Shattered Hearts (The Broken)

It's been about a week since I finished The Broken series and I am still in my book hangover. I am not even upset about it, this is one of those series that I really needed the time to process my thoughts and feelings before moving on. As such, my review will be for the whole series, and I will try to give as little spoilers as possible.I know other reviewers have said it, but I am going to also state, please be prepared when starting this series if you have any TWs. You may think you know what you're getting into with the first book, but you don't. This story is a slow descent into hell, with each book darker than the last. And hell is where the characters find themselves in book 3. I actually delayed reading the last book knowing what had to lay ahead, and I am a seasoned dark romance reader.This series was epic. Beautifully chaotic and heartbreaking. An absolute rollercoaster of emotions. I was angry, devastated, exasperated, and anxious throughout. But I also found myself laughing out loud, smiling during moments of happiness, and turned on AF. The love story, and the characters themselves, is among the messiest I've ever read. I loved them, I rooted for them, I had the highest hopes for them, even when they deserved none of those things. One of the characters is low key one of the most evil characters I have ever loved.I think the best way I can sum up my feelings is by quoting one of my favorite series and characters:“Although it may not seem like it, this isn't a story about darkness. It’s about light. Kahlil Gibran says Your joy can fill you only as deeply as your sorrow has carved you. If you've never tasted bitterness, sweet is just another pleasant flavor on your tongue. One day I’m going to hold a lot of joy.” - Mac from Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning.Because this is a story about how love can give you the strength to claw your way out of the deepest pits of hell, even if it's the hell inside of you. On the other side there can be a happiness that holds no measure-- if you have the courage to pursue it. You don't have to let the worst parts of you, or your lowest moments, define you forever. They'll always be there, but they alone don't make you who you are. You can choose love and happiness instead.This story will stay with me. If you are prepared to go through the darkness to reach the light, then I encourage you to please read it.

In "Shattered Hearts" by Shae Ruby, we are invited into the tumultuous lives of Hallie Cox and Zayne Wolfe, where the tagline "She is his angel. He is her devil." perfectly encapsulates the complexity of their relationship.I'd gladly award this book 4.5 stars, as it effortlessly drew me in right from the start. The characters are richly developed and wonderfully flawed, making them relatable on a deep level. Hallie's relentless pursuit of a high and Zayne's reckless lifestyle create an intense and emotionally charged rollercoaster. Their chemistry is undeniably potent, yet their connection is fraught with complexity, adding a layer of authenticity to the story.While "Shattered Hearts" is mostly a compelling read, it does have a few minor plot holes that might briefly disrupt the flow. However, these issues are like slight ripples in an otherwise engaging narrative and don't significantly detract from the overall experience.This book is a gripping and thought-provoking love story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The writing is raw and emotionally resonant, making it nearly impossible to put down. The ending leaves you with a whirlwind of emotions and a profound reflection on the intricacies of love, showcasing its remarkable power to both mend and shatter. If you're in search of a passionate and intense romance, "Shattered Hearts" is a must-read.⛔️Warning! ⛔️ It does leave on a cliffhanger so have Book 2 ready as you will want to dive in!

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.

I love angst. I love dark and I love dark angst. I had sweaty palms and heart racing moments , I even had moments where I got choked up- I just wanted more from the ending.

I went into this book blind, knowing only that it would be one of the best and most emotional stories I'd read all year. And it's safe to say I lost count of how many times I cried. So you know this book is good when that happens.
Shattered Hearts is a captivating and heartbreaking story about two broken souls coming together, even when they know they'll drown each other. The writing is so beautiful it's almost a poem. The characters will attach themselves to you without you even realizing it, and you'll cry for them as you immerse yourself in their story. Overall, I enjoyed Shattered Heart, even with tears rolling down my cheeks and it coming close to breaking me. But if you have triggers, I suggest you check them before reading, as it deals with HEAVY topics.

This book was so well written, from the characters to the story line to the emotions it had you feeling. The last few chapters were so emotional! I can't wait to get into the next book. I think the title of this is fitting because yes, I did end up with a shattered heart.

Wow what a journey, I don’t think I have cried for a book so much in such a long time.I loved this characters and totally related to them.A wonderful emotional rollercoaster5 Star +++