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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ground breaking, earth shattering, heart wrenching. As a person with bipolar disorder this book was profoundly unsettling. I know that sounds weird, but by that I mean it’s like the book is looking right into me and speaking my truth. I have never struggled with drug use but I still felt seen by the representation of bipolar disorder. This book feels so real and raw and painful. In ways it’s a depiction of my greatest anxieties in relationships. Beautifully written I feel like Ruby gave everything to this book and it shows.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Suicide attempt
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
͏𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 by Shae Ruby
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I like to think that my trauma recognized hers, that fucked up people attract each other, even when they don’t look to.”
ARC Read - Thank you Shae Ruby for my gifted copy!!
Wow. Then she says her book is a ‘Dark Romance’, believe her people!! Mental illness, physical abuse, trauma, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, self harm, obsession, drug and alcohol use, addiction, suicidal ideation…. It’s intense. But, that’s not to say it’s not an excellent read, just heed the trigger warnings. This book is extremely well written and the author has a way of making you fall in love with the characters despite their obvious flaws and unforgivable actions.
Hallie and Zayne’s story is full of raw truth and deep passion. They hold nothing back but in turn have a tendency to hurt the other in one way or another. They are both damaged and trying to work through their own personal demons while also trying to help each other. An uphill battle.
Addictive. Unforgettable. Dark. Delicious. Thought Provoking. Beautifully Broken. Consuming.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have to start by saying that it is mind blowing to me that Shattered Hearts is Shae’s debut novel. There were so many times when I was reading that I had to stop and highlight a line or quote because it was so beautifully written. Hallie and Zayne just ripped my heart out with each chapter as they navigated their toxic rollercoaster of a relationship. I was cheering for them the entire time, and found myself shouting advice for each of them at my Kindle.🤣 These trauma babies need a damn hug and a good therapist.
I’m going to be completely honest and admit that I was not prepared for how emotional this book would make me. I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression for most of my life, and Shae did not hold back when she depicted it within Shattered Hearts. The book doesn’t hold any punches when it addresses mental illness, trauma, toxic relationships, addiction, self-medicating, and self-harm. This was a raw look at two people who are trying to overcome demons, intense trauma, and self-destructive behavior. So many people who have experienced trauma will resonate with this book.
I truly enjoyed reading Shattered Hearts, and would highly recommend it to anyone that wants to feel ALL of the feelings! There is going to be a sequel, and boy do I need one. That cliffhanger has me by the throat!