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University of Branton #2

Beautiful Broken

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She's been broken by her past. He's been breaking for as long as he can remember.
Together, they can make each other whole--or destroy each other.

When his best friend asks for something, Dane rarely says no. But babysitting a newly sober Scout Grimes for three weeks isn't exactly a normal request. And with their history, it's a recipe for disaster. Not to mention, she's drop dead gorgeous and he can't touch her.

There are few people Scout trusts as much as Dane Guillot. He's always been her safe place, where nothing can hurt her. He's also been the only man she's never let herself want--screwing up their friendship isn't worth one amazing night together.

They have too much history, and too much personal baggage to ever work. But if they are willing to take a chance on love--it might be worth the risk.

273 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2013

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784 people want to read

About the author

Nazarea Andrews

46 books431 followers
Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Griffin.
371 reviews308 followers
October 17, 2013
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review for SMI Bookclub.



Whew, and with that, we start off with a bang! Beautiful Broken is an apt title for this book, because they characters are oh so broken, but at the core have such beautiful souls. This story was stocked FULL of angst, heart, longing, forgiveness, acceptance, and honesty. It was simply delicious!

She’s asleep in minutes, and I’m left in the dark, holding her. Wondering how I became her safe place, and wondering how the hell I’m going to keep from screwing it up.

I have never read a couple that inspired such trust in each other, in all of us. Dean and Scout are just…… how to put into words? Look up knight in shining armor, and you will find a picture of Dean Guillot. Here is a man who would literally do ANYTHING for this woman, no matter the cost to his safety or sanity, and has time and time again. He is the one constant in her life. Her life full of disappointments, feelings of being unworthy, and general turmoil and avoidance. She has been written off by nearly everyone in her life, but Dean is her one true constant.

“You’re safe – you always have been. You keep the nightmares away.”

The pain radiates off Scout in waves. To everyone else it comes off as being self important, and a user, but Dean sees the truth. He sees it in her, and he sees the likeness in himself. These are two peas in a pod, perfectly made for each other, neither willing to relent and give in to the passion, neither believing they are worth it.

I look at her, clean and healthy, a little weight on her, hair adorable and falling in her face. Eyes clear and questioning as she meets my gaze. This is the girl I fell I love with without trying.

Dean fights the inevitable. Atticus has been his best friend and like a brother for as long as he can remember. The Grimes family took him in when his own worthless parents could care less. Dean carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, guilt from what happened to Scout, to not being able to save his mother and sister. Because of this guilt he pushes everything and everyone away. Women are for sex, not feelings. If you don’t let anyone in, they can’t get hurt, and you aren’t responsible for any choices they make. Once those walls start to come down, the swoon really starts!

“You aren’t the only one with issues, Scout. I’ve got my own to deal with – maybe it’s time you quit deciding what I need and accept that you’re what I want.”

These two fight each other at every turn. It is exhausting, exhilarating, and damn good reading! They come to realizations in their own times, usually not at the SAME time. You will want to throw your e-reader, and then grab it, give it a big hug, and apologize. Nazarea has this beautiful way of writing that allows you to BE THERE with the characters. I could hear the music, feel the angst and heartache, rejoice in the love. I didn’t want for it to end!

I’ve never been held like this – like I am the only thing keeping him from falling completely apart.

What we come to realize, long before Dean or even Scout does, is that she is as much his rock as he is hers. These foundations are what make a strong, lasting relationship. All the elements for success are present, these two hard headed individuals just continue to fight the inevitable.

“Scout. You know what I love about you? I love that you have been through hell and you still fight. You know that you’re broken and you still try. You want to be strong for people even when you don’t realize how strong you are. You’re amazing – I wish I could be as strong as you.”

I ADORED this book and would have happily read a couple hundred/thousand more pages of their story! According to the author, there will be more stories to come, even though this had a clear ending, and I cannot wait. Definite 5 star read for me!!!

“I’m not strong Dane. I’m a mess – a broken, fu**ed-up mess.” “You’re beautiful broken. I wish I could let you see through my eyes. See how strong you are.”
Profile Image for Adrianne James.
Author 12 books149 followers
September 21, 2013
First off, it would be hard for me to review without giving a disclaimer. This book deals with serious issues that could be a trigger for some. Beautiful broken is about a woman torn apart by drugs and sexual abuse and how she puts herself back together. The way that Nazarea handles the situations presented are done with the utmost respect for women in the same situation as her main character, Scout. It is in no way thrown in haphazardly to create sympathy like has become popular lately. Scouts past is integral to the story and her growth as a character.

Scout and Dane are perfect together. They have always been each others comfort zone, even if she should technically be off limits. Her older brother happens to be Dane’s best friend. The chemistry between the two is explosive and the way they handle their complicated relationship is realistic. It is refreshing to read a story that doesn’t stray to far from what could really happen. Let’s face it, the chance of finding a man who is successful, hot, and can spew love lines like Romeo is incredibly rare. Dane has his moments of pure OMFG I NEED HIM TO SAY THAT TO MEEEEEEEE! but he also pulls a lot of stupid man bull shit. He is a genuine man.

Beautiful Broken is a book that draws you in and holds you tight. It doesn’t let go until long after you finish the last page. It is a story that touches you and changes your perception on others. It is a book you have to go and buy.
Profile Image for Katelyn.
160 reviews56 followers
September 30, 2013
When I read the first book in the University of Branton series, This Love, I was introduced to two characters I was dying to know more about. It just so happens that I was not alone! I am thanking the book Gods and Goddesses today because Nazarea thought these two characters deserved their own book as well and thus Beautiful Broken was born…err published.

We first meet Dane and Scout in This Love. With that being said, these two books can definitely be enjoyed separately but for the full effect, I do think you should read that one first. Anyways, moving on…in This Love you get little glimpses of just who Dane and Scout are and what their relationship appears to be. And then you start Beautiful Broken and Nazarea shows us that there is so much more to these two characters hiding behind the surface.

This particular book starts off sometime after This Love ends. Scout is just getting out of rehab and Dane is there to take care of her just like always. It is easy to tell that Scout has had a troubled, troubled life. From drugs to many failed stints in rehab, to a life of partying and recklessness, and of course that one tragic night long ago that started it all. Even though Scout has tried and failed in the past to stay clean, she really means it this time and she works hard to stay away from drugs despite how hard it is for her. In this book she struggled with her addiction and deep scars from her past…a lot, but that never stopped her from trying to stay clean. Even though she saw herself as this broken person, I couldn’t help but think the opposite, that she was a strong, determined character. What I appreciated most about Scout, even more than her determination and strength, was the fact that she was so very human. She made mistakes, she struggled, she had moments in this book were she was almost at the breaking point. As crazy is it sounds for those things to be my favorite part, it is the truth. Nazarea has such a talent for writing characters that are flawed in the best way possible.

Now here I am going on and on about Scout. And as great of a character as she is, I cannot forget about the one and only Dane. Let me start off by saying I HATED him in This Love. Okay, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration but he dumped coffee on Avery. It’s hard to forget something like that! Despite my initial feelings regarding Dane, I couldn’t help but fall for him in this book. The same fierce protectiveness he has over his best friend, Atticus in This Love, is perhaps shadowed by his feelings for Scout in Beautiful Broken. I love, love, loved how much he clearly cares for her and how much he wants to protect her from the pain of her past. Dane proved to be as strong of a character as Scout. We learn that he is perhaps just as broken as she is but instead of turning to drugs now, he turns to women to cope with the loss of his mother and sister. Watching him support and take care of Scout during her time of need while also dealing with his own demons definitely redeemed him for me and made me almost totally forget the whole dumping of the coffee incident.

The connection between these two was undeniably strong. Dane and Scout have known each other practically their entire lives. Dane has been almost like a second big brother to Scout and considering the fact that he was there to pick up the pieces every time she crumbled apart, you could even say he was much more than a big brother figure to her, he was more like her hero. Dane is just as loyal as he is protective towards his best friend. Seeing how torn he is between his growing feelings for Scout in the not-so-little-sister-way and his promise to Atticus that he would keep Scout safe only solidified that. With a whole lifetime of memories between them and of course Atticus, it would seem like a romance between these two is unlikely. But they each harbor such deep feeling for one another that when the romance does show up, it really shows up. It is no secret that my favorite types of romance is the “I really like you and we shouldn’t be together but we’re going to be anyway” kind and Nazarea hit it head on with these two. I could practically feel their passion for one another through the buttons on my nook.

I adored Scout as a character, adored Dane as a character, and of course adored the history between them. And as much as I adored the romance and sexy times between them as well, I wish this story focused a little less than that and a little more on the underlying, deeper issues in the book. I LOVED that Nazarea focused on addiction and I LOVE that she also focused on rape. I thought she handled both topics, which can both be touchy, with such great care but it still felt a bit unfinished for me. The ending came somewhat abruptly and there was a whole lot going on in the last few chapters so perhaps that’s why I am feeling this way but at the same time, Dane’s issues with his father are left unresolved, Scout, drug free, yes, still has what I am assuming are tons of pent-up feelings after facing her rapist, and then there’s the whole Atticus finding out about them thing that still seemed unfinished to me. The story is great regardless, I just wish a few of those things were addressed a bit more in the last few chapters of the book.

Beautiful Broken proved to be yet another great NA book by Nazarea Andrews. I didn’t think it would be possible but I fell for Dane and Scout’s story just a bit more than Atticus and Avery’s. I appreciated that there was a past between these two. Knowing each other and being there for one another for so many years allowed for a greater level of understanding between them. I loved the romance that built between Dane and Scout but even more, I loved that these two seemingly broken characters were there for one another when they each needed it most. If you read and loved This Love then you need to do yourself a favor and pick up Beautiful Broken real soon!
Profile Image for Casey.
2,650 reviews47 followers
April 4, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

I was really excited to read Beautiful Broken after having read and loved This Love by Nazarea Andrews. Beautiful Broken is the story of Scout and Dane, both of which are introduced in This Love. Scout is Atticus's little sister and Dane is his best friend. I have to admit I wasn't sure how much I was really going to like either character after the first book, but I really enjoyed getting to know these two better. Seeing them fight their feelings was frustrating at times, but they kept me interested and I am so glad that they got their HEA after they finally gave in to what they were feeling.

Dane has always been there for Scout. He has always been the one to help and support her even when her brother Atticus hasn't been. But Dane is also very attracted to her and he knows that for many reasons he can't let himself go there. Scout has just been released from rehab and is in need of a place to stay. With her brother off finishing his book, Dane is left as the only option for her to stay with. Dane has always been her safe place and he is her best friend. Even though Scout is attracted to Dane she has never let herself go after him because she knows that one night with him is not enough to risk their friendship. But while Dane helps her to stay sober, the feelings they both have been fighting become impossible to keep under control any longer. There are many reasons that they shouldn't be together and probably won't work, but when two people have a connection as strong as theirs they both start to wonder if the chance at love isn't worth risking all for.

I really ended up liking Dane. I was honestly worried when I started this book that I wouldn't. After all he is the same guy who threw coffee all over Avery in This Love. But he really won me over. He was sweet and patient with Scout. I loved how he really took care of her and not just because his best friend asked him to. It was very clear how much Dane cared about Scout right from the start. I will admit that it took me awhile to warm up to Scout. At first she comes off as this really bratty girl who jumps to conclusions. But after being set straight a few times, she really begins to change and that is when I really started to like her. After everything that she has been through, she has come out so much stronger and very determined. I loved that she was willing to get herself help and really put herself out of her comfort zone in order to move on with her life. I also really loved how she would call Dane out when needed. She didn't let him get away with his normal crap and refused to be just another notch for him. These two had a ton of chemistry and they were very hot together! I really enjoyed watching them grow even closer than they already were as they opened up to each other and finally allowed their feelings the chance to turn into a relationship even though it scared them both.

Overall, this book was a very enjoyable follow up to This Love. It took me awhile to warm up to these characters, but once I did they were very interesting and I really started rooting for them both. I think that Dane and Scout were perfect for each other and I loved that they didn't let everything stand between them. Once they knew they wanted to be together, they were determined to make it work. They were really sweet together, but they also generated a ton of steam. I am really enjoying this series, and Nazarea Andrews is a great writer! Her characters are interesting and deep and they grab your attention in a way that keeps you turning the pages until the book is finished. Andrews is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and I cannot wait to read more from her in the future. Beautiful Broken does deal with some serious issues, but they are handled very well and I was glad to see that they didn't bring the story down to the point that it was completely dark and angst filled. I would definitely recommend this book and series if you haven't already read it. This is the second book in the University of Branton series and can be read as a standalone, although I would really recommend that you read This Love also. These books are filled with flawed but likable characters and they draw you in so much that you just can't help but become invested in them and really fall in love right along with them.

**ARC provided by Inkslinger PR**
Profile Image for Chu.
1,459 reviews72 followers
March 31, 2014
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Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

Rating: 4.5 Stars

She was broken, lost and scared – and he was always her safe.

Scout had just came out from rehab, and she was thrown into Dane’s. Not exactly what she expected, but her brother was busy. She had always trusted him, she never felt more secure and safe than in his arms, it was only him who could fight all her nightmares away. She knew he wouldn’t hurt her, and no one, even her brother, could understand her the way he does. He had been through it, and survived it unscathed. She wished she could do it too. But, Dane is also the man she could never want. He is her brother’s best friend, and destroying their friendship because of something not sure would not be a good idea.

Dane can never say no to Atti, especially when it comes to Scout. So bringing Scout into his home for three weeks isn’t really something out of the ordinary. He had been taking care of her since then, but looking at her right now, all grown up and pretty – it will just stir up trouble, especially when he needed to put his hands off her. Is he strong enough to do it?

When two broken people who had too much baggage, too much history and too much issue find their way into each other’s arms – will it ever work? Will the risk be ever worth it?

They can’t be together – he was a manwhore who sleeps around and leave girls, and he was to valuable in her life for her to lose him. Dane’s fear was Atti – how can he possibly tell his best friend that he wanted his sister when all he ever asked him was to keep her safe and sober?

They were a bomb waiting to explode. And don’t hate me if I tell you, I was waiting for her to slip – after all, she had been slipping in the past. The darkness in her past was too much, and it was too painful for her to share to anyone else. She even couldn’t share it with Dane, which I really feel sad about. The fact that she felt safe around him, and he’s the only person she could trust and still she couldn’t tell him about that night.

I wasn’t really happy with Atti in this novel. He cares about his sister, enough to put her Dane’s care since he won’t be around much because he was too busy with his book. But he never asked her what happened, what drove her into to do it. I wish he took the time to be with his sister, and talk to her, I knew it would have helped her move on, and bring them closer to each other.

Scout had bottled it for a long time, and it was a surprise, when she finally asked for help. She tries her best to stay sober, to clean up her mess, and not to be tempted by Dane. But she had wanted him ever since that night, and ever since she was a kid. Question is – will she be ready to cross that line?

I love the both of them – two people who need much love in the world. No matter how they lacked it, and how they seem to be broken, they were already enough for each other. They were the perfect match, and I love watching them jump out and take the leap – well, more of some baby steps because none of them are ever ready to make that major leap with both eyes open, or close. It took one angry Atti, and a fatal accident for them to realize that they were done walking around their emotions.

This story is short, and I savored it in one sitting, unable to have myself to set it aside. Reading the blurb, I knew I’d love this part of the series, which thankfully could be read as a stand-alone. The sexual tension gave enough hit to spice up the romance, and the anticipation of the much-needed happy ending gave me all the reason to adore this novel!

✪Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.✪
Profile Image for The_Book_Queen.
1,681 reviews281 followers
October 4, 2013
Ms. Andrews took me on a roller-coaster ride with Dane and Scout, ripping my heart out, stomping on it a few times, then crushing it with the hope of their future HEA, before putting it neatly back in my body. And yet I loved this crazy ride. I'm battered and worn, tired from all the problems that Dane and Scout have, but extremely happy. Beautiful Broken is an amazing book, telling the twisted tale of two “screw-ups” finding a way to cope, to heal, and to love.




Know this—Beautiful Broken will not be the perfect book for every reader. It's not light, it's not fluffy and carefree. It is gritty, dark and full of angst and serious issues. Many readers may find it hard to read, or may find that some of the emotions and situations are triggers, pulling them out of the story. I almost had that response a few times—but Andrews kept my hooked, made me believe in these two. I'll be honest: I had a hard time with some of Dane's early actions, had a rough time believing in Scout, as her drug use is so different from the choices I have made in my life. But it was all needed to tell this story—and Andrews did a beautiful job at telling their story.



Dane....he's complicated, messed up, with a past that drives him to do jerk-ish things. But he's sexy, he's strong enough to make something of his life, he's loyal to his best friend...and to Atticus' little sister, who should be off limits, but instead helps him to heal. I almost didn't want to love him, as his careless screws at the clubs pissed me off, but I soon understood part of the reason why he does these things. Andrews created a tortured hero who is sometimes a total ass, but who wants to be better for Scout, and I soon found myself in love with him. Tattoos, piercings, and all!


As I said, I had a difficult time relating to Scout, but I came to respect her and even understand some of her problems. I was happy to see her stand up and take control of her sobriety, and could see that she was able to help Dane just as he was able to help her. They belonged together, it was as simple as that.




I adored Andrews previous book (This Love), but I absolutely LOVED Beautiful Broken, and I will be rereading this one again and again. Reading this book broke me, but it also put me back together. Sexy as can be (Dane's a dirty talker at times, and so much of an alpha male, I melted with every smexy scene!), yet so beautiful and sweet, this is not your typical romance, but it's easily one of the best NA Romances I have read! Be prepared when you pick up this book. Your insides will be twisted and yanked, your heart broken a few times, but in the end, it's all worth it. WOW



5 STARS!

~ * ~ * ~

For my full review, including favorite book quotes, please visit my blog, TBQ's Book Palace.

I received an e-ARC of this book from the author, via the tour host, in exchange for my honest opinion.

TheBookQueen



Profile Image for Wanda Paryla.
Author 1 book15 followers
November 9, 2014
BEAUTIFUL BROKEN (UNIVERSITY OF BRANTON, BOOK 2)

By Nazarea Andrews

*This review was not solicited by the author.*

4 of 5 Stars

I must admit that enjoyed this book more than the first book, This Love. You can definitely see the writer’s writing skills were progressing and her ability to write her characters doing more than one thing and there’s definitely more action in the book. (Of course, she’s been very busy writing since This Love was published and I’m sure we’ll see more blooming as we read along.)



Beautiful Broken, despite that I felt there was a wee bit too much sex in the book, or well... – but hey, I’m too old to remember my 20s, maybe it was like that for me too at some point – I really loved the depth of the story in this novel. So many things were touched upon: rape, alcohol, drugs, sexual promiscuity, emotional disorders, sobriety challenges and so much more. This book also moves at a nice pace with the exception of the very end. I'll get to that.



The main characters in this story, Dane and Scout, were my favorites of book one. For me, they were most interesting and genuine characters in book 1. In Beautiful Broken, they’re believable, real and definitely struggling with real human problems and emotions. I see these two among my friends from my youth.



Youths struggle with so many issues. Not just today, but when I was young, and when my grandmother was young. Even as adults, we all live in our own drama every day. There’s the side the public sees, the side our friends see, the side we really have which only one or two people actually see and understand.



POSSIBLE SPOIL! The only problem I had was with the ending. Slam. The door shut. I think there could have been a couple pages more to slow that down. It wrecked the wonderful pace of the book for me. It ends with sex. How long was Scout out of the hospital? I’m not totally sure, but I think it may have been too soon to have sex after all that happened to her at the end. I, personally, would have preferred a more romantic ending like sharing a bowl of ice cream in a candle lit room. But that’s just me.


I really enjoyed the book as a whole despite my opinion of the ending.


Last, but never, ever least, Melissa Stevens once again did an excellent job on cover design. It definitely reflects the storyline, characters and the season.



Thanks for reading!
Profile Image for Lori West.
39 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2013
**Provided an ARC for an honest review**

Please visit Red's Book Blog for the FULL review and tour stop (http://redsbookblog.blogspot.ca/2013/...)

I was torn between giving this book my “Great Read” and “You Gotta Read” rating, which is between a 4 and a 4.5 star. I have decided on 4 stars or a Great Read only because of a personal preference.

This story is about healing, friendship, trust and love. Two people, different reasons for their pain, but with one thing in common – love.

Okay, this book was HOT, so hot I must say HAWT! Dane was freakin' sizzling. Put him together with his best friend’s little sister, who he has always looked out for and NOW can see how grown up she is...... look out.

"Some nights, I'd come down here while you were gone. I'd lay in your bed and close my eyes and pretend you were here."

Scout has so much going on. Out of rehab, holding onto a tragedy so painful she turned to drugs and disrespecting herself, her only family, her brother, has his own stuff going on and she has the hots for the forbidden fruit which is Dane.

I adored Scout and Dane’s past, their history, the bond they share. I am a sucker for relationships that start out as friendships and develop over time. There is something genuine about it. The flow was nice and the characters, their thoughts, conversations, felt real.

FULL REVIEW available at Red's Book Blog.
Profile Image for Tina Lee Harris.
516 reviews12 followers
March 28, 2014
Beautiful Broken
Nazarea Andrews

4.5 stars

Beautiful love story about two broken people that cling to each other not wanting to admit that they love each other.

Dane attorney by day, sexy lady man by night. He can have any woman he wants except the one that he really wants. He wants Scout, his best friend’s little sister for years. So he does the next best thing by being there for Scout no matter what. He is the one person that she turns to for her “safe” place. Dane has so much lose in his life he believes he doesn’t deserve happiness.

Scout, Professor Atticus Grimes, little sister has a tragic event happen that changes the course of her life in a split second. She turns to the only person that she can, Dane, her “safe” place. She has been in love with Dane since she first met him. Knowing that nothing will ever come of it, she will take what she can from him being just his friend is enough for her. Or so she thinks.

Dane and Scout must learn to open up, trust each other with secrets. In the end they are just two Beautifully Broken people.

Absolutely love the author’s ways with words. She will draw you into the story you will not be able to put it down. If you haven’t check Nazarea Andrews yet, stop what you are reading and start one of her books. You will not be disappointed.
989 reviews35 followers
October 16, 2013
I received this book as part of the Goodreads First Read program.

When Atticus Grimes asks best friend Dane Guillot to step in and look after his little sister when she is released from rehab, Dane agrees. After all, Scouts wellbeing has always been important to him. Ever since the night six years ago when he finds her crying in the dorm room, in her brother’s bed, Dane has tried to look out for her. But the young woman who leaves the New Horizons Center is far from the strung-out addict who used to crash on his doorstep. In her place is a beautiful, venerable young woman. What Scout needs now is a soft place to land and someone she can trust. And she has always trusted Dane.

Dane has had his own problems with addiction, so has understands where Scout is coming from. But despite turning his life around and becoming a lawyer, he feels like he is not worthy of her. His own past has left him scarred. Suddenly, the thought of looking after her for three weeks sounds like a very bad idea. He doesn’t want to risk their friendship with casual sex. And he is attracted to Scout. How do two broken people find their way to each other’s hearts? How can Dane help this Beautifully Broken woman to be whole again?

This is an emotionally charged roller coaster ride of a book .
Profile Image for Melissa.
606 reviews19 followers
October 1, 2013
This is the 2nd book in the University of Branton series and it focuses on Dane - Atticus's best friend - and Scout - Atticus's sister. Scout is just getting out of rehab and trying to make it stick this time. Dane is letting her stay with him since Atticus is out of town so that he can finish his paper.

To be honest, I absolutely adored Dane in This Love, even though he was a major a**. These two have a definite chemistry from the beginning and it is so interesting to see them tap dance around each other for awhile. But once they get past that, I love the storyline even more.

Andrews is a wonderful writer who has a flare for making a book interesting even with no action between the two main characters. I'll be the first to admit that the prologue completely threw me and I was desperately trying to figure out exactly what went on. I was taken back by the mention if Dane's prior issues because I couldn't remember whether or not the topic was raised in book 1. But, I am definitely hoping that there is more to come from this author and this series.
Profile Image for Samantha.
11 reviews
October 4, 2013
I won a proof copy from goodreads. But I would have bought this book anyway since I read and enjoyed This Love.
Beautiful Broken is centered around the sister and best friend of Atticus from This Love but you can read this book by itself.
Scout and Dane have both dealt with drug addiction and they have been secretly in love with each other since they were teens. They both have also had some awful stuff they've been put through which led to their drug use.
As much as they want each other they try and hold off because neither of them are good at relationships and don't want to ruin their good friendship. But ultimately they love each other and its worth it.
This book deals a little with their struggles to stay clean and what their triggers are. I really did enjoy this story it was just missing that something special to make me want to give it five stars.
Profile Image for iloveladyporn.
1,280 reviews83 followers
October 15, 2013
If you haven't read "This Love" the first book in the series that's ok you don't have to have read it in order to follow along. Atticus & Avery from the first book are throughout this one but their relationship doesn't move forward.
Scout is one hot mess but she seems to finally be on the right track. I only got a little bit of Dane in the first book so I didn't realize what a hot mess he was as well. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop with Scout and things to turn ugly but she is one strong girl. Dane & Scout both hold back and they keep missing what the other is saying which gets a bit frustrating. Things finally come to a head and once the dust settles you will find out if these to messed up people have it in them to be together.
Lots of hot steamy sex scenes.
Ending was good I would loved a bit more.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,181 reviews320 followers
September 28, 2013
Loved Scout. Really felt her emotions throughout this book. I had a LOT of problems with Dane. I will explain this when I get a chance to organize my thoughts, but he was selfish, cowardly and only seemed to make changes when he was forced into them by others. I know many will love him, but I found him hard to stomach at times. I'm also not sure I truly believe that he's a changed man, or that it happened because of his will, instead of his fear of losing Scout.


I don't know if there is another book in this series, but I definitely have some questions about the future for Dane and Scout - as well as Avery and Atticus.
Profile Image for Melissa.
Author 8 books13 followers
July 23, 2013
I really give this book 4.5 stars. Why? Because, it has all the parts a romance needs, plus gives you a better connection to the characters than most 'light' reads. It felt real. It felt possible. It felt like I was there, cheering (and sometimes booing) the characters.

If you liked THIS LOVE (the first in the series), you are going to love BEAUTIFUL BROKEN. In every way possible. I'm not putting any details into this review cause once I start, I will reveal all the spoilers! :) Seriously, though. Go buy this book when it comes out.

***read as a beta-reader***
Profile Image for Amalia Dillin.
Author 30 books287 followers
December 20, 2013
going in this book, I did not see how I could love anyone else as much as Atticus.

I was wrong. Dane was amazing. I was won over in no time at all, and even his initially cheating heart made sense before I knew it. And Scout is pretty much fantastic, too.

I still don't know how Ms. Andrews did it -- got me to love Dane as much as she did -- but, she did, and I'm certainly not complaining.
Profile Image for Lidia.
2,642 reviews30 followers
October 4, 2013
I are very happy that Mrs Andrews have wrote about Dane, a beautiful and complex character like also Scout is , so I must tell two beautiful broken that become one units, a only being, soul and heart. In this book there is much pain, but there is also hope and healing and all is describes from author in sweet but drammatic way, intense and moving.
Profile Image for Lisa (A Life Bound By Books).
1,126 reviews913 followers
September 13, 2013
Oh this was good! Two broken people trying to find their way. Was a great story with characters we met in the first book- This Love- and in Beautiful Broken we get a chance to really learn more about them. Full review to follow for the blog tour.
Profile Image for Anncleire.
1,344 reviews98 followers
October 17, 2013
Book Launch on my blog September 24th
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...

Blog Tour on my blog October 17th
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...


“Beautiful Broken” è uno di quei libri di cui ho partecipato al cover reveal e in un impeto ho deciso di partecipare anche al Blog Tour, mi sembrava carino e per fortuna che collaboro con InkSlinger Pr che mi da sempre modo di partecipare ad iniziative molto interessanti, che mi lasciano sempre senza parole. Nazarea Andrews poi fa parte del gruppo che gestisce il sito e mi fa sempre molto piacere aiutare autori che si auto-pubblicano. E poi lo ammetto non riesco proprio a dire di no ad una bella romance. E anche in questo caso il mio occhio non ha sbagliato.


Lei è stata spezzata dal suo passato. Lui è spezzato da quando ha memoria. Insieme, possono rendersi di nuovo interi – o distruggersi a vicenda.
Quando la sua migliore amica gli chiede qualcosa, raramente Dane dice no. Ma fare il baby siter per una Scout Grimes sobria da pochissimo, per circa tre settimane non è esattamente una richiesta normale. E con la loro storia è un disastro pronto ad esplodere. Per non parlare del fatto che lei è stupendissima e lui non può toccarla.
Ci sono poche persone di cui Scout può fidarsi come Dane Guillot. È sempre stato il suo porto sicuro, dove niente poteva farle del male. Lui è anche l’unico uomo che si è proibita di volere – non vale la pena rovinare la loro amicizia per una fantastica notte insieme.
Hanno troppi ricordi comuni, troppo bagaglio emotivo per funzionare. Ma se hanno voglia di scommettere sull’amore – potrebbe valerne la pena.


Resto sempre incantata di fronte a libri che hanno per protagonisti personaggi tormentati dal proprio passato, che hanno affrontato situazioni complicate e ne stanno venendo fuori con risultati più o meno bene. Quando poi in mezzo ci sono storie d’amicizia e d’amore, parto completamente per la tangente, innamorandomi a prima vista. Devo dire che anche in questo caso, con l’inizio in medias res, in cui conosciamo poco o nulla dei protagonisti, la magia è avvenuta. Secondo libro della serie “Brenton University” che segue “This love”, ma che può essere letto da solo, come uno stand alone, è una storia molto tenera, di condivisione e apertura, da entrambi i personaggi. I protagonisti sono la sorella di Atticus, protagonista del primo libro, Scout e Dane il migliore amico di Atticus. La storia raccontata alternando i punti di vista dei protagonisti in rapida successione, non è particolarmente lunga e si legge in un soffio, con il cuore in gola e la speranza che finisca tutto bene. Gli ultimi capitoli, a mio avviso, presentano una forzatura inutile nella trama, un espediente evitabilissimo nella storia, che mi ha fatto un po’ allontanare dai personaggi che fino a quel momento avevo molto apprezzato. Questo è stato uno dei motivi per cui il libro non ha preso il voto pieno, e anzi, mi ha fatto tentennare sulla mezza stellina in più o in meno, rispetto poi alle quattro che ha preso il libro. Poi ho ripensato a Dane e mi sono convinta che nonostante l’inciampo di trama il libro merita. Insomma una romance incredibilmente romantica, che lascia poco all’immaginazione e che anzi induce a riconsiderare certi pensieri che si hanno. Un evento traumatico e ahimè fin troppo comune ha portato Scout sull’orlo del baratro che si è protetta nell’unico modo che poteva, le droghe. Dopo aver passato molto tempo a disintossicarsi è pronta a tornare alla sua vita, ma finché non affronta ciò che l’ha portata all’oblio in prima ragione, ma non è semplice, non se è stato sepolto per anni. Gli incubi, la paura, i ricordi la tengono lontana dalla sua città natale, ma infondo Scout è più forte di quello che si pensa, incredibilmente sicura anche se splendidamente spezzata dagli eventi che hanno segnato la sua vita. sembra di vivere in un’esperienza che non le appartiene ma in un certo qual modo finiamo per viverla due volte, perché anche con Dane dobbiamo farci i conti. Un avvocato, con il proprio studio, la sua vita, e i suoi problemi. Dal passato angoscioso, le scelte dubbie, il suo ricorrere agli svaghi passionali di una notte, tutto lo rendono la persona meno adatta per iniziare una relazione amorosa. Ma le cose cambiano drasticamente quando si trova a contatto con Scout, la sorellina del suo migliore amico, ma anche la ragazza che ama danni, a cui non dice mai di no, che terrebbe vicina non importa il prezzo da pagare. Incredibilmente affascinante, alto, con il corpo tatuato, il piercing sulla lingua…e vabbè ne ha anche un altro, l’anima del dannato, il ghigno che indossa quando parte alla conquista e quelle attenzioni, dolcissime per Scout che lo rendono desiderabile e direi in un certo qual modo irresistibile.
I personaggi secondari sono pochi, ma fondamentali per la trama a partire da Atticus che rimarrà una presenza costante nel bene e nel male, Avery la sua ragazza e naturalmente Tripp il padre di Dane, che ogni volta che viene anche solo nominato lancia nello sconforto Dane.
Lo sfondo su cui si muovono i protagonisti è quello della piccola cittadina universitaria di Branton, piccola ma confortevole che ha fatto da casa a un po’ tutti i personaggi e che quasi diventa una sorta di personaggio anche lei. Ha un ruolo importante nella storia, soprattutto l’università che non solo vede molte delle vicende, ma è croce e delizia un po’ di tutti.

Il particolare da non dimenticare? La glassa per i cinnamon rolls. (bellissima scena)

Una storia incantevole, un hot boy tutto da ammirare, una protagonista coraggiosa capace di guardare in faccia la verità, “Beautiful Broken “ è una lettura veloce ma seria, che induce alla riflessione ma che regala una romance con i fiocchi capace di incantare il lettore. Ora mentre recupero il primo volume “This Love”, aspetto con calma “Perfect Ruin” il terzo volume della serie la cui uscita è prevista per febbraio 2014.
Buona lettura guys!


Ringrazio immensamente Nazarea Andrews e InkSlinger PR per avermi concesso di leggere in anteprima questo libro e di partecipare a questo Blog Tour. Grazie.

Profile Image for Tania.
233 reviews
October 18, 2013
For more on this review,, please see...

http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...

We all have different triggers that peak our interest when choosing our next book to read or tossing it on that mountainous TBR pile. The girls around these parts have such diverse tastes that we can usually read a synopsis and know exactly who in our little Nerd Herd will want to read that book. Besides what you already know about me and my love of athletes, Greek mythology and paranormal, is that I like to indulge in New Adult books. It’s like my guilty pleasure. If I were to stop and psychoanalyze myself, I might think that I am trying to relive my unexciting teen years and early twenties all over again. From what I have come to learn, the college experience in the U.S. is quite a bit different than Canada. Attending college in the U.S. is more of a rite of passage. It seems that everyone leaves home and stays on campus which is not how it happens here, unless you are traveling to attend a post-secondary institution far away from home. Most kids remain at home with their parents, attending local universities and colleges to try and cut costs of the sky rocketing expense of earning their degrees. I lived a twenty minute drive from the university so never in my world would there have been a reason to live on campus. I am thinking I want a do-over of my university experience.

Beautiful Broken is Nazarea Andrews second book in the University of Branton series. So that trigger I spoke of up above, besides this being a New Adult book, was the nostalgia the series name brought back. I attended Branton Junior High and just the name brings back great memories of camp, a ski trip, a west coast boating excursion, Corey Hart’s Sunglasses at Night and Duran Duran. Ahh… good times! Now, let’s leave the 80’s behind and return to the current decade. Also part of my OCD nature is that I can not just jump into a series without reading all of the books in the correct order, therefore, I read This Love, the first book in the series, before starting Beautiful Broken. They are stand-alone books but my need to know how all the pieces fit together always wins out. Dane Guillot is a prominent figure in This Love as he is Atticus’ best friend and a total asshat. He is rude, intrusive and is the king of man whores. All he did was piss me off every time he opened his mouth and messed with Atticus and Avery’s relationship. His heart may be in the right place but his actions and opinions were of dick’ish proportions. Scout Grimes is Atticus’ younger sister and although she makes a brief appearance in This Love, she did not endear herself to me either. She is a strung out coke head with a bitchy attitude and when she directs it towards Avery, I like her even less. Yeah, I am a bit overprotective of Avery and this is the part in my review where I tell you that I highly recommend This Love. It appears that Ms. Andrews has her work cut out for her with me on this book since I dislike both characters going in.

Beautiful Broken begins with Dane picking Scout up upon completion of her three month stint in rehab. In This Love, after Scout shows up on his doorstep strung out and a complete hot mess he gives her the final ultimatum, enter rehab or he is done. Six years of watching Scout self-destruct has emotionally wrung him out. Where Dane is rude and abrasive to everyone else, he is careful and thoughtful with Scout. She has been through hell and back and although Dane does not know all the details he knows more than anyone else and he always handles her with care. Although Atticus loves his sister and desperately wants to help her, Dane is Scout’s safe place. It is where she runs to when she hits rock bottom, and the girl has hit rock bottom a number of times in her very young life. While Atticus is holed up in the cabin in the middle of nowhere finishing his book, he asks Dane to take care of Scout until he can return home. Dane is not impressed with his newfound babysitting duty but he doesn’t want Scout to relapse and no one knows better than him, what she is going through. Somewhere along the line, Nazarea Andrews has worked her magic on me and I no longer despise these characters but empathise and cheer them on. As Scout gains confidence in her sobriety she loses the bitchy attitude and starts to put her life together. She somehow finds the inner strength to bravely face down the demons from her past and goes after what she wants.

“Scout. You know what I love about you? I love that you have been through hell and you still fight. You know that you’re broken and you still try. You want to be strong for people even when you don’t realize how strong you are. You’re amazing – I wish I could be as strong as you.”

Once you get past the façade that Dane projects, you realize that he is just as broken. He may have conquered one addiction but his need for nameless and mindless screwing is his solution to his problems. If things get too hard to deal with, a quick trip to a bar, a pretty girl and the use of a bathroom stall take the edge off. Dane is sex on a stick and all his tatted and pierced goodness is covered up by the suits he wears by day to his law office. His girlfriend tolerates his asshole behaviour (probably because the man has got SKILLS) and promiscuity when all he has to do is crook his finger and the girls come running. What he can’t control or fuck out of his system is his attraction or feelings for Scout. He knows getting involved with his best friend’s little sister will have disastrous results and the only thing left of importance in his life are the Grimes siblings. When temptation becomes too much, secrets are revealed, and the past comes back for a repeat performance can the beautifully broken be put back together?

“I told you, Ittybitty. You’re beautiful broken. And you aren’t going anywhere without me.”
Profile Image for Emily.
60 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2014
*Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.*

*Real rating: 4.5 stars*

Originally posted on All in a Book

While I enjoyed This Love (the first book in the series) for what it was—a sweet, fun, and simple romance—Beautiful Broken is a completely different kind of book. For one, there's a lot more heaviness to it. While Avery and Atticus from the first book had their struggles, Scout and Dane are truly troubled with quite a few skeletons lurking in their respective closets.This also isn't anywhere in the realm of a new romance, instead falling in the friends-to-romance/former pseudo-sibling realm (which I am, really and truly, a sucker for). From the get-go, this premise was already totally in my wheelhouse, even more so than This Love. Add to that more developed characters and back story (in large part, I believe, as a result of the longevity of Scout and Dane's romantic tension), and I enjoyed it from start to finish.

Our leading lady, Scout Grimes—Atticus' little sister, who made a brief appearance in This Love as she headed off to rehab—has just been released from treatment for what is presented as a long-running struggle with substance abuse. But it's seeing her outside of her big brother's view and finding out the root of her problems that makes her a compelling character. While it certainly doesn't justify her mistakes, you can't help but feel for her. And even like her. She's spunky and loyal and, thankfully, determined to change.

Which brings us to Dane, who is just as determined to help her. Previously, all we knew about Dane was that he was a successful lawyer and notorious playboy, while remaining fiercely loyal to those he cares about—Scout included. In this book we get to learn where some of that comes from—the good and the bad. And while I really shouldn't, I can't help but swoon over "prowly" Dale...

The progression of their relationship, though, is what I really loved about the book. They have so much history and so many reasons to stay apart because of it, but they just can't manage it. Under the same roof, the tension is only that much higher until they're forced to deal what exactly it means for everyone involved. The build-up between them is delicious—a perfect mixture of sexy, comforting, supportive, and sweet. I became very invested in the two of them together and was engrossed in the story from start to finish.

Beautiful Broken is a great choice for those who love stories about wounded characters overcoming their pasts. It's a sexy, fulfilling read for any new adult romance fan!
Profile Image for Lauren at Live Read and Breathe Reviews.
2,376 reviews179 followers
October 11, 2013
Source: eARC for Honest Review via Author

I was so excited to read Dane's story as from This Love you knew he had his demons but a huge heart.

In the last book I wasn't sure about Scout but you felt her connection between Dane as if it was palpable.



For Dane he used to fight his demons with drugs and now that he is clean he fights them with using woman and not wanting to have relationships.

For Scout for the first time she is clean and wants to stay clean but that means she has to deal with her past.

But together these two broken people can help heal each other with love, hope and redemption.



The connection between them is sweet and loving while at the same time very steamy. That Dane I would not kick him out of my bed for leaving crumbs.



Avery and Atticus make some appearances and as much as I loved Atticus in the first one he had some douche moments in this one.

For Dane he finally realizes he has something worth fighting for above all else. It's worth the loss of his ass of a father and the risk of losing his best friend.



For Scout, Dane has always been her safe place but the potential of losing that friendship is hard but love is worth it. Her battling of her past seemed a bit anticlimactic but you get why she is a mess and you are routing for her to beat her demons down and with Dane anything is possible.



Sweet book, love Dane!

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Profile Image for Nahomi.
95 reviews63 followers
October 2, 2013
Check out our review @ Books & Swoons

When I read the synopsis for Beautiful Broken, I thought this would be a great book to read. So when we got the opportunity to participate in the blog tour, I was really excited! There are several things I liked about the story and some that I didn't. So, let’s begin with the good, because there is plenty of it.

The plot and pacing of the story were good. I also felt there were enough twists to keep me turning pages. There were certain events that happen towards the end, which I really wasn't expecting, but made the story exciting. I very much liked the progression of Scout and Danes’ relationship. Even though, both of them have been secretly in love with each other neither of them was quick to jump into bed with the other. I liked that they hesitated, and took into consideration what was at risk.

I love that although Scout the main character is broken and fragile; she doesn't want to be saved by Dane the love interest. Scout wants to save herself, she demonstrates her strength and stubbornness throughout the story. I like that she isn't a pushover, and is not afraid to stand up for what she wants. Both Dane and Scout show a tremendous amount of character growth, and come out better in the end.

Dane has all of the qualities that should make a girl swoon. He is good looking, a lawyer, and sweet in his own roundabout way. Dane shows his feeling and how much he cares about others through actions. Otherwise he is rough around the edges and can be an asshole. I really like that he is caring and protective of Scout, really paying attention to her needs. But Scout isn't the only one who is broken; Dane is dealing with his own baggage, and past addiction. Although he is a good guy underneath it all, I just can’t get into him. There is something about Dane that keeps me from swooning for him.

There were two issues that kept me from giving Beautiful Broken a higher rating: the ending, and a lack of connections with the characters. The biggest downfall for me is that I didn't feel invested in the characters. Although I would have preferred a different ending, it was ok.

Bottom line:
Except for the couple of issues I had, I feel Beautiful Broken was good story. If you are looking for a quick and easy read, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Ally.
1,346 reviews81 followers
October 18, 2013
I won a copy from Goodreads First Reads.

I'm not sure how people can deem this book "Romantic" and "Sweet." But I'm not going into that...yet.

I wonder how many people notice the similar names to the characters from To Kill A Mockingbird. For example, Scout Grimes is the same as Scout Finch (or at least her first name). And Atticus Grimes (Scout Grimes' brother) is the same as Atticus Finch (Scout Finch's father). And that's pretty much it, but I just wanted to point that out.

Beautiful Broken (is going to make me throw up, but that might be because of lactose intolerant [and I drank milk five minutes ago]) is a sickly romantic story built on all the wrong parts. It's gross and perverted in ways many people will not see. Should I add a few quotes?

"'The first time you [Scout] you were lying out back with Lou is that tiny green suit you got down in Panama...I...love that thing. I probably would have killed any guy who saw you in it...I was walking through the woods, and I saw you lying there, and you untied that damn top...I stayed in the woods for almost an hour, just listening to y'all laugh and watching you.'" -Dane Guillot, Beautiful Broken


And do you want to know what's even worse? That this is only the beginning of all the perverted things he said. What kind of girl sleeps with a freaking pervert? I don't see this as romantic. I see this as obsessive and stalkerish. Yes, the stalker (I'm just calling Dane that) may love her, but I don't like say, "Hey, that guy saw me topless. I'm going to bang him." Scout's mind is an enigma. Sheesh girl, you really need to go to a shrink (but you're going to one).

Despite the disgusting foundation of the beginning, I'm going to ignore that and pretend that Dane is a normal guy, with a dad who seems to be abusive. Yeah, there's no way Dane is going to be normal, but I can pretend he's not a pervert. Beautiful Broken has a good strong story and exposition that really gets the blood flowing. It has a strong plot and conflict.

Scout, perhaps the major character of Beautiful Broken despite sharing half of the spotlight with Dane, undergoes major character change. I like how more open and courageous (not to mention stupid and reckless) she becomes at the end. It's a true emotional rollercoaster for her. There's a good ending for her.

Rating: Three out of Five

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Profile Image for Movies, Shows, & Books.
335 reviews13 followers
March 23, 2014
**I received a free copy for an honest review**

Beautiful Broken is a touching story of painful pasts, heartache, anger, escape and coming to terms with it. Nazarea Andrews wrote a compelling story of two people needing each other without realizing it until the truths come out and the masks come off. Of course, there's the hot and bothered intimate and sexy parts, too, but Nazarea wrote it so beautifully that it didn't feel dirty and cheap....well, between Dane and Scout...anyways.

Beautiful Broken is Dane and Scout's story. Both characters were first introduced in the first book This Love. However, this romance isn't like Atticus and Avery's story. Dane and Scout are both "broken" from their pasts. Before I even begin, I have got to warn you that this touches on some serious issues of drug abuse and sexual abuse that may be triggers for some. With that being said, I thought that Nazarea Andrews wrote a beautiful story about how these characters deal with their pasts. Again, like in This Love, secrets can either break you or make you stronger. Nazarea wrote with a lot of sensitivity and realism in regards to the issue of relationships, drug abuse, sexual abuse, rehab and therapy. There was compassion and empathy in Dane and Scout's story.

As for the characters, Dane and Scout are so alike, but, yet, complicated, that they don't see how similar they are. I love how they interact with each other. Dane understands too well about what Scout is going through, and he keeps her secrets. Balancing his friendship with Atticus and love (even though he doesn't want to admit it) for Scout, weighs heavily on his mind. These two wears masks to hide the truth of what they fear and hurt from, but together Dane and Scout broke down and they reveal what they have been hiding. In a short span of time since Scout is released from rehab, both their worlds collide and they come together realizing that Dane and Scout need each other. In the end, both face the truths of their pasts and work on coming back from it.

Dane and Scout's story touched my heart, brought tears to my eyes and made me laugh. Beautiful Broken is definitely an emotional whirlwind like Dane and Scout's relationship. Again, Nazarea Andrews wrote a realistic story dealing with complex and real issues.

http://moviesshowsnbooks.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Karla Mae (Reads and Thoughts).
714 reviews148 followers
October 6, 2013
Scout and Dane has always been each others comfort zones.
Dane happens to be Scout’s older brother's best friend which technically makes them off limits with each other.
But when chemistry, attraction and connection come together, it just happens right?

I really like this one much much better that the first book This Love . Scout and Dane are just perfect together with their complicated relationship to their explosive chemistry.

Scout is just starting to get her shit done once again after being admitted at a rehab facility. She’s really trying – that’s what I saw on her all throughout the story. She’s trying to get her life back on track; she’s trying to be her old self and she’s trying to be the girl that Dane wanted and deserved. I admire her guts and strength to overcome her own weaknesses. She doesn’t succeed often but she’s really trying and I guess that’s the deal there – trying.

Dane on the other hand, has his own rough moments; in dealing with her ex and not so ex-girlfriend, the bad memories of his past and the lingering attraction with Scout. Dane is a tough character, even Scout had a hard time breaking his walls but deep down he’s a broken, fragile guy who missed his own family. It’s easy to like him despite his snobbish attitude. In fact, I find myself liking him much more than I liked Atticus - Scout's older brother which I find absolutely frustrating on this book. I understand his hesitations with Scout but even a little vote of confidence over her will do lengths of things with her getting herself back on her feet.

This book tackles much more serious issues. Sexual abuse and drug usage is mentioned here and there but the good thing about this is this story is about putting their selves back together. I really like the way the author put up the story of Scout and Dane. Their issues are tackled respectively and were not done haphazardly.

Overall, it was a great story. Much more established than the first one. It has the right dose of romance, anticipation and connection with the characters.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
334 reviews155 followers
February 5, 2014
Beautiful Broken was highly anticipated for me following Nazarea Andrews first University of Branton novel, THIS LOVE. I did like the follow-up and the story about Scout and Dane, but not as much as the first.

Picking up where THIS LOVE left off, Scout is back from rehab and struggling to stay clean. Atticus has sequestered himself off in a cabin in the woods to finish his novel, leaving Dane, his best friend, to handle Scout and see to it that she doesn’t use again. And maybe get a job. And perhaps go back to school or do something useful with herself.

Dane doesn’t want the responsibility, but man, Attie is his best friend, so what is he supposed to do? And besides he’s always been Scout’s savior.

Ultimately, I liked the story, but didn’t connect with the characters like I did in the first novel. With Atticus and Avery, the taboo relationship was hot hot hot! But I didn’t find anything particularly heady about Dane and Scout, except Dane’s reservations that Scout was his best friend’s sister (which I personally don’t even care about).

Both of them of course come with baggage, because what romance doesn’t have this, amirite? I did feel like their baggage, besides Scout’s drug using and rehab, were side stories and not really that important to the overall plot. Not even their own history with each other. I did like getting to know how Dane came into the family though.

We finally get to meet Dane’s father and he was hit or miss for me. I could have taken him or left him and not really cared either way, honestly. Was he abusive to Dane? I don’t know. It could explain why DANE IS SUCH A GROSS PERVERT THOUGH. Dane, it is not sexy to jerk off while watching a teenaged girl sleep. Not. Sexy. At. All.

I know it happens, but… yuk.

Scout grows a lot through the novel, but it’s too fast for my tastes. I think drug rehabilitation takes much longer than she’s given, and I would have liked to have seen more struggle from her. As it was, it was too perfect for me.

Overall, not a bad book at all, these are just my nitpicky details. I still enjoyed the story, and I will certainly pick up more from Andrews, but of the two, this one is not the strongest. It’s really hard to top awesome.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,443 reviews
March 31, 2014
Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads .

This is one of those series that, with each book I read, the more I kick myself for waiting so long to read it. I love the characters. I love Nazarea's writing. The books are flirty and sexy, but with a bit of an edge. I find myself simultaneously wanting to devour them in one sitting and wanting to savor them. The devouring most often wins out though. Once I start reading, I can't walk away... especially when a book starts off the way this one did. It was unexpected and I wanted to know more. Immediately.

Dane intrigued me in This Love. I was ecstatic to find out he was getting his own book. I wanted to know his story. Boy did I get it with this one. He made me a big ball of conflict. In one scene, I found myself wanting to hug him for being so caring and supportive of Scout and then next thing I knew, I wanted to yell at him for thinking with the brain not in his head. But, as the novel went on and I understood more about him, I felt like I "got" him and then I just wanted to hug him all the time. It didn't take me any time at all to warm up to Scout. The prologue made me empathize with her. No woman should have to go through what I suspected she did... and certainly not at 15 years old. Even though we don't know all of what happens in the years between the prologue and when Dane picked her up from rehab, it's easy to tell she has a wreck during that time. When she came back from rehab, I felt like she was really trying to put her life together. I wanted to see her succeed. I wanted to see Dane manage his demons. I wanted them to fix each other.

This book was both sweet and sexy. Super sexy. I loved watching Dane and Scout's relationship grow. These two beautifully broken people found a way to be whole again, together, and that's my favorite part of it all. Neither of them were perfect. They both made mistakes, but there's no doubt in my mind they're stronger together than they were apart. I hope we get a glimpse of them in the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Aarati.
343 reviews71 followers
April 18, 2014
Beautiful Broken is about Dane and Scout, Atticus' best friend and his sister. As we know from the first book Scout has been in rehab. The book starts with Dane picking up Scout from rehab. this book overlaps with the last part of This Love .

Both Scout and Dane have had a hard life. Both of them had a difficult past and Scout has a hard time getting over it all. Dane has always been by her side, helping her through it all. He has always been her safe place.

Now out from the rehab, Scout is trying to keep clean and sober. She does not believe she'll not relapse, but with Dane by her side she'll try her best. But living with him for a month may just push the boundaries of their relationship. Dane has been with her though a lot and she is not willing to risk their friendship for a night in bed.

Living with his best friends sister may just lead to trouble. Dane is having a hard time keeping his hands to himself. Scout was always a lanky kid, his best friend's little sister. Now that she is a grown women, he can help but notice how sexy she is. But going down that road, there is not turning back. Their relationship will change irrevocably.

Together Dane and Scout help each other overcome their past hurts and start a new life full of love and affection. I didn't care much for either of them in the first book, but now that I know what makes them tick, what they have been through, it makes it easier to relate with Dane and Scout. I loved their relationship, how they helped each other through thick and thin, how no matter what they stuck by each other.

I was annoyed at Atticus a few times. He loved his sister but he was so lost in his own world, he never really could take care of Scout the way she deserved. Avery helps out Scout too when she can, even though Scout was nothing but hostile towards her in the beginning.'

Following the theme of the first book, the cover of this book is also reminiscent of the season this book is set in; the fall. Overall a wonderful addition the University of Brandon series. Hope the next book is also as good as the first two.
Profile Image for Sharrice.
1,213 reviews64 followers
October 24, 2013
See my original review on my blog Reese's Reviews!

I received a copy of Beautiful Broken for an honest review.

Scout Grimes has been running from her dark past with drugs and alcohol. When her brother and Dane his best friend sent her to rehab Scout had no choice but to clean up her act or risk Dane taking himself out of her life forever. Dane has many problems including his attraction to his best friends little sister Scout. When both come together they realize just how much they belong together, and despite their pasts and the obstacles ahead they’re willing to risk everything to be together.

Sadly I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I did the first book in this series First Love for a couple of big reasons.

1. Scout: I honestly didn’t like her all that much. She complained to much and while I get what happened to her was horrible she’s still incredibly rude a lot of the time to everyone even when they’re nice to her. I just could not relate to her at all which sucked because many characters in different books who go through the same ordeal were more relatable to me but not Scout.
2. Dane and his always using sex as a way to cope with his emotions. I wasn’t a huge fan because honestly all that says to me is that he’s a man wh*re which took me liking him a lot down as well.
3. Atticus was such a bad person in this book which made me sad. I mean everyone expects him to drop everything for his druggy sister was annoying. I didn’t like how judgmental he was to Scout. Even though I wasn’t her biggest fan Scout didn’t deserve the harsh attitude that Atticus gave her most of the time.

The overall story of two kids who grow up together and become more than friends was definitely great. While I wasn’t a hug e fan of the characters in this one I really enjoyed the writing and the story line. Nazarea Andrews has an amazing talent and even with her “eh” characters her way of story-telling was so perfect to me.
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