Customer Reviews

Bruised

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Bruised...the title alone speaks volumes. Domestic abuse seems to be an overlooked subject in urban fiction books and Azarel has presented a fast-paced story focusing on this very real issue. She takes us into the relationship of Carlie and Devon and the many abuses present in their relationship. Although Carlie is young and pretty with a supportive family, she continues to allow Devon to emotionally and physically break her down. As her self esteem plummets and she turns to alchohol for solice, her family tries to rescue her. Is Carlie strong enough to escape the ruthless Devon or will she remain bruised?

This was a good read that I recommend specifically to females 13-21. Hopefully reading about Carlie's plight will prevent them from becoming another statistic. A great lesson in life, what else would you expect from 'Life Changing Books'.

Englishruler
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating: 4.5

In thinking that this book is a hot mess!!!! I mean, the premise of the book is admirable. Domestic violence and how women escape and/or cope is always interesting... but this book is written like, uh, for a third grader! I'm almost finished, but I want to know where is Carlie's mother? Why is she never explained? A lot of the descriptions are corny. I could go on and on... like why are there gaps in the story? Carlie was in the hospital one minute and then the next minute she was on her way to New York with Devon. Wasn't she bruised up with scars, stitches, broken bones and stuff?? I mean her grandma was upset by her condition when Carlie was in the hospital...but suddenly she's well enough to go on a road trip with her man who put her in the hospital? Okay, now I'm rambling like the book... this is why I buy Urban tales from Half Price Books.

I picked up this book because I was told it was a very good read. Now I will give the author credit for the story line. It concept of the story was very well thought out but the characters were very undeveloped. Their personalities seem'd so unreal..Carlie??? I don't know I just didn't like the book that much and the gaps were crazy in the book. The transition from one scene to the next was crazy...Sometimes in the book I turned a page back to figure out if I skipped a page or not. Like I said overall the book had a great concept but it wasn't executed correclty.

DEVON WAS VERY DEADLY AND VIOLENT HE CARED ONLY ABOUT HIM SELF AND HE WAS A BIG SHOW OFF AND HAD A PROBLEM WITH HIS HANDS , IT WAS ALWAYS ALL OVER HIS GIRLFRIEND. IF YOU ARE IN A VIOLENT RELATIONSHIP PLEASE READ THIS BOOK AND OPEN UP YOUR EYES TO WHAT CAN REALLY HAPPEN TO YOU IF YOU STAY.

The concept was good.

The book showed how Carlie, a young woman who most would think had everything dealt with domestic abuse from her boyfriend Devon.

After Devon would abuse Carlie he would lie and say that he wouldn't do it again. Buy her a gift and everything is all right. Until the next time, if there is one.

Carlie lacked self esteem and Devon didn't know how to deal with his demons. I hope the book helps women and men learn from both Carlie and Devon.

I am not an english professor or anything like that, but I liked the book. It is one of those books that will keep you reading and if you have a vivid imagination you will be able to follow yes there were some gaps but not enough for me to not recommend the book to some one else. It gives an idea of how close some families can be when a parent or someone is missing. The lengths a daddy can go and some actually do go for their babygirls. I have ordered the sequel and can't wait to start reading it.

I love this book. I've preordered the sequel. I can't wait to read it.

During the Christmas break from Pennsylvania's Lincoln College, Carlie Stewart met Devon at Club Nuevo. He is nice and charming besides being a hunk at 6'5" 300 plus pounds of muscle. They start seeing each other and he gives her nice presents. Their lovemaking is heaven leading Carlie wondering if he is "the one" for her.

Carlie soon meets the dark dangerous side of Devon. Besides selling drugs, he starts hitting her. Her dad, a former hitman who turned to God, insists she stay away from Devon. However, she defies her father believing Devon when he insists he loves her and will never hit her again. Not long afterward he batters her so bad she is hospitalized. This time she heeds her father's advice to stay away from him before he kills her. Devon stalks her though his "partner" Kirk Fenner pleads with him to forget Carlie, but the bruiser ignores him. Carlie knows she will have to confront her abuser though she still wants to believe he will change, but feels good that so many people insists on being at her side because they care for her.

From the opening paragraph to the climax, BRUISED pulls no punches as it vividly describes the mental, emotional and physical impact of abuse not just on the victim; the stirring character driven story line also shows the psychological impact on those who love the sufferer and want to act on their behalf but feel helpless. Carlie is a wonderful protagonist who knows she must end her relationship with the violent Devon, but finds this difficult to do; interestingly it is not the physical threat of harm, but her need to believe that this time he will change and never hit her again. Her support group helps her deal with the vicious Devon as it takes the courage of a village of caring people to stop abuse.

Harriet Klausner

I really enjoyed this book by Azarel. It was my firt time reading a book from this author. I have since bought every book written. It is a page turner. Don't start reading it if you have something else pressing to do because you won't be able to put it down. Happy reading!

Can I say I understand it, why do women stay or go back---NO. i was not left on this earth to judge. Carlie was a nice girl with no common sense, that is how I see it. she had a good supporting family behind her but the love she had for Devon was something I couldn't understand not while being abused like that. hope in part 2 she sees the light. Very interesting read.