, although I was happy to see that were some of them and that there was a long way towards them first. But I couldn't entirely enjoy them, just as I couldn't entirely feel the connection between Bailey and Jax. Sadly it's the dark scenes that felt a tad more realistic to me.
It was an okay read for me, but the book deserves more than just two stars because it is an easy read. However it lacked uniqueness and surprises and left me dissatisfied, especially because of the epilogue. What I want to point out as positive are the flash-backs of Bailey and her reaction to them. This is why the book gets three stars.
May 30, 2019
3.75 stars...
First thing to say is please please see the trigger warnings because they are ALL in this book. It has taken me awhile to give a rating. There are a few things that bothered me and that that is why it didn't get a full four stars. There was a lot of repetitiveness that wasn't necessary. There also were a few times in the book that I was like ummmm what?? You acted this way why??? All and all it was a great book and a hard read!!!Which I love the ones that really make you think, cringe, cry, feel ect....
First thing to say is please please see the trigger warnings because they are ALL in this book. It has taken me awhile to give a rating. There are a few things that bothered me and that that is why it didn't get a full four stars. There was a lot of repetitiveness that wasn't necessary. There also were a few times in the book that I was like ummmm what?? You acted this way why??? All and all it was a great book and a hard read!!!Which I love the ones that really make you think, cringe, cry, feel ect....
March 20, 2016
I felt sorry for Bailey in the beginning. She didn’t come across as overly bright, but I believed her character. Jaxon seemed okay too, like there might have been some possibility of schmexiness there. It all fell apart at the first sign of trouble though. Jaxon’s selfish rampage at hearing her story just sickened me. The explanation for it was bs. And the stupidity with the sister? Huh?? Didn’t even make any sense at all. Oh, wait – no, it did. Goes back to my comments about Mia not being all that bright and Jaxon being a self-centered idiot. Gotcha. And they lived HEA, tra-la-la-la-puke.
update - have no idea why this was 4* -- shoulda been 2. Clumsy fingers *shrug*
update - have no idea why this was 4* -- shoulda been 2. Clumsy fingers *shrug*
August 29, 2015
I hated this book. For one it was traumatizing enough to hear her nightmares in graphic violent detail. But the author had to replay every sick moment again while the h repeated the torture she endured. Hate to tell you this but no way no how is a victim going to sit in a room with three people, two men and a woman, and explain every terrifying thing that happened to her over her life without the assistance of some heavy sedatives. Let's not forget she did this several more times to several more people. She practically and does pass out because a guy flirts with her but she can describe that sickening torture like she's taking about shopping. I loved Jaxon and his family. I even liked the townspeople. But Bailey taking off and telling no one thinking she was going to save Anna? She practically pissed herself regarding Stephen but instead of telling anyone because had she done that instead of playing hero they would of gotten to Anna a lot sooner and she probably would have lived. So everyone not blaming Bailey is complete bullshit! She knew what he was capable of and her choices got her killed but the author gave her a hea and Anna is dead and Nick will move on just like Bailey said! That's nice of Bailey to think that! Other people obviously love this book and I don't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
This was such a rough read. I'm not unfamiliar with stories involving abuse but not only were the memories so incredibly graphic that final scene really made me sick to my stomach.
SPOILER**
The abusive ex kidnaps the hero's sister and repeatedly rapes and tortures her in a cabin for SEVERAL DAYS until he can lure the heroine there. Then he and a friend rape the two girls together until the cops/hero comes to the rescue - literally mid rape. Then Anna - the hero's sister who never even met the ex husband - dies from the days of rape and abuse. I CANT EVEN. I don't know how anyone expects to come to a happy ending after that. I just cant.
I just feel queasy after all of this.
SPOILER**
The abusive ex kidnaps the hero's sister and repeatedly rapes and tortures her in a cabin for SEVERAL DAYS until he can lure the heroine there. Then he and a friend rape the two girls together until the cops/hero comes to the rescue - literally mid rape. Then Anna - the hero's sister who never even met the ex husband - dies from the days of rape and abuse. I CANT EVEN. I don't know how anyone expects to come to a happy ending after that. I just cant.
I just feel queasy after all of this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2014
I had the pleasure of editing Shatter Me by Alex Grayson and to say that we were impressed with her debut novel is an understatement. From the beginning of the story I was drawn in and thrust into an endless sea of mixed emotions.
I laughed, cried (real tears) and at times I was completely pissed off. At one point I had to walk away from the story, needing a moment for the thumping of my heart to ease.
Grayson had me completely at her mercy, anxiously awaiting for the story to unfold and praying that... Well I can't ruin the story for you.
The characters in this novel are real people. They aren't plastic or vague. They could be your mother, sister or best friend; totally relate-able and I loved that about Grayson's writing style. She was true to the character of the characters if that said sense. The story is set in a very small town and throughout the story I had an at home southern feel.
In the end, I would recommend that everyone reads this book. It's sweet, raw and had the right amount of angst that will drive you completely nuts with the need to keep reading.
I laughed, cried (real tears) and at times I was completely pissed off. At one point I had to walk away from the story, needing a moment for the thumping of my heart to ease.
Grayson had me completely at her mercy, anxiously awaiting for the story to unfold and praying that... Well I can't ruin the story for you.
The characters in this novel are real people. They aren't plastic or vague. They could be your mother, sister or best friend; totally relate-able and I loved that about Grayson's writing style. She was true to the character of the characters if that said sense. The story is set in a very small town and throughout the story I had an at home southern feel.
In the end, I would recommend that everyone reads this book. It's sweet, raw and had the right amount of angst that will drive you completely nuts with the need to keep reading.
on-hold-maybe-finish-later
June 19, 2015I'm having a bit of a problem connecting with the characters so far...It's best if I put it down and take a break.
January 26, 2016
Wow! What can I say? This one will horrify you. It will keep you on your toes. And, It will make you shed some tears. So, don’t take the author’s warning for granted. It’s graphic. The abuse will make you cringe and give you goosebumps. Every time the author described this young woman’s abuse, I felt like I was there. It was so believable. So raw and realistic. Running to a small town, she finds peace, hope, and a love so protective. Maybe she’s found an end to all of this horror from a monster so disturbing. Unfortunately, it’s short-lived. When her past finally catches up to her, it is not without tragedy. OMG! That ending was not what I expected. Totally gutted me! The tears wouldn’t stop flowing as reality set in. This book will have you thinking hours after it is over. To me that’s truly a sign of a gifted author when I can’t get their work out of my head. I even told my family about it. That’s how much this book affected me. I hope the next book in the series is just as amazing as this first book was. Can’t wait to read it!!!
November 21, 2018
1 'couldn't get into it' star
This one is slow going - I started another book while reading it because I was bored out of my skull reading this one. This trope has used so many times that I guess I was looking for some other angle, etc. The abuse is written OTT (at 1/3 in). I had no connection with the characters. I just kept starting and stopping. I skimmed to finish - lots of rolled eyes especially that someone that abused and traumatized fell in lust/love that quickly.
This one is slow going - I started another book while reading it because I was bored out of my skull reading this one. This trope has used so many times that I guess I was looking for some other angle, etc. The abuse is written OTT (at 1/3 in). I had no connection with the characters. I just kept starting and stopping. I skimmed to finish - lots of rolled eyes especially that someone that abused and traumatized fell in lust/love that quickly.
Want to read
November 21, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/21/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Pain.
That’s a word Bailey Winsor knows well, having endured it since she was a child from the people that were supposed to protect her. Just when her life appears normal, something Bailey has never experienced, she meets a man and falls in love.
Love can be deceiving.
Bailey jumps from the frying pan that was her childhood and into the burning bowels of hell, which is her sick and twisted husband. It’s hopeless. Suffering more years of abuse, Bailey eventually realizes that she has no choice but to run.
Forced to stop in a small town in Ohio, Bailey encounters a town full of people that welcome her with open arms, especially Jaxon Walker, the tattooed and pierced local bar owner. Bailey has secrets she’s unwilling to reveal. Jaxon senses her fear and refuses to give up trying to discover them.
Will Bailey be brave enough and learn to trust Jaxon with her deepest secrets? Will Jaxon be strong enough to protect Bailey when her past comes knocking at her door?
Blurb:
Pain.
That’s a word Bailey Winsor knows well, having endured it since she was a child from the people that were supposed to protect her. Just when her life appears normal, something Bailey has never experienced, she meets a man and falls in love.
Love can be deceiving.
Bailey jumps from the frying pan that was her childhood and into the burning bowels of hell, which is her sick and twisted husband. It’s hopeless. Suffering more years of abuse, Bailey eventually realizes that she has no choice but to run.
Forced to stop in a small town in Ohio, Bailey encounters a town full of people that welcome her with open arms, especially Jaxon Walker, the tattooed and pierced local bar owner. Bailey has secrets she’s unwilling to reveal. Jaxon senses her fear and refuses to give up trying to discover them.
Will Bailey be brave enough and learn to trust Jaxon with her deepest secrets? Will Jaxon be strong enough to protect Bailey when her past comes knocking at her door?
September 11, 2015
Shatter Me completely wrecked me! I mean, I read the reviews and thought, it can't be that bad, right?! I've read some books that completely ruined me and thought there was no way that a debut novel could do that (no offense, Alex Grayson!) but holy shit! This book put me through the ringer!
It starts off with Bailey stopping off in Jaded Hollow just long enough to get some more money so she can keep running from her abusive husband. But it's in this small town that Bailey learns that there are kind, loving, gentle people in the world... Especially Jaxon.
Sigh! Jaxon is quite possibly the most loving, understanding, not to mention sexy character that I've read about in a while. He knows Bailey's been hurt and waits patiently for her to trust him enough to tell him and let him protect her.
Their relationship is slow going because Bailey is so tormented by her ex that she finds it hard to trust anyone, especially men. But at the same time, you can tell from the beginning that their love is going to be epic.
I won't go into too much detail but there were definitely some big, fat, ugly tears going on at one point in the book and my heart literally ached... Even just thinking about it while writing this review brings tears to my eyes.
The ending, however, left me with happy tears streaming down my cheeks that kinda made up for the beating my heart took a little earlier.
Seriously, read this book! Like NOW!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
It starts off with Bailey stopping off in Jaded Hollow just long enough to get some more money so she can keep running from her abusive husband. But it's in this small town that Bailey learns that there are kind, loving, gentle people in the world... Especially Jaxon.
Sigh! Jaxon is quite possibly the most loving, understanding, not to mention sexy character that I've read about in a while. He knows Bailey's been hurt and waits patiently for her to trust him enough to tell him and let him protect her.
Their relationship is slow going because Bailey is so tormented by her ex that she finds it hard to trust anyone, especially men. But at the same time, you can tell from the beginning that their love is going to be epic.
I won't go into too much detail but there were definitely some big, fat, ugly tears going on at one point in the book and my heart literally ached... Even just thinking about it while writing this review brings tears to my eyes.
The ending, however, left me with happy tears streaming down my cheeks that kinda made up for the beating my heart took a little earlier.
Seriously, read this book! Like NOW!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2015
***Received an ARC for an honest review by Bookalicious Babes Blog***
Shatter Me was an amazing debut novel by Alex Grayson! Like the title, this book shattered me a bit.
Have those tissues ready as this story is not for the weak! Happy and sad tears were shed as this book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions! Shatter Me is slightly scary, thrilling, intense, raw, sweet, and hot. It's a modern-day fairy tale that touches on harsh and scary topics and I loved every minute!
This story takes you through the lives of Bailey and Jaxon, and is narrated mostly by Bailey, though I wish the book featured more chapters told by Jaxon and contained alternating viewpoints that are my favorite as the reader can easily grasp the characters' thoughts.
Violet and blue-eyed Jaxon is a tall, muscular, sexy, tattooed, pierced, sweet, and protective...an alpha male...the whole package...can you say hot?!? Bailey, a brunette beauty, has overcome hell is finally gaining strength to fight for herself.
Both Bailey and Jaxon experience life-altering tragedies and struggle to leave their past lives behind. Jaxon is Bailey's super sexy knight in shining armor who will protect her at all costs from the evil that has embodied her life for so long.
"It's hard to believe I can smile after the phone call I received tonight, but I blame it all on Jaxon. He makes me feel different. Happy. More confident. Relaxed. He brings light into my dreary life."
This couple has earned a happily ever after, if their pasts will let it happen.
5 scary, sexy, and sweet stars!
Shatter Me was an amazing debut novel by Alex Grayson! Like the title, this book shattered me a bit.
Have those tissues ready as this story is not for the weak! Happy and sad tears were shed as this book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions! Shatter Me is slightly scary, thrilling, intense, raw, sweet, and hot. It's a modern-day fairy tale that touches on harsh and scary topics and I loved every minute!
This story takes you through the lives of Bailey and Jaxon, and is narrated mostly by Bailey, though I wish the book featured more chapters told by Jaxon and contained alternating viewpoints that are my favorite as the reader can easily grasp the characters' thoughts.
Violet and blue-eyed Jaxon is a tall, muscular, sexy, tattooed, pierced, sweet, and protective...an alpha male...the whole package...can you say hot?!? Bailey, a brunette beauty, has overcome hell is finally gaining strength to fight for herself.
Both Bailey and Jaxon experience life-altering tragedies and struggle to leave their past lives behind. Jaxon is Bailey's super sexy knight in shining armor who will protect her at all costs from the evil that has embodied her life for so long.
"It's hard to believe I can smile after the phone call I received tonight, but I blame it all on Jaxon. He makes me feel different. Happy. More confident. Relaxed. He brings light into my dreary life."
This couple has earned a happily ever after, if their pasts will let it happen.
5 scary, sexy, and sweet stars!
December 24, 2020
Four-point-five stars for Shatter Me! This book turned me into a wreck. I won this copy during a release party on Facebook and the teasers I saw had me filled with excitement, anticipation, and maybe even a little fear. Bailey endured a journey so far from what most people could ever imagine and she fought to come out on the other side. It was a beautiful story watching her grow and change from a terrified shell of a woman into a strong, courageous fighter. My heart beat like crazy through several parts of this story and I had to put my kindle down towards the end just to be able to breathe. Jaxon was a beautiful character that stole my heart from the very beginning, along with most the town of Jaded Hallow.
October 26, 2015
Well this book peeked my interest straight away, it was very dark and contains some strong subject that may upset some.
It was going so well at first.
I would have given this book a higher rating if it were not for a few issues I had:
# The over explanation of EVERYTHING!!
# A leading female that just gets on your nerves towards the end
I gave it as much as I did for these reasons:
# I LOVED Jaxon, he is a perfect book boyfriend. Strong, tattooed and pierced
# It was a great story and well written, except the over explanations
It was going so well at first.
I would have given this book a higher rating if it were not for a few issues I had:
# The over explanation of EVERYTHING!!
# A leading female that just gets on your nerves towards the end
I gave it as much as I did for these reasons:
# I LOVED Jaxon, he is a perfect book boyfriend. Strong, tattooed and pierced
# It was a great story and well written, except the over explanations
November 27, 2015
This was a really hard book to read as the subject matter was abuse. I cried a lot during this book and especially at the ending. It's a HEA ending, and it isn't a HEA ending! Such a sad book! I really want to read Mac's book and I need Nick to have a book as well!!
August 29, 2025
I’m at a loss for words. Utterly speechless.
January 7, 2015
HeadTripping Book Blog received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Shatter me by Alex Grayson
My heart aches writing this review and it's also how I felt while reading this book.
In this story Bailey is running from her past but on the way find her future.
She is almost out money and must find a job. She stops at a small town where she meets
some great people including Jax who instantly has a pull towards her, and try to help her but Bailey is afraid to trust anyone.
I instantly felt in love with jax, he is a protector and i love to see that in a man even if he is fictional. I dont want to say too much, or give anything way so you will have to read it.
I really enjoy reading this story, I had some many emotions that i had to take a break but at the end, it was worth it I even had tears running down my face.
Please be aware that there are very strong subject through out the book so if you are easily offended or can't handle abuse then I don't recommend this book to you, but if you do go enjoy it has much as a did. I feel honor that I was able to read this book before release day.
Shatter me by Alex Grayson
My heart aches writing this review and it's also how I felt while reading this book.
In this story Bailey is running from her past but on the way find her future.
She is almost out money and must find a job. She stops at a small town where she meets
some great people including Jax who instantly has a pull towards her, and try to help her but Bailey is afraid to trust anyone.
I instantly felt in love with jax, he is a protector and i love to see that in a man even if he is fictional. I dont want to say too much, or give anything way so you will have to read it.
I really enjoy reading this story, I had some many emotions that i had to take a break but at the end, it was worth it I even had tears running down my face.
Please be aware that there are very strong subject through out the book so if you are easily offended or can't handle abuse then I don't recommend this book to you, but if you do go enjoy it has much as a did. I feel honor that I was able to read this book before release day.
December 14, 2014
I was so lucky to be able to beta read this book for Alex Grayson. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone because I think that this is a book that you have to experience for yourself. It will change you and it will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
I was absolutely blown away by this story. This is by far one of the best and emotionally captivating books that I have read. This is the story of Bailey, a woman who is running. She's running in order to save herself. She has scars both inside and out and has to constantly keep moving in order to survive. She ends up in a small town where she meets Jax, a man that has his own demons he's trying to live with.
This story had me laughing out loud, feeling anxiety, and crying (large, ugly tears).
READ THIS BOOK!!! It is absolutely amazing! After you finish you will wonder how this could be Alex Grayson's first book. It reads like she's been writing and publishing for years.
I was absolutely blown away by this story. This is by far one of the best and emotionally captivating books that I have read. This is the story of Bailey, a woman who is running. She's running in order to save herself. She has scars both inside and out and has to constantly keep moving in order to survive. She ends up in a small town where she meets Jax, a man that has his own demons he's trying to live with.
This story had me laughing out loud, feeling anxiety, and crying (large, ugly tears).
READ THIS BOOK!!! It is absolutely amazing! After you finish you will wonder how this could be Alex Grayson's first book. It reads like she's been writing and publishing for years.
February 17, 2015
Omg. Where do I start. This book is so good. It is a emotional roller coaster ride of ups and downs. I just loved Jaxon and how is with everyone. He just melted my heart and all the tattoos and piercings. Can I just say oh yummy. Bailey is a abused woman on the run. I feel for her and what she has gone through. I just love her and Jaxon together. Andrew is a ball and I hope he gets a book. Poor Anna my heart breaks for her. This was a great book but have a box of tissues near by because you will need them. I don't think I have cried so much for a book. Can't wait for the next one. A must read and a book you can reread a 100 times.
April 18, 2023
Wow this is just heartbreaking in some areas, but true for some that have been through similar circumstances.
The love Jax shows Bailey is just what she needed after everything that had happened to her. Everyone in the town is so friendly. Anna she was one of the best characters, I don't know whtmy the Author had to kill her off, made me so sad.
Even though the book has a HEA for Jax and Bailey it was really hard to keep that happiness. The sadness of Anna over shadowed it.
The love Jax shows Bailey is just what she needed after everything that had happened to her. Everyone in the town is so friendly. Anna she was one of the best characters, I don't know whtmy the Author had to kill her off, made me so sad.
Even though the book has a HEA for Jax and Bailey it was really hard to keep that happiness. The sadness of Anna over shadowed it.
January 18, 2016
Raw, gritty and gripping is the best way to describe Shatter Me. Author Alex Grayson makes you feel as if you are right there witnessing everything as it unfolds, which is what kept me glued to the pages. Some very dark spots in this read, the author warns of same, but it wasn't thrown in for shock value, it had its place in the story!
July 22, 2018
3.5 stars
I found this book through an excerpt in the author's page. I was so intrigued by it that I had to read it soon.
This story was a roller coaster, so full of raw emotions and sometimes it took me a moment to assimilate what I was reading.
I love the H, so protective and sweet, but very manly. The h was a bit too sensitive at times, I felt her pain but I'd like her to defend herself more.
The last part was surprising, and the epilogue simply beautiful.
I found this book through an excerpt in the author's page. I was so intrigued by it that I had to read it soon.
This story was a roller coaster, so full of raw emotions and sometimes it took me a moment to assimilate what I was reading.
I love the H, so protective and sweet, but very manly. The h was a bit too sensitive at times, I felt her pain but I'd like her to defend herself more.
The last part was surprising, and the epilogue simply beautiful.
June 12, 2023
Omg!
This book was emotional right off the jump!
I SO RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE!
Trigger warnings abound but so worth reading.
Hell, most of you know how much grammar errors in books but me and even those didn't stop me from giving this book five stars.
I cried. I laughed. I GOT ANGRY!
This book is so worth reading.
I am going to give the next book my attn now.
This book was emotional right off the jump!
I SO RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE!
Trigger warnings abound but so worth reading.
Hell, most of you know how much grammar errors in books but me and even those didn't stop me from giving this book five stars.
I cried. I laughed. I GOT ANGRY!
This book is so worth reading.
I am going to give the next book my attn now.
May 12, 2020
This book was very good but I felt Jaxon and Baileys story moved very quickly. I enjoyed the storyline but holy moly what Bailey endured?? Oof...glad she got he HEA!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 536 reviews