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"Not all love heals.
Some love shatters."
Meet the author
Hi, I’m Mary A. Lydick—writer of the soft, the shattered, and the stories that hurt just enough to matter.
I write dark romance for readers who crave emotionally tangled characters, obsession disguised as love, and the kind of heartbreak you feel long after the final page.
When I’m not unraveling fictional lives, I’m living the chaos of real ones—cheering at my kids’ basketball games, tearing up at band performances, tending to my garden, or wandering outdoors trying to breathe in a little peace between deadlines.
I believe love isn’t always soft. That the most powerful healing starts in the wreckage. And that sometimes, the most dangerous hearts beat the loudest.
Welcome to the darker side of romance. You’re safe here—but not unscathed.
What my readers say...
1000/10 would recommend
Intense. Suspenseful. Gut and heart wrenching. Brutal. But absolutely beautiful. I felt emotions i didn't know i was capable of reading something.
Melissa
Author does such an awesome job of making you feel like you are apart of the book. Like you are there. You can feel the excitement, the fear, the pure raw emotion. Must read!
Pam
Super spicy! I love the character Andy and can’t wait to see what she does in book two. Great read, couldn’t put it down!!!
Wendi Hartl
Was not disappointed one bit with this book! Written so it feels as if you are a part of it. Spicy, dark, exciting and sooooo many details. Not so patiently awaiting the second book if the series!
New Stuff Coming Soon!
Events
Have a blog, podcast, Discord, or live? I’d love to join you and talk about dark romance, broken characters, and the chaos behind the scenes. Let’s make it raw, fun, and a little unhinged—in the best way.
Inspiring stories
I want to hear your Shattered story. Tell me what broke you, what made you scream, and what you’ll never forget. My inbox is open—let the chaos begin.
"Not all monsters hide in the dark."
Letters from the Bruised
These are your words. The things you’ve sent me that made me laugh, cry, or sit in silence for a full minute.
The quotes that broke you. The scenes you reread. The chaos you had to share.
This space is for you—the bruised hearts, the emotionally wrecked, the romantics who crave a little pain with their passion.
Want to be featured? Send me your Shattered story.
The Bookish Spotlight
Every month, I’ll feature a small business I love—one that creates magic for readers, writers, or the romantically obsessed.
From handcrafted bookmarks to bookish candles, this is where I highlight the brands that make the reading experience even more personal (and a little bit prettier).
Know a shop I should check out? Send it my way.
Recent Posts
Want bonus content, sneak peeks, and chaos I can't post anywhere else? Sign up for The Bruised Chapter Insider Access Newsletter!
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