Prepare yourself for all the FEELS, because Broken Hearts is Rebecca Jenshak’s most emotional story to date- and her most special. While still chock full of the characteristic Jenshak charm- that sexy, fun chemistry and sweet and swoony charm- Rebecca imbues Rhett’s story with added emotional complexity and compelling tenderness as she tackles her heaviest and most angsty romance to date, and I could not love this story more.
I wasn't sure how I'd feel about Rhett based on the last books. The serial monogamist stuck in a seemingly toxic relationship seemed so closed off emotionally to his friends, despite being a stoic and steady presence. But Rebecca let’s his heart shine in this story- we get to see the real him- the best and worst of him, and I love this man. He’s just a wonderful guy- heartfelt, loyal, kind, and faithful. But he also can’t seem to get things right- both with his ex, and with his unexpected interest, Sienna, the focused figure skater that he quite literally bumps into. I love how rocky their beginnings are- how humorously and endearingly Rhett puts his foot in his mouth over and over again, I feel madly in love with them, probably quicker than any couple thus far- the spark between them was just so captivating.
Sienna owned me straight away- I loved her feistiness and her adapility. And I also loved her determination, and her kind heart. She took a minute to warm up to our bumbling Rhett- but she can’t deny the connection between them. Rebecca writes character chemistry with such ease- and I loved how Rhett and Sienna’s chemistry unfolds so easily and authentically from their rather disaster meet cute start. Their flirty banter, how honest they are with each other- it’s so refreshing. Despite being strangers, these two quickly felt like close friends- and Sienna is the perfect addition to the girl gang I’ve come to love.
This book is most definitely much heavier than the others- there is a gravitas in general to bother characters already given past pains both are working through - Rhett’s revolving around his ex. And Rebecca handles a heavier story with such aplomb- keeping the sweet lightness I love about her stories while also making space for more angst and the more complicated emotional components to this story. It makes the story feel messier, more challenging, but that also makes it more rewarding. And brilliantly so far this is the only couple who don’t already have some sort of connection to one another- somehow the characters with the least foundation have their connection challenged the most, and that makes it feel rewarding and makes their connection feel more unbreakable. There is a palpable vulnerability to this story that I found so compelling and moving- and I felt like I’ve never connected with two Jenshak characters as deeply as the result.
As always, our motley cast of amazing characters show up in big and small ways. In our last book, I felt like the girls really got to shine, and in Broken Hearts, is the men who show out. Their personalities contribute in a beautiful way to Rhett’s journey (Adam’s solidness and leadership, Heath’s chillness, and especially Mav’s unpredictable and humorous sagaciousness). With every passing page, I love the more- the way they’ve become this tight knit, supportive, and loving family- they show up for each other, care for each other, help each other be more themselves- be BETTER. And their friendship chemistry is chef’s kiss. AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD- I NEED MAV’s STORY! Every book makes me more and more obsessed with getting inside his ridiculous mind.
This series just keeps getting better and better- the writing sharper, the banter more endearing, the characters more complex and compelling, and this amazing crew of friends more charming. I can’t get enough of her storytelling and the entire Campus Nights crew- my favorite series yet from an author I can’t get enough of!