Broken by Nicola Haken

My edition: Kindle Unlimited
Pages:404
Standalone
Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis:

When Theodore Davenport decides to switch his mundane job for a career, he walks into Holden House Publishing with enthusiasm and determination to succeed. As he settles into his new role, makes new friends and dreams of making it to the top, everything is going to plan.

Until he meets James Holden, CEO of Holden House.

James Holden hasn’t been able to stop thinking about his encounter with the timid man he met in a club bathroom last week, and when he discovers the one haunting his dreams is an employee, he can’t seem to stop himself from pursuing him.

Just a little fun- that’s what James tells himself. He can’t afford to care for someone who can never reciprocate, not once they find out who he really is. James believes nobody deserves the burden of being attached to him. He’s a complicated man. Damaged. Difficult. Demanding.

Broken.

Is Theodore strong enough to confront James’ demons? More importantly, is James?

Please note: This book contains scenes of self harm, mental illness and suicidal ideation which may be uncomfortable for some readers.

Review:

I am still new to the MM genre. I haven’t read much. This was recommended to me by a dear friend.

Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.

Theo has started working at Holden House. On Friday of his first week, Theo, his best friend Tess, and a couple coworkers head out for a night on the town. Theo meets a mysterious man in the bathroom who looks like David Gandy. Later in the night at a club Theo goes to the bathroom where he runs into Mr David. They have a quickie in a stall, which Theo ends up not liking because he’s just not that type of guy. But at least he won’t be able to see the guy ever again. Right?

Wrong. Turns out David Gandy is his boss, James Holden. On the same day Theo’s car breaks down. James offers him a lift. The next morning James is waiting for Theo right on time. This happens everyday till Theo’s car is fixed.

As they get closer James isn’t sure when he tells Theo the truth if Theo will leave him.

What can I say other than I had the feels with this one.

 

Broken is not one for the faint heart. The author’s warning it’s it on the nail. (To see warning look at the bottom of blurb.)

Theo and James are amazing together. I think they are my new OTP.

Broken crayons can still colour.

I want to applaude the author for making a book about mental illness and doing it right. Seriously there is no magic penis syndrome in this book and it makes me happy. This is very realistic and I love what the author has done. I will be reading more from her.

The mind is life’s most powerful tool… and also the most fragile.

 

Balance Broken by Hilary Thompson

My edition: Kindle Unlimited
Pages:328
Series: Starbright #2
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis:

Balance Broken is the second in the Starbright series. In the firs book, Justice Buried, Astrea fights to remain independent in a world which demands she submit to an ancient prophecy. In Balance Broken, She learns that independence means little when the world is depending on her.

The world cries for Order, but she’s igniting a revolution.

One hundred years before, the Great Sickness reduced the world to three cities. Now. Asphodel no longer lingers underground and the Starbright Maiden of Justice has returned.

Everyone has faith in Astrea’s ability to save the world- but only she knows the dark truth about her powers.

Astrea teams with Stian, Lexan, and Zarea to enlist the help of Lord Hadeon of Tartarus. They hope Hadeon will aid in attacking Asphodel’s First Leader Keirna, but the Destroyer usually takes lives, not sides.

As Astrea discovers life outside of Asphodel, she begins to wonder whether the remaining world is too broken to save- especially since the price of freedom just might be her own life.

Review:

Oh that ending. I cheered. I  hated the beginning but loved the end. I can’t put this series down. One more novel to go then I think it’s three novellas I will read after.

Astrea was making me so damn frustrated in the beginning of the book. The reason this didn’t get a full five stars is because of the damn love square that was at the beginning of this book. I am happy with the end I will say again because no more love square. She chose the guy I have been rooting for since day 1.

I’m so happy. I already have the third book and starting it today. I need to know how this ends. Will Astrea die because of all the darkness that she has to cleanse? I hope not. Need the next book like a heroine addict needs their next score.

World of the Innocent by Nadine C. Keels

My edition: Kindle
Pages: 106
Stand-alone
Rating: 4 STAR

Synopsis:

“Are you ready to love this young man?”

Jhoi: She’s poetic. She’s guarded. And she couldn’t imagine having much to do with a guy like Marcus. Sure, Marcus is a brilliant fellow artist, admired by plenty of fans. But he’s so remarkably… strange.

Still, Marcus touches Jhoi’s soul. And through the counsel of a shred old neighbor, Jhoi will discover a link between intimate friendship and becoming a steward of an era.

A tale of love, enduring belief, and the meaning of innocence- based on a true story.

Review:

***I received this copy from the author for an honest review***

This is my first book by Keels. I went in with an open mind and I was not disappointed.  Okay I have much to say but unfortunately I can’t put it in the review or else spoilers. Jhoi (Joy) is a wonderful character along with Marcus. We follow her story of coming into womanhood. A great quick read. I loved the writing. I wish I could put more down without spoiling it.

 

Off Sides by Sawyer Bennett

My edition: Kindle (Owned)
Pages:167
Series: Off #1
Rating: 3.5 star

Synopsis:

“I’m not sure what possessed me to do it. Maybe it was the impossible expectations I faced, maybe it was my own self-loathing. But I just knew I needed something different to happen. I needed someone…something… to derail me from my current path. Otherwise, I would become lost… a hollowed out shell of a man. So I did it. I approached her, then I pursued he, then I made her min. And my life was saved…”

Ryan Burnham is the privileged son of a U.S. Congressman and captain of his university’s hockey team. While he is on the verge of fulfilling his dreams to play in the NHL, his parents want him on a different course. One he is expected to accept for the sake of his family’s public image.

Forced her to abandon her music career after the heart breaking death of her parents, Danny Cross exists on the opposite side of the tracks from Ryan. She is struggling to make her own way, working two jobs, attending college part time and volunteering in a homeless shelter. She is on a mission to build her own success.

With a chance meeting, their vastly different worlds collide, causing each to evaluate whether they are truly on the correct path to self-fulfillment and happiness. Can their relationship survive? Particularly when others are against them every step of the way.  A lot can happen in just ten short days… 

Review:

This is my second series that I have read by Sawyer Bennett.

Who doesn’t love the right side-wrong side of the tracks stories? I tend to love these kind of stories. Especially if it is the girl from the wrong side and the boy from the right.

Ryan was with his friends after a party at a diner. He was immensely engrossed into a game of Angry Birds. Trying to ignore his ex girlfriend who is drunk and think she knows everything. His attention is taken away after his ex girlfriend makes a snark comment to the waitress only to have the waitress fire back. Immediately Ryan likes Danny. Though she is different than what he is used to dating for his family “image” he can’t help but be attracted to her.

Danny and Ryan’s story was cute. A normal NA book. One thing though, can we please stop having mothers that will do anything selfish because the child doesn’t fit into a certain mold? Please. Being so close to mother’s day I would like to read about a loving mother and not a heinous mother who thinks her image is better than their child’s happiness.

Other than that I loved the book. I am going to wait on the second book right now due to being broke and can’t afford any other books.

 

Justice Buried by Hilary Thompson

My edition: Kindle Unlimited
Pages:330
Series: Starbright #1
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis:

The people need Justice, but she’s not listening.

One hundred years before, the Great Sickness reduced the world to three dystopian cities. Now the community of Asphodel is trapped underground, waiting for the prophesied maiden of Justice to rescue them.

Sixteen-year-old Astrea is supposed to be this savior- too bad for them she isn’t a believer. Astrea fights her fate until discovering a power she never knew she had, and a handsome ally she never expected.  With her life in danger, Astrea must choose between saving her city or herself.

This  thrilling young adult adventure is the first in the richly-imagined Starbright series, which is laced with mystery, mythology, romance, and magic. Justice Buried will have you questioning fate versus free will along with Astrea’s strong female lead, and wondering who can be trusted when everyone is keeping secrets.

Review:

Alright first order of business, YA fantasy. I have found that lately I am staying away from YA books. Sure there are a few times a YA book comes across such as this one, but lately none have really captured my attention. This book did. It drew me in and didn’t let go.

Astrea isn’t my favorite heroine but I did like her. Unlike certain heroines that I will not name, Bella, Astrea has the “I don’t need no man” attitude. I like that in a heroine. If she does find a love interest that’s fine but I love how she wanted to be independent and make her own choices.

In the city of Asphodel, they believe everyone falls into a category. The categories are the Zodiac sign you were born under. When you hit a certain age you get onyx stones implanted to show the constellation of your sign. Because you are born under this sign your life is planned out. Such as with a partner. A Taurus can’t partner a Pieces. An Aries cannot partner a Virgo. But because Astrea and Lexan were born on the equinoxes they are destined to be together to start the prophecy to save Asphodel. Three major problems. 1) Astrea is a non believer. 2) First Leader Kerina. 3) Astrea does not like Lexan.

This is my first book by Thompson. I loved it. Can’t wait to get the second book. I need to know what’s next. I am so rooting for Lexan. I’m not a fan of Stian. He gives me the heeby jeebies.

 

Consumed by Skyla Madi

My edition: Kindle (Owned)
Pages:422
Series: Consumed #1
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis:

Olivia James has never been one to walk on the wild side, at least not until she meets Seth Marc- a cocky, sexy fighter at her father’s gym. He’s infuriating, nauseatingly addictive and she just can’t seem to shake him. He’s only been in town a short while and his name is already on everyone’s lips. He’s the kind of guy moms’ warn their daughters about- the kind that leaves a trail of shattered hearts behind him and he has Olivia in his sights.

Olivia has never met anyone as confusing as Seth and his hot and cold attitude constantly sends her reeling. She’s never wanted anyone’s touch so badly in her life, but having recently come out of a long term relationship diving into another is somthing she’d prefer to avoid.

Determined for his touch, but not to let him under her skin Olivia embarks on the most thrilling ride of her life.

Review:

Olivia was stood up again at Salsa by her boyfriend of six years. Deciding that is the final straw she dumps him. The next day she goes to work out at her father’s gym she sees a man at on of the boxing bags. Instantly she is drawn to him. Trying to fight her attraction to him she can’t help but be around him. Even he fights the attraction and gets no where.

It’s been a while since I have read an MMA novel. Seth was a very confusing person at the beginning of the book.

At first I didn’t think I would like Olivia but I ended up liking her. The relationship between Olivia and Seth was hot, steamy, and totally drooling. There were a few times I laughed. I almost cried at one part but I can’t tell you because, you know, major spoiler.

The supporting cast was amazing. I don’t think I really full hated anyone. Even Don who is a hunk of shit. I am definitely going to have to read another book by this author.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

My edition: Paperback (owned) ISBN: 9781416955078
Pages:485
Series: The Mortal Instruments #1
Rating: 2.5 stars

Synposis:

When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. Much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with odd markings. This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons– and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It’s also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know…

Review:

Reread. I read this book for the first time when the series was still a trilogy. Yeah that long ago. I was in a sort of rut. I was looking on my shelf at home and saw this and decide, time for a reread. While looking at friends’ reviews I couldn’t help but see some didn’t like this at all or some did. I went into this with my teenage self in back of mind because she loved the book. Plus it didn’t help that I will forever picture Brad Pitt’s Achilles as Jace. Now that I have watched teen wolf every time there is a red head or strawberry blonde I can’t help but picture Holland Roden.

Now that I reread this I couldn’t help but think, why did I like this before. Granted it is something different when it comes to certain aspects of Fantasy YA, but it was sort of Twilighty. Does anyone understand what that means?

Why is it in most books now days we always have the friendzoned guy still being in the friendzone when really he should be the boyfriend? Mostly due to the boyfriend being a controlling bastard or a jackass.

I really don’t find the appeal of Jace. While Brad and Holland rocked the roles in my head, their dialogue just made me want to cry. Kind of like the prequel Star Wars movies.

Why such a low rating? Besides the obvious, it took me over a week to finish this. I do have the other series she has wrote, the Infernal Devices, at home. Well just the first book. I want to see if that one is any better than this one.