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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
Shattered Hearts by Shae Ruby is a beautifully written toxic romance that explores the struggles of drug use, abuse, mental health disorders and trauma.
It promises heartbreak from the very beginning, starting with the dedication. “For all the broken people who keep fighting for every breath.”
Shae easily has one of the most beautiful writing styles that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Her words are poetic and compelling, and she writes in a way that sucks you in entirely. I am fully confident that she could write a grocery list and it would be the most beautiful thing I read. I would sit down to read just a few chapters and before I knew it, hours had passed. I was so wrapped up in this story and these character that she has created and I never wanted to put the book down.
Hallie and Zayne are so utterly relatable regardless of whether or not you have experienced the same trauma they have. I was so invested in these characters and Shae wrote them so well that I felt almost as if I knew them down to their very souls. I felt so fiercely protective of Hallie, and there were numerous times when I got so mad at Zayne for some of the things he put her through, that I wanted to scream and shake him and smack some sense into him!!
Having the book as a dual POV was absolutely incredible because it was so fascinating being inside Zayne’s mind. Seeing his thought process and the way in which the drug addiction controlled him were so fascinating. I definitely enjoyed having Zayne’s POV as part of the book, even though there were times when I wanted to climb in there and talk some sense into him! But, I was fully consumed by Hallie’s POV. Having struggled with mental health myself, I related immensely to Hallie and the way she thought and her feelings of self-loathing and doubt. Her relationship with Zayne was so difficult and trying at times, but seeing her growth throughout the book made me so incredibly happy and proud.
The book is broken up into three parts: The Climb, The Plunge and The Crash. All which very accurately describe the struggles faced in the chapters following.
Even though the final part is titled “The Crash,” I felt that this part was particularly crucial to Hallie’s story as it was this crash that I felt really jump-started her climb out of Zayne’s manipulation and we saw her start to become stronger and more confident.
These characters and this author truly have my heart and I cannot wait to read the second book.
*Please be sure to pay attention to trigger warnings, especially if you are someone who is easily triggered by talk of drugs, mental health struggles, trauma, and abuse.
It promises heartbreak from the very beginning, starting with the dedication. “For all the broken people who keep fighting for every breath.”
Shae easily has one of the most beautiful writing styles that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Her words are poetic and compelling, and she writes in a way that sucks you in entirely. I am fully confident that she could write a grocery list and it would be the most beautiful thing I read. I would sit down to read just a few chapters and before I knew it, hours had passed. I was so wrapped up in this story and these character that she has created and I never wanted to put the book down.
Hallie and Zayne are so utterly relatable regardless of whether or not you have experienced the same trauma they have. I was so invested in these characters and Shae wrote them so well that I felt almost as if I knew them down to their very souls. I felt so fiercely protective of Hallie, and there were numerous times when I got so mad at Zayne for some of the things he put her through, that I wanted to scream and shake him and smack some sense into him!!
Having the book as a dual POV was absolutely incredible because it was so fascinating being inside Zayne’s mind. Seeing his thought process and the way in which the drug addiction controlled him were so fascinating. I definitely enjoyed having Zayne’s POV as part of the book, even though there were times when I wanted to climb in there and talk some sense into him! But, I was fully consumed by Hallie’s POV. Having struggled with mental health myself, I related immensely to Hallie and the way she thought and her feelings of self-loathing and doubt. Her relationship with Zayne was so difficult and trying at times, but seeing her growth throughout the book made me so incredibly happy and proud.
The book is broken up into three parts: The Climb, The Plunge and The Crash. All which very accurately describe the struggles faced in the chapters following.
Even though the final part is titled “The Crash,” I felt that this part was particularly crucial to Hallie’s story as it was this crash that I felt really jump-started her climb out of Zayne’s manipulation and we saw her start to become stronger and more confident.
These characters and this author truly have my heart and I cannot wait to read the second book.
*Please be sure to pay attention to trigger warnings, especially if you are someone who is easily triggered by talk of drugs, mental health struggles, trauma, and abuse.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Abandonment, Alcohol
I wasn’t sure what earthly I was expecting going into this one but this wasn’t it. Too much up and down hot and cold. I also didn’t realize quite how heavy the drug use “on screen” would be and it was hard to read. I struggled to empathize with Zayne at all. The entire time I just thought he needed to be in a care facility and his poor mom was doing the best she could but really needed help. Hallie was crazy to keep going back to him. It’s hard to root for a romance when you so clearly think one character would be so much better without the other.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Abandonment
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This story was so very difficult to read at times due to the pain the main characters are both in. The adversity that challenges them every step of the way is admirable and very very honest. I think this is one of the best books for mental illness representation. I will continue this series I just need more time to absorb and reflect before I jump into book 2.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
This book was so unbelievably addictive and I loved it.
I feel so much for Hallie and Zayne. Both of them had their own mental health issues and addiction issues and it was written so well. You can definitely tell the author has real life experience with these issues or had done great research. They were both suffering so much and they definitely connected with each other straight away.
The relationship between Hallie and Zayne was so toxic, I think more so on Zayne’s part because I really disliked him at times for some of the shit he did to Hallie. But in saying that I understand it stemmed from his issues. He never meant to hurt Hallie and vice versa but they always did. I think they were more so obsessed and consumed with each other. I do wish we got more moments of them actually in love and making each other happy but majority of the time they were hurting each other.
I can’t wait for the next book!
I feel so much for Hallie and Zayne. Both of them had their own mental health issues and addiction issues and it was written so well. You can definitely tell the author has real life experience with these issues or had done great research. They were both suffering so much and they definitely connected with each other straight away.
The relationship between Hallie and Zayne was so toxic, I think more so on Zayne’s part because I really disliked him at times for some of the shit he did to Hallie. But in saying that I understand it stemmed from his issues. He never meant to hurt Hallie and vice versa but they always did. I think they were more so obsessed and consumed with each other. I do wish we got more moments of them actually in love and making each other happy but majority of the time they were hurting each other.
I can’t wait for the next book!
Put simply, this is X-rated YA.
That’s a neutral statement, mostly. YA isn’t bad, X-ratings are welcome. I’d bet anyone who’s read it would at least know what I mean in saying that. It’s riddled with angst & immature, adolescent vibe, but gorged on graphic ‘adult’ content. This is Crank (Ellen Hopkins) & Cut (Patricia McCormick) taken up a few notches. I’m still not convinced books like those are helpful or healing, but they feel good in the same way pressing on a bruise does.
I respect the author for taking the time to include hotline resources as well as a detailed CW in the front of the book. I will also be forever thankful for “she smells like flowers, but probably really ugly ones” because I still remember the cramp I got from laughing at that, in context.
That’s a neutral statement, mostly. YA isn’t bad, X-ratings are welcome. I’d bet anyone who’s read it would at least know what I mean in saying that. It’s riddled with angst & immature, adolescent vibe, but gorged on graphic ‘adult’ content. This is Crank (Ellen Hopkins) & Cut (Patricia McCormick) taken up a few notches. I’m still not convinced books like those are helpful or healing, but they feel good in the same way pressing on a bruise does.
I respect the author for taking the time to include hotline resources as well as a detailed CW in the front of the book. I will also be forever thankful for “she smells like flowers, but probably really ugly ones” because I still remember the cramp I got from laughing at that, in context.
Zayne & Hallie ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Obsession. Love. Drugs. Addiction. Mental illness.
This is a truly heart wrenching story about how they battle the unbelievable to be with one another. I won’t spill any beans with spoilers, but please give this book a chance.
Shea has written such a breath taking view on how mental illness and addiction truly can warp you. It can become so all consuming that you have to choose between the people you love and what brings you bliss.
The fight, the struggle, the love. It means the world to both of them, yet they can’t give up. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I was given an ARC by this wonderful author, but this is a true to my core review. Beautiful story and beautifully written. Highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Obsession. Love. Drugs. Addiction. Mental illness.
This is a truly heart wrenching story about how they battle the unbelievable to be with one another. I won’t spill any beans with spoilers, but please give this book a chance.
Shea has written such a breath taking view on how mental illness and addiction truly can warp you. It can become so all consuming that you have to choose between the people you love and what brings you bliss.
The fight, the struggle, the love. It means the world to both of them, yet they can’t give up. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I was given an ARC by this wonderful author, but this is a true to my core review. Beautiful story and beautifully written. Highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow. This book made me FEEL
“Angel. God. Devil. I can’t decide which one he is, but he embodies all of them right now. He conceals the worst parts of him well. That’s why he’s so easy to love. You don’t realize how deep you’re in until you can’t come back up for air in time, slowly drowning in all that he is, and all that he isn’t.”
“Angel. God. Devil. I can’t decide which one he is, but he embodies all of them right now. He conceals the worst parts of him well. That’s why he’s so easy to love. You don’t realize how deep you’re in until you can’t come back up for air in time, slowly drowning in all that he is, and all that he isn’t.”