Getting married at eighteen wasn’t the smartest idea but … I’d been in love. Bryce, with his perfect words, his money, and all-American good looks. He had pulled me in, and when he spit me out, I’d barely been left alive. Now at twenty two and divorced, I just wanted to build a life for myself on my own terms. Free of fear. First job. First crappy apartment. First taste of freedom. Enter Ethan … freedom.
Enter Ethan King. The guy from high school I never had a chance with. As the leader of the local motorcycle gang, he’s not exactly an outstanding citizen, but he’s the one bright spot in my life. He’s exactly what I need right now. Until Bryce, who never could accept losing, decides he’s not ready to let me go. And if there is one thing I know about that monster, it’s that he has no problem destroying everything in my world.
Only this time I have Ethan King. And no one messes with a King.
Full length- standalone novel with adult sex scenes.
Dark romance with HEA
more
Some intense moments of cruel reality but the strength and courage of the whole story leaves you bubbling with excitement and joy! Love Hailey and her growth and realization and brains to finally give in to love. Great read, couldn’t stop til the end and such sweet satisfaction it was!
I’m a fan of Leia Stone’s other works; this is my first time reading a non-supernatural book by her.
The book does explore the theme of abuse and the difficulties in trying to leave an abusive relationship. I liked the problems the main character had in convincing the police of the abusive behavior/stalking done by her ex; it reflected the problems we have currently in people getting out of (and trying to get out of) abusive relationships. I also enjoyed the attempts at gaslighting done by the ex-husband; it showed how abusers try to manipulate their victims.
I felt some disconnect with the main character’s portrayal as an abuse survivor; it seemed like the author wanted to gloss over some of the negative ramifications and psychological issues that might happen after leaving a long-term abusive relationship. Also, typically, it takes an abuse survivor at least seven times before finally leaving their abuser. Her leaving after only one attempt seemed a bit too optimistic for a realistic situation.
I enjoyed the main character’s drive to get her life back and her plan out her future. She planned out her escape and left her abuser. I appreciated her intelligence and her chosen future profession.
The perfect blend of resiliency, angst and soul-aching romance! I loved the depth and complexity of all the characters and was rooting for Hailey as she overcome challenge after challenge. The story hooked me from the first pages and I loved how emotionally engaging the story was. I couldn’t put it down and found myself lost in the story multiple times. It was powerful and expertly written, an absolute must-read! As for the narration, top-notch! I’m a fan of Moyen’s abilities and she did an excellent job giving each character their own unique voice. I felt their voices also matched how I imagined them and helped further the emotional impact of the story for me.
*I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
Captivating, Suspenseful, & Enchantingly Heartfelt… “Wrecked” by Leia Stone is a realistically disturbing portrait of a woman’s fight to save herself, start over, and find what she thought had long ago been lost and broken. The story of Hailey Willows, a twenty-two year old fleeing an abusive marriage to the sadistic, emotionally unhinged Bryce, and escaping back to her hometown. Her goal, start over and reclaim her life, during which she encounters childhood friend, Ethan Black, the boy who comforted her after her mother’s overdose death as a child, and is now a quiet, solitary repair shop owner who started a motorcycle club to help keep his friends and chosen family out of gangs and off the streets.
It is a captivating tale that will capture your heart. It is a truly haunting and beautifully written book that shines a painful spotlight on the devastating consequences of emotional and physical abuse. And, how sometimes, even the quietest souls can become the most ferocious warriors when protecting those they truly love, becoming a needed light within the darkness.
It is an gut twisting journey that will propel you back and forth between anger, elation, and a solid case of the “awwwws”. With carefully constructed characters, and complex emotional themes intertwined throughout, Stone carefully layers each violent and demoralizing level of Hailey’s torment at the hands of her ex-husband and follows her through each timid yet fiercely determined step toward healing and true love. You get to watch as she navigates finding her own strength, her own wants and needs, her own goals, all while the ever steady, patient, and loving Ethan quietly has her back. And all while the evil Bryce stalks them both from the shadows, an ever present demon hell bent on reclaiming what he sees as his.
It is a wonderful mix of heart pounding psychopathic suspense, horror movie worthy violence, and swoon worthy love and loyalty.
My only complaint, there were some aspects that for me, were a bit too brief and clipped. The first seventy percent of the book is a slower but wonderfully rich build up to the growing connection between Hailey and Ethan, as well as, final showdown with Bryce. However, once at the mountain ski lodge it rather rapidly fires through Ethan’s attack to the end. The pace picks up so rapidly in fact, that some of the earlier heart-in-your-throat moments are lost. Furthermore, from this point on the final few scenes feel cut short, almost stunted in a way that made me feel as though I was missing some of Ethan and Hailey’s journey toward the end declarations and outcomes that I desperately wanted to be a part of as a reader.
I get really invested in darker themed, emotional reads such as this one. But with a darker theme comes a need for the intense emotionality to flow all the way through to the end so you feel a full sense of closure, good or bad. However, all things considered “Wrecked” is still a phenomenal read and one I happily plucked from Kindle Unlimited-land and purchased outright so I didn’t have to give it back 🙂
I really loved reading this book and I finished it in one sitting. This book was so captivating and I love how Leia Stone was able to tell such a tragic story with such perfection. The story didn’t feel like it was missing anything due to the length, but I also could have enjoyed if it were a bit longer simply because it was such a good story. It was written so well. The book was free of any obvious errors and the flow of the story was perfect. Everything that was presented in the book was relevant and meaningful. Overall, this is an excellent book. Leia Stone has created an amazing story. For those who are able to read a book with the abuse and violence presented in this one (to clarify, there is not any graphic/physical violence) will truly be in for a great read. This book is sweet and short. I loved it and I think you will too!
5 Stars for Wrecked by Leila Stone. This is a dark romance that involves a stalker . While it is dark I will say that is no the complete focus. Hailey has gonna back to her home town after leaving her abusive ex husband. She got married at 18 and hasn’t had much of a life , then she runs into someone who meant something to her in her past Ethan King. Ethan King seems to be a bad boy biker but can Hailey handle someone like him after what she has been through. “You’re not broken, you just haven’t finished putting yourself back together yet.”
Just when things are getting good between them someone from the past is back with vengeance . This book had me swept up from page one. It is steamy, sexy, dark and filled with suspense . I loved every thing about it. Great work Leia Stone! One a side note this cover is extremely sexy. Luv it !
I absolutely loved this book. and I’m not surprised because I love everything that Leia Stone writes. But, this book in particular really stood out for me. The hero is dreamy and the heroine’s growth is amazing. I loved it. Every second of it.
get up 10
Broken but free. Its all Hailey ever wanted.. to be free and start new but psycho ex wont leave her alone. Good thing she has a guardian angel. He is no saint and likes to get a little dirty. With his help she finally starts living again and faces the music. Heart wrenching , tear jerker, suspenseful and steamy! I read this with my kindle unlimited.
I don’t normally write reviews, but this book deserves one. I could NOT put it down. I got a sneak peak at the first two chapters during a newsletter from Leia. I. Was. Hooked. I didn’t have much in common with the main character except choosing the wrong guy for too long, and that’s all it took. Certain elements just hit home and rang true: wrong guy, trying to be an independent woman, t1 diabetes is scary as hell, and finding decent human beings to be your chosen family. Knocked this book out in less than half a day. Highly recommend.
Amazed!!!
OMG, can’t believe what I just read!!! … Leia you did a wolderful job, can’t believe how amazing the story line is, the MC, of course I fell for Ethan as everybody else did, can’t help it, he’s out of this world… This book is a page turner, you won’t be able to put it down, sleep is overrated … Unexpected twists and turns will keep you biting your nails, and that ending … So satisfied with the HEA!!! … A MUST READ book!!!
Oh em gee. It’s been a while since a book’s given me a book hangover but I sure do have one now. I wanted a quick, steamy read, but found myself drawing this out and savoring each chapter. It was much more of an emotional rollercoaster than I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. There are really only a few steamy scenes but it has just he right amount for the situation. I was prepared for more of a romance book, but it’s a much more emotional story of recovery. The characters are easily relatable even though I’ve never been in an abusive relationship. I have had a stalker though, and she absolutely hit the nail on the head for that portion of the book. The story is absolutely gripping from the start and locks you in until the end. The supporting best friend character was a breath of fresh air to break up the gravity of the turmoil Hailey has. It’s heartwrenching and uplifting all at once. I sincerely applaud Stone for embracing such a difficult taboo subject, and how she addresses it with raw emotion yet class. I sincerely cannot stop raving about this book and how well written it was.
I must say that I really love the main character in this book. Hailey 2.0 is truly a inspiring woman. There is a *trigger warning* that comes with this book….Violence and abuse are present in this book. Without going into possible spoilers just know that Hailey is awesome. There is a swoon worthy hot guy in this book as well. He’s amazing and I loved him right away. I was hooked from the beginning of the book and I was unable to put the book down. It is that good. So intense. Gah! I loved it.
I Absolutely Devoured This ‘Stalker’ Read.It’s Dark But Not Consumed In Darkness!!
Wrecked
Hailey returns to her roots after escaping from her marriage to a millionaire control freak with severe anger issues & more!! An old friend from her original School, Angela, hooks her up with a waitressing job, with her, at a biker bar – beggars can’t be choosers & the tips are great!! Bryce, her Ex-Husband, took everything from her when she left, so she needs every cent she can get!
Ethan King was a few years older than Hailey at School but he’d had a profound effect on her with the one conversation they’d ever had! He was gorgeous then but now he was breathtaking, tall, rock hard tattooed muscles & sexy eyes with a killer smile! The bad boy biker was dangerous, especially to a broken & vulnerable woman in complete lust with him!Thankfully Ethan wants to help her & an uneasy, sexually charged, friendship is born.
Things are just starting to settle in Hailey’s life, she’s reaching for her dreams slowly but surely …. Then, in one way or another, Bryce starts turning up
Initially his acts don’t seem all that sinister, from the outside. But the dread & fear that emanates from Hailey, then through the page to us readers, is plain spine tinglingly creeptastic!! Things ratchet up, bit by bit, until her terror & burning fury becomes ours too!!
I loved this read. Often dark romances are soooo dark they cross too many lines that I just can’t handle. Thankfully, even with some horrible trigger based scenes, her friendships & determination manage to keep a light shining bright in the darkness! I never felt dragged down, creeped out & scared for her- definitely – but not weighted down throughout! I adored the characters, Ethan was perfect!!
A must read for me!
Debbie, 1970, UK
I absolutely loved this book! I fell in love with the characters and loved their up and down journey. This book touches on things that many can relate too. A wonderful book in a new genre by a fabulous author!
Dark Romance at its best!
This story was very intense and completely captivating. It will break your heart and then fill you with powerful emotions of love and passion.
Hailey and Ethan are amazing characters. Hailey is broken emotionally. She has just escaped a very abusive marriage with barely the clothes on her back. She is determined to make it on her own and to be the strong woman she knows she can be. Ethan is everything she needs. He’s strong, powerful but not aggressive or pushy. He’s the kind of man every girl wants in her life. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s extremely sexy and growly! Everything about their story is entertaining, intense and very powerful emotionally. Their story had me fully engaged and never wanting it to end.
Exceptional writing and storytelling. I hope that this fantastic author decides to write more stories like this. It was utterly fantastic and amazing. Highly recommend.