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Briar Valley #1
Where Broken Wings Fly
I'm on the run. Desperate and afraid.
After breaking free from the gilded cage of my abusive marriage, I have nothing to my name but a letter from a long-lost relative.
Come home, Willow. Your family is waiting for you.
I sacrificed everything to flee for the tiny town of Briar Valley and its promise of a better life for my young daughter. Hope often takes the unlikeliest of forms, but I didn't expect to find it nestled among the rugged, snow-capped mountains. Nor did I intend to surrender my heart to three tortured mountain men hiding from their own grief in the thick forest of pine trees.
Briar Valley offers a home to all lost things, but at what cost?
I have to make an impossible choice. Do I spend the rest of my life running from the demons in my past, or should I risk it all in the name of love?
From the bestselling author of Blackwood Institute and Sabre Security comes a small-town, why-choose romance featuring a determined single mother running from her past and the three smoking-hot mountain men who give her a new home. It is book one in a duet and ends on a cliffhanger.
After breaking free from the gilded cage of my abusive marriage, I have nothing to my name but a letter from a long-lost relative.
Come home, Willow. Your family is waiting for you.
I sacrificed everything to flee for the tiny town of Briar Valley and its promise of a better life for my young daughter. Hope often takes the unlikeliest of forms, but I didn't expect to find it nestled among the rugged, snow-capped mountains. Nor did I intend to surrender my heart to three tortured mountain men hiding from their own grief in the thick forest of pine trees.
Briar Valley offers a home to all lost things, but at what cost?
I have to make an impossible choice. Do I spend the rest of my life running from the demons in my past, or should I risk it all in the name of love?
From the bestselling author of Blackwood Institute and Sabre Security comes a small-town, why-choose romance featuring a determined single mother running from her past and the three smoking-hot mountain men who give her a new home. It is book one in a duet and ends on a cliffhanger.
13 pages, Audible Audio
Published December 5, 2023
1699 people are currently reading
8468 people want to read
About the author
J. Rose
24 books2,368 followersJ Rose is an independent dark romance author from the United Kingdom. She writes challenging, plot-driven stories packed full of angst, heartbreak and broken characters fighting for their happily ever afters.
She’s an introverted bookworm at heart with a caffeine addiction, penchant for cursing and an unhealthy attachment to fictional characters.
Feel free to reach out on social media, J Rose loves talking to her readers!
Enquiries: j_roseauthor@yahoo.com
Stalk J Rose here:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials
Newsletter sign up:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials
Buy J Rose's books:
www.jroseauthor.com/books
She’s an introverted bookworm at heart with a caffeine addiction, penchant for cursing and an unhealthy attachment to fictional characters.
Feel free to reach out on social media, J Rose loves talking to her readers!
Enquiries: j_roseauthor@yahoo.com
Stalk J Rose here:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials
Newsletter sign up:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials
Buy J Rose's books:
www.jroseauthor.com/books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 655 reviews
June 5, 2023
ღ 🆆🅷🅴🆁🅴 🅱🆁🅾🅺🅴🅽 🆆🅸🅽🅶🆂 🅵🅻🆈 ღ Is the first full length romance book within the (Briar Valley) duet by author J. Rose. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.' Ends in a cliffy. This cover is gorgeous! And then I read the blurb and my anticipation levels skyrocketed! I was pulled in straight away, loving everything this author threw at me, never wanting it to end, falling hard and fast for the three men, rooting for Willow and her daughter.
Willow and her spicy mountain men…🔥 🔥 🔥
The grump/the clown/ the silent one.
ღ 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓 ღ
🦋Small town romance
🦋Rural mountain community
🦋Reverse harem
🦋Long-lost family
🦋Fiercely protective single mum
🦋A sassy six year old
🦋Escaping domestic violence
🦋Grumpy sunshine
🦋Hurt comfort
🦋Twin sandwich
🦋3 smoking hot mountain men
🦋Mental health rep
𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿: mybook.to/WBWF
At the age of 16, after her father passed away from a drug overdose, men banging on the door to collect money he’d left owing his debts became hers. Hanging on by a thread, barely surviving, she takes to stripping.
Sold, kidnapped, married, abused, black and blue she escapes with the only light in her ever present darkness, her daughter.
Fake id’s, fake names. Destination to a place she’d never been before.
Saved!!
A place like heaven on earth, home..A grandmother she never knew existed, where they lived off the grid, following their own laws.
3 men who cared for her beyond reason, who loved, and protected her daughter as they she were a part of them?
Then reaching the end and going in search for the next books release date and seeing October! Arghhhh! Waiting that long is going to be brutal! * Teaser used is off the authors facebook page*
November 6, 2023
5/5 Stars.
I absolutely demolished this book in one sitting it was that good. Haven't enjoyed a contemporary RH like this in a long time.
I really enjoyed the character-building, it made it easier to connect with each of them. Also making it gut-wrenching when we reach the end of the book. You get easily attached to the MCs, instantly falling in love with them. The more we read about Willow's life, the more we end up cheering her on, wishing she gets the HEA she deserves.
I adored how each MC was with her daughter. The author really captured the best features of small-town romance, in a bit of an unusual setting. It really added to the perplexity of the story that the community was isolated from the rest of the town. While this book does end on a cliff hanger it does leave you anticipating the next book. Highly recommend you read this book. I endeavour in reading more from this author.
I absolutely demolished this book in one sitting it was that good. Haven't enjoyed a contemporary RH like this in a long time.
I really enjoyed the character-building, it made it easier to connect with each of them. Also making it gut-wrenching when we reach the end of the book. You get easily attached to the MCs, instantly falling in love with them. The more we read about Willow's life, the more we end up cheering her on, wishing she gets the HEA she deserves.
I adored how each MC was with her daughter. The author really captured the best features of small-town romance, in a bit of an unusual setting. It really added to the perplexity of the story that the community was isolated from the rest of the town. While this book does end on a cliff hanger it does leave you anticipating the next book. Highly recommend you read this book. I endeavour in reading more from this author.
October 20, 2023
Circling back on this because book 2 of the duet was released today, and I just realized that I never finished my review for this. This is a tricky one. I read this very quickly, and it's a very long book, so that's saying something. However, the pacing of the story and the pacing of the relationship development was just off for me.
Let's kick this party off with some tropes/highlights:
~ Reverse Harem / Why Choose
~ Dark Contemporary Romance
~ Small Mountain Town
~ Touch Her and Die
~ The meet-cute = the MMCs rescue the FMC when she's very injured in the remote forest/cliff
~ Single Mom on the run with her young daughter --> Meets and falls for 3 Brothers
~ Reunited with long lost family
First and foremost, as mentioned, this book is extremely dark. There are very heavy triggers that may be difficult for some readers. These include human trafficking, detailed brutal rape(s) and sexual assault, sexual torture/slavery, graphic murders, stalking, pedophilia (her evil husband/abductor forced her to marry him when she's 16), depression and self-harm (by FMC and 1 of the male main characters), suicidal thoughts, FMC was abused by her father (a heavy drug user), child abuse (evil husband hits FMC's child), and miscarriage experienced by the FMC.
I was hooked into this story really quickly. Willow's life is really difficult, and I was immediately invested in her escape with her daughter. What I struggled with was once they finally reached Briar Valley, the pacing of the story and of the relationships flipped too quickly.
Upon meeting, the 3 male main characters are distrusting of Willow. She's a stranger who showed up in their town and initially lied to them about her identity. They live in isolation in a small mountain town (basically a commune), and they don't accept any strangers. However, the following few chapters, the men are all basically infatuated with Willow. She doesn't really do anything different - they just suddenly decide that she's hot and they cannot stay away from her. It made the story a bit boring, and I was disappointed because I was very much looking forward to more of a slow-burn. After all, for the last ~10ish years, Willow has been brutally beaten, raped, and enslaved by a human trafficker who forced her to marry him when she was 16 years old. Given this, it didn't really make sense to me how quickly the romance moved in this story. This is not to say that she can't be happy to embrace love and be with people who love her after such a tragic past, but it felt a bit like she hadn't dealt with her sexual trauma at all and was already moving on to a normal sex life. I guess everyone copes differently though.
The 3 men would have been more interesting to me if they each had a slower build-up as they got to know Willow and her daughter Arianna. Unfortunately, most of each of their chapters entailed them thinking about how hot Willow is and how they already are protective of her and her daughter. Typically, I love the single-mom trope in romance books when the MMC bonds with their child, but I felt like even the relationships between the guys and young Arianna were rushed. After initially meeting Willow and Arianna, they were irritated with Arianna and/or didn't know how to handle children (ya know, because they're big burly mountain men). However, then the next chapter they're already calling Arianna "Peanut" and building her stuff and cuddling with her. Most of their relationship growth with Arianna happened off page too. It was too quick.
Anyways, the relationship(s) progression was too quick and it made the last half of the book pretty boring until the very end when Mr. Sanchez made his return. I also don't really care about the plot-line with Willow's mom, which I think I'm supposed to care about more, but I suppose it's a decent sub-plot.
Anyways, I will read book 2 because this is a duet and I want to know the ending, but I felt like book 1 was very "middle of the pack" compared to all of the other why choose/reverse harems that I read. The ending cliffhanger was just fine - pretty predictable.
Thank you to Valentine PR for sending me a copy of this book! As always, I really appreciate it :) I'm glad I read this.
_______
This was very, very dark. I have thoughts, but I am exhausted atm, so full RTC.
Let's kick this party off with some tropes/highlights:
~ Reverse Harem / Why Choose
~ Dark Contemporary Romance
~ Small Mountain Town
~ Touch Her and Die
~ The meet-cute = the MMCs rescue the FMC when she's very injured in the remote forest/cliff
~ Single Mom on the run with her young daughter --> Meets and falls for 3 Brothers
~ Reunited with long lost family
First and foremost, as mentioned, this book is extremely dark. There are very heavy triggers that may be difficult for some readers. These include human trafficking, detailed brutal rape(s) and sexual assault, sexual torture/slavery, graphic murders, stalking, pedophilia (her evil husband/abductor forced her to marry him when she's 16), depression and self-harm (by FMC and 1 of the male main characters), suicidal thoughts, FMC was abused by her father (a heavy drug user), child abuse (evil husband hits FMC's child), and miscarriage experienced by the FMC.
I was hooked into this story really quickly. Willow's life is really difficult, and I was immediately invested in her escape with her daughter. What I struggled with was once they finally reached Briar Valley, the pacing of the story and of the relationships flipped too quickly.
Upon meeting, the 3 male main characters are distrusting of Willow. She's a stranger who showed up in their town and initially lied to them about her identity. They live in isolation in a small mountain town (basically a commune), and they don't accept any strangers. However, the following few chapters, the men are all basically infatuated with Willow. She doesn't really do anything different - they just suddenly decide that she's hot and they cannot stay away from her. It made the story a bit boring, and I was disappointed because I was very much looking forward to more of a slow-burn. After all, for the last ~10ish years, Willow has been brutally beaten, raped, and enslaved by a human trafficker who forced her to marry him when she was 16 years old. Given this, it didn't really make sense to me how quickly the romance moved in this story. This is not to say that she can't be happy to embrace love and be with people who love her after such a tragic past, but it felt a bit like she hadn't dealt with her sexual trauma at all and was already moving on to a normal sex life. I guess everyone copes differently though.
The 3 men would have been more interesting to me if they each had a slower build-up as they got to know Willow and her daughter Arianna. Unfortunately, most of each of their chapters entailed them thinking about how hot Willow is and how they already are protective of her and her daughter. Typically, I love the single-mom trope in romance books when the MMC bonds with their child, but I felt like even the relationships between the guys and young Arianna were rushed. After initially meeting Willow and Arianna, they were irritated with Arianna and/or didn't know how to handle children (ya know, because they're big burly mountain men). However, then the next chapter they're already calling Arianna "Peanut" and building her stuff and cuddling with her. Most of their relationship growth with Arianna happened off page too. It was too quick.
Anyways, the relationship(s) progression was too quick and it made the last half of the book pretty boring until the very end when Mr. Sanchez made his return. I also don't really care about the plot-line with Willow's mom, which I think I'm supposed to care about more, but I suppose it's a decent sub-plot.
Anyways, I will read book 2 because this is a duet and I want to know the ending, but I felt like book 1 was very "middle of the pack" compared to all of the other why choose/reverse harems that I read. The ending cliffhanger was just fine - pretty predictable.
Thank you to Valentine PR for sending me a copy of this book! As always, I really appreciate it :) I'm glad I read this.
_______
This was very, very dark. I have thoughts, but I am exhausted atm, so full RTC.
June 3, 2023
Wow! Wow! WOW! I’m an emotional mess. Willow's story takes you on a journey of heartbreak after heartbreak, how everyone in her life failed her.
Williow escapes a horrific world and is on a journey to a safe place with her daughter in tow. She goes to the one place where she may call home, Briar Valley.
She meets Killian, a broody with a heart of gold lumberjack. Zach, the sly jokester, and flirt, and his twin Micah. (Yes, that is right, twin action) The tortured artist. I equally love three of these men and can’t pick a favorite.
I knew from page one this was going to be dark and intense. She author took me on a dark journey with healing, time, patience, and love.
I’m an emotional mess writing this review and not well. That ending Freaking killed me! I know to trust the process with the author.
On a side note. I love the daughter, Arianna, who is way too bright. I love how she, because attached to all three of the men, is priceless, especially her Giant, Killian.
Briar Valley, set in the U.K., reminded me of northern Maine or a small town in Alaska. It’s a phenomenal setting and community. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
August 22, 2023
eh
It was a decent book, but there were many things about it that bugged me. One thing is that every time something happened, she had a panic attack over the thought of sex, she sees her abusive husbands friend, and so forth, she always ends up having sex with miraculously feeling better. I just think that it is unrealistic and a bit annoying, especially since she was sexually abused for at least 10 years. I also did not appreciate how the men, Killian especially, treated her running away with her kid as protecting her abusive ex. She did the only thing she could to protect her kid and herself and they acted like she was in the wrong for not going to the corrupt police. Something which would just probably get her beaten, killed, and her daughter taken from her. And then similarity, them protesting her leaving? Saying that she was choosing to run away? Her abusive ex with huge connections to corrupt powerful people, who most probably can have her arrested for ‘kidnapping’ her daughter and then take her daughter away. They are just so out of line and ignorant. Sorry for the rant, it just kind of pissed me off.
That being said, I did like willows character and I think the author did a good job of setting up her backstory and giving her character depth.
One major warning thought, the beginning is very graphic and violent and those reading this book should be cautious if they find mentions and details of sexual or physical abuse too much.
It was a decent book, but there were many things about it that bugged me. One thing is that every time something happened, she had a panic attack over the thought of sex, she sees her abusive husbands friend, and so forth, she always ends up having sex with miraculously feeling better. I just think that it is unrealistic and a bit annoying, especially since she was sexually abused for at least 10 years. I also did not appreciate how the men, Killian especially, treated her running away with her kid as protecting her abusive ex. She did the only thing she could to protect her kid and herself and they acted like she was in the wrong for not going to the corrupt police. Something which would just probably get her beaten, killed, and her daughter taken from her. And then similarity, them protesting her leaving? Saying that she was choosing to run away? Her abusive ex with huge connections to corrupt powerful people, who most probably can have her arrested for ‘kidnapping’ her daughter and then take her daughter away. They are just so out of line and ignorant. Sorry for the rant, it just kind of pissed me off.
That being said, I did like willows character and I think the author did a good job of setting up her backstory and giving her character depth.
One major warning thought, the beginning is very graphic and violent and those reading this book should be cautious if they find mentions and details of sexual or physical abuse too much.
August 22, 2024
“I’ve spent every day watching you since I pulled you from that ravine. You’re the first person I think of in the morning, and the last thing on my mind every night.”
Mmmmmmmm i liked it
tropes:
Three mountain men (two twins and the last one the cousin)
A sassy lil kid
Single mom
She escapes abuse
Small town
Long lost family.
“Your daughter is a fucking spitfire, just like her mama.”
I liked how this felt complete because the three boys had their very own personalities.
Killian was the grump who was a die hard papa bear for the kid.
Zach was the one with the fun. The comedic character.
Micah was the broken introvert who never opened up to someone till he met the heroine, Willow.
Mama liked.
Rereading because the second one dropped and my soul needed to experience this book again.
Mmmmmmmm i liked it
tropes:
Three mountain men (two twins and the last one the cousin)
A sassy lil kid
Single mom
She escapes abuse
Small town
Long lost family.
“Your daughter is a fucking spitfire, just like her mama.”
I liked how this felt complete because the three boys had their very own personalities.
Killian was the grump who was a die hard papa bear for the kid.
Zach was the one with the fun. The comedic character.
Micah was the broken introvert who never opened up to someone till he met the heroine, Willow.
Mama liked.
Rereading because the second one dropped and my soul needed to experience this book again.
April 18, 2024
I'm broken, the end of the book broke my heart.
this is not the first book I've read by J. Rose and I can say with confidence that her books are the best thing that has ever happened to me.
they evoke so many emotions, there is always something to laugh at, cry at, admire.
the characters, again, as in other books, are beautiful and have their own secrets.
Killian is a vetiver, but with a heart. Zach is a charisma in a human body. Micah is a traumatised guy who would do anything for you. And the main character, Willow, is a girl who has experienced too much and too much trauma. I can't help but mention the sunshine who made the lives of these characters full of happiness, joy and goodness - Arianna.
the book is beautiful, the characters are also beautiful, the plot is very interesting, and there is also a lot of sadness.
J. Rose is the queen of writing painful moments. I look forward to the continuation of the second book.
this is not the first book I've read by J. Rose and I can say with confidence that her books are the best thing that has ever happened to me.
they evoke so many emotions, there is always something to laugh at, cry at, admire.
the characters, again, as in other books, are beautiful and have their own secrets.
Killian is a vetiver, but with a heart. Zach is a charisma in a human body. Micah is a traumatised guy who would do anything for you. And the main character, Willow, is a girl who has experienced too much and too much trauma. I can't help but mention the sunshine who made the lives of these characters full of happiness, joy and goodness - Arianna.
the book is beautiful, the characters are also beautiful, the plot is very interesting, and there is also a lot of sadness.
J. Rose is the queen of writing painful moments. I look forward to the continuation of the second book.
June 3, 2023
J Rose has not disappointed me yet with any ofnher books && this book is no exception. She once again, wrote an amazing and emotional story and mastered it!! There was a small crossover that I am wondering if some of these characters will play a part in the other book she will be releasing, but overall this book was just as amazing as her other books!
October 10, 2023
Original 🔸4 stars🔸
Reread 🔸4 stars🔸
Reread 🔸4 stars🔸
September 19, 2023
I don’t understand the need of authors to turn traumatic books in sexual ones, like one second she’s freezing and having flashbacks and the other she’s doing it with one the guys. Pick a narrative
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2023
4.3 stars.
*sigh*
Sadly, I did not love this. Though I really tried for the love I have for the covers. You have no clue how upsetting it is for me to not love this book enough to buy the duet and own the beautiful covers🥺🥺
It’s devastating. Truly. (Dramatic, I know. But Come On! The covers on this duet are fucking perfection. Ughhh)
Anyway.
This was heavy as hell.
Soooo much trauma, soooo many triggers, and a good portion of them not just talked about but on page.
Also. Willow has a bit of the ‘save you from my past’ syndrome. She’s trying to ‘protect’ everyone by pushing them away at every single turn. It’s annoying.
And I get that if the ending hadn’t happened, there wouldn’t be a second book, but…I hate that shit so much. Like. She has been given resources. She’s already tried to do it on her own and look where that got her? How bout we try something New this time?
🤷🏻♀️
I don’t think I’m gonna read the second book honestly. This was just not very fun to read.
I mean, it wasn’t bad in any way. But I really can’t say I enjoyed it either. There’s was just too much bad shit going on and not enough good…
*sigh*
Sadly, I did not love this. Though I really tried for the love I have for the covers. You have no clue how upsetting it is for me to not love this book enough to buy the duet and own the beautiful covers🥺🥺
It’s devastating. Truly. (Dramatic, I know. But Come On! The covers on this duet are fucking perfection. Ughhh)
Anyway.
This was heavy as hell.
Soooo much trauma, soooo many triggers, and a good portion of them not just talked about but on page.
Also. Willow has a bit of the ‘save you from my past’ syndrome. She’s trying to ‘protect’ everyone by pushing them away at every single turn. It’s annoying.
And I get that if the ending hadn’t happened, there wouldn’t be a second book, but…I hate that shit so much. Like. She has been given resources. She’s already tried to do it on her own and look where that got her? How bout we try something New this time?
🤷🏻♀️
I don’t think I’m gonna read the second book honestly. This was just not very fun to read.
I mean, it wasn’t bad in any way. But I really can’t say I enjoyed it either. There’s was just too much bad shit going on and not enough good…
October 2, 2023
OMG. I never knew I would be so captivated by a reverse harem full of mountain men 😱🥵 This book had some DARK aspects to it so please check the TWs! Even I had to put it down a few times because of the abuse the FMC endured before finding the MMCs.
If you love hot and steamy RH books, PLEASE give this one a try! I just begged the author to put me on her arc team for book two because I simply CAN'T WAIT until the end of October 😂😂😂 that's how good this book was!!!!
If you love hot and steamy RH books, PLEASE give this one a try! I just begged the author to put me on her arc team for book two because I simply CAN'T WAIT until the end of October 😂😂😂 that's how good this book was!!!!
July 14, 2023
This book started out strong but really dragged towards the end. The FMC spent 10 years being abused and almost killed, but her trauma doesn’t follow her through all parts of her life. It felt fake. Additionally, the character development lacked. Will not be reading book 2.
March 12, 2026
4.75
“Broken wings can still fly. You are living proof of that.” 🕊️
Where Broken Wings Fly by J. Rose is definitely not for the faint-hearted. The beginning is incredibly heavy, so I really recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in. The opening hits hard and immediately pulls you into Willow’s painful reality.
My heart absolutely broke for Willow 💔. What she has been through is devastating, but at the same time her strength is incredible. The courage it takes to try to escape a situation like that shows just how powerful and resilient she really is.
✨ Vibes:
🏔️ Off-grid mountain community (small town, but even smaller)
🧠 Mental health rep
❤️🔥 Why choose
🏃♀️ On the run
👩👧 Single parent
🤍 Found family
🌱 Overcoming grief
I also loved how the book shows how resilient children can be. It’s written with so much care and respect, which made those parts even more impactful.
Even with the heavy themes, the story still has well-timed humor and light moments that balance everything out without taking away from the seriousness of the story.
And the bond that grows between Micah and Willow? I kind of saw it coming… but that didn’t make it any less heartwarming 🥹
And that ending… 👀 It will absolutely make you want to immediately start book two because you need to know what happens next.
A heartbreaking but hopeful story about survival, healing, and finding your people. 🕊️✨
“Broken wings can still fly. You are living proof of that.” 🕊️
Where Broken Wings Fly by J. Rose is definitely not for the faint-hearted. The beginning is incredibly heavy, so I really recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in. The opening hits hard and immediately pulls you into Willow’s painful reality.
My heart absolutely broke for Willow 💔. What she has been through is devastating, but at the same time her strength is incredible. The courage it takes to try to escape a situation like that shows just how powerful and resilient she really is.
✨ Vibes:
🏔️ Off-grid mountain community (small town, but even smaller)
🧠 Mental health rep
❤️🔥 Why choose
🏃♀️ On the run
👩👧 Single parent
🤍 Found family
🌱 Overcoming grief
I also loved how the book shows how resilient children can be. It’s written with so much care and respect, which made those parts even more impactful.
Even with the heavy themes, the story still has well-timed humor and light moments that balance everything out without taking away from the seriousness of the story.
And the bond that grows between Micah and Willow? I kind of saw it coming… but that didn’t make it any less heartwarming 🥹
And that ending… 👀 It will absolutely make you want to immediately start book two because you need to know what happens next.
A heartbreaking but hopeful story about survival, healing, and finding your people. 🕊️✨
May 15, 2024
3.75⭐️
Well, this started off so hard to read. Willow has no parents, he mother left her years, her dad is dead. She is being hunted down for money from drug dealers that her father owed money to. She decides to work for a strip bar to earn money, she had no other way to earn. Willows life is at an all-time low, this a last resort for her.
This is Willows ticket out of the life she suffering in. Little did Willow know, the suffering hadn't even started yet.
Mr Sanchez bought Willow from the strip-club owner, without her consent. Her took her virginity instantly to make sure she was pure. Willow is only 16 years old. She now lives with him in Mexico, and he is a monster. He rapes her, beats her, breaks her bones and layers her with bruises. But not Willow has Arianna to protect. Her baby girl. Mr Sanchez beats and terrorizes them both, and Willow doesn't bend to his will, he will Arianna to force her to.
But no more, she won't watch her daughter suffer this life. If anything happened to Willow, Arianna would be left to suffer the same fate as her.
Willow flees to find her long lost family member, she is fleeing to the Briar Valley. It's so tense when she escapes.
After a tortuous trip to get to Briar Valley, just as they arrive through the forest, Willow falls into the lake. Battered and bruised, she struggles to help herself.
Along comes Killian to rescue her. This story is heart-warming as Willow meets the twins Micah and Zach, along with their 'older brother' Killian. With their help, (I think mainly Micah because he is suffering too), she slowly heals and falls in love with the three musketeers.
There's something about the way that Willow wraps her pain around herself, forming an almost-visible armour to keep the world at bay. She looks like a fallen angel, all broken dreams and pain, wrapped into a shell of bittersweet beauty.
This is a really harrowing, then fluffy and smutty small town romance.
This book also ends on a cliff-hanger, as Mr Sanchez finds Willow, and tells her to "Hell of a show. Pack your things, wife. I'm coming for you." There is not a chance that Willow is waiting around with Arianna to deal with Mr Sanchez, or risk him taking them back to hell.
b> The sleepy town of Briar Valley is in danger because of me. I never should have come here. "I'm scared," Arianna weeps. My Heart shatters in my chest, breaking into irreparable pieces. "I'll make us safe, I promise. He won't find us again."
Willow runs.
"We love her and now .... she's gone. We've lost her."
Well, this started off so hard to read. Willow has no parents, he mother left her years, her dad is dead. She is being hunted down for money from drug dealers that her father owed money to. She decides to work for a strip bar to earn money, she had no other way to earn. Willows life is at an all-time low, this a last resort for her.
This is Willows ticket out of the life she suffering in. Little did Willow know, the suffering hadn't even started yet.
Mr Sanchez bought Willow from the strip-club owner, without her consent. Her took her virginity instantly to make sure she was pure. Willow is only 16 years old. She now lives with him in Mexico, and he is a monster. He rapes her, beats her, breaks her bones and layers her with bruises. But not Willow has Arianna to protect. Her baby girl. Mr Sanchez beats and terrorizes them both, and Willow doesn't bend to his will, he will Arianna to force her to.
But no more, she won't watch her daughter suffer this life. If anything happened to Willow, Arianna would be left to suffer the same fate as her.
Willow flees to find her long lost family member, she is fleeing to the Briar Valley. It's so tense when she escapes.
After a tortuous trip to get to Briar Valley, just as they arrive through the forest, Willow falls into the lake. Battered and bruised, she struggles to help herself.
Along comes Killian to rescue her. This story is heart-warming as Willow meets the twins Micah and Zach, along with their 'older brother' Killian. With their help, (I think mainly Micah because he is suffering too), she slowly heals and falls in love with the three musketeers.
There's something about the way that Willow wraps her pain around herself, forming an almost-visible armour to keep the world at bay. She looks like a fallen angel, all broken dreams and pain, wrapped into a shell of bittersweet beauty.
This is a really harrowing, then fluffy and smutty small town romance.
This book also ends on a cliff-hanger, as Mr Sanchez finds Willow, and tells her to "Hell of a show. Pack your things, wife. I'm coming for you." There is not a chance that Willow is waiting around with Arianna to deal with Mr Sanchez, or risk him taking them back to hell.
b> The sleepy town of Briar Valley is in danger because of me. I never should have come here. "I'm scared," Arianna weeps. My Heart shatters in my chest, breaking into irreparable pieces. "I'll make us safe, I promise. He won't find us again."
Willow runs.
"We love her and now .... she's gone. We've lost her."
January 15, 2024
There were some really beautiful moments in this book. The author uses some gorgeous turns of phrases more than once and each time it caught me by surprise.
I think where it lost me was actually the romance. Everyone was kind of fumbling along, trying to push the more sexual aspects of their relationship and each time it made me cringe a little.
Willow has been in an abusive relationship for 10 years. That's a lot of trauma all at once. I think maybe doing a time skip of like a year or so would have been great for allowing some time to heal without everything seeming so forced.
One minute Willow would be having severe panic attacks and understandable trouble with intimate acts and then the next she would sort of forget about her reservations and be okay with sex. Either is completely fine and people heal in different ways but in this book it didn't feel completely developed. It didn't feel like Willow was dealing with anything more like she was being dragged through this process because of her physical attraction to the leads.
I think where it lost me was actually the romance. Everyone was kind of fumbling along, trying to push the more sexual aspects of their relationship and each time it made me cringe a little.
Willow has been in an abusive relationship for 10 years. That's a lot of trauma all at once. I think maybe doing a time skip of like a year or so would have been great for allowing some time to heal without everything seeming so forced.
One minute Willow would be having severe panic attacks and understandable trouble with intimate acts and then the next she would sort of forget about her reservations and be okay with sex. Either is completely fine and people heal in different ways but in this book it didn't feel completely developed. It didn't feel like Willow was dealing with anything more like she was being dragged through this process because of her physical attraction to the leads.
August 10, 2023
The book just pulled me everywhere... my emotions... the ending... and the waiting for book 2. I knew by 70% that I would have to wait for more. I really hope there is no delay in book 2 because I'm not sure I can wait much longer.
June 4, 2023
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶.5/5
TW - human trafficking, self harm (cutting wrist with a razor blade, on page), scars (old, from self harm (recounted)), forced marriage, domestic abuse (on page, very graphic, towards a ‘partner’ and a child), sexual assault (on page), unplanned pregnancy, miscarriage (on page, graphic), substance abuse and addiction (mentioned), overdose (recounted, implied), death of a parent (mentioned), (child) rape (off-page, heavily implied), prostitution, depression, death of a parent (prostate cancer, mentioned), panic attacks, nightmares, death of a child (terminal illness, briefly mentioned, secondary characters), parental abandonment, alcoholism (recounted), grief, infertility, suicide ideation (brief, mentioned)
CW - spanking, choking, light degradation
Tropes - reverse harem - MFMM, grumpy MMC, possessive, found family, new identity, single mum, small town, mental health representation
Damn.
As you can tell by the TW above, this book deals with some very heavy topics, please heed the trigger warning.
We meet Willow (FMC) at the beginning of this book and follow her very traumatic and heartbreaking journey from the age of 16. She literally cannot catch a break and her story is an extremely heavy one, you can't help but desperately want her to catch a break, especially because she has a 6yr old daughter (Arianna) caught up in all of this.
In Briar Valley, we meet Killian (MMC) - the grizzly protector, Zach (MMC) - the golden retriever, and his twin Micah (MMC) - the tortured artist. Everyone in Briar Valley all have their own shit; the small town is some what of a reprieve from the rest of the world where people can go to recuperate and escape their harrowing pasts. The MMCs were essentially natives of the town and are immediately drawn to Willow and her daughter.
Despite Willow finding it understandably difficult to share her story and be vulnerable with these new people, she finds solace in Briar Valley and also with the guys, not to mention, Ari loves it there and is finally having the life a 6yr old should be having. The guys are smitten with her, she has Kill wrapped around her little finger, Zach is enamoured with her and even Micah comes out of his shell for her.
However, you can't run away from your past forever...
Can't wait to see how their story ends in Where Wild Things Grow: A Small Town Reverse Harem Romance
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶.5/5
TW - human trafficking, self harm (cutting wrist with a razor blade, on page), scars (old, from self harm (recounted)), forced marriage, domestic abuse (on page, very graphic, towards a ‘partner’ and a child), sexual assault (on page), unplanned pregnancy, miscarriage (on page, graphic), substance abuse and addiction (mentioned), overdose (recounted, implied), death of a parent (mentioned), (child) rape (off-page, heavily implied), prostitution, depression, death of a parent (prostate cancer, mentioned), panic attacks, nightmares, death of a child (terminal illness, briefly mentioned, secondary characters), parental abandonment, alcoholism (recounted), grief, infertility, suicide ideation (brief, mentioned)
CW - spanking, choking, light degradation
Tropes - reverse harem - MFMM, grumpy MMC, possessive, found family, new identity, single mum, small town, mental health representation
Damn.
As you can tell by the TW above, this book deals with some very heavy topics, please heed the trigger warning.
We meet Willow (FMC) at the beginning of this book and follow her very traumatic and heartbreaking journey from the age of 16. She literally cannot catch a break and her story is an extremely heavy one, you can't help but desperately want her to catch a break, especially because she has a 6yr old daughter (Arianna) caught up in all of this.
In Briar Valley, we meet Killian (MMC) - the grizzly protector, Zach (MMC) - the golden retriever, and his twin Micah (MMC) - the tortured artist. Everyone in Briar Valley all have their own shit; the small town is some what of a reprieve from the rest of the world where people can go to recuperate and escape their harrowing pasts. The MMCs were essentially natives of the town and are immediately drawn to Willow and her daughter.
Despite Willow finding it understandably difficult to share her story and be vulnerable with these new people, she finds solace in Briar Valley and also with the guys, not to mention, Ari loves it there and is finally having the life a 6yr old should be having. The guys are smitten with her, she has Kill wrapped around her little finger, Zach is enamoured with her and even Micah comes out of his shell for her.
However, you can't run away from your past forever...
Can't wait to see how their story ends in Where Wild Things Grow: A Small Town Reverse Harem Romance
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
January 29, 2025
Again give us nothing
August 24, 2023
A place for lost things...
This book was everything! J Rose delivers a gut-wrenching, soul searching, second-chance story that I could not put down. If you have read one of her books before, she has the type of writing that sucks you in empathically that makes you feel like you personally know what that character is going through. This story is no different. Willow is the epitome of what is good in this world. She has come from the absolute worst up-bringing to an even worse early adulthood. Still, she is trying to see what is good. She understands that despite what she has gone through, the sun still shines. She is the best type of character. I love Willow and this story so much; I can't wait to see how the next book unfolds.
"Butterflies don't belong locked up inside."
After escaping her husband, whom she never had any choice with on the matter, she heads for home. Based on a letter she received 10 years ago from her grandmother she has never met; she heads for Briar Valley. With her sassy 6-year-old daughter in tow, they head to a new beginning to leave their past behind.
When they finally make it to Briar Valley, it is unlike anything they thought. Tucked away in the mountains, away from the busy population, is a paradise of sorts. One Willow couldn't be happier with. When she starts to get feelings for Zach, Micah and Killian, she's nervous due to the fact that she can finally discover this feeling on her own terms, in her own way, without it being forced.
With a traumatic background and the mental health issues that alone can bring, she is learning to find peace again. The three mountain men at her side are also helping with this and soon, everything seems too good to be true. When Willow discovers that Mr. Sanchez knows her whereabouts, it is Willows ultimate nightmare. She forgets everything - How far she has come; The family she has made around her; The men who love her. None if it matters in her blind horror of thoughts of returning to where she fled from.
On this painstaking journey, Willow does what she thinks is right and flees. Forgetting everything she has come to love and cherish. What will happen when Mr. Sanchez finds her again? What is Killian, Zach and Micah supposed to do when the woman they love is in trouble?
I cannot wait to read the next book!!
"My lifeless existence holds absolutely no appeal now that I've tasted her lips."
"Shes the welcome relief of rainfall after years of scorching drought."
*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 5/5
*Med Burn
*Multiple first person POV
*MFMM (No MM) (Twins!)
*Ends on gut-wrenching cliffhanger
This book was everything! J Rose delivers a gut-wrenching, soul searching, second-chance story that I could not put down. If you have read one of her books before, she has the type of writing that sucks you in empathically that makes you feel like you personally know what that character is going through. This story is no different. Willow is the epitome of what is good in this world. She has come from the absolute worst up-bringing to an even worse early adulthood. Still, she is trying to see what is good. She understands that despite what she has gone through, the sun still shines. She is the best type of character. I love Willow and this story so much; I can't wait to see how the next book unfolds.
"Butterflies don't belong locked up inside."
After escaping her husband, whom she never had any choice with on the matter, she heads for home. Based on a letter she received 10 years ago from her grandmother she has never met; she heads for Briar Valley. With her sassy 6-year-old daughter in tow, they head to a new beginning to leave their past behind.
When they finally make it to Briar Valley, it is unlike anything they thought. Tucked away in the mountains, away from the busy population, is a paradise of sorts. One Willow couldn't be happier with. When she starts to get feelings for Zach, Micah and Killian, she's nervous due to the fact that she can finally discover this feeling on her own terms, in her own way, without it being forced.
With a traumatic background and the mental health issues that alone can bring, she is learning to find peace again. The three mountain men at her side are also helping with this and soon, everything seems too good to be true. When Willow discovers that Mr. Sanchez knows her whereabouts, it is Willows ultimate nightmare. She forgets everything - How far she has come; The family she has made around her; The men who love her. None if it matters in her blind horror of thoughts of returning to where she fled from.
On this painstaking journey, Willow does what she thinks is right and flees. Forgetting everything she has come to love and cherish. What will happen when Mr. Sanchez finds her again? What is Killian, Zach and Micah supposed to do when the woman they love is in trouble?
I cannot wait to read the next book!!
"My lifeless existence holds absolutely no appeal now that I've tasted her lips."
"Shes the welcome relief of rainfall after years of scorching drought."
*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 5/5
*Med Burn
*Multiple first person POV
*MFMM (No MM) (Twins!)
*Ends on gut-wrenching cliffhanger
June 9, 2023
A Mother's Love
This story was raw and gritty. It shows the length a mother would to give her child a better life. This story pulled on all of my emotions. My heart broke repeatedly for the FMC Willow. Her upbringing was TERRIBLE. Abandoned by her mother only to be left with her lowlife father who was an addict. Willow learned at an early age that life is hard and unforgiving at times which lead her to stripping at the age of 16 trying to make ends meat. Only to fall prey to a sadistic man who force her into marriage and used and abused her mind, body and soul for 10 years. HEED THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!! Mr. Sanchez was beyond brutal and for Willow to survive a fraction of the disgusting and horrendous things he's done to her proves just how strong she truly is.
I was so happy when Willow ran away with her daughter Arianna. I felt every pain Willow endured when she escaped. Literally dead on her feet Willow ran away to Briar Valley after finding a note she received and hidden 10 years ago.
Briar Valley is a place that is considered home to "Lost Things".
Willow and Arianna began their new adventure with hope and determination. Never in a million years did Willow think she would meet not 1 but 3 men who would change her and Arianna's life.
Killian - 30; grumpy, overprotective, terrible people skills.
Zach - 24; fun loving, jokester, enjoys people and making them feel welcome
Micah - 24; Zach's twin, recluse, antisocial, Artist, has panic attacks, virgin
These men fell hard for Willow but even harder for her 6 year old firecracker Arianna. Little Arianna melted even the coldest of hearts and had everyone in Briar Valley wrapped around her little finger.
Willow is a survivor but she is still scared. Her fear is what made her slow to trust; which resulted in her keeping secrets. Killian, Zach and Micah proved over and over that she and Arianna were their main priority. They were their family but when Willow's past makes a surprise appearance in Briar Valley there is only one thing left for her to do.........RUN!!!!
Now that Killian, Zach and Micah has found the missing piece of their family they are not letting go and will fight til the bitter end to keep Willow and Arianna safe as well as keeping their new family intact; but first they need to find their girl before she slips away forever.
The Cliffhanger was emotional but in my opinion it's just setting book 2 up for an emotionally epic reunion.
This story was raw and gritty. It shows the length a mother would to give her child a better life. This story pulled on all of my emotions. My heart broke repeatedly for the FMC Willow. Her upbringing was TERRIBLE. Abandoned by her mother only to be left with her lowlife father who was an addict. Willow learned at an early age that life is hard and unforgiving at times which lead her to stripping at the age of 16 trying to make ends meat. Only to fall prey to a sadistic man who force her into marriage and used and abused her mind, body and soul for 10 years. HEED THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!! Mr. Sanchez was beyond brutal and for Willow to survive a fraction of the disgusting and horrendous things he's done to her proves just how strong she truly is.
I was so happy when Willow ran away with her daughter Arianna. I felt every pain Willow endured when she escaped. Literally dead on her feet Willow ran away to Briar Valley after finding a note she received and hidden 10 years ago.
Briar Valley is a place that is considered home to "Lost Things".
Willow and Arianna began their new adventure with hope and determination. Never in a million years did Willow think she would meet not 1 but 3 men who would change her and Arianna's life.
Killian - 30; grumpy, overprotective, terrible people skills.
Zach - 24; fun loving, jokester, enjoys people and making them feel welcome
Micah - 24; Zach's twin, recluse, antisocial, Artist, has panic attacks, virgin
These men fell hard for Willow but even harder for her 6 year old firecracker Arianna. Little Arianna melted even the coldest of hearts and had everyone in Briar Valley wrapped around her little finger.
Willow is a survivor but she is still scared. Her fear is what made her slow to trust; which resulted in her keeping secrets. Killian, Zach and Micah proved over and over that she and Arianna were their main priority. They were their family but when Willow's past makes a surprise appearance in Briar Valley there is only one thing left for her to do.........RUN!!!!
Now that Killian, Zach and Micah has found the missing piece of their family they are not letting go and will fight til the bitter end to keep Willow and Arianna safe as well as keeping their new family intact; but first they need to find their girl before she slips away forever.
The Cliffhanger was emotional but in my opinion it's just setting book 2 up for an emotionally epic reunion.
June 29, 2023
3⭐️ 1.5🌶️
Let me start with the writing for this is pretty good and it did keep my attention. But, I can’t stand Willow and I’m hoping for a giant growth spurt in her character for the duet.
Granted, she was never able to grow up ‘properly’ which is heavily bleeding into the way she handles things. On top of everything, she spends months with these men, forming mental and physical relationships with them, telling them that she LOVES them… but refuses to work through any of her trauma or trust them enough to tell the truth before it’s forced out of her? Which, she knew the danger she was bringing to this community. She 100% should have confided in someone about that.
Fortunately, I disliked Lola more. I don’t know what she was thinking but none of her choices for OTHER PEOPLE were good.
The men are… alright. There’s nothing really ‘wowing’ about them as they’re basically the cookie cutter version for harem men in the book world. The brute, the golden retriever and the recluse.
I will say the description for the twins is confusing, the author keeps writing ‘short, stocky legs’ and two things pop into my head; midgets and corgi legs. So yeah.
The cliffy was so predictable it hurt and I couldn’t help the snort at the idiocy. I understand people make dumb decisions out of desperation but come onnnnnn. Hoping she realizes she actually does need the guys/community and turns her ass around.
Let me start with the writing for this is pretty good and it did keep my attention. But, I can’t stand Willow and I’m hoping for a giant growth spurt in her character for the duet.
Granted, she was never able to grow up ‘properly’ which is heavily bleeding into the way she handles things. On top of everything, she spends months with these men, forming mental and physical relationships with them, telling them that she LOVES them… but refuses to work through any of her trauma or trust them enough to tell the truth before it’s forced out of her? Which, she knew the danger she was bringing to this community. She 100% should have confided in someone about that.
Fortunately, I disliked Lola more. I don’t know what she was thinking but none of her choices for OTHER PEOPLE were good.
The men are… alright. There’s nothing really ‘wowing’ about them as they’re basically the cookie cutter version for harem men in the book world. The brute, the golden retriever and the recluse.
I will say the description for the twins is confusing, the author keeps writing ‘short, stocky legs’ and two things pop into my head; midgets and corgi legs. So yeah.
The cliffy was so predictable it hurt and I couldn’t help the snort at the idiocy. I understand people make dumb decisions out of desperation but come onnnnnn. Hoping she realizes she actually does need the guys/community and turns her ass around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2024
♾️❤️ Favorite
----------
This was my first J Rose book and I'm so glad I read this just on time for RARE Paris!!
Willow has escaped an abusive house and is looking for Briar Valley. The small town is home to three mountain men who will do everything they can to protect her and her daughter.
----------
Look. Small town x why choose x single parent. How amazing is that?!
I was hooked, couldn't put it down, the writing is compelling. The atrocities Willow had endured are hard to read. They make a great contrast with the quiet hidden small town.
The men all have different personalities and I love each one of them. The way they intersect with Willow's daughter 💕
That was a journey.
I'm definitely reading Sabre Security soon and I'll be getting into J Rose's backlist throughout the year.
----------
This was my first J Rose book and I'm so glad I read this just on time for RARE Paris!!
Willow has escaped an abusive house and is looking for Briar Valley. The small town is home to three mountain men who will do everything they can to protect her and her daughter.
----------
Look. Small town x why choose x single parent. How amazing is that?!
I was hooked, couldn't put it down, the writing is compelling. The atrocities Willow had endured are hard to read. They make a great contrast with the quiet hidden small town.
The men all have different personalities and I love each one of them. The way they intersect with Willow's daughter 💕
That was a journey.
I'm definitely reading Sabre Security soon and I'll be getting into J Rose's backlist throughout the year.
June 8, 2023
Think about a heartbreaking, but at same time, beautiful story… that’s what this book is.
The book is about Willow and how she, after so many traumatized experiences, manages to escape and live to give a better world for her child. The story is about how the strongest a mother could be and how love can repair the worst scars. I have loved this story since the beginning, also, the characters (all of them) conquered me too. Zach and his compassion, Killian and his protectiveness and Micah and his huge heart.
This book is raw and painful sometimes, but light in so many others… I loved the developments of characters and, even crying a little with the ending, I loved all the book.
P.S.: I’m dying to read the final book? Yeah, absolutely, but it is a wonderful story.
The book is about Willow and how she, after so many traumatized experiences, manages to escape and live to give a better world for her child. The story is about how the strongest a mother could be and how love can repair the worst scars. I have loved this story since the beginning, also, the characters (all of them) conquered me too. Zach and his compassion, Killian and his protectiveness and Micah and his huge heart.
This book is raw and painful sometimes, but light in so many others… I loved the developments of characters and, even crying a little with the ending, I loved all the book.
P.S.: I’m dying to read the final book? Yeah, absolutely, but it is a wonderful story.
January 19, 2026
The storyline was interesting but I had a hard time to believe some situations and the FMC was irrational and kinda annoying at times. The only character I loved was Micah with his broken soul.
I’ve read other books of the author and liked them better. Not sure if I’ll go into second book this time.
“Sometimes, existing in empty spaces can be fatal. But sometimes... it's the only way to survive.”
“So much death has a way of changing the way you see the world. Caring for others becomes little more than another potential for loss.”
“People die. Art lives forever. It's the perfect, silent companion.”
“We mourn things that don't exist and chase dreams that will never materialise.”
I’ve read other books of the author and liked them better. Not sure if I’ll go into second book this time.
“Sometimes, existing in empty spaces can be fatal. But sometimes... it's the only way to survive.”
“So much death has a way of changing the way you see the world. Caring for others becomes little more than another potential for loss.”
“People die. Art lives forever. It's the perfect, silent companion.”
“We mourn things that don't exist and chase dreams that will never materialise.”
April 14, 2025
Actual rating // 2,5 stars
Read
September 1, 2024DNF for now
I want to come back to this at some point. I just can’t handle that severe of abuse right now. It looks really good though
I want to come back to this at some point. I just can’t handle that severe of abuse right now. It looks really good though
June 11, 2023
ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review
I didn't know how badly I needed a "lighter" story from J. Rose until I started this book! This author can really write whatever she wants and I'M GOING TO LOVE IT. When Broken Wings Fly broke my heart a little less than her previous books, but it made me love just as much her characters, Willow's plot and her boys, and the unexpected twists and directions their story could take.
Willow has a much more complicated story than I expected before reading this book: she's a girl who has ALWAYS had to fight to survive, has been through the worst abuse and tragedy, and is a mother willing to do ANYTHING to protect her little Arianna and give her the life she deserves. She's also a girl who knows how to bring out her strongest and bravest side in the worst moments of her life, has a heart of gold despite everything she has experienced and I loved reading her take control of her life in the only way in that she was able to do, and best of all was reading Willow & Ari find in Briar Valley the life and family they always dreamed of.
Another thing that I enjoyed madly in this book were the three male characters, Killian, Zach & Micah are very different from each other and each one made me fall in love in a special way to the point that this time I didn't I have a favorite! Kill is the grumpy lumberjack, the eldest of the three and the protector of his family, he's also the one who has the hardest time accepting his feelings for Willow, but the fastest to falls in love with Ari, and while his reluctance to get close to Willow and let her into his life was a bit frustrating at times, I also loved reading about his protective & loving side with both of them. Zach is the outgoing, funny and jokester of the three, he's also the one who accepts Willow in his life more easily and doesn't hesitate for a moment to show her what he feels, I also really liked reading about his relationship with Micah, the way he cares for him, and how much he gets on Kill's nerves throughout the book. And finally there is Micah the broken boy and tortured artist who hasn't been able to put the tragedies of his life behind him and who is closest to my heart. I think Micah is the most complex of the boys and that is precisely why he understands Willow in a special, different and deeper way that I really enjoy reading, I loved his love for art and how he shares that very private side of hers with her and Ari, plus, he's the most vulnerable throughout the book and the character that I most want to continue reading.
Also, as usual, J. rose gave me wonderful secondary characters, very interesting and with some surprises that have me thinking about a particular theory that I need it to be true!
🦋Willow: 5/5
🦋Killian: 4.5/5
🦋Zach: 5/5
🦋Micah: 5/5
🦋Plot: 4.5/5
🦋Love story: 5/5
🦋Secondary characters: 5/5
🦋Universe: 5/5
🦋Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 4.5/5
🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
No sabía lo mucho que necesitaba una historia "más ligera" de J. Rose hasta que empecé con este libro! De verdad que ésta autora puede escribir lo que quiera y YO LO VOY A AMAR, con When Broken Wings Fly me rompió el corazón un poco menos que con sus libros anteriores, pero me hizo amar de la misma forma a sus personajes, la trama de Willow y sus chicos, los giros inesperados y las diferentes direcciones que su historia podría tomar.
Willow tiene una historia mucho más complicada de lo que esperaba antes de leer este libro: es una chica que SIEMPRE ha tenido que luchar para sobrevivir, ha pasado por los peores abusos y tragedias y es una madre que está dispuesta a TODO para proteger a su pequeña Arianna y darle la vida que merece. También es una chica que sabe sacar su lado más fuerte y valiente en los peores momentos de su vida, tiene un corazón de oro a pesar de todo lo que ha vivido y me encantó leerla tomar el control de su vida de la única manera en la que fue capaz, y lo mejor de todo fue leer como Willow & Ari encontraron en Briar Valley la vida y la familia que siempre soñaron.
Otra cosa que disfrute con locura en éste libro fueron los tres personajes masculinos, Killian, Zach & Micah son muy diferentes el uno del otro y cada uno me enamoró de una manera especial al punto de que ésta vez no tengo un favorito! Kill es el leñador gruñón, el mayor de los tres y el protector de la familia, también es a quien más le cuesta aceptar sus sentimientos por Willow, pero el que más rápido se enamora de Ari, y aunque su renuencia a cercarse a Willow y dejarla entrar en su vida me resultó un poco frustrante por momentos, también me encantó leer su lado protector & amoroso con las dos. Zach es el extrovertido, divertido y bromista de los tres, también es quien acepta a Willow en su vida con mayor facilidad y no duda ni un momento en demostrarle lo que siente, además me gustó mucho leer su relación con Micah, la manera en la que se preocupa por él, y lo mucho que pone de los nervios a Kill a lo largo del libro. Y finalmente está Micah el chico roto y artista torturado que no ha podido dejar atrás las tragedias de su vida y quien está más cerca de mi corazón. Creo que Micah es el más complejo de los chicos y precisamente por eso es que entiende a Willow de una manera especial, diferente y más profunda que disfrute mucho leyendo, me encantó su amor por el arte y como comparte ese lado tan privado suyo con ella y Ari, además de que es quien más vulnerable se muestra a lo largo del libro y el personaje que más ganas tengo de seguir leyendo.
Además, como ya es costumbre, J. rose me dio a personajes secundarios maravillosos, muy interesantes y con algunas sorpresas que me tienen pensando en una teoría en particular que necesito que sea verdad!
🦋Willow: 5/5
🦋Killian: 4.5/5
🦋Zach: 5/5
🦋Micah: 5/5
🦋Trama: 4.5/5
🦋Historia de amor: 5/5
🦋Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🦋Universo: 5/5
🦋Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 4.5/5
I didn't know how badly I needed a "lighter" story from J. Rose until I started this book! This author can really write whatever she wants and I'M GOING TO LOVE IT. When Broken Wings Fly broke my heart a little less than her previous books, but it made me love just as much her characters, Willow's plot and her boys, and the unexpected twists and directions their story could take.
Willow has a much more complicated story than I expected before reading this book: she's a girl who has ALWAYS had to fight to survive, has been through the worst abuse and tragedy, and is a mother willing to do ANYTHING to protect her little Arianna and give her the life she deserves. She's also a girl who knows how to bring out her strongest and bravest side in the worst moments of her life, has a heart of gold despite everything she has experienced and I loved reading her take control of her life in the only way in that she was able to do, and best of all was reading Willow & Ari find in Briar Valley the life and family they always dreamed of.
Another thing that I enjoyed madly in this book were the three male characters, Killian, Zach & Micah are very different from each other and each one made me fall in love in a special way to the point that this time I didn't I have a favorite! Kill is the grumpy lumberjack, the eldest of the three and the protector of his family, he's also the one who has the hardest time accepting his feelings for Willow, but the fastest to falls in love with Ari, and while his reluctance to get close to Willow and let her into his life was a bit frustrating at times, I also loved reading about his protective & loving side with both of them. Zach is the outgoing, funny and jokester of the three, he's also the one who accepts Willow in his life more easily and doesn't hesitate for a moment to show her what he feels, I also really liked reading about his relationship with Micah, the way he cares for him, and how much he gets on Kill's nerves throughout the book. And finally there is Micah the broken boy and tortured artist who hasn't been able to put the tragedies of his life behind him and who is closest to my heart. I think Micah is the most complex of the boys and that is precisely why he understands Willow in a special, different and deeper way that I really enjoy reading, I loved his love for art and how he shares that very private side of hers with her and Ari, plus, he's the most vulnerable throughout the book and the character that I most want to continue reading.
Also, as usual, J. rose gave me wonderful secondary characters, very interesting and with some surprises that have me thinking about a particular theory that I need it to be true!
🦋Willow: 5/5
🦋Killian: 4.5/5
🦋Zach: 5/5
🦋Micah: 5/5
🦋Plot: 4.5/5
🦋Love story: 5/5
🦋Secondary characters: 5/5
🦋Universe: 5/5
🦋Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 4.5/5
🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
No sabía lo mucho que necesitaba una historia "más ligera" de J. Rose hasta que empecé con este libro! De verdad que ésta autora puede escribir lo que quiera y YO LO VOY A AMAR, con When Broken Wings Fly me rompió el corazón un poco menos que con sus libros anteriores, pero me hizo amar de la misma forma a sus personajes, la trama de Willow y sus chicos, los giros inesperados y las diferentes direcciones que su historia podría tomar.
Willow tiene una historia mucho más complicada de lo que esperaba antes de leer este libro: es una chica que SIEMPRE ha tenido que luchar para sobrevivir, ha pasado por los peores abusos y tragedias y es una madre que está dispuesta a TODO para proteger a su pequeña Arianna y darle la vida que merece. También es una chica que sabe sacar su lado más fuerte y valiente en los peores momentos de su vida, tiene un corazón de oro a pesar de todo lo que ha vivido y me encantó leerla tomar el control de su vida de la única manera en la que fue capaz, y lo mejor de todo fue leer como Willow & Ari encontraron en Briar Valley la vida y la familia que siempre soñaron.
Otra cosa que disfrute con locura en éste libro fueron los tres personajes masculinos, Killian, Zach & Micah son muy diferentes el uno del otro y cada uno me enamoró de una manera especial al punto de que ésta vez no tengo un favorito! Kill es el leñador gruñón, el mayor de los tres y el protector de la familia, también es a quien más le cuesta aceptar sus sentimientos por Willow, pero el que más rápido se enamora de Ari, y aunque su renuencia a cercarse a Willow y dejarla entrar en su vida me resultó un poco frustrante por momentos, también me encantó leer su lado protector & amoroso con las dos. Zach es el extrovertido, divertido y bromista de los tres, también es quien acepta a Willow en su vida con mayor facilidad y no duda ni un momento en demostrarle lo que siente, además me gustó mucho leer su relación con Micah, la manera en la que se preocupa por él, y lo mucho que pone de los nervios a Kill a lo largo del libro. Y finalmente está Micah el chico roto y artista torturado que no ha podido dejar atrás las tragedias de su vida y quien está más cerca de mi corazón. Creo que Micah es el más complejo de los chicos y precisamente por eso es que entiende a Willow de una manera especial, diferente y más profunda que disfrute mucho leyendo, me encantó su amor por el arte y como comparte ese lado tan privado suyo con ella y Ari, además de que es quien más vulnerable se muestra a lo largo del libro y el personaje que más ganas tengo de seguir leyendo.
Además, como ya es costumbre, J. rose me dio a personajes secundarios maravillosos, muy interesantes y con algunas sorpresas que me tienen pensando en una teoría en particular que necesito que sea verdad!
🦋Willow: 5/5
🦋Killian: 4.5/5
🦋Zach: 5/5
🦋Micah: 5/5
🦋Trama: 4.5/5
🦋Historia de amor: 5/5
🦋Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🦋Universo: 5/5
🦋Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 4.5/5
March 2, 2024
DNF at about 50%.
Sorry but no. You want to tell me that she has such an Incredible dark past and is deeply traumatised but like falls in love with 3 men after like a week? And even that a week of not doing much beside having one dinner together and going into the town together? The men don’t trust and one even said they would dump her back in the woods if Lola said so but suddenly they are so madly in love with her? She can’t (understandably) not stand being touched by men and gets triggered but suddenly sleeps with all of them without much of a problem or a healing process. No. Simply no. There is no real connection, neither with willow or Ariana. It’s like from one page to another they simply love each other and everything is great.
Also can we please stop with overuse of unnecessary nicknames? Killian doesn’t have to be called „Kill“ every freaking sentence. It’s just so annoying and kind of immature. Especially if it’s in every type of situation. If they are having fun and she drops his nick name - hey that’s cool and I’m here for the emotional connection. But if she calls him that in EVERY FREAKING SENTENCE, no matter if she is angry, sad, happy, horny or whatever it simply is to much.
Sorry but no. You want to tell me that she has such an Incredible dark past and is deeply traumatised but like falls in love with 3 men after like a week? And even that a week of not doing much beside having one dinner together and going into the town together? The men don’t trust and one even said they would dump her back in the woods if Lola said so but suddenly they are so madly in love with her? She can’t (understandably) not stand being touched by men and gets triggered but suddenly sleeps with all of them without much of a problem or a healing process. No. Simply no. There is no real connection, neither with willow or Ariana. It’s like from one page to another they simply love each other and everything is great.
Also can we please stop with overuse of unnecessary nicknames? Killian doesn’t have to be called „Kill“ every freaking sentence. It’s just so annoying and kind of immature. Especially if it’s in every type of situation. If they are having fun and she drops his nick name - hey that’s cool and I’m here for the emotional connection. But if she calls him that in EVERY FREAKING SENTENCE, no matter if she is angry, sad, happy, horny or whatever it simply is to much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2023
ARC REVIEW
I am still processing this story, so I will try to put my thoughts into coherent words! This story is one of survival, bravery, inner strength, love and working on overcoming trauma. J Rose is a master at making the reader feel all the emotions through her words and this book is no exception! While it is a why choose, small town romance with sweet hurt/comfort vibes, true to the author’s style, dark themes are present so please check TWs. Willow goes through a lot and while most of it doesn’t happen on page, it is talked about and she gets flashbacks. So if you love both sweet contemporary reads and darker ones, this book has a great balance of both! I can’t recommend this book enough!
I am still processing this story, so I will try to put my thoughts into coherent words! This story is one of survival, bravery, inner strength, love and working on overcoming trauma. J Rose is a master at making the reader feel all the emotions through her words and this book is no exception! While it is a why choose, small town romance with sweet hurt/comfort vibes, true to the author’s style, dark themes are present so please check TWs. Willow goes through a lot and while most of it doesn’t happen on page, it is talked about and she gets flashbacks. So if you love both sweet contemporary reads and darker ones, this book has a great balance of both! I can’t recommend this book enough!
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