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From the New York Times bestselling author of Archer's Voice, Mia Sheridan delivers a heartwrenching new standalone contemporary romance.

A broken woman . . .

Crystal learned long ago that love brings only pain. Feeling nothing at all is far better than being hurt again. She guards her wounded heart behind a hard exterior and carries within her a deep mistrust of men, who, in her experience, have only ever used and taken.

A man in need of help . . .

Then Gabriel Dalton walks into her life. Despite the terrible darkness of his past, there's an undeniable goodness in him. And even though she knows the cost, Crystal finds herself drawn to Gabriel. His quiet strength is wearing down her defenses and his gentle patience is causing her to question everything she thought she knew.

Only love can mend a shattered heart . . .

Crystal and Gabriel never imagined that the world, which had stolen everything from them, would bring them a deep love like this. Except fate will only take them so far, and now the choice is theirs: Harden their hearts once again or find the courage to shed their painful pasts.

Looking forward to start this tomorrow! This is my second book by Mia Sheridan :)

Just started :)

Prologue (view spoiler)[This is a sad start. I pity that young girl so much. Her dying mother have no choice but to leave her with her biological father who doesn't want any responsibilities. :( I hope she wasn't abuse under his care (hide spoiler)]

Sorry Bea, I'll start this a bit late. Probably tonight :)

Rachmi wrote: "Sorry Bea, I'll start this a bit late. Probably tonight :)"

It's okay, Rachmi. Take your time :)

Beatrice wrote: "Prologue [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[It really is sad. But I think it will be one hell of a life for her, what with that kind of father he is. (hide spoiler)]

Rachmi wrote: "Beatrice wrote: "Prologue [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ The father was a douchebag. 🙄🔪 (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1-3 (view spoiler)[Crystal grew and works as a stripper and Gabriel wants her help on getting touched? From being kidnapped and escaped his captor, I think he cannot tolerate being touched by someone he doesn't trust... 🤔 (hide spoiler)]

Beatrice wrote: "Chapter 1-3 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[As much as it seems impossible, I think it makes sense, in a way. He surely cannot ask it to someone else, as he doesn't have someone close other than his brother and his dad's best friend, and I think he did it because he wants to know more about Chloe or at least make his interview with her bearable. So he asks someone else, someone whom he hasn't trust but feels like he can trust. So Crystal it is. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[I wonder if the quote in each chapter has anything to do with the characters. From the prequel we know that Crystal's real name is Ellie. So Eloise is fit as her real name. And here Gabriel's dad called him Racer which is the name in which the quote is taken from in previous chapter. But then there are also Shadow, Gambit and Lemon Fair. I wonder who they are, eh could Lemon Fair be Crystal's mom? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9 (view spoiler)[I understand why Dominic doesn't trust Crystal. But I hope he isn't being a jerk to her. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[As much as I understand that Crystal/Ellie is hurting and she has reasons for it, she is being unfair to Gabriel. Since the beginning he only shows her nothing but kind intention. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14 (view spoiler)[Chloe is so kind but somehow I still cannot trust her. I'm afraid that she is in love with Gabriel. But if she is indeed kind I want her to be with Dominic instead. (hide spoiler)]

Rachmi wrote: "Chapter 7 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I was wondering the same too. At first I thought it was just a coincident and realized by chapter 4 hmm... something is significant about this. Leomn Fair might be Crystal's mom, Shadow ... maybe George? Gambit, not sure who (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4 - 8 (view spoiler)[ Crystal just triggered Gabriel so bad by sending another woman in the room instead of her. It was awful. Poor Gabe :( (hide spoiler)]

Beatrice wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Chapter 7 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

I finished it this morning but I'm not telling you about this, hahaha.

Beatrice wrote: "Chapter 4 - 8 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[She's so awful to him! I feel like I want to yell at her for sending him another woman. (hide spoiler)]

Rachmi wrote: "Beatrice wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Chapter 7 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

I finished it this morning but I'm not telling you about this, hahaha."

Gaah! I can't wait to find out! I stopped at Chapter 9 and will continue tomorrow hehe

Chapter 9 - 12 (view spoiler)[ I understand Dominic's concern and protectiveness on Gabriel. I hope he gives Crystal the benefit of the doubt.

Crystal / Ellie and Gabriel have similarities. Both are hurt and broken from their past but coped differently. Gabriel has a warm personality. He's humble, selfless and caring. Ellie slowly lowers her defenses but she's still outright rude. (hide spoiler)]

Beatrice wrote: "Chapter 9 - 12 ..."

(view spoiler)[Dominic is just plain rude and cruel to Ellie, but like you said I understand why he acted that way. I think it makes sense. (hide spoiler)]

Beatrice wrote: "Chapter 1-3 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I don't think it's just about trust. Sometimes you just need to get used to something, to convince yourself that it's okay. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7
(view spoiler)[How could she do that?! I get her wanting to push him away, but she knows how difficult physical contact is for him. That was really cruel. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9
(view spoiler)[The first time we met Dominic, he was watching porn. He has no fucking right to judge her! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14
(view spoiler)[I didn't think Dom could get any worse. I was wrong. I'm not sure how he's going to come back from that. Emily, I hope, will come back. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 23
(view spoiler)[As sad as it is, I'm really glad she's taking time to herself. She was becoming too emotionall dependant on Gabriel. This is a good development. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13 - 17 (view spoiler)[ I want to smack Dominic so hard. What an asshole 🙄 Ellie's revelation 😱😔 So mad at her father for not protecting his own kid from a rapist.

No complains on Gabriel. He's such an angel 😍💖💖💖 (hide spoiler)]

Bea, how are you? Are you well now?

Beatrice wrote: "Chapter 13 - 17.

No complains on Gabriel. He's such an ..."

He really is. His personalities suit his name perfectly.

Quirks, sorry I didn't get notification for your comments. I only got one now once Beatrice comment again.

Rachmi wrote: "Bea, how are you? Are you well now?"

Hi Rachmi! I'm feeling better after having a good rest. I still have to go back to my doctor next week after my diagnostic exams.

Rachmi wrote: "Beatrice wrote: "Chapter 13 - 17.

No complains on Gabriel. He's such an ..."

He really is. His personalities suit his name perfectly."

I hope he and Ellie make amends sooner. haha! I'm on chapter 18 but will continue tomorrow

Beatrice wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Bea, how are you? Are you well now?"

Hi Rachmi! I'm feeling better after having a good rest. I still have to go back to my doctor next week after my diagnostic exams."

I hope everything is well on your diagnostic exam and when you go to the doctor again next week.

Beatrice wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Beatrice wrote: "Chapter 13 - 17.

No complains on Gabriel. He's such an ..."

He really is. His personalities suit his name perfectly."

I hope he and Ellie make amends sooner. hah..."

They will for sure. I forgot how many chapters there are in the book but I love the last few chapters.

Rachmi wrote: "Beatrice wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Bea, how are you? Are you well now?"

Hi Rachmi! I'm feeling better after having a good rest. I still have to go back to my doctor next week after my diagnostic exam..."

Thank you, Rachmi 😊

Quirks wrote: "Chapter 14
[spoilers removed]"

I'm furious on his actions. So rude

Beatrice wrote: "Quirks wrote: "Chapter 14
[spoilers removed]"

I'm furious on his actions. So rude"

Agree, I never thought that he will act that rude though. I mean I understand when he talk bad about her at the beginning but then, again and again he's beyond rude to her.

Side note: I love George. Like Gabriel, he's a genuine guy.

George really is great.

Finished.
I really like it especially the last 3-5 chapters. :)