Review of 'Nearly Broken' by Devon Ashley

Nearly Broken
by Devon Ashley
Release Date: 06/04/13

Summary from Goodreads:

We’d both gone missing at one point, but Claire had one thing I didn’t. Someone to notice. So why was I the one still here and she the one still gone?

Nineteen year old Megan Smith has spent the past year working in a small town diner in the middle of nowhere. Life is quiet, simple, safe. Then comes the news that her look-a-like has gone missing.

Claire.

Still damaged both physically and mentally, Megan's not looking to be noticed. Wherever she goes from here, it's a road she needs to take alone. But when Nickolas Ellis takes the job as the new nightshift cook, it scares her how easily her defenses crumble down, down, down for him. But there are secrets she can't bear to share with just anyone, unspeakable acts that continue to haunt, and when the similarities of Claire’s abduction couples with the fear of an unwanted visitor in town, the urge to run before it all happens again intensifies, threatening the only happiness Megan's ever found.

New Adult Romantic Suspense / Realistic Fiction
Recommended for 17+ for mature and disturbing situations, language and sexual content.

**My thoughts**

'Nearly Broken' broke my heart. Megan is so badly damaged and alone and scared from unspeakable traumas in her past. I honestly don't know how she is supposed to get over all of it, especially as more and more of her physical, mental, and emotional abuse comes to light. She finds some solace in Nickolas, even though she can't explain it. But even he can't protect her from the dangers that still exist for her, as well as her inner demons.

It's difficult to get into all of those demons and her relationship with Nick without giving away a lot of spoilers. Nick is an amazing man, who is able to stand by her side, even as he finds out more and more about Megan. He leads her to another amazing group of people who are extremely supportive. Most girls in her situation unfortunately do not have such support. They are also usually so broken that the don't even seem to notice that it is missing.

Megan is an extremely strong woman, despite all of the damage that has been done to her. It is that strength that has helped her to be a survivor in spite of everything, and that will help her to persevere in the future. With even more help, this may continue to be a reality.

Her story is one that doesn't seem possible, yet happens more than we are aware. Readers will need a strong stomach to read about her horrors; yet even us strong ones will be appalled at her story. Yet, you will be compelled to keep on reading.

I felt that the characters were pretty well developed. They continued to grow and evolve as the story went on. The story seemed solid. Just as I was getting comfortable (like the characters), I was starting to wonder where the twist would come into play. BAM it came from out of nowhere, though I did anticipate it. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion, though much more is possible. You aren't going to be able to read this book and not want to know what happens next. This book has to end where it does, but it looks like a sequel is quite possible. I really hope so. I am attached to Megan now.

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About the Author

Devon Ashley was born in Huntington Beach but has spent most of her life residing in Texas. She spends a great deal of her time taking care of her husband and son but always seems to find time to write, knit and create unique decorative pieces. She particularly likes to write Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.

Interesting Fact: Devon Ashley shares her birthday with her favorite author, Jane Austen.

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