The best books by fiction authors who turn the pages of resilience, shattering shadows that hide the scars of trauma

Why am I passionate about this?

As an author I emerged from a divergent path in life. Having navigated a hard childhood, new adulthood, and careers I didn’t love, I found my passion. I want to evoke deep emotions, drawing from the depths of my and others past experiences. Finding myself came with the realization that PTSD was something I didn't have to only suffer from. I wanted to advocate for PTSD. My dream is to continue The Hearts Redress series by taking others' pasts and weaving them into fiction. Giving them a voice they didn't have. Everyone deserves love, belonging, and redemption!


I wrote...

Hearts Redress Series: Undesirable Book One

By Belle Jay James,

Book cover of Hearts Redress Series: Undesirable Book One

What is my book about?

Luna, a corrections officer in California, is constantly plagued with memories of her past, causing her to struggle with PTSD. When her past and present bleed together, Luna decides changes must be made. This character-driven story explores the challenges of life, the importance of trust and relationships, and the strength found in community. Luna's journey is one of love, loss, regret, and ultimately redemption. A compelling and captivating tale that will keep you turning pages late into the night. 

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Savage Road

Belle Jay James Why did I love this book?

I highly recommend the Torpedo Ink series by Christine Feehan for its exceptional portrayal of characters who face trauma head-on.

Savage Road is the book in the series that I love the most. It shows that even someone so far gone from their past can have redemption. It was hard for me to put these books down. I needed to know how they would overcome the trials that trauma introduced into their relationships. Would they be able to persevere?

It made me hopeful that I would find someone despite my PTSD. 

By Christine Feehan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Savage Road as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

No.1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan explores uncharted territory in the new Torpedo Ink Motorcycle Club novel.

When Savin 'Savage' Pajari and Seychelle Dubois first met, their connection was instant, their attraction undeniable. Their relationship has been full throttle since day one. Even though months have passed, the passion and love between them has only increased.

Savage completely owns what he is: a sadist in the bedroom who can only get off on his partner's pain. He believes he's not a good man, but he loves Seychelle with a fierceness that shocks him. He wants all of her,…


Book cover of PTSD

Belle Jay James Why did I love this book?

I recommend Singelin's PTSD, an adult fiction graphic novel that skillfully portrays the haunting realities experienced by war veterans.

Everyone at some point is confronted with adversity. PTSD shows that people are capable of actions they never believed possible. As someone who is all too familiar with these struggles, I found Jun's journey relatable and real. Jun unveils the impact of camaraderie, compassion, and companionship. This narrative powerfully emphasizes the significance of support for those enduring trauma. 

By Guillaume Singelin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked PTSD as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

After returning home from an unpopular war, Jun becomes an outsider in an indifferent world. Alone, desperate, and suffering from wounds both mental and physical, she seeks relief in the illicit drugs she manages to purchase or steal.

Jun's tough exterior served her well in combat, but she'll need to nurture her vulnerability and humanity to survive at home. With the support of her fellow vets, the kindness of a stranger who refuses to turn away, and the companionship of a dog named Red, Jun learns to navigate the psychological trauma that she experienced in the war.


Book cover of Twisted Love

Belle Jay James Why did I love this book?

For a romance driven by tragedy I would recommend Twisted Love.

Trauma unveils hidden secrets that may or may not threaten to shatter lives. I enjoyed watching how the weight of a haunting past could consume someone with success and vengeance. In the end love and support can change that world forever. 

By Ana Huang,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Twisted Love as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Ana Huang comes a billionaire brother's best friend romance!

He has a heart of ice…but for her, he'd burn the world

A diverse new adult steamy romance from Tiktok sensation and USA Today bestselling author Ana Huang.

Alex Volkov is a devil blessed with the face of an angel and cursed with a past he can't escape.

Driven by a tragedy that has haunted him for most of his life, his ruthless pursuits for success and vengeance leave little room for matters of the heart.

But when he's forced to look…


Book cover of A Touch of Darkness

Belle Jay James Why did I love this book?

If you are looking for a bewitching romance that combines elements of mythology, forbidden love, and self-discovery I recommend A Touch of Darkness.

I fell in love with Scarlett St. Clair’s complex characters. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is how it gently guides you through the effects of trauma in life. The other is how engaging the book was. I had a hard time putting it down to go to sleep.  

By Scarlett St Clair,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Touch of Darkness as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair comes a dark and enthralling reimagining of the Hades and Persephone Greek myth.

"Let me worship you," he said.

She remembered the words she had whispered to him in the back of the limo after La Rose. "You will worship me, and I won't even have to order you." His request felt sinful and devious, and she reveled in it.

She answered, "Yes."

Persephone is the Goddess of Spring in title only. Since she was a little girl, flowers have only shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hoped to lead…


Book cover of What I Would Do For You

Belle Jay James Why did I love this book?

If intense and enthralling are what you are looking for, What I Would Do For You by Willow Winters is my recommendation. 

This gripping romance has an unforgettable anti-hero that left me with a lasting impression. The story tells of betrayal and all-consuming love, something that is all too close to my heart. What had me turning the pages was the depth of emotion. The emotion guides us into a journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption. All things that truly hit home. 

By Willow Winters,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What I Would Do For You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

USA Today best-selling author, Willow Winters, brings you an all-consuming, sizzling romance featuring an epic, anti-hero you won't soon forget. 

He enters the car accompanied by a chill from the evening wind and the car rocks gently, until he’s seated behind me and the door is shut. His scent fills my lungs first and as it does, I remember that I’ve been told that smell is the sense that holds the most memory. Maybe I read it somewhere, but I’ve never known something to be truer than that fact is now. 

When I open my eyes, his chilling gaze is…


You might also like...

Captain James Heron First Into the Fray: Prequel to Harry Heron Into the Unknown of the Harry Heron Series

By Patrick G. Cox, Janet Angelo (editor),

Book cover of Captain James Heron First Into the Fray: Prequel to Harry Heron Into the Unknown of the Harry Heron Series

Patrick G. Cox Author Of Ned Farrier Master Mariner: Call of the Cape

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

On the expertise I claim only a deep interest in history, leadership, and social history. After some thirty-six years in the fire and emergency services I can, I think, claim to have seen the best and the worst of human behaviour and condition. History, particularly naval history, has always been one of my interests and the Battle of Jutland is a truly fascinating study in the importance of communication between the leader and every level between him/her and the people performing whatever task is required.  In my own career, on a very much smaller scale, this is a lesson every officer learns very quickly.

Patrick's book list on the Battle of Jutland

What is my book about?

Captain Heron finds himself embroiled in a conflict that threatens to bring down the world order he is sworn to defend when a secretive Consortium seeks to undermine the World Treaty Organisation and the democracies it represents as he oversees the building and commissioning of a new starship.

When the Consortium employs an assassin from the Pantheon, it becomes personal.

Captain James Heron First Into the Fray: Prequel to Harry Heron Into the Unknown of the Harry Heron Series

By Patrick G. Cox, Janet Angelo (editor),

What is this book about?

The year is 2202, and the recently widowed Captain James Heron is appointed to stand by his next command, the starship NECS Vanguard, while she is being built. He and his team soon discover that they are battling the Consortium, a shadowy corporate group that seeks to steal the specs for the ship’s new super weapon. The Consortium hires the Pantheon, a mysterious espionage agency, to do their dirty work as they lay plans to take down the Fleet and gain supreme power on an intergalactic scale. When Pantheon Agent Bast and her team kidnap Felicity Rowanberg, a Fleet agent…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in romantic love, anti heros, and veterans?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about romantic love, anti heros, and veterans.

Romantic Love Explore 857 books about romantic love
Anti Heros Explore 81 books about anti heros
Veterans Explore 82 books about veterans