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Shattered Duet #1
Shattered Hope
Running for her life, Ayala hopes to start over in New York. Alone.
Ethan gave up on love long ago, letting the demons from his past define him.
But when they meet, neither can shake the forces of attraction pulling them together.
Can love grant them redemption?
If you like reading about billionaires, alpha men with secret pasts, and strong women who overcome trauma, then you’ll love this story.
This book is a steamy romance, part 1 of the shattered duet.
Ethan gave up on love long ago, letting the demons from his past define him.
But when they meet, neither can shake the forces of attraction pulling them together.
Can love grant them redemption?
If you like reading about billionaires, alpha men with secret pasts, and strong women who overcome trauma, then you’ll love this story.
This book is a steamy romance, part 1 of the shattered duet.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2023
659 people are currently reading
2101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
January 28, 2023
I read this because it was free on Amazon. It was very mid. I don’t recommend it but I did finish it.
She’s running away from her abusive ex. He sees her on the street and stops to help her (in New York…you know the place everyone stops to help strangers)
Then he sees her again at her job and becomes obsessed with her. He keeps asking her out and won’t take no for an answer.
Insta infatuation. Rich male lead
TWings: domestic abuse, rape, violence
She’s running away from her abusive ex. He sees her on the street and stops to help her (in New York…you know the place everyone stops to help strangers)
Then he sees her again at her job and becomes obsessed with her. He keeps asking her out and won’t take no for an answer.
Insta infatuation. Rich male lead
TWings: domestic abuse, rape, violence
November 23, 2022
Lump in your throat tragic mixed with shades of GREAT SPICE and lots of unexpected twist. Ends in a HUGE cliffhanger. Story of HOPE through struggles small and great.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 20, 2022
One of the better arcs I've had the pleasure of reading. It is extremely well crafted and just improves with every page. If this is a first book then it's written by a professional. It's that good!
Just be aware of any triggers you may have when reading.
In brief, the plot concerns a victim of abuse who is on the run when she meets a gorgeous, rich man. Ethan, said man, and Bambi (Ayala), said victim, have secrets in their pasts and these are delicately pulled through the pages as the plot develops.
This may sound similar to other books of this genre you might have read but, let me tell you, this one is full of surprises, and what may appear as a familiar plot is far from it- especially that ending!
The story is very believable, the characters are real world and relatable, the writing engaging, suspenseful and at times very powerful. Oh, and the sex scenes, they are hot and steamy and sensitive and sensual - just as good sex should be written. What's not to love!
So it's hats off to the author, and now I've claimed the free book of Ethan's story and am eagerly waiting for book 2 of this series and anything else this author writes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just be aware of any triggers you may have when reading.
In brief, the plot concerns a victim of abuse who is on the run when she meets a gorgeous, rich man. Ethan, said man, and Bambi (Ayala), said victim, have secrets in their pasts and these are delicately pulled through the pages as the plot develops.
This may sound similar to other books of this genre you might have read but, let me tell you, this one is full of surprises, and what may appear as a familiar plot is far from it- especially that ending!
The story is very believable, the characters are real world and relatable, the writing engaging, suspenseful and at times very powerful. Oh, and the sex scenes, they are hot and steamy and sensitive and sensual - just as good sex should be written. What's not to love!
So it's hats off to the author, and now I've claimed the free book of Ethan's story and am eagerly waiting for book 2 of this series and anything else this author writes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2022
This story started off good, but then she got pneumonia and she was magically ready for some smexy time. Totally lost me at that point. It was so ridiculous I couldn't even be excited for her. I know its a book, but come on. No one wants to have smexy time when you're that sick, I don't care how hot he is. The book does end on a cliff hanger and I will read it because I want to see how their story finishes out. I have questions and they need answers.
December 8, 2022
This is book one in The Shattered Duet and it is Ayala and Ethan's story and it is definitely a must read. Ayala has run away from her abusive husband after he beat her so badly that she was in a really bad way and now in New York she is homeless, has little money and in so much pain but she will need somewhere to stay and change her appearance and make so that she can't be found. Ethan got into a lot of trouble when he was younger and after his sister died he blamed himself and didn't feel worthy of love and now he owns many businesses with one being SAVEE which helps women in difficult situations of abuse in honour of his sister but when he meets Ayala (Hope) there is just something about her that draws him in and he can't seem to get her out of his mind and then he convinced her to spend some time with him and even though she was very wary they enjoyed each other's company and then her husband found her which broke them apart. Omg this book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions that completely broke my heart and had me in tears with everything that Ayala had gone through and I couldn't put this book down and had to keep turning the pages wondering what would happen next and it was so addictive that it kept you on the edge of your seat and just when you think things are going well you get an explosive cliff hanger ending leaving you needing to read the next book to see what the outcome will be. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed as it is so well written and worth reading.
November 18, 2022
Your adrenaline will spike. So good!
Wow this was really good and it evolved and changed as it progressed! I LOVED that there was an undertone for fated mates and fated love especially in a contemporary romance. It has the alpha male and the strong female lead who both have to address their trauma. It definitely is dark so check the trigger warnings. I really loved the fight to get past trauma to be seen and heard and loved through everything. The fight to keep going to find love again is soo good. The spice is there and I would say it is a slow burn and good build up. I can’t wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow this was really good and it evolved and changed as it progressed! I LOVED that there was an undertone for fated mates and fated love especially in a contemporary romance. It has the alpha male and the strong female lead who both have to address their trauma. It definitely is dark so check the trigger warnings. I really loved the fight to get past trauma to be seen and heard and loved through everything. The fight to keep going to find love again is soo good. The spice is there and I would say it is a slow burn and good build up. I can’t wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2022
I just want to say how much I love Alaya, she is such a strong and powerful main character. She went through a crazy rough time and is making the best out of the situation she is in. When she meets Ethan her world is completely upside down, but she learns to trust him and while doing to she is working on herself. She is one of my favorite characters I’ve read about. There is a cliffhanger at the end, but it’s not anything like other books I’ve read where they don’t say anything or the other MC is completely oblivious to the fact of what has or is going to happen. There is a clue for Ethan and I love that. It could have ended in so many different ways, but the way it does end makes me want to read the next one as soon as possible!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2023
Agghhhh... I started this book knowing the release of book 2 was only two days away, thinking that will be perfect timing... BUT what I didn't account for was that I'd be so invested that I'd read this in one sitting!! So now I have to wait another 1.5 days 😩 From the first chapter I was hooked... completely invested and I just finished reading now at 1.33am!! Bring on book 2!! 🥰
November 16, 2022
Ayala and Ethan's story is breathtaking and mesmerising. It grips you from the very start and is an absolute page turner. Both are broken but wanting a full life and their characters are endearing and deep. The plot is intense, a little dark and has plenty of twists and turns.
This is the first half of a story and ends in a cliffhanger. That said I'll be getting the next book.
Fantastic story from an author new to me.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first half of a story and ends in a cliffhanger. That said I'll be getting the next book.
Fantastic story from an author new to me.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2023
so dumb and i have to read the second one to see what happens
November 9, 2022
Emotionally charged story from the start. We meet Ayala on the run and hiding from a violent and controlling relationship and Ethan with demons from his past holding him back from relationships.
This story kept me on the edge the entire time. I was so invested in the building relationship, that my heart was torn and I was crying through the final quarter of the book. I cannot wait for the continuation of their story.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review
This story kept me on the edge the entire time. I was so invested in the building relationship, that my heart was torn and I was crying through the final quarter of the book. I cannot wait for the continuation of their story.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review
November 24, 2022
Omg! I was mesmerized by Ethan and Hope. A very sexy story with cry ugly moments and then there were moments of such peace and harmony, as the author weaved the story. I was left shattered and surprised as well by the ending.
Hope/Ayala was so brave and Ethan wasn't as cold and as unfeeling as he perceives himself, the opposite actually. I can't wait to read the rest of the story.
I received this book as an arc and am voluntarily submitting my review.
Hope/Ayala was so brave and Ethan wasn't as cold and as unfeeling as he perceives himself, the opposite actually. I can't wait to read the rest of the story.
I received this book as an arc and am voluntarily submitting my review.
June 1, 2023
This book was really gooooddddd. Hooked from start to finish. The cliffhanger is wild asf I need more. They way Ethan care for Ayala and can read her like an open book. Ugh so obsessed. Was mad he judged her after he found out the truth but he went looking for her and got to the bottom of It. He made her feel safe again. He made her trust again. She got him to open up to her and It was beautiful. Def reading the second book
Want to read
January 20, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/20/2023)! 🎁
January 7, 2023
ARC REVIEW
Wow! What a find.
This story follows Hope/Alana after she runs away to New York from her husband who abuses her. Thinking she will be able to stay under tha radar in a big city. She manages to find a job paid in cash and even a room where she can sleep. She didn’t think she would cross paths with a man like Ethan. A billionaire playboy with secrets of his own.
I loved this story, it’s such a slow burn building up Alaya and Ethan’s chemistry which makes the abuse Alaya suffered come through in the story even though you don’t know the full extent of it until the last part of the book. Ethan has secrets of his own and although is a billionaire with a heart he doesn’t see that in himself, can Alaya breakdown those barriers?
I cannot wait for the next instalment, this book had me hooked from the start. I need to know how this story works itself out. One thing I know is it won’t be predictable if the first book is anything to go by, there were so many paths this story could have gone down but I feel when we ended up was the most genuine and true to the characters. Absolute must read!
Wow! What a find.
This story follows Hope/Alana after she runs away to New York from her husband who abuses her. Thinking she will be able to stay under tha radar in a big city. She manages to find a job paid in cash and even a room where she can sleep. She didn’t think she would cross paths with a man like Ethan. A billionaire playboy with secrets of his own.
I loved this story, it’s such a slow burn building up Alaya and Ethan’s chemistry which makes the abuse Alaya suffered come through in the story even though you don’t know the full extent of it until the last part of the book. Ethan has secrets of his own and although is a billionaire with a heart he doesn’t see that in himself, can Alaya breakdown those barriers?
I cannot wait for the next instalment, this book had me hooked from the start. I need to know how this story works itself out. One thing I know is it won’t be predictable if the first book is anything to go by, there were so many paths this story could have gone down but I feel when we ended up was the most genuine and true to the characters. Absolute must read!
April 10, 2024
just no. he is such a pig. quote: « i like to imagine naked woman »…. he’s said multiple other things about woman that are disrespectful. he keeps saying he always knows when they want it, he’s the best, no one can refuse him, just one big narcissist. no chemistry between the characters, he only likes her because she’s hot, tiny and fragile. was expecting better than that, but was very disappointed! i finished the book to be able to say i finished it, but that’s all.
April 5, 2023
Soooo
::::::SPOILERS BELOW:::::
Ok, this book kind of reminded me of that movie Enough with Jennifer Lopez. I did enjoy this book, but Robin’s death was the most random thing to happen (at least I think so…). Also her husband has all these “documents” saying she’s incompetent…why didn’t Ethan think to take her to a doctor in NY and have them examine her 🤔…so many solutions. I also want to know how Michael got Ayala’s number…? If she wasn’t dead I would say Robin snitched, but here I am wondering…lol.
Read the book!! Can’t wait to start the next one. Don’t know if I’m ready to experience the fresh hell Ayala is about to walk into 😩😩
::::::SPOILERS BELOW:::::
Ok, this book kind of reminded me of that movie Enough with Jennifer Lopez. I did enjoy this book, but Robin’s death was the most random thing to happen (at least I think so…). Also her husband has all these “documents” saying she’s incompetent…why didn’t Ethan think to take her to a doctor in NY and have them examine her 🤔…so many solutions. I also want to know how Michael got Ayala’s number…? If she wasn’t dead I would say Robin snitched, but here I am wondering…lol.
Read the book!! Can’t wait to start the next one. Don’t know if I’m ready to experience the fresh hell Ayala is about to walk into 😩😩
August 1, 2023
Although this book reminded me a lot of Safe Haven I enjoyed it. To go through all that torture and abuse and to find love and joy after only to so much go wrong over and over and still hope for a future is touching. I wanted to cry and throw the book and then cry some more and then was happy and then sad. I was happy she became strong and independent for herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
no thanks
Male character is impossible and unbelievable. How do you set up a savior app but can’t read the female leads point of being abused. Just assume she was a virgin? Could not finish the book.
Male character is impossible and unbelievable. How do you set up a savior app but can’t read the female leads point of being abused. Just assume she was a virgin? Could not finish the book.
May 28, 2024
Debut
I appreciate the author is just getting started and will hopefully tighten up her writing and improve her style as she gains experience. The story holds promise and while there are a couple of plot holes I’m looking forward to where book 2 will go.
I appreciate the author is just getting started and will hopefully tighten up her writing and improve her style as she gains experience. The story holds promise and while there are a couple of plot holes I’m looking forward to where book 2 will go.
June 15, 2023
The story is interesting enough, but the writing is so flat and telling that it makes the book fall short.
June 17, 2023
I got 20 pages in a just couldn’t finish the book. I tried so hard to try and read more but I just couldn’t.
December 1, 2023
This book is NOT good. The writing was atrocious and the characters had no depth. The love story was weird, too rushed and made no sense.
July 13, 2023
This was just awful
August 29, 2023
Ummmmm
September 25, 2023
My eyes hurt.
July 2, 2023
"I don't like people who enjoy feeling strong in the expanse of someone weaker." Book 1 pg. 22
"I need nothing else if I have you." Book 2 loc. 2626
***Spoilers Ahead***
I did like this duet OVERALL. However it felt like there was a lot of unnecessary aspects added. I don't like when a book gets to a point where it's like, the conflict has been resolved and they SHOULD be able to live happily ever after, but one of the main characters decides to be (in my opinion) selfish. In this case, it added an entire additional BOOK. To me, it just seemed unnecessary. They had already been through so much and I felt like the plot of the second book could have been used for another story rather than ripping the happily ever away and having us wait. Also, the infatuation that the MMC had with the FMC just screamed red flag. Don't get me wrong, these days with book boyfriends red flags are green flags 90% of the time. But in this case the main character was running from an abusive relationship. So having the love interest essentially stalk her and not take no for an answer is bad taste.
That all being said... I am sucker for a FMC that is running from an abusive ex and finds love in the most unlikely of times. The plot was good. The conflict was great, I like when there is the bad guy seeming to win ON PAGE. Instead of working up to a conflict and having it all be resolved in one page. This series wasn't like that and I appreciate that! That is the main reason I gave this 4/5 stars instead of 3/5.
Ayala has finally done it. She finally ran from her abusive husband. She had to, he was going to kill her, he even almost had. She manages to get to New York where she is certain she can blend into the background and disappear. Unfortunately for her, Ethan could never not see her. After spending years being abused and controlled Ayala wants to find and recreate herself, a relationship is the last thing on her mind. Especially when she can't tell Ethan anything real about herself. But Ethan won't take no for an answer, despite believing he doesn't deserve love. When they give into their attraction will they find happiness or will their secrets destroy the little happiness they already had?
When Ayala's past catches up to her it threatens Ethans life, and Ayala is willing to do anything to protect him from it, even give herself to the devil she fears most. She thought she could handle it, she promised to be strong, but her husband is more evil than ever before. Nothing seems to be off the table for him to do to her.
Luckily, Ethan is also willing to anything it takes to save her, but what happens when he thinks he is too late? Can he forgive himself for letting the person most important to him get hurt, just like what happened in his past? Or will he step up to protect her when again she seems to be in danger yet again?
**Check Trigger Warnings**
**Shared Review with others in series**
"I need nothing else if I have you." Book 2 loc. 2626
***Spoilers Ahead***
I did like this duet OVERALL. However it felt like there was a lot of unnecessary aspects added. I don't like when a book gets to a point where it's like, the conflict has been resolved and they SHOULD be able to live happily ever after, but one of the main characters decides to be (in my opinion) selfish. In this case, it added an entire additional BOOK. To me, it just seemed unnecessary. They had already been through so much and I felt like the plot of the second book could have been used for another story rather than ripping the happily ever away and having us wait. Also, the infatuation that the MMC had with the FMC just screamed red flag. Don't get me wrong, these days with book boyfriends red flags are green flags 90% of the time. But in this case the main character was running from an abusive relationship. So having the love interest essentially stalk her and not take no for an answer is bad taste.
That all being said... I am sucker for a FMC that is running from an abusive ex and finds love in the most unlikely of times. The plot was good. The conflict was great, I like when there is the bad guy seeming to win ON PAGE. Instead of working up to a conflict and having it all be resolved in one page. This series wasn't like that and I appreciate that! That is the main reason I gave this 4/5 stars instead of 3/5.
Ayala has finally done it. She finally ran from her abusive husband. She had to, he was going to kill her, he even almost had. She manages to get to New York where she is certain she can blend into the background and disappear. Unfortunately for her, Ethan could never not see her. After spending years being abused and controlled Ayala wants to find and recreate herself, a relationship is the last thing on her mind. Especially when she can't tell Ethan anything real about herself. But Ethan won't take no for an answer, despite believing he doesn't deserve love. When they give into their attraction will they find happiness or will their secrets destroy the little happiness they already had?
When Ayala's past catches up to her it threatens Ethans life, and Ayala is willing to do anything to protect him from it, even give herself to the devil she fears most. She thought she could handle it, she promised to be strong, but her husband is more evil than ever before. Nothing seems to be off the table for him to do to her.
Luckily, Ethan is also willing to anything it takes to save her, but what happens when he thinks he is too late? Can he forgive himself for letting the person most important to him get hurt, just like what happened in his past? Or will he step up to protect her when again she seems to be in danger yet again?
**Check Trigger Warnings**
**Shared Review with others in series**
November 30, 2022
This is part of the Shattered Duet is the start to a new series about survival and hope. Ayala has been through so much it makes your heart hurt just reading over what she has been through with her abusive, on the run after her husband beat her so bad and leaving her thinking she is dead giving a chance at life. Ethan sexy as all get out troubled soul but knows enough, he wants to help but his past is just as broken as hers and he thinks he doesn’t deserve love, but she wants to make him be better. Offering to help her trust is something hard for her to do after being so broken by a man, she defiantly doesn’t want to depend on them because it has only earn beating, and near death experience so running is what she does because she is good at it. Then she runs into Dana who give her a job that brings her full circle with Ethan again but this time he isn’t going to allow her to run because they can both heal one another but will their past come back if so will he keep her safe, protected, so many times I wanted to reach out hug them both because of what they have been through and can they find happiness the second time around?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2022
4.5⭐️/2.5🌶️
Just a forewarning; this books does end on a cliffhanger as it is apart of a duet.
I am giving this a 4.5 because of the potential this book had, cause I can see what the author wanted to do and it was almost there.
For me, the characters felt a little choppy when we were hearing their inner dialogue, they’d be going down one road so fast and then there just such a fast turn, it felt like it came out of no where.
I don’t want to give anything away, but with Ethan, with his history and what he’s been thru, it truly bothered me so much that he didn’t see why Ayala is the way she is so much sooner. All the hints are there and then when he finds out, he says he had a feeling but we never got that feeling/inner dialogue from him cause I think he would have handle ALOT different.
I also thought at some points, they moved too fast.
The cliffhanger was predictable but I’m glad it wasn’t the first cliffhanger I thought it was going to be.
The connection between these two come off the page, loved it. I truly can not wait until the next book!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Just a forewarning; this books does end on a cliffhanger as it is apart of a duet.
I am giving this a 4.5 because of the potential this book had, cause I can see what the author wanted to do and it was almost there.
For me, the characters felt a little choppy when we were hearing their inner dialogue, they’d be going down one road so fast and then there just such a fast turn, it felt like it came out of no where.
I don’t want to give anything away, but with Ethan, with his history and what he’s been thru, it truly bothered me so much that he didn’t see why Ayala is the way she is so much sooner. All the hints are there and then when he finds out, he says he had a feeling but we never got that feeling/inner dialogue from him cause I think he would have handle ALOT different.
I also thought at some points, they moved too fast.
The cliffhanger was predictable but I’m glad it wasn’t the first cliffhanger I thought it was going to be.
The connection between these two come off the page, loved it. I truly can not wait until the next book!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews