Broken Build

Chance for Love #1

by Rachelle Ayala

Jen Jones hides a horrible secret behind her new degree, toned body, and exciting job at Silicon Valley’s hottest startup—until a man linked to her past is killed in a hit-and-run.

CEO and founder Dave Jewell is about to land a huge deal. He doesn't need blood on his car, threatening phone calls, and Jen wrapped in broken code and blackmail.

A gang of thugs hunts Jen, and she takes refuge in Dave’s protective arms. Together, they must thwart a killer and rescue an innocent victim from their past. Love blossoms, but a damaging revelation points straight at Jen, threatening to tear them apart forever.
Content advisory: language, sexual situations

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

330 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2012

About the author

Rachelle Ayala is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.

Her book, Knowing Vera, won the 2015 Angie Ovation Award, and A Father for Christmas garnered a 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Award. Christmas Stray was awarded the 2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Award and A Pet for Christmas had an Honorable Mention. In 2017, her book about a single mother with an autistic son, Playing for the Save, won the 2017 Readers' Favorite Gold Award for Realistic Fiction.

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She is also a writing teacher and founder of the Romance In A Month writing community. She lives in California with her husband and has three children and two birds.

For an updated, printable booklist:
https://www.scribd.com/document/34213...

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Broken Build
Hidden Under Her Heart
Knowing Vera

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Taming Romeo
Claiming Carlos
Whole Latte Love
The Remingtons: Leap, Laugh, Love
The Remingtons: Blush of Love
Bad Boys for Hire: Ryker
Bad Boys for Hire: Ken
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick
Laguna Beach: Lucky in Laguna
Sapphire Falls: Going Haywire
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Sapphire Falls: Going Hearts Over Heels

SPORTS ROMANCE
Played by Love
Playing the Rookie
Playing Without Rules
Roaring Hot!
Intercepted by Love
Playing Catch
Playing for the Save

SWEET ROMANCE
Christmas Stray
A Father for Christmas
A Pet for Christmas
A Wedding for Christmas
Christmas Lovebirds
Valentine Hound Dog
Spring Fling Kitty
Blue Chow Christmas
Valentine Wedding Hound

HOLIDAY ROMANCE
Christmas Flirt
Santa's Pet
Deck the Hearts
Her Christmas Chance
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Michal's Window

NON-FICTION
Your Daily Bible Verse
Romance In A Month
366 Ways to Know Your Character
Love Stories: Writing a Romance Novella

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Build s book one in the Chance for Love series by Rachelle Ayala. Jen Jones was in trouble, and she did not know how to fix it. Jen Jones did not think that her life could get any worse. However, this was not the case when someone from her past turns up dead in the carpark of Shopahol. David Jewell was the CEO of Shopahol and was stress out trying to save his company from financial ruin. Finding the body in the carpark started events that changed David Jewell, and Jen Jones lives for every. The readers of Broken Build will continue to follow the twist and turns to see what happens to David and Jen.

Broken Build is the first book I have read of Rachelle Ayala, and I did enjoy it. At first, I found it hard to understand what was going on. However, after reading a couple of chapters, I started to realise what Broken Build was all about and I became involved with the story. Rachelle Ayala did a lovely job of intertwining the twist and turns throughout Broken Build that keeps her readers engaged with the story. I like Rachelle Ayala portrayal of her characters especially Jen and David.

The readers of Broken Build will learn about the consequences of blackmailing for everyone involved. Also, readers of Broken Build will learn about computer programing and apps development. Broken Build also highlights the importance of computer security. Reading Broken Build, you will learn about what happens to everyone involved when a child is kidnapped.

I recommend this book.

[Chantel Rhondeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced and thrilling! Rachelle Ayala will keep you up long past your bedtime, chasing bad guys and falling in love.

Jen Jones has a terrible secret and when her past collides with her future, things heat up. Sexy Dave Jewell may just be the man to help her out, but he’s also the person who can destroy her.

Ayala has done it again in a book that, though much different from her last title (Michal’s Window), is every bit as entertaining. This book is a balance of tender romance and well-plotted action. The mystery is twisty and full of surprises, perfect for the person who likes a good challenge.

The writing is spot on and entertaining. There is technical talk dealing with Dave’s company, which can be a little confusing at times, but didn’t really detract from the story once I realized I wasn’t going to miss anything vital if I skimmed over the technical parts.

All in all, a great novel from this talented author. I’ll be watching out for her to write another romantic suspense title.

[Christina McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking twists…amazing chemistry!

Ever pick up a book and not know what to expect? I selected Ms. Ayala’s Broken Build because I thoroughly enjoyed her debut novel, Michal’s Window. Broken Build is a completely different style and genre…and Ms. Ayala did it perfectly!

The novel focuses on Dave (a software company CEO) and Jen (a programmer who wronged Dave in the past). If you add a new identity, murder, kidnapping, lies, and deceit to the mix there are plenty of twists and turns for every reader. Did I mention that Dave is a bit of a playboy? All I can say is yummy! The chemistry between the pair sizzles.

While Ms. Ayala has ventured out from the historical fiction genre she has majorly delivered with Broken Build! I recommend this book to any and all who love Romantic Suspense…with an edge.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book and I am disappointed that I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Right off the bat in the book there is talk of a gangbanger, which threw me off entirely. Then the term was used again when said gangbanger passed on. I really do not think Rachelle, the author, understands the term. Just because a person has tattoos, is hard, rough and was discharged from the military due to psychiatric issues does not make them a gangbanger. This really drives me crazy, although, I did look past it.

All of the technology talk was very confusing. While I am someone who understands computers, technology in general and can figure out just about anything, all of the technology talk was just a bit too much. I really think the book would have been slightly better if it was not in it.

When I first started reading the book, I had no clue it was going to turn religious. I do not read religious books at all, so I was rather blindsided when it suddenly became that. This is definitely not the typical religious book. Quite frankly, I think the religious aspect takes away from the book.

Every single bad thing that could happen happens to Jen, the main character. Somehow, she still manages to save the day with her tablet and fix the build.

With someone that is running from a bad past, I feel like she should be more concerned as to where her personal items are – phone, iPad, etc.

What I will say is that the author was a decent writer. And I would recommend this book to those that do not mind reading religious or technology lingo.

I received this book from the author through tomoson for my honest review.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing. I'm not sure where the author's head is, but I know I don't want to be there. I could not finish, despite what was actually technically good writing. When I started reading the depressing beginning to the story, I held on because I thought there would be some Christian elements of redemption (given the scripture). But I guess the author thinks it's ok to prostitute yourself to save your company (main male character, graphically depicted), hide from the law (both main characters), steal intellectual property (main female character), use very foul language, and do little or nothing to repent or change your ways. Completely unlikeable characters. Skipped to the end to try to resolve something in my own mind. Do not recommend, and I won't be reading anything else by this author, including the Old Testament novel, Michal's Window, which I already had downloaded.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

i made it 70% through. the hero was a wimp. there was no chemistry. too many bad things kept happening to the heroine it was unbelievable. i don't get the good reviews at all.

[Melisa Hamling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Cruz is a girl with a past. She undergoes plastic surgery to change her image in hopes for a better life. But images can't change her heart and the things that haunt her. It can't change the fact that she's in love with the man she wronged. Now that she works for his company, will he recognize her? Jen is faced with new fears instead of ditching her troubled past.

Things get a little too close for comfort when Dave, the man Jen's in love with, shows great interrest in her. Romance blooms, but secrets play on Jen's heart. Will Dave learn who she is? Would he ever be able to forgive her for what she'd done?

When Rey Custudio, a man out to take what he can from Jen, is murdered while waiting for Jen to finish a job he's forced her to do, suspicion falls on Jen. Her relationship crumbles, and trust becomes an issue between Dave and Jen.

Secrets emerge, lies unfold and Jen soon learns beauty is only skin deep. Will Dave love her for who she is, or forgive her past indescretions if the truth is revealed?

Broken Build is an exciting story full of twists and turns, murder and deception, with a steamy romance. The question is, can love prevail and trust be gained, or will the past destroy what Jen and Dave have? I can't spoil the fun, but I can say Ms. Ayala has done it again by creating another riveting tale sure to keep you guessing!

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of suspense, shocking twists, secrets, and romance. Jen had plastic surgery and changed her name to keep her past and secrets hidden. She lives with the guilt of her past. In order for her to be happy she must learn to forgive herself, and move on. This book has some great life lesions. This Author is Amazing. I love the details, and inspiration she has put into this book. I will be looking for more books by Rachelle Ayala. I hope you read this book. The Twist, and turns, and suspense had me glued to this book. I was so confused at times. I’m thankful the book ended the way it did!

Sample from Chapter 9 - The crack of shattering glass and a loud bang startled her. A hissing sound blew out of a canister. Jen scrambled to her feet with the help of her crutches. Her eyes watered and her lungs burned as if breathing in fire. Gagging and coughing, she stumbled out the front door and dove into the lawn. Her eyes stung, and she quickly plucked out her soft contact lenses. Male voices and footsteps approached.

Sample from Chapter 30 - How could she resist him when her heart was already his, Tender, and tingly, his kisses swirled like a lover’s hand, carefully removing layers from her heart, peeling off her defenses, and threatening to undress her soul.

[Cate Beauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and mysterious--a page turner to the very end!

Broken Build offers several twists and turns that leave the reader guessing. Every time I thought I had it figured out, a new character was thrown into the mix that had just as much to lose as the character before!

I enjoyed Jen. Now there's a woman who has everything--a great body, a great job and a several damaging secrets! I like that Ayala developed a strong woman who can make it on her own even though she loves Dave and will more than likely lose him when he figures out that she's responsible for much of the turmoil in his life.

Dave is a unique main character. He's quite tortured and not afraid to show it--at least not after he feels like he can let his guard down around Jen. Ms. Ayala creates the perfect conflict for Dave with his love/hate, trust/distrust of Jen. He needs her both personally and professionally, but can he forgive Jen?


I found myself unable to put the book down in my eagerness to discover who threatened to destroy Dave and Jen even as Dave and Jen do a pretty great job of almost destroying each other.

Highly recommended!

[C.K. Raggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachelle Ayala does it again with her new novel BROKEN BUILD. This book is filled with lies and betrayals. Hurt feelings and misunderstandings. It is on the techie side but I had no problem understanding the computer lingo, and I'm far from being a computer guru.

It was much different than her last novel MICHAL'S WINDOW, but it did not disappoint! Broken Build is a novel that will get you thinking of all the possibilities that you might have missed out on because you couldn't say three little words. "I forgive you."

Jennifer Jones is a brilliant computer whiz who takes on an exciting new position for a man named David Jewell. A man that she has hurt in her past in a debilitating way. But after six years of Jen being away, Dave doesn't recognize her. When a romance heats up between the two, the secrets come out one by one. Will Dave be able to forgive her? And most importantly, will Jen be able to forgive herself?

A suspenseful - romance with plenty of mind-bending mysteries to keep you guessing and begging for the truth. A fantastic read!!

[Mimi Barbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Jones wasn't a criminal. Okay – withholding evidence, lying to the police and accessory to a kidnapping might be misconstrued, but in her mind, she'd just made a few bad choices. Like getting surgery to change her appearance so her boss today doesn't recognize her from the girl of six years ago. Even after things heat up between them again. Or like helping her deceased boyfriend's brother cheat on his exams, but she only did so because he was blackmailing her. His rough manner and pushiness scared her a little, but she put it down to his PTSD…until the night he got killed. And she was next on the killer's list. Lying to the police detective, her smarmy lawyer and worse yet, herself, Jen tries to work through the nightmare closing around her. The plots Ms. Alaya has created, plus the believable characters have absolutely made this a 5 star book. An added bonus – besides getting a fantastic read, I now understand quite a bit more about computer systems than I would have thought possible.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book I loved that the author kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Our leading female character Jen not only has a past but it is tied to her boss's. Dave our male lead wants to protect Jen but can he truly protect someone he doesn't trust or for that matter can he forgive and fall in love with someone who he feels destroyed his family. Sounds complicated right well now throw in some criminals, a mystery blackmailer oh and if that's not enough try to save a failing company. Yep we are talking a front to back page turner.

This book so far has been one of my favorites and I definitely recommend you adding it to your reading list. It has everything you could want action, suspense and romance who needs to spend 10.00 on a movie ticket when you can take a great ride at home.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by Rachelle and it did not disappoint. A fun thrill ride of suspense will keep you interested and addicted. I read this book in just a couple of days, I couldn't put it down. The thing that held my interest most of all was Jen. I always long for a strong female character and am often disappointed. The story line is technical computer savvy wit that even I understood and I'm far from being a computer whiz!

If you're looking for a great Romantic Suspense book you have to read this one. I would not have given it anything below a 5 star rating and if I could rate higher I would!

I look forward to the next adventure that Rachelle Ayala will take my mind to!

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I obtained this free e-book from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing a review. Jen is a code engineer for Shopoholic an online bidding website for merchandise. She has a lot of dark secrets in her past that she is being blackmailed to keep secret. Dave is the owner of the company she works for and he is a Bible quoting man whore screwing married rich woman for money to fiancé his company. That is where this goes awry along with being overloaded with too much technical jargon the average reader is not interested in.

[Ang · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could only read half of the book.. it became so far-fetched- too many twists and turns made it unbelievable. I also grew tired of the craziness of the relationship between Dave & Jen. I tried to get through the story but the author crossed so many genre lines- I lost interest and could not finish the book.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Build is an incredible romantic suspense that will tie your heart knots and keep you on the edge of your seat! The sheer length and depth of this story is over whelming, but the heart and soul found within is a shining beacon of hope despite the danger and mystery. Nothing is as scintillating as fighting for something that we desire with all of our heart and yet know instinctively that we do not deserve. That makes the fight so much fiercer and dangerous and yet more rewarding and sweet in the end. This story is no exception, and I would say is the perfect example of how the heart fights desperately for what it wants despite the rationale of the mind. The human race is nothing without our heart for that is what separates us from all else.

Jen Jones lives a half-life shrouded in lies, mystery, and danger. One wrong step and everything she has fought to build will come crashing down. It was not a life she would have chosen and yet it was her that made the choices that brought her here. Fighting against her cage and captors, she presses forward and just when she gets comfortable, she finds herself thrown into the storm of her nightmares. She finds that so much in her life is not what it appears, but she hopes she can find an anchor amidst the chaos within her boss Dave Jewel. Dave only asks for her talents as an engineer, and yet he finds himself wanting to beg her for so much more. While fighting against their unwanted and surprising attraction, they have to stand together if they want to survive a life-altering storm that has overtaken them. Will they make it out alive, or will one have to sacrifice everything for the other to live?

This is one book that I had yet to read by this author, and now I can’t figure out why I waited so long to discover its treasures. I found myself completely blown away by this wonderful masterpiece! It captured my heart and refused to let it go no matter how much pain it had to ensure. No words could express the pain and sorry that these precious characters had to endure in order to see that they could have everything their heart ever desired if they only opened their eyes to what was in front of them and fight for it. Life is not kind, and if we want to do more than just survive, we have to grab hold of that promise and work to make it so every day. The wonder and awe that I felt with these marvelous characters is an experience that I will always savor and remember in the day and years to come. Stories help us to not only to be encouraged, but they inspire and show us how to fight for what we want. They lift our heart from the daily mire, and help us walk towards the healing and hope that we need in order to face each day.

Rachelle Ayala is an inspired author who has enriched my life and opened my heart to endless possibilities. She has taught me to raise my eyes no matter what I am going through and seek my help and salvation from the One who loves us all without condition and longs to help us walk the treacherous path of life. This author is one of my greatest sources of hope, promise, and light. I hope that her stories fill and enrich your life as they have done to mine.

The narration of this story was absolutely exquisite and undoubted beautiful. I have come to enjoy the wonderful talent and the genuine enthusiasm that the narrator has for sharing stories that can transform a heart and a life. The richness and beauty of this experience is something that will forever humble me. This story is a rare gift to those who understand and crave the power in the promise of a word used carefully and lovingly.

[brandy oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another excellent book by one of my new favorite authors, Rachelle Ayala.
So far, I have to say, Rachelle Ayala, is a very well rounded author who seems to be able to write many different styles her own. It is almost magical, maybe mystical, the way she can intertwine a few different "types" or genres, into one book. ( Michal's Window, was another one like Broken Build. 2 different books, 2 completely different stories and characters) yet somehow, they end up being the, Rachelle Ayala, genre. If you have read either of these books, you know what I'm talking about.
Ok, so enough gushing over this author, lol, I just haven't read such fascinating books like this in a long time. Not that Rachelle Ayala is a V C Andrews or a Roland Dahl, but I remember those books when I was younger, as being fascinating books I would have given my pinky finger to sit up and finish that night. It's the same way with Rachelle's books.
Broken Build is about, Jen Jones, who has some dark secrets in her past. Jen changes her appearance in hopes of a fresh start at life.
Jen Jones, (or Jennifer Cruz), has a past with David Jewell, a software CEO, who she takes on a job with. David doesn't recognize her, he hasn't seen her for 6 years, but there comes a time when he will find out who she is, and this ends up threatening their relationship.
Together the 2 have to rescue David's daughter, who is believed to be with his dead wife's family.
This story starts right from the first chapter and Rachelle, doesn't miss a beat! I wasn't super surprised, that this author would outdo herself yet again. Simply because, Michal's Window was such a shockingly good story that was filled with romance, betrayal, and heart pumping suspense. But I was very, very impressed.
Rachelle's knowledge and computer savvyness adds so much to this suspense, mystery, thriller, techno thriller, romance novel. Just like her genuine love for writing comes through each description, each character and each page of her books, Broken Build will hit you full force with Rachelle's meticulous style, you will be counting down the days until her new novel comes out in 2013!!
I should warn readers a little bit about this book.
As I stated previously, I loved Broken Build!! However, this may not be suitable for everybody, as there will be some scenes that some may not find appropriate and there may also be some language that some do not find suitable.
There is a lot of computer "lingo" in this story as well, which may be a bit hard to grasp. But, Rachelle, does do a fine job describing in great detail what these words, and phrases mean.

** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen Jones is a computer whiz with a demanding job in the Silicon Valley, perfect body and a hell lot of secrets. To start with, she is in love with her current Boss, Dave. She is being blackmailed and has been part of kidnapping plan and has lied to the police while withholding evidence. Whew! That’s quite a list! But Jen feels that she had just made a few bad choices in her life. Dave on the other hand is obsessed about finding his little girl who had been kidnapped from his home a few years back. He blames his late wife’s family for it but he never gives up hope of finding the child. Little does he know that the person that he blames for it all is… Oh no! I am not saying anymore – you have to read the book to find out.

Jen Jones is a character that I had a love/hate relationship with throughout the book. There’s just something about her that makes me feel for her when I should actually not like her at all for the choices that she had made. Dave on the other hand came across as a strong and steadfast character to me. I really liked him. Their relationship is just like what I feel for Jen – Love/Hate and BIG trust issues. But one cannot deny the chemistry between them.

The plot is the USP of this book. The twists and turns that it offers are simply remarkable. As a mystery/thriller fan I am used to playing the detective game myself as the plot progresses. And Ms. Ayala almost had me there – and that’s saying something! With every twist I was forced to reevaluate and suspect a different character and by the three quarter of the book I had suspected each character atleast once.

The plot and the characters are brought together and woven in the author’s own style of storytelling, where the language and narrative style compliments the other aspects of writing. I think that while writing Jen’s character, Rachelle Ayala must have drawn from her own experience in the IT industry and it lent the air of authenticity to Jen. From romance with Biblical aspects to it to romance with a liberal amount on mystery with it, Rachelle Ayala has more than proved herself with variations in her writing. She is certainly an author to watch out for. Overall, ‘Broken Build’ was an incredible experience and I would recommend it to all romance, mystery and thriller lovers.

[Diane Rapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken lives, broken promises, and broken dreams.

Jen Jones is a software programmer in charge of complicated “builds” for a company owned by David Jewell. She has big problems. The programs keep failing (causing a broken build) and the brother of an ex-boyfriend is blackmailing her. She must steal code from her company to satisfy his demands. Jen is hiding from the world, afraid that she’ll lose her job if her real identity is revealed.

David Jewell is obsessed with finding his daughter, kidnapped as a baby from his house. He believes his dead wife’s family stole their daughter. He needs enough money to find the girl, now age six. He doesn’t know his software engineer is the woman he blames for the girl’s abduction.

Jen’s blackmailer is murdered and the kidnappers of David’s child demand a copy of the code that might make him rich. Jen and David are thrown together and soon develop a strong attraction. Trouble is that Jen can’t love this man because she knows he’ll hate her when her identity is revealed.

This complicated plot weaves many lives together, springing surprises along the way, just like a complex computer system. The answers to all the riddles might heal or they might blow everything apart. The “broken build” is a delicate problem to solve. Can Jen work a miracle? Will her skills mend broken lives or is she facing more broken promises? She must be courageous in the face of pain and danger.

I enjoyed learning about the intricate process of completing a software “build” and the "techy" terms did not interfere with my enjoyment of this well-written suspense. You can see that the author knows her subject well and portrays her characters with great skill.

[Dani Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok...I have to admit I'm a sucker for romances and happy endings. There doesn't seem to be enough of that going around in real life and I'm always happy after reading a story, where against all odds, the hero and heroine live happily ever after. Sorry! I gave away the ending, but the journey is full of intrigue, mystery, street thugs, scandal, romance, and more.

Jen Jones writes code for a computer company in Silicon Valley but has a lot of secrets. Right away the reader is thrust into her chaotic life where she's being black mailed by her dead boyfriend's brother...but you don't find out why for awhile. Her personality and inner dialogue with herself make her a very likable character, and she's a strong woman too. Ayala has definitely shown the strength of women. Dave Jewell is her boss and becomes entangled with Jen when he suspects her of misconduct...and her blackmailer is killed in his parking lot. But Dave doesn't realize yet that he already knows Jen....well, who she used to be. And now there's a killer after Jen!

This is a great story and I really enjoyed reading it. There's a perfect mix of excitement, danger, drama, and of course, romance. But I like that it's not your typical gushy romance. There are some x-rated scenes for sure and even some scenes that are hard to read (when the gangbangers are involved)...but it's not over the top. I couldn't understand most of the computer/tech talk, but this just added to the intrigue...and made it more realistic for me. There is so much going on and you will be surprised along the way and rewarded at the end. I definitely recommend this book!

[Dolores Ayotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect when I initially started reading "Broken Build" by Author Rachelle Ayala. I must admit, it certainly grabbed my attention right at the onset and had me sitting at the edge of my seat most of the time. There is no doubt about the creativity and/or the ability of this talented author to spin a story.

I liked the main character, Jen Cruz/Jones and I eventually took a liking to her boss and romantic partner, Dave Jewell. The problem I had with this fictional novel is the numerous twists and turns...and all the assumptions of guilt and jumping to conclusions that took place between these two main characters. It doesn't seem like a realistic or plausible Christian foundation, which is one of the many twists presented in this novel, to build a life long relationship on. The adage that comes to mind, which if adhered to and which may have prompted me to give this mystery/thriller a possible higher rating is...the benefit of realizing when "less is more".

In my opinion, the plot is overdone. It could have been a much better novel, if Author Rachelle Ayala would have reined in her storyline a bit in order to give it a more believable flavor. The complexity of the situation, the "high tech" computer jargon, and the unlikelihood of some of the events/co-incidences in the novel, actually take away from the true essence of this author's gift. It just felt like "too much". If the circumstances were not so exaggerated, I would have enjoyed this fictional novel a whole lot more.

[B.J. Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the author of Michal's Window comes a new suspenseful thriller titled Broken Build, set in the high-tech world with backstabbing and deception around every corner. The author, Rachelle Ayala, had sent me a free copy to review after I had previously reviewed her biblical romantic tale, Michal's Window. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect since this book is set in modern times.

The main character, or should I saw heroine, is Jennifer Cruz, a woman with a rocky criminal past, who has now gone to great manners (plastic surgery, etc) to disguise herself into a new identity, Jen Jones. She takes a job as a computer techno whiz for David Jewell, a software CEO, a man she deeply hurt six years ago in her past life. Of course he doesn't recognize her now. As she spends time with David, their old romantic feelings start to resurface, but she can never erase her past.

I think it is a little daring for the author to try a completely different genre for her second novel, but she did it beautifully, creating a world where nothing is what it seems to be. Broken Build has an intriguing plot full of mysteries, lies, romance, sabotage, secrets and twist and turns at the end of every chapter. The main characters, Jen and David, have great chemistry and steam up the pages. The dialogue is spot on, even with all the technology jargon. I can easily see Broken Build becoming a movie on cable television, like Lifetime. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Broken Build and I recommend it to others.

[Wendy Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen Jones has secrets. In fact, she's even had some work done to help change her physical appearance. She writes computer code at a small company run by David Jewell. She's in love with her boss, even though he doesn't know it. She doesn't want to get too close because he may figure out her secret - a secret that could bring her house of cards tumbling down.

David Jewell just wants his daughter back. She was kidnapped and he believes his dead wife's family has her, but he can't find her and he can't prove it. His computer build business is promising and he believes he might have the one code that could make him rich, except for the fact that Jen's builds keep breaking.

When Jen's blackmailer insists she steal the code that will bring in the riches, Jen does it, even though she is very uncomfortable with it. But when the blackmailer winds up dead, and David gets a demand from his daughters kidnappers wanting the code, Jen finds herself in over her head. She and Dave get closer and the romance blossoms, but the heart-pumping action as well as secrets that need revealed will leave you totally immersed in this action-packed mystery romance.

Broken Build starts out slow, but once you get into the story, it's a page-turning thriller. The characters are intriguing and the computer lingo isn't overly technical. There are a few swear words as well as some sexual relations, so I would recommend this to a mature reader. But if you enjoy romance, mystery and action, I'd definitely recommend Broken Build!

[Carol Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by Rachelle Ayala and it certainly didn't disappoint. It was very different from the first book, which was on the religious side. Broken Build is full of suspense and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Broken Build is about Jen Jones who is a software programmer, but her programs keep failing, or creating "broken builds". She has a rocky criminal past that she is desperately trying to keep quiet, but her ex-boyfriend's brother isn't making it easy. Jen Jones is an engineer with a new body, a new degree and new job. She also has a dark secret. Dave Jones is CEO and founder of the exciting new start up company that Jen has a job at and unbeknownst to him, a past connection to Jen. Jen is talented and Dave needs her to get the business going, but a hit and run accident triggers a whirlwind of events that not only endangers the builds but also their lives. During the twists, turns and endless confusion, of who is pulling the strings behind the scenes and why they would ever want to torture and hurt either of them. Never knowing who’s going to show up, no matter where she goes Jen lives in fear of what it going to happen next. Living with the guilt of her secret, feeling the weight of it on her shoulders when she allows the comfort of Dave’s arms to console her. People are getting killed, for what she has no clue, but knows she could be next.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a very fast paced techno thriller, look no further. This one will have your head spinning with each twist and turn!

A strong solid story, with a whole host of characters! I was amazed at the depth of each of the characters and how each and everyone one of them came back into the story time and time again, just when you thought they might be gone.

For some this story might seem jumpy, and at first I did. Once I got the hang of Ms. Ayala's writing, I recognized it for what it was, A fast paced journey leaving out the fluff and sticking to the meat. If you're not a technology person, it could be hard to get into, but even for those who might not understand the terminology, the author does a great job of explaining it to you in terms a mere lay person could understand at some point in the story.

It's one of those books you pick up and sticks with you when you set it down. Very much enjoyed and recommended to others.

[Annamaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining? possibly... edge of the seat reading? absolutely. turn page, turn... she's guilty, but who's doing the killing and where is the child? as jennifer jones despairs about the missing child, she falls in love with the little girl's father. dave jewell, a broken man, whose wife died and child was kidnapped, starts to live again when jen walks into his life turning it upside-down, filling it with dangerous thrill.
i'm not much for a romance novel, but the mystery of the missing child and the killings, kept me wanting more, like an addiction. i had to know who wanted to destroy dave jewell so bad and why.
rachelle ayalla chooses her words carefully to create an ambiance that is both pleasurable and intriguing. the words rolled off the page while i turned them to get to the answer i needed most--who?

[Carrie Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! It was fast paced, unpredictable, full of twists and turns! also, the main character, while not exactly like me at all, I still found myself able to relate to. She is a very realistic woman, and even though I wanted to slap her a few times, lol, I found her totally adorable. =D

The main male character had just the right mix of strong and sexy/yet tragic and vulnerable to drive me crazy! And the steamy scenes were just enough to make me squirm, yet NOT make me uncomfortable, thank you to the author for that!

The chemistry between them was wonderful and perfect in it's little imperfections if you know what I mean. Highly recommended as a wonderful romance/suspense/with a little thriller thrown in.

I haven't read the other books yet, but they are on my "to-read" list!

[Lyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading three of Rachelle's books, I see the recurring theme of man and woman love each other but cannot fully trust one another which makes for exciting, edge of your seat reading. As stated in my Knowing Vera review, I love that the main characters of all three of her books in the Chance for Love series are intertwined. This story had so many twists and turns that it was hard to keep up and Rachelle did a great job of making you suspect EVERYONE as the bad guy. I was rooting for Jen the whole time and was relieved to find out she wasn't guilty of half the things she was accused of.


Having finished reading the entire Chance for Love series, I have one thing to say. I'm glad I'm not friends in real life with Jen, Vera and Maryanne! They are brave women that always encounter adventure that I'd be too scared to handle. Great writing, Rachelle!

[Jan Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart and sexy, protagonist Jen Jones is a modern techie whiz with a past she's trying to hide. The story begins with a murder, and the pace picks up from there.

Jen's love interest, Dave, is a tech entrepreneur who resorts to dubious methods to fund his company. Jen is a woman from his past, and as the plot heats up, a web of deceit and intrigue threatens their relationship.

The author writes in an authentic manner--she was once a software engineer. The technology setting is fascinating, just enough to be authentic (and for me to learn something new), but was not too much to lose me. A recommended read!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy read that held me in place throughout. The story line was strong and the characters well thought out with good central characters who captivate the reader and draw us in to follow the sub plot twists as well as the main plot line. There are many twists and turns throughout the story which leave the reader guessing right to the very end about where the truth is to be found with an unexpected finale.

If I have any complaints at all it would be for me the mix of the few steamy scenes and language doesn't sit right with the religious quotations and background that is given with the main characters.

I personally chose to review a free e-copy of this book