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Beautifully Broken: Jaded Hollow, Book One Kindle Edition

4.2 out of 5 stars 2,333 ratings

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?

**Please check the author's website for content warnings.**

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4.3 out of 5 stars 938
4.4 out of 5 stars 412
4.2 out of 5 stars 1,520
4.6 out of 5 stars 198
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therapy required romance

"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! ~ Bookalicious Book Babes

"I was absolutely blown away by this story. This is by far one of the best and emotionally captivating books that I have read." ~ Virginia, Goodreads reviewer

Alex Grayson

USA Today Bestselling author of twisted romance

Alex Grayson is a USA Today bestselling author of heart pounding, emotionally gripping contemporary romances. 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 2015 (an endeavor that took a little longer than expected). The rest, as they say, is history.

Other titles by Alex Grayson

  • Endless Obsession
  • Whispered Prayers of a Girl
  • Pitch Dark
  • Treacherous
  • Ever Duet

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Skip the coffee, go straight for the wine and grab a box of tissues. Your going to need them. Alex Grayson's debut novel Shatter Me will do just that. Shatter the reader to pieces, making them want more!" ~ Coffee Books Life Blog

"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." ~ Andrea Smith, Bestselling author of the G-Man Series

"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!" ~ Bookalicious Book Babes

"I was absolutely blown away by this story. This is by far one of the best and emotionally captivating books that I have read." ~ Virginia, Goodreads reviewer

"To say I loved this book would be an understatement! I don't think I can put together enough words to say how beautiful this book is. The sensitive subjects are handled well and with such grace. It's dark and twisted, but I loved it!" ~Melissa, Amazon Reviewer

"Shatter Me is an insanely intense roller coaster that flies off the tracks. It is a heart breaking story. It's hows a journey of absolute horror and also resilience and trust." ~Snickles Loves 2 Read

About the Author

Alex 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, alexgraysonbooks.com, or find her on social media!

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00QZABILY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Twisted Fiction Publishing LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 12, 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 3rd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 300 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Jaded Hollow
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 2,333 ratings

About the author

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Alex Grayson
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Alex Grayson is a USA Today bestselling author of heart pounding, emotionally gripping contemporary romances including the Jaded Series, the Consumed Series, the Hell Night Series, and multiple 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, daughter, three cats and one 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!

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,333 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be an amazing debut novel that is suspenseful from the very beginning, with wonderful characters and a story that is both captivating and emotional. The writing receives mixed reviews - while some find it extremely well written, others describe it as awful. The book contains graphic scenes of abuse and rape, which some customers find disturbing. Customers appreciate the book's realism, with one noting the exceptional capacity humans have to be strong.

96 customers mention "Readability"80 positive16 negative

Customers find the book to be an amazing debut novel that hits home, with one customer describing it as hauntingly good.

"...If you can handle the trauma that is in this story then it is a great book to read, especially if it heals anything that you might be fighting as..." Read more

"...This is such an amazing book. Once you read it, I promise you will never ever forget it… don’t miss out one click this today!!" Read more

"...Shatter Me is one of the best debut novel I have read in a very long time. Ms. Grayson has powerful story telling voice!..." Read more

"...It was refreshing to read, at time hard to keep going, but so worth it in end!..." Read more

96 customers mention "Story quality"70 positive26 negative

Customers find the book's story captivating and suspenseful from the beginning, with one customer particularly impressed by the relationship between Jaxon and Bailey.

"...You showcased her strengths and how she began to find her way out of a nightmare that she hadn't been able to escape from until she found that small..." Read more

"...The author puts so much emotion in her writing it's so easy to be pulled in even when you might not be ready for it." Read more

"...With that said, this book is so many things; graphic, shocking, surprising, happy, sad, terrifying...." Read more

"...what im use to reading, something that's not too sweet but has a second chance for love. I got much more than I bargained for in this book...." Read more

32 customers mention "Character development"29 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the characters in the book, describing them as wonderful and sweetest Alpha men, with one customer noting the rawness and honesty of the heroine's character.

"...That being said, i hated to love this story. Both main characters were amazing and even the secondary ones...." Read more

"...In this story, our MMC was perfectly cast in his role. If you can stomach, the graphic violence, then this is a book you may want to read." Read more

"...The secondary characters in this story were great. Andrew and Anna were my favorite...." Read more

"...The second characters will make anything better (be on the look out for Andrew's t-shirts- they caused me to snort a vinaigrette dressing)..." Read more

20 customers mention "Realism"20 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the realism of the book, with one customer highlighting the hero's protective nature and another noting the exceptional capacity humans have to be strong.

"...He is a wonderful, patient man and never pushes Bailey to confide in him, although it's killing him not to know her secrets...." Read more

"...I appreciate the realism. The fact that just because you find a hunky guy that your issues aren't over...." Read more

"...He is kind, understanding and patient with Bailey and protects those he cares about with everything in him, which now includes Bailey...." Read more

"...I loved that Bailey found the courage and strength to break free, and I was glad that she had some support in doing so...." Read more

19 customers mention "Beauty"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book visually stunning, describing it as devastatingly beautiful with a man who is sexy beyond belief, and one customer notes that the graphic content wasn't glossed over or implied.

"...To read about such a beautiful, yet broken young woman who fought her way out of the pits of hell and found her joy, her heaven in a town called..." Read more

"...With that said, this book is so many things; graphic, shocking, surprising, happy, sad, terrifying...." Read more

"...Tattooed and pierced, the man is sexy beyond belief. The violet blue eyes, they had me from the get-go...." Read more

"...This being said, this book is beautiful. Heartbreaking. Amazing. It’s absolutely worth the read." Read more

103 customers mention "Heartbreaking"71 positive32 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the emotional content of the book, with some finding it heartwrenching and emotional, while others describe it as heartbreaking.

"...this book is so many things; graphic, shocking, surprising, happy, sad, terrifying. I read this in two nights, and I could not put it down...." Read more

"...come off sounding like Debbie Downer, but know that it is a tragically beautiful story that needs to be read...." Read more

"...The author managed to capture so many emotions and pour them into the book, which made me want to finish the book, even though I did not want it to..." Read more

"...It is a good but heart wrenching story. Beware though- a lot of SA is mentioned and hard to read about" Read more

65 customers mention "Writing quality"41 positive24 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some finding it extremely well written while others report numerous misspellings and find it hard to read.

"...I was invested even every word written and did not want it to end...." Read more

"...There is angst, no cheating, can be read as a standalone and the good news is that it ends in a hea with a slight twist in the end that almost had..." Read more

"...The trigger scenes are detailed and HARD to read...." Read more

"Well written. The characters were interesting. Threw a curve I was not expecting. Have a box of tissues handy because you will need them." Read more

42 customers mention "Violence"11 positive31 negative

Customers find the violence in the book disturbing, with multiple reviews mentioning graphic scenes of abuse and brutal rape descriptions.

"...The trigger scenes are detailed and HARD to read...." Read more

"This story contains a few violent scenes. Be warned. Bailey had a terrible childhood...." Read more

"...book is so many things; graphic, shocking, surprising, happy, sad, terrifying. I read this in two nights, and I could not put it down...." Read more

"...Its a beautiful story that has some tragically realistic violence...." Read more

An emotional rollercoaster
5 out of 5 stars
An emotional rollercoaster
Tropes: Dark Romance, Single Mother, Touch Her and 🔪 and Suspense Plot: 4/5 World Building: 4/5 Book Cover: 3.5/5 Hero: 4/5 Heroine: 4.5/5 Spice: 3/5 Pulls at heart strings: 4/5 Page Turner: 5/5 Angst: 4/5 Witty/Comedy: 0/5 Ending: 4/5 Triggers: 4/5 Overall view: 5/5 HEA: Yes Multiple POVs: No, there is only one chapter where you get MMC's POV Third act breakup: No Hero: Bailey Heroine: Jaxon Cheating: Yes, but neither cheating is by the FMC or the MMC This is NOT my first book by this author. 🚨 I try not to add spoilers to my review but some readers might think some of my opinions are spoilers so please read at your own risk 🚨 Brief Summary: Bailey's life has been nothing but difficult, her life has dealt her bad hand after bad hand. After a horrible childhood she fell in love with a man who she thought would save her from her childhood only to realize on her wedding night that she married a monster. Her husband did beyond awful things to her and after years of her surviving her monster of a husband she finally decides it's time to run and this is where our story begins..... My thoughts: Please check your triggers as this book has some heavy triggers that not all readers can read about ⚠️ This book begins without knowing much about what the FMC has gone through. We find out more and more of what she has survived due to all of the flashbacks 💔 This book, in my opinion really shows how strong a woman can be even after years and years of @buse ❤️‍🩹 Bailey ran 🏃‍♀️but she was smart about knowing her husband would come after her so she never stayed in one place long....until she met Jaxon and I cannot blame this woman for wanting to stay. This man was hot and so sweet to her. Jaxon didn't know what Bailey's past was but he noticed right away she was traumatized and needed someone who was patient with her and he allowed himself to be that for her. He not only protected her but was so patient with her, even when she didn't want to tell him everything she had been though he never pushed her. LOVE HIM ♥️ I love that once she decided to stay she finally was able to make a friend 👭 and that just warmed my heart ♥️ for her, she really needed a friend ♥️ This story did have some 🌶 but that wasn't the main focus of this story. But I loved that the author put this part in for Bailey so she could see what a loving man was since she had never experienced that before. I loved that his family and friends pulled Bailey into their circle ⭕️ quickly and accepted her even though she had a difficult time with it, they were all patient with her. ⚠️ POSSIBLE SPOILER ⚠️ What happened at the end just absolutely broke my heart 💔 I felt absolutely horrible for Bailey and Anna but the ending just showed how strong Bailey really was and how far she had come. It came with a huge sacrifice but I think it really showed the readers how truly awful Bailey had lived for so many years.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I started reading this story with a fully functioning beating heart and bit by bit this story broke a piece of it until by the end, I was shattered. I will warn you, to check the TW’s on the author’s website before reading as it contains some serious situations that can be triggering to some readers who have gone through similar traumas as the female main character. My heart broke for the FMC, Bailey. The trauma that she endured from the time she was a child were very heart wrenching and called to me, revealing my own past and although it wasn’t the same as Bailey’s it had me realizing I needed healing too. To read about such a beautiful, yet broken young woman who fought her way out of the pits of hell and found her joy, her heaven in a town called Jaded Hollow. I found it awe inspiring, giving me the chance to heal my own wounds and balling like a baby by the end of the book. If you can handle the trauma that is in this story then it is a great book to read, especially if it heals anything that you might be fighting as well.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    So this book is a rough one. Please read triggers ahead of time if you have issues with reading about certain things! That being said, i hated to love this story. Both main characters were amazing and even the secondary ones. My only issue is that after what she goes through, i don't see how it's possible for her to be with MMC so soon. I'm sorry, but that was a little unbelievable. I could see in time they could work but in the short time frame of this story. No way.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I agree with the author that there are many victims out there who are afraid to speak up. In the case of our FMC, she couldn’t speak up. No one would have believed her if she had. However, in the case of real life victims, there has to be one teacher, one neighbor, one friend who will speak up for them. We are their voice! We need to reach out on their behalf and see if there’s someway to help them. In this story, our MMC was perfectly cast in his role. If you can stomach, the graphic violence, then this is a book you may want to read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I knew there were trigger warnings but I was not prepared for all of that. It is a good but heart wrenching story. Beware though- a lot of SA is mentioned and hard to read about
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I wasn't sure if I'd like the book or not as I began reading. I started with the sample and was on the fence, but jumped off and grabbed the full copy before I could debate with myself. The descriptive portions on room details were my point of contention, (and a couple grammatical and spelling errors.. that are NOT distracting. I noticed them but they aren't enough to bug even me.. and I always notice those kinds of errors.) but now that I'm finished with the book.. I think I was just in one of those moods as I started to read. Because as soon as I had the full copy and began reading further, those wordier details formed into the pictures I'm used to when I read. I only include that in this review to mention it and assure any readers of this that may have the first instinct on that issue that I did that you should jump off that fence with me. Trust me.

    The book IS a hard read. If you have triggers.. this book WILL bring them to the surface. The trigger scenes are detailed and HARD to read. It's a story about an abusive relationship that is so horrific that it's impossible to read without feeling like laying down the book is the only option to not feel Bailey's pain. But it is accurate. It's detailed for a reason. You can't understand just how soul shattering all of her life has been for Bailey without those details. It's a miracle in itself that she's alive in the beginning of the story. And yet another miracle that she's still strong enough to make her escape and find a new life, trust and love again.

    **spoiler alert*

    What happened to Anna tore my heart out of my chest. I hate that her part of the story ended the way it did. But in the theme of this story.. I understand why the author took that path with her. The story isn't one that is filled with roses and love songs. It's an ugly story.. and one that happens every day to women across the globe. Those stories don't always end with a happily ever after.
    I AM so glad that Bailey's story ended the way it did. Yes, her story is horrific. And it's ugly. But she finds hope, love, understanding, acceptance.. and most of all, happiness after living a lifetime of misery. If ever a heroine in a book deserved a HEA.. it's Bailey. And Jaxson.. what an absolutely perfect Hero.

    I don't tend to write a lot of reviews. But this story hit home for me in some instances and left me with a strong emotional response. I had to comment. The strength of the author to tell this story is amazing. It can't have been easy to write. And I can only imagine how much hesitation may have been involved before publishing for the world to see with such detail involved. But I had to say to the author.. You handled the story with perfect care. Stuck to the truth of how her mental status would be. What emotions she would feel in each situation and how each gut wrenching encounter with Steven and his friends would have chipped away at her soul. You showcased her strengths and how she began to find her way out of a nightmare that she hadn't been able to escape from until she found that small town. Very well done. And thank you for giving Bailey her miracle in the end. She deserved it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. If there's a notification list, please count me in!
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • The Blonde Book Lover
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you have triggers, read the trigger warnings first. Amazing book.
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on April 1, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Title: Shatter Me
    Series: The Jades Series #1
    Author: Alex Grayson
    Publisher: Alex Grayson
    Edition: Kindle
    Amount of Pages: 241
    Genre: Dark, Romance, Suspense

    Cliffhanger: [ No (hide spoiler)]
    HEA/HFN: [ HEA (hide spoiler)]
    Cheating: [ No (hide spoiler)]
    Triggerwarnings: [ Rape, Sodomy, Abuse, Still born child (well it was basically child murder, Baileys husband throws her down the stairs and beats her when she is 8 months pregnant), Miscarriages (caused by her husband by beating her etc.), Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, child abuse, Most of this happened to Bailey in the past but she relives it in vivid detail. She and her friend Anna do get raped and beaten in the 'current time' as well. Anna dies because of the injuries inflicted to her during her captivity.
    Bailey was sexually assaulted when she was a child, it happend more than once. Her parents where drug addicts that did nothing to protect her and if I recall correctly they got off watching people assault her. (hide spoiler)]
    Love Triangle: [ No (hide spoiler)]
    Insta Love/ Insta Lust: [ No (hide spoiler)]
    Single Parent/Kids/Pregnancy: [ There is a pregnancy in the epilogue. (hide spoiler)]

    Date Read: 11-02-2020

    Favorite Quote: “Each story needs to be heard."

    Review:
    This book was intense. You definitely need to be in the mood to read this. And you have to be mentally prepared for this book. I felt so bad for Bailey reading what happend to her. And the thought that this happens to so many women out there is, well it gets you to think.
    This book handled terrible issues so well. It shows that problems don't go away in a heartbeat and that it takes time to overcome trauma.

    What is this book about:
    Bailey didn't have it easy growing up. Her drug addicted parents never cared for her and certainly didn't look after her or love her. She thought things would get better for her when she met her husband at collage. She hoped she'd get the love she always hoped for. But she is mistaken. After they got married he started to change. His behavior started to get worse and worse. See the trigger warning spoiler if you want more details. It is terrible what happend to her. After one terrible event she got the courage to get out with the help of her friend. She ran away from him.
    On one of her stops, she gets a bar tending job in order to get some money so she can move on. She didn't count on staying in this small town. She didn't count on meeting people that would grow to become her friends and family, and she certainly didn't count on the hot, charming, and protective owner of the bar, Jaxon, to be interested in her. But more importantly she didn't count on being interested in him as well? She didn't know what it could feel like to be loved and respected and not be afraid of a man.
    Sadly, the dark cloud that is her husband is still hanging over her, she knows with his connections it's only a matter of time that he will find her and this time she won't get out of it alive.

    What did I like/love:
    I loved Jackson, he was such a perfect man. He was respectful and respective and protective of the people he loved. He has been through his own fair share of pain in the past but it made him who he is. And the way he is with Bailey is just perfect.
    I loved Bailey as well, she went through so much and my heart went out for her, I wished I could have jumped in the book and help her.
    The supporting characters where great as well. I really want to learn their stories was well.

    What did I dislike/hate:
    /

    Rating:
    5 Intensely amazing stars
  • Jaclyn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Holy Moly
    Reviewed in Canada on August 17, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Alex sure threw me for a loop on this one. I did not know what to expect and this was a welcome surprise. The plot could have some triggers so be sure to check the triggers if you have any.

    This is book 1 of a series and you will be interested to see more from Alex after you read this book.
  • licia
    2.0 out of 5 stars OTT drama... not really beliveble to me
    Reviewed in Italy on October 6, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    2.5
    How can you see a resemblance in a premature baby of eight months ... and be so sure who the father is, I wonder... bah! And is it really possible to track a prepaid phone cell?
  • Rachelh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truly emotional...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 13, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I was introduced to this series by a friend and I am delighted to add another great author to my ever growing list.
    This story had it all...it was raw and gritty...heartfelt and emotional and I loved every word of it.
    Bailey was a woman who had been through some horrific things and in trying to make a new path for herself she meets Jaxon.
    Jaxon was a typical Alpha male on first meet but there was so much more to him than that, he quite simply was a beautiful man with a beautiful soul....Bailey had been through awful things but she was so strong and tenacious and a really lovable girl, you wanted her to find her slice of happiness.
    This book took me on an emotional ride at times it was shocking, at times beautiful and at times I was desperately sad by the events that occurred.
    So hang on tight and get ready because it will draw you in and spit you out and leave you breathless....
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars What an emotional read
    Reviewed in Australia on August 30, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book was recommended to me and I could not put it down. This is my first book from Alex and am definitely going to read more!
    This book features Bailey our heroine who is on the run from an abusive past. She happens upon a little town and due to dwindling funds needs to find a job to keep her going. We meet some amazing characters along the way. Beautifully Broken will take you on highs and very emotional lows.
    Be aware that this book has triggers and is quite graphic with the trauma that Bailey has experienced.
    I love that at the end of the book Alex explains why the details are so graphic and I have nothing but praise for the reasons.
    Thank you for the raw and honest writing.

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