Stolen Bruises: A Bully, Slow-Burn College Romance

by Grace C.S

Genres: Romance

557 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2026

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave this book a chance, I thought it’s a new book, I’ll give it a try, support the author. I couldn’t get behind it, personally I didn’t particularly like it.

The characters were quite interesting to say the least. Joshua I hated. He was horrible to her throughout. The way he talked about her at the start was crazy. I don’t know, this book just wasn’t for me.

[alexia’s romance library · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw this book being promoted on TikTok and thought it sounded good. I liked that it’s the authors debut novel because it opens my horizons regarding new authors but it wasn’t what I thought I’d be at all.

A lot of great books have come from fanfics so I have nothing against it but this felt unpolished. Like it could’ve gone through a couple more rounds of edits to have continuity with who the characters are and their interactions with each other.

The general idea regarding the plot was fine but there was a lot of unnecessary trauma from Joshua towards Aurora under the guise of broken people break people and all is forgiven in the name of love when in reality, he was shitty towards her 3/4 of the book.

Yeah, there are some cute moments and that was what was advertised on social media but besides that, I didn’t like Joshua until past the 50% mark and that was only because of his inner dialogue, not how he actually treated Aurora, the girl he’s supposedly in love with.

I think the cats saved the book if I’m honest.

[Tulip · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first part was like a Turkish soap opera, very slow, very repetitive, lots of crying and drama; the second part was kind of cute.
There were soooo many unresolved plotlines, idk if the author forgot about them or thought it was more important to add another cat. Anyways, to me the best part of the story was Alex and Joshua's dad.

[Leen sami · Rating 2 out of 5]

red flag but nice plot

[miss possessive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angst & warmth

I enjoyed reading this, I love books where it's mainly angst and yearning before the characters are together. Love both aurora and Joshua's character developments 🌟 lovely fun read!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED IT!!! Want to read Layla’s book and Alex’s so bad then realized this is the authors first book 😭. Truly loved, the guy is such a simp, first bully romance I’ve actually liked, his pov from the start is just full of him absolutely obsessed. Yeah he hurt her, accidentally tho, and he made up for it and was overwhelmed by guilt the entire time.

[Oissela_Retssila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book, some of the things that happend were unnecessary. And I think the whole thing with his father needed a better end, I mean I feel sorry for his dad he wants to change. Joshua you changed to right?? So don’t be a hypocrite.

I give this book 3⭐️

[letmeslowdown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t listen to the negative reviews, yeah Joshua was pretty shitty for a lot of the book but they’re missing the point, the dark places trauma can take you if you don’t deal with it.
He gave Aurora back what she was missing and she gave him real hope and real human kindness.
I loved every moment of it and would love to read more from this author!

[maricoti ⑅ · Rating 3 out of 5]

soccer player mmc & scholar fmc. honest review? maybe it's just me or really just me but i don't really like reading books that have a lot of pauses, a lot of periods, redundant words, like that. the story plot was there, great plot.

[prisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan of bully romances but gave this one a chance. Some scenes are very repetitive but I do love female friendships that aren't always underlined with some sort of backhanded, negative motive. The characters were pretty likeable though and I really liked some of the scenes by themselves but I can't get over the whole bully plot when we don't really get any flashbacks to how he treated her. There were subplots that weren't explored enough in my opinion, but overall, it's a read with enjoyable scenes and I do look forward to Alex's book. Maybe Miles too.

[aromanticshelf · Rating 1 out of 5]

to sum this book up for you, he’s an asshole that hurts her over and over again, she’s a childish, oh so tiny, can’t do anything doormat. OH AND!! he doesn’t grovel. not even one bit. matter of a fact, SHE goes back to him. does the author hate women or what?!

[Peta]

DNF 40%. Bully isn’t for me - I’m too smooshy - but hard no when he hurts her

[Ana Moreno · Rating 1 out of 5]

couldn’t force myself to finish it. wdym you like her bc she reminds you of your mom but like also bully her but also be miserable that she hates you. gross all the way

[Arie · Rating 3 out of 5]

writing 3 but story 4 ⭐️

[eviee]

good lord above someone get this man PUT DOWN

[Chichi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has me questioning a lot and not in a good way