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Hades Hangmen #3
Souls Unfractured
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Romance (2015)"For fractured souls are like magnets.
Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss…"
Labeled a ‘Cursed’ woman of Eve from birth, Maddie has endured nothing but pain and repression at the hands of The Order’s most abusive elder, Moses. Now living with her sister in The Hangmen’s secluded compound, finally, Maddie, is free. Free from the suffocating faith she no longer believes in. Free from endless years of physical and mental torment.
Just… free…
At age twenty-one, the timid and shy Maddie is content to live within the confines of her new home—safe from the outside world, safe from harm and, strangely, protected by the Hangmen’s most volatile member; the heavily pierced and tattooed, Flame.
Flame.
The man who ceaselessly watches over her with his midnight dark and searing eyes. The man who protects her with a breath-taking intensity. And the man who stirs something deep within her numbed heart.
But when circumstances conspire for Flame to need HER help, Maddie bravely risks it all for the broken man who has captivated her fragile soul.
The Hangmen’s most infamous member, Flame, is ruled by one thing—anger. Plagued by haunting demons from his past, an all-consuming rage, and isolated by an abhorrent hatred of being touched, Flame's days are filled with suffocating darkness, pierced only by a single ray of light—Maddie. The shy, beautiful woman he cannot purge from his thoughts. The woman he has an overwhelming need to possess…
... the only person who has ever been able to touch him.
Flame’s mission in life is to protect Maddie, to keep her safe. Until a trigger from his troubled past sends him spiraling into madness, trapping him in the deepest recesses of his disturbed mind.
His Hangmen brothers fear that Flame is beyond saving.
His only hope of salvation: Maddie and her healing light.
Dark Contemporary Romance.
Contains explicit sexual situations, violence, disturbingly sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language, and very mature topics.
Recommended for age 18 years and over.
The Hades Hangmen series has been taken down from Amazon and is no longer for sale.
Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss…"
Labeled a ‘Cursed’ woman of Eve from birth, Maddie has endured nothing but pain and repression at the hands of The Order’s most abusive elder, Moses. Now living with her sister in The Hangmen’s secluded compound, finally, Maddie, is free. Free from the suffocating faith she no longer believes in. Free from endless years of physical and mental torment.
Just… free…
At age twenty-one, the timid and shy Maddie is content to live within the confines of her new home—safe from the outside world, safe from harm and, strangely, protected by the Hangmen’s most volatile member; the heavily pierced and tattooed, Flame.
Flame.
The man who ceaselessly watches over her with his midnight dark and searing eyes. The man who protects her with a breath-taking intensity. And the man who stirs something deep within her numbed heart.
But when circumstances conspire for Flame to need HER help, Maddie bravely risks it all for the broken man who has captivated her fragile soul.
The Hangmen’s most infamous member, Flame, is ruled by one thing—anger. Plagued by haunting demons from his past, an all-consuming rage, and isolated by an abhorrent hatred of being touched, Flame's days are filled with suffocating darkness, pierced only by a single ray of light—Maddie. The shy, beautiful woman he cannot purge from his thoughts. The woman he has an overwhelming need to possess…
... the only person who has ever been able to touch him.
Flame’s mission in life is to protect Maddie, to keep her safe. Until a trigger from his troubled past sends him spiraling into madness, trapping him in the deepest recesses of his disturbed mind.
His Hangmen brothers fear that Flame is beyond saving.
His only hope of salvation: Maddie and her healing light.
Dark Contemporary Romance.
Contains explicit sexual situations, violence, disturbingly sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language, and very mature topics.
Recommended for age 18 years and over.
The Hades Hangmen series has been taken down from Amazon and is no longer for sale.
371 pages, ebook
First published August 9, 2015
About the author
Tillie Cole
50 books22.8k followersAmazon & USA Today Best Selling Author, Tillie Cole, is a Northern girl through and through. She originates from a place called Teesside on that little but awesomely sunny (okay I exaggerate) Isle called Great Britain. She was brought up surrounded by her English rose mother -- a farmer's daughter, her crazy Scottish father, a savagely sarcastic sister and a multitude of rescue animals and horses.
Being a scary blend of Scottish and English, Tillie embraces both cultures; her English heritage through her love of HP sauce and freshly made Yorkshire Puddings, and her Scottish which is mostly demonstrated by her frighteningly foul-mouthed episodes of pure rage and her much loved dirty jokes.
Having been born and raised as a Teesside Smoggie, Tillie, at age nineteen, moved forty miles north to the 'Toon', Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where she attended Newcastle University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Religious Studies. She returned two years later to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Teaching High School Social Studies. Tillie, regards Newcastle to be a home from home and enjoyed the Newcastle Geordie way of life for seven 'proper mint' and 'lush' years.
One summers day, after finishing reading her thousandth book on her much loved and treasured Kindle, Tillie turned to her husband and declared, "D'you know, I have a great idea for a story. I could write a book." Several months later, after repeating the same tired line at the close of another completed story, she was scolded by her husband to shut up talking about writing a novel and "just bloody do it!" For the first time in eleven years, Tillie actually took his advice (he is still trying to get over the shock) and immediately set off on a crazy journey, delving deep into her fertile imagination.
Tillie, ever since, has written from the heart. She combines her passion for anything camp and glittery with her love of humour and dark brooding men (most often muscled and tattooed – they’re her weakness!). She also has a serious side (believe it or not!) and loves to immerse herself in the complex study of World Religions, History and Cultural Studies and creates fantasy stories that enable her to thread serious issues and topics into her writing -- yep, there's more to this girl than profanity and sparkles!
After six years of teaching high school Social Studies and following her Professional Rugby Player husband around Europe, they have finally given up their nomadic way of life and settled in Calgary, Alberta where Tillie spends most of her days (and many a late night) lost in a writing euphoria or pursuing a dazzling career as a barrel-racing, tasselled-chap wearing, Stetson-sporting cowgirl... Ye-haw!
Being a scary blend of Scottish and English, Tillie embraces both cultures; her English heritage through her love of HP sauce and freshly made Yorkshire Puddings, and her Scottish which is mostly demonstrated by her frighteningly foul-mouthed episodes of pure rage and her much loved dirty jokes.
Having been born and raised as a Teesside Smoggie, Tillie, at age nineteen, moved forty miles north to the 'Toon', Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where she attended Newcastle University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Religious Studies. She returned two years later to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Teaching High School Social Studies. Tillie, regards Newcastle to be a home from home and enjoyed the Newcastle Geordie way of life for seven 'proper mint' and 'lush' years.
One summers day, after finishing reading her thousandth book on her much loved and treasured Kindle, Tillie turned to her husband and declared, "D'you know, I have a great idea for a story. I could write a book." Several months later, after repeating the same tired line at the close of another completed story, she was scolded by her husband to shut up talking about writing a novel and "just bloody do it!" For the first time in eleven years, Tillie actually took his advice (he is still trying to get over the shock) and immediately set off on a crazy journey, delving deep into her fertile imagination.
Tillie, ever since, has written from the heart. She combines her passion for anything camp and glittery with her love of humour and dark brooding men (most often muscled and tattooed – they’re her weakness!). She also has a serious side (believe it or not!) and loves to immerse herself in the complex study of World Religions, History and Cultural Studies and creates fantasy stories that enable her to thread serious issues and topics into her writing -- yep, there's more to this girl than profanity and sparkles!
After six years of teaching high school Social Studies and following her Professional Rugby Player husband around Europe, they have finally given up their nomadic way of life and settled in Calgary, Alberta where Tillie spends most of her days (and many a late night) lost in a writing euphoria or pursuing a dazzling career as a barrel-racing, tasselled-chap wearing, Stetson-sporting cowgirl... Ye-haw!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,017 reviews
July 7, 2022
5 Burning for Flame Stars
First read Dec 2015
Reread May 18 2017 and still fucking love this book
Reread 3/29/2022 Flame whore for life
*Spoilers all up in this bitch*
“She would never want me. I’m a fucking retard.” I hit the side of my head with the heel of my palm as my eyes blurred again. “I don’t think right in here. I’m fucked up—I don’t get people, they don’t get me. And I ain’t ever gonna be able to read people. Why would someone as perfect as her want someone as fucked up as me? Someone who isn’t right in the head?”-Flame
Tillie Cole slayed me. Damn This book was everything I wanted and more. Souls Unfractured is my favorite book in the Hades Hangmen series. I fell madly in love with Flame in the first book. He was so broken I just wanted to fix him and make it all better. So I couldn't wait to get to his and Maddie's book. And it was better then I expected. There was some seriously dark, twisted, and taboo parts in this book, but Flame and Maddie's relationship was touching, powerful, and beautiful. This book obliterated me, broke my heart then pieced me back together. Although I am pretty sure I need some therapy after reading this! But damn it was worth it!
“We have been in greater danger than this in our lives, Lilah. And Flame saved me. Twice. If it is my turn to be his savior, then I will happily step into the fire.”-Maddie
“Flame… I know you are lost right now. But I want to save you. I want to save you as you have so often saved me.” I swallowed the lump clogging my throat and continued. “I know you want eternal peace, but… but… I cannot… I cannot take your life.” Tears streamed from my eyes, but I lowered my mouth to a few inches from his ear. “I know the flames torture you greatly. And I know you live with pain. I know you no longer want to live. I…” I sniffed back my emotions as Flame became eerily still. “I have been there too. I have felt the urge to fade, to never wake again. But then something happened to me. Someone happened to me… You.” -Maddie
Maddie having escape only a few months ago from The Order, a religious cult that branded her a cursed devil's whore since birth because of her beauty, lives in fear. Only one thing makes Maddie feel safe, feel anything and that is Flame. Flame, the man that killed her tormentor, Brother Moses, a man that raped and hurt her daily since she was six. Everyday Maddie sits in the window watching her hero Flame pace back and forth keeping guard over her, cutting himself. She watches and wishes to help him be free of his demons as he freed her of hers. She sits in her window and draws the life she wishes she could have with Flame, a life free of fear, a life with touch and love. Since neither her or Flame can stand to be touched she knows she can never have her dream of having a love with Flame like Lilah and Ky or Mae and Styx have, so she must be content with watching him and her art. But when some unknown thing triggers a mental break in Flame, and no one can reach him, Maddie knows she must go to him and try before it's to late!
“Because that is my Flame in there. And he needs me. No one else. Me.” “Your Flame?” she whispered, and her head tilted to the side. I felt a blush coat my cheeks and I shrugged. “That is how I regard Flame. As mine. From the moment I was able to touch him, and he touched me, I was claimed. I have been his this whole time.”-Maddie and Mae
“I held you, and you held me.” Her hands moved and gestured down her body. “And your touch did not harm me. The flames you believe run in your veins, did not engulf me. Instead, you gave me life. You gave me back my light.” Another tear fell down her cheek, and she whispered, “You, Flame. My Flame. My tortured boy. You gave me life and light.”-Maddie
Flame is one of the most broken, raw, beautiful, and memorable characters I have ever read. He is now one of my top 5 favorite heroes of all times with Bone, Vlad, Talen Kayrs, and Ian Mackenzie. I could never do justice telling how damn amazing I find him, but I am going to try. Flame grew up in a religious cult too, one that doesn't believe in doctors, one where they dance with snakes, drink snake poison, and if a snake bites you it means you have evil in you. Having always been different, Flame didn't fit in. He didn't know how to talk to people, didn't understand facial expressions, social cues, or emotions. People always cried, laughed or got angry with him. The book never says, but I am sure he is high functioning autistic. His father would get mad, beat him, calling him a evil retard, not knowing what he did wrong he just stop talking which only made is father angrier. Telling Flame that he has the flames of hell running through his veins and that he is evil. His father takes him to their pastor who tortures him and let snakes bite and hurt him. When that doesn't work, his father takes him home and locks him in the cellar, beating and bleeding him to get the flames out. His mother not being able to take her husband's abuse of her or her sons kills herself leaving Flame alone with his evil father and baby brother. This of course causes his father to hate and hurt him more. Flame blames himself for his mother's death. His father told him she killed herself, because she hated having a evil retard for a son, then he starts daily raping Flame while cutting his back with a blade . Flame is a broken man, A man so damaged he thinks his touch kills and hurts. He always feels flames under his skin, he is always cutting himself trying to get them out. Reliving daily the abuse of his father in his head til it drives him crazy. Flame wants Maddie, but he doesn't want to hurt her with his touch. Maddie is his and he will do everything in his power to protect her even if he can never really be with her.
“I won’t fucking hurt Maddie. I’d die first. She stays with me always. In my cabin, by my side. And no fucker will be taking her from me.”-Flame
“And I want to replace their touch with yours. I want to wake up with your arm around my waist, keeping me safe.”-Maddie
Maddie and Flame together are one of the most beautiful couples ever. The way they give so much to each other, fight for each other, protect each other. The way their love overcomes their brokenness. Learning what true and pure love was together. Learning to touch each other, trust each other. It was heart warming, and breathtakingly beautiful. Their love was worth all the dark, gut wrenching things I had to read about their past. They both have been through fire and came out together stronger then ever.
. “That you are my anchor. You are the one I was meant to find on this Earth.” Her finger stopped and she looked into my eyes. “That you are the one for me. Only you can understand me, Flame. No one else. You have spent your entire life lost, not understanding what people want, but with me, you always know how to make me happy. How to make me feel safe.”-Maddie
“I have to have her with me, all the time. All the fucking time.” I pounded my fist over my chest. “Can’t fucking breathe without her nearby. Need her to sleep with me. Need her to keep the flames away.” I ran my nails over the scars on my arm. “She ain’t ever leaving me again. For life, brothers. She’s mine for fucking life.”-Flame
I still feel there is no redemption for Cain. I don't really care if he claims ignorance in the raping of children or the punishment of Lilah. He was told about it more than once, hell he seen enough with his own eyes to know it was true. He just didn't want to rock the boat and ruin his chance at getting Mae for himself. Turning a blind eye doesn't make him less guilty. Not to mention he also knows that women have no choice in having sex with men in what is called the Lord's sharing. No choice is rape! So he was okay openly with the rape of the women in The Order. So in my eyes he is not only a disgusting, repulsive bastard , but he is a coward and pussy too. Is it wrong that when his brother Judah betrayed him that I was laughing at him, enjoying the little bit of comeuppance Cain got while wishing it would have been worse? Will I read his book? You bet I will. Why because I have OCD and I won't be able to skip around, and I want to read the series I fell in love with all the way through. Plus I now hate his brother Judah too and want to see them both suffer.
“I did not know they did that. I did not declare that to be her punishment.” Mae’s eyes fell lovingly on Delilah and she asserted, “But you did nothing to stop it. You left your brother to conduct his own form of punishment, at least that was what Lilah told me. And he did. You gave him free rein to torture an innocent woman.” -Cain and Mae
“I lost everyone. He fucking took everyone from me. My mama, Isaiah. He fucking took me from me. Made me into a psycho freak. All my life I’ve had nothing. He fucking took it all. I… I never stood a chance.” My stomach sank as I felt every ounce of his pain. Flame suddenly stilled and stared at me, as though I were a living miracle. “Then I got you. I have you, and I can’t lose you, Maddie. I can’t ever fucking lose you or I will fucking go insane.”-Flame
I am so glad I found this amazing series and I can't wait til the next book comes out, because I am already craving more!
“I used to wonder how two people—one broken girl, and one broken boy—could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that’s how. They fight their way through… together.”-Maddie
I made custom funko pops of Flame and Maddie for my book shelf
First read Dec 2015
Reread May 18 2017 and still fucking love this book
Reread 3/29/2022 Flame whore for life
*Spoilers all up in this bitch*
“She would never want me. I’m a fucking retard.” I hit the side of my head with the heel of my palm as my eyes blurred again. “I don’t think right in here. I’m fucked up—I don’t get people, they don’t get me. And I ain’t ever gonna be able to read people. Why would someone as perfect as her want someone as fucked up as me? Someone who isn’t right in the head?”-Flame
Tillie Cole slayed me. Damn This book was everything I wanted and more. Souls Unfractured is my favorite book in the Hades Hangmen series. I fell madly in love with Flame in the first book. He was so broken I just wanted to fix him and make it all better. So I couldn't wait to get to his and Maddie's book. And it was better then I expected. There was some seriously dark, twisted, and taboo parts in this book, but Flame and Maddie's relationship was touching, powerful, and beautiful. This book obliterated me, broke my heart then pieced me back together. Although I am pretty sure I need some therapy after reading this! But damn it was worth it!
“We have been in greater danger than this in our lives, Lilah. And Flame saved me. Twice. If it is my turn to be his savior, then I will happily step into the fire.”-Maddie
“Flame… I know you are lost right now. But I want to save you. I want to save you as you have so often saved me.” I swallowed the lump clogging my throat and continued. “I know you want eternal peace, but… but… I cannot… I cannot take your life.” Tears streamed from my eyes, but I lowered my mouth to a few inches from his ear. “I know the flames torture you greatly. And I know you live with pain. I know you no longer want to live. I…” I sniffed back my emotions as Flame became eerily still. “I have been there too. I have felt the urge to fade, to never wake again. But then something happened to me. Someone happened to me… You.” -Maddie
Maddie having escape only a few months ago from The Order, a religious cult that branded her a cursed devil's whore since birth because of her beauty, lives in fear. Only one thing makes Maddie feel safe, feel anything and that is Flame. Flame, the man that killed her tormentor, Brother Moses, a man that raped and hurt her daily since she was six. Everyday Maddie sits in the window watching her hero Flame pace back and forth keeping guard over her, cutting himself. She watches and wishes to help him be free of his demons as he freed her of hers. She sits in her window and draws the life she wishes she could have with Flame, a life free of fear, a life with touch and love. Since neither her or Flame can stand to be touched she knows she can never have her dream of having a love with Flame like Lilah and Ky or Mae and Styx have, so she must be content with watching him and her art. But when some unknown thing triggers a mental break in Flame, and no one can reach him, Maddie knows she must go to him and try before it's to late!
“Because that is my Flame in there. And he needs me. No one else. Me.” “Your Flame?” she whispered, and her head tilted to the side. I felt a blush coat my cheeks and I shrugged. “That is how I regard Flame. As mine. From the moment I was able to touch him, and he touched me, I was claimed. I have been his this whole time.”-Maddie and Mae
“I held you, and you held me.” Her hands moved and gestured down her body. “And your touch did not harm me. The flames you believe run in your veins, did not engulf me. Instead, you gave me life. You gave me back my light.” Another tear fell down her cheek, and she whispered, “You, Flame. My Flame. My tortured boy. You gave me life and light.”-Maddie
Flame is one of the most broken, raw, beautiful, and memorable characters I have ever read. He is now one of my top 5 favorite heroes of all times with Bone, Vlad, Talen Kayrs, and Ian Mackenzie. I could never do justice telling how damn amazing I find him, but I am going to try. Flame grew up in a religious cult too, one that doesn't believe in doctors, one where they dance with snakes, drink snake poison, and if a snake bites you it means you have evil in you. Having always been different, Flame didn't fit in. He didn't know how to talk to people, didn't understand facial expressions, social cues, or emotions. People always cried, laughed or got angry with him. The book never says, but I am sure he is high functioning autistic. His father would get mad, beat him, calling him a evil retard, not knowing what he did wrong he just stop talking which only made is father angrier. Telling Flame that he has the flames of hell running through his veins and that he is evil. His father takes him to their pastor who tortures him and let snakes bite and hurt him. When that doesn't work, his father takes him home and locks him in the cellar, beating and bleeding him to get the flames out. His mother not being able to take her husband's abuse of her or her sons kills herself leaving Flame alone with his evil father and baby brother. This of course causes his father to hate and hurt him more. Flame blames himself for his mother's death. His father told him she killed herself, because she hated having a evil retard for a son, then he starts daily raping Flame while cutting his back with a blade . Flame is a broken man, A man so damaged he thinks his touch kills and hurts. He always feels flames under his skin, he is always cutting himself trying to get them out. Reliving daily the abuse of his father in his head til it drives him crazy. Flame wants Maddie, but he doesn't want to hurt her with his touch. Maddie is his and he will do everything in his power to protect her even if he can never really be with her.
“I won’t fucking hurt Maddie. I’d die first. She stays with me always. In my cabin, by my side. And no fucker will be taking her from me.”-Flame
“And I want to replace their touch with yours. I want to wake up with your arm around my waist, keeping me safe.”-Maddie
Maddie and Flame together are one of the most beautiful couples ever. The way they give so much to each other, fight for each other, protect each other. The way their love overcomes their brokenness. Learning what true and pure love was together. Learning to touch each other, trust each other. It was heart warming, and breathtakingly beautiful. Their love was worth all the dark, gut wrenching things I had to read about their past. They both have been through fire and came out together stronger then ever.
. “That you are my anchor. You are the one I was meant to find on this Earth.” Her finger stopped and she looked into my eyes. “That you are the one for me. Only you can understand me, Flame. No one else. You have spent your entire life lost, not understanding what people want, but with me, you always know how to make me happy. How to make me feel safe.”-Maddie
“I have to have her with me, all the time. All the fucking time.” I pounded my fist over my chest. “Can’t fucking breathe without her nearby. Need her to sleep with me. Need her to keep the flames away.” I ran my nails over the scars on my arm. “She ain’t ever leaving me again. For life, brothers. She’s mine for fucking life.”-Flame
I still feel there is no redemption for Cain. I don't really care if he claims ignorance in the raping of children or the punishment of Lilah. He was told about it more than once, hell he seen enough with his own eyes to know it was true. He just didn't want to rock the boat and ruin his chance at getting Mae for himself. Turning a blind eye doesn't make him less guilty. Not to mention he also knows that women have no choice in having sex with men in what is called the Lord's sharing. No choice is rape! So he was okay openly with the rape of the women in The Order. So in my eyes he is not only a disgusting, repulsive bastard , but he is a coward and pussy too. Is it wrong that when his brother Judah betrayed him that I was laughing at him, enjoying the little bit of comeuppance Cain got while wishing it would have been worse? Will I read his book? You bet I will. Why because I have OCD and I won't be able to skip around, and I want to read the series I fell in love with all the way through. Plus I now hate his brother Judah too and want to see them both suffer.
“I did not know they did that. I did not declare that to be her punishment.” Mae’s eyes fell lovingly on Delilah and she asserted, “But you did nothing to stop it. You left your brother to conduct his own form of punishment, at least that was what Lilah told me. And he did. You gave him free rein to torture an innocent woman.” -Cain and Mae
“I lost everyone. He fucking took everyone from me. My mama, Isaiah. He fucking took me from me. Made me into a psycho freak. All my life I’ve had nothing. He fucking took it all. I… I never stood a chance.” My stomach sank as I felt every ounce of his pain. Flame suddenly stilled and stared at me, as though I were a living miracle. “Then I got you. I have you, and I can’t lose you, Maddie. I can’t ever fucking lose you or I will fucking go insane.”-Flame
I am so glad I found this amazing series and I can't wait til the next book comes out, because I am already craving more!
“I used to wonder how two people—one broken girl, and one broken boy—could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that’s how. They fight their way through… together.”-Maddie
I made custom funko pops of Flame and Maddie for my book shelf
January 21, 2022
5 stars!
Tillie Cole is one of those authors I can always count on to make me feel when I read. She does an amazing job of writing tortured characters with emotional and beautiful stories. Souls Unfractured may be her most emotional book yet. Although I knew it would be. After hearing about the things Maddie (Mae’s sister) went through in the previous books, I knew her story would get to me. Pair that with Flame, who’s past may have been even more horrid and you’ll have a book that will keep your heart hurting, but in true Tillie fashion, it will be healed by the end of the book.
Flame is one of those characters who I had to know about after reading the first two Hades Hangman books. He’s different than the rest of the Hangmen. He’s a little more violent, a little more quiet and there is something different about him… he can’t be touched by anyone. Not women, not his brothers that he trusts. He can’t cope with that.
He and Maddie have that in common. Maddie grew up in the same religious cult as Mae and Lilah. The man who had her was extra violent and terrible and has scarred Maddie. Men make her nervous, even good men. All men. All men, except for Flame. He saved her and she isn’t afraid of him.
Maddie and Flame are characters who grow together, who go through hell together, and who heal together. Watching their story unfold was such a beautiful and emotional experience.
Maddie and Flame are characters that touched my heart and ones I won’t ever forget. Not only did we get to know so much more about them, but we also got more Ky and Lilah, Styx and Mae and getting to know AK and Viking makes me want their books next! I love the friendship and brotherhood they had with Flame. And call me crazy, but I’m dying to know whats going to happen with Cain as the series continues…
Souls Unfractured is another fantastic addition to the Hades Hangman series. These books are so much more than just biker books. They are stories of overcoming adversity, healing old wounds, moving on from the past and letting love conquer all. Tillie Cole is a favorite author of mine and books like thing just solidify that. Full of a beautiful intensity, her words move you, make you feel, break you apart, then heal that broken heart. This was a real win for me and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
Tillie Cole is one of those authors I can always count on to make me feel when I read. She does an amazing job of writing tortured characters with emotional and beautiful stories. Souls Unfractured may be her most emotional book yet. Although I knew it would be. After hearing about the things Maddie (Mae’s sister) went through in the previous books, I knew her story would get to me. Pair that with Flame, who’s past may have been even more horrid and you’ll have a book that will keep your heart hurting, but in true Tillie fashion, it will be healed by the end of the book.
Flame is one of those characters who I had to know about after reading the first two Hades Hangman books. He’s different than the rest of the Hangmen. He’s a little more violent, a little more quiet and there is something different about him… he can’t be touched by anyone. Not women, not his brothers that he trusts. He can’t cope with that.
He and Maddie have that in common. Maddie grew up in the same religious cult as Mae and Lilah. The man who had her was extra violent and terrible and has scarred Maddie. Men make her nervous, even good men. All men. All men, except for Flame. He saved her and she isn’t afraid of him.
“I did not fear you. I fear a man’s touch. I find it abhorrent. But not yours. I wanted to embrace you that day. I needed to. Even if we cannot ever embrace again.”She dreams about being with Flame, about touching him. Even the most simple thing, like holding hands would mean the world to her. And this is not one sided. Flame wants more than anything to be able to touch Maddie. To be there for her when he needs her, to be able to hold her, but he’s not sure it’s possible. He cares too much for her to ever hurt her the way he feels he will if she gets too close.
Maddie and Flame are characters who grow together, who go through hell together, and who heal together. Watching their story unfold was such a beautiful and emotional experience.
“I know I’m different. I know I don’t see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if it’s the only one I’ll ever understand.”I loved these two broken characters so much. I rooted for them. I was proud of them when they overcame things that were hard for them. Their story was not easy to read. Especially Flame’s. I could tell pretty much straight away why he was the way he was and knowing how he was treated growing up made me sick to my stomach. It’s not an easy read. But by the end, it’s so worth it. Maddie and Flame’s love story is worth all the heartache.
“I understand you Flame. And I am beginning to understand myself. What you and I are to each other.”
“And what is that?” I asked gruffly.
Maddie bowed her head. “Everything.”
My heart missed a beat, then she lifted her head and said, “Love.”
Maddie’s hand dropped over her racing heart and she whispered, “You, to me, are the only one I could ever love.”
Maddie and Flame are characters that touched my heart and ones I won’t ever forget. Not only did we get to know so much more about them, but we also got more Ky and Lilah, Styx and Mae and getting to know AK and Viking makes me want their books next! I love the friendship and brotherhood they had with Flame. And call me crazy, but I’m dying to know whats going to happen with Cain as the series continues…
Souls Unfractured is another fantastic addition to the Hades Hangman series. These books are so much more than just biker books. They are stories of overcoming adversity, healing old wounds, moving on from the past and letting love conquer all. Tillie Cole is a favorite author of mine and books like thing just solidify that. Full of a beautiful intensity, her words move you, make you feel, break you apart, then heal that broken heart. This was a real win for me and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
“I used to wonder how two people- one broken girl, and one broken boy- could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that’s how. They fight their way through… together.”
August 19, 2015
** 4,75-5 “my sun, my light” STARS **
“I used to wonder how two people—one broken girl, and one broken boy—could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know...
Together, that’s how. They fight their way through TOGETHER.”
~ MADDIE
Flame is not like everyone else. People have always called him a freak. Maybe they are right, because he is definitely wrong in the head. He can’t speak right. He can’t act right. He doesn’t get people and they sure as f*ck don’t get him, either. His life is a whirlwind of screams and pain and agony. And flames. Scorching flames that ignite his blood and destroy his soul a little bit more, day by day. There’s evil in his veins… consuming him, choking him, invading his dark soul…and purging himself of it all is impossible.
So…why would someone as perfect as Maddie want someone as f*cked as him?
“How can you be evil when you ignite such hope in me?”
~ MADDIE
Maddie has considered herself Flame’s since the day she wrapped her arms around his waist and thanked him for finally setting her free of her nightmare. She has been HIS since the day he started protecting her. She has been HIS since he started sitting outside her door, day and night, to make sure she was safe. She has been HIS since he started pacing before her window each night, and never left till morning. Maddie is HIS because she can finally BREATHE when she is with him, looking into his midnight eyes filled with pure rage.
Their sorrow, their pain, their suffering is the same. And Maddie knows they can erase the darkness that taint their souls with each others touch, with each others care, with each others LOVE.
This man before me, the one my soul loved, was my safety. The man with whom I could only ever be this free and trusting.
The man who was mending my fractured soul…
~ MADDIE
It's near impossible to explain how I feel about this book, but I'll try. Flame and Maddie's story was everything I've expected and more... Much more.
It's safe to say that it ruined me, gripped my poor heart, “threw it on the ground, stomped on it for a good while and used the blood as ink”, like Yelawolf says in his song “Johnny Cash”. I was left utterly speechless and breathing hard for air. It's just simply beautiful and incredibly heartbreaking that I don't believe anyone can stop the tears falling down their cheeks while reading it. The right word for the experience is, I believe, “INTENSE”. So damn intense...
I wanted him as my own. In this moment, seeing the man who had become the center of my world, breaking, I wanted nothing more than to save him. To gift him the peace he so richly deserved, even if it meant sacrificing my newly-awakened heart in the process.
~ MADDIE
Let me warn you all beforehand: Flame's past will SHATTER YOU. I expected it to be dark, but not THIS...nothing like this. My poor boy has been through so much. Too much...
“You, Flame. MY Flame. MY tortured boy. You gave me life and light.”
~ MADDIE
Even after all the nightmares he's suffered, and with all the ghosts still haunting him, Flame was just...PERFECT. I can't emphasize more how thoughtful, careful and loving he always was. He was a man that loved fiercely and fought for it, bravely.
And then there's Maddie... I never thought this little damaged girl could be this strong! Flame was heart-melting, yes, but who stole the show in this book was our beautiful dark-haired green-eyed little girl, Maddie, for sure. She never let anyone stop her from loving the man she believed was her soulmate, and always protected him, in her own way.
“That beat, that new lease of life pounding within my chest? It is HIS. The awakening of my heart belongs to Flame.
(...) If it is my turn to be his SAVIOR, then I will happily step into the FIRE. ”
~ MADDIE
Their road is a bumpy one, but it ends in bliss, don't worry. You will all fall in love with them both, if you haven't still...
You are my anchor. You are the one I was meant to find on this earth. You are the one for me. Only you can understand me, Flame. NO ONE ELSE.
~ MADDIE
So why not 5 stars, but 4.75?
The constant conversations that went on like:
—Flame...
—Maddie...
—Flame...
...kinda bugged me. (Ooooops!)
Lastly... Can we all appreciate how freakin' AWESOMESAUCE Viking and AK are? They are the best buddies Flame could ask for, and I love them for ALWAYS being there for him, protecting him, trying to help people understand him. I can't wait to read their stories, as well!
OVERALL: Read it, bitchez. Seriously. Drop everything else, and f*cking read the sh*t out of it!
“What are words? Sometimes the flick of a pair of eyes or the flush of skin reveals everything you need to know. Words can wound. Silence can heal.”
P.S: What the f*ck kinda ending was that?! MOTHERF*CKERRR!!! The wait for Prophet Cain's book will be like TORTURE...
/////////////////////
** ARC provided via HaveBookWillRead in exchange for an honest review **
August 12, 2015
4 - 4.25 "Not Gonna Lie, That Sketch Was Wack, But I'll Take It" Stars
So...I'm gonna be frank with ya'll and admit that I don't really know what I want to say about this book.
I - like a lot of people - have been looking forward to Flame's book since I read book one. And as a result, my anticipation for this thing - NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED TO TEMPER IT - was through the effin' roof.
Thus...enter my love/hate friend "Too High Expectations."
Now, typically when this asshat shows up, the book ends up blowing huge chunks.
But, thankfully, Tillie Cole is a badass and this thing still managed to rise to the occasion I had party-planned in my mind.
So a little about the book...
We get some major glimpses into Flame's childhood, which were super awful and sad - but I was expecting that, because:
a) How else would he have ended up so fucked up?, and
b) A little birdie told me that would be the case.
Needless to say, if you have certain...triggers...you might want to skip this one or simply skim parts of it.
Personally, however?
Yes, there was some AWFUL shit in this book - in both Flame's past and Maddie's past.
But like I've said before:
So, while yes, at first I was a little bit like this:
After about the third or fourth flashback...?
So sorry, so heartless...
Luckily Flame was a super vengeful badass.
Which was effi'n fun.
But I digress.
Maddie and Flame were super cute in this book and it was really beautiful to watch them come together the way they did.
I will admit, however, that there was something just missing for me in this book - between Maddie and Flame - that I can't really explain - thus my not giving it 5 stars.
But that's probably just me.
Otherwise?
And, of course, now I can't wait for the next one.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The wait for this might actually kill me.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
So random thoughts I was having this morning...because I think about random crap most of the time...not that anyone gives a hoot, but still.
***Unnecessary Thought Sharing Alert***
I've always pictured Mae as Mila Kunis:
And since I always thought Sarah Hyland could pass as her little sister, she's my Maddie...
Boom.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
August?????!!!!!!
And the waiting begins. Again.
Make it come faster, Samantha.
So...I'm gonna be frank with ya'll and admit that I don't really know what I want to say about this book.
I - like a lot of people - have been looking forward to Flame's book since I read book one. And as a result, my anticipation for this thing - NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED TO TEMPER IT - was through the effin' roof.
Thus...enter my love/hate friend "Too High Expectations."
Now, typically when this asshat shows up, the book ends up blowing huge chunks.
But, thankfully, Tillie Cole is a badass and this thing still managed to rise to the occasion I had party-planned in my mind.
So a little about the book...
We get some major glimpses into Flame's childhood, which were super awful and sad - but I was expecting that, because:
a) How else would he have ended up so fucked up?, and
b) A little birdie told me that would be the case.
Needless to say, if you have certain...triggers...you might want to skip this one or simply skim parts of it.
Personally, however?
Yes, there was some AWFUL shit in this book - in both Flame's past and Maddie's past.
But like I've said before:
So, while yes, at first I was a little bit like this:
After about the third or fourth flashback...?
So sorry, so heartless...
Luckily Flame was a super vengeful badass.
Which was effi'n fun.
But I digress.
Maddie and Flame were super cute in this book and it was really beautiful to watch them come together the way they did.
I will admit, however, that there was something just missing for me in this book - between Maddie and Flame - that I can't really explain - thus my not giving it 5 stars.
But that's probably just me.
Otherwise?
And, of course, now I can't wait for the next one.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The wait for this might actually kill me.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
So random thoughts I was having this morning...because I think about random crap most of the time...not that anyone gives a hoot, but still.
***Unnecessary Thought Sharing Alert***
I've always pictured Mae as Mila Kunis:
And since I always thought Sarah Hyland could pass as her little sister, she's my Maddie...
Boom.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
August?????!!!!!!
And the waiting begins. Again.
Make it come faster, Samantha.
March 12, 2023
***5 STARS***
I have one more favorite couple now...Flame and Maddie.
This was such a heart wrenching story of two wounded people that found each other and true love. They endured such unspeakable abuse and found each other to heal. Flame and Maddie will become your favorite couple too. Beautifully written!
Must be read in order of the series. Not a stand-alone.
I have one more favorite couple now...Flame and Maddie.
This was such a heart wrenching story of two wounded people that found each other and true love. They endured such unspeakable abuse and found each other to heal. Flame and Maddie will become your favorite couple too. Beautifully written!
Must be read in order of the series. Not a stand-alone.
September 19, 2020
5 my babies ⭐️s
Song : Dust To Dust
“I used to wonder how two people—one broken girl, and one broken boy—could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that’s how. They fight their way through… together.”
My Google search history
How to kill fictional characters?
How to get inside a book and what weapons can you bring?
How to revive dead fictional characters to kill them again? Slowly and painfully?
The government agent monitoring me
Flame and Maddie have captured my heart from the very first book and I’ve been dying to get to them. And now
Story time AKA let’s talk about ✨me✨
I’m a sponge first and a human second. One of those annoying people that absorb every emotion around them until they’re saturated with it. Those who are happy when people are happy. Who are sad when people are sad. Who spend sleepless nights thinking about every injustice, every wrong miserable painful thing going on in the world. Who stop watching the news because they can’t handle what’s being reported. Whose hearts constantly bleed for all those who just need a little helping hand, a little love and some compassion; who just need someone.
Flame’s flashbacks had me sleeping on my bathroom floor for an entire night, depleted of tears and energy. Rachel, I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. Thanks for being an amazing person and going through these ups and downs with me.🖤
Knowing this is happening to millions of children out there? It kills me.
Maddie and Flame’s story
Reading this book was like walking into a war torn field. Every way you look, there is chaos, death, destruction and pain. The scene is so vivid, you can almost hear the echo of screams, smell the metallic odor of blood, see death take over and feel, feel as all hope is lost. The heavy cloying smoke surrounds you, and as you follow one of the delicate tendrils as it rises above- as if yearning to slip away from the horrors it witnessed down there- you realize that upon escaping to the vastness of the sky, it starts to depict a scene. To tell a story. You were too busy looking down at the results of a war raged between countries and nations, that you missed the one up there, fueled by the cruelty of one human towards another, on a lesser scale but no less significant.
As you look closer, you see thousands of scenarios playing every single horrible thing humanity is capable of. You see it all and you can’t look away. You can’t look away as the father rapes his child, as the mother ignores hers, as the innocent prisoner is directed to his death, as a person is prosecuted for his race, color and beliefs while another dies from hunger, thirst and cold.
The tendrils keep on ascending until they set in the sky, as if finally home. That’s when you understand that every star in the night sky is a pained soul who has left earth. The shinier the star, the more the soul has suffered. They’re there to comfort those in suffering, to light up their dark nights and tell them they’re there. They see them. They feel them. They’re looking out for them and they invite them to wish upon them.
The realization brings you to your knees, and that’s when you see it. Underneath the dust and debris, sprouting from the slaughtered soil, standing delicately but fiercely in shining gold and spotless white, is a daisy. What is it doing there, and how has it survived, you wonder. How can something so beautiful, so vibrant, so pure, grow in a place so dark, so stagnant, so hopeless, you ask yourself. How can such light exist in such darkness? How can such beauty exist in such ugliness?
Let me tell you, my friend, that daisy in the middle of a war torn field, illuminated by billions of stars is the union of two Souls Unfractured : Flame and his Maddie.
Flame
People said I was a fucking freak. All my life they’d told me I was born wrong.
“She would never want me. I’m a fucking retard. I don’t think right in here. I’m fucked up—I don’t get people, they don’t get me. And I ain’t ever gonna be able to read people. Why would someone as perfect as her want someone as fucked up as me? Someone who isn’t right in the head?”
There’s nothing I hate more than hugs, but if I could find a way to get in this story, I would wrap myself around Flame and never ever let go.
The things his piece of shit sperm donor did to him and made him feel.
I held up my wrist to show him I was trying to get the flames out. That I didn’t need the church, that I could do it myself. I could get the flames out myself, if he would just let me try. But he just hit my wrist down, then struck me on the back of my head.
He was angry with me, again. But I didn’t understand what I’d done to make him so mad? I tried. I always tried to make him happy. But it never worked. He just got madder. He just hurt me more and more. And I felt his disappoint deep inside me. I couldn't sleep, and all the worry made my hands shake. I… I was so confused. I didn’t mean to make him mad. I tried… I really, really tried.
I have never, not once in my life, hated someone with this kind of passion. I don’t care if he’s not real, I just wanna
My baby went through so much and just going through my highlights has me sobbing again.
“The flames hurt all of the time. They wouldn’t let me release them. They left me alone in a room, tied to a bed, letting the flames burn me alive.”
He thinks he’s a monster with flames of evil in his blood. It’s what he’s been told since he was a child and what he believes to be true.
No one ever wanted to stay. They always left. I was always here alone.
Until his Maddie came along.
Maddie had liked something on me? No one had ever liked me.
She said she would care for me. No one had ever cared for me before.
I knew she would leave. Because everyone left. No one ever wanted me for long.
“With her beside me, I can sleep with no demons in my head. And she sings to me. To me. No one’s ever sang to me before.”
He’s so sweet, so loving, so protective even tho he thinks his touch will hurt her.
I looked at my rigid fingers. They looked just like everyone else’s, but they didn’t work the same. Because other people could touch someone else. They could’ve put their hand on her face after she’d said thank you. They could’ve felt her skin. They could’ve maybe made her feel better.
But then the frustration filled my heart, and I thought, Your touch is poison. You’ll hurt her.
But when he realized that he can, in fact, touch her?
I didn’t want to leave her. I just wanted to be near her.
I fucking just needed to be close.
Evil still infused my body, but I could breathe. I panted. I sweated. But I could breathe. When I looked at her, I could breathe.
“Your cheeks are blushing again. That means you liked it. You told me you blushed when you liked something. That I’d just made you feel special.” His lips rubbed together, and I could see his mind turning over. “You liked sleeping next to me. Because it made you feel special.”
A smile crept on my lips. “Yes.”
“I liked it too.”
What the fuck were the stars and moon, when I had her?
Me to him :
And when he finally confronted his father??
“I wasn’t a fucking sinner. I was fucking different. I am fucking different. My head doesn’t work right, like others. But it wasn’t a fucking sin, I wasn’t fucking evil, I was different.”
“You owning that shit now?”
“She owns me. That’s all that fucking matters.”
Maddie
This girl is the real MVP. She’s the proof that being broken doesn’t have to be who you are, your identity and your truth. You’re so much more. We’re so much more. She’s so much more.
For a fleeting moment I had the silly thought that if I made myself small enough, that if I pressed myself against the wall as small as I possibly could, then the Elders might leave me alone.
I instantly learned to dread that room. Then after a while, it became my life. And that’s when I died inside.
I don’t think I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about such a strong character. She’s a pint-sized warrior, just like AK said.
I shook with white-hot anger, incandescent at being ignored. I had been ignored enough in my life, pushed aside, thought of as weak and unimportant.
Not now. Not today.
“That is the beauty of freewill, Lilah. We choose our own actions. Unlike in commune, here we get to be the masters of our fate. I will go to Flame. Whatever transpires, transpires.”
I think perhaps, if you are told something often enough, you end up believing it. But maybe, just maybe, someone comes into your life and makes you question yourself. Makes you believe you are worth something.”
All she’s ever wanted was to feel safe, and with Flame, she does.
I held my right hand in the air, and with my left hand, intertwined the fingers just to imagine how it might feel.
A hand holding mine.
One simple touch.
A touch that said so much.
I dare you to find me any hero who’s as swoon worthy as Maddie is.
You are my faith awakened.
“So you may think you cannot be loved. But in my heart, in my healing soul, I am begging the question, how can you not? Because for me, you are truth. My truth. My heart, is all you.”
“I like you laughing.”
I sighed and whispered, “And I just love you in any fashion.”
Their love
“We are Flame and Maddie. And we have survived.”
How something so pure, so beautiful, so gentle can grow between two people who have been on the receiving end of such heinous acts, I have no idea. But it gives me hope.
“Then what do you believe in?” he tentatively asked.
Smiling through my tears, I said, “You. I believe in you.” Raising my head, my nose brushed his, and I confessed, “I believe in me. In us. We are all I need. All I’ll ever need from this point on.”
Usually when two people are broken, one’s healing is overshadowed by the other’s. That did not happen here. These two saved each other.
“But I like you touching me. You make me feel safe.”
“You cool my blood,” I replied.
“For once, in my whole life, I like being me.”
“Because of Flame?”
“Mostly, yes. He has brought me to life. But through him, I feel more at peace with myself. Does that make sense?”
It’s the little things. How she loves his eyes when everybody else says they’re dead and soulless. How he’s ready to follow her to the depths of his own personal hell, the church.
“Are you ready?”
“No,” he rasped.
“But will you follow me?” I prompted.
“Anywhere.”
“I don’t ever remember being happy.”
Fighting back tears, I whispered, “Then this is what we will hope for. Happiness... Because Flame?”
“What?” he pushed, voice barely registering a whisper.
“You are my happiness.”
“I know I’m different. I know I don’t see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if it’s the only one I’ll ever understand.”
“I draw, and that makes me happy. I was wondering what makes you happy?”
“I watch you.”
“That is what makes you happy? To watch me? Does it not bore you? I am asking what makes you happy? What you like doing most?”
Flame shook his head, then his eyes that I adored so much, met mine. “Being near you. Seeing you.”
I can go on and on, but all you really need to know is that he’s her Flame and she’s his Maddie. I imagine them both wrapped in gold like Japanese pottery, to highlight just how beautiful and imperfectly perfect they are. 🖤 Hopefully Flame doesn’t scream as much, because I’m afraid for my boy’s vocal chords. 🥺
AK and Viking
Their love for Flame and their bond was everything. I wish I could add quotes but I’m sure you’re cursing me by now for the long review, and GR is telling me I only have few characters left. 😭 Just know that will all my heart, I love AK and Viking. 🖤
Mae
UGH she gets on my every nerve, going on about how much she loves and cares for her sisters. Bitch, I’ve been in your head and
Rider/Cain
He's too stupid to live. How he survived natural selection is beyond me. I don't hate him but he's irrelevant to me LOL.
And finally, a breathtaking quote by our pint-sized warrior queen.
“What are words? Sometimes the flick of a pair of eyes or the flush of skin reveals everything you need to know. Words can wound. Silence can heal.”
August 12, 2015
REVIEW COMING SOON
--->
OMG THE COVER IS SOOO.DAMN.BEAUTIFUL!
---->
OMG OMG COVER REVEAL Tuesday 14th April after 12am CDT
----->
2015! WHAT NONSENSE IS THIS!
ONE CANNOT WAIT SO LONG FOR A BOOK THAT IS DEARLY ANTICIPATED!!
Mysterious. Tattooed. Scarred. Angry. Cuts for pleasure. Hades Hangmen biker. Flame
Beautiful. Broken. Young. Ex-cult prisoner. Maddie
'It Ain't Me, Babe by Tillie Cole Extract:
Heart Recaptured by Tillie Cole Extract 1:
Extract 2:
Extract 3:
A TB EXCLUSIVE!!! HADES HANGMEN VALENTINE’S NOVELLA by TILLIE COLE!!!!
OMG GUYS READ FLAME AND MADDIE'S PART. IT'S PURE LOVE!
Extract:
A story that is going to probably leave me breathless~
Two broken souls. One love. Flame and Maddie.
There's excited and then there's me:
"We are Flame and Maddie. And we have survived."
--->
OMG THE COVER IS SOOO.DAMN.BEAUTIFUL!
---->
OMG OMG COVER REVEAL Tuesday 14th April after 12am CDT
----->
2015! WHAT NONSENSE IS THIS!
ONE CANNOT WAIT SO LONG FOR A BOOK THAT IS DEARLY ANTICIPATED!!
Mysterious. Tattooed. Scarred. Angry. Cuts for pleasure. Hades Hangmen biker. Flame
Beautiful. Broken. Young. Ex-cult prisoner. Maddie
'It Ain't Me, Babe by Tillie Cole Extract:
"Who killed him?" she asked tightly, he green eyes running down the line.
On the end of the line, Flame begin to twitch his head, his heads balling into fists. Fuck. It had to be Flame, didn't it? This weren't gonna end well if she started shooting off her mouth.
Maddie fixed her gaze on Flame. "Was it you?" she asked frankly.
Flame nodded once and his mouth tightened.
"Yeah, I killed the fucker." His tattooed orange flames danced on his tense neck as his crazy black eyes fixed on Maddie. A fuckin' murderous glare.
Maddie stood right in front of him-brass balls, I thought as Flame's chest jerked erratically. Then, suddenly, she released a choked sob and threw her arms around Flame's waist.
Flame froze and his black eyes widened to the size of plates. His hands shot up in the air clenching into fists. Fuck! The brother couldn't be touched. He was about to go nuclear.
"Thank you," Maddie whispered and pressed her cheek flat to his cut. "Thank you so very much..."
Flame's eyebrow pulled down in confusion and his black eyes glared down at her wrapped 'round his waist. Then we all froze as his hands lowered and flattened awkwardly on her back. His nostrils flared as Maddie released another sob and cried.
"You freed me. You freed me from him."
Flames eyes squeezed shut and his teeth clenched. But he didn't push her off, didn't scream, jerk, or hit out. The fucked-up brother just let it happen.
Ky turned to me, shock clear on his expression I shrugged. I could never get a read on the brother. Never knew what the fuck he was thinking.
Maddie pulled bak with a small smile and Flame's eyes bored into hers. She began walking back to Mae, but not before glancing over her should. "What is your name?" she asked Flame nervously.
Flame's lips parted and released a hiss of a breathe before muttering. "flame."
Maddie smiled a wide, stunning smile. "You have my eternal gratitude, Flame. I am forever in your debt."
Flame stared and stared at Maddie, a fuckin' hungry expression on his face."
Heart Recaptured by Tillie Cole Extract 1:
"Flame swung around and fisted AK's cut. The brother didn't even flinch. AK and Vike had known Flame for years. They were the only fuckers that could understand him. "They could have killed her. For that, they will die! They could have taken her from me. The could have take her from me! And she was screaming, but I couldn't touch her!" He let go of AK, sliced at his arm, and hissed out in relief as blood dropped to the dirt. "I need to kill."
Extract 2:
"Flame's whole body tense, a fuckin' scary shit noise ripped from his throat, and he boomed out, "HE AIN'T HER FUCKIN' BROTHER MOSES! SHE'S FUCKIN' MINE!!!"
Extract 3:
"Flame's head was twitching from side to side and his black eye roved the yard like an animal seeking prey. A bottle of beer was thrust into his hand by Viking, but Flame threw it to the ground and continued his search.
Seeing us sitting on the porch, Flame stormed over, his ams and chest muscles bulging under his full body of tattoos... "Where is she?" Flame snapped at Styx before I had a chance to apologise for what I had done to him.
Flame next looked to Ky. This time his voice was LIKE broken glass, "Where. Is. She?"...
Flame radiated rage and, face turning red, he screamed, "WHERE THE FUCK IS SHE!"
A TB EXCLUSIVE!!! HADES HANGMEN VALENTINE’S NOVELLA by TILLIE COLE!!!!
OMG GUYS READ FLAME AND MADDIE'S PART. IT'S PURE LOVE!
Extract:
Just as I turned onto the porch, I saw a Harley parked up out back… a black and chrome Fat Boy customized with fucked up paintings of Hades and red and orange flames. That bike only belonged to one man… one brother I couldn’t get the fuck away from my cabin.
Flame.
The psycho brother Flame.
Walking to my door, Flame was pacing the back porch, his crazy fucking eyes wild. Hearing my footsteps sound on the wood, Flame snapped his eyes to mine, his knife pulled out ready to cut a fucker up.
When he saw it was me, the muscles in his neck twitched and he stormed my way. “When’s she back?” he said through clenched teeth.
“Thirty, forty minutes,” I signed back. Flame watched my hands move and his black eyes settled down, but his hands still shook like fuck.
I pushed my key into the lock and looked to him again. He was staring at his hands, a confused look on his face.
I whistled and the brother met my eyes.
“You good?” I signed.
Flame scraped his fingernails down his cheek, huge welts appearing on the skin that his beard didn’t cover. “Been on the road too long. Too long, Prez. Haven’t slept. Haven’t eaten… just need to see her. Can’t switch my brain off. Just keep seeing her face in my head.”
Flame’s eyes bore into mine and I nodded my head. Fuck knows what was going through his mind, but the fucked up possessive way he was ‘bout Maddie had gotten worse.
I knew I shouldn’t have taken him on that run. He was more unstable than ever. Maddie was completely fucking with his head.
A story that is going to probably leave me breathless~
Two broken souls. One love. Flame and Maddie.
There's excited and then there's me:
August 15, 2015
*****FIVE STARS*****
{BR With My Beautiful Bestie}
"I used to wonder how two people - one broken girl, and one broken boy - could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that's how. They fight their way through... together."
I LOVE the Hades Hangmen series!! I mean FREAKING LOVE it!!! Since book one I have been intrigued by the dynamics between Flame and Maddie! What I love about this series is that even though each book is about a different couple, all of these characters are very much a part of the story throughout the series. So when we get to their book, we already have a vested interest in the characters. Tillie kept our interests piqued throughout the first two books where Flame and Maddie were concerned. I just knew this was going to be a very heartbreaking journey and I was ready for the challenge.
Flame and Maddie both have had the most horrific childhoods. We knew what Maddie's past had entailed but could only guess as to what made Flame the way he was. So full of anger. Unable to be touched by another human being. Not having the ability to hold a normal conversation with anyone, and yet he is drawn to Maddie. Ever since the day the Hades Hangmen rescued her from the cult, Flame has made it his sole responsibility to keep watch over and protect Maddie.
Something traumatic happens that triggers Flame to have an intense flashback and ultimately he loses what little sanity he had left. Maddie is the only one who is able to reach Flame. She proved to be quite a strong heroine. This little one , has to be the bravest woman in the entire series. She saw past all the crazy and found the beauty that was within Flame. He may have rescued her from the cult and the ghosts from her past, but she also saved him from the chains that tied him to his painful childhood.
I found myself crying so much while reading this one. Together, Flame and Maddie have endured things when they were young children that were so horrific I actually wished that I could jump into the story and go a little Hannibal Lecter on some asses!!! Ms Cole definitely went a little easier on us in this installment than she did in book two. Thank God because I don't think my heart could have handled that level of darkness again, and I would have considered it a bit of overkill to put these characters through additional turmoil.
The romance was pretty beautiful and had an air of innocence. There definitely was some steam but not like in the previous installments and honestly I wouldn't have had it any other way. Flame and Maddie were really experiencing sex in a healthy and loving way for the first time. It was a miracle that they could experience beauty in something that used to be the cause of pain and darkness.
This is definitely my favorite in the Hades Hangmen series so far! I am quite curious to see what Tillie Cole has in store for us in Cain/Rider's book. I read someone's predictions on Facebook about who his love interest will be and BOY WOULD I LOVE THAT!!!! I never even thought it a possibility but I truly hope that Ms Cole has that same idea running through her talented mind!!
I can't say enough about this series. I would definitely recommend it, but warn you that you need a buddy reader to help you get through some of the rough parts. This is one hell of an AMAZING story!! Don't pass this one up!!!
{BR With My Beautiful Bestie}
"I used to wonder how two people - one broken girl, and one broken boy - could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that's how. They fight their way through... together."
I LOVE the Hades Hangmen series!! I mean FREAKING LOVE it!!! Since book one I have been intrigued by the dynamics between Flame and Maddie! What I love about this series is that even though each book is about a different couple, all of these characters are very much a part of the story throughout the series. So when we get to their book, we already have a vested interest in the characters. Tillie kept our interests piqued throughout the first two books where Flame and Maddie were concerned. I just knew this was going to be a very heartbreaking journey and I was ready for the challenge.
Flame and Maddie both have had the most horrific childhoods. We knew what Maddie's past had entailed but could only guess as to what made Flame the way he was. So full of anger. Unable to be touched by another human being. Not having the ability to hold a normal conversation with anyone, and yet he is drawn to Maddie. Ever since the day the Hades Hangmen rescued her from the cult, Flame has made it his sole responsibility to keep watch over and protect Maddie.
Something traumatic happens that triggers Flame to have an intense flashback and ultimately he loses what little sanity he had left. Maddie is the only one who is able to reach Flame. She proved to be quite a strong heroine. This little one , has to be the bravest woman in the entire series. She saw past all the crazy and found the beauty that was within Flame. He may have rescued her from the cult and the ghosts from her past, but she also saved him from the chains that tied him to his painful childhood.
I found myself crying so much while reading this one. Together, Flame and Maddie have endured things when they were young children that were so horrific I actually wished that I could jump into the story and go a little Hannibal Lecter on some asses!!! Ms Cole definitely went a little easier on us in this installment than she did in book two. Thank God because I don't think my heart could have handled that level of darkness again, and I would have considered it a bit of overkill to put these characters through additional turmoil.
The romance was pretty beautiful and had an air of innocence. There definitely was some steam but not like in the previous installments and honestly I wouldn't have had it any other way. Flame and Maddie were really experiencing sex in a healthy and loving way for the first time. It was a miracle that they could experience beauty in something that used to be the cause of pain and darkness.
This is definitely my favorite in the Hades Hangmen series so far! I am quite curious to see what Tillie Cole has in store for us in Cain/Rider's book. I read someone's predictions on Facebook about who his love interest will be and BOY WOULD I LOVE THAT!!!! I never even thought it a possibility but I truly hope that Ms Cole has that same idea running through her talented mind!!
I can't say enough about this series. I would definitely recommend it, but warn you that you need a buddy reader to help you get through some of the rough parts. This is one hell of an AMAZING story!! Don't pass this one up!!!
November 7, 2023
4.5 Stars...
I may need therapy after this damn book. For the faint of heart...it certainly is not. More than once I had to stop reading, overwhelmed, I had to remind myself certain characters weren't real, so I couldn't hunt them down and destroy them - I couldn't make them suffer, over and over... Gah. Even now, thinking about some of the stuff I read, my blood pressure is probably through the roof.
Honestly, I think I'm still processing, and trying to rid myself of some of the horrific images Tillie has painted in my head. At times it just felt like too much, which is why this wasn't a five star read for me, I wish it had been a little less graphic at times, That said, Flame and Maddie together were adorable, the way they come together and overcome the horrors of their past, it was truly beautiful. Their interactions have such an innocent undertone, honest and real - while my heart broke for them, the terrible things they were forced to endure, the love they have for each other made this story unforgettable.
"The night is clear too. Not a cloud in the sky. And the stars and the moon have come out to watch."
But I didn't bother looking up. What the fuck were the stars and moon, when I had her? I couldn't take my eyes off her.
Special shout out to Viking and AK! Those two made my heart happy.
Flame's book!!!!
I may need therapy after this damn book. For the faint of heart...it certainly is not. More than once I had to stop reading, overwhelmed, I had to remind myself certain characters weren't real, so I couldn't hunt them down and destroy them - I couldn't make them suffer, over and over... Gah. Even now, thinking about some of the stuff I read, my blood pressure is probably through the roof.
Honestly, I think I'm still processing, and trying to rid myself of some of the horrific images Tillie has painted in my head. At times it just felt like too much, which is why this wasn't a five star read for me, I wish it had been a little less graphic at times, That said, Flame and Maddie together were adorable, the way they come together and overcome the horrors of their past, it was truly beautiful. Their interactions have such an innocent undertone, honest and real - while my heart broke for them, the terrible things they were forced to endure, the love they have for each other made this story unforgettable.
"The night is clear too. Not a cloud in the sky. And the stars and the moon have come out to watch."
But I didn't bother looking up. What the fuck were the stars and moon, when I had her? I couldn't take my eyes off her.
Special shout out to Viking and AK! Those two made my heart happy.
Flame's book!!!!
August 6, 2015
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author "Tillie Cole" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Souls Unfractured
SERIES: (Hades Hangmen #3)
AUTHOR: Tillie Cole
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: August 11th 2015
MY RATING: 5 +++++ STARS
I could not wait to read about psycho flame, he's one sick, twisted, blood thirsty cutter, mother f*ucker, and I'm twisted enough to read it!! I am so f*cking ready!!
WHO CAN BLAME ME FOR LOVING FLAME
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:Souls Unfractured begins immediately after Heart Recaptured ends. To fully enjoy this novel, Book 1, It Ain’t Me Babe, and Book 2, Heart Recaptured, should be read first. Also be aware that Souls Unfractured contains scenes of severe sexual abuse, taboo topics, violence and sexual assault.
Tillie Cole has done it again!! This book was epic!! I freaking love Flame..You just want to crawl under his skin and ease the fire, my heart literally broke in half reading his story..No words can really describe everything that was racing through my mind, my heart when I was reading this.
BEFORE
I couldn’t be touched. I couldn’t be fucking touched… One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, I started to count, waiting for the flames to hurt her. Waiting for the pain…eight, nine, ten, eleven… My eyes snapped down as I reached eleven, expecting to see her pain. Eleven. But she wasn’t hurt. Eleven. I’d gone past eleven.
I began pacing below her window. Because no one would fucking get near her again. No one would ever hurt her again. If they did, they would die. Die under my motherfucking blades… Because she was mine. The little black-haired bitch called Maddie was mine.
BOOM!! HERE WE GO!!!
Gods this is fucking ripping my heart out, what the fuck happened to him, who hurt him so fucking badly that he self mutilates, why does he always count 11 steps forward then 11 steps back, every time he is highly agitated he counts to eleven! not to ten or twelve always to eleven..Such a tortured broken soul!! It's breaking my heart reading his need to control the fire within himself..Then out come the knives!! This is heartbreakingly raw..Drip, Drip the sound of my tears falling down my cheeks, my heart is breaking for all that is flame..
NOW
He has evil running through his veins. The way he behaves, the way he cuts himself. The darkness of his soul.
He didn’t ever wanna live like this. You know what he said to do if he ever went nuclear. If at any point he never came back out of his fucked up head.
You ever want to jump inside a book and become one of those characters, the character that saves the day, that tries to save the broken male, the one that loves that broken man unconditionally well Flame for me is that book!! The kind of book that made me FEEL, the kind of book that BROKE my heart, FLAMES story broke me into little pieces..And that is what I love about books like this they make me feel things that on a day to day basis outside of my books I wouldn't necessarily feel..
A PRODUCT OF HIS CHILDHOOD
There's an evil living inside you boy. An evil I'm gonna make damn sure is exorcised. Make you normal. Make you right.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven…
Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie...
I really don't want to read what his father does to him to try and make him right!! This is going to kill me!!
When we got that little glimpse of Flame in the previous book and his self mutilation and his inability to touch thinking if he touches he will hurt the recipient, I will not lie I did roll the eyes and was like here we go this guy is fucked up way beyond repair, but now we're privy to what made him the way he is, there is such depth to his character. And as I put above he is a product of his childhood, it's been manipulated in him to think the way he thinks..
With each book in this series Tillie just seems to push that darkness a little more each book, this book was darker than the others which I really really loved..
I was seventeen...seventeen, when I embraced the darkness. Seventeen when I fucking became flame
TITLE: Souls Unfractured
SERIES: (Hades Hangmen #3)
AUTHOR: Tillie Cole
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: August 11th 2015
MY RATING: 5 +++++ STARS
I could not wait to read about psycho flame, he's one sick, twisted, blood thirsty cutter, mother f*ucker, and I'm twisted enough to read it!! I am so f*cking ready!!
WHO CAN BLAME ME FOR LOVING FLAME
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:Souls Unfractured begins immediately after Heart Recaptured ends. To fully enjoy this novel, Book 1, It Ain’t Me Babe, and Book 2, Heart Recaptured, should be read first. Also be aware that Souls Unfractured contains scenes of severe sexual abuse, taboo topics, violence and sexual assault.
Tillie Cole has done it again!! This book was epic!! I freaking love Flame..You just want to crawl under his skin and ease the fire, my heart literally broke in half reading his story..No words can really describe everything that was racing through my mind, my heart when I was reading this.
BEFORE
I couldn’t be touched. I couldn’t be fucking touched… One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, I started to count, waiting for the flames to hurt her. Waiting for the pain…eight, nine, ten, eleven… My eyes snapped down as I reached eleven, expecting to see her pain. Eleven. But she wasn’t hurt. Eleven. I’d gone past eleven.
I began pacing below her window. Because no one would fucking get near her again. No one would ever hurt her again. If they did, they would die. Die under my motherfucking blades… Because she was mine. The little black-haired bitch called Maddie was mine.
BOOM!! HERE WE GO!!!
Gods this is fucking ripping my heart out, what the fuck happened to him, who hurt him so fucking badly that he self mutilates, why does he always count 11 steps forward then 11 steps back, every time he is highly agitated he counts to eleven! not to ten or twelve always to eleven..Such a tortured broken soul!! It's breaking my heart reading his need to control the fire within himself..Then out come the knives!! This is heartbreakingly raw..Drip, Drip the sound of my tears falling down my cheeks, my heart is breaking for all that is flame..
NOW
He has evil running through his veins. The way he behaves, the way he cuts himself. The darkness of his soul.
He didn’t ever wanna live like this. You know what he said to do if he ever went nuclear. If at any point he never came back out of his fucked up head.
You ever want to jump inside a book and become one of those characters, the character that saves the day, that tries to save the broken male, the one that loves that broken man unconditionally well Flame for me is that book!! The kind of book that made me FEEL, the kind of book that BROKE my heart, FLAMES story broke me into little pieces..And that is what I love about books like this they make me feel things that on a day to day basis outside of my books I wouldn't necessarily feel..
A PRODUCT OF HIS CHILDHOOD
There's an evil living inside you boy. An evil I'm gonna make damn sure is exorcised. Make you normal. Make you right.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven…
Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie...
I really don't want to read what his father does to him to try and make him right!! This is going to kill me!!
When we got that little glimpse of Flame in the previous book and his self mutilation and his inability to touch thinking if he touches he will hurt the recipient, I will not lie I did roll the eyes and was like here we go this guy is fucked up way beyond repair, but now we're privy to what made him the way he is, there is such depth to his character. And as I put above he is a product of his childhood, it's been manipulated in him to think the way he thinks..
With each book in this series Tillie just seems to push that darkness a little more each book, this book was darker than the others which I really really loved..
I was seventeen...seventeen, when I embraced the darkness. Seventeen when I fucking became flame
October 6, 2015
5 FLAMING Stars
Wow! I just cleared off a spot on my Favorite Shelf for this one. To some friends’ surprise, the first book of this series didn’t wow me at all and I found the love connection to be ridiculously far-fetched and story line was a tad dare I say lame? With an open mind, I ventured into the second book of the series and even though it was a much better read, I still wasn’t drinking the Hangman Lover’s Kool-Aide. However, this third book of the series was a winner and I’ve happily joined the masses!
I was completely captivated by Flame from the first few pages of the story. While Maddie is just the right percentage of broken to be able to help the scary as fuck Hangman.
Flame’s past will crush a reader and had me cringing every time the author brought me back to his childhood. His feelings for Maddie will give hope that somewhere under the disturbing acts of cutting himself right in front of your face and I can’t even discuss what he would do over that damn hatch in his cabin…yikes!
However scary Flame is and his behaviors misunderstood, he does indeed have a soul and a big heart. A heart and soul that wants more than what he has been given in this life with the beautiful woman he helped rescue from a religious nightmare as scary as his own.
”"I know I'm different. I know I don't see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if its the only one I'll ever understand."
Tillie Cole brought a couple so fractured together and made them work. Their progression to love was totally believable and their love scenes were very unique (I hung on every word).
“I used to wonder how two people- one broken girl, and one broken boy- could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that’s how. They fight their way through… together.”
If you're like me kind of indifferent about this series, give this one a go! If you stopped at book one, give this book a go! If you have been a fan since the get go and were one of those who told me to try Flame's book (Christy & Brandi) -Thank You.
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Wow! I just cleared off a spot on my Favorite Shelf for this one. To some friends’ surprise, the first book of this series didn’t wow me at all and I found the love connection to be ridiculously far-fetched and story line was a tad dare I say lame? With an open mind, I ventured into the second book of the series and even though it was a much better read, I still wasn’t drinking the Hangman Lover’s Kool-Aide. However, this third book of the series was a winner and I’ve happily joined the masses!
I was completely captivated by Flame from the first few pages of the story. While Maddie is just the right percentage of broken to be able to help the scary as fuck Hangman.
Flame’s past will crush a reader and had me cringing every time the author brought me back to his childhood. His feelings for Maddie will give hope that somewhere under the disturbing acts of cutting himself right in front of your face and I can’t even discuss what he would do over that damn hatch in his cabin…yikes!
However scary Flame is and his behaviors misunderstood, he does indeed have a soul and a big heart. A heart and soul that wants more than what he has been given in this life with the beautiful woman he helped rescue from a religious nightmare as scary as his own.
”"I know I'm different. I know I don't see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if its the only one I'll ever understand."
Tillie Cole brought a couple so fractured together and made them work. Their progression to love was totally believable and their love scenes were very unique (I hung on every word).
“I used to wonder how two people- one broken girl, and one broken boy- could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that’s how. They fight their way through… together.”
If you're like me kind of indifferent about this series, give this one a go! If you stopped at book one, give this book a go! If you have been a fan since the get go and were one of those who told me to try Flame's book (Christy & Brandi) -Thank You.
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May 19, 2020
5 Stars
If this book was just a collection of sincere conversations between Maddie and Flame, I would still give it five stars. That’s how genuine and moving that relationship was.
I have to admit I have a soft spot for scarred or broken male characters. (Zsadist from BDB anyone!?) Flame represented such an antithesis. A remorseless killer with a gentle soul. A person who doesn’t get the nuance of human emotion yet is able to feel so much. He broke my heart. I could see him as a child, scared, misunderstood and so, so lonely. I’ve never wanted to see a character get a HEA more than Flame.
Maddie was his other half. If there ever was a couple to fit together so perfectly, to balance each other out and to understand each other, they are it! When they were together, even when they were having the most inconsequential conversation, there was a sense of peace and gentleness surrounding them. I just loved it!
Also, I can’t help but notice the contrast between how pure their relationship was and the background on which it developed, (The MC, The Order) it only made it stand out more.
And can we talk about the book cover?! I can practically see them in that picture. This series has some of the best, fitting and most heartbreaking covers.
When it comes to the plot of the book, I feel like it’s less action packed and more character driven and I was fine with that. Both Flame and Maddie were complex and interesting as people so I could read 1000 pages about them and not get bored.
TW: There’s a lot of dark content. Both Maddie and Flame’s pasts are not easy to read about. A lot of talk about child abuse.
If this book was just a collection of sincere conversations between Maddie and Flame, I would still give it five stars. That’s how genuine and moving that relationship was.
I have to admit I have a soft spot for scarred or broken male characters. (Zsadist from BDB anyone!?) Flame represented such an antithesis. A remorseless killer with a gentle soul. A person who doesn’t get the nuance of human emotion yet is able to feel so much. He broke my heart. I could see him as a child, scared, misunderstood and so, so lonely. I’ve never wanted to see a character get a HEA more than Flame.
Maddie was his other half. If there ever was a couple to fit together so perfectly, to balance each other out and to understand each other, they are it! When they were together, even when they were having the most inconsequential conversation, there was a sense of peace and gentleness surrounding them. I just loved it!
Also, I can’t help but notice the contrast between how pure their relationship was and the background on which it developed, (The MC, The Order) it only made it stand out more.
And can we talk about the book cover?! I can practically see them in that picture. This series has some of the best, fitting and most heartbreaking covers.
When it comes to the plot of the book, I feel like it’s less action packed and more character driven and I was fine with that. Both Flame and Maddie were complex and interesting as people so I could read 1000 pages about them and not get bored.
TW: There’s a lot of dark content. Both Maddie and Flame’s pasts are not easy to read about. A lot of talk about child abuse.
March 7, 2016
August 10th 2015 - Review now posted!
4.95 **beautiful heartbreak** STARS
Flame and Maddie stole my heart. But when you consider how invested I already was in both characters before I even started reading the book, falling in love with them all over again was no surprise at all. What I couldn’t have anticipated was the care and sensitivity with which Ms. Cole developed this love story. Souls Unfractured was the most beautiful and yet gut wrenching read I had all year. The level of emotion was so high it made me cry. It made me cry a lot.
This is the third instalment in the Hades Hangmen Series by Tillie Cole and probably shouldn’t be read as a standalone. The main story surrounds Maddie and Flame, in and of itself a new couple, but the surrounding plots are a continuation of the first two books.
From the first moment Maddie and Flame met in It Ain’t Me, Baby and he killed her abuser, I was enthralled with their dynamic and wanted to get to know both characters and see if there is a relationship at all possible.
They don’t disappoint. Over the course of two books we witnessed Flame being batshit crazy watching over the little one and Maddie hiding behind the window looking out into the world, watching her saviour and the only man she is not afraid of - never talking or touching.
But that dynamic changes at the end of Heart Recaptured when Flame takes a bullet for Maddie. Once he comes back both have to face each other and maybe even come to terms with their connection.
I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing and carefully constructed the romance is in this book. Both characters are broken to a degree that they are barely able to function and in Flame’s case he is about to hit the point of no return.
As it turns out the only thing that keeps them moving is each other.
Flame is a tortured hero and when I say that I actually mean it. The things he went through in his life that made him the unhinged out of control self mutilating nutjob that he is today and it seriously broke my heart. Hearing about his past is not easy to take and might just be too much for some people. Ms. Cole really dives in with this one. It is graphic, mind numbing and leaves your heart in tatters.
The only thing that can get Flame out of this hell hole is Maddie. Now, she was a complete surprise for me. Up until this point we only got to see her as the silent girl sitting around and ignoring the world. Not an unusual thing when you consider the things she endured all her life living in the abusive cult. But to my great pleasure she actually was the anchor here. The tables are turned, whereas in the first two instalments the girls needed saving this time around Maddie is the one extending the hand. Yes, Flame and Maddie save each other, but I think it is safe to say without her resilience and devotion Souls Unfractured would have been half as good and they would still be watching each other through a window.
One thing that really stood out for me in this book was the friendship between Flame, Viking and AK - the so called ‘psycho trio’. I loved their untouchable loyalty and bond. There is nothing they wouldn’t do for each other. Really a remarkable thing.
What else is there to say? Cain is a tool, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I hear one of the next books will be about him. Keeping my fingers crossed for him.
After reading me gushing about this book, you might wonder why there are only 4.95 stars. There was one little twist that was just unnecessary and redundant in my humble opinion. In the end it was only an eye roll moment but I really needed to put it in the rating since it bothered me nonetheless. If you scream at your kindle 'not again' something must be wrong. ;D But in the grand scheme of things it really doesn't matter.
All in all, I have to say this was my absolutely favourite couple in the series so far. The love story was so incredibly beautiful, moving and I will treasure it for a long time. The writing is on point. When you can't keep reading because of all the tears you are shedding you just know something must be right.
Thank you for the memories, Ms. Cole!
**ARC very kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.95 **beautiful heartbreak** STARS
“We are Flame and Maddie. And we have survived”
“We have found each other, and we are never letting each other go.”
Flame and Maddie stole my heart. But when you consider how invested I already was in both characters before I even started reading the book, falling in love with them all over again was no surprise at all. What I couldn’t have anticipated was the care and sensitivity with which Ms. Cole developed this love story. Souls Unfractured was the most beautiful and yet gut wrenching read I had all year. The level of emotion was so high it made me cry. It made me cry a lot.
This is the third instalment in the Hades Hangmen Series by Tillie Cole and probably shouldn’t be read as a standalone. The main story surrounds Maddie and Flame, in and of itself a new couple, but the surrounding plots are a continuation of the first two books.
From the first moment Maddie and Flame met in It Ain’t Me, Baby and he killed her abuser, I was enthralled with their dynamic and wanted to get to know both characters and see if there is a relationship at all possible.
They don’t disappoint. Over the course of two books we witnessed Flame being batshit crazy watching over the little one and Maddie hiding behind the window looking out into the world, watching her saviour and the only man she is not afraid of - never talking or touching.
“What are words? Sometimes the flick of a pair of eyes or the flush of skin reveals everything you need to know. Words can wound. Silence can heal.”
But that dynamic changes at the end of Heart Recaptured when Flame takes a bullet for Maddie. Once he comes back both have to face each other and maybe even come to terms with their connection.
I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing and carefully constructed the romance is in this book. Both characters are broken to a degree that they are barely able to function and in Flame’s case he is about to hit the point of no return.
As it turns out the only thing that keeps them moving is each other.
Flame is a tortured hero and when I say that I actually mean it. The things he went through in his life that made him the unhinged out of control self mutilating nutjob that he is today and it seriously broke my heart. Hearing about his past is not easy to take and might just be too much for some people. Ms. Cole really dives in with this one. It is graphic, mind numbing and leaves your heart in tatters.
“You, Flame. My tortured boy. You gave me life and light.”
The only thing that can get Flame out of this hell hole is Maddie. Now, she was a complete surprise for me. Up until this point we only got to see her as the silent girl sitting around and ignoring the world. Not an unusual thing when you consider the things she endured all her life living in the abusive cult. But to my great pleasure she actually was the anchor here. The tables are turned, whereas in the first two instalments the girls needed saving this time around Maddie is the one extending the hand. Yes, Flame and Maddie save each other, but I think it is safe to say without her resilience and devotion Souls Unfractured would have been half as good and they would still be watching each other through a window.
One thing that really stood out for me in this book was the friendship between Flame, Viking and AK - the so called ‘psycho trio’. I loved their untouchable loyalty and bond. There is nothing they wouldn’t do for each other. Really a remarkable thing.
What else is there to say? Cain is a tool, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I hear one of the next books will be about him. Keeping my fingers crossed for him.
After reading me gushing about this book, you might wonder why there are only 4.95 stars. There was one little twist that was just unnecessary and redundant in my humble opinion. In the end it was only an eye roll moment but I really needed to put it in the rating since it bothered me nonetheless. If you scream at your kindle 'not again' something must be wrong. ;D But in the grand scheme of things it really doesn't matter.
All in all, I have to say this was my absolutely favourite couple in the series so far. The love story was so incredibly beautiful, moving and I will treasure it for a long time. The writing is on point. When you can't keep reading because of all the tears you are shedding you just know something must be right.
Thank you for the memories, Ms. Cole!
**ARC very kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2015
5 "Let it shine" STARS
For fractured souls are like magnets.
Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss…"
Every single expectation was met and exceeded. Even a few hopes and dreams were granted in this breathtaking and heart wrenching story and series!!!
If you're a fan of the Hades Hangmen and Tillie Cole, like me, you've been anxiously awaiting Flame and Maddie's story. I won't give too much away because this story must truly be experienced to fully appreciate and capture all the wonder and awe of Tillie Cole.
Here's my 11 thoughts or favourite quotes:
1. Flame: "He had midnight eyes. Was pierced. Tattooed. Strong. And filled with pure rage. But he was mine. And when he was mine, he was gentle, caring and just as broken as I was.
His story was dark, filled with anguish, rage and utter heartbreak.
"My skin felt on fire. My soul felt on fire."
2. Maddie: "A fucking pint-sized warrior."
"My heart was dark and empty without her. And nothing I could do would take it away."
The youngest of the three sisters and also the most brutally damaged by the Order. Yet also the bravest and the strongest in so many ways.
3. Didn't think it was possible to love Flame, AK and Vike any more than I did going into this story but these guys...
4.
5.
“What are words? Sometimes the flick of a pair of eyes or the flush of skin reveals everything you need to know. Words can wound. Silence can heal.”
6.
7.
"I used to wonder how two people - one broken girl, and one broken boy - could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that's how. They fight their way through...together."
8.
9. The Hades Hangmen: Loved catching up with Styx and Mae, Ky and Lilah and learning more about the men and their club. I'd ride with these warriors any day.
10. My words won't adequately capture all the emotions I felt when reading this tortured, dark and also light and beautiful story. For all the pain and chilling numbness...
...there was also salvation and freedom.
11. Finally, Tillie Cole, thank you for such a breathtakingly beautiful story and for the Hades Hangmen...
**An ARC generously provided by Tillie Cole in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
For fractured souls are like magnets.
Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss…"
Every single expectation was met and exceeded. Even a few hopes and dreams were granted in this breathtaking and heart wrenching story and series!!!
If you're a fan of the Hades Hangmen and Tillie Cole, like me, you've been anxiously awaiting Flame and Maddie's story. I won't give too much away because this story must truly be experienced to fully appreciate and capture all the wonder and awe of Tillie Cole.
Here's my 11 thoughts or favourite quotes:
1. Flame: "He had midnight eyes. Was pierced. Tattooed. Strong. And filled with pure rage. But he was mine. And when he was mine, he was gentle, caring and just as broken as I was.
His story was dark, filled with anguish, rage and utter heartbreak.
"My skin felt on fire. My soul felt on fire."
2. Maddie: "A fucking pint-sized warrior."
"My heart was dark and empty without her. And nothing I could do would take it away."
The youngest of the three sisters and also the most brutally damaged by the Order. Yet also the bravest and the strongest in so many ways.
3. Didn't think it was possible to love Flame, AK and Vike any more than I did going into this story but these guys...
4.
5.
“What are words? Sometimes the flick of a pair of eyes or the flush of skin reveals everything you need to know. Words can wound. Silence can heal.”
6.
7.
"I used to wonder how two people - one broken girl, and one broken boy - could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that's how. They fight their way through...together."
8.
9. The Hades Hangmen: Loved catching up with Styx and Mae, Ky and Lilah and learning more about the men and their club. I'd ride with these warriors any day.
10. My words won't adequately capture all the emotions I felt when reading this tortured, dark and also light and beautiful story. For all the pain and chilling numbness...
...there was also salvation and freedom.
11. Finally, Tillie Cole, thank you for such a breathtakingly beautiful story and for the Hades Hangmen...
**An ARC generously provided by Tillie Cole in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
August 10, 2015
LIVE ON AMAZON!!!!
Amazon US ~ http://amzn.com/B013OJYRJI
Amazon UK ~ http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013OJYRJI
Amazon AU ~ http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B013OJYRJI
Amazon CA ~ http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B013OJYRJI
5 EMOTIONAL STARS
"What are words?Sometimes the flick of a pair of eyes or the flush of skin reveals everything you need to know.Words canwound.Silence can heal."
I really enjoyed this story even thought I cried most of the time!This story is emotional,intense,heartbreaking and dark!It's one of my favorite series and I'm so excited each time I read a new book!!Tillie Cole did an amazing job with this story!She managed to put me inside the story and make me feel so connected to the characters and I felt what they felt!
Flame doesn't want to be touched due to what happened to him in the past.But he doesn't stop thinking about Maddie, he wants to protect her. Maddie had a bad life before and now that she is with the other girls she has feelings for Flame..he is the one who saves her and he makes her feel safe...But now is the time for her to save him.But can she manage it?
I haven't felt so sad about a character before!Poor Flame my heart broke for him and I was hoping to finally see him happy!He was tortured and he needed love in his life!Maddie is the one who will give him what he needs!Maddie is so sweet I loved her character!Both characters have some issues and have been tortured!But they are perfect for each other, you can see the balance between them and I can't imagine them apart.I loved the connection and intensity, they have when they were together!There are so many quotes that I loved in this story and if I could I'll write all of them!When you read the book I think you will agree with me!
Also I loved seeing the other characters Mae, Styx, Lilah and Ky again because I missed them!This series is one of my favorites and I highly recommend it!Please give it a try you will not regret it!!
Amazon US ~ http://amzn.com/B013OJYRJI
Amazon UK ~ http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013OJYRJI
Amazon AU ~ http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B013OJYRJI
Amazon CA ~ http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B013OJYRJI
5 EMOTIONAL STARS
"What are words?Sometimes the flick of a pair of eyes or the flush of skin reveals everything you need to know.Words canwound.Silence can heal."
I really enjoyed this story even thought I cried most of the time!This story is emotional,intense,heartbreaking and dark!It's one of my favorite series and I'm so excited each time I read a new book!!Tillie Cole did an amazing job with this story!She managed to put me inside the story and make me feel so connected to the characters and I felt what they felt!
Flame doesn't want to be touched due to what happened to him in the past.But he doesn't stop thinking about Maddie, he wants to protect her. Maddie had a bad life before and now that she is with the other girls she has feelings for Flame..he is the one who saves her and he makes her feel safe...But now is the time for her to save him.But can she manage it?
I haven't felt so sad about a character before!Poor Flame my heart broke for him and I was hoping to finally see him happy!He was tortured and he needed love in his life!Maddie is the one who will give him what he needs!Maddie is so sweet I loved her character!Both characters have some issues and have been tortured!But they are perfect for each other, you can see the balance between them and I can't imagine them apart.I loved the connection and intensity, they have when they were together!There are so many quotes that I loved in this story and if I could I'll write all of them!When you read the book I think you will agree with me!
Also I loved seeing the other characters Mae, Styx, Lilah and Ky again because I missed them!This series is one of my favorites and I highly recommend it!Please give it a try you will not regret it!!
August 3, 2021
BLOG
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. This is book three in the Hades hangmen series, It’s Flame and Maddie story. I was so excited for this book especially after all the little moments we get at the previous books .
This book is so much darker than the first two, I think the series gets darker as It progresses. Flame and Maddie’s story is so gutwrenching and heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. Flame and Maddie had such a dark and traumatic past and I loved every second of their journey together trying to heal each other from what happened to them before.
Flame in the first two books was a mysterious character at first I thought this man is a psychopath because of the things he did in the first two books but when I get to know his story omg my heart was breaking for him and I love him so much. He’s such a misunderstood character and the way he treated Maddie and tries to protect her from anything that can hurt her was so beautiful. I liked Maddie from the beginning of the series and I loved her with Flame. They have so much in common, they understand each other perfectly. What happened to Maddie broke my heart and I was sobbing for her but she’s so strong and she tries so hard to heal from that. What she did with flame was so beautiful and how she tries to fix him slowly was everything.
Their relationship is one of a kind and I love them so much, They survived all of that with each other and they made each other strong. Flame, AK, and Viking relationship are one of the things I adored about this book. They care so much about each other and no matter what they got each other back.
I love this series so much, It’s becoming one of my favorites and I’ll read the rest of the books because I can’t wait to know Cain and AK stories and how this world progress. This a very dark series so please look up the trigger warning before reading it.
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. This is book three in the Hades hangmen series, It’s Flame and Maddie story. I was so excited for this book especially after all the little moments we get at the previous books .
This book is so much darker than the first two, I think the series gets darker as It progresses. Flame and Maddie’s story is so gutwrenching and heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. Flame and Maddie had such a dark and traumatic past and I loved every second of their journey together trying to heal each other from what happened to them before.
Flame in the first two books was a mysterious character at first I thought this man is a psychopath because of the things he did in the first two books but when I get to know his story omg my heart was breaking for him and I love him so much. He’s such a misunderstood character and the way he treated Maddie and tries to protect her from anything that can hurt her was so beautiful. I liked Maddie from the beginning of the series and I loved her with Flame. They have so much in common, they understand each other perfectly. What happened to Maddie broke my heart and I was sobbing for her but she’s so strong and she tries so hard to heal from that. What she did with flame was so beautiful and how she tries to fix him slowly was everything.
Their relationship is one of a kind and I love them so much, They survived all of that with each other and they made each other strong. Flame, AK, and Viking relationship are one of the things I adored about this book. They care so much about each other and no matter what they got each other back.
I love this series so much, It’s becoming one of my favorites and I’ll read the rest of the books because I can’t wait to know Cain and AK stories and how this world progress. This a very dark series so please look up the trigger warning before reading it.
December 29, 2023
~5 LOVING Flame and Maddie STARS~
"For fractured souls are like magnets. Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss."
Souls Unfractured is the long awaited third book in the Hades Hangmen. The entire series is centered around three sisters and their escape from a cult. They have found a safe haven in the Hades Hangmen MC! In the previous books, we witnessed Mae and Lilah find happiness with their motorcycle men and now it is time for the youngest sister Maddie to find her piece of happiness.
"The flames never calmed. They forever f*cking burned. But with her...I wanted to grip her tighter. I wanted to hold her closer."-Flame
From the moment that Maddie was rescued from the horrific world of the cult she had her heart and soul bound to one man. FLAME! Flame is a mystery. He keeps to himself and is different from the other men in the club. Flame has demons that cause him great pain. He finds relief for his pain by cutting himself. He is afraid to touch anyone because he believes he is toxic. And yet, somehow Maddie has captured his heart. Even if he doesn't quite now how to express himself, there is one thing he knows, Maddie is his!
"Because she was mine."-Flame
Flame has found solace just being near Maddie. He won't touch her but he can't stay away. Maddie is equally damaged by the atrocities she has faced from her life in the cult. However, being near Flame has given her hope for a better life. Could there ever be a future between the two?
"He was still the man who protected me. He was still the silent shadow that kept me safe."-Maddie
As Flame and Maddie find away to be together their past demons surface. Individually they are both sick and broken souls and yet, together they seem to find a way. It is a painful journey stifled by dirty memories that will cause your heart to ache and your stomach to churn. And yet, the tender moments where peace is discovered will fill your heart to the brim with love. Additionally, for me, the sexy scenes were even more sexy because truthfully the anticipation of these two coming together was so worth the wait! There is a a great deal of love blooming between the two as the plot develops. And when they finally come together, it is explosive and so beautiful. The dual POV really offers the full spectrum of the story and the tempo was consistently steady with dueling moments of intensity and sweet moments of relief.
Overall, I can honestly say everything about this read was captivating! The characters are complex and thoroughly developed by the author. Each individual story line continues to flourish as the books progress. I have been anticipating Flame and Maddie's story from the moment I finished the first book and thankfully Ms. Cole certainly did not disappoint. As par for the course, for me, she delivers every time! I think it's critical to prepare my tenderhearted GR friends. Flame and Maddie's story isn't an easy one to get through. If you like gritty romance stories, then this is the read for you. In order to experience the full arc of the story, you should start by reading the first book! I promise, you will be so glad that you invested in these characters. Thank you Ms. Cole for giving us such a magnificent love story between two broken people. It serves as a reminder that it is never too late to find love.
We are never so broken that we cannot find a way to heal. It is never wrong to be the person you were created to be. We are all worthy of more than we ever wished or hoped for! This is one story I will never forget!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
"For fractured souls are like magnets. Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss."
Souls Unfractured is the long awaited third book in the Hades Hangmen. The entire series is centered around three sisters and their escape from a cult. They have found a safe haven in the Hades Hangmen MC! In the previous books, we witnessed Mae and Lilah find happiness with their motorcycle men and now it is time for the youngest sister Maddie to find her piece of happiness.
"The flames never calmed. They forever f*cking burned. But with her...I wanted to grip her tighter. I wanted to hold her closer."-Flame
From the moment that Maddie was rescued from the horrific world of the cult she had her heart and soul bound to one man. FLAME! Flame is a mystery. He keeps to himself and is different from the other men in the club. Flame has demons that cause him great pain. He finds relief for his pain by cutting himself. He is afraid to touch anyone because he believes he is toxic. And yet, somehow Maddie has captured his heart. Even if he doesn't quite now how to express himself, there is one thing he knows, Maddie is his!
"Because she was mine."-Flame
Flame has found solace just being near Maddie. He won't touch her but he can't stay away. Maddie is equally damaged by the atrocities she has faced from her life in the cult. However, being near Flame has given her hope for a better life. Could there ever be a future between the two?
"He was still the man who protected me. He was still the silent shadow that kept me safe."-Maddie
As Flame and Maddie find away to be together their past demons surface. Individually they are both sick and broken souls and yet, together they seem to find a way. It is a painful journey stifled by dirty memories that will cause your heart to ache and your stomach to churn. And yet, the tender moments where peace is discovered will fill your heart to the brim with love. Additionally, for me, the sexy scenes were even more sexy because truthfully the anticipation of these two coming together was so worth the wait! There is a a great deal of love blooming between the two as the plot develops. And when they finally come together, it is explosive and so beautiful. The dual POV really offers the full spectrum of the story and the tempo was consistently steady with dueling moments of intensity and sweet moments of relief.
Overall, I can honestly say everything about this read was captivating! The characters are complex and thoroughly developed by the author. Each individual story line continues to flourish as the books progress. I have been anticipating Flame and Maddie's story from the moment I finished the first book and thankfully Ms. Cole certainly did not disappoint. As par for the course, for me, she delivers every time! I think it's critical to prepare my tenderhearted GR friends. Flame and Maddie's story isn't an easy one to get through. If you like gritty romance stories, then this is the read for you. In order to experience the full arc of the story, you should start by reading the first book! I promise, you will be so glad that you invested in these characters. Thank you Ms. Cole for giving us such a magnificent love story between two broken people. It serves as a reminder that it is never too late to find love.
We are never so broken that we cannot find a way to heal. It is never wrong to be the person you were created to be. We are all worthy of more than we ever wished or hoped for! This is one story I will never forget!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
April 2, 2020
reread (mar 2020) — 4.75 stars
MADDIE AND FLAME ARE BOTH PRECIOUS AND MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS.
this book is the very definition of a paradox since its so dark that i had to take a break from the series for a year but the romance is one of the purest, most innocent thing i've ever read. and every time there's a cute moment between all the dark ones, i just
i can't handle the cuteness OK? and from the very first book when Flame killed Maddie's rapist and she hugged him (when Flame doesn't like to be touched), i just knew their romance was gonna be so good and i was right. why? because of their emotional connection that the first 2 books failed to accomplish.
i was a little iffy with Flame since in it ain't me babe he, uh, (tw!) cut himself and was aroused whenever he did it(!). so i didn't really know what to think of his character but ever since he met Maddie, i just loved seeing Flame being so protective to her in a very extreme way since he guards her door or stands below her window all day and night and he would always growl or go bat shit crazy whenever Maddie isn't around.
but when i discovered what Flame went through his entire childhood and what his "father" did to him to make him the way he is? i don't really know what to feel since i was both heartbroken and disgusted. it was just so disturbing so for those who want to be warned first and want to read this in the future, i'll explain some of it since it is VERY TRIGGERING.
i just couldn't handle the darkness of this book sometimes so im surprised i pulled through this twice.
Flame and Jamie from outlander are honestly the characters i know that have suffered the most in EVERY platform.
but anyways, i love how Maddie and Flame are each others' salvation. their relationship is just so precious and wholesome. they're both protective of one another and i love how Flame turns into a shy softie whenever Maddie is around. it just made me feel some type of way, because i mean, their convo would be like this,
UGH MY HEART. i just can't handle the cuteness it's just too much. and when they finally touched and kissed for the first time and Flame was in so much awe because his "evil blood" didn't hurt her?
and y'all know how the H usually says all the swoony things? well here, Maddie is the swoony one because everything she says to Flame makes ME fall in love with HER. honestly, Flame deserves all the love Maddie gives him and im all for that.
this book is my definite favorite right now because of the wholesome content of Maddie and Flame's relationship but it's definitely one of the darkest in the series so far so PEOPLE, ONLY READ THIS SERIES IF YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT MINDSET BECAUSE THIS IS VERY TRIGGERING.
only reason why i downgraded my rating just a lil bit is because the bad guys here always die so quickly!! like, pls. just— just no.
pardon my language here but fuck that Judah character, that little pedophile bitchass. im sorry, im just so angry with him he is literally the worst character i've ever read about in a long time. but anyways, i can't wait to read Rider's book cuz i love a good ole bad guy turned good redemption story and i can't wait for Judah's death.
* * *
original rating — 5 stars
MADDIE AND FLAME ARE BOTH PRECIOUS AND MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS.
this book is the very definition of a paradox since its so dark that i had to take a break from the series for a year but the romance is one of the purest, most innocent thing i've ever read. and every time there's a cute moment between all the dark ones, i just
i can't handle the cuteness OK? and from the very first book when Flame killed Maddie's rapist and she hugged him (when Flame doesn't like to be touched), i just knew their romance was gonna be so good and i was right. why? because of their emotional connection that the first 2 books failed to accomplish.
i was a little iffy with Flame since in it ain't me babe he, uh, (tw!) cut himself and was aroused whenever he did it(!). so i didn't really know what to think of his character but ever since he met Maddie, i just loved seeing Flame being so protective to her in a very extreme way since he guards her door or stands below her window all day and night and he would always growl or go bat shit crazy whenever Maddie isn't around.
but when i discovered what Flame went through his entire childhood and what his "father" did to him to make him the way he is? i don't really know what to feel since i was both heartbroken and disgusted. it was just so disturbing so for those who want to be warned first and want to read this in the future, i'll explain some of it since it is VERY TRIGGERING.
(tw: spoilers) Flame has autism and his whole entire childhood, his dad raped, abused, cut him, locked him in a cellar every night. he also witnessed his baby brother dying in his arms, which made him believe whatever the crazy "church" people and his dad told him where his blood is evil just because he was different.
and now, as an adult, he cuts himself and touches himself to make the "flames in his blood go away" so he has to do his painful ritual every night because the voice of his father is still in his head. he does this so won't hurt others, especially Maddie. there are a few explicit scenes where nothing is held back so be warned people!!
i just couldn't handle the darkness of this book sometimes so im surprised i pulled through this twice.
Flame and Jamie from outlander are honestly the characters i know that have suffered the most in EVERY platform.
but anyways, i love how Maddie and Flame are each others' salvation. their relationship is just so precious and wholesome. they're both protective of one another and i love how Flame turns into a shy softie whenever Maddie is around. it just made me feel some type of way, because i mean, their convo would be like this,
"I draw, and that makes me happy. I was wondering what makes you happy?"
I watched Flame's face as his eyes flitted from side to side, when he said, "I watch you."
Heat infused my body, and I whispered, "That is what makes you happy? To watch me? Does it not bore you? I am asking what makes you happy? What you like doing the most?
Flame shook his head, then his eyes that I adored so much, met mine. "Being near you. Seeing you."
UGH MY HEART. i just can't handle the cuteness it's just too much. and when they finally touched and kissed for the first time and Flame was in so much awe because his "evil blood" didn't hurt her?
and y'all know how the H usually says all the swoony things? well here, Maddie is the swoony one because everything she says to Flame makes ME fall in love with HER. honestly, Flame deserves all the love Maddie gives him and im all for that.
this book is my definite favorite right now because of the wholesome content of Maddie and Flame's relationship but it's definitely one of the darkest in the series so far so PEOPLE, ONLY READ THIS SERIES IF YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT MINDSET BECAUSE THIS IS VERY TRIGGERING.
only reason why i downgraded my rating just a lil bit is because the bad guys here always die so quickly!! like, pls. just— just no.
pardon my language here but fuck that Judah character, that little pedophile bitchass. im sorry, im just so angry with him he is literally the worst character i've ever read about in a long time. but anyways, i can't wait to read Rider's book cuz i love a good ole bad guy turned good redemption story and i can't wait for Judah's death.
* * *
original rating — 5 stars
August 10, 2015
5++ Stars
“Flame’s different. But it don’t make him any less fucking important.”
And…..this is how it’s done! Souls Unfractured was everything we were anticipating, in fact it was more. It went beyond our wildest expectations, needs and wants for two characters who stole our hearts right from the beginning of this series; Flame & Maddie.
“I know I’m different. I know I don’t see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if it’s the only one I’ll ever understand.”
Souls Unfractured felt complete. Complete. Tillie Cole is an astounding writer. She literally involves every single one of your senses and pushes every single button demanding your attention. Her words bleeds from the pages into your heart. Her characters steal your heart. All of them.
“…for me, you are truth. My truth. My heart, is all you.”
What is so incredibly flawless is her attention to detail and tying up every single question, action, behaviour and storyline without it being superfluous, contrived or complicated, or even left wanting. We are in awe of this Author and give kudos to the obvious extensive research she compiles to stay true to her story and characters.
Every single character has a voice, a heart and a purpose. The love, the brotherhood, the respect and the unity. The compassion. Tillie Cole knows when to give and when to pull back so there’s no question as to why she’s one of our all-time favourite Authors.
‘Two fractured souls made whole only by the other’s unconditional love.’
Now, Flame and Maddie’s story is not for the faint-hearted. It’s as dark, terrifying – gruesome even. Therefore, embark on this journey knowing that you will be shocked, your limits will be pushed and your heart will be violently torn into bloody pieces. However; like a phoenix rising out of the ashes so does the incredibly intense beauty rise out of the monstrous in Souls Unfractured. And it truly is a sight to behold. It’s pretty bloody fantastic and satisfying to a reader’s soul. In amidst the inhumane you experience striking gentle moments of belonging, healing and ultimately love.
‘I…I wanted him as my own. In this moment, seeing the man who had become the center of my world, breaking, I wanted nothing more than to save him. To gift him the peace he so richly deserved, even if it meant sacrificing my newly-awakened heart in the process.’
Let’s begin with Maddie; the sweet and fragile elf like character who’s had to endure unspeakable tragedy, horrific childhood memories and like Flame lived a nightmare whilst fully awake. Such evil is unfathomable yet at no time was it sensationalised or added for drama’s sake. Our hearts bled; our nerves were fraught as this beautiful broken soul connected to another’s – embracing, loving and uniting with its own kind – Flame.
“I don’t feel the flames when you’re near. Somehow you calm the flames.”
Flame was not simply broken nor was he just traumatized. Those words do him no justice. He was the innocent victim of evil, a severely misunderstood boy who suffered a life stripped of everything good and loving in the world. He was neglected of a soft touch and the warm comfort that should be a natural right not a privilege. He was conditioned by other’s depravity, his gentle soul was used, abused and treated like a vessel in the most debauched manner under a misguided and self-serving justice. As Flame’s blood dripped from the self-inflicted cutting so did our tears onto the pages of our kindles.
“I’ll try harder to remove the flames. I’ll try harder…I…I love you.”
How many tears can you cry? How much can your heart truly hurt? How can the number 11 inflict such pain on your soul? How can every simple act of love and friendship shine like a beacon to neutralise all the evil, all the hurt? Well, Souls Unfractured can answer all of the questions and sets the bar so amazingly high.
“I am darkness. I am pain. I am motherfucking death.”
Souls Unfractured was Flame and Maddie. Flame and his Maddie. Maddie and her Flame. It was their journey from their individual beginnings – it was their story. Every minute was primarily spent with them which is what made it unique, compelling, intense and so extraordinarily personal. When someone mentions ‘no frills’ you immediately think of a cheap imitation. Well, not in this case. In this case ‘no frills’ is the highest of accolades as we dealt with the most basic human emotion of the rawest and most natural kind. When you strip layer after layer and get to the core and this core overwhelms you as it is like no other, and shines more brightly than the ‘frills’ in which it is wrapped. That is what ultimately makes up flawlessness and originality. That is what makes us Tillie Cole. That is how you can tell something is so very special and written in blood, through sweat and tears. And believe us; there were tears of unmeasurable magnitude.
‘My Maddie. Her Flame.’
**Reviewed from an ARC Copy provided by the author, with thanks.**
**Our Review for It Ain't Me Babe
**Our Review for Heart Recaptured
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August 14, 2018
"For fractured souls are like magnets.
Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss…"
I LOVED this book. It was so good. When I finished reading it, all I could feel was warm and fuzzy ...
Flame wasn't a usual Hero. He was a mix of violent, quiet and innocent. There was something different about him… He didn't communicate like normal people. He found it hard to understand people emotions and facial expressions. He found it hard to talk to others, and more importantly - He couldn't be touched by anyone. Not women... Not his brothers whom he trusts with his life. Not anyone.
Until Maddie.
"I used to wonder how two people—one broken girl, and one broken boy—could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know... Together, that’s how. They fight their way through together."
- Maddie
This little one was one of the strongest heroines I had the pleasure to read about. She went through HELL AND BACK and she survived. Not only she survived, she tried to move on with her life, and in the process she set Flame free. Free from his broken past. Free from his demons. Free from the Flames that burned him alive.
"I know I’m different. I know I don’t see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if it’s the only one I’ll ever understand."
- Flame
Sometimes, when I'm reading a book, I just LOVE to read about two characters, dealing with what life throws at them - Together. This is what I got while reading this book. Two broken people finding each other in the middle of their broken lives and together, concurs it all. I loved to see how Maddie was the ONLY one who could get through to this scary H. I loved how she was the ONLY woman he ever touched (and ever will). I loved it how from the moment they met, he made her feel SAFE. He protected her and watched over her. Even when she didn't realized that, she was HIS from the start. Same as he was HERS.
This book was truly amazing. I didn't read the previous books and if I'm being honest? I didn't felt lost. All I cared about was the romance and I got plenty of it. It was one of this 'quiet' books who focused on the romance and characters build and it worked just fine to me.
Safety Gang:
Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss…"
I LOVED this book. It was so good. When I finished reading it, all I could feel was warm and fuzzy ...
Flame wasn't a usual Hero. He was a mix of violent, quiet and innocent. There was something different about him… He didn't communicate like normal people. He found it hard to understand people emotions and facial expressions. He found it hard to talk to others, and more importantly - He couldn't be touched by anyone. Not women... Not his brothers whom he trusts with his life. Not anyone.
Until Maddie.
"I used to wonder how two people—one broken girl, and one broken boy—could ever move on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know... Together, that’s how. They fight their way through together."
- Maddie
This little one was one of the strongest heroines I had the pleasure to read about. She went through HELL AND BACK and she survived. Not only she survived, she tried to move on with her life, and in the process she set Flame free. Free from his broken past. Free from his demons. Free from the Flames that burned him alive.
"I know I’m different. I know I don’t see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if it’s the only one I’ll ever understand."
- Flame
Sometimes, when I'm reading a book, I just LOVE to read about two characters, dealing with what life throws at them - Together. This is what I got while reading this book. Two broken people finding each other in the middle of their broken lives and together, concurs it all. I loved to see how Maddie was the ONLY one who could get through to this scary H. I loved how she was the ONLY woman he ever touched (and ever will). I loved it how from the moment they met, he made her feel SAFE. He protected her and watched over her. Even when she didn't realized that, she was HIS from the start. Same as he was HERS.
This book was truly amazing. I didn't read the previous books and if I'm being honest? I didn't felt lost. All I cared about was the romance and I got plenty of it. It was one of this 'quiet' books who focused on the romance and characters build and it worked just fine to me.
Safety Gang:
August 20, 2015
LIVE EARLY!- AMZ- http://amzn.to/1IEhoOD
4.25 "Unlikely Saviors" Stars!
Souls Unfractured is one of those books that come along and I have to push myself to read it because I know it's going to stretch some of my limits. It's going to make me cringe, make me question the sanity of the human population, and it's going to stay with me well past the end...
I'll be 100% open and say I didn't think I could finish this book. Why? For the same reason I couldn't finish book two...the sheer rawness of the story felt like my chest was being cracked open and I felt utterly fileted (pun NOT intended). I've came to the conclusion that the blame isn't all in the subject matter of these books, it's in the ability of Ms Tillie Cole to create a scene so visually clear, you as the reader feel as though you have a front row center seat- a front row visual to things I really didn't fathom being able to watch. Something about these religious cults' sexual, almost sadistic rituals really disturb me, coupled with what they do to children? It's honestly too much for me at times. And I cannot fathom that this is going on in our world today. But I KNEW I had to read this book. I had to find answers to why Flame was the sick, twisted killer that he was in books 1 & 2. The knife-killer that stands guard day and night below Maddie's window protecting her. The killer that can't be touched, not physically. But Maddie sure touched him...
Such a Casanova...and I loved him. But, rest assured, Flame is bar-none THE most tortured hero I've ever experienced. My heart bled for that man. Yes, he's so so mentally scarred and borderline demonic in his rage at times, but, Lord did I want to hug all the pain away from thatsweet man. But his focus was on Maddy, Mae's tiny little sister that too has endured her fair share of torture for her young years. She's very meek and too cannot stomach the touch from a man, has never wanted to, until Flame. So imperfect yet perfect for each other...
I'm not going into a great deal on the plot line here. I'd highly recommend reading the series in order as it creates a background to the first connection Flame and Maddie experienced. The sadistic killed turns I to Maddie's hero on more than one occasion in the first two books and that stirs a sense of trust from Maddie that seems odd but so very genuine.
I can't begin to depict the gradual connection between these two characters. It was gut-wrenching. Through this early mutual trust, each protagonist fathers the courage to admit their weaknesses...to fight their demons. THIS part of the book was hardest for me. They had to revisit the ugly to get to the other side...together.
Anyone who has read this series will be promised a continued dose of Hades Hangmen brother loyalty, cameos from past MCs such as Styx/Mae and Ky/Lilah. We get grit and we get the ugliness that is the Christian cult the girls came from. What we get tenfold is an overwhelming sense of angsty build between both MCs. A slowly-progressed physical and emotional connection that has defied their awful circumstances. Nobody understands it but them...they are each other's saviors.
I'm so glad I pushed through the scenes that are depicted so clearly in this book. Without seeing that dark, I don't think I could quite grasp the light that shines within these two when they combine their strengths to fight each other's demons.
I commend Tillie Cole for taking this seasoned dark reader and pushing my limits to the near breaking point, yet, springing me back with such a perfect love story in the end. Two very very imperfect people so perfect for each other.
Looking forward to more within the Hades Hangmen Series. It appears at this time, 7 total books are to be written. I'd love to see Viking and AK each get a book after finding out the great guys they truly are. Friends that, no matter how flawed you are, see you for the person you truly are, including your flaws, and love you all the same! Off to finish Ky and Lilah's book now that I've donned my big-girl panties!
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
4.25 "Unlikely Saviors" Stars!
Souls Unfractured is one of those books that come along and I have to push myself to read it because I know it's going to stretch some of my limits. It's going to make me cringe, make me question the sanity of the human population, and it's going to stay with me well past the end...
I'll be 100% open and say I didn't think I could finish this book. Why? For the same reason I couldn't finish book two...the sheer rawness of the story felt like my chest was being cracked open and I felt utterly fileted (pun NOT intended). I've came to the conclusion that the blame isn't all in the subject matter of these books, it's in the ability of Ms Tillie Cole to create a scene so visually clear, you as the reader feel as though you have a front row center seat- a front row visual to things I really didn't fathom being able to watch. Something about these religious cults' sexual, almost sadistic rituals really disturb me, coupled with what they do to children? It's honestly too much for me at times. And I cannot fathom that this is going on in our world today. But I KNEW I had to read this book. I had to find answers to why Flame was the sick, twisted killer that he was in books 1 & 2. The knife-killer that stands guard day and night below Maddie's window protecting her. The killer that can't be touched, not physically. But Maddie sure touched him...
No one would ever hurt her again. If they did, they would die.
Die under my motherfucking blades…
Because she was mine. The little black-haired bitch called Maddie was mine.
Such a Casanova...and I loved him. But, rest assured, Flame is bar-none THE most tortured hero I've ever experienced. My heart bled for that man. Yes, he's so so mentally scarred and borderline demonic in his rage at times, but, Lord did I want to hug all the pain away from that
"I know I'm different. I know I don't see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if it's the only one I'll understand."
I'm not going into a great deal on the plot line here. I'd highly recommend reading the series in order as it creates a background to the first connection Flame and Maddie experienced. The sadistic killed turns I to Maddie's hero on more than one occasion in the first two books and that stirs a sense of trust from Maddie that seems odd but so very genuine.
I can't begin to depict the gradual connection between these two characters. It was gut-wrenching. Through this early mutual trust, each protagonist fathers the courage to admit their weaknesses...to fight their demons. THIS part of the book was hardest for me. They had to revisit the ugly to get to the other side...together.
Anyone who has read this series will be promised a continued dose of Hades Hangmen brother loyalty, cameos from past MCs such as Styx/Mae and Ky/Lilah. We get grit and we get the ugliness that is the Christian cult the girls came from. What we get tenfold is an overwhelming sense of angsty build between both MCs. A slowly-progressed physical and emotional connection that has defied their awful circumstances. Nobody understands it but them...they are each other's saviors.
I'm so glad I pushed through the scenes that are depicted so clearly in this book. Without seeing that dark, I don't think I could quite grasp the light that shines within these two when they combine their strengths to fight each other's demons.
I commend Tillie Cole for taking this seasoned dark reader and pushing my limits to the near breaking point, yet, springing me back with such a perfect love story in the end. Two very very imperfect people so perfect for each other.
Looking forward to more within the Hades Hangmen Series. It appears at this time, 7 total books are to be written. I'd love to see Viking and AK each get a book after finding out the great guys they truly are. Friends that, no matter how flawed you are, see you for the person you truly are, including your flaws, and love you all the same! Off to finish Ky and Lilah's book now that I've donned my big-girl panties!
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
August 21, 2015
"We are Flame and Maddie. And We have survived."
6+ EPIC STARS!!!!!!!
As an avid reader it seems like it is getting harder for me to be truly touched heart and soul by what I read anymore. Tillie Cole has managed to reach inside of me and take a hold of my heart and make it pump to a different beat!!! I am in utter awe right now of this author's raw talent that she has exhibited with this gut wrenching story of Flame and Maddie. I can't imagine what she went through while writing this story, as I know just what kind of soul crushing pain I felt while reading it. At times it was very daunting and I didn't know if I would be able to finish it. My heart quite literally bled from the horrors that this beautiful couple went through. I have to say though that if it wasn't for the extreme traumatic and graphic scenes that we experienced through the eyes of Flame and Maddie; we probably wouldn't have felt the utter beauty of what developed between the two of them as their relationship blossomed. Having experienced such horrific lows, it made me cherish the unbreakable bond between these two characters all the more clearer. Tillie Cole brought Flame and Maddie to life in my soul, and they have made a home there for all time...I won't ever forget them. I felt every single pain and agony that they did as if I were the one living it. That is the talent of Ms. Cole; she is able to put you into a scene as if you were living and breathing it all on your own.
As far as Flame goes, I have only ever read about one other character that comes close to how tormented he was of his past. In fact, Flame and Maddie often made me think of Zsadist and Bella, who were another couple in book land who had experienced horrors that go beyond what anyone else has experienced. (and yes, I speak as if these characters are alive; because in my heart and soul they were brought to life by the talented authors who created them!) What I loved about Flame is that he had such a tough exterior on the outside; but when Maddie was finally able to get closer to learning who he really was..he had such an innocent and naïve quality to him. He doesn't think like a "normal" person, but that just made his quirks stand out even more to me. His gentleness when it came to His Maddie was just so heartwarming. I loved the scenes of them together. They were both such tortured souls who were never shown love, and yet they loved deeper than anyone else ever did. The way that Flame protected Maddie melted me as well, and while most people might say they didn't have a "healthy" relationship; I never cared...It was more than special because it is what worked for them, and them alone. No one else could understand it but the two people who were halves of each other.
Maddie impressed me so much through this story. She really came into her own. She had been so scared of life that she was known to watch it from the side lines..or I should say through the window looking down at everyone..Eventually though, she grabbed life by the balls and didn't let go. She was determined to make her own happiness with Her Flame and she went full speed ahead no matter how scare she was. I loved how she never once tried to change Flame. She accepted him for who he is, all of it..The good and then the really really bad. There is one part in the book where she came through for him in a way that I honestly hadn't thought she would have the strength to do, and from that point on she had my utmost respect.
Most readers are going to ask, "is this a hard book to read." You had better believe it is. Even though it is raw and gritty, and at times beyond horrific; it is one of those books that NEEDS to be read. Seriously, it will touch your soul. There will be no forgetting it...EVER. I am not going to lie; there are some very hard to read topics in this book. Tillie Cole has pressed the envelope in this story and she went full speed ahead and spared no gruesome detail. There were times I felt physically ill, and had to stop to take a break. But the parts that I will cherish always are between Flame and Maddie, and it made all of the horrors worth enduring, just for a glimpse of their pure love. I highly recommend this book. Actually, this series as a whole is just awesome; but this book goes way beyond what most books can ever achieve.
Tillie Cole: you are a Goddess in my eyes! You have impressed me so much with what you delivered, and I can't wait to see what you bring to the table next. You are so talented and please don't ever stop writing. It is so hard to find books now a days that touch so many people...Finding an author who has created an epic book is rare..and you my dear are a diamond in the rough, and you belong up there with the best of the best! Thank you for touching my soul, and for giving us Flame and Maddie.
6+ EPIC STARS!!!!!!!
As an avid reader it seems like it is getting harder for me to be truly touched heart and soul by what I read anymore. Tillie Cole has managed to reach inside of me and take a hold of my heart and make it pump to a different beat!!! I am in utter awe right now of this author's raw talent that she has exhibited with this gut wrenching story of Flame and Maddie. I can't imagine what she went through while writing this story, as I know just what kind of soul crushing pain I felt while reading it. At times it was very daunting and I didn't know if I would be able to finish it. My heart quite literally bled from the horrors that this beautiful couple went through. I have to say though that if it wasn't for the extreme traumatic and graphic scenes that we experienced through the eyes of Flame and Maddie; we probably wouldn't have felt the utter beauty of what developed between the two of them as their relationship blossomed. Having experienced such horrific lows, it made me cherish the unbreakable bond between these two characters all the more clearer. Tillie Cole brought Flame and Maddie to life in my soul, and they have made a home there for all time...I won't ever forget them. I felt every single pain and agony that they did as if I were the one living it. That is the talent of Ms. Cole; she is able to put you into a scene as if you were living and breathing it all on your own.
As far as Flame goes, I have only ever read about one other character that comes close to how tormented he was of his past. In fact, Flame and Maddie often made me think of Zsadist and Bella, who were another couple in book land who had experienced horrors that go beyond what anyone else has experienced. (and yes, I speak as if these characters are alive; because in my heart and soul they were brought to life by the talented authors who created them!) What I loved about Flame is that he had such a tough exterior on the outside; but when Maddie was finally able to get closer to learning who he really was..he had such an innocent and naïve quality to him. He doesn't think like a "normal" person, but that just made his quirks stand out even more to me. His gentleness when it came to His Maddie was just so heartwarming. I loved the scenes of them together. They were both such tortured souls who were never shown love, and yet they loved deeper than anyone else ever did. The way that Flame protected Maddie melted me as well, and while most people might say they didn't have a "healthy" relationship; I never cared...It was more than special because it is what worked for them, and them alone. No one else could understand it but the two people who were halves of each other.
Maddie impressed me so much through this story. She really came into her own. She had been so scared of life that she was known to watch it from the side lines..or I should say through the window looking down at everyone..Eventually though, she grabbed life by the balls and didn't let go. She was determined to make her own happiness with Her Flame and she went full speed ahead no matter how scare she was. I loved how she never once tried to change Flame. She accepted him for who he is, all of it..The good and then the really really bad. There is one part in the book where she came through for him in a way that I honestly hadn't thought she would have the strength to do, and from that point on she had my utmost respect.
Most readers are going to ask, "is this a hard book to read." You had better believe it is. Even though it is raw and gritty, and at times beyond horrific; it is one of those books that NEEDS to be read. Seriously, it will touch your soul. There will be no forgetting it...EVER. I am not going to lie; there are some very hard to read topics in this book. Tillie Cole has pressed the envelope in this story and she went full speed ahead and spared no gruesome detail. There were times I felt physically ill, and had to stop to take a break. But the parts that I will cherish always are between Flame and Maddie, and it made all of the horrors worth enduring, just for a glimpse of their pure love. I highly recommend this book. Actually, this series as a whole is just awesome; but this book goes way beyond what most books can ever achieve.
Tillie Cole: you are a Goddess in my eyes! You have impressed me so much with what you delivered, and I can't wait to see what you bring to the table next. You are so talented and please don't ever stop writing. It is so hard to find books now a days that touch so many people...Finding an author who has created an epic book is rare..and you my dear are a diamond in the rough, and you belong up there with the best of the best! Thank you for touching my soul, and for giving us Flame and Maddie.
March 30, 2016
5 breathtaking stars
i loved this book very much, i'm not gonna lie my favorite was heart recaptured (Hades Hangmen, #2) but this one is good too , the story is so damn good and it keeps getting better and better, Seriously Wow !
"I know I’m different. I know I don’t see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if it’s the only one I’ll ever understand."
it's the love story of Flame and Maddie ,Flame is different from most people,he was tortured and raped when he was a kid and grew up to be a blood thirsty sick twisted monster ( well he had his reasons) and Maddie, like her sisters she was abused by the elders within the order, she lived her entire life in darkness ... till Flame came and saved her and vowed to devote his life to protecte her.
i loved this book very much, i'm not gonna lie my favorite was heart recaptured (Hades Hangmen, #2) but this one is good too , the story is so damn good and it keeps getting better and better, Seriously Wow !
"I know I’m different. I know I don’t see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if it’s the only one I’ll ever understand."
it's the love story of Flame and Maddie ,Flame is different from most people,he was tortured and raped when he was a kid and grew up to be a blood thirsty sick twisted monster ( well he had his reasons) and Maddie, like her sisters she was abused by the elders within the order, she lived her entire life in darkness ... till Flame came and saved her and vowed to devote his life to protecte her.
November 6, 2023
1.5 Stars
Before even starting off I need to warn everybody that the sexual assault scenes in this book are graphic and detailed as well as there are a lot of them.
Both Flame and Maddie have disturbing and traumatizing past through which they relate to each other and find comfort with the other person.
These past scenes were represented through flash backs that I often had to skim and skip because I couldn’t handle them.
I did go into this book knowing it was dark romance and that is not the reason for this rating but some things were too much even for in my opinion any dark romance book.
I just personally think that the scenes about Maddie when she was a child were too graphic. It not only made me uncomfortable but it was also too much for me.
The entire cult aspect in this book was even darker than in the first two books and Maddie went through the exact same things as the other two girls.
Flame was the most interesting character to me and I still think that he is a very interesting and traumatized character that I wanted to hug and comfort.
My problem was though that there was yet again the “insta love” or love at first sight trope.
It is just not a thing I particularly adore and here it was a very clear “soulmate” trope but without any built up of chemistry.
Now my biggest issue was Cain. We got multiple chapters from his pov in the cult and I was disgusted by the graphic things that were described and it wasn’t something I expected since this isn’t his book.
The biker language is still something I find sexist and I didn’t really see the point of adding the entire cult kidnapping scene because it was short and just a built up for Cain’s redemption which I won’t accept.
Before even starting off I need to warn everybody that the sexual assault scenes in this book are graphic and detailed as well as there are a lot of them.
Both Flame and Maddie have disturbing and traumatizing past through which they relate to each other and find comfort with the other person.
These past scenes were represented through flash backs that I often had to skim and skip because I couldn’t handle them.
I did go into this book knowing it was dark romance and that is not the reason for this rating but some things were too much even for in my opinion any dark romance book.
I just personally think that the scenes about Maddie when she was a child were too graphic. It not only made me uncomfortable but it was also too much for me.
The entire cult aspect in this book was even darker than in the first two books and Maddie went through the exact same things as the other two girls.
Flame was the most interesting character to me and I still think that he is a very interesting and traumatized character that I wanted to hug and comfort.
My problem was though that there was yet again the “insta love” or love at first sight trope.
It is just not a thing I particularly adore and here it was a very clear “soulmate” trope but without any built up of chemistry.
Now my biggest issue was Cain. We got multiple chapters from his pov in the cult and I was disgusted by the graphic things that were described and it wasn’t something I expected since this isn’t his book.
The biker language is still something I find sexist and I didn’t really see the point of adding the entire cult kidnapping scene because it was short and just a built up for Cain’s redemption which I won’t accept.
April 25, 2017
RATING: 5++++ Let it Shine Hearts!!! <3 :D
Souls Unfractured might not be as entrenched in the religious cult aspect as the previous two books, but it is no less emotional, heartbreaking or brutal; giving us a tale that wholeheartedly embodies the very definition of ‘love conquers all’.
Flame and Maddie are tortured characters having gone through immense horror and suffering in their pasts, and as their story is harshly detailed for us in black and white, we experience their every emotion along with them—their longing for one another yet not being able to capitulate as well as the constant fears that manipulate their every move. As the story unfolds, both try to overcome their weaknesses and we can’t help but feel proud of their strength and willingness and joy to see two stunning characters get the happiness they deserve.
Despite their inability to engage in anything physical, both Maddie and Flame are everything we could want in a devoted couple, both of them acting as balm to each other’s turbulent souls, granting each other absolution and bestowing on each other all the love they’ve denied themselves. The two of them together are enthralling from first to last page, their relationship – physical and emotional – dovetailing beautifully with the darker themes.
Overall, Souls Unfractured is a beautiful and utterly heart-aching story, leaving indelible marks on the soft flesh of our hearts, but also healing our frayed emotions as our two magnificent characters find peace at last. This story made me cry, the characters burrowed themselves into my heart and mind, and I just simply loved this.
Other Fave Quotes:
“I am darkness. I am pain. I am motherfucking death.”
“I love you, Flame. And I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you believe that you are worthy of being loved.”
“You are my miracle, Flame Cade. You truly are my soul’s other half.”
“I know I’m different. I know I don’t see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if it’s the only one I’ll ever understand.”
“You, Flame. My Flame. My tortured boy. You gave me life and light.”
I used to dream that I was a butterfly. That I would spread my colorful wings and fly away from all the pain. But now, when Flame was near, I dreamed anew. I dreamed that one day I would know what his hand felt like holding mine.
“I sometimes imagine what our hands would look like...touching. What they would look like with out fingers intertwined. I wonder if it would make me smile. At times I daydream that it would be something we could do.”
Posted: July 9, 2016
“For fractured souls are like magnets. Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss...”
Souls Unfractured might not be as entrenched in the religious cult aspect as the previous two books, but it is no less emotional, heartbreaking or brutal; giving us a tale that wholeheartedly embodies the very definition of ‘love conquers all’.
“What are words? Sometimes the flick of a pair of eyes or the flush of skin reveals everything you need to know. Words can wound. Silence can heal.”
Flame and Maddie are tortured characters having gone through immense horror and suffering in their pasts, and as their story is harshly detailed for us in black and white, we experience their every emotion along with them—their longing for one another yet not being able to capitulate as well as the constant fears that manipulate their every move. As the story unfolds, both try to overcome their weaknesses and we can’t help but feel proud of their strength and willingness and joy to see two stunning characters get the happiness they deserve.
“I never thought of myself as a strong person. But it is amazing how much strength you discover you have deep inside, when someone you love depends on you to be their rock, when they find themselves weak. How much courage you can muster, when the one you love relies on you to keep him from falling to the ground. And how much happiness can be harbored within your soul, when you allow someone into your heart.”
Despite their inability to engage in anything physical, both Maddie and Flame are everything we could want in a devoted couple, both of them acting as balm to each other’s turbulent souls, granting each other absolution and bestowing on each other all the love they’ve denied themselves. The two of them together are enthralling from first to last page, their relationship – physical and emotional – dovetailing beautifully with the darker themes.
“I used to wonder how two people—one broken girl, and one broken boy—could ever more on from their dark and tortured pasts. But now I know. Together, that’s how. They fight their way through...together.”
Overall, Souls Unfractured is a beautiful and utterly heart-aching story, leaving indelible marks on the soft flesh of our hearts, but also healing our frayed emotions as our two magnificent characters find peace at last. This story made me cry, the characters burrowed themselves into my heart and mind, and I just simply loved this.
My wife quietly sang as I stared at my favourite sketch.
At us.
My Maddie.
Her Flame.
Other Fave Quotes:
“I am darkness. I am pain. I am motherfucking death.”
“I love you, Flame. And I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you believe that you are worthy of being loved.”
“You are my miracle, Flame Cade. You truly are my soul’s other half.”
“I know I’m different. I know I don’t see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if it’s the only one I’ll ever understand.”
“You, Flame. My Flame. My tortured boy. You gave me life and light.”
I used to dream that I was a butterfly. That I would spread my colorful wings and fly away from all the pain. But now, when Flame was near, I dreamed anew. I dreamed that one day I would know what his hand felt like holding mine.
“I sometimes imagine what our hands would look like...touching. What they would look like with out fingers intertwined. I wonder if it would make me smile. At times I daydream that it would be something we could do.”
Posted: July 9, 2016
August 7, 2015
So I'm sitting on my bed in the dark just staring out my window with no emotion.
I'm numb.
Completely numb.
I've just finished one of the most HEARTBREAKING, MIND BLOWING, GUT FUCKING WRENCHING, BEAUTIFUL books I have ever read in my 29 years.
I'm sitting here surrounded by darkness and my only thought is, 'Did I just read that'?
I mean seriously DID I JUST FUCKING READ THAT FUCKING BOOK!!!!????
HOLY FUCKING SHIT!!!!!
My fucking mind is all over the fucking place right now!
I don't know what to fucking do with myself.
I FEEL COMPLETELY LOST!
My words, no matter how many I fucking use will NEVER do this book justice.
My heart right now is beating so fast I feel like it's going to beats it's fucking self right out of my chest.
The same heart that belongs to these two broken souls; My Maddie & My Flame.
I have NEVER been so totally affected by a character before in my fucking life!!
I've met some broken characters but nothing compares to Flame.
My beautiful broken boy.
He is so utterly broken that you literally feel pain just hearing what he went through as a child.
Now I fucking knew Flame was broken and I just fucking knew his story was going to RUIN ME but I was never fucking prepared for THIS!!
I cried. I cried so hard. I fucking UGLY CRIED. I cried so much that I chocked on a sob and had to run to the bathroom....and then I cried some more.
I can safely say that what ever you think Flame went through, it's a MILLION TIMES WORSE.
Just thinking about it now is bringing more tears to my already bloodshot fucking eyes!
And my Maddie, my beautiful Maddie with the most beautiful and broken soul.
That girl literally brings me to my knees.
Tillie knows how much theses girls mean to me. They own my heart and when something happens to them, when something or someone harms them, I literally can't handle it.
My HEART cannot handle it.
I'm still at a lost for words. I still can't fucking believe that I went on that journey.
I can't believe I was apart of Maddie and her tortured boy's broken journey.
I miss them. I miss them so fucking much that it fucking hurts just thinking of them and their story.
I want to protect them, I want to protect them from any kind of harm. I want to fucking kill any fucker that harms a fucking hair on their fucking heads.
OMG FLAME!!!!! You fucking GUT ME!!
You know what FUCK THIS FUCKING SHIT I AM FUCKING RUINED FOR LIFE!!!
I don't know what to do with myself!!!
TILIIE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME AGAIN!!!
This book.
OH MY FUCKING FUCK THIS FUCKING BOOK!!
It was fucking POWERFUL, HEART BREAKING, FUCKING EMOTIONAL AS FUCK and so fucking beautiful that it literally pains me!
You will NEVER read a book like this in your fucking life!!!
THIS is why Tillie fucking Cole is my QUEEN!
No one can bring all these emotions from me like she fucking can!
I just want to stay in this dark room and just sob until I fall asleep.
I'm fucking DONE! I can't think about this book anymore! I'm fucking breaking!
This book will stay with me FOREVER and EVER <3
Now if you'll excuse me I must go and slowly die now!
August 27, 2015
I think I say this in every review for Tillie’s book, but she continues to blow my mind. How she is able to deliver such unique, diverse stories through so many different genres amazes me. I remember the first time I met her at a signing I was shocked to see Sweet Home sitting next to It Ain’t Me Babe. I am super embarrassing so I actually said this thought out loud…to her.
She was special to me. She was everything. She was all I thought about, day and night. I had to be underneath her window just to be near her.
From the first moment I met Flame I was taken by him. There was just something about this damaged man and I needed to know what made him the way he was. Now, after reading Flame’s story the only thing I can say is my heart truly broke for him. Flame was raised similar to Maddie, in that they were both brain washed by others interruptions of the Bible. Their family’s faiths destroyed them as people.
Now it has been years and Flame cannot stand to be touched by another person for fear he will destroy them. Maddie cannot stand to be touched by men for fear of what they will do to her, but together they can heal each other.
I wish I was able to write a review that would do this story justice, because to say two broken people came together and healed each other is such a huge understatement. Flame and Maddie’s connection is just more. There is no other way to truly express it than to say they are more. They are each other’s other half. They are the person who gets them like no one else can. Maddie can speak to Flame on another level and his fierce need to protect her and be there for her, motivates him.
It’s no secret I am a huge Tillie Cole fan, but this story blew my mind. It was everything I was hoping for and so much more. Souls Unfractured is a beautiful, heartbreaking, soul crushing story that will break you, but will also lift your heart in such a way you believe in Maddie and Flame’s love. Their love is never ending, it is unconditional, it is perfect.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2015
5 Amazing Stars.
This book (finally) bring us the story of Flame and Maddie. Flame is obsessed with Maddie since he first laid eyes on her, but with his past still ruling him it’s hard to approach people, especially people like Maddie he thinks his undeserving of. But Maddie, also a girl broken by her abusive and controlling past, is decided to show him that they can’t be good together and that sometimes fighting ghosts together is better than fighting them alone.
Saying that I’ve been anxious for this book since I’ve met Flame and Maddie is an understatement. I could barely wait for their book. And I’ve got to say it didn’t disappoint at all! Amazingly written, emotional, sometimes heart wrenching to read but completely worth every minute of reading. If you’re a fan of the series you can’t miss this book… and if you haven’t read these books yet, you should really start now.
Rating: 5 Stars.
Characters Development: We already knew that Flame was a broken man and I was anxious to know what happen in his past that made him broken like that, and I’ve got to say that was amazing to finally see the “real” Flame and it was impossible not to love the broken and obsessed Flame. Maddie was also broken, but still it was amazing how caring she was with Flame. These are all incredibly strong girls.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
This book (finally) bring us the story of Flame and Maddie. Flame is obsessed with Maddie since he first laid eyes on her, but with his past still ruling him it’s hard to approach people, especially people like Maddie he thinks his undeserving of. But Maddie, also a girl broken by her abusive and controlling past, is decided to show him that they can’t be good together and that sometimes fighting ghosts together is better than fighting them alone.
Saying that I’ve been anxious for this book since I’ve met Flame and Maddie is an understatement. I could barely wait for their book. And I’ve got to say it didn’t disappoint at all! Amazingly written, emotional, sometimes heart wrenching to read but completely worth every minute of reading. If you’re a fan of the series you can’t miss this book… and if you haven’t read these books yet, you should really start now.
Rating: 5 Stars.
Characters Development: We already knew that Flame was a broken man and I was anxious to know what happen in his past that made him broken like that, and I’ve got to say that was amazing to finally see the “real” Flame and it was impossible not to love the broken and obsessed Flame. Maddie was also broken, but still it was amazing how caring she was with Flame. These are all incredibly strong girls.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
August 19, 2016
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★
Now LIVE!
Amazon - http://amzn.com/B013OJYRJI
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1J5PRuQ
I honestly don't know where to start, this book was one hell of an intense read and I am in awe of how Tillie Cole has written a story so emotionally deep and heartbreaking, and at the same time made us fall in love with these broken characters who end up becoming such a strong and unbreakable couple.
Flame is different from most people, throughout the series we have seen how he self harms and how he finds it hard to relate to others. He is intimidating and unpredictable but when he meets young Maddie, he becomes something else, protective.
Maddie is the youngest of the sisters, and also the most broken. From the age of six she was abused by the elders within the order and subjected to the most awful crimes. However, she is strong and it is her who is the one to finally calm the flames that live inside of Flame.
Flame's story is absolutely devastating and quite hard to read at times, but he turned out to be one of the sweetest hero's that I have ever read. His feelings for Maddie are so wonderfully pure that you can't help but swoon and smile when he fights his awkwardness and speaks of his feelings towards her.
Amongst the dark themes of this book, there is a beautiful love story and the love is not limited to Flame and Maddie, but also within the brotherhood. AK and Viking really shone through for me in this book, they love him just as strongly.
Also, we had a few chapters from Rider's/Prophet Cain's POV and let me tell you that his book is going to be a hell of a ride, The redemption has begun!
So, if you are a fully fledged fan of this series, there is no doubt you will love this one. It was pretty close to perfect and although the subject matter was truly gruesome, it was necessary to go there in order for us to really feel the pain that Flame and Maddie went though to become the adults they were today.
Bravo Tillie, this series is turning out to be an Epic one.
Told in dual POV, this is the third book in the Hades Hangmen series.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Now LIVE!
Amazon - http://amzn.com/B013OJYRJI
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1J5PRuQ
I honestly don't know where to start, this book was one hell of an intense read and I am in awe of how Tillie Cole has written a story so emotionally deep and heartbreaking, and at the same time made us fall in love with these broken characters who end up becoming such a strong and unbreakable couple.
Flame is different from most people, throughout the series we have seen how he self harms and how he finds it hard to relate to others. He is intimidating and unpredictable but when he meets young Maddie, he becomes something else, protective.
Maddie is the youngest of the sisters, and also the most broken. From the age of six she was abused by the elders within the order and subjected to the most awful crimes. However, she is strong and it is her who is the one to finally calm the flames that live inside of Flame.
Flame's story is absolutely devastating and quite hard to read at times, but he turned out to be one of the sweetest hero's that I have ever read. His feelings for Maddie are so wonderfully pure that you can't help but swoon and smile when he fights his awkwardness and speaks of his feelings towards her.
"I need her."
I tapped my head.
"In here, I need her."
Then I bounced my fist over my heart.
"And here, I feel her in here too."
Amongst the dark themes of this book, there is a beautiful love story and the love is not limited to Flame and Maddie, but also within the brotherhood. AK and Viking really shone through for me in this book, they love him just as strongly.
"He's Flame. He's my fucking brother, condition or not."
Also, we had a few chapters from Rider's/Prophet Cain's POV and let me tell you that his book is going to be a hell of a ride, The redemption has begun!
So, if you are a fully fledged fan of this series, there is no doubt you will love this one. It was pretty close to perfect and although the subject matter was truly gruesome, it was necessary to go there in order for us to really feel the pain that Flame and Maddie went though to become the adults they were today.
Bravo Tillie, this series is turning out to be an Epic one.
Told in dual POV, this is the third book in the Hades Hangmen series.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
February 22, 2018
5 Burn for Me Stars
I love Tillie Cole and I love the Hades Hangmen series. Souls Unfractured is a standalone because each book focuses on a new character, but you should read the series from the beginning to get the full effect. Maddie and Flame’s presence is huge in the previous books. I felt like the first two books were foreplay to their relationship and YAY we finally get to their story.
Maddie was tortured and rape repeatedly by the men in the Order. Because of this, she can’t handle men’s presence (as she shouldn’t). Flame has to cut himself to function. He feels burns throughout his body and the only way to release this is by cutting.
As you can see, this is not an easy book to read. Both Maddie and Flame are tortured souls and I greedily and happily wanted to read their story. Tillie had me at page one and I never wanted to stop reading. She gave me everything I wanted and more. I felt pure sadness, hurt, anger and love.
You will feel a lot of emotions when you read this book. You will weep for Flame and his crazy heart. You will be inspired by Maddie and root for her to feel safe and happy. Each time Flame and Maddie interact, I was on pins and needles. I wondered how Flame would react towards her and how Maddie would react towards Flame. I never wanted a couple to work out as I did with them.
The thing that really MADE this story is the back story and EVERYTHING that lead up to THEM. I loved reading about Flame (even though it was very difficult), I needed to know what made him the way he is. The things Flames does to cope is so troubled. I loved how “different” Flame was too. He doesn’t react nor speak like everyone else. It made me love him just a touch more. Tillie never fails to amaze me. I loved Maddie’s reaction towards Flame. I love her soft to his hard, her sweetness to his spice, her light to his dark. Maddie and Flame balanced each other perfectly.
You get some of the old characters too and it’s nice to tie everyone together. You also get bits of Cain’s POV and you can make your assumptions about that (it’s an eye opener).
I waited months for this story, I stalked Tillie’s Facebook, blog and group anticipating for this book. I never placed so much hype as I did on this one and after I read it, all I felt was boom … explosions. She’s gifted, talented and I can’t wait what she has in stored for us next.
An ARC was provided
It Ain't Me BabeREVIEW | AMAZON
Heart Recaptured REVIEW | AMAZON
Souls Unfractured AMAZON
I love Tillie Cole and I love the Hades Hangmen series. Souls Unfractured is a standalone because each book focuses on a new character, but you should read the series from the beginning to get the full effect. Maddie and Flame’s presence is huge in the previous books. I felt like the first two books were foreplay to their relationship and YAY we finally get to their story.
Maddie was tortured and rape repeatedly by the men in the Order. Because of this, she can’t handle men’s presence (as she shouldn’t). Flame has to cut himself to function. He feels burns throughout his body and the only way to release this is by cutting.
As you can see, this is not an easy book to read. Both Maddie and Flame are tortured souls and I greedily and happily wanted to read their story. Tillie had me at page one and I never wanted to stop reading. She gave me everything I wanted and more. I felt pure sadness, hurt, anger and love.
You will feel a lot of emotions when you read this book. You will weep for Flame and his crazy heart. You will be inspired by Maddie and root for her to feel safe and happy. Each time Flame and Maddie interact, I was on pins and needles. I wondered how Flame would react towards her and how Maddie would react towards Flame. I never wanted a couple to work out as I did with them.
“The flames never calmed. They forever … burned. But with her… I wanted to grip her tighter”
“I like to watch you. I like you being near me. It’s better than standing under your window. I like being able to see you up close.”
The thing that really MADE this story is the back story and EVERYTHING that lead up to THEM. I loved reading about Flame (even though it was very difficult), I needed to know what made him the way he is. The things Flames does to cope is so troubled. I loved how “different” Flame was too. He doesn’t react nor speak like everyone else. It made me love him just a touch more. Tillie never fails to amaze me. I loved Maddie’s reaction towards Flame. I love her soft to his hard, her sweetness to his spice, her light to his dark. Maddie and Flame balanced each other perfectly.
“You are a good man,
Flame. You were simply dealt a bad hand.”
“I knew he would not lie. He could not lie. That made me feel safe. And to me, feeling safe was the most important thing in my life.”
You get some of the old characters too and it’s nice to tie everyone together. You also get bits of Cain’s POV and you can make your assumptions about that (it’s an eye opener).
I waited months for this story, I stalked Tillie’s Facebook, blog and group anticipating for this book. I never placed so much hype as I did on this one and after I read it, all I felt was boom … explosions. She’s gifted, talented and I can’t wait what she has in stored for us next.
An ARC was provided
It Ain't Me BabeREVIEW | AMAZON
Heart Recaptured REVIEW | AMAZON
Souls Unfractured AMAZONDisplaying 1 - 30 of 3,017 reviews