I left home a proud, strong woman, determined and eager to support my country. But I came back a completely different person.I’m wounded, scarred, and nothing more than an empty shell. I’ve lost my ability to open up to those closest to me. Why? Because no one understands. No one knows the hell I’ve been through.Every time I close my eyes the nightmares are there, waiting, lurking in the shadows, … waiting, lurking in the shadows, ready to torment me further. My only escape is the sting of alcohol, the burn that numbs my pain. Everyone sees it as a weakness, calls it a coping mechanism. I call it survival.
I’m a lost cause…until I meet him—a Boston cop with demons of his own, who knows what it’s like to be haunted by his past. He understands my pain, knows all about the nightmares, and makes me feel less…alone.
But we are both broken, tainted by our pasts. How can we heal each other when we’re both shattered souls?
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This book was so much more than just a quick read romance. The book’s title, Shattered Souls, is a true reflection of the emotional journey of healing and personal redemption that is found in its pages. Lexi and Keegan’s struggles to overcome PTSD reminded me of how important it is to be genuinely grateful for the sacrifices of those who serve our country and communities. Alison Mello masterfully told a story of patience, perseverance and resiliency in a way that grabbed hold of my heart and didn’t let go; I didn’t expect this book to be an emotional read but it absolutely was. One of the things I most appreciated about the book was the way the dialogue flowed between the characters – it was conversational rather than just a retelling and was crafted in such a way that it added an element of realism to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and plan to continue on with the series.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a look into what life can be like after war. A love story that you can’t help but feel.
A Very Heartfelt Story
Not only will you need tissues but your heart will ache a bit with this story of loss for both Lexi and Keegan. Each are dealing with PTSD and learning to cope with loss of family or friends will take awhile to begin to heal again. But with each others strengths they will begin to heal their shattered souls.
Lexi only had 3 weeks left of her tour in the sand box when her convoy is hit by a RPG which takes the lives of several of her team and her best friend. After recovering stateside she goes to Boston to stay with her best friend Chloe. But PTSD has her drinking too much until Keegan who is Chloe’s new patrol partner decides to help her out with the help of a therapist she will begin to heal and fall in love with Keegan.
Keegan grew up with a junkie mother who let unspeakable things happen to her son for the drugs and food they need. But when his partner is killed the toll is too much leading him to seek help. With he meets Lexi he sees a shattered person but also knows that together they can help each other. When he meets Jamal whose mother is a junkie the memories comes full circle and reaches out to show him that there’s a new life for him with the help of Lexi who will mentor him.
Absolutely loved this book but remember to bring tissues you won’t be disappointed or regret buying this book
This story is about two shattered souls, who both overcome traumatic situations. I felt like I was part of Keegan and Lexi’s journey and was routing for them. They worked so hard to be whole again and they had a great support system. This was a very emotional and relatable book for me. I hope to hear more about them in the future. This is a must read, I couldn’t put it down.
This was such a powerful read. I found myself in tears at the emotional turmoil, the fear, that goes on in the minds of these two. Tissues were needed. I found myself in awe of the strength and hope that finding each other gave them.
Other than a few minor editing issues, this book was well written and definitely worth the read.
This is my first book by Alison Mello, but it WON’T be the last!! This story pulls at your heartstrings. It is full of love, crying, action, hope, ugly, and support. I loved reading Keegan and Lexi’s story!!! I can’t wait to find out what comes next!!
Keegan and Lexi are both shattered. Losing someone you call friend is a very violent way is not easy to deal with. While Keegan is dealing with his he still won’t talk about it.
Lexi is not dealing well at all.
Only when they meet and see their own pain in each other can they start to move forward and begin to open up.
Allison Mello is new to me as an author and I believe I will enjoy seeing how she grows into her craft. The storyline and the characters were engaging and interesting. The writing was a bit choppy in places but did not take away from the story. I would be interested in seeing more of this couple in other stories either as the main or as supporting characters.
This book was a gift from a friend.
3.5 Stars
My first Allison Mello book, it had the makings of being a very good book, but unfortunately it just didn’t quite hit the mark. I absolutely loved that the person returning from active service was a female, generally PTSD stories are based on males. From the opening pages I felt there wasn’t enough description for me to connect with the characters or to envision the scenes. Both of the two main characters are thrown into insta-love on sight. Then a pet peeve of mine is spelling errors and missed words, there were numerous to be found. I was left wanting so much more from this story.
Lexi returns from Afghanistan after being wounded, suffering PTSD she turns to Jose Cuervo. However Keegan takes her under his wing, even though he has his own demons to fight. If any one can understand what Lexi is going through it’s Keegan, he’s patient and talks her into seeking some help. All this is done whilst he romances her and he certainly knows his way around a bedroom.
Keegan’s buddy and last partner was killed whilst on duty, now he has a new female partner, who happens to be best friends with Lexi. He’s still seeing a therapist, trying to sort through everything going on in his mind. When he first sees Lexi, he’s drawn to her. On closer inspect he sees her pain and decides to help her through it. Whilst he may understand what she has been through, is he the right person for her? Will their relationship be doomed by their careers?
A Heartfelt Story that looks at the lives of two broken people, trying to come to terms with the loss and guilt they both feel towards losing someone special to them.
I really enjoyed Keegan and Lexi’s story, they had an instant connection and their chemistry was electric. I especially loved Julien, my heart broke for him.
I really enjoyed this story.
So much depth to these characters with not just the obvious shattered souls!
The chemistry between Lexi and Keegan was immense and I just had to keep reading to know what their story was. I loved reading about Julian’s story too.
There was so much emotion in this book, which was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
I was a little slow working into this story, but once all the distractions were out of the way, I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed the way that Lexie and Keegan met and the relationships it included. There could NOT have been a more fitting title for Lexie & Keegan’s story. I sure enjoyed the slow growth of their relationship and understanding they had for each other and their pasts. I REALLY liked Keegan but the book is full of wonderful characters that made it a very good story. I like a book like this that catches me off guard and makes me gasp out loud. Or another scene that took me by surprise. I especially liked that the author offered organizations contact information regarding PTSD.
I won an ebook of Shattered Souls in a contest in a social media site.
I’m a fan of well written characters. When I can envision being their friend or I hate them so much I want to throw my kindle I know I’m reading a good book! Melo does not disappoint. I could totally be Lexi’s BFF except that I’m a little in love with her man!
Melo takes an important and emotional topic and portrays her characters in a very real way. I cried my way through parts of this book and yelled at the Kindle a few times. There were parts I was convinced that Lexi and Keegan wouldn’t get their HEA. I can only hope that Melo continues their story.
This isn’t just a military story, not your standard read at all!
Yes we have the military parts, Lexi is trying to adjust to her life as a civilian, along with PTSD issues and all the anger and loss she feels over her time spent overseas. After a loss she’s having a hard time coming to grips with she meets Keegan, and it’s not what she expected!
Keegan, I was amazed by his strength. He’s not your average cop and he sees something in Lexi from the beginning but he also has a tragic past!
Will these two be what the other needs or is the damage life has caused them too deep to let them connect?
When the past comes back to haunt Keegan will he be strong enough to face it? And is Lexi going to let her demons win before her new life starts?
I just know the title on this was perfect, they were definitely two Shattered Souls and I was rooting for them both to have a happy ending!
I absolutely love this book. It got my attention from the beginning and never let go. Amazing characters and an unforgettable storyline will make this a favorite of any reader. Alison Mello has done it once again!!! A real page Turner that will keep you up late into the night!!!
This book brought back so many memories for me!!
Shattered Souls is a beautiful love story between Keegan and Lexi, who managed to not only heal each other but finally make each other whole! This story takes us through loss, grief and healing. It is definitely worth your time to read!
Shattered Souls is an emotional read that will have you laughing, crying and cheering for Lexi and Keegan at the same time. I loved every page of this book. Lexi and Keegan are perfect for each other. They both suffer from things that have happened in their pasts and are having trouble living with survivor’s guilt, but can they help each other heal. The journey Keegan and Lexi go on to get their HEA is powerful and heartwarming at the same time. I definitely recommend this book to everyone looking for a great book to read.
Alison Mello has a way of drawing her readers into the stories she writes. Keegan and Lexi, both have their demons that keep them from a loving relationship but they are both drawn to each other. Will the darkness in the past keep them from forming that bond or will they overcome and be together? This was a quick read but full of emotions that spill over. As the reader, I couldn’t put it down until I had read the whole book. I highly recommend this book and will be eagerly waiting for the next book in this series!
What can I say about Shatter Souls… have your tissues ready unless you’re just cold hearted. Alison Mello did an epic job with Shattered Souls. Finally a decent military romance book with the lady being in service. Kudos!! Shattered Souls had me laughing, in ugly tears, and I still could not put this book down. You will fall in love with Keegan and Lexi as they find themselves with each other’s help along the way. I highly recommend this book!
Shattered Souls is the perfect title since Keegan and Lexi left me with a shattered soul.
The flashbacks blend perfectly with the present throughout the book giving you a glimpse into Keegan and Lexi’s past. Keegan and Lexi are both battling crippling losses in their lives and now both are struggling with moving on from the nightmares that continue to haunt them. Their PTSD proves that just because someone looks like they alright on the outside, doesn’t mean they are not falling apart inside.
Can the shattered pieces of their souls be glued back together?
I know they could melt them back together! Keegan and Lexi can steam up the pages and then you can put that fire out with water from the tears you will be fighting back.
Such an emotional read that will rattle you and make you basically want to hug everyone you know that wears a uniform.