The best way for Payton to stay sane and alive was by running from her demons, or so she thought. On the trip away from home, she met Nero, who fell for her. Nero was grieving too, but the heart couldn’t be silenced. A threat to Payton’s family made her go back home, and coincidentally, Nero was assigned as her bodyguard. They had to work together to unmask the person threatening her family. Was it her ex-husband, Oscar, who put her through hell for two years and damaged her, or Olga, her deadbeat mother? A Pandora's box will open, and secrets that will test even the saints will be revealed. How will two broken people get along, even though the attraction between them is strong? Shattered Hearts by Atlanta Lee has the answers.

Shattered Hearts by Atlanta Lee is a contemporary romance novel that alternated between breaking my heart and making me laugh. There are levels of abuse, and the one suffered by Payton sits tight in the premium category. This book is highly sensitive, which could trigger anyone who’s survived spousal abuse. The plot was very strong, unique, and realistic. Character development was consistent, especially Nero’s and Payton’s. My respect for Nero grew with each chapter, as he was a balancing common factor for the Harrisons. Payton was also an unforgettable character, and I admired her strength. I paused at intervals to wonder how she remained sane. Atlanta employed a writing style that heightened the suspense, bringing it to a climax by the end of the book. Good job!

Atlanta Lee's Shattered Hearts is a story of facing emotional pain from the past. Payton had been running away from a dark past that she never shared with anyone. When her father threatens to stop her payments if she didn't return home, she reluctantly returns. Upon her arrival, she discovers that her family hired a team of security officers, and had assigned Spencer to her. Ironically, while she had been in Rio, she had already crossed paths with him and knew him as Nero. Nero is determined to break through Payton's defensive exterior. Slowly, he began to show her he had no ill intentions, and they were able to rely on each other. As the story progresses, the dark secrets that Payton held started coming out when her ex-husband resurfaced to reclaim her. Will Payton succumb to her dark past and run again? Will Nero prove his dedication in protecting her?

Shattered Hearts was an amazing book. Atlanta Lee was able to portray the turmoil that Payton and Spencer faced. I was able to connect with Payton's need to run from a disturbing past relationship. I felt the same frustration Spencer had when he tried to gain Payton's trust. The tactics used to build trust were interesting, and I wonder if they could possibly be used in real life. The ability to rationalize after severe trauma is a difficult one and the realistic events detailed within this story are fully believable. I recommend this book for mature readers. There are erotic scenes, abuse, murder, and violence and some readers may be sensitive to these topics. The amount of detail Lee uses is flawless in effectively portraying the emotions of the characters. The pace, suspense, and internal struggle to survive are perfectly balanced.

Shattered Hearts is a romantic thriller written by Atlanta Lee. Payton is an independent woman fond of traveling the world. After four years of traveling, she returns home to find the presence of a mortal threat to her family by an unknown nemesis. Although skeptical at first, she eventually accepts her older brother Pennington's offer to set her up with a personal bodyguard named Spencer, a.k.a. Nero. Initially at odds with each other, Payton and Nero slowly overcome their inhibitions and start to develop strong feelings for each other. But the past comes back to haunt Payton when her abusive ex-husband, Oscar, returns to her life with a vengeance to make it a living hell.

An intoxicating love story, Shattered Hearts feels like a refreshing breeze that fans of books such as Fifty Shades of Grey or telenovelas will delightfully relish. Author Atlanta Lee deftly explores the themes of trauma and its long-term impact on the victims and weaves a moving tale of two lost souls finding comfort and love in each other. The pacing of the narrative suits the plot, which contains quite a few twists and turns to keep the reader hooked throughout the pages. Initially, I found the characters a bit unconventional, but they grow on you as the story progresses further. I enjoyed Payton and Nero's relationship and found their banter one of the best aspects of the book. Overall, I enjoyed Shattered Hearts and would recommend it to fans of romantic novels.

When your spirit and soul have been crushed and destroyed, sometimes the only option for self-protection is to raise your barriers. Payton is still carrying the painful memories from an abusive relationship, and pushing everyone away has become second nature to her. Her harsh and brutal reactions to most people she encounters hide a fragile spirit that only a chosen few see. Spencer is also trying to come to terms with the sudden death of his wife and daughter. His pain is masked and mentally pushed aside in order for him to function every day. When Spencer is assigned as Payton's bodyguard the attraction they both feel is something neither wants to admit exists. As their relationship deepens, they fear ever trusting or loving someone again. Will they ever succumb to their destiny and allow the barriers to fall or will they walk away from each other forever?

Shattered Hearts by Atlanta Lee is such a compelling and heartwarming story that touched me so deeply. Spencer and Payton were incredible characters and I loved them both from the outset. Although emotionally scarred, their strength of character was admirable. Their reactions, behaviors, and thoughts were so realistic I became engrossed in their journey of healing. I also loved how their relationship developed so gradually as their trust issues were confronted. They brought out the very best of each other's personality traits perfectly. They also supported each other to overcome mental and emotional obstacles. I thought their instantaneous attraction toward one another was very touching, especially when neither could explain the chemistry or emotions they felt. There were many scenes that were quite hard to read because of the upsetting nature but knowing their backstories made me admire them even more. The tension was gripping at times and kept me on the edge of my seat. The graphic nature of the abuse Payton suffered was dealt with sensitively and with the utmost compassion. Shattered Hearts by Atlanta Lee is such a realistic love story that will touch your heart and is a highly recommended read.