The best books to guide you from past abuse to new love

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an avid reader by day and a passionate writer by night. I found myself writing the stories I couldn’t seem to find. This topic is one I know from first-hand experience. I’ve dealt with drug abuse and domestic abuse in my family from a young age and although painful to speak about it’s helped shape my career and help my readers find healing through my characters. I want my readers to be pulled in by a work of fiction while still having the knowledge that for me, it wasn’t. Abuse comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes, and I’ve realized it’s not forever. Even in the worst storms, the sun will always shine. 


I wrote...

Promise Me Always

By B.K. Leigh,

Book cover of Promise Me Always

What is my book about?

We made a pact, a promise all those years ago. He would be my protector and I would be his. We were only kids, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt I would love him for the rest of my life. He came into my life like a storm and left just as fast. I was beaten and bruised when he found me. Alone and broken when he left. 

A girl's journey from abuse to new love, and the boy who helped her heal.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Getting Out

B.K. Leigh Why did I love this book?

I chose this title because it’s the first story that made me fall in love with this genre. There is a deep sense of authenticity stemming from the reality of finding love after abuse. It helps the reader understand the true emotions of someone navigating through life after years of childhood abuse and trauma. Afton’s writing creates a beautiful story from beginning to end, while bringing the reader on an emotional roller coaster at the same time. This story left an impact on my heart and greatly influenced my writing as an author. 

By Afton Brinkman,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The saying "You got handed the short end of the stick" didn't even apply, I'd never even seen the stick, let alone the short end. Ashton Becker has lived her entire life being trapped in a nightmare she can't wake up from. For as long as she can remember her parents have abused her both physically and mentally. She knows there has to be more to life than this and she finds it when she gets accepted to boarding school hundreds of miles away from everything she has ever known. She jumps at the opportunity to finally get out? Charlie…


Book cover of The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window

B.K. Leigh Why did I love this book?

To say I am still obsessed with this book to this day would be an understatement. I fell in love with this story from the very first page. It’s one of my most recommended books, and I can only hope other readers enjoy and connect with it as much as I do. It’s a story that can be read multiple times and never tire of. Reading this story lit a fire within me as a reader and an author with a thirst to create and read more stories alike. Amber and Liam have a love I’ve never been able to find in any other books I’ve read before.

By Kirsty Moseley,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Amber Walker and her older brother, Jake, have an abusive father. One night her brother's best friend, Liam, sees her crying and climbs through her bedroom window to comfort her. That one action sparks a love/hate relationship that spans over the next eight years. Liam is now a confident, flirty player who has never had a girlfriend before. Amber is still emotionally scarred from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. Together they make an unlikely pair. Their relationship has always been a rocky one, but what happens when Amber starts to view her brother's best friend…


Book cover of Enzo

B.K. Leigh Why did I love this book?

I fell in love with K. Webster as an author before I met Enzo, but because of that love I was able to find a story that hit every emotion from beginning to end. This was my first read that introduced me to the idea of an age gap and forbidden romance. It has all the best qualities I hope to find in a story and so much more. I would read anything K. Webster publishes, but Enzo holds a place in my heart always. It took a while for Enzo to get over the fact that his relationship with Jenna was not traditional in any way compared to the social norm, and I love a Hero that struggles to comprehend the amount of love and adoration they actually have for the Heroine.

By K. Webster,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From USA Today Bestselling Author K Webster, comes a new forbidden romance standalone novel!Jenna’s grown up in the system.Forced to be tough, wary, and hard.She’s only been able to count on herself. Until Enzo.He’s much older and responsible for looking after her.What should be a job to him, evolves into much more.Late night phone calls. Lingering touches. A forbidden fire that burns brighter each day.Everything about him exudes strength. His will to protect her is more than she could ever ask for.Sadly, though, even heroes have their limitations.But she doesn’t need a hero.She just needs him.


Book cover of Safe and Sound

B.K. Leigh Why did I love this book?

When I first started reading I stumbled into this story about loss, love, and longing. I was amazed how the characters were able to survive through their ordeals and yet come out stronger with love and happiness on the other side. The emotion is real, and the imagery of a broken, yet strong heroin is phenomenal. I read this story more than five years ago but it’s one of the first I recommend to anyone looking for an exceptional storyline. Lola and Jack met under the most unfortunate circumstances, but together they manage to get through everything thrown against them.

By Lindy Zart,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

This is Lola's story. She has a secret no one can know. Once a safe haven, her home has turned into a prison, and she fears if she doesn't somehow escape, she will lose herself completely. She finds her escape in Jack; a troubled young man with a cynical smile and eyes that see all Lola tries to hide. But even Jack can't save her from the evil at home.


Book cover of Flawed

B.K. Leigh Why did I love this book?

This book hit different than the rest of them. It was a storyline that had heartbreak and suffering happening from so many different angles. It was the first time I realized as an author and as a reader that there could be more to a plotline than just the straight and narrow. I remember going through all the emotions and being hooked in from the first page all the way until the last. The cover drew me in immediately but the story tucked inside has me coming back years later. 

By Kate Avelynn,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Sarah O'Brien is only alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago-James will protect her from their violent father if she promises never to leave him. For years, she's watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she'll give it freely. Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give. Sam Donavon has been James's best friend-and the boy Sarah's had a crush on-for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows…


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A Beggar's Bargain

By Jan Sikes,

Book cover of A Beggar's Bargain

Jan Sikes Author Of The Edge of Too Late

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Avid reader Lover of Music Astral Traveler Tarot Reader Grandmother

Jan's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Historical Fiction Post WW2.

A shocking proposal that changes everything.

Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.
Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.

But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?

Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.

Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger. If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.

A Beggar's Bargain

By Jan Sikes,

What is this book about?

A shocking proposal that changes everything.

Desperate to honor his father's dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.

Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time-a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.

But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?

Then, the banker makes an…


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